News Agency of Nigeria
Hiding in custody may prolong your case – judge tells inmates
Judiciary

Hiding in custody may prolong your case – judge tells inmates

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Justice Adenike Coker of an Ikeja High Court, on Tuesday, advised defendants in custody to show up for trial to facilitate justice administration.

Coker said that some defendants tended to hide in custody and failed to show up in court due to fear, thereby prolonging their trial.

The judge gave the advice while giving a ruling in a case of Lagos State versus one Abiodun Owoya charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery.

She said: “To defendants, the more your hide in custody, the more time you spend there.

“Come to court, and if your matter is not progressing, it might be struck out.”

In the ruling, Coker noted that state counsel, Mr Y. O. Ijale, had written to the court that since  presenting prosecution witnesses had proved abortive, the court should use its discretion in the matter.

She also noted that defence counsel, Mr Chineme Nweke, had argued that the prosecution team stalled proceedings since the case began in 2020 while the defendant remained in custody.

The judge also noted that defence counsel prayed the court to strike out the case.

Coker ruled that since the case had not progressed, the defendant should be released without delay.

Similarly, the judge struck out a case of two others, David Obi and Ugo Chukwu, also charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery.

Coker struck out the case for lack of diligent prosecution.

Lagos State counsel, Mrs Titi Adeegbe, had told the court that a retired assistant superintendent of police, who was to testify, failed to show up.

The counsel prayed the court to use its discretion in the case.

Coker ruled that the case had prolonged without any prosecution witness testifying since arraignment of the defendants on March 22, 2020. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

 

NSCC lauds Tinubu’s ratification of Rights of Older Persons
General News

NSCC lauds Tinubu’s ratification of Rights of Older Persons

By Ahmed Ubandoma
Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the African Charter on the rights of older persons in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by Tinubu, approved the ratification of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights which included the Rights of Older persons in Nigeria.
Omokaro, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja issued to newsmen by Mr Omini Oden, head of Corporate Affairs of NSCC said, with the ratification, Nigeria becomes the 13th member-state in the African region to affirm its obligations.
According to her, the act would strengthen the protection of the rights of older persons through a binding regional legal instrument.
”This ratification is in tandem with Nigerian government’s commitment to accelerate inclusion of older persons into its National Social Development, Health and Economic Security systems.
”To build age friendly society where older persons have right to dignity, security, participation, long-term care as well as access to Justice and equity across generations” she said.
Omokaro said, Nigeria would continue to play its part towards implementation of the UN Charter on the rights of older persons in Nigeria.
”Nigeria as a member of the Bureau of the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing is working to support the United Nations General Assembly.
”Especially its mandate to determine the best mechanism including a new internationally binding instrument and the desirability to support UN in strengthening its regional provisions.
”Nigeria is unequivocal on its support to the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing processes and the rights of older persons” she said.
Omokaro, commended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu for taking NSCC’s request to the FEC for consideration and approval. (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba/Ekemini Ladejobi
Lagos riverine community decries lack of schools, health centre
General News

Lagos riverine community decries lack of schools, health centre

By Raji Rasak
Oba Afeez Shittu, the Adeyemi1, Olu of Ibasa, Ijegun-Egba land, a riverine community in Ori-Ade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos, on Tuesday decried lack of schools and health centre in his community.
The traditional ruler said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to him, our children trek about three kilometers daily crossing rivers and roads to attend secondary schools in our neighbouring communities in Agboju and Ibese.
“Anytime they are back from school, they are always tired and unable to study due to the long distance, passing through rivers and roads.
“The stress they are going through to get education is too much and we are not happy about this.
“Even the only primary school in the whole of Ibasa community was built in 1958 and our population has increased with different tribes in the country living in our community,” he said.
Shittu begged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, to help the town by building schools for them.
“We need more schools for our children, the suffering they are going through daily is enormous,” he said.
The Oba commended the Lagos State Government for renovating the only primary school in Ibasa community.
Shittu said the community didn’t have a health centre, adding that they had to cross the river to neighbouring communities to seek medical attention.
“There is no health centre in Ibasa community, if one is sick, we have to cross
the river and go to Ojo or anywhere near to get medical attention.
“There was a time people came from the ministry of health and asked us to give them land to build health centre.
“I gave them two plots of land, which I wanted to use to build my palace, but the land has become a football field for our youths now because we have not seen them again.
“Ibasa is a big community, we need health centre to take care of our sick people, we have lost many children to preventable diseases  due to none existence of a centre.
“Sanwo-Olu is a listening governor, we know that he is trying for us in Lagos but we have to let him know areas he is yet to touch,” he said.
(NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole
25 soldiers, 1 officer face court martial – GOC
Defence/Security

25 soldiers, 1 officer face court martial – GOC

By Stanley Nwanosike

Twenty-five soldiers and an officer are currently facing court martial trial in 82 Division of the Nigerian Army for various offences.

The personnel facing the trial are drawn from various formations within the division, which Area of Responsibility (AoR) covers the entire South East States and Cross River.

Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, inaugurated the court martial in Enugu on Tuesday.

He said the process was instituted in pursuant to the Nigerian Armed Forces Act.

According to him, court martial is one of the vehicles used by the military to instill discipline among its personnel.

He noted that the accused, who are Nigerian Army personnel, accused to have committed various offences, could not be tried summarily without a duly constituted court martial to give them fair hearing.

The GOC said that just as in civil court, the accused remained innocent until proven otherwise after going through the court martial and given due fair hearing and ability to defend themselves.

He noted that the court martial had been empowered to try the accused persons, and if they were not found wanting, would be discharged and acquitted of their alleged crimes.

Dada noted that if the accused were found guilty, he or she would be panelised according to the law criminalising such an offence committed.

“Let me assure you that this court martial will be guided by the principle of natural justice and fair hearing as encapsulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and to other extant laws and procedures related to your trial.

“The court is free from any external influences and we will ensure adequate time and facilities to ensure you defend yourselves,” he said.

The GOC assured all of justice, adding that evidence and allegations laid against the accused would be clearly verified and authenticated to ensure that “the innocents were never victimised”.

He, however, urged the defence counsel of the accused to avoid unnecessary adjournment and time wasting.

The court martial has a President, Col. Usman Ahmad, leading other 10 members of the panel as well as one awaiting panel member.

The court martial also has a Judge Advocate, Capt. S.A. Sadiq, to duly advise the panel as the proceedings continued. (NAN)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Idris Abdulrahman

Court sentences Dr Olaleye to life imprisonment for defiling wife’s niece
General News

Court sentences Dr Olaleye to life imprisonment for defiling wife’s niece

By Adenike Ayodele

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday sentenced the embattled Medical Director of Optical Cancer Care Foundation, Dr Olufemi Olaleye, to double life imprisonment for defiling 16-year-old wife’s niece.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution proved the two-count of defilement and sexual assault by penetration against Olaleye.

Oshodi said that the evidence adduced before the court against the defendant was compelling and proved beyond reasonable doubts.

According him, the confessional statement of the defendant, which he made before his lawyer, Mr Olalekan Buruji and the DPO of Anthony Police Station that he regretted his act, proved that he committed the offences.

The judge said that the oral statement which the defendant denied, had the NBA seal of Buruji on it and his denial did not hold waters.

“You are a dangerous offender and you must  be ashamed,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

FG unveils 3 policy documents to reduce cancer prevalence
Judiciary

FG unveils 3 policy documents to reduce cancer prevalence

By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government on Monday unveiled three policy documents that would stimulate efforts to reduce the prevalence of cancer in Nigeria.

The documents were inaugurated by the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 2023 International Cancer Week (ICW).

The theme of the ICW is “Addressing Cancer Care Disparities through Improved Access to Research and Treatment”.

The documents are the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2023-2027, National cancer Research Agenda 2024-2027 and the National Strategic Plan for Prevention of Cancer of Uterine Cervix 2023-2027.

Alausa said that the three documents have priority areas of action that address governance, prevention, supply chain management, data and research as well as surveillance.

He said it was no longer news that cancer had become a leading cause of death worldwide including Nigeria, saying global distribution of predominant cancers has continued to change especially in developing countries.

According to him, the low and middle-income countries accounted for 51 per cent of all cancers worldwide in 1975 and the proportion increased to 55 per cent in 2007 and to 70 per cent in 2018.

“The rise in incidence of cancers is even worse with breast cancer which is the main focus of the October Cancer Awareness activities.

“Breast Cancer has remained the commonest cancer in Nigeria for a long time now and the incidence is still on the increase.

“This is followed by cervical and prostate cancers. Childhood cancers especially haematological cancers and retinoblastoma are also increasing daily”, he added.

Alausa said that the gory statistics has shown that cancer has become an emerging disease in Nigeria and of serious public health concern.

This, he said, informed the resolve of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take the leadership role and harness all available material and human resources within its domain to disrupt the pattern from gaining grounds or becoming established.

“I want to assure you that under this administration, we are deliberate in our commitment to vigorously address the health needs of Nigerians with particular interest in cancer care.

“This underscores my delight in the unveiling of Abuja and by extension Nigeria, as a member of City Cancer Challenge network today as a welcome development.

“We are ready to partner with City Cancer Challenge Foundation and its partners and indeed all stakeholders to advance cancer care in our country.”

Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, said that the National Assembly was committed to ensuring that the Cancer Health Fund (CHF), was beefed up to meet the care needs of indigent cancer patients.

According to him, N750 million was budgeted for the fund in the 2020 Appropriation Act, to take care of the breast, cervical and prostate cancers which based on statistics are prevalent in Nigeria.
Oloriegbe who was the Senate Committee Chairman on Health of the ninth National Assembly, said that the fund as labelled in the appropriation was supposed to be a counterpart of government with a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

“The appropriation reduced to N250 million the following year and in 2023 it came down to N150 million.

“Recently we had a meeting to talk about the implementation of that fund for more effectiveness and efficiency and we the parliamentarians are committed to increase it to one billion naira in the 2024 budget.

“We will also establish a childhood cancer care fund of N500 million”, he added.

The Director-General, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Dr Usman Aliyu, spoke about the National Cancer Research Agenda.
He said that it serves as a roadmap for collective efforts, bringing together the best minds in the field and harnessing the power of research to make a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients.

He added that the agenda was centred on prevention and early detection, diagnosis and treatment, support and care as well as research and innovation.

“Through research in these areas, we aim to develop effective preventive strategies, improve early detection methods, enhance treatment options, and provide better support and care for cancer patients and survivors.

“Additionally, we emphasise the need for a strong focus on research and innovation in the areas of cancer cell biology and genomics, implementation, and behavioural science, which will be the driving force behind the development of new and more effective policies on cancer prevention and therapies.”

To achieve the goals, Aliyu said that collaboration and partnership were crucial.
He said that the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan and the National Strategic Plan for prevention of cancer of uterine cervix were products of the previous plans from the Federal Ministry of Health.

“It is our intention to ensure that we align with National Health Development Plan as well as the global strategy for elimination of cancer of the uterine cervix by the year 2030.

Also speaking at the event, the Regional Director for Africa and Europe, City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), Sophie Bussman-Kemdjo, said that the theme of the week was a powerful call to action on the disparity care for cancer.

Speaking about the C/Can initiative, she said it was aimed at supporting cities around the world as they work to improve access to equitable, quality cancer care.

“The reality is that many people living with cancer, particularly those living in countries limited by a lack of resources, don’t have a fair shot at receiving quality cancer care.

“A recent study revealed that nearly 60 per cent of the 27,000 Nigerians surveyed confront enormous barriers in accessing healthcare.

“It’s a challenge, but it is one that the C/Can initiative in Abuja is rising to meet.

“In Abuja, we have mobilised the commitment and brought together the expertise of leading organisations to work with city stakeholders to design, plan and implement data-driven, locally-driven cancer care solutions.”

According to her, C/Can which is present in 14 cities across the world will be supporting Abuja to better understand its cancer care landscape through a comprehensive analysis of the needs, gaps and opportunities, targeting critical areas for strengthening and informing a city-wide strategy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that C/Can is a Swiss based foundation that supports cities from low and middle income countries around the world in their efforts to close the access to cancer treatment. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Over 3,000 international passports abandoned in Kwara – Comptroller
General News

Over 3,000 international passports abandoned in Kwara – Comptroller

By Mujidat Oyewole

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kwara Command, on Monday, said 3,000 international passports were awaiting collection by applicants in its office.

Alhaji Baba Aliyu, the outgoing Comptroller of Passports in the command, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on the sidelines of a retirement party in his honour.

Aliyu urged the federal government to initiate sanctions on such individuals, adding that most applicants could not be contacted on phone numbers provided on their applications.

“We usually send SMS through the contact address and phone numbers provided by the applicants, but some messages failed due to the fact that the numbers are fake.

“Some applicants may have died, while others may refuse to collect it because they could not meet up with what they wanted to use it for.

“Whatever the reasons may be, passports should not be abandoned, as it serves a lot of functions besides being travelling documents,” he said.

The Comptroller of Passports, however said that the abandoned passport were not only for people of Kwara, but for applicants from different parts of Nigeria.

Aliyu therefore urged applicants to visit the immigration office to collect their passport.

He also urged Nigerians seeking to acquire international passport to visit the website of the service at immigration.gov.ng to apply.

According to him, it takes just two weeks to acquire a passport, and to renew an expired one. (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Multi-stakeholders approach crucial in implementing Abia disability law- Group
General News

Multi-stakeholders approach crucial in implementing Abia disability law- Group

By Angela Atabo

Advocacy for Disability Act (ADAC) Cluster has called for a multi-stakeholders approach to implementing the Abia Disability Law, to promote the inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in the state.

ADAC Cluster Anchor, Grace Jerry, made the call in a statement after the Abia Disability Rally aimed at creating awareness and sensitisation about the state’s Disability Commission.

Jerry, who is also the Executive Director of Inclusive Friends (IFA), said the rally was a way of closing the knowledge deficit existing between the citizenry and the government institution, to drive the sustainability of the commission.

“The implementation of the Abia State Disability law requires a multi stakeholders’ approach and not a responsibility of the government alone.

“The private sector, traditional institutions, religious institutions and families of PWDs must all come together to implement the provisions of the Disability Law which drives the sustainability of same.

“Adhering to the provisions of the Abia State Disability law in line with the inclusive agenda of the government will no doubt improve the lots of PWDs in Abia .

“ ADAC considers the importance of information strategy towards ensuring sustainability of the Disability Commission in Abia, hence the essence of the rally.’’

Jerry said that ADAC, therefore, called on government agencies in Abia to ensure that the health, education, transportation, and other institutions of government are inclusive and accessible for clusters of disabilities.

ADAC also called for adequate budget allocation and disbursement to the commission to enable it to discharge its constitutional responsibilities to the community of PWDs and humanity at large.

She added that the private sector should be inclusive, provide employment for PWDs and ensure provision of reasonable accommodation, to enable them to work efficiently and seamlessly.

Jerry called on the private sector to provide PWDs oriented programming through the use of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The group called on the citizenry to increase their support to the sustainability of the Abia State Disability Commission.

She said that the religious and traditional institutions should support PWDs through increase sensitisation using their structured platforms for behavioral change so as to eradicate Discrimination against PWDs.

“We congratulate the Governor of Abia ,Dr Alex Chioma Otti for his victory recently affirmed by the tribunal.

“ADAC applauds the effort of the Governor in creating office of Special Assistant on Vulnerability and PWDs especially the appointment of PWDs into his cabinet.

“These are good step in the right direction, evidence of inclusive governance as we remain hopeful for full implementation of the provisions of the Abia State Disability Law in this inclusive government,’she said

ADAC also called for adequate budget allocation and disbursement to the commission, to enable it to discharge its constitutional responsibilities to the community of PWDs and humanity at large.(NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Google celebrates Rashidi Yekini’s 60th posthumous birthday
Sports

Google celebrates Rashidi Yekini’s 60th posthumous birthday

By Tolu Aiyegbusi

Today’s Google doodle celebrates the late Nigerian footballer Rashidi Yekini, who was remembered for being the top goal scorer of the nation.

Yekini, born on 23 October 1963 led Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, to qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

Google said, “Not only did he score the first goal of the game, but also the first World Cup goal for Nigeria.

Overcome with excitement and pride, he ran into the net and clutched it with both arms while cheering and crying tears of joy.

”Many consider it one of the most iconic goal celebrations in football history and it served as inspiration for today’s Doodle artwork.”

The doodle’s colour resembles the Nigerian flag. In the doodle, a goalpost can be seen and Rashidi Yekini in action.

NAN reports that the late striker was named the 1993 African player of the Year and was the top scorer with eight goals.

He made Nigeria qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 1994, where he scored Nigeria’s first-ever goal in a World Cup, in a 3–0 win against Bulgaria in the United States.

The legendary Yekini died on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48 and remains Nigeria’s all-time record goal poacher, scoring 37 goals in 58 international appearances for Nigeria between 1994 and 1998.(NAN)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Bashir Rabe Mani

Tallen hails appointment of Nigerian Woman as health minister in Canada
Gender

Tallen hails appointment of Nigerian Woman as health minister in Canada

By Justina Auta

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has congratulated a Nigerian woman, Uzoma Asagwara on her emergence as the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier of Canada’s Manitoba Province.

The former minister made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, describing Asagwara as the epitome of a Nigerian woman, who has done the womenfolk and Nigeria proud abroad.

Tallen lauded Asagwara for her rare feat, saying her achievements underscored the fact that, if given the opportunity, the typical Nigerian woman could rise to any position, including becoming Nigeria’s President in future.

She said: “I wish to congratulate you on the attainment of this rare feat of becoming the Health Minister and Deputy Premier of Canada’s Manitoba Province at the young age of 39.

“Indeed your success story has further reinforced the fact that the Nigerian woman is hardworking, resourceful, diligent, capable, able and can be entrusted with any position, including Governor and President of Nigeria in future.

“I urge you to continue to do the Nigerian women proud abroad, fly the national flag higher. I also call on our young women to borrow a leaf from your achievements by following in your worthy footprints.”

Born in Winnipeg, Canada, when her parents from the Igbo ethnic group of Abia, South-Eastern Nigeria, migrated there in the late 1970s, Asagwara was earlier elected to represent the Canadian Union Station in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 2019.

By winning a seat in the Manitoba Assembly and also becoming the first black queer legislator, she succeeded in breaking a 150-year jinx to achieve such a feat.

Asagwara’s duties as the new health minister, will intersect with bioeconomy in different ways and she will be expected to drive innovation and health advancements within the biosciences.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian-Canadian psychiatric nurse, whose career spans over a decade in the country’s health sector, has also played basketball actively in Canada.

In 2008, she bagged a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing and also completed a joint programme between the University of Winnipeg and the University in Brandon, both in Manitoba.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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