NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Aviation

Aviation sector complaints 3rd highest in 2022 — FCCPC

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By Oladele Eniola

 

The Federal Competition, Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Sunday said that complaints on Nigeria’s Aviation Industry ranked third in the list of those it received in 2022.

Dr Adams Abdullahu, Director of Operations, FCCPC, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Abdullahu said that complaints on various incidents in the sector account for 674 of the 13,580 received by the commission in 2022.

He said that the aviation sector complaints came behind those on financial services  — 5,709, and the Electricity and Power sector  — 3,293.

The director said that complaints received about the aviation sector were on delays, cancellations, pilfered baggage, lost baggage and airport experience.

He said complaints were also received on the general condition of the terminals, cooling system and discourteous service, among others.

Abdullahi said that airlines did not communicate properly with their customers.

”Most times, if you explain to passengers what the problem is, they can understand, but operators don’t tell public what is actually going on with their operations.

“You buy a ticket, sit in the airport for unending hours, you don’t even get any sort of information on the status of your flight and that really angers passengers.

“If you usually carry them along and tell them, these are the challenges that you are facing, it brings down the tempers and that is always what we encourage our service providers to do and they should do that also”

The Operations Director noted that the commission was working on a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and all sectors of consumer protection to address the lapses in the sector.

Meanwhile, he listed other sectors on which fewer complaints received and the numbers.

They include Telecommunications, with 605;  E-commerce with 508; Electrical electronics with 415; Food and Beverages with 222; Satellite and Cable services with 122.

Also listed are, Postal and Courier service with 71; Road transport with 69; Land and Construction with 65; Real estate with 63; Health services with 52: Education with 29, among others.

He said that 3,327 complaints were resolved out of the total number of complaints that that were received by the commission.

“In the corresponding year, which was 2021, the commission received 10,178 complaints and resolved 1,990

“Financial services also topped the list with 2,736 complaints followed by electricity/power with 3043, telecommunications with 510, Aviation with 459 and Electrical/Electronic with 502,” he said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Health

NAFDAC warns against use of weight loss pill

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By Aderogba George
 The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned Nigerians against the use of the drug  — Weight Rapid Loss Capsule.
The caution was contained in an alert with No. 049/2022, signed by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
Adeyeye stated that the drug had potential to cause cancer.
The NAFDAC boss added that result of laboratory analysis showed that the drug, manufactured by Ingi Oman, contain banned substance “phenolphthalein”, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognised as unsafe.
She added that the capsule, being marketed as “the most effective weight loss supplement” and sold through social media platforms like Instagram, also contain microbial growth above permissible limits.
She stated that “phenolphthalein has been found to be toxic to genes, as it can cause damage or mutations in the DNA. Studies have also shown its potential carcinogenic risks.
“NAFDAC implores consumers to stop the purchase and use of the product.
“Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue use or sale, and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”
Adeyeye encouraged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse effect experienced with the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Consumers are also advised to report adverse effect via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng.
The director-general urged the public to also report any incident concerning the use of the drug via the Med-safety application, which can be downloaded on android and IOS stores. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
Health

Lagos Govt, NPHCDA respond to polio outbreak

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By Oluwafunke Ishola

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has started Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) Campaign following discovery of circulating poliovirus strains in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria was certified Wild Polio Virus (WPV) free on Aug. 25, 2020, after three consecutive years of reporting no case of WPV.

Mustafa, however, said some countries still transmitted the wild polio variant, which had been on increase in some states across Nigeria due to low routine immunisation coverage.

He noted that the campaign was necessary to prevent a setback in the country’s laudable achievements, and critical to maintain the country’s polio-free status, following the certification received in August 2020.

According to him, the campaign will take place between Jan. 21 and 24 in all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of the state.

“The campaign aims to vaccinate all children, aged 0 to five years, with two drops of the oral polio vaccine, regardless of their previous vaccination status to prevent poliomyelitis that may result in paralysis of the limbs or death,” he said.

He said that vaccination teams would visit residential homes, schools, Churches, Mosques, gated estates, and all public places where eligible children could be found.

“In view of this, we solicit all parents, guardians, community leaders, pastors and imams to ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated during the campaign in all our communities,” he said.

Mustafa added that routine immunisation services would be available at the primary health centres during the campaign.

He advised that all children under the age of two years must complete their routine immunisation as scheduled, saying that immunisation was effective, safe and free. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Sports

Taekwondo Federation hunts talents at grassroots – President 

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By Muhammad Lawal

 

The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has spread its tentacles down to grassroots in search of talents and future champions.

Its National President, Alhaji Sa’idu Abdullahi, made this known to newsmen shortly after presenting gifts, certificates and medals to prominent personalities and winners of Taekwondo Kids Competition held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden edition of Taekwondo Kids Competition in Kebbi State was organised by the Kebbi Taekwondo Academy.

 

Abdullahi said: “What you see here today is a 10-year dream, for the past 10 years we have been developing this academy and the essence is to help build taekwondo at the grassroots level and the only way we can do that is to catch them young.

 

“So, we established this academy to educate, train and teach our own children art of taekwondo sport and taekwondo self-defense. What you are seeing today is the first ever taekwondo kids competition in Kebbi state.”

 

In a bid to encourage and develop taekwondo sport, the president noted that two competitions were slated to hold in Kebbi this year, comprising the Kebbi National Open Championship scheduled for September and the Inspector General of Police (IG-P) National Taekwondo Championship slated for November.

 

According to him, these competitions will give local athletes the opportunity to improve on their taekwondo skills.

 

While calling on the Kebbi State Government to invest more in sports in view of the fact that “it is a big business”, Abdullahi recalled that the Federal Government had released a policy on sports.

 

“The State Government should be able to reach out to people like us who are philanthropists and have passion for sports so that we can partner with government in moving sports forward in Kebbi State.

 

“Kebbi state has a lot of potential not just in taekwondo but in all sports, but they are just there lying untapped.

“Remember, you can use sports to take youths away from social vices, so engage the youths more in sports, the rest will be history.

“For the academy we’ve just started a year ago, but for the structure it took us almost 10 to 11 years to get it to the standard it is today.

“These kids you are seeing today are future national champions and Olympic hopefuls for Nigeria,” he predicted.

 

Also in an interview, the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) gubernatorial candidate in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Idris, lauded the organisers for what he described a marvelous job.

 

He observed that “taekwondo is the only game that whenever you come you see improvement”, adding that the structure on ground testified the level of commitment of the founder of the academy.

 

Idris advised government to join hands with relevant philanthropists to develop the game for the good of the state and the nation at large.

 

On his part, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Kebbi State Ministry of Youths and Sports, Alhaji Usman Ladan,  described the competition as very amazing, assuring that the talents displayed by the kids signal brighter future for them in their chosen sport career.

 

He lauded the taekwondo national president for his frantic efforts towards developing the game to an enviable standard in the state.

 

On ways to improve the game, Ladan said: “That’s why we are all here.

 

“We are here to watch and see how and where we can advise government to come in, extend a helping hand to improve the game.”

 

He noted with satisfaction that the present administration in the state accord priority to sports, assuring that taekwondo will not be exempted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Metro

Expectations high as Buhari inaugurates Lagos Blue Line Rail

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By Adebola Adegoke/Mariam Akande

 

The public transport system in Lagos State is set to wear a new face as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Rail Line project will be officially launched on Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Marina.

With the first phase now completed, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to officially inaugurate the project already acknowledged by residents as landmark.

As the city struggles with traffic congestion which has taken its toll on residents, the Blue Line Rail project is expected to bring some succour.

Some Lagos residents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the completion of the project was a milestone achievement, adding that they were eager for operations to start.

They, however, urged the state government to put adequate security and maintenance measures in place to ensure smooth operations.

A resident, Mr Olorunfemi Olorunmoni, said that the project was long overdue and would help in addressing some of the transportation problems in the state.

“The Blue Line rail construction has been going on for a while and the expectations of residents are very high, considering the road situation in Lagos.

“I believe this will go a long way to solve transportation problem, especially between Badagry and Marina.

“Though, it has not extended to Badagry, these centres are where there are heavy movement of human traffic.

“I believe with this coming on board now, it will seriously address the problem attached to movement of people and goods along this axis,” he said.

Olorunmoni, however, suggested that there should be adequate maintenance and management of the infrastructure.

“All the guiding principles, in terms of management and maintenance, should be put in place. The commuters should also be well informed on how to conduct themselves,” he said.

Similarly, another resident, Mr Andy Enaohwo, said that the project, when inaugurated, would reduce the traffic and robberies experienced on the roads.

“The time expenditure per day will reduce; people will get to their places of work and return home on time.

“Majority of people will no longer take their cars out; they will park them at train stations and take the train to the Island,” he said.

He hoped that there would be security network like Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) to monitor whatever that was happening within the train at any given time.

He urged the government to create more awareness about the train and make the cost affordable to residents.

“If they can consider making the cost affordable to the masses, we will patronise them. It is our property, we will safeguard it too,” Enaohwo said.

Also, Mr James Adaji, who works at the Artist Village located within the National Arts Theatre Complex, said that the security around the premises should be improved.

“We are already experiencing some criminal activities around the premises;  our offices are being burgled as a result of increased movement at the theatre.

“When they inaugurate the project, the government should ensure adequate security in terms of policing and protection of government properties and staff,” he said.

Another Lagos resident, Mr Ita Okon, said that the project was a welcome development and would boost the economy of the state.

NAN reports that the Blue Line is a 27-kilometre rail system from Marina to Okokomaiko.

Its construction was divided into phases for ease of implementation.

On Dec. 21, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu commemorated the completion of the civil infrastructure for the first phase of the project at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu.

The first phase is a 13-kilometer stretch from Marina to Mile 2, covering five stations and will be powered by electricity from an Independent Power Plant.

The project is being constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

The first phase of the Lagos rail line has five stations at Mile 2, Suru-Alaba, Orile Iganmu, National Theatre, and Marina, and is expected to move about 250,000 passengers daily when its operations commence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Olawunmi Ashafa

Agriculture

IITA appoints Simeon Ehui as new D-G

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By Ibukun Emiola

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Board of Trustees and CGIAR have appointed Dr Simeon Ehui as the Director-General for IITA and Regional Director for Continental Africa for CGIAR.

This is contained in a statement made available on Saturday in Ibadan by Katherine Lopez, the organisation’s Media Director.

 The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is a global partnership that unites organisations engaged in research for a food secure future.

According to Lopez, in this role, Ehui will build on IITA and CGIAR’s proven track record of impact, working with teams and partners to improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment and preserve natural resources across Africa.

“Ehui, a National of Côte d’Ivoire, brings over 30 years experience in agriculture and sustainable development to the role.

“He joins IITA from the World Bank where he was Regional Director for Sustainable Development, providing vision, coherence and focus for sustainable development in West and Central Africa.

“Ehui takes over the role from Dr Nteranya Sanginga, who is retiring after 11 years of outstanding leadership,” the Media Director said.

Ehui, in his remarks, said he was delighted to take up the role of IITA Director-General and Regional Director, Continental Africa at CGIAR.

“Critical scientific research is essential at a time when poverty, hunger and climate and biodiversity crises are escalating.

“Africa needs to enhance its potential to feed itself and make its food systems more resilient to climate change.

“I see myself as a broker across research-for-development among scientists, policy-makers and economists and linking science with programme implementation at the global, regional and national levels,” he said.

Also, Christian Borgemeister, Chair of IITA’s Board of Trustees, said he was very pleased to welcome Ehui as the eighth Director-General of IITA and as CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa.

Borgemeister said, “Ehui brings to these roles a passion for IITA’s mission, proven leadership and deep experience facilitating high-level policy discussions, cultivating major partnerships, and steering transformational projects.

“With his expertise and track record, Ehui is well positioned to be a transformative leader and guide IITA and CGIAR in Africa into the future.

“I also wish to convey my sincere appreciation to Dr Nteranya Sanginga for his tremendous commitment to IITA over the past 11 years,” he said.

Also, Claudia Sadoff, the Executive Managing Director, CGIAR, said: “Africa is central to efforts to achieve global food and nutrition security and therefore, critical to CGIAR’s mission to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis.

“Early in his career, Ehui worked at CGIAR and we are delighted that this distinguished alumnus is returning to help advance those goals and build impactful partnerships across the Continent.”

Ehui’s appointment is effective Aug. 1, 2023.

In the interim period, IITA’s Deputy Director- General and Director for Research for Development (R4D), Dr Bernard Vanlauwe, will serve as Director-General. (NAN)

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Economy/Business

Stock market closes week on negative note

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By Olawunmi Ashafa

 The local  bourse ended the last trading of the week on a negative note as the performance indices declined by 0.06 per cent.

Specifically, the market capitalisation dropped by N18 billion or 0.06 per cent to close at N28.646 trillion as against N28.664 trillion posted at the previous session.

Also, the All-Share Index (ASI) fell by 31.74 points or 0.06 per cent to close at 52,594.68 compared to 52,626.42 recorded on Thursday.

The negative performance of market was driven by selloffs in Nestle, Zenith Bank and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO).

Consequently, the year-to-date (YTD) return rose to 2.62 per cent.

Market breadth closed flat as 11 stocks advanced, while 11 others declined.

A breakdown of price movement showed that Abbey Mortgage Bank topped the gainers’ table with a gain of 9.8 per cent to close N1.68 per share.

Prestige Insurance trailed with a gain of 9.25 per cent to close at 46k while International Energy Insurance rose by 8.89 per cent to close at 49k per share.

Conerstone Insurance was up by 7.14 per cent to close at 60k, while Courteville Business Solutions increased by 3.57 per cent to close at 58k per share.

Conversely, Linkage Insurance led the losers’ table, dropping by 9.62 per cent to close at 47k per share.

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance with a loss of 7.35 per cent to close at 63k, while WAPIC Assurance declined by 3.23 per cent to close at 30k per share.

Dangote Sugar decreased by 2.58  per cent to close at N17, while Jaiz Bank fell by 2.22 per cent to close at 88k per share.

Analysis of the market activities showed trade turnover settled lower compared to the previous session, with the value of transactions down by 7.42 per cent.

A total of 443.75 million shares valued at N1.68 billion were exchanged in 3,100 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Veritas Kapital topped the activity chart with 347.05 million shares valued at N69.41 million.

Access Bank followed with 11.35 million shares worth N102.4 million, while Zenith Bank traded 6.99 million shares valued at N170.9 million.

Fidelity Bank traded 6.62 million shares valued at N33.13 billion, while Chams transacted 5.99 million shares worth N1.57 million. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Politics

President Buhari to inaugurate 5 projects in Lagos

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By Florence Onuegbu

President Muhammadu Buhari will inaugurate at least five projects in Lagos state on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24.

The Lagos state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, made this known in Ikeja, during a news conference on a State Visit by President Buhari, scheduled for the dates.

Omotoso said the projects to be inaugurated included the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which showed a symbol of a good working relationship between the public and private sectors.

Also among the projects to be inaugurated is the 32-metric tonnes per hour Lagos Rice Mill, one of the largest in the world and the 18.75-kilometer Six-lane rigid-pavement Eleko Junction to Epe Expressway.

According to him, President Buhari will also be inaugurating the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History and the iconic Lagos Blue Line rail project.

”As you are well aware, this will be the  President’s first official visit to Lagos state since assumption of office by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat in May, 2019.

”Although the governor has hosted the President during some of his visits to Lagos, next week’s visit by President Muhammadu Buhari will be one with a difference.

”It is a visit where the President will again,  see the beauty of Lagos and take the opportunity to see first-hand and commission the life changing and people-oriented projects undertaken by the  Sanwo-Olu administration,” he said.

The commissioner said that apart from the five government-executed projects, President Buhari would also inaugurate a private sector project, MRS Lubricant factory in Apapa.

He said that to this end, President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Lagos had been tagged: ”A Festival of Project Commissioning”.

Omotoso said that on arrival on Monday, Jan. 23, President Buhari would be led by Sanwo-Olu to the Lekki Deep Sea Port for the official inauguration of the largest Sea Port in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He said  the President was expected to drive through and inaugurate the newly constructed Eleko Junction to Epe Road project before departing for the inauguration of the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota.

”We all know that Lagos is known for its remarkable hospitality and conviviality. These attributes will be on display in the evening of Monday, Jan. 23, during the State banquet being organised in honour of our guest.

”The governor and his spouse, Dr  Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu will lead other dignitaries to give the  President  a befitting Lagos welcome,” Omotoso said.

He said that on the second day, Jan. 24, the President would inaugurate the MRS Lubricant factory, a private sector project in Apapa and the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

The commissioner said that after that, President Buhari would move to the Lagos Blue Line Rail Project in Marina, where he would witness the signing of the second phase of the rail project, from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.

He will inaugurate the Phase I and take a train ride from Marina to Mile 2 and back, and depart Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Judiciary

Police arraign man for allegedly defiling 8-year-old girl in Lagos

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By Deborah Akpede

A 26-year-old man, Owolabi Olabisi, has been arrested by detectives of the Family Support Unit, Surulere Police Division, for allegedly defiling his neighbour’s eight-year-old girl.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect committed the offence on
Jan. 18 at Ojuelegba, Surulere area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the minor was playing with her mates in the compound when the suspect lured her inside his room and he forcefully inserted his fingers into the girl’s private parts.

Having satisfied himself, he released the girl but threatened to deal with her if she tells her mother.

The girl, who could no longer bear the pain from her private parts, eventually reported to her mother.

The case was reported leading to the arrest of the suspect.

The Police charged Olabisi before an Ebute-Meta Magistrates’ Court on Friday for defilement.

Magistrate Mrs O.M Ajayi, who did not take Olabisi’s plea, ordered that he should be remanded in a correctional facility.

Ajayi directed the police to send the case file to the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

The case has been adjourned to Feb. 22.

NAN reports that defilement attracts life imprisonment under section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

General News

Himel wins Global Brand Awards

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By Augusta Uchediunor

Lagos, Jan. 20, 2023 (NAN) Himel, a market leader in value-engineered electrical products, has bagged the prestigious Global Brand Awards, at the 10th edition of the Global Brands Magazine (GBM) Awards.

GBM is an international publication with headquarters in the UK.

Staying true to its values, Himel won the award for the ‘Most Reliable Value-Engineered Electrical Products Brand, `MENA’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Global Brand Awards recognises vital players who progress toward excellence by providing a platform to acknowledge their efforts.

HIMEL is a global manufacturer and provider of robust, reliable and safe electrical products

Their mission is to make efficient and reliable power easily accessible to people, wherever they are – home, office, industrial or commercial facility.

The annual award aims at recognising global brands achieving excellence in performance across a broad range of sectors while simultaneously keeping their readers updated on key trends from the branding arena.

A statement by the company said Himel was evaluated based on its global footprint, value-engineering, and reliability, all critical metrics in the world of electrical products.

Shrinivas Chebbi, the Global Head of Himel, commented on their success.

“We are honoured to be recognised and awarded across two key strategic regions.

“Our commitment to value engineering and contextual understanding of emerging economies has been central to driving regional success.

“We have established our competitive advantage in premium projects as well.

“Value engineering in design, procurement, production and implementation – the benefits are multifaceted.

“It is not about minimising cost, it is about maximising benefits. Any scale of project can benefit from this.

“A testimony to the stacking effect of right marketing and sales strategies, these awards echo our vision and efforts to facilitate access to high-quality electrical products and support accelerated development of safer homes, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities.”

Vibha Thusu, the Global Head of Marketing and Communication, Himel, also commented on Himel being awarded for its notable efforts with global recognition.

“At Himel, our marketing strategies, underpinned at all times by the vision of reliability and affordability, aim to push the perceived limitations of cost-efficient electrical products.

“Through extensive on-ground and online marketing initiatives, involving multichannel customer engagement, and nudging conversations around the need of safer electrical products.

“We have been able to establish our brand as a thought leader in the value engineering space.”

With a footprint in 50+ countries, Himel values opportunities for all and provides the best combination of affordable and reliable products to meet the demand for access to safe electricity.

Furthermore, Himel also adapts a ‘top-down’ approach towards nurturing employee experience, firmly believing that putting its employees first is imperative to Himel’s success.

To create a cohesive environment where everyone can succeed, Himel leads with a purpose-driven marketing strategy to maintain authentic relationship with their customers and establish loyalty within their community.

Adding to this, active participation from Himel’s leadership across its community interactions helps the brand to identify the pulse of the business and replicate the success year after year.(NAN)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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