By Reporters

Former Head of state, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on Monday urged the nation’s leaders to imbibe the transparent and people-oriented leadership style which late president Umaru Yar`Adua made his watchword.

Gown said this in Abuja at the first Umaru Yar’Adua International Leadership Conference and Awards on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was organised by Global Initiative for Leadership Success.

Gown said for the nation to achieve sustainable development, both leaders and other citizens should be morally upright and address the most pressing needs of the society.

Recalling his experience with Yar’Adua while he was the governor of Katsina state, Gowon said that Guinea worm would not have been eradicated without the rapid and apt response to governance by Yar’Adua

He commended late Yar’Adua for setting up the Justice Muhammed Uwais Electoral Reforms meant to end to electoral malfeasance.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the initiative, retired Maj.-Gen Abdullahi Mamman, said that the gathering was aimed at interrogating leadership issues with regards to the palace of morality and ethics in governance.

Mamman, while describing the late President Yar’Adua, said, “His governance leadership qualities were sterling, profoundly mercurial, and legendary, noting that his administration grew the economy and stabilized the society.

“His audacious, boldness and sincerity of acknowledging in his inaugural speech that the electoral process that brought him to power was flawed and pledged to take concrete steps and actions was enough proof of his honesty’’, he said.

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue urged Nigerians to support the state and federal government for smooth running of the government.

Alia said that Yar’Adua was being celebrated because of his exploits in fighting corruption.

He said that Yar’Adua was transparent and identified the clog in the wheel of the system, adding that he was also doing same since he assumed office.

“Transparency, getting everyone along, ensuring that the system works formidably is about good governance which is my take away from his administration ” he said.

Professor Mike Ikupolati, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Intellectual Consult, said promoting merit over tribalism was a trait of good governance.

He said that strong governmental institution and public-private partnership was part of moral and ethical antidote to national development.

Ikupolati said that Nigeria had no problem with formulation of policies but the implementation of the formulated policies.

He urged the government to change the process of appointing people into leadership position, saying that skill alone was not enough for selection of people into leadership position.

Alhaji Majeed Dahiru, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ORASCOM Properties Ltd. said, the absence of integrity-based political leadership has stunted the development of the country.

NAN reports that some of the governors who were given award for good leadership are Alia, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, and Babagana Zulum of Borno. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Olatunde Ajayi

Eighty paramedics and patrol officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the South-West states are currently undertaking life-saving rescue training to reduce road crashes.

The FSRC Corps Marshal, Mr Dauda Biu, while declaring open  the two-day training on Wednesday in Ibadan, said the activity sponsored by Ford Foundation would enhance the capability of the commission’s personnel in crash management.

Biu said the training would cover practical sessions on CardioPulmonary Resuscitation, basic anatomy and physiology of the human body, management of road traffic injuries and transportation of casualties.

The Corps Marshal, who was represented by Assistant Corps Marshal, Clement Oladele, said the training signified unwavering commitment of the FRSC to its mission of ensuring safer roads and fuller lives.

“The comprehensive curriculum of this programme reflects the commitment of the corps to equip its personnel with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to excel in the demanding field of road safety and crash response.

“The impact of this training on the participants will undoubtedly enhance their ability to administer Iife-saving measures promptly and effectively,” he said.

Also speaking, the Acting Oyo State FRSC Sector Commander, DCC Tunde Adewale, said the training would equip FRSC paramedics and patrol operatives with necessary skills, knowledge and resources to safe lives and serve the public better.

Adewale noted that the selected participants would be trained to pass the training down to other officers at their respective units to expand the knowledge of rescue operation among officers.

He urged road users to avoid over confidence while driving and always drive defensively with reasonable speed.

In her remarks, the Regional Director of Programmes, Ford Foundation, Joy Ezezebor, said the training was in line with the foundation’s commitment to ensure safety of lives on the roads.

Ezezebor said that Oyo State was selected for the training due to its population and key position in the country.

“Road safety should be seen as share responsibilities, dedication, collaboration and continuous learning.

“Emergency response is a collective effort and we must continue to strive to ensure that every life is protected,” she said.

The programme training consultant, Dr Davidson Okuobeya, said the participants would be exposed to modern and international standard techniques on management of road traffic injuries, anatomy and physiology of human body for professional rescue operation.(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Lekki residents and stakeholders have paid tributes to the late Chairman, Victoria Garden City Property Owners Residents Association (VGCPORA), Mr Gihan Mbelu.

They described him as a community developer, an environmental sustainability enthusiast, a visionary leader with deep passion and commitment of youth development and community advancement.

They spoke during a night of tributes organised for him on Tuesday in Lagos, following his shocking demise on April 26.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mbelu, until his passing, was not only the Chairman, VGCPORA, but was vice president, Lekki Estate Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA).

Mbelu, aged 42, was reportedly found dead in his car within the community after purchasing water and soft drinks.

His corpse has since been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

Noheem Adams, Majority Leader representing Eti-Osa Constituency 1, described the late Mbelu as the driving force that brought government down to the people of VGC and the people to government.

He said the late VGC chair expended every efforts to addressing obstructions at the canals and stood for the truth in all things.

“The shoes he is leaving behind are too big to be filled and today would be recorded as the saddest day in 2024 for me.

“The kind of person he was, I had envisioned that he would one day be one of those to lead the country due to his immense leadership capabilities,” he said.

Alhaji Sulyman Bello, President, LERSA, said his contributions to the discourse surrounding the development of the Lekki region was always very compelling.

Bello said relating with Mbelu would leave one in awe and wonder as he dished out facts, data and incontrovertible point of view without being combative, all for the development of VGC and the entire Lekki-Epe region.

“As long as it was for humanity, Gihan would give it a try as he was a very oriented problem solving individual.

“His type is not very available in every generation or even a lifetime and he would be sorely missed by us all,” he said.

Mrs Idunu Oyebelu, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, VGCPORA, said his passing left profound gap in the hearts of everyone.

She said throughout his tenure as chairman, his visionary leadership and tireless efforts was very instrumental in shaping the VGC community.

According to Oyebelu, under Mbelu’s stewardship, VGC witnessed tremendous transformation, infrastructural development and made giant strides in environmental sustainability.

“Mbelu’s leadership was marked by a deep sense of purpose and compassion.

“May his memory serves as a source of comfort and make us uphold the values that he embodied particularly his spirit of service.

“We will continue to build on the foundation he laid,” she said.

Mrs Morufat Yusuff, General Manager, VGCPORA, stated that the late VGC chair did everything to ensure a drug free environment within the VGC community.

She listed some of the achievements during his tenure to include fostering a safer and healthier environment, the installation of efficient energy feature lighting, the VGC recycling hub to drive environmental sustainability.

“He also facilitated efficient access control, identified opportunities to optimise expenses and was deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing of all VGC residents.

“He increased security surveillance and we had commenced installation of CCTV cameras with 150 installed and 64 ongoing to be commissioned in August.

“He forged partnership with government entities to resolve issues, mitigated flood risks and this is such a sad occurrence that our hearts cant fathom. He would be sorely missed,” she said.

Mrs Jane Phillip-Odey, Secretary, VGC, said the late VGC chair though gone, left impacts, developmental activities and legacies that would never be forgotten.

“Let us honour his memory, cherish the time we had with him as we pay tribute to him who would forever be in our hearts and memories,” she said.

Mr Adejo Adehi, Head, VGC Basketball community, said the late Mbelu ensured that the youth were engaged in sporting activities to take their minds off drugs and any other vices detrimental to mental health and general wellness.

He said his passing would leave a great void but his legacy, dedication and vision would continue to inspire the youth to build a thriving community of lasting impact.

“You would be deeply missed but your memory would live on and we pray you find comfort that your legacy would continue to flourish,” he said.

Mr Ishan Mbelu, brother of the deceased, lauded the entire VGC community for giving a youth the opportunity to lead and serve.

“On behalf of the family, I would like to thank you all again and I want to say we are proud of the community and love you all,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Felicia Imohimi

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently reverse the removal of the council from government funding for effective and efficient veterinary practice regulation.

VCN Vice-President, Prof. Matthew Adamu, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, said the reversal would boost operational efficiency of the council.

Adamu said that VCN was not a revenue generating agency rather a council saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and overseeing the training and practice of the veterinary profession for the well-being of humans.

He said that the removal of VCN from government funding in 2023 based on implementation of the 2022 Oronsaye’s committee report was impacting negatively on the council’s regulatory mandate with regard to wholesome practices.

NAN reports that Steve Oronsaye panel on the restructuring and rationalisation of federal agencies, parastatals and commission recommended the merging, subsuming and scrapping of agencies with similar functions.

The don said that staff members of the council were currently passing through hardship as they had yet to receive their salaries from January to date due to lack of personnel overhead cost and capital funding.

“Government has been the major funder of the council; unfortunately, last year, government, through Oronsaye’s Committee report, decided to take away VCN from budgetary funding including personnel overhead cost and capital funding.

“VCN is the oldest regulatory professional body in the country saddled with the responsibility of training and practice of veterinary medicine in the country.

“VCN is the oldest regulatory professional body in the country saddled with the responsibility of training and practice of veterinary medicine in the country.

“Its responsibility of training veterinary medicine in the 11 accredited veterinary schools in Nigeria and the practice of veterinary medicine across the 36 states and FCT is suffering because of lack of funding.

“We appeal to government to quickly bring back council to government funding so that we will be able to live safely and healthy without having diseases that will affect our animals and equally get to human population.’’

Adamu said the implication of the council’s removal from the Federal Government budget was that it would affect the profession, affect human health and the environment as a whole.

The vice-president, who identified veterinarians as essential health workers, said issues concerning the council’s should be prioritised in order to guide against exposing the populace to infectious diseases.

The academic said that VCN was supposed to regulate abattoirs operation across the country.

He, however, regretted that the council staff members were unable to carry out such responsibility at the moment due to paucity or lack of government funding.

According to him, the implication of non-regulation of abattoirs and other veterinary premises is that if a diseased animal is slaughtered the health and well-being of human will be jeopardised.

Adamu said that 80 per cent to 90 per cent of diseases affecting human emanated from animals.

“If the country is able to take care of animal health effectively humans will live healthy and safe.

“Government should revisit VCN’s removal from budgetary funding and reverse it as was done to Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and other regulatory bodies.

“The reversal will do a lot of good to the nation in terms of public health.

“Most diseases affecting a human, that is, 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the epidemics the world has suffered in the past 40 years are from animals and if we are able to take care of animals problem human lives will be saved.

According to him, ‘One health’ is practiced globally at the moment and the principle is human, animal medicine and environment interaction because diseases do not operate in a vacuum; it is an interaction between the three.

“Therefore, if government decides not to fund the council and we run into problem in regulating veterinary medicine practice, we are bound to run into serious challenge as a nation, ” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FUA/CJ/

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Edith Nwapi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is to arraign former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama  on Thursday.

Sirika, a minister in the administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari, would be arraigned on a six -count amended charge.

He will be arraigned alongside three others, including his daughter, Fatima; Jalal  Hamma and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, for abuse of office to the tune of N2.7billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of EFCC investigations into the financial malfeasance allegedly committed by the former minister, “ including fraudulent contracts awarded by the ministry under his watch, had on April 23 detained him in Abuja’’.

Sirika was invited by the Abuja Zonal Command of the commission on the alleged contract malfeasance and was promptly interrogated and detained at the Formella Street, Wuse 2 Zonal office of the Commission.

“The former minister (Sirika) was invited for questioning by investigators handling the alleged contract frauds under his watch in the ministry and will be arraigned on Thursday,” a source who pleaded anonymity said.

The source also said that EFCC had been investigating the alleged contract frauds while the minister was in office, and he had even met with investigators before he was detained.

NAN reports that the arraignment was earlier slated to hold on Tuesday but due to EFCC prayer to amend the charge, a new date was given. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Sadiya Hamza

By Ahmed Ubandoma

No fewer than half of the 35.5 million population of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) across the country, require basic education to meet up with their counterpart across the globe.

James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.

Lalu spoke when he received Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, the President of Nigeria Airforce Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) at the Commission’s headquarters.

He noted that disability issues remained a phenomena that required all hands to be on deck to improve the quality of lives of PWDs.

Lalu said the commission was ready to partner with NAFOWA in the areas of educational advancement and other social inclusion needs of PWDs.

”We are ready and open for collaboration with NAFOWA because one of our mandate is to improve the quality of education, healthcare services and improve general wellbeing of persons with disabilities.

”We hope and believe that this collaboration will see to the improvement of the quality of life of 35.5 million persons with disabilities across the disability communities in Nigeria ” he said.

On her part, the NAFOWA President reiterated the Association’s  commitment to strengthening partnership and advocacy towards achieving inclusive education for PWDs.

She said, NAFOWA had been in the forefront in mainstreaming disability inclusion for people with social needs.

”It is our firm belief that everyone especially persons with disabilities deserves the opportunity to reach their full potentials.

” That is why we are focusing on establishing a special school for people with special needs that will offer education and therapeutic services to help PWDs unlock their potentials” she said.

She, therefore expressed optimism that the partnership will yield the desired result in the lives of PWDs in the nation (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Justina Auta

Stakeholders on the prevention of HIV/AIDS on Tuesday called for increased domestic funding to accelerate prevention and end HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

They made the call at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Nigeria HIV prevention cconferencewith the theme “Accelerating HIV Prevention to end AIDS through Innovations and Community Engagement” organised by National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in Abuja.

Amobi Ogah, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, stressed the need to reduce dependency on foreign aid and source for local funding to end HIV/AIDS in the country.

Ogah disclosed that Nigeria needed an estimated eight billion dollars annually to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He added that the national coverage of Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is less than 50 per cent, leading to about 22,000 cases of MTCT of HIV every year in Nigeria.

He stressed the need to re-evaluate, rethink, and re-strategise HIV prevention intervention programmes.

He added that “for NACA to achieve her mandate, we must all ensure increase of domestic funding, strengthen HIV interventions, mobilise community members for gender equality, social norms and care services.

“We must also increase funding for PMTCT of HIV, support people living with the virus, campaign against stigmatisation and discrimination of persons living with HIV/AIDS.

“Also, we need to ensure leadership action for these and key population communities among other interventions.

“NACA will also need to scale up its treatment centres, which is about 100. I think we should increase it to at least 300 by the end of 2024 to stem the tide and sustain the fight to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.

Dr Temitope Ilori, the Director-General of NACA, said that the theme of the conference underscores the importance of community involvement in shaping effective prevention strategies, while ensuring access to treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS.

She said “we must double our efforts to prevent MTCT and strive for an AIDS-free generation by 2030, leveraging the advancements in health technology at our disposal.

“Prevention lies at the core of our public health interventions. Therefore, this conference serves as a platform to explore innovative approaches to empower communities, particularly those at higher risk, with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from HIV infection.

“Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to achieving our goals by 2030.

“We must educate and sensitise people about the harmful effects of stigma and discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

“Our strategies must be inclusive, person-centred, and sensitive to the needs of adolescents, young people, key populations, and people living with the virus.

“We must also focus on community-based interventions while promoting local ownership and sustainability of our response efforts.”

Dr Leo Zekeng, the UNAIDS Country Director, said: “everyone must be involved. We need to find out at the state level how much is earmarked toward prevention, we need the political commitment.

“Investment in condoms has reduced and data remains a challenge. So, this is the time to invest in primary prevention, and chart a new course on reducing new infections in Nigeria.”

Also, Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, stressed the need to accelerate prevention of new infections, especially among vulnerable population and youths.

“My attention will be focused on how we keep our data right, ensuring that we have solid foundation for improved ownership and sustainability of the HIV response in Nigeria.

“I will be elated when the director-general of NACA talks to me on how we can facilitate an AIDS-free generation, where no child will be born HIV positive in Nigeria.” (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has donated 50 sets of HP computer laptops to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, made the donation during a courtesy visit by a delegation from NCC to the NCPWD headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Maida, represented by Mr Tijani Munguno, a Deputy Director in the Commission, stated that the provision of the ICT equipment stemmed from NCC’s belief that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) need these tools to thrive.

He emphasised that the equipment would enhance the digital communication skills of PWDs, enabling them to compete effectively in the ICT market.

He noted that this support would aid the commission in fulfilling its mandate and promoting inclusivity.

Maida highlighted the importance of digital technology in today’s world, stating that access to it is crucial for efficiency and quality output.

He expressed hope that the laptops would have a significant impact on the disability community.

Dr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, expressed gratitude to the NCC delegation for their donation and support.

He affirmed the commitment of NCPWD to collaborate with NCC in advancing the digital communication skills and knowledge of PWDs.

Lalu also presented National Accessibility Manuals to the delegation, enabling NCC to familiarise themselves with accessibility standard guidelines in their various offices.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Lagos residents to make the environment friendly for the new corps members posted to the state.

Sanwo-Olu made the call at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Batch A, Stream II orientation, held on Tuesday at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) temporary orientation camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

He also urged the corps members to make the service year have meaningful impact on the social-economic and political development of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

“I implore you to accept your posting to any part of Lagos and see it as an opportunity to participate in the community development programmes, impact your host community and leave indelible legacies.

“These, your predecessors did in the areas of healthcare delivery system, educational services, social services amongst others, just as your services may be needed in the aforementioned.”

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr Ibukun Dosunmu, Director, General Service, Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, said that the state government would continue to recognise and reward outstanding corps members at the end of the service year.

Baderinwa urged the corps members to be good ambassador of the scheme, family and communities in their places of assignment.

She said that it was fundamental for them to obey rules/regulations of NYSC.

“Let the team spirit you cultivated while in camp guide your conducts, set aside tribal sentiments,

“I wish you productive service year, remember that any erring corps member will be penalised in line with the NYSC by-law.

“As these young patriots move to the next stage of their service year, being the primary and secondary assignments, I am optimistic that they’ll perform excellently, having been properly intimated with the tenets of the scheme,” she added.

The coordinator expressed appreciation to corporate organisations and collaborating partners.

She said that some made impactful presence in the orientation camp, sponsoring social and sporting activities which added colour and variety to the purpose of the course.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some corps members and camp officials were identified for their outstanding performance during the three-week orientation course and given commendation letters at the event. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By EricJames Ochigbo

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), says it has produced 45 million assorted tree seedlings for its afforestation programme across the country.

Dr Yusuf Bukar, the Director-General, NAGGW, said this at an interaction with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund in Abuja on Tuesday.

Bukar said that the agency had already distributed 10.8 million of the seedlings to farmers for planting as trees on farms to promote agroforestry.

He said that the agency had also rehabilitated 14,118 degraded landscape in different parts of the country.

“About 4,455 units of solar home lightening systems have been procured and distributed across the country, ” he said.

Bukar said that 3,102 units of solar street lights had also been procured and installed in rural markets, as well as boreholes and plant nursery sites.

He said the agency had also procured and distributed 6,300 units of super saver wooden stoves to families and inhabitants of rural communities to discourage indiscriminate tree logging for domestic purposes.

The director general also said that 128 units of solar powered pumps with trolley had been procured and installed for irrigation purposes across the 11 frontline states across the country.

“Forty-three units of solar powered boreholes and motorised boreholes have been constructed with complete accessories by the agency.

“We have constructed and equipped for off land training, five units of skill acquisition centres and 71 community plant nurseries, established for seedlings production.

“We have constructed a 14.6 km of rural feeder roads for ease of access and 110 tube wells have been constructed for irrigation purposes,” he said.

Bukar said that the agency had also trained 1,397 youths and engaged them as forest guards to protect the agency’s investments.

About 85 units of motorcycles have  been procured and distributed for the forest guards patrolling the agency’s investments so as to prevent indiscriminate tree felling,” he said.

He said that in the bid to empower women and youths, 205 units of grinding machines were procured and distributed to them.

“About 210,709 youths were engaged in direct tree planting and other related activities, 2,283 rural community members (women and youth) have been trained in off land livelihood activities.

”275 farmers have been trained on climate smart agriculture in dry land region,” he said.

Bukar said that the agency had established two Automatic Weather Stations for field data collection as well as an effective monitoring and evaluation system.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara) said the roundtable was to educate the lawmakers on the functions of the agency to ensure effective oversight. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ali Baba-Inuwa