By Olayinka Olawale

Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos and Chief Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iya Oloja General, have commended the Lagos State Government on the disbursement of N750 million Lagos Market Trader Money initiative.

They gave the commendation at the inauguration of the scheme for 15,000 market men and women on Wednesday at Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The governor had on Dec. 18, 2023 announced a N750 million financial intervention scheme for Lagos traders tagged ‘Lagos Trader Money”.

Under the scheme, 15,000 traders across the local government areas of the state – 200 from each LGA – received N50,000 each to boost their businesses.

The governor announced the scheme during the unveiling of the Mid-level Agro-Produce Hub at Idi-Oro in the Mushin area of the state.

Akiolu, who was represented by Chief Lateef Aderibigbe, the Ajose Opeluwa of Lagos, urged the traders to utilise the cash received judiciously.

The traditional ruler also urged the traders to invest the money in ventures that would yield more profit and bring down the prices of foodstuffs.

In her remarks, Tinubu-Ojo also commended the state governor for the initiative, which she said would improve the livelihood of traders in the state.

She urged the traders to make use of the money appropriately, saying, “I want to appreciate the governor for the launch of the market trader money.

“I want to encourage our people to use the money that will be given to us judiciously.

“It is not for ‘Aso-ebi,’ it is to improve and to expand our small scale businesses such as food stuff and agricultural commodities with the aim of reducing cost of commodities.

“The money is enough to establish small business, it is not for merry making.

“If the money is well used, it will grow and and become bigger and you will be able to fend for your family. Don’t spend it recklessly.”

Earlier, Ms Abisola Olusanya, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, said the initiative was part of government’s efforts toward ensuring sustainable livelihoods and wealth creation for traders across the state.

“This initiative was part of the state government’s commitment to the development of the downstream segment of food and agricultural value chains which centres on markets and market access.

“This is due to the fact that Lagos is the largest market city state in sub-Saharan Africa.

“At the commissioning of the Mid-level agro food hub at Idi-Oro Mushin on Dec. 18, 2023, Mr Governor had announced his plans for a more inclusive social-welfare framework for market actors with the first of it being the Lagos Market trader money initiative,” she said.

According to her, the first phase of it was the distribution of N50,000 to 15,000 market men and women across the 57 local government and LCDA and from within the military and police barracks.

“The support that will be extended today is targeted at expanding the capacity of the beneficiaries to off-take more produce from our farmers thereby catalysing increased food production in and outside the state.

“This initiative is jointly implemented by the ministry of agriculture and local governments, in collaboration with market leaders across all the 57 LGAs and LCDAs.

“This is only the first of many to be launched by Mr. Governor toward helping to shoulder the burdens of the citizenry, ranging from food, health, education to transportation.

“It is our hope that individually and collectively, we all rise to the demands of the times to be our brother’s keeper,” she said.

Mr Alabi David, the Chairman, Lagos State Conference 57, said the committee of chairmen would collaborate with the state government on more programmes for traders.

“We thanked the governor for the initiative to help our people at the local government level.

“I want to assure the governor that all local government chairmen will collaborate with the state government to initiate more programmes that would impact the lives of residents,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) says there will be haziness and thunderstorms across the country from Thursday to Saturday.

It declared in its weather outlook issued on Wednesday in Abuja that there would be moderate dust haze on Thursday with visibility of between 2km and 5km.

It anticipated localised visibility of less than 1km over the northern parts all through the projected three-day period.

NiMET stated also that there would be slight dust haze over the North Central region with patches of cloud over parts Kogi, Benue and Kwara.

It predicted a cloudy atmosphere with spells of sunshine over inland states.

It stated that there could be isolated thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Lagos and Ogun during the afternoon and evening hours.

“On Friday, thick dust haze is anticipated over the northern parts,’’ NiMET added,

It advised the use of face masks where possible as there would be dust particles in the atmosphere.

“Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning of their operations,’’ it stressed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Alli Hakeem

By Tosin Kolade

CRD Lugbe residents along Airport Road in Abuja  have pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to protect their homes threatened by Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) demolition and land reallocation.

CRD is an acronym for Committee on Resettlement and Development Layout.

In a “Save Our Souls” petition sent to various authorities, including the FCT Minister, National Assembly and others, distressed residents highlighted ongoing harassment by FCDA’s Development Control Department in connivance with a private estate developer.

The residents said on February 7, 2024, residents discovered demolition notices on their buildings, posted by individuals claiming to be from the Development Control Department.

The notices stated a 21-day deadline for demolition to pave the way for a Central Market.

It reads: “Demolition Notice. Plot No. Central Market (3785). District: Lugbe North. Cadastral Zone: E25. The Authority observed with dismay that the development or structure on plot … is defective and constitutes danger or nuisance to the public/adjoining plot.

“Take notice that you are given 21 days to comply by pulling down the structure or have the illegal development demolished in accordance with Section 61 of the Nigeria Urban and Regional Planning Act 1992.”

In the petition sent to the FCT DSS Office, residents express astonishment that the Layout, existing since 1996 with developed properties, is unexpectedly being transformed into a market without residents’ and landowners’ awareness.

Residents attributed the issue to collusion between FCDA officials from the Development Control Department and accused them of harassing, intimidating, and illegally dispossessing them of their properties.

Urging President Tinubu and the FCT Minister to intervene swiftly, residents aimed to prevent the situation from escalating into a multi-dimensional crisis.

Since 2014, residents alleged that owners of Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, Jonah Nigeria Limited, and Paulo Homes Limited in River Park Estate—have engaged in illegal activities to expand their territory into the CRD land area.

It may be recalled that the CRD layout, covering a land area of about 474 hectares, was created in 1996 by the FCDA to relocate and resettle persons affected by the dualisation and expansion of the Airport Road within the Lugbe 1 area.

The Chairman, CRD Residents and Landlords Association, Abdulwasiu Mustapha, said most of the lands in the CRD Layout were legally acquired from the FCDA.

“The layout was comprehensively designed with various infrastructures, including schools, hospitals, markets, town halls, recreational facilities, religious places of worship, police post, and other public institutions, etc.

“The area in contention, CRD Lugbe 1 Layout is identified in the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) as Plot No. 0235, where land titles owners have fully developed and occupied since 1996.

“Available information from the FCDA shows that Mr Odili and his private estate development firms, who were allocated part of the CRD area in 2017 by the then El-Rufai administration in the FCT, have so far acquired almost half of the area.

“Our lands were given to Paul Odili without due process of law or revocation of existing titles in clear violation of the rights of the property owners. Since then, our lives have been a living hell”.

Mustapha noted that the residents were subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, arrests, and detentions without legal justification.

The residents recounted the destruction of their homes, road blockades, trench digging around houses, and isolation from the outside world, with pleas for assistance directed at various public institutions yielding no results.

Despite legal efforts, including court judgments against the developer, the residents emphasised the need for President Tinubu and the FCT Minister to intervene and alleviate their distress.

“Today, we are still in court with him, while some of our people have obtained judgments against him, both at the High Court and Court of Appeal without abating his threats and harassment. We want the President and the FCT Minister to wade in and save us,” the residents cried out in their petitions.

At a meeting with the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, to seek clarification on their action, the Chairman of the Residents Association said it was surprising that his promise to convene a meeting of all stakeholders in the crisis to discuss the issues was yet to materialise several days after.

Mustapha said residents who attended the meeting with Galadima were surprised that instead of addressing the areas of breaches of the extant laws regarding building designs and structures, he claimed the CRD community has been re-designed.

According to Galadima, most of the fully-developed houses and structures fell within the road corridors and a central market.

The Chairman accused Galadima of failing to provide evidence of the redesigned CRD layout or disclose when the redesign occurred without residents’ knowledge.

Additionally, the Chairman noted that Galadima did not specify the commencement point of the road infrastructure or its termination, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the process.

“We have lost confidence and trust in the Director’s handling of the matter. We suspect he is playing the familiar script and antics of Mr Paul Odili with the evil intention of dispossessing us of our valued properties.

“There is no way an important action such as redesigning CRD would be done fairly without the involvement of the existing residents since 1996.

“As most of the residents of the CRD community are public and civil servants with pensioners who used their meager life savings to raise a place for their families to live, we will resist every attempt to render us homeless and turn us into refugees,” the residents said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Presidency has pledged unwavering support to the victims of the recent fire outbreak in Karon-majigi, a colony dedicated to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Abba Isa, conveyed this assurance during his visit to the site of the tragedy situated along Airport Road, Abuja.

Having surveyed the extent of the destruction caused by the inferno, which razed makeshift residences and properties of the PWDs, Isa assured that the government is dedicated to aiding the affected individuals.

Encouraging the collaboration of well-meaning Nigerians and organisations in supporting the victims, Isa reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and well-being of PWDs, aligning with the renewed hope agenda.

Isa emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to facilitate the swift and secure resettlement of the disability community, ensuring they regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.

Furthermore, he disclosed that the interests of PWDs would be safeguarded in the federal government’s housing policy.

During the visit, the presidential aide personally delivered cash donations to the victims, symbolising the government’s immediate response to the pressing needs of the affected community.

Mrs Esther Akwu, speaking on behalf of the victims, expressed gratitude for the President’s visit and the benevolent gesture extended by officials.

Akwu shed light on the longstanding neglect the community has faced, emphasising the urgent need for basic infrastructure such as primary healthcare, schools, and toilet facilities.

She appealed to President Tinubu and other stakeholders to address the plight of the neglected community.

Notably, the fire incident, which occurred on Feb. 3, resulted in no loss of life.

The visiting delegation, led by Mr Abba Isa, included Delu Yakubu, Special Assistant to the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.

The community leader, Mr Sulaiman Katsina, warmly received the delegation, marking a collaborative effort to bring relief to the affected disability colony. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Taiye Olayemi

Nigerian veteran actress, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, has advised Nigerians to express love toward one another as they celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day.

Ajai-Lycett, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos said that individuals must be deliberate in looking out for one another and show compassion, especially in this difficult times.

“For me, love is everything, I place a great value on love. Valentine’s Day reminds us to show love and always be compassionate. We should look after one another.

“I will be in doors on Valentine’s day but will be attending a programme tagged “Valentine Day for Widows”, the next day after Valentine,” she said.

Also, veteran fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, urged Nigerians to look inwards and prioritise their individual homes and immediate families as they celebrate the day.

“Valentine is a special day to show love, I will be taking my wife out on a special date to make her happy. Everyone should prioritise their homes in this season of love.

“I advise everyone to dedicate the day for their partners, go extra miles to make them happy. We all should make one another happy,” he said

Prominent female drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa said that every day should be celebrated like Valentine’s Day.

“Everyday should be like Valentine’s day for all, we should all always be reminded that nothing actually belongs to us, we should be committed to showing and sharing love,” she said.

”My son remains my Valentine as he has promised to bake a cake for me to celebrate the day. We will be celebrating it together.”

Actor Babaseun Faseru said he would be giving out to the less privileged in the society on Valentine’s Day, as a demonstration of his love to them.

Faseru encouraged Nigerians to eschew bitterness, anger and frustration, and remain optimistic that things would get better.

“Valentine’s Day is a day set aside to celebrate our loved ones. It is a day to remember the power of sacrifice.

“Though we should celebrate our loved ones at every opportunity we have but on this day, we should be intentional about it.

“At this time and phase of our dear country, where there is so much hunger and hardship, I will be stretching my hand of help to the needy around me as a show of love to them.

“I do not have as much that can go round but I shall sacrifice and do the needful to at least put smiles on the faces of a few.

“I know it will not be easy as these things stare at us in the face everyday, but negativity, anger, frustration will not do our health any good, worries are never the solution.

“We should be intentional about this season of love and stretch our hands of help to our neighbours and the needy,” he said.

Actress Laide Bakare said, “Yes, it is the season of love, I want everyone to stay happy and hardworking. Valentine should not be an excuse not to work,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Emmanuel Jonathan

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Halilu, has assured that the Agency would deliver on its mandate of transforming Nigeria’s technology and innovation landscape.

The EVC, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NASENI, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Tuesday after the opening of a two-day staff training which began on Monday at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.

The training was carried out by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), led by its Director-General, Mr Dasuki Arabi, for the mandatory deployment of Self-Assessment Tools (SAT), for service delivery.

Halilu reaffirmed the commitment of the Agency in fulfilling its mandate by maintaining a steadfast focus on NASENI 3Cs principles of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialisation.

He said that the mandate will be achieved by harnessing the power of technology, human skills and talents to deliver remarkable benefits to Nigeria on multiple fronts.

“In order to carry out NASENI’s Mandate effectively, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of our performances in line with best practices.

“This tool enables organisations to evaluate themselves comprehensively, gaining insights into how effectively they are meeting their goals.

“BPSR has employed a participatory focus group approach as the methodology for this tool, making it accessible to individuals across all levels of the Public Service,” Halilu said.

He encouraged the participants to focus on the training and make use of the opportunity for self-assessment and growth.

According to him, NASENI stands to gain significant advantages from the implementation of the Self-Assessment Tools (SAT) by identifying its strengths and areas for improvement.

The training will also enhance professional practices, encourage partnerships with esteemed organisations, create opportunities to celebrate growth, developmental achievements and skill acquisition, among other benefits,” he added.

The Director-General of BPSR, Mr Dasuki Arabi, in his remark urged NASENI as a Government Agency to embrace SAT in all its dealings.

Arabi said BPSR initiated the tools for Self-Assessment, monitoring and evaluation of reforms in Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) of the Federal Government, for effective service delivery.

“The mandate and directives of the government to BPSR is to carry out reforms on all the MDAs.

“The SAT is for the purpose of planning, accountability and management of public funds and to ensure that the system is corrupt-free especially in financial transactions,” Arabi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Ismail Abdulaziz
The Presidency has requested the Interpol National Central Bureau to place a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) staff and two others on its Red Notice.

The request was in connection with their alleged conspiracy and forging of documents in the name of ex-president Muhammadu Buhari to steal the sum of 6.23 million U.S. dollars in cash from the CBN.

A document obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday put the names of Odoh Eric Ocheme, who is a staff of the CBN, Adamu Abubakar and Imam Abubakar on the list sent to the Interpol.

The request was made by the Office of the Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to investigate the CBN, related entities and other key government business entities.

NAN reports that the government had been granted an application of warrant filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja for the arrest of the three persons.

The three persons are to be arrested and arraigned before the court on or before May 7, 2024.
The Interpol is expected to apprehend and repatriate the suspects, who are at large, from any of the Interpol members states to which they may have flown.

NAN reports that Boss Mustapha, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), on Tuesday testified at an Abuja High Court that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature was forged to withdraw the said 6.23 million US dollars from the CBN.

Mustapha, who testified in the trial of former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, said he knew nothing about the withdrawal of the money for the payment of foreign observers for the 2023 general elections.

He said that it was the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deal with issues of election observers.

An official of the CBN had on Monday told the court that the amount was given out in cash.

He said that it was given to an official from the office of the SGF following approvals by former president Buhari and Emefiele.(NAN)
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Dorcas Jonah

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been nominated as a recipient for the Africa Heritage Awards (AHA) 2024.

The awards scheduled to hold in Johannesburg, South Africa on April 13, would be bestowed on Okonjo-Iweala for her role in advancing the image of African women in leadership.

The Chairman of Heritage Times and the organisers of the event, Mr Moses Siasia, said in statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, this year’s awards will be chaired by former President of Botswana, Seretse Khama Ian Khama, and will be attended by former Heads of States and Captains of Industries across Africa.

”The event which is in its 2nd edition is strategically organised to celebrate and recognise outstanding global accomplishments of Africans within the continent and in the Diaspora

”It is aimed at celebrating outstanding personalities in Business, Politics, Philanthropy, Entertainment and Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, and Social Innovation.

”The event is also used to foster the African culture of excellence, promote Afrocentrism, and create an ecosystem that will further retell the true African story towards the advancement of the continent’s full potentials.

“The award also focuses on people in areas of Business, Politics, Philanthropy, Entertainment and Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and Social Innovation,” he said.

Siasia listed other shortlisted awardees to include Mr & Mrs Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Executive Chairman of International Technology Groups, Econet Global and Cassava Technologies as well as Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman/Managing Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners.

He said that Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, Managing Director of the Rose of Sharon Group and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited would also be honoured.

“Her Excellency, Mama Rachael Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya & Founder of Mama Doing Good Organisation will also be honoured for her outstanding contributions to the advancement of humanity.

“Professor Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela, Founder of the Thuli Madonsela Foundation; Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, Prime Minister of Togo; ; Othman Benjelloun, Co-chair of BMCE Bank Foundation and Madam Graca Machel, Founder of Graca Machel Trust will be honoured too.

“The Awards will focus on the critical importance of culture and leadership, which lies at the core of any shared advancement of socio-economic and political development in Africa.

“The Awards is also primed to cast a spotlight on individuals who, under challenging circumstances, have empowered Africans and impacted their sphere of influence to pave the way for sustainable and equitable development,” Siasia said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders in the electoral sector have called for more reforms towards boosting the participation of women in politics.

The stakeholders comprising journalists, Civil Society Organisations (CSOS), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies, said this at a one day advocacy meeting on Monday in Abuja.

Ms Zainab Tanko, the Programme Officer, NWTF, said that the meeting was organised after a Test of Voter Registration Toolkit Survey, carried out by the organisation during the Nov. 11 Kogi and Bayelsa election.

Tanko said the survey was to identify challenges hindering women’s voter registration in elections.

She added that the pilot test of the voter registration toolkit survey in Kogi and Bayelsa, sought to evaluate its effectiveness in uncovering barriers to women’s voter registration.

She said that the study identified physical, legal, educational, socio-economic, instructional and financial barriers.

”We have recognised that there are existing obstacles hindering women voter registration. That is their right to even register before they go out to vote.

“These barriers not only deprive women of their voices, but weaken the fabric of our democracy.

“In the face of these challenges, we stand united in our resolve to enact meaningful reforms and pave the way for a more inclusive electoral system as we embark on this collective journey tilted towards building steps for reforms.

“Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to promote gender equality, strengthening our democracy and building a future where every Nigerian woman can proudly claim her place in shaping the destiny of this nation,” she said.

Tanko also stressed the need for stakeholders to synergise towards working out a resolution to boost women’s political participation especially by getting them registered first with ease.

“There is need to get women registered, so that in the future when there are more women in political positions or movement advocating or vying for political offices, we can back them up with our numbers,” she added.

She said that stakeholders recommended increase in the number of registration centres in different locations and communities with a view to making them easy to be accessed.

She said this was imperative because creating more centres close to markets and other public places would reduce long queues experienced during registration because it discourages women.

She added that it would also reduce some financial challenges on women as they would not have to go very far to get registered.

“The call for the harmonisation of existing database among relevant stakeholders like INEC, National Identity Management Commission, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), banks, Nigeria Immigration Service is also paramount.

“Having a continuous voter registration is also key, so INEC needs to ensure the implementation of the law for continuous voter registration and not the periodic process we currently practice,” she said.

The meeting was organised by the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), with support from the National Democratic Institution (NDI). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Ali Baba-Inuwa