By Deborah Coker

The Richard George Foundation (RGF), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Friday in Abuja, inaugurated its digital learning hub established for young talented graduates.

Mr Richard George, Founder RGF, while briefing newsmen shortly after the inauguration, said that it was expected that the facility would serve as a knowledge hub for young talented graduates.

George said that the vision of the Foundation was to start raising young talented Africans who would become real change makers.

”Because we believe that those whose the world has not changed are those ones who will absolutely change the world. And, we want to play a part in this, ” he said.

He explained that RGF was an organisation set up to provide empowerment for young talented graduates, adding that the pillars of the Foundation were three fold

He said the fold included skills acquisition development, which could be technical or soft skill.

Others he said included education, which was not in the formal structure as was common, and then entrepreneurship opportunities.

The founder added that it was hoped that the facility would provide an opportunity for it to begin to birth concept and ideas that will become the start up business for tomorrow’s young talented Nigerians.

He disclosed that the NGO was just nine months old as it was birthed in 2023, adding that the Foundation was anxious to hit a key milestone.

“This is part of the milestone, before we turn one year,” he said.

He also disclosed that since the birth of the Foundation, no fewer than 52 mentees had been mentored in the first cohort, adding that another 50 mentees were being unburdened to commence the second cohort mid October.

“It is a continuous exercise and our mentorship programme is designed for only six months at a time.

“And, we also create opportunities for the mentees to undertake internship in several organisations that are partnering with us or supporting our vision.

“We also provide opportunity for them to continue their learning or chose a different career part,” he said.

George noted that several challenges poses limitations which hamper young men and women in Nigeria as discovered Foundation through research.

He said this included inabilities of several young graduates to own laptops or devices for continuous learning improvement, resources for data, and internet connectivity and reliability.

“These limitations affect the continuous growth of mindset of several of the nation’s young talents.

“So, before they go into employment, they lack the skills to be able to function in organised setting,” he said.

He further said that unemployment had social issues and consequences for the demographics (18 to 35) years, which the Foundation was focusing on.

“Increase in unemployment from the research by KPMG is pointing to 43 per cent, which means we are talking of a ticking time bomb.

“Having this type of facility is an opportunity for them to transfer energy into a place where engagement, communication, teamwork will thrive .

“And, our job is to ensure that the mentorship against our ethos and principles embedded as customer practice so as to become real change makers,” George said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the symbolic tape cutting of the facility was done by Mrs Astrid Arens, President/Founder, Voice Aid Association, Germany, one of the partners of the Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Aderogba George

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau on Friday in Abuja called for more recognition of the nursing profession, saying the practitioners are relegated to the background.

The governor made the call at the presentation of a book titled: “Challenges and Triumph of the Nursing Profession in Nigeria” written by Prof. Kola Oyedepo.

According to Mutfwang, the centrality of the nursing profession to the health sector cannot be overemphasised and the contribution of the profession is enormous.

He therefore called on policy makers, trainers and stakeholders to make sure that they promote the profession to fulfil its mandate.

“Nurses are very central in the healthcare delivery system, midwives are very central to the issue of birth. We must make sure that the professionalism in the sector is enhanced in every way that is possible.

“I want to congratulate the author of this book for giving the nurses further tools
to work. As governors, we are going to ensure that the health sector is looked at comprehensively.

“This is to make sure that the nursing profession within the health sector is given its pride of place, we are going to make policy pronouncements. We are going to invest in training to enhance the profession in our state,” he said.

The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr Faruk Abubakar, noted that nurses play a pivotal role in the healthcare delivery.

Represented by Mr Emmanuel Udontre, Director, Planning Research and Statistics, NMCN, Abubakar said that nurses have the autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings.

According to him, advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and patients, health system management and education are key roles of nurses.

He called on government at all levels to begin to show more care to the nurses for the big role they perform in the healthcare system.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of of Health (FMoH), Mrs Daju Kachallom, also stated that the nursing and Midwifery profession occupies a unique and vital place within the healthcare system.

Represented by Mrs Francisca Okafor, Director of Nursing, FMoH, Kachallom said that nurses and midwives are compassionate, skilled and tireless professionals.

She said they are often the first and last point of care for patients, stressing that they must be treated with dignity.

Kachallom stated that they provide comfort in times of distress, guidance during moment of uncertainty and skilful assistance during the most critical phases of life.

She thanked the author of the book for dishing out such enormous knowledge in the medical profession.

The book author disclosed that he was motivated to write the book to encourage practitioners of nursing and midwifery to be committed to the profession and to seek for more knowledge.

The professor added that he was also motivated to write the book so that people will give more recognition to the practitioners of nursing profession, saying that nurses give 70 to 75 per cent assistance to the medical profession.

Oyedepo who was responding to the allegation of nurses of not being part of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees, blamed the nurses saying that they are not projecting themselves well as it ought to be.

According to him, nurses have a lot of information that could revive the healthcare but they are not projecting such information in the right direction, hence they are relegated to the background.

“Information is power but when this is not given out in the right direction, there is bound to be setback.

“Nurses have a lot of information but they are not projecting them out, there is a lot of advocacy they need to be doing to make them to be recognised.

“If you don’t say I am here, nobody will recognise you. Out of the three professions in the health fields, pharmacy, nursing and medicine, nurses carry almost 70 per cent of the healthcare workers population.

“They are not showing up but they want to be in power, this is why the people in power just ignore them ,” Oyedepo said.

He called on nurses and midwives to make use of his book to garner more knowledge about the profession and way out of the challenges confronting it. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Clara Egbogota

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta Command, advises  motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations to stem crashes on highways during and after the ember months.

Mr Bassey Eshiet, the Sector Commander of FRSC Delta Command,  gave the advice on Thursday at the flag-off of Ember Months Campaign 2023 entitled: “Speed Thrills, Speed Kills, Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading”.

According to him, toward the end of every year, the volume of traffic increases, coupled with high incidences of road traffic infractions.

“These infractions include route violation, excessive speeding, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, overloading, drunk driving, drivers fatigue and making call while driving.

“These risk factors result in Road Traffic Crashes with fatalities, and the high vehicular volume due to surge in movement of people results in traffic gridlock, fatigue and sometimes road traffic crash amongst others.

“The Corps’ determination to check these trends and ensure free flow of traffic culminated in 2023 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign prior to the commencement of year 2023 End of Year Special Patrol Operation from December  2023 to January 2024.

“The aim of the campaign is to immensely reduce crashes and to ensure as much as possible the elimination of death from crashes that may occur if any,” he said.

Eshiet noted that the higher the speed of a vehicle, the shorter the time a driver had to stop and avoid a crash adding that speeding contributed to the severity of the impact when a collision occurs.

According to him,  controlling vehicle speed can prevent crashes and reduce the impact when they do occur, lessening the severity of injuries sustained by the victim.

“What is obvious to you may not be to others, most people don’t think  `Road Safety’ as long as they have a good vehicle and a reasonable stretch of road.

“A car travelling at 50km/h will typically require 13 metres to stop, while a car travelling at 40km/h will stop in less than 8.5 metres.

“An increase in average speed of 1 km/h typically results in a 37 per cent higher risk of a crash involving injury, with a four per cent to five per cent increase for crashes that result in fatalities.

“For car occupants in a crash with an impact speed of 80km/h, the likelihood of death is 20 times what it would have been at an impact speed of 30km/h.

“The relationship between speed and injury severity is particularly critical for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

“Pedestrians have been shown to have a 90 per cent chance of survival when struck by a car travelling at 30km/h or below, but less than 50 per cent chance of surviving an impact at 45km/h.

“Pedestrians have almost no chance of surviving an impact of 80km/h,” he said.

The Delta  Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Vincent Ehiwario, Director, Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), identified lack of maintenance culture as a major cause of crashes on the road

“Many people fail to engage in simple maintenance check and servicing of their vehicle such as the brakes, tyres, steering etc.

“It is important to check these things because they are major causes of road crashes, and checking them can prevent loss of lives and properties,” he said.

Mr Silas Omobude, Assistant Director, Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), warned motorists to desist from illicit use of drugs on steering, drunk-driving during and after the “ember” month.

“Most of the road crashes that occur during the `ember’ months are caused by bad attitudes of drivers.

“Drunk-driving and illicit use of drugs are not allowed during, before and after ’ember’ months.

“Motorists should ensure effective functioning of the steering system, headlights, brake, wipers and tyres, for safety,” he said. (NAN)(nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders in the correctional sector have called on state governments to formulate and implement laws to aid decongesting the prisons.

The stakeholders made the call at a National Dialogue on Enlisting State Corrections in Nigeria organised in collaboration with Hope Behind Bars Africa, USAID, Legend Golden Care Foundation and Palladium in Abuja.

According to Mrs Funke Adeoye , Executive Director, Hope Behind Bars Africa, most criminal laws in Nigeria are state laws and which create more offenders than congest prisons thereby making the Federal Government spend more to cater for inmates.

Adeoye said that these laws could be corrected when states are made to set up their own facilities.

She said most laws are similar to increased custodial measures, adding that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act creates room for alternatives to incarceration known as non-custodial sanctions.

“We have a large number of awaiting trial inmates in Nigeria, about 70 per cent of people in prison are awaiting trial and we also have a data that 90 per cent of people we find in our facilities are actually state offenders.

“That is because most of the criminal laws are state laws and so this is an issue that needs to be addressed because we cannot have the Federal Government just taking care or feeding people that are incarcerated, even though many of them are state offenders.

“ I think there is also data to show that billions of Naira is being spent by the Federal Government on feeding these inmates.

“So we are hopeful that at the end of this conversation today, we will have a trajectory as to where to go in terms of the management of state corrections in Nigeria,” she said.

Adeoye said that there were so many things needed to be done with respect to state laws and conversations had started in terms of looking at alternatives to incarceration.

She said that the administration of criminal justice also creates room for local and state sanctions and it was important that states begin to include some of these sanctions in their laws.

“Some states have non-custodial sanctions, but the challenge has been with implementation, meaning working with the other arms of the criminal justice system to ensure it is in front of alternatives to incarceration.

“So we need to begin to invite measures like restorative justice, measures that would divert cases that should not enter the criminal justice system away from the system,” she said.

The Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Haliru Nababa, who was represented by the Assistant Controller-General of Corrections in Charge of Custody, Manu Dunbulwa, commended the initiative of the dialogue.
Nababa said the best solution to decongesting prisons remain quick dispensation of justice.

“The state offences are mostly ordinary theft, but those ones that keep people in custody for long is culpable homicide punishable with death.

“State Attorneys General and Commissioner for justice will have to chip in to see how they can tackle all this particular problem.

“If somebody has committed a crime and is taken into custody, let him be prosecuted urgently. If he is found guilty, let him be sentenced, if not, let him just be released.

“However , if someone is accused of committing an offence and it is not established, let the prosecutor, the police, the state justice, the chief judge and the other stakeholders do the needful.F

“For him now to stay long is what brings about this delay in dispensation of justice,” he said.

Mr Lazarus Apir, Advocacy Manager, Strengthening Civic and Local Engagement (SCALE), a Project supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), said having the correctional service on the exclusive list for a long time is a disadvantage.

“So with the amendment to the constitution, getting the states involved in correctional services is of course the way to go.

“So we felt the need that this kind of conversation needs to happen because it’s new to the states,’’he said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Ahmed Ubandoma

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has appealed to labour unions to shelve the nationwide strike slated to commence on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unions have fixed the date to embark on an indefinite strike following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

Abubakar, at a public lecture to mark the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary on Friday in Abuja, urged them to sheath their swords “in the interest of the masses”.

He emphasised the need for dialogue to find solutions to the issues “instead of embarking on a strike”.

”I am an advocate of dialogue because strikes don’t solve problems; they make them worse. Our leaders must tighten their belt, the common man is suffering.

‘”I don’t think this government will just decide to make life bad for the people; as leaders and elders, we will always call on stakeholders not to embark on journeys that will make life worse for the common man.

“I don’t think government can take it upon itself to make life unbearable for the common man, let’s give them chance and see what they can do,” he said.

According to him, strike will add more problems to the existing economic situation.

”If people are on strike, there wouldn’t be electricity, water, hospital and transportation system.

”Please, let’s reach out to our brothers and sisters who are clamouring to go on strike. They should have a rethink,” Sultan appealed.

On his part, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, who represented President Bola Tinubu, also appealed to the unions to give government more time to address the issues.

Tinubu announced that the federal government is determined to address the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.

”I want to emphasise as well that this government is new and the government is doing all within its powers to make sure it brings succour to the entire people of this country.

”Government has already gone ahead to provide N500 billion to states to cushion the effects of subsidy removal,” he said.

The President enjoined members of the unions to consider dialogue as the best way to resolve the issues.

”The Sultan also talked about the issue of strike by the NLC. Please, on behalf of the President and the entire government, this is not the time for strike. It is too early.

”Please let’s dialogue, let’s get together, let’s understand ourselves and let us look at the prevailing situation in the country,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

AMU/ETS

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has vowed to reform the transportation sector and tackle all forms of thuggery around motor parks.

President of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi, stated this shortly after presenting certificates of attendance to 17 members of the association, in Abuja.

The 17 members completed a strategic leadership, ethics and policy-making training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), at Kuru in Jos Plateau state.

The RTEAN president was also presented with the Nigeria Silent Heroes Award (NSHA).

He said that the constitution of the association frowns against any kind of thuggery and hooliganism.

Maitakobi said the leadership training acquired by its members will change the perception some Nigerians have about road transport workers.

“ I want to use this medium to thank NIPSS. This is good for those of us who are educated. Initially, the public see us as touts and hooligans.

“ But when you go through our constitution, we have the mandate to eradicate touting and hooliganism in motor parks. This also shows that our members are educated because you can’t approach NIPSS if you are not educated.

“ Interestingly, we have started seeing the impact of this leadership training. The people who attended NIPSS will take it back to their state chapters and also train others.”

He said that members of RTEAN are not used to causing trouble, saying “you can’t compare us to other unions.

“If we are aggrieved, we usually channel our complaints to security agencies because we don’t believe in violence. Take the example what happened in Lagos on Monday where we held a rally and it was peaceful.”

He urged members of the association against unethical conducts and to be law abiding

“I want to tell our members that anywhere you find yourselves, please be a law-abiding citizens. Don’t put yourself into a position that will cause problem.

“You should not allow anyone to use you. I know that going to do a rally or protest is your right but don’t destroy any properties or fight with security agencies.”

Earlier, the Kaduna State Chairman and Vice President, North West, RTEAN, Adamu Jalaludeen, who also took part in the leadership training, said the association was taking its rightful position among labour unions.

“In the past, there has never been a leader who has done this. Our president decided to chose from the rank and file to go for the leadership course.

“ He sent us not because we are the best but because he has the interest of the association at heart. This means RTEAN is taking its rightful position in the scheme of things.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Mr Amino Imasua, a newly inaugurated Electoral Commissioner of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission(DSIEC), has pledged to work with other Commissioners to ensure credible service delivery.

Imasua made the pledge on Friday in Agbor at a reception organised in his honour by Omumu Community, in Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the pedigrees of the current commissioners in DSIEC would guarantee transparent, credible and free local government election in the state.

He, however, appealed to the people to support the commission to enable it deliver on its mandate.

Imasua, an Industrial Mathematics graduate of the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, was the Secretary, Ika South Local Education Authority (LEA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Imasua was on Monday in Asaba, sworn along other commissioners in of by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.

Oborevwori charged the DSIEC Chairman, Dr Jerry Agbaike and the commissioners to conduct local government election that would be acceptable to the people of Delta. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Grace Alegba

The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) says is collaborating with the Lagos State government to reduce building collapse in the state.

Mr Lucky Isename, Chairman, NIOB, Lagos State Chapter, said this at a press conference on Thursday in Lagos.

He said the 32nd Lagos Builder’s conference and Annual General Meeting slated for  Oct. 11 to 12th, would X-ray issues of sustainability in construction to mitigate building collapse.

He said the theme: “Safe And Sustainable Building Production Management In Nigeria” was chosen to correct errors and x-ray how far the neglect of the law had affected construction in Lagos State.

According to him, Lagos State has beautiful laws that need implementation, hence NIOB’s collaboration with the government towards implementing and enforcing the Lagos State Development Planning Law, 2019.

He said experts would discuss functions of registered builders, expectations, ethics, rights of clients, government regulation and other vital issues that would nip building collapse in the bud.

“The collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is to make sure that the Lagos State Physical Development Planning Law 2019, is fully enforced to mitigate building collapse in the state.

“The construction industry through safe and sustainable building production management plays a vital role in the development and growth of the nation.

“However, it is imperative that we focus not only on the speed and efficiency of construction but also on the safety and sustainability of our built environment.

“We cannot discuss construction and building without touching Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

He said panelist would discuss safe and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the progress made to meet the deadline of achieving the sustainable goals as it affected the building construction sector in Lagos State.

He said the event would start with the opening ceremony, which would be followed by discussions, adding that the second day would be for AGM and gala night.

The Honourary Secretary, NIOB, Mr Abiodun Ogundare, said the theme was in line with Goal 17 of the SDG, which advocated sustainability in construction, hence the emphasis on use of registered builders.

The Vice Chairman, NIOB, Mr Adeoye Thomas, said a building could be safe for a short time but engaging professionals would help it last longer.

He said all stakeholders in the construction value chain including

manufacturers, the professional builders, artisans, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), among others, must begin self assessment on doing things right.

“We need to come together to reduce this issue of building collapse. With this I believe we will reduce it to the barest minimum,” he said.

Immidate past chairman of the Lagos Chapter of NIOB, Mr Sunday Wusu, said the sub-themes of the conference were carefully selected to cover a wide range of topics and issues causing building collapse. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko