By Ishaq Zaki

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Saturday reiterated commitment to support women and girls from internally displaced communities in Zamfara in the areas of sexual and reproductive health.

The Head UNFPA Kaduna Office, Mrs Loide Amkongo disclosed this at a sensitisation rally to commemorate the 2023 World Humanitarian Day in Gusau.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2023 Humanitarian Day is: “No Matter What” In a World Beset by Challenges”.

The sensitisation rally was organised by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in collaboration with the UNFPA.

Amkongo said, “We want to ensure that women and girls from internally displaced communities in the state irrespective of their situation can access to sexual and reproductive health services.

“We want to make sure that they can access facilities of gender-based violence interms of services and information.

“Our focus is to ensure that we restore their dignity, we will continue to support mobile clinics for them, we want ensure that pregnant women among them brought to the health facilities.

“On behalf of the head of UNFPA country office, we recommit our commitment to continue partnering with Zamfara government towards rendering humanitarian service in the state, she said.

Also speaking, the Director Planning, Research and Statistics, State Ministry of Humanitarian and Relief Matters, Mr Isah Shu’iabu, commended the UNPFA for various humanitarian services to the state.

“I am using this medium to appreciate the efforts of all stakeholders especially the donors organisation and individuals, CSOs, NGOs for complementing government efforts in providing support to IDPs and other vulnerable groups.

“This day is very important to us as regards to provision of humanitarian services to victims of disasters and vulnerable persons.

“In the morning before we embark on this rally, we visited IDP camp at Saminaka area after interacting with them we shared them relief items,” Shuaibu said.

He expressed the state government’s commitment to continue to partner with all stakeholders in the humanitarian services.

Also speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Dr Yahaya Alhassan, described the event as welcome development in recognition of humanitarian services.

“Today, all the humanitarian actors in the state come together to celebrate this important day, we are here also to strengthen our efforts in responding to humanitarian crises,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Ishaq Zaki

The Nigerian Red Cross Society on Saturday says it has engaged over 4000 volunteers rendering various humanitarian services in the state.

The State Red Cross Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Bello, disclosed this in Gusau at a symposium to commemorate the 2023 World Humanitarian Day in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the day is: “No Matter What” In a World Beset by Challenges”.

Bello noted that the society as a popular humanitarian service provider organised the event in recognition of the day and humanitarian services in general.

“In Zamfara, we have over 4000 volunteers comprising males and females who were trained in different areas providing various humanitarian services across the state.

“In Red Cross, apart from first aid, we give social services especially in the correctional centres, orphanage homes, disaster management, health services especially for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) among others.

“We operate neutrally while giving humanitarian services, we don’t discriminate, we consider human being first, we don’t operate in political, religious or tribal lines,” Bello explained.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Relief Matters, Alhaji Salisu Musa, commended the Red Cross office in the state for organising the event.

Musa represented by the Director Administration of the Ministry, Malam Bashar Maradun, described the Red Cross as a pillar of humanitarian services.

“We are very proud with you, considering your capacity and performance in disaster management and other humanitarian services programmes.

“We appreciate the Red Cross for complementing the state government’s efforts in various humanitarian programmes in the state,” he said.

He thanked the international donors, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the media as well as groups, associations and individuals for providing various food and non-food items to the IDPs in the state.

The commissioner reiterated the administration of Gov. Dauda Lawal in the state to continue partnering with all stakeholders in addressing humanitarian crises resulting from insecurity.

Earlier,the State Acting Chairman of the society, Alhaji Usman Marafa, said the Nigerian Red Cross Society considers the day as an opportunity to appreciate the services of the volunteers and those organisations in humanitarian endeavours.

“The theme for this day speaks about the extent to which humanitarian workers around the globe who selflessly dedicated their lives to alleviating suffering and promoting the well-being of those in need.

“The Nigerian Red Cross Society wishes to use this day to reaffirm its commitment to Seven fundamental principles particularly humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence and voluntary service.”, Marafa added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Ikenna Osuoha

Ms Kori Habib, the Media Associate, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria, says the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme (SIARP) is set to host its 2nd Annual Review and Learning Forum from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24 in Lagos.

She made this known in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.

She stated that the forum will bring together representatives from the eight Spotlight Initiative countries, as well as key partners and stakeholders, to evaluate effective programmatic interventions at regional and national levels.

She added that the annual review forum serves as a pivotal platform for fostering learning and enhancing the overall impact of the Initiative.

Habib stated that the session is also aimed at emphasising the collective mission to eradicate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across Africa.

She said “it is also to identify ways to deepen impact, and find innovative approaches to sustain the impact of the programme among African Union (AU) member states.

“The forum will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among implementing agencies, civil society, and government bodies, thereby promoting mutual learning and collaboration.”

NAN reports that the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme is dedicated to achieving substantial advancements in efforts to combat GBV on the continent.

The programme is being implemented in Nigeria, Liberia, Niger, Malawi, Mali, Uganda, Zambia and Mozambique.

The Spotlight Initiative is a global collaboration involving the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union to end all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) across the world.

With funding from the European Union, its implementation is facilitated by UN agencies, including the UNDP, UN Women, UNFPA and UNICEF.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

 
 
By Taiye Olayemi
 
 
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has advised the Federal Government on the need for direct involvement of traditional rulers in governance.
 
 
Its Director-General, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, gave the advice when he received in audience a delegation led by the  Olujumu of Ijumu land in Kogi, Oba Williams Olusegun, at the Nigerian Culture House, on Friday in Abuja.
 
 
Runsewe in a statement  said the traditional rulers should be recognised and assigned constitutional roles of Chief Security Officers to tackle the problem of crime and youth restiveness.
 
 
“For the rate of crime and criminality, youth restiveness to take a downward turn in our society, the traditional institutions should be recognized and assigned constitutional roles of chief security officers of their various domains,” he said

Runsewe noted that as the primary custodian of culture and tradition, the traditional rulers play a very vital role of maintaining peace in their various community.
 
 
He said that the traditional institution was the closest to the grassroots which makes it possible for the traditional rulers to easily detect trouble spots and violence and curb them from escalation
 
 
He explained that the high rate of crime and criminality in various parts of the country stem from the fast eroding norms, culture and tradition of the people.
 
 
“As primary custodians of our various tradition and culture, the traditional rulers will make out traditional institutions a veritable springboard for cultural reorientation for our teeming youths who have gone under the wild influence of westernisation,” he said.
 
 
Speaking earlier, Oba Olusegun expressed profound gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded him and members of his entourage.
 
 
He said before the advent of Christianity in Ijumu kingdom, tradition and culture played key roles in the administration of the Kingdom but regrets that most of the beliefs, customs and traditions of the people of his kingdom had been lost.
 
 
He noted that on his assumption to the throne of his fore fathers, the need to reintroduce the lost culture and traditions of the people came to the front burner.
 
 
The traditional ruler said the delegation were in Runsewe’s office to invite him officially to the first ever Indigenous Ijumu Cultural Festival coming up on November 4, at the Ojumu Palace, Iyara in Kogi State.
 
 
He said this was neccesary as the director general remained an icon and ambassador of the Nigerian culture. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Can women be allowed breathing space in Nigerian politics?

A news analysis by Emmanuel Oloniruha, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Women have continued to play leading roles in the history and economic life of Nigeria since the pre-colonial period till today. They have been contributing immensely not only to the continuous growth and shaping of the family and the society, but also the nation in general.

During the struggle for independence from the British government, several women made a footprint in the annals of the successful freedom of Nigeria. Their contributions did not only define how Nigerians stood up to the colonialists, they also led several active political and socio-economic movements that culminated into Nigeria’s independence.

The circumstance, however, played out differently when the contributions of nationalists such as Anthony Enahoro, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Remi Fani-Kayode were acknowledged. The names of women like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Hajia Gambo Sawaba, and Margaret Ekpo among others were conveniently relegated to the back stage.

Today, while most developed political systems in the world place a premium on women in their political affairs, Nigerian woman have continued to witness low participation in governance, even under democratic governance, a system of government expected to bridge the gap.

In the 10th National Assembly inaugurated on June 13, the numbers of women in both chamber of the Senate and House of Representative mirrored the dwindling level of their participation in politics.

In the Senate, out of the 109 senators only three are female, which was a reduction from the seven in the 9th Assembly. In the House of Representatives with 360 lawmakers, 16 women were sworn in, representing a slight increase when compared to 13 of them that made it to previous House.

The female lawmakers are from Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Imo, Ogun, Plateau, Lagos, Yobe and Oyo.

In the recent ministerial nomination by President Bola Tinubu, only seven women made the list. They are Hannatu Musawa, Betta Edu, Doris Aniche Uzoka, Nkiru Onyeojiocha, Stella Okotete, Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, and Imaan Ibrahim. This to some stakeholders is short of the affirmative action quota for women in politics.

The low number of women in both the elective and appointive political positions has continued to be a thing of growing concern which many analysts attributed to lack of political will among the men to accord women their rightful place as contained in several national and global declarations.

Some efforts, however, have been put to improve women participation in politics. In Nigeria, the extant National Gender Policy (NGP) recommends 35 per cent affirmative action and sought for a more inclusive representation of women in both elective political and appointive public service positions.

Analysts said the under representation of women in political participation gained root due to the patriarchal practice inherent in our society. However, the re-introduction of democratic governance in 1999 has witnessed once again an increase in women political participation.

The national average of women’s political participation in Nigeria has remained 6.7 per cent in elective and appointive positions, which is far below the Global Average of 22.5 per cent, Africa Regional Average of 23.4 per cent and West African Sub Regional Average of 15 per cent. Even with her 15 years uninterrupted democratic governance (1999-2015), Nigeria is yet to produce a female governor in any of the 36 states of the federation.

Other efforts to address the low representation of women in elective and appointive positions in Nigeria includes the establishment of Women Political empowerment office, Nigeria Women Trust Funds, Women Lobby Group, the institution of an INEC gender policy, the national multi stakeholder dialogue, initiation of several interventions to actualise affirmative action, and the convening of the Nigeria Women Strategy Conference.

Notably, Non-Governmental Organisations also played significant roles towards addressing the shortage of women participation in politics. All political parties now have the office of women leaders who play key roles in mobilising women during elections as well as propagate the relevance of women after the elections.

Similarly, fora and workshops are now common place to sensitise both the women and government/parties to make adequate representation of women a priority in governance.

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) is one of such NGOs advocating increase in women participation in politics. As a non-profit organisation, the GJF has been engaged in several advocacy for improved democracy, good governance and credible election in Nigeria, West Africa and at the continental level. One of its active bodies is the West African Elders Forum.

Over the years since its establishment, GJF has successfully implemented projects in Nigeria and various African countries targeted at building democratic accountability, strengthening governance and building leadership, as well as ensuring transparent and peaceful transition of power.

As parts of efforts to advance democratic consolidation on Africa continent, especially in West Africa, GJF instituted a home-grown, credible platform called the West African Elders Forum.

The forum, officially inaugurated on March 4, 2021, consists of former leaders and statesmen to provide mediation and interlocutory roles in addressing electoral and democratic conflicts in the region including the current disruptions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a workshop tagged ‘’Democracy and the Voice of Women,’’ the GJF questioned the many obstacles hindering the participation of women in politics. The Executive Director of GJF, Ann Iyonu, posited that women occupy less than 10 per cent of leadership positions worldwide.

Iyonu said it has become imperative to interrogate the gender bias with the aim of finding a solution to the challenge.

‘’We need to seek a just society where women have access to justice and can participate equally in the democratic process like their male counterparts.

‘’According to the UN, at this rate, gender equality will not be reached until 2150, that’s another 130 years, unless drastic actions are taken by all stakeholders.

‘’Women hold about 21 per cent of ministerial positions globally. Only three countries have 50 per cent or more female representation in parliament and 22 countries are led by women. Closing this gap is crucial to our activities as a foundation.

“The call for gender equality and women’s participation should not be seen as an agenda against men, but a call for inclusivity and collective responsibility for a peaceful and prosperous society,’’ she said.

Also at the workshop, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, former member of the House of Representative, said that international institutions were still paying lip service to the issue of gender inclusion and women’s participation in politics.

Akande-Adeola is a lawyer and politician. She was elected to the House of Representatives on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party representing Ogbomoso North, South and Orire Constituency in the year 2007. She was re-elected in 2011.

‘’There are other aspects of society where international institutions have actually made a difference, so why can’t they prioritise this issue?” she asked.

Akande-Adeola added that much could not be achieved without the participation and buy-in of men.

‘’We must be willing to carry women along and they too must be ready to participate in the process that will lead to women’s participation and gender inclusion.

“If we leave more than 50 per cent of the global population out of political participation, we cannot achieve anything.

‘’Also, women must have the appetite to be change makers and reject no for an answer,” she said.

Akande-Adeola added that the more women participate, the more the likelihood of their inclusion in the process.

“We have to move beyond being mere voters to challengers for positions of leadership,” she added.

To Dr Onyinye Onwuka, democracy is a system that allows full participation of persons in the political and decision making of the society at all times, irrespective of gender.

Onwuka is the Head of the Political Affairs and International Cooperation Division, Directorate of Political Affairs, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, the ECOWAS Commission, in Abuja.

She stated, “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Who are the people? They are the men and women.

“So, it is important for us to have a level playing field for the other half of “the people” to be able to participate,” she said.

Akande-Adeola added that both the male and female folks were all guilty of the gender stereotype that had kept women on the fringes of political participation.

“We say all sorts of things, including the claim that politics is dirty and noble women shouldn’t participate in it.

“We also culturally divide roles for men and women, saying women belong to the kitchen, while men belong to the boardroom. That’s the mind-set we were mostly raised with,” she advised.

Akande-Adeola, however, said that mentorship was important in advancing the topic, advising women who have broken the “glass ceiling” to pull others up.

Another participant at the workshop, Biodun Baiyewu, Executive Director, Global Rights, was also of the view that to increase women participation in political and appointive positions, the mindset and long stereotype about gender must be addressed.

‘’We need to revisit our history as a people. We have systems that, generation after generation, tell women to be ambitious, but not more ambitious than their male siblings or husbands.

“There are many instances, in a committee, a man can be chosen as chairman and then they will say ‘let us select a woman as the secretary’.

‘’It is the same mindset of tokenism that we take into governance. You are not a democracy yet when half of your people can’t hold a significant number of leadership positions.

“We need to get it into our heads that we are all first human beings before we are a particular gender. Hence, we are all deserving of leadership positions.’’

Jude Ilo, Founder, Natasha Ilo Foundation, called for a concerted effort to enforce various adopted actions to increase women political participation.

Ilo said that while some progress had been recorded with regards to awareness and consciousness, it was time for their enforcement across board.

‘’We have to look at enforcing some of the affirmative actions against those factors that are holding women down.

“Access to land, access to inheritance, and access to credit are some of the empowerment possibilities which give women economic empowerment.

‘’When you take away something as basic as access to inheritance from women, you are making it impossible for millions of women to speak for themselves,” she said.

Political analysts believe that women’s representation in Nigerian politics has been on a downward slide since 2011, while the 2023 elections confirmed the expectations of poor outcomes for women.

They argued that concerted efforts are needed to achieve the affirmative action taken at the Beijing Conference in order to allow more women participation.

To achieve this, all stakeholders: governments, NGOs and civil societies as well as religious groups, must rise up to work with the women in fulfilling their other half of the bargain in national and international development.(NAN)

***If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi were among dignitaries who stormed Kano on Friday for the weeding ceremony of son of the Deputy President of Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin.

The vice president, who arrived Murtala Mohammed International Airport Kano, at 1:14p.m. was received by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele and Sen. Kawu Sumaila.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shettima was accompanied to the event by Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Rep. Mohammed Monguno and other high profile personalities.

Shettima, after exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries and thousands of Kano youths who trooped to the airport to welcome him, he proceeded to the famous Isyaka Rabiu Jumma’at Mosque, Goron Dutsen in Kano metropolis, where he observed Jumma’at congregational prayer and the wedding ceremony.

Others in attendance were: Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Sen. Mohammed Musa, former President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed and governors of Katsina and Sokoto States.

Others were: famous Kano Business Mogul, Alhassan Dantata, the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to President, Ibrahim Masari, Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, among other dignitaries.

NAN reports that the wedding was conducted by Sheikh Abdullahi Mudi.

Shettima stood in as the groom’s representative with dowry of N500,000, while the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas stood for the bride.

Shettima in an interview with the NAN urged the couples, Abdullahi Jibrin and Bilkisu Madaki, to exercise patience, perseverance, tolerance and maturity.

On his part, Akpabio said the marriage symbolises the union of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

” The groom father is the Deputy Senate President from the APC, while the bride’s father is the Deputy Minority Leader from the NNPP in the House of Representatives.

” So this mixture is Nigeria. Nigeria is full of complexities, different tribes, different languages. We all come together in love.

” So what has happened today is that love is being bounded and cemented together that is why every human being is here. You can see from the Vice President of Nigeria, Shettima to the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party.

” And all other presidential candidates are here in Kano and even all distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are all here to back up the Deputy Senate President and to back up the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

” Our prayer for the young couples is that the Almighty Allah will bless their union with the fruits of the womb and grant them prosperity, long life, peace of mind and above all love that passes all understanding.”

Also, the LP Presidential Candidate, Obi, wished the couple all the blessings in marriage.

” May God Almighty bless their married life and continue to make them source of happiness to their parents,” he said.

NAN reports that Shettima’s entourage from the venue of the wedding proceeded to the Kano State Government House for a brief reception.

Thereafter, he was accompanied to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Kano where he departed to Abuja at 4:46pm. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has concluded its series of train-the-trainers workshop for staff members of 206 universities in the country.

The training was to ensure effective delivery of the new curriculum- the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), developed by the commission for Nigerian universities.

Prof. Emeritus Peter Okebukola, Coordinator of a segment of the exercise, said in Abuja that the objective of the training was also to strengthen the knowledge and skills of all university staff in the effective implementation of the CCMAS.

Okebukola said the four-month training exercise was coordinated by the former Minister of Education and a member of the NUC Strategy Advisory Committee, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i.

“The four-month training had two components – the first was the training of the Directors of Academic Planning and three staff of each university nominated by the Vice-Chancellor.

“This phase of the programme which lasted for three weeks, had an onsite and an online component, and was coordinated by Prof. Yakubu Azare of Bayero University, Kano,” he said.

Okebukola said the second phase of the programme was on “Practical Skills for Delivering the CCMAS in an Online Environment”.

This, he said, involved directors of ICT and two staff members of each university nominated by the VC.

He also said the phase lasted for three months and was conducted at the NUC-NOUN Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE).

The training, according to him involved 10 hands-on practicals on how to deliver the CCMAS in an online environment; two discussion forum sessions; a special seminar session; end-of-course comprehensive examination and a project.

In his goodwill message, the acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Christopher Maiyaki, commended the participants and pledged to continue with vigour, the implementation of the revitalisation agenda.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Olufemi Peters, felt delighted that NOUN fully sponsored the training as part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities to the Nigerian university system.

He urged the participants to join hands to ensure the successful implementation of the CCMAS. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Youths

By Olatunde Ajayi

The Oyo State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Abel Odoba, has called for active participation of local governments in the orientation course of corps members posted to the state.

Odoba made the call at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘B’ stream II orientation course for the corps members deployed to state at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Iseyin, Oyo state, on Friday.

The state coordinator said engaging the youth for one year in the task of nation building was quite a laudable programme.

He noted the scheme had been running for the past 50 years.

“NYSC programme plays a pivotal role in introducing the participants to the scheme and their host state.

“In consonance with the overall objectives of the NYSC, the corps members have their first contact with the people and the culture of their host communities at the orientation camp.

“As part of our efforts to draw the community close to us, we have sent out invitation letters to the various local government areas (LGAs) requesting that they make their presence felt at the camp.

“They have the opportunity to showcase their ocal government to the corps members here on camp.

“We hosted a few of the local government chairmen during the orientation exercise for the 2023 Batch B stream one corps members.

“I, therefore, wish to use this opportunity to appeal to our local government chairmen that have not been part of our programme to embrace this window of opportunity by honouring our invitation,” he said.

Earlier, Gov. Oluwaseyi Makinde of Oyo State while declaring the orientation programme open charged the corps members on hard work, discipline and commitment.

Makinde who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. AbdulWaheed Soliu, said orientation course comprises scheduled activities designed as the first step to prepare corps members for the task of nation building.

“I want to let you know that answering the clarion call behoves a responsibility of hard work, discipline and commitment to the quest for national development and Oyo state in particular.

“One key component of the orientation course is the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme in which you must participate actively in order to acquire the skills and trainings that will lift you far above the unabated youth unemployment confronting the country.

“The SAED programme is geared toward handing you the opportunity to escape the arduous experience of crisscrossing the corners and crevices of the nation for the ever elusive job after the service year.

“Therefore, I expect you to brace up and rise to the challenge with a mindset of sacrifice, dedication, persistence and humility, “he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the opening ceremony featured the administration of oath of allegiance on the 2,444 corps members comprising 771 males and 1,673 females by the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima.(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Gov. Bala Mohammed 

By Olaide Ayinde

The Bauchi State Civil Service Commission (BSCSC), has terminated the appointment of two senior civil servants for alleged forgery and diversion of fund.

This is contained in a statement by the Information Officer, BSCSC, Mr Saleh Umar, in Bauchi on Friday.

The statement said Nasiru Sama’ila, Chief Clerical Officer and Awwal Jibrin, Assistant Chief Clerical Officer, both from the state’s Ministry of Finance were dismissed having confessed to have perpetrated the crimes.

“The commission took the decision during its 18th plenary Session on 15th of August, 2023 during the deliberation on disciplinary cases the two officers were found guilty of forging documents.

“This act enabled them to divert the sum of N332,000 belonging to former and deceased staff, Jibrin Zalanga of the ministry.

“The act contravenes section 327 of the Public Service Rule (PSR) and they admitted to have committed the crime in their responses to the queries issued to them individually by the ministry.

“They were earlier arrested by the police and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate to get the wrath of the law,” said Umar.

The information officer further revealed that the commission had, also during the session promoted 73 officers during the routine activities in the plenary session.

He explained that the State Ministry of Religious Affairs took the centre stage with 59 personnel promoted to various grades.

Umar added that the Chairman of the commission, Alh. Abubakar Husman, had lamented that the issues of financial disciplinary had become worrisome.

“The chairman however , enjoined the workers in the state to be grateful and fear God in the discharge of their official duties.

“He further urged the workers to be mindful of the financial instructions in their day-to-day activities,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commission approved the termination of one Ibrahim Garba attached to the state Pension Board during its 17th plenary session held on Aug, 1. for a similar offence.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Raji Rasak

A senior officer with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under Federal Operation Unit Zone A, Ikeja, on Friday died in a fatal auto crash along Lagos Badagry expressway.

Mr Williams Manga, Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry that the accident occured in Elijah Bus Stop, Araromi-Ale, Oko-Afo, at about 11.20.a.m.

Manga said the customs officer was coming from Lagos in his Toyota Camry car with registration number YAB 74 DD when he rammed into a coming Mark Truck with registration number MEK 631 XB.

He said the customs officer who was on high speed wrongfully overtake and collided with the coming truck.

“The unit was informed at 11.25.a.m. and we got to the scene of the auto crash at exactly 11.35.a.m.

“The customs officer had already given up the ghost when we got to the scene.

“With the help of customs personnel and soldiers around, we removed the body of the victim from the car and deposited it at the General Hospital in Badagry.

“The accident was caused by speeding and wrongful overtaking by the victim,” he said

Manga urged motorists not to exceed speed limits and to always have routine vehicle checks, for prompt detection and replacement of faults.

Contacted, Dr Olatunde Bakare, the Medical Director, General Hospital, Badagry, said the customs officer was brought in dead.

He confirmed that his corpse had been deposited in the hospital mortuary.

NAN reports that no fewer than 15 persons include a 4-month old child were on July 9, crushed to death while 8 others sustained injuries in a fatal accident along the same Lagos-Badagry Expressway. (NAN)