News Agency of Nigeria
FG allays fears, says Lagos Dorman Long Flyover safe
General News

FG allays fears, says Lagos Dorman Long Flyover safe

By Grace Alegba

 

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha on Monday assured road users that the Dorman Long Flyover at Jibowu Bus Stop was structurally okay and safe for use.

Kesha. in a statement, urged the public to disregard a social media video insinuating that a section of the bridge connecting Ikorodu Road to Western Avenue (Jibowu-Ojuelegba) was in critical condition requiring urgent attention.

She said that in response to the allegations, she led her team of engineers on physical assessment of the bridge to ascertain the claim, but discovered that the flyover was okay.

Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha

 

The controller said it was discovered that the section on which there was speculation was in good condition, as the bridge bearings at that location and all other sections were observed to be structurally sound.

She explained that “only a negligible portion of the parapet wall was found to be damaged and this does not affect the structural stability of the bridge”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that parapet walls are the side concrete barriers usually painted green and white or black and white to prevent vehicles from falling off bridges.

“To this end, we wish to inform the general public that the Dorman-long bridge is in good condition and fit for use.

“Thus, the general public should put their mind at rest and continue to enjoy the use of the bridge with peace of mind,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Investigate alleged assault on Ondo Women Affairs commissioner- NGO
Gender , General News

Investigate alleged assault on Ondo Women Affairs commissioner- NGO

By Justina Auta

An NGO, Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI), has called for an investigation into alleged public assault against Dr Olubunmi Osadahun, the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs.

Mrs Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director (SGAI), on Monday in Abuja said the attack, which had gone viral on social media has negative impacts on Osadahun and absolute lack of respect for the office she holds.

There was a recent viral video showing one Mr Olumide Awolumate, the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Arigidi, Akoko North West Local Government Area, in a physical attack with the commissioner.

” This act of violence perpetrated by award Chairman, Olumide Awolumate,of the All Progressives Congress in Arigidi, in Akoko North West,over palliatives, further reiterates the negative impact of patriarchy.

” It also shows absolute lack of respect for her person and the office she holds.

” This totally unacceptable act is no doubt a reflection of Gender Based Violence (GBV) that is prevalent across the country, which calls for an absolute condemnation by all.

” Women and girls deserve respect and dignity. This in spite of all the international and regional commitments that Nigeria has made as well as the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, (VAPP) Act in 2015,” she said.

According to her, in spite of the fact that the Ondo State Government has also domesticated the VAPP Act in 2021, violence against women and girls still persists, calling for urgent investigation and prosecution to end the development.

“While the video clip displaying violent attack on the honorable commissioner has gone viral,  SGAI wishes to state categorically that expedite action on investigation and prosecution will contribute significantly to setting a good precedence.

” This will deter others who are currently engaged in acts of violence against persons publicly and privately,” she added.

She therefore reiterated the commitment of the organisation to promoting inclusive governance and advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Julius Toba-Jegede

Cotton production: NABDA boss urges revival of textile industries
General News

Cotton production: NABDA boss urges revival of textile industries

By Ibrahim Kado

The Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department , National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Dr Rose Gidado, has urged the Federal Government to revive textile industries in the country to encourage local cotton production.

Gidado made the call while inspecting the 261 hectares of cotton farm owned by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal, in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa.

The director, who represented Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha , Director General of the NABDA said the revival would help create empowerment and improve on the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“State governments and wealthy individuals should provide soft loans for farmers to engage in cotton production using improved seed varieties.

“The seed varieties, especially the ‘Bollgard 2’, is profitable and resistance to challenges than the conventional ones.

“This particular seed variety is of superior quality and can be exported anywhere,” she said.

Gidado enlightened farmers to adequately manage their farms using good agronomic practices.

“The Federal Government should revive the textile industry to provide ready markets for cotton production.

“The interest rate of the loans repayment to farmers should be low while they should also be supported with inputs,” she said.

Gidado noted that if farmers return to cotton cultivation, ganeries and the textile industries would have access to lots of raw materials.

Mr Ahmed Shelleng, the Manager of the farm, said that cotton production in the area had created jobs for many people.

“We pay each farmer N1,800 to work between 7 a.m to 2.30 p.m daily.

“I urge government at all levels to encourage cotton production by adequately encouraging farmers,” he appealed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Political office holders not overpaid, says RMAFC chief
General News

Political office holders not overpaid, says RMAFC chief

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Alhaji Muhammed Shehu, says that political office holders in Nigeria do not earn outrageous emoluments as speculated by Nigerians.

Shehu made the announcement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

NAN reports that Nigerians recently condemned reports on a proposed 114 per cent increase in salaries of political office holders by the commission, amid what they described as biting economic hardships in the country.

Shehu described information about the salary increase as not true.

He, however, said that it was the constitutional responsibility of RMAFC to determine and review the salaries of executive, legislative and judicial officers.

He said that their salaries were last reviewed in 2007.

“From 2008 till date there had not been any single review.

“Last year, some individuals took the Federal Government to court. These were some activists concerned about the salaries of judicial officers.

“In the court, the judge ruled that a judge should be paid about N10 million a month, that was the court ruling,” he said.

He said that the commission would not contemplate the speculated increase now, considering the prevailing economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

“We are Nigerians, we are not going to start talking about reviewing salaries of political office holders now because of the challenges that the government is facing.

“As a commission, we are going to do our work but we are not going to say we will do it now.

“We will do it when the climate is right and then we will take it forward to the stakeholders for them to decide on what to do.

“I want to disabuse the minds of Nigerians. It is not true that people are getting jumbo salaries.

“The monthly salary of Mr President is less than N1.5 million; that of a minister is not even up to one million naira.

“I know of an average CBN worker that is not even a director, who earns more than a minister.

“People in NNPC, NCC, ports authority earn huge salaries. What is the salary of a governor? What is the salary of a legislator?”

The chairman said that what people considered as outrageous earnings by lawmakers were statutory office running costs, which should, ordinarily be managed centrally by the National Assembly Service Commission.

“I know some people will say members of the National Assembly get up to 10 million or 11 million monthly.

“Those are not salaries, they are like operating cost of running their offices which in other societies the legislator does not have to see because there is a structure.

“Once you get elected, you make that structure from your constituency office to computers to logistics to the size of your constituency.

Shehu said, “wherever you have constituency office, the workers you hire, it is the National Assembly Service Commission that is supposed to take care of that.

“But the Nigerian system allows the legislator to be given a certain amount and then he deals with that and retires the receipts,” the RMAFC chief said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Silas Nwoha

FG to set up transit schools for 11,000 displaced children
General News

FG to set up transit schools for 11,000 displaced children

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government has announced plans to set up transit schools to cater for the educational needs of the 11,000 school children displaced by banditry and other violent crimes in Niger State.

According to Dr Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the project would be executed in collaboration with UNICEF and the Niger government.

A statement by her media aide, Mr Rasheed Zubair, said the federal government would secure a safer location low-cost homes for the victims.

It said the minister was speaking when she visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

The statement quoted Edu as saying that her ministry would be working with the state government and UNICEF to provide transit learning centres to ensure that the affected pupils’ studies were not truncated.

Edu described as “unacceptable”, a situation where 11,000 students are out of school owing to the continued closure of over 400 schools in Niger.

While calling for immediate action to tackle banditry in Niger, she regretted that lack of basic education had predisposed people to poverty.

The minister expressed optimism that peace would soon return to communities affected by banditry to enable displaced persons return to their homes.

“Government is considering options of providing a resettlement centre in the interim where IDPs can resettle and vacate the school premises so that our children can return to their classes.

“The current staggering figure of out-of-school children in Nigeria is not good for the country.

”Education is the foundation; if we must fight poverty, we must return our children to school because that is the key and the beginning of ending the circle of poverty.

“As a government, we will do all we can to tackle the problem from the root cause so that they can continue with their education,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Firm promises solutions to blocking of accounts for Africans in diaspora
General News

Firm promises solutions to blocking of accounts for Africans in diaspora

 

By Rukayat Moisemhe
DiFTAS (Disputed Financial Transaction Advisory Services), a financial consultancy, has expressed readiness to assist Africans in the diaspora grappling with frozen or blocked bank accounts, which hinder local and international transactions.
Mr Gbemi Adelekan, Co-founder of DiFTAS, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
“Many of our people are so used to dealing in cash, and sometimes, upon getting abroad, the bank may decide to block their accounts until they prove they have nothing to do with money laundering.
“When this happens, you cannot have access until the bank completes its investigation.
“With our legal and professional advice, you can get them to unblock your account, thereby providing you access for your transactions in Nigeria and beyond borders, the co-founder said.
Adelekan said that navigating the complexities of frozen or blocked bank accounts was an ordeal for many Africans living overseas.
The DiFTAS co-founder said that the firm was committed to providing expert guidance and pragmatic solutions for those confronted by the challenge.
He said that customers of local banks, bureau de change operators, exporters and importers, students and people living and working in the diaspora could benefit from the services.
Adelekan said that since diaspora communities wielded substantial influence on both home and host countries’ economies, the demand for reliable financial advisory services had become more pronounced.
“The consultancy also provides insightful advisory services regarding anti-money laundering and anti-fraud strategies, while tailoring personalised financial assistance to meet clients’ diverse needs,” he said.
According to Adelekan, DiFTAS also actively collaborates with businesses poised for global expansion, investors seeking optimal ventures, students pursuing education abroad and entities facilitating cross-border transactions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
Journalists tasked on reportage of human trafficking, irregular migration
General News

Journalists tasked on reportage of human trafficking, irregular migration

By Aderogba George

Journalists covering the human trafficking and irregular migration beat have been urged to be in-depth in reportage, and to go the extra mile in investigating and exposing the heinous crimes.

The call was made on Saturday in Abuja at the closing session of a three-day training on ethics, do’s and don’ts of human trafficking and irregular migration reporting organised for some journalists covering the beat.

The training was organised by the Action Against Trafficking in Persons Cluster (AATiP), facilitated by the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC).

It had the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Palladium Project, which is under the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) course.

Mr Nasiru-Muazu Isah, a Resource Person at the training, said that investigative reporting about human trafficking and irregular migration would go a long way in exposing the heinous crimes.

Isah, a former reporter with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), said that investigation and exposure of human trafficking crimes would help to step down the issues in the society.

“Human trafficking is not just about moving people from one country to another, but it is also moving people, adult, underage children from one place (community) to another in the name of getting them job, assisting them and all that.

“The problem is that most people feel that human trafficking happens only when one crosses from one international border to the other. However, human trafficking can happen within the country, within states and communities.

“These small children that you see as house helps are being trafficked, but in most cases, we feel that we are assisting them because we are bringing them into our homes, feeding them, putting them in schools.

“All these assuage our guilt because we feel we are helping them but in actual sense, it is trafficking,” he stressed.

Isah said that investigative reporting would help in knowing why such a trend occurred, and the process involved in the recruitment of such people.

The Executive Director of JDPC, Rev. Fr. Solomon Uko, stated that he was pleased with the attention of the journalists throughout the three-day training.

Uko said: “this is actually my first time going through the training with participants, and I am pleased with the engagement, interest, conversation and discussion that I saw and engaged in at the training.

“I urge journalists to make use of the knowledge they have received in the course of the training to report knowledgeably about human trafficking issues.

“Our expectation is that the knowledge we got from here will be escalated to the entire world on the dehumanising effect of human trafficking, and the fact that human beings must be who they are, and must not be traded like commodities.

“People should say something when they see something that is unwholesome or degrading in any form to the point of being trafficked.

“Journalists should escalate the knowledge obtained from here, and help others know the effect of human trafficking in our society,” he said.

Uko said that the journalists are expected after this training to be fully armed with the weapon they needed to propagate the message and let people know the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)
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Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Christiana Fadare

No terrorist, bandit, criminal should be spared – Defence Chief
Defence/Security , General News

No terrorist, bandit, criminal should be spared – Defence Chief

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has charged operational commanders to ensure that no terrorist, bandit or any criminal is spared in their various areas of responsibility.

Musa gave the directive at the closing of the maiden Defence Headquarters Joint Task Force Commanders Conference with the theme, “Towards Enhancing Joint Task Force Operations for National Security” on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the charge was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the armed forces and other security agencies to deal decisively with all threats to national security.

“I want you to remain focused, dedicated and committed towards ensuring that we achieved the mandates of the president that no terrorists, no bandits, no criminal should be spared,” he said.

Musa said the conference had afforded them to discussed the challenges they face, shared their experiences and lessons learned, and collectively charted a course for the future.

He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained, the relationships forged, and the ideas generated during this conference would  significantly contribute to the effectiveness and success of ongoing joint operations.

“One of the key takeaways from our discussions has been the importance of unity of effort.

“As commanders, it is imperative that we foster a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among our forces.

“By breaking down barriers, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths, we can maximise our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives.

“Let us bring this spirit of ‘jointness’ back to our respective task forces and integrate it into our daily operations.

“Similarly, the need to reform the structures of the various operations was keenly noted and will be considered,” he said.

Musa assured the commanders that all identified operational challenges would be addressed to ensure operational effectiveness in all theatres of operation.

He said that the ever-evolving security landscape required the military to continuously assess and improve its strategies, tactics, and capabilities to effectively counter emerging threats.

According to him, embracing new technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and promoting a learning mind-set are essential for maintaining our operational edge.

He also urged the commanders to always encourage and empower their troops to think creatively, to challenge conventional wisdom, and embrace change as they strive for continuous improvement.

The CDS also re-emphasised the need to prioritise the welfare and professional development of personnel, adding that their greatest asset remains the human capital.

“As commanders, we have a responsibility to ensure their well-being, provide them with the necessary resources and support, and create an environment that nurtures their growth and development.

“Let us invest in their training, mentorship, and career progression, recognizing that their success is intricately tied to the success of our joint operations.

“I would also like to emphasise the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with the communities we serve.

“The trust and support of the local population are critical in our efforts to counter insurgency, terrorism, and other security challenges.

“We must continue to engage with community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, listening to their concerns, addressing their grievances, and involving them in the decision-making processes.

“By doing so, we can gain valuable insights, foster cooperation, and build resilient communities that are actively involved in securing their own futures,” he added.

Musa urged them to leave the conference with a renewed sense of purpose, a shared vision for the future, and a commitment to excellence, charging them to be bold, innovative, and proactive in their approach to national security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commanders of all the DHQ led operations like the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Operations Hadin Kai, Hadarin Daji, Safe Haven, Delta Safe, Whirl Stroke and Whirl Punch, participated in the conference. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Ali Baba-Inuwa

Group  engages FCT women on leadership, civic knowledge enhancement
General News

Group  engages FCT women on leadership, civic knowledge enhancement

By Justina Auta
HEIR Women Hub, an NGO, has engaged 40 young FCT women on leadership and civic knowledge enhancement to tackle gender gaps in governance.
Aniebo Ola-Olaniyi, Executive Director, HEIR Women Hub, made this known in a virtual conference on Saturday.
Ola-Olaniyi emphasised the need for young women to have vast knowledge in every sphere to enable them take leadership roles in the society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is “Advancing Leadership Capacity of Young Women: A cross-generational strategy to tackling Gender Gaps in Governance”.
She stressed the need for young women to do more and thrive amidst societal norms, while expressing hope for positive impact on the project and expectations afterward.
Ola-Olaniyi revealed that global percentage of women’s participation in leadership was at 22.5 per cent and that of the African region recorded around 23.4 per cent.
She added that the national average of women’s participation in governance in Nigeria was 6.7 per cent
She said this in spite of women accounting for 49.4 per cent of the total population with the mean age of women involved in political processes set at 55years.
According to her, only 381 out of the 4,259 contestants for the presidential and the national assembly seat in the 2023 elections were women.
She blamed the wide gender gap on female participation in leadership on lack of support based on cultural expectations of young women.
“Others are sexual harassment, gender discrimination, lack of support for female leader, traditional perceived gender roles among others and the lack of economic resources.
“The report from the world gender gap report 2022 places Nigeria at 123rd with a score of 0.639 out of a total of 146 countries with a gender gap of 63.9 per cent.
“Statistics from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) revealed that only 30 per cent of companies in Nigeria have attained gender balance in the workforce and women account for 33 per cent of the workforce.
“Nigeria has less than 65 per cent wealth equality , ranked 50th in economic participation and opportunity, 134th in educational attainment, 97th in health and survival, and 141st in political empowerment,” she said.
According to the executive director, the involvement of women in nation-building is an inalienable right, as well as an inescapable reality for holistic and comprehensive political, economic, and social advancement.
“When young women are included in leadership across different levels, it will promote productivity and progress for both the women and the country.
“There will be a decline in the cases of gender-based violence confronting young women as more responsive policies will be promoted and this will encourage the growth of GDP of the country,” she said.
According to her, it does not end with training young women to take on more leadership positions in society.
“HEIR Women Hub went a step further by engaging young women and the general public first on their civic rights and also on the benefit of having young women in leadership.
“About 50 per cent of the young ladies who were at the leadership training came out for this purpose and it was an experience indeed.
“A lot of feedback has been drawn from this engagement and we believe that henceforth, it will go beyond taking as we shall begin to see results.
“It is cheering things to see young women from different climes unite for a common goal, “she said.
Ms Juliet Isi-Ikhayere, Principal Partner at MAKHOMS-J Attorneys, said that there were numerous challenges faced by young women in politics and encouraged the participants on how to thrive in political space.
Also, Sylvia Sarki, National Youth Coordinator, National Council for Women Societies, encouraged women to engage in politics and not bow to pressure or give up on their ambition irrespective of the challenges they face. (NAN)

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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Isaac Aregbesola

MACBAN endorses Ododo for Kogi guber poll
General News

MACBAN endorses Ododo for Kogi guber poll

By Thompson Yamput

The Kogi chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, (MACBAN)on Saturday declared its support for Alhaji Usman Ododo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) for the Nov.11 poll.
Malam Umar Damina, the state MACBAN chairman stated this when he led hundreds of Fulani herders from the 21 local government areas of the state on a visit to Gov Yahaya Bello at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.
Damina commended Bello for his numerous achievements in the state.
He said that the association decided to endorse the APC candidate because of the governor’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of its members and his efforts in providing security for residents of state.
“It’s our belief that the APC candidate, Ododo, will continue to build upon the solid foundation you have laid when elected as governor of Kogi on Nov 11, ” he said.
Responding, Bello appreciated the association for endorsing APC and Ododo for the Nov. 11 governorship election.
The governor who was deeply touched by the display of unity and optimism, affirmed his administration’s stance against any form of discrimination against the Fulani people, particularly those engaged in lawful businesses both within the state and outside. .
“This administration appreciates MACBAN’s valuable contributions in sharing information and gathering intelligence, which had aided conventional security forces in identifying and eliminating criminal elements among the Fulani community in the state.
“I’m indeed convinced that the Fulani people known for their unwavering commitment to their word, will undoubtedly throw their support behind APC during the Nov. 11 polls, ” he said.
Bello stated his administration’s resolve against any form of discrimination against any tribe in the state.

He, however, urged law-abiding Fulani people residing in the state to remain vigilant and help identify criminal elements among them, thereby contributing to the overall peace and safety of all residents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/ABI

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