The Editorial Department of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has introduced a quarterly birthday celebration for its members of staff to boost their morale.
NAN reports that the maiden edition of the birthday celebration for staffers born in the months of January, February and March was held on Monday at the agency’s headquarters.
Speaking at the event, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, the Editor-in-Chief (EIC), said the initiative was to bond members of the department, celebrate one another and create atmosphere to unwind.
“For journalists who work day and night filing stories on all aspects of national life, they deserved to be celebrated on their birthdays.
“It is also a forum for reporters, editors and controllers, working together in the newsroom to bond in a relaxed atmosphere,’’ he said.
The EIC prayed God for direction and increase for the celebrants, as they enter into a new phase of their lives.
Mr Rotimi Ijikanmi, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief in the agency, who spoke on behalf of the celebrants, applauded the initiative of the EIC.
“We were not expecting this laudable initiative, it will surely boost morale and bring the member of staffs together,’’
He urged the department to sustain the programme and commended the EIC for the initiative.
NAN reports that the high point of the event was prayers for the celebrants by Mrs Hadiza Aliyu, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Mrs Abiemwense Moru, a Senior Editor, as well as refreshment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
A faith-based organisation, Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, on Monday offered prayers for national security, peaceful co-existence and socio-economic rejuvenation of the country.
At the event held at the Ansar-ud-deen Mosque, Maitama, Abuja, the organisation also prayed for the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration as well as other leaders at various levels of government in the country.
The Abuja branch Chief Imam of the society, Dr Musa Olaofe underscored the need for citizens to work hard in the quest to promote peaceful co-existence and progress of the country.
He explained that the idea behind the special prayer session for the country stemmed from a desire to contribute to the nation’s progress and development, while also seeking divine wisdom and guidance for its leaders.
“Today is a special day to pray for Nigeria. As believers, we are not perturbed over the current situation because we believe strongly in Almighty Allah and we know that in no distance time, Nigeria will overcome the predicaments.
“We believe strongly that with this prayer, Allah will guide our leaders aright and eliminate the pocket of challenges confronting us as a nation,’’ he said.
He enjoined citizens to desist from cursing their leaders.
“We should continue to pray for them and say positive things about our country,“ he said.
The Chairman of the 2024 Ramadan Committee of Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Abuja branch, Ismail Omipidan revealed that the Society had successfully provided daily meals for over 500 fasting Muslims since the commencement of Ramadan.
Omipidan extolled all members of the society for their support to the committee.
He thanked all well-meaning Nigerians who donated generously to the society throughout the month of Ramadan to execute the feeding initiative and other obligations targeted to propagate and promote Islam.
Also, the Chairman, Ansar-ud-deen, Abuja branch, Mohammad Kabir-Olayiwola urged Muslims to sustain the good deeds exhibited during the Holy month beyond Ramadan period.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the society, distributed rice to its members, numbering over 400 as well as other members of the public. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has barricaded Dogon Gada box culvert, which is on the verge of collapse, to avert loss of lives.
Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA, who led the exercise in Abuja on Sunday, described the development as a disaster waiting to happen.
Wenegieme explained that the culvert was on the access road that linked Lokogoma village, popularly known as Dogon Gida community, to Ring Road II.
She described the culvert as one of the vulnerable locations in the FCT, particularly to flooding during the rainy season.
According to her, many members of the community have lost their lives while trying to cross the culvert during the rainy season due to flooding.
“Dogon Gada community is one of the vulnerable locations in the FCT, particularly to flooding during the rainy season.
“Every year, we record loss of lives in this location, especially to flooding. Now the rain is becoming very heavy, and you can see that the box culvert is on the verge of collapsing.
“The shoulders are already sinking, and parts of the bridge are already broken.
“We tried to stop vehicular movement along the road to no avail, and to avert further loss of lives, we have decided to barricade the road completely.”
She noted that the area was under Phase III of the Abuja Master Plan, adding that the development of the area was yet to commence, as the development of Phase II was ongoing.
She, nonetheless, stressed the need for a standard box culvert to be constructed in the location to enable the community members to have access to the expressway (Ring Road II).
She explained that the barricade was a temporary mitigative measure pending when the culvert would be constructed.
“From this location to the express road is about 10 minutes, but the alternative access road will take them about an hour, which is better than loss of lives,” she said.
The Ward Head of Lokogoma Village, Mr Irimiya Kanpani, explained that the box culvert was constructed in 2016 through community efforts.
Kanpani also said that every year, the community members, about 3,000 mobilise resources to maintain the culvert until it finally gave way a few days ago.
He appealed to the Federal Government, the FCT Minister and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council to come to their aid.
He said that the community had approached a contractor who said they would need more than N500 million to construct a standard bridge.
The ward head added that so far, members of the community have contributed N2 million to support the construction of a befitting bridge for the community, adding that the donation was ongoing.
“There is no year that we don’t lose a brother, a friend, a father, a mother, or a sister here.
“Our youths are gone and many of my friends have died in this location. Government should please come to our aid,” he pleaded.
Kanpani added that the alternative access road to the community was through Dakwo village by Santos Estate culvert, which was also being flooded every year because of its low elevation.
“This means that, if the culvert is not constructed and the rains commenced, we will be completely cut off, with no access, in or out of the community,” he said. (NAN)
Dr Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, on Friday restated the commitment of the government to develop Kotangowa ICT market into a world class marketplace.
Babatunde disclosed this during an inspection of the area earmarked for the relocation of Ikeja computer village in the urban regeneration programme of the state government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the Lagos government had announced that the Computer Village would be relocated before the end of 2017.
Babatunde said that the contract of Bridgeway Global Project Ltd., former consultant for the market project had been terminated over two years ago.
He said that the government had taken over control of the project from the company and assigned it to the Urban Development Department in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, headed by Mrs Bola Bello.
He said that Bridgeway had no right to continue to collect fees from traders at the market and urged them to desist from doing so.
The special adviser said that the government would ensure that any money illegally collected from the traders or shop owners was refunded, after proper verification.
He said that anything that had to do with project control should be in line with Lagos State Building Control Agency’s guidelines and regulations.
“Director from Urban Development, Mrs Bola Bello and her team will be the ones to represent the State Government on this market project till further notice and if you have anything to do on this market project, please liaise with her,” Babatunde said.
The General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mr Gbolahan Oki, urged traders and sellers in the market to keep the place clean.
He urged them to avoid littering and any other actions that could make the environment unclean.
Oki advised them to keep the access roads to the market clear, to avoid traffic congestion.
He urged them not to pay any money for anything that was related to the market until further instructions were given, to prevent exploitation by unauthorised parties.
The general manager informed them that the government would be removing illegal structures built without proper permits to facilitate the proper development of the market.
Mr Ogunkelu Sylvester, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, said that the legislative branch was at the market to investigate issues raised by the market association in a petition.
He said that they would report their findings to the speaker for further decisions.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said that no fewer than 50,000 Nigerian intending pilgrims will perform the 2024 hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, disclosed this at a news conference held at Hajj House on Friday in Abuja.
Arabi said the commission was on course in conducting a successful Hajj operation, no matter the challenges.
He reiterated that Nigerian Muslims would perform the 2024 Hajj in a number that nobody had ever imagined.
” This year’s Hajj preparations is one of the most difficult and peculiar one.
” You know in the past, we had the luxury of time to prepare at our own pace; But, this time around, the host which is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came up with the timeline that we have to work within,” he said.
Arabi said that the Federal Government had intervened in so many ways, especially with policies to support the commission to ensure that things did not go wrong.
“I made bold to say that there were series of interventions that government made in terms of policies to ensure that there is no unnecessary tension in the nation.
” Government has a responsibility to keep the nation one, devoid of chaos and rancour,” he said.
Arabi noted that, going forward, Hajj Savings Scheme would be the surest method to adopt.
He assured that the commission would embark on adequate sensitisation and enlightenment to make sure that intending pilgrims key into it.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had allocated 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria for the 2024 pilgrimage. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Coalition of Disability Organisations (CODO) has called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies to ensure full compliance with the National Disability Act at Nigerian airports.
The coalition, led by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CDD), made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at a news conference on access to Airport/Airport Facilities and Services for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ms Florence Attah, Programmes Officer, CDD, said it was a fundamental human right for persons with disabilities to access airports on an equal basis with others.
Attah said that the recent incident involving Mr Debola Daniel, on March 27 at KFC restaurant, sited at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, was a blatant violation of the National Disability Act.
“Airports are not just transit hubs; they are gateways to opportunities, connections, and experiences.
“However, for persons with disabilities, navigating through airports can often be a daunting and challenging experience, marked by various barriers that impede their mobility, independence, and overall travel experience.
“Many Nigerian airports lack adequate infrastructure such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, making it difficult for persons with physical disability to navigate through terminals.
“Informational signage, flight announcements, and other communication channels often do not cater for the needs of persons with hearing and/or visual impairments, leading to confusion and disorientation.
“The discriminatory attitudes and lack of awareness among airport staff and fellow travellers create uncomfortable and hostile environments for persons with disabilities.
“Similarly, complex security procedures, lack of functional disability desk and lack of disability-sensitive protocols result in delays and inconvenience for travellers with disabilities,” Attah lamented.
According to her, Mr Daniel’s episode typifies the live experiences of many persons with disabilities that often go unspoken or unpublicised in Nigeria.
Attah commended Daniel for calling out violators and asserting his rights.
She said: “His actions should serve as deterrence to other corporate organisations and individuals engaging in discriminatory practices across the country.
“We commend the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for the prompt action against KFC at ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected and protected.
“While we see this as a bold step in the right direction, we are optimistic that FAAN will move to the next level of addressing other discriminatory practices.
“The practices especially resulting in the systematic exclusion of persons with disabilities from accessing the facilities at the Murtala Mohammed Airport.”
According to her, Section 14 of the National Disability Act mandates all airlines operating in Nigeria to ensure that all aircrafts are made accessible to persons with disabilities and ensure that persons with disabilities are assisted to get on and off board in safety and reasonable comfort.
Attah added that the Act also mandated airlines to ensure that persons with disabilities are accorded priority while boarding and disembarking from the aircraft and all airports should make available presentable and functional wheelchairs for conveyance of persons with disabilities to and from the aircraft.
She, however, noted that the reality on the ground painted a starkly different picture.
Attah specifically, said that the lift leading to the Murtala Mohammed Airport lounge was non-functional, depriving passengers with disabilities from accessing an essential service.
She said that the CODO, led CCD in partnership with Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiatives (HAPI) and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigerian (SCIAN), expressed deep concern over the trend.
Attah decried that the situation had persisted, despite the series of interventions and stakeholders’ engagements carried out in the last two years.
She said that research conducted by CODO on “Access to Airport in Nigeria” across the six geo-political zones, including the F.C.T, showed that PWDs were generally at a disadvantage, deprived, discriminated against, and denied of their rights.
Attah said: “There are numerous reports of total denial of air travel opportunities, as well as humiliating and embarrassing treatment/response to the needs of PWDs.
“Despite the existence of national and international provisions for the rights of persons with disability, the plight of Persons with Disabilities continues to be compounded by societal attitudes.
“This particularly is in terms of being treated condescendingly resulting to repeated violation of their rights in silence.”
Highlighting roles and responsibilities of FAAN, NCAA, and other relevant stakeholders, decried the slow enforcement of the relevant legal frameworks by agencies tasked with managing the various aspects of the airports in Nigeria.
She said that this had led to the continued exclusion of persons with disabilities from accessing airport facilities and services.
She said that the group recommended that Ministry of Aviation should develop and implement comprehensive accessibility policies and guidelines for all airports under its jurisdiction.
Attah added that FAAN should ensure that infrastructure upgrades and new constructions adhere to universal design principles.
According to her, FAAN and Ministry of Aviation should coordinate training and sensitisation programmes for airport staff on disability rights and inclusion.
She said: “Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority should monitor and enforce compliance with accessibility standards and regulations at airports towards ensuring maximum safety for passengers with disabilities
“Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Should Collaborate with FAAN and other stakeholders to develop inclusive aviation policies and practices.
“The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities should advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in the aviation sector and provide guidance and support to airports and relevant authorities on disability inclusion initiatives.
“National Commission for Persons with Disabilities should facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes related to airport accessibility.”
She said that the security agencies should ensure the safety and security of all airport users, including persons with disabilities.
Attah said that the security should also provide assistance and support to travellers with disabilities during security screenings and other procedures and address any incidents of discrimination or harassment against persons with disabilities at airports.
“The Ministry of Aviation, FAAN and NCAA should ensure that airports and aviation service providers comply with national laws and international standards regarding accessibility for persons with disabilities
“The Ministry of Aviation should allocate inclusive budgets and resources to support accessibility initiatives at airports, including infrastructure upgrades and training programmes for airport staff.
“The Ministry of Aviation should monitor the implementation of accessibility policies and conducts periodic evaluations to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to enhance access for persons with disabilities,” she added.
Attah said that the coalition remained committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, including air travels.
“We urge the Nigerian government and airport authorities to take immediate actions to rectify the systemic barriers that continue to impede the mobility and independence of persons with disabilities at airports across the country,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ART) project is 97 per cent completed.
Wike stated this after an inspection tour of the project from the Metro Station in Central Area to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday.
The minister described the development as a “dream comes true”.
He said that the project would be ready for inauguration in May to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.
He added that Tinubu had approved a schedule for the inauguration of projects to celebrate his one year in office, including the ART, also known as the Abuja Light Rail
“We are very happy. We are almost 97 per cent completed. All works are ongoing to make sure that the May delivery date is a reality.
“I believe this is one of the projects Mr President would like to inaugurate, because it is very key to the development of the economy.
“For me, it is a dream comes true, and we are happy that after all said and done, the metro line will be put to use for Nigerians, come May 29,” he said.
The minister, who took a 30-minute ride from the Metro Station to the Airport, contended that the train was more convenient to use than vehicles to the airport.
He added: “I am really impressed with the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
“The company has assured us that all the renovation works on the stations will be ready before the commissioning date.”
On whether the rail lines would be extended to areas experiencing high traffic, the minister said: “I am not committing anything now, because we are taking everything step by step.
“We have to first of all, consider the financial implications.
“Linking areas like Nyanya are important, no doubt about it. We will talk to the contractor to see what we can do, but for now, there is no commitment.”
Wike also said that the FCT Administration had concluded plans to build three terminals for the road transportation system for residents of the territory.
He explained that the development would significantly help in curtailing the menace “one chance” criminals in Abuja.
He said that the FCTA road transport system would be rolled out in May, adding that when inaugurated, people would no longer take the risk of entering vehicles they don’t know the operators. (NAN)
Some occupants and property owners in Guzape District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Thursday, sought the Federal Government’s intervention over what they described as “life-threatening blasting of rocks in the area.”
The resident of the district and former Deputy Governor of Kogi, Mr Simon Achuba, made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja.
Achuba, who alleged that the blast was being carried out by Gilmor Construction Limited, also called on the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to come to their aid.
He said Nigeria is a member of the International Treaty and Conventions on Explosive and Blast Technique.
He, therefore, submitted that the construction company, alongside its foreign nationals, ought to have been accustomed themselves to the law.
Besides, he said the construction company failed to heed caution from the police that it should observe regulatory guidelines for blasting.
“For about three months, we noticed with tremor incessant blasting of rocks very close to our residential accommodation contrary to statutory regulations governing blasting of rocks either for construction or mining exercise.
“At any point the blasting is done, the whole residential houses within the vicinity of the blasting site shakes thereby injuring the integrity of these properties and the life of our wives and children staying within these premises,” he said.
The former deputy governor said though they acknowledged that “the purpose of the blasting is for the construction of roads for the development of Guzape District,” he said: “It is only the living that can enjoy amenities.”
“In view of all these infractions and flagrant disrespect to the rule of law and statutory regulations, we are calling on NESREA, Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, Federal Ministry of Environment and FCDA to forthwith stop these incessant hazardous blasting which is injurious to our lives and properties.
“It is only the living that can enjoy amenities. Nigeria is a member of the International Treaty and Conventions on explosives and blasting techniques.
“During the last world conference on explosives and blasting in 2022 in Netherlands, emphasis was laid on international best practice, which Gilmor with her foreign nationals should be accustomed with,” Achuba said. (NAN)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has appointed Amb. Maureen Tamuno as the new Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited.
Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said that the appointment was with immediate effect.
Ogunleye said that Tamuno, an experienced public officer, entrepreneur, and diplomat, was the Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
The director also announced the termination of the contract of Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd, for the management of the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
He said that the termination was with immediate effect, adding that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has been contracted for the immediate and comprehensive renovation of the centre. (NAN)
Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed optimism that Nigeria would come out of its current turmoil even stronger.
Wike gave the assurance when the Methodist Prelate, Most Rev. Oliver Aba, visited him in Abuja on Thursday.
He said: “I believe by the special grace of God, Nigeria will come out from the turmoil that we are in.
“The signs are clear; we have no regret; and we have no doubt that victory shall be ours.”
The minister thanked the Church for the prayers for Nigerians and for the government of President Bola Tinubu to actualise his vision and dreams encapsulated in the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He said that nobody could govern without the backing of God, stressing that it was important for every leader to know this.
“That is why Tinubu has never failed to ask religious leaders to continue to pray for his administration and for the growth of Nigeria.
“Prayer is key. We can do all we think, but without God, nothing can be achieved, so Tinubu’s victory; his hope is anchored on God,” the minister said.
He assured the Methodist Church that the FCT Administration would consider their request for land to build offices and a media centre.
Earlier, Aba explained that the land, if allocated, would be used for the development of a liaison office and a benefiting media centre to enhance evangelism and other social amenities.
He said that a similar request was submitted in 2023 but was not granted.
He pledged the Church’s commitment for continued prayers to support the Tinubu-led government to succeed.
“This is because his success is our success, and his success is the joy of all Nigerians.
“In actualising his ‘renewed hope’ agenda, I pray for economic renaissance for our dear country and taming the evil of insecurity in the land.
“I affirm that there is hope for Nigeria and Nigerians,” the Methodist Prelate said. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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