By Angela Atabo

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN),  has approved the establishment of surveillance whistle blowers to monitor buildings to tackle building collapse.

COREN’s President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, stated this in Abuja, during a news conference organised to address incessant building collapse in Nigeria.

Abubakar said that the move became imperative in order to put in place stringent measures to address building collapse.

He added that the council was now working on developing the modalities on how the whistle blowers would commence operations so as to get it right.

“The Council has approved the establishment of engineering intelligence and surveillance whistle blowers to ease identifying sharp practices and distressed buildings.

“When we check the best global practice, you cannot be a regulator without whistle blowing .So we are now packaging the criteria and the protocols of their protection and what have you.

“It is going to be something decentralised at the state and regional levels because that is where the action is.

“With this whistle blowing, henceforth, building sites will be given a code or a number so as to ease traceability, for instance, construction site number 300 in Gwagwalada.’’

Abubakar said that the whistle blowers would be given the identity of each site so as to closely monitor those not complying with the engineering rules.

“The whistle blowers will also reveal if the manager, contractor or the actors approved for the construction have been changed.

“In the case of change of such actors, the site workers will be authorised to stop work until it can be verified that the new people employed are qualified.

“I assure you; this blowing will soon start before the end of the year. We are being guided and facilitated by our international partners,’’he said.

According to Abubakar, the investigation panel is in place and the disciplinary tribunal is also in place.

He added that COREN had initiated an effort to develop a critical mass of engineering infrastructure failure and forensic investigators.

He said that discussions were ongoing with the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and the Chartered Institute of Fraud and Forensic Investigators (CIFFI) in that regard.

He encouraged the general public to share useful information with COREN and concerned authorities as soon as signs of distress were observed in any building, so that proactive steps could be taken.

Abubakar said that most times when buildings collapsed, it was barely the fault of engineers, this he said was because the building owners cut corners or changed the building plan or use.

He said that in cases where engineers were found culpable, there were engineering laws to penalise registered engineers, but there were no existing laws to hold defaulting building owners culpable.

He said that since 2019 till date, 10 engineers, six technologists and four artisans found guilty have been prosecuted and many were waiting.

He said that the major hindrance to prosecuting building collapse defaulters was lack of professional investigators, adding that Nigeria did not have any.

“If you don’t have professionals that will go and check samples at the building collapse sites, it is difficult to prosecute.

“This I can tell you because I was a member of the Tribunal when I was a council member six, seven years ago, very difficult because you must prove beyond reasonable doubt.

“You find out that the easier one to do is design based failures because once there is a failure and the suspicion is on design we will pick the design because they are always there for experts, so that one is easy for us.

“A lot of the culprits are on materials, substandard, under sized materials and what have you.

“And in many instances we don’t have professional investigators, that is why many are going scot free because there is nothing to hold them accountable since 90 per cent of all the laws is targeted at the professionals.’’

Abubakar, therefore, emphasised the need to quickly commence the training, capacity development and licensing of professional qualified investigators for the work.

He said that the council was already discussing with the National Assembly to seek ways to address the loophole in the engineering laws of Nigeria, especially through the amendment of the COREN Act to address the issues.(NAN)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

By Gabriel Agbeja

Transportation minister Said Alkali has charged the Governing Council of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), to develop policies to boost interconnectedness among roads, rail, air and marine modes of transportation.

Alkali spoke on Tuesday when members of FUTD  paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, it is imperative for the new council to immediately swing into action by formulating sound policies that will actualise the objectives of establishing the university.

“There should be emphasis on development of effective transportation policies that will further strengthen the interconnectedness of operations of the existing roads, rail, air and marine infrastructure.

”FUTD has the responsibility of incorporating the principles of sustainability into your curriculum, research, operations, to foster a culture of sustainability for a sustainable  infrastructure, and transportation future of Nigeria,” Alkali said.

The minister said such a move would ensure that the University contributed to the nation’s economic growth and development through sustainable policies and principles that would be the institute’s programmes and operational guide.

He urged the council to incorporate staff training programmes that would focus on implementing sustainability in areas like innovation, collaboration and ethical behaviour.

Alkali further urged the council not to relent efforts in delivering on the primary assignment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu.

Earlier, the Chairman of the council, Dr  Muiz Banire, had assured the minister of the council members’ readiness to deploy their wealth of experience in nurturing the new tertiary institution to maturity.

According to Benire, the wealth of experience he gathered in Lagos State  when he was a former Commissioner of Transport  for eight years will  assist to actualise the dream of the institution. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Philip Yatai

The International Association of Emergency Management Africa (IAEM Africa) says it will focus on local knowledge and expertise in developing the framework for disaster management in the continent.

The President of IAEM Africa, Dr Susan Agada, stated this at the IAEM Africa Inaugural Symposium in Abuja on Monday .

According to Agada, building an Africa-centred resilient and adaptive disaster management framework is imperative because most frameworks without sufficient involvement of Africans do not work in the continent.

Agada said that the framework would not only strengthen responses to emergency crises, but also anticipate and mitigate them, thereby safeguarding communities and fostering sustainable development.

“The IAEM Africa platform will leverage African expertise to ensure that the continent has a voice in the discourse on environmental issues around the world.

“Currently, Africa is the least contributor to the factors that create climate change, but our voice is the smallest in the discourse.

“Therefore, the goal of the IAEM Africa is to draw the needed attention to our issues using our own voice.

“The goal is to bring together our wealth of professionals in Africa and other resources and communicate our issues to the world,’’ she said.

Agada, however, said that, while prioritising African-led solutions, the association would seek resources and partnerships beyond African borders.

“Our vision is to ensure that Africa sets the terms of engagements with international partners with dignity and sovereignty.

“By controlling our narrative and strategy, we can ensure that external support complements our initiatives rather than dictates them,” she said.

She stressed the need to speak with one voice in addressing the myriads of challenges confronting Africa, particularly threats posed by climate change.

“This unified voice will enable us to address disaster-related challenges more effectively, leveraging our collective strengths and expertise.

“Together, we can transform the landscape of disaster management in Africa, ensuring that our continent is better prepared, more resilient, and able to thrive in the face of adversity,” she said.

Also speaking, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, Director-General (D-G), National Emergency Management Agency, stressed the need for robust and coordinated emergency management strategies for Africa.

Umar, who was represented by Dr Onimode Bandele , Director Planning, Research and Forecasting, said that the IAEM Africa provided the needed platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among emergency management professionals.

Similarly, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, acting D-G, Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, said that IAEM Africa would significantly impact disaster management and response in Africa.

She urged the association to strengthen networking among disaster management professionals in Africa and promote adaptation of technology-driven innovations in disaster management.

“In area of disaster management, we cannot run away from innovations, knowledge sharing, capacity building and technology driven rescue operations in line with global practices,” she said.

Also, Dr Abbas Idriss, the pioneer D-G, FCT Emergency Management Agency said that disaster response was a multi-facet, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency activity that requires networking to share information, expertise and resources.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Idriss spoke on a paper, “Communication, Coordination, Cooperation, and Collaboration: A Multi-Agency Approach for Effective/Efficient Disaster Management across Africa.”

According to him, understanding communication, coordination, cooperation and collaboration, will enable emergency managers to work more effectively and efficiently in responding to disasters and minimizing the impact on communities across Africa.

NAN reports that the executive members inaugurated were President, Dr Susan Agada as President, Miss Amina Saba as Secretary; Dr Emenike Umesi as Head of Planning and Research; and Prof. Prof. Jaiye Dukiya as Director Programmes.

Others are Dr Abbas Idriss as Membership Coordinator; Prof. Andrew Obafemi as Partnership Liaison; Prof. Usman Kibon, Head, Training and Development Officer; and Mr Femi Giwa, Deputy Training and Development Officer.

Also inaugurated are Rhoda Sadus as Communication Specialist; Amb. Victor Ogah as Event Coordinator; and Mr Akiode Saheed as Deputy Event Coordinator. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has  commended Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun, for his contributions to restoration of democracy and nation building.

A statement by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, a media aide to Vice-President Kashim Shettima said Tinubu spoke at the public presentation of Osoba’s book titled: “My Life in the Public Eye,” on Saturday in Lagos.

Represented by Shettima, the President commended Osoba’s role to National Democratic Coalition’s (NADECO), formed in 1994 in response to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

Tinubu recalled the coalition’s primary goal was to pressure the military government, then led by Gen. Sani Abacha, to relinquish power and restore democracy in Nigeria.

”NADECO consisted of various pro-democracy activists, politicians, and civil society leaders. Notable members included Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Olusegun Osoba.

”We owe him a debt of gratitude for his sacrifices,” Tinubu said.

He encouraged other leaders to follow Osoba’s example by writing books to share their experiences and provide guidance for future generations.

The president expressed gratitude to God for Osoba’s continued sound health and wished him many more years of good health.

Earlier, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio described the celebrant as “someone honoured by God with long life.”

He said Osoba contributed a lot to humanity, adding that over the years, he has helped in shaping the future of democracy in Ogun and Nigeria.

“We thank him for launching a book today. By putting his thoughts on paper, he has helped in mentoring the younger generation.

”His contributions to democracy and journalism are enormous,” he said.

Akpabio enjoined Nigerians to support President Tinubu in his quest to deliver the dividends of good governance to all citizens.

Also, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, praised the laudable attributes of Osoba, which he said are worthy of emulation.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, described the celebrant as a towering figure who lived a life of service to humanity, thus attracting many titles and awards.

“He has made a mark in public service and journalism within Nigeria and beyond. His attributes are worthy of emulation and a reference point for our future generations,” he said.

The governor added that Osoba contributed a lot to the socio-economic development of Ogun.

“We will continue to celebrate you, and I call on Nigerians to celebrate their leaders and those who have served them while they are still alive,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Salif Atojoko

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and justice minister Lateef Fagbemi, have applauded the Supreme Court judgement granting autonomy to local governments.

The legislators and the minister spoke on Thursday in Abuja when they visited President Bola Tinubu at the State House.

Akpabio said the request for local governments’ autonomy was placed before the courts by the Attorney General of the Federation(AGF), because the government felt strongly about separation of powers and the need for autonomy for all arms of government.

“The Supreme Court has spoken and we have no option than to abide by the Supreme Court ruling.

“So, I will just call on all states of the federation to respect what the Supreme Court has done and then we will go back to the legislature to ensure full implementation.

“The words of the Supreme Court are like the words of the king; they cannot go without implementation,” said Akpabio.

He said the ruling was great for democracy.

“I congratulate the president for this initiative.

“I know that all Nigerians now know that the local government is an arm of government meant for the grassroots and their money should be for the grassroots.

“Definitely, local governments can now undertake projects on their own. So, it’s a great day for democracy and is the beginning of great things to come.”

To the governors who seem not to conduct elections at local government level, Akpabio said that they should ensure impartial elections at the local government level so that all the political parties could participate.

“At the moment, there’s a lot of lethargy and nonchalant attitude by many political parties not in power at the state level; they hardly partake in local government elections because of the bandwagon effect and all that.

“So, it is a great thing that the Supreme Court has done the needful, and now we have to go back and think. We shall work with the AGF’s office and the parliament to ensure that there’s real election at the local government level.

“I think that once that is done, everybody will have confidence. It’s progress for democracy, and that is how it should be.

“So, we congratulate the justices of the Supreme Court and we, in the parliament, are determined to make sure there’s enforceability,” he said.

Abbas was emphatic that history had been made with the Supreme Court judgement affirming the autonomy of local governments.

“This is an issue that has been before the parliament for the past two years; of the constitutional amendments so far carried by the National Assembly, one aspect has always been local government autonomy.

“Today, everyone is happy and we are looking forward to local governments that will work functionally, and that will be able to work on their own and extend goodwill to their own people undisturbed,” he said.

Fagbemi likened the Supreme Court judgement to the emancipation of local governments.

“It has freed them from the shackles of the past.

“I hope that local government officials will look at it as an opportunity to develop their various local governments.

“Part of it requires that state government’s conduct elections for local government areas.

“The ball is in the court of the governors but the judgement is clear as to what they should do.

“The judgement is clear as to what consequences will follow failure or refusal to follow the judgement of the Supreme Court which takes immediate effect.”(NAN)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says improved data collection and analysis is key to national development, especially in guiding government’ decisions.

Shettima stated this on Thursday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day, organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) , at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The vice-president also underscored the importance of deployment of technology to generate comprehensive and inclusive data in strengthening systems and institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme of the 2024 world population day is “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All”.

Shettima said “Data is life. Data is our evidence. Data is our performance.

“It is the most realistic picture of situations, trends, and patterns; it tells us how many we are, with an understanding of the age structure, sex structure, location, and more.

“Data is the true story of our experiences and informs us about today and the future through scientific projections, forecasting, and analysis.

He added: “Despite our last census taking place about 18 years ago, Nigeria has never relegated the importance of data.

” This is why the theme of the Day, invites us to recommit to improving our data collection, analysis, and deployment of modern technology.

” This will generate more comprehensive and inclusive evidence to guide government decisions, investment options, and development paths.”

The vice-president noted that inclusive data had been one of the major challenges to governance in Nigeria for decades.

He reassured that with President Bola Tinubu in the saddle, Nigerians now have a leader who “is not only a man of numbers, as a first-rate accountant, but also recognises them as critical components in the nation’s development drive.”

Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, urged partners at the event to leverage scientific evidence to resolve the myriads of challenges confronting the various segments of the world’s population.

She also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank that would be dedicated to harnessing the potentials of young people for national development regardless of their location and status. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court affirming the spirit, intent and purpose of the 1999 Constitution on the statutory rights of local governments.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, in a statement on Thursday said, Tinubu noted that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years had been, ineffective local government administration,

According to the President, governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration was nearly absent.

Tinubu emphasised that the onus was now on local council leaders to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us.

“This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions.

“What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses,” he said.

The President said his administration instituted the suit because of its unwavering belief that Nigerians must have relief and the judgement would ensure that it would be only those local officials elected by the people that would control the resources of the people

“This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people,” Tinubu’ said.

He noted that the provision of some essential amenities and public goods, such as the construction and maintenance of certain roads, streets, street lighting, drains, parks, gardens, open spaces, and other residual responsibilities, including community security, had tottered owing to the emasculation of local governments.

The President affirmed that the decision of the apex court to uphold the constitutional rights and ideals of local governments as regards financial autonomy, and other salient principles, was of historic significance.

He said, it further reinforced the effort to enhance Nigeria’s true federal fabric for the development of the entire nation.

Tinubu commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his diligence and patriotic effort on the important assignment.

He assured that his administration remained committed to protecting the principles of the charter, governing citizens, institutions of government, arms, and tiers of government, in furtherance of building an efficient and performance-driven governance system that will work for every Nigerian. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Salif Atojoko

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, said the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Shri Balasubramanian, paid him a visit on Wednesday at the State House.

He said, in a statement, that he discussed new green industrial partnership opportunities with the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ngelale said Modi’s administration had proved to be one of the world’s most committed governments on green industrial development.

“We have agreed on actionable next steps in this sphere at a time when the two most populous democracies in Asia and Africa have many shared aspirations for their economies in the present and the future,” he said.

Ngelale said he also exchanged views with the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, on the establishment of Africa’s first eco-industrial park, Evergreen City.

“In the company of the Managing Director of the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp), Dr Lazarus Angbazo, we recorded tremendous progress in our discussions, and a deliverable set of time-bound next steps were agreed to,” Ngelale said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani