NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Group lauds military’s commitment to democracy, onslaught against criminals
Defence/Security

Group lauds military’s commitment to democracy, onslaught against criminals

186 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Unity Advocacy Group (UAG), has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, over his avowed commitment to defending democracy and peaceful polls in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States in November.

This is contained in a statement by the Convener of UAG, Mr Ifeanyi Aigbedion, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The CDS had in Tuesday reiterated the commitment of the military to protecting the nation’s democracy and ensuring peaceful atmosphere in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo.

Aigbedion also commended the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for remaining focused in tackling the various security challenges bedeviling the country.

He added that the UAG also hailed the conferment of ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora on the CDS, describing the award as well deserved.

According to the group, in spite of the deliberate acts of controversy from some quarters, troops of the armed forces have continued to decimate the enemies of the country in their number.

“We commend the vow by the CDS that the military high command under his watch would never allow intimidation and any other act of violence in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States where governorship elections would be held.

“It is indeed a cheering news because some detractors have continued to look for ways to draw the armed forces into their selfish issues.

“We also urge the media not to fall for the detractors who are benefitting from the security challenges and looking for ways to draw the military into what is happening in the country.

“We commend the CDS for his forthright disposition and determination to ensure peace and stability.

“The conferment of the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient of the Year’ on the CDS is a true statement of the fight against insurgency.

“We say it is well deserved,” the group added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

M-RITE, Jigawa gov’t partner toward improving routine immunisation in LGAs
General News

M-RITE, Jigawa gov’t partner toward improving routine immunisation in LGAs

162 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

MOMENTUM Routine Immunisation Transformation and Equity (M-RITE) project in partnership with the Jigawa government has concluded plans to carry out a study to improve routine immunisation in Local Government Areas of the state.

A statement by Jose Gonzalez, the Senior Programme Officer, Results for Development (R4D) said that the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Salisu Muazu disclosed this in a keynote address delivered on behalf of Dr Muhammad Kainuwa, the state’s Commissioner of Health.

It quoted the commissioner as applauding the collaborative approach to the study and the development of an action plan.

The address was delivered at a workshop on “Strengthening Routine Immunisation in Nigeria: Dissemination of Health Financing Report and Co-creation Workshop for Routine Immunisation in Jigawa State’’ which was held in Dutse.

Muazu said, “The government recognises the importance of a transparent and partnership-oriented approach.

“We commend MOMENTUM’s commitment to actively involving us in this funding landscape study, from inception to this dissemination workshop.

“We look forward to validating findings and co-creating the solutions that will benefit our people,” he said.

Dr Usman Ahmed, Deputy Director of the Planning Research and Statistics Department at the ministry, and a co-investigator in the study emphasised that findings on the funding landscape study would provide a valuable roadmap for enhancing resource mobilisation in the state.

“This is an effort that we are proud to have played a part in.

“While these findings highlight significant challenges, they also unveil numerous opportunities for action.

“During the co-creation workshop on day two, barriers to mobilising domestic funding were discussed, leading to several solutions and action points needed to increase the prioritisation of routine immunisation in local government plans,’’ Ahmed said.

Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, the Lead Consultant, emphasised that part of the objectives of the workshop was to facilitate practical solutions to routine immunisation.

“We are optimistic about the positive changes that the local solutions emerging from the workshop will bring to funding routine immunisation in Jigawa State.

“By addressing challenges and embracing opportunities, the state is advancing toward strengthening healthcare services, including routine immunisation,’’ he said.

The M-RITE project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc. along with PATH, Accenture Development Partnerships, Results for Development (R4D), and CORE Group.

The research reveals that Jigawa state allocates a significant 17 per cent of its budget to healthcare, the second-highest allocation after the education sector, underscoring the state’s commitment to citizens’ well-being and offering an opportunity to increase funding for routine immunisation.

The study also emphasizes the importance of reducing the state’s reliance on donor funding to ensure sustainable funding for routine immunization.

While Jigawa state’s commitment to healthcare is evident, the study has uncovered critical challenges.

One of the most pressing of such challenges is the lack of a dedicated budget for the funding of routine immunisation activities in the plans of local government areas.

This is in spite of the local governments in the state being responsible for overseeing routine immunisation through Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

The study also revealed insufficient coordination among health officers at the local and State levels.

Additionally, their limited experience with the health budgeting process and a general lack of knowledge about procedures during the annual budget preparation are hindering the efficient utilisation of available domestic funding mechanisms. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Clark urges Tinubu to review NDDC Act
Politics

Clark urges Tinubu to review NDDC Act

180 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

Chief Edwin Clark, the Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to move for the amendment of the 2000 Act establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

This, he said was to remove Non-Niger Delta Oil Producing States of Abia, Imo and Ondo from the nine states that make up the NDDC.

The nine states are Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

The elder state man made the call at a news conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Clark, in the first instance, the inclusion of the three states in the commission was a political aberration.

He said: “If NDDC is to succeed, the three states should be severed from the act.

“NDDC should remain the six original Niger Delta Coastal States. All other oil producing states should establish a relationship with the oil companies and Nigeria.

“This is particularly now that oil has been found in other parts of Nigeria including Anambra which is already producing 0.9%, Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Lagos States.

“They cannot therefore be part of NDDC.

“The NDDC Establishment Act 2000 signed by the then Senate President Chuba Okadigbo outlined the functions of the nine states and who should be the Executive Management.

“One should bear in mind that the addition of Ondo, Imo and Abia was a political aberration.

“For me to demand for the removal of Non-Niger Delta Oil Producing States from NDDC is for NDDC to succeed.

“The success of the NDDC is the success of Nigeria.

“There was a reason why Imo, Abia and Ondo were brought into NDDC. Geographically they are not niger delta; they are not  coastal states. It was a political aberration.

“The Federal Government should make arrangements to accommodate them as it is in NDCC same principle to be used not to disorganised the NDDC we want to succeed.”

He likened the NDDC to a liability company which also has majority shareholders and minority shareholders.

“A situation where a minority shareholder in a limited liability company would like to be a managing director of the company, it is unreasonable, improper and chaotic.
“That is the main reason why I said no.

“It is not possible for a minority shareholder of even 5 per cent to be the Chairman or Managing Director of the limited liability company.

“It will be unfair and inequitable for a state that produces 1.02 per cent to produce managing director of the NDDC.

“I know Nigeria as we are, the tendency will be to develop their own minority oil producing state to develop their area at the expense of the majority of oil producing states which incidentally happen to sum up to over 90 per cent of the oil.

“It is therefore, unreasonable, provocative and selfish for Imo which produces only 1.02 per cent quantum of oil to demand removal of the Chief Executives of NDDC Board that has been confirmed by the Senate.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

==========

Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza

Guinness Nigeria declares 11% revenue growth, restates commitment to innovation
Business

Guinness Nigeria declares 11% revenue growth, restates commitment to innovation

219 total views today

 

Growth

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Guinness Nigeria Plc has recorded a revenue of N229.4 billion for the financial year ended June 30, 2023 in spite of the severe macro-economic challenges.

Dr Omobola Johnson, Chairperson, Board of Directors of Guinness Nigeria Plc, made the disclosure at the company’s 73rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday in Lagos.

Johnson said the figure represented an increase of 11 per cent compared with N206.8 billion posted in comparative period of 2022.

According to her, the business delivered N23.4 billion operating profit during the period under review.

She stated that the company’s strong financial performance and strategic achievements reflected the dedication and hard work of its team alongside the unwavering support of shareholders and stakeholders.

“At the heart of Guinness success is innovation and how best to satisfy our customers with our products, are always top of mind for us at Guinness.

“As Nigeria’s foremost total beverage alcohol company, we take pride in the legacies of our iconic brands and we hope to continue turning out products that will ensure we retain that pride,” she said.

She added that the company would continue to strive for long-term viability while satisfying consumers regardless of competition.

Addressing Nigeria’s economy struggles, the Guinness board chair expressed hope that government palliatives among other economic and fiscal policies would steer the economy back on track to improve standard of living for people for the coming year.

In his remarks, the company’s Managing Director, Mr John Musunga, said the company was able to maintain agility and resilience for growth even in difficult times due to its organisational culture evolution.

Musunga said the value the company placed on operational intensity and performance, its willingness to define team solidarity with accountability at the forefront, and fervent belief in a multi-stakeholder approach to business impacted its performance.

“By realigning and repositioning the brands, we are also able to launch strategic activities to strengthen business fundamentals.

“The productivity of our staff is one of the main factors contributing to our current success; management and employees reiterated their commitment to ensuring that we achieve that high level of productivity.

“We believe we will continue to thrive, by constantly innovating, being committed to sustainable practices, upholding corporate governance, and community engagement.

“We are excited to embark on the next phase of our journey, and we are confident that our commitment to innovation and resilience will help us to achieve even greater success,” he said.

The Guinness MD disclosed plans by Diageo to expand its investment in Nigeria by establishing another Nigerian entity that would begin to import, distribute and market its IPS brands (JW, Singleton, Ciroc, Baileys), starting April 2024.

According to him, this has huge benefits for Guinness Nigeria and the investment demonstrates Diageo’s commitment to Nigeria.

“We will be better positioned to focus on its core business and its strength in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of non-alcoholic drinks, beer, RTDs and locally produced spirits thus enhancing sustainability, growth, and value creation for all stakeholders of Guinness Nigeria.

“The change will enable the full utilisation of Guinness Nigeria’s asset base following the expansion of our production capacity in recent years as a foremost total beverage alcohol player and will accelerate our innovation in local spirits products.

“We remain committed to making the model work and will improve it to culminate in better returns on investment for our shareholders,” Musunga said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

CDS promises peaceful polls in Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo
Defence/Security

CDS promises peaceful polls in Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo

222 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the military is committed to protecting the nation’s democracy and ensuring peaceful atmosphere in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo.

Musa made the remark when the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru and Minister of State, Dr Bello Matawalle paid a working visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

He urged all stakeholders in the three states to ensure that nobody was killed in the process of casting vote.

According to him, it is important that they all put hands together to sure that the election is hitch-free, peaceful and  reflect what the people actually wanted.

The CDS said the military would do whatever it takes to protect democracy and help it to thrive in Nigeria, adding that they were fully ready, prepared and committed to the task.

“We know there have been series of challenges within the sub region where we have a number of coups all over.

“We want to assure Mr President and to you all, that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully committed to democracy,” he said.

Musa thanked the ministers and President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the military met its operational requirements in terms of combat enablers, funding and welfare of personnel.

According to him, the government has shown determination, dedication and commitment to ensuring that the armed forces is properly equipped, trained and managed to secure the country’s territorial integrity.

He however said that the military was limited by dearth of funding to effectively handle some of its activities, especially in the area of accommodation for personnel.

According to him, the military is recruiting almost 20,000 officers and soldiers yearly who should be properly accommodated.

The CDS, therefore, urged the ministers to also look into it, including foreign training for personnel to enhance their capacity in dealing with counterterrorism and counter insurgencies in the country.

Responding, the Minister of Defence, Badaru, commended the military for the successes so far recorded since the assumption of duty of the current CDS.

He said that they had done well in dealing with criminals across the country.

According to him, more than 117 terrorists, bandits and other criminals were neutralised by the military within the period, and urged it to sustain the onslaught until the nation is rid of the menace.

”We have seen significant improvement in oil production thanks to the servicemen and I believe that will continue,” Badaru added.

”The CDS had promised that they would push and push harder until the country regained its normal production levels.

“We also seen remarkable progress in the South East and North East where facilities that were shut down years backs are being reopened recently.

“I want to thank your leadership because we have one group that is committed, dedicated and working together,” he said.

The minister also commended the CDS and service chiefs for boosting the morale of troops in operational areas through regular visits and other inspirational programmes.

He pledged that the Federal Government would continue to support the military in meeting its operational requirements in the area of equipment, improved funding, accommodation, training and medical services.

According to him, President Tinubu holds the military in high esteem and believes that the way to solve the security challenges of this country is  by supporting the military.

”He has demonstrated fantastically well with what he has done so far, so I will also remind him of all these issues you raised and I am sure he will take it up and will see to the success of this fight.

“We promise Nigerians that within one year they will see tremendous changes and that will happen from what has been seen so far.

“So congratulations and keep it up and you have all our support and the support and assurance of Mr president in all you do and in all your requirements,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Janefrances Oraka/Maharazu Ahmed

M-RITE, Jigawa gov’t partner toward improving routine immunisation in LGAs
Health

M-RITE, Jigawa gov’t partner toward improving routine immunisation in LGAs

230 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

MOMENTUM Routine Immunisation Transformation and Equity (M-RITE) project in partnership with the Jigawa government has concluded plans to carry out a study to improve routine immunisation in Local Government Areas of the state.

A statement by Jose Gonzalez, the Senior Programme Officer, Results for Development (R4D) said that the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Salisu Muazu disclosed this in a keynote address delivered on behalf of Dr Muhammad Kainuwa, the state’s Commissioner of Health.

It quoted the commissioner as applauding the collaborative approach to the study and the development of an action plan.

The address was delivered at a workshop on “Strengthening Routine Immunisation in Nigeria: Dissemination of Health Financing Report and Co-creation Workshop for Routine Immunisation in Jigawa State’’ which was held in Dutse.

Muazu said, “The government recognises the importance of a transparent and partnership-oriented approach.

“We commend MOMENTUM’s commitment to actively involving us in this funding landscape study, from inception to this dissemination workshop.

“We look forward to validating findings and co-creating the solutions that will benefit our people,” he said.

Dr Usman Ahmed, Deputy Director of the Planning Research and Statistics Department at the ministry, and a co-investigator in the study emphasised that findings on the funding landscape study would provide a valuable roadmap for enhancing resource mobilisation in the state.

“This is an effort that we are proud to have played a part in.

“While these findings highlight significant challenges, they also unveil numerous opportunities for action.

“During the co-creation workshop on day two, barriers to mobilising domestic funding were discussed, leading to several solutions and action points needed to increase the prioritisation of routine immunisation in local government plans,’’ Ahmed said.

Dr. Arowolo Ayoola, the Lead Consultant, emphasised that part of the objectives of the workshop was to facilitate practical solutions to routine immunisation.

“We are optimistic about the positive changes that the local solutions emerging from the workshop will bring to funding routine immunisation in Jigawa State.

“By addressing challenges and embracing opportunities, the state is advancing toward strengthening healthcare services, including routine immunisation,’’ he said.

The M-RITE project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc. along with PATH, Accenture Development Partnerships, Results for Development (R4D), and CORE Group.

The research reveals that Jigawa state allocates a significant 17 per cent of its budget to healthcare, the second-highest allocation after the education sector, underscoring the state’s commitment to citizens’ well-being and offering an opportunity to increase funding for routine immunisation.

The study also emphasizes the importance of reducing the state’s reliance on donor funding to ensure sustainable funding for routine immunization.

While Jigawa state’s commitment to healthcare is evident, the study has uncovered critical challenges.

One of the most pressing of such challenges is the lack of a dedicated budget for the funding of routine immunisation activities in the plans of local government areas.

This is in spite of the local governments in the state being responsible for overseeing routine immunisation through Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

The study also revealed insufficient coordination among health officers at the local and State levels.

Additionally, their limited experience with the health budgeting process and a general lack of knowledge about procedures during the annual budget preparation are hindering the efficient utilisation of available domestic funding mechanisms. (NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Canadian Embassy lauds Wike for prioritising women development in FCT
Metro

Canadian Embassy lauds Wike for prioritising women development in FCT

230 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Canadian Embassy in Nigeria has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for taking step to address challenges affecting women development.

The Canada High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr James Chrisoff, gave the commendation when he visited Wike in his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

Chrisoff particularly described the establishment of Women Affairs Secretariat in the FCT Administration as a “critical step” towards women empowerment and development.

He said that Canada would maintain its strong diplomatic relation with Nigeria, adding that Nigerians residing in Canada were providing the necessary bridge between the two countries.

He expressed his country’s interest to partner with Nigeria on agriculture, in line with President Bola Tinubu economic agenda.

Responding, Wike assured foreign missions and other investors of improved security, stressing that security agencies were working to keep the country safe.

The minister said that the Joint Task Force on “one chance” operators was already yielding the desired results, adding that no incident was recorded since team began operation.

He added that President Bola Tinubu has put modalities in place to ensure that his renewed hope agendas is felt across the country.

According to him, a lot of development efforts is ongoing in the FCT in line with the renewed hope agenda.

“Security has improved in the FCT because security agencies have been working round the clock to ensure that the environment remains safe.

“For instance, the issue of one-chance, we set up a joint taskforce and they have been working round the clock, since then no incidence has been recorded.

“The renewed hope agenda of Mr President is to restore hope to our people,” he said.

Wike said that his leadership is focusing on increasing Internally Generated Revenue in the FCT to be able to carry out development projects.

He encouraged corporate bodies, foreign missions, and other taxpayers to fulfil their tax obligations.

Inauguration of Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday

In a related development, the pioneer Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Mrs Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi was inaugurated by the minister.

While inaugurating the secretary, Wike urged om the FCT Minister to come up with workable modalities for the secretariat to begin operation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Wike had on Oct. 13 announced Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of the Women Affairs Secretariat in FCTA to address women issues.

The minister had explained that the move was part of Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance that carried everyone along. (NAN)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Wike warns against diversion of palliatives in FCT
Metro

Wike warns against diversion of palliatives in FCT

249 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has warned against the diversion of palliatives meant for poor and vulnerable groups in the territory.

Wike gave the warning in Abuja on Tuesday during the ongoing distribution of food items to vulnerable residents at Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT Administration (FCTA) on Monday commenced the distribution of 12,000 bags of rice and maize to vulnerable households across the six area councils of the FCT.

The minister, who was represented by Mr Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, reiterated the administration’s commitment to address the plight of the poor.

He explained that the poor and vulnerable persons in the society are the worst hit by the petroleum subsidy removal, stressing the need to prioritise their concerns.

He, therefore, warned those responsible for the distribution exercise to shun every temptation to divert the food items meant to reduce the impacts of the subsidy removal.

“The commitment to sustain the palliative distribution demonstrates the President Bola Tinubu administration’s dedication to provide support to vulnerable residents in the FCT.

“The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and ensure that essential food items reach those most in need,” Wike said.

Earlier, the Chairman of AMAC, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, urged the administration to allocate more food items to AMAC considering its large population of the poor.

Maikalangu assured the minister that the food items would get to the targeted groups in all the political wards of the council.

In a similar exercise at Bwari Area Council, Wike warned that FCTA would not condone any act of sabotage.

Represented by Mr Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, the minister explained that the food items were being distributed at the council to bring the items closer to the people.

“Therefore, an individual or stakeholder is not allowed to divert the palliatives meant for the poor people. Let them get it,” he said.

The Chairman of the council, Mr John Gabaya, appealed to the economically viable residents to allow the less-privileged people to get the items.

Gabaya stressed that the food items were meant for the poor with little or no means of survival.

“As such, government officials and appointees should not partake in the sharing or poverty will come upon anyone that hijack the items,” he said.

At Gwagwalada Area Council, the minister urged residents to support President Bola Tinubu-led administration to deliver people-oriented programmes that would impact on their lives.

Wike, who was represented at the event by Mr Bitrus Garki, Area Council Service Secretariat, FCTA, said that he would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

On his part, the Council Chairman, Mr Abu Giri, commended Tinubu and Wike for reaching out to the poor and the vulnerable in communities. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

320 troops commence real-time battlefield simulation exercise in Abuja
Defence/Security

320 troops commence real-time battlefield simulation exercise in Abuja

252 total views today
Representatives of Formations Taking Oath at the opening of the 2023 Inter-Formation Combat Obstacle Crossing Competition held at 7 Guards Obstacle Course in Abuja on Tuesday (24/10/23)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday in Abuja commenced the 2023 Inter-Formation Combat Obstacle Crossing Competition for troops drawn from various Divisions, Formations and Units.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition which is a real-time battlefield simulation exercise and activities, has 320 troops, 40 each from a total of seven Army Divisions and the Army Headquarters Garrison, participating.

Addressing the competing troops, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, said it was a training oriented and purpose driven competition, specifically designed to improve troops’ combat efficiency, physical fitness and Esprit de Corps.

Mohammed explained that it was to upgrade troops’ capacity to tackle recent dynamics and security threats in the country, and allow junior commanders to use good initiatives to upscale their capability in leadership, command and control.

“Obstacles are integral part of any military campaign planning process which needs to be carefully understood and decisively handled in order to achieve the desired end state.

“You will continue to come across different types of obstacles in your various operations. You must therefore all strive to portray good individual qualities and camaraderie while you compete, as well as abide by all laid down rules and regulations.

“Various technical details have been put in place that will ensure that everybody competes and abides by the regulations.”

The Chief of Training, therefore, implored the participants to imbibe the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship throughout the competition and seize the opportunity to bring out their best.

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for the provision of necessary resources for the competition.

Earlier, the Commander AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, said the concept of the exercise was to test the ability of a body of troops to cross a mix of obstacles within the shortest time in a competitive atmosphere.

Isoni added that it was also to improve troops’ proficiency, physical fitness, leadership traits, and initiatives, as well as promote Esprit de Corps.

“The competition is also intended to prepare troops for battles in view of the current security challenges in the country.

“While welcoming you all to Abuja, I would like to assure you of our improved security situation in Army Headquarters Garrison area of responsibility.

“This is as a result of concerted efforts by the Garrison and other sister services and security agencies; and we have embarked on robust operations under the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff,” he said.

He assured the participants that necessary measures for a huge free competition had been put in place by the technical and local organising committees.

Isoni urged the participants and technical officials to take the competition seriously, abide by laid down rules, and utilise the opportunity to be worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed

Abuja residents seek government intervention on outrageous house rents
General News

Abuja residents seek government intervention on outrageous house rents

191 total views today

By Reporters

Residents of Abuja have appealed to the Federal Government to intervene on arbitrary increase in house rents by landlords in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).

Some residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Sunday, that paying rent in Abuja was burdensome as landlords increased rents at will.

They lamented that such indiscriminate hike in rent had caused ill-treatment and harassment from landlords.

Mr Kolade Tayo, an event planner, said that it was inhuman to increase the rent on a house that was built many years ago because of the economic situation today.

“As a tenant, I have received terrible treatment from my landlord who does whatever he likes.

“The government should be able to regulate the arbitrary increase in house rents; if the government can put a benchmark on rents, it will greatly help the residents,” he said.

Mr Ajibola Olushola, a fashion designer, said that the reoccurring increase in house rent had affected his household.

According to him, after paying rent, he does not have enough money to sort other family needs.

He pleaded that the government should come to the rescue of the citizens.

“Government should support schemes that manage house rent issues before all of us die in this country,” he said.

Miss Esther Mamudu, a corps member, said the outrageous house rent by landlords was a type of injustice tenants faced in the hands of landlords.

“My sister resumed school only to realise that her rent had been increased with no prior notice.

“ She was asked to either pay immediately or vacate the house,’’ she said.

Mamudu added that there was need for a body that would serve as a watch dog to regulate house rents and activities of landlords in Abuja and Nigeria at large.

She said regulating rents in Nigeria as a country would go a long way to easing the suffering of the masses.

Mr Nex Peter, a printer, said that everything in the country was very expensive, adding that house owners were also trying to survive the hard times.

“I decided to live with my friends so we can and join hands together to pay the rent of N400, 000 every year.

“This is the only way I can survive in Abuja; I appeal to government at all level to look into the hardship people are facing and address it; it is becoming unbearable,” he said.

Mr Agogo Stephen, a corps member, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation in the country, adding that no average Nigerian was having it ease.

“The situation is very bad and has rendered many people homeless because they cannot afford to pay rent in the city,” he said.

Stephen said the government needed to intervene in reducing the price of building materials to help the low income earners afford a roof on their head.

However, a landlord, Mr Banji Oluwaseyeri, attributed the increase in rent in Abuja to the high cost of living in the country.

“Transportation and feeding are on the increase; as landlords, we have to increase our rent to be able to survive the current economic situation,’’ he said.

Oluwaseyeri appealed to the government to support the citizens with tokens and reduce the cost of transportation.

NAN reports that the 9th Senate passed into second reading, a bill seeking to stop landlords in the FCT from demanding advance payment of one-year rent from their tenants.

The legislation was titled, “A Bill for an Act to regulate the mode of Payment of Rent on Residential Apartments, Office Spaces, in the FCT and for Other Matters Connected Therewith.’’

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Smart Adeyemi (APC Kogi-West), was aimed at ending the practice whereby landlords demanded a yearly advance payment of rents from their tenants.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Chijioke Okoronkwo

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