NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
MMA: FG gives 90-day ultimatum for disused aircraft removal
Aviation , General News

MMA: FG gives 90-day ultimatum for disused aircraft removal

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By Adekunle Williams

The Federal Government has given a 90-day ultimatum to owners of disused aircraft littering the strategic areas of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos to remove them.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, gave the directive during his tour of facilities at the airport on Thursday.

Keyamo said the disused aircrafts were  constituting danger to the airport environment.

He stressed that the three months notice would afford the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) time to expand the Lagos airport apron to accommodate aircraft that were still in service.

“A common sight strikes the eyes of passengers in airports throughout Nigeria’s major airports.

This old aircraft belonging to bankrupt airlines shares the ground with on-duty planes and wears out in the weather,” the minister said.

Keyamo also clarified on his decision to suspend Nigeria Air and concession projects.

He stressed that it was not a total cancellation but to ensure transparency and due process were followed.

 The minister said he suspended the project, at least for now, until he briefs President Bola Tinubu with a view to taking a position on the two projects.

He said: “We have not cancelled any project. We have only suspended some things that people complained about.

“We must be very responsible to the feelings of Nigerians. Nigerian people must know the processes by which you give out their commonwealth.

“Nigerians must be aware of how you give out their commonwealth to individuals in the name of concession.

 “Therefore, I want to clarify that the Nigeria Air should be suspended.”

 Keyamo said 90 per cent of why he was appointed as the minister was to ensure aviation laws and regulations were followed by the regulatory authority and service providers. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Oluwole Sogunle

Lagdo dam and challenge of flood risk management in Nigeria
Environment , General News

Lagdo dam and challenge of flood risk management in Nigeria

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By Tosin Kolade, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The Republic of Cameroon, in a recent letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signified intension to open flood gates of Lagdo dam.

To riverine areas within the River Benue catchment area, temporarily vacating their homes and relocating to higher grounds in the coming days or weeks can be the wisest decision now given the nightmare release of water from the dam has caused them in the past; 2022 episode was the worst in reent years.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies have also advised the residents to take actions to stay safe and protect their property and farms.

Data from NEMA shows that the 2022 floods arising from the release of water from the dam displaced no fewer than 1.4 million people, killed over 603 people, and injured more than 2,400 others.

It also damaged 82,035 houses and 332,327 hectares of land were affected.

Nigeria’s immediate past minister of humanitarian affairs, Sadiya Farouq, blamed the scale of the disaster on the failure by branches of government to take action.

“There was enough warning and information about the 2022 flood, but states, local governments and communities appear not to take heed,” the minister wrote on Twitter in apparent exoneration of Federal Government.

Yearly, neighbouring Cameroon, which runs along Nigeria’s eastern border releases water from Lagdo dam in the north. This usually causes flooding downstream in Nigeria.

At the time of the dam’s construction in the 1980s the two countries agreed that a twin dam would be built on the Nigerian side to contain the overflow, but that was never realised.

So, to cushion the effect of possible flooding from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon, the Nigerian government agreed to build a shock-absorber dam tagged Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State.

The effect of the release of water from this dam is largely felt on surrounding regions in about 13 states in Nigeria, including Kogi, Benue, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.

Others include Niger, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa States.

The Dasin Hausa dam was supposed to be two and a half the size of the Lagdo dam, which was built to supply electricity to the northern part of Cameroon and allow the irrigation of 15,000 hectares of crops downstream.

Like the Lagdo dam, the dam project sited at the Dasin Village of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State was supposed to generate 300 megawatts of electricity and irrigate about 150,000 hectares of land in Adamawa, Taraba, and Benue states.

But sadly, since 1982, the Nigerian government has yet to complete the building of the Dasin Hausa dam.

As a result, anytime the Cameroonian government releases excess water from the Lagdo dam, communities in Kogi, Benue, and north-eastern states get flooded.

To halt the yearly flooding, the Senate had urged the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to revisit the proposed construction of Dasin Hausa Dam and any other dam to take in the flood waters from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

Furthermore, the ministry’s compendium which highlighted the status of the water resources sector revealed that the pre-2015 landscape was one dotted with multitudes of abandoned and uncompleted projects.

It showed that 116 Water Supply, Dams, Hydropower, and Irrigation projects were inherited, several uncompleted or abandoned, some of which construction started since the 1980s.

On infrastructure development, there are over 400 Dams in Nigeria located in various parts of the country, with capacity to provide 11.2 billion cubic metres (BCM) of water for irrigation, 900MCM for water supply and 18BCM for hydropower generation.

Unfortunately the Dasin Hausa dam does not seem to be a priority the parent ministry contrary to calls from stakeholders.

A look at the 2023 appropriation for the ministry revealed that the study and design of the Dasin Hausa dam was listed as ERGP28110523.

When contacted, the Director, Dams and Reservoir in the ministry declined comment on the status of the dam project, saying all questions should be directed to the Minister.

As the rains intensify, Mr Akugbe Iyamu the President, Environment Protection and Climate Change Experts urges Nigerian government and its sub-nationals to put in place contingency plans to forestall possible flooding.

Iyamu said a contingency plan would help stakeholders prepare and respond effectively and manage flood risks, including displacements, and food security.

According to him, water from the dam may contribute to flooding of more than 40 per cent to Nigeria land, and called on states in the downstream areas to take actions to prevent flood disaster.

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, also called on the states to put measures in place to prevent flood emergencies.

Utsev said the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had observed an increase in the volume of flow along the River Benue system, registering a flow level of 8.97 meters today.

This, he said, was insignificant, as compared to a flow level of 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022.

Similarly, NIHSA Director-General, Mr Clement Nze, says the agency would continue to monitor water levels in rivers across the country to forestall possible flood emergencies.

“We maintain close watch on all of the rivers, and we are getting into the peak of the rainy season, there are many rivers within the Benue tributaries that could cause flooding whether Cameroon releases water into Nigeria or not.

“Most of those rivers are not dammed, apart from Katsina-Ala river where we have Kashimbilla dam, it contributes to 26 per cent of River Benue.

“ If the rainfall intensifies more and which we are monitoring, there could be flooding from that axis,” he said.

The director-general said states should complement Federal Government’s efforts by sensitising their populace on flood disaster prevention, saying FG cannot do it alone.

“States should follow the Federal Government to sensitise their people, they already know the flashpoints.

“The state emergency management agencies know the locations, when they need to relocate people they should do so on time.

“Flood issues occur in the communities and the states should take responsibility, they should take more action, sensitise and relocate their people to safer grounds.

“They should augment the relief materials that NEMA is providing so as to give succour to the people, they should be on standby in all those flood flashpoints”, he advised.

Nze recalled that after the 2012 flood incidents, the FG constituted the Presidential Committee for Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) to raise funds and provide succour to flood victims.

He said many states have functional flood hostels, adding that they were duty bound to support the committee’s effort to cushion the immediate effects of flooding and recovery of affected persons.

According to him, the committee, co-chaired by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN, had monies dominated from individuals, corporate entities to the tune of N12 billion.

He said the committee had been urging the states to take over these facilities for the people, and not only for flood emergencies.

Experts believe priority should be given to flood prevention, response and management.

They say flooding has had a major impact on lives, the country’s agriculture, social, economic and infrastructure, and environmental targets. No effort should be spared in addressing the challenge it poses. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

I weep over state of National Stadium, Surulere – Enoh
Sports

I weep over state of National Stadium, Surulere – Enoh

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By Olanrewaju Akojede

 

 The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, on Thursday could not hide his emotion over the sorry state of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, saying, “I weep for this place, I earnestly weep.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the  Minister was on a facility tour of the stadium to have a first hand information on the iconic sports centre built in 1973.

NAN also reports that it took the minister almost three hours to go round every facility in the stadium; from the entrance to the mainbowl, the hostel, boxing, wrestling, para and athletics gyms.

The minister also visited the tennis court, swimming pool arena, media room where a programme was ongoing, indoor sports hall, table tennis hall, among others.

Enoh, after the inspection, addressed the media at the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) Boardroom where he expressed his reservations and decried the parlous state of the 55-seater capacity stadium.

“Today, I am here at National Stadium, Surulere. The facility, I weep for; I earnestly weep for this place.

“I have gone round and have seen different sports and I have had the chance to watch a live game of basketball at the indoor sports hall sponsored by an individual.

“I made a brief comment and said that private sector is the way to grow sports, while government only needs to give direction.

“This country is greatly indebted to personalities like Alhaji Aliko Dangote for using his personal funds to fix MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, and Sir Kessington Adebutu’s efforts to fix National Stadium, Surulere,” he said.

Enoh added: “I can imagine how it would have been if I found this place in a mess without the electronic scoreboard, tartan track and the field of the stadium not fixed.

“The state of the stadium would have been worse, and I could have wept more. This facility is the one used for the All African Games in 1973, but it has gone through a lot.

“This state of the stadium shouldn’t be a symbol of our sport, especially in a city referred to as ‘Sport City.’

“I am glad that the process towards the eventual concessioning of this facility has gone far, and if that is what is going to take this facility back to its lost glory, I will endorse it 100 per cent.

“I was also told about the botched maintenance of MKO Abiola Stadium agreement with Julius Berger and if we are not careful, and do something quickly, Abuja Stadium will suffer the same fate with Lagos.”

Enoh said the reason for having a stand alone ministry of sports by President Bola Tinubu was to give the sector the attention it required as a base for social inclusion.

“I thank God that President Tinubu provided for the Ministry of Sports, so that matters affecting the sector can be discussed more directly and specifically.

“I have come to this job with a passion that characterised my person and I think what this ministry needs is leadership. Perhaps, I don’t necessarily need to be a sportsman to be a minister in charge of sports.

“What I need is passion and commitment to provide leadership and I have no doubt that I am going to get support from the president because he personally insisted that I be made minister of sport.

“There must a purpose for my being in sports because there is no sector that can galvanise the grassroots of this country more than sports, and as a platform for social inclusion for the downtrodden,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Health

Mental Health: Expert warns youth against drug abuse

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By Lilian U. Okoro

A mental health advocate, Mr Anegbode Odion, has cautioned the youth to desist from drug abuse in the interest of their mental health.

Odion, the Vice-President of Heritage Advancement Forum (HAF), gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

He warned that youths should stop abusing drugs and substances to forestall mental health problems, adding that over 90 per cent of mental illnesses were caused by drug abuse.

Odion regretted that many youths did not know the implications of drug involvement, saying that it could affect someone’s mental, moral, financial and physical behaviour.

According to him, it is imperative to make youths understand the mental health implications of their action in abusing drugs.

He explained that the chronic use of drugs by youths could lead to short and long term changes in the brain, which could lead to mental health issues such as memory loss, depression, anxiety and hallucination.

“Many youths did not know the adverse effects of prolonged drug abuse on their mental health.

“Drug abuse can ruin one’s life and make one useless for life.

“If someone who has the inherent tendency of developing mental illness smokes cannabis, it may trigger the mental problem to surface and such person will start having mental illness.

“This is because an inherited mental illness requires other factors to push it out. So, to be on the safe side, it’s advisable to shun all forms of drug/substance abuse.’’

According to him, many persons who are addicted to drug and substance over a long period of time are often diagnosed of mental disorder.

The mental health advocate said that drugs like marijuana and cocaine could have negative effects on memory and learning.

Odion lamented that many Nigerians never knew that alcohol was also considered as drugs and the prolonged in-take of it could lead to mental health problems like memory loss, damages to the brain and vision.

He stated that in spite of the advocacies, campaigns and interventions to curb drug abuse, people (particularly youths) still had access to drugs.

He said, “It is unfortunate that most of the youths are into drug abuse.

“There are some parts of Lagos that you will enter and you will be shocked at the way men and women, boys and girls of about 13 to 15 years old are smoking and abusing drugs.’’

While calling for punitive government measures to limit access to illicit drugs, Odion advised parents to take responsibility for the upbringing of their children for the good of the society.

He also urged relevant stakeholders to intensify campaigns on the negative impact of drugs and substance abuse on the mental health of people and their overall health. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Vivian Ihechu

NGO introduces framework to promote accountability in government procurement processes
General News

NGO introduces framework to promote accountability in government procurement processes

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By Folasade Akpan

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Accountability Lab, has introduced a framework tagged, “Ethics 1st” to promote accountability and ethical behaviour in government procurement processes.

Its Country Director, Mr Odeh Friday, said at a Media Roundtable in Abuja on Thursday, that the tool would help to combat corruption and promote ethical behaviour in the procurement process.

Friday said that the framework targeted mainly businesses who bid for government contracts in the procurement space.

“Government procurement is one of the places where the highest corruption happens in Nigeria.

“Basically, we are seeking and asking the government to adopt Ethics 1st for every business they contract or engage with.

“There are abandoned projects, collapsed buildings and loss of government funds and Nigerian citizens, who are the end users, are the ones largely affected.

“This is why Ethics 1st should be adopted by governments to see that every service is held to the highest ethical standard of businesses and accountability,” Friday said.

He said that the framework was very critical for vendors and contractors involved in the government procurement process, adding that it would promote fairness and encourage competition.

He added that it provides a clear guideline for ethical behaviour in procurement processes and will strengthen accountability, transparency, fairness, and integrity.

“By adhering to ethical principles, vendors and contractors can improve their reputation and enhance their chances of winning future contracts,” he said.

The country director added that by following the guidelines of Ethics 1st, vendors and contractors could reduce their exposure to liabilities.

According to him, those who follow ethical guidelines are more likely to gain the trust of procurement and secure future business opportunities. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Philip Yatai

UN Habitat Ambassador tasks ministers on transformative policies for sustainable development
Defence/Security

UN Habitat Ambassador tasks ministers on transformative policies for sustainable development

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UN Habitat Ambassador tasks ministers on transformative policies for sustainable development

By Angela Atabo

Dr Raymond Edoh, the UN Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria,has tasked the newly appointed Ministers to initiate transformative policies that will ensure sustainable development in the country.

Edoh, also a life member, International Chartered World Learned Society(ICWLS) USA, said this in a statement by Mr Emmanuel Dauda, his Executive Media Assistant in Abuja on Thursday.

“I wish to congratulate the following Ministers for their appointment.

“They are Minster of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minster of Education, Tahir Mamman, Minister of Works, David Umahi and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“Others are Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu,” he said.

He said the ministers had served the country in various capacities and their ability to deliver on their current mandates would not be a challenged.

“The meritorious appointments of these ministers with their expertise and qualifications, will make a difference in their respective areas of responsibility and contribute to the nation’s progress.

“Their appointments would bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and effective leadership to the helm of affairs.

“The individuals chosen for these positions possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to tackle the challenges facing their ministries.

“Without missing words, they will prioritise the country’s development, address pressing issues, and implement policies and initiatives that will improve the lives of the citizens,” he said.

Edoh added:”The expectation is that they will work diligently, transparently with a strong sense of accountability to fulfill their national assignments.”

He said that it was important that the success of the appointments relied not only on the capability and dedication of the individuals but also on the support they received from other stakeholders and Nigerians.

He added that collaboration, effective governance, and the commitment to serving the nation’s interests would be crucial in achieving the desired acrobatic change that Nigerians anticipate.

“President Bola Tinubu’s confidence in their abilities is definitely a positive sign and encouraging youths to support these ministers is an important step towards fostering collaboration and inclusiveness in governance.

“Having ministers who are youth-accommodating and friendly can be beneficial in addressing the concerns and aspirations of young people.

“It is essential that the ministers create an environment where the youth can actively participate in decision-making processes and contribute their valuable insights and perspectives,” he said.

Edoh said by being accessible, open-minded, and receptive to the needs of the younger generation, the ministers would build trust and engage the youth in constructive dialogue.

He called for youth-friendly policies and initiatives to be prioritised to address the unique challenges faced by young people, such as unemployment, education, and social empowerment.

He said that the call for ministers to uphold the trust of Nigerians and prioritise the interest of the masses in their official duties was an important one.

“By doing the right thing, ministers are expected to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and integrity in their actions.

“They should make decisions that are based on the welfare of the people, ensuring that policies and initiatives are designed to benefit the broader population,” he said.

Edoh said it was crucial for the ministers to be diligent and dedicated in their roles, taking their responsibilities seriously and working toward the betterment of the country.

He also lauded Tinubu for his resilience in making Nigeria a better place, pointing out that Nigerian youths were solidly behind him and his renewed hope agenda.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

FG to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2027 – Official
Health

FG to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2027 – Official

154 total views today
By Justina Auta

The Federal Government says it will eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria by 2027, ahead of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) 2030 target.

Dr Nicholas Olobio, Deputy Director and Programme Manager, National Trachoma Elimination Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, stated this at a two-day National Trachoma Quarterly Review meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

Olobio said that the WHO Roadmap was expected to eliminate NTDs, including trachoma by 2030.

He said that Nigeria had made so much progress and expressed confidence that the diseases would be eliminated in the country by 2027.

“So far, Nigeria is at about 85 per cent because when we started, we had about 38 million Nigerians at risk of going blind due to trachoma.

“But it has been reduced significantly to about 3.7 million Nigerians, so you will see that a lot of progress has been made, with support from our partners,” he said.

He added that the states were working in partnership with the Local Government Areas to implement strategies, guidelines, and carry out activities towards the elimination of NTDs.

According to him, Nigeria has achieved so much progress all the state are following the guidelines.

He particularly said that Adamawa, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Kano and Katsina states have made much progress towards the elimination of NTDs.

“Medicines alone cannot deal with NTDs, but we inculcate water, sanitation, hygiene, and behavioural change.

“People need to stop the practice of open defecation. Even in Abuja, there is open defecation.

“So, we must look for ways to change people’s behaviour so that they can improve their sanitation practices,” he said.

Also, Prof. Caleb Mpyet, Chairman, National Trachoma Taskforce and Sightsavers Global Trachoma Mapping Epidemiologist, said that the meeting would review the level of SAFE strategy for trachoma implemented in each state as recommended by the WHO.

He said that Benue and Bauchi States were almost eliminating the diseases, and expressed hope that they would get there by the end of 2023.

“Jigawa is also making a lot of progress. If there is any state that we may still be working on after this year, it may be Borno and Yobe states where insecurity has been a problem,” he said.

On Nigeria’s target to eliminate NTDs by 2027, he said, “usually in life, you set your target and if you do not reach there, you reach somewhere near.

“We had some setbacks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that brought us back by two to three years. So, if we do not meet the target by 2027, we may reach the target by 2029.”

NTDs are a diverse group of 20 conditions that are mainly prevalent in tropical areas, where they affect more than one billion people who live in impoverished communities.

These diseases are “neglected” because they are almost absent from the global health agenda, receive little funding, and are associated with stigma and social exclusion.

Nigeria carries around 25 per cent of Africa’s NTDs burden, making it one of the most endemic countries in the world for these debilitating conditions.

Nigeria inaugurated a road map in 2021 to reach global targets in the prevention, control, elimination, and eradication a diverse set of NTDs and disease groups by 2030.

The roadmap aims to renew momentum, proposes strategies that intersect multiple diseases and advances actions focused on integrated platforms for the delivery of interventions. (NAN)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong and Philip Yatai

FG committed to protection of digital platforms -Tijani
Science & Tech

FG committed to protection of digital platforms -Tijani

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government on Thursday says it is committed to the protection of digital platforms to build the confidence of the citizens while online.

Dr Bosun Tijani,Minister of Communications,Innovation and Digital Economy made the commitment at a 2-day sensitisation workshop on Data Privacy and Protection in Abuja.

The workshop,organised by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), targeted to sensitise the public on the requirements of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

Tijani said that builing a structure around regulation of data privacy and protection was important to the journey of the nation towards digitalisation.

“Data privacy is not just a matter of convenience,it is a fundamental human right and we should care about the data we generate and what it is being used for.

“As we embrace the digital age, it is crucial that personal and sensitive information of our citizens is maintained under the eyes of confidentiality.

“We are committed as a government to ensuring that every Nigerian can trust the digital platforms that he uses,knowing that his personal data will not be misused.

“We are taking proactive steps to strengthen our data protection framework as evident in setting up of NDPC.

“We are working with stakeholders including the National Assembly to enact robust data protection laws that are aligned with international standards,” he said.

Tijani said.that data privacy and protection involved holding organisations accountable on how they collect and process data.

He said:*We will also normalise the culture of transparency among our citizens so that everyone is fully aware of how his data is used.”

Tijani said that the government will collaborate with all the stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians were aware of their rights and how they can protect their digital identity.

He further said that data protection was not the sole responsibility of government, adding, “every individual should ensure people understand the value of their data and how they can protect themselves.”

Tijani admonished Data Protection Officers (DPOs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to ensure data privacy and protection.

“We must be responsible for this as we are the faces citizens interact with, it is important that we model what we want to see in the society.

“The digital economy is an era of growth and innovation that requires that we nurture it,” he said.

The minister further said that President Bola Tinubu believed in the power of digital economy,hence the need to prioritise the implementation of stronger data security and protection.

The minister emphasised that data privacy and protection conversation should go beyond technicalities,adding that they should become values upheld strongly.

“As a minister,am personally committed to this and I ask that you all join us to work towards the Nigeria where everyones data is protected and secured,” Tijani said.

The National Commissioner of NDPC,Dr Vincent Olatunji, said the commission was engaging on rigorous sensitisation on the NDPA, capacity building of DPOs and Nigerians.

Olatunji decried that the country requires over 500,000 certified DPOs because the skill is lacking.

“We have the people but the skill is lacking, there is need for us to reskill and retool.

“Another thing is the technology that will be used to drive data protection, we need indigenous solutions that can assist build data protection ecosystem,” he said.

Olatunji said that there were so many vulnerable Nigerians who disclose and misuse their data ignorant of the risks.

“In Nigeria, we have over 60 million Nigerians involved in gaming out of over 200 million people and most of these people don’t care about their data,they are vulnerable groups.

“We are working with the regulator of that sector, the Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission to ensure they see and understand data Protection as a major thing,” he said.

Olatunji added that the commission was working on a Memorandum of Understanding that would guide activities in the sector,among other engagements.

Mr Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),said that data was the currency of digital economy.

Inuwa explained that new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence were sourcing for data to give people personalised experience,hence the need to beware of vital information available in the public domain.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 200 people participated at the workshop consisting of DPOs and MDAs, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Illegal operations: FCTA impounds, crushes 400 commercial motorcycles in Abuja
Metro

Illegal operations: FCTA impounds, crushes 400 commercial motorcycles in Abuja

157 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Joint Task Force Team of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday impounded and crushed no fewer than 400 commercial motorcycles for operating illegally in Abuja capital city.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motorcycles were impounded at strategic spots the motorcyclists use as their routes for operations.

The areas included Kpaduma II, Asokoro Extension, Galadimawa by Primary School, Gudu market, Kabusa junction and Apo mechanic village.

Mr Abdulateef Bello, Director, FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), said that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to take commercial motorcycles and tricycle operators off Abuja roads.

This, he said, was in line with the matching order by the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to ensure sanity on Abuja roads.

Bello said that the DRTS had been working hard to enforce  the ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycle operations within Abuja metropolis since 2006.

He ,however , said  that the operators kept returning to the roads, adding that the FCTA had declared zero tolerance for illegal operations of commercial motorcycles.

Earlier, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Garba Haruna, said that the exercise was a sign that the law on motorcycle ban was still in force.

“FCT residents are aware that commercial motorcycles have been banned from entering the Federal Capital City since 2006.

“We decided to crush the impounded ones today to indicate  that the city centre is not an area for them to operate,” Haruna said.

The commissioner said the motorcyclists were allowed to operate only in the suburbs of FCT.

“We don’t want to see any motorcycles in the city centre,” he insisted. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Birthday: Shettima urges friends, allies to refrain from placing paid adverts
Metro

Birthday: Shettima urges friends, allies to refrain from placing paid adverts

143 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has urged his friends and political allies to refrain from placing birthday wishes on Newspaper pages.

Shettima gave the advice in a statement he personally signed and issued by Mr Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shettima will turn 57 on Saturday.

He also advised his friends to stop utilising paid channels to convey their greetings in their endeavours to commemorate his birthday.

Shettima stated that the decision was made in the spirit of national commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance.

He said: ” Dear friends and well-wishers, as we approach the anniversary of my birth on Sept. 2, I am utterly grateful for the warm wishes and kind sentiments that many of you have expressed over the years.

” Your thoughtfulness has touched my heart and has been a source of immense joy. I would like to take this opportunity to humbly request that you consider celebrating this occasion in a different way.

” In the spirit of our nation’s commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance.

“I kindly ask you to refrain from placing birthday wishes on newspaper pages or utilising paid channels to convey your greetings.”

Shettima further asked his friends to join him in channeling their collective efforts towards a nobler cause.

He said: ” Instead of spending resources on such messages, I encourage you to contribute to the betterment of our society by donating to charity organisations in need or your preference, in our collective pursuit of a humane and functional world.

“Thank you for your understanding and for being my all-weather friends and allies. Warm regards.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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