At Dei-Dei abattoir, located on the outskirts of Abuja, a thick smoke is billowing continuously. Idris and other sweating young men work energetically, hauling large chunks of hide skinned from slaughtered cows into the smearing fire fuelled with tyres and plastics.
Under the heat from the sun and fire, they are assisted by Aisha and a group of women whose dresses have turned black from regularly working in the smoke.
Aisha and her team are washing the chunks of hide in equally blackened water and getting them ready for the market as vans take turns to load their portions.
As the fires go down, more tyres and plastics are hauled to further fuel the inferno as the butchers work to meet the large demand in the ever-increasing ponmo market.
Cooked cow hide, otherwise known as ponmo in Nigeria is a favourite meat enjoyed by millions of Nigerians. Many migrants to Nigeria have also fallen in love with it.
It is considered a taboo in some parts of the country to have a proper meal without a slice of ponmo.
However, researches have shown that ponmo may turn out to be poisonous if it is processed by burning with tyres or plastics-generated fire as is the practice in many abattoirs across Nigeria.
The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2012) revealed that “tyre derived fuel” (TDF) contained several heavy metals such as lead (Pd), zinc (Zn), and Copper (Cu) that could be carcinogenic when exposed to consumers over a long period.
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) also warned against consumption of such meat, stressing that it could contain cancer-causing chemicals from the burnt tyres.
“The more we eat those meats roasted with tyres, the more we are prone to health risks.
“There are alternatives and healthy ways of de-skinning meat rather than using tyres. Burning tyres contaminates the meat, degrades the environment and pollutes the atmosphere,” Dr Fadipe Oladotun, an official of VCN told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Modern abattoir
This writer’s visit to major abattoirs in Abuja, which include: the Karu, Dei-dei, Kubwa and Gwagwalada abattoirs, showed that in spite of the health risks associated tyres and plastics-processed ponmo it remains is a common practice.
At Karu abattoir, tucked in the outskirts of Abuja, the unavoidable welcome by the stench of filthy environment occasioned by years of burnt tyres and plastics.
The pollution is palpable even to the most skeptic of environmental contamination.
Isa Adamu said he has been involved in the business of roasting slaughtered animals with tyres for no fewer than five years.
According to him, they burn scrap tyres to roast the meat because he tyres are cheaper sources of fuel, though they are not entirely ignorant of environment and health implications.
“We use these tyres for the meat because it burns sharp sharp and the used tyres are cheap to get around, so it makes our work easier,” he said.
Adamu said he was aware of the environmental hazard of this practice, but claimed he was not aware it could contaminate the meat and be carcinogenic.
The NAN investigation also shows this is the practice is rampant in Abuja, due to weak effort by the authorities to address it.
A Professor of Environmental Science at Addis Ababa University (AAU), Seyoum Leta, who said the practice also obtains in some African countries, stressed the need to stop this harmful practice.
He said doing so would not only safe potential cancer cases but also reduce emission of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) from those abattoirs.
“Burning scrap tyres will have not only health effects it will also largely contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and hence climate change with its implications for climate change.
“This practice releases what we call SOx, NOx, VOC and PM which are precursors of GHGs. Burning this resources is also a waste of resources as this can be recyleable material,” he said.
Leta told NAN that a number of alternatives can be explored by Nigeria, such as biomass based briquettes which are eco-friendly.
“Biomass-based briquettes are generally considered green technology compared to petroleum-based fuel such as tyres, so this is a good alternative in this regard,” he said.
The don advised Nigerians to embrace recycling of scrap tyres into beautiful furniture, shoes, mats and tiles.
Katharina Elleke, Project Designer, FlipFlopi Project Foundation, an East Africa-based NGO that built a sailing boat from recycled plastics in Kenya emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace recycling plastics and tyres.
“We are East Africa’s circular economy movement that built the world’s first 100% recycled plastic sailing dhow.
“We use heritage boat building and waste-plastic innovation to create public engagement and drive policy action to ban all single use plastics and ensure all other plastics are part of a circular economy,” she said.
Elleke said African countries, including Nigeria, can tackle plastic pollution, through an effective plastic recycling system and keying into the circular economy model.
Recycled tyres for eco friendly furniture and horticulture
The Managing Director, FREEE Recycle Limited, Ifedolapo Runsewe said with Nigeria generating over three million scrap tyres annually, a lot more needs to be done to tackle the environmental/health challenge they pose.
She said that recycling of such tyres would go a long way in reducing environmental pollution and boosting Nigeria’s economy.
Sustainable environment stakeholders say all hands must be on deck in creating awareness and right investment in tyre recycling, while stepping up sensitisation and sanctions against burning of tyres.
They say this will engender good health and economic wellbeing of Nigerians. (NANFeatures)
** If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria
The Minister of The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has asked the National Assembly to approve the N17 billion appropriated for the FCT Administration in the N27.5 trillion 2024 proposed National Budget.
Wike made the appeal when he appeared before the Joint Session of the Senate and House Committees on FCT, in Abuja on Friday.
He explained that N17.1 billion was allocated to the FCT Administration, adding that the amount was for the completion of abandoned projects and the implementation of critical projects.
He said N5 billion was allocated as a counterpart fund for the Greater Abuja Water Supply projects and N4.5 billion for the design and construction of Nigeria Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower.
He also said that N3 billion was allocated for the rehabilitation of the Federal Secretariat, while N4 billion was allocated for the completion of the Vice President’s Residence.
The minister added that N609.7 million was for the settlement of residential and office accommodation for international organisations in the FCT.
“The money is just N17.1 billion, so what can I say other than to say, ‘please help us pass it’,” the minister said.
On the performance of the 2023 budget, Wike said that a total of N15.5 billion was appropriated for infrastructural development, adding, however, that only N8 billion was released representing 52 per cent.
Responding, the Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Mr Ibrahim Bomai, acknowledged that all the projects were ongoing ones, adding that the funds would not be enough to complete the projects.
He pointed out that the FCT operates a dual budget – the national budget and the statutory budget – and expressed the hope that the statutory budget might be in hundreds of billions.
He, therefore, appealed to the legislators to give no objection considering the meager amount.
“If you have no objection, we will ask the minister to take a bow and go,” Bomai said. (NAN)
The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) says it will partner Africa Islamic Economic Foundation as part of innovative healthcare financing for its health insurance scheme.
The Director-General of the authority, Malam Abubakar Hassan, said this in Abuja on Friday at the close of a four-day meeting to review the state’s Health Insurance Scheme under the State Social Security Law, 2023.
Hassan said that the partnership was crucial to improving infrastructure in primary healthcare facilities.
This, according to him, will improve the quality of healthcare delivery in the state and in the long run, encourage the non-formal sector to key into the scheme.
On his part, the President of the Foundation, Mr Baba Muhammad, expressed the willingness of the foundation to partner the Kaduna State Government to improve healthcare infrastructure.
Muhammad said that the partnership would be under the foundation’s initiative to harness digital technology for sustainable primary healthcare infrastructure development in Africa.
He added that the foundation would bring in up-to-date equipment that meets international standards to provide digital solutions to healthcare services.
He added that “we provide interest-free financing. It means if you take one million dollars to run a hospital, it is the same amount you will pay back without interest.
“The idea is to make life easier for people because our partners are one of the best in the world.
“We believe that when we come to Kaduna, we will be able to go round the 23 local government areas to support at least one digital health facility in each area.
“It is very easy for Kaduna to tap into it and the state has taken a step already by inviting us here to talk to stakeholders.
“We are prepared to come to Kaduna and make a presentation, and from there, an agreement would be reached and moved on from there.”
Muhammad explained that the foundation, located in Tamale, Republic of Ghana, is a leading advocate for an Islamic paradigm for economic development and innovation in Africa.
“We are an independent development organisation that provides distinctive Islamic perspectives on economic development and social issues.
“Our work encompasses a range of advisory, research, policy development and field-building activities around Islamic economy, Islamic finance, Islamic Impact Investments, and capital markets.
“This will drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development in Africa.
“Our innovative digital solution was designed to bridge the healthcare infrastructure gap, while unlocking opportunities for sustainable development through Islamic finance principles,” he said. (NAN)
The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye has urged the descendants to pay close attention to happenings at home and contribute their quota to its growth.
The paramount ruler gave the charge at the empowerment of 102 indigenes to mark the beginning of his coronation ceremony, scheduled for Dec. 19.
Oba Olaoye pledged his support to all aspiring entrepreneurs in Ogbomosoland, saying, “My doors will always be open to your concerns, aspirations and suggestions.”
The empowerment, according to the Royal father was championed by Ogbomoso-First Community Initiative (O-First Group) in conjunction with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The beneficiaries, who were drawn from five local government areas of Ogbomosoland, were given items such as, Industrial sewing machines, motorcycles, tricycles, deep freezers, generators and hair dryers, among other items.
“Since my confirmation and subsequent installation as the Soun of Ogbomoso, I have emphasised consistently that the comprehensive development of Ogbomosoland would be central to my reign.
“The one we are doing today covers a total of 102 indigenes of Ogbomosoland and this is only the beginning of good things to come.
“As we progress, the nature of empowerment in tools, skills and opportunities will become diverse and applicable in the current global environment and labour market,” he said.
The traditional ruler thanked the people for their commitment to the development of Ogbomosoland, and particularly, the federal government for its collaboration in bringing the initiative to fruition.
“The people of Ogbomosoland shall continue to strengthen the existing network with government and also build new ones. Through this, we shall attract more development initiatives and projects to the land,” he said.
The Royal father congratulated the beneficiaries, and warned them against selling the items.
“These are not gifts that should be taken for granted, they are tools that present great opportunity to unlock your potentials and contribute to the economic growth of our community.
“I urge you to embrace this gesture with enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility and to recognise the tool given to you as coming from God.
“Remember, the success of your business ventures will not only benefit yourselves and your families, but also create jobs and opportunities for others within our city.
“For your information, a monitoring mechanism has been set up in the palace and with the O-First Group to track the utilisation of these items.
“You are also reminded that following the signed agreement, you are to guide against misuse and sale of these items as such would attract legal actions and jeopardise the interest of your guarantors,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries with their items in Ogbomoso
In his remarks, Mr Olusegun Adekunle, President, Ogbomoso First Community Initiative (O-First Group), said the event was not only to celebrate the coronation of the new Soun, but witness a testament of his commitment to improving the socio-economic status of our people in Ogbomosoland through empowerment programme and initiatives.
Representative of the Federal Ministry of of Works, Mr Sola Gbolahan, commended the group and lawmakers for facilitating the items for the empowerment and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items.
Other speakers at the event include: Messrs Bolaji Adigun, Segun Odebubmi, Arinlade Jekayinfa, who also appreciated the group for deeming it fit to honour the Royal father with such empowerment programme.
Some of the beneficiaries in their responses, appreciate the Royal father and the group for counting them worthy to benefit and prayed for peaceful and productive reign of the Royal father. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The ICPC says there is a high level of corruption in all spheres of sectors, especially in the three arms of government and the private sector in the last two years.
The Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, Prof, Tunde Babawale, said this in Abuja, at the validation meeting for the 2022 National Survey, known as the Nigerian Corruption Index (NCI).
Babawale said that findings of survey put corruption level within the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive arms of government and private sector at 42 per cent.
“All the sectors have been found culpable and found to be highly corrupt, the legislature the judiciary, the executive all of them have been found to be corrupt
“Although at the level of the state the score differs from one state to the other but the bottom line is that there is an overall score that we found is that over 42 per cent in our own scale is highly corrupt for the entire country.”
According to him, it is observed that corruption has become so pervasive that we need to embark on a change of attitude, change of mindset and change of behavior.
“Meaning that people must begin to develop a high intolerance level for corruption as we are now, there is a high level of tolerance for corruption in the country.
“And, they don’t see it as a very scandalous and shocking development as it used to be in the past. We should begin to train the youth and even the old on how to develop this anti-corruption antigen,” he said.
He explained that the validation meeting was for a national survey that was carried out in 2022, which was called the Nigerian Corruption Index (NCI).
According to him, the NCI is to survey the extent of grand corruption in Nigeria, to look at the various sectors that are mostly affected by corruption as well as overall Nigerian thought in corruption.
He said the NCI focused on corruption in high places, especially the three arms of government as well as the private sector.
He noted that there had been other surveys on corruption by the National Bureau of Statistics, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, which were largely based on perception devoted to identifying the problem relating to petty corruption.
“The difference in what we are doing is that we are surveying the impact of the effect of grand corruption and we are also looking at it from the perspective of different sectors of society, the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, as well as the sub national government.
“So, the thinking that it is better for us to talk about grand corruption because of the greatest impact on living conditions of Nigerians when policemen collect bribes on the roadside that has effects but not as much as somebody stealing the N109 billion.
”So, we want to weigh the impact of such on society, how it differs from one sector to the other.
“And, the ultimate objective is also to ensure that we are able to advise the government on policies that should be put in place in order to develop anti-corruption initiatives and interventions,” he said.
He expressed concerns on the findings of the NCI, which discovered that people had trivialized corruption, and that the private sector fuelled corrupt practices in the public sector.
“One of the things we found out is that people have built the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility fraudulently.
“They have used it to disguise corruption to also disguise the perpetration of corruption between the private and public sector.
“What I mean by that is that private companies sometimes bring out the concept of corporate social responsibility as real corporate social responsibility, when what it is, is actually perpetuating corruption by giving officials bribes and even equipment.
“Some get cars bought for them and all of it we found out in the course of our survey. So, the government has to take a look at that. And purge it of all those impunity.”
He said there was the need for the government to purge legislate oversight, which sometimes used as a veritable tool and channel of corruption.
“There is need for the government to purge the legislate oversight of a tendency by some people to also use it to take money from both the private and public sector.
“Some in the survey claimed that they sponsored trips for legislative oversight, which should not be, because the government made provision for that, that has to be addressed.
“And lastly, the overall thing that was observed is that corruption has become so pervasive that we need to embark on a change of attitude, change of mindset and change of behavior,” he said.
Prof. Elijah Okebukola, Lead Researcher on the project NCI noted that what the index did was that it measured corruption at different levels.
Okebukola said that their findings revealed that there was a high level of corruption at virtually every sphere of sectors in the country, especially within the three arms of government
“We have found that there is a high level of corruption at virtually every sphere of sectors in the country, in every level of government in all the spheres what index does is that it measures corruption at different levels,” he said.
The Secretary of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Clifford Oparaodu, represented by the Director of Legal, Mr Henry Emorie, said that NCI was a tool aimed at helping the commission to better understand the fight grand corruption in the country
Oparaodu noted that everybody was experiencing the pervasive impact of corruption, which described corruption as a cankerworm that had insidiously woven its way into the fabric of the society, causing immeasurable damage to the nation.
He noted hat the meeting would help shed light on the area of concern as highlighted in the NCI data
He, therefore, called for collective efforts in the fight against corruption with the government sector as well as the private sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.com)
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Oba Adeleke Basibo,
Alaperu of lperu, Ogun, (middle) during ground breaking ceremony for Mechanical Engineers Technology Advancement Academy
By Bolu Akindoyin/Grace Alegba
The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), on Thursday, conducted the ground breaking ceremony for its Mechanical Engineering Technology Advancement Academy at Iperu-Remo in Ogun.
Iperu-Remo is near the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God located at Kilometre 45, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Traditional Ruler of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, conducted the ground breaking ceremony.
The NIMechE National Chairman, Dr Olufunmilade Akingbagbohu, said at the event that the academy would nurture the next generation of engineers.
Akingbagbohu said that the academy was aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in mechanical engineering.
She added that it would equip young mechanical engineers with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly-evolving industry.
“The academy aims to train 5,000 young engineers for the labour market, empowering them through learning, training, internship programmes and certification courses,” she said.
She said that collaborative efforts with MacArthur incorporated in Canada were important toward realising the goal.
She said that there were plans to have trainers from MacArthur to contribute to the academy’s programmes.
Akingbagbohun further said that the academy – is first of its kind – would collaborate with University of Lagos, Toyota Nigeria, Naval dockyard and Innoson Motors.
She said that the academy would give attention to the ongoing conversion from petrol to gas engines.
She said that the Nigeria Liquidfied Natural Gas Ltd. had promised to put up a building in the academy while Sir Keshinton Adebutu, Founder of Premier Lotto, promised to build a workshop in the academy.
She called on other well- meaning Nigerians, organisations and governments to support the project tagged: “Graduate Employability Programme”.
She assured the host community that the project would attract rapid development to the area.
She called for a revised curriculum in tertiary institutions to further promote industrial growth and development.
She thanked the Managing Director of IMMAC Group, Chief Kole Olatunji, for donating the land for the academy.
The National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, represented by Mr Abass Mohammed, thanked NIMechE for the project which, he said, would go a long way to close the gap between classroom theory and practical skills.
The Chairman of the Board of Mechanical Engineering Technology Advancement Academy, Mr Seun Faluyi, said that Nigerian engineers would need to contribute more to national development and capacity building of their members.
According to him, in spite of high unemployment rate in the country, some employers are unable to fill some vacancies due to lack of relevant skills by job applicants.
He added that the academy would train and prepare graduate mechanical engineers in Nigeria with skills to contribute to national development.
The Wife of Ogun Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, represented by Mrs Fakoya Bolanle, congratulated NIMechE for the initiative.
She promised to continue to support educational projects.
She expressed the hope that the academy would make much impacts. (NAN)
No fewer than 120 golfers are set to participate in the maiden TopFX Golf Tournament scheduled to tee off on Saturday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, billed for the 18-hole course at the prestigious golf club, is being organised for members of the Golf Club comprising the men, women and the veterans’ categories.
The one-day competition, which has already generated interest among members of the club, will see golfers slugging it out for honours in a stroke format play over the 18-holes.
Captain of the IBB Golf Club, Olabanjo Obaleye, said at a pre-tournament news conference on Friday, that the tournament would provide lots of opportunities to the golfers.
Obaleye, who was represented by the Club’s Competition Secretary, Sola Adebayo, said that participants would leverage on the tournament to showcase their worth.
He said that the tournament would be keenly contested with mouth-watering prizes up for grabs in the various categories.
Obaleye added that all necessary arrangements that would guarantee a hitch-free competition had been put in place.
He said that the tournament would begin with a cocktail later on Friday night to usher in the main event.
“We are happy to have TopFX organising the tournament, and it is a nice time to reach out to golfers.
“We are starting the tournament with a cocktail later today, while the tournament proper will be on Saturday, and we will play over a round of 18- holes for both men and women categories.’’
He also said that the tournament would feature other side attractions including raffle draws which would see participants win redeemable vouchers.
“There’s going to be raffle draws on Saturday and presentation of medals and trophies to the various winners.
“Only members of the IBB Golf Club can participate in this inaugural edition, and it is strictly for amateur golfers,” he said.
The West Africa Regional Manager of TopFX, Ada Ogbuehi, said her company was excited to partner with the IBB International Golf and Country Club in organising the tournament.
“TopFX is an Institutional Prime Brokerage founded in 2010 to provide superior trading conditions and exceptional pricing to professional and institutional clients.
“So, we like to associate with prestigious bodies like IBB International Golf and Country Club. We are happy to network and socialise with the golf team,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
A not-for-profit organisation, Centre for Social Awareness Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE), has expressed worry over the “poor performance” of public primary education and healthcare delivery in the South-East.
The Founder of CSAAE, Rev. Fr. Godswill Agbagwa, made the remark in Owerri during the unveiling of a 44-page report conducted between 2021 and 2022 on South-East Public Primary Education and Healthcare Delivery.
He said that the organisation, funded by Open Society Initiative for West Africa, was dedicated to social development and advancement of good governance, accountability and efficient delivery of public services.
“In 2021, we launched the Local Government Good Governance Monitor (LGGM) and built the capacity of 190 youths as champions to monitor public education and healthcare delivery in 95 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the South-East.
“The LGGM project lasted for 23 months during which the LGGM champions visited 1,387 public schools and 534 primary healthcare centres in the region for data collection.
“We designed the project in such a way that we could get into the communities to see how the councils are performing based on minimum standards provided by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency of Nigeria (NPHCDA),” Agbagwa said.
He further said that most primary schools in the region were not conducive for learning, citing the lack of doors, toilets and adequate teachers.
He also said that most primary healthcare facilities lacked doctors, and at least four nurses and ambulances for operational services.
“About 80 per cent of the primary schools do not have toilets thus making pupils and teachers, sometimes, to engage in open defecation when pressed.
“It is a shame that our primary schools do not have toilets where our children can go to ease themselves.
“UBEC says that every primary school in Nigeria must have perimeter fence and there must be a security guard in every school.
“But findings revealed that most of these public schools in the region have no fence, let alone security guards,” Agbagwa said.
He further lamented the absence of water in most of the public primary schools visited.
He said: “No state scored more than 29 per cent in the provision of a minimum of two toilets for male and female.
“Looking at the information from data analysed, one could see that between 2021 and 2022, only Ebonyi scored more than 50 per cent in quality and inclusive primary education delivery based on UBEC’s minimum standards.
“In fact, Ebonyi, the best performing state in the zone, exceeded 50 per cent with just 1.56 per cent, while Imo came a distant second with 42.32 per cent.
“Anambra came third with 39.21 per cent; Enugu came fourth with 33.28 per cent while Abia came last with 29.26 per cent,” he said.
In the area of healthcare delivery, Agbagwa said that Abia emerged the best performing state, scoring 53.46 per cent.
“This means that only 53.46 per cent of Primary Healthcare Centres in Abia met NPHCDA’s minimum standards,” he said.
He said that Ebonyi came second with 52.79 per cent; Imo third with 52.57 per cent; Anambra fourth with 52.43 per cent and Enugu fifth with 40.79 per cent.
“We also looked at how the LGs contributed towards primary healthcare and primary education, and discovered that some of the council officials complained of lack of resources, portfolio and power to execute projects in the sectors under review.
“Sometimes they complained that SUBEB and the Ministry of Education performed their constitutional duties rather than work with the LG Education Authorities.
“This brings to bear the need to redefine the roles of the LG authorities and the roles of the state agencies, who have taken advantage to usurp the roles of the LGs.
“We got our data and an analyst to discover that the South-East is lagging behind generally. The truth is that all of them performed poorly,” he said.
However, Agbagwa said that in spite of the general poor performance, some LGAs distinguished themselves for development in the sectors.
He said that Udenu LGA emerged the best performing LG in the South East, in terms of education, “but interestingly, Enugu is the second worst performing state in the South-East.”
Agbagwa called for urgent interventions to rescue and strengthen the LG system to improve the standards in primary education and primary healthcare delivery.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to 15 persons, including former LG Chairmen for their contributions to the improvement in the primary education and healthcare delivery in their areas.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
About 2, 500 local and international athletes are expected to participate in the 2nd edition of the ECOWAS Abuja international half marathon scheduled for Saturday in the FCT, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that athletes expected at the event include those from Kenya, Ethiopia and China.
ECOWAS Director of Sports Development Centre, Francis Njoaguani, said this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.
Njoaguani said the marathon was being organised by ECOWAS and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
He said the idea to organise the marathon was borne out of the need to create visibility of ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja.
“The idea to organise this annual event is to go beyond the health benefits of sports to create awareness in the West African regional body,“ he said.
He said that the idea started a few years back before the COVID-19 in conjunction with some critical stakeholders.
“The first edition was held in 2019 with the collaboration of the FCTA and an attempt to hold it in 2020 could not materialize because of the COVID,“ he said.
He said that the prize money for this year was 70,000 dollars that would be shared among the male and female categories.
Njoaguani said that the prize money for first position in the five kilometer marathon is 750 dollars with a gold medal and second, 500 dollars and a silver medal.
Others are third; 400 dollars with a bronze medal fourth, 300 dollars and fifth 200 dollars.
According to him, the first prize for the 21.09 km is 10,000 dollars and a gold medal, second, 5000 and a silver medal, third, 4000 and a bronze medal.
He said that all participants at the marathon would get a certificate of participation.
The director said that the number of participants from East Africa was reduced to give West Africans the opportunity to win the prizes.
“This is because they are more advanced in the long distance race than their West African counterparts,“ he said.
He said that the race would start early in the morning from the ECOWAS headquarters in Asokoro and end at the Eagle square which is a symbolic area in Abuja.
On the payment of prize money to athletes, Njoaguani assured that it would be paid 48 hours after the event.
He said that subsequent editions would be bigger than this year`s to bring in more participants.
NAN reports that the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh would be a special guest at the event on Saturday.
The maiden edition was held on Dec.14, 2019 with 500 local and international participants in attendance.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Some guests at the 2023 edition of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association Annual General Meeting and Lecture with the theme: “Traditional Masonry Techniques and Advancing Building Technology”
Bricklayers
By Bolu Akindoyin/Grace Alegba
Some experts in the construction sector have advised bricklayers to embrace new technologies for durable constructions that would boost production and guarantee quality assurance.
The experts made the call in Ikeja at the 2023 edition of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association (LSBA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the theme: “Traditional Masonry Techniques and Advancing Building Technology”.
The event was sponsored by Dangote Cement Plc.
The guest speaker, Mr Kunle Awobodu, who is a former National President of Nigerian Institute of Building, compared traditional construction methods with new ones driven by technology.
Awobodu, the pioneer President of Building Collapse Prevention Guild, stressed the need for bricklayers to adapt to the new methods through capacity building programmes.
He advised them to change their perception of bricklaying as a dirty job which they could not wish for their children.
“Bricklaying is a good trade that the society needs on daily basis, and you can make a lot of money through it,” he said.
He said that bricklaying was important for both employment and wealth creation in the face of scarcity of white collar jobs.
Awobodu said that youths should be encouraged to take up bricklaying to be gainfully employment after graduating from schools.
He said that such an engagement would discourage them from internet fraud refered to as ‘Yahoo Yahoo”.
Dr Emmanuel Aladeloba, a former Head of Building Department, Yaba College of Technology, thanked a team from Dangote Cement Plc. which conducted training for the artisans.
He hoped that ir would develop the capacities of artisans.
Aladeloba, however, called on artisans to be honest and transparent while working on sites unmonitored.
He charged them to use the right measurements and materials.
“It is only when the house you built stays for long without cracking or collapsing that you can be called a bricklayer,” he said.
He warned artisans against accepting low pay to engage in substandard construction that could collapse in the future and result in loss of lives and waste of investments.
He urged them to network with senior colleagues to further develop skills to remain relevant.
He advised them to apply lessons they learnt from the training on the use of right measurements, angles and dimensions to guarantee quality assurance for durable construction.
Aladeloba explained how site operations had been automated through new technologies to make constructions easier.
“You don’t need to carry blocks on your heads now; there are machines that can do that as well as plastering machine which will ease your work and enhance productivity,” he said.
He also advised the bricklayers to introduce cadre grading based on experience so that new entrants would not earn same pay with experienced ones in the daily pay schedule.
The Dangote team educated the artisans on different cement types, usage and the need to always check the expiry dates of products before use to ensure durability of projects.
Earlier, in his welcome address, LSBA President, Mr Taye Dauda, thanked Dangote Cement for training and re-training its members.
Dauda said that nobody was above training no matter his years of experience on the job.
He promised LSBA’s continued collaboration with relevant agencies to curb building collapse in Lagos State. (NAN).
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
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