September 9, 2024

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

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1 EFCC returns vehicles, money to Canadian Police

2 FG grants UTM Offshore licence for 2.8m tonnes floating LNG facility

3 Wike signs MoU with Chinese companies on electricity, water supply

4 FG conducts clearance operation on illegal mining site in Kogi

5 ECOWAS MPs propose laws to boost subregional healthcare, education

Agriculture , Metro

FCT Fadama CARES distributes agric. inputs to 9,170 farmers

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has distributed agricultural inputs as grants, to 9,170 beneficiaries, under the FCT Fadama CARES programme, within one year of President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, disclosed this while inaugurating the distribution of the grant to the fourth batch of 6,020 beneficiaries in Gwagwalada on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the inputs distributed included fertilisers, seeds, agrochemicals, sprayers and personal protective equipment for crop farmers.

Also distributed were day old chicks and feeds to poultry farmers; juvenile fish and feeds for fish farmers; goats for livestock farmers and grinding machines for women agriculture products processors.

Mahmoud explained that 3,150 farmers had benefited in the third phase in December 2023, to support dry season farming, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 9,170 in one year.

This, according to her, represents a 216 per cent achievement when compared with the disbursement of the grant to 4,233 beneficiaries in about two years, prior to Tinubu administration.

She said that the FCT Fadama CARES programme, under the Work Bank-supported Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), was designed to increase food security and safe functioning of the food supply chain in the FCT.

“The programme is deliberately designed to support the recovery of livelihood activities of poor and vulnerable persons engaged in agricultural value chains, with special consideration to women and unemployed youths.

“Its implementation will be anchored on the World Bank community driven development approach for deployment of programme investments at the community level,” she said.

The minister described the programme as a significant indicator of the unflinching commitment of President Tinubu, towards ensuring sustainable food production through his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She added that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration, had committed significant resources towards ensuring sustainable agriculture production in line with the vision of Tinubu.

This, according to her, is a panacea for poverty reduction and improvement of livelihoods for poor and vulnerable agricultural households in the FCT, through the FCT Fadama CARES programme.

“This, indeed, is a clear indication of our administration’s commitment towards ensuring sustainable agricultural production for the attainment of food and nutritional security, poverty reduction and improved livelihoods.”

Mahmoud also disclosed that the FCTA Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat was leveraging the Fadama CARES programme to provide starter packs to 94 trainees of FCT – Leventis Foundation School of Agriculture, Yaba, for years 2022 and 2023.

“This is part of the youth empowerment component of the Fadama CARES programme, to enable the trainees to put into practice what they studied in school,” she explained.

Some of the agricultural inputs distributed to FCT farmers under the Fadama CARES programme in Gwagwalada on Thursday.

On his part, Mr Lawan Geidam, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, explained that the 6,020 beneficiaries, under the fourth batch, were selected from 82 farming community associations across the six area councils of the FCT.

Geidam identified the inputs disbursed within the year as 12,436 bags of NPK and 6218 bags of Urea fertiliser, 18,654 litres of agro chemicals, and 43,526 kg of assorted seeds, under Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 2.1.

Other inputs, he said, included 55,400 day old chicks, 7,756 bags of poultry feed, 81,800 juvenile (catfish) fish and 2,045 bags of fish feed.

He further identified the inputs disbursed under DLI 2.3, as 3690 goats, 3,212 sets of farm assets, such as sprayers, personal protective equipment, and water pumps and accessories.

Others, according to him, are 1006 grinding machines and 22 units of 2MT/hour multipurpose threshers, while water and sanitation facilities have been provided in 10 wet markets across the six area councils. (NAN)

Abiemwense Moru

 

Features

X-raying Wike’s first year as FCT minister

By Philip Yatai, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Shortly after assuming office as FCT minister on Aug. 21, 2023, Mr Nyesom Wike announced short, medium, and long-term plans to restore the Abuja Master Plan.

Wike, along with FCT minister of state Mariya Mahmoud, explained that overhauling the FCT would reposition it to be among the best cities in the world in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

He added that emphasis would be placed on infrastructural development, taking one project at a time, to restore the city to its glory.

The minister said that development would also be extended to the six Area Councils as part of strategies to decongest the city and open rural economy.

Sadly, Wike was confronted with the sight of abandoned projects that characterised the capital city.

The minister noted that FCT had, over the years, witnessed foundation laying ceremonies of several structures worth billions, only to be abandoned midway or at advanced stages of the construction.

While assessing them, he pointed out that some of the contracts were awarded in 2007, some in 2011, while others were awarded between 2015 and 2017, with all abandoned.

Confronting the challenge, Wike said that revenue leakages would be blocked so as to mobilise the needed resources for infrastructural development in the FCT.

“I will ensure that Abuja gets the best. You will see projects upon projects, and projects that will be completed and not abandoned.

“I am not a party to abandoned projects. I start a project when there is money as such we will look into our finances before we begin any project,” the minister had said.

Innovatively, Wike got most of the contractors back to site after agreeing on a payment plan with money from the FCT Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and 2023 Supplementary Budget.

To improve IGR, the minister inaugurated a Task Force on the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for mass housing developments and the recovery of land use contravention fees in the FCT.

He equally introduced innovations and enforced the payment of outstanding ground rents and other taxes in the FCT, a decision that increased the territory’s revenue generation significantly.

This is evident with the recent declaration of N126.54 billion collected and remitted between January and June by the FCT Internal Revenue Service.

The then acting Executive Chairman of the service, Mr Haruna Abdullahi, said that the figure was 53.5 per cent higher than the N82.46 billion collected in the first half of 2023.

The minister also secured the approval of Tinubu to withdraw FCTA from Treasury Single Account, to enable the administration to access funds from financial institutions to fund projects.

These initiatives paid off, as nine months later, the Wike-led FCTA announced the completion of numerous projects which were inaugurated in May to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

Some of the projects included the official residence of the Vice President, the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system, Inner Southern Expressway from the Outer Southern Expressway to the Southern Parkway.

Others are full scope development of about 6.7km of 10 lanes Outer Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 Junction, and construction of Southern Parkway from the Christian Centre to Ring Road 1, named after President Bola Tinubu.

Equally inaugurated were the completed B6 (Constitution Avenue)/B12 (Independence Avenue) roads in Central Area, and Wuye interchange bridge.

The full scope development of the Arterial Road, N-20, from Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway to Murtala Mohammed Expressway, was also partly completed and named after noble laurel Wole Soyinka.

Another milestone of the Wike-led FCTA was the completion of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District Lot II, and the resurfacing of 189 roads covering 57 km within Abuja city centre among others.

He assured that other ongoing projects would be completed by December 2024, including the rehabilitation and resurfacing of 366 roads in Wuse, Garki, Asokoro and Maitama Districts, covering 117 km.

Also ongoing are the rehabilitation of District Hospital Gwarimpa, Cottage Hospital Gwagwalada and District Hospital Utako, Greater Abuja Water Supply Project and rehabilitation of 19 public primary and secondary schools across the territory.

The minister also recently inaugurated the construction of three bus terminals in the FCT to ensure a secure and convenient travel experience for commuters in the FCT.

He also inaugurated the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex to strengthen the administration of justice.

Road users and residents described the feat as unprecedented, saying that Wike was the best thing that had happened to FCT.

“I have been living in Abuja for 16 years but never witnessed a speedy delivery of road projects until Wike happened.

“Look at the road to Asokoro from Apo, which was under construction for several years, but Wike delivered it in just eight months,” said a resident, Mr Andrew Moses.

Similarly, Mr Shuabu Yunusa, a taxi driver said, “It is now seamless going to Asokoro from Apo. The Tinubu-led administration is really working and deserved our commendation.”

In keeping to his promise not to leave rural communities behind in the development agenda, the minister has inaugurated the construction of rural roads of more than 42.2km across the six Area Councils and promised to complete them by December.

Similarly, the minister has also handed over Staff of Office to four newly coronated Chiefs of Karu, Kwali, Pai, and Yaba, as part of measures to strengthen traditional institutions and improve governance in communities.

According to him, the traditional rulers are expected to draw the attention of the government to any development, security and other issues that require government attention and response.

Beyond infrastructural development, stakeholders said that Wike has carved his name in gold by ensuring the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission (CSC), 2018, against all odds.

The minister, on Oct. 13, 2023, announced President Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of CSC for the FCTA, in line with the provisions of the law.

This, he said, was to allow career progression for civil servants in the Administration, from director to permanent secretary and, hopefully, Head of Civil Service.

On March 12, Wike announced Tinubu’s approval for the appointment of Mr Udo Atang, as pioneer Head of Civil Service of the FCTA.

Mr Emeka Ezeh was also appointed Chairman of the Commission’s Board, along with six others as commissioners, representing the six geopolitical zones.

Similarly, 10 other directors in the FCTA were appointed as pioneer Permanent Secretaries for various Secretariats of the Administration.

The excited pioneer head of FCT civil service, described the development as a demonstration of the reality of the renewed hope agenda of the Tinubu-led government.

Commending Tinubu and Wike for renewing the hope of FCT workers, Atang said: “the staff of the Administration have never had it this good.

“In the new FCTA system, every member of staff is a potential permanent secretary and head of service.”

To ensure gender equality, as well as women and youth participation in governance, Wike, within one year in office, has created Women Affairs Secretariat and Youth Development Secretariat.

This has increased the number of secretariats in the FCTA from eight to 10 with a view to ensure inclusive governance.

On security, the Wike-led FCTA has supported security agencies, including vigilante groups, with motorcycles and operational vehicles, fitted with modern communication gadgets.

This, according to him, is to enable security agencies to navigate hard-to-reach communities in rural areas and improve security operations within the city.

Wike equally inaugurated a Joint Task Force, consisting of all security agencies in the FCT, to curb the menace of “one chance” and another to curtail the activities of arm rubbers, kidnappers and all forms of crimes within the FCT and its environment.

While assessing the performance of the Wike-led FCTA on security, Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, argued that the impact was impressive, considering the reduced incidents of security breaches.

Sharing Gwary’s view, Prof. Kailani Muhammed, Director-General of the Confederation of All Progressives Congress said that FCT had become a safe haven where residents could afford to sleep with their two eyes closed.

Despite the laudable feats within one year in office, stakeholders have stressed the need to invest more on people-oriented projects such as provision of clean water, quality health services and transportation system.

This, according to them, will impact significantly on the lives of the common residents of the FCT. (NANFeatures)

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

COREN logo
Metro

COREN establishes surveillance whistle blowers to tackle building collapse 

By Angela Atabo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

Environment , Metro

Nigeria records 22 building collapse, 33 deaths in 7 months – COREN

By Angela Atabo

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the regulatory body governing the practice of engineering, has said that Nigeria recorded 22 building collapses between January and July 2024.

The President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

The news conference is themed,’’The Incessant Spate of Building Collapse in Nigeria in Recent Times-A Call for Sustainable Collaboration by All Stakeholders.”

Abubakar said that from January to 14 July, alone, at least 22 cases of building collapse have been reported in Nigeria with Lagos accounting for 27.27 per cent, Abuja and Anambra 18.18 per cent each.

He added that Ekiti and Plateau followed with 9.09 per cent each and Kano, Taraba and Niger states accounted for 4.55 per cent each.

’’Records also showed that Lagos takes the lead in the incidences of building collapse.

’’As a matter of fact, over 91 buildings have collapsed resulting in the death of over 354 persons in Lagos from 2012 to date.

’’Similarly in Abuja, about 30 buildings have collapsed from 1993 till date resulting in the death of more than 64 persons and injury of many.

’’The most recent occurrences of building collapse close to DMGS Onitsha , Anambra state on June 12 and that of a school (Saint Academy)in Plateau on July 13 where 22 students died and 134 injured as well as the building collapse in Kubwa , Abuja.

He said that the incidents were worrisome.

According to him, this calls for deep reflection and collaboration of all stakeholders in stemming the tide.

’’While we commiserate with all victims and families, we want to commend the efforts of all emergency and security services for their prompt response at the time.’’

According to Abubabkar , the leading causes of building collapse varies from one location to the other.

He said some buildings collapse as a result of aging and from some investigations and research conducted over time, use of substandard construction materials and structural failure were also responsible.

He said that other factors included :illegal change of use of buildings, illegal addition of floors, quackery, inadequate or lack of supervision and oversight.

He added other factors were faulty foundations or lack of conduct of soil/geotechnical investigation, sharp and corrupt practices amongst others.

Abubakar also commended the respective affected state governments for constituting a panel of enquiry to look into the various cases with a view to finding out the immediate and remote causes and preventing future occurrences.

’’This is not the time for apportioning blame or contest of superiority within the built environment but a time for all stakeholders to unite and proffer workable and lasting solutions, particularly in the prevention of building collapses.

’’All professionals within the built environment have a role to play in this.

’’In this regard we have identified and categorised many stakeholders that we will be engaging shortly,’’he said

The President said that the proliferation of illegal miners even within residential areas as reported in some quarters was a danger to the structural stability of buildings.

He added that the council had, therefore, urged affected states to take urgent steps to reverse the trend adding that it was also time to enforce the compulsory insurance of some buildings under construction.

Abubakar said that perturbed by the incessant and avoidable incidents of building collapse in Nigeria and loss of lives in recent times, COREN had deemed to make major moves.

He said that COREN had taken some steps in monitoring and prevention of building collapse by training and licensing Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) inspectors.

Abubakar added that COREN had reconstituted its Council Committee on Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) and added an additional role of enforcement to its responsibility in line with the amended COREN Act.

He said that COREN had constituted ERM&E Task Force at regional levels including Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, FCT, Gombe and Lagos among other steps to tackle building collapse.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

FEMD raises alarm over rising cases of building collapse in FCT

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has raised alarm over increased incidences of building collapse, fire outbreak and flood in the territory.

The acting Director-General (D-G) of the department, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, raised the alarm during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Wenegieme said that the department had responded to seven emergencies between June 24 and July 13, out of which four were building collapses, flood incident, fire outbreak and attempted suicide.

She said that a flash flood occurred at Trademore Estate, Lugbe, on June 24 and a fire incident at old Karu Market on June 28.

She also said that the four building collapses included an incident on June 28 at Guzape District and another at Prince and Princess Estate, on June 28, followed by the incident at Nkwere Street, Garki on July 1.

She added that the recent building collapse was the incident at Kubwa Phase II on July 13, while a suicide attempt was averted at Aso TV/Radio Mast, Katampe on July 8.

The acting D-G blamed the developments on residents’ attitude of dumping waste on water ways, non-adherence to Fire Safety and Building Codes, use of substandard electrical materials and illegal electrical connections.

Other factors, she added, include storage of volatile substances in markets and homes, high use of combustible materials in building construction, activities of quacks in building construction, and use of sub-standard construction materials.

She further identified contributing factors as violation of building approval, carrying out maintenance work without regulatory approvals, and non-conduct of Environmental Impact Assessment before building construction among others.

On ways forward, Wenegieme called for the review of existing laws in the building industry to tackle the rising trend of building collapse like stiffer punishment for violators, especially when lives were lost.

She also called for the review of the Fire Safety Code to mandate the use of non-combustible materials in building construction to reduce risk of fire outbreaks.

“All developers should provide insurance cover to construction workers on site throughout the duration of the project.

“All buildings should be inspected by relevant authorities on completion to see if they meet minimum safety standards before they are certified for human habitation and other purposes.

“Responsible agencies should also make it mandatory for developers to submit professional certification of site engineers as part of securing building approval to eliminate the activities of quacks,” she said.

To discourage citizens against suicide, the acting D-G urged the National Orientation Agency to intensify campaign on civic responsibility to stimulate positive behavior and sense of patriotism among citizens.

She said that as part of disaster risk reduction, the department had been going round the city to ensure that structures removed for standing on waterways were not rebuilt.

She added that multi-disaster risk sensitisation and awareness campaigns were also ongoing, including jingles in TV and radio stations in different languages on issues of flood, fire outbreaks, building collapse and other potential emergencies.

“We have also temporarily closed the collapsed Dogon Gada box culvert and a Slip Road by Galadimawa roundabout to avoid loss of lives when it rains. These are flood-prone locations when it rains.

“We equally mounted flood warning signboards in flood prone locations and held strategic stakeholders meetings for prevention, mitigation and effective response to flood, building collapse, fire outbreaks, epidemics and other emergencies in the FCT.

“The department has also established local divers, disaster vanguards, town criers and disaster marshals and built their capacities for effective disaster response in their communities,” she said.

Wenegieme thanked the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Mr Felix Obuah and other stakeholders for their support to strengthen emergency response in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Video: Fire outbreak along Kubwa Expressway

Traffic was disrupted along the Kubwa Expressway on Thursday evening when a tanker offloading petrol caught fire inside a filling station.

Fire fighters were, however, on ground to respond to the situation.

The incident at Dutse junction on Kubwa Expressway did not claim any life.

General News

Cooperate to develop FCT – SAN urges Wike, Kingibe

Sen. Ireti Kingibe and Mr Nyesom Wike

By Ebere Agozie

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani, has urged all stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), both elected and appointed, to cooperate with one another for the territory’s development.

Ndarani made the call on Sunday in Abuja during an interview, while reacting to the rift between the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and the Senator representing the FCT, Sen. Ireti Kingibe.

It will be recalled that Wike and Kingibe have not had a cordial working relationship since they assumed offices as Kingibe had repeatedly accused Wike of sidelining her in spite being the senator representing the FCT.

Ndarani said that if Wike and Kingibe worked together they would bring positive change for the greater good of Nigeria.

“It is imperative for all stakeholders, both elected and appointed, to work together and abide with guiding rules of their different offices to strengthen one another as one big family’’, the senior lawyer said.

He said Nigeria could not achieve greater success without support for another among its leaders, and craved the indulgence of all `warring parties“ to let peace reign.

“They should sheath their swords, put their differences aside and work for the common good of the people of the FCT.

“Wike was appointed to serve the people of the FCT, Kingibe was elected to serve the people of the FCT. So, they should work together and think about the greater good of the people.

“The people of FCT look up to them to bring succour to the challenges they are facing but when two elephants fight, the grass suffers,’’ he said.

He noted that although the two leaders were not from the same political party, previous elective and appointed officers of the FCT from different parties had always found a way of working together.

Ndarani, equally pointed out that they have different roles to play in their respective positions, but all aimed ultimately to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.

“Section 302 of the 1999 constitution, says: “The President may, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by Section 147 of this Constitution, appoint for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, a Minister who shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be delegated to him by the President, from time to time.

“While Ireti’s office as provided under Section 48 of the 1999 constitution make laws for the peace and good governance of the people of Nigeria including the FCT.

“The functions and duties of the two offices are distinct but they must work together for the common good of the people of Nigeria and the FCT’’.

“Actually, Wike is not answerable to the senator, just like the senator is not answerable to the minister either, they are both answerable to the president and the citizens of Nigeria.

“To me, Wike’s developmental strides in the FCT are very commendable and he ought to be encouraged to do more with the cooperation and support of the distinguished senator.

“The ultimate goal here is the people, no minister has ever reported to any senator. Past FCT ministers and senators did not come from the same party, but they worked in synergy.

“Media war will not bring development to the people, cooperation is the key’,’ he said.

He enjoined them to drop their differences and concentrate on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

Wike had on Monday tackled Kingibe, who had consistently accused him of sidelining her in the affairs of the territory such as those relating to budget.

Kingibe also complained of how Wike has overlooked the priority needs of the bulk of FCT people partly due to a lack of communication between her and the minister.

Angered by Kingibe’s utterances, Wike challenged Kingibe to test her popularity again at the 2027 election, vowing that he would ensure she did not return to the upper chamber of the legislature. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Agriculture

FCT ADP urges timely agricultural inputs for farmers

By Uche Bibilari

Mr Innocent Ajaefobi, Director of the FCT Agricultural Development Project (ADP), has appealed to all levels of government to provide timely agricultural inputs to farmers to ensure a constant supply of farm products.

Ajaefobi made the appeal during the Monthly Technology Review Meeting (MTRM) and Fortnightly Training (FNT) for agricultural extension workers and subject matter specialists (SMSs) in the FCT, held on Monday in Gwagwalada.

He stated that the training was approved by the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Malam Suleiman Kolo, and designed to equip extension workers at the village level with the latest agricultural production techniques.

He explained that agricultural production is subsidised worldwide and emphasised that all levels of government in Nigeria should consistently do the same.

“The purpose of the training is to ensure food security in the FCT. We invited specialists in various aspects of agriculture to train our extension staff.

“These extension workers will then teach local farmers, demonstrating techniques on their farms for adoption.

If farmers adopt these techniques, it will lead to increased production, value addition to farm produce, wealth creation, and income generation for farmers and the general FCT populace.”

He urged all participants to view the training as an opportunity to refresh their knowledge, listen to trainers, and equip themselves.

Dr Omole Olateju, Head of Extension Services at FCT ADP, said the training serves as a forum for scientists and experts to teach ADP subject matter specialists about developments in agriculture.

Olateju noted the dynamic nature of agriculture and the need to stay updated on new production methods.

He explained that specialists would train ADP subject matter specialists, who would then train extension workers to transmit the information to farmers.

These extension workers, he said would also gather information from farmers about their problems and bring it back to scientists to find solutions.

Olateju noted that since the training commenced, there had been significant improvements in farmers’ productivity and approaches to farming systems.

“The quantity of food produced in the country is insufficient to meet our needs, let alone for export; we are far from food security.

“However, with this programme, we have seen improvements in farmers’ production, the training covers crop production, fishery, animal production, and more,” Olateju said.

He added that the future of agriculture lies in the hands of smallholder farmers, who produce 70 per cent of the nation’s food.

Mr Solomon Idowu, Head of Technical Services at FCT ADP, said the training spans the six Area Councils and, when relayed to farmers, would help improve their productivity, put food on their tables, money in their pockets, and empower their livelihoods.

One participant, Mrs Dorcas Idowu, Zonal Extension Officer for Gwagwalada, noted that the training was timely and necessary to equip them with the knowledge to teach farmers.

She urged other participants to use the knowledge gained from the training to enhance the farming practices of local farmers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three papers were presented on enhancing farming prosperity with tela maize cultivation, the production and management of sheep and goats (small ruminants), fish stocking and routine fish management.

The participants were extensively trained on these topics to subsequently train the farmers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregory Maduakalom/Abiemwense Moru

Judiciary

Appeal Court rebukes property developer over sharp practices

By Edith Nwapi
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has slammed an Abuja property developer, Cecil Osakwe, over sharp practices, nullifying an earlier ruling of an FCT High Court in favour of Osakwe.

The Court of Appeal unanimously upturned a previous judgment of Justice Othman Musa of the FCT High Court which directed Osakwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Abeh Signatures Ltd. to refund N150 million to an investor, Ms Asabe Waziri.

The appellate court also slammed a fine of N500,000 against Osakwe.

The fine is to be paid to Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. Ltd (NNPCL), who reportedly bought a luxury apartment from Osakwe.

The three-man appellate court, headed by Justice Hamma Barka, vacated the high court’s ruling, describing the judgment as devoid of credible evidence and constituting a miscarriage of justice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the FCT High Court had on Feb. 17, 2022, delivered a judgment, ordering Waziri to vacate the two-bedroom property she bought from Osakwe.

The property is located in Maitama, an up-market district of the FCT.

However, dissatisfied with the high court judgment, Waziri, through her lawyer, Mr Henry Eni-Otu, appealed the ruling.

Osakwe had in 2022 approached the lower court, asking for contract revocation in the sale of two luxury apartments, citing what he described as the mode of payment of N150 million by Waziri, the buyer.

The controversial developer had claimed that Waziri’s mode of payment in the transaction contravened the provisions of the Money Laundering Act.

He also claimed that the buyer made a cash payment of $40,000.00 and bank transfers worth $100,000.00 through a bureau de change.

The developer also alleged that Waziri presented herself as a businesswoman, whereas she is a civil servant working with the NNPCL.

Subsequently, Osakwe offered to pay back the money earlier paid to him for the apartments in his bid to recover the apartments earlier sold to Waziri.

But Waziri had denied the claims made by Osakwe, saying that she only paid $5,000 from the N130 million agreed on the transaction and that Osakwe requested that he needed dollars.

She also presented evidence of all the transfers made to the property developer’s accounts.

Delivering judgment in the appeal, marked CA/ABJ/CV/246/2022, the three-man appellate court held that the judgment of the lower court was not supported by credible evidence.

The appellate court held that the trial court judge veered off the track in his reasoning and occasioned a miscarriage of justice.

“It is trite law that a party seeking declarative reliefs must establish his entitlement to such reliefs, based on the strength of the case and is not entitled to rely on the weakness of the case of the respondents, unless such weakness aids his case.

“The facts forming the respondent’s case before the lower court were contained in the affidavit in support of the originating summons.

“The appellant as defendant filed a counter-affidavit and therein sought to clarify all the material allegations made by the respondent in his affidavit in support to the originating summons.

“In particular with respect to the allegations of cash payments of $40,000 was part of the cost of building, thus offending the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

According to the justices, the defendant vehemently denied the averment, posting further that the only money she paid in dollars was $5,000 in cash made to the alter ego of the respondent on request.

“Surprisingly, on all the exhibits attached to the affidavit in support of the originating summons, none mentioned the fact of payment of $40,000 in cash in satisfaction of the sale agreement.’’

They argued further that in the same vein, the allegation of the identity of the appellant which the respondent relied upon as a ground to vitiate the concluded transaction was not substantiated with the appellant having joined issues on those facts.

“It behoves the respondents to lay facts of proof in support of those allegations.

“The respondent, apart from mere allegations made, failed to sustain it by producing tangible evidence to back up the assertion.

“On the contrary, the appellant not only controverted the allegations but went further to supply evidence through e-mail exchanges, details of accounts and evidence of payment to debunk allegations pertaining to her identity.

“It is clear that the respondent, having benefited more from the transaction, seeks to vitiate the contract possibly to further benefit from it.

“I agree with the appellant’s counsel that the appeal is destined for success and should be allowed.

“Hence, having resolved all issues in favor of the appellant, this appeal succeeds and is hereby allowed.

“The judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in suit No: CV/2435/2021, delivered on February 17, 2022, is hereby set aside and all actions taken consequent to the said judgment also stand vacated.

“The appellant is entitled to costs assessed at N500,000 Appeal is allowed,” the Court of Appeal justices held.

On Feb. 17, 2022, Justice Othman Musa of the FCT High Court in his judgment, ordered that the Maitama properties be reverted to Osakwe.

He also ordered Osakwe to pay back the sum of N150 million, being money deposited by Waziri for the apartments.

Musa ruled that: “In view of the way and manner or mode of payment employed by the defendant in the purchase of the two flats at Abeh Court, belonging to the claimant, same as rendered the contract for the purchase of the properties void for violating money laundering laws. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng )

NEO/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News , Metro

Streetlight: Contractors attribute darkness in FCT to vandalism, power outages

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Mr Festus Ugwegbu, Legal Secretary, FCT Streetlights Maintenance Contractors, has attributed the darkness experienced in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to vandalism and power outages.

Ugwegbu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the streetlights were properly maintained, functional and ready to shine, but for power outages and acts of vandalism.

“The major problem with streetlights in the FCT is constant power outages and load shedding by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

“Furthermore, there is a high rate of vandalism, as mentioned, which obviously affects the total cost of contract execution.

“Otherwise, the streetlights are always active and ready to shine,” he said.

The legal secretary debunked reports in a section of the media that the darkness experienced in parts of the FCT was due to laxity on the part of the contractors.

He said despite failed appeals to the FCT administration to review their two-year contract as a result of inflation, the contractors have continued to optimally deliver on their responsibility.

“To put the record straight, the contract was awarded in August 2022, and it is expected to end by July 31, 2024, with a fixed contract rate from inception, irrespective of inflation and the hike in prices of materials and labour.

“Nevertheless, we have been delivering our assigned responsibilities despite failed appeals to the FCT for a review of the contract, and price variation to reflect the effects of inflation on the cost of executing this project,” Ugwegbu said.

According to him, the fact that the contractors are still being owed has not deterred them from meeting their contractual agreement.

He said the long term solution to the issue was to have a dedicated and independent power source to power the streetlights.

“As professionals, the solution to the problem of darkness in FCT is to provide a dedicated and independent power source to serve and support the illumination of our streets.

“Steps should also be taken by the FCT administration to ensure that areas not currently under the purview of any contractor is duly awarded to an eligible contractor for maintenance and security,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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