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Health

Reps pledge support to blood service delivery

By Justina Auta

The House of Representative Committee on Specialty Healthcare has pledged its support to advocate for increased budgetary allocation to improve blood service delivery in the country.

Lawan Ali-Shettima, Deputy Chairman of the committee, stated this during an oversight visit and roundtable discussion with the management of the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC), in Abuja.

Ali-Shettima said the visit was to discuss critical issues, especially their challenges with a view to address them and improve access to safe and quality blood service and products.

“We are looking at the way people are willingly and voluntarily coming to donate blood in this establishment.

“So, I believe with support they will acquire more equipment, more facilities to expand their offices to zonal levels.

“This is what we are suggesting. So we will do our best to see that legislatively we intervene by providing more means of funding for them to get more equipment,” he said.

On his part, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, Director-General, NBSC, said that inadequate funding had affected their operations and access to safe blood services across the country.

According to Yuguda, with more funding, the commission will be able to enhance access to safe and affordable blood components to carter for the needs of the over 200 million Nigerians.

“The major challenges we have across the country is that of equipment and other infrastructure in most of our centres, which are very old.

“We are trying to see if we can liase with the National Assembly, to come to our aid, so that we can get more funding for the commission.

“I believe that with their support, we will be able to achieve that,” he said.

While noting the scarcity of blood during emergencies, led to several deaths, Yuguda encouraged the people to regularly and voluntarily donate blood to save more lives.

The NBSC relies on a pool of regular donations by voluntary, unpaid blood donors,  it currently collects and screens approximately 25,000 units of blood from voluntary donors annually.

Less than five per cent of the total blood donation in Nigeria is being sourced from voluntary donors, with bulk of it on commercial, thus subjecting recipients to the risk of infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis among others.

An estimated 1.23 million units of blood are collected across several facilities each year, 90 per cent of which are from paid commercial donors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

Remain diligent, dedicated to service, outgoing NIS boss charges personnel

By Ibironke Ariyo

Mrs Caroline Adepoju, the Outgoing Comptroller-General (CG), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has charged officers and men of the service to remain dedicated and exhibit diligence in their service to the nation.

Adepoju gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja in her farewell speech at the pull out parade organised in her honour.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adepoju was appointed Acting CG on May 29, 2023 by President Tinubu, to replace Isah Jere, whose tenure expired on the same day.

In November 2023, Tinubu confirmed Adepoju’s appointment as the 18th substantive CG of the Service.

Adepoju said that her partnership and synergy with different talented, loyal, and resolute officers who had been and are still in the service and the public could never be taken for granted.

She described them as a formidable team of selfless and dutiful officers across all ranks, adding that they had contributed to the truly transformative achievements of the service in its 61 years of existence.

“I am grateful to God Almighty and I also express gratitude to you, Nigerians.

“I am grateful to President Bola Tinubu, because I happen to be the first appointee of this administration.

“I pray to God Almighty that this administration will also recognise the role played by the personnel of the service.

”To officers and men, I implore you to be dedicated, focus and diligent. I also want you to do everything you can to ensure that all the reforms that have been introduced to the service are implemented,” she said.

Adepoju noted that border security and management had become a priority on the agenda of the current administration, following thorough sustainability of efforts of past governments in the country.

”I am happy today that I am going to hand over an organisation that is well-polished with experienced staff that can compete with their contemporaries globally.

”I appreciate all staff of the NIS for your tireless efforts and support. I encourage you to extend the same tempo to my successor,” she urged.

The retired CG, who promised to be an ambassador of the NIS, said she would always be ready to assist whenever she was called on by the Service.

In his remarks, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo applauded the outgoing CG for her performance and hardwork.

Tunji-Ojo said that the retired CG had demonstrated intelligence and brilliance in ensuring that the service carried out its mandate effectively and efficiently.

He urged the incoming CG to emulate the act and ensure that the service was known for good in keeping the border safe and secure for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Christiana Fadare

Politics

10 INEC directors retire from service

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Ten Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) directors, heading different departments have officially retired from service, after attaining the mandatory 60 years of age, or 35 years of service.
Speaking at the send forth for the directors in Abuja on Sunday, INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Mohammed Adams, congratulated them for the retirement.

“As you retire you shouldn’t at anytime worry yourself about the past, but the future.

“Don’t think this is the end of the road. This is actually the beginning of another journey of your lives because you are all professionals in your respective fields,” he said.

Adams advised them to use their retirement to engage in meaningful activities that would yield them good income.

He advised people in active service not to be scared of retirement, but to create a niche for themselves in whatever capacity they found themselves.

“We should be happy with whatever position you find yourself; be grateful to God and create a niche for yourself,” he said.

The INEC Secretary, Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony, commended the retired directors for their hardwork and dedication to service.

Oriaran-Anthony, represented by Mrs Maryam Musa, the Director, INEC Secretariat, congratulated them and whished them well in their future endeavours.

The INEC Director of Training, Dr Binta Kasim, encouraged the retirees to use their retirement to engage in whatever they derived pleasure in doing.

“We have a lot of people who have who still made a lot of achievements after retirement including the owner KFC, some others wrote books that fetched them good money,” Kasim said.

Mrs Blessing Obidiegwu, speaking on behalf of the retirees, said that they represented the last batch of INEC pioneer staff.

She appreciated the commission for the opportunity given to them to serve.

She advised those in active service to continue to render their best for the commission, while also urging that the gender policy of the commission be sustained.

“I am very happy that the gender struggle I started is moving on. With the number of women I am seeing here as directors the commission is doing well, “ Obidewu said.

Another retiree, Mr Chima Duruaku commended INEC for the opportunity given to them to make modest contribution to its development and the electoral process.

He also appreciated the recognition from the commission.

Duruaku advised INEC to continue to build on institutional memories and mechanisms that would ensure that the legacies left behind were not only sustained but also built upon.

He said that expertise in the election administration in the country resided in the commission and most INEC achievements were home grown, hence the need to build on those structure to achieve more.

The retirees were Mrs Blessing Obidiegwu –Gender and Inclusivity; Anthony Abarowei – Finance and Accounts; Micah Lakumna – Administration; Alhaji Idris Aminu– Election and Party Monitoring; Olayiwola Oyeniyi- Finance and Accounts; and Chima Duruaku – Planning and Monitoring.

Others were Mr Leonard Lortsor- Estate, Works and Transport; Ayodele Aluko – Voter Education and Publicity; Samson Lebari – Security; and Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola – Legal Services and Drafting.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Defence/Security

Air chief tasks personnel on professionalism, efficient service delivery

 

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has called on personnel to be committed to duty, to attain the desired level of professionalism.

Abubakar, who said this during the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Music Workshop on Thursday in Abuja, added that this would enhance specialist support operations.

The Air Chief  was represented by the Air Provost Marshal, Air Commodore John Ukeh.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme is “Adoption of Training for Innovative Music Technology to Enhance Specialist Operations Support in the Nigerian Air Force”.

Abubakar said that the theme for the workshop was apt,  giving the rise of modern technology tools driven towards achieving organisational goals.

He said that the import of the workshop as captured by the theme and subsequent discourse would engender professionalism among the band personnel in NAF.

This, he said would be with the attendant benefits on specialist operations.

“The timely conduct of this workshop is aimed at equipping our band personnel in the area of innovative technology through training for efficient and effective service delivery is thus applaudable.

“I want to reassure you of  support  and assurance that necessary provision with necessary resources for improved service delivery would be provided.

“It is, however, imperative to also remind ourselves that to whom much is given much is expected, “he said.

Speaking earlier, the Acting Director of Music, Wing Commander, Ayodeji Ayanbode, said that the workshop was aimed at equipping music personnel with requisite training.

This, he said would bolster emerging trends in innovative music technology that would enhance specialist operations support in the NAF.

Ayanbode said that the increasing use of AI to achieving operational efficiency in the recent times could not be undermined.

“Thus, keying into relevant fields of AI especially the various aspects of music technology for improved performance and capacity of band personnel in support of NAF operations has been considered expedient.

“This can only be achieved through deliberate training and mission oriented force development as captured in one of the key enablers of the CAS command philosophy, “he said.

Ayanbode charged personnel to make use of the workshop to derive maximum benefit and better enrich themselves for improved capacity.

Highpoint of the event was a paper presentation by Prof. Albert Oikelome, on Training and Innovation in Music for Specialist Operations in the Nigerian Air force.

Representatives from sister agencies were also present. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Ifeyinwa Omowole

Foreign

I respect Tinubu for his dedication to Nigeria- Bauchi gov

 

By Ismail Abdulaziz

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State says he respects President Bola Tinubu for his sense of dedication to service and humanity.

 

He stated this on Monday while speaking with newsmen in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

 

He said that the president has enjoyed the support of most Governors in spite of party differences, adding that Nigeria would come out better in the next few years.

 

”We have to appreciate the dedication of Mr President towards Nigeria and the reviving of the economy that is in dire need of reformation.

 

“So far, we have seen from his various steps that we are going forward to a new Nigeria.

 

”As the president prayed for the wellbeing of the country in the Holiest place of Islam, it gives me the courage that he will deliver the hope that Nigerians desires.

 

”In spite of our party differences I still feel great respect for the president. As he prayed for Nigeria, I prayed for him because when you pray for your leaders, you are ultimately praying for yourself,” the governor said.

 

Mohammed said that there were a lot of assurances from the president’s precedent as governor of Lagos State that the country would be better.

 

”He has done it before in Lagos and look at what Lagos has become in not only Nigeria but in Africa. This is the transformation Nigeria requires and we will see it in no distant time,” he said.

 

Similarly, Amb. Yahaya Lawal, Nigerian envoy to Saudi Arabia, said that the visit of the president had yielded many blessings for the country.

 

He said that the Saudi-Nigeria trade relations would receive a boost with the response of various stakeholders to the investment drive of the president.

 

”I am highly elated as the ambassador that this is happening at my time. The reception that the president also received was highly commendable.

 

“It shows the respect and dignity they have for Nigeria and the president,” he said.

 

Lawal said that the president’s visit for the summit would very soon start yielding results for the benefit Nigerians.

 

He charged Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders and country, adding that the support of citizens was crucial in the success of any government.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Defence/Security

Harmattan: Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa upscale fire emergency response

By Reporters

The Bauchi, Gombe and Jigawa governments have rehabilitated their fire services trucks to ehnace response to fire disasters and other emergencies.

Officials in Bauchi, Dutse and Gombe, who spoke in seperate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the measure was part of comprehensive campaign against fire outbreaks during the harmattan.

Mr Ismaila Misilli, Director General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, said the state government had procured modern equipment for its fire service to enhance emergency response during harmattan.

He listed the equipment to include compound fumes for oil-related fires, rescue lines, safety kits, and uniforms.

This, he said, had significantly strengthened the Service’s capacity to respond to emergencies and combat fire disasters effectively.

“Gombe State has state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and well trained workforce in the Fire Service.

“The personnel are ready to respond effectively to fire incidents, the service has already activated its rapid response mechanism as Harmattan approaches.

“This proactive approach is to ensure that the Service is on high alert and ready to respond to emergencies.

“It is to ensure that the fire fighting team remains effective and up-to-date with the latest fire fighting methods,” he said.

Also, the Bauchi State Fire Service said it has initiated community sensitisation activities to create awareness on safety and preventive tips against fire outbreaks.

The Spokesman of the service, Mr Mohammed Bature, said the campaign was being conducted in collaboration with the Fire Safety Community Development Service of the National Youth Service Corps.

He added that the campaign was in line with Service’s preparedness ahead of the Harmattan, adding that, “we are here primarily to protect the lives and property of the people”.

According to him, the fire service will extend its outreach to motor parks, schools and other public places to sensitise the people on fire preventive measures, including during the harmattan.

He said the Service has three operational fire fighting trucks while three others were being overhauled, with the Federal Fire Service providing backup during emergencies in Bauchi metropolis.

Bature added that the Service has functional fire fighting equipment in major towns in the state.

According to him, Gov. Bala Mohammed has approved the establishment of fire service sub stations in local government areas across the state.

Similarly, the Federal Fire Service in Jigawa has expressed readiness to contain any fire outbreak and other emergencies in the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Jamilu Habibu, said they were on high alert ahead of the harmattan season.

“This is because we have re-strategised our activities, especially on operational issues,” he added.

According to Habibu, the fire service personnel are up-to-date in terms of handling the sophisticated fire fighting equipment recently provided by the Federal Government.

“Our fire fighting appliances can fight fire in a single building at three different parts.

“For instance, if there is a fire from the upper floor, downstairs and another part, we can respond to it at the same time,” he said.

He said the Service had deployed two units of fire fighting facilities to Hussaini Adamu Polytechnic, Kazaure, and Dutse International Airport.

“These units are combination of FAAN, Federal and State Fire Service personnel that could help in fighting any fire outbreak in the state, especially in Dutse metropolis”.

The FSS spokesman in the state also said they were conducting community sensitisation activities to create awareness on fire safety.

However, a Civil Society Activist, Imam Adam, said there was very low public enlightenment activities to mitigate fire outbreaks at the grassroots.

Adam therefore urged emergency agencies in the state to step up campaign to curb indiscriminate bush burning resulting to fire outbreaks in rural communities.

Also, a resident of Dutse, Safiyanu Gumel, said people should be cautioned against indiscriminate burning of waste in residential areas.

He said that such activities have resulted to fire outbreaks and air pollution.

Another resident, Musa Ali, called for the engagement of the Civil Society and development organisations in the campaign against fire outbreaks in the state.

In the same vein; the Fire Services in Zamfara and Sokoto States have embarked on awareness campaigns on prevention of fire incidents during the harmattan.

Officials of the two services who spoke on their preparedness ahead of the harmattan, told the NAN that their target was to get the people fully aware of the devastating risk of mishandling fire.

In Zamfara, the Director-General of the State Fire Service, Abdullahi Dauran, told NAN in Gusau that the campaign was to make the people very conversant about safety measures while handling inflammable materials.

“It is better to prevent fire outbreak than to manage it when it occurs. Fire trucks cannot access some areas in case of eventualities.

“There are many areas that access to where fire occurs is difficult, and this is a hindrance to our men in quenching fire, such that sometimes it results to loss of live and property,” the DG said.

Dauran therefore urged every household to possess fire safety equipment in case of emergency.

“The absence of essential emergency fire control equipment often leads to devastating consequences.

”Some incidents get out of control before the arrival of state or federal fire fighters.

”We have fire fighting engines stationed in Gusau, the local government headquarters and some selected high risk areas,” he added.

The DG said though the state government has been supportive to the agency, it was important for market and transport unions, and institutions to also provide fire control facilities to compliment government efforts.

He said that residents should always reach out to the fire service in case of fire and other emergencies through 07066815196 and 08087310350 for prompt response.

In Sokoto, Mr Nuhu Lawal, a Fire Prevention Officer, Sokoto State Fire Service said the agency has held critical stakeholders meetings on fire prevention and mitigation across the state.

Lawal described the harmattan period as the highest in terms of risks to fire outbreaks.

He therefore urged stakeholders and communities to be extremely careful in handling fire during the harmattan and at all times.

According to him, the service has so far responded to about 433 fire incidents and saved about N7 billion properties in 2023.

He added that the service has fire fighting vehicles in each of the 23 local government areas of the state, as well as zonal offices in the three senatorial districts,as well as some selected locations.

In his contribution, NEMA Head of Sokoto office, Mr Aliyu Kafindangi, said they have organised stakeholders meeting in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara to enlighten the people on ways to avoid fire disaster as the harmattan commences.

Kafindangi said NEMA also planned to hold road walks and campaigns in public places to sensitize the people on handling fire emergencies.

He underscored the importance of synergy between key actors in fire management and prevention in the state.

He state and federal fire services, the State Emergency Management Agency, National Orientation Agency, and security agencies, among others, must work together to tackle any emergency.

Kafindangi however lamented that states have not shown appreceable response to disaster forecasts issued by NEMA in the past.

He said governments should dedicate appropriate percentage of annual budgets as enshrined by law for effective disaster management.

The NEMA official added that emergency agencies should be set up not only at state and federal level, but also at local level to effectively respond to emergencies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Reporters/HMH/RSA/MZA

=======================

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali/Maharazu Ahmed

General News

My ministerial appointment is call to service-Oyetola

 

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, the immediate past governor of Osun and the new Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, says his appointment is a call to service.

 

He spoke on Monday night in Abuja on the sidelines of the reception organised for him by the Osun chapter of the APC and other stakeholders.

 

The minister, who also said he was challenged to be appointed to head a new ministry, gave an assurance that he would excel in the presidential mandate given him.

 

Oyetola thanked President Bola Tinubu for considering him worthy of a ministerial appointment.

 

He also expressed gratitude to the organisers of the event, saying the level of solidarity displayed was encouraging and would propel him to do even more in the interest of Nigerians.

 

The minister added that he would need the cooperation and support of all stakeholders to succeed in the new ministry.

 

“I thank almighty God for this wonderful opportunity to serve and the people of Osun for coming all the way from the state to celebrate with me here.

 

“I am indeed happy seeing people from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, coming to celebrate with me.

 

“I feel challenged to be made a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

 

” I pray that the Almighty will see me through.

 

“Being a new ministry, I will have to start from the scratch, and I trust God Almighty to succeed and deliver on my new mandate,” he said.

 

Also speaking at the event, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, the immediate past National Secretary of the APC, described Oyetola’s appointment as ” a round peg in a round hole.”

 

He expressed optimism that Oyetola would deliver on his new mandate.

 

Chief Bisi Akande, former Interim National Chairman of APC, said Oyetola’s appointment was well deserved, adding that it was an honour for the people of Osun.

 

Akande, also a former governor of Osun, said the appointment had rekindled the hope of the people of the state in the Nigerian project and in the Tinubu-led administration.

 

The APC leader, who wished Oyetola a successful tenure in office, thanked the president for the appointment.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyetola had earlier on assumption of duty outlined his vision for a thriving blue economy sector that prioritises sustainability, innovation and economic growth.

 

The minister, while speaking at his maiden news conference at the Ministry of Transportation on Monday, acknowledged the abundant marine resources existing in the country’s coastal region.

 

He stressed the need to fully harness the country’s marine resources.

 

The minister also said he would promote better inter-agency cooperation and coordination between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority.

 

“As someone with a strong private sector background, we shall promote greater private sector inclusion while fostering greater efficiency through specialisation and the effective delineation of core duties between the units.

 

“We must seize this opportunity to create positive change, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come,” the minister had said.

 

The reception was attended by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Mr Buki Ponle, Managing Director of NAN,  traditional rulers, members of the Osun House of Assembly and diplomats among others.(NAN)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

General News

FCCPC, BPSR task public servants on efficient service delivery

By Bridget Ikyado

Mr Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice-Chairman, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has tasked public servants on efficient service delivery to make Nigeria better.

Irukera made the call at a lunch seminar organised by the Bureau of Public Reforms (BPSR) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The seminar was titled, “Customer as king: Roles of FCCPC in ensuring delivery and satisfaction of Nigerian Customers.”

Irukera said that the country would be a better place for all if public service workers carry out their responsibilities diligently and patriotically.

According to him, most public servants ignore their responsibilities and blame lapses outside the system.

“We are all public servants and we must see our own roles in the things that aggravates us because if we do not, it will be all motion and no movement.

“If we keep looking for the problem on the outside without realising that there is bigger piece of it on the inside, and the vast solution is on the inside, we will serve our time and leave and we will not make the space better,” he said.

Irukera said that the complaints often received by the commission about poor services of some private companies were even worse in the public service.

“Such complains are hypocritical because many public servants do not give what they demand of others in their different institutions.

“Do we recognise that the grievances we feel and expected them to addressed is exactly how the nation and its people feel about us and what our responsibilities to them are.

“Wheather as regulators, law emforcmemt or policy makers, why demand what you do not give?,” he queried.

He reminded public service workers that they have a social contract to serve the country diligently.

“When the government employs, we take something that is absolutely right between us and the next person who didn’t get the job; nothing makes us more qualified from the citizenship entitlement and eligibility standpoint.

“Because of that special privilege, our sense of responsibility and accountability must be higher with determination to deliver,” he added.

Earlier, the Director-General of BPSR, Mr Dasuki Arabi said that the theme of the seminar strikes at the core of the mission as public servants.

He said that in the continuous quest for excellence, public servants must recognise the centrality of Nigerians, who remain the very reason for their existence.

Arabi explained that the FCCPC plays crucial role in consumer protection, market regulation, dispute resolution, consumer education, enforcement of consumer laws, product quality and safety, and merger control.

“Throughout this seminar, we can expect valuable insights from the FCCPC on how they work tirelessly to enhance consumer confidence and economic growth through fair competition.

“They will share their efforts in advocating for pro-consumer policies and reforms, fostering an environment that prioritises customer satisfaction and accountability.

“As the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration and partnership among government agencies.

“Our commitment to interagency cooperation is rooted in the understanding that, together, we can tackle challenges more effectively and innovate for the greater good of our fellow citizens,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

General News

Jakande’s name synonymous with selfless leadership — Sanwo-Olu

By Florence Onuegbu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says the name of the first civilian governor of the state, Late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, is synonymous with selflessness in leadership and service.

Sanwo-Olu said this on Friday during the eighth day Fidau Prayer for Jakande at his Ilupeju residence.

He said the legacy bequeathed by Jakande in public service would remain a reference point in the annals of governance in the country.

The governor said that the first civilian governor had earned a place of pride within the coven of the nation’s political class.

”The name of the former governor will continue to be synonymous with selflessness in leadership and service,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said Jakande served with clear conscience and with the determination to leave Lagos developed than he met it.

He said that the state government would preserve the iconic legacy left in the service of Lagos.

”Baba Jakande came into public service with sole determination to serve and leave good legacy for us. He only governed for four years and three months, but his marks and records are still visible almost 40 years after.

”What he did for Lagos and Nigeria are beyond what his family can bear alone.

”He was an enigma of our time and a national icon, whose leadership in public service remains a reference point.

”This is a time for all of us in position of leadership today to reflect on how our administration, our policies and programmes have impacted lives of the people,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the honour for the deceased would not end with the Fidau, as a formal day of tributes was being planned by the state government.

In his sermon, the National Missioner, Ansar ud Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrahaman Ahmad, said that the late Jakande was a library in public leadership, whose entire life was a testimony of service.

Ahmad urged present league of leaders to work for the people and create legacy for which they would be remembered after leaving office.

Also, Mudir of Markaz Islamic Institute in Agege, Sheikh Habibulah Al-Ilory, said that the first civilian governor came to the world with destiny of impact.

”As a public administrator, the late Jakande led with fear of God and left a legacy of good governance that will never be erased on the annals of the nation,” Al-Ilory said.

Rev. Daniel Adeeko of Christ Apostolic Mission Church led the Christian prayer for the deceased.

The first son of the former governor, Deji Jakande, who spoke on behalf of the family, thanked Sen. Bola Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu and residents of Lagos for the support given to the family since his father’s death.

The event was attended by Tinubu; Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti; former Ogun Governor, Segun Osoba; Sen. Ahmad Yerima; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; and Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla.

Other dignitaries included members of the state Executive Council; the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith; Sen. Ganiyu Solomon; and White Cap chiefs representing Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu. (NAN)

Defence/Security

Correctional Service to train inmates on garment, shoe making

The Controller General, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Mr Ja’afaru Ahmed, says the service is set to train inmates on shoes, garments and leather works.

Mr. Chuks Njoku, spokesman of the  Service, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeira (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Controller General said at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by NCoS with a private entrepreneur that the training would be on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

He said the first phase of the engagement would be the shoe and garment factory at Aba Custodial Centre and the Leather Factory at Janguza Custodial Centre, Kano State.

Ahmed said the benefit of the arrangement included skills acquisition by the inmates, which would enhance their employability when they are discharged.

“It will also increase the internally generated revenue of the Service and enhance self-sustainability in the provision of staff uniforms and foot wears as well as inmates’ uniforms and beddings,” he said.

Ahmed used the opportunity to solicit the support and patronage of members of the public of the goods produced by inmates in order to create a sense of self-worth in the offenders.

NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 gave a directive that all military and para-military agencies should resort to purely local sourcing of their uniforms and foot wears.

This laudable initiative was borne out of the need to generate employment for Nigerians, conserve foreign exchange, utilise local raw materials and generate other value added services in the chain of production. (NAN)