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  • Lalong: APC bickers over choice of replacement

    Lalong: APC bickers over choice of replacement

    An uneasy calm has surfaced in the fold of the All Progressive Congress  Plateau State over who replaces  Labour and Employment Minister  Simon Lalong in the Senate.

      Before his inauguration as minister,  Lalong was issued with a certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) in compliance with an order of a Court of Appeal.

     He was to represent the Plateau South Senatorial zone.

     A group of APC stalwarts led by Diray   Cyril, at a news conference in Jos yesterday said, “We receive with shock and amusement the purported disclaimer duly signed by the Plateau State APC Publicity Secretary; Mr Sylvanus Namang on a purported leaked document for the endorsement of   Bitrus   Kasuwa to replace the  Labour and Employment Minister.

     “Ordinarily, the said disclaimer by the state party should not worry us to put up this piece, but for the benefit of the gullible public and the weighty Party membership issues raised, we are compelled to address the press to put certain misconceptions and politics of exclusion in clear perspective.

    Read Also; Tinubu committed to police reforms, says minister

     “First and foremost, since the writers of the alleged leaked document confessed that their efforts to confirm from Hon. Bitrus Kasuwa Barji about the veracity of his purported endorsement by the State Party were fruitless, the Party should have considered such as fake news and refrain from making statements capable of questioning their neutrality.

    “Suffice it to mention here that, if the statement credited to the state party leadership is true to the effect that she does not know Hon. Bitrus Barji Kasuwa who bought forms and contested the party primaries twice for the position of House of Representatives to represent Kanam, Kanke and Pankshin Federal constituency, then such hasty conclusions leave much to be desired.

     “We expect a non-partisan leadership to have made attempts to find out his membership status from his ward if they cannot pick his unit Party register which is in their possession at the moment to confirm for themselves.

     “The right thing to do is for the party to take stock of all those interested in the Ministerial position and fashion out a systematic approach to harmonize all interests without necessarily casting aspirations on Legitimate Party members. Doing this will improve and strengthen the cohesiveness of the party to squarely face the challenges ahead of us.

     “Most importantly, we strongly believe that the replacement of Labour minister should be an opportunity for Plateau Central zone to present someone like Hon. Bitrus Barji Kasuwa who is a youth with unparalleled vision,  capacity, competence and above all a party loyalist of repute for the position”

     The group added that  “it must be borne in mind that, recent developments show that past Governors from the southern and Northern Plateau have nominated candidates from their zones for ministerial slots and were appointed.”

  • TCN to boost power in Kano, Katsina, Dutse

    TCN to boost power in Kano, Katsina, Dutse

    The Kano region of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)  is to boost power transmission next year.

    General Manager of the region  Bashir Mohammed Gote made the promise while briefing journalists in Kano on the completed and ongoing power projects in the region.

     The region which covers Kano, Katsina and Dutse transmission substations, has a capacity of 600MVA at 330kV and 1295MVA at 132kV level. It is expected to rise to 1200MVA at 330kV and 1800MVA at 132kV next year.

    Gote said: “The region currently has a capacity of 600MVA at 330kV level and 1295MVA at 132kV level. With the ongoing transmission, rehabilitation and expansion programs across the nation, some projects are sited in some of the transmission substations in the region. Some of the projects have been completed this year while some are ongoing.

     “We are constructing 2x150mva 330/132kv and 2x60mva 132/33kV transmission stations at Rimin Zakara Kano. The substation is the second 330/132kV transmission station in Kano. It was completed early this year without a line.

    Read Also: NCDC denies fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in Benue

     “The station is expected to get supply from Kumbotso before the construction of the quad line from Kaduna, but the right of way issue between Kumbotso and Rimin Zakara must be addressed before the line will be completed.

     “The installed 150MVA 330/132kV power transformer at Kumbotso was commissioned last month (November) by house engineers. The installation and commissioning of this transformer has brought up the capacity of the substation to 750MVA.

     “There is also ongoing construction of a 330kV line from Kaduna to Rimin Zakara. The line was supposed to serve as the second 330kV line to Kano, having the capacity to carry 2000MV.

    “Installation of 40MVA 132/33kV mobile power transformer at Jamaare transmission substation is ongoing. This is a new transmission substation where a mobile power transformer was proposed at Jamaare on the Dutse – Azare 132kV line. The station when completed will relieve the Azare transmission substation.

    “Construction of 2×40MVA 132/33kv transmission substation at Walalambe, which began in 2009 will soon be completed it will relieve the transmission station. 

     “When the projects are all done, we expect to have improvement from 600MVA at 330kV and 1200MVA at 330kV by 2024. Similarly, we expect to have improvement from 1295MVA at 132kV and 1800MVA at 132kV.” 

  • Demolition: Kano govt agrees to pay Eid Ground shops owners N3b

    Demolition: Kano govt agrees to pay Eid Ground shops owners N3b

    • We still operate our accounts, says govt

    Kano State government has agreed to pay N3bn as compensation to the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association for the unlawful demolition of their property, The Nation learned on Thursday.

     The agreement was reached through an application on terms of settlement dated December 12 and filed on December 13 by counsel for the parties before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

     Law analysts said it was a smart move by the government, to have settled for N3 billion, rather than risking the payment of N30 billion by going on an appeal which may fail.

    But the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, on Thursday told The Nation that he was not aware of any agreement by the state government to pay victims of the demolition N3 billion as damages.

     He said what he knew was that the Kano state government had appealed against the judgment ordering them to pay N30 billion damages to the trader’ association, promising to make enquiries and get back to the newspaper.

     Some 56 applicants, on behalf of the association, had filed the suit marked FHC/KN/CS/208/2023 in the Kano division of the court, following the demolition of their shops on the instruction of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

     The litigants had sued the state government, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority; the state Attorney General, the police; the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 1, Kano; the Kano State Commissioner of Police; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant; and NSCDC, Kano State Command.

    Read Also; Tinubu committed to police reforms, says minister

    The government has also said the Garnishing Order Obtained by the Victims of Filin Masalaci from Abuja Court was fraudulent, as the state still operates its accounts.

     Recently, the Federal High Court in Abuja was reported to have granted a garnishee order freezing 24 bank accounts belonging to the Kano State government.

    It was gathered the order was granted in response to a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Masalachi Eid Shop Owners and Traders Association for the demolition of their shops by the state government.

     But the  Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Isa Dederi, said there was no way a Court of the same jurisdiction could even sit on a case it has decided on and which was since appealed against.

     He said it was on notice, that the Kano State Government had filed an appeal against the N30 Billion “punitive and compensation judgment” handed down by Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court in Kano.

     He noted that “the demolition of the properties was carried out in the overriding public interest,” even as the judgment was delivered in favour of the Incorporated Trustees of Masallacin Eid Shop Owners and Traders.

     Dederi said he wonders how the same Court of the same jurisdiction would give a Judgement in Kano, “a judgement that was even done out of the jurisdiction of the Court”, and which was also appealed against, and another similar Court could issue another order on the same matter.

     “We filed an Appeal because the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, as it revolved around ownership of the property, and all records of proceedings were transmitted to the Appeal Court.

     ”Even before the appeal, the government had filed a motion seeking a stay of execution pending appeal. So how can the same court even sit on the same case?” he said.

     The Justice Commissioner confirmed that the record of the Federal High Court proceedings had already been transmitted to the Court of Appeal.

     He also said that the Court of Appeal had scheduled the hearing of the motion for a stay of execution in December.

     “It would be futile for the Federal High Court to make any orders on the issue, as the case is pending before the appeal court and it would be akin to a court sitting in appeal on its judgment.”

  • Fed Govt to plant two billion trees

    Fed Govt to plant two billion trees

    The Federal Government has announced plans to plant about 2 billion trees in the country as India earmarked one million dollars in support of three biodiversity projects in Nigeria.

     The three key projects are Biodiversity Business in Omo Biosphere Reserves, Oban Biosphere Reserves, and Shere Hills Reserves, Nigeria, under the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, projects through the Indian/ UN-funded window.

     The Minister of Environment, Malam Abbas Lawal Balarabe made this known  in Abuja at the inauguration of the Steering Committee for Biodiversity Business targeted at poverty reduction, preservation of natural ecosystems, and sustainable development.

        The Minister, who inaugurated the Committee Chaired by Prof Adesola Adepoju at the K-Class Hotel in Abuja said the planting of the trees is one of the many takeaways of the President Bola Tinubu administration from the just concluded COP28 Summit in Dubai, United Arabs Emirates.

    Read Also: NCDC denies fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in Benue

     “We visited the Pavilion of a particular country and observed that they have planted about 32 billion trees in their country to preserve biodiversity and respond to climate change challenges.

     “If a country that is not as large in population and size as Nigeria could plant 32 billion trees, then we can begin the process of planting at least two billion. This will be in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable development, poverty reduction and environmental conservation,” the Minister said.

     He said the government was committed to addressing critical issues relating to power and energy resources which often precipitated the use of firewood and charcoal in rural areas, forcing the people to engage in indiscriminate felling of trees.

     The Head/Representative of UNESCO in Nigeria, Dr Abdourahamane Diallo said the project was the first to be supported by Indians in Nigeria with about one million United States dollars. He explained that UNESCO would be collaborating with the government, the Nigerian Man and Biosphere (MAB) Committee, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the projects.

     Diallo said:” National economies depend mainly on services provided by natural resources and biodiversity. Such services include water supply, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forests, and non-renewable energy, amongst others.

     “However, unsustainable land use practices, over-exploitation of natural resources and biodiversity, and ineffectively managed protected areas and their zones, all pose serious threats to the maintenance of ecosystems and habitats. “

     He assured that the projects that would be implemented in various communities across Nigeria would involve the participation of the rural dwellers as they have been captured for empowerment and provided with incentives for survival.

     The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Pramod Kumar Agrawal said India recently supported 15 developing countries in the Sustainable Development Goals programme, noting that the biodiversity project was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

     Ambassador Agrawal said India would continue to identify with initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the citizens, and lauded the concerted efforts by all the stakeholders to ensure the success of the biodiversity projects in Nigeria.

  • NSITF wins best service delivery award

    NSITF wins best service delivery award

    The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has won the 2023 edition of the best service delivery award organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association’s (NECA).

    Managing Director of the NSITF, Maureen Allagoa, who received the award. said the honour will ginger the agency to greater heights, adding that it underscored the huge mileage the NSITF has lately covered in the implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme.

    Represented by the NSITF’s Executive Director, Administration, Prof. Gabriel Okenwa, Allagoa said the NSITF would remain steadfast to the unwavering expansion of social security to all Nigerian workers.

     In a statement by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NSITF, Nwachukwu Godson, on Thursday in Abuja said: “The NECA award is simply a testimony to all we have been doing lately. It is a mirror on our stoic commitment to service delivery, geared towards the enhancement of the welfare and social security of workers. It is a high-water mark in our recent history, and we can only do more. 

     “This management Exco which I lead, has loudly been quiet over various strategic measures, we have taken to re-position the NSITF, and remained unbowed to our challenges, usually blown out of proportion by detractors.

    Read Also; Tinubu committed to police reforms, says minister

     “We are therefore elated that Nigerians through this NECA Awards, which was meticulously conducted through a transparent online voting, has vindicated our efforts.

     “We shall not rest on our oars until we take the ECS to the remotest corners of the nation, where the majority of Nigerians – men and women, daily toil to eke out a living. We have in this wise, strengthened our informal sector department for a greater foray into that sector in order to bring in traders, mechanics, hairdressers, market men and women, carpenters, and others into the elastic benefits of the ECS.

     “We have also recalibrated our strategic objectives to properly align with the Eight Point Agenda of the Tinubu Administration on Poverty Reduction. Gradually, timelines are being worked out to expand into the untapped areas of the ILO Convention 102, including old age, unemployment, and family benefits, among others.

     “We have upscaled our reach on employment injury and invalidity benefits to 670 dependent beneficiaries and 852 disability beneficiaries currently on our monthly payroll, besides a number of deceased dependents who are also under our care, till their last child is 21 years old or graduates from the tertiary institution.

    “The upward trend in our sensitisation drive has moved our enrollees to over 145,000 employers and 7.4 million employees, while claims and compensations have reached to over 103,000 beneficiaries, including 111 persons assisted to their feet with artificial limbs, apart from 11 others sent abroad for further medical treatment. So far, about N6.6 billion have been spent on all of these.”

    Allagoa added that the agency has re-engineered its internal operations for greater efficiency, part of which was the introduction of a monthly online Management Performance Review which resulted in the opening up of new frontiers, with improved interface among the over 5000 staff members of the fund.

    She addded: “This innovation has brought to the forefront, an unprecedented outreach of the ECS at our frontier branches in Yola, Uyo and Ibadan where the NSITF has not only registered new employers and employees but has also stretched the range of ECS benefits to workers.

    “As NSITF therefore continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing needs of workers, the NECA award serves as a catalyst to break new grounds in social security . We remain committed therefore to the standard we have set in service delivery where our Operations Directorate has drastically bridged our turnaround time in access to our enrollees.”

    NECA had earlier at the event said “the awards give the employers the opportunity to achieve the highest accolades available, and to demonstrate their top projects to their peers, the wider industry and the community,” adding that it was a reward to the“ resilience of employers in 2023.” 

    Meanwhile , the Delta State Government has described the Employees Compensation Scheme as a well-conceived initiative of the Federal Government towards the upliftment of workers and pledged to key into the scheme.

    The state government ssid this when the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Johnson Erijo hosted the management team of the Asaba branch of the NSITF.

    Erijo, who described the thrust of the ECS as compensation, rehabilitation, vocational training, and empowerment in case of incapacitation, said no well-meaning government can ignore it.

    The Manager of the Asaba Branch of NSITF, Onuorah Ifeoma, said the ECS applied to all employers and employees in the public and private sectors at all levels of the three tiers of government.

    She said over 6000 employers and over 73,000 workers are currently registered with the ECS in Delta State. 

    She sought the support of the Delta state government towards the enrolment of the state workforce.

  • Why I distanced myself from CeeC – Doyin

    Why I distanced myself from CeeC – Doyin

    Reality star, Doyin David, has finally spoken about the root cause of her lingering issue with her colleague, CeeC. 

    Recall that CeeC had a few days ago stated that she lost a job worth millions because Doyin refused to pair with her on the project.

    Reacting to this during the first episode of her podcast ‘Doyin’s Corner’, Doyin explained how her friendship with CeeC went sour.

    She said after the All Stars show, CeeC brought back the conversation of not joining forces with her to beef Alex in the house.

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    She said: “We stopped talking because she was bringing certain things that we already spoke about in the house. I distanced myself from CeeC after she kept bugging me with issues about Alex Unusual and how I’m supporting her.”

  • NCDC denies fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in Benue

    NCDC denies fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in Benue

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has debunked reports of fresh outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Benue state.

    The agency said there was no fresh case of the disease in the state.

    NCDC Director General (DG), Ifedayo Adetifa, said the media report is a complete misinterpretation of a statement made on December 11, by a World Health Organization’s (WHO) state surveillance officer at the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Media Personnel Meeting organised by the Benue State Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with the WHO. 

    According to Adetifa in a statement issued on Thursday, December 14, the surveillance officer, while giving her presentation on the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Benue, stated that “Benue state had recorded a total of 25 cases in the year 2023 with the last case recorded as of mid-April. 

    He said the information provided by the surveillance officer was based on the publicly available situation report (SITREP) published weekly by the State Ministry of Health.

    Since the announcement of the index case of COVID-19 in Nigeria, the DG noted that there have been a total number of 6,013, 826 tests conducted, 267,184 confirmed cases, and 3,155 deaths. 

    Besides, in the last quarter of the year (October to December 2023), there have been a total of 15,481 tests conducted, and 75 confirmed cases confirmed cases in 25 States, he affirmed.

    The statement reads in part: “Since the WHO official declaration that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), the federal government of Nigeria, through the NCDC, has included COVID-19 in the integrated disease surveillance strategy as priority infectious disease which now requires conducting routine COVID-19 testing and reporting it along with other infectious diseases. 

    “COVID-19 testing is part of clinical care for pandemic flu preparedness, and bi-directional testing during investigations for influenza, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and in high-risk populations.

    “As COVID-19 may be associated with severe illness, hospitalization, and death among the elderly and other established high-risk groups, we continue to test for and detect COVID-19 cases throughout the year from patients presenting with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) or Influenza-like illness (ILI). 

    “Ongoing efforts to streamline surveillance for pandemic influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory pathogens of interest e.g Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections include the transition from existing sentinel influenza surveillance and COVID-19 testing platforms to panrespiratory disease surveillance (PRDS) platform that will pick up changes in admissions and other outcomes related to priority respiratory pathogens.”

    Read Also: NCDC, partners launch research project against Mpox response

    The DG implored the media to uphold the ethics of the profession as they carry out their duties of information and educating the public.

    He said: “As the fourth estate of the realm, the role of the media is both critical and indispensable to 

    public health and national security and the NCDC values our partnership with our media colleagues. 

    “While we appreciate this collaboration, we will continue to reiterate the importance of responsible reporting to ensure the dissemination of accurate information and to avert any public health threat that may arise from the infodemics that follow incorrect and/or sensational health reports. 

    “This is essential in preventing any misinformation that could fuel unnecessary 

    concern and panic among Nigerians.

    “The NCDC remains committed to protecting the health of Nigerians and ensuring trust through transparency by consistently fostering open communication channels and providing accurate and timely information on issues of public health importance”.

  • Soludo mourns Ezeife, says he’s visionary leader

    Soludo mourns Ezeife, says he’s visionary leader

    Anambra state governor, Prof Chukwuna Soludo, has described former governor of the state, Chukwuemeka Ezeife as a visionary leader and a man of many hats.

    The late elder statesman died on Thursday, December 14, at the age of 84 in Abuja as announced by his younger brother, Chief Rob Ezeife

    In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Chris Aburime, on Friday, December 15, in Awka, Soludo described Ezeife as scholar, and a man of deep compassion.

    Soludo: “It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo,CFR, mourns the passing of a distinguished son of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, who transitioned peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the age of 85 years at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. 

    “A most illustrious son of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu area of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife, a man of many hats, was a titan in the annals of our state and nation. 

    “Fondly called ‘Okwadike’, he was elected governor of Anambra State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party between January 1992 and November 1993 during the aborted Third Republic. 

    “As a Harvard-trained economist, Dr. Ezeife once served with resolute dedication and integrity as a Federal Permanent Secretary, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in public service. 

    “As the first civilian Governor of Anambra State, he navigated the complexities of post-military rule with wisdom and foresight, laying the foundation for the vibrant state we know today. 

    “He once served as a Political Adviser to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, just as he was also a Presidential Aspirant. Dr Ezeife was always driven by a deep desire to improve the lives of his fellow Nigerians. 

    “A scholar, a visionary, and a man of deep compassion, his gentle demeanour and thoughtful counsel endeared him to all, regardless of political affiliation. 

    Read Also: Moghalu: APC can unseat Soludo in 2025

    “He was a bridge-builder, a voice of reason, and a tireless advocate for the unity and progress of Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole. 

    “His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. 

    “However, we find solace in the knowledge that his legacy of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the common good will continue to inspire us all. 

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo extends his deepest condolences to Dr. Ezeife’s family and loved ones.”

  • Akpabio did not collapse after birthday event, says Eyiboh

    Akpabio did not collapse after birthday event, says Eyiboh

    The special adviser on media and publicity to the president of the Senate, Eseme Eyiboh, has denied a report that claimed that the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, collapsed and was rushed to the National Hospital during the Colloquium held as part of the activities marking his 61st birthday.

    Eyiboh in a statement in Abuja on Friday, December 15, urged the public to disregard the false claim. 

    Eyiboh said: “The rumours which have come to our notice through word of mouth from concerned and patriotic stakeholders have been fanned by some social media news channels with notoriety for the dissemination of phony newsflashes.

    “It was especially disconcerting that the conjectures on the wellbeing of the Senate President came after he was celebrated by the crème-de-crème of the nation’s leadership across all sectors at the Colloquium that was focused on defining a legislative agenda for national development.”

    Eyiboh said that Akpabio spoke on his feet for more than 30 minutes as he gave the expose of his trajectory in a way as never before.

    Read Also: First lady, senators, eminent Nigerians eulogise Akpabio at 61

    He said: “As the programme ended and President Bola Tinubu left the Transcorp Hotel venue, Senator Akpabio’s expression to some of those around him that he was tired was escalated to a fainting spell or collapse.

    “Some more adventurous purveyors of untruth in their thrilling escapade of fiction even claimed that he is presently hospitalized and in a critical condition in the National Hospital, Abuja.

    “This is wholly untrue and I declare firmly that besides saying he was exhausted in the hearing of those around him that he was certainly not rushed in a stretcher to the national hospital or indisposed.”

  • Tinubu committed to police reforms, says minister

    Tinubu committed to police reforms, says minister

    Minister for State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reiterated the commitment of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implementing comprehensive police reforms to elevate the force to modern standards.

     Speaking during a visit to Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, she noted  that the current administration was poised for comprehensive and effective reforms.

    According to her, a reform committee, which includes her, would work on 18 key targets to strengthen and modernise the Nigerian Police Force.

     “I’m sure you may all be aware we’ve had eight reform papers since 1999, but none has been implemented to a satisfactory level but we have to at this point, put our heads together, speak with one voice, be very clear about our priorities, look at the low hanging fruits, the reform will happen across every area of our operations,” she said.

    Read Also; Inflation, exchange rate to decline, says CBN

     The  minister stressed the need to address training deficits, policy gaps, infrastructure limitations, and welfare and retirement plans for police officers.

    She underscored her commitment to advocating for the well-being of officers, while assuring them  that the reforms would pave the way for a better future for retired personnel.

     Sulaiman-Ibrahim said a reformed police force would  enhance security,  boost confidence in Nigeria, and create an enabling environment for potential investments and business growth. 

    She appealed for continuous commitment and perseverance, highlighting the pressing need for reforms to address the various challenges faced by the Force.

    Sulaimoa-Ibrahim pledged to collaborate actively to ensure a successful reform process.

     Acting Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, DCP Waheed Ayilara, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone Two, AIG Mohammed Ali pleaded with the minister  to ensure that police barracks in Lagos are upgraded and made befitting for officers.