The Nation Newspaper

Category: Abuja Review

  • Coalition takes police to task over Peace Corps

    The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Justice and Equity, (CCSOJE) has vowed to occupy the headquarters of Nigeria Police, Abuja if the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris does not order his officers to vacate the headquarters of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN).

    CCSOJE said PCN is known nationally and within the United Nations (UN) to be one of the most peaceful, purposeful and impactful organisations working towards youth development and national building.

    Convener and leader of CCSOJE, Comrade Amade Edime told newsmen at a briefing on the issue that the IGP should be called to order.

    Edime also said CCSOJE will mobilise youths, students and concerned Nigerians to lay siege at the PCN headquarters until the office is opened.

    He said, “The PCN with its National Commandant Amb. Dickson Akoh has contributed immensely in the re-orientation of thousands of hitherto disillusioned Youths, redirecting their energies from negative preoccupations to productive activities.

    ”We are calling on the IGP to immediately order the vacation of his men from the Headquarters of the Peace Corps of Nigeria within the next Five (5) Working Days, failure upon which we shall mobilise all civil society organisations, students, youths and concerned Nigerians to occupy the PCN Headquarters and the Force Headquarters, demanding the resignation of the IGP.

    ”There is no record whatsoever, known to the Body of Civil Societies or any Court of Law in Nigeria, of any act of social disorder, fraudulent activities, economic or financial crime by the PCN. On the contrary, members of the PCN are renowned nationwide for their sacrificial efforts in Community Development, Peace Building, Patriotism, Volunteerism and complementary gestures towards maintaining orderliness in public places.

     

  • Losing sleep over workers’ pay

    ALMOST everything that could go wrong had gone wrong when the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari came on board in May 2015.

    Revenues to the Federation Account had shrunk due to a crash in the international prices of oil, which is the main source of revenue for the Nigerian economy.

    The prices, which hovered over $100 per barrel of oil during the previous administrations, dropped to around $30 to $40 per barrel of oil.

    Most state governments in the country were finding it difficult to meet their financial responsibilities.

    Topmost of the problems before the governors was how to clear the growing salaries and allowances of workers in their states.

    So they more or less came cap in hand at the beginning of this administration to seek President Muhammadu Buhari’s intervention towards clearing the backlog.

    The President did not fail them as he severally approved the release of bailout funds and Paris Club refund to the state governments.

    There have been allegations, especially by the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), that most of the funds have been diverted to private pockets.

    The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) had also severally denied the allegations.

    As if giving credence to EFCC’s claim after two and half years down the lane, President Buhari, last week Tuesday still expressed worries over unsettled workers’ salaries in the states.

    The President expressed his growing concern over the unsettled workers’ salaries when the Chairman of the NGF and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, led his colleagues representing each zone to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    At the end of the closed door meeting, a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, was titled ‘President Buhari Concerned Over Plight of Workers in States’.

    It reads in parts: “President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja expressed concern on the growing complaints and agitations by workers in states over unpaid salaries and allowances, in spite of interventions by the Federal Government

    “President Buhari said the plight of workers in the states need urgent attention as many could barely survive.

    The President was quoted as saying ”How can anyone go to bed and sleep soundly when workers have not been paid their salaries for months.

    “I actually wonder how the workers feed their families, pay their rents and even pay school fees for their children,’’ he said.

    “The President told the governors that two out of the three-pronged focus of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure the country and fight corruption had received some commendable reviews by the people, noting that the challenge in payment of salaries in states had taken a toll on the people.

    “President Buhari said the Federal Government and state executives would need to work closer together to ameliorate the situation of workers across the country.

    “The President said he had instructed all government agencies to comply with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in order to ensure more transparency and prudence in accounting for the revenues of the government and the sharing of entitlements with states.”

    Before the statement was issued, Yari had told State House correspondences after the meeting that the delegation came to thank Mr President for his concern about the states’ economy and situation expressed in the several support ranging from bail out, debt restructuring, and London- Paris club exit payment.

    He said “We also told him that we think that it was because of the decision he has taken that made some Nigerians to accuse him.

    He stressed that the President’s decision was the main factor that took Nigeria out of recession.

    “Know that the 200 million citizens residing in Nigeria are residing in respective states. These supports are going down to them, when you are taking the indices from the grassroots. We thanked the president for that and at the same time, as a father we said to him Mr President you remember that in 2016, we presented to you the numbers of London and Paris exit funds which we agreed, and you directed we be paid 50% and 50% open reconciliation.

    “Reconciliation is on since 2016, we are hoping that both DMO, ministry of finance, AGF and our consultants are concluding this reconciliation by November so therefore we want to crave your indulgence so that we can factor the numbers in our 2018 budget so that we can use it for projects and other recurrent spending according to the specification given by our respective House of Assemblies and that’s why we are here.

    “Mr President was prompt being that he has a representative in the National Economic Council that is the Vice President and Minister of Finance is away. We are going to work with the numbers when he returns from his trip, we are going to follow up this meeting with him so that we can conclude on what is going to be done next.” he added

    But Yari, who was worried about the major newspaper headlines of stories of the meeting the following day, denied that the President was unhappy with state governments over rising unsettled workers’ salaries.

    Yari, during the NGF meeting last Wednesday said “We briefed the members about our meeting with Mr President yesterday, which I’m surprised some of you turned it upside down.

    “You got the full briefing from me and then some of your people went and said they got from inside, I don’t know which inside that the President was not happy with the governors.

    “It is very unfortunate. We had a very fruitful meeting with Mr. President and Mr. President accepted all our requests. The only thing Mr. President said was that he was not a technical person and that we should wait for the Minister of Finance to return, and the chairman of the Economic Council to be around.

    “So that they can give him update and support on what he is going to say to us. So he said we should reschedule this meeting until when he returns from Turkey.

    “I think this is what I told the press yesterday but I wonder how they turn it around.

    “Please we have to be serious with our job, this is Nigeria we are working for, we are working for our country, working for our people. So we shouldn’t misinform the public and should be guided with the things discussed,” he stated.

    It will really augur well for the nation if the welfare of workers in the country are taken very seriously.

    It should top the list of priorities of the Federal, state and local governments as human resources is one of the most important and difficult to manage of all the factors of production in any economy.

    This will also ensure the needed industrial harmony for sustainable growth in Nigeria.

     

  • Abuja Teaching Hospital to Fed Govt: honour deal with health workers

    Staff of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) have urged the Federal Government not to default or dishonour its agreement with members of the union.

    UATH JOHESU chair, Comrade Stephen Oricha, in a petition made available to The Nation, in Abuja urged the federal government to disregard claims by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) on the allegations that could make the government neglect its initial position that led to the suspension of the last JOHESU strike action.

    According to him, the NMA on October 1, 2017 allegedly petitioned the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige rejecting most of the terms of settlement reached between the federal government and JOHESU on Saturday 30th September, 2017.

    “We want to sincerely advise that the federal government should toe the path of honour and respect the terms of our agreement that led to the suspension of this industrial action. The consequences of reneging on account of threats by the NMA, would be better imagined than real,” he said.

    In a letter addressed to the Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, with a signature of Oricha and the UATH JOHESU Secretary, Comrade Paulina Usman, the union leaders identified main causes of controversies in the health sector. These included agitations for payment of long standing entitlements, recognition of professional autonomy, career progressions, preferential treatment among other welfare related issues.

    He highlighted the consistent discrimination between the resident medical doctors and health workers, drawing attention to the fact that both health officials passed through the university, yet prominence is being given to one group without considering the other.

    It could be recalled that on 4th September, 2017 the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on a strike action followed by the JOHESU on 21st September.

    He blamed successful administrations especially under the Federal Ministry of Health for refusing to admit the fact that the resident doctors cannot solely provide needed medical services but with strong supports from the health workers, thus working as a team to deliver health care services.

    He listed the purported low level workers to include Pharmacists, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Health Information Officers, Optometrists, Nutritionists/Dieticians, Administrative and Finance Officers, Dental Therapists/Technologists and every other worker except Medical Doctors.

    “Under past leadership at different levels of government and especially at the supervising ministry (Ministry of Health), a deaf ear was consistently turned to our attempts to argue that health sector is an amalgam of many equally important stake holders in the business of promotion of health, prevention of illness, care of the sick and rehabilitation,” Oricha said, adding that, “Compared to a Pharmacist/Medical Laboratory Scientist who joins the public service at CONHESS 09 which is equivalent to Grade level 10, a Medical Officer enters into the same service at CONMESS 02 equivalent to CONHESS 11, Grade level 12.

    “A newly appointed consultant after 5 to 6 years of post MBBS training, enters into the service at CONMESS 5/4 equivalent to CONHESS 13, Grade level 15. Assuming the Pharmacist/Laboratory Scientist gets promotion at regular intervals of three years, he or she would have spent at least nine (9) and twenty (20) years in service respectively before catching up with a newly recruited Medical Officer and a Consultant at their points of entry into the service; not minding all relevant degrees, post graduate degrees and experiences such officer may have acquired,” he added.

    However, the union lauded the new administration under President Muhammadu Buhari, for its effort to promoting rule of law that guarantee justice, equity and fairness to all in the health industry.

    He said since government resolution on the last strike action by JOHESU is being considered, there are rising concerns due to a letter allegedly written by the NMA to disregard the health workers demands.

    “While we don’t intend joining issues with NMA, sweeping the issues they raised under the carpet, will flame up their folly, mislead the unsuspecting members of the public and further deepen the crisis that already existed,” he said.

    He cited an instance that between 2009 and 2014, members of NMA enjoyed inflated salary review to the exclusion of others that made up JOHESU, mentioning circulars reference numbers, “SWC/S/04/S.410/vol.II/349 dated 8th December, 2009 and SWC/S/04/S.176/vol.II/466 dated 3rd January, 2014.”

    The union further advised the federal government to disregard the petition written to it by the NMA, asking the government to forfeit the agreement reached. He attributed this to hatred and envy from the resident doctors.

     

  • Minister flags off anti-rabies programme

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello has restated the readiness of the FCT Administration to combat rabies in the FCT. The Minister this at the flag-off of the free anti-rabies exercise which took place at the FCT veterinary clinic in Nyayna as part of activities marking the 2017 World Rabies Day.

    The FCT Administration, through the Agriculture & Rural Development Secretariat, said it has taken delivery of a large consignment of assorted vaccines and will very soon commence mass vaccination of animals and other livestock in the FCT.

    This, according to him, is to ensure public health safety of residents. He said reports from some hospitals in the FCT have shown an increase in the rabies cases, a situation which he said was worrisome to the Administration and needs to be curtailed.

    The event, which held in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the FCT chapter of Nigerian Veterinary Medicine Association (NVMA) and the private sector, took place in Nyanya.

    The Minister was represented at the occasion by the Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Nzekwe Stanley Ifeanyichikuwu.

    Mallam Bello disclosed that to this end, FCT Administration (FCTA) recently took certain steps to beef up public health safety pertaining to animal health.

    Amid rapturous hand clapping by the audience gathered for the event, the Minister assured that between now and December, 2017, FCTA will start ‘’massive vaccination’’ of dogs, adding that by early 2018, vaccination of cattle will kick off.

    The Minister stated that FCT wholeheartedly buys into the Federal Government’s vision of a rabies-free society by 2030, adding that all hands are on deck to actualise this.

    The free-of-cost element to the programme, he added, is another gesture by FCTA that residents should seize to ensure a rabies-free society.

    To give practical effect to the vision to improve general veterinary health services, Malam Bello said, the Administration recently employed 20 veterinary doctors and 12 animal scientists, totaling 32 vital personnel.

    Aside the action of giving gainful employment to the affected, the Minister remarked that their recruitment will further empower the Veterinary Department to be self-sustaining.

    He assured that soon the veterinary laboratory will be fully equipped to get it off the ground and functional.

    Thanking the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for its partnership with FCTA, the Minister requested the Ministry to always remember FCT during the former’s exercises of distribution of agro- inputs and other items, remarking that ‘’FCT is like a state.’’

    He equally thanked NVMA, all veterinary doctors, the private sector and other stakeholders for cooperating with FCTA in service delivery, stressing that without the group, the job of keeping FCT free of animal diseases will not be possible.

    Earlier, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu performed the official vaccination of a dog at the event. Valuable data involving the brown-coloured dog such as its name, owner’s name and telephone number and so on were written down; vital record-keeping which is being done for all animals in the different veterinary clinics in the Area Councils.

    Fielding questions from newsmen later, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu disclosed that about 4000 dogs had been registered and vaccinated since the last exercise.

    He advised all homesteads in FCT to take seriously the issue of animal vaccination, stressing that FCTA is insistent on delivering wholesome meat to residents and visitors in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Change Agenda of elevating public welfare to international best standards.

    Hon. Ifeanyichukwu urged residents to shun quack veterinary practitioners, saying patrons of such persons run the gauntlet of being given adulterated drugs or those which timing is wrong or

    replete with several life-threatening inadequacies.

    He profusely thanked FCT Minister for paying prime attention to the welfare of FCT residents.

    Also speaking to newsmen, the duo of Deputy Director/Head of Animal Health and Clinical Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, who represented his Ministry, and Chairman, FCT chapter, NVMA, Dr Fadipe Oladotun, lauded the FCT Minister for priority given to animal health and by extension, public health safety.

    They enjoined residents to keep animals responsibly and healthy so that the animals do not pose public risk.

    Among personalities present at the occasion were Head of Veterinary Services, FCTA, Dr Regina Adulugba.

    Dogs of various sizes and colours were brought to the event for free vaccination by members of the public.

  • Decaying State House Clinic

    Should hopes, plans and efforts towards offering future efficient services negate present operational performa-nce of a particular task or function?

    This is the crux of the controversy trailing the near collapse of medical services at the State House Clinic, Abuja.

    The clinic, which is supposed to cater for the families of the number one and number two citizens and State House staff and other presidential staff, has become a caricature of what it used to be at least under the administration of the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The situation in the clinic has become  worse now despite more budgetary allocation it got in 2016, at least as shown on paper under the present dispensation.

    In the first budget of this administration,  the State House Medical Centre under the 2016 budget was allocated N3.219 billion for the completion of ongoing projects and procurement of drugs and other medical equipment.

    The facility in the 2017 Budget got its proposal reduced from N3.89 billion to N331.7 million.

    The President’s daughter, Zahra, had  through her Twitter account few weeks back, raised alarm over the near collapse of medical services at the clinic.

    She had challenged the management to give account of the N3 billion allocated to the clinic in the Budget.

    Swiftly reacting to the allegations of poor services at the clinic, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Jalal Arabi, a fortnight ago said the clinic was being repositioned for efficient services.

    In a statement by the media office, Arabi had claimed that the  management is trying to  commercialise the Medical Centre in the quest for a better qualitative service and boosting its revenue to augment the appropriation it receives from the government.

    He said ‘‘The Centre is the only health centre in Abuja where patients are not required to pay any dime before consultation.

    ‘‘In other government hospitals in Abuja, patients are required to pay for consultation, treatment, laboratory tests and others but that has not been the case with the State House Medical Centre.

    ‘‘The Centre offers free services, nobody pays a kobo for hospital card, consultations or prescriptions and this has taken a toll on the subvention the Centre receives from the government.

    ‘‘We have some of the best equipment in the country. For instance, to maintain the MRI and other scan machines, we spend close to N2 million monthly. Yet we do not charge a dime for those who require MRI scans in the clinic,” the Permanent Secretary said.

    Arabi had disclosed that the proposed reforms will ensure that those eligible to use the Centre are NHIS complaint with their Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) or primary health provider domiciled in the clinic.

    ‘‘We have already created a NHIS desk at the clinic where patients will be required to authentic their profile. If their HMOs are registered in other hospitals they will be required to transfer to the Centre.

    ‘‘This is another way through which we can boost revenue generation at the hospital and this has started yielding results because the stark reality is there is no free lunch anywhere,’’ he said.

    Dismissing allegations of misappropriation and withholding of the clinic funds, he said ‘‘I know people will insinuate and give all sorts of reasons because they don’t ask but it will be foolhardy and madness for anybody in his senses to defraud a medical centre of a kobo and toying with people’s lives.

    ‘‘No sane person will do that, so the truth of the matter is the hospital is being run on  subvention and appropriation; if it comes we pile the drugs; but the truth is the drugs are always overwhelmed by the number of people who use the Centre, because it is not controlled,’’ he said.

    Despite his defence, the Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, last week insisted that the State House Medical Centre is fast loosing its standard.

    She said: “Before I commenced my speech, I will like to be realistic and say a few words concerning health and health delivery system in Nigeria.

    “The Nigerian health sector is in a very, very, very poor sorry state to say the least. I am happy the CMD of Aso Clinic is here. Is he around? Dr.  Munir or his representative? Ok, he is around.

    “Ok Dr. Munir, I’m happy you are here. As you are all aware for the last six months, Nigeria wasn’t stable because of my husband’s ill-health. We thank God he had fully recovered now.

    “If somebody like Mr. President can spend several months outside Nigeria, then you wonder what will happen to a common man on the street in Nigeria.

    “Few weeks ago, I was sick as well. They advised me to take the first flight out to London; I refused to go. I said I must be treated in Nigeria because there is a budget for an assigned clinic to take care of us.

    “If the budget is N100 million, we need to know how the budget is spent. Along the line, I insisted they call Aso Clinic to find out if the X-tray machine is working. They said it was not working. They didn’t know I am the one that was supposed to be in that hospital at that very time.

    “I had to go to a hospital that was established by foreigners in and out 100 per cent. What does that mean?

    “So, I think it’s high time for us to do the right thing. If something like this can happen to me, no need for me to ask the governors’ wives what is happening in their states.”

    Mrs. Buhari added: “This is Abuja and this is the highest seat of government, and this is Presidential Villa. One of the speakers has already said we have very good policies in Nigeria. In fact, we have the best policies in Africa. Yes of course, we have but the implementation has been the problem.

    “So, we need to change our mindsets and do the right thing. I’m sure Dr. Munir will not like me saying this but I have to say it out. As the Chief Medical Director, there are a lot of constructions going on in this hospital but there is no single syringe there what does that mean? Who will use the building?

    “We have to be good in reasoning. You are building new building and there is no equipment, no consumables in the hospital and the construction is still going on,” she said.

    Even as the budgetary provision was said to have been drastically reduced in the 2017 Budget, it would have been expected that those in charge would have maintain a balance in the utilization of the funds between proposed projects’ and maintaining at least minimal medical services in the clinic.

    Grounding the running of the clinic will definitely not be in the interest of the State House.

    Again, hoping to be one of the best commercially-run clinic in the city will be meaningless when it cannot perform its functions in the interim.

  • Okada, keke: Loved, hated in equal measure

    Okada, keke: Loved, hated in equal measure

    Everyone likes to get to their destination safely and in good time. But with city roads so busy, clogged with traffic and generally poor, many commuters find themselves sulking on crammed buses and in their cars looking out the window and wondering when they will get to their destination. That was precisely what gave birth to commercial motorcycles (okada) and later the tricycle or keke, and made them popular.

    They have come in handy ferrying commuters to virtually everywhere, and also sometimes landing them in hospital or even in the grave.

    Okada and keke. Oh, how they are loved and hated across Nigerian towns and cities.

    They are considered fast, easy to access and an affordable means of transportation.

    Some people have had experiences ranging from accidents to crimes perpetrated with Keke or Okada which have made some  people swear by what or who they worship never to have anything to do with them.

    As snazzy as the FCT may look or sound to outsiders, some residents who stay outside the Central Business District and Central Business Area still use motorcycles and Keke as their means of transportation to their various destinations. Areas where keke and Okada operate in Abuja include Gwarinpa, Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Asokoro, Bwari, Nyanyan, Karu, Area 1, Garki, Jabi, Utako, Mpape and so many other areas.

    Some passengers Abuja Review spoke with said they only use okada and Keke because they have no choice. Their reasons ranged from inability to communicate properly with the operators because of language and poor attitude. Some said the operators are aggressive and mostly uneducated, reckless and poorly dressed.

    Mrs. Gift Anumba who shared some of her experiences with Abuja Review, said: “The bike operators are something else. I am always very selective when it comes to boarding their bikes. I usually look at their outfit and their composure but I must tell you that their outfit sometimes does not depict who they really are. Some of them are very aggressive and quick to throw insult at you.”

    Taiye Bello who works in an ICT firm in the Central Business District but lives in Kuje Area Council, said he uses them because he has no option.

    He said, “If I have my way, I won’t use bikes or keke. They are very reckless and always ready to fight and the painful thing is that some of them are underage. I wish there is a policy that would be introduced to regulate them. It seems as if all they need to become riders is to purchase the motorcycles; ones they do, they are automatically operators.”

    Usman Musa said the riders sometimes feel they are like the proverbial cat with nine lives. They ride carelessly and as if they are in competition with cars. He said what most of them fail to understand is that occupants of a car are more protected than those on motorcycles whose only protective shield is the helmet which they even find difficult to use.

    For the dangers associated with using these means of transportation, some areas go as far as placing bold notices at the entrance of their estates or complexes to keep tricycle and motorcycle operators off. It is believed that such measures would sanitise their areas and reduce the rate of crime credited to unidentified riders.

    Another user who gave her name as Tunrayo said it is difficult to identify the riders as most of them are without number plates. The use of tricycles and okadas on roads has also contributed largely to the rate of accidents.

    It is believed that armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminals use motorcycle most especially for ease of operation. Out of the total crashes recorded by FRSC, FCT had the highest cases of road traffic crashes in the year 2016 with 1,373 crashes and this is a city where tricycle and motorcycle operation still abounds. This complaint and many more have led to the call for the ban of motorcycle riders in some cities by federal government and state government.

    No doubt, they contribute largely to the economic growth of the country.

    In an interview, the National President of Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Sheu Babangida said, among other things, that the association has engaged the service of a consultant to sanitise it.

    He said, “We have engaged consultants in sanitising and registering our members nationwide by getting their data through biometric capturing. The exercise has started in the Southwest, in about three states because of our numerical strength, the company does not have the capacity to start at once. We started by targeting the highly densely populated states of Ogun, Oyo and Lagos and we are preparing others from the north too.

    “We were facing two challenges, the first one is the rate of accident that has bedeviled our members and the use of the motorcycle to perpetrate atrocities by some undesirable elements who are not our members but they hide under that guise. With the data capturing, we are going to know each and every of our genuine member. We would be coming out with a code that would identify our members.

    “Also, every motorcycle or tricycle that has been captured, there would be a tracker attached to it that wherever you are and at the comfort of your home, you would know where the machine is with the tracker device.

    On the absence of number plate on most motorcycles and tricycles, Babangida said: “We are working with the Transportation ministry to ask the state chapters to come up with a unified position of  number plate price, that would be  affordable because what is making our members not to register is because there is no uniformed price for the plate number. Some states charge higher than others and that makes some of our members run from the state they are operating to go to another state where the charges are less and the state would be losing revenue. To address that, we have discussed and we are coming up with a unified price so that it would be flat rate everywhere.

    Also for licenses, the President said 80 percent of his members operate without licences. He however said he has discussed with the Transportation ministry, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and FRSC to work out something mild and affordable.

    “80 percent of our members currently do not have licence and you can imagine the amount Nigeria losses to that because of wrong pricing. It is a flat rate for all vehicles, motorcycle, tricycle, lorries and trailers. We feel it is not fair because we are the low income earners in the transport sector and that should be considered. I am begging that the price be N2000 or maximum N3000. If we quantify the volume of money we loss as a result of their refusal to get it and if the price is reduced, then the country can imagine how much it would generate at the end of the day. We have over 12million members and not one percent of our members  have license. If the price is reduced, the money that would be generated would be high because as it stands now, government is losing a lot.

    On how accidents and crimes would be curbed, he said the association would introduce a code for members. “The code would address the insecurity aspect of it because everybody would be known by his code. At a point, when a law enforcement officer stops a rider, all he would ask is for the code. To get that code, you must have undergone registration in your unit where you operate. So the era of policemen disturbing our people and even saying for security reasons they won’t operate between stipulated hours would be addressed. The code would be boldly written on their bikes.

    On recklessness, he said: “the biometric capturing would enable us assess them individually. In the process of registering them, they would need to go to VIO for certification. VIO told us that they intend to increase testing grounds in the country. The rate of accident through that process would be addressed and underage issue too.

     

  • 13 Suleja inmates freed

    Thirteen convicted prisoners with options of fine of about N97,000 in Suleja prison have been set free after proper documentation and payment.

    The freed inmates consisting of 12 males and one female were sentenced six months ago with fine options ranging from N2,000 to N10,000.

    They include John Enanga, John Joseph, Chukwudi Obinna, Samaila Mohammed, Abdulazeez Yusuf, Yakubu Isah, Victor Ibrahim, Namu Abdul, Nura Umar, Ibrahim Waziri, Alex John and Murtala Useni, while the only female is Tina Chukwu.

    The chairperson of the Prison Officers Wives Association (PROWA) and Prison Inspectors Wives Association (PIWA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), chapter, Mrs. Victoria Nwakuche who led other officials to the Suleja Prison to free the inmates expressed displeasure that only N2, 000 can keep an inmate for months without help.

    Mrs. Nwakuche called on well- meaning Nigerians to follow suit and help decongest the prisons across the country.

    The prison officer’s wives did not only pay their fines but also presented items for the use of other inmates.

    She said, “The reason why we have come is to show that we care for the inmates in the FCT chapter. We are here to show them love that is the main aim of this association. We came to discover that many of the inmates have fines to pay and a minimal amount but they could not pay. If you can do that, why don’t you come around since our aim is to show love to them. If you can afford the little amount to see that somebody gets his or her freedom, then it is a noble thing to do.

    “That is why we are here to free those we can and see how to empower those that are still in the prison. The list fine is N2, 000, you can imagine that the inmate does not have the amount or the family does not have the amount. It is disheartening. It shows you how deep poverty is.  But as far as this association can help we will not relent. I urged None Governmental Organizations (NGOs) even individuals should come and help out. A lot of people out there may not be aware that they can come and pay these fines and free some people.”

    The Officer In-Charge of Suleja Prison, Deputy Controller of Prison (DCP), Sulieman Enessy said the association has achieved what has never been done adding that it is so sad that Suleja Prison established in 1914 was meant to house 150 inmates but today the facility is housing over 400 inmates.

    He called on all to help pay fines of those convicted prisoners with option of fine to further decongest the prison not only in Suleja, but across the nation.

    Enessy said: “I am happy and grateful for their coming. It is not only releasing those 13 inmates that matters but the joy in them going out as free individual. Others inside were even jumping up and hailing them. I am proud today as a prison officer. If our wives can do this, we will do better.

    “The Suleja Prison was established in 1914 and it was meant for just 150 inmates. But now we are housing over 400. 20 females and 400 others male. Among these males Awaiting Trial ones dominated the prison and almost 60% of the population are Awaiting Trial. I have 11 Awaiting Trial inmates that are females now. I have 9 convicted female inmates.

    “PROWA and PIWA have also assisted in generating revenue for government and also assist in putting smiles on their faces. Many of the inmates were thinking that there is no hope for them before now. They can now feel the sense of belonging.

    “Many people are not aware that they can come in here and assist. And some people are annoyed with the inmates, yes they have committed an offence but some of them are just by mistake. The only difference between me and them is just the uniform I am wearing and theirs. We are all human.”

  • Kinsmen, others fete Atiku

    Kinsmen, others fete Atiku

    Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja was filled to the rafters with indigenes of Adamawa State living in Abuja who came to honour their illustrious kinsman, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. They were led by Governor Bindo Jibrilla.

    The Adamawa indigenes under the aegis of Adamawa Community Association (ACA), Abuja, together with friends, feted Atiku, who was elevated from Turakin Adamawa in June to Wazirin Adamawa by His Royal Highness (HRH) Muhammadu Aliyu Mustapha.

    Those at the reception included former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Umar Ghali Na’Abba, former House of Representatives Leader, Muhammed Kumaila,  Senator Binta Garba, Senator Grace Bent and husband Jackson, former Ministers, Hassan Adamu, Dauda Brima and Idi Hong. Among several others are Prof Adamu Modibo, the secretary to the State Government Buba Bindir and other cabinet members.

    Royal fathers were led by the Lamido of Mubi, Alhaji  Isa Ahmadu, who represented Lamidon Adamawa.

    Serving members of the federal and state legislatures led by members of House of Representatives Abdulrazaq Namdas, Sadiq Ibrahim and a host of close associates ushered in the former Vice President, who wore a sky-blue babanriga and white turban.

    Abubakar’s entrance kicked off the event in earnest with a welcome speech by ACA President, a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Bello Sali, who said he had to be celebrated by Adamawa community in Abuja being a pillar of support, not only to the ACA but to Adamawa State in general.

    He noted that the association was non-partisan, adding that the reception would have held immediately after being conferred with the title but for unavoidable postponements. He urged citizens of the state to emulate local empowerment initiatives of the former Vice President by setting up their businesses in the state.

    Entertainment at the packed hall followed with performances by a local artiste and a Senegalese performer after which goodwill messages were read by the state governor Jibrilla.

    Speaking in Hausa, the governor urged citizens of the state to consider the development of the state as a collective task that must be accomplished.

    The conferment of the Turakin Adamawa on Abubakar was due to hard work, while the elevation to the position of Waziri was merited due to more hard work, he added.

    Hon Abu Zahri, who  represented FCT Minister wished Abubakar long life, while the Lamido asserted that he is a worthy leader.

    “We are happy with him,” said the Lamido.

    Presentation of gifts by Senator  Binta Garba followed after which Abubabar appreciated the group’s gesture. He also said Adamawa should not be judged by the years of insurgency that ravaged parts of the state but by its contributions to the growth and preservation of the unity of the country as a whole.

    He reeled out a list of Adamawa indigenes that have excelled in various fields while serving the country in public and private sectors. He challenged any state in the country that has contributed more to the country than Adamawa. He urged the state to prioritise education. While he emphasised that he will continue to think of Adamawa first in his endeavours, Abubakar also advised the elites and industrialists from the state to look inward towards the development of the state.

    The former Vice President also used the opportunity to dispel rumours of a rift between him and the governor, saying there was no such thing.

    He said, “My elevation is a call to greater contribution, I will continue to contribute to state. We are to mentor the young ones and make them greater because we will be remembered by the people we lifted. Let us continue to help one another especially the younger ones to help grow the state. I urge our business men and women to invest in Adamawa and contribute to its growth, visit home regularly and set up your businesses there so that our people can benefit from the immense multiplier effect it will generate for our collective and individual economic growth. We should also not relent in our efforts until all displaced persons in camps return to their home and normal life.”

     

  • Reprieve for a rural community

    Reprieve for a rural community

    Their challenges are huge: no road, no water, no health facility, but for a moment, residents of Kuchinda, a farming community in the nation’s capital, relish a health outreach, OLUGBENGA ADANIKIN reports

    Kuchinda’s lack is well known. In fact, residents have since come to terms with the fact that they have little to be happy about. They are located in Karu Local Government Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), but that brings little comfort. It is occupied by farmers, and petty traders with little or no access to basic amenities such as primary health care, safe drinking water and good roads.

    The quest to meet these demands unfortunately has yielded no result.

    But to salvage the situation, especially in the area of health care, LiveBridge Foundation took free health care service to the people. The gesture, according to the organisers of the outreach, was to extend humanitarian assistance to those in need.

    Kuchinda is one among many rural communities in Abuja which lack access to health care. Though, Abuja is the seat of power where decisions regarding affairs of the country are taken but lots of the residents in rural communities still remain marginalised.

    “I’m happy for what is happening here today as LiveBridge has brought nurses and doctors earlier to treat our women on cervical cancer. Today they have given us a borehole and free medical treatment, the challenge that is confronting us is lack of primary healthcare service, schools and durable roads,” said Kuchinda’s traditional ruler, Chief Ishaku Anyiwoyi.

    The LiveBridge medical team visited the community in large numbers with qualified nurses and doctors. They conducted various tests on the indigenes that came out in their hundreds.

    The community also benefited from free drugs such as anti-malaria, pain killers, syrups, vitamin C, among others. These were all distributed to the community aside from interpersonal medical counseling from the experts.

    Founder of LiveBridge Foundation, Vicky Alice, said the gesture was part of primary mandates of the non-governmental organisation (NGO). She described access to basic medical care as the right of every citizen irrespective of the social status.

    “In LiveBridge we handle healthcare, education and empowerment programme but healthcare service is what we are doing today, we have done similar medical outreaches in Niger, Nassarawa, and here in Abuja, we are looking at treating 1000 of the villagers today we were here in June and had identified potable water has their basic and urgent need that’s why we drilled a borehole for them and it will be commissioned today,” she said.

    According to her, some individuals in the community were suffering from various categories of ailments which could include HIV/Aids but refused to partake in the test.

    She expressed concerns on apathy of the community towards the adoption of family planning methods to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

    Alice said, “There is need to sensitise the communities about the HIV virus and the use of family planning for benefit of the uneducated and poor households.

    “We identified HIV positive patients here and other diseases that need surgery but they are afraid of doing the HIV test so we will talk to their chief to help sensitise them on the need to be tested,” she said.

    Anyiwoyi was happy that Kuchinda now has a borehole, and that LiveBridge also came calling.

  • Artiste dreams big at book launch

    Artiste dreams big at book launch

    After surmounting several hurdles in life, a multiple award winning gospel artiste, writer and songwriter, Kenny St Brown has revealed that her major target now is to become a professor.

    Kenny St. Brown, who spoke with newsmen shortly after the launch of her new book, titled: “Stop! Turn it Around. From Setback to Comeback”, in Abuja, said she was planning to work with University of Lagos in Lagos State to create an institute for arts, entertainment and tourism.

    She said, “I am going back for my PhD and I am hoping to be working with University of Lagos to create an institute for arts, entertainment and tourism. There are big things in my head. In five years’ time, I would have attained my Phd.

    “Ultimately, I want to work with the United Nations, and I see that dream coming in the next five years. I also intend to write a lot of books for academics, books they can use in tertiary, secondary schools and universities. I am still actually hoping to be a professor.”

    She said what prompted her to write the book was people’s reactions after she was able to overcome her various challenges.

    “When people see me every time and say KS you are a strong woman, you have been able to surmount a lot of difficulties, those are the reasons I have to write the book so that generations yet unborn can learn from it,” she said.

    First Lady Aisha Buhari, whose message was delivered by Hajia Bintu Mua’zu, eulogised the author, pointing out that the book is going to impact so many lives.

    Aisha Buhari noted that the book will go a long way in helping young Nigerians fulfil their dreams.

    The Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State who chaired the event, Lola Akande said the book will take women from setbacks to greater heights and fulfillment of their dreams.

    “I implore women to be focus in their determination to succeed in life and see challenges as a ladder that will catapult them to the mountaintop,” she said in a message delivered by Director of Domestic Violence in the Ministry, Toyin Jaiyeola.

    The Deputy Editor, Nation’s Capital, The Nation newspapers, Mr. Yomi Odunuga who was Kenny St Brown’s schoolmate, said she has impacted so many lives.

    He said, “I never knew that Kenny will be singing after we left school. When I saw her singing something just occurred to me that you can build your life yourself. That is the truth about life. Even in journalism, someone who read Lab Science and you will also see doctors, lawyers and many others have excelled in journalism. I am proud of her. She has been able to impact lives.”