The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • NIPR to battle quacks

    NIPR to battle quacks

    The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has drawn a battle line with unregistered public relations (PR) practitioners.

    The institute said it would make it a criminal offence for people to practise Public Relations without qualifications and those found wanting, will be prosecuted.

    This, according to the body, is to curtail the activities of quacks in the industry.

    The Chairman, NIPR Abuja Chapter, Ohaeri Osondu, during a visit to The Nation in Abuja office.

    He said the NIPR chartered decree 16 of June 1990 regulates the practice of public relations, has the responsibility to determine who practises PR, in line with the ethics of the profession.

    He said: “In line with this, NIPR is going to have a robust structure that will address quackery. First of all, we will tame and rehabilitate quacks and the willing ones will be assimilated, then the unwilling ones, who fail to utilise the window of opportunity opened to them, will be sanctioned, prosecuted and dealt with.

    “We have a committee at the national level called advocacy, enforcement and compliance committee, this committee is made up of formidable practitioners from the military, paramilitary, police, civil service and as well as private sector. For example, we can give the grace of 90 or 180 days as the case may be as window of opportunity for retraining.

    “There will also be enlightenment programmes, after that entire window is shot; we go to prosecution which is enforcement and compliance.”

    Osondu also said that NIPR is seeking to work with The Nation in sensitising the public because PR messages meant for a larger audience can only be made possible through the print, which The Nation Newspaper is a frontier.

    Deputy Editor, The Nation’s newspaper, the nation’s capital, Yomi Odunuga, stated that the job of the media is to disseminate information to as many people as possible by projecting all parts of the story and giving credence to whomever it should be given to.

    Odunuga urged NIPR to clearly differentiate between media consultants from Public Relations consultants to avoid making wrong arrests.

    In his words, “I am bothered because when you say that you are in public relations, people tend to mix the media with public relations. The managerial position of NIPR is to know the difference so you will not just go and arrest a media consultant and think that you are arresting someone that is practising public relations.

    He also told them to ensure that they educate the government on the responsibility and right of every individual.

  • Dry season farming support for 30,000

    Dry season farming support for 30,000

    Over 30,000 farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received support for dry season farming from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

    The initiative, a collaboration between the FCT and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture was launched in December last year as part of efforts to ensure food security.

    The Minister of State for the FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, said at the official flag-off ceremony of the 2013/2014 dry season farming in Gada Biu in Kwali Area Council that dry season farming in the FCT would produce additional 45,000 metric tons of grain, to the Nigerian grain market, diversify the economy and enhance foreign exchange earnings.

    Akinjide, represented at the occasion by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr John Chukwu said: “The business of agriculture in Nigeria has been left mostly to the peasant and small-time farmers. While their efforts may, to a large extent, meet the basic needs of the country, it has not done same for the country’s economy or economic conditions of farmers.

    “We are determined to improve agricultural productivity of small-scale farmers by ensuring that they embrace modern farming methods and take full advantage of abundant market opportunities to boost their economic base.

    “The Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) which was launched in 2011 has recorded appreciable success in the FCT with more farmers accessing farm inputs with ease. During the 2013 rain-fed farming exercise, 92,143 farmers (82.8 per cent) out of the 111,276 FCT farmers captured on the GES national data base representing 82.5 per cent redeemed their farm inputs (fertiliser and seeds) through the e-Wallet platform.”

    The Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat Mrs. Olvadi Madayi said the FCT has signed on to the Nigerian Incentive-base Risk Sharing in Agricultural Lending System (NIRSAL) programme which is promoted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure that farmers have easy access to credit for their farm enterprises.

    Madayi said: “We will strive to ensure that FCT farmers have easy access to agricultural inputs as well as markets for their products through off-takers and contract farming system.

    “In addition, we are encouraging private entrepreneurs in the FCT to complement government’s effort in value addition and product marketing.”

  • ‘Be change agents’

    The Emir of Argungu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Ismaila Mohammadu Mera has said journalists can be agents of change if they imbibe the ethics of their profession and the fear of God.

    The monarch spoke in Kebbi while receiving reporters who visited him in Argungu.

    He said journalists throughout the world are considered to be agents of peace and development because of their role in reporting events in the society as well as government’s policies and programmes. This, he said, they could achieve through their commitment to unbiased and balanced reportage of events as they unfold in the society.

    The Emir also advised that they should propagate peace and shun the temptation of being used by selfish politicians to rob the country of the much-desired peace and development.

    “You can make or mar the country depending on how you go about disseminating information. This is because journalists are noble people in the society. Based on this understanding, you should use the power of your profession to preach peace as the society depends on you for information, more so as the 2015 general elections are around the corner,” he said.

    The Emir further urged journalists to help douse the current political tension in the country through their reportage.

    On security, the Emir said the insecurity in some parts of the north was unfortunate, warning that those perpetuating it should be responsible for the countless loss of lives of innocent people, pointing out that Islam does not give anybody the legal authority to kill his fellow mankind no matter his religious or cultural leaning.

  • Policy to protect health workers coming

    Policy to protect health workers coming

    A policy that will protect health workers from work hazards while performing their duties is in the offing. The Secretary, FCT Health Secretariat, Dr Ademola Onakomaiya revealed this at a press briefing in Abuja.

    This is coming on the heels of the information that about 100 health workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have so far contracted Hepatitis B, HIV and AIDS and other diseases due to poor disposal of medical waste.

    The workers are said to have contracted these diseases from careless disposal of injections and other medical wastes.

    Dr. Ademola Onakomaiya said that the administration, in accordance with international best practices, has approved the FCT healthcare waste management guidelines to curtail the disposal of such waste in the FCT.

    Onakomaiya said in Abuja that the administration will spend N300 yearly in the next three years to its target.

    He said: “The Minister directed that the old policy be streamlined into guidelines for a more suitable FCT waste management policy within the next few weeks, to formulate guideline that will be broad and holistic in approach towards healthcare waste management.

    “The reason for this guideline is for public health workers who are prone to dangers of contracting hepatitis B, HIV and AIDS and other diseases to have a guideline to follow for medical waste management.”

  • Abuja residents demand development commission

    Abuja residents demand development commission

    A group, Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja (OIDA) has urged the Federal Government to create a development commission to take care of members of indigenous communities who were displaced for Abuja’s development as the nation’s capital.

    OIDA noted that the commission should be fashioned after Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) or the Hydro-Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).

    OIDA President, Pastor Danladi Jeji made the call during the second FCT Heritage Day celebration held in Gwagwalada.

    He said displaced communities in Abuja have not been compensated for their confiscated lands, even as he said they are finding it difficult to make a living due to loss of their communities, houses and farmlands to government and private developers.

    He said: “The proposed Abuja Original Inhabitants Development Commission (AOIDC) should be statutory and should derive its funding from the 30 per cent of all sales accruing from all lands allocated within the FCT. When established, AOIDC would deal with the lingering issues of relocation, resettlement and compensation for all projects, affected communities and persons.”

    Continuing, he disclosed the association’s plan to sue the Federal Government if it continuous to confiscate their lands without regard for their rights.

    Presenting a paper entitled “Annihilation of Abuja Original Inhabitants and Imperatives of Democratisation of the Federal Capital Territory,” the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences Nasarawa State University and Guest Speaker at the occasion, Prof. Andrew Zamani urged the Federal Government to appreciate the need for an all-inclusive policy to tackle the problems of the indigenous people of the FCT.

    Prof. Zamani said: “There are no special privileges for the inhabitants in this regard as is the case for the people of Niger Delta through the Niger Delta Development Commission. Original inhabitants of Abuja need structures for self-governance. The second-tier will provide the basis for a local government system that is people-oriented. More senatorial seats and federal constituencies should be created to increase representation in the National Assembly.

    “Our resilience, however, should not be misjudged for weakness or indolence. Government should pay attention to the entreaties of OIDA for attention and dialogue, given that it has utilised legal means of contributing to national discourse and engagement with government and non-state actors of governance. A lot can be achieved through dialogue.”

    The event which acted as showcase for the rich cultural heritage of the nine indigenous ethnic groups in the FCT had had cultural troupes and masquerades from different ethnic groups that thrilled spectators to colourful display, dances, fireworks and durbar.

    The association also used the occasion to launch N200 million education endowment funds which aims at paying the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Examination Council (NECO) fees for 1,000 Abuja indigenous senior secondary school students.

    The funds, according to the association, would assist several communities that still lack schools or access to proper education. They decried a situation in which only a few lucky ones have access to basic education, adding that many peasant families hardly cope with the responsibility of sending their children or wards to secondary schools in Abuja city centre that are very far away from their communities.

    The association pleaded with the Minister of the FCT Senator Bala Mohammed to make basic and secondary education in the satellite towns and rural communities accessible to the inhabitants so as to reduce the huge gap in terms of quality education by the FCT natives.

  • ‘How to make Civil Defence work’

    ‘How to make Civil Defence work’

    The Sokoto State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Alhaji Yushau Aliyu, has called for support for the Corps to enable it discharge its responsibilities to Nigerians.

    Alhaji Aliyu made the call while addressing newsmen on the activities to commemorate the 2014 Civil Defence Day with the theme; ‘’Civil Defence and Culture of Prevention for a Safer Society.’’

    Aliyu noted that it was necessary to strengthen the corps, adding that “it is indeed an essential to provide all that are necessary for optimal performance of the corps.

    ‘’We must create a culture of civil defence based on prevention rather than response.

    “While prevention is a vital factor, it is also a complex task that requires adaptation to new situations.

    ‘’Many emergency response simulation services should be inspired from the various types of risks that exist to enhance the response capacity and proper handling of emergency interventions,’’ he added.

    He maintained that prevention programmes should focus on areas such as risk assessment through adoption and development of national as well as regional mechanisms and tools.

    ‘’The implementation of these programmes involves close co-operation with higher authorities and monitoring from the private and public sectors,” he said.

  • Celebrating 100 years in pain

    Celebrating 100 years in pain

    Nigeria marked its 100 years as a corporate entity after the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 1914.

    But many Nigerians felt the celebrations were not worth it, coming at a time Boko Haram has stepped up its attacks in the Northeast states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

    To prevent an untoward situation, security operatives, especially the military, did not leave anything to chance in ensuring that the International Conference Centre (ICC) venue of the Centenary celebrations and other key places were protected.

    All roads leading to the venue of the event where President Goodluck Jonathan presided over the awards ceremony to mark the Centenary were blocked, preventing free flow of traffic around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Commercial drivers and other motorists were confused on which route to follow. The confusion was compounded by the fuel scarcity that sparked long queues at filling stations.

    Guests were thoroughly screened. Those prevented from entering joined onlookers in anticipation that they could be allowed in later.

    A taxi driver, who identified himself as Jude said the celebration made no meaning to him. He said: “What is my business with their celebration? The celebration is not going to put food on my table or pay my children’s school fees. I don’t even understand why they are bothering themselves celebrating in the midst of fuel scarcity and insecurity in the country.”

    A spectators, Chukwuma Okoye said he had been standing there for more than an hour but the security operatives refused to allow him in because he was not accredited.

    He said: “The event is only for rich and socially recognised people. They told us that they will only be admitting 400 people into the venue so we have to hang around wondering what is going on inside the venue.”

    Another onlooker who gave his name as Lawal Ola, said: “Centenary is for people that have eaten enough. My parents were both not born 100 years ago let alone me. I don’t see any reason I should be bothered about it.”

    Outside the venue, the celebration appeared more like it was meant for the military than the civilians, with the security operatives looking at everyone that passes by suspiciously.

    Immediately, the road block started from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Towers but it was later dismantled because of the traffic gridlock. It then was mounted at the Nigerian Defence College where people had to park their cars and walk to their destinations under severe security check.

    One of the decorators for the event who gave his name as Adebayo said: “I am here for the decoration. We were part of the people that decorated the venue of the event and we want to make sure that everything goes on well with the decoration. So far, all is well. There has been no problem.”

    Another onlooker, Ela Isa who is a business man said: “As you can see, the most challenging part of this country is the security. Since we cannot get into the venue, it is an opportunity for us to stay outside and watch to see what is going on. We thank God that there is no problem in terms of security breech.

    “I want Nigerians to use this occasion to come together and embrace peace for the progress of the country. Our future will be brighter if our leaders are sincere. The security operatives are trying their best. All they want from us is prayers.”

    The National Stadium, one of the venues earmarked for the celebrations, which hosted musicians was also blocked.

    At 7:00 in the evening, when President Goodluck Jonathan arrived at the venue, all routes to the place were blocked. The development hindered free flow of traffic.

     

  • Expert advocates quality education for women

    The Federal Government has been urged to give women quality and functinal education to enhance the country’s growth.

    Speaking at closing ceremony of a national conference organised by the Nigerian Aid Group of Islam and the JNI, a professor of Education at Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Mrs Aishatu Madawaki Isah said such education was necessary for women to contribute to health and other development initiatives.

    The theme of the conference attended by women from 25 states of the federation was: “Women, the Centre-point for community Health and National Development.’’

    Mrs Isah said the Nigerian woman had the potential to contribute to all aspects of national and human development like their counterparts in other parts of the world.

    The don, represented by Hajiya Halima Abubakar, said: “The Nigerian woman, if given the space and required knowledge, has the dependable strength to size up any woman from across the globe.

    “Therefore, women should be adequately empowered with the right type of education.”

    Earlier, the Sokoto State President of the Nigerian Aid Group, Ahaji Sani Umar said the conference was part of the ongoing national efforts to promote the campaign for effective healthcare as it concerns maternal and child health.

    Umar said the importance of the conference could not be over-emphasised considering the importance of women in the society.

    According to the District Head of Gagi, women are strong pillars in the society and the immediate family,” stating that “the importance of this conference is too glaring.

    The traditional ruler also said the conference was a good one considering the socio-cultural, economic and health challenges in the society.

    ‘’This conference aims at ensuring the significant reduction in maternal mortality, and by extension, to reduce the rate of child mortality through collaboration between healthcare service providers and community at all levels,’’ he said.

  • Communities urged to set up vigilance groups

    Communities urged to set up vigilance groups

    As a result of the recent attack on residents of Kujekwa community in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by some suspected gunmen during which one person die and 50 cows stolen, the chairman Mr. Shaban Tete, has advised the people to set up vigilance groups to prevent future occurrence.

    Tete, who stated this during a media interaction with newsmen, said it had become necessary for people in the community to come together and set up a vigilance group in order to checkmate activities of criminal. This, he said, is because the police alone cannot fight crime.

    According to the council chief, though there are special security agents trained to tackle crimes, members of communities should see security as a collective responsibility which should not be left in the hands of the government alone.

    He said forming a vigilance group among the people of the community and other communities will, no doubt, go a long way in checkmating cases of stealing and the Fulani clashes in the area.

    “The leadership of the council is seriously worried over the recent attack on my people at Kujekwa village where gunmen invaded the village with sophisticated weapons and killed one person while over 50 cows were stolen. I think the other alternative to put an end to such occurrence is for the village head and elders

    to come together to see how the people can form vigilance group in the community, so that we can see how we will support them,” he said.

    He urged residents to expedite action on the setting up of vigilance group so that the council would see how best to assist the group with equipment and monthly stipend that can motivate them in the discharge of their duties to the community.

    He revealed that the council’s leadership has written a letter to the Commissioner of Police of the FCT, Mr. Femi Ogunbayode on the need to establish a police post at the community to stand as primary option in checkmating criminal activities in the area, which he said an approval has already been given to the deployment of policemen in the area.

    Recall that, on December 30, last year, some suspected gunmen numbering about 20 with AK 47 rifles invaded Kujekwa community in Kuje, killed one person, burgled some shops and stole 50 cows from the community.

  • Ahmed empowers drivers with N150m

    Ahmed empowers drivers with N150m

    Good times are here for commercial drivers in Kwara State. They have a revolving loan of N150 million from the government which also launched 100 taxi cabs procured at N50 million.

    Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said during the launch: “In the coming months, we intend to extend the empowerment to other operators in the dynamic transport sector.”

    He added: “This N50 million intervention brings to a cumulative N674m the amount of revolving credit disbursed to beneficiaries under the Kwara State Entrepreneurship scheme from 2012 to date.

    “Let me therefore congratulate the beneficiaries of these taxicabs for joining the growing list of those empowered by this administration under the scheme.

    “Indeed, the choice of taxi drivers is due their importance to efficient intra and inter-city transport services. As we all know, taxi drivers are crucial to mobility of people and their goods as well as to enhanced socio-economic activities across the length and breadth of Kwara state.

    “Let me however state that the revolving loan scheme for taxi drivers is not part of government largesse. I therefore call on the beneficiaries to work hard and repay the loans promptly so that others can benefit. Indeed, this is why funds for the purchase of these taxis were disbursed to the transporters through micro finance banks.”

    The governor added that previous revolving loan schemes have recorded more than 70 per cent repayment rate.”

    Said he: “An added benefit of disbursing funds through micro finance banks is that it has improved banking inclusion by bringing more people into the system as those who were previously unable to access the services now enjoy the service.

    “You will agree with me that one of the challenges of our transport system in Nigeria is lack of maintenance. This negative attitude often puts the lives of innocent road users in needless jeopardy and contributes to early deterioration of road infrastructure.

    “I therefore urge you to maintain your vehicles regularly, obey traffic regulations, and cooperate fully with security agencies to make our roads accident free and safe in the interest of your successful business.

    “At this point, I wish to acknowledge the rapport and cooperation existing among the different transport Unions in Kwara State.  I therefore implore you to sustain this relationship for the good of all.  Specifically, I admonish you to shun the rancour and acrimony that often lead to crises.

    “I hope I can continue to count on your cooperation and support for a more progressive and prosperous future for you as individuals and for the state as a whole.”

    In a remark, the state Commerce and Cooperatives Commissioner, Alhaji Suleiman Alege said the scheme is aimed at boosting public-private partnership in the state.

    Alege said: “The procurement and allocation of these taxi cabs to private operators, is one of the windows of opportunities that the state government is using to grow the public-private partnership transformation model, in its continuing efforts to empower the citizenry for self-employment, poverty alleviation, employment generation and the enhancement of the socio-economic wellbeing of our people.

    “The desire of the state government to take the state’s economy to new heights and indeed improve the people’s living standard in the state has been a major impetus for growing the state’s micro-credit intervention scheme.

    “I therefore use this occasion to appeal to the various artisan groups, to register their members under the various ministries so that the government can generate a database that will enable it to properly plan for their needs.

    “Those who have the privilege of acquiring the taxi cabs today, should see themselves as ambassadors of the state by conducting themselves in accordance with international standards so as not to compromise Ilorin, the state capital as an emerging commercial hub in the West African sub-region.

    Also speaking, chairman of Kwara state chapter RTEAN, Alhaji Yisa Ore, appreciated the state government gesture, and promised to redeem the pledge made on repayment.

    The transporters’ boss also confirmed on consultation with government on the choice of vehicle procured, adding that the vehicles are rugged and durable, particularly with large membership number in the transport unions.