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Tag: Abuja

  • NAFDAC destroys expired goods worth N80m in Abuja

    The national Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday destroyed expired and counterfeit products worth N80 million in Abuja.

    The products, which were gathered over the last one year, were voluntarily forfeited by companies, while others were mopped up from circulation through the enforcement activities of the agency.

    The products were gathered from states around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Speaking at the destruction site in Kuje, Prof. Christiana Adeyeye, director-general of the agency said NAFDAC is continuously waging war against counterfeiting and faking of regulated products.

    Adeyeye noted that the destruction that was carried yesterday was part of the efforts to rid the country of counterfeit and fake products.

    She said: “This period exercise further give credence to the fact that NAFDAC is continuously waging war against counterfeiting and faking of regulated products. We will continue to work relentlessly to ensure that this incidence is reduced to the barest minimum and only safe, efficacious and wholesome regulated products are available to the populace.

    “Today, we witness the destruction of various categories of regulated products worth over eighty million naira. It is important to note that some of these expired products were voluntarily forfeited to NAFDAC by companies and non-governmental organisations while others were mopped up from circulation via enforcement activities of the agency.”

    In spite the many successes made to thwart the activities of fake product peddlers and counterfeiters, NAFDAC boss said the agency still face some daunting challenges as violators continue to evade arrest.

    “Our enforcement and surveillance systems are not without daunting challenges as violators continue to adopt different strategies to ensure that they evade arrest and enjoy proceeds of their nefarious activities.”

    The agency, she said, will continue to deploy effective strategies to ensure that violators are not only arrested but also face the full wrath of the law.

    She also posited that the agency will continue to collaborate with othe agencies so as to ensure success in its operations.

    Adeyeye also solicited for the support and cooperation of the general public in tackling the menace of fake, counterfeit and unwholesome regulated products.

  • Photographers celebrate the beauty of Abuja Carnival

    Photographers celebrate the beauty of Abuja Carnival

    Two photographers, Julius Omogbai and Godswill Ayemoba, are celebrating the beauty of the Abuja carnival from 2007 to 2011, in an exhibition tagged, `Simply Carnival.’

    Abuja Carnival commenced in 2005 to serve as an avenue to showcase the diverse cultural events and practices in the 36 states of Nigeria and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory in a competitive manner.

    Read also: Workers to stage Mass Protest in Abuja

    Welcoming art enthusiasts to the event the Thought Pyramid Art Gallery in Abuja on Monday on Abuja, a co-exhibitor, Omogbai, said the exhibition featuring series of photographs from the carnival, was a way of persuading the Federal Government to see the need for its continuity.

    “These works show different faces of the Abuja carnival and we want this exhibition to provoke the authorities to organise another carnival.

    “Our problem in this part of the world is continuity and the absence of documented history.

    “The purpose of this exhibition is to celebrate culture which is dying due to foreign influence.

    “Art needs to be given the right relevance. It is sacrifice to the nation,” he said.

    He added that if the carnival is sustained it will enhance the growth of tourism in addition to the celebration of the cultural diversity in the country.

    The Special Assistant to the President on Research, Mr. Sylvester Imhanode and Director of curatorial services of National Gallery of Arts, Mr Ibrahim Adamu were among the dignitaries at the exhibition.

    In his remarks, Imhanode commended the quality of art works on display while urging the exhibitors to do more.

    He assured the exhibitors that the Federal Government was willing to work with talented people that abound in the creative industry.

    Also, while congratulating the exhibitors, Adamu stressed the need for young people to develop their creative skills to be self-reliant instead of searching for elusive white collar jobs.

    He pointed out that the art industry was very lucrative, urging youths to follow worthy examples of the exhibitors.

    Abuja Carnival celebrated annually, did not take place in 2017 due to problems of logistics, according to its organisers.

    NAN

  • Cuba to strengthen economic relations with Nigeria

    Cuba to strengthen economic relations with Nigeria

    Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Carlos Saso, said his country would strengthen economic relations with Nigeria to boost trade between both countries.

    Saso said this when he visited Mr Adetokunbo Kayode, the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Monday in Abuja.

    Media and Protocol Officer of the chamber, Mr Gena Lubem, said in a statement that the ambassador stressed the need to galvanize resources for more joint economic activities between the countries.

    Read also: Cuba to partner Nigeria in medicine, biotechnology

    He said that Cuba would explore more relations with Nigeria in the health industry, agriculture and sports.

    According to him, Cuba is interested in manufacturing critical vaccines in Nigeria to tackle endemic ailments like Hepatitis B and C, Meningitis, Lassa fever and Diabetes.

    He added that the country was also interested in the establishment of Cuban-Nigerian joint venture hospitals in Abuja.

    Saso expressed interest in developing a strategic relationship with the Abuja Chamber in these areas to improve commercial activities and enhance the balance of trade between the two countries.

    Receiving the envoy, Kayode commended him for demonstrating genuine interest in improving the economic ties between Nigeria and Cuba.

    “This is in line with the strategic plan of the chamber to forge strong ties with the international business community to develop joint ventures and enhance foreign direct investment,” he said.

    He urged the international community to work with Nigeria in all areas of business, especially now that the business environment was getting better.

    “The chamber is also encouraging Public-Private-Partnerships ( PPP ).

    “The government now realises that the Organized Private Sector ( OPS ) and the public sector exist to advance the economy and the general good of the country.

    “The bodies will also advance the renewed and on-going efforts at ease of doing business programme which is improving the business environment in Nigeria,” Kayode said.

    NAN

  • Metuh attends court on stretcher

    Metuh attends court on stretcher

    Former spokesman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh was brought to court Monday on a stretcher in compliance with an order of a Federal High Court, Abuja that he must attend court or have his bail revoked.

    Justice Okon Abang in a ruling on January 25, rejected a medical report tendered by Metuh’s lawyers, claiming he was on admission in an hospital. The judge noted that report was not properly before the court and did not meet the necessary requirement.

    Instead, Justice Abang agreed to an adjournment, but ordered Metuh to attend court on February 5, 2018 or have the bail earlier granted him revoked.

    In compliance with that order, his lawyer ensured he was brought to court early Monday in a white ambulance, bearing the name and logo of the National Hospital, Abuja.

    Metuh was later taken into the courtroom on a stretcher, with the assistance of some relations, friends and associates.

    He was covered with a white cloth, with an opening only in his head area, possibly to allow him breathe. He had bandage on his legs and a neck brace on.

    Metuh and his company, Destra Investment Limited are being tried on allegations of corruption and money laundering.

    When proceedings opened, Metuh’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) told the court that his client was in court in obedience to the court’s order, but was not in a good state to stand trial.

    He sought a month’s adjournment to allow his client receive medical attention and within which he (Metuh) would have been fit enough to stand trial.

    Lawyer to Destra, Tochukwu Onwugbufor (SAN) associated himself with Ikpeazu’s position.

    Responding, lead prosecution lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir said he appreciated the 1st defendant’s (Metuh’s) health condition, having seen the manner he was brought to court.

    Tahir said he was not opposed to the defence’s request for adjournment for a month.

    He noted that none of the papers tendered by the defence suggested the length of time that the 1st defendant will be hospitalised, but added: “We leave the decision about the time to the discretion of the court.

    “May I disabuse the mind of everybody (the court, the gallery and the defence team) that we are prosecutors, not persecutors. And in doing that, we have no ill-will or ill-feeling against anybody,” Tahir said.

    In his reply, Ikpeazu appreciated Tahir for his understanding. And, as regard when his client will be fit for trial, Ikpeazu said the doctors were not categorical.

    He said: “We believe that within the one month that we have asked, and we pray extensively to that effect, that the 1st defendant should be fit to continue with his trial

    “That period is a reasonable period for the medial doctors to enter a proper evaluation and assessment of the state of health of the 1st defendant. We fervently hope and pray that he will be fit to continue with this trial,” Ikpeazu said.

    Ruling, Justice Abang said he was mindful of granting the adjournment sought by Metuh’s lawyer in view of his state of health and since the prosecution did not oppose the request for adjournment.

    The judge added: “A court of law must be firm in its decision. A court of law must be fair to parties in a matter placed before it. And, when occasion demands, a court of law must also be humane.

    “I have seen the condition that the 1st defendant is in the courtroom. On the account of the condition in which I have seen the 1st defendant in the courtroom, I am inclined to exercise my discretion in his favour in adjourning this matter, at his instance, to enable him receive medical treatment.”

    Justice Abang adjourned to March 14 for possible continuation of trial in the case.

  • Workers to stage Mass Protest in Abuja

    Workers to stage Mass Protest in Abuja

    Striking workers of the 67 research institutions spread across several Ministries in the country are set for a mass protest on the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to demand the payment of about N9 billion arrears owed them by the government since 2010.

    The workers made up of members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) and the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) have been on strike for about 11 weeks to press for the implementation of their agreement with the government.

    Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, chairman of the Joint Research and Allied Institutions Staff Union (JORAISU), and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Peters Adeyemi said even though the government has acknowledged the legitimacy of the ongoing strike action, they have refused to take any measure aimed at addressing their demands.

    Adeyemi said that the National leadership of JORAISU has so far held thirty-three (33) meetings with the Federal Government and one with the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, Colleges and Institutions between year 2010 and year 2018 and issued 155 days ultimatum to Government on the matter including the last issued on 30th October, 2017 for which all the Research and Allied Institutions commenced an ongoing strike action on 14th November, 2017.

    Read Also: Workers ground operations of Bristow, Caverton Helicopters

    According to him, these were all geared towards getting the Federal Government to act positively on our demands and expressed shock and disbelief that the Federal Government can remain unconcerned and be so incentive to a situation where all the Research and Allied Institutions in Nigeria  have been totally and completely grounded for about 2 months and 22 days without addressing the situation.

    According to him, this attitude of Government goes to confirm the fact that the Government does not believe in the idealogy that Nigeria can attain technological development in a few years time, adding that it further show that the government t was paying lip service to research ad technological development in the country.

    He said that the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe has informed the unions that government will speedily address the issues in dispute and present a Memo to the Federal Executive Council on the approval of about N9 billion naira required for the payment of the 12 months’ arrears on when they held a meeting in December, 2017.

    He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to take a positive look at the Memo and grant the needed approval to the Memo when presented to him with a view to ending the ongoing strike in the Research and Allied Institutions.

    He disclosed that JORAISU leadership have also resolved that since the Federal Government is yet to resolve their demands, the strike should continue and that it must be total and comprehensive as no concession of any sort shall be granted to any Management and Government until the issues in dispute are resolved.

     

  • `Buhari’s victory in 2015, a political revolution’ – Dalung

    `Buhari’s victory in 2015, a political revolution’ – Dalung

    Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory against an incumbent in 2015 had proved that one could win election in Nigeria without having money.

    Dalung, who said this, while addressing officials of the Permanent Mission, Nigeria House in New York, said there was a brewing political revolution against ‘god-fatherism’ in the Nigerian political space.

    “There is hope for Nigeria. The victory of President Buhari, up till now, not many Nigerians have understood it; it was a political revolution.

    “What it has brought is that you can contest and win election even when you do not have money.’’

    “God-fatherism’ was instituted to control elected officials so that they would not go beyond control.

    “Dalung said ‘god-fatherism’ is a political servitude where you are tested to determine your loyalty. The thing is that without a god father, they believe you can’t be controlled.’’

    Read Also: NYCN urges Buhari to caution  Dalung

    The minister was in New York for the Seventh Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum at the UN Headquarters where he delivered a paper on: ‘The role of youth in building sustainable and resilient communities’.

    “The ‘Not too Young to Run’ is an advocacy that is sending strong signals to political lords that they had overstayed their welcome; either they give way or they will be forced out.’’

    The minister blamed those he called “urban gorillas” whom he said were in charge of the country’s political machinery for manipulating the system.

    “At 53 years, they still call me a small boy,” he decried, saying he had contested elections several times and won but was deprived by the ‘urban gorillas’.

    The minister also said that he brought the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Plateau but suffered as an orphan because he did not have a god-father.

    According to him, his advocacy is to liberate the young people, reorient the mindset of many Nigerian youths that have been enslaved.

    He also called on young people to understand the political system they were coming into so as to better strategise.

    According to Dalung, Nigeria is making steady progress in infrastructure, economy and security and called for unity.

    “We can refine and build a Nigeria of our dream.

    “We have the best form of selfless ministers in this era. As ministers, most of us do not have houses but we live in rented apartments in Abuja.

    “Some of us lived in Boys Quarters before we got apartments because people were asking for N1.5 million as rent.

    “I would have even preferred to stay in Gwagwa but we were told we could not for obvious reasons,’’ he said.

    Dalung said Buhari had made a statement about the rampaging armed herdsmen but that the country would also need to engage its neighbours to stop giving access to the criminals to move freely into the country.

    Earlier, Nigeria’s Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje commended the Federal Government for the steady progress in the areas of economy, infrastructure, fight against insurgency and anti-corruption.

    The Nigerian ambassador pledged that the missions’ would continue to bring their expertise to bear on the international stage so as to lift the flag of Nigeria high among the comity of nations.

     

    NAN

  • We are determined to build robust tax system – Adeosun

    We are determined to build robust tax system – Adeosun

    Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said Federal Government was committed to implementing any policy that would boost the country’s tax system and ensure ease of doing business.

    Adeosun said this on Friday in Abuja while receiving a Progress Report by the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee on tax law reforms.

    She said that the government was laying emphasis on tax because it was the only reliable source of revenue to achieve its developmental goals.

    “I want to underscore that this government led by Muhammadu Buhari, came in at a time when oil price was as low as 28 dollars per barrel.

    “This led us in search of a revenue base that is sustainable, predictable and can deliver development and succour to the masses.

    “One of the functions of the tax system, which many people overlook, is that it is the most reliable tool for government to use to redistribute wealth from rich to poor.

    “Many of the programmes we are undertaking will do exactly that, whether it is fixing our roads, or our social interventions like N5, 000 Conditional Cash Transfer to the poorest.

    “There is also the N30, 000 to some of our unemployed graduates or the school feeding programme.

    “These are all methods of redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor and that is one of the functions of a good tax system,” she said.

    Adeosun reiterated government’s willingness to take the recommendations of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, which she explained, would not only boost revenue but also improve ease of tax payment.

    She said that the recommendations would be submitted to the Economic Management Team, National Economic Council, Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for ratification.

    Earlier, Mr Taiwo Ayedele, Vice President of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, had said that the committee identified the tax laws that were obsolete and making the country’s tax system inefficient.

    He said that the committee recommended that Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Customs Excise and Tariff, Personal Income Tax, Pension Contribution, Industrial Development Income Tax Relief and Tertiary Education Trust Fund be reviewed.

    “The proposed changes to the tax laws are expected to increase government revenue, simplify paying taxes and doing business and promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

    “It will also remove obsolete, ambiguous and contradictory provisions in the law and protect most vulnerable persons in the society,” Ayodele said.

     

  • Mechanic to receive six lashes for trespass

    Mechanic to receive six lashes for trespass

    A Karmo Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, on Thursday ordered that a mechanic, Friday Monday, 25, convicted for criminal trespass into a clinic, be given six strokes of the cane.

    Monday of Angwan Shahu, Karmo, Abuja, was arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal trespass and attempt to commit offence, offences he admitted committing.

    The judge, Abubakar Sadiq, said the punishment would have been more severe if the convict had not pleaded guilty and begged for leniency.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Mrs Florence Auhioboh, had told the court that one Mike Bako of Hulumi village, Karmo, reported the matter at the Karmo Police Station, Abuja, on Jan. 30.

    Read Also: Court remands man in prison over assault, trespass

    Auhioboh said that on the same date, at about 4: p.m. the convict trespassed into the premises of Joy of The Lord Clinic and Maternity.

    She said that the convict entered the premises in an attempt to steal aluminum windows and was arrested.

    The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 342 and 95 of the Penal Code.

  • NPC workers’ strike “put on hold” – Union

    NPC workers’ strike “put on hold” – Union

    Striking workers of the National Population Commission ( NPC ) on Tuesday said their protest had been “put on hold’’ pending the response of the Federal Government to their demands.

    The President of the workers union, Mrs Rita Agaba, made this known in Abuja.

    She explained that the strike was put on hold following the intervention of the National Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) and Trade Union Congress.

    Agaba said the union members decided to put on hold the strike in respect of the NLC and TUC with offices reopened.

    However, the unionist maintained that they would operate a work-to-rule regime to facilitate dialogue and in anticipation of government positive response.

    Read also: Fire guts National Population Commission’s Lagos office

    The leadership of organised labour on January 29 directed the aggrieved NPC workers to suspend their strike to give room for dialogue.

    Mr Ayuba Wabba, President, Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) with his counterpart, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, President, Trade Union Congress ( TUC ) gave the directive while addressing the NPC staff in Abuja.

    Agaba also disclosed that the scheduled Jan. 30 meeting between leaders of the NPC workers’ union and the Secretary to Government of Federation had been postponed till further notice.

    Reports say that the NPC workers embarked on the strike in the last three weeks to protest the reappointment of their Director-General, Dr Ghaji Bello, by the federal government.

    The workers are also demanding for improved working condition and probe of the finances of the commission.

    NAN

  • Ekwueme: Fearless, integrity epitome – Osinbajo

    Ekwueme: Fearless, integrity epitome – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday described late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme as fearless and an epitome of integrity.

    He said this in his remarks at the Service of Songs and Night of Tribute in Abuja for the late Second Republic Vice President who died in a London Hospital on November 19, 2017 at 85.

    Osinbajo noted that Ekwueme was the most remarkable person to serve the nation and believed in its indivisibility.

    He said that while alive, the late octogenarian possessed profound humility that came from the understanding of how much there was to learn and demonstrated it by his evident willingness to listen and learn always.

    “As Vice President, he set an excellent example of loyalty, discipline, team spirit and fidelity to the nation.

    Read also: All for Ekwueme

    “He was fearless and with the courage of his convictions, he led the G-34, the group of eminent Nigerians who confronted military dictatorship in its darkest and most fearsome days in Nigeria’s history.

    “He contributed significantly to the return of democracy in 1999,’’ he recalled.

    Osinbajo stated that in national and international discourse, as an elder in ECOWAS even on the most emotive subjects, the deceased spoke truthfully and ensured that his words built rather than destroyed.

    He also said that late Ekwueme worked tirelessly to build and maintain the bridges established across ethnic and religious lines by many through the years.

    “He never for once doubted the validity of one indivisible Nigeria,’’ the vice president said.

    He recalled the late vice president’s incarceration for about 20 months after the Shagari administration was toppled but that he was cleared as having never abused his office.

    Osinbajo said that Ekwueme’s principled and fearless leadership in confronting the military dictatorship of late Gen. Sani Abacha, especially when it chose to succeed itself, was unequalled.

    According to him, the late Ekwueme had principled interventions in many national debates and in all, he epitomised impeccable integrity, courage and selflessness.

    “His values, like himself, remain relevant in every age and time.’’

    Osinbajo said that Ekwueme had remarked that he would like to be remembered as someone who came into public office to render service and rendered it selflessly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that other dignitaries, including the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo and Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, paid tribute to the late octogenarian.

    Nwodo said he was not mourning Ekwueme, but was rejoicing because God gave Nigeria such a man.

    For Ngige, Ekwueme was a political master who did not disappoint the nation during the 1994/1995 Constitutional conference.

    Former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, represented by his son, Aminu Shagari, in a tribute said he would continue to relish the memorable time he had with his late former Vice President.

    “He lived a simple and uncomplicated life,’’ he said, adding that he nominated to run with him twice because of his high level of discipline and integrity.

    President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Prof. Jerry Ghana, Prof Uzodimma Nwala, and the deceased’s younger brother, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, extolled his virtues.

    A representative of the Ekwueme’s Community, Oko, Anambra, Mr Handel Okoli, thanked the Federal Government for putting all structures in place for the burial of their son.

    He, however, requested that the late former vice president’s name should be immortalised for his vision of nationalism and patriotism to be exemplified.

    NAN