The Nation Newspaper

Tag: advocates

  • Akpabio advocates economic integration between Southsouth, Southeast

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has stressed the need for economic integration between Southsouth and Southeast geopolitical zones, to fast-track development and mutual co-existence.

    The governor, who spoke at the weekend at Nnewi in Anambra State after being conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Omelu-Ora” by Igwe of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orilu III, as part of activities concluding a week-long celebration of Igwe’s 50 years on the throne, said: “We as great sons and daughters of Southeast and Southsouth must make efforts to unite the two geopolitical zones.”

    He said: “By this gesture, we have re-united the Southsouth and the Southeast, which is something Governor Peter Obi and I have been trying to do in the last six years. These geopolitical zones must be united.

    “That was why we started the Southeast and Southsouth Governors’ Forum. Today we are having a meeting to bring about economic integration of the geopolitical zones. When we have a united Southsouth and Southeast, we will have a greater voice in the comity of states in the country.”

    Akpabio hailed the Igwe of Nnewi for the honour done him, saying: “I receive the title because your background and pedigrees are well known to all. I found out that you are a grand patron of the Men’s Fellowship of Anglican Church. This shows you have brought Christianity into governance; you have brought God into your throne. This is why I associate with you because every authority comes from God and that is what you are practicing.”

    He described Nnewi town as the spiritual headquarters of Igbo land.

    Governor Obi said the conferment of “Omelu-Ora” chieftaincy title on Governor Akpabio by the Igwe-in-council of Nnewi was justified. He described the Akwa Ibom governor as a true Nigerian committed to the country’s transformation.

    Governor Akpabio’s wife, Unoma, was also honoured by the Igwe of Nnewi with the chieftaincy title of ‘Ada Eji Eze Mba’ of Nnewi town.

  • Fashola advocates energy conservation

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola at the weekend took the advocacy for energy conservation to the social media platform, Live Google Plus Hangout, stressing that sustainability will be achieved when people start seeing the benefits of conserving energy.

    Organised by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources as part of activities marking its Energy Conservation Month and hosted by rap star Jude M.I Abaga, the Live Google Hangout enabled Fashola to answer questions relating to energy conservation and power generation from a broad spectrum of the society, ranging from children, youths, traders and Nigerians in the Diaspora.

    The governor said the key to sustainability in power conservation is for people to see the benefits, in terms of money saved, adding that he has become the energy Police in his house by ensuring that everyone switches off energy not in use.

    Fashola said his efforts had paid off, with his Marina home paying 40 per cent less for energy monthly and enjoying more regular supply.

    On the state government’s energy plan, the governor said aside the Ikorodu Power Plant that was built by the administration of former Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which generated 270mw but was never dedicated to the state, even though the Federal Government deducted Lagos State’s revenue from source for it, his administration had built a 12mw plant to power water supply at Akute.

    He said the state built a 10mw Independent Power Plant on the Island, which supplies power the general hospitals, courts, the State House, some schools, churches and mosques, the City Hall, the e-learning centre and some other public utilities.

    Fashola said: “Essentially, what we have done is to work within the framework of the Power Reform Act working with the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to provide our power where we can control and domicile the power for our own use.

    “At this moment, we have concluded the dedicated power for Alausa, the seat of government, and in a few days time, during the energy month in October, we will switch it on and take Alausa off the public power grid.”

    He said two other plants are billed for completion next year. They are the Mainland Power Plant, which will serve the GRA, powering the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the Police Command, the High Court and waterworks on Oba Akinjobi Street, and secondly the IPP, which will power waterworks in Lekki, some street lights and other amenities.

  • Cleric advocates fair play

    Current challenges being faced by the country have been traced to injustice of the leaders. This view was expressed by the Executive Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Southwest, Archbishop Magnus Atilade at the Citinet September 11 Global Peace Interactive Forum in Lagos. The forum was held in remembrance of Nigerians that lost their lives in September 11 episode in the United State

    He said the present insecurity has political undertone, noting that the northerners feel that they have been cheated out of power for too long. He added, “let a northerner take over power today, Boko Haram will cease to terrorise the country”.

    He, therefore, advised President Goodluck Jonathan to resist the urge to re-contest in 2015 for peace to reign in the country.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Us Africa Forum spoke about embracing global peace through global trade where the real challenge of leadership is ‘to win a race without a finish’ GPGT’s goal is to create a win-win solution that will also help fight terrorism.

    US-Africa Business Forum serves at the gateway in opening communication for a successful pursuit of a global market through its various seminars, conventions, trade delegates and investment meetings.

    Contributing, the Co-ordinator of Citinet, Mr Ola Akintonwa, said the country needs prayers now more than ever before so that the leaders can achieve their best for the people. He particularly prayed for the successful hosting of the Southwest Independence Dinner, lecture and award, coming up in Lagos on October 1. Expected guests include Southwest governors, CAN Southwest Chairman, Archbishop Atilade, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Alhaji Abubakar Ismaila, Chairman Alade Market Bureau De Change, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Tabernacle Parish, Ikorodu road Onipanu, Hon M.A. Osun , Globacom, SEPLAT Petroleum Dev Company Ltd.

  • Fashola advocates laws to protect physically-challenged

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola at the weekend urged lawmakers to make laws to make life easier for the physically-challenged.

    Fashola spoke at the wedding reception of Abdul Al-Makura, son of Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, who has hearing challenges.

    He said people with disabilities are special and should be encouraged to reach their full potential.

    Fashola, who chaired the occasion, said: “I appeal to everyone to be sensitive to the plight of those with disabilities. They are special people and we need to provide for their special needs.

    “I urge states that have not enacted a law protecting people with disabilities to do so.”

    Describing the reception as an “international and inter-party event”, he wished the couple a blissful marriage.

    Supervising the cutting of the cake, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, urged the groom to “respect, love and believe” in his wife.

    She said: “To you my daughter, submit, obey, support and respect your husband. Do not involve a third party in your affairs and do not report your husband to your mother or his mother.”

    The groom, who lost his hearing when he was four to Lassa fever, met his wife, Anisa, who also has hearing challenges, at the Galodet University, where they both study.

    The governors of Kogi, Katsina, Gombe, Niger, Imo, Bauchi and the bride’s family from Pakistan, were also at the event.

  • Group advocates health awareness

    LiveWell Initiative (LWI), a non-profit-making healthcare organisation, has sought improved awareness the health status of Nigerians.

    Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs Bisi Bright, made the call at the end of its stakeholders’ focus group meeting on promoting healthcare. It was held in Lagos

    The meeting, which was chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Lagos State, Dr Olufemi Olugbile, was attended by Dr Mona Khanna, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Illinois, USA, and Fox Chicago.

    They discussed “promotive healthcare,” with focus on palpable health threats such as: Hepatitis in Africa, executive health/work place wellness, poverty and illness,

    Mrs Bright said the meeting resolved that screening and testing screening should be conducted on Nigerians on diseases such as hepatitis. This, she said, could be done through awareness and making testing available through health fairs, taking a cue from Lagos State Government. Those who test positive, she said, should be educated on how to minimise transmission, adding that treatment should be made available.

    Mrs Bright sought collaborations across the health sector, and advocated prevention of illness and injury through training and hazard awareness and the implementation of risk hazard management protocol, using the Elimination, Engineering, Mitigation and Treatment (EEMT) model.

  • Wike advocates servant-leadership in governance

    Minister of State for Education, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has urged leaders to imbibe the tenets of servant- leadership to enhance national development.

    Delivering the graduation lecture at the Trinity International College, Ofada, Ogun State yesterday titled: “Value Inspired Leadership: Path to Greatness”, Wike said leaders must always place the welfare and development of the people ahead of personal consideration.

    He said it was important for leaders to always embark on regular self appraisal to determine the expectations for quality service.

    The Minister urged youths to show genuine interest in politics and leadership, so that they can effectively contribute their quota to national development.

    He said: “Of all the forms of leadership that I have outlined, I recommend servant leadership which promotes the interest of our people.

    “I believe that leaders at the three tiers of government should always put the people ahead of them in the issues of governance, so as to positively impact on them. “

    As you graduate from the school today, you must consider contributing your quota to national development”.

    The minister said the nation should continue its investments in education to produce quality leaders who take off from where the present crop of leaders will stop.

  • Kalu advocates one-day elections

    Former Abia Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, yesterday urged the National Assembly to amend the constitution and allow general elections to be held one day.

    He spoke at the 20th anniversary of the annulment of June 12, 1993 election, organised by the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), in Lagos.

    Delivering a lecture on ‘20 years after June 12: options for survival’, Kalu said for Nigeria to move forward, there must be social justice, free and fair elections as well as nurturing of democracy.

    At the event were former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Dame Priscilia Kuye; House of Representatives member, Dino Maleye; President, Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr. Joe Odumakin; National Coordinator, OPC, Dr. Gani Adams; President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Shettima Yerima; activists, Dipo Adeniran and Ayodele Akele; former governorship aspirant in Ekiti, Dr. Dare Babarinsa; Senator Anthony Adefuye, among others.

    Kalu said like the OPC, Nigerians must take a stand against injustice, oppression and all forms of hegemonic tendencies.

    Kalu said: “Nigerians must take a stand. The vigilance that is an absolute necessity in pushing back against tyranny and autocracy in all societies is nurtured by the relentless dedication of groups like the OPC.

    “Nigeria is not a nation yet. Collection of ethnic nationalities, yes, but not a nation. Even if nations fail, as it happened in the Soviet Union…, then a contraption that has been forcefully cobbled together like Nigeria, which has not metamorphosed into a nation 100 years after, can fail very easily. The way we live as a country makes it quite possible that Nigeria may fail.

    “There is injustice, corruption, inequality in the land; unemployment is a time bomb. There is impunity, ethnic cleavages are stronger now than at any time in the history of the country. In fact, there is a lot of dissatisfaction in the polity. If we are not careful, Nigeria may fail in a matter of months, not years, and thus fulfil doomsday prophecies, which had put that eventuality at 2015.

    “There are many options available to Nigeria if we are to become a true nation, such as social justice, fashioning a workable electoral process and nurturing our democracy.”

    On social justice, the former governor said the country was built on injustice and inequity and no attempt had been made to rebuild the faulty foundation.

    He decried the marginalisation of the Southeast in occupying the seat of the President, just as he noted that the geopolitical zone has held power for only six months and 13 days since independence, unlike others.

    “Social injustice pervades every part of the country, creating a large army of dissatisfied and disgruntled people. In fact, this large army can become the army of Armageddon, which may one day precipitate the end of Nigeria, if we are not careful,” he said.

    On a workable electoral process, Kalu said a free and fair election remains an irreducible minimum for the progress and development of the country.

  • Fashola advocates global environmental standards

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola at the weekend restated the need for globalised standards on environmental issues.

    He spoke at the Lagos House, Marina, while hosting American rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson.

    Fashola said there should be globalised standards for handling environmental disasters, irrespective of whether the disaster took place in a developed, developing or underdeveloped country.

    He said the issue was raised at the first Kuramo Conference in Lagos, where Rev. Jackson was the guest speaker.

    Fashola said the summit took the position that if the price of oil and gas products, for example, has global matrix and is standardised, then there should be a global standard for cleaning up the environment.

    He said one of the developments that came out of the last Kuramo Summit is the Lagos Court of Arbitration, which resolves commercial disputes between businessmen and investors.

    Fashola said: “We believe the private sector has an important role to play, but it can only play that role if the public sector discharges its responsibilities well.

    “A responsibility, which is to enable things to happen; to provide the backbone, the super structure, the laws, the regulations, the extensive infrastructure, transportation, security, financial regulation as well as support for technological development that enables every person, who finds a space in the private sector, to live out his/her dreams and these are the underlined policies behind our budget conception, budget implementation and our decision to refocus on four sectors of the Lagos economy through Power, Agriculture, Transportation and Housing (PATH).”

    Rev. Jackson hailed the governor’s initiatives to improve Lagos.

    He said if oil companies, such as Shell and Chevron, could not engage in gas flaring and oil spillage in the United States (US), the same should apply in other continents and advocated global sanctions for such acts.

    Rev. Jackson said his organisation intends to work with the Federal and Lagos State governments to wipe out malaria, provide potable water and nutritional meals for every child.

  • Obasanjo advocates ban of Western polls monitors

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has suggested that non-African election observer missions should be banned from monitoring polls in the continent.

    Obasanjo spoke at the 7th annual symposium of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) on Wednesday in Johannesburg. He said Western observers were sometimes biased and that their position sometimes seems to undermine the sovereignty of African countries.

    “We must reflect on the role of non-African observation mission or the so called international observers. It is an appellation that continues to trouble me.

    “How much more international can an election observers mission to Ghana be, when you have a mission made up of nationals from ten African countries,’’ Obasanjo asked.

    He said at the onset of election observation in Africa, non-African missions were critical of the idea.

    “These missions provided a platform for sharing internationally accepted electoral best practices. However, the role of these non-African missions have not been without controversy especially in polarised elections.

    “There have been times when they have been accused of taking sides or deploying missions only in countries in which they have a stake,’’ Obasanjo said.

    He said the value of having non-African observers had been questioned.

    “In some instances, the conduct of these non-African observers have less than wholesome to the extent that they have in some instances been accused of undermining the sovereignty of the countries.

    “Much as I do not want to throw the baby with the birth water, I believe that election observation in Africa has matured to a point and still continues to mature to an extent that it should be strictly and wholly an African affair,’’ Obasanjo said.

    Obasanjo, however, commended the concluded general election in Kenya.

    “Permit me to add my warm congratulation to the great people of Kenya for the successful conduct of their general election.

    “Indeed they have reassured the world that African countries are capable of strengthen their political and democratic institutions regardless of past ugly incidents if the people are willing to commit themselves to the idea of democracy,’’ Obasanjo said.

    He said the contribution of EISA in area of election, democracy and governance in Africa could be ground breaking and highly commendable.

    Ms. Pansy Tlakula, South African chairperson of Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), agreed with Obasanjo by conceding that foreign observers were problematic.

    “Some of them are donors who provide funds for the management of elections. Thereafter they send observer missions to observe the election in that particular country.

    “We need to have this conversation on whether Africa really needs non-African observer missions,” Tlakula said.

    The symposium is to assess two decades of election observation in Africa.

  • WAUTI advocates tax practice harmonisation

    The West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) is working on harmonising tax practice in West Africa, its Chairman, Publicity & Publications, Chukwuemeka Eze, has said.

    In a statement announcing this year’s edition of the yearly international tax conference with the theme: “Role of taxation in good governance and will feature presentations from speakers within and outside the West Africa sub-region,” he reiterated the role of taxation in the economic transformation and growth of the West African sub-region.

    This year’s conference will hold at the Sheraton Hotel Lagos from March 27 to 28, 2013.

    Eze said the conference became exigent following the success of the Union’s maiden international tax conference held from February 28 to 29, 2012 in Lagos. He said deliberations at the conference assisted stakeholders and tax practioners in formulating policies and creating more awareness on tax issues within the sub-region.

    The lead paper of the conference will be delivered by Mr Jiri Nekovar, President of the Confederation Fiscale Europeenne (CFE), a body of tax advisers in Europe.

    Other speakers at the conference will include the Acting Director of Customs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr Salifou Tiemtore, and a foremost tax practitioner in Dakar, Senegal, Mr Aziz Dieye of Cabinet Aziz Diey.

    The contents of the papers are such that practitioners, academicians, administrators and researchers will find it immensely useful.

    “WAUTI, which has as its vision the harmonisation of taxation practice in West Africa, considers the conference an avenue to bring together tax professionals from many West African countries including Nigeria,” he said. He added that confirmation has been received from delegates from Ghana, Liberia, Cote d’lvoire, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Togo, and Benin.

    He said that participation at the conference is open to tax professionals, accountants, policy makers, academicians, government officials, and members of the public. A course fee of N45,000 ($300) is payable per participant as conference fees. Participants will be entitled to conference materials, tea break and lunch in the course of the conference.

    He said the conference will be declared open by Desire Ouedraogo, President of the ECOWAS, who will also chair the first paper presentation session. Goodwill addresses will also be delivered by important stakeholders who share in our vision of a region where taxes feature prominently in economic policies and contribute substantially in entrenching good governance. He said this year’s conference will provide a platform for professionals across West Africa to network and share ideas on ways towards improving the tax systems across the jurisdictions for the benefit of all.