The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Council

  • MultiChoice has complied with our orders, says Council

    MultiChoice has complied with our orders, says Council

    The Consumer Protection Council  (CPC) yesterday gave a clean bill of health to MultiChoice Nigeria ,  owners of the multinational Digital Satellite Television (DStv) over consumer abuse investigations.

    The Director-General, CPC,  Mrs. Dupe Atoki,  at a joint news conference with officials of MultiChoice Nigeria in Lagos, also  described MultiChoice as a “ model of compliance” saying the intervention into the business activities of MultiChoice followed several complaints by consumers leading to the investigation on July 31, last year.

    Atoki said the  company has also included the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) International as a Free- to –Air channel which will be available whenever cable subscription ends.

    The  Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, said the company is happy to work with the CPC to improve customer service. Ugbe said: “Over the past year, we have worked closely with the CPC, to identify our customers’ areas of need, and made a commitment towards implementing solutions that will resonate with our customers and lead to improved customer service.

    “We put our customers first at all times and hold them in very high esteem.”

    We are committed to delivering world class service to our customers and proud to state that we are the first video entertainment provider in Nigeria to implement these service improvement initiatives. We are confident that this drive will ultimately lead to an improved service journey for our customers,” Ugbe said.

  • Olubadan, others praise council chief

    Olubadan, others praise council chief

    Joy is n the air for a former State Secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, who bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Mass Communication last weekend.

    Olatubosun, who is the current Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Ibadan North West Local Government, obtained a PhD in Mass Communication at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, at the weekend.

    He was appointed to the same position in August, 2011 by Governor Abiola Ajimobi following the party’s victory in the election. Olatunbosun was so deeply involved in political activities that his announcement of completing the academic programme left many in shock. They wondered how he managed to combine intense political activities with rigorous academic research, particularly the political campaign of the last year election in which he served as the Chairman, Contact and Mobilisation Committee of the Abiola Ajimobi Campaign Organisation.

    The surprise led to an outpouring of congratulatory messages for the graduand since announcement of the completion of the academic programme last month.

    At the convocation ground at the weekend, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, hailed Olatubosun, saying he showed the capacity to excel in whatever he lays his hands on.

    The monarch, who was represented by the Osi Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, said: “We are very proud of him. Despite the tight schedule he has, he still found time to go through this course. It s marvelous. We are proud of him. I wish him more successes. I pray he becomes a professor.

    “My advice to others is that people should not think that they are old or that because they are in positions, they cannot study again. If Olatubosun can find time in spite of the tigh schedule, rigorous electioneering campaign and others, nobody has excuse not to study more. It is a very hard task. I want people to emulate him. It is never too late.”

    Also eulogizing the politician for obtaining the highest degree while serving in a political office and mobilising the grassroots political machinery, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke, said Olatubosun deserves commendation for the new feat.

    His words: “It is gratifying that a man like Ogbeni Wasiu Olatubosun who is known for his passion, commitment and hard work, has made it in the field of academics while still contributing his quota well in politics and public administration. He is our pride in the APC and we congratulate him on this enviable achievement.”

    After obtaining Bachelor of Education degree in Language Arts at the University of Ibadan in 1994, Olatubosun obtained an M. A. In Communication and Language Arts in the same university in 2002 after which he obtained M. Sc. Mass Communication at the University of Lagos in 2007.

    Olatubosun had worked as News Editor at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) from 1996 to 97 and as Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Olabisi Onabanjo University before being appointed as the Chairman, Ibadan North West Local Government since 2011.

     

  • Council chief seeks workers’ co-operation

    The Sole Administrator of Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Mr. Olumide Olayomi has sought the support of the council’s management and staff.
    He made the appeal in during his maiden meeting with workers at the council’s secretariat in Ijora, even as he urged them to be alive to their responsibilities and to always lead by example. According to him, his mission was to move the council forward in terms of provision of essential facilities that would make life better for residents. He enjoined the workers to co-operate with him in order to achieve the council’s objectives.
    While urging them to be committed to their duties in the face of the onerous task ahead, he said: “I need your co-operation and that of the entire staff to make life better for the entire council. I think we can win together.”
    The council chief later proceeded on a familiarisation tour of the council; visiting the Ojora of Ijora/Badiya, Oba Fatai Aromire.
    The Head of Administration of the council, Mr Nurudeen, thanked the council chief for his advice, promising that the management team and the entire staff will co-operate with him in order to make his tenure a rewarding one.

  • Oyo to conduct council election in September

    The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) will conduct local government elections in September, almost nine years after such an election took place in the state.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi broke the news while inaugurating the OYSIEC members at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Friday.

    The governor said the election would be conducted three months after the electoral umpire was put in place in line with the provision of the constitution.

    Ajimobi pledged to support the commission to ensure that it conduct transparent, free, fair and credible election to build the confidence of the people in the sanctity of balloting.

    The OYSIEC Chairman, Mr. Ajeigbe Olajide, a native of Itesiwaju, Oke-Ogun area, was a former Head of Department (Operations) and later Training at the Oyo State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Other members are Mr. Adedeji Raheem; Mr. Abdul-Hamid Akuru; Mrs. Omolola Odekunbi; Mr. Rasheed Oyekanmi; a lawyer, Mr. Sunday Aborisade, Mr. David Adeagbo and Alhaji Bello Alabi.

    Ajimobi said: “Today is a very remarkable day. This occasion is significant because we are taking a giant step today towards providing good governance at the grassroots.

    “We are ready with all sincerity to conduct the local government election and I assure members of OYSIEC that the task before them is surmountable.

    “Our government has not been able to conduct local government election due to some legal entanglement that has stalled our desire to fulfill the aspirations and yearnings of the people to elect their choice of chairmen.”

  • Council okays $40m to combat wildlife crime

    With the value of illegal wildlife trade estimated at between $10 billion and $23 billion per year, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council has approved an additional $40 million for the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP).

    This fund will further expand the GEF’s support in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking to 19 countries in Africa and Asia.  The GWP is a global partnership established to address the growing poaching crisis and an international call to action. Wildlife crime is said to be the fourth most lucrative illegal business after narcotics, human trafficking and weapons.

    “Poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking are reaching unprecedented levels, robbing the livelihoods of local communities and eroding the global commons,” said Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson, explaining that the project is not only about stopping the slaughter of animals in the forests and savannas of Africa, but also aims at reducing the demand in Asia.

    Combating the illegal trade in wildlife is a high priority for the GEF. Last month, at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, GEF joined other partners to support the launch of the Wild for Life campaign. This new UN-led campaign urges politicians, celebrities and business leaders to help bring global attention to the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

    The GEF agencies contributing to the partnership include the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Bank Group (WBG) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

    Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator, said “Wildlife poaching and the illicit trade of wildlife and forest products are abhorrent. This multi-billion dollar worldwide trade is a security issue, an environmental issue, and a development issue. It is pushing vulnerable and endangered species toward extinction. The illicit trade is also fuelling corruption and conflict, destroying lives, and deepening poverty and inequality. If not addressed decisively, illicit poaching and wildlife trade will have significant national economic impacts. UNDP is thus proud to be a key partner of the new Global Wildlife Programme, spearheaded and financed by the GEF, in partnership with other organisations, including the World Bank. At UNDP, through these joint efforts, we are committed to helping to stop the illegal trade.”

    For Nessim Ahmad, Deputy Director-General, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department at the Asian Development Bank, “Wildlife crime is a serious crime and threatens progress towards sustainable development. It destroys biodiversity, denies governments billions of dollars in revenue, prevents communities from obtaining sustainable livelihoods, and undermines law enforcement and national security.”

    Last June, the GEF approved 10 national projects in Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gabon, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia. Now, with the additional $40 million to the council’s purse, nine additional countries – Afghanistan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

    UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner said: “The victims of wildlife crime are not only the animals and ecosystems that are devastated by poaching and trafficking, they are people as well. The human cost of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife is measured in lives lost to the criminal networks involved and livelihoods destroyed by the erosion of a natural economic foundation. Ending the illegal trade in wildlife requires a concerted and cooperative effort between all sectors. These new projects will further these efforts and help bring us closer to ending wildlife crime once and for all.”

  • Council chair revokes chiefs’ appointments

    The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alhaji Mustapha Danze has cancelled the appointment of newly upgraded and appointed district and village heads in council until further notice.

    Danze, who announced this during the first interactive session with districts and village heads of the council in Gwagwalada stated that the appointments were cancel because it was not approved by the FCT administration.

    “Some people have been served with letters of promotion to district or village head without records available in the council or directorate of chieftaincy affairs. We are disassociating ourselves from it. We make them to understand that from the handover note, the upgrading is not accepted,” he said.

    The council boss also said that the interacting session was meant to fine tune areas of mutual understanding between the council and the traditional rulers in the area.

    “There is need for understanding between the council and the traditiona lrulers. We felt it is important to have interaction with them. We want to tell them that we need their cooperation. We cannot do without them and they cannot do without us, so we can all work for the progress of the area council,” he said.

    In his remark at the meeting, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji reminded the chairman of the ten month outstanding allowances of thecouncil traditional rulers.

    When FCT Watch contacted the former administration that the upgrade and appointment for district and village heads were not approved by the FCTadministration, the former council scribe, Alhaji Usman Yahaya said that the allegation was false, while stating that due process followed during the upgrade.

     

  • Council organises spelling bee

    Two pupils, Olasehinde Olufemi and Blessing Audu, are to represent Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State in the final of the 2016 Spelling Bee competition organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

    The duo qualified by winning the LGA version of the competition held at the council headquarters.

    Olufemi is a pupil of Sasa Community Senior High School, while Blessing is a  pupil of Rauf Aregbesola Primary School both in Sasa.

    Two representatives from eight primary schools in the council took part in the competition that produced Blessing.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Secretary, Alimosho LGA, Mr Sulaimon Jelili, tasked the winners to put in their best to clinch the trophy at the grand finale.

    Jelili urged the winners to ensure they make use of the dictionary and read books thoroughly ahead of the finals.

    “It will be a pride to the local government, if we produce the one day governor.  I appreciate the teachers for their role in moulding the students and urge them not to relent in tutoring the winners toward perfection before the state final next month,” Jelili said.

    He also urged other contestants that did not win to imbibe the spirit of good sportsmanship.

    Participating schools included Ebenezer Primary School; Egbeda Primary School; Abati Primary School; and Akowonjo Primary School.

    Others were Sasa Primary School; Community Primary School; and African Church Primary School.

    Speaking with The Nation, Olufemi said regular reading and use of the dictionary made his victory possible.

    “My ambition is to emerge as the One Day Governor of the state and I know God will help me as I put in my best,” he said.

     

  • Council gives children notebooks

    Surulere Local Government on Friday marked Children’s Day for the 42 schools located in the council.

    The pupils danced and paid attention to speeches made. A hundred thousand pieces of notebooks were also distributed to 10,000 pupils who got eight notebooks each.

    The occasion organised by the council’s executive secretary, Mrs Bamidele Hussain, also had in attendance the Majority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, who was the guest of honour.

    One of the highlights of the party was the dance contest where participants competed for the prize. However, Wesley Special School emerged top, beating other schools in attendance.

    Mr Gbajabiamila urged the pupils  to concentrate on their studies.

    The lawmaker identified academics and good behaviours as virtues needed to be great leaders.

    “If your peers study for two hours, I would advise that you step up your game and study for four hours in order to surpass them. Do not let me lie to you, truth is: what is in your head determines your tomorrow”.

    Mrs Hussain said the donation of notebooks for primary, junior and senior pupils of the schools in the council was to complement donations of free textbooks to pupils by the Lagos State Governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

    She said: “Today we are distributing 100, 000 notebooks for pupils of our schools. We are complementing the government’s efforts on education to ensure that these pupils are well groomed and equipped in their academics so as to eliminate every form of distress that might pertain to learning materials in the schools.”

    A female pupil of Obele-odan Primary School, Victoria Amadi said: “I really enjoyed this year’s Children Party; I would love to partake in next year’s as well.”

    Also at the event, the council also empowered 11 adults in different vocations with N10,000 cash and work tools.

  • Council chief hails governor

    Council chief hails governor

    Somolu Local Government Executive Secretary Abiodun Orekoya yesterday said the council’s Primary Health Centre (PHC) was named for Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode because of his people-oriented programmes.

    Orekoya said the health centre established was in line with Ambode’s policy on rejuvenating and revitalising such centres to cater to the health needs of the grassroots.

    He said: “This local government needs adequate health facility at a bearable cost with adequate good drugs and nearness to the people. It is in the light of this and in due recognition of the fundamental importance of sound public health to development that this local government remains committed to improving the health sector.”

    The health centre will provide maternal and child welfare services, family planning services, HIV testing and counselling and education on prevailing health issues.

    The governor’s representative, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, Special Adviser on Art and Culture, laid the foundation for a 114-room female hostel to be constructed by the local government in Akoka.

    The hostel, according to Orekoya, is to cater for the accommodation needs of tertiary institutions students.

    He said: “I urge our people to ensure that the efforts of our governor in the area of accessibility to good roads and quality health care delivery are not in vain. Please, endeavour to cultivate the habit of maintaining the roads and not use it as market centres or mechanic workshops. We should also adopt healthy lifestyles by improving on personal hygiene, keeping our homes and surroundings clean. Maintaining these projects should be our primary assignment as they are our property and we should keep watchful eyes on them. Pay your taxes and bills as at when due.”

  • Council autonomy takes off in Niger

    Council autonomy takes off in Niger

    Niger State may have made history by allowing local governments to determine what to do with their finanaces, reports JUSTINA ASISHANA

    Local governments in Niger State can now determine how to spend their cash, Governor Bello has said.

    This is memorable because councils are usually denied financial autonomy. Their cash is handed to them by the state governor and in many cases they are told what to or not to do with it.

    In Niger this has ended, with Governor Abubakar Bello saying  the state government will no longer interfere with councils’ finances.

    The directive took off from this month.

    “Beginning from May, the affairs of local government administration are in the hands of the local government,” the governor said. “Let each local government manage their affairs. I am not interested in local government funds; I have no need for them. Let the local government manage their wage bill and improve their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).”

    He was speaking at a town-hall meeting before a motley crowd of political chieftains, businesspeople, Trade Union Council officers, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) representatives, youths and civil society organisations.

    The meeting was viewed as a success because it addressed the controversial state and local government joint account system. The governor finally gave autonomy to the local government areas in the state, giving them complete independence to run their finances and manage their wage bill the way they deem fit.

    He called the joint account a fraud, designed to punish the local government areas.

    Bello also lamented the high rate of ghost workers at the grassroots and hit out at his own team over alleged sharp practices.

    He said he was finding it difficult to trust people in his administration, alleging that most of them are after their own personal gains.

    Governor Bello recalled an instance when he said he asked one agency responsible for road repairs to work on the Minna-Suleja Road. In that encounter, he said he was given a bill of N1.8 billion but when he he asked a contractor to quote his bill for the same project, the contractor tendered only N400 million.

    “The same agency was asked to work on the Minna-Bida Road and we were given a bill of over N40 million while a contractor came with a bill of N15 million and we gave it to the contractor,” the governor said.

    “It is sad that this agency is part of my government. Where is the love, concern and patriotism? I have a burden I am carrying; I do not know who to trust. People who are supposed to work with me are the ones giving me false information. I do not know what to do. Government is not a business of one person, I cannot do the business alone but the people around me are here for something else.”

    The governor said that the past government may not have noticed because it had lots of funds to play with, adding that he noticed it because his government does not have any money.

    Governor Bello further predicted the economic crunch bedeviling the nation will bite harder in the next two months, adding that states will find it difficult to stay afloat.

    More states, he said, will end up not being able to pay salaries while those who manage to pay salaries will have difficulty having development projects that will impact on the people.

    He said he was equally worried by the situation where the entire revenue of a state goes into the payment of salaries, adding that the state is finding it difficult to borrow N400 million every month to augment civil servants wages as the money received from Federation Account is not enough to pay workers salary for one month

    He said, “We have seen the era when the oil rose to 140 dollars a barrel but what we have now is a situation where the entire revenue accruing to the state go straight to civil servants salary.

    “The entire population of civil servants in Niger State is not less than 30,000, and the allocation from FAAC [Federation Accounts Allocation Committee] to us is for over 4m people and it is being distributed among only the workers, which is a very serious situation. It means that there will be no developmental projects in the state.”

    He urged workers to tighten their belts for hard times ahead while promising to do his best for the people no matter the predicament.

    “Last month we borrowed to complete the salaries; this month will be worse and next month worst. Workers must endure with the government for in no distant time things will change for the better,” he said.