The Nation Newspaper

Tag: group

  • Group hails Buhari, commends Ambode for new roads in Lagos 

    Lagos based pressure group Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his recent two-day visit to Lagos State.

    Coordinator of the group Mr. Seyi Bamigbade told reporters at the inauguration of Alimosho  21 networks of roads and two bridges by the state Governor that the initiative of the ultra-modern Ikeja Bus Terminal is to cater for movement of the growing population of the State and making modern buses available to the people.

    Bamigbade also commended Governor Akinwunmi  Ambode  for his developmental strides in the last three years, saying the new roads and two bridges totalling 27.4 kilometre in Alimosho Local Government axis confirmed the developmental purposefulness of the governor.

    Bamigbade added that the roads, which connect Lagos with Ogun State from Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, were fitted with walkways, drainage system, laybys, service ducts, lane marking and street lights, among others.

    “Governor Akinwunmi  Ambode has make Alimosho axis economically viable and also liveable. Lagosians don’t need to travel anywhere else to earn a living. By opening up the whole road network stretching 27.4km, he has brought economy back to this place. With the walkways, street lights, these communities are becoming safer. And by expanding the axis here, Lagosians can travel with ease.

    “These new roads were authentic substitute courses to decongest traffic from the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, and could be used to access Ipaja up to Badagry without using the expressway. The project has open up all our sub-urban communities, reduce traffic congestion and as created better life for the people.”

     

  • Group seeks establishment of Cooperatives bureau in Delta State

    The Delta State Cooperative Confederation has renewed its call for the establishment of a Bureau for Cooperative Societies to ensure efficiency in the operation of the scheme.

    Its President, Mr. Larry Onyeche, made the call in Asaba, when he led the group on a visit to  the Delta House of Assembly Speaker, Sheriff Oboorevwori.

    Onyeche explained that the bureau, when established, will assist the government in implementing the national policy on cooperatives, especially on employment generation, capital accumulation, poverty alleviation and wealth creation.

    He said cooperative societies played a vital role in the economic development of any nation, adding that the potentials of cooperative societies had yet to be fully exploited in the country.

    He said some factors had impeded effective operation of cooperatives in the state, including improper focus, lack of policy support and inadequate legislative framework.

    “A cooperative society is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations, through jointly owned controlled enterprises,” he said.

    According to him, cooperative movement remains a potent means of meeting the financial needs of large numbers of small producers, industrial sector producers and retail traders, among others, through thrift and credit operations.

    The president said there were over 35,000 registered cooperative societies in the state with membership of over million persons and a capital base of about N20 billion.

    Onyeche recalled that the confederation, during the second Delta Cooperative Retreat 2017, urged the state government to establish the bureau to ensure cooperative development.

    He appealed to the House of Assembly to support the group by enacting a law establishing the bureau, citing Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa as instances where such bodies existed.

    Responding, the speaker noted that the legislature was engaged in making laws that impacted positively on the lives of the people of the state.

    Oboorevwori assured the confederation that the House would support its effort for the establishment of the bureau which it had sent to it as a private bill.

    He gave the assurance that the proposed bill would be referred to the appropriate committee to for consideration

     

  • Group to empower 100,000 innovators

    Project Termite Action Chief Executive Officer Dr Noel Akpata has said  100,000 innovators with  solutions to the nation’s  socio-economic  problems  will be empowered  at the World Creativity and Innovation Day.

    Akpata spoke during a visit to the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, in Abuja.

    “The visit is geared towards the celebration of World Innovation and Creativity Day on April 21.

    “We are launching Project Termite Action and Ideas World Cup, a brainstorming series of activities to help Nigerians see the nation in a better light and come up with actionable solutions  to socio-economic development,’’ he said.

    The day was founded to encourage people to use new ideas, make new decisions, take new actions and achieve new outcomes that make the world a better place.

    According to him, the group will use its network to ensure funding will not hinder the innovators from achieving their objectives.

    Akpata said it would collaborate with the ministry to transform Nigeria through creativity and innovation.

    Abubakar pledged to support the group, saying that Nigeria was far behind and needed innovation to solve lot of problems.

    She said the idea, if properly executed, would put Nigeria on same page with other countries with innovations.

    “The country needs an environment where we can have a proper synergy because we have a huge gap in the area of innovation,” Abubakar said.

  • Group donates pregnancy kits to 30 expectant mothers

    Thirty expectant women last Wednesday went home smiling. They were beneficiaries of the goodwill of a non-governmental organisation Distinguished Ladies Initiatives (DLI), which in conjunction with Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, gave pregnancy kits worth N10,000 each to them all.

    It was the first time such is taking place in the council, and it was targeted at indigent women who might not be able to afford purchasing the kit.

    To a beneficiary, who gave her name as Deborah, the kit was divine.

    “It came at the right time and had saved some serious financial headache,” she simply said, almost in tears.

    A week before, according to her, she had been given similar list at the hospital.

    “A week ago, I had gone for the ante natal as usual when I was given the pregnancy kits’ list, which I gave to my husband. I was given just one week to get them ready as I was almost due for delivery. You can’t imagine the depth of my happiness when the DLI which invited some of us here gave us the kits. I know my husband will be very happy, because I know what he has been going through lately. Things have not been easy.

    Deborah’s happiness wasn’t far-fetched. It was her first pregnancy.

    The event, took place inside the council’s event centre, on Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Iju.

    The council boss, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, thanked the association for the gesture. He said it would go a long way in alleviating the burden on young expectant mothers especially young couples.

    Oke, who was represented by the Secretary to the local government, Mr Ayo Jeje, said the gesture was in line with his administration’s programme on improved health care provision for the people across the council area.

    The president of the organisation, Lady Paris Sanusi, enjoined women not to shy away from presenting themselves for health checks at all times and if they observe any strange things in their bodies, it should be promptly reported as early detection of any ailment is easy to cure.

    Highpoint of the programme include practical lectures on cancer detection awareness and exercises, the expectant mothers were made to undergo by the guest speakers, Mrs Obukome Ibru and the council’s Chief Medical Officer, Mrs. Fausat Sanni.

  • Group to AU: probe schoolgirls’ abduction

    THE Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) has asked the African Union (AU) to undertake a fact-finding mission to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction of over 100 school girls from Dapchi in Yobe State.

    It  urged the commission to prevail on the authorities to end similar abductions.

    WELA’s  Executive Director,  Mrs Funmi Falana, wrote the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, chaired by Prof. Benyam Dawit Mezmur.

    Falana said the organisation was concerned that the abduction of the school girls “shows continuing failure of the authorities to take steps to protect our schools and children against violence by Boko Haram’’.

    “The abduction of school girls from Dapchi followed abduction by Boko Haram in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, including the April 2014 abduction of 276 girls from Chibok Secondary school.

    “We believe that attacks on schools place children at risk of injury or death and affect students’ ability to obtain education. Attacks on schools, teachers and students can cause children to drop out or attend school less often, force schools to limit their hours and destroy school buildings and materials.’’

    The group  said where there was violence and fear, children’s education would be affected.

    WELA asked the authorities to explain the  steps they were taking to implement the Safe School Declaration.

    WELA added: “Ask the authorities to publish the number of schools or education facilities that have been damaged or destroyed as a result of attacks by (a) state security forces (b) non-state armed groups since the start of the conflict in the Northeast;

    “Ask the authorities to publish the steps they are taking to ensure that attacks on schools in contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law, are investigated and those suspected to be responsible duly prosecuted and

    “Prevail on authorities to respond to attacks on schools by promptly repairing damage and ensuring that students can safely return to class.

    “Prevail on authorities to ensure the provision of education in crises and displacement, and adopt special measures to ensure children can continue education in highly insecure areas, including by reducing the distance to school, offering distance learning programmes and setting up protective learning spaces for girls and teachers, among others.’’

  • Group accuses Obasanjo of playing politics with Benue killings

    A Non-Governmental organisation, Vanguards for the Defence of Democracy, yesterday described former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo laying of wreath over the graves of Benue people who were allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen as an exercise to score a cheap political goal.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja, the National Coordinator, Mr. Sharon Faliya Cham urged the ex-president to stop using the people’s moment of grief as an opportunity to whip up sentiment for his political advantage.

    Recalling that Obasanjo’s administration was never crisis-free, he noted that the former president directed the military to massacre the people of Zaki-Biam and those in the adjoining villages.

    He said that since the people have been critical observers of the past, who could recall the enormity of killings during his administration, they know that the visit was in bad fate.

    His words: ’’Since Obasanjo is now interested in laying wreaths of flowers over the graves of those killed in various clashes, it is now clear that the immediate past president’s recent visit to Benue State is heavily loaded with mischief and ulterior motives.

    ‘’Chief Obasanjo ordered the massacre of the people of Zaki-Biam and surrounding villages so he consequently resigned

    ‘’But the good people of Benue are not stupid. They know Obasanjo was shedding crocodile tears, they know that he was there on a political mission. He was not there to commiserate with them but his mission was to pull them out of the league of the President Buhari supporters.

    ‘’It is clearly staged-managed to send negative political signals that can balloon and escalate into serious problems in Nigeria’’

    Meanwhile, a member of the Group, Mr Anthony Udah, said Obasanjo’s mission to Benue State was supposed to be a mission for reconciliation, reconstruction and reuniting the people in love.

    He condemned the hypocrisy that the visit signified, stressing that the nation recorded the highest number of extra-judicial killings underObasanjo’s watch as a civilian president.

    Udah alleged:“Nigeria is suffering from leadership deficiency and if there is anybody that has cheated this nation, it will be Obasanjo. Obasanjo used the government to kill a lot of people during the time of his civilian regime.The enlightenment in Nigeria is so poor that people like Obasanjo is supposed to be behind the bars.’’

    He also challenged Obasanjo to revisit the families of the victims of Zaki-Bam massacre who are still mourning since they are also indigenes of Benue State.

    Udah tackled the former president for turning a moment of grief to achievement with delusion, said: ’’While still in Benue, he should also visit Jato Aka, the country home of Wantara Paul Unongo

    ‘’I know that two places Obasanjo will avoid to lay wreath of flowers are Plateau and Southern Kaduna because they are not likely to dance to the tune of his political music again.

    “The various crises in these areas fully fit into Obasanjo’s project of sowing the seeds of discord amongst all the tendencies there, so as to engender hatred and disaffection amongst the people of the country.

    ‘’It is these crises that Obasanjo wants to attract international community’s  support for his project of installing what he calls non-partisan group on the Nigerian people of which he is to be the major beneficiary, being the only messiah of the country then it is third term project by other means.”

    He urged all politicians to join hands with the Federal Government to crush any form of corruption in Nigeria.

    Udah said that the solution to the crisis in Nigeria is to disarm those dirupting the peace of the country, adding that the government has a lot to do in terms of unification of the people.

  • Group backs Ambode for second term

    A head of next year’s election, the Badagry division of Women Development Forum, on Saturday backed the re-election bid of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Its Coordinator Princess Sewede Pot-Balogun, said Ambode was adopted because of his achievements in the last three years.

    she said the governor’s total dedication to duty coupled with the enormous developmental projects and his desire to make the state a better place to live, had earned him a second term in office.

    “In this division, we profited in the programmes and plans of Governor Ambode led-administration. This is why we are announcing out support for his re-election so that he can continue to make our division and Lagos an enviable state,” she said.

    Coordinator General of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard Seyi Bamigbade, said the new tax policy is for the development of the state.

    He urged Lagosians to continue their cooperation with the Lagos State Government.

    Dr Innocent Nwankwo, who led members of the Igbo community to the event, said his people supported the move to endorse the governor for a second term because of love for all Lagosians irrespective of their tribes or religions, noting that the governor has proved himself to be a detribalised Nigerian and highly focused person.

    “I am calling on all non- indigenes to support Governor Ambode. It is our collective civic responsibility,” he said.

    He urged residents to be part of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, adding that their voter’s card remains the weapon to support continuity of good government.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Babatunde Hunpe, said Ambode’s performance in office had made the state a reference point in the country.

    Receiving the endorsement letter on behalf of Ambode, the Commissioner 1 in the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Alagbe said Badagry was an important and most populated division in the state.

     

     

     

  • Group seeks Melaye’s recall

    Group seeks Melaye’s recall

    Youth groups from across seven local government areas, under the aegis of Progressives Youths of Kogi West, have called for the recall of Senator  Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West in the Senate.

    The groups during a press briefing yesterday in Lokoja, said it was time to replace Senator Dino Melaye. They therefore declared their support for Bisimillahi Tajudeen Ibrahim for the position.

    The spokesperson of the youth groups and Special Adviser on Youths, Lokoja LGA, Bala Abdulkadir, said it was time for the change by the youths of Kogi West.

    The groups declared their support for President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

    “The seat is for Yagba, and it is a clear thing that we need change in Kogi West. We believe in Bisimillahi, because of his achievements, even before coming into politics. He has undertaken laudable projects that have impacted on the people, and that is why we have endorsed him; we believe he will even do more.”

  • Group calls for nominations

    The Nigerian Healthcare Excel-lence Award (NHEA) has called for nominations.

    Its Project Director Dr. Wale Alabi,  said this edition would be bigger and exciting, in view of the increased activities in the sector.

    To nominate for corporate or individual categories, the public should visit www.nigeriahealth-awards. com.ng, he said.

    Nominations will close on May 25, before the online voting will kick off. The award jury will select winners in the various categories.

    He said winners of the various categories would be honoured in June at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

    NHEA is organised by Global Health Project and Resources (GHPR) in collaboration with Anadach Group, United States.

    Alabi said about 23 awards and recognitions would be presented at the ceremony, made up of four main categories: Special Awards, Health care Delivery Services, Biomedical Technology and Pharmaceuticals.

    Some of the awards include the Lifetime Achievements Award, Outstanding State Government Healthcare Programme of the Year, Outstanding CSR Health Project of the Year, Healthcare Media Excellence (print and electronic), Private Healthcare Provider of the Year,

    Other are Public Healthcare Provider of the Year, Laboratory service provider of the Year, and Radiology Service Provider of the Year.

    There are Biomedical Engineering Service Company of the Year, IVF Service Provider of the Year, Dialysis Service Provider of the Year, Eyecare Service Provider of the Year, Laboratory Equipment Marketing Company of the Year, Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Award of the Year.

    NHEA Director of Strategy, Marketing and Communication, Moses Braimah, said NHEA will continue to provide a virile platform for the recognition, reward and celebration of successes, innovations, growth and excellence in the health Sector.

    ‘’Moreover, we have observed that the award has been able to stimulate quality improvement and innovation in the health sector leading to improved service delivery and management of key health issues and the capacity of individuals to influence and set new performance standards in Nigeria and beyond.

  • BUA Group, Rotary offer free screening to 40

    BUA Group, Rotary offer free screening to 40

    No fewer than 40 pupils of Araromi and Kinniun Ifa Nursery/Primary School, Gbagada, Lagos have received free screening for ear, nose and throat courtesy of Rotary Club Gbagada South and BUA Group.

    Rotary Club President Ademola Olutusi said they embarked on the project to enable the pupils to be attended to while they were still young. He said some of these diseases were better tackled at a young age, rather than wait until one was old when it would have been too late.  He said after the screening, if there was the need for referrals, the medic would say so. He thanked BUA Group management for sponsoring the programme. He also thanked Pama Specialist Centre for giving them a discount on their charges.

    BUA Group Content Developer Adedeji Odutola said the programme was one of the company’s corporate social responsibility’s (CSR) initiatives of giving back to the society and that the company was happy to partner Rotary Club.  He added: “We are a big organisation and we will continue back to the society.’’

    Dr Vincent Adekoya of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) advised the pupils to take care of their ears, noses and throats, adding that they should avoid the use of hard objects to either clean or scratch them when they are itching.