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Tag: group

  • How to end extremism, by group, cleric

    How to end extremism, by group, cleric

    A group,  the North East Regional Initiatives (NERI) and a cleric, Father Attah Barkindo, have urged the Federal Government  to see social media as strategic communication tool to end the suffering faced by Nigerians occasioned by extremism.

    Using the platform of the just concluded Social Media Week in Lagos, the group argued the need for the government and concern Nigerians to develop social media communication strategy to battle violent extremism.

    Executive Director, Quilliam International Muhammad Fraser Rahim, who spoke at the event, said: “The North East Regional Initiatives (NERI) is a programme focused on implanting activities that positively impact citizens’ condition while minimising the space that allows extremists to exist, operate and thrive in their current environment, battling violent extremism in Nigeria.”

    He stated that the Federal Government has been working with the western nations  to deal with  violence, extremism and terrorism in Nigeria.

    Rahim added that Nigeria was not the only country going through such extremism,  but a global challenge.

    “Essentially whether it is Boko haram or  not,  the most important thing is to recognise that a group was able to disrupt the lives  of citizens in the Northeast and that is a problem for everyone, irrespective of tribe, state or residence.

    “When Chibok School girls were abducted, the United States (U.S.), even Michelle Obama, stood in solidarity, it is something that affects Nigerians as a whole, and no  one can just go missing. There is this campaign that says if you see something, say something. Unfortunately, there is silent code of conduct because people want to say something but scared of being prosecuted. So, we have seen this and we are saying that the government, military can’t do this alone; it requires friends, neighbours and community leaders working side by side,” he said.

    He stated that technical training is just as important as physical dialect, social communication.

    Father Barkindo, who represented Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, founder of Kukah Centre, stated that the people were disempowered and hungry. According to him, they depend on the land and the land they depended on has been taken by the herdsmen.

    He said: “Military and human approach has been the government’s strategy. What is lacking collectively as Nigerians is  social media communication strategy to countering the extremist ideology of Boko Haram that litters everywhere in northern Nigeria. We need to use the social media as a strategy to counter the extremist groups.”

     

  • Group backs new Lagos Land Use Charge

    A GROUP Coalition of Real Estate Investors and Surveyors (CREIS), has thrown its weight behind the new Land Use Charge unveiled by the Lagos State government, saying it is friendly to owners and occupers of properties.

    The law repealed the Land Use Charge Law 2001 (the LUCL 2001).

    CREIS convener Mr. Ayokunle Gregory said the increase was a mere 0.076 per cent and that the group arrived at the figure after an analysis.

    “We feel obliged to address the falsehood from a professional perspective before the unsuspecting public is misguided to bewilderment and violation of the law,” Gregory said.

    According to the group, the reviewed LUCL 2018 has put in place a standardised system.

    Gregory said the law  covers ground rent, tenement rate and neighbourhood improvement levy.

    The tenement rates law,  the land-based rates law, the neighbourhood improvement charge and other similar property rates or charges, laws or amendments to any property laws have ceased to apply to any property in the state from last month.

    However, pending invoices, orders, rules and regulations, among others, under the 2001 repealed law shall continue to be in effect until such obligations are discharged, he said.

    Gregory continued: “For owner-occupied residential property, the LUC per annum is charged at 0.076 per cent. For instance, if the market value of an owner-occupied property is N15 million, then the amount payable is N6, 840 per annum only, which amounts to N570 per month. For a property occupied by tenants, used for commercial purposes, at the same market value of N15 million, the LUC rate of that property will be N68, 400 per annum.”

    CREIS also said the state government had made available some reliefs for property owners and some specific owners according to their status. These include a 40 per cent relief for property liable to LUC payment; 10 per cent relief for owners and occupiers for persons with disabilities; a 10 percent relief for owners and occupiers of 70 years and above; 10 percent relief for properties above 25 years; five per cent relief for properties occupied by the owner for over 12 years; 20 per cent relief for non-revenue generating federal and state government property, and 20 per cent partial relief for non-profit making organisations.

    Also, some properties are exempted from the LUC payment, such as those used for public and religious activities; educational institutes and charity; pensioners above 60 and above; public cemeteries and burial ground and all palaces of recognised obas and chiefs in the state.

    “To clear any misinformation, we implore all owners and occupiers of properties in Lagos to do a self-assessment using the formula provided, and also provide officials with valid documents to ensure a smooth run of the exercise for the benefits of all,” the group added.

    The charge is paid yearly by owners and occupiers holding a 10-year lease. Using the formula provided by the law, they can calculate their rate by multiplying the Market Value (MV) of a property by the Applicable Relief Rate (RR) and Annual Charge Rate (CR).

  • Ekiti 2018: Group backs consesus option in apc

    Ekiti 2018: Group backs consesus option in apc

    An interest group in  the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, ‘Ekiti Kete Good Citizens Association,’ has said it would support the emergence of a flag bearer through the consensus option.

    The body said the consensus option would mitigate the post-primary crisis in the party after the exercise.

    The party has 32 official aspirants vying for the governorship ticket, with others still secretly lobbying to plunge into the race.

    A chieftain of the party and president, Ekiti Kete Good Citizens’ Association, Hon Ayodeji Babatola,  paid a courtesy visit to the State Working Committee, led by the State Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, at its secretariat in Ado Ekiti  on Monday.

    Babatola while addressing the leaders of the party, represented by its State Secretary, Hon. Paul Omotoso, advised that should the party fails to get a consensus candidate that it should conduct  a free, fair and credible primary for the party to be strong enough to defeat Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    He said the group has visited the state prison and Erelu Angela Adebayo Babies Home at Iyin Ekiti to donate to inmates as part of the ways to promote and propagate the ideal of good governance the APC was renowned for.

    “APC can’t afford to lose Ekiti, because that can affect President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection bid. The PDP will have their candidate from the North and that will deplete the APC’s votes, but once the southwest is strong to be able to deliver, of which Ekiti is part of, the job will be easier .

    “We are ready to partner with the SWC to promote and  sell  our candidate and to manage the post primary crisis in our dear party provided the right things are done”, he said.

    Speaking earlier, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Fatai Adeyemo and a chieftain of the body, Hon Femi Amogbonjaye, described APC as the only hope for Ekiti, saying Fayose has bastardised governance and reduced Ekiti people to mere street beggars in the name of stomach infrastructure.

     

  • Group seeks end to faceoff over Magu

    President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to end the faceoff between the Executive and the Legislature over the confirmation of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    A rights advocacy group, Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE-Nigeria), said is imperative for both sides to sheathe their swords in view of the negative impact of the conflict on governance and the nation’s democracy.

    CURE-Nigeria’s Executive Director, Sylvester Uhaa, noted in a statement  that the rift, which has resulted in the National Assembly’s refusal to screen and confirm nominees sent to it by the President for appointment to government agencies, was dangerous for our country because these agencies cannot function optimally without heads.

    He noted that the National Assembly’s refusal to confirm the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the delay in constituting its Governing Board for over two years have incapacitated the commission and affected its image in the international community.

    Uhaa added: “If something is not done quickly about this, the commission will once again, be reduced to a toothless bull dog, existing only in name, but incapable of doing the work it was established to do. This will be very sad and must be avoided.

    “The strength of our democracy lies in the strength and ability of our institutions to work effectively, independently and optimally. And this cannot happen when key institutions do have heads or the required boards in place to function.

    “I, therefore, call on the National Assembly (NASS) and the Executive, to quickly resolve their differences in the interest of the nation to allow this country move forward. They cannot continue to allow their personal and political interests to hold the entire nation to ransom.

    “We cannot continue to have institutions that do not work and exist only in name, but receive budgetary allocations each year and expect that Nigeria will change. Similarly, I am saddened that the political class is talking more about 2019 elections and very little about governance and how to move this country forward.

    “I am sad that the 2018 budget has not been passed and may not be passed any time soon because heads of many agencies are not willing to defend their budget proposals before the NASS.

    “And I wonder if this is not a deliberate plot by the ruling class to delay the passage of the budget until deep into the year when the entire atmosphere is saturated with political campaigns and activities and people are focused on elections so that they can safely divert the money.

    “I call on the NASS to speed up the passage of the budget to ensure its implementation and impacts on the lives on Nigerians,” Uhaa   said.

     

     

     

  • Ekiti 2018: Group backs consesus option in APC

    Ekiti 2018: Group backs consesus option in APC

    An interest group in  the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, ‘Ekiti Kete Good Citizens Association,’ has said it would support the emergence of a flag bearer through the consensus option.

    The body said the consensus option would mitigate the post-primary crisis in the party after the exercise.

    The party has 32 official aspirants vying for the governorship ticket, with others still secretly lobbying to plunge into the race.

    A chieftain of the party and president, Ekiti Kete Good Citizens’ Association, Hon Ayodeji Babatola,  paid a courtesy visit to the State Working Committee, led by the State Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, at its secretariat in Ado Ekiti  on Monday.

    Babatola while addressing the leaders of the party, represented by its State Secretary, Hon. Paul Omotoso, advised that should the party fails to get a consensus candidate that it should conduct  a free, fair and credible primary for the party to be strong enough to defeat Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    He said the group has visited the state prison and Erelu Angela Adebayo Babies Home at Iyin Ekiti to donate to inmates as part of the ways to promote and propagate the ideal of good governance the APC was renowned for.

    “APC can’t afford to lose Ekiti, because that can affect President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection bid. The PDP will have their candidate from the North and that will deplete the APC’s votes, but once the southwest is strong to be able to deliver, of which Ekiti is part of, the job will be easier .

    “We are ready to partner with the SWC to promote and  sell  our candidate and to manage the post primary crisis in our dear party provided the right things are done”, he said.

    Speaking earlier, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Fatai Adeyemo and a chieftain of the body, Hon Femi Amogbonjaye, described APC as the only hope for Ekiti, saying Fayose has bastardised governance and reduced Ekiti people to mere street beggars in the name of stomach infrastructure.

  • 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.

  • Group assures governor of 3m votes

    Group assures governor of 3m votes

    A group of young Lagosians, under the aegis of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard (IIEV), has assured Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode of three million votes in next year’s election.

    The group, which was founded to propagate Ambode’s ideals and achievements, is led by Seyi Bamigbade as its General Coordinator and Olusegun Olulade, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    Bamigbade announced the promise of 3 million votes while inaugurating the United Christian Family Initiative (U.C.F.I) chapter of IEV yesterday at Oshodi Local Government secretariat’s Legislative Hall.

    Mr. Israel Alagbe, a commissioner in the State Civil Service Commission, praised Ambode for his achievements in many spheres.

    He recalled that when he was the Executive Secretary in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area, there were security challenges, which Ambode quickly solved.

    Bamigbade said: “We are not here for a jamboree but to do an immense work and make you all to go out to your various units, wards and local government areas to mobilise people from age 18 and above towards ensuring our 3 million votes in 2019.”

    Olulade said: “As from today, UCFI has become the solidarity physique of the Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard.”

    Another Lagos lawmaker, Olushola Shokunle (Oshodi constituency), said going by massive transformation in his area, Oshodi had become “an avenue like Lagos Island”.

  • 2019: Group endorses Ambode

    2019: Group endorses Ambode

    A group, of the southsouth People United Forum, Kosofe chapter, Lagos State, has promised to support Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term.

    The President of the group, Mr. Dennis Joseph, said the governor had surpassed the expectation of Lagosians. He said the forum would mobilise members in Lagos to ensure the governor wins next year’s election.

    He said: “Ambode is a strategic developmental governor whose strategic planning, construction and implementation of budget have lifted the Centre of Excellence. These are physical things you can see. The roads construction going in all parts of Lagos are just too numerous to mention.

    “Lagos is the centre of attraction not only to Nigeria but where people from different parts of the world come to want to live. The destruction of lives and property have drastically reduced.

    “He has done very well and the Southsouth is proud of him. We have endorsed him and we will mobilise our people resident in Lagos to vote for him. We don’t have any other candidate except Ambode because we want him to continue the good work.”

    Joseph said the Southsouth was paramount to the development of the Nigeria, noting that its support for the leader would enhance his success at the poll.

    “The Southsouth is the engine room of the nation because we produce the oil that the country depends to survive. Nigeria cannot succeed with the region because it depends on oil from there. So, Nigeria cannot ignore the hands that feed it.

    “We are proud that God has made the Southsouth the life wire of the nation. We are peace loving people and sincere in what we do.  Those who are dealing with us sincerely are getting our support. Whatever we do, we are open people.”

    Joseph said the Southsouth youths are law abiding citizen, stressing they could only take law into their hands when the leaders disappointed them.

    “That will happen due to insincerity on the part of leadership. But as long as the people are taken into confidence and are kept abreast of what is happening in the country things will go the proper way,” he said.

     

  • APC: Group commends Tinubu

    APC: Group commends Tinubu

    The reconciliation assignment given to Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is the best way to ensure the All Progressives Congress (APC) reclaims its place and wins the 2019 Presidential election, the Liberty Movement, (LIM), has said. According to the group, the internal crisis within the APC is affecting the economic and social transformation of Nigeria by undermining the expected cooperation between the Presidency and the National Assembly.

    It said the reconciliation will also lead to smooth implementation of the 2018 budget and fast track economic and political dividends for Nigerians. The Liberty Movement said only reconciliation of the various interests can bring back public trust, adding that APC is currently deeply factionalised in most of the 36 states and that only a united front can save the party from imminent defeat.

    The movement in a release signed by its National President, Mr. Edward Olusola, and National Secretary, Samson Ndubuisi, said the reconciliation within the APC is necessary to revive the dwindling fortunes of the APC and bring the party on the right track of history. It commended President Mohammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Tinubu for the peace initiative.

    Liberty Movement noted that in spite of the challenges of the APC, it remains the party to beat.  “Many Nigerians may not be happy about the fact that all promises have not been fulfilled by the APC, but in reality, they know that the PDP does not offer a viable alternative.

  • Group to mobilise for Ugwuanyi’s re-election

    Group to mobilise for Ugwuanyi’s re-election

    •Governor signs N103.5b budget 

    A group, the Gburugburu Continuity and Equity Group 2019-2023, has vowed to mobilise support to actualise the re-election of Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

    It said it would rally eligible citizens to register and obtain their voters card ahead of next year’s elections.

    The group’s General Coordinator, Nze Sam Nwanze, who spoke after its inauguration at Royal Palace Hotel, Enugu, said Ugwuanyi “deserves the people’s support due to his wonderful leadership style of equity and fairness to all”.

    Nwanze will be assisted by a lawyer, Sunday Egbo, who will serve as his deputy, among other interim officers.

    He said: “First, the group will strive to mobilise the people to support the governor all through his tour of duty in the Government House, as long as he is doing the wish of the people who elected him.

    “We will not only support his 2019 ambition, but will continue to back him till 2023, when he will hand over to another worthy person to continue the good works, and even surpass him.

    “We will also embark on voter education so that citizens will know the importance of their votes to good governance. It is instructive to note that during the 2015 elections, of about 70 million possible voters, less than 30 million voted. Where were others? One could ask.

    “Our membership drive will be through online registration and physical mode. We are targeting about one million members, most of who may be youths.

    “Our movement is planned to endure, unlike some of the pressure groups which emerge to profess their support at any particular election period and fizzle out thereafter.

    “There will not be any discrimination of any type for membership, provided aspiring members share our dream and vision. Our people in the Diaspora, who will be willing to join us, will be welcomed.”

    The group will be formally unveiled soon, Nwanze added.

    Ugwuanyi yesterday signed the N103.5 billion budget for the 2018 fiscal year.

    The governor promised to fully implement the budget for the people’s benefit and rapid development of the state.

    At the ceremony were his Deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers led by the Speaker, Edward Ubosi; Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Augustine Nnamani, among other top government functionaries.

    Ugwuanyi noted that the House, after due deliberations, increased the budget size from N98 billion to N103 billion. He hailed the lawmakers for the speedy and considerate passage of the budget, and the “wonderful” cooperation they have accorded the government since inception.

    The Speaker hailed Ugwuanyi for the modest budget, which he said reduced both the internal and external borrowing to 16 per cent. He described the governor as a good manager.