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  • Sanwo-Olu: we‘ll recruit teachers to strengthen Lagos education

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Tuesday his administration would soon be hiring trained teachers to strengthen quality education in its schools.

    The governor said his administration would spare no effort to expand quality teaching to pupils in all state-owned schools.

    The revelation came following the governor’s directive to the Ministry of Education to recruit trained teaching personnel and provide vital resources that would strengthen quality education across government’s schools.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke at the inauguration of three key projects in Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The projects include the 110-bed Maternal and Child Centre (MCC), a 12-block classroom junior secondary school and a rehabilitated Primary Health Centre.

    The state government built the Maternal Centre. Tabernacle of David, Lagos Province 46 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) financed the construction of the school and the upgrade of Primary Health Centre as part of the church’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    Unveiling the school and the rehabilitated health centre, Sanwo-Olu said: “My administration is not going to walk away from its responsibility of catering for the educational needs of every child that is of school age. We will give our children the opportunity to attend quality schools that will not be too far away from them. This morning, I gave a directive to the Commissioner for Education that all schools owned by the state government be equipped with well-trained teachers that will help us to deliver quality training to our children in line with development agenda of my administration.

    “The charge to the commissioner also involves the provision of basic resources that would strengthen our schools and empower them to deliver the desired results we envisage in education and manpower development.”

    The governor said his administration would remain open to corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and religious institutions for partnership that would be beneficial to all residents of the state. He reiterated that the government under his leadership would not shirk its responsibility in providing necessary amenities to the citizens.

    Sanwo-Olu hailed RCCG for the intervention, which he described as a “progressive doctrine” from a religious institution. The Governor urged other religious bodies to take a cue from the RCCG’s intervention, stressing that government would make greater impacts with collaborations.

    The Assistant Pastor in charge of Province 46 of the RCCG, Kayode Pitan, noted that the decision to embark on the projects was in response to dearth of basic education and healthcare facilities in the area.

    He added that the two projects gulped N180 million, noting that school, which has 12 blocks of classroom, was completed with N130 million; the church spent N50 million to rehabilitate and upgrade the services of the Primary Health Centre.

    The opening of the Eti-Osa Maternal and Child Centre, the eighth of its kind in the state, was replete with fanfare, as residents trooped out of their residents to welcome the Governor and members of his cabinet to the occasion.

    Sanwo-Olu said the provision of the secondary health facility in Eti-Osa axis would reduce pressure on the Lagos Island General Hospital and save expectant mothers living in Ajah axis of the pain to travel a long distance for antenatal and post-natal care.

    Also on Tuesday, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso said the most visible achievement of Sanwo-Olu administration in the first 100 days in office is the disappearance of heaps of garbage on major streets.

    From left: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information, Mrs Bolanle Ogunmola; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Mr Wasiu Akewusola, during a news conference on Gov.Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s 100 Days in the office and beyond, in Lagos on Tuesday (3/9/19).

    He spoke at a news conference to roll out activities to mark Sanwo-Olu’s first 100 days in office.

    He expressed delight at the modest achievements so far recorded by the administration.

    “The most visible impact of the course of action this administration has taken so far in respect of the environment is the disappearance of heaps of garbage on major streets and highways across the state,” the commissioner said.

    He promised that government was going to be more scientific about dumpsites.

    According to the commissioner, the  first 100 days of any elected public official represents a significant milestone, adding: “For any visionary leader who wants to leave an indelible mark in the sands of time, the first 100 days in office are not only significant, but could be quite epochal. It sets the tone and course for any new government.

    “What happens during this period is akin to what a builder does preparatory to the construction of a structure. Any slip at this stage could spell doom for the building.”

    He assured Lagosians that the administration would keep expending on the implementation of its THEMES agenda and the Executive Order signed by the governor within hours of assuming office.

    On assessment of his administration so far in office, he said: “We are leaving the assessment of performance in the last 100 days to the judgment of the good people of Lagos.”

  • Special patrol vehicles on highways soon, says IGP

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu on Tuesday unfolded new security initiatives aimed at tackling crimes nationwide.

    He said special patrol vehicles, which had already been procured, will be deployed across highways.

    Also, Adamu unfolded plans by the police to raid identified bandits’ den to flush out kidnappers from the forests.

    He said police will take the battle to the criminals in their hideouts to diminish their strength and capacity to launch attacks on innocent citizens.

    The police boss said hardworking and excellent officers will be given special promotions by the command to motivate them to rededicate themselves to the anti-crime war.

    He said the Federal Government has acquired body armours for the protection of officers on duty.

    Read Also: IGP to CPs: You are liable for any attack on police facilities

    Adamu spoke on the new initiatives during his visits to Osun and Oyo states to brainstorm with stakeholders on strategies for combating crime and restoring order.

    Also, in Katsina State, the Minister of Interior, Chief Rauf Aregbesola, said President Muhammadu Buhari has directed security agencies to put an end to the security challenges confronting the country.

    He said the government will not compromise on the safety of lives and property.

    However, Governor Bello Masari said he will kick-start the proposed  dialogue with identified bandits today to reduce crime rate in the state.

    Addressing officers and men of the Oyo State Police Command, the Inspector General said the new security vehicles, which are different from the usual patrol vehicles currently in operation, have special gadgets that would assist policemen to easily detect crime on the highways.

    From left: Deputy Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Mr Kehinde Longe; AIG Medical, AIG Austin Akhiwu; and IGP Mohammed Adamu, during the inspection tour of IGP to Police Headquarters, Eleyele in Ibadan on Tuesday (3/9/19).

    Adamu said the President had approved the renovation of the existing police barracks to end accommodation problems and the construction of new ones to boost morale.

    Urging policemen to show dedication, he said: “The President has also instructed that special promotion be given to officers that are hardworking and excelling in the performance of their duty.”

    The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Shina Olukolu, said the command was keeping watch over more than eight million people in the 33 local councils.

    He complained that, with 10 police area commands and the state headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the total strength of officers and men was insufficient to police the state.

    During his meeting with stakeholders in Osogbo, Osun State capital, the Inspector General reiterated the determination of the police to take the war to bandits’ hideout.

    Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi drew attention to ritual killings, saying that the trend was worrisome.

    After his closed door meeting with Governor Gboyega Oyetola, the Inspector General told reporters that police have the capacity to curtail armed banditry and other crimes across the country.

    He said:  “We are specifically ready to target the forests where there are bandits and kidnappers. So, the war can be taken to their den before they strike. It was also resolved to work with other securities;  vigilantes  and fight crime as the governors have pledged to continue to support law enforcement agencies in their fight against crime by buying vehicles and other logistics so as to support the fight against crimes.

    “I am delighted to note that the strategies jointly developed between the strategic community actors and the police which are currently being implemented have been effective in addressing the identified security threats in the geo-political zone.”

    Oyetola expressed confidence in the ability of the police to curb crime and rekindle public confidence.

    Describing Osun State as the most peaceful state, he promised to provide the necessary apparatus for the police to enhance their performance.

  • Buhari: we’ll reconsider closure of Nigerian Embassy in Sri Lanka

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said Nigeria will re-examine the closure of her embassy in Colombo in view of the important relationship the country has with Sri Lanka.

    Buhari gave the assurance yesterday during a farewell audience granted the outgoing High Commissioner of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka, Thambirajah Raveenthiran, at the State House in Abuja.

    The President explained that financial challenges which the country faced at the time informed the closure of some embassies and consulates during a rationalisation exercise.

    He promised that his administration will take another look at that decision as it affected Sri Lanka following the request by Raveenthiran.

    A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, wished Raveenthiran success in his future undertakings.

    Read Also: US visa reciprocity fee remains for now, says embassy

    Raveenthiran said he had spent four of his 30-year career in diplomatic service in Nigeria.

    According to him, his time in Nigeria was remarkable in several ways, stressing that he enjoyed the support and cooperation of Nigerians, and was greatly assisted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The outgoing diplomat said his country has a lot to offer Nigeria in counter-terrorism, medical tourism and higher education.

    President Buhari also promised that Nigeria will partner further with Ukraine to the benefit of both countries.

    He spoke at the State House when he received the outgoing Ambassador of Ukraine, Dr. Valeril Aleksandruk.

    Aleksandruk was on a farewell visit after spending over four years in Nigeria.

    Ukraine currently collaborates with Nigeria in education, military cooperation, space exploration, and many others.

    Aleksandruk said: “There are almost 5,000 Nigerians currently studying in Ukraine. And the number increases every year. Education is a great investment for the future.”

    He added that his country also supplies Nigeria military hardware and ammunition, particularly to fight insurgency, even as he said the two agreements have been signed by the countries on space exploration.

    “We are ready for new level in bilateral relations,” he submitted.

    President Buhari, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, wished him well in further assignments his country would give him.

  • Solar hybrid power plant for Bayero varsity

    The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated the largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa at the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), under the Energising Education Programme (EEP). The project will enable 55,815 students and 3,077 workers to have access to electricity supply from the university’s 7.1MW solar hybrid power plant.

    It is being implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

    Read Also: FG to introduce solar powered vehicles, says Amaechi

    The EEP is a Federal Government intervention focused on developing off-grid dedicated independent power plants, rehabilitating existing distribution infrastructure to supply regular, safe and reliable power to 37 federal universities and seven affiliated university teaching hospitals.

    Tuesday’s inauguration included the launch of 11.41KM of solar powered street lights, as well as a world-class renewable training centre.

    REA Managing Director Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi said: “This is the largest off-grid solar hybrid power plant in Africa we Nigerians should be very proud of.”

  • FUOYE, ASUU crisis worsens as lecturers threaten litigation

    The lingering crisis rocking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti chapter worsened on Tuesday as splinter group threatened litigation against the zonal union over alleged meddlesomeness in the internal affairs of the institution.

    The Akure Zonal chairman, Prof. Olufayo Olu-Olu, had earlier at a news conference made some allegations against the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Soremekun, and his management team.

    Prof. Olufayo accused Soremekun of gross misconduct, abuse of office, provision of substandard infrastructure, irregular appointments and promotion of cronies, misappropriation of funds, among others.

    He lamented that the Vice-Chancellor, who he also accused of running the institution as his personal estate, resorted to violence, harassment, intimidation and other acts of impunity to suppress the union.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Ado Ekiti, the splinter group under the aegis of Forum of Concerned Academics vowed to exhaust all conventional means to protect the image of the institution from “peddler of falsehood”.

    Read Also: Between ASUU and FUOYE

    The group chairman, Prof. Sola Omotola, who faulted the allegations, said the union’s zonal branch was pursuing personal vendetta to tarnish the image of the institution.

    “We are here today to assert our responsibility, as leaders in our own right within the system, in defence of FUOYE.

    “As you would have seen, as we debunk a set of lies, they raise several others. They have now come up with another round of self-serving blackmail aimed at tarnishing the image of our university and its management.

    “As you can see, there is no merit in all their claims. They cannot substantiate any of them. Their selfish and wicked agenda is to destabilise the school and continue to profit from the resultant chaos. We will never afford them space to do so.

    “It has now become very clear to us, with their latest vituperation against our university, that ASUU Akure Zone is waging war against FUOYE. We will henceforth resist this with all conventional means at our disposal,” he said.

    The aggrieved lecturers called on the ASUU National Executive Council to intervene, saying they worried by its silence on the crisis.

    In his reaction, Prof. Olutayo said: “If they believe what the zone said is not correct, they should support us by calling on the Federal Government to come and audit the university. Let the visitation panel come and we will know who is right and wrong.

    “Our position is that of the national council of the union. They ask us to go ahead and do it. If they said the zone is wrong, that means they are saying the national is wrong. What is so big about calling for visitation panel to the university? I am only the spokesperson of the national in this regard,” he said.

  • N19.9b probe: Ex-Bauchi governor criticises commission

    Ex-Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar has accused his successor, Bala Mohammed, of instigating the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against him in a bid to discredit his administration.

    Abubakar, who faulted the probe of his disbursement of the state’s funds by the EFCC, in an alleged N19.9 billion money laundering case, claimed to have paid N8.5 billion to some contractors two days to the expiration of his tenure.

    His position is contained in an application he filed, seeking to be made a party in an asset forfeiture proceedings initiated before the Federal High Court, Abuja by the EFCC, with Bauchi State as respondent.

    The court had, on August 5, 2019, upon an ex parte application by the EFCC,  granted an order of interim freezing of an account held by the Bauchi State Government in First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

    Justice Taiwo Taiwo , who gave the order, also directed the EFCC to, within 21 days, to notify the respondents – the Bauchi State government and the FCMB – about the court’s decision and chose September 3, 2019 as the return date.

    Read Also: Clampdown on ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ politicians, Frank tells EFCC

    In his application, Abubakar said the N8.5 billion was paid to the contractors the same day the money was received from the Central Bank on the order of the Federal Government as refund for jobs done for the central government.

    He denied laundering N19.9 billion, as alleged by the anti-graft agency.

    Abubakar said the state government under his leadership had executed some infrastructural projects on behalf of the Federal Government to the tune of N14.6 billion and that the refund for the jobs by the government did not come until May 27, when he was about handing over to his successor.

    The ex-governor explained that immediately the N14.6 billion entered the state government’s operational account, number: 0998552074 domiciled at FCMB on May 27, a schedule of payment was prepared and executed to the tune of N8.9 billion as sundry payment and upon approval of the outgoing state executive council under his watch.

    Abubakar alleged that EFCC’s probe of the N8.5 billion disbursement and other transactions with the bank account by at the instance of the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) government in the state, under Alhaji Bala Mohammed, as part of efforts to rubbish and diminish the legacies of his government.

    He therefore urged the court to include him as a party in the suit to enable him defend himself.

    EFCC has objected to his request to be made a party in the case.

    In a counter-affidavit, the EFCC argued that Abubakar was not a necessary party in the case.

    It stated that the necessary parties to the suit are the Bauchi State Government and the FCMB. It added that there was no way Abubakar could be directly affected by the outcome of the case.

    In the counter affidavit deposed to by one of its staff, Mohammed Abdullahi, the EFCC faulted Abubakar’s claims that contractors were paid the N8.5b.

    EFCC stated that its investigation revealed that the 21 FCMB cheques used in paying out the money were issued in the name of the manager of the bank.

    It added that investigation also revealed that the contracts contained in the schedule of payment approved by the ex-governor were not executed.

  • Tiv/Jukun crisis: Slain Taraba priest buried

    The Catholic community in Taraba State on Tuesday laid to rest the body of Rev. Fr. David Tanko, a priest who was killed in Takum on Wednesday.

    Rev.Fr. Tanko was gruesomely gunned down and set ablaze with his white Toyota Corolla car. He was 42 years.

    He was reportedly in charge of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish in Amadu, a Tiv settlement in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

    He had gone to Takum to see his fellow clergymen and was killed on his way back to Amadu, between Kasuwan Haske and TorTser.

    His death came as a result of the raging crisis between Jukun and Tiv in southern Taraba.

    The crisis is an offshoot of a lingering feud based on a claim by the Jukun that the Tiv are “settlers,” in Taraba State, and, therefore, have no ownership right to the land they occupy and should leave.

    Tanko was on Tuesday buried at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral, Jalingo. His co-parishioners were all in tears.

    Read Also: Fish out killers of Catholic priest in Taraba, Ortom charges security agencies

    The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese, Jalingo, Most Rev. Charles Hammawa, who presided over the mass for Tanko’s interment, described the deceased as a lover of peace, who paid the supreme price with his life in the most inhuman way.

    Rev. Hammawa said: “We are only strengthened and comforted by our Christian faith of surrendering all things to God and faith in the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

    “Fr. Tanko was part of the peace efforts initiated by me to help in bringing an end to the crisis between the Tiv and Jukun.

    “He was a good man, a good priest, diligent, hard-working, amiable and peaceful. He had never set out to offend anyone. He was also a prayerful person.

    “He is the kind of person Nigeria needs to be able to come out of the quagmire and mess we are in today. A person, who will serve selflessly without bias; he was.

    “I am convinced that Tanko is with God in heaven and interceding for us and for the end of hostilities and unwanted killings in the country.

    “May his death end all the ugly and despicable human acts.”

    Hammawa urged government at all levels to protect lives and properties in the country.

    Taraba State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria Isaiah Jirapye said the death of the young priest was a great loss to the church.

    It was gathered that Tanko’s death sparked a blame-game between Jukun and Tiv on who really killed the peace broker.

    His assassination also caused anxiety in the state and sapped hopes for reconciliation between Tiv and Jukun and raised more fears about the deteriorating security in Taraba state.

    His death was also a puzzle to the state’s Police Commissioner, Alkassam Sanusi, who has been given marching orders by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, to fish out his killers.

    President Muhammadu Buhari called on the government and people of Benue and Taraba States to “exercise restraint and stop escalation of the feud”.

    The President directed Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku and Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, the Tor Tiv and the Aku Uka, religious and community leaders in the two closely tied states and top security operatives to meet today, examine and bring to an end all issues underlying persistent violent clashes between Jukun and Tiv ethnic groups.”

    The meeting of the opinion stakeholders holds at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    Governor Darius Ishaku, host of the meeting, said the meeting will find a lasting solution to the Tiv/Jukun crisis.

    Ortom is among the key stakeholders at the meeting, Ishaku said in a statement.

    “Federal and state legislators, speakers of the state houses of assembly (Benue and Taraba), security chiefs, other prominent sons and daughters and representatives of youth groups of Tiv and Jukun in Taraba State will be in attendant,” Ishaku said.

  • Kwara lawyer remains suspect in N20m property scam, says EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied issuing any apology to an Ilorin-based lawyer, Sulyman Abaya, who is being investigated for alleged N20 million property fraud.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, in Ilorin.

    Uwajaren said Abaya remained a suspect in the commission’s watch list until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.

    Abaya was arrested along with two other lawyers, Salman Rafiu and Saka Hammed, for alleged illegal acquisition and sale of a property belonging to Mr. Adetunji Adedoyin, valued at about N20 million.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests two suspects on U.S. FBI wanted list

    Adedoyin had petitioned the EFCC through his lawyer.

    In his petition, he alleged that the suspects fraudulently obtained a court judgment with which they claimed and sold his property without his knowledge and consent.

    “In getting the judgment, the suspects ensured that their victim, the petitioner, did not get summons.

    “Instead, they went ahead and provided defence lawyers for him, with whom he never had any discussion.”

    According to the petitioner, “I was informed that I was served summons all through the court proceedings, whereas it was R.A. Salman, who put up his colleagues: Abaya Sulyman and Saka Hammed to stand for me.

    “These lawyers forged my signature on some documents, purporting my consent in court to the sale of my hostel.”

    Adedoyin further stated:  “The truth of the matter is that I never set my eyes on these people (lawyers) prior to or during the court proceedings, neither did I participate directly or indirectly in the proceedings.

    “I also was not aware of the proceedings from the beginning to the end.”

    Abaya was arrested on Aug. 28, 2019 and released on bail after volunteering statement to the commission.

    In a twist, Abaya on September 2, addressed a news conference in Ilorin, claiming he was innocent of the allegations against him.

    He said operatives of the commission, having realised their mistakes, apologised to him.

    Abaya had said he was also profiled at gun-point by operatives of the commission.

    But Uwujaren said all actions purportedly taken by Abaya were packaged to elicit public sympathy and portray the commission as inefficient, reckless and draconian.

    He said there was no reason for anyone to apologise to Abaya, who remained a suspect under investigation.

  • ’We will restore lost glory in waste management’

    The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAM), a body of waste disposal operators, has vowed to take waste disposal and management system in Lagos State to the next level.

    This was part of the commitment made by the new members of AWAM during their inauguration, as over 300 Private Support Partnership (PSP) operators pledged to double their efforts to rid the state of refuse and bring back its lost glory in waste management.

    To achieve this objective, David Oriyomi,  AWAM president, who took over from Oladipo Egbeyemi, has promised that his executive will rally operators to re-enact the zeal and hard-work that once made Lagos a reference point locally and internationally in waste disposal and management.

    Read Also: ‘Govt to boost PSP waste operators’ capacity to procure equipment’

    He said the mission of his executive is to introduce international best practices in waste disposal and treatment, which he noted would serve the interest of everybody – government, state and PSP operators alike.

    Urging all hands to be on deck to enable operators meet public expectations, Oriyomi promised to carry everybody along in the running of AWAM.

    He said his executive would be an inclusive leadership.

    “I say to you that the challenges we face are real, but they are not insurmountable. They may not be solved easily or in a short span of time, but they will be solved. We have done it before, we will do it again,” Oriyomi said.

    Speaking on the readiness of AWAM in terms of manpower, facilities and financial resources to handle and confront the enormous task of ridding the state of refuse, Olugbenga Adebola, the publicity secretary, said the PSP operators had put what happened in the past behind them. He said they are ready to assist the government to achieve a cleaner Lagos.

    “As PSP operators, it is worthy of note to remember the recent past; what happened in the state concerning our business. We really appreciate those God has used to bring back our business. We are prepared to deliver a cleaner Lagos. If you cast your mind back, the environment is much better than in those perilous three years ago. In the last six months, we have risen beyond the ashes of distress and we are getting better and I can assure you that we will continue to get better because Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised to support us to do what we are supposed to do in order to have a cleaner environment,” Adebola said.

  • Guard charged with stealing N12m

    A guard, Asimiyu Lawal, was on Tuesday arraigned at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing N12million from the safe of a hospital in Mushin, Lagos, property of his employer, Dr. Ayantola Oladipo.

    Lawal, of 6, Olawoye Street, off Kola bus stop, Alagbado, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of constructive damage and stealing preferred against him by the police before Magistrate Mrs. A. A. Runsewe.

    Prosecuting Inspector Jimoh Joseph alleged that the defendant committed the offence on the premises of the hospital on May 16, at about 12am, at 26, Fagbenro Street, Idi-Araba, Mushin.

    Read Also: Teenager jailed three months for stealing fowl

    He alleged that the defendant, with intent to steal, damaged one office safe valued at N300,000, property of  Dr. Oladipo.

    Joseph alleged that the defendant stole N12million from the safe of a specialist hospital.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Runsewe granted him N1million bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    She said the sureties must be employed, show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government and have their addresses verified.

    The case continues on September 25.