The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Appeal Court headquarters groans under floods

    Like any other victim of natural disaster, the country’s Appeal Court is threatened by flood. ERIC IKHILAE writes that if nothing urgent is done to bring the situation under control; it would spell doom for an arm of the judiciary.

    When the engineering team at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, led by the Director, Engineering and Maintenance, Zailani Tijani, took the decision last year, to erect an embankment at the foot of the edifice housing the court’s headquarters and the Abuja Division, it was thought that a permanent solution to the recurring challenge of flood in the premises was found.

    The embankment, erected at the rear of the structure housing the Abuja Division which sits on the lower end of the building, was said to have cost about N30 million to put in place.

    But, as if it was sending a message to the effect that the team of engineers made an inaccurate diagnosis and applied the wrong drugs, the flood returned between September 16 and 17, with an enhanced ferocity.

    It spilled into offices, including the court’s archive, leaving case files, among other documents destroyed. It threatened the court’s “power section” – housing electricity transformers, huge power generating plants and other critical installations and left members’ of staff official vehicles submerged. They were only retrieved when the flood subsided hours later.

    When The Nation visited the premises last Friday, members of staff were still talking about the effect of the flood and how to prevent a recurrence.

    An official said: ”Some of our files were affected. We intend to work with lawyers in cases affected, for replacement. We have never had it so bad.”

    Another added: “We had to escape without our vehicles. We were only able to recover our vehicles the next day when the flood had receded. My car is currently with the mechanics. They are battling to fix it. The car was totally submerged in the flood.  Beside the engine that is said to have been affected, all the documents I had in the car were also affected.”

    One of the court’s members of technical staff, who conducted The Nation round the “power section”, said they were lucky it did not rain at night, because the impact would have been more devastating.

    “This place houses our critical electricity equipment. If it is flooded, the impact on the safety of occupants of the building would be grave. Power supply would be affected, in addition to the threat to the safety of occupants of the building. The transformers here are linked with those supplying power to the Force Headquarters, the Supreme Court and other critical institutions around here. We have complained to the people in charge.

    “They appear to be reluctant to act. Maybe they want the whole place submerged and people killed before they take action,” the official said as he led The Nation to the back of the premises, where the problem seems to emanate from.

    Besides that, the drainage network in the court premises requires attention. It was discovered that the rise in the water current experienced lately whenever it raised results from the impact of the road recently built behind the structure.

    With the embankment now unable to address the flood challenge, many members of staff and court users have queried the competence of the engineers and urged the court’s management to seek external help, by liaising with the relevant state’s agencies involved in flood control and disaster management.

    Zenani told reporters on Friday that it could not be said that the embankment did not serve its purpose, but that the court requires assistance of relevant agencies in flood control and disaster management.

    It was learnt that the court’s President, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, wrote to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Mohammed Bello the previous year on the issue, but the court had not heard from either the minister or his agents.

  • Power lights up Kebbi community

    Kare-Dadin Kowa, an agrarian community in Kebbi State has joined the growing solar-powered communities in Nigeria. Last week, the Federal Government inaugurated a 98.8KW solar hybrid mini-grid power plant. For a border community which produces the best rice and millet in Nigeria, the facility will not only improve their ways of lives, it will also boost their trade and end the long dark years, writes CHINAKA OKORO.

     

    For Kare-Dadin Kowa, a small riverside community in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, things are no longer the same. The tiny community with a total population of about 3,180 people has agriculture and fishing as its main economic activities.

    Residents of this agrarian community have been in darkness for decades and had resigned to fate until the ‘unexpected’ happened.

    Power supply is a major problem in Nigeria, which the Federal Government has battled unsuccessfully to fix. Successive administrations’ efforts to remedy the situation have proved futile. But, solar power is coming to the rescue.

    The Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is trying its best to fix the power sector. One of the ways through which it’s tackling the problem of power supply is the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) through which electricity is provided for universities and rural communities.  Kare-Dadin Kowa, an agrarian community in Kebbi State is the latest beneficiary.

    So, on Tuesday last week, there was a new vista for this community that has been in the dark for years. That was the day the Federal Government inaugurated a 98.8KW solar hybrid mini-grid power plant for the community.

    The ecstatic members of the community rolled out the drums to celebrate an end to long years of darkness. As the inauguration lasted, the people watched in amazement as they were about to experience a new lease of life.

    They, including the old and the young, were excited as they lined the streets to witness the historic event. The traditional troupes added colour as they sang and danced to the rhythm of the traditional music to the admiration of the guests.

    Determined not to rest on its oars until the unserved and underserved communities across the regions of the country have equitable access to uninterrupted and sustainable power through an off-grid independent power plant, the President Buhari-led administration again fulfilled one of its mandates  on Tuesday, September 17, 2019.

    The entire Kebbi State literally converged on Kare-Dadin Kowa community to witness the historic inauguration  of a 98.8KW solar hybrid mini-grid power plant.

    Read Also: Electricity market and unfavourable, helpless regulator

    The newly inaugurated solar hybrid mini-grid plant would provide clean energy to 483 residential buildings, schools, places of worship, health centres, 82 commercial buildings which would also serve over 3,000 inhabitants of Kare-Dadin Kowa community.

    Implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under its Rural Electrification Fund (REF), the fund strives to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits of rural electrification grants to promote off-grid electrification and to stimulate innovative approaches to rural electrification.

    The first call of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) will energise 12 communities and deploy 19,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS). REF projects are administered using a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

    Praising President Buhari’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of people living at the grassroots, Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, an Engineer, congratulated members of the community in particular and Kebbi State in general on the success of the inauguration. He further stated that the ministry under his leadership is committed to electrifying  Nigeria.

    “Under my leadership, the Ministry of Power will continue to provide requisite policy interventions to ensure that transformative projects such as this will have the desired impact of electrifying Nigeria,” he said.

    In his remark read  by the   representative of Kebbi State Governor and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development Aminu Umar,   Governor Abubakar Bagudu  commended President Buhari-led administration’s  Next Level Roadmap in rural electrification.

    He said: ”The solar hybrid mini-grid will expand and transform the economic landscape of Kebbi State. Small businesses such as welders, cold room operators as well as processing mills can now operate more effectively with reliable and clean electricity as a result of this project. This solar installation has 380 panels that will provide electricity to over 3,000 residents of this community. We are the land of equity and this project is further ensuring the distribution of equitable power to the people of Kebbi State.

    “My vision is to industrialise Kebbi, making it an economic hub. This is why we have focused on the provision of electricity within Kebbi State by partnering and supporting on-grid providers, with new transformers and injection of funds to stabilise and ensure constant power supply to the state.

    “The impact of this power project will also be felt in other sectors such as tourism. With an available supply of clean energy, commerce and industrial activities will increase in the state. We all aspire for a fully electrified Nigeria and we will achieve this with your continued support and dedication.”

    In his address, the representative of the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency and Executive  Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Dr Sanusi Ohiare praised the commitment of the Federal Government by staying through to its words.

    “Kare-Dadin Kowa community is the second of 12 communities earmarked to benefit from Rural Electrification Fund (REF) grants. The project being inaugurated is implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency, with the goal of providing equitable access to electricity across Nigeria. These days REA provides electricity to 82 commercial businesses, 482 residences and over 3,180 residents (including women and children).

    “I must state that these are exciting times because history is being made in Kare-Dadin Kowa, Kebbi State and in Nigeria as a whole.

    “Not only have the people of Kare-Dadin Kowa been provided with access to stable electricity, but also, this project provided job opportunities for the industrious people of this community in engineering, construction and project management.  Thanks to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Next Level Roadmap, more Nigerians can look forward to a Nigerian dream, where access to stable power is no longer dependent on alternative sources of electricity that are harmful to our health and the environment.”

    Ohiare expressed his appreciation to the Kare-Dadin Kowa Community for their openness and support, the private sector developer, Nayo Tropical Technology Limited for delivering the project to its full capacity and also his team in the Rural Electrification Agency, particularly to the MD/CEO, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi for the guidance and tenacity in ensuring that the various initiatives earmarked under the Rural Electrification Fund come to fruition.

    Expressing his delight to the initiative which has brought his community out of perpetual darkness, the District Head of the community, Alhaji Musa Maina Jantullu said he recognised the significance of the project and was delighted to be one of the beneficiary communities. “This community has been in darkness for too long and this is why my subjects and my community are grateful to the Federal Government and the people of the Rural Electrification Agency for counting us worthy to benefit from solar technology.

    “There is no doubt that the electricity will improve the way of life of my people, intellectual ability of our students by having electricity to read. This is an agrarian community which produces the best and largest rice and millet in Nigeria. As a border community, this will, undoubtedly, develop our community. I am elated, my subjects are joyous and we promise to protect and sustain it,” he said.

    In his goodwill message, the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Muhammed Mera, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan, said: ”This is especially gratifying for us and our rural communities in Kebbi State.  We can now experience what we would normally refer to as city life now that we will have access to reliable and stable electricity.

    “We are a small fishing and agricultural community. So, this is a major development as new business opportunities in milling, processing, storage and fishery will now become a reality for our industrious people. I appreciate the dedication of the Federal Government in ensuring that Nigerians, irrespective of their geographical locations, can now have access to constant electricity.”

    In line with REF’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, private  sector participation and investment was also critical to the successful implementation of the project.

    The MD/CEO, Nayo Tropical Technology Limited, Anayo Okenwa said the installed solar hybrid mini-grid was constructed in line with international standards and best practice.

    “As an indigenous firm, we are proud to have leveraged the skills and capacity of our host community, in addition to providing the enabling environment for skilled labour and job creation,” he said.

    The Director, Rural Electrifcation Fund, Bulus Maiyaki commended  President Buhari for ensuring that Nigerians have increased access to clean and reliable electricity in their homes, businesses and schools. He also praised the efforts of the Ministry of Power, the National Assembly and their Committees on Power in creating an enabling environment for the successful implementation of Rural Electrification Fund projects across Nigeria.

    He acknowledged the outstanding leadership role of the MD/CEO of Rural Electrification Agency, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi and Kebbi State Governor Bagudu for his support, the Emirs and district heads for creating enabling environment for the project to be executed. He also thanked Nayo Tropical Technology Limited for its incredible efforts and professional expertise demonstrated on the project with the state-of-the-art installation.

  • Okoh predicts end to Nigeria’s problems

    Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria in the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s numerous challenges will soon become history.

    He urged Nigerians to put their trust in God, stressing that the Almighty is alive and working.

    Okoh spoke on Monday in Onitsha, Anambra State, at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the New Bishop’s court.

    “The security problems, economic hardship, the non-release of the kidnapped Christian girl, Lear Sharibu, and all the things Nigerians have been complaining against under the present administration, I want Nigerians to believe that its well,” he said.

    The cleric described members of the Diocese on the Niger as one of the engines and pillars on which the Church of Nigeria stood.

    He advised them not to feel disturbed when certain demands are made of them.

    Okoh said: “The demands Church of Nigeria makes from you is according to your age. After the Diocese of Lagos, the next is the Diocese on the Niger.

    “You must meet the demands we make because you form part of the engine of the Church of Nigeria. Do not say we are demanding much from you.

    “We are happy you are equal to the task because you are not using your time to quarrel and write petitions and insult your leaders but building the church with spiritual and structural activities.”

    The retiring Primate advised the clergy to use their time to serve God to the best of their ability, adding: “We do not abide; we come, pass away.

    “As I stand on the threshold of my retirement, we must look back. The time is running very fast. Whatever you want to do that will keep your name, do it now. Otherwise, you will regret.”

  • Abiodun inherits N32b gratuities

    Ogun State government on Monday said it inherited N32.8 billion gratuities and death benefits incurred between August 2011 and June 2019 under its Transition Pension Scheme.

    The state lamented that the debt piled up during the previous administration, but said the new government would offset the bills.

    Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Local Government Pensions Mrs. Irene Kokumo spoke while hosting members of the House of Assembly’s Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    Kokumo said the state pays an average of N791 million to retired local government workers and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) retirees monthly.

    Also speaking at the bureau’s budget assessment, she said the scheme caters for 11,616 retirees in the pre-1991 category.

    Read Also: Abiodun signs Ogun Investment Promotion Agency, 3 other bills into law

    According to her, records  showed that the administration had been facilitating prompt release of retirement savings account balance to retirees, who had disengaged from the Contributory Pension Scheme, to ensure that senior citizens enjoy a better life after service.

    Besides the N791 million paid monthly, the bureau also pay N4.6 billion monthly pensions between January and June, 2019.

    Kokumo said the bureau had been managing the benefits of the ‘Pay as you Go’ scheme and the Contributory Pension Scheme.

    She added that the bureau’s primary responsibility was that of the pre-1991 retirees, comprising local government and SUBEB personnel, as well as officials still in service.

    Kokumo listed other achievements as computation and compilation of outstanding gratuities and death pensions till date, maintenance of records for easy access, facilitation of remittances of contributory pension deductions as and when released, among others.

    She added that the state government was already taking steps to address the challenges confronting the Bureau regarding the renovation of its offices and provision of befitting infrastructure, full digitization and computerisation of its activities, among others.

    Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Akeem Balogun, who applauded the management team for maintaining standard in the discharge of its duties, tasked the Bureau to come up with strategies that could assist in offsetting the outstanding gratuities of local government councils and SUBEB retirees.

  • Tribunal reaffirms Sanwo-Olu as Lagos governor

    The Lagos State Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal on Monday reaffirmed the victory of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Governor of Lagos State in the last March 9 poll.

    The three-man tribunal led by Justice T. T Asua, in a unanimous decision, dismissed the petition filed by the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Chief Ifagbemi Awamaridi, declaring that the petition failed.

    It held that its earlier decision to dismiss the petition, which was later appealed by the petitioners, was still valid because the petition was not filed according to the electoral laws.

    The tribunal further described the petition as a “futile and wasteful exercise.”

    It noted that the petitioners could not prove their allegations of mental incompetence against Sanwo-Olu in their evidence placed before the tribunal.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to accelerate administration of justice

    The panel also held that the petitioners failed to prove their allegations of election malpractices against Sanwo-Olu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Asua said: “The Petitioners have failed to meet the requirement of the law. The Petitioners have failed in our humble view to discharge the onus of proof which would have been placed on the Respondents.

    “We confirm the return of Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the duly elected Governor of the State.”

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday described the victory of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu at the Elections Petitions Tribunal as a re- affirmation of the people’s mandate.

    The party said in a statement by its Assistant Publicity, Abiodun Salami, that the victory was a validation of the trust of Lagosians in the governor’s capacity.

    The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lagos had on Monday dismissed the petitions filed by the Labour Party and reaffirmed the victory of Sanwoolu as the duly-elected governor in the March polls.

    The Tribunal described the LP’s petition as a “futile and wasteful exercise,’ ‘noting that the petitioner could not prove their allegations of mental incompetence against Sanwo-Olu.

    Justice T.T Asua, while delivering the judgement, said the petitioners (LP and Ifagbemi Awamaridi) also failed to prove the allegations of electoral malpractices against Sanwoolu and his party, APC.

    Salami said the victory was a validation of the support the people have for Sanwoolu and proof that the petition was all along ‘’a wild goose chase.’’

    The Lagos governor’s spokesman, Abiodun Salami, congratulated Lagosians on the victory as it was not only victory for the governor but also for the people and good governance.

    He said: ‘’We are happy at the victory; it is a reaffirmation that the governor got the mandate and support of the people in the March election.

    ‘’We congratulate the governor and the good people of Lagos on the judicial vindication of this electoral victory. This verdict is not only a victory for democracy; it is a victory for good governance and a more prosperous Lagos.”

    Salami assured residents that the verdict would further inspire the Sanwoolu administration to render impactful governance in the state.

    He said the governor was justifying the confidence reposed in him with his many achievements since he was sworn in over 100 days ago.

    The APC spokesman listed the achievements to include fixing of potholes across the state to tackle the nagging problem of gridlock.

    Salami said the efficiency of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) had improved as a result of increase in their allowances by Sanwoolu .

    He added that the Sanwoolu administration had commenced work on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a project which had suffered delays before now, noting that the sufferings on the road were being alleviated.

    He said the Sanwoolu administration had achieved great results in addressing the gridlock in Apapa.

    Salami urged residents to keep faith with the present administration to deliver more dividends of democracy.

  • How diversification policy can succeed, by Oyetola

    Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described the diversification policy of the Federal Government as one that is appropriate and on the right course.

    He also said, for the diversification policy to succeed, all sectors must adopt and integrate it into their schemes and collaborate appropriately, adding, “When this is done, the economy will achieve the desired symphony and there will be rapid and cohesive development.”

    Oyetola spoke on Monday, at the opening ceremony of the 9th International Conference of the Faculty of Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

    Speaking on the theme: “Diversification of Developing Economies: Imperatives for Sustainable Environment and Technological Innovations,” Oyetola, who bagged the Obafemi Awolowo University’s Excellence Award in Public Administration on the occasion, also described the theme of the conference as a worthy domestication of the diversification of the economic policy of the Federal Government.

    Read Also: We are fast-tracking economic diversification- Osinbajo

    He reaffirmed Osun government’s commitment to taking the state to the next level in its developmental strides.

    Oyetola pledged the government’s determination to continue to harness the potentials of the state and advance her economy for the good of the citizens.

    The governor, who reiterated the administration’s determination towards building a ‘modern Osun’, said government would not be deterred by the dwindling financial resources in its resolve to build a virile state that all and sundry would be proud of.

    Represented by the Supervisor, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Olalekan Yinusa, the governor said the state was ready to partner with the university, particularly in the area of human and capital development.

    He commended the institution’s Faculty of Technology for its foresight and resilience at equipping graduate youths with the requisite skills to effect changes in the nation’s economy.

    He urged the leadership of the faculty to pursue the recommendations of the conference to the logical conclusion to advance the exploration of new ideas for the actualisation of global technological solutions.

    Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Eyitayo Ogunbodede, applauded the faculty for the choice of the theme of the conference, which he noted was aimed at challenging the nation on the need to strengthen her economic diversification policy.

    In his address, the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, challenged government on the need to be supportive of the development of science, innovation and technology.

    Ashiru said for the nation to actualise its dreams for the diversification of her economy, all hands must be on deck to ensure proper integration and conversion of ideas to innovation, framework and prosperity.

  • Oba Oniru dies at 82

    The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, is dead.

    Oniru died yesterday in Lagos after a brief illness.

    He was 82.

    The first-class monarch’s 82nd birthday was celebrated last September 6 at his palace.

    Read Also: UPDATED: 17 days after celebrating birthday Oba Oniru dies at 82

    He is survived by wives and children, among who are former Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront, Adesegun Oniru; Justice Aishat Opesanwo; On-Air personality, Tolu Demuren (a.k.a Toolz), grandchildren and great grandchildren.

    Oba Oniru succeeded his father in 1995.

    He was born on September 6, 1937 and was the 12th of 15 children of the long-reigning Oba Yesufu Oniru, who died at the age of 120 years.

  • Olojo: Ooni goes into seclusion

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has proceeded on a seven-day annual seclusion as this year’s edition of the Olojo festival begins in Ile Ife, Osun State.

    On Sunday evening, before the ceremonies for his seclusion, the foremost traditional ruler and the Arole Oodua addressed reporters, hailing the formal commencement of the Olojo festival.

    Read Also: Where is Ooni’s ex-wife, Olori Wuraola?

    He said he was in high spirits to meet with “God Almighty who owns the day through fasting and prayers’’.

    The Ooni said he would pray for the resuscitation of the country’s economy while in seclusion.

  • Coalition expresses satisfaction in military’s control of Nigerian territories

    The Coalition for Human Rights and Human Rights Monitoring Group (CHRHRG) has expressed optimum satisfaction with the military’s sovereignty of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
    The Coalition made this known at a press conference on Monday in Abuja ahead of a tour of liberated communities in the North-East.
    In a statement signed by Executive Director, Gabriel Agibi, the group hailed the military for its doggedness and reliance in flushing out remnants of Boko Haram terrorists amidst conspiracy from different quarters.
    In a bid to carefully examine the military’s groundbreaking feat, the CHRHRG is set to embark on a systematic assessment tour of North-East, particularly strategic locations in Northern Borno Senatorial District.
    Among others, the Coalition has promised tointerface with community leaders, NGOs and other critical stakeholders in the region with a view to getting objective responses on the efforts of the Federal Government.
    According to the Coalition, the tour would also afford them the opportunity to take a cursory look at the operational strategies of the military and how it has conducted its operations in the theatre of war to state.
    In the end, the Coalition hopes to eliminate every measure of doubts and falsehood being levelled against the brave and gallant Nigerian troops.
    Read full address below:
    I welcome you all to this press conference that is put together by the Coalition of Human Rights and Human Rights Monitoring Group in Nigeria to intimate Nigerians on the resolve by the various groups under the Coalition to undertake a systematic assessment tour of North-East Nigeria, particularly strategic locations in Northern Borno Senatorial District, to assess the efforts of the Nigerian government in the fight against terrorism.
    The Coalition of Human Rights and Human Rights Monitoring Group is a coalition of credible associations dedicated to the entrenchment of human rights practices in Nigeria. This much has been highlighted in previous years where an alliance of this nature was inaugurated to look into the operations of the Nigerian Military in southeast Nigeria to ascertain its level of human rights compliance.
    In this regards, we wish to state that amongst a host of other tasks that have been carefully identified and outlined for the tour of North East Nigeria, the Coalition would interface with community leaders, NGOs and other critical stakeholders in the region with a view to getting objective responses on the efforts of the Nigerian Government with regards to the ongoing war against terrorism.
    We wish to state that this line of action became necessary in the light of the various news making the rounds on the occupation of Nigerian territories by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in North-East Nigeria.
    The Coalition of Human Rights and Human Rights Monitoring Groups would use the opportunity of the tour to carry out a systematic tour of affected communities, including those on the fringes of the Lake Chad basin region such as Baga, Gubio, Magumeri, Marte, Mobbar and Guzamala.
    The Coalition of Human Rights and Human Rights Monitoring Groups would also deploy the services of local language interpreters in areas with identified communication barriers, in an attempt to gather as much information as possible that would aid in the subsequent publication of an Independent Terrorism Index that would give an objective assessment of the efforts of the Nigerian Government in the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria.
    The tour would also afford the Coalition the opportunity to take a cursory look at the operational strategies of the Nigerian Military and how it has conducted its operations in the theatre of war to state if indeed there has been any form of human rights violations and what measures were put in place to ensure human rights compliance in the prosecution of the war in North East Nigeria.
    The Coalition would interface with community leaders in communities that have witnessed terrorist attacks over the years, as well as NGOs that have been in operations in such communities to understand the dynamics involved the war against terrorism in North-East Nigeria.
    The Coalition of Human Rights and Human Rights Monitoring Group is undertaking this tour of North-East Nigeria, aside from other stated objectives, to put issues in proper perspectives as regards whether any part of Nigerian territory is under the control of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
    The Coalition of Human Rights and Human Rights Monitoring Groups in the course of the tour in areas earmarked in Northern Borno would rely on first-hand information by engaging the various stakeholders in these areas such as the traditional and religious rulers, local government officials, humanitarian workers, locals as well as other concerned parties that are privy to the issues bedevilling the region.
    We consequently wish to state that the pieces of evidence gathered from the tour would be documented in the Independent Terrorism Index objectively and analytically for easy comprehension by the relevant stakeholders.
    The Coalition of Human Rights and Human Rights Monitoring Group sees this task as necessary with a view to debunking insinuations that some parts of the Nigerian territory are under the control of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.
    It must also be noted that this tour is at the instance of the leadership of the Coalition of Human Rights and Human Rights Monitoring Group and as such the outcome of it would be as objective as possible, that would indeed stand the test to time.

  • Agony after couple’s triplets

    Years after losing their only child, Mrs Funmilola Abiloye had a set of triplets. One died at birth, but feeding the two survivors is a burden she and her husband Michael think they cannot bear.

    Mrs Abiloye, a housewife and sickle cell patient, and her husband, an artisan, live in Ikotun in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    She said, “How can I survive this economic predicament, as I and my husband find it difficult to afford two meals a day. I was in state of confusion, when findings revealed that I’m going to deliver triplets. There is no hope of raising the babies, in view of the bad economy. Raising money for the hospital bills is a challenge.

    Chief Medical Director, Zion Hospital, Dr John Adanike said five doctors battled to save Mrs Abiloye and her remaining two babies who were delivered at their facility. One of the babies weighed 1.9kg, the other 1.5kg.

    Mrs Abiloye should follow up her post-natal treatment to guarantee her safety, Adanike said.