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  • Lagos agency conducts rape and related crime rally

    Lagos agency conducts rape and related crime rally

    Rape, domestic violence and child molestation are silent crimes that eat deep into the lives of victims, destroying all that is good, of joy and peace.

    They have defaced the beauty of marriage where couples put out a facade smile and corrupted the minds of the young, rendering them psychologically defective, sexually perverted and socially deconstructive.

    Most people, even the elite experience this and these social ills are more dominant in the rural areas.

    This fact is drawn from the community engagement currently run by teams of social workers of the Lagos state Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team ( DSVRT ) under the Lagos state Ministry of Justice.

    DSVRT Lagos
    DSVRT Lagos

    The mission is to provide sensitive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence; while promoting healthy relationships as they strive to enhance a coordinated community response to domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.

    The team has engaged individuals in market places, primary and secondary schools, primary health care centres, religious institutions, houses in over fifteen local government areas in Lagos state conducting awareness campaign and field survey.

    Read also: Court dissolves 17-year-old marriage over rape

    DSVRT Lagos
    DSVRT Lagos

    So far, DSVRT has raised the consciousness of Lagosians to the law against domestic violence, rape and child abuse through its members led by Damilare Adewusi who are on the field sensitizing the public to take actions by reporting perpetrators and others to avoid the acts.

    The team has also engaged women and the children in Lagos state about their fundamental rights and what to do when they or someone else they know experiences these abuse.

    Also with the support of the team coordinator, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi and the community engagement team coordinator, Mr Adetayo immediate steps are taken once any case arises from the field.

    DSVRT Lagos
    DSVRT Lagos

    “We urge you to please join the movement and help make Lagos state a better society for ourselves and children to live. Thus, be a mandated reporter today, report any related cases to the nearest health care centre or simply dial 112 and 08137960048,” Damilare said.

  • Enugu to install 24-hour solar power in 45 police divisions

    Enugu to install 24-hour solar power in 45 police divisions

    The Enugu State Executive Council has approved the installation of 24-hour solar technology to power the 45 Divisional Police Stations in the state.

    The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Ogbuagu Anikwe, disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the council’s meeting that held on Tuesday night.

    Anikwe said the gesture was meant to assist the police to overcome the perennial difficulties their officers faced especially at night when power supply from the public source was interrupted.

    He said government observed the difficulties being faced by those who reported cases at night, especially when there was power outage.

    “The Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Ministerial Affairs, Mrs Mabel Agbo, reported the difficulties the police and citizens who come to report cases in the night were facing.

    “They do not usually find it easy writing their statements in the dark with poor illumination. They usually resort to the use of telephone torches whenever there is power failure.

    Read also: Police personnel to participate in fitness exercise in Enugu

    “Most police officers on night duty find it difficult to recharge their phones and other essential working gadgets due to poor supply of electricity,” he said.

    Anikwe said two types of power lighting systems were approved for each of the 45 police stations in the state.

    He said simple but steady solar power supply units would be installed in reception and charge rooms which would be used for illumination, charging of phones, and for powering other essential working tools.

    He also said solar-powered street lamps would also be installed within the premises and precincts of each of the divisional offices to help to monitor movement into and out of such precincts.

    The commissioner said the installation of the internal lighting system in the offices would cost a little below N3.6 million, while the outside one was still being worked out.

    He said the project would start in the first quarter of 2018.

    NAN

  • ICYMI: Court dissolves marriage over wife’s penchant for twisting husband’s testicles

    ICYMI: Court dissolves marriage over wife’s penchant for twisting husband’s testicles

    An Igando Customary Court in Lagos State on Tuesday dissolved the five-year-old marriage between Mr Chukwuma Onwumere and his wife, Obianuju, following the respondent’s threat to the  petitioner’s life by always twisting his testicles anytime they were fighting.

    The president of the court, Mr Moses Akinniyi, in his judgment said the estranged couple was tired of the marriage, adding that all efforts to reconcile them had failed.

    “Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage.

    “The court pronounced the marriage between Mr Chukwuma Onwumere and Mrs Obianuju Onwumere dissolved today ( Tuesday ); both parties, henceforth, cease to be husband and wife.

    “Both are free to go their separate ways without any hindrance and molestation,” Akinniyi ruled.
    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ) reports that Chukwuma had earlier told the court that his wife was a threat to his life.
    “My wife had wanted to kill me by always grabbing my testicles anytime we were fighting.

    “Apart from twisting my scrotum, she was always hitting me with dangerous weapons over trivial issues.
    “She once cut me with a machete on my head during one of our fights,” he said.
    The 43-year-old petitioner said that his wife was in the habit of going out and returning at will, adding that each time he cautioned her she would engage him in a fight.

    Obianuju also said that his wife was fond of disrespecting him and his relations.

    He, therefore, implored the court to dissolve their five-year-old marriage, saying that he was no longer interested in the relationship.

    Read Also: ‘My wife is a party freak’ husband tells court

    Obianuju  who was the respondent in her submission  denied all the allegations levelled against her by the petitioner.

    She said that her husband was actually a threat to her life.
    “My husband was always beating me; all the scars on my body were as a result of his battering. There was a day he beat me and one of my teeth went off.
    “There was also a night while sleeping that I saw my husband with a charm in his hand, moving round my bed and reciting some incantations.
    “I quickly stood up from the bed, but he left my room and placed the charm at my door step,’’ the 34-year-old woman said.
    The mother of two said that her husband moved her belongings to her village on the allegation that she had witchcraft.

    “My husband took my property to my parents, saying that he was told by a spiritualist that I am a witch.
    “He told my parents that he was no longer interested in our marriage,” she said.
    She also denied the allegation that she attacked her husband with a machete, saying there was no machete in their matrimonial home.
    The respondent, therefore, pleaded with the court to grant her husband’s wish by dissolving the marriage.

  • Police contributes N10bn to National housing fund – IGP

    Police contributes N10bn to National housing fund – IGP

    The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday said it had contributed over N10 billion in remittances to the National Housing Fund since the inception of the scheme.

    The Inspector – General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, made the disclosure at the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank Cash Centre and ATM gallery in Abuja.

    Idris said that the establishment of the bank became imperative to provide police officers with unhindered access to the National Housing Fund.

    He also said that the bank had also provided officers with loans at lower interest rates than obtained in other commercial banks.

    Read Also: Police to strengthen ‘bail is free’ campaign

    He promised to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of all police investments to enhance welfare of personnel.

    “It is my earnest belief that the Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank is strategically positioned to drive our ambitious welfare agenda,”the police boss said.

    He said that the force would continue to support and encourage synergy toward achieving the welfare objectives of the bank.

    He said that the police management would consider ways of encouraging and engaging other police investments and Institutions in mobilising fund to support the bank.

    The Chairman, Board of Directors of the bank, retired DIG Uba Ringim, said that the bank had successfully disbursed mortgage loans to over 500 police personnel.

    Ringim said the bank had also processed over 400 National housing fund loans approval from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria for personnel.

    He further said that over 200 police officers were beneficiaries of other loan products with the lowest interest rates.

    He said that the cash centre would avail the bank customers with the opportunity to walk in and access wide range of products and mortgage services.

    The chairman said that the bank had obtained CBN approval for the deployment of three additional ATMs in Garki, Wuse and Dei-Dei, all in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ) reports that the Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank commenced business in 2015 to provide personnel with affordable and quality housing.

  • A’Ibom Christmas Groove: Tuface, Tiwa, Wizkid, others to perform

    A’Ibom Christmas Groove: Tuface, Tiwa, Wizkid, others to perform

    Wizkid, Tuface, Tiwa Savage, and others to perform at Akwa Ibom Christmas Groove Wizkid, Tuface, Tiwa Savage will perform at the maiden edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas groove tagged, “Ukap’isua,” scheduled to hold Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 in Uyo.

    Mr Victor Antai, state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo, listed other acts to include Tekno, Phyno and many more.

    He said more than 100,000 fun seekers are also expected at the “Ukap’isua’’ groove which means the end of the year Christmas festival and would feature musical concerts, dance party and beach competitions.

    According to him, the star studded event will also include a parade of five bands along the carnival routes, University of Uyo mini stadium – Ikot Ekpene road – Aka road – UdoUdoma Avenue – Unity Park.

    He said that five bands have been named after tourist attractions and historical features in the state such as, Blue River Band, Rolling Hills Band, The Beach Town Band, The Bridge Band and The Plaza Band.

    He said, “the bands are named after tourist attractions and historical features in the state.’’

    “The bands will further expound on the significance of their respective tourism features in their costumes, presentation and parade, thereby helping to market the tourist potentials of the state.’’

    “Following our highly successful outing in `Orange September,’ a series of events organised to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our dear state.

    “The Ministry of Culture and Tourism under my supervision has decided to undertake another major event in our conscious and regular efforts to further stamp the state as a tourism destination.

    “As we all know, yuletide periods in the state have hitherto been bereft of hyped activities.

    “During this period we usually witness an outflow of human traffic into neighbouring states as indigenes and fun seekers leave the state in their numbers to other parts of the country in search of entertainment and recreation.

    “It is in an attempt to remedy this and spice up the yuletide experience for the citizens of Akwa Ibom State, while effectively marketing our huge tourist potentials that the Ministry has decided to host “Ukap’isua.”

    “We hope to create during this same period, a unique experience that will not only create recreation and entertainment, but also market our huge tourism potentials,’’ Antai said.

    He explained that “Ukap’isua would commence with the opening of the festival village, located at the auspicious Ibom Unity Park, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo.

    Antai said that the festival village would host relaxation spots, shopping stalls and other recreational facilities.

    The commissioner expressed the commitment of the state government to focus on tourism as major source of revenue generation and jobs creation rather than depending solely on oil.

  • Federal and states partnership crucial to national development – Osinbajo

    Federal and states partnership crucial to national development – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the collaboration of the Federal and state government is crucial to achieving development plans of the country.

    He stated this on Tuesday at the retreat of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation with Secretaries to the State Governments held in Abuja.

    He noted that the business of governing needs innovations to tackle complex challenges, adding that the two tiers of government were in a better situation to resolve them through partnership.

    “But despite the important initiatives and decisions of fg we will achieve little if we do not have relevant state government agencies actively working with the federal government to implement them.

    “So, the role of the SGFs is clearly central to cascading the action points and conclusions to the relevant MDAs in their states.

    “And this is so, whether we are implementing the federal government’s fertilizer policy or the anchor borrowers scheme in the states.’’

    He said that one of the challenges of federalism is that while the federal and state governments enjoy individual autonomy, they must still operate as one government.

    He noted that the objective was for the government of the federation to serve the best economic and social interest of the people.

    “So when we speak of the Nigerian economy it is the sum of the economies of the federal government and the states.

    “Yet each government determines its own priorities, draws its own budget and implements its own programmes and projects.
    “So a meeting such as this, where the agenda and modalities for collaboration may be set is in my view an eminently sensible idea and requires the support of all of us if we are to meet the expectations of our people,’’ he said.

    The Vice President stated that one of the crucial concerns of the federal government’s economic development agenda was to improve local and foreign investments in the country.

    Osinbajo remarked that the SGFs office coordinates the Ecological fund and NEMA that frequently intervened in the states.

    He said it was the responsibility of the SGFs office to interface with the states to ensure that such interventions were improved.

  • Apapa-Wharf Road reconstruction only 10% completed

    Apapa-Wharf Road reconstruction only 10% completed

    The Apapa-Wharf Road reconstruction in Lagos State has achieved only 10 per cent completion, an official of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing ( FMPWH ), has said.

    Mrs Olukorede Keisha, an FMPWH engineer supervising the project, said on Tuesday at the project site that presence of gas pipes and other public utilities in the road’s Right of Way ( RoW ) delayed the project execution.

    The engineer said that the contractors handling the project had, however, resolved the problem.

    Keisha said that 200 metres of concrete road and 230 metres of drains had been constructed on section one of the project.

    “The project is about 10 per cent completed; we finished 230 metres of drain and 200 metres of concrete road on section one.

    “We have about four layers of road to make the pavement rigid; the road thickness is 600mm,’’ she said.

    She said that the project had four sections.

    Keisha told NAN that a design alteration was done to take care of the gas pipelines in the RoW of the road so as to meet the completion date of June 2018.

    “There is no need to relocate the pipelines again; the pipes are encased. We had to redesign in order to safeguard the pipes for work to continue.

    “It is a shift in alignment, we shifted it forward,’’ she said.

    She said that the redesign gave the opportunity for deep excavation to lay a solid foundation for a durable concrete road.

    On potholes on some portions of the highway, Keisha said that rehabilitation work had begun on the bad portions.

    According to Keisha, the ministry will use the Christmas holiday to take care of the most critical portions on the reconstruction zone and other roads in Apapa.

    NAN reports that some rolling machines were being used to compact construction materials on about 500 metres stretch of the road on the Ijora/CMS Carriageway.

    The machines were compacting soil-based materials to connect to a concrete section of the road.

    Read Also: Contractors handling Sukuk road projects to be paid soon-DMO

    Meanwhile, some of the road users have appealed for speedy completion of the project.

    A food vendor, Mrs Kaka Kolo, appealed to the Federal Government to increase funding for road repair in Apapa.

    “Trailers are the ones spoiling the road always. The best thing is for government to give contractors more money to repair roads.

    “Government should not wait for potholes to get big and trailers start falling before it does something,’’ she said.

    Also, Mallam Awal Usman, a truck driver, called for repair of all bad roads on the axis.

    He urged collaboration of all government agencies to end gridlock in Apapa.

    Usman, however, praised traffic managers for checking traffic offences compounding gridlock on the axis.

    Another truck driver, Mr Odu Nwoye, told NAN that the efforts of traffic managers had reduced accidents caused by bad roads and reckless driving on the axis.

    The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, on June 17 signed a N4.34 billion Memorandum of Understanding  ( MoU ) with AG Dangote Construction Company Ltd. and some other stakeholders for the reconstruction of the four-kilometre Apapa-Wharf Road.

    The project is being funded by AG Dangote Construction Company Ltd, the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA ) and Flour Mills of Nigeria.

  • U.S. ICT university to boost ICT in Adamawa

    U.S. ICT university to boost ICT in Adamawa

    Prof. Victor Mbarika, the President, Board of Trustees, ICT University American Foundation has expressed determination of the university to boost ICT in Adamawa.

    Mbarika made the pledge on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa in Yola.

    He said that the ICT network would include e-book library for the state university, e-learning centres in tertiary institutions, e-taxation and e-payment, among others.

    The president said that e-learning centres would provide opportunities for students to access their courses online.

    He said that the e-library would attract American publishers to download their works by at least providing 1,000 books online.

    Mbarika said that the areas of interest by the ICT University would cover the Adamawa State University, Mubi, Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments.

    He said that Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adamawa State Board of Internal Revenue and Bureau for Public Procurement were among areas of interest.

    He said that the partnership would equally create a window for an exchange programme between the students of the university and Adamawa.

    He commended Bindow for his giant stride in the development of road infrastructure.

    “Your roads are among the cleanest I have ever seen,’’ he said.

    Responding, Bindow said that the giant stride development would not only stop on road infrastructure but in other areas of development.

    He said that the administration had declared state of emergency in education and health.

    He said that the administration had rehabilitated 263 schools destroyed by insurgency.

    The governor said that the administration had commenced the repositioning of the state university to compete with world class universities.

    Bindow said that the administration had also sought the enactments for the establishment of State and Local Independent Audit Office which would operate independently devoid of any interference.

    According to him, all these are the demonstration of our commitment to prudence and accountability in governance.

    He commended the ICT University, U.S., for choosing Adamawa for its pilot programme.

    NAN reports that the ICT University American Foundation, was founded in 1880 by the American government.

    The university’s cardinal objective is to be a premier destination for research, innovation and training of scholars in relevant contents for developing economies.