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  • ABU senior staffs pull out of national strike, resume Wednesday

    ABU senior staffs pull out of national strike, resume Wednesday

    The Ahmadu Bello University chapter of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities Union (SSANU) has pulled out of the national strike embarked since December 2017.

    The senior staff union after its congress held at the union secretariat in the main campus of the on Tuesday therefore directed all its members to resume work immediately.

    Briefing newsmen shortly after the congress, the union’s chairman Ilyas Abdulrauf Bello said the national strike had lost direction and focus hence the decision of the chapter’s congress to pull out and resume work.

    According to Bello “The union embarked on the strike action on the 4th of December 2017. This is the 4th month and up till now, the strike has lost direction, it has lost focus. The government is not inviting the union, most universities are in session, academic activities are in progress. And so, we felt the best we could do is to call on our members to resume work immediately.

    “This idea was muted by the congress and it was unanimously adopted. On this note the SSANU members have been directed by the congress of SSANU, Ahmadu Bello University chapter to resume work with immediate effect”, he said.

    Bello also lamented that, continuing with strike where academic activities are going on smoothly and the striking workers getting their salaries regularly was meaningless.

    The SSANU members were also angered by the purported expulsion of their chapter chairman and resolved that, the letter of expulsion issued to their chairman, Ilyas Abdulrauf Bello was null, void and of no effect.

    The association said that, the constitution of the the union was not followed in the purported expulsion, adding that, the national body of the union does not have power to expel any official or member of the local chapter.

    The Chairman also disclosed that, the congress of the ABU chapter also expelled some erring members upon their failure to appear before its disciplinary committee after their initial suspension.

     

  • Right leadership will entrench democracy in Africa, says Buhari

    Right leadership will entrench democracy in Africa, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, said with the right leadership and implementation of public policies, Africa’s drive to eradicate poverty and entrench democracy is on course.

    In his speech at Ghana’s 61stIndependence anniversary celebration at the Independence Square in Accra, President Buhari noted that Nigeria and Ghana were benefitting immensely from leaders committed to improving their economies and tackling corruption.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, commended President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana on his achievements in the first year in office, lauding his committed fight against corruption and the passing of the Special Prosecutors Bill into law.

    He pledged Nigeria’s support to Ghana in the fight against corruption, noting that the menace of corruption had eaten into the fabrics of both societies.

    ‘‘From Nigeria, I have watched closely your achievements, ranging from your ingenious approach to creating jobs for the teeming youths through various initiatives, including the repositioning of agriculture for modern farming, ‘Farming for Jobs and Food’, Senior High School (SHS) free education, One-District-One-Factory, and One-Village-One-Dam as well as the improvement being recorded in the Republic’s macroeconomic indicators.

    ‘‘All these efforts, I am aware, have made Ghana to become a good destination for foreign direct investment just like Nigeria. Accept my congratulations!

    ‘‘I congratulate both the government and the Parliament for the quick passage of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act and its signing into law.

    ‘‘Your Excellency can be assured that you have a good partner in me as I look forward to any form of collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana in tackling the menace of endemic corruption.

    ‘‘Given all these public policies, it becomes reassuring that with the right leadership, Africa’s drives to eradicate poverty and to entrench democracy is on course,’’ he said.

    President Buhari, who was the special guest of honour at the ceremony, recounted the historic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Ghana, urging citizens of both countries to uphold the fraternal relations.

    ‘‘It is, therefore, my strong desire that we owe it as a duty to ensure that our good peoples continue to live in each other’s countries unhindered.

    ‘‘Our newly rejuvenated Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation has already provided us with good platform in resolving any differences while focusing on our main developmental objectives,’’ the President said.

    Commenting on peace and security in West Africa, the President commended Akufo-Addo’s contribution to ensuring peace in neighbouring Togo.

    ‘‘Permit me to put on record, Ghana’s untiring efforts in brokering peace in Togo, by bringing all the warring parties to the negotiation table.  I am appealing to the opposing parties in Togo to please come together and resolve their differences so that Togo will move forward.

    ‘‘In the same vein, I wish Nigeria and Ghana to continue to provide the impetus in realising the objectives and ideals of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to ensure security, peace and development of our region,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Buhari to attend Ghana’s 61st Independence Anniversary

  • Pirates kill two, injure others in Bayelsa

    Pirates kill two, injure others in Bayelsa

     

    Gunmen suspected to be pirates have invaded Ayama community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, killing two and injuring three others.

    It was gathered that the hoodlums seized the community at about 9pm on Monday, shot sporadically and caused pandemonium in the area.

    A member representing Ogbia Constituency II, Mr. Munalayefa Edwin Gibson confirmed the development.

    Gibson condemned the attack and lamented that the gunmen shot consistently for over 30 minutes.

    He said they later took away more than 10 speedboats at the waterfront.

    It was gathered that after the attack, the same gang of terrorists stormed Ogbia Town around12:30pm on Tuesday.

    They were said to have kidnapped one Mrs. Augusta Apaga and stole four 75 horsepower engine boats.

    Read Also: Police arrest 18 suspected armed robbers, cultists in Bayelsa

    The lawmaker said the council had been thrown into mourning especially Anyama community where three persons were feared dead and two in critical conditions.

    Gibson described the separate  incidents as senseless, wicked and barbaric.

    He lamented rising cases of sea piracy and kidnapping along coastal communities in Ogbia.

    He said: “The way and manner the merchants of evil operate is suggestive that there are insider collaborators from the communities acting as informants and sponsors and benefitting from the blood money.

    “I sympathise with the affected communities especially the victims and advise communities to be more vigilant and work even harder towards supplying security agencies with relevant information which  is critical to tracking the suspects”.

    He called on security agencies to double their efforts in locating and arresting persons behind the dastardly acts.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Asinim Butswat, confirmed the development and said investigations were ongoing.

     

  • LG polls: Obaseki lauds Edo people, security agencies, others

    LG polls: Obaseki lauds Edo people, security agencies, others

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obseki, has expressed his appreciation to Edo voters, civil society organisations, the media, security agencies and other stakeholders for the successful conduct of last Saturday’s local council polls in the state.

    In his message of appreciation on the sideline of the swearing-in of the elected officials, Obaseki noted that “the elections will go down in the annals of history as the most peaceful and most organised elections, devoid of chaos and disorderliness, unlike what we have been used to in this part of the world.”

    He said: “As a government, we are extremely proud of Edo voters for changing the narrative of how Nigerians participate in elections. For the first time in our recent political history, voting was done in the most civilised manner.

    He lauded security agencies, traditional rulers, party leaders, members of the civil society and other stakeholders for their roles in setting the stage for the peaceful conduct of the local council polls across the state.

    “Voters took their time, went to their various polling centers, cast their votes and went home without any troubles. The Edo LG Polls have set a new template for future elections in the country and will go down in the annals of Nigeria’s recent electoral history as the most peaceful and orderly elections in the country.

    The governor commended the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) for living up to their word, as “the success of the polls would not have been possible without the effort of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). I salute EDSIEC for living up to their word.

    “I had charged EDSIEC before the local council polls that we wanted a hitch-free exercise devoid of crisis and they promised to do their best and I am happy to report a successful exercise and we are pleased with the outcome of the polls.

    “I congratulate the elected local government chairmen and councilors who were sworn-in on Monday and urge you to commence work immediately by replicating our ‘Wake and See’ approach to governance at the local councils.”

    He told the elected officials that “Governance is about service delivery. You must feel the pulses of the people; attend to their needs by providing tangible, measurable, verifiable and impactful projects that can improve the lives of our people in the grassroots.”

    Read Also: New council executives will deepen strategic leadership, devt at LGAs – Obaseki

  • Minister warns board members against interference

    Minister warns board members against interference

    The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has warned boards of health institutions in the country not to interfere with the day to day running of the government agencies under them.

    Adewole equally reminded them that their appointments are on part time basis.

    Besides, the minister also urged members of the board to address the incessant strike actions and inter-rivalry in the sector.

    He spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the governing boards of Paratstals, agencies and institutions under the ministry. The boards that were inaugurated are: the Teaching Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres, National Orthopedic Hospitals, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospitals, National Health Insurance Schemes (NHIS) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

    He said: “Except where expressly stated by statute, Board appointments are part time. Management of your Agencies and hospitals should therefore be allowed to perform the day to day running of these organizations without hindrance. Your allowances and entitlements as board members are guided by extant circulars that will be distributed to you in due course. Please acquaint yourselves with the circulars for proper guidance.

    “The principles of change, good governance and accountability in the affairs of health institutions must be adhered to. These essentially require adherence to extant laws, Circulars, and regulations. For emphases, I commend this to you as a useful tool towards achieving the change we all yearn for in the health sector.

    “It is the expectation of this administration that each Governing Board will put measures in place that will strengthen the resource base of your Agencies and Institutions, increase internally generated revenue and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the use of these resources in line with Financial Regulations. Procurement and Contracts are not your functions, as you are advised to keep strictly to the provisions of the procurement Act 2007, as provided by the Bureau of Public procurement.”

    He also reminded members of the various boards that as a creation of statutes, their responsibilities are to give policy direction to the management of Institutions.

    He added, “I therefore wish to emphasize that Government expects no less from these boards that are to be inaugurated today. Your Agencies are critical to the achievement of developmental goals of government, being implementing entities of the health sector. You are all enjoined to commit to achieving this mandate and to live above board.

    “The roles you are being called upon to play revolve around setting the standards for control and discipline which are the core elements required for any positive change to take place. Your appointments should be seen as an opportunity to make useful and selfless contributions toward uplifting healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.

    “For health institutions to have the desired impact on the lives of our citizens, they must be of the right quality, skill mix and right attitude to service delivery.”

    On the incessant strike actions in the sector, the minister said “It is your responsibility as Chairmen and Members of the Governing Boards to bring about this desired change in the short term. You must acquaint yourselves with the mandates as contained in the enabling Act of your Parastatal, Agency and Institution.”

    Read Also: Health minister inspects cancer treatment machine in Abuja

    The minister also reminded them of the task ahead of them, saying “when considered in totality, the task before you is challenging. I must prepare your minds on some of the key challenges within the sector, which will require your immediate attention as you assume duties.

    As new boards, he added, “There are continuing contentions and inter professional rivalry in the Health Sector. Right from the inception of this administration, the health sector has been overwhelmed with demands from various trade unions and professional bodies and associations within the health sector. The reports emanating from the sector has been that of incessant strikes, with attendant low productivity and resultant poor service delivery.

    “As Chairmen and Members of the Governing Boards, you have the primary responsibility to perform, which involves calming down frayed nerves, resolving industrial disharmony and ensuring an end to incessant strikes by trade unions in the health sector. We should make our hospitals better known for efficient and effective health care services than for the lack of such. Our ministry will support in any way to enhance resolutions where necessary.

    “Professional discipline amongst Health Professionals. This is one of the most important tasks you must carry out as Governing Boards. It requires due diligence, transparency, firmness and fairness. There is a significant number of cases of professional misconduct pending against some health professionals under your purview. These should be dispensed with expeditiously to ensure public confidence in the health sector.”

    The board he also said is “required to devise innovative ways of ensuring that health professionals across board, collaborate with each other in the spirit of professional interdependence and that they comply with prescribed Code of Practice and Professional Conduct while maintaining the highest ethical decorum in and out of the work place.

    “I urge you to take the accreditation of your various institutions by the various postgraduate medical colleges seriously and come up with innovative ways that would lead to accreditation where there is deficiency. You are to ensure that your Hospitals comply with the quality requirements and standards prescribed by the National Health Act, as you will be evaluated based on services delivered and in keeping with medical Audit. The National Tertiary Health Institution Standard Committee (NTHSC) will drive the Medical Audit process, prepare periodic master plans for the balanced and coordinated development of tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. You must cooperate with the Committee to achieve the objectives of the National Health Act 2014.”

    Irrespective of the challenges, the minister said they were carefully selected for the appointment.

     

  • Okpokwu killings: Death toll raises from 9 to 40

    Okpokwu killings: Death toll raises from 9 to 40

    Governor Samuel Ortom has visited Omusu community, Edumoga where Fulani herdsmen massacred  over 40 people.

    Hon Francis Olofu Ogwuche, chairman Okpokwu council told the governor he had earlier visited the community for a peace meeting.

    According to him, shortly after he left the place he received a distress call that Fulani men have invaded the area killing and maiming children and women.

    He said he immediately mobilised security agencies to the scene but the attackers had already fled leaving death and destruction of properties.

    Gov Ortom condemned the attack on this community and charged security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

    The community has been deserted for fear of further attacks and the dead bodies have been deposited at the morgue of a government medical facility at Okpoga.

    The survivors among them women and children are been treated at various hospitals .

    Okpokwu is in Benue south senatorial zone and the country home of former Minister of Interior Comrade Abba Morro.

    Police spokesman DSP Moses Yamu said only 15 people have been killed and police are on top of the situation.

  • Kwara Assembly bans buy, sale, of human parts

    Kwara Assembly bans buy, sale, of human parts

    Kwara state House of Assembly has enacted a law prohibiting illicit dealing in human parts in the state

    The bill was sponsored by a member representing Owode/Onire Constituency Abdul Rasheed Taiwo Abdullahi.

    Under the law, whoever buys, sells or has in his possession for the purpose of buying or selling or trafficking any human parts commits an offence and liable to not less than 10 years imprisonment.

    The law also makes it an offence for anybody to look for, give, receive, sell or uses,  things used to bath, clean or remove from human corpse

    Commenting on the bill, the Speaker Dr. Ali Ahmad, expressed happiness with the passage of the law which he said reflects the wishes of the people of Kwara State.

    He therefore warned perpetrators of the evil act, including landlords harbouring ritualists, grave diggers and traffickers that the punishment is 10-15 years imprisonment and fines of N 100,000.

     

  • Ecologist urges govt. to educate Nigerians against carbon

    Ecologist urges govt. to educate Nigerians against carbon

    Mr Habib Omotosho, an ecologist, has advise government to educate Nigerians on green and low carbon initiatives and projects, to enable them support the efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

    Omotosho, who is the National Coordinator, Environmental Advancement Initiative, an NGO, gave the advice in an interview with our reporter in Abuja on Tuesday.

    “Government should enlighten citizens as well as empowering men and women, youths and children in green and low carbon initiatives and projects.

    “This will assist in actualising green and safe environment for all Nigerians as well as transforming our surroundings into better and appreciable outlooks,’’ he said.

    The expert and urged people to join the advocacy for safe and healthy environment as well as make donations that would support the climate change mitigation activities.

    Read Also :‘Foreigners must not take digital switch over from Nigerians’

    Omotosho also called on the government to invest more in low carbon growth initiatives and support partnership that would increase resilience to climate change risks.

    “Government at all levels should priorities investments in low-carbon energy projects, particularly in the areas of cooking modes, transportation modes and clean energy options.

    “To this end, private sector investments should be encouraged for the production and distribution of clean cooking technologies, low carbon travel options.’’

    He identified such options to include: bicycles, hybrid cars, tricycles and other low carbon or non-carbon emitting energy options.

    “Nigeria has a huge economic potential; a brilliant climate and environment future that cannot be left to be ravaged by the adverse effect of climate change.’’

    NAN

  • Ondo vows to clamp down on illegal abattoirs

    Ondo vows to clamp down on illegal abattoirs

    Ondo State Government has vowed to clamp down on illegal abattoir and meat slab operators in the 18 local government areas of the state.

    Mr Adegboyega Adefarati, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, made this known on Tuesday in Akure while sealing off the premises of an illegal abattoir in Shasha Market on Akure/Owo Expressway.

    According to Adefarati, the abattoir owned and operated by one Alhaji Sambawa, is located close to a public toilet and the expressway, making the meat unhygienic for consumption.

    The commissioner explained that several warnings had been issued to the operator “but he turned a deaf ear”.

    Adefarati, who noted that more than 70 per cent of the diseases that affect humans come from animals, said that government would do everything possible to safeguard the health of the people.

    Read Also: Ondo APC spokesman loses mum

    “The meat on their slab here is not safe for consumption as it can be easily contaminated because of the closeness to public toilets and the expressway.

    “The operation contravenes the law of the state. It causes us a loss of revenue aside from the danger it poses to the public, and we will not fold our arms and watch them kill our people.

    “We, therefore, warn all owners of illegal abattoirs and meat slabs operating in unhygienic environments to close shop or face the wrath of government.

    “We also urge all unregistered private abattoirs to register with government for approval before slaughtering animals for sale,” the commissioner said.

    NAN

  • Kano’s population its greatest asset – Ganduje

    Kano’s population its greatest asset – Ganduje

    Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Tuesday pledged to deploy the state’s population to stimulate the economy and ensure growth and development.

    He also pledged to offer women equal opportunities to attain their potentials in life.

    Ganduje made the remarks on Tuesday when he visited 150 young men and women sponsored by his administration for skills training at Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria ( PAN ) in Kaduna.

    Out of the 150 trainees, 100 are males, and 50 females.

    “Population can be a liability, but we are making our population an asset, and the best way to make our population to be an asset is by developing skills acquisition among our youth.

    “We assure you, we are training you not only for you to work but also to employ others.

    “This government is very serious on women empowerment; days are gone when women still rely on meagre resources.

    “We want you to be earning good income, it is necessary for women, that is why we are exposing them to all kinds of legitimate trades so as to earn a living.

    “Once you are earning good income; it will contribute to peaceful co-existence with your husbands and families and that is what this government is doing.’’

    The governor disclosed that the government has built a N5 billion skills acquisition centre to empower and create enabling environment for sustainable skills in the state.

    Ganduje said his dream was to make Kano the hub of international trade attracting investors and traders from across the globe to the city.
    The governor faulted the current curriculum in the country’s education system, saying it can no longer sustain Nigeria’s manpower development needs.

    “So we want to break from that, the only way we can do it is to modify our curriculum.

    “To see that we have identified the necessary skills we need in our day-to-day activities, so that youth will embrace skills and be trained, that is the only way to ensure sustainability in terms of employment in the country,” he said.

    He said that the state government had commissioned a study which identified 24 trades which would offer gainful employment to the youth.

    “That is why we decided to build an ultra modern skills acquisition centre in Kano worth N5 billion.

    Earlier the Managing Director of PAN, Mr Ibrahim Boyi said the company was training the second batch of trainees from the state, with the first batch having 75 participants and 150 in the second batch.

    “The Governor during the graduation of first batch, promised that the second batch will include girls and women, and you can see clearly, the direction of the government in ensuring youth empowerment on inclusive bases, so that nobody is left behind.’’

    Boyi assured the governor that PAN would give the students the best training they deserve.

    NAN