Month: September 2023

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed appreciation to the people of the state and the State Executive Council for supporting him while he acted in place of Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure by his

Press Secretary, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson in Akure.

Aiyedatiwa described the return of Akeredolu as a dedication to the mandate of the people of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu proceeded on medical leave for about three months and resumed on Friday.

The deputy governor, who had acted for the period said that he was in constant touch with him throughout the period.

He said, “This shows my concern for the welfare of the people of the state and I am grateful to the Almighty God for granting our governor an improved health and a safe trip back home.

“Like I had said on a number of occasions, Mr governor was in touch with us throughout that period and that was why we continued to assure the people of the state that there was no cause for alarm over his health.

“That he has resumed duties immediately after returning to the country is a testament to his commitment to the mandate given to him twice by the people of Ondo State.

“His swift resumption also shows his determination to work for them till the last day of his administration,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the prayers of the people of the state for Akeredolu in the last three months and thanked them for showing their love.

“I want to also thank them for the support given me as acting governor during the absence of the governor. I am indeed grateful for the show of love for this administration.

“As we all welcome back Mr. Governor to office, I pray that God Almighty will continue to protect, guide and grant him strength as he continues to lead the good people of Ondo State towards transformational development,” Aiyedatiwa said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has expressed regret over the power outage being experienced by its customers in Awada, Anambra and other locations.

This is contained in a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications of the Company, Mr Emeka Ezeh, in Onitsha on Saturday.

He said, “EEDC wishes to inform its customers that the fault at Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Awada station, which was the reason for the blackout being experienced for some days now, is receiving attention.

“Currently, the TCN engineers are transferring our 3-3, Obosi, and Ossamala 33KV feeders from the faulty TR11, 60MVA 132/33KV power transformer, to the newly commissioned 100MVA power transfomer in Awada TCN station.

“In order to create a safe working space for the engineers, the TR13 60MVA and Mobitra 40MVA 132/33KV power transformers are switched off, thereby affecting Niccus, Nnewi-Oba, Nnewi Industrial, Awada 2 and Army Barracks 33KV feeders.

“All customers that receive electricity supply from these feeders are currently out of supply.”

Ezeh said that the company regrets any inconveniences the development has caused its customers and assured them that once the maintenance is completed, supply will be restored.

He noted that EEDC remains committed to providing improved service delivery.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A pro-democracy group, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) and the the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday sensitised residents of an Abuja community, Abattoir, against use of hard drugs.

Mr Stanley Ugagbe, NACAT’s Operational Manager, said that the programme followed a discovery that the community in Karu was a major hub for the sale of illicit drugs.

Ugagbe, who cautioned residents of the area against the use of hard drags, highlighted the negative impacts on the society.

According to Ugagbe, Section 11 Part II of the NDLEA Act prohibits anyone without any lawful authority from importing, manufacturing, producing, processing, planting or growing drugs like cocaine, heroin or any form of illegal drugs.

“Acting upon a scoop, we conducted a clandestine investigation and uncovered how hard drugs are sold in broad day light in this area.

“As a group that is committed to the fight against drug trafficking, we are here today to sensitise the people against the gross implications of hard drugs.

“Hard drugs are not only dangerous to the people using them but also their families and the society at large.

“When able-bodied men who ought to be contributing meaningfully to the project of nation building resort to hard drugs, we will lose them to those drugs,’’ he said.

While emphasising that the law is clear on the use of hard drugs, Ugagbe urged the sellers to stop the business and find legitimate businesses to do.

“There are so many legitimate businesses you can do to make a living in this country.

“We are appealing to the sellers to put an end to this business that has become a menace in this area,” he said.

Ugagbe also urged those who patronise hard drug sellers to desist from doing so.

“If you starve the sellers of patronage, the business will die a natural death,” he said.

On his part, the NDLEA FCT Command Officer in charge of sensitisation, Augustine Nduka, commended NACAT for sensitising residents of Karu against the dangers of hard drugs.

According to Nduka,the Chairman of NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa had graciously said that the war against illicit drug use was not something the government can do alone.

“That is why we are happy when NGOs take the initiative to collaborate with us as they talk to all segments of the society to sensitize them against the dangers of getting involved in illicit drug use and trafficking.

“The NDLEA is doing so much to ensure that we lessen the impact of these drugs on our society, on the population in general.

“There is marijuana, there is crack cocaine, there is cocaine, there is colorado, there is methamphetamine, ice, there is rohypnol, there is tramadol and there is pudding cough syrup,” Nduka said.

He emphasised that NDLEA was particularly concerned about the banned substances.

“That is why this morning we are happy working with Network against Corruption and Trafficking. And we are welcoming other NGOs, community-based organizations and religious bodies.”

According to Nduka, the agency is looking forward to more collaborative efforts in the future.

He said: “Any other organisation, be it the Church, Mosque, community based organisation, town union meeting, you are free to invite the NDLEA and they will come and talk to your people against dangers of getting involved in illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

“Thank you very much and God bless you all as we stay off drugs in our society.”

Nduka said that the group observed during investigation that hard drugs bought in bulk from states were hidden in bags of garri, rice, cattle and transported to Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roadshow started from ECWA junction in Karu through Abattoir and ended at Abacha road, Karu.

Participants displayed placards that read “Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Drugs”, “Spot the sign, break the chain” and “Your Potential is Limitless without Drugs”.

Others were: “Love Yourself: Break Free from Substance Abuse” and “Say no to drug trafficking’’.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has commenced investigation into an incident involving a United Nigeria Airlines Embraer ERJ145 which occurred en-route Lagos from Abuja on Thursday by 6.33 p.m (local time).

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Saturday by Dr. James Odaudu, the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NSIB, signed on his behalf by Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, NSIB General Manager, Public Affairs.

The statement said the affected aircraft marked 5N-BWY had 51 passengers and four crew members onboard during the incident.

According to the statement, the aircraft landed on Runway 18R of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, skidded off the runway but without any injury or fatality.

“The NSIB, hereby, solicits information from the general public in form of pictures, video or recording evidences to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation.

“The bureau can be reached through [email protected] and NSIB_Nigeria on its social media platforms. The Bureau can also be reached on its emergency line +234-807-709-0909.

“The NSIB will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved and NOT assume the cause of the serious incident until a formal report is released,” the statement said.

It stated that the bureau would release the preliminary report soon.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NSIB is a multimodal investigation agency charged with the mandate to investigate transportation accidents and serious incidents in Nigeria.

This is with the aim of identifying the probable causes and proffer safety recommendations that can prevent reoccurrence.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Fulfilling Dreams Foundation, has appealed to the Kwara Government on the need to implement the Child Rights Law through establishment of more family courts in the state.

The foundation’s Executive Director, Hajia Nimot Labaika, made the call in Ilorin on Saturday.

She said her appeal was aimed at sensitising the public on the implementation of Child Rights Law in Kwara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the foundation is an implementing partner of USAID and Palladium project titled: “Implementation of Child Rights Law”.

Five organisations across the North Central Zone including: Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Platuea and Niger are implementing the project which is being sponsored by USAID Palladium.

Labaika advocated for the establishment of more family courts in the state as a way of ensuring quick dispensation of justice on matters relating to children.

She explained that more family courts should be established, especially at the senatorial level, if not in each of the local government areas.

“We have only one family court that sits twice in a week. The cases are enormous and we cannot afford to deny these children of their rights.

“We are also demanding for the establishment of Juvenile Homes so that our children can be kept if they have any problem.

“We are also looking for the establishment of safe space for girls. We know we have Boaster Home which is for the Federal Government to keep and reform male minors,” she said.

The activist also urged government at all levels to make budgetary provision for the full implementation of child right law.

She expressed the need for a structure called child right implementation committee, which needs fund to function.

“Without fund, they cannot do their duties effectively in protecting the right of these children including right to life, education, good health and love and care within the community,” she said.

Labaika advised parents to equip their children with sound education for them to become responsible citizens, while urging parents to patronise public schools if they can’t afford private schools.

“There is UNESCO law which makes education free, quality and compulsory for children.

“Public schools too are doing well because they have quality teachers and infrastructural facilities are also being upgraded. So, they should not leave their children at home.

“Children are not supposed to hawk during the school hours. The children right law provides that every child of school age must be at the school during the school hours. So, whoever violates this provision must be sanctioned,” she said.

Labaika said the full implementation of child right law domesticated by some states in Nigeria, had not seen the light of the day.

She added that the foundation and other implementing partners are championing the cause of ensuring full implementation of the law across states.

The activist said the rally was to sensitise the public on the existence of the law and its full implementation.

“The rally is to bring all stakeholders together and let people know that there is a law and whoever that violates the law, will be penalised,” she said.

She described the children as leaders of tomorrow and emphasised the need for stakeholders to adequately protect their rights.

“Many of them have been deprived their basic right to education, health, love and care. Everybody including parents and guardians must know that these children the right of these children must be respected and protected.”

Laibaika urged the people to take advantage of the law to prosecute offenders even before the full implementation of the child rights law.

She said that it was in the interest of the state to protect the rights of the child in any circumstance, while reiterating the resolve of the organisation help get it fully implemented.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria