Month: June 2024

A University Don, Prof. Steve Iyayi has urged African leaders to prioritise the welfare of their citizens to avoid repeated military interventions as recently witnessed in the continent.

Iyayi is a Professor of Public Administration and Dean of Social and Management Sciences, WellSpring University, Benin.

He stated this while delivery the 2nd Inaugural Lecture of the WellSpring University, Benin, with the topic: ‘Imperative of Human Centric Governance In Sustaining Democracy in Africa: AN Insight in Niger Republic’.

Iyayi said that several decades after gaining independence, African countries were still grappling with problems of true democratic practice beyond its mere claim.

According to him, indicators of democracy like the rule of law, free and fair elections and people’s participation in state affairs are hardly present in most African countries, adding the relevant institutions that supported impactful governance were also weak, and failed to raise the people’s standard of living.

‘This has signifi
cantly added to the explanations for the rather unending military interventions in most African democracies,’ he said.

On the average, he said, African ranked among the top regions of the world that had experienced military coups and overthrow of constitutionally elected governments.

‘Out of 54 countries in African continent, 45 have had at least one coup attempt since 1950. The total number of coups by the year 2011 was 214, with 106 of the coups being successful.

‘Since then, there have been additional seven coups, all successful thereby bringing the total to 221 coups,’ he said.

Prof. Steve Iyayi

According to Iyayi, democratic governance remains generally unstable in African occasioned by mask of welfare for the people.

He noted that the current situation in Niger Republic was a reflection of the happenings in other countries in the continent with minor variations where they exist at all.

The don said that democratic governance had, therefore, not really addressed the needs of the society and the pe
ople in African region.

Iyayi stressed that the welfare of the people should be prioritised and necessary environment created for them to participate in the affairs of their country.

He said that there was an urgent need to reduce the cost of governance in Africa because the costs were adversely affecting the welfare of the people, adding that, ‘African leaders should evolve workable strategies to fight and reduce poverty in all forms to a tolerable level’.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Ajayi commended Iyayi for the robust lecture which provided insight into Africa’s problems and proffered solutions to them.

Ajayi urged him not to relent in his research efforts and academic pursuit because the education sector would always need researchers like him.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), has warned of an imminent flood disaster in Jahi and Gishiri Districts, Abuja, due to building on waterways.

The acting Director- General (D-G) of FEMD, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, gave the warning in Abuja on Friday, after a risk assessment exercise in the areas by the department.

Wenegieme said that the assessment has revealed that residents have built houses on waterways and flood plains, while drainages were blocked in Jahi and Gishiri.

This, according to her, can lead to flooding, which she described as a disaster waiting to happen.

Wenegieme said, ‘Most of the waterways have been obstructed. Residents have built houses on water ways; they have encroached the streams; they have encroached into rivers.

‘As you can see, the natural water course has been blocked, even the green areas have been overtaken by illegal buildings.’

She explained that the risk assessment exercise was to enable FEMD to develop strategic mitigating measures agai
nst flooding and other disasters and effectively respond to emergencies.

She said that FEMD would write to the Department of Development Control to visit the areas to ensure all developments in the areas were authorised and in conformity with the Abuja Master Plan.

The acting D-G called on FCT residents to desist from building on waterways and sought the cooperation of the residents in the protection of lives and properties following increased volume of rainfall.

In a related development, FEMD has trained 50 staff and volunteers on disaster response in line with global best practices.

Wenegieme said that the simulation training, which began on Thursday, was tagged, ‘Disaster Response Simulation Exercise.’

She said that the training focused on water safety, water rescue, building collapse, and fire outbreaks.

She said that the simulation exercise was organised to enhance the capacity of the staff and volunteers.

‘This simulation exercise and drills are to build our capacity in terms of rescue operations
of any kind while paramedics were trained on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation’.

‘The training exercise is aimed at equipping the staff and volunteers of the department with the needed skills and expertise to help them discharge their duties in line with global best practices,’ she said.

She explained that the volunteer local divers were selected from the six area councils of the FCT.

This, she said, would better equip them with modern and improved methods of rescue operations.

‘We have local divers from the six Area Councils, as such, we need to polish their swimming skills, teach them the modern way of carrying out rescue operations during flooding,’ she said.

Wenegieme thanked the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud for the unflinching support to FEMD.

The Facilitator, Mr Joe Oduah, Chief Executive Officer, RCL Industrial Safety Centre, said that building the capacity of FEMD staff and volunteers would significantly improve disaster response and save lives and pr
operties.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to continue to work towards the objectives of building a united and prosperous South Africa.

In his acceptance speech after being elected by Members of Parliament to be the President of the seventh administration, Ramaphosa on Friday said he was ‘humbled and honoured’ to be entrusted with the responsibility of the office.

‘It is with pleasure that I accept [the re-election]. It will once again be a privilege and pleasure to serve this great nation in the position of President. I wish to thank all leaders for their congratulatory messages.

‘Your messages are a clear clarion call for working together, and they constitute what I see as a well of encouragement, good advice and wisdom,’ President Ramaphosa said.

READ | President Ramaphosa re-elected to lead South Africa

Ramaphosa, the President of the ANC, was re-elected at the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh administration held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre
(CTICC). Earlier in the day, he was also sworn in as a Member of the National Assembly. However, once elected, he ceases to be an MP.

The Constitution stipulates that once elected as President by the National Assembly, the President-elect must assume office within five days by taking an oath or affirming their faithfulness to the Republic and their obedience to the Constitution.

After the conclusion of the first sittings, MPs will proceed to attend the Inauguration of the President-elect, which is scheduled for 19 June 2024 in Pretoria.

Addressing the House as President-elect after securing 283 votes of 339 during Friday’s proceedings, Ramaphosa said he believed that this is an era of hope and inclusivity. He acknowledged the reality of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections results, where no party represented in the National Assembly achieved an outright majority to enable it to work alone legislatively and at the executive level.

‘Through their vote, our people expect all parties to work together wi
thin the framework of our Constitution, and to work as political parties to achieve the objectives of a democratic society based on non-racialism, non-sexism, peace, justice, and to ensure stability and tackle the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality, and to achieve prosperity for all,’ President Ramaphosa said.

He challenged the political parties represented in Parliament to pledge to cooperate to foster national unity, and through the voluntary government of national unity.

Once the President has taken the oath of office, he will proceed to form a Cabinet, selecting Ministers who will head various government departments and execute the administration’s policies. Additionally, the President will convene a joint sitting of the newly established National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces for the Opening of Parliament.

Source: South African Government News Agency

In commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day, staff of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, on Friday donated blood to the nation’s blood bank to save lives, and as service to humanity.

The blood donation drive was through a partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service(LSBTS) and the National Blood Service Commission(NBSC) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the World Blood Donor Day is held annually on June 14 to appreciate voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood and to raise awareness of the need.

The 2024 World Blood Donor Day, which marks the 20th year anniversary of celebrating blood donors, is with the theme: ’20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!’.

Commenting, Mr Sunkanmi Adekeye, Executive Director, Operations of Veritas Kapital Plc, said that the blood donation was done simultaneously in the insurance company’s Lagos and Abuja offices.

Adekeye said this was part of the insurance company’s Corporate Social Responsibility(C
SR) to the public and to also support the government’s campaign on voluntary donation into the country’s blood bank.

Adekeye explained that Veritas Kapital had keyed into the blood donation programmes since year 2022 when it partnered the NBSC in Abuja for its staff to donate blood.

The Executive Director noted that the insurance company extended the mandate to staff of its Lagos office through the LSBTS this year, as a commitment to reach more Nigerians who need blood.

‘As a corporate entity, we are committed to saving lives and giving more people opportunities to live; service to humanity is the best gift of life.

‘We are fully aware of the importance of blood for survival, and as a dutiful insurance firm, we are committed to support government’s campaign and effort to ensure sufficient blood supply in the nation’s blood bank.

‘We need all Nigerians to live in good health and sound mind, as it is a living being that can be insured; hence our effort to also contribute and champion the course of blood d
onation.

Reacting, Mrs Temitope Balogun, Lead Team, LSBTS Voluntary Blood Donation Drive at Veritas Kapital, lauded the underwriting firm for partnering with LSBTS and championing the mission for sufficient blood supply in the country.

Balogun said that Veritas Kapital through its partnership with the blood donating services has joined the league of companies with life saving culture in the country.

‘Veritas Kapital is now on the list of partnering companies with the LSBTS and saving lives of Nigerians,’she said.

According to Balogun,voluntary blood donation increases the availability of blood in blood bank for those who need blood urgently to survive.

She listed patients in need of blood to include: sickle cell and cancer patients, children that are anemic and need blood transfusion, accident victims, a woman who delivered of a baby with complications or bleeding, among others.

According to her, blood donation is beneficial to donors, as it helps them to shed excess iron in the heart, ascertain their b
lood pressure and hemoglobin level, as well as check their prostrates and weights.

Balogun advised male Nigerians to donate blood every three months and for women, every four months.

This, she said, would help in maintaining appropriate well-being as well as contribute to saving the life of others.

NAN also reports that Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc is a leading insurance company in Nigeria licensed to cover all classes of non-life insurance products and services.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says good leadership and national cohesion are critical for fostering stability, progress, and prosperity within our great nation.

The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr Mathew Alao, stated this at the graduation ceremony of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course 1 (LNC), at Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji, Kaduna State, on Friday.

Alao said the graduation was a significant step towards the advancement of peace, security, and unity within our beloved nation, Nigeria and ECOWAS sub-region.

‘Leadership start with us as parent that brings little children to this world. Leadership starts from grassroots.

‘Unfortunately, we have lost it. Nigeria today is very individualistic. It’s all about I and my family. And this is leading us to no where. This is why this course is very critical at this moment.

‘If nothing is done to address the leadership deficit from the family unit, from the community uni
t and community level, we are not going anywhere. Money can not save our society,’ he said.

He commended the participants of the training for dedication to the programme.

‘Over the past two weeks, you have dedicated yourselves to an intensive programme that not only on leadership skills but also fosters an understanding of the essential tenets of national cohesion.

‘Your presence here signifies a commitment to making Nigeria a better, more unified country, ‘he said.

‘Today, we recognize your accomplishments and the bright future that lies ahead.

‘I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Commandant and his team of instructors and resource persons at the Centre for your unwavering commitment to equipping our future leaders.

‘Also acknowledge the generous financial support and strong partnership of the Government of Japan,’ he said

He said the funding and partnership had made the course possible, and dedication to promoting peace and stability in the continent, ECOWAS and Nigeria is deeply ap
preciated.

‘Together, we are working towards a brighter and more unified future for our planet,’ Alao said.

The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Sani Mohammed, noted that the collaborative effort between MLAILPKC and the Japanese Government through the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) which gave raise to the course.

The Chief of Training was represented by Maj-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

He said a country without national integration was often implied as the country deprived of social cohesion, sense of nationalism and with a failed socio-politico-economy.

‘In bringing up these values, there lies a strong leadership role,’ he said.

He said the overall objective of the LNC was to develop human capacity to equip the participants to be able to handle challenges that arises with leadership.

‘It was aimed at identifying, analyzing and evaluating the drivers of disunity, disintegration and insurrection in the polity in order to provide a pathway for
national integration and cohesion,’ Mohammed said .

Also in his remarks the Commandant, MLAILPKC Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the LNC was designed to provide the participants with the skills and knowledge required to operate effectively in a complex dynamic multi-disciplinary, multi- cultural and religious environment.

He said it was also aimed at equipping participants to become role models in their various establishments and in addition, good ambassadors of this Centre.

‘As you graduate today, as the pioneers of the LNC, please know you are vanguards of improved Leadership and National Cohesion.

‘You must always remember that so much has been given to you and as such, so much is expected from you as trained Leadership and National Cohesion Officers, ‘Adedoja said.

Adedoja appreciate the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their enormous support towards achieving success of this course.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has announced that over 21,000 individuals will benefit from ECOWAS stabilisation funds for victims of flood disasters in six of the most affected states.

Mr Abubakar Kende, Secretary General of NRCS, disclosed this information on Thursday in Abuja during an inception meeting for ECOWAS humanitarian support for people affected by floods in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Rivers states.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the meeting, themed ‘Building Stronger and Resilient Families in Nigeria,’ was organised in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

During the meeting, ECOWAS presented a cheque for $906,200 to the Red Cross to aid in the effective implementation of its stabilisation programme.

Kende, represented by NRCS Director of Disaster Management Mr Benson Agbo, stated that the stabilisation funds would be used to support flood victims.

‘In our effort to allev
iate the suffering of the vulnerable in Nigeria, we have signed a tripartite agreement with ECOWAS and the Humanitarian Ministry.

‘This agreement aims to support communities affected by flood disasters in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Rivers states.

‘We are ready to deliver essential humanitarian aid to 21,000 individuals in 3,500 households across these six severely affected states. This gesture will ensure that flood survivors can return to their normal lives,’ he said.

Kende appealed to stakeholders to provide the necessary support to boost the socio-economic well-being of the victims.

‘We encourage relevant stakeholders to act and provide the necessary infrastructure needed to control and mitigate the effects of flooding, thereby improving people’s lives.

‘As the implementing partner, the Nigerian Red Cross Society will execute the project in the six states, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of assistance and maintaining a transparent process,’ Kende said.

Mr Guy Adoua, Deputy Countr
y Director of WFP in Nigeria, stated that the programme had built an enduring structure critical to delivering food and nutrition to vulnerable people.

‘We have not only addressed immediate food and nutrition needs of these vulnerable communities, but we have also made significant strides in strengthening their resilience.

‘Our work in Nigeria during 2021-2022 has demonstrated the profound difference that coordinated efforts and strategic partnerships can make.

‘WFP will provide multi-dimensional assistance to 14,394 people in Katsina and Sokoto states using the ECOWAS funds,’ Adoua said.

According to him, this assistance will include food and nutrition support, building capacity for state systems, and psycho-social support to promote social cohesion and peace for six months.

Prof. Fatou Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, stated that ECOWAS would continue to support member states in improving the livelihoods of their citizens.

‘Our focus will continue to be people-center
ed; therefore, projects such as this will remain the focus of ECOWAS programming. We invite you all to join us in changing the lives and livelihoods of our people for good, especially those at the grassroots,’ Sarr said.

She also presented a cheque for $1 million to WFP to ensure the effective implementation of the ECOWAS stabilisation programme, providing food and nutrition especially to victims of violence in Nigeria.

Mr Valentine Ezulu, Director of Humanitarian Affairs in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, assured stakeholders of the federal government’s determination to provide mechanisms to mitigate the impact of floods and their consequences.

He appreciated ECOWAS’ intervention in Nigeria and stated that the project would help improve food security and nutrition for vulnerable groups in the affected states.

He recalled that the 2021 phase one beneficiaries of the ECOWAS Food and Nutrition support were Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states.

Source: News Agenc
y of Nigeria