Day: July 8, 2024

The Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN) has decried the nonchalant attitude of its members toward the health insurance scheme plan provided for them.

Its National President, Mrs Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

NAN reports that CDGN comprises of production designers, makeup artists, costume designers and property managers.

According to Osawaru-Akinyemi, the guild members are not indicating interest in the scheme in spite being an affordable package.

She, however, advised them to prioritise taking absolute care of their health and not subject to begging for financial assistance from the public when their health deteriorate.

‘Right from the administration of my predecessors, majority of our members have never taken the health insurance seriously. We want the narrative to change this time.

‘We have partnered with the Association of Movie Practitioners (AMP) and some other guilds to enrol our members in health insurance scheme under Relia
nce Insurance but we can only have few members enrol.

‘The package has made provision for families of four, five and six. I want them to realise that health is wealth, we should all pay keen attention to our health.

‘I will also advise members to always engage in annual overall medical check-up, this is what I do with my family, this will make us realise if there are issues with our health before it degenerates,’ she said.

Osawaru-Akinyemi, who had just marked her one year anniversary in office, said the leadership of the guild had laid the foundation for a smooth and effective administrative structure within the year.

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She said a couple of training had been done, which were geared toward building capacity for members.

She noted that her team had clear focus on corporate visibility.

‘I remain excited that the guild members have been able to earn their respect as the creative power of Nollywood.

‘I must say the past year has not been eas
y, but I have been doing my best, knowing that followership is partnering with a visionary leader to achieve common goals.

‘Many thanks to the commitment of my team, the excos and members of CDGN as a whole,’ she said.

Osawaru-Akinyemi, who is also the Vice Chairperson of Federation of Nollywood Head of Guilds and Associations, said that the head of guilds were working hard to ensure professionalism and create an enabling environment for collaboration among creatives.

‘Given the kind of leaders we have now, we are all working in synergy in the interest of the industry and that for me is the icing on the cake.

‘I am glad that members have begun to realise who they are and have a better understanding of their profession.

‘They are very conscious of quality service delivery, the reason is that when I came on board, we engaged in several self-awareness campaigns,’ she said.

Reacting to the sad incident where a makeup artist drowned and lost her life in River Niger at Onitsha, Osawaru-Akinyemi said the guild
had scaled up the safety consciousness of professionals.

She said the rules of engagement for scenes on water had also been spelt out, and would be strictly adhered to.

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‘Stakeholders are together on the sustainability of safety culture for our industry. Reorientation of members and basic rescue training are all on the way.

‘Now, we must know where filming is ongoing so our task force can be on ground to ensure conformity to rules of engagement and on hand for rescue in case things go wrong,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Population Commission (NPC) is prepared to conduct the National Population and Housing Census but awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s approval for a date, the Chairman, Mr Isa Kwarra, says.

Kwarra said this on Monday in Abuja at a new conference, to herald the commemoration of the World Population Day 2024, marked on July 11 every year.

This year’s celebration has the theme: ‘Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All’.

According to Kwarra, the United Nations recommends that censuses are conducted every 10 years.

‘The 2020 round of census is ending this year. We will be making a hypothesis to make sure that we conduct the census before the 2020 round of census comes to an end.

‘I want to believe that we will get it right, we are just waiting on the president to give us the date, and the commission is ever prepared to do it once we have a date declared by the President.

‘The resources should be able to recruit extra hands to help us in conducting a ve
ry robust census that will provide inclusive data that is not just verifiable, but will be acceptable by all.

‘If we start now, we can achieve it; at least the 2020 round of census gives us an opportunity to extend up to April 2025.’

He, however, said that the commission would prefer to carry out the exercise in November, as that was what was planned for earlier in the year.

Speaking about the importance of conducting the census, Kwarra said it would enable the nation have the right information/evidence/data for measuring and predicting likely demographic shifts.

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‘We need to hold a census that will deploy modern technology to generate timely, reliable and acceptable data required for addressing the different needs of the various population groups.

‘Also, to implement interventions that will create opportunities for progress and remove barriers and inhibitions.’

The Country Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Gif
ty Addico, said that timely censuses would provide the baseline data needed to track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Represented by the Deputy Country Representative, Mr Koessan Kuawu, Addico said that it would also help to formulate policies that addressed the diverse needs of Nigeria’s population.

‘In Nigeria, our delay to generate timely inclusive data through the Population and Housing Census and other exercises have masked the progress made, so much so that obsolete data is being used to assess our progress made toward the SDGs.

‘Hence, timely population and housing census represents a critical opportunity.

‘As we prepare to enter a new 2030 round of population and housing census era, we must ensure that our data generation exercises are prioritised and conducted timely and regularly.

‘We must be respectful of individual rights and accurately reflects the multifaceted experiences of all people.

‘I, therefore, call on Nigeria to build a resilient and equitable future, by pr
ioritising investment in comprehensive population data systems, ensuring safe and inclusive data collection, collaborating with marginalised communities, leveraging technology responsibly, and supporting the national census.’

The Chairman, Association of the Advancement of the Family Planning (AAFP), Dr Ejike Orji, said that without census data, the country was like a ship without a rudder for decision makers.

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He also said that having committed more than 70 per cent of the resources needed for the census if the exercise was not carried out, Nigeria would lose a lot.

‘So, that is why we are appealing that government should make sure this happens. If it doesn’t happen, we’re in trouble.’

On the theme for the World Population Day 2024, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, said that it held a particular significance for Nigeria, a nation of immense potential and diverse demographics.

‘Inclusive data is the corn
erstone of informed decision-making and policy development.

‘It provides us with the insights needed to understand the realities faced by different segments of our population and empowers us to design targeted interventions to address inequalities and disparities.

He added that Nigeria’s population which was diverse and vibrant presented both immense opportunities and significant challenges.

‘However, to effectively harness the full potential of the demographic landscape, the nation needed data that was not only comprehensive but also inclusive.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency responders have recovered the body of a female biker trapped under a loaded containerised truck in Lagos.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, on Monday in Lagos.

The statement said the incident occurred at about 6:15 a.m., at Sifax inward, Iganmu Bridge, Lagos.

It said that the driver of the loaded containerised truck lost control while on motion and fell on the female biker, while descending Iganmu Bridge.

‘Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck driver, who was on speed, lost control and caused the truck to fall on the female biker.

‘The driver fled the scene upon realising the severity of the accident.

‘Immediately after the incident, LASTMA personnel called on other emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU), for rescue operation,’ it said.

It said th
at the deceased’s body was taken away by personnel from the Lagos State Ambulance Service, and the containerised truck was evacuated to clear the way for free vehicular movement on Iganmu Bridge.

‘Police officers from Ijora Badia provided security during the rescue operation,’ it said.

While expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, the statement warned truck drivers to adhere to speed limits both within and outside the state.

It also advised motorcycle operators, both commercial and private to obey traffic rules and regulations as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_:With the seventh administration having been sworn in, and the Government of National Unity (GNU) established, the country’s provinces are putting their shovels to the ground to ensure service delivery.

Just as at a national level, the country’s nine provinces also recently announced their new Cabinets, following the landscape changing elections of 29 May which resulted in no outright majority for political parties.

The elections led to the formation of the GNU which comprises a national executive that is made up of 32 ministers that are supported by 43 deputy ministers from nine political parties out of the 11 that form the GNU.

SAnews recently spoke to the new KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, as the province begins a journey of power-sharing among political parties through the Provincial Government of Unity (GPU). The GPU is modelled on the GNU.

The new Cabinet for the province was announced by Premier Thami Ntuli last month and the new government which is made up of va
rious parties is looking forward to adopting an integrated approach to accelerate service delivery.

Duma is one of the three African National Congress KZN members of the provincial legislature.

This comes after the recent swearing in of the new Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) comprising the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and the National Freedom Party (NFP), who have all joined hands towards achieving a Government of Provincial Unity.

Accelerating service delivery

The GPU aims to improve the lives of the people in the province.

Duma who served as the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in the sixth administration, said the journey to prosperity for the province has begun under the GPU, adding that the new provincial government will work for the vulnerable members of society.

‘As KwaZulu-Natal through the Government of Provincial Unity, which is modelled along the GNU, we have adopted an integrated approach to accelerate service deliver
y. We are inspiring hope for a better future as all spheres of government are working towards achieving common objectives across all political lines,’ Duma told SAnews.

Like most things in life, change is inevitable as evidenced also by the merger of the Departments of Transport and Human Settlements to which Duma said the province is cooperating to ensure the allocation of resources and the removal of bottlenecks for the benefit of local communities.

‘Nothing should stand between voters and service delivery,’ he emphasised.

The MEC is energetic about his new portfolio and the wellbeing of the province, which has in recent times experienced devastating floods.

‘As an elected public representative, leading all categories of staff in both departments, we are determined to accelerate the rollout of construction projects throughout the province.

‘We are focusing on re-engineering and transforming our economy for the benefit of the people of this province, especially in the rural areas and the townships. On t
he other hand, we are also inspiring hope for a better future.’

Last week, the MEC held a meeting with all categories of staff in both the departments (Housing and Human Settlements) in uThukela, Umzinyathi and Amajuba Regions.

At the meeting, he reminded staff that they are the engine of service delivery while also appreciating their contribution to the rollout of socio-economic infrastructure.

‘Collectively, we must be exemplary in our conduct. The word ‘freedom’ will have a meaning if we respond with a sense of urgency to the needs of the people,” Duma said.

Duma, who also had his first interaction with the management committees of both departments recently, emphasised that all categories of staff must work together to strengthen the Government of Provincial Unity.

The new Cabinet of KwaZulu-Natal stands as follows:

-Premier: Thami Ntuli (IFP)

-Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC: Musa Zondi (IFP).

– Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC: Thulasizwe Buthelezi (I
FP).

– Health MEC: Nomagugu Simelane (ANC).

– Social Development MEC: Mbali Shinga (NFP).

– Public Works MEC: Marthinus Meyer (DA).

– Finance MEC: Francois Rodgers (DA).

– Agriculture and Rural Development MEC: Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa (IFP).

– Transport and Human Settlement MEC: Siboniso Duma (ANC)

– Education MEC: Sipho Hlomuka (ANC).

– Sports Arts and Culture MEC: Mntomuhle Khawula (IFP).

Hitting the ground running

Asked about the future of the province, Duma said: ‘The look and feel of the province over the next 30 years, will be determined by what the provincial government does every hour of the day, every week of the month and every month of the year.’

The new provincial Cabinet has already hit the ground running with Premier Ntuli reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to rebuilding the areas affected by the recent devastating storms and to implementing measures to mitigate the impact of future occurrences. The Premier also reiterated his commitment to a team-oriented approach
to governance, and to collaborate with everyone willing to work alongside him.

Meanwhile, MEC Rodgers started to demonstrate his commitment to ensure effective spending of the provincial budget by closing down the office on the 9th floor of The Marine Building in Durban.

Rodgers said the closure of the leased offices will save the KZN Treasury an estimated R1 million a year, which will be directed to other strategic service delivery needs of the department in supporting the province.

With all the nine provincial Cabinets in place, what is clear is that there’s a willingness from all sides to hop on the bus that leads to service delivery for all.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Seven men, aged between 27 and 75, have been arrested for the unlawful possession of firearms in the Ekombe area, which falls under the Muden policing precinct.

The arrests were as a result of an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Umzinyathi District Task Team, together with the SAPS’ National Deployment team.

‘On Monday, a possible murder was prevented after information was received about a group of men that were at a homestead at Ekombe area, who were in possession of high calibre firearms.

‘Police swiftly responded to the identified area and on arrival, six men were arrested after being found with an AK47 rifle, a 308 hunting rifle and three pistols all with ammunition,’ said the police in a statement.

The operation proceeded to a second target where there was believed to be a suspect who is in possession of unlicensed firearms.

On arrival at the identified location, one male suspect was arrested after being found in possession of an AK47 rifle and a .38 special revolver with ammunition.

All seven suspects were detained at Muden Police Station and they are expected to appear in the Greytown Magistrate Court soon.

The District Commissioner, Major General Francis Slambert, congratulated all the police members involved in bringing the perpetrators to book.

Source: South African Government News Agency

A suspect who was arrested at the weekend during a routine stop and search procedure by members of the police’s Flying Squad will make his first court appearance in Athlone in the Western Cape on Monday.

The suspect was discovered with an arms cache and a substantial quantity of drugs and arrested in Goodwood.

According to a statement by the South African Police Service (SAPS), vigilant Flying Squad members were drawn to a suspicious silver Ford double cab bakkie, which prompted them to stop and search the vehicle and the occupant.

The search resulted in the discovery of an unlicensed 9mm firearm, drugs and a substantial amount of cash.

The 28-year-old driver was arrested and interrogated which led the SAPS to an apartment in the Bergzicht complex, situated in Goodwood.

There a further 19 firearms of various calibers were found, including an AK47 assault rifle, a shotgun and other automatic and semi-automatic firearms, as well as an assortment of drugs valued at R3 million.

‘We have reason to believe th
at the apartment, which is leased in the suspect’s name, was never used as a residence, but rather a storing facility for the firearms and the drugs,’ the South African Police Service said in a statement.

‘As our investigation unfolds, the possibility that more suspects can be apprehended is not excluded. The arrest of the suspect and subsequent seizure are deemed a step in the right direction to tackle gangsterism in the Province,’ the police said.

The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile commended the members who effected the arrest and said detectives assigned to the case will dig deeper to uncover more as ‘this could be the tip of the iceberg’ in their investigation.

Source: South African Government News Agency