Category: General

Participants at a training organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) say there is urgent need for security and judiciary personnel to help enhance the civic space for effective participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The event, “One-day Training of Security Formations and Justice Providers on Disability Rights and Effects of Shrinking Civic Space on Persons with Disabilities in Lagos State’’, had the theme: “Enhancing Civic Space and Disability Rights for PWDs in Lagos State”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants included personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command; The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Judiciary, PWDs, Media among others.

Civic space can be referred to as the political, legislative, social and economic environment which enables citizens to come together, share their interests and concerns and act to influence and shape their societies.

Mr Patrick Allan, a Facilitator and Legal Officer, in his address, described civic space as a set of conditions that allowed citizens to express themselves.

According to him, security agencies have a major role in ensuring that these spaces are accessible, safe and inclusive for PWDs.

“ There’s discrimination and stigma that regularly go with People with Disabilities; they need to constantly speak up against such negative stereotypes.

“This means they need the civic space to be able to do that.

“Physical barriers and lack of accessibility are some of the major challenges. It’s something that they need to have spaces that allow them to freely interact with other members of society.’’.

According to him, at present, legal protections for people with disabilities are inadequate.

“In some cases, the implementation is not in the best form, and in some cases, they are simply a work in progress.

“So, a lot of responsibilities rest with the judicial personnel to actively protect, promote an environment in which persons with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in the conduct of public life without discrimination’’.

In an interview with NAN, Lukman Salami, a legal practitioner, said there was need to re-orientate the public on the societal challenges faced by PWDs.

According to Salami, who is the Chairman of Nigerian Association of the Blind, Lagos state chapter, a major challenge is discrimination, which leads to not being accepted and not being recognised in the society.

“We’re being discriminated against, we are not totally accepted in the society and not recognised even when we try to do our best to tell the society that disability is not in ability, and that we are equal to the task just like counterparts.

“The proposed ways of getting it right is reorientation of the public.

“That the so-called cultural belief that disability amounts to inability is no longer the situation; people that are disabled are not productive, not because of inability but because of the societal discrimination and lack of acceptance in the society.

“If they are accepted and not discriminated against, they can be useful and contribute to the society as their able counterpart.

“So, re- orientation has to come and we will follow that through, through systematic advocacy and awareness and there must be a proper implementation of the disability law at the federal level as well as the state level.’’

Commenting on the training, Mrs Florence Austin, Administrative Finance Manager of CCD, representing CCD’s Executive Director, David Anyaele, said the forum had been able to strengthen the capacity of the security agencies as well as judiciary services who participated.

She said it would be more fruitful if after the training, the participants put into practice the knowledge acquired.

“This is because we are looking at the regulations and other executive orders and activities of the security agencies as well as judiciary services that shrink the civic space of the civil outsource activities and programmes.

“This is to both the interest of the public as well as the humanitarian activities we are carrying out, to ensure that the rights of PWDs are not being infringed upon.

“We have recorded some incidents where PWDs were brutalised, when they were having their peaceful protests. We see the need to sensitise the stakeholders relevant in promoting this cause.

“And also ensure that their policies are shown to be more inclusive, for them to understand that there are provisions in the disability act that highlight their rights.

“They are human beings and there is the need for their rights to be respected,’’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Debt Management Office (DMO), on Monday released two New Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) savings bond offers for subscription.

According to the DMO, the first offer is a two-year FGN savings bond due in Nov.15, 2025 at interest rate of 12.464 Per cent per annum.

The second offer is a three-year FGN savings bond, due in Nov. 15, 2026, at interest rate of 13.464 per cent per annum.

It said that they were offered at N1,000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50 million.

“Opening date for the offers is Nov. 6, closing date is Nov. 10, settlement date is Nov. 15, while coupon payment dates are Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15 and Nov. 15,” the DMO said.

It said that interests for FGN savings bonds were payable quarterly, while bullet repayment was on the maturity date.

According to the DMO, they are backed by the full faith and credit of Nigeria and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

“They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.

“Qualify as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for tax exemption for pension funds, among other investors.

“Listed in the Nigerian Exchange Limited; and qualify as liquid assets for liquidity ratio calculation for banks,” it said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) and other stakeholders are set to explore innovation, technology and sustainability strategies aimed at accelerating the entire Africa manufacturing industry.

Otunba Francis Meshioye, President, MAN, said this at a news conference on Monday in Lagos to announce the forthcoming Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Expo (NME) and Nigerian Raw Materials Expo (NIRAM).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that forthcoming eighth NME and ninth NIRAM is in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Meshioye noted that the event was in line with the plans to drive the manufacturing industry towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

He stated that with the ever evolving landscape of disruptive technologies and trends shaping the future, manufacturers must harness these innovations to foster self-sufficiency.

He said the event scheduled for Nov. 21 to 23, 2023 in Lagos would explore innovative strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable practices to contribute to Africa’s manufacturing ecosystem growth.

“The event theme: “Future Manufacturing: Building a Sustainable Roadmap to the Industrialisation of Nigeria” highlights the importance of forward-thinking, environmentally responsible, and industry-supportive strategies in manufacturing.

“It is equally essential not to lose sight of the importance of harnessing locally sourced raw materials and availing oneself of critical support services such as financing and logistics.

“This event serves as a pivotal platform for embracing technology to produce our own goods, support sustainable development, and ensure we are not reliant on developed nations.

“We must also remain committed to utilising locally sourced raw materials and leveraging essential support services, including financing and logistics, to drive our manufacturing endeavours and propel us into a prosperous and sustainable future,” he said.

The Director-General, RMRDC, Prof Hussaini Ibrahim, expressed the council’s unwavering commitment to ensuring competitiveness in raw materials and products development.

Ibrahim, represented by Mr John Obekpa, Director, Business Innovation Center, RMRDC, noted that the RMRDC had worked assiduously over the years with stakeholders to increase manufacturers’ access to both basic and secondary raw materials.

He added that it had developed technologies that could produce caustic soda, soap noodles, calcium carbonate, lovastatin, chemicals among others which were hitherto with limited local inputs and heavily imported.

“These innovations and their products would be on display at the expo alongside other local raw materials and products with the hope that a detailed exposê of the nation’s raw materials and their potential to grow the manufacturing sector will be made,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, says the Federal Government is committed to fair, transparent and accountable electoral system as foundation of democracy in the country.

Akume stated this while inaugurating the stakeholders’ Roundtable on Policy Oversight for Electoral Integrity in Nigeria, in collaboration with the African Electoral Integrity Initiative on Monday in Abuja.

The body comprises of representative of Independent National Electoral Commission and other election management bodies such as political parties, Civil Society Organisations, Law Enforcement Agencies, media, International Development Partners, is aimed with a common goal to hone, fortify Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, the gathering elucidates the convergence of the nation’s collective interest with a shared vision to uphold the sanctity of its electoral processes.

“It signifies a critical milestone in our collective pursuit of a free, fair, transparent, and equitable electoral system.

The SGF noted further that the primary objective of the forum would be to scrutinise the country’s existing electoral legislations, endeavour to identify best practices that would serve as guidelines for free, fair and transparent elections.

He assured that more efforts would be put in place to make Nigeria elections more effective and efficient by adopting technological tools in the electoral processes.

“I want to emphasise that the responsibility for safeguarding the integrity of our electoral processes rests not only with the government but on all of us.

“Let us work together to uphold the principles of free, fair and transparent electoral system, for the benefit of all Nigerians and the sustainability of our democracy.”

The SGF, however, expressed gratitude of the Federal Government to the Director of the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, Dr Daniel Omofoman, for his unwavering dedication to the cause of political integrity in Nigeria.

He, therefore, charged participants and all Nigerians to join hands in ensuring a brighter and more transparent electoral future for the country.

Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated stakeholders, Dr Daniel Omofoman, assured that the meeting would accord them the opportunity to explore workable solutions and suggestions that would strengthen and revolutionise the nation’s electoral processes, thereby deepening democracy.

Present at the event were the officials from the Office of the Attorney General Federation/ Federal Ministry of Justice, some members of the diplomatic communities, Civil Society Organisations like Yiaga Africa, Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER).

Others were; Flag Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development among other stakeholders.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

One of the greatest lessons we can take from the COVID-19 pandemic is that life is precious and that we were never designed to live in a state of complete isolation or individualism.

During the pandemic, many people battled with depression because of prolonged periods of isolation. It showed us the significance of togetherness and how interactions make our lives more meaningful and help us overcome life’s challenges.

Our return to normality has once again allowed us to rekindle the spirit of humanity and togetherness that epitomises the character of our nation. Throughout our history, we have shown that we are stronger together and can overcome the most arduous challenges.

Our country is built on the cumulative actions and deep relationships of its people. It is also our collective culture and rich diversity, which makes South Africa an exceptionally great nation. This collectivism is known as the spirit of Ubuntu, which encompasses the quality of being human and showing humanity.

The word Ubuntu has its roots in the IsiZulu phrase “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, which means that a person is a person through other persons or I am because we are, suggesting the interdependency of humankind.

It suggests that we can each achieve our full potential by promoting the well-being of others and reminds us that we need each other to live holistic lives and build a better nation.

Moreover, the spirit of Ubuntu reflects our warm and rich South African heritage premised on values such as compassion, consideration, empathy, kindness, equality, human dignity and oneness.

As we move our nation forward, we are called to reignite in the spirit of Ubuntu to work towards the common good and collective interests for the betterment of everyone. Let us support one another and encourage togetherness as we contribute to building our nation.

Redefining our legacy as South Africans requires us to adopt a culture of Ubuntu and we can begin by simply lending a listening ear and providing advice, guidance or a shoulder to lean on for those who require emotional support.

Ubuntu calls for us to lend a helping hand in our communities and this can be done by donating to those less fortunate, helping elderly citizens, volunteering in charity, initiating food drives or cultivating food gardens to enable food security for impoverished communities.

We can volunteer in neighbourhood watch groups and support our local community police forums to help fight crime in our communities. Actions such as refusing to buy stolen and or fake goods and reporting such activities to the nearest police station advances our fight against crime.

One of the most gruesome crimes that needs our collective effort is Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). We can play our part by reporting violence and abuse perpetrated against women and children to the nearest police station and help survivors overcome their horrific experience through support, and counselling.

Let us also support and guide our children by being available to them and directing them towards the right path. One of the ways we can do this is by discouraging the consumption of intoxicating substances, which are detrimental to their health.

All South Africans, particularly our youth are urged to say “NO!” to drugs and illegal substances. We must intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse as it directly or indirectly affects everyone in our communities.

In the spirit of Ubuntu, let us lend a helping hand to our youth by making every effort in our area of influence to offer young people their first work opportunity. The more young people we draw into work, the more we build our nation and drive back the scourge of unemployment.

Government, on its part, will bring together citizens in a common front against our most pressing challenges through community outreach programmes, awareness campaigns and Izimbizo.

We can all make South Africa a great nation by taking the spirit of Ubuntu forward and embracing a culture of collectivism. In doing so we can build a nation that flourishes and works for everyone.

Source: Government of South Africa

A 34-year-old domestic worker drowned in a well on Saturday.

According to a crime update issued on Monday by the Namibian Police Force’s Deputy Commissioner in the Oshikoto Region, Wynand Neels, the deceased was fetching water from the well when the incident occurred.

“It is alleged that one stick broke while the filled container/bucket was in suspension on its way out of the well, causing the container to fall back on top of the deceased inside the well,” reported Neels.

He added that others who were outside the well started calling him, but he was not responding. One person went in and found the deceased’s body under the water.

“The person tied the deceased with a rope, and pulled him out of the well. Unfortunately, he was already dead,” said Neels.

He said the deceased’s body was transported to the Omuthiya Police mortuary for an autopsy.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency