Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Nuhu Gidado, says youth
restiveness would be given priority in the life of this administration in the state.
Gidado stated this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
“There is no two ways about it, we will go into the issue of youth restiveness from day one.
Beyond youth restiveness, Gidado said, security of lives and property will also be accorded priority because without security, without peace, we cannot operate,” He said.
He said the new administration would explore the potentials of the traditional institutions in the state, by allowing it play its role to ensure the security of lives and property.
Ekiti
A 34- year- old driver , Adefisayo Ademola, has been
arraigned in an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Picnic valued at N1.3million.
The prosecutor, ASP Isah Atanegbe, told the court that the accused person and one other now at large, stole the vehicle, with registration No. REL 358 AA, property of one Mr Segun Albert.
Atanegbe said that the accused committed the offence on June 20, 2015 at about 7 a.m. at Ayus Hotel, in Akure.
According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to Section 383 and punishable under sections 516 and 390(9) of Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
FCT
The new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai,
recently hinted that his administration’s vision would be partly anchored on the dedication and discipline of officers and soldiers.
Buratai said this when he formally took over from his predecessor, retired Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, as the 20th Chief of Army Staff in a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Though the new army chief did not make further comments about his vision and mission for the army, he assured his predecessor that the present level of discipline would be maintained.
Buratai praised his predecessor for leaving behind a reformed army that was again the pride of the nation.
He said the military under his command would strive to sustain the achievements of the previous army administration and even surpass them.
Gombe
Chief of Tangale in Gombe State, Malam Abdu Maisheru,
has stressed the need for communities in the state to organise forum to appraise mid-term performance of their political representatives.
The monarch made the remark in Biliri recently during a lecture organised by Mr Rambi Ayala, a member of Gombe State House of Assembly, representing Billiri East constituency.
Maisheru, who was represented by Mr Naamn Toyyo, the district head of Todi, said that such forum would enable elected political office holders to give account of their stewardship.
He specifically urged the people in his domain to create the forum for the assessment of the performance of their representatives at the state Assembly.
The monarch cautioned against blackmail and campaign of calumny against political office holders and urged his people to always engage in constructive criticism.
Kaduna
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has solicited
the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to strengthen healthcare services in the state.
El-Rufa’i, who made the call when he received officials of the World Bank in his office, said healthcare delivery remained a priority of the administration.
He disclosed that the government would forward a bill to the state House of Assembly to streamline activities of its Primary Healthcare Development Agency for effective service delivery.
The governor pledged that the administration would redeem its counterpart obligation to all donor agencies and intervene decisively in areas where resistance was recorded in polio immunisation.
Kebbi
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations
Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Kebbi State, has urged people in the state to desist from indiscriminate felling of trees, bush-burning and conversion of farmlands to filling stations.
The state coordinator of the agency, Malam Haliru Muhammad, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, such acts increase the menace of deforestation and desertification.
He said that government at all levels were exerting more efforts towards afforestation because of its benefit to the environment and human beings.
He urged citizens to emulate government by planting trees as well as encourage the growing of gardens in their courtyards and around their houses.
Lagos
The Director, Muslims Right Concern (MURIC), Prof.
Ishaq Akintola, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the problem of overcrowded prisons and enhance the living standards of the inmates.
Akintola, who made the plea in his Ramadan message in Lagos, said Nigerian prisons were notorious for being overcrowded, dirty, and unfit for human habitation.
“Contrary to international best practices, the Nigerian prison system has become an institution for the devaluation of Allah-given fundamental human rights,” he said.
The director felicitated with the leader of Nigerian Muslims, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) for the Sallah celebration.
Nassarawa
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has cau
tioned its graduate trainees in Nasarawa State, against engaging in acts capable of rubbishing the scheme.
NDE Director-General, Malam Abubakar Mohammed, gave the warning on Friday in Lafia at the end of a one week training programme “Graduates Attachment Scheme (GAP).”
No fewer than 50 unemployed youths in the state took part in the training, which was on a special accounting software “Peachtree.”
Represented by the agency’s Director of Special Public Works, Mr. Monday Dalyop, he said that the training was to enable the unemployed graduates acquire skills for self reliance and to contribute their quota to national development.
Niger
Presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections of the
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Dele Atunbi, has vowed to secure media salary structure? for journalists in the country.
Atunbi made the promise while campaigning at the Niger State council of the NUJ in Minna recently.
“If I become president, the media salary structure will be gotten with ease by virtue of our contributions to the development of the country,” he said.
Ogun
A housewife, Adetutu Kobiti, has urged an Ijebu-Ode Customary
Court in Ogun State to dissolve her four-year-old marriage to her husband, Gbenga, for alleged incessant physical abuse.
Adetutu, 29, also told the court that Gbenga was no longer providing for her and their three-year-old baby girl.
The petitioner said that her estranged husband resorted to violence any time she challenged him over his infidelity.
Adetutu, therefore, urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her the custody of the child but with the proviso that the respondent be responsible for the child’s upkeep, including her school fees.
Our correspondent reports that Gbenga was absent in court. The Court President, Mr Timothy Olufunwa, consequently adjourned the case till September 18 for further hearing.
Oyo
The Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan has dissolved a seven-year-
old marriage between Romoke and Adeshina and her husband Moruf, for threat to life and gross irresponsibility.
The Court President, Mr Ademola Odunade, held that any misunderstanding in a family that involved threat to the life of a partner was not worth it.
Odunade held that Adeshina’s plea to settle the rift between him and his wife was belated as he ought to have put his home in order before now.
“In the interest of peaceful coexistence, the husband and wife relationship between both of you has ceased to be henceforth.
Sokoto
Wamakko Local Government of Sokoto State, has distributed three
ambulances and 50 motorcycles, to boost healthcare delivery in the area.
The Caretaker Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Ahmed Kalambaina, said in Wamakko that the items were procured under the Millennium Development Project (MDGs).
He said that the ambulances would serve Fanare, Wamakko and Kalambaina communities, while the 50 motorcycles were for health workers and public enlightenment officers in the 11 wards of the area.
“These vehicles are provide d to ensure improvement in the provision of quality healthcare to the people.
Kaiambaina disclosed that apart from the vehicles, assorted drugs were also provided to 12 Primary Health Centres in the area for distribution free to the people.
Zamfara
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Zamfara State Com
mand, yesterday cautioned drivers in the state to avoid dangerous driving before, during and after the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri.
The Sector Commander Mr Amos Thilza,, told newsmen in Gusau that the command had received operational directive to that effect from the headquarters in Abuja.
He said that the command would do everything possible to ensure accident-free celebration in the state.
According to him, the operation will involve traffic control, especially at praying grounds; public enlightenment campaign on radio and television and at motor parks.
The official said that excessive speeding would be thoroughly checked, while the ban on the use of mobile phone during driving would be enforced during the operation.
He urged the public to cooperate with the FRSC during the period, and also solicited the collaboration of other security personnel, to ensure the protection of lives and property.
Nation
Cost Of Living: Lagos Civil Servants To Work Three Days A Week …As Sanwo-Olu Announces 25% Discount On Public Transportation
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, announced a reduction of working days for State public servants as part of plans to cushion the cost of living crisis in the country.
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement in Lagos during the ongoing media parley on economic hardship in the country
“We want to start with our public servants, immediately from next week, Civil servants from the lower level will be working like three times a week and level 15-17 can work four times in a week,” he said.
On the rising cost of food, he said that his administration would open more markets where Lagosians can buy food items at discounted rates.
“We will open Sunday markets in at least 42 identified markets across Lagos State. You will be able to buy food items at a discounted price. You will only be able to buy items worth up to N25,000,” the governor said.
He said his administration was also constructing four food hubs to ensure food distribution in tackling rising food prices.
“Coupled with the one at Idi-Oro in Mushin, four more food hubs are under construction and seven other locations in other local governments have also been identified for more food hubs to be developed,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has said that the state will resume a 25% reduction on public transportation in the state.
“Almost immediately from this weekend, we’re throwing back a 25% reduction on all public transportation.
“We’re working with the various unions to ensure that we also can support them. But on our BRT, our trains, our ferry services, we’re going to begin to enjoy that almost immediately from this weekend.
“I’ve given an instruction, so they are working on the logistics for that.”
Recall that the Lagos State Government, in a bid to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, slashed the costs of transportation of all state-owned transport systems by 50 per cent in August 2023. It was, however stopped in November, 2023.
Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu announced a free delivery for pregnant residents across all government-owned hospitals in Lagos.
“There is an arrangement for free delivery including cesarean session at government hospitals,” he said.
On rising cost of drugs and other pharmaceutical products, the governor promised that his administration “will also give rebate on some particular drugs at our state government hospitals”.
The governor noted that his administration was also in discussions with various transport unions to reduce their fares.
“First is to express empathy with our citizens, We are not unmindful of the situation, as leaders, we must be able to solve socioeconomic problems,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He also challenged the private sector to look into what they can do for the citizens by replicating their role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nation
Police To Lift Ban On Tinted Glass Permits
The Nigeria Police Force said it has conducted a comprehensive review of the issuance of tinted glass permits and is set to lift the ban on it for vehicles.
Previously banned in June 2022, the NPF said the ban then was a proactive move to bolster national security and tackle criminal activities linked to the misuse of tinted glasses.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.
He said that ICT analysts and Eenforcement officers nationwide would undergo a comprehensive training scheduled for the 29th of February, 2024, as a prequel to the reopening of tinted glass permit issuance.
It read, “In a bid to enhance national security and curb criminal activities facilitated by the misuse of tinted glass, the Nigeria Police Force has concluded its review of the issuance of tinted glass permits, previously banned in June 2022.
“The ban was initiated due to widespread concerns regarding the role of tinted glass in aiding heinous crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, the illegal transportation of firearms, human trafficking, etc.
“With the proposed lifting of the ban, stringent measures are being implemented to prevent abuse and ensure strict compliance with guidelines governing the issuance and use of tinted glass permits.
“ICT Analysts and Enforcement Officers nationwide will undergo a comprehensive training scheduled for the 29th of February, 2024, as a prequel to the reopening of tinted glass permit issuance.”
The statement also noted that the training will equip ICT analysts and enforcement officers with skills to regulate tinted glass permit registration, address public complaints, and enforce compliance.
It further stated, “The training will equip ICT Analysts and Enforcement Officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to regulate the registration process, guide registrants on the use of the portal where required, attend to complaints from members of the public, and enforce compliance effectively.
“It will focus on the intricacies of the new guidelines, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between public safety and individual freedoms while safeguarding national security.”
Highlighting the details in the to-be-newly issued permit, the statement explained, “The proposed tinted glass permit will incorporate distinctive features aimed at enhancing enforcement efficiency and security.
“These include a QR code linked to a central database for real-time verification, unique serial numbers correlated with vehicle and owner details, as well as a digital hologram ensuring authenticity and integrity, among other measures.
“It is crucial to highlight that the guidelines for the issuance of tinted permits and the use of tinted glass will strictly adhere to the provisions of the MOTOR VEHICLES (PROHIBITION OF TINTED GLASS) ACT 1991 and other relevant extant laws.”
Adejobi said this strategic approach underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to prioritise public safety while upholding individual rights and national security interests.
Earlier in 2023, the police said they would soon reintroduce permits for vehicles with tinted glass across the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to providing updates to the general public on the implementation of the reviewed process of tinted glass permit issuance, ensuring transparency and accountability in its efforts to maintain internal security,” the statement concluded.
Nation
NOSL Launches “you are not Alone” initiative to promote mental health
Maintaining optimal mental health is vital for thriving in society. To survive daily stress effectively, it is essential to cultivate positive coping mechanisms and embrace mindful living. Giving sufficient time to prioritise a healthy lifestyle becomes necessary in this quest.
To this end, On January 31, 2024, Natural Oilfield Services Limited (NOSL) organised a program ‘You Are Not Alone’ mental health awareness driven in partnership with Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) at the University of Lagos to create an awareness about the significance of mental well-being. This event was a proactive endeavour to initiate open dialogues and provide substantial resources for mental health care.
Mental health challenges have no boundaries. This mental health advocacy had a unique approach by inviting both mental health professionals and students from the University of Lagos to share their expertise and personal stories. This collaborative effort cultivated an environment of truthfulness that promotes acceptance and understanding.
Speaking during the event Dr. Mrs. Abolarin Abimbola expressed, ‘Navigating the landscape of mental health stigma requires collective effort and NOSL’s ‘You Are Not Alone’ is a positive initiative in mental health support. This will help to encourage dialogues and welcome different perspectives, which can reduce discrimination.’
“By unlearning misconceptions, fostering awareness, collaborating, and sharing insights, engaging in the community, every small step can contribute to a more caring world, and amplify its impact to bring a positive change. ”
Also speaking, Dr. G.A Akinbode said, ‘In a world where mental health challenges persist, NOSL’s initiative will act as a guiding force and illuminate the avenues towards a benevolent future. We appreciate NOSL for inviting the students who play an integral part in shaping societal attitudes towards mental health, where mental well-being is prioritised and identified.’
According to him Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) is Nigeria’s largest youth run and youth-focused mental health organization championing the fight against mental health related stigma and creating an environment that makes it possible for people to seek care for their mental health without fear of discrimination.
“NOSL believes that mental health conversation is fundamental. The company is poised to make an ever-lasting impression, an unwavering commitment to long-term sustainability to value psychological well-being and support mental health challenges.”
Dignitaries present at the event were Dr. Mrs. Abolarin Abimbola, Director Special Education and Guidance and Counselling, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Dr. Umar Adisa, Sub-Dean of Faculty of Social Science, University of Lagos, Dr. G.A Akinbode, Head of Department of Psychology, University of Lagos, Dr. U.N Israel, Staff Adviser, Department of Psychology, University of Lagos,
Mr. Abiodun Oguntola, Executive Director, Mental Awareness Nigeria Initiative and Ms. Oluwatomilayo Awodoyin, Clinical Psychologist, Mental Awareness Nigeria Initiative.
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