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Federal Govt. provides phones for FCT police for easy communications.
In another development, the FCT Police command has concluded arrangement to acquired one thousand fixed wireless telephone lines to ease communication with the public.
Receiving a delegation from a GSM Company Service Provider in his office, the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Haruna John said the telephone lines would make the police to be more accessible to residents in time of distress.
Mr. John explained that the measure would also enhance communication between Divisional Headquarters and other police formation in the areas.
The GSM Company donated three phones to the police command.
World Bank Pledges its support to tackle HIV and AIDS
The World Bank has pledged its support to African First Ladies in their quest to tackle HIV and AIDS in the continent.
The Bank’s Vice President for African Region, Mrs. Oby Ezekwsili in a goodwill message to the first ladies summit in Accra Ghana said the organization would complement the assistance of other donors and assist National Systems.
She said progress was already being made in some areas while some challenges were also being experienced in others.
The World Bank regional Vice President also called on the women to ensure that resources for tackling HIV-AIDS in their countries were effectively utilized.
The fifty Ordinary General Assembly of the organization of African First Ladies against HIV – AIDS is being held on the sideline of the Ninth ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union.
Presidency approves, Immediate Redeployment of six commissioners of police
The Presidency has approved the immediate redeployment of thirty six commissioners of police.
A statement by the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro said the measure was aimed to reposition the force and enhance its operations.
Mr. Okiro urged the commissioners to fight all forms of criminality and corrupt practices in their commands.
NSCDC Boss decorates new Commandants
Also the commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Doctor Ade Abolurin has decorated the first set of Assistant Commandants General and Commandants to be deployed to various stations across the country.
Those decorated were Assistant Commandant General Richard Taffah, ACG Ojo Okeji, ACG Emmanuel Ojeniyi, ACG Abdullahi Mohammed, ACG Saleh Al-Mustapha Gussua and ACH Mudu Bunu Sheriff.
Ten state commandants were also decorated.
At the ceremony in Abuja, the commandant General, Dr Ade Abolurin said the decoration followed speculation in some quarters that the Corps is a one man show.
Fraud allegation stalls African Youth Parliament meeting
A meeting of the African Youth Parliament, an Organisation of African Students was on Monday stalled by allegations of fraud.
Some of the participants told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Accra that the Executive allegedly collected sponsorship money form the Ghanaian Government and the AU Commission for the meeting.
They wanted the leadership to explain to them how such money was spent.
The President, Mr. Muhammed Nasir-Alfa, denied the allegation, saying the leadership would prove that it was not corrupt.
Senate President Calls for co-operation b/w Exec. and legisl. arms of Govt. at all levels
Senate President David Mark wants the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government at all levels to work harmoniously with one another to facilitate governance and development of the country.
Senator Mark said in Abuja when the Taraba State Governor, Mr. Danbaba Dafulani Suntai came to rob mind with him, blamed the under development in some states on the cold relations between the Executive and Legislature.
Senator Mark also criticized boundary disputes among some Communities in Taraba and Benue States and advised the perpetrators to toe the path of dialogue.
Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, pledged support for the Legislature under Senator Mark advising it to always be guided by the principles of equity and justice in the discharge of his national assignment.
. SPORTS
ZAKARI ANGULU DOBI CUP/ROUND OF 16
Here are the results of round sixteen of the Zakari Angulu Dobi football competition taking place in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT Abuja.
Lion Heart 1 – Phase Two 2
Three stars 7 – super stars 6 after penalties.
The match had ended (2 – 2)
Ubale United 5 – Dynamic Lion Heart O
Numa FC 1 medical strikers O
TODAY’S FIXTURES
Puma Boys Vs Phase One
Mighty Jets Vs Eagle strikers
Tunga Villa Vs Agora United
College of Education Zuba V Anagada United
The competition is being sponsored by the chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council Alhaji Zakari Angulu Dobi.
ENYEAMA/HAPOEL
Super Eagles goaltender, Vincent Enyeama has completed his 600,000 dollar move from Bnei Yehuda to rival Israeli cup winners Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Enyeama told reporters in the Israeli Capital that he sealed the three year deal shortly after Nigeria beat Niger Rep 3 – 1 in a Nations cup qualifier last month.
The former Enyimba of Aba keeper has spent the past two seasons at Bnei yehuda but has had little to celebrate at the modest club.
Meanwhile, Enyeama’s replacement at the Peoples’ Elephants, Dele Aiyenugba could once again fill in for him at Bnei yehuda which is gunning for the super Eagles number three.
Aiyenugba recently captained Enyimba to the league title and is keen on a move abroad.
U – 20 WC/RESULTS
African Youth champions Congo Brazzavile gained their first point of the FIFA U – 20 world cup in Canada early this morning when they played out a 1 -1 draw against Austria in group A.
The two teams are now tied in second place in the group behind leaders Chile which crushed host Canada 3 – 0 in the opener.
Mexico and Portugal have however taken charge of group C after convincing wins this morning.
Mexico flogged Gambia 3 – 0 to lead on goals difference after a brace from
Bruno Gama had given the Portuguese a 2 – 0 win over New Zealand.
Meanwhile, action returns to groups D and E tonight with four games to be played.
Group E favourites Argentina face rank outsiders Panama in Ottawa while Czech Republic is up against North Korea.
Brazil will seek their first win of the competition against South Korea in group D whose leaders Poland go head – to – head against the USA.
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250607 NEWS
FCT: Group Calls For Improve Facilities
Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has asses the immediate needs of the residents of the satellite towns and came to the conclusion that government has to improve road facilities and rural electrification.
This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the FCTA, Alhaji Alhassan when he played host to a group known as movement for the transformation of the FCT.
He said this became necessary to make life more comfortable for them and to create equal opportunities for all residents of the FCT.
The Executive Secretary who is also chairman, FCTA Transition Committee told the group that plans are on the way to assist farmers to boost food production.
Earlier, the leader of the team Mr. Daniel Dangwari said the visit was to appeal to the FCTA to provide facilities that would make life more comfortable for FCT residents.
Islamic Scholar Enjoins Muslims to Foster Unity
An Islamic Scholar, Ustaz Isa Sa’ad Ruhullali has called on Muslim to focus on issues that would foster greater unity and understanding among them.
He made the call at a weekly Assalatu organized by the Ansaruddeen Society Gwagwalada.
In a lecture entitled dangers of rumour mongering, Ustaz Isa Sa’ad said it is unethical and unIslamic to talk bad of a fellow human being in his absence.
He stated that instead of engaging in unholy behaviour Muslims should keep themselves busy by reading Quran and Hadith.
Ustaz Isa Sa’ad advised rumourmongers to seek Allah’s forgiveness to forestall the wrath of God.
Blood Transfusion: Meeting Calls for African Policy
The African Regional meeting of Directors of National Blood Transfusion Services has advocated an African policy on blood transfusion to make the service safer.
At present, about ten percent of HIV infection in the continent is contacted through blood transfusion.
Nigeria’s representative at the meeting in Kotonou, Benin Republic, Dr. Folake Ayo, told Radio Nigeria in Abuja that most African countries were yet to develop their blood transfusion policies.
Dr. Ayo explained that a well harmonized African blood transfusion policy, with the necessary legal backing, would make the blood transfusion service more efficient.
She said the conference adopted a gradual shift from the current hospital based fragmented blood donation system to a centralized nationally coordinated system.
Clergyman Tasks Government
A catholic Priest, Reverend Father Jim Sheerin wants the present administration to carry the people along in policy formulation and implementation.
The Clergyman, said at the Church of Assumption, Abuja during a commemoration service that the suspended strike would have been avoided if consultation were made with relevant bodies before the increase in the pump price of fuel.
Reverend Father Jim Sheerin however, commended the Nigeria Labour Congress for its peaceful conduct during the strike but advised the Government to ensure even distribution of the nation’s resources.
A member of the Saint Patrick’s Missionary Society of Nigeria, Mr. Maurice Ekpang at the occasion appealed to Nigerians to always pray for public office holders to enable them pilot the affairs of the Nation in the right direction.
Commuters Pay Exorbitant Fares after Strike
Many workers and students in the FCT had difficulties in getting to their places of work this morning as only a few commercial vehicles were on the roads.
Our correspondent reports that those who were lucky to board the few available commercial vehicles were charged exorbitant fares by the operators who complained about acute fuel scarcity.
Some filling stations in the FCT were still selling fuel at seventy-five naira per litre and witnessed long queues of anxious buyers.
However, the NNPC mega station has adjusted it machines selling a litre of fuel at sixty-nine naira.
Marketers gave an assurance that the fuel situation would normalize today when more consignment would be received following the suspension of the nationwide strike.
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210607 News
Labour Calls Govt’s Bluff: Will Resist Blackmail
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) took up issues with the Federal Government which accused it of pursuing political agenda with its nationwide strike which enters the second day today.
Labour said government's allegation was “an orchestrated falsehood” intended to blackmail it into abandoning its “popular struggle” to reverse policies that are against the economic interest of the people.
The response of the organized labour came as situation reports by Newsmen from across the states showed that the industrial action was a total success in some states while in others, it was only partially successful.
Labour gave itself a positive mark in the assessment of the first day of the nationwide fuel price strike.
In Lagos, the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) met yesterday to deliberate on the on-going strike.
Head of Information and Media of TUC, Mr. Adamson Momoh, said the CWC had resolved that the strike should continue until the government reversed the petroleum pump price from N75 to N65 per litre and agreed to other demands of the labour unions.
The unions are protesting against increases in the pump prices of petroleum products, a 100 per cent hike in VAT and sale of Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.
The federal government had on Tuesday, in a bid to avert the strike, suspended the hike in VAT and reversed the increases in kerosene and diesel pump prices.
It also reduced, by half, the N10 increase in the pump price of petrol and promised to have a second look into the sale of the refineries.
But labour said that the concessions did not go far enough, insisting that the increase in petrol pump price must be reversed “since it was illegal.”
Responding to the allegation contained in the statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, on Tuesday night, NLC President who is leading the labour coalition, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, said the allusion to the effect that NLC's strike was motivated by political and hidden agenda was diversionary and untenable.
"We wish to respond to the campaign of blackmail and patent falsehood being orchestrated by the Federal Government through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe. The accusation by the SGF that labour's position is informed by a hidden political agenda is diversionary and untenable," he said.
While denying the allegation of political intent, Omar said the Labour's strike was about public welfare and the economy, noting "the overwhelming national and multi-sectoral support that the current campaign has received indicates that it is popular and not partisan."
Addressing newsmen at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, Omar said the congress had a long-standing resolution to respond to increases in the prices of petroleum products immediately they were effected, adding that were it not for patriotic political considerations, labour and its civil society allies would have gone on protest before now.
"We are convinced that Mr. President certainly knows better that this strike is not in pursuit of political agenda, but is about public welfare and economy," he said.
While acknowledging the achievements so far recorded by the Labour-Government stand-off which include the reversals in VAT, kerosene and diesel increment, the NLC President said the congress would continue to lead the struggle until it secured the return of fuel price to N65 per litre.
Omar appealed to members of the National Assembly to prevail on the Federal Government to hearken to the demands of the “suffering people” of the country and reverse the petrol price to its former rate of N65 per litre.
According to him, the labour movement had resolved to continue prosecute the strike indefinitely until government returned to the old fuel price.
In his appraisal of the day one of the labour protest, the NLC President, said the strike directive had recorded substantive compliance.
He commended Nigerians for the massive support given the on-going strike across the country against the fuel price increase, saying the support received from Nigerians had unequivocally shown that they were fed up with the constant increases in the price of petroleum product.
The Labour President said from the accounts of strike monitors in the Federal Capital Territory and 36 states, work places and businesses had shut down as a result of the strike.
"The level of compliance nationwide indicates that Nigerians appreciate that we must make collective efforts and sacrifice to ensure that government acts in accordance with public welfare and the will of the people,” he said.
Economic activities in Abuja, Lagos and most states of the federation were virtually brought to a halt as most offices were empty.
In Abuja, there were truck loads of security personnel stationed at strategic locations to prevent any fracas.
Earlier in the day, some group of students driving in about 10 fleets of buses into Abuja clashed with security personnel who had erected barricades at almost all the entry points to the capital city.
It took the intervention of NLC General Secretary, Mr. John Odah, and that of the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. John Haruna, to resolve the matter and for the students to be allowed access to the Labour House.
Later, NLC monitoring teams were accompanied by the Police to all the various places they went to mobilise people and to ensure their compliance, a measure the Police Command said was intended to avoid the protests from being hijacked by hoodlums
Activities at the National Assembly were also paralysed following the strike by labour unions. Only a few Assembly staff reported for work, while none of its principal officers had yet to be there when our Reporters visited.
Abuja: Courts sat in defiance of the strike called by the NLC and TUC.
A correspondent, who visited the courts, reported that judges, registrars and supporting staff reported for work.
The court rooms were opened for the day's work as registrars prepared for their routine assignments. Only few of the courts, however, entertained cases due to the absence of litigants and lawyers.
Lagos: Economic activities were also partially paralysed especially in the early hours of the day. Major roads and businesses in the Ikeja area of Lagos state, including the state government secretariat, Alausa were deserted as civil servants and motorists complied with the sit-at-home order by the NLC for the masses to proceed on an indefinite strike.
Workers at the Alausa seat of government and their counterparts at the State House of Assembly were not on ground when newsmen were conveyed round the two-arms Zone.
Aside the state workers obeying the strike order, financial institutions monitored in Lagos also operated skeletal services to their customers.
It was also gathered that Students in Public secondary and primary schools in the Ikeja area were turned back by the enforcement team of the NLC.
Major Banks, fast food outlets and offices that opened for business were seen conducting skeletal services as their staff reluctantly attends to customers.
Oyo: The nation wide strike called by labour unions took effect in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State as workers and other public officers stayed off work. The state NLC took time off to address political developments in the country and in the state and submitted that the government of President Musa Yar'Adua was yet to convince Nigerians that it was not an offshoot of the defunct President Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
Commercial activities however continued unperturbed in all parts of the city with workers who have other businesses capitalizing on the strike to attend to their other needs.
Enugu: Commercial activities were grounded in Enugu State. Banks and most government offices in the State did not open for business. To ensure that the strike was a success, the NLC Chairman in the State, Comrade Eugene Ugwu as early as 7 am joined members of his executive, including members of the civil societies to visit one office after another picketing them to ensure that their workers did not report for work. However, it did not appear that members of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) were prepared for the strike as many of them operated normal services.
Nasarawa: The strike started in the state amid a mild drama when workers called for a change of leadership in the state chapter of the NLC following what they perceived as an act of sabotage by the union leader, Comrade Asoloko Maku.
The crisis started when the workers assembled at the Lafia Parade Ground ready to move to Government House when the union leader, Comrade Asokolo, told the gathering that the peaceful protest would only take place within the parade ground. This move agitated the members who called for his removal.
Most of the workers carried placards with inscriptions like "no increment of fuel, implement 15% salary increment, and complete reversal of VAT.”
Cross River: When our Reporters went round the state capital, most public and private offices and schools did not open. Government offices did not open as workers remained at home in compliance with NLC directives. The exception, however, was the Governor’s Office where some skeletal services were being offered by some staff.
Some banks which opened in the morning later closed to customers at about 10.30 am for fear of being attacked or picketed by trade union officials who were monitoring the strike. Some filling stations which opened in the morning, perhaps to sell off their stock in anticipation of price cuts were later sealed off by NLC officials. The markets were however open but with few people patronizing them.
Kebbi: The strike was not effective. Although government offices remained closed, commercial activities were not affected by the strike. Most of the schools in the state capital opened with the exception of only a few, while the central market and motor parks were as busy as ever. Most of the banks as at 11.30 am were still giving skeletal service.
Ekiti: Beside the government activities that were seriously affected and paralysed by the action, no other sector of the economy complied with labour’s directive. All the government offices, especially at the state secretariat, as well as the old and the new governor's office were deserted by the workers in total compliance with the directive of the labour leaders. Also, banks and other financial institutions did not open for commercial transactions.
Yobe: The strike was partially observed as most banks in the state capital, Damaturu, opened business to customers. Though civil servants stayed at home in compliance with the directive of the NLC, the opening of banks in the state took the shine off the action as many people in the state never felt the pains that are usually associated with strikes in the past. They easily strolled into their banks to transact normal business without any hindrance.
Ondo: No civil servant reported for duty in Akure, Ondo State capital. Also, banks and other public offices remained closed as only security men were seen manning the gates leading to banking premises. However, normal commercial activities were going on in various markets in Akure and other major towns while those commercial vehicles and motorcycle operators that still had fuel continued with their operations despite the state NLC’s advice that they shun business.
Osun: The strike was also total in Osogbo, Osun State capital, as all federal and state offices were under lock and key. Checks in some government offices in Osogbo showed that civil servants stayed away from their official duties as some offices were only left with security men who kept watch over government property. Commercial activities were paralysed as commercial drivers, Okada riders, petty traders and hawkers kept off the major roads within the state capital.
Taraba: There was a total compliance of workers in Taraba State with the-sit- at- home order given by the NLC. Reports from NLC officials who monitored the exercise in the state showed that over 90 percent compliance was recorded. The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) also joined the exercise as there was no transportation to various destinations outside the state. Most of the public offices including banks and the state secretariat complex were locked up in the early hours of the day.
Imo: Commercial and social activities ground to a halt during the day one of the labour strike in Imo State as people were caught unawares because they could not go about their normal day to day activities. A tour round the state capital, Owerri, showed that all the government establishments and offices were empty as their gates were under lock and key.
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200607 News
REP. MEMBER APPEALS TO NLC FOR CALM
A member of the House of Representatives representing Eket Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Eseme Eyibor has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress and other Trade Unions to sheath their swords.
He is of the opinion that enough can be achieved by exploring dialogue in resolving the lingering crisis on fuel price increase and other contentious issues.
In a tete-a-tete with newsmen in Abuja, Mr. Eyibor is optimistic that President Umaru Musa Yar’adua has a listening ear and will address the issues raised by the Union leaders.
The Law Maker urged Nigerians to support the National Assembly for effective law making.
REFORM IN BANKING SECTOR RECEIVES APPLAUSE
A Legal Practitioner, Dr. Paul Obianoso has applauded the reformation in the Banking Sector in the last three years.
He said over one billion dollars had been invested into the financial sector in the past one month.
Dr. Obianoso was reacting to a publication signed by the former Managing Director of a failed Bank that the Consolidation of the Banking Sector has failed and called for the resignation of the CBN Governor.
Dr. Obianoso who is an attorney to a Commercial Bank explained that the fact the Bank has division in the Board does not qualify the reforms as a failure.
He called on the media as Primary Stakeholders in the Banking Sector to educate the people to avoid panic withdrawal.
VAT: FIRS TO OBEY GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVES
The Federal Inland Revenue Service says it is not true a report in a national daily that it’s Chairman, Ms Ifueko Omoigui said Federal Government would not shift groups on the recent increase in VAT rate to ten percent.
A statement from the FIRS says the Executive Chairman did not make such statement during her recent meeting with Business Editors in Lagos.
The statement said the Federal Inland Revenue Service considered the report as being prejudicial to the on-going negotiations between the Government and Labour Unions on the increase.
Etteh re-states co-operation with other arms of govt.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Olumbunmi Etteh, has re-assured Nigerians of a cordial working relationship between the legislature and other arms of Government.
This is to enhance good governance and enable the country achieve its development objectives.
Mrs. Etteh, who was speaking at a roundtable with Newsmen in Abuja, noted that each arm of Government has a role to play for effective service delivery.
The Speaker also appealed to the Leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, to enter into dialogue with Government on the proposed nationwide strike.
DG FRCN Calls For Attitudinal Change
Only attitudinal change and creativity by workers can move the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria to greater heights.
The number one Journalist in the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mr. Ben Egbuna made this Known in a tete-a-tete with the staff of the Abuja National Station of the Corporation at Gwagwalada.
The Director General who urged the staff of the Corporation to change their attitude to work called on them to strive to improve on both news and programmes content so as to impact positively on Nigerians.
That’s not all, he also want the staff to be computer literate in line with modern broadcasting.
Mr. Egbuna said he was aware of the problems confronting the smooth operation of Abuja National Station but encouraged the staff to work hard towards the sustainability of the Station.
He gave kudos to staff of the Station and promised to improve their welfare as well as provide them with modern tools of trade to enhance professionalism.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Abuja National Station, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi said the Station had qualified manpower but lack of electricity supply had been hampering its activities.
Yar’adua Stresses Economic Development
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has again emphasize the need to develop the economy which he considered as his first priority as the President.
The President stated this at the on-going Financial System Strategy 2020 International Conference in Abuja.
The number one citizen promised to tackle the greatest concerns of the investors which are security of lives and property, the rule of law and consistency of policies.
According to the President, all these cannot be achieved without vibrant financial system in place.
In a presentation, the CBN Governor supported the President with a graphic account of recent development in the Banking Sector.
Professor Soludo who described the twenty first century as the African Century said Nigeria must be one of the twenty largest economy in the World and the largest in Africa. About one hundred and ten International participants are attending the conference.
KWARA: GOV. CONDEMNS CORRUPTION
“I will not tolerate Indolence, Ineptitude and Corruption”.
These are the words of the Kwara State Chief Executive, Bukola Saraki.
He stated this while inaugurating the members of the Local Government Transition Committees in Ilorin.
Governor Saraki therefore urged them to sustain the peace and tranquility in their areas.
He also called on them to live above board and execute projects that would have positive impact on the lives of people at the grassroots.
Our News Hunter reports that two women were among the sixteen Local Government’s Chairmen with fourteen females as Vice Chairmen.
The Local Government Councils were dissolved three months ago following the expiration of their tenures.
NTDC TO PARTNER WITH HOTEL OWNERS
Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation is to collaborate with hotel owners in the planned registration of hotels in the country.
The man at the helm of affairs, Otunba Segun Runsewe, who gave this indication at a round table with interest groups, said the registration would help to sanitize the tourism Industry and ensure excellence.
He said certificates would be issued to certified hotels for easy identification by Tourists.
Otunba Rusewe said the nation now record an average of one hundred and sixteen flights into the country, weekly, which showed an improvement of about twenty five percent over the last few years.
Responding, the President of the Hotel Owners Forum, Mr. Tomi Akingbogu commended the NTDC for the re-certification programme and pledged the cooperation of the forum for its success.
The stakeholders meeting also called on Nigerians to always potray the country in positive light as a means of boosting its tourism prospects.
LAGOS: GOVT. MOVES TO CURTAIL CRIME
Lagos State Government has introduced a new security arrangement to curtail the increasing wave of crime.
Under the new arrangement, plain clothed and security personnel are now to patrol on daily basis areas where armed bandits attack motorists during traffic jam.
A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media Matters, Mr Hakeem Bello, says other areas that will received special attention will include Third Mainland Brigde,Apongbon,Ketu,Apapa and other areas identified by the Special Anti-crime Patrol teams.
According to the statement, the security operation will involve surveillance and patrol of any identified black spots by the security agents.
The state government had earlier frowned at the constant harassment of innocent commuters and motorists by hoodlums as well as armed robbers during traffic jams.
Fuel Hike: Black Marketers in Brisk Business
Most roadside fuel dealers are making brisk business as fuel scarcity persists in the FCT.
According to the Newsmen, who went round some parts of the metropolis reports that five liters of petrol go for as high as Three Thousand, five hundred Naira.
A Manager in one of the filling stations explains why the station is not selling fuel.
A motorist at one of the stations in Garki, Area 10 described the situation as unfortunate.
In the meantime, commuters are paying the price for the fuel scarcity as local drops have now risen by more than two hundred percent.
Malaria: Consultant Calls for Equipment for Health Officers
A Health Consultant, Mr. Chuks Chilak has stressed the need to equip Health Officers at the local government areas with necessary preventive strategies on malaria control.
Mr. Chilak, told newsmen in Abuja that very little could be achieved if health workers at the local government levels are not properly educated on current health matters.
The Consultant who was speaking on the postponed stakeholders’ conference on malaria earlier scheduled for today.
He said most of the diseases suffered by Nigerians were preventable.
Mr. Chilak commended the initiative of the National Orientation Agency in its current drive to Clean-up Nigeria.
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140607
Kogi State Benefits From World Bank Projects
The World Bank is to spend about four hundred and seventy-four million naira on poverty reduction projects in Kogi State.
The Money would be spent on two hundred and sixty-seven World Bank assisted projects in the state.
Leader of the World Bank Team in Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Adekola stated this when he visited the Kogi State Chief Executive in Lokoja.
He said some of the projects have been concluded and would soon be commissioned.
Responding, Governor Ibrahim Idris said the government had paid sixty-five million naira as counter-part fund for the execution of the poverty alleviation projects.
FG Inaugurates Technical Committee On Christian Pilgrimage
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doctor Hakeem Baba-Ahmed says the Federal Government has put new measures in place for the successful conduct of future pilgrimages in the country.
He announced this while inaugurating the 2007 Technical Committee on Christian Pilgrimage in Abuja.
Doctor Baba-Ahmed explained that the new policy was a major shift from the old system where Federal Government was in control of pilgrimages thereby resulting in unnecessary, lapses and abuse.
Doctor Baba-Ahmed urged members of the Committee to introduce a new strategy that would enable it minimize abscondment by pilgrims.
Responding the Chairman of the Committee, His Eminence, Sunday Ola-Makinde pledged to work out new modalities to checkmate abscondment of pilgrims in the Holy land.
The new policy would pave way for the final passage into law of the Christian Pilgrims Commission act.
Better Hajj Organisation Underway
The Federal Capital Territory Directorate of Muslim Pilgrims Affairs says it has commenced preparations for this year’s hajj.
The Director, Doctor Shu’aibu Yakubu stated this during a tete-a-tete with our man in Gwagwalada Abuja.
Doctor Yakubu said gone were the days when late payment of hajj fares would be condoned.
The Director said arrangements were on to procure decent accommodation, transportation and adequate medical facilities for pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia.
Doctor Yakubu therefore urged Journalists to educate intending Muslim pilgrims on the need to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations guiding the hajj exercise.
Yar’adua Signs Procurement Bill into Law
The former Special Adviser to the President and Head of Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligent Unit Professor Adekunle Wahab has called for full implementation of the new law on public procurement in efforts to re-build Nigerian economy.
He made the call in Abuja while handing over the leadership of the Due Process Office to the new acting Head Mr. Sani Haliru and Mr Emeka Ezeh as Deputy.
Professor Wahab described the on-going public procurement reforms as the centre of reforms and commended President Umar Musa Yar’adua for signing the procurement Bill into law.
Receiving the handover note on behalf of the Acting Head of the Unit, Mr. Emeka Ezeh commended professor Wahab for his efforts in securing the passage of the bill into law.
He pledged the commitment of the new leadership to strengthen the operations of the unit.
Pipelines Vandals In NSCDC Net
In Kwara State, seven suspects of pipelines vandalism have run out of luck.
They were arrested by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC and the NNPC contracted security guards in the state.
Parading the suspects before newsmen at the National Headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja, the Commandant General, NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abobunrin appealed to vandals in the country to desist from their unpatriotic act.
Items recovered from them include some jerry cans, hoes, matchets, hose and mechanical tools.
Accident: Dark Day For Nigeria Police
Twenty Eight mobile police men and three civilians on Wednesday, lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident, in a village close to Alilobe, Benue State.
The mobile policemen were returning from Port Harcourt to Taraba State after an official assignment when their vehicle collided with a lorry.
The Benue State police Boss Leka Udom Ekpedom who visited the scene described it as unfortunate and a national disaster.
Senate Committee: PDP Insists On Chairmanship Domination
About fifty five senate committees out of the fifty seven are to be headed by senators from the Ruling Party, the PDP.
Only the remaining committees of Public Account and Public Petitions are constitutionally headed by the opposition parties.
The Senate President, David Mark confirmed the party’s decision while inspecting some facilities at the National Assembly Complex.
The Senate Minority leader, Senator Maina Lawal said no political party has the monopoly of wisdom, stating that chairmanship of committees should be on the basis of experience irrespective of party leaning.
The opposition parties include ANPP, AC, PPA and Accord Party.
News In and Around Abuja
Kwali
Residents of Kwali Area Council in the FCT, have cause to smile as the Council Boss, Daniel Mari-Gwamna says he will not rest on his oars in providing health care delivery to its residents.
He stated this in a message to kick-start the HIV and AIDS awareness Campaign in Bonogie, Kwali Area Council, by a Non Governmental Organisation.
The Council Chairman, who was represented by his second in command, Mallam Sai’du Ashara pledged the support and co-operation of the council.
The Council Boss urged residents to avail themselves of the opportunity to know their status through free HIV – AIDS test.
ABAJI
The people of Abaji Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory are to be inoculated against wild polio virus in the forthcoming Local immunization Plus-Days.
Dr. Humphrey Okoronkwo, Deputy Director, State Epidemiologist stated this at a meeting with members of the FCT Social Mobilization Committee.
He told the committee members that the Area Council was chosen due to the discovery of wild polio virus in the area.
Dr. Okoronkwo said three sub committees had been set-up to mobilize and sensitize residents of the area on the exercise.
The Local Immunization Plus-Day is scheduled to take place in the Area Council on the 23rd and 26th of June 2007.
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FCT NDLEA on Drug-related Arrests / Convictions (13-6-07)
The NDLEA, FCT Command says it arrested sixty three suspected drug peddlers and obtained sixteen convictions this year.
The Commandant, Mrs. Victoria Igbase told news-hunters in Gwagwalada that cannabis weighing over two kilograms other substances were also seized.
According to the drug buster “the court sentences ranged from three months to two years, depending on the quantity of the substances arrested from the convicts.”
She appealed for more funding and provision of operational vehicles to enable the command effectively deal with the rising cases of drug abuse in the FCT.
Sixty three suspected drug peddlers are presently in the net of the FCT National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to say what they know about some substances and cannabis weighing over two kilograms.
FCT NDLEA Boss, Mrs. Victoria Igbase told journalists in Gwagwalada that punishments ranging from three months to two years imprisonment would be slammed on suspects.
Satellite Towns Development Agency Urges Fast-tracking of Dev.
The Chairman, Abaji Area Council, FCT, Alhaji Yahaya Musa Mohammed is not happy with the slow pace of development in the Satellite towns of the Territory.
He therefore wants the Satellite Towns Development Agency to wake up to its responsibility of fast-tracking the development of rural communities.
The Chairman was speaking at the inauguration of new Special Advisers, Special Assistants and Council Secretary.
Alhaji Yahaya Musa praised the decision of the FCT Administration to site a University of Science and Technology in Abaji, pledging the support of the Council for the success of the project.
He urged the political appointees to be prepared to work hard for the success of the administration.
CHIMAROKE NNAMANI REPORTS FOR SWEARING IN
Speculations on the whereabout of the former number one citizen of Enugu State and now Senator Elect, Chimaroke Nnamani has been layed to rest.
This is because Chimaroke Nnamani who was absent during the handing over to his successor and inauguration of the New Senators has now resurfaced.
Senator Chimaroke Nnamani was at the National Assembly on Tuesday to register with the Clerk as a Senator Elect.
In an interview with news-hunters, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani said he would continue to be a team player in the Nation’s Democratic Process.
National Assembly correspondent Noah Alabi Ogohi reports that Senator Chimaroke Nnamani was the only Senator Elect that was absent at the inauguration of the New Senate on the fifth of this month.
FCDA Awards Mega Contracts
The Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, has signed contract agreement with a multi-national construction company for the completion of major roads network within the Federal Capital City.
The forty-nine billion naira contract also includes the relocation of the Abuja City Gate and the construction of thirty-four bridges and one hundred and eight units of retaining walls.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director, Engineering Services, FCDA, Mr. Sylvester Ugonabo said it was one of the largest packages awarded by past administration for the growth of the FCT.
The Executive Secretary, FCDA, Alhaji Mohammed Alhassan urged the contractor to deliver the project on schedule.
That’s not all. Major road network under construction will also be completed.
To achieve this, the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA has signed a forty nine billion naira contract agreement with a multi national construction company.
SPRING BANK: BOARD DISSOLVES, FACE POSSIBLE SANCTIONS
The Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has dissolved the Board of Spring Bank and reconstituted another Board to be chaired by Mr. Vincent Omoika, former Director Banking Operation.
A statement from the Central Bank of Nigeria and read by the CBN Governor, Professor Charles Soludo said the decision followed the discovery that the former Board was incapable of repositioning the bank in line with the banking sector reform agenda.
Professor Soludo assured all depositors of Spring Bank that their money is safe and they should go about their normal banking business with Spring Bank.
The CBN Boss said the Apex Bank and the NDIC are compiling offences of the various Directors and Management of Legacy Groups and will ensure that appropriate sanctions are applied and report same to the EFCC and the police for further criminal investigations and prosecution.
The dissolution of the Board of Spring Bank is in line with the announcement by the CBN last year that the Apex Bank would undertake post consolidation re-verification of capital.
FCT FADAMA PROJECT TO BOOST FOOD PRODUCTION
FCT Fadama II scheme has completed over ninety percent of its projects amounting to over six point five Million Dollars out of the seven million budgeted for the programme.
The main incharge of the project in the FCT, Mr. Nike Uwazie said in an Interview with Radio Nigeria that the success recorded by the Fadama II Project had lead to its merger with the Agricultural Development Programme ADP.
Mr. Uwazie noted that the merger would not only consolidate the achievement of the Fadama II project but boost food production in the FCT.
FOLASHADE CANVASSES SUPPORT FOR SPEAKER
In another development.
A Women Rights Activist, Mrs. Grace Folashade Jackson wants the speaker, House of Representatives Mrs. Patricia Etteh to discharge her duties effectively especially in the empowerment of women.
She made the call in a statement in Abuja.
Mrs. Folashade who expressed optimism that the new speaker would live up to expectations, urged members of the House to support her to achieve the set objectives.
She noted that in the past women were not given the opportunity to serve, despite their huge potentials in national building.
FEMALE PRESIDENT SOUGHT FOR 2011
Some Nigerian Women under the auspices of Women for Yar’Adua and Jonathan said more women in President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s cabinet is not a bad idea.
Like Oliver Twist, they are asking for more.
The President of the group Mrs. Debora Philips made the call in a chat with the Senate press corps.
She said the call became necessary in view of the transparency and dedication exhibited by women who held various positions in the last administration.
The emergence of one of their own, Mrs. Patricia Etteh as the speaker, House of Representatives according to her should serve as impetus for more women in politics.
She appealed to the media to be objective and balanced in their reportage.
Mrs. Philip is optimistic that Nigeria will produce a female President in 2011 if the present political tempo is maintained.