All Posts in "Day: May 2, 2022"

Buhari Mourns As Six Died, 23 Injured In Lagos Building Collapse

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with families of those who died, sustained injuries, in the building collapse at Ebute Metta area of Lagos State.

He said it was high time the relevant state authorities work closely with professional bodies to put a halt to these unfortunate but preventable incidents.

The President, who said he is pained by this tragic incident, praised the courage and determination of the first responders, national and sub-national emergency agencies in Lagos State, and compassionate Nigerians, whose immediate action in the aftermath of the collapse of the three-storey building led to the rescue of several persons, including many children.

“The frequency of building collapses in the country has become increasingly embarrassing, the relevant state authorities must work closely with professional bodies to put a halt to these unfortunate but preventable incidents,”the President stated in a terse message signed by his media aide,Femi Adesina.

He wished those injured a speedy recovery and prays for divine assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

No fewer than six dead bodies were said to have been evacuated so far from the rubbles of a three-storey building which collapsed in the Ebutte Meta area of Lagos Sunday night.

The building located on 24 Ibadan street, Harbert Macauly Way, Oyingbo reportedly caved in around 9:30pm on Sunday.

Over 23 persons were said to have been rescued from the rubble and treated.

Besides,men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, among others are at the scene.

The Lagos Teritorial Office, NEMA, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed that six bodies had been recovered so far as the search and rescue operation continued.

He said: “Altogether as at now, about 23 people have been rescued alive; 7 children and 16 adults. Nine of those rescued alive have been treated and discharged.

He disclosed that another three-storey building, located on 100 Lagos Street, about 200 metres away from the current scene has shown signs of distress with part throwing pebbles and falling off.

He added that the building had also been marked as distressed but the occupants were deviant.

admin by — May 2, 2022 in News 0
Ganduje Stops Political Rallies During Eid Prayers

 

Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje,has banned the hoisting of banners and posters by politicians during the Eid Prayers and other Sallah festivities across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, quoted Dr. Ganduje to have the noted that the act is capable of causing serious distractions during prayers and making other Sallah festivities less attractive.

“While the two rakaat Eid Prayer is considered as an important ritual after a month long Ramadan fasting, festive activities that follow are aimed at showcasing our rich cultural heritage where even foreigners witness them.

It is therefore inappropriate or even disrespectful for persons or political parties to reduce such places to grounds for rallies or campaigns,” the statement added.

Ganduje said hoisting of posters when people of different political leanings converge on Sallah and festive grounds, particularly the traditional Hawan Daushe at the Emir’s Palace, makes it potentially prone to political violence.

He warned individuals not to encourage political rallies under any guise during the Eid celebrations in violation of the electoral Act.

The statement also said that politicians in the state must stringently obey the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable of activities for the 2023 general elections.

He charged security agencies in the state not to hesitate to take appropriate measures against any deviant act capable of breaching the prevailing peace in the state.

He admonished the Muslim Ummah to sustain the noble lessons learnt in the Holy month of Ramadan to outlive the period, which included patience, perseverance, piety, philanthropy and good neighbourliness.

admin by — May 2, 2022 in News 0
Ogun Settles N8.4bn Workers Deductions, Warns Residents Against Violating Drainage Channels

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said that his administration has paid the sum of N8.4billion of the N14.4b owed the state workers from May 2019 to March 2022 from deductions and loans.

He  also promised that efforts were on to settle the outstanding balance of N6billion .

He spoke during the 2022 Workers’ Day celebration,where he also promised that the state government would look into the non payment of leave allowances spanning seven years as well as issues surrounding Contributory  Pension Law.

He added:”Sincerely, we acknowledge your perseverance on the three critical issues that we have had to grapple with. The first is the global deductions which are now 21 months arrears. From May 2019 to March 2022,  total deductions and loans amounted to about N14.4billion  out of which a total of N8.4billion had been paid by our administration to date, including regular payment of check-off dues, loans and shillings deductions.

“I assure you all that in the coming months and as the economy improves, the payment of the outstanding balance of N6b will be accelerated, while efforts will be made to ensure regular monthly payment of deductions going forward.

“The second and third are leave allowances which were paid last in mid-2015 and the issue surrounding Contributory Pension Scheme Law, respectively. I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, all these issues will be resolved, with your cooperation and positive attitude they shall be history soon”, Abiodun noted.

He lauded  workers who are still in service for contributing to the success of the present administration and appreciated the efforts of those who had served the state meritoriously in that past.

He assured that his administration had begun settling gratuity arrears with the release of N500million every quarter, adding that a total of N2.5billion had been released so far to pay the senior citizens.

He spoke on the theme of this year’s Workers Day: “Labour, Politics and the Quest for Good Governance and Development in Nigeria”, saying it  was apt and speaks to the state of affairs in the state.

He said the Ogun State workers have been non-partisan and professional in discharging their responsibilities as the public service is structured and guided by certain rules, regulations, circulars and extant laws.

Speaking,the state chairman, Trade Union Congress, Akeem Lasisi, regretted that Nigerians are going through turbulent times as there are insecurity, economic instability and general poor welfare for the citizens, declaring that “Nigeria is currently bleeding”.

He decried the non-availability of power supply despite a huge amount spent on turn-around maintenance as well as the current strike by university teachers.

Meanwhile,the  state government has warned residents  against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels , waterways and roadsides across the state or face severe sanctions.

Ola Oresanya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, gave the warning during a  monitoring exercise in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

He explained that  the warning became necessary because of the environmental impact refuse dumping have on the overall well-being of the populace, stating that the state government will not fold its hands and watch these few individuals put the life of the larger society at risk because of their bad habits.

He  warned them to either conform with the state environmental laws or face stiffer penalties  as the present community service punishment will soon be reviewed.

He added:”A situation where these few people have turned our roadsides to their dumpsites  despite several appeal for them to embrace the new normal of wastes management will not be allowed.This government has done so much in waste management reforms for her to allow this bad habit from these few to wash off the gains of the reforms.Ogun state residents are clean people, so this few must ship in or face sanctions”

According to him, dumping of refuse in these public places aside from its moral issues also wash off road infrastructure which is of great concern to the government.

He added that the health implications of the bad habit is so enormous that government was determined to stop it.

He also  emphasised on the need to prevent flooding  which is one of the results of indiscriminate dumping of refuse and called on those still indulging in the bad habit to subscribe to the waste management reforms of the state government by patronizing Waste Private Sector Participants (PSP) assigned to their areas for proper collection and disposal of their wastes.

Oresanya however commended residents who have keyed into the reforms saying they will be remembered for their roles in keeping the state clean,safe and healthy.

admin by — May 2, 2022 in News 0
How PIA Institutions Can Boost Nigeria’s Oil, Gas Sector- Iledare

A professor of petroleum economy, Wunmi Iledare, has given suggestions on how institutions of the Petroleum Industry Act can boost Nigerian oil and gas industry.

He spoke in his opening remarks during a panel at the third Society of Petroleum Engineer, Benin Biennial Technical Symposium last week, in Benin, Edo State.

According to him,the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, institutions legislated for efficient and effective industry governance must have leadership attitudes and frameworks based on intelligentsia knowledge of the business and not undue sentiment.

He said that such institutions must also motivate individuals to engage in critical thinking to discourage mediocrity.

He also said the institutions should possess leadership that is willing to process diversity of ideas with institutional enrichment priced above self-interests would matter a lot to effectively manage the Oil and Gas future in Nigeria.

He said the PIA 2021 offers to investors in terms of rewards that are commensurate with the challenges and risks that come with finding, developing and utilizing petroleum resources.

He added:” Thus, the new government, MDAs, enacted by PIA and private participant in the oil sector must rationalize spending significant amount of money, annually, on best available technology and human resources to foster a business environment conducive to petroleum
operations in Nigeria. The importance of human resources with proper
skillsets in an organization cannot be overemphasized making continuing
education of professionals imperative.

“The suitability of PIA to foster competitive business environment for petroleum investments and operations in the future will depend on efficient and effective manpower development and deployment in the oil and gas sector governance, administration and operation.

“Human capital development through professional training and staff
development sharpens competencies, enhances productivity, and balances rewards adequately and accordingly with risk management. However, the type of leadership styles and frameworks for man power development and deployment to effectively manage the Nigeria oil and gas sector in the future has to be transformational.

“This means  that prebendalism, elite capture, and transactional leadership scheme had to be expunged from the system if PIA objectives were to met expectations. The oil and gas reform and restructuring in Nigeria took too long, perhaps, because of the HCDD trilemma”

admin by — May 2, 2022 in Oil&Gas 0
Kaduna Electric Appoints Yahaya As New CEO

The Board of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Plc (“Kaduna Electric”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya as the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
His appointment follows the resignation of Engr. Garba Haruna who has led the Company since 2014 and is moving on to pursue other professional and personal endeavours.
Yahaya assumes leadership of the power firm with diverse public and private sector experiences and educational background in Petroleum and Gas Engineering from University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria, a Master of Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland and is currently a fellow of Doctor of Philosophy. He has received training in policy design and evaluation at Oxford University and Harvard University.
Until his appointment, Yahaya was an expert Consultant with the USAID Nigerian Power Sector Program and Senior Advisor to the Managing Director Rural Electrification Agency.
Before  this time, he led an energy advisory and projects company on investments and development of proprietary and third-party frontrunner on- and offgrid thermal greenfield renewable projects. In this role, he has been lead consultant and advisor on industry agreements and corporate turnaround strategies in the Nigerian electricity distribution sector.
 Previously, he was at various times strategic analyst and specialist at the General Electric Company, working within the Global Growth Organization on flag planting and market development strategies on portfolio across transportation, power and water, healthcare, and oil and gas. He left the company as Country Manager for GE Water & Process Technologies.
He  is a member of several professional associations including Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Project Management Institute and Corporate Governance Society of Nigeria.
He is also a Fellow of the Nigeria Institution of Power Engineers, Fellow, Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria and Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants. He is a Fellow of the Nigeria Institution of Power Engineers, Fellow, Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria and Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants.
The Board wishes to thank Engr. Haruna for his leadership of the Company and his devotion to the organization. As a pioneer Managing Director he has provided a foundation for the Company.
The Board m extends its best wishes to Engr. Yahaya in his new posting leading Kaduna Electric.
admin by — May 2, 2022 in Next Level 0
How Chevron Nigeria Limited Supports Fight Against Malaria

World Malaria Day is celebrated annually on the 25th day of April. It is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment in malaria prevention and control programmes. Malaria has become a major source of concern in our society, and defeating this common enemy requires concerted efforts through investments and innovation.
This year’s theme: ““Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives” addresses the imperative of collective action toward achieving the 2030 targets of the World Health Organization global malaria strategy.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 241 million malaria cases and 627 000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2020. Compared with 2019, this represents about 14 million more malaria cases and 69 000 more deaths in 2020.
Approximately two thirds of these additional deaths (47 000) were linked to disruptions in the provision of malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment during the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic.
In Nigeria, one company that continues to support the fight against malaria and other communicable diseases is Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited/CNL Joint Venture. In the communities around its areas of operations in Nigeria, CNL invests in initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the health of members of such communities.
Through partnerships, leadership, and financial resources, CNL continues to assist government and institutions in addressing health issues and has recorded significant success in this regard. CNL works to protect the health and safety of its employees, their registered spouses, dependents, and retirees.
CNL is committed to the fight against malaria through initiatives such as the Roll Back Malaria Program, Malaria in Pregnancy program, training of health workers, distribution of Intermittent Preventive Treatment and Artemisinin-based drugs, and Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets. The Roll Back Malaria programmes are specifically targeted at infants, children under 5 years of age and pregnant women who have been worst hit by malaria.
CNL’s partnerships with other organizations such as the Corporate Alliance for Malaria in Africa and PATH, two non-governmental organizations, through the National Malaria Elimination Programme, have helped in enhancing the support of the government’s vision to end malaria in Nigeria.
WHO recently recommended the world’s first malaria vaccine, RTS, S/ASO1, for children at risk in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate or high transmission of malaria. Also, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has approved funding for a malaria vaccination programme, which is open to different countries.
With a new grant from Chevron Corporation, PATH will support the Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria to inform their decision to adopt the malaria vaccination programme. Chevron and PATH view the vaccine adoption decision as key to ensuring that any future introduction of malaria vaccines in Nigeria reaches children in greatest need first.
Chevron has also partnered with the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a non-governmental organization, in building resilient health systems in Nigeria.
Rick Kennedy, CNL’s Chairman and Managing Director explained that the partnership between Chevron and Global Fund is an example of how Chevron is contributing strategically to the development of Nigeria by helping to improve the health of its people.
He affirmed that Chevron has been one of the largest Global Fund corporate partners and its partnership focuses on capacity development initiatives, joint advocacy and communications campaigns, and other local initiatives. “Chevron also encourages its staff to share their skills with the local programs to help improve grant reach and performance,” he added.
CNL has continued to receive commendation for its commitment to the fight against malaria in Nigeria from both government and non-governmental organizations including the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and TruContact, a Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability monitoring organization, for its outstanding contributions to the provision of basic health services to the local communities of the Niger Delta.
Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs explains further on CNL’s commitment to health development in Nigeria.
He declared:“For us at Chevron, we are committed to adding value to communities where we do business. In this regard, we focus our social investments on health, education, and economic development, and we are always open to partnerships that will add value to the living conditions of Nigerians”
admin by — May 2, 2022 in Health 0
Sallah: ASCN President Urges Muslims On Peace, Tolerance

The National President of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCN), Dr.Tommy Okon Etim,has urged Muslims to remain steadfast in the worship of Allah and to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as they did during the month of Ramadan.

His admonition was contained in a message to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr on behalf of his office and Central Working Committee of the association.

He also urged the Muslims to continue to uphold the ideals of piety, patience, perseverance, humility, and self-denial which were observed vigorously during the month of Ramadan.

He emphasized the need for Muslims to always uphold the spirit of brotherhood of mankind as enjoined by Allah in the Holy Quran through promotion of peace, unity, and progress of the country.

He added:“As we celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, which marks the end of the Ramadan fast, I urge everyone, regardless of our religious beliefs, to continue to pray for peace, end to security challenges and for growth and development to be accelerated in the association and Nigeria as a whole”.

Assuring his members of good leadership despite challenges facing the association, the President urged them to continue to sustain the tempo of their prayers with a view to surmounting the challenges.

admin by — May 2, 2022 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Land Grabbing: Dismissed Police Bag Five Years

An Ota Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ogun State, has convicted and sentenced a dismissed Police Officer, Joseph Ayodele, to five and a half years jail  for terrorising people and grabbing their lands at Gbayunre Village, Atan-Ota, Ogun State.
Chief Magistrate Mr O. L. Oke, convicted and sentenced Ayodele,after pronouncing him guilty of the four counts of conspiracy, breach of the public peace, intimidation and forcible entry into the land.
He  held that the sentence shall run concurrently, adding that it shall be served at the Ibara Correctional Centre. He however, gave the Convict, Ayodele an option of a N500, 000 fine.
In his verdict,Oke held that: ”I have considered the provisions of Sections 415 and 430 of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Other Related Matters Law of Ogun State 2017, as it relates to sentencing.I have considered the provisions of the Ogun State Judiciary Sentencing Guidelines and Non-Custodial Alternatives Practice Direction 2020.
“The convict along with others now still at large repeatedly terrorised people who were in peaceful and actual possession of their property pursuant to a judgment of a competent court of law.The convict and his cohorts acted in flagrant disregard to the rights of these people and committed the offences. He is indeed fortunate not to have been charged at the High Court pursuant to the prohibition of forcible occupation of landed properties, armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other anti-violence related offences Law of Ogun State 2016.
“The convict being a first-time offender without any prior conviction is sentenced as follows: Six months imprisonment with an option of N100, 000, fine in Count I. For Count II, the Convict is sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with an option of a N100, 000, fine. For Count III, the convict is sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a N200, 000, fine. For count IV, the convict is sentenced to two years imprisonment with an-option of N100, 000, fine”.
Ayodele,60, had earlier through his his counsel prayed  the court to have mercy on him, saying he was not a trouble maker.
He added: “The defendant is a first time offender, he has never been convicted before in any case or matter like this. I urge this court to temper justice with mercy.”
The convict was arraigned before the court on August 3, 2021, after being accused of being the leader of land grabbers (Omo Onile) who attacked policemen, snatched their gun and handcuffs and took them away, at a construction site in Kajola, Atan-Ota, Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State.
Ayodele was also alleged to have induced fear in the complainants after entering their land.
The convict was arraigned alongside one Adejare Lawal, A.K.A play Boy; Kamolu a.k.a eye, Deji, a.ka. Sugbegbe, Saliu Falola, A.k.A. Maja, all still at large.
The dismissed police officer and others were alleged to have committed the offence between September 2, 2017, till his arrest.
The prosecutor, Inspector Grace Adebayo, told the court that Ayodele conspired with the others and committed the offences at Gbayunre Village, Atan- Ota, Ogun State.
She said he conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by entering Gbayunre land which has been in actual and peaceable possession of Chief Wasiu Amoo Dada, Sunday Dada, Samuel Olugbenga Dada and their family members.
According to the prosecutor,the offence contravened sections 517, 81, 20(1) and 19 (1) of the violence against persons (prohibition) laws of Ogun State, 2017.
admin by — May 2, 2022 in Crime/Metro 0