Home Blog Page 35

Kano State Commissioner’s Family Tragedy Mourned by Governor and Dignitaries

By
Agency Report
-
0

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State says he is saddened by the fire incident that killed the daughter, elder sister and two siblings of Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Kofar Mata.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yusuf led members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries to the funeral rites of the deceased. The rites took place at Kofar Mata quarters, Kano on Wednesday.

Yusuf described an unfortunate incident that led to the loss of three innocent citizens of the state, and property of huge value.

“We received with shock the sad news of a fire incident that led to the loss of three siblings of one of us.

“The affected the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata at his residence in Kofar Mata quarters within Kano metropolitan.

“It is indeed sad, heart-breaking, and an unfortunate incident that will linger in our memory for a very long time.

“We wish extended heartfelt commiseration to the commissioner, and his family; beseech Almighty Allah to grant eternal rest to the departed souls and prevent occurrence of such ugly incidence’’, he said

COREN President Prof. Sadiq Abubakar reveals 22 building collapses in Nigeria: calls for sustainable collaboration

By
Agency Report
-
0

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), through its President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, has called for deep collaboration with relevant bodies to tackle increasing building collapse in Nigeria.

The Council President of the regulatory body governing the practice of engineering in the country said that Nigeria recorded 22 building collapses between January to July 2024 alone.

The President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja. The news conference is themed, “The Incessant Spate of Building Collapse in Nigeria in Recent Times-A Call for Sustainable Collaboration by All Stakeholders.”

Abubakar said that from January to 14 July, alone, at least 22 cases of building collapse have been reported in Nigeria with Lagos accounting for 27.27%, Abuja and Anambra 18.18% each. He added that Ekiti and Plateau followed with 9.09% each and Kano, Taraba and Niger states accounted for 4.55% each.

“Records also showed that Lagos takes the lead in the incidences of building collapse.

“As a matter of fact, over 91 buildings have collapsed resulting in the death of over 354 persons in Lagos from 2012 to date.

“Similarly in Abuja, about 30 buildings have collapsed from 1993 till date resulting in the death of more than 64 persons and injury of many.

“The most recent occurrences of building collapse close to DMGS Onitsha, Anambra state on June 12 and that of a school (Saint Academy)in Plateau on July 13 where 22 students died and 134 injured as well as the building collapse in Kubwa, Abuja.” He said that the incidents were worrisome.

According to him, this calls for deep reflection and collaboration of all stakeholders in stemming the tide.

“While we commiserate with all victims and families, we want to commend the efforts of all emergency and security services for their prompt response at the time.’’

According to Abubakar, the leading causes of building collapse vary from one location to the other. He said some buildings collapse as a result of ageing and from some investigations and research conducted over time, the use of substandard construction materials and structural failure were also responsible.

He said that other factors included: illegal change of use of buildings, illegal addition of floors, quackery, inadequate or lack of supervision and oversight. He added other factors were faulty foundations or lack of conduct of soil/geotechnical investigation, and sharp and corrupt practices amongst others.

Abubakar also commended the respective affected state governments for constituting a panel of enquiry to look into the various cases with a view to finding out the immediate and remote causes and preventing future occurrences.

“This is not the time for apportioning blame or contest of superiority within the built environment but a time for all stakeholders to unite and proffer workable and lasting solutions, particularly in the prevention of building collapses.

“All professionals within the built environment have a role to play in this.

“In this regard, we have identified and categorised many stakeholders that we will be engaging shortly,’’ he said.

The President said that the proliferation of illegal miners even within residential areas as reported in some quarters was a danger to the structural stability of buildings. He added that the council had, therefore, urged affected states to take urgent steps to reverse the trend adding that it was also time to enforce the compulsory insurance of some buildings under construction.

Abubakar said that perturbed by the incessant and avoidable incidences of building collapse in Nigeria and loss of lives in recent times, COREN had deemed to make major moves. He said that COREN had taken some steps in monitoring and preventing building collapse by training and licensing Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) inspectors.

Abubakar added that COREN had reconstituted its Council Committee on Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) and added the role of enforcement to its responsibility in line with the amended COREN Act.

He said that COREN had constituted an ERM&E Task Force at regional levels including Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, FCT, Gombe and Lagos among other steps to tackle building.

Kenyan Protests: Mother Searches for Missing Son Amid Unrest

By
tvafrinet
-
0

A Kenya mother, Tabitha Wanjiru Kairo and her husband David Kairo have been searching for their missing son in police stations, hospitals and morgues hoping to find him dead or alive.

Their son went missing during recent protests against the finance bill that was being debated in parliament in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

Their 28-year-old son Joseph Mwangi was a street salesman, peddling what ever he could to make ends meet, but he had big dreams of one day becoming a police officer or soldier serving his county.

His mother Tabitha Wanjiru Kairo, has been searching everywhere.

“They (the government) should look for our children because I have searched all over but I can not trace his where abouts. I’ve reported him missing at the Kasarani Police Station but the police there don’t seem to care or know anything,” said Kairo.

Kairo believes her son didn’t do anything wrong. The last time they spoke he had told her that he was hoping to join anti-government protests because he felt the cost of living in Kenya was becoming unbearable.

As a mother, Kairo is proud of her son’s desire to protest, if she was younger she says she would have protested against the government too.

She urges the government to release all those who have been abducted and are missing to be released immediately and without harm.

“Give us our children. My child did nothing wrong to anyone. Protesting in the streets is not a crime….Why are they making us suffer,” She added.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights so far there have been 41 deaths, 35 abductions and 746 arrests as a result of the anti-finance bill protests.

Kenya’s President William Ruto on Friday apologised for the “arrogance and show of opulence” by legislators and ministers from the ruling party and promised action against “rogue” police officers who shot at unarmed civilians during deadly protests and the storming of parliament over plans to hike taxes.

Ruto, referring to what he called arrogant statements made by officials, said public speaking was “difficult” and some people make “mistakes” for which he takes responsibility and promised change in the conduct of officials.

Kenya experienced two weeks of unrest during which Parliament was stormed by protesters during a finance bill vote.

Kenya Police Bans Central Nairobi Protests: Safety Measures Explained

By
Agency Report
-
0

Kenya’s police says it has banned any form of protests in central Nairobi until further notice because of safety measures and the threat to lives and properties.

According to them, they claim that criminals and terrorists have hijacked the protest to promote their nefarious activities and all kinds of crimes.

Activists planned to gather at Uhuru Park on Thursday but faced heavy police presence. Protests started a month ago against tax hikes, leading to at least 50 deaths.

Protesters demand Ruto’s resignation and reforms to tackle corruption and poor governance. “We have intelligence that criminal groups plan to use the protests for attacks and looting,” said police chief Douglas Kanja Kiricho on Wednesday. “No demonstrations will be allowed in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surroundings to ensure public safety.”

The protests are organized online without support from opposition politicians, causing the biggest crisis of Ruto’s two-year rule. Ruto offered to form a broad-based government, but the opposition rejected this, calling for a constitutional convention instead.

What began as peaceful rallies often turned violent. On June 25, some protesters stormed parliament, and police opened fire. Ruto’s office planned talks to address grievances, but by Thursday, there was no sign of them starting. Protest leaders demand immediate action on corruption.

“The police and President Ruto cannot suspend constitutional rights,” activist Boniface Mwangi wrote on social media platform X.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) warned the media against inciting violence in their coverage. “Some outlets have compromised objectivity and balance in reporting crime and crisis situations,” said CA chief David Mugonyi in a July 17 letter.

Nairobi remains tense, with citizens waiting to see if the protest ban will restore order or fuel more dissent.

Tinubu hails Supreme Court ruling on LG autonomy, says Nigeria is for all of us

By
Banke Olarenwaju
-
0

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the ruling of the Supreme Court affirming the spirit, intent and purpose of the 1999 Constitution on the statutory rights of local governments.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, in a statement on Thursday, said Tinubu noted that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years had been ineffective local government administration.

According to the President, governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration was nearly absent.

Tinubu emphasised that the onus was now on local council leaders to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us.

“This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions.

“What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses,” he said.

The President said his administration instituted the suit because of its unwavering belief that Nigerians must have relief and the judgement would ensure that it would be only those local officials elected by the people that would control the resources of the people.

“This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people,” Tinubu’ said.

He noted that the provision of some essential amenities and public goods, such as the construction and maintenance of certain roads, streets, street lighting, drains, parks, gardens, open spaces, and other residual responsibilities, including community security, had tottered owing to the emasculation of local governments.

The President affirmed that the decision of the apex court to uphold the constitutional rights and ideals of local governments as regards financial autonomy, and other salient principles, was of historic significance.

He said, it further reinforced the effort to enhance Nigeria’s true federal fabric for the development of the entire nation.

Tinubu commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his diligence and patriotic effort on the important assignment.

He assured that his administration remained committed to protecting the principles of the charter, governing citizens, institutions of government, arms, and tiers of government, in furtherance of building an efficient and performance-driven governance system that will work for every Nigerian.

EFCC Money Laundering: Ex-Minister Mamman Collapses in Court

By
Agency Report
-
0

Former Minister of Power under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Saleh Mamman, on Thursday, stalled at a Federal High Court, Abuja, after he collapsed outside the court room.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mamman, whose plea was fixed for Thursday morning, collapsed outside the courtroom before the case was called.

The former minister’s counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, told Justice James Omotosho shortly when the matter was called for Mamman to take his plea. Upon resumed hearing, the ex-minister walked into the courtroom and stepped into the dock with part of his clothes drenched.

Justice Omotosho then asked why Mamman was sweating or whether it was raining outside. The former minister, who responded from the dock, said water was poured on him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, while addressing the court, said though the matter was fixed for Mamman’s arraignment, there was a development outside the courtroom.

Olumide-Fusika said he had a discussion with Ate outside the courtroom about Mamman’s ill health.

“I was informed of an incident outside. I will want my learner senior advocate to tell the honourable court himself,” he said.

Speaking, Ate said Mamman, “upon being brought into the premises of the court collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel of the Federal High Court.”

He said his client was served with the charge after he was resuscitated.

“He was served this morning,” he added.

The senior lawyer said he sought the understanding of Olumide-Fusika for an adjournment so that the arraignment could be done on Monday when his client would have been okay. However the judge said due to the workload in the court dockets, the arraignment could only be fixed for September ending.

Ate then withdrew the oral application for an adjournment. Olumide-Fusika said he had just filed an amended charge earlier in the morning following a mistake in the name of the defendant and prayed the court that the fresh charge be read to Mamman to take his plea but Justice Omotosho disagreed with him.

The judge, however, asked Mamman if he was fit enough to take his plea today and he responded in the affirmative. The former minister explained to the court that he collapsed outside the courtroom because of the drugs he took when he had not eaten, and while he was outside the courtroom waiting to be called, his blood pressure dropped.

Mamman, however, said he was fit to continue with the arraignment.

“It can happen to any one,” the judge added.

The ex-minister told the court that he called the attention of his lawyer to the error made by the EFCC on the name in the charge served on him.

“I was complaining about the name, that it was not my own,” he stated.

Justice Omotosho then stepped down the arraignment until 1 pm today. NAN reports that the EFCC had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against the Mamman. He was alleged to have committed money laundering offences to the tune of ₦33 billion.

The former minister served under former President Buhari from 2019 to 2021. On May 10, 2021, he was arrested and detained at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja. Buhari had September 1, 2021, sacked Mamman and the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, in what was called a cabinet restructuring.

Mamman was accused of conspiring with staff of the ministry in charge of the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects to divert about ₦22 billion. The investigations uncovered property in Nigeria and overseas allegedly linked to the suspects, while millions of naira and dollars had reportedly been recovered.

Pay allocations directly to LGAs Supreme Court directs Federal Government

By
Steve Abdullahi
-
0

The Supreme Court has delivered a judgement ordering the Federal Government to henceforth pay allocations to local government councils from the federation accounts.

In a judgement delivered on Thursday, July 11, 2024, a seven-member panel of justices ruled that state governments abuse their powers by retaining and using LGA funds.

Recall that in May, the Federal Government filed a suit against governors of the 36 states over alleged abuse and misconduct in the administration of Local Government Areas.

In the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024 and filed on behalf of the government by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the FG sought recognition of LGAs as an autonomous third tier of government in the country.

Fagbemi prayed the court to issue an order prohibiting state governors from arbitrary, unilateral, and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected LG administrators.

The suit, which is predicated on 27 grounds, also sought an order to allow LG funds to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

The AGF also contended in the suit that Nigeria as a federation is a creation of the 1999 Constitution with the President as the head of the Federal Executive arm, and has sworn to uphold and effect the provisions of the grundnorm.

The FG also prayed the Supreme Court for an order prohibiting governors from further constituting Caretaker Committees to run local government affairs as against the constitutionally recognised and guaranteed system.

The suit equally sought an injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released to LGs from the Federation Account.

The minister, in a 13-paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by one Kelechi Ohaeri from the Federal Ministry of Justice, sued the 36 governors through their respective state attorney generals.

Power Banks: Portable Powerhouses

By
Sekyen Yakubu
-
0

Power banks have become an essential accessory in today’s fast-paced world, providing a convenient way to keep our devices charged on-the-go. Nigerians are most grateful for this genius invention.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right power bank for your needs.

– Capacity: Power banks come in various capacities, ranging from small 5,000mAh units to large 24,000mAh models. Consider how many devices you need to charge and how often.

– Portability: If you’re always on the move, a compact and lightweight power bank is ideal. If you prioritize capacity over portability, larger power banks are available.

– Design: Power banks come in different designs, such as sleek and stylish or rugged and waterproof. Choose a design that fits your lifestyle.

– Safety: Ensure the power bank is made with safe materials and has built-in protection mechanisms to prevent overheating or overcharging.

– Ports: Consider the types and number of ports you need, such as USB-C, USB-A, or wireless charging.

– Premium Features: Some power banks offer advanced features like OLED displays, pass-through charging, and app connectivity.

Some top-rated power banks include:

– Anker PowerCore 10,000mAh Redux: A compact and portable option with both USB-C and USB-A ports.

– Anker PowerCore 24K: A high-capacity power bank with multiple ports and a handy OLED display.

– Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Power Bank: A small but mighty option with a wireless charging pad.

– Baseus Blade HD: A thin and lightweight power bank with multiple ports and a large capacity.

– Klarus K5: A waterproof and dust-resistant power bank perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

When choosing a power bank, consider your specific needs and priorities. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect portable powerhouse to keep your devices charged and ready to go.

Ofada Rice: Nigeria’s Hidden Gem

By
Sekyen Yakubu
-
0

Ofada rice originates from the southwestern region of Nigeria, specifically from the Awori people of Ogun State. This unique variety of rice was cultivated by the Awori farmers and was known for its exceptional resistance to pests and diseases

Nutritional Value

Ofada rice is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any meal. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great source of energy and nourishment.

Preparation Methods

Preparing ofada rice requires some patience and attention to detail, but the end result is well worth the effort. The rice must be washed, soaked, cooked, and steamed to bring out its unique flavor and texture.

Cultural Significance

Ofada rice holds a special place in Nigerian culture and is often served at special occasions and celebration. It is a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and unity, and is often reserved for guests and respected elders.

Variations and Pairings

Ofada rice can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preferences and regional traditions ¹. Some popular variations include plain ofada rice, ofada rice with stew, ofada rice with ayamase, and ofada rice with efo riro.

Health Benefits

In addition to its nutritional value, ofada rice has been associated with several health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and weight management

Global warming: The Silent Threat

By
Sekyen Yakubu
-
0

Global warming, also known as climate change, is the gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere, primarily caused by human activities that release large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere

Causes:

– Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas)

– Deforestation and land-use changes

– Agriculture and livestock production

– Industrial processes

Effects:

– Rising sea levels and melting glaciers

– Extreme weather events (heatwaves, droughts, floods)

– Changes in precipitation patterns

– Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption

– Negative impacts on human health and economy

Consequences:

– Coastal cities and islands at risk of flooding and displacement

– Food security threats due to crop failures and changed growing seasons

– Increased risk of water scarcity and droughts

– Loss of cultural heritage and historical sites

– Significant economic costs and displacement of populations

Solutions:

– Transition to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro)

– Energy efficiency and conservation measures

– Electrification of transportation and industry

– Carbon capture and storage technologies

– Sustainable land-use practices (reforestation, agroforestry)

– International cooperation and climate policy agreements

The time to act is now. Let’s work together to mitigate the effects of global warming and create a sustainable future for all.

1...343536...593Page 35 of 593

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©