PDP calls on INEC to honour pledge on BVAS, IReV in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa polls.

PDP calls on INEC to honour pledge on BVAS, IReV in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa polls.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to walk the talk on the conduct of governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states slated for  November 11.

The INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had at the weekend assured that the Commission will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for the conduct of the election.

The Commission’s chairman also said results will be uploaded and transmitted by electronic means from the polling units to INEC’s central server in real time.

Reacting to Prof Yakubu’s statements, the PDP charged INEC to make good its promise as the party will not accept anything less.

At a media conference in Abuja on Sunday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba said the use of the stated technology devices for elections was a mandatory statutory requirement of the law.

Ologunagba said: “The PDP holds INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu directly responsible and accountable to his pronouncements and that INEC is bound by law to electronically transmit results directly from the polling units using these technologies.

“The PDP is fully prepared for these elections and in line with the commitment of INEC, will not accept any other means of transmitting results in these elections except as this manner pronounced by the INEC Chairman in line with requirement of Electoral Act, 2022.

“The PDP has commenced training of our polling agents at all levels to ensure total compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) Electoral Act, 2022, INEC Guidelines and Regulations especially as confirmed by the INEC Chairman  

“INEC chairman must note that the integrity of an election process is directly linked to the confidence of the electorate”.

The party expressed confidence in its candidates to win the governorship elections in the three states.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Lagos seals hospital for transfusing patients with unscreened blood.

Lagos seals hospital for transfusing patients with unscreened blood.

The Lagos government has sealed a private hospital at Ago-Okota in Oshodi-Isolo local government area of the state for collecting and transfusing unscreened and unlabelled blood to unsuspecting patients.

Dr Bodunrin Osikomaiya, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), said this in a statement signed by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs, state Ministry of Health, on Sunday in Lagos.

Osikomaiya said the LSBTS in collaboration with the state Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) sealed the facility following a tip-off from a concerned citizen.

“Following the tip off, and after thorough investigations, the enforcement teams of LSBTS and HEFAMAA, during their joint monitoring exercise in the area, visited the facility and confirmed to be true, the unwholesome, unprofessional and unethical medical practices and conduct of the hospital management,” Osikomaiya said.

She added that the facility was shut for contravening the blood transfusion service law and for unethical and unprofessional medical practice, as well as putting the lives of unsuspecting citizens at risk.

“The law states that no person within Lagos State shall transfuse blood into a patient unless such blood has been screened, tested, labelled by the state blood transfusion committee, and found to be negative for all transmissible diseases including HIV I and II, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis and any other disease as may be deemed necessary by LSBTS,” she said.

Osikomaiya said the details of the blood donors and transfusion recipients had been retrieved from the management of the hospital.

She noted that patients who were transfused with the unscreened units of blood at the facility were being traced as part of protocol to ascertain their clinical health status and ensure their safety.

Osikomaiya stressed that the management of the hospital and workers found culpable in the unwholesome act would be prosecuted in accordance with appropriate laws.

She the agency had rejigged its strategies in sanitising the state against unethical blood transfusion practices and continued to wage war against unwholesome practice of transfusing unscreened blood in the state.

Osikomaiya appealed to citizens to support the war against unwholesome blood transfusion service by reporting infractions and unwholesome practices when they see any.

She also implored health workers and stakeholders involved in the blood transfusion chain, including blood banks, blood donation centres, and logistics firms to adhere strictly to WHO regulations and the state Blood Transfusion laws on blood donation, collection and transfusion.

“This war against unwholesome blood transfusion practices involves and affects every citizen, and as a result, the LBTS will step up the tempo through continuous monitoring of all facilities concerned with blood transfusion,” she said.

Osikomaiya said this would ensure a safe and wholesome blood transfusion chain and guarantee the safety of all citizens residing in the state.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Vehicles for members not private property, says Reps spokesman.

Vehicles for members not private property, says Reps spokesman.

The spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, has said the new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) to be distributed to members would not be personal property of the lawmakers.

Rotimi stated this following reports indicating that the lawmakers were supposedly being gifted vehicles worth allegedly over N100 million each.

He said for the duration of the 10th assembly, the vehicles shall remain the property of the National Assembly.

Rotimi, who made this known in a statement on Sunday evening, however did not say anything about the cost of the vehicles.

He said the vehicles are work tools, and not status symbols

The statement reads: “Honourable Members are diligent and patriotic elected representatives and not entitled. The anticipated allocation of vehicles will contribute to improved representation, constituency outreach and oversight functions.

“The House of Representatives is monitoring a trending topic across multiple traditional and online media, concerning the allocation of vehicles to honourable members, and because this issue has understandably generated significant public interest, we believe Nigerians deserve feedback from their elected representatives.

“While many versions of this story carry varying exaggerations, we can confirm that the National Assembly bureaucracy is in the phased process of procuring and distributing operational vehicles to honourable members over the coming weeks and months.

“This development is in accordance with extant procurement laws and has been the practice in previous assemblies. It is also not peculiar to the Legislature, as unelected government officials in the Executive arm of government from Director level and above, in most cases, have official vehicles attached to their offices.

“It is important to make a few clarifications. The vehicles to be allocated to the offices of honourable members are utility operational vehicles tied to their oversight functions in the discharge of their duties in the standing committees. They are not personal vehicles gifted to honourable members.

“For the duration of the 10th assembly (2023 – 2027), the vehicles shall remain the property of the National Assembly. At the expiration of the tenure of the 10th Assembly in 2027, should the extant assets deboarding policy of government still be in place, honourable members may have the option of making payment for the outstanding value of the vehicles to government coffers before they can become theirs, otherwise it remains the property of the National Assembly.

“The public is invited to note that as part of the 10th Assembly’s objective to ensure our integrity and independence, honourable members of the Green Chamber have resolved to maintain a respectable distance from the Executive arm of government, especially in issues relating to logistical aspects of oversight functions, including reaching difficult terrains in the country.

“No matter how remote the location is, as long as there are Nigerian citizens living there, they deserve highly mobile representatives who can see first-hand what they are going through, and ensure government interventions, programmes, and policies are carried out effectively. This can only be possible with functional and reliable off-road vehicles.

“Also, the House would like to inform the public that we remain committed to reducing the cost of governance in line with present realities. Those willing to research further would find a significant body of work with evidence that the percentage of the component of the Legislature’s budget as part of our national budget has been on a downward trend over the past decade, despite inflation and the expanding role and relevance of honourable members in the lives of citizens. It currently stands at 0.5% of the Federal budget.

“Accordingly, as all stakeholders continue to advance the conversation about reducing the cost of governance, we encourage looking in the right direction, and not cause disaffection for honourable members who want to discharge their duties effectively and above board, without being susceptible to inducement when the enablement to function is impaired.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba Extends Heartfelt Congratulations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi on His One-Year Anniversary in Office.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba Extends Heartfelt Congratulations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi on His One-Year Anniversary in Office.

 In a touching display of admiration and unwavering support, Honorable Wale Alade-Oba, a respected businessman and a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ifelodun/Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA), has conveyed his sincere congratulations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi. This gesture coincides with the celebration of the distinguished Governor's remarkable one-year anniversary in office.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba, also a member of BAO Anchor organization and the chairman of Ekiti in Diaspora for BAO Abuja chapter, recognized the exceptional intellectual prowess of Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi. He praised the Governor's unwavering commitment to the betterment of Ekiti State, citing his dedication to good governance, infrastructural development, and the well-being of Ekiti's residents.

In this heartfelt message of congratulations, Hon. Alade-Oba underscores the significance of Governor Abayomi's first year in office, emphasizing the substantial progress made and the unwavering dedication displayed. Governor Abayomi's vision for Ekiti State, encompassing critical infrastructural development, social welfare programs, and the holistic well-being of the state's citizens, has served as a guiding light for Ekiti's journey toward progress and prosperity.

During his message, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba eloquently underscores the importance of strong leadership and unity within the APC. He takes this opportunity to commend Governor Abayomi for his role in promoting party cohesion and his unwavering commitment to upholding the core values and principles of the APC.

Furthermore, Hon. Alade-Oba extends his appreciation for the Governor's palliative measures, which were implemented to support the state's workforce in response to the fuel subsidy removal. He describes these actions as unprecedented and lauds the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the state's employees.

In addition, Alade-Oba underscores Governor Abayomi's symbolic act of handing Ekiti over to God during his inauguration one year ago. This gesture is viewed as instrumental in ushering in a sense of peace and illumination in the state, both in the physical realm and on a spiritual plane.

Looking forward, Alade-Oba expresses his eagerness to collaborate closely with Governor Abayomi to achieve the shared goals and objectives of the APC within Ekiti State. He acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead and underscores the collective effort required to bring about meaningful and lasting positive change for the state.

Wale Alade-Oba's message of congratulations not only pays tribute to Governor Biodun Oyebanji Abayomi's first year in office but also serves as a testament to the unity and shared purpose within the APC. It underscores the party's commitment to effective leadership, development, and dedicated service to the people of Ekiti State.

As Governor Abayomi embarks on his second year in office, the support and encouragement from esteemed party members like Hon. Wale Alade-Oba reaffirm the shared vision of progress, prosperity, and good governance for Ekiti State under the capable leadership of the APC.

Unity and Support Shine as Hon Wale Alade-Oba Extends Birthday Greetings to Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, APC's Flag Bearer for Ifelodun/Irepodun LGA Chairmanship Election.

Unity and Support Shine as Hon Wale Alade-Oba Extends Birthday Greetings to Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, APC's Flag Bearer for Ifelodun/Irepodun LGA Chairmanship Election.

 In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and goodwill, Honorable Wale Alade-Oba, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifelodun/Irepodun Local Government Area (LGA), has extended his warmest regards to Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, the chosen flag bearer for the upcoming Chairmanship election in Ekiti state, specifically for the Ifelodun/Irepodun LGA Chairmanship election.

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba, also a member of BAO Anchor organization and the chairman of Ekiti in Diaspora for BAO Abuja chapter, emphasized the exceptional intellectual prowess of Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi. He conveyed his heartfelt wishes for a life filled with longevity and prosperity, recognizing the importance of Hon. Oluwatuyi's role as a valuable and youthful leader poised to make a significant impact.

Addressing recent unfounded rumors of internal discord within the party and alleged dissatisfaction with the primary election results, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba categorically refuted these claims and reaffirmed his unwavering support for Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi. Drawing a poignant analogy, he emphasized that the unity within the party is akin to the saying, "A cooking pot for a lizard is a cooking pot for a chameleon," highlighting that the success of one ultimately benefits all.

Furthermore, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba stressed the absence of any contention between himself and Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the party's unity and success. He made it clear, saying, "I have congratulated him and advised him to be magnanimous in victory. I am ready to render any support for my brother and friend of over 40 years."

He attributed his commitment to discipline, harmony, and consensus-building to his upbringing in a nurturing household. "I am always for peace, and I am available to render any support for my brother, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi Chenco, to become the chairman of our local government area, in which, with God, all things will be possible. Victory is ours in Jesus' name," he affirmed.

In addition to extending warm wishes and expressing his steadfast support, Hon. Wale Alade-Oba took the opportunity to address those who engage in the spread of falsehoods and rumors, urging them to desist from such acts and instead pray for the unity of the party leaders in Igede.

As the Ifelodun/Irepodun LGA Chairmanship election approaches, this public display of support and unity within the APC stands as a testament to the party's resilience and unwavering collective determination.

Cushioning The Effect Of Subsidy Through BIOGAS Renewable Energy.

Cushioning The Effect Of Subsidy Through BIOGAS Renewable Energy.

A Biogas renewable energy expert Yemi Olubusoye has called on government at all levels to explore natural free methane gas to cushion the effects of subsidy on masses.

A BIOGAS renewable energy expert Yemi Olubusoye of YAGFIELD BIOTECH ENGINEERING LTD has call on government at all levels to explore natural free gas produced from bio-degradable waste; animal waste, agricultural waste, food waste and human waste as a way to cushion the effect of subsidy. Biogas is trying fast to take over the dominant role in Nigeria energy supply mix because of incessant increase in pump price of PMS, electricity tariff, hike inbtransportation fares, increase in prices of LPG cooking gas, food items and high cost of living have placed a huge demand on alternative source of energy for cooking, electricity and cheaper transportation through conversion of fossil fuel vehicles to CNG Gas, one liter of PMS fuel will last for 1hour: 30 minutes in a 2kva generating-set but one cubic meter (1m³) of CNG GAS connected to a generating-set will last for 6 hours to lower the cost of living on the masses, biogas energy can be constructed for household, cottage industries, hostels, schools, hotels, poultry and pig farm etc. when installed its free natural gas depending on the number of hours each users can afford.

While growing up we use kerosene stove but at a point kerosene became expensive and scarce and there was a switch to LPG gas, more cleaner energy and eco-friendly, today every home is using LPG gas for cooking, even rural dwellers who use firewood now have small gas cylinders to augment their cooking. One thing is certain, the use of cheaper Gas for cooking, power generating set and vehicles will take over Nigeria space in the next two years, people will gradually switch to more affordable, accessible, cleaner and eco-friendly energy. 

There are two types of gas; Propane (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) LPG and Methane which is Biogas. Propane LPG is refined from crude oil, highly flammable hydrocarbon gas while Biogas is a gaseous renewable energy source produced from raw materials such as animal waste, food waste, human waste and agricultural waste (Elephant grass). Biogas is produced by anaerobic bacterial decomposition of waste and digestion with anaerobic organisms or methanogens in an enclosed objects. Methane is a colorless & odourless gas unlike propane gas.

Looking at the future prospects of biogas, technical constraints and making biogas technology installation affordable, penetration into the rural communities and poor urban households have been suggested to cushion the effect of subsidy. One effective way to reduce cost of living; cooking, electricity & power vehicles to reduce carbon footprint of a business or home environment, utilization of food waste to save more money is for Nigerians to embrace BIOGAS because once installed with periodic feeding system you begin to enjoy free natural gas, diverting food scraps and other organic materials from landfills, methane and carbon dioxide can be captured and used efficiently. 

It's high time Nigerians begin to explore the abundance of natural free methane gas in their homes, business premises, restaurants, fast food, religion centres, schools and cottage industries, hospitals, hostels, public toilet, cattle farms, pig farms, poultry farms, homes, estates apartments etc. and to eliminate hazardous environmental impacts of fossil fuels CO2 emissions. Its advantages are enormous, It is a low-cost method to produce energy, making it economically friendly, reduces overhead cost of fueling the generator and payment of electricity bill, reduces soil, water and air pollution, produces organic manure as a byproduct to grow crops and utilization of waste. Instead of letting the wastes rot in landfills.

 

ENERGY FROM WASTE, POWER FROM NATURE.

Written By Yemi Olubusoye

08058134771 (Biogas Engineer and Installer)

Kidnapping: CAC bars members from travelling in branded buses.

Kidnapping: CAC bars members from travelling in branded buses.

The leadership of the Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria has called on members of the church across districts to avoid travelling in their branded vehicles.

The church’s General Secretary, Pastor E. Mapur, made the call in a circular issued to all CAC regional district supervisors and pastors on Friday.

The circular further directed each church assembly to engage the services of armed mobile police officers if they wished to travel in their branded vehicles.

It read, “The rate at which kidnapping incidents of church members, especially in branded vehicles/buses of the church, has become a source of concern to the church authority. The most recent is the incident of the Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Igan choir, whose members were abducted in Ondo State.

“I am directed to mandate every assembly in Christ Apostolic Church that henceforth any Assembly/District/Zone/DCC that wishes to travel in their branded buses/vehicles must ensure that the services of armed mobile police officers are engaged.

“The church cannot afford to see its members experiencing such a traumatic situation again. We urge all ministers in CAC to take this instruction with every seriousness. May the Lord continually protect all members of the church and indeed Nigerians.”

This directive came after about 25 choristers of the church were kidnapped by gunmen on September 29 at Ifon, at Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

While the police rescued eight of those abducted within a few hours, the remaining members regained their freedom on Friday, October 6, after their families paid a sum of N50m ransom to the abductors.