Red Cross to lift 1.09m Nigerians with 27m Swiss Francs.

Red Cross to lift 1.09m Nigerians with 27m Swiss Francs.

Hope brightened yesterday for 1,092,300 Nigerians facing hunger, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene crises. They will be lifted by the International Federation of Red Cross Society (IFRC) through the Nigerian Red Cross.

The IFRC announced CHF27 million (Swiss Francs) support for its local chapter in Nigeria.

The humanitarian organisation said that 24.8 million Nigerians face acute food insecurity, adding it has succeeded in raising CHF 2,138,031, which it said was less than eight per cent of the funds.

It said the interventions will cover 13 states in the Northwest, Northcentral, Southwest and the Southeast.

The states are: Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Borno, Lagos and Imo.

The disclosures were made at a fact-sheet session at the Hunger Crisis Media Parley by the Head, Abuja Delegation of IFRC, Bhupinder Tomar.

Tomar said: “IFRC today seeks CHF 27million to support Nigerian Red Cross Society to respond to the hunger crisis.

“1,092,300 will receive aid in the form of cash assistance, food and nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).”

Giving the breakdown of the beneficiaries which was compiled in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross, he said: “600,000 people will receive water, Sanitation and hygiene assistance. 396,000 will receive health and nutrition support, including child Supplementary feeding.

“330,000 people will receive cash voucher assistance through multi-purpose cash grants and 66,000 people will receive livelihoods support and training in income generating activities and livestock production.”

He said the interventions of the society were to complement what the Federal Government has been doing.

Tomar added: “I am happy that the government is responding to this national emergency and doing its best. I think, we (the public) have contributions to make. Famine or hunger is human created. There is nothing natural about famine or hunger. It is unnatural. We must all rise up to play our roles.

He warned that if urgent action was not taken, “large external shocks may accentuate the challenges at hand.”

On her part, the Senior Communications Officer, Africa Hunger Crisis Appeal, Anne Wanjiru said 22 other sub-Saharan countries were also facing hunger.

She said about 146 milion in Southern Africa have been facing severe hunger with some households hardly getting a meal daily.

“The hunger crisis is largely climate induced but fuelled by conflict. It is time to put an end to the vicious cycle,” she said.

The President of the society, Oluyemisi Adeaga, urged Nigerians to come to the aid of the vulnerable who are uncertain of a meal or the next meal at  any time.

He said the Red Cross was out to fill the gaps in catering for the vulnerable.

He said: “Our initial target was seven states in north-west and north-central Nigeria. That number has now been scaled up to 13 states as we are seeing an increase in the number of people who are going hungry due to a multiplicity of factors.”

 ”Indeed, the urgency of the situation is not lost on President Bola Tinubu who declared a state of emergency on food insecurity and ordered the immediate release of fertilisers and grains to farmers.”

“President Tinubu also approved that all matters pertaining to food and water availability as well as affordability, as essential livelihood items, be included within the purview of the National Security Council.

 ”We call on all well-meaning people and organizations to join the efforts of the Nigerian Red Cross Society to bring relief to some of the most vulnerable members of our society who now face the human indignity of not knowing where their next meal will come from.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Nasarawa Guber: Gov Sule appeals Tribunal’s judgment nullifying his election.

Nasarawa Guber: Gov Sule appeals Tribunal’s judgment nullifying his election.

Nasarawa governor, Abdullahi Sule, and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have filed an appeal to contest the ruling of the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which declared the PDP candidate, David Umbugadu, as the victor of the March 18th gubernatorial election.

The tribunal led by its chairman, Ezekiel Ajayi in a split judgement of two against one had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to withdraw the certificate of return from Abdullahi Sule and issue it to David Umbugadu of the PDP.

The chairman in its majority judgement delivered October 2, said the evidence before its panel indicated that the election was won by the PDP candidate David Umbugadu and not Engr Abdullahi Sule of the APC.

The PDP candidate, David Umbugadu who equally filed an appeal challenging the minority judgement that upheld the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule, is asking the appeal court to set aside the minority judgement and uphold the majority judgement which returned him as the winner of the election.

The certified true copies of their notices of appeal, a copy which was obtained by our Correspondent yesterday in Lafia are dated 15th October 2023 and signed by their various lawyers.

Governor Sule in his notice of appeal listed twenty-seven (27) grounds to fault the decision of the Justice Ezekiel Ajayi-led Tribunal, asking the appellate court to dismiss the majority judgement sacking him and uphold the majority judgement of the tribunal.

The Governor says he has faith, trust, and confidence in the judiciary to set aside the Nasarawa petition tribunal judgment nullifying his election.

Governor Sule urged the Appellate Court to set aside the decision of the lower court and affirm his election victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Joined in the appeal are David Emmanuel Ombugadu, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), INEC, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respondents respectively.

The electoral umpire, INEC had announced Governor Abdullahi Sule as the winner of the election, but unsatisfied with the declaration, Ombugadu of the PDP approached the Election Petition Tribunal to seek redress over alleged malpractices.

The Tribunal in a split Judgement declared the PDP candidate as the lawfully elected Governor of the State. This, Governor Sule rejected, insisting that the petition lacks merit and ought to have been dismissed.

The Nation Newspaper.

Oyebanji Signs Five Bills To Law At One Year Anniversary.

Oyebanji Signs Five Bills To Law At One Year Anniversary.

In celebration of his one-year anniversary in office, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has signed into law five new bills recently passed by the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

The bills that were formally signed into law are as follows:

1. Ekiti State Lotteries and Gaming Law 2023.
2. Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA) Law 2023.
3. Ekiti State Electricity Power Sector Law 2023.
4. 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Law.

The brief yet significant ceremony took place at the Exco Chamber within the Governor's Office in Ado Ekiti.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye; the Governor's wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the Assembly, and various state executive council members, among others.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's First Year: Achievements in Governance, Security, and Development Lay Strong Foundation for Ekiti State Progress.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's First Year: Achievements in Governance, Security, and Development Lay Strong Foundation for Ekiti State Progress.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J. 

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's first year in office has been marked by significant accomplishments, with a strong emphasis on governance, security, and development. Here is a comprehensive review of the achievements in these vital areas:

Governance:

Promoting Workforce Well-being:

One of the standout achievements is the timely payment of salaries to state and local government workers, amounting to N29,278,008,353 between October 2022 and July 2023. This has significantly contributed to the welfare of civil servants.

Supporting Home Ownership:

The administration disbursed housing loans totaling N267.07 million to 1,901 beneficiaries across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This initiative empowers public servants to acquire comfortable homes.

Strengthening the Civil Service:

The Ministry of Agriculture saw the appointment of 42 produce inspectors to bolster the agricultural sector and maintain the quality of agricultural produce. Additionally, 102 junior officers were appointed across various MDAs, enhancing the workforce.

Normalized Appointments:

The normalization of temporary appointments for 64 junior officers has streamlined transitions within the civil service, making it more efficient and organized.

Pensioners' Welfare:

A priority has been ensuring the welfare of pensioners. The government disbursed N10,210,792,973.88 as pensions to state and local government pensioners between October 2022 and July 2023.

Staff Development:

Recognizing the importance of workforce development, 1,700 staff in the Primary Health Care sector received promotions, boosting their morale and career prospects. Car loans, amounting to N228.3 million, were granted to 682 public servants between October 2022 and July 2023.

Gratuity Benefits:

Beneficiaries of the state and local governments enjoyed the disbursement of N435,000,000.00 as gratuity, further enhancing their well-being.

Enhancing Accessibility:

The administration initiated a free mass transit scheme for public servants and public secondary school students, improving accessibility and mobility.

Modernizing the Civil Service:

Efficiency in the civil service was boosted with the procurement of 30 units of Toyota Yaris cars for 28 permanent secretaries and 2 auditors-general in the Ekiti State Civil Service.

Planning & Development:

Efficient Data Management:

The Data Centre at the Bureau of Statistics received upgrades, ensuring more efficient data management and analysis.

Capacity Building:

The government invested in personnel development, offering training and development programs for 627 local government service personnel, enhancing their skills and knowledge.

Global Representation:

The administration sponsored representatives of organized labor to attend the 2023 session of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Switzerland, bolstering international labor relations.

Financial Training:

A vital part of capacity building included training local government chairmen and other top government officials at the local government level in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

Inclusivity:

The government prioritized training and establishment for 30 individuals with disabilities (PWDs), promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Government Café:

A new engagement and interaction space, the Government Café, was established, enhancing communication.

Security:

Vehicle and Equipment Repairs:

Operational pick-up vehicles and fire-fighting engines in Omuo and Ikole Ekiti received essential repairs, improving the efficiency of these services.

Renovation of the Fire Service HQ:

The government approved the renovation of the Ekiti State Fire Service Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, ensuring it meets modern standards.

Investing in Security:

To bolster security, the administration purchased armored personnel carriers (APC), patrol trucks, and security equipment, including bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, tactical boots, and Motorola radios.

Emergency Command Centre:

The completion of the Emergency Command Centre (ECC) provided a central point for incident reporting and rapid responses.

Increased Security Votes:

Chairmen of local government councils saw an increment in their security votes to enhance local security efforts.

Safest State in Nigeria:

In a notable achievement, the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) ranked Ekiti State as the safest state in Nigeria in 2022.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to governance, security, and the overall development of Ekiti State. These achievements in the first year provide a solid foundation for the administration's continued dedication to serving the people of Ekiti State.

Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James is a Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator, and Journalist, born and raised in Ise-Ekiti, Ise/Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He can be reached through: Akinwumiolamide09@gmail.com, 09068215955.

IGP to meet US security Chiefs over modern policing concept.

IGP to meet US security Chiefs over modern policing concept.

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is billed to lead a delegation of Senior Officers of the Nigeria Police Force to the prestigious International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference 2023 in San Diego, Carlifornia, United States of America. 

The Conference, themed ‘The Real Advantage’, is geared towards providing an invaluable platform for police leaders and professionals around the world to engage with contemporary law enforcement issues of global significance.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Conference, scheduled to take place from 14th to 17th October 2023, at the San Diego Convention Centre, will host International Police Chiefs and Senior Officers, as well as experts and practitioners in various fields of law enforcement. 

It will encompass a broad spectrum of discussions and workshops on critical subjects, including transnational fraud, officer safety and wellness, use of force, innovative investigative techniques related to firearms, community and public safety, cybercrime, and other pressing matters.

Adejobi said: “IGP, who would lead Senior Police Officers to attend the General Assembly of the Association on Monday 16th October, 2023, recognizes the importance of attending this Conference and actively participating in these crucial discussions as the event aligns with his commitment to achieving professional competence, rule of law compliance, and people-friendly policing services, all in accordance with international standards. 

“The knowledge and insights gained from this Conference will be instrumental in advancing the IGP’s mission to maintain law and order and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

“In addition, the IGPs attendance is premised on the consideration the Nigeria Police Force enjoys for having a very large number of members in the IACP, who have been so instrumental to the growth and relevance of the professional body in Nigeria and Africa at large.

“Equally, the Inspector-General of Police would leverage on the 130th IACP Annual Conference 2023 to tap into the valuable opportunity for collaboration, learning and partnering with equipment and service providers to strengthen the assets of the Nigeria Police Force for better efficiency and effectiveness. 

“The Inspector-General of Police, Ag.  IGP Kayode Adeolu would also meet with Mr. Todd Brown, the Assistant Secretary of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States on Sunday 15th October, 2023, at Down Town, San Diego, Califonia, USA, to further discuss the implementation of anti-crime strategies emplaced by the NPF.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

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.