IDPWD: Humanitarian Affairs Minister Calls for Establishment, Domestication & Implementation of States Disability Commission, Laws Across Nigeria.

IDPWD: Humanitarian Affairs Minister Calls for Establishment, Domestication & Implementation of States Disability Commission, Laws Across Nigeria.        ......Presents thousands of Assistive Devices To People with Disability across the country.

Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has called on state governments and state Houses of Assembly to establish and domesticate and fully implement disability laws across the country. 

The Minister made the call Wednesday when she declared open the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Sheu Yaradua Centre, Abuja.

She also called for significant improvement on the budget for the Commission for Disabled Persons in Nigeria, saying under the Renewed Hope Agenda, there is no segregation.

According to Dr Edu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already directed that 10% of all the intervention programmes of the Ministry be given to the PWDs, pointing out that the president runs an inclusive administration. 

"President Tinubu is prepared and committed to doing everything possible to see that PWDs take centre stage in our country's development. 

"Hence he began by signing the African Charter for Persons with Disability, which ensures that your rights have been protected. We are celebrating today five years of having a law in Nigeria that protects you. 

"I want to use this medium to call on our state governments to establish, and for those who have established already, to domesticate persons with disabilities law and Commissions across the country", 

Dr Edu said “Doing this will give PWDs equal rights and voices as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will enable us to have seamless programmes that can get to the grassroots in all the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria. 

"We have the president's backing, we must protect the persons with disability so we are calling strongly for the creation of all the accessibility mediums for persons with disability in all Public and Private buildings in the country.

On the need to improve the budget of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Minister said: "The budget allocation to the Disability Commission needs significant improvement from the 2024 budget moving forward.

"On behalf of 35.5 million Nigeria who fall within the PWDs category, we are pleading with the very dynamic and uncommon leadership we have at the National Assembly to please improve on the budget for the Commission for Disabled Persons in Nigeria. We plead with NASS members to channel some of their constituency projects to persons with Disability.

Dr Edu, at the event, made a symbolic presentation and distribution of thousands of assistive devices to people with disabilities which will be shared across the country, to states and LGAs assuring them of President Tinubu's solidarity. 

Some of the devices include Orbit readers, collapsible guide claim, iPhone Pro Max with optical characters, typewriters jaw screen readers, laptops with jaws, the talking watch, digital magnifiers, low vision lamps, the charisma share water, the beauty blocks for CWA, the talking toys for CWA, the doorbell for the deaf, the speech to text for the deaf, the alerting devices, the digital hearing aids, the HP laptops, sewing machines, hairdryers, air cleaners, motorised wheelchairs of different types clutches among others.  

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, James Lalu commended President Tinubu for giving them Dr Edu as Minister supervising the commission. 

Lalu who described the Minister as the ambassador of the disability community, lauded her for providing innovative and dynamic leadership in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. 

"President Tinubu has given us a BETTA HAND”

"She takes this Commission as a priority in the Ministry and we are very grateful", Lalu said.

The minister Dr Edu Launched the Gazetted and simplified copy of the the Disability regulation Law and regulations for implementation, after which she alongside other dignitaries inspected the exhibition stands showcasing items manufactured by People with Disability 

Also at the event were Senator Osita Izunaso who is representing the Imo West Senatorial district and Chairman, of the House of Representatives Committee on Persons with Disabilities, Dr Basheer Dauda, SA to President on Disability as well as development partners who have been working with the Commission.

UNILORIN reduces staff children’s fees by 25%.

UNILORIN reduces staff children’s fees by 25%

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, has approved a 25 per cent school fees rebate for the children of staff members.

The university’s Registrar, Mr Mansur Alfanla, told newsmen in Ilorin on Thursday that the Vice-Chancellor’s decision “reflects a deep understanding of the economic challenges facing the country.”

He described the gesture as a positive step towards supporting the university community.

The registrar advised staff members to check their emails regularly and respond to the provided links for participation between December 7 and 8.

He explained that the rebate applied to officially registered biological children covering both freshers and returning students.

According to him, up to four children of members of staff are eligible for the rebate.

Reacting to the development on behalf of other unions, the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Mr Alex Akanmu, commended the vice-chancellor and the entire management for the positive move.

Sanwo-Olu opens Lagos police station.

Sanwo-Olu opens Lagos police station.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, unveiled a newly-built police station, Area M Command, at Idimu, Alimosho Local Government Area of the state.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Haudenyin, said the police station, equipped with a lecture hall, hostel blocks, and canteen, attested to the commitment of his administration to ensuring the security of lives and properties of residents.

He said, “No doubt, a conducive environment such as this will further enhance the performance of the commandant and his officers.

“This is important because for meaningful and sustainable development to happen, there is a need for a safe and secure environment.

“I am proud to inform you that in the last four and a half years, my administration has done a lot to change the socio-economic narratives vis-à-vis security enhancement in the state, both in the rural and the bustling towns.

“You all would recall that the sixth pillar of our administration’s THEME Plus development agendas is security and governance.

“As a government, all hands have been on deck to ensure that Lagos State is free of crime, filthy environment and several other social vices. We are leaving no community behind on this journey of a better security architecture that is required in a smart city.

“The Lagos State Security Trust Fund was established to support underfunded federal security agencies operating in the state, likewise the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps and the recently inaugurated Lagos Constabularies.

“They have all contributed to the reduction of crime and insecurity as well as improved public confidence to a certain extent.

“As a government, we are not unmindful of the impact of insecurity on lives and properties, businesses and the economy, that is why we are deliberate in deploying several strategies, including the provision of skills acquisitions, agricultural programmes, construction, wealth creation, employment trust fund and use of technology to make our Lagos State greater, safer and more secure as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and indeed Africa.

“It goes without saying that a city that never sleeps cannot but be safe for all.

“We have kept our promise by building this beautiful edifice for the police in all the 14 divisions in Lagos State.

“This is the second and third phase, phase one was also completed and delivered.”

In his remarks, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), commended Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to enhancing infrastructural in the justice sector and supporting the course of the rule of law.

Pedro said,”Beyond offering a conducive workspace, this facility is designed to enhance community policing, fostering a closer relationship between law enforcement and Idimu residents as we address security challenges to build a safer and more harmonious society.

“As we open the doors of this new police command, let’s acknowledge the responsibility it entails. Let’s continue working together to build a state where the rights, security, and safety of every citizen are not only vigilantly protected but enhanced.”

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Dotun Odubona, appreciated the state government and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice for constructing and delivering the Area M Command to the police.

Reps panel to probe Nigeria Air.

Reps panel to probe Nigeria Air.

The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology has promised to examine the controversy surrounding the Nigeria Air project. 

It restated its commitment to address air crashes as well as other safety concerns at the country’s airports. 

Committee Chairman Abiodun Akinlade said this during an inaugural meeting yesterday in Abuja.

He said the committee was highly concerned and worried about the recent air crashes in the country, promising to help curb such incidents. 

“We will, with the support of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the regulatory authorities, organise a high-tech stakeholders’ town hall meeting to look into the causes of the air crashes and other safety abnormalities at our airports. Our airspace must be safe for all,” Akinlade said.

He added: “The Committee of Aviation and Aerospace Technology, in conjunction with the House Committee on Aviation and Aerospace, will look into the controversy surrounding the launched Nigeria Air project and inform Nigerians accordingly.

Reps aviation committee pledges to address air crashes, probe Nigeria Air project

“Last year, the Nigeria Air project was launched and there have been a lot of issues concerning it. Nigerians need to know the state of the project.”

Akinlade said the newly created Aviation Technology Committee, which was carved out of the existing Committee on Aviation, is a high-tech-driven committee with high expectations from members.

The chairman assured that the committee would not fail to meet the expectations of the House, Nigerians and all stakeholders. 

Gunmen attack Sunshine Stars of Akure team bus.

Gunmen attack Sunshine Stars of Akure team bus.

Gunmen on Thursday attacked the team bus of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, injuring some officials and  a crew member.

This is contained in a statement by Michael Akintunde, the Media Officer of the club  in Abuja.

Akintude said that the incident occurred at about 5.30 p.m. along Ore-Benin Expressway.

He said this was as the team was on their way to honor an Elite League tie against Insurance of Benin, scheduled for Saturday.

“It saddens our hearts to inform Nigerians, especially football lovers that our team was attacked few minutes ago along Ore-Benin Expressway.

“The horrible incident happened to the team as they were on their way to honor an Elite League tie , against Insurance of Benin , scheduled for this weekend.

“Our ball boy was shot in the horrible attack.

“Also, our team manager and other club officials including players are seriously injured,” he said.

He said that it took the intervention of the  Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) officers,  who rescue took the injured officials and the individual shot to a nearby hospital.

Akintunde  called on all Nigerians and the football family to join them in prayers at this sad and trying times for the football club.

(NAN)

NJC reinstates Justice Ojo as Osun CJ, kicks Adeleke’s petition out.

NJC reinstates Justice Ojo as Osun CJ, kicks Adeleke’s petition out.

The National Judicial Council(NJC) has reinstated Justice Oyebola Ojo earlier suspended as Osun Chief Judge by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The council, in its resolution after the 104th meeting held between December 6 and 7, also recommended forceful retirement of Justice S. O Falola of Osun State High Court over misconduct. 

The Director of Information of the council, Barrister Soji Oye in a statement on the council’s website explained : “Council considered and declined the request of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State requesting its permission to swear in the next Most Senior Judge in the State in acting capacity, following allegations levelled against Hon. Justice Adepele Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend him. 

“The Council affirmed that Hon. Justice Ojo is still the recognised Chief Judge of Osun State, and would not work on the resolution of a State House of Assembly, as it is the only body constitutionally empowered to investigate Judicial Officers and recommend same for any action to the Governor. Consequently, Osun State should revert to status quo.” 

Tinubu appoints Lopkobiri chair, Ogbe ES of NCDMB.

Tinubu appoints Lopkobiri chair, Ogbe ES of NCDMB.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri and Felix Omatsola Ogbe, as Chairman and Executive Secretary, respectively, of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Ogbe is taking over as Executive Secretary from Engr Simbi Wabote, who has run the affairs of the Board since September 2016 when he was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed in September 2020 for a second term run.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, members of the Board include EVC Upstream of the NNPC Limited, Oritsemyiwa Eyesan; CEO of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe and five others.

“In conformity with Sections 71(1), 72, and 73 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (2010), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of qualified Nigerians to serve on the Governing Council and Management team of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB):

“Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri — Chairman / HMS, Petroleum Resources; Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe — Executive Secretary; Oritsemyiwa Eyesan — Member / EVP Upstream, NNPCL; Gbenga Komolafe — Member / CEO, NUPRC; Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens — Member; Nicolas Odinuwe — Member; Rapheal Samuel — Member; Sadiq Abubakar — Member; and Olorundare Sunday Thomas — Member,” the statement reads. 

The statement further said President Tinubu hopes members of the new Board and Management would deploy their expertise to help him achieve his administration’s 70% indigenous content participation in the energy industry.