Not less than 26 personnel of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) traveling from Sokoto and Kebbi States Commands for a training programme at FRSC Academy, Udi have been attacked by Bandits/Kidnappers today at Udege junction, along Mararaban-Udege at about 8am .
According to a statement by the FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem hinted that the Officers totalling 26 in number were travelling in two buses
The statement further stated that, one of the Officers in the vehicle conveying the staff of the Corps reportedly died during the attack while another officer died in the hospital and four others were injured, 8 escaped unhurt, ten unaccounted for as they were allegedly kidnapped by the assailants.
However, the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has immediately reported the incident to relevant authorities for prompt rescue of the kidnapped staff while investigations to ensure that the assailants are brought to book is ongoing.
The Corps Marshal , therefore, called on all staff of the Commission not to be deterred by this unfortunate incident.
He also, assured that the management will work closely with relevant security to ensure that the criminal elements are brought to book and justice is served while the missing personnel are found
The Federal Government has directed the various Unions in the Health Sector operating under the umbrella of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) not to go ahead with the strike scheduled for midnight, Sunday, September 13, 2020.
While adding that , the Ministry of Labour and Employment has apprehended the dispute with the conciliation initiated on Thursday, September 9, 2020 which is still ongoing.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Charles Akpan stated that going ahead with the action would be illegal as it is in clear breach of the ILO Principles and Conventions on Strike and Sec. 18 of the Trades Disputes Act, Cap T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The statement further Urged JOHESU not to arm-twist or intimidate the Federal Government that has shown clear commitment to tackling the challenges in the sector as evidenced by the huge resources it has been pouring into the Sector since the Global Covid-19 pandemic broke out, “The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has effectively apprehended the trade dispute as forwarded to him by JOHESU and has brought JOHESU and the Federal Ministry of Health, their employers, to conciliation since Thursday, September 9, 2020. Parties in disputes are expected not to arm-twist, intimidate or foist helplessness on the other party while negotiations are ongoing as per Sections 8 and 18 of the Trade Dispute Act (TDA) 2004 barring any strike when the matters are before a Conciliator and undergoing conciliation.
The statement read in bits; “Any strike now is inimical to an equable settlement of the dispute, bearing in mind especially that this is a grave period of a pandemic where the Federal Government has spent about N20 billion to pay April/May 2020 and an additional N8.9 billion for June 2020 on Covid-19 hazard and inducement allowances respectively to all categories of health workers that are mainly JOHESU members.
“Besides, all Health workers on essential services such as Pharmacists, Nurses/Midwives, Radiographers as members of JOHESU are statutorily barred from strikes during emergencies, by both the ILO Statutes and the Trade Dispute Act 2004. Such an action while the nation battles the Covid-19 emergency accentuates its illegality, as it will compound and aggravate the challenges in health services, causing further risk and deaths to the sick in hospitals across the country as the Covid-19 pandemic has been declared as a situation of emergency.
“This call for withdrawal of services is clearly unnecessary as the Federal Government has demonstrated capacity in her amelioration of age-long challenges in the health sector and has overly shown commitment to the welfare of health workers by providing enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and boosting their morale while tackling the strange pandemic. The least expectation hence is that JOHESU should reciprocate the gesture while government works to meet its other demands post Covid-19.
The statement ,therefore ,urged the Leadership of the various Unions making up JOHESU to have a rethink on this illegal strike by putting the welfare of their patients and Nigeria first.
The National Lottery Regulatory Commission has put measures in place to deter money laundering, financing of terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and other predicate offences in the lottery industry in its unrelenting effort to serve Nigeria and the industry better.
Director General of the Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila made this known at the sideline of a workshop on Effects of Hate Speech, Fake News, Financial and Cyber crimes on National Security , held in Nassarawa , over the weekend.
The Director General who was represented by the Head of Public Affairs for the commission, Magnus Ekechukwu said , the new technology based measures are being attained through information and intelligence sharing with the relevant agencies and arms of government,
Gbajabiamila added that the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) under the leadership of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) for efficient and effective implementation of the measures.
He further stated, that since assumption of office, the Director General of the commission, Gbajabiamila has been methodically and successfully introducing well thought out and sustainable policies and programs that have repositioned the 15 years old commission which are now engendering profound results in terms of revenue generation, promotion and protection of stakeholders including the stakers and most importantly supporting the Federal Government in its fight against corruption, terrorism and insecurity, generally.
He explained that the objective of the recently signed MOU with the agencies was to strengthen and ensure transparency in the Nigerian Lottery industry; facilitate exchange of knowledge and expertise through training programs and promote a better understanding of economic and legal conditions relevant to the enforcement of applicable laws and statutes.
Gbajabiamila added that said the MOU would equally aid the establishment of a framework for the protection of lottery and financial stakeholders in relation to lottery- based activities undertaken by lottery operators and their partners and as well facilitate research and education measures to increase efficiency and staff exchange programs.
He said the commission was totally committed and dedicated to the war against corruption and insecurity being fought by the Federal Government and would spare no efforts in playing its part as a responsible and responsive commission of the government.
Gbajabiamila stated that the commission was also contributing significantly to the diversification of the economy being diligently executed by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari saying: “the National Lottery Regulatory Commission is gradually becoming a major source of revenue for the country. We are working hard on this and very soon, we shall become a major revenue earner for Nigeria.
“ You know we have already passed the billion Naira mark as against the less that 600M Naira revenue we were earning before ‘Mr. Lottery’, Gbajabiamila assumed office. With him, we shall get there, very soon. Our commitment is total.”
As part of its corporate social responsibility and a bid to solve some of the challenges posed by the present covid 19 pandemic, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with Queen Agnes Foundation commissioned a sick bay for Junior Secondary School, JSS Kurudu, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The sick bay equipped with modern equipment was commissioned at the weekend to serve as mini clinic for the students and teachers in the school ahead of full resumption of schools in the FCT.
Speaking during the occasion, Mrs. Thelma Akinduro, the Executive Director of Queen Agnes Foundation, said she approach Shippers’ Council, that provided the necessary support for the actualization of the project.
Akinduro said she was driven by passion for humanity embark on the project, adding that it was a way to encourage the students.
“I was motivated by my passion for humanity and love for children. I go to schools to talk to students, sensitize them and encourage them. And when I came to this school that was when the journey began. About three hundred girls here are house helps. They go through a lot. Some of them are even being taken advantage of by the people they stay with, they use them, the molest them, they rape them. So when these children were telling me what they go through, I was really touched. Personally, I spent about N2 million on the project” she said.
Alh. Bashir Abubakar, Deputy Director, Academics and Support Services, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), who represented the Board while appreciating Queen Agnes Foundation’ good gesture expressed joy, assuring that the facility will be put to good use.
He assured that efforts would be made to post a health officer that will manage the bay effectively for the benefit of the school.
“We appreciate the Foundation for the provision of the sick bay for our children. And we welcome other NGOs that wish to partner with us so that we will ensure that our children are getting what they are supposed to get. I pray that God will bless the Foundation and provide more resources to them so they can do more for humanity. I will do my best to facilitate the posting of somebody who can man this sick bay for our children” he said.
In her remarks, the Principal, Junior Secondary School, kurudu, Mrs Isah Talatu expressed gratitude to Shippers’ Council and Queen Agnes Foundation.
She said the school is still challenged with so many needs and called on other well meaning Nigerians and organizations to come to its aid.
According to the Principal, parts of the school’s perimeter fence have fallen exposing the school to dangers of burglars and other criminal elements.
She enumerated the needs of the school to include class rooms, library and the perimeter fence which she said had been destroyed by heavy rain.
All efforts by the Federal Government to intervene in the intended strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) seems not to have worked as the health workers are set to begin a nation wide industrial action effective from Sunday September 13, 2020 despite Federal Government reconciliatory meeting with the leadership of the union.
JOHESU Chairman, Comrade Josiah Biobelemoye, reiterated the decision on Sunday in Abuja, following an expanded National Executive Council meeting of the Union which held on Saturday 12th September 2020.
The industrial action may come despite warnings from the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige against embarking on the strike at the face of economic and health downturn caused by the present covid19 pandemic.
JOHESU in a memo to her members, stated that; “You would recall that at the end of the meeting held in your office on Thursday, 10” September, 2020, JOHESU demanded that the outcome of the meeting between JOHESU and the Federal Government be reported back to our expanded NEC meeting and give a feed back to the Federal government within 48 hours.
“In the light of the above, the meeting of our expanded NEC was held today, Saturday, 12” September, 2020. And at the end of the meeting, which was held both physically and virtually, it was unanimously agreed that since nothing concrete was achieved at the said meeting with the Federal Government, that the strike notice is still germane and alive.
“Therefore, the 15-day ultimatum still subsists and with effect from midnight of Sunday, 13th September, 2020, our members shall withdraw their services due to Federal Government inability to meet their demands.
JOHESU which comprises of over forty professional health institutions has been having running battle with the Federal Government over failure to pay 50percent Special Inducement Allowances to frontline health workers involved in the containment of Coronavirus in Nigeria.
Part of the grievances which may necessitate a full blown strike in the health sector is the alleged shortchanging of the union in payment of COVID-19 Special Inducement and Hazard Allowance.
Prior to meeting with the Federal Government last week in order to resolve the issues, JOHESU said it is forced to draw attention to the deliberate short-changing of our members in the payment of COVID-19 Inducement Allowances.
“The FMoH ought to redress and supervise the adherence to payment of 40% or 50% COVID-19 Special Inducement Allowances as appropriate to all health workers in Isolation Centres, the FHIs or other related Health facilities without discrimination bordering on clinical or non-clinical status based on our MoU of 21st April, 2020, and as admitted by the Federal Ministry of Health at a meeting of 1st July, 2020, that the payment of 10% was done in error.
“Consequently, FMoH agreed to correct the anomaly and pay the outstanding balance of 40% of Consolidated Basic Salary to all beneficiaries hitherto earning N5,000 as Hazard Allowance.
“The Federal Government did not ensure total and full implementation of the July 1, 2020 agreement between JOHESU and the Federal Government when it disbursed the 3rd tranche of the allowance for June, 2020.
“This has created rumbles and grumbles across our membership and has now created the challenge of assuaging the affected members what have become restive and thus making it impossible to guarantee industrial harmony within the generality of JOHESU members.
“It is rational logic to put on the table that infecting viruses will not decipher who a clinical or non-clinical staff is in the various Health Institutions before striking the would be victims. This is why this variant of discrimination should be embarrassing to the nation.
“It becomes imperative to inform you that if the FG does not meet these demands by midnight of September 13,2020, JOHESU will have no other choice than to commence a nationwide 7-days warning strike of our members in all the Federal health institutions FHIs, the States and LG Health institutions are placed on red alert for possible entry into the fray if the FG foot drags in attending to our demands”.
The Union has alleged that government was not forthcoming in the payment of all withheld salaries of members at JUTH, FMC Owerri, LUTH, including April, & May 2018, salaries as well as adjustment of CONHESS salary structure.
The health workers union also rejected the recent increase in the pump price of fuel and hike in electricity tariff,describing it as government’s insensitivity to the plights of its citizenry.
“We, in strong terms reject the hike in electricity tariff especially at this crunch period occasioned by COVID, as it clearly amplifies the sufferings of poor Nigerians where our members belong. As a short term solution, we demand urgent fix of our refineries to begin local refining and mitigate the volatility of the petroleum products prices with attendant anti-masses effect.
“It is worrisome that when other countries are offering palliatives as well as reducing inclination towards social dysfunctions, our leaders appear to be sowing seeds of hardship and bitter pills to bring depression to the doorstep of citizens, “Josiah stressed.
The Director General (DG) Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA), Clement Nze on Sunday expressed concern over the failure of various state governments to implement predictions from the agency as the major cause of flooding in the country.
According to him, the urban and coastal flooding experienced across the States could have been checked if the state governments had been using the information provided by the agency, even as the agency had continued to render advocacy services to the various states.
He, however, maintained that the country had been wasting so much water every year. While adding that if the various States would build deep channels, measuring 20 kilometeres away from the river bank to store water during the rainy season, less water would be allowed to enter the main channel, and during dry season the water would be used for irrigation purpose.
Nze make this remarks on an electronic media on Saturday night, painting out that Nigeria being located down stream on West and Central Africa, and all the waters in the nine West African countries enter into River Niger.
He further hunted that, “Nigeria had continued to waste it waters, stressing that if the various state government should use information given to them by he agency, then lives would be saved and the effect of flooding would be reduced with the use of the constructed deep channels. He also said that aside averting flooding, agricultural yields would increase as a result the use of the water for irrigation during the dry season.
“We had an understanding with countries like Mali, Niger and the rest of their countries should not take more than 25 percent of water that enter their countries, we also advocated for drainages to be constructed to channel the waters during the rainy season. Our state governments have not been making using of the information given to them and that is major reason we have the coastal and urban flooding. It is predicted that 25 local government areas would be affected by flooding in Niger state alone.
“Other states like Anambra, Bayelsa etcetera would be affected as well. Kebbi State which is one of the states that was also listed responded and that is why there was no loss of life, only farm lands were affected”, he stressed
The expert maintained that for effect control of flooding across the country, various states should through their water boards use standard equipments to measure their rivers. He said that the agency was not expected to go to the Grassroots to implement predictions, but that the state governments should rise up to the responsibility.
Group under the auspices of Concerned Edo Leaders of Thought (CELT), has expressed mixed feelings and reservation over the alleged crisis being introduced into the politics of Edo state, especially as it affects the Governorship Election coming up in the State on Saturday.
The group in a statement signed by Dr Mike Asemota and Elder Sunny Idugboe, President and Secretary of CELT respectively, after an excruciating meeting in Benin City noted with dismay the tention and crisis of confidence that pervades the atmosphere of the state at the moment, which they observed was no doubt affecting the socio-political climate of the state, just as it also observed that it is affecting the ingenuity and creativity of the people of the state.
CELT, therefore, enjoined political gladiators in the state, especially the governorship candidates in the Saturday election to eschew violence and play the game according to the rules and regulations.
While urging the Security Agencies to call to order the political gladiators that are perpetuating or causing political tension in the state, without fear or favour, CELT also charged the INEC to conduct a free and fair election in the state, in accordance with the electoral rules and regulations as stipulated in the Electoral Act, and in the Constitution.
“Similarly, we advised the law enforcement agencies not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to compromised the election, as well as calling on the people to come enmasse and vote their conscience”
The group maintained that Edo State had been devoid of crisis, tribal or ethnic wars since its creation, therefore warned against campaign of calumny and disorderliness that could throw the state into rancour.
Saying, election is not a “do or die” affair, where if I can’ t get it now the state will be plunged into crisis” we therefore advissed on the need to see yourselves as brothers and sisters”, the group declared
Concerned Edo Leaders of Thought (CELT) is a non political, non religious and non governmental body which comprises of eminent sons and daughters across the three Senatorial District of Edo State, saddled with the goal of promoting the upliftment and well – being of the indigenes of Edo people.
2.President, Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) Prof Oluwarotimi Akinola presenting a copy of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Response Report to the FCT Minister during a courtesy visit by SOGON to the fCTA on 10/09/2020
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
The President of Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Prof. Oluwarotimi Akinola has commended the Federal Capital Territory Adminstration (FCTA) for the establishment of a budget line for the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) project of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON).
While adding that the programme has has reduce in no small measure the rate of maternal mortality in the territory.
He gave this communication when he led a delegation of Executive members of the Society on a courtesy visit to the FCTA in Abuja.
Akinola further stated that, the MPDSR project in the FCT has increased consciousness and accountability of health workers as the hospital and Primary Health Care staff have become more conscious on issues relating to maternal and perinatal deaths.
According to him; “The Society introduced the MPDSR in 6 health facilities of the FCT, namely Nyanya , Bwari and Kwali General Hospitals and the Primary Healthcare centers at Kwali, Gbadalape and Kogo adding that the implementation of the MPDSR project in these areas has reduced the maternal mortality ratio in the FCT to below the national average.
“In Bwari Area Council, the maternal mortality ratio was reduced from 504/100,000 in 2014 to 468/100,000 in 2019, while maternal mortality was reduced from 317/100,000 in 2014 to 221/100,000 in 2019 in Nyanya, while the figures dropped in Kwali Area Council from 329/100,000 in 2014 to 268/100,000 in 2019.
” The national average in 2008, 2013 and 2018 were 545/100,000, 576/100,000 and 512/100,000 respectively.”
However, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello reiterated the commitment of the Administration to the development of Primary Healthcare Centers in the FCT.
According to him, in furtherance of efforts to improve services at the Primary Healthcare level, the FCTA recently employed 203 volunteer midwives and Community Health Extension workers and called on the Society to work very closely with the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCTA and the Office of the Hon. Minister of State for the continual provision of maternal healthcare services to the women of the FCT.
The FCT Minister , however, appealed to medical Doctors not to embark on strike actions especially as the world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that those most affected by industrial actions are the more vulnerable members of society including women requiring maternal care.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Health (Dr) Tanko Sununu commended the FCT Administration for the construction of the road leading to the offices of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the National Center for Disease Control.
(Middle) Living Faith Church, Abuja state Pastor, Yakubu Kezi dedicating Pegi link bridge and access road network constructed by the church.
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
Respite has come the way of Pegi residents in Kuje Area Council of Abuja as Living Faith Church construct a bridge worth millions of naira to open up the area.
Commissioning the link bridge and access road project over the weekend, the resident pastor, Living Faith Church, Pegi, Pastor Nimyel Nanfa said the initiative was to assist the people enjoy better infrastructure and curb crime.
He said if there was no good road network, robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities would continue in the area.
Nanfa explained that Pegi community where the Church is located connect, Army Navy Estate and Abuja @30 housing estate, and need projects that could attract better activities that would develop the area.
The pastor hinted; “The church feel that constructing the link bridge will help to open up the place for good activities, members of the church contributed money and fund the project.
Road & Bridge constructed by (Middle) Living Faith Pegi link bridge and access road network constructed by Winners Chapel
“This shows that if political office holders and the government support the community will have more projects that will have direct impact on the people” he said.
Nanfa, however, urged Kuje Area Council Chairman and the Federal Captial Territory Administration (FCTA) to provide infrastructure to the people.
According to him ; “We are appealing for more infrastructure such as good access road, electricity, potable water, medical center and improve security”
He said the Church was committed to Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) and would continue to do its best in funding human oriented projects especially in areas that they are needed.
Earlier in an interview with newsmen, the Chairman, Pegi Community Development Association, Mr. Taiwo Aderibigbe called on other religious and cooperate organizations to emulate the laudable project and uplift the area.
He also explained that for the past 14 years the place has been having perennial issue with flood which has been overtaken by the link bridge to other axis of the zone.
Aderibigbe said that, “We know that men of the underworld take advantage of bad road to abduct people and others, in the last 8 years this place was a safe haven for bandits. But this link road bridge would ease motorists, economic and business activities within the area” .
The Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Moji Christiana Adeyeye, said the agency is worried over the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume glass and Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles.
She made this known in a statement she personally signed and made available to Newsfocus media in Abuja, while adding that, uncontrolled access and availability of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles has been put forward as a factor contributing to substance and alcohol abuse in Nigeria with its negative impact on the society.
The statement reads in bits “These concerns relate to negative effects of irresponsible alcohol consumption on public health and on the safety and security of the public, alcohol being a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people.
“NAFDAC with full support of the Federal Ministry of Health has continued to exercise its regulatory responsibilities by ensuring that all alcoholic beverages and other regulated products approved by the Agency meet set standards of quality, safety and wholesomeness” , the stated stated.
The statement continued ; “The Federal Ministry of Health is concerned about the high incidence of substance and alcohol abuse in the country and NAFDAC, being the competent authority, and working with relevant stakeholders, is increasing efforts to stem this. With regard to alcohol, major stakeholders have been engaged at the highest level and are already sensitized on the issue.
” Several interventions jointly agreed upon by major stakeholders are being undertaken and as a first step, no new products in sachet and small volume PET or glass bottles above 30%ABV will be registered by NAFDAC.
“Furthermore, to reduce availability and curb abuse, effective January 31st 2020, producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume PET and glass bottles are to reduce production by 50% of capacity prior to January 2020. The overall goal is a complete phase out of high concentration alcohol in sachet and small PET and glass bottles in line with the agreed roadmap or earlier. NAFDAC is in the process of monitoring and enforcing all agreements jointly reached between the Federal Ministry of Health-NAFDAC, alcohol producers and other stakeholders.
“General public is hereby advised to exercise caution in the consumption of alcoholic beverages and avoid unregistered alcoholic products which could have deleterious effects on health. NAFDAC is committed to preventing easy access to alcohol by young people and other vulnerable and high-risk groups”.
