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Oyo Gov Signs Electricity Law, Promises Stable Power Supply

By
James Orji
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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has promised that the state is on the path of supplying electricity to the residents of the state.

The state’s helmsman made this known on Friday at the Government House, Agodi while signing into law the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill 2024.

Recall that the National Assembly had in May 2022 passed a law making it possible for states to generate, transmit and distribute their own power, ending years of the exclusivity exercised by the federal government in the power sector.

The law was later amended in November 2023, clearing the bottlenecks that hindered the states from supplying their own electricity.

The governor said the action of the NASS has promoted true federalism, where the sub-nationals are allowed to develop at their own pace by using the resources available to them.

The state government, he said, has taken up the baton to ensure that the residents of the state enjoy power stable supply in the future, saying the government should be held responsible for this promise.

Makinde said: “As promised earlier in the week, we are signing the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill 2024 into law today. This law will enable Oyo State generate, transmit and distribute electricity within the State.

“Amendments of the constitution like these is what we mean when we advocate for fiscal federalism.

“In years to come as we work towards energy sufficiency, our people can hold state governments accountable on the issue of electricity supply.”

Retirees Send SOS To Governor Sanwo Olu Over Plan To Demolish Their Houses

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Residents of Berliet Community in the Oshodi- Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, have sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to the Lagos State Government following the news of imminent demolition of over 20 houses by the Management of MOJEC International Limited.

Most of the Landlords in the Community are Retirees who claim that despite a Court order restraining parties in the disputed land matter to maintain status quo, the Management of MOJEC are bent on demolishing their houses.

The Retirees wrote an SOS letter to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Attorney-General of the state, Pedro Lawal (SAN) to come to their rescue and intervene in what they described as illegal action.

They explained that they bought their respective parcels of land directly from the indigenes and original owners , three and six decades ago and had been living there peacefully, until MOJEC International Limited surfaced to lay claim to them.

The affected buildings are located on Fayemi Close, lbitoye, lgbesa Igbehin streets.

The affected landlords described the company’s action as contempt of court, wondering why they would carry out such action despite a pending court’s restraining order.

Tayo Obamonire, one of the affected landlord explained that she bought the land in 1974 from the Isiba of Onitire family and did all the necessary documentation before she started building in 1977.

Barely had the construction started than MOJEC company, according to her, started laying claims to her property and others, saying it received the approval of former Lagos State Military Administrator, Col Raji Rasaki.

She said, “We went to court and the court fined the then Chairman of the company for destroying my foundation. Though he didn’t pay then, the company took their hands off the property.

“ They came again in 1978 and started making trouble . They ordered some thugs to bundle my builders into the booth of the car. I was even accused of murder. When we went to the Police, they (Police ), told us to resolve the matter and exonerated me for murder. “Again in 2017, they came and pulled down my building alongside others. They came with armed policemen who beat up many landlords who attempted to question their action.

That was when we went to court and the court told us to maintain the status quo. But we discovered that the company disobeyed the court order. As you can see, they have brought equipment to test the soil, in order to start building, inspite of the court’s restraining order. Is the company bigger than the law? “.

Another landlord, Ita Elijah , who still had scars of the injury he sustained in 2017, when policemen came to pull down some buildings, said, “ I was thrown into the Black Maria like a common criminal simply because I requested to know why they should embark on the demolition when we had documents to show as owners of the buildings”.

Other landlords further stated that they had Certificate of Ownership from the Lagos State Government.

They therefore called on Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu and other relevant agencies to intervene by calling the company to order, to avoid a bridge of peace.

They further alleged that the company had engaged the services of some government officials to strip them of their property.

Debunking the claim of the Retiree Landlords, MOJEC International Limited said it was not aware of the soil test being conducted on the disputed land.

The company’s Secretary/ Head Legal Services, MOJEC International Limited , Christabel Iremhinmhen, who spoke with some journalists at her office on the Oshodi\Apapa expressway, Lagos, said “ The community is complaining that we flaunted Court order, but they were the ones who flaunted the order. As at the time they developed the area , there was a restraining order subsisting injunction. They also flaunted the order too . Their hands are dirty. They are only using delay tactics.

” I want to let you know that if they have a court order, it is not a substituting order.

“We have brought evidence in court and they don’t want to open their case, they keep amending and amending documents. A government official has even given evidence in court. We have no problems, they are lying. The government is our evidence.

“ Our case is strong, that is why the government is our witness. We have C of O, so the land belongs to us.

“ We are ready for anything. As for the dredging on the land, I am not aware of that, but even if there are people doing something on the land, they( landlords) had in the past violated the court order, because, to go to equity, you must go with clean hands. We are waiting for them to open their defense”, she stated.

LASEPA Shuts Down 250 Worship Places, Nightclubs Over Noise Pollution

By
The Source
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has shutdown at least 250 organisations, including industries, worship places and night clubs as a result of noise pollution and other environmental infractions over the last three months across the metropolis.

The action is part of efforts by the Lagos State Government to achieve an improved, safer and sustainable environment in the State.

Babatunde Ajayi, LASEPA General Manager, disclosed this during the Agency’s one-day capacity-building training for its accredited consultants across the state in conjunction with the Climate Transition Academy, held in the Central Business Development Area, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ajayi said LASEPA has embarked on a lot of reforms geared towards achieving a noiseless, cleaner, safer and pollution-free Lagos. He said that the training was to update the consultants’ knowledge of current trends in addressing global climate change challenges and other environmental problems for sustainable development.

He, therefore, charged the accredited consultants to support the State Government’s bid to deliver a safer, healthier and sustainable environment through the adoption of Environment Social Governance (ESG) global model in tackling identified environmental challenges.

According to him: “The training of LASEPA accredited consultants has become necessary so as to update their knowledge and increase their capacities in the application of the global standard model in managing environmental issues, especially climate change problem and their associated greenhouse gas emissions.

“In achieving our ministerial mandate, the agency would strengthen its enforcement measures to ensure compliance with government regulations towards achieving a cleaner and sustainable environment in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of the state.”

The Executive Director, Carbon Limits Nigeria, James Ogunleye, who spoke on behalf of other facilitators, stated that the programme would help to expose LASEPA-accredited consultants and broaden their knowledge of current global practices in a sustainable environment.

Ogunleye, noted that there was a great departure from the old practice of consultants just knowing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Audit Report (EAR), and Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) to qualify as a consultant.

Dangote Storms Kano After Hunger Outcry, Pledges to Ease Economic Burden

By
The Source
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Dangote in Kano

By Daniel Maduka

Gov. Yusuf Solicits Establishment of Power Plant, Sickle Cell Centre in Kano

President, Dangote Conglomerate, Aliko Dangote has pledged to support social policies and human development initiative of Government, targeted at ameliorating the economic burden in Kano.

Dangote made the pledge when he met with Governor Abba Yusuf at Government House Kano, Friday. He acknowledged that the common man could hardly survive the present state of inflation in the nation.

Specifically, Dangote promised to support Kano to improve health, education and empowerment of the less privileged struggling to live.

“We are here, first of all to congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court. I want to assure you of our support throughout your administration, maybe not only four years but eight years.

“Kano is home, even though the MC addressed me as the richest  black man, but you can address me as Kano indigene. I am your subject and you can always call on me for cooperation to see how we can develop Kano.

“And going forward, we really need to see how we can develop areas of health, education, empowerment, how do we assist the Government because Government cannot do it alone”.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, he said Dangote further added: “I want to assure you that we would continue to support you not because I am from Kano but because I know your intentions are good.

“You have the mandate of the people and I know that it is very difficult for any human being to clap with the two hands now. For now you will be the right hand, and we would be your left hand, together we shall clap.

“So be rest assured that we would support you and support your administration and we want to tell you that we would continue to pray for your success because your success is ours. I am sorry for coming this late because I was supposed to have been here before now but I am  traveling a lot.

“Not that we took the Government for granted because I really want to have enough time to come and tell you that we believe in your administration and we are ready to support you”. Dangote assured.

On his part, Governor Yusuf Yusuf solicited Dangote’s support for the establishment of an independent power plant to revive the ailing industries and boost the economic strength of the State.

Similarly, the Governor told Dangote that Kano dearly needs the establishment of sickle cell hospital to provide free medication for the patients.

Besides, the Governor pleaded with the business tycoon for the completion of the gigantic projects initiated by Dangote Foundation which include Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex and maternity/ pediatric building all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital.

He noted that as a proud indigene of the State, Alhaji Dangote is capable and willing to execute as many projects as possible that is why ” I am using the opportunity to solicit and appeal for a lot from him for the people of the state”.

Governor Yusuf added, “I want to make a passionate appeal to you to extend your hands of assistance by completing the gigantic projects initiated by your foundation which include Accident and Emergency ward, Surgical and Theatre complex and maternity/ Pediatric building all in Murtala Muhamnad Specialists Hospital.”

“In the area of infrastructural development, the Governor expressed the need for Dangote to assist in the provision of modern roads construction, Housing, community development as well as human capital development among others.

“While appreciating the kind gesture of Aliko Dangote in the area of education and health care development, especially in the eradication of the poliomyelitis, the Governor gave the assurance that whatever form of support given, it will be used judiciously.”

FG Asks Labour To Suspend Planned Nationwide Strike, Assures MOU Will Be Implemented

By
The Source
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0

By Daniel Maduka

The Federal Government has appealed to the organized Labour, to reconsider its planned Nationwide industrial action, noting that it is sincerely committed to fulfilling the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding MOU signed with Labour.

Minister of Labour (State) Hon. Nkiruka Onyejiocha who made the appeal at a crowded press briefing on Thursday February 9 2024 in Abuja also assured of Federal Government’s commitment to open and constructive communication with the Organized Labour, for the purpose of fostering positive labour relations ,as well as ensure a supportive and conducive working environment for workers.

She emphasised the need for patience and understanding, adding that negotiations most times pass through a gradual process, with resolutions and agreements unfolding In stages

“The Federal Government is assuring Nigerians of its continued commitment to addressing labour concerns and fulfilling all agreements so as move forward together .

“Government will continue to leverage on the principles of social dialogue, valuing the inputs of our social partners, with the goal of creating a better Nigeria for all.

“The Federal Government will ensure the complete implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the organized labour'” the Labour Minister stated.

It will be recalled that the Organized Labour, had two days ago, issued a 14-day Nationwide strike notice, citing Government’s reluctance in observing the terms of earlier MOU as a major reason.

President Tinubu Signs Into Law Electricity Act Bill

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Hope of rapid development for communities which accommodate power generating companies, has been rekindled as President Bola Tinubu signed the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, into law.

The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives on July 27, 2023, and the Senate on November 14, 2023, was sponsored by Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

Ajuri Ngalele, presidential spokesman, explained that the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to address the development and environmental concerns of host communities.

It sets aside five percent of the actual annual operating expenditures of power generating companies (GENCOs) from the preceding year for the development of their respective host communities.

The Bill further provides that the funds set aside for the development of host communities will be received, managed, and administered for infrastructure development in the host communities by a reputable Trustee/Manager to be jointly appointed by the respective GENCO and their host community.

What President Tinubu Can Do To Tackle Daunting Nigeria’s Problems

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has advised President Bola Tinubu to settle down to enable him address mirage of problems confronting Nigerians.

The Association noted that the ongoing economic hardship as well as increasing security challenges across the country have made life unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement on Friday by the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe advised President Bola Tinubu to settle down to tackle the challenges so that the country could bounce back.

It identified the continued decline in the value of the naira and the seeming inability of the government to address the situation which has completely weakened the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.

The Northern CAN also frowned at increasing cases of insecurity in the country, saying, “The situation is further compounded by escalating insecurity occasioned by rampant killings and kidnapping for ransom.

“Government must take urgent steps to address the depressing economic and escalating security situation in the country.

However, the CAN called on Nigerians to support the present administration to overcome the eight years of “calamity and retrogression of the failed administration of former President Mohammadu Buhari”.

Northern CAN  noted with concern, the inauguration of a security outfit by a tribal group, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in Nasarawa state.

“We find the establishment of the security outfit by a group which some of its members are being accused of banditry and kidnapping across the country very disturbing.

“Northern CAN wishes to state in strong terms that allowing any ethno-cultural group to set up a security outfit, is an invitation to anarchy.

“In the interest of peace and security, government should not handle this issue with kid gloves. No ethnic group should be allowed to form an exclusive security outfit”.

“We find the establishment of the security outfit by a group which some of its members are being accused of banditry and kidnapping across the country very disturbing.

“Northern CAN wishes to state in strong terms that allowing any ethno-cultural group to set up a security outfit, is an invitation to anarchy.

“In the interest of peace and security, government should not handle this issue with kid gloves. No ethnic group should be allowed to form an exclusive security outfit”.

On the issue of relocating FAAN and some Departments of CBN from Abuja to Lagos, the statement said, “Northern CAN also wish to comment on the plan relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN) and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja to Lagos.

“Since the announcement of the planned relocation, there has been so much noise from some individuals and groups who are opposed to the policy, especially, from the northern part of the country.

“Several individuals and groups in the north, particularly, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Northern Senators as well as several northern groups have been agitating against relocation.

“It is unfortunate that we introduce ethnic and regional sentiments in a harmless policy that is meant to streamline operations and make the agencies more effective and reduce cost. We should learn to look at government policies from an objective point of view rather than from regional and tribal perspectives.

“We call on Nigerians to support the present administration to overcome the eight years of calamity and retrogression of the failed administration of former President Mohammadu Buhari.”

Angry Kano Residents Storm Streets To Protest Hardship, Dangote Intervenes

By
The Source
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By Daniel Maduka

Thousands of Kano residents on Thursday, February 8, 2024,  took to the streets to register their displeasure with the prevalent harsh economic situation in the country.

This is even as the acclaimed richest man on African Continent on Friday, February 9,  stormed the ancient city to be part of ways to assuage frayed nerves.

The protesters, in their thousands, marched through popular streets and areas such as Bachirawa, katsina road ,Rijiyar lemu, Kurna,  Fegge, and decried the excruciating economic situation with its attendant high costs of essential commodities .

They called on the authorities both at the State and Federal levels to take urgent measures to salvage the trend before things get out of hand.

Malam Usman Bello, spokesperson for the protesters, lamented that the high cost of living, occasioned by some difficult Government policies have visited untold hardship and suffering on the masses of kano.

Malam Bello said being that it was the  people that voted in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they are equally calling on him to revisit some of his policies which have been found out to be anti people,adding that they can not continue to pretend that all is well, hence their resolve to embark on a peaceful protest march .

Alhaji Dangote, himself scion of kano, arrived the commercial hub of the North early afternoon on Friday and immediately proceeded on a parley with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other top Government functionaries, as well as stakeholders of the state .

Although as at the time of reporting. details of their meeting were not known,  but it is widely believed that the harsh economic situation and its possible back-lash on the ever volatile State, as well as means of calming frayed nerves will top the agenda.

Sharia Law: Jigawa Understudies Kano

By
The Source
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Jigawa Sharia Law Committee

By Daniel Maduka

To ensure an effective and pragmatic implementation of the Shari’a regime, the Jigawa State Government   has  sought the assistance of its sister-State Kano.

Chairman of the Jigawa State Hisbah Review Committee and Secretary to the State Government,SSG  Malam  Bala Ibrahim revealed this when he led members of the Committee on a  working visit to the Commandant – General of Kano Hisbah Command, Sheik Malam Daurawa.

The Jigawa SSG noted that Governor Umar Namadi has mandated his Committee to overhaul the Jigawa State Hisbah Legal frame work, with a view to writing necessary changes, hence their decision to seek the assistance of Kano.

Malam Ibrahim whose committee visited Kano on Thursday, February 8, 2024, said they are seeking assistance in the area of effective Hisbah operations.,

The Source reports that the Kano State Government has been involved in the  implementation of Shariah laws and operation of Hisbah, its enforcement arm since 2003.

The Jigawa Head of Hisbah Review Committee, said they are aspiring to borrow  a leaf from Kano, particularly in the area of improved operations.

“We have consulted with our Emirs, Local Councils authorities, Security Agencies and other relevant stakeholders in Jigawa State. We are now here in Kano to also see how you ( Kano Hisbah command)   are operating.” Malam Ibrahim noted.

The Jigawa SSG,  lamented the increasing rate of moral degeneration in today’s society ,especially among the youths.

He decried rampant and  indiscriminate cases of drug abuse, rape and other criminal activities in the society, adding that one of the primary duties of Hisbah is to combat these criminal activities in collaboration with security agencies.

The  Commandant of Kano Hisbah Board, Sheikh Daurawa, while appreciating his Jigawa State counterparts for the visit, noted that Hisbah is  a voluntary organization for Muslim men and women out to inculcate moral values and offer humanitarian services.

He said that the establishment of Kano Hisbah Board was part of the general efforts to implement Shariah law in 2003 ,as well as a response to rise in insecurity, and increase in cases of social anomie among youths in the state .

He listed some of the  functions of Kano His bah, to include assisting security  agencies in the area of crime prevention and  detection, humanitarian activities, advising against hoarding and speculations, assisting in traffic control, and emergency relief operations and any  other ways as may be determined by circumstances.

Ondo NMA Threatens Strike Over Outstanding Allowances, Dearth Of Doctors, Gives Seven Days Ultimatum

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has given the State Government seven days ultimatum to implement the approved hazard allowance and address other critical challenges facing health sector.

This is the highlight of Communique issued at the end of an Ordinary General Meeting of the Association, lin Akure.

In the communique signed by the State Chairman, Dr Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe and the State Secretary, Dr Adeayo Omotehinse, Ondo NMA noted with concern the continuous shortage of manpower and modern medical equipment at various State hospitals.

Dr Adeyemi-Osowe who read the Communique, listed other issues as failure to pay members the hazard allowance, low employment entry point and poor salary structure compare to other neighbouring states.

The NMA Chairman who lamented that doctors in the state are still earning ridiculous five thousand naira as hazard allowance, said there are only 22 resident doctors at UNIMED teaching hospital compared to the previous figure of 150 resident doctors before.

He said the decaying condition of the state health sector, has forced many doctors out of the state service while new ones are not interested in working with the Ondo State government.

“The congress also resolved to give an ultimatum of seven days to the Government of Ondo State to implement the approved hazard allowance. This being the lowest hanging fruits.

“That failure to implement this after the expiration of the seven days, the relative industrial harmony in the state health sector shall no longer be guaranteed. The Congress shall reconvene after the expiration of the stated period to chart a way forward.

“The OGM enjoins the state government to resolve the issues of non-availability of equipment at some critical units in our teaching hospital UNIMEDTHC (The CT scan is non-functional for over 12months, no ventilators at the ICU) etc.

“The Congress would like to plead with opinion leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders and all Ondo state residents interested in a healthy Ondo state to prevail on our government to declare state of emergency in Ondo state health sector with the aim of proffering effective measures and solutions to the sector’s numerous challenges to achieving a healthy, prosperous and peaceful Ondo state.”

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