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No T-Shirts, Faz Caps, While On Duty, IGP Warns Officers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Usman Baba Alkali - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

Few days after approving a new dress code for officers of the Nigerian Police Force, including wearing of hijab by Women Police, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has condemned indecent dressing by some members of the Force.

A statement on Friday by the Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP is set to discipline erring officers.

According to the statement, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc, has expressed dismay at the flagrant violation of the approved Nigeria Police Force dress code by officers on patrol and guard, stop and search, and other routine police operations.

“They have formed the habit of wearing t-shirts and face caps with “Special Forces”, “Commando”, “Gallant MOPOL”, “SCORPION”, and other inscriptions while on duty.

“Premised on this, the IGP has ordered an immediate ban on such unapproved apparels.

“The IGP has described as unacceptable, the use of unapproved apparels noting that uniforms, which is a means of identification, has been abused by these officers who engage in improper dressing.

“He equally decries the fear this unwholesome practice creates in the minds of innocent Nigerians.

“The IGP therefore ordered that henceforth, all police officers detailed for patrol, stop and search, check point, and other routine operational duties must be in approved uniforms for easy identification.

“Consequently, the IGP has ordered that all Police disciplinary units particularly the Force Provost Marshal, the IGP X-Squad and Monitoring Unit to ensure the strict enforcement of the directive with severe sanctions for erring officers.

“The IGP has equally warned that all supervisory officers would be held vicariously liable in the event that personnel under their command violate this order.

“The Inspector-General of Police has assured well-meaning members of the public that the Force leadership is committed to promoting strategic police reforms geared at sanitizing operational engagements, and bequeathing to the nation a professional policing system as required.”

Update On NURTW Crisis: Lagos Assembly States Position

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Hon Temitope Adewale

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the uproar that has greeted certain decisions taken by the Lagos State Government on the current National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, crisis,  Lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly say there should not be any contention over the steps being taken by the State Government following the crisis currently rocking the National Union.

Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Hon. Temitope Adewale, made the position of the Assembly known.

He said the Legislative arm had been very proactive as it already has a law creating the Lagos State Parking Authority, which should now oversee activities at all the parks in the State.

According to Hon. Adewale, the House is fully aware of developments in the transportation union and now that the crisis has resulted in the banning of NURTW activities in Lagos, “it is clear to state that all parks, garages and parking activities would be under the Lagos State Parking Authority as stipulated by law.”

The House said at the stage the NURTW has found itself, the State has to take charge of the situation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

The House said, by law, the State’s Parking Authority has a General Manager on whose shoulders the responsibility now falls to manage the parks at the moment.

“The law approves a General Manager for the Parking Authority.

“Lagosians should be calm. The situation is under control as the government takes necessary actions,” he said in a statement.

The Lagos State Government had, late Thursday, announced the suspension of all NURTW activities in the State.

The Government has also denied appointing suspended chairman of the NURTW, Musiliu Akinsanya, alias MC Oluomo, as General Manager of Lagos Transport Parks and Garages Committee.

Food Scarcity: Dangote Urges FG To Stop Maize Export

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, says the federal government should stop the export of maize from Nigeria to avoid the scarcity expected to come as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Responding to a question by TheCable at the fourth Annual Nigerian Food Processors and Nutrition Leadership Forum on Thursday, Dangote said Russia and Ukraine are the major producers of ingredients used in making fertilizers.

He said the shortage of these ingredients as a result of the war will also lead to a shortage of fertilizers and some food products like wheat and maize.

“There will be shortage of wheat, maize and a lot of products because as we speak now Russia and Ukraine do almost 30% of the world’s urea and 26% of the world’s potash — and phosphate also, there are one of the largest in the world,” he said.

“There would be scarcity of food generally, we would not be able to access fertilizers going forward, we would not see the effects now, but in the next two, three months. The US will not be able to do same number of tonnage they did last year because of this.

Dangote said he believes food producers need to have a sit down with the government to halt the coming scarcity.

“Right now, you would start seeing people exporting maize to earn foreign exchange, which I think we need to stop, so that we don’t create shortage, and we need to make sure we grow more so we don’t have shortage. It is about food security, and it is very very serious.”

Boye Olusanya, the CEO of Flour Mills of Nigeria, said Nigeria will be affected by the crisis in Russia and Ukraine, and the country needs to start discussing solutions.

“The reality is that Russia and Ukraine are number one and number five in wheat production, and if you take that volume, which is almost one-third of global production, there would be an immediate impact on prices,” he said.

“Today, the prices of wheat have gone up. There is a lag that comes because of inventory control, but it is something that we need to sit down with the government to say what measures can we put in place to alleviate what is coming.

“The impact is not just on wheat alone; Ukraine is one of the largest producers of maize, which will also have a significant on maize, which is an alternative to wheat.

“You will start looking at cross-border trafficking of maize, more farmers will look into taking maize out of the country.

“The last impact is on fertilizers, and the impact is not just short term, you’re looking at a one-off thing. You’re looking an impact on production over a year to 18 months.

“When you look at all that and what then happens in pricing, obviously, if we don’t manage this well, there will be significant volume compression, in terms of material that comes in and therefore the volume of food that is sold.”

He said this may affect fortification efforts, which will subsequently affect the health of Nigerians if a quick solution is not figured out.

Osagie Ehanire, the minister of health; Niyi Adebayo, minister for trade and investment; and Olusola Idowu, representative of the minister of finance, were all in attendance.

TheCable

NURTW Crisis: Sanwo-Olu Debunks Appointing MC Oluomo, GM LASPARK, Garages Committee

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Musiliu Akinsany- MC Oluomo

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, crisis that saw Musiliu Akinsanya, MC Oluomo, suspended indefinitely by the National Body has further escalated.

Late Thursday, the Lagos State Government announced the suspension of all NURTW operations in the State, stating that it did so because the security of the State is sacrosanct, and to stop the crisis rocking the Union from resulting in a breach of peace in the State.

The decision came hours after MC Oluomo distanced himself from the National Body of the Union.

Rumour was rife that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed MC Oluomo as the General Manager of Lagos State Parks and Gardens and the Garages Committee.

But the Lagos State Government has debunked the rumour as false.

In a Statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Gboyega Akosile, he debunked the media report suggesting that the it was a plot by mischief makers to heat up the polity.

Akosile, in clarifying the report, said the position of the Government has not changed from details of a statement issued yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, announcing the suspension of activities of NURTW in all parks and garages in the State.

“Please disregard post(s) claiming that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed suspended Chairman of NURTW, MC Oluomo as GM, Lagos Transport Parks and garages committee. There’s no such appointment.

“The statement issued yesterday by Mr Gbenga Omotoso, Hon Commissioner for Information and Strategy, remains the position of government”, the statement reads.

It would be recalled that MC Oluomo was suspended for alleged insurbodination, high handedness, orchestrating crisis in the State, abuse of power, abuse on the fundamental human rights and not obeying the directives of the National Body.

MC Oluomo, is gunning to become the Oba of Oshodi, and there have been attacks on his aspiration from different quarters alleging that he isn’t from a Royal family in Oshodi, but being imposed by the powers’that- be in the State.

Nollywood Actress, Kemi Diagnosed With Lupus, Has Four Years To Live

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Kemi Afolabi

By Akinwale Kasali

In less than Five Years, the Nollywood would be bereaved. The industry is set to lose one of its finest actress from the Yoruba Genre, Kemi Afolabi.

In a sad and agonizing manner, the actress announced that she has just four years to live, having spent a year after being diagnosed of Lupus, an incurable disease.

In an interview with show host, Chude Jideonwo, the actress disclosed that the doctor said she had five years to live. She has spent a year already.

According to her, she had lived just one year after the doctor’s pronouncement, as she tearfully noted that she didn’t know how much she had left.

Afolabi quoted her doctor as saying, “Make sure you are with your loved ones. At least, you still have up to five years.”

Talking about the sickness, she said, “I have lupus. It’s not curable. You just have to take medications for the rest of your life.”

She noted that she paid N1.2m on a treatment yet it did not work as she continually cried in pain.

It was also reported that she had written her Will and booked a space with a funeral ground after her diagnosis.

The 43 year old thespian is married to Wale Adesipe and has a daughter by the name, Darasinmi Adesipe.

Here are five things you should know about the ailment according to VeryWell Health, which provides health and wellness information.

  1. Lupus is an autoimmune, and inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues. It can also be referred to as Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
  2. There are five different types of the life-threatening disease. There is the Systematic Lupus Erythematosus that affects the joints and organs, the Discoid Lupus which affects the skin and the Sub-Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus characterised by a specific, non-scarring skin lesion. The Drug Induced Lupus is one that can develop after exposure to certain drugs while the Neonatal Lupus solely affects newborns.
  3. Although getting a diagnosis may be difficult, symptoms of Lupus can vary. It is differentiated from other connective tissue diseases based on 11 criteria offered by the American College of Rheumatology. These are butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose; scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest; sunlight sensitivity; mouth, tongue and inside nose sores; arthritis pain in joints; pain in chest and side when breathing or moving. Other signs are kidney problems, neurologic problems, blood problems such as anemia, low white cell count; immune system malfunction and antinuclear antibodies. It is recommended that if you have four or more of these 11 symptoms, you should consult with a rheumatologist.
  4. Lupus affects about 10 times as many women as men. Most times, it develops in people between the age of 15 and 44. Though Lupus is more prevalent among women, it can also affect men and children, as well as people of all ages.
  5. With careful monitoring of Lupus and treatment adjustments as needed, most patients lead normal lives. There may be some limitations and the disease may impose restrictions at times but with good management, quality of life can be sustained. The worst adversary comes from within when the patient loses will and gives in to frustration and depression.

CNPP Says Use Of Its Acronym To Endorse Jonathan Is Deliberate Deception

By
The Source
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Chief Willy Ezugwu

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on Nigerians to beware that it has not endorsed any candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections, saying that the use of its acronym to endorse former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was “carried out by shallow-minded individuals  who deliberately want to deceive the general public.”

The CNPP in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said that it has been inundated with calls by stakeholders seeking clarification on the reported endorsement of Jonathan using the CNPP acronym.

“The CNPP, as the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, has not endorsed any candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“As a matter of clarification, CNPP does not endorse any candidate as the membership of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) cut across all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria.

“The CNPP therefore urges Nigerians and the international community to note that it did not at any time endorsed any candidate.

“Any endorsement, using the CNPP acronym, is by lazy persons depraved of ideas who deliberately want to deceive unsuspecting public”, the statement noted.

USAID Announces $10.6 Million In COVID-19 Assistance To Nigeria

By
The Source
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Mary Beth Leonard - US Ambassador to Nigeria

On March 1, 2022, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the notification of an additional $10.6 million in development assistance to continue support for the goals outlined in a 2021 bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Nigerian governments.

Most of the new funding will finance boosting COVID-19 vaccination efforts to reach targets of 600,000 people a day.  The funds will also support integrating COVID-19 vaccinations into routine immunization and primary health care systems, state level data collection and analytics, health worker training, and expansion of vaccination access points at the community level.

“Given the significant progress Nigeria has made, we are pleased to provide more funds to improve COVID-19 vaccine delivery services,” said USAID Mission Director, Anne Patterson.  “These new funds will deepen our support for all levels of government to meet their vaccination targets.”

This funding increases the total U.S. assistance to the Nigerian people to $179 million under the five-year $2.1 billion Development Objectives Assistance Agreement signed between USAID and the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning as affirmed by the  U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken during his visit to Nigeria in November 2021.

Jonathan Addresses ECOWAS Parliament, Charges Lawmakers To Protect Democratic Values

By
The Source
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Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has charged members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament to champion national processes that would strengthen democracy and improve governance in West Africa, as a means of reversing the trend of military coup d’état and growing social tension in the region.

The former President stated this while addressing the First Extraordinary Session of the Fifth ECOWAS Parliament which has just ended in Monrovia, Liberia. Describing the Parliament as the soul and heart of democracy, Dr Jonathan  urged the parliamentarians to seek to protect democracy in West Africa by making laws that would guarantee the independence of the electoral management bodies, ensure electronic voting, safeguard rule of law and protect constitutional term limits.

Speaking on the place of credible elections in a democracy, Dr. Jonathan stated: “The parliament should seriously consider the imperative of protecting the independence of electoral management bodies to ensure that electoral processes are transparent, free, fair and acceptable to stakeholders. We have to grow our democracy to a level where people will believe that their votes will count. That will only be possible if they have confidence in the impartiality and neutrality of electoral management bodies.”

The former president who is ECOWAS mediator in Mali, also, reiterated his call for the adoption of electronic voting in ECOWAS nations, adding that the deployment of technology and automation would sanitise electoral processes by reducing the high incidence of electoral malpractices such ballot box stuffing, results falsification, thuggery and violence during elections.

Dr. Jonathan who shared his mediation experience in Mali while featuring on a Panel that focused on the ‘Impact of the Mediation of Special Envoys on the Operationalisation of the ECOWAS Mediation Mechanisms’ further advised the lawmakers to pass laws that would strengthen their national constitutions in order to protect democratic values and practices.

Along this line,  Dr. Jonathan pointed out the danger posed by the lack of provisions for the impeachment of elected leaders in the constitution of some West African countries, adding that such a situation ties the hands of citizens in legally expressing their democratic rights.

According to him: “Having a provision for impeachment in the constitution can help defuse social tension. This is because it gives people the hope that they can legally remove erring leaders, rather than always resorting to public demonstrations which often lead to violence, to protest lack of confidence in an elected leader.”

The former President also charged the leaders to deepen the engagement on the processes that would improve economic growth and promote development. He also made a case for the consolidation of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to fund small businesses and agriculture, especially adding value to farm and forest produce.

For democracy to serve the people well, Dr. Jonathan further noted that development, economic growth and welfare of citizens have to be prioritised by leaders. “When the economies of various nations are doing well, more jobs will be created and it will be difficult for young people to be recruited for causes that promote crime and violence.”

APC: Fresh Crisis As INEC Rejects Bello, Insists On Buni

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Abubakar Sani Bello - Governor of Niger State

By Tosin Olatokunbo

A Fresh leadership crisis is brewing in the All Progressives Congress, APC following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC not to accept the leadership change in the party.

On Monday, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state disclosed that he has taken over as the interim caretaker chairman of the ruling party from Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state, with the backing of 19 state governors and President Muhammadu Buhari.

Also, on Wednesday, Governor Nasir Elrufai of Kaduna state said the decision to remove Buni was backed by President Buhari.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state also stated on Thursday that those opposing  Governor Bello’s leadership are Yahoo, Yahoo boys, a popular anecdote used widely to describe fraudsters in the country, noting that the new leadership has full the backing of majority of APC governors.

But the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has rejected the move on the basis that it contradicts the law. According to the electoral umpire, the APC did not follow the law which mandated political parties to give INECC 21-day notice before any leadership change could be effected.

INEC position came on the crest of plans by some leaders of party to meet with President Buhari in London on the controversy surrounding Governor Buni’s removal as the caretaker chairman.

The magazine learnt on Sunday that Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minster of Justice; CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele were to meet with the president who is on a medical trip to the UK, this week end to sort out the problem.

Governor Bello had after taking over as chairman placed INEC on a notice of the party’s readiness to hold its National Executive Council, NEC meeting on March 17.

But in a letter dated March 9 and addressed to the party INEC said it does not recognize Governor Bello as the chairman.

The electoral body said the letter addressed to it by APC should have been signed by Governor Buni who is currently in Dubai for medical treatment and John Akpanudoedehe, the CECPC chairman and national secretary, respectively.

The commission “draws your attention to the fact that the notice for the meeting was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC contrary to the provision of the Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018.

“Furthermore, the APC is reminded of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires “at least 21 days” notice of any convention, congress, conference, or meeting convened for the purpose of “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective offices”, INEC said in a letter signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, its secretary

Fidelity Bank Celebrates 2022 IWD With Financial Support To Women

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

As a major push for breaking the gender bias in Nigeria, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, in partnership with media entrepreneur-Linda Ikeji- celebrated the 2022 International Women’s Day (IWD) with an impressive networking event specifically for women to inspire one another, discuss pertinent challenges they face as well as proffer solutions on breaking the gender biases prevalent in the country.

The high-profile event, held at the Civic Centre, Lagos on Tuesday, 8 March 2022, featured several notable personalities including former World Bank Vice President and keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili; billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist, Apostle Folorunso Alakija; MD/CEO, Practoil Ltd, Hajia Bola Shagaya and award-winning author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Others are Iya Oge of Lagos, Opral Benson; Country Director, Empretec Nigeria Foundation, Onari Duke; Executive Vice Chairman, H. Pierson, Eileen Shaiyen; oil magnate and lawyer, Mrs. Uju Ifejika; seasoned actress and journalist, Dame Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett; Former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Fashion and Style Connoisseur, Nkiru Anumudu; amongst a host of eminent ladies from across the country.

Aside from celebrating Nigerian women’s achievements in various industries and drawing attention to the issue of gender inequality, the event also served as a platform for the Bank to officially launch HerFidelity, its niche proposition for female customers.

The proposition boasts of exciting features such as capacity development initiatives, access to finance, recognition and networking events, health and wellness programmes, etc, all designed to speak to the yearnings of women.

Welcoming guests to the event, the chief host and Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said, “Despite the challenges women face, we continue to play a significant role in driving the economic, social and cultural development of our communities. Indeed, a recent PwC Nigeria report indicated that 41 percent of micro-businesses in Nigeria are run by women, with over 23 million female entrepreneurs operating in this segment.

“This exemplifies not only our drive as women but the immense value we bring to the table. Just imagine what we could achieve if the girl child is given the opportunity she deserves, encouraged to go to school and is judged by her competence and not by her complements! The possibilities are endless.”

Onyeali-Ikpe also made several Corporate Social Responsibility ,CSR donations to women-led businesses on behalf of the bank, further demonstrating the bank’s unwavering commitment towards improving the well-being of women across the country. Speaking on the donations, she said, “One of the pillars of HerFidelity is Capacity Building. Therefore, we are sponsoring five female-led enterprises today with a total sum of 5 million naira for training female apprentices.

“In addition, we are supporting Dream Catchers Academy for Girls—a free educational and performing arts academy for orphaned and underserved girls— with the sum of 10 million naira for an IT centre at the academy as well as one year of coding training for the girls. We believe this will go a long way to assist the young ladies who need a helping hand while enhancing their knowledge in the areas of technology.”

In her keynote speech, Dr. Ezekwesili, highlighted the importance of joining forces to fight gender discrimination and inequality ravaging the country, emphasising that, “The power of collaboration and cooperation is key as implicit bias is not something you can fight alone. It requires a coalition effort. You must build your own coalition. At every point in life, a woman must understand that she will face a major challenge because of the conditioning that society has given to itself. Therefore, build coalitions. We have the numbers and we must let the numbers work for us.”

She also encouraged forward-thinking organisations to be deliberate about gathering relevant baseline data and eliminating barriers to the career growth of women.

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