Home Blog Page 616

FCTA Set To Demolish Ten Illegally Constructed Duplexes

May 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ten duplexes allegedly constructed without due approval of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, (FCTA) are to be demolished within the next 48 hours.

Already, the Metropolitan Management Council has given its Development Control Department 48 hours to demolish more than 10 duplexes built on a green area.

The Coordinator, Mr Felix Obuah, gave the order in Abuja during a joint inspection of illegal construction sites across the city.

Obuah explained that the duplexes were built on a green area in Wumba District, close to Apo in Abuja, with no authorisation.

He said that officials of development control had earlier asked the developer to stop work, including marking the structures, but said that the developer ignored the order and even covered the stopped order written on the building and continued the construction project.

The coordinator pointed out that the developer had given the council no option but to demolish all the illegal buildings.

“When we invited the developer to provide legal documents for the activities he’s carrying out, we all discovered that there is no paper, no approval, no allocation. I asked him to stop working, but you can see that the work is still going on.

“So, all these properties that you are seeing here are all going down.”

He maintained that the FCT Administration would not tolerate any development that contravene the provision of the Abuja Master Plan.

The Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, also said that the developer has no approval from any authority.

“We didn’t give the developer any approval, and when you look around, you would see the evidence that we had marked these structures at different stages of development.

“Unfortunately, people don’t like to respect constituted authority and as I told my colleagues, the only language Nigerians understand is the language of bulldozers that will bring the structures down.

“We are looking at more than 10 structures, some are roofed, and some are not yet roofed.

“So, the development control will come with its bulldozers and in less than 48 hours everything here will go down.”

Also, the Director Parks and Recreation, FCTA, Mr Chidemelu Echee, explained that Abuja city was designed in neighbourhoods to ensure unison between nature and construction of structures.

“It is very unfortunate that people will come into a place like this and start a random destruction of the natural ecosystem without any authorisation.

“This is a disaster waiting to happen because when we talk about global warming of the entire system, this is part of it.”

On his part, the Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Mr Osilama Braimah, maintained that the illegal structures, if allowed to stand, the people would suffer the consequences living without trees and vegetation.

Speaking on the impact on the environment, Braimah explained that the proliferation of concrete buildings retains and radiates heat, making the environment hotter.

According to him, it is essential to have designated green spaces to maintain a conducive ambient temperature.

“When concrete covers everything, it prevents percolation, leading to increased flooding downstream.

“To mitigate this, we must preserve green areas to facilitate percolation, groundwater recharge, and maintain healthy boreholes and wells.”

Imo Airport To Record First International Flight As Sultan Commissions Alaba International Market Road

The Source

May 9, 2025

His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, will Friday, May 9, commission the newly reconstructed Alaba International Road by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

The commissioning will herald the historic inaugural international flight from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, the first since more than three decades the airport became operational.

Coincidentally, the airlift of the 2025 Hajj members to the Holy Land will also take place same day just as the airport will henceforth host both local and international travellers.

The choice of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport for the ceremonial airlift of the Hajj members to the Holy Land was based on the comprehensive infrastructural renewal that Governor Uzodimma brought to the airport, including the installation of night landing facilities, the first since the airport was birthed.

The 2.8 kilometres newly reconstructed Alaba International Market Road on the ever busy Owerri- Ana road, was one of the impassable roads inherited by Governor Uzodimma on assumption of duty, but which the Governor had assured the traders of his willingness to fix the road because of the critical role the traders play in the economic development of Imo State.

Following the reconstruction of the very important road, trading activities have suddenly intensified within and outside the market environment, with the traders praising Governor Uzodimma for his foresight leadership prowess.

“Our Governor is actually the infrastructure of Nigeria,” one of the traders who identifies himself as Ebuka said.

Imo Govt Partners Global Health Firms For Comprehensive Service Delivery

The Source

May 9, 2025

A new dawn beckoned Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in the Imo State health sector as the government entered into a historic partnership with two key global health solution providers under the Public Private Partnership ( PPP) arrangement, with Heartland Hospital Management Corporation to play supervisory role for the State as regards implementation.

The Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) was between JNC International Limited and Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company, both of which have committed in the agreement/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the provision of comprehensive solution for equipping and management of the State’s medical facilities.

They are to provide the medical equipment, technical knowhow (manpower) and funding, as well as work with the Imo State Health Insurance Scheme to increase access to quality healthcare.

Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company has relationships globally with over 20 years of experience in the health sector under examination, just as JNC’s global acclaim includes but not limited to: Canon Medical System (Japan), Olympus (Japan), Metronic ( USA), Abbott ( USA), Paxeramd (USA), Elekta Radiotherapy (Sweden), Getinge (Sweden), Arjo (Sweden), B.Brown (Germany ) and Aesculap (Germany).

In his remarks before all the partners put hand to paper, Governor Hope Uzodimma said the agreement was “part of our overall effort to provide a comprehensive solution for quality medicare in Imo State.”

He regretted that the Imo State Hospital Management Board law done by military decree in 1978 has negatively impacted the contemporary health situation of the citizenry.

Governor Uzodimma said: “From 1978 till now, government after government did not remember to amend that law to be in tune with current day realities. And our people were languishing and dying in numbers, over avoidable deaths because of lack of access to quality medicare, lack of access to technical manpower.

“As a result, we decided to go into a collaboration agreement with Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company who has been into hospital and medical services for over 20 years with relationships across the globe.

“JNC International Limited, is working with companies like Canon, Toshiba, Oncology Radiotherapy Systems of Sweden, Medtronic of America, Airport of USA, Aesculap of Germany, and B. Brown of Germany among other world class manufacturers of medical equipment.

“The whole idea is to come with Sepat, with all the kind of medical equipment we require in Imo State for a quality medical service and all the funding to put all the medical facilities in Imo State of world class standard.

“And we are going to partner with our former hospital management board that will now be Heartland Hospital Management Corporation in partnership with Imo State government for a comprehensive solution for equipping, spreading and capacitating the system with sufficient technical manpower to make medical services not only of better quality but affordable to Imo State.

“They will work with Imo State Health Insurance Company for all indigenes of Imo State who are enrolled to have quality medical without paying too much for it. As today it is N15,000 for one year. N15,000 will serve you with all your medical needs and these people will make sure that the facilities and quality of service required will be available. The funding, the operation, the equipment procurement will be done by our core investors.

“So we decided to go into this because we want to one, remove the insanity in the system, strengthen our medicals, take care of our people, save our people from avoidable deaths and make our environment enviable. So this is why we have decided in our wisdom to go into this partnership and this partnership, it is my hope, will bring all the ugly experiences of the past to a halt.So today we will sign two agreements.

“The first agreement is with Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company and the second agreement, a Memorandum of understanding will be by JNC International Limited to put equipment supply and operations of all our medical facilities in Imo State under the umbrella of Heartland Hospital Management Corporation.

“So it is the reason why we are here and I am happy that we are able to attract the kind of confidence that will make this kind of globally acclaimed companies express interest to work with Imo State Government.”

The Governor congratulated the government and people of Imo State for yet another bold step, noting that Imo is becoming investment friendly and that “investors are showing, every day, greater confidence in doing businesses with the State.”

“So I want to congratulate all of us and to congratulate our partners and encourage them to be able to deliver according to this understanding.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs. Vivian Egu, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief COC Akaolisa and the Chairman of Imo State Health Management Board ( Heartland Hospital Management Corporation), Dr. Emmanuel Ogueri signed for the State government while the partners – Dr. Patrick Orama and Mrs. Clarke Omatseye signed for Sepat Medical Investment and Management Company and JNC International Limited respectively.

Pope Leo XIV’s Election “A Profound Blessing” – Peter Obi

The Source

May 9, 2025

Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, describing his emergence as “a profound blessing at a critical time in the life of the Church and the world.”

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi praised the election of the new Pope as a reaffirmation of “the enduring presence of divine guidance in our shared human journey.”

He commended the College of Cardinals for what he described as a display of the Church’s “timeless wisdom through prayerful discernment, unity, and fidelity to her sacred traditions.” According to him, their decision reflected “spiritual depth, attentive listening, and an unwavering openness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.”

Obi also expressed gratitude to the faithful across the world, who prayed fervently during the papal conclave, noting that “our collective petitions have not been in vain. We now celebrate the gift of a new shepherd to lead the flock with courage, love, and truth.”

Commenting on Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural address, Obi said it was “both reassuring and inspiring,” as it “radiated humility, moral clarity, and a renewed call to justice, peace, and solidarity with the most vulnerable.” In his words, “In a world overwhelmed by division and despair, his words have rekindled hope in the hearts of millions.”

Highlighting the new Pope’s background, Obi described Pope Leo XIV—born Robert Francis Prevost—as “a member of the Order of Saint Augustine, a seasoned missionary, a respected canon lawyer, and the former Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.” He added that the Pope’s decades of pastoral service, especially in Peru, and his global ecclesial experience are “invaluable gifts to the Universal Church and the whole world.”

“As a firm believer in moral leadership,” Obi concluded, “I pray that his pontificate will be marked by deep spiritual renewal, courageous dialogue, unwavering service to humanity, and fidelity to the Gospel message. May God bless and guide Pope Leo XIV as he assumes the sacred responsibility of leading the Church through the complexities of our ever-changing world.”

No Duly Elected LGA Chairman Defected To The APC In Edo State, PDP Insists

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 9, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has insisted that it is not in anyway worried or surprised at the decision the House of Assembly Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, to join the All Progressive Congress, APC .

This is just as it debunked claims that 17 out of the State’s 18 elected Council chairmen defected ,along side the Speaker to the APC

It would be recalled that the Speaker who was elected on the platform of the PDP on Tuesday May 6, formally, defected to the APC, alongside 17 out of the State’s 18 Local Council Chairmen and some lawmakers according to the APC.

But reacting to the development on Thursday, the Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, noted that Agbebaku, long before his final departure had been working for the APC.

He expressed shock that the APC will be celebrating the defection of person who worked tirelessly for them before now.

According to the PDP Chairman, the defected Speaker worked closely with Governor Monday Okpebholo to suspend duly elected council chairmen from his own party the PDP.

“Tuesday’s stage-managed fanfare in Benin City was not news .It was merely the official coronation of what had become a public secret.

“For months, Speaker Agbebaku, served the interests of the APC in both conduct and alliance .What played out was nothing more than a desperate spectacle designed to impress the President and APC national leadership –an illusion worthy of a David Copperfield performance.

“Let it be remembered that under Agbebaku’s leadership ,and in collaboration with Governor Monday Okpebholo ,and Edo APC ,duly elected Local Government Chairmen ,were illegally suspended.

“Despite the expiry of that unconstitutional suspension, Agbebaku refused to reinstate them, acting with clear partisan bias.

“If ever there was evidence of his political affiliation ,this was it.

“Speaker Agbebaku’s formal alignment with the APC is a text book case of political opportunism, motivated not by ideology, or conviction but by personal ambition ,and self preservation.

“While the APC cerebrate this, we in the PDP remain unperturbed . Men who stand for nothing will always fall for anything.

“Even more laughable is the APC’s claim that 17 council chairmen have defected to their party .This is pure fiction .We challenge the APC to name a single duly elected PDP Chairman ,who has defected.

“The truth is that what they parade are political appointees and stooges illegally imposed on the councils – Governor Okpebholo’s hirelings ,not the peoples elected representatives.

“We dare Governor Okpebholo to release the names of the Council Chairmen that defected”, the PDP Chairman stated .

Chief Aziegbemi described the entire defection story as part of a wider strategy by the APC to create a false lnarrative of political dominance in Edo state .

He, however, noted that ,Edo people are not persuaded by such public spectacle and theatrics .

He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the PDP to the pursuit of justice, with a view to reclaiming its stolen mandate.

Hail To Pope Leo XIV, The First American To Be So Elected

Ayodele Oni

May 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

History was made at the Vatican in the evening of Thursday May 7, 2025.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, has been elected the very first Catholic Pope of American extraction. He is the 267th Pope to seat on the “throne” of St Peter.

Until him, no American has attained the highest revered position in the Catholic Church.

He succeeds Pope Francis who passed on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

Pope Leo’s election marks the beginning of a new era. The emergence Thursday evening of the white smoke whuch billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, alerted the sea of heads which gathered at the Vatican that a new Pope has emerged.

The moment, the joy, the celebration was infectious. Vatican City was electrified. Cheers and celebrations reigned. Flags of different countries, held by many people, including Nigeria’s flag were waved continously. Tears of joy were shed. People embraced one another.

people embraced one another.

As the new Pope emerged at the balcony to greet the people, the crowd went crazy. He waved at them a number of times, with smiles. At a point, he became emotional.

133 voting Cardinals had been sequestered inside the Vatican during the conclave.

A new Pope needed two-thirds of the vote.

The Pope is a Chicago-native Prevost is still one to watch. He was

Created a Cardinal by the late Pope Francis in 2023. He was, also, the former leader of the Augustinian Order and was appointed by the late Pope to the Dicastery for Bishops which oversees the selection of new bishops from around the world.

He was in Peru, having served as Bishop of the Northern Chiclayo.

APGA, Soludo Adopt Tinubu As Presidential Flag Bearer

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 8, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“APC and APGA have the same ideology, and will work together to deliver the President for his second term in office” – Soludo

The All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, on Thursday. May 8, 2025, announced the adoption of President Bola Tinubu, as its Presidential Candidate come 2027 general elections.

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, who made the declaration at the Alex Ekwume Square, Awka, while receiving the President who paid a one-day working visit to the State, also informed that the APGA will be working together with the All Progressive Congress APC to realize the second term ambition of the President.

According to him, APGA and APC share a common philosophy and political ideology which are solidly anchored on progressivism.

The Source reports that Governor Soludo’s endorsement is coming on the heels of the gale of defections that have rocked the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last few weeks. The APC has been the major beneficiary.

Apart from the outright defection of Delta State’s Governor Sherrif Oborevwori to the APC, his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Dr Umoh Eno ,has publicly declared his support for the second term bid of the President as well as the readiness to join forces with him in the APC.

Instructively, and perhaps curiously, the spate of endorsement of the President’s re-election bid by opposition Governors, comes amidst calls for the formation of a strong coalition to oust him in 2027.

Apart from Katsina State which is under the control of the President’s party, most of the States that he has visited within his two years in office are opposition States.

Governor Soludo who will be facing the electorate on November 8, 2025, for his own re-election bid , noted that the people of Anambra State have resolved to line up behind President Tinubu so as to sustain his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Before the arrival of the President, both APC and APGA faithful were barred from wearing any party branded clothes to the event to underscore the importance attached the new working relationship.

Roman Catholic Church Elects New Pope

Ayodele Oni

May 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

After two days of rigorous deliberations, the much awaited and prayed for White Smoke came up, signaling the election, finally, of the new Roman Catholic Church Pope. The white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel Thursday evening, signaling the conclusion of the Papal conclave. On seeing the white smoke, thousands of people who had patiently waited went wild in joy.

The signal followed days of closed-door deliberations by the College of Cardinals, where 133 electors gathered to choose a successor to the Papal office.

Agency report stated that the sight of the smoke drew cheers from the thousands of worshippers and tourists waiting anxiously in St. Peter’s Square.

Attention now shifts to the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the newly elected Pontiff is expected to make his first public appearance.

In line with centuries-old tradition, the senior Cardinal Deacon will formally announce the election with the Latin phrase “Habemus Papam”—meaning “We have a Pope”—before revealing the identity of the new leader of the Catholic Church.

The Pope will then deliver his first Apostolic blessing to the gathered crowd and the global Catholic community.

Compel Manufacturers To Disclose Sugar, Salt Contents In Food, Beverages – CAPPA

Akinwale Kasali

May 8, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Perturbed by the rise in Non Communicable Diseases, NCDs, such as diabetes, obesity amd cardiovascular conditions linked to excessive consumption of sugar and salt intake, a Pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, has urged the Federal Government to compel Food and Beverage manufacturers to disclose the quantity of salt and sugar in their products.

Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, during the lunch of “Junk on Our Plates,” in Lagos, accused the food and beverage industry of leveraging extensive advertising, cultural trends, pricing strategies, and distribution networks to influence food culture and dietary habits, often prioritising highly processed, calorie-dense, and nutrient-poor foods due to their profitability and long shelf life.

Oluwafemi stated that it was causing the slow disappearance of healthy, natural, indigenous foods from Nigerians’ menus.

According to him, “The report has exposed how food corporations use a sophisticated web of marketing strategies to get Nigerians, especially children and young adults hooked on ultra-processed foods which damage their health, undermine public health policies, and cost the Nigerian healthcare systems billions.”

He warned that the widespread promotion of these foods, high in saturated fats, salt, and sugar (HFSS), is increasingly redefining global dietary patterns and impacting public health.

Speaking further, Oluwafemi said findings showed that through “aggressive marketing, cultural co-optation, celebrity endorsements, and deceptive labeling, the corporations had entrenched ultra-processed, high-sugar, and high-sodium products in Nigeria’s food environment, targeting children, youth, low-income communities, and cultural identities to drive sales.

“We acknowledge the Nigerian government’s “bold steps” to confront the challenge by, for example, introducing the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage, SSB, Tax of N10 per litre on SSBs aimed at discouraging their excessive consumption and reducing the risk of diet-related diseases.

“We need clear and readable front-of-pack warning labels on processed foods. We need limits on salt and sugar content. And we need public awareness campaigns and food policymaking that are state-led, free from corporate sponsorship or influence.

“Government need to strengthen regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods, particularly to children, increasing Nigeria’s SSB tax from N10 to N130 to make sugary beverages less cost-attractive; and implementing national sodium reduction programs.

“Nigeria can take impactful steps toward promoting healthier dietary habits, reducing the crippling burden of non-communicable diseases and safeguarding the well-being of its population,” he added.

Imo: Police Demotes Officer For Dehumanising Civilian

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 8, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For subjecting a middle aged man to a grueling act of brutalization, Anayo Ekezie, a policeman attached to the Safer Highway Unit of the Imo State Command, has been demoted to the rank of a Corporal.

He was of the rank of a Sergeant before he was found guilty of torturing his victim with a smoke gunner along the Owerri/Aba Road.

The Source reports that a viral video showing some policemen brutalizing a man on the road had, a few days ago, provoked public outrage, a development that prompted the Police authorities to initiate a probe.

A statement on Thursday May 8, 2025 from the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye DSP, informed that demoted officer Ekezie was identified as the main culprit in the dehumanization of the victim.

According to him, the demotion followed an Orderly Room Trial of the officers identified in the video.

Similarly, for failing to live up to their supervisory roles ,Inspectors Ofem Obongha and Obinna Okereke ,who were with Ekezie at the time of the incident, were seriously reprimanded the Police Command spokesman disclosed.

“Following a review of the video, the Command conducted an Orderly Room Trial in line with the Nigeria Police Force disciplinary procedures.

“Sgt Ekezie was found guilty of using his issued smoke gunner in the assault ,and has been demoted to the rank of Corporal.

“Inspectors Obongha ,and Okereke were severely reprimanded for failing to exercise proper supervisory control ,which allowed the unprofessional conduct to occur .

“The Imo state Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, while condemning the conduct of the officers, also, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for unprofessional conducts.

He also described the action of the officers,as a gross violation of the Service’s Code of Conduct and human rights standards.

This is just as the Command urged the public to continue to report incidents of misconducts by police officers to the appropriate Units.

1...615616617...2,955 Page 616 of 2,955