Day: September 3, 2023

Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has ordered strict supervision and certification of building construction by relevant government agencies to forestall future building collapse in the state.

Oyebanji, represented by Dep. Gov. Monisade Afuye, gave the order on Sunday when he visited the scene of a building collapse in Ijero-Ekiti.

He also visited the victims of the incident, who were receiving medical treatment at the Ijero General Hospital, Ijero-Ekiti, where he sympathised with them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, when an Event Centre building collapsed in Ijero-Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area, on September 2.

The governor directed all the agencies of government to ensure that all the public buildings of that nature were properly supervised and certified at every stage to avoid unwarranted fatalities.

He expressed deep concern over the high degrees of injuries sustained by the victims.

Oyebanji said that the incident could have been averted, “if proper building scrutinies and compliance with specifications were carried out by government agencies”.

He, therefore, warned that situations like that should not be allowed to recur in the state.

He gave assurance that his government would initiate measures to make Emergency Management Equipment available in all the local government areas to respond to any emergency situation.

“Let me sympathise with the victims of this devastating incident.

“Nobody prays for bad thing to happen but we need to be proactive in preventing occurrences of this nature, rather than being reactive.

“I know that if the building had been thoroughly supervised and certified fit at every stage of the erection, this incident could have been averted.

“It is just normal and procedural that all public buildings be monitored to ensure they are built to specifications and with standard materials.

“This is because the common feature associated with building collapse now is the use of substandard materials by the building contractors.

“We thank God that no life was lost.

“But as a responsible government, we won’t wait until people died before taking actions that can safeguard their lives.

“That is why it is most expedient that all government agencies must be responsive to their duties at all times,” Oyebanji said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Olajide Borode, also on the entourage, said the men of Fire Services were immediately deployed in the spot for rescue operation as soon as he received a distress call.

“We want to appreciate our people for commencing the rescue operation through evacuation of the occupants out of the building before the Fire Service men came to join.

“The Ekiti State Bureau of Special Project will be here to do Integrity Test on the building to ascertain whether it can be salvaged or demolished outright,” he said.

Speaking, the Lawmaker representing Ijero Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Ademola Ojo, commended the governor for prioritising the safety of the citizens

Narrating how the incident happened, Ojo said: “A reception for a burial ceremony was ongoing when there was a deep crack on the wall.

“And suddenly, the roofing and Plaster of Paris caved in and fell on those who were seated inside the auditorium.

“This caused a stampede. Many were wounded in the process, while some others sustained serious bodily injuries.

“I was here with the council chairman and fire service men to rescue the people out of the rubbles.

“Those who were seriously wounded were immediately taken to hospital for treatment.”

The building, christened “F and G Event Centre”, located on the Ijero-Ido-Ekiti Road, with over 250 occupants, had its roof and walls receded around 4p.m on Sept. 2 during a burial reception.

NAN reports that the scene of the incident was littered with spilled food served at the event, broken bottles, shoes, male caps, female wigs and headgears, amongst others items. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday flagged off the distribution of food items for 500,000 vulnerable households in the state to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

Speaking during the exercise at the Lagos State House, Alausa, Ikeja, the governor said that the strategic goal of the programme was to reach vulnerable households in the state with staple food items, using two methodologies.

He said that under the category one, groups would receive bulk food items including 50kg rice, 50kg Garri and 100kg of beans.

He said that category two, individual vulnerable households would receive food boxes which consist of 10kg rice, 5kg garri and 5kg Beans.

“I stand before you all today, deeply aware of the challenges that many Lagosians have been facing with regards to the sharp increases in transportation cost and the prices of essential food items across the state as a direct effect of the policy on the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

“As a responsive government, we announced a number of measures aimed at ameliorating the effect of the policy on our people, most especially the vulnerable.

“These palliative measures which are already being implemented includes a 50 per cent reduction in transportation cost in the government-owned bus system and free health services for pregnant women in government hospitals among others.

“One of the measures which we announced and being formally flagged off today is the distribution of food items for vulnerable households through the Lagos Food Bank Programme.

“The strategic goal of this programme is to reach 500,000 vulnerable households in the state with staple food items using two methodologies – bulk and individual.

“Bulk food items include (50kg Rice, 50kg Garri and 100kg Beans) for groups, and food boxes (10kg Rice, 5kg Garri, and 5kg Beans) for individual vulnerable households,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that to ensure transparency in the implementation of this intervention, a monitoring committee would be constituted.

According to him, members of the committee would be drawn from religious groups, trade unions, people with disabilities, civil society/non-governmental organisations, youth groups, community development councils and representatives of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He said that distribution would be done in phases among the various beneficiary groups for ease of the process.

The governor noted that in line with this plan, each group would be duly informed of the date for collection.

“Overall, this initiative will directly impact 500,000 benefitting households, over 2,500 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises involved in bag manufacturing, food aggregation, packaging, and logistics, while over 25,000 employees of the MSMEs will be indirectly impacted.

“I will like to use this opportunity to solicit for the support of well-meaning and public spirited individuals and organisations for this programme so that more of our people in need of this intervention can be reached.

“Be rest assured that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure that all items received get to the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

The governor said that his administration acknowledges the economic challenges experienced at this time.

According to him, the policies being implemented by the federal government are difficult but necessary measures that must be taken to reposition our economy on the path of sustainable development and prosperity for all citizens.

“I am, therefore, appealing for the continued understanding of all Lagosians with the assurance that we will do everything within our capacity to implement measures that will cushion this temporary pain.

“We will continue to initiate programmes and projects that will uplift our people and provide quality living conditions to all.

Some of the beneficiaries commended the governor for the support to reduce the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.

Mrs Josephine Babalola, Vice Chairperson, People Living with Disabilities, Lagos State Chapter, thanked the governor for his continuous support to the physically challenged in the state.

Alhaji Anifat-Amosa Babaniji, an Islamic cleric, lauded the government, urging it to do more in alleviating the economy hardship in the state.

“I am very happy about it because it will go a long way for the less privileged people.

“The impact of fuel subsidy is being felt by everyone in general. So, this is a welcome development.

“When this palliatives goe round, people will be relieved a little bit from the policy,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of 18 groups received their food palliatives.

They include Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), religious groups and physically challenged group. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) said it would deepen collaboration with the Nigerian police to fortify the nation’s lottery sector.

The Director-General of the Commission, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, was quoted as saying this in a statement issued on Sunday by Mr Magnus Ekechukwu, Deputy Director/Head Public Affairs, NLRC, when he visited the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The visit took place on Friday, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting underscored the existing collaboration between the two entities aimed at ensuring monitoring, evaluation and enforcement of the activities of the commission while upholding the rule of law.

Gbajabiamila expressed his appreciation for the warm reception extended by Egbetokun and congratulated him on his appointment.

The lottery commission boss, while recognising the pivotal role lotteries played in the entertainment and socio-economic development of the country, stressed the importance of maintaining transparency, fairness, and security in all facets of their operations.

He noted that their mode of operation which rested on transparency was instrumental in safeguarding public interests and the trust of stakeholders.

Gbajabiamila articulated the joint responsibility of both organisations in combating fraud, manipulation and unlawful activities that could potentially erode public confidence in the lottery industry.

He specifically highlighted the NLRC’s reliance on police officers in monitoring and enforcing compliance within the lottery sector.

“This visit aims to consolidate on the existing collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, which is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our nation’s lottery system and upholding the law.

“Through our combined efforts, we can effectively combat any attempt at fraud, manipulation or illegal activities that could undermine the public’s trust in the lottery industry.

“Specifically, the NLRC will require the service of police officers in the process of monitoring of lottery activities and enforcement of compliance.

“Therefore, we solicit your cooperation in directing Commissioners of Police nationwide to release police officers to assist the commission whenever the need arises,” Gbajabiamila said.

Egbetokun while responding assured that the Nigeria Police Force would support the NLRC in its oversight and enforcement roles and pledged to elevate the partnership to a new height.

He also assured Gbajabiamila that appropriate instructions would be communicated to Police Commissioners across the country to assist the commission in discharging its activities.

“I want to assure you that the Nigeria Police Force will assist you in your monitoring and enforcement duties.

“We will partner with you in investigating and fighting fraud, providing security needs for your personnel while you go about your lawful duties.

“I have taken note of your requests and instructions will be given as regards Police Commissioners Nationwide.

“I am aware of the existing partnership between the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Nigeria Police Force but I am assuring you that I will take this partnership to another level of mutual cooperation,” Egbetokun said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

At least three persons were confirmed dead in Sunday’s collapse of a three-storey building under construction in Anambra community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred at Egbu Umuenem, Otolo Nnewi community, Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

NAN learnt that the building collapsed at about 1 p.m., when the workers were said to be preparing to start plastering work.

Eyewitness account said that the deceased, including a man and his two children, said to have reported for the day’s job, allegedly died on the spot.

They were said to have been rushed to St. Felix Hospital, Nnewi, where they were confirmed dead.

NAN also learnt that other workers, who were rescued from the rubbles, sustained varying degrees of injuries.

They were also said to have been taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

The Chairman, Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Anambra Chapter, Mr Victor Meju, led some state officials of the council to the scene.

Addressing newsmen at the scene of the incident, Meju blamed the incident on poor foundation, concrete mixture and quality of materials as well as the non approval by relevant regulatory authorities.

He said that the building would be sealed off and the owner, Mr Chukwunafu Anamanjo, invited for questioning and investigation.

Also, the Transition Committee Chairman, Nnewi North LGA, Mr Chris Obiora, called on the people to always make use of certified engineers and other relevant personnel in the building sector for their construction works.

Obiora further said that monitoring teams were also important in ensuring that builders stick to stipulated standards.

When contacted for comments on the disaster, the state Police Command Spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had yet to receive information about the incident.

“I don’t have any information on it yet, but I will escalate the information to the Divisional Police Officer in the area for necessary action,” Ikenga said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A man who attempted to rob another at gunpoint is fighting for his life in the Oshakati State Hospital, while two others are on the run.

Oshana Community Affairs Officer, Inspector Thomas Aiyambo, reported that the incident took place on Friday around noon on the Okatana-Ompumbu main road, near the Livaley Angenga business premises in Oshakati.

According to Aiyambo, the victim was allegedly attacked by three unknown men who appeared to be in a taxi at the time.

One of the suspects allegedly had a pistol and demanded money from the victim. During the struggle that ensued, the victim managed to grab the hand of the suspect holding the firearm.

“The pistol discharged, injuring one of the suspects along with the victim,” Aiyambo said.

After the victim fled the scene, the suspects fled in a northerly direction. However, about an hour later, an unidentified man arrived at the Oshakati State Hospital, bearing multiple wounds and bleeding profusely.

“The individual, whose name is yet to be confirmed, was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit,” Aiyambo stated.

The victim received treatment but was not admitted to the hospital, while the suspect remains under police guard while receiving medical attention.

A case of armed robbery and attempted murder is being investigated.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Swapo Party Secretary-General, Sophia Shaningwa, has announced that there will be no extra-ordinary congress, confirming that Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will be the party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 election.

Nandi-Ndaitwah secured her position as the party’s vice president during the seventh congress held in November last year. Namibians are set to return to the polls next year for the Presidential and National Assembly (NA) elections.

Speaking at a Swapo rally in Keetmanshoop over the weekend, Shaningwa urged party members to mobilise and prepare for the 2024 presidential and NA elections, emphasising that Nandi-Ndaitwah is the sole Swapo party presidential candidate.

“Let us go out and vote for Namibia’s first female president. We have a responsibility to ensure that she receives our support. I will not hesitate to endorse her as the candidate for the Swapo party, and there will be no alternative candidate and no extraordinary-congress,” she said.

Shaningwa noted Nandi-Ndaitwah’s qualifications in both domestic and international matters and praised her as a compassionate leader who listens not only with her ears, but with her heart. She urged party members to rally behind Nandi-Ndaitwah as they had done for the first, second, and third presidents of the party and the country.

Matheus Mumbala, Swapo party regional coordinator for the ||Kharas Region, echoed the sentiment of party unity and support for Nandi-Ndaitwah as the 2024 presidential candidate.

‘We are hearing people talking about extra-ordinary congress, that will not happen. It happened once in 2004 but it will not repeat itself, our rules and procedures are clear. We will have an electoral college to elect candidates for members of parliament but as far as presidential candidate goes, congress has pronounced itself, even if you were in support or not,” he said.

On her part Nandi-Ndaitwah said the party’s aim should be to reclaim all lost political ground, adding that the most powerful political weapon available to reclaim the lost ground is by uniting the people towards a shared socio-economic prosperity.

“I urge you to work harder to ensure that come 2024, Swapo party and its presidential candidate are given unreserved support in order to ensure a landslide victory,” she said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Swapo Party vice president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has said corruption obstructs the allocation of resources for public service delivery and could have serious consequences, like governments being overthrown.

Nandi-Ndaitwah at the Swapo rally here on Saturday spoke out strongly against corruption and said it cannot be allowed in Namibia as it is an act of treason in her opinion.

“We must deliver effective services as servants of the people, we must serve them with dedication and commitment. Let us identify opportunities which can be exploited to improve the living standard of our people,” she said.

She urged deployed party members such as government officials to put the wellbeing of the Namibian people first and to be driven by the desire to serve the people with integrity, honesty and fairness.

“It must be underscored that unfairness and corruption are the biggest enemies of development and social justice and must be fought against at all costs. We will continue to develop relevant programmes and policies to empower our people, our policies are good, they are human-centred. The challenge is the implementors, that’s what we need to work on,” she stressed.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said there is a need to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and how to add value to natural resources in order to ensure that the Namibian people benefit from such resources. To achieve that, citizens must take ownership of the country’s economy as without economic control, citizens can do nothing, and political independence will be meaningless.

Nandi-Ndaitwah further urged parents to keep their children in school and bring them to a level where they can be trained in order to take up jobs in the oil, gas and green hydrogen industries.

“If we fail to do so we will continue to cry, but if the person cannot do the work can you really expect that person to be employed? Let us keep our children in school, let us help them gain the necessary skills,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

She noted that young people are Namibia’s greatest resources and the time has come to bring out their potential by being serious with their education and by identifying and acquiring the right skills for the new industries.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency