The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) have expressed the need for the media to understand the issues surrounding mental health in order to act optimally in their role to assist in tackling its numerous challenges.

Both organisations gave the advice at the two-day training programme for journalists they put together in collaboration with other UN agencies on Monday in Abuja.

The training with the theme: “Celebrating the power of community kindness” was put together to commemorate the World Mental Health Day (WMHD) celebrated globally on October 10.

Speaking at the training, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi, described mental health as intrinsic and instrumental to the lives of all people as it could influence how they think, feel and act.

He said mental health disorders had increased and affected 15 per cent of working-age adults globally, noting that suicide contributed to death among 15-29 years old with up to 70 per cent of them living in low and middle income countries.

He said journalists by the nature of the jobs they do face tremendous amount of pressure, especially with lot of media outfits working for 24 hours, 7 seven days a week.

He added that: “Given the importance of the work you do, there’s a need to build your capacity on mental health.

“Therefore, various topics will be covered over the next two days, including what is mental health and why we all need to have good mental health.

“Mental health is universal human right, intersection between journalists and mental health, practical strategies to prevent and/or manage common mental health conditions, and how to empower you to report on mental health issues.”

He assured that WHO would always remain committed to building journalists capacity and to empower them on different aspects of health including strategies for managing individual health.

On his part, the Director of UNIC, Mr Ronald Kayanja said the training had become important to enable journalists understand proper ways to look after their mental health.

He said: “These days, we are so conscious about physical health, but now we should also learn a lot about our mental health.

“How we report about mental health issues requires capacity building, to help us understand how to keep ourselves and also report mental health.”

Meanwhile, Dr Tunde Ojo, National Coordinator, National Mental Health Programme, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) said the training was designed to equip journalists with necessary tools to deal with mental health issues.

Ojo said it has become imperative to understand one’s mental state, while discharging one’s duty, therefore the training was organized to promote mental wellbeing of journalists.

He added that: “Journalist can be quite vulnerable while discharging their duties and if neglected it can cause serious damage to one’s entire wellbeing.

“Journalist are exposed to lots of things daily that impact their mental health negatively; we want journalists to know how to cope with mental health, when to take break or even see an health expert when necessary.

“Understanding mental health can help journalists give better reportage about it; we believe journalists and healthcare workers are strategic, because whatever they decide to do can affect the society.”

The event which was attended by journalists from across 40 media organisations featured discussion on prevention strategies for common mental health conditions, intersection between mental health and journalism.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 67-year-old alleged trafficker, Chukwuemeka Clement, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja for ingesting 100 wraps of cocaine.

Chukwuemeka who was arrested last on Tuesday during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight 951 from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, claimed he ventured into the enterprise to raise enough money to marry a new wife and start life afresh after wasting 30 years of his life in Brazil, Ethiopia and Thailand.

He was arrested after body scan revealed multiple pellets in his stomach and subsequently when under observation excreted a total of 100 wraps of cocaine weighing 2.195 kilogrammes in four excretions.

According to the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, Chukwuemeka In his statement, claimed to have spent 30 years in Brazil, Ethiopia and Thailand, and was once married, but lost his wife and without a child. He added that was why he decided to go into drug trafficking to raise enough money to marry a new wife and start life afresh.

Babafemi said on he same day, Tuesday, NDLEA operatives at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, intercepted a 45-year-old woman, Bilkisu Mohammed Bello while preparing to board a Saudia Airlines flight to Saudi Arabia.
She confessed during interrogation that pellets of cocaine given to her to swallow before her flight were kept in a house in Farawa area of Kano.

When she later led NDLEA officers to the house, 52 wraps of the illicit substance with a total weight of 767 grammes were recovered.

Babafemi also revealed that NDLEA operatives supported by officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Civil Defence Corps and Amotekun personnel last Tuesday stormed James village, in Ogunmakin, Obafemi Owode local government area of Ogun state where they located and destroyed 10.38 tonnes of cannabis sativa covering over 4.152 hectares.

He disclosed that while on their way back from the operation, the team also intercepted a truck marked FS548XN carrying a 40ft container loaded with logs of wood, noting that a search of the container led to the recovery of two bags of cannabis sativa weighing 20 kilogrammes while six suspects: Ahmed Yusuf, Olaniyi Babatunde, Adedeji Babatunde, Richard John, Osolale Olamilekan and Abdulazeez Saied, who were in the truck were arrested.

In the same vein, operatives on Sunday 1st October raided Obi camp in Owan West local government area of Edo state where 30 sacks of skunk weighing 300 kilogrammes and concealed in charcoal were evacuated from an old dilapidated mud house. Similarly, two cannabis farms measuring 1.179065 hectares at Igbanke forest in Orhiowon local government area of the state were identified and destroyed last Friday while four suspects: Tersoo Zaria, 28; Ifeanyi Osai, 53; Moses David, 19, and Daniel Gabriel, 20, were arrested.

In Gombe state, a suspect, Auwal Bindow was arrested last Friday along Bauchi – Gombe road with 50,000 capsules of tramadol, while in Oyo state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway nabbed Anuoluwapo Iyanu, 32, with 52 blocks of compressed pawpaw shaped cannabis sativa weighing 30 kilogrammes last Wednesday.

The statement further disclosed that the various commands of the agency across the country continued with the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign in the past week. Some of task undertaken include: WADA sensitisation lecture for students and teachers of Igbonnibi High School, Ila Orangun, Osun state; WADA sensitisation lecture at Royal Ambassador Secondary School, Makurdi, Benue state; WADA sensitization lecture at Ilora Baptist Grammar School, Ilora, Oyo state and LGA WADA sensitisation lecture for students of Beth-Root Model Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra state.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) While commending the officers and men of the NAIA, MAKIA, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, and Gombe Commands of the agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities.

Delta State Government, Monday, alerted Deltans and the general public against falling prey to the activities of scammers whose specialty was fooling the unsuspecting public in order to obtain unjust financial favours under the guise of giving them appointments. 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, who reiterated the warning for the third time, said some criminal elements were impersonating the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Johnson Erijo and himself to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. 

In a statement in Asaba, the Governor’s image maker warned the populace to beware of these phone numbers: “08023138247, 09025320424, 09026109796, 08023138247” or any other number the fraudsters may decide to use, purporting to be the Delta SSG, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor or any other top government appointee. 

He maintained that the said phone numbers did not belong to any of the stated government appointees, but were being used by the scammers to con people for money. 

Ahon, appealed to security agencies to take necessary action on the matter to prevent people from losing their hard-earned money to the con artists. 

The State Government further warned members of the public to be wary and not allow themselves to be duped by the fraudsters parading themselves as agents of the State Government, adding that the Government does not collect money to appoint people. 

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Monday directed that workers be promoted as and when due, with payment of necessary financial obligations, to avoid piling up promotion arrears.

Governor Oborevwori gave the directive when he received on courtesy call, Judges of the State Judiciary, led by the Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai at Government House, Asaba.

He said his administration approved over N600 million monthly at N10,000 each per worker to be paid as palliative for three months in the first instance to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on workers.

Governor Oborevwori said: “On the issue of promotion arrears, I don’t want to hear it again because if workers are promoted as and when due, the issue of promotion arrears will not arise.

“But when you delay and you take about two years and accumulate this money for us to pay, it is not easy for the Government.

“When we came in, we heard about the salary arrears which was not caused by the Government. When people are due for promotion and you don’t promote them at that time, thereby causing problem for the Government.

“When I asked for the salary arrears, I was told N5.5bn and I said I will pay it in four tranches and we have paid two tranches, we will conclude the payment in November. I have promised and I have made the money available”.

The Governor emphasized the importance of the Judiciary to the prompt dispensation of justice and reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realisation of a truly independent and financially autonomous Judiciary.

“When I was the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, we passed the bill for financial autonomy of the Judiciary and that of the request to increase the service years of the Judiciary from 65 to 70 years.

“As a custodian of the executive arm of Government, I am not unaware of the challenges that faces the judiciary but I must confess that they have been a strong ally in shaping the future of our dear State and in moving our nation forward.

“I am aware of the various capacity building fora that the leadership of the judiciary has embarked upon in recent times in the collective development of our judiciary.

“As a Government founded on morality, equity and justice, we will continue to be supportive of your role in the achievements of a better society for mankind.

“The world is changing very rapidly in this advent of technology and we need judicial officers who are not only technologically savy, but are also in tune with global best practices of their profession.

“I believe that by the time they work in the new ultra-modern high court complex, when completed and equipped; I am confident that it will boost the moral of staff and enhance their productivity.

“I have released all what is needed by the contractor handling the High Court complex to complete the project. I believe that you should also put your own pressure on the contractor to make him move faster and finish the work.

“I sincerely thank all of you for coming as I wish you a successful new legal year,” Oborevwori stated.

Earlier, Justice Diai said the judges visited to congratulate the Governor on his victory at the polls and at the Election Petition Tribunal and to intimate him on the commencement of the 2023/2024 legal year.

Diai said the State Judiciary comprised of 37 High Court judges, 15 Revenue Court judges, 103 magistrates and seven Customary Court of Appeal judges among others.

She further stated that eight judges were on assignment for election petitions and thanked the Governor for approving overseas training for 15 judges.

The Chief Judge said automation of revenue collection in all courts in the State was on and called for the establishment of two more juvenile centres in the State, adding that the only one in the State was established in Sapele in 1951.

She said to speed up trial for criminal charges, all High Courts have been directed to hear criminal cases instead of a select few and assured of the cooperation of the judiciary to make his administration a success.

-By Fred Edoreh:

Somehow, death chose our 63rd Independence Day anniversary to remind us of the bad state of federal roads in the Niger Delta, perhaps across the nation. As President Bola Tinubu was performing the anniversary ritual in Abuja, a petrol tanker was struggling through the cracks, ditches and gullies around Koko Junction on the East-West highway. It failed, eventually fell, exploded its inflammable content, charred nearby vehicles and roasted the passengers in them.

While the President’s men tried to amplify his speech from the arcade of power, the air waves was heavied by the ashes, tears and sorrow from the carnage in Koko.

The incident only left one statement: that the pomp and pageantry on the corridors of power do not represent the reality of our existence.

Sadly, those who died had no hand in the cause, they were just victims of their nation, in how they lived and how they died.

We agonise, but the development challenges us to the unending charade and needless politicisation of the management of our federal roads.

Just recently, between August and September, a Senate Ad-Hoc Committee toured the South-South states, ostensibly to investigate why the East-West road has remained uncompleted and to trace the monies that had been thrown on it over the years.

I had thought that the answers should have been sought in Abuja, but the tour was followed by another visit by the current Minister of Works, HE David Umahi, who said Mr President asked him “to come and inspect the roads and see the immediate relief we can give the people while major construction will start soon.”

Gov Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State charitably tried to accept that the visits were not the usual jamboree but emphasised the need for speedy action, especially on the bad spots.

“My appeal to you is that you fast track whatever investigation and inspection you are to carry out…,” Oborevwori told them.

Earlier in July, the member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Hon Jonathan Ukodhiko, also raised a motion of urgent national importance calling for expedite action to rehabilitate the Warri-Benin section of the strategic highway.

In an August 23, 2023, commentary in the Vanguard newspaper titled “East-West Road And The Shame Of A Nation,” one Jeremi Utome wrote: “It is baffling that successive administrations in Nigeria had allowed the road to degenerate to such state of disrepair. Looking at the present condition of the road, it will not be out of place if the Federal Government tenders unreserved apologies to the people of the region as well as take practical steps to have the road permanently repaired.”

Let me just say that was needed was not an apology, just the repair of the bad spots and completion of the road, but the response had all been sound and fury with no practical attention.

While the legislators were quick to tour the states, there was no urgency in follow up, neither did we see any sense of the said “immediate relief” by the Minister.

So, the people continued to suffer discomfort on the road, longer travel time, damage to business and property, and now, loss of lives that was long avoidable.

There can be no argument on whose responsibility it is to maintain our federal, inter-state, roads. The Nigeria constitution is clear on it. As explicitly stated in Item 11 of the Exclusive Legislative List in Part 1 of the Second Schedule, the “construction, alteration and maintenance of such roads as may be declared by the National Assembly as Federal Trunk roads” are exclusive to the Federal Government, while the states take care of intra-state roads and the local government councils take care of intra-rural roads.

Accordingly, this goes into consideration in the determination of revenue allocation to the three tiers of government, with the FG taking the larger portion.

More so, there is a dedicated Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, an arm of the ministry, staffed, budgeted and funded for the maintenance of federal roads.

The question is why the responsible agencies of government have abandoned their duty and left the roads in disrepair. The problem is that the Federal Government has been indulged to recline prettily away from its task with the apparent success of its strong propaganda against the state governments, cashing on the understanding that the people find the state governments closer to them and tend therefore to hold them responsible for every need.

Indeed, for the benefit of the people, the state governments have had to take over the challenge of constructing and maintaining rural roads, knowing that the very poor allocations to the local government councils have incapacitated them from undertaking major projects.

Also seeing the poor response and attention of the FG on federal roads, various state governments have had to intervene with state resources in the hope of getting refunds from the FG.

The interventions had provided some succour until the President Muhammadu Buhari administration declared around June 2020, as announced by Lai Mohammed, then Minister of Information, that “henceforth, if any state takes on federal government road, it will not be paid, they will not get any refund. Even if you want to pay from your own pocket, you will still need the permission of the federal government and it will be supervised by the federal ministry of works and housing.”

According to Lai Mohammed, the FG took the decision after examining requests for refunds on repair of federal roads from 36 states of the federation.

He said while 31 claims were found to be genuine in cost, the roads truly done to standards and about N500b refunded to them collectively, claims by five of the states (Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Osun and Ondo), were initially found questionable, but upon further examination they proved to be correct and the FG also later paid them a cumulative sum of about N148b.

Notwithstanding its own investigation, findings and admission of the veracity of the claims, the FG proceeded on the policy of “no refund.”

Having verified the claims, what could have been the basis of the propaganda of inflation of costs against the states and the declaration of no refund which, to a large extent, has discouraged their intervention and brought us to where we now are?

Of what benefit is it to the nation for the FG to continuously misinform the public and create misperceptions and disaffection against the state governors for intervening even in areas that are of exclusive responsibility to it?

While there is nothing wrong with the states having to obtain the permission of the FG to repair federal roads, and perhaps even in having the federal ministries supervise the works, how justiciable is it for the FG to have declared that the states “will not be paid, will not get any refund” for spending their resources to discharge such responsibilities as clearly apportioned to the FG by law, even when the FG is obviously failing in the duties?

Notwithstanding that the federal roads are federal responsibility and the relentless dissuading propaganda against the states, Delta State Gov Sheriff Oborevwori has been moved, in consideration of the people, to intervene on the Amukpe-Eku-Abraka-Agbor road, another abandoned federal highway.

He is now also constrained to respond on the Koko incident, to provide relief for affected persons, ease the road and help clean up the spillage on the land.

But, as we speak, nothing is being said about the Agbor-Uromi stretch of the Amukpe-Eku-Abraka-Agbor highway connecting Auchi to Abuja. So too are the Benin-Auchi road and the Benin Bypass, all federal roads now become not only terribly unmotorable but have dilapidated into death traps.

The fatal incident of October 1 occured on the East West Road, an important federal highway that connects all the South-South states and the region’s major commercial and oil cities, stretching from Calabar to Port Harcourt, Ughelli, Warri, Sapele to Benin and heading to Lagos.

The road has been under construction, albeit with equivocative attention, since President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime. In 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan handed it to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and then Minister Godsdey Orubebe assured it would be completed in 2014. That did not happen.

Several years after, President Buhari handed it back to the Ministry of Works under Babatunde Fashola. The most we saw of Fashola on the road was an apparent propaganda against Niger Deltans in which he declared that “one condition for any project to take place is communal peace (and) if we don’t have peace there, we cannot do anything.”

He also reduced the seriousness of the matter by saying “progress has been made from 2009 till date, but unfortunately that progress is not reported because of the passion with which the uncompleted part has been reported.”

We had no one to put Fashola right, that the delivery of the road is not a matter of press reportage but of the actual experience of the road users. Even so, the issue of peace and community support for the construction and rehabilitation did not arise because the people desire and have always yearned for its completion of the road.

During the last election season, then Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, also brought his own politics into the matter. Shielding the ruling party at the federal level, falsely blaming the Delta State Government for the poor condition of federal roads crossing Delta and seemingly seeking self-glorious political capital from the contradictions, he claimed that he had secured approval for release of N80b for the rehabilitation of the roads. It turned out empty talk.

We are hearing now again that the current Minister of Niger Delta Affairs is calling for the road to be handed back to his ministry.

It has been such rigmarole and summersaults on the East-West road over the years. All have now led to this harvest of death.

October 1 is symbolic, I do not know on whose head the blood of the dead will lie, but I can advise that we be careful of governing our nation by propaganda for, as the scriptures say, “those who cover their sins shall not prosper.”

• Fred Edoreh is a Veteran Journalist and Guest Writer for Blank NEWS Online

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, said his administration would continue to invest in the judiciary to enable it meet up with its obligations of dispensing justice speedily.

Speaking at a special thanksgiving Mass to mark the beginning of the 2023/2024 legal year held at Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori frowned at delays in Nigeria’s justice system.

He urged stakeholders to work assiduously to ensure speedy justice delivery in the courts.

He commended the judiciary for starting its new Legal Year 2023/2024 with a thanksgiving service, adding that; “I say that because God Almighty proclaims that righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne”.

The Governor said the Bar and the Bench were co-workers with God to ensure that truth and justice prevailed in the society, saying, “it is a weighty responsibility, and one that you all should take very seriously for a just, secure, and safe society.”

He explained: “There is still public apprehension over delays in our justice system. All those involved, the Bar, Bench, and Security Agencies must see to it that the wheel of justice does not continue to grind slowly as is presently the case in many of our courts. Let us bear in mind that justice delayed is justice denied.

“As a government, our role is to provide the enabling environment for the judiciary to function without let or hindrance.

“Towards this end, we have continued to make the necessary investments in the judiciary to enable it meet the needs of the legal profession, and ensure that the public continues to be served by competent courts of law.

“Some two months ago, we sponsored 15 High Court Judges overseas for a capacity building workshop as part of our efforts at strengthening human capital in the judiciary.”

While wishing the judiciary a productive, rewarding, and fulfilling Legal Year 2023/2024, Governor Oborevwori assured the judiciary of continued partnership for the advancement of the knowledge base of judicial officers.

“We shall continue to partner with the judiciary to update and upgrade the knowledge and skills of judicial officers and their support staff for a robust, professional, and merit-driven judiciary,”

He said work was at advanced stage at the State High Court Complex, assuring that it will be finished and furnished within the shortest possible time to provide a very conducive working environment for the judiciary.

In his homily, Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev’d Michael Elue said the judiciary contributes immensely to the rule of law in any state or country.

He said those exercising the powers of government must ensure they comply with the rule of law in all their conducts to show good example to the citizenry.

He said judges must continue to uphold justice to justify the confidence reposed in them and appealed to Nigerians to give the judiciary the atmosphere that favours their independence and incorruptibility.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and other top government functionariesvaccompanied the Governor to the thanksgiving service.

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has commended his Delta State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his people-oriented and impactful governance. 

Governor Otti stated this yesterday when he received Governor Oborevwori and his entourage at his Umuru, Umuehim country home in Ehi Na Uguru Ancient Kingdom, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State. 

The Delta Governor and his delegation were in Abia for the funeral of late Ezinne Gold Egege, mother of Catherine Onyeme, wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme. 

Otti lauded Governor Oborevwori for the great work he was doing in Delta, especially in caring for the welfare of workers and the downtrodden in the society. 

He said: “I want to thank you for the important things you are doing for Deltans, especially your care and love for human beings. 

“It has come to my knowledge that you have set aside so much money in paying salary and pension arrears and even supporting struggling families. 

“That is what governance is all about because each time governance moves from human being to some other things, you have failed as a leader. 

“This is not about stomach infrastructure but a structured system to move people out of poverty and a system where people will have money in their hands to buy whatever they want.” 

The Abia Governor said: “I didn’t know about the burial and little did I even know that our daughter is a wife of the deputy governor of Delta State. 

“So I said if you are coming to Abia, just come, we will go together. But I was very happy to be there, that is what it is about, life is about relationships. 

“So I want to thank you for the privilege, because you could have come in, attended the burial, and gone back and I will hear days later that you were here, but you are my brother you can’t come without letting me know. 

“So I am happy that you are here, and I celebrate Ezinne that was laid to rest not too long ago for producing a wonderful Catherine Oyeme, who is the wife of Monday Oyeme the Deputy Governor, I also met him today. 

“Even what I know about the choice of your Deputy Governor must be something that is well considered, all the story I hear is that he is very loyal, and I pray he remains loyal till the end. 

“The truth is that it’s not an easy thing. If it was the Deputy Governor mother, yes, but the Deputy Governor wife’s mother, so if he hasn’t been what he is to you, you could have just sent a commissioner to represent you. 

“But because you came in person, you redefined everything. If people have doubts before now I think those doubts have disappeared and you didn’t come alone, you came with Her Excellency.” 

On his part, Governor Oborevwori appreciated his host for hosting the delegation saying, “When we go back, we will tell the story, that Abia is safe for investment. 

“Having somebody that is an economist, knowledgeable with his beautiful wife, we know Abia is in safe hands. What you did today for us you may not understand. 

“Delta State is one state where the people value relationships, and that is what you just established today. 

“Ordinarily, you have been doing prayers, waiting for judgment, we just bumped into you, we already know that God has given you victory. 

“When God says what he wants to do, He does it. He is not man, it’s God that gives power. God brought you at this particular time for certain reasons to see how you can lift the Abia people from the level it is now to another level. 

“I thank you and your dear wife for accompanying us to attend the burial of the mother of my Deputy Governor’s wife. Staying with us, and now giving us lunch. For us to go to one restaurant to host all these people here wouldn’t have been easy. For this love you have shown us, we will reciprocate it. 

“We will one day invite you to come to Delta and inaugurate projects because our agenda is M.O.R.E which is Meaningful Development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, Enhanced peace and security and I know your dreams for the Abia people. 

“We will invite you, host you, not only you but with Her Excellency so that we can spend time together. My wish is for you and the people of Abia state to have a successful tenure where the people will feel the impact of development, also peace, and I know peace will permanently return to Abia state”. 

–From SUNNY A. DAVID:

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has advocated for unity and understanding among Christians of different denominations, with the aim of achieving a shared vision and mission.

Prof Soludo made the call when he received in audience, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic, Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus Okolo at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

According to him, as the world faces various challenges today, promoting ecumenism becomes more important than ever.

The Governor highlighted the role of Christians in promoting peace and justice in the world, particularly amid the growing political and social tensions, stating on the need to work together in solidarity, compassion, and respect, to promote reconciliation and healing in communities and in the world.

Governor Soludo added that promoting ecumenism requires a commitment to learning about and respecting the various denominations in the Christendom. 

Mr. Governor noted that each denomination has its own unique history, theology, and practices, which can enrich and broaden understanding of the christian faith, acknowledging that through celebrating the differences, unity and solidarity can be strengthened.

Responding, the Most Rev. Okolo revealed that there are various ways to promote ecumenism, including engaging in interfaith dialogue and collaboration, where different religious traditions come together to share their experiences, beliefs, and values.

This he said helps build bridges of understanding and promote mutual respect and tolerance, pointing out that supporting initiatives that bring together Christian denominations in worship, study and service is another way.

The Archbishop said that in promoting ecumenism, everyone is called upon to embody the values of love, compassion, and service that are central to the Christian faith, urging people to take up the call for unity and understanding, and work together towards a shared vision of a better world for all.

He also commended Governor Soludo on his giant strides in education reforms and other people-oriented programmes his administration is executing across the state.

The Nigerian government has called for de-escalation of violence and hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

The Nigerian government in a statement personally signed on Saturday by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar pleaded for the immediate ceasefire between the two parties.

The statement read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria is deeply concerned about the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the early hours of Saturday, 7th October, 2023 and calls for de-escalation and ceasefire.

“The cycle of violence and retaliation that the current escalation has assumed, only serves to perpetuate an unending cycle of pain and suffering for the civilian population, that bear the brunt of every conflict.”

The statement added that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on both sides to exercise restraint, prioritize the safety of civilians and give room for humanitarian considerations.

“We are therefore calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue.”

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has said that with three professors now in charge of Borno’s health sector, it is either the sector is repositioned now or never.

Zulum stated this on Friday when he received the Health Minister, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri. 

“I told my team yesterday that this is the right time to reposition the health sector. If we cannot do it now, then we should forget about it because the Commissioner of Health (Babagana M. Mallum) is a Professor, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospitals Management Board (Bukar Kullima) is a Professor, the Coordinator of the State Primary Healthcare Agency (Mohammed Arab Alhaji) is a Professor, and above all you the Coordinating Minister of Health is also a Professor,” Zulum remarked. 

He added, “If these people (three Professors) can not make the needed repositioning in the health sector in the next three or four years, insha’Allah, honestly speaking, I don’t think we can get it right any time soon”, the governor said. 

Zulum noted that his administration will ensure it provides the needed support and political will to address problems affecting the health sector. 

“I want to assure you that this administration is ever ready to provide the leadership and the political will to drive the health sector to the best we can offer,” he said. 

The governor highlighted the gains recorded in the health sector within over four years of his administration which included construction, reconstruction and equipping of about 200 primary and post-primary health centres and provision of medical facilities and consumables. 

Zulum commended the Federal Ministry of Health and parastatals under it for their support to the government of Borno State. 

“It is pertinent to acknowledge support from the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, NCDC and Partners. The collaboration have been very remarkable and we can only crave for more support.” Zulum said. 

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Health, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, commiserated with Governor Zulum over the demise of Professor Emeritus, Umaru Shehu, who died in Maiduguri on Monday. 

The minister, who was accompanied by the
Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shu’aib and other officials, expressed gratitude to the governor for his support to federal Government-owned health institutions in Borno, particularly the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. 

The minister’s visit at the Government House was attended by Borno’s Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan among other officials.

The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Nigeria and U.S. government Prosper Africa and Power Africa initiatives, are hosting an investor roadshow from October 9-13 to expose U.S. investors to investment opportunities and the investment ecosystem in Nigeria.

A statement on Friday by the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, Public Affairs Section said twelve executives from leading U.S. pension funds and financial service providers, managing over $1 trillion in assets, are meeting with Nigerian companies and fund managers during the investor trip.

The roadshow is expected to raise awareness around investment opportunities in the country, particularly in infrastructure, and to build relationships among U.S. and African investors and fund managers.

The statement read that: “With a strategic geographic location, a diverse population, and a commitment to economic transformation, Nigeria presents a compelling investment destination. Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD $477 billion as of 2022, and a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, and telecommunications. A research report published by Goldman Sachs highlighted that Nigeria has the potential to be one of the top five global economies by 2075.

“The roadshow comes at an opportune time, given the significant reforms instituted by the Nigerian government under a new Administration. A key objective of the trip is to break down information gaps on the country’s business environment and real and perceived risks, so that investors can accurately assess business and project opportunities.”

The U.S. Consul General to Lagos, Will Stevens noted that: “Beyond advancing specific investment opportunities, this trip is about building enduring trade and investment relationships between America and our Nigerian partners. I would like to thank the U.S. Agency for International Development for supporting this inaugural delegation of U.S. investors, in partnership with Chapel Hill Denham and International Investor Network.”

According to the statement, throughout the week, the investors are scheduled to participate in site visits, events, and investor pitch sessions in Abuja and Lagos, Africa’s commercial capital and the sub-Saharan Africa region’s fourth largest economy. They will also engage with U.S. Government representatives to understand U.S. trade and investment priorities in the region and learn more about U.S. Government resources available to support investors.

This roadshow advances USAID’s efforts to mobilize greater private sector investment into infrastructure projects in priority sectors including agriculture; water, sanitation, and hygiene; and renewable energy. In addition, it advances Prosper Africa’s mandate as a presidential initiative to transform the economic relationship between Africa and the United States and drive large scale investment to the continent.

The visit follows the “Investing in Development” conference, held earlier this year in Nigeria, which highlighted that greater private sector investment in infrastructure is a key pathway to achieving Nigeria’s development objectives. The trip is part of a series of U.S. institutional investor trips to Africa in 2023, organized under the Prosper Africa initiative, to South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Botswana.

German-Nigeria trade volume hit €3 billion in 2022, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, said on Thursday.

Speaking during a parley with media in Abuja, the ambassador revealed that Germany’s main export to Nigeria are machines (28%), food products 20% and chemical products (19%) while Nigeria’s main exports to Germany are crude oil 83%, food products 12%, other raw materials 4%.

The envoy also revealed that no fewer than 90 German companies presently operates in the country with over 17,000 jobs directly created and minimum 10-fold indirectly.

She noted that all the European Union countries put together generated around 160,000 jobs in Nigeria, adding that Germany has invested over €600 million in development projects across all sectors of Nigeria’s economy, making it the second biggest donor.

She explained that this is beside the €620 million pledged to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

She revealed that in terms of humanitarian assistance, Germany remains the second biggest trading partner of Nigerians with €50 million in 2022 on activities such as protection, food security, health and shelter that save lives every day.

She also expressed willingness of Germany to increase the trade volume with Nigeria, she said: “The occasion is a positive one: The new Nigerian Government under the leadership of H.E. Bola Tinubu has embarked on a difficult but worthwhile journey. He wants to reshape and modernize the economy and secure the lives, liberty and property of the people. He announced bold reforms which would be necessary to place the nation on the path of prosperity and growth. I will not cite everything he said in his inaugural speech and most recently in his speech on the occasion of the 63rd Independence Day…

“We are convinced that this is a good time to deepen and intensify the close and cordial relations between Germany and Nigeria that have existed since Nigeria’s Independence, and to look for ways to further strengthen our partnership.”

The envoy also disclosed that 2000 Nigerians passed the German language examinations at the Goethe Institute in 2022 while about 4,000 Nigerians Students in Germany.

Federal government has assured that it will give special attention to health and economic challenges facing the country’s adolescent and young population.

It said that adolescents persons between the ages 10-19 years constitute 22 percent of Nigeria’s population while young people of age 10-24 years constitute about a third of the country’s population (32 percent).

According to Globally, there are about 1.8 billion adolescents and young people (ages 10-24), this subpopulation constitutes a chunk of productive
demography.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Daju Kacholom, speaking at the opening of the Global Forum for adolescents held in Abuja on Thursday, disclosed that government has identified social and health challenges confronting young persons in the country and is determined to addressed them.

She alao said: “In addition, Nigeria prioritizes the special challenges of adolescent health and well-being. Projected population of Nigeria states that adolescents (10-19 years) constitute 22% of Nigeria’s population while young people (age 10-24 years) constitute about a third (32%).

Daju Kacholom who was represented by her Special Assistant, Jummai Abdullahi
said: “It is a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations of good health.
We are gathered here today to mark the Nigeria national event
because Nigeria recognizes the unique place of adolescents in our demographic composition.”

She noted that: “In addition, Nigeria prioritizes the special challenges of adolescent health and well-being. Projected population of Nigeria states that adolescents (10-19 years) constitute 22% of Nigeria’s population while young people (age 10-24 years) constitute about a third (32%),” she said.

According to Kacholom,
the 202 1-2025 National policy on adolescent and young people, states that young people in Nigeria are diverse and heterogeneous in terms of socio demographic characteristics, health needs, social and health vulnerabilities hence the need for special attention to thIs demography.

“It is on this basis that the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with youth-led organizations such as Education as a Vaccine (EVA) and PLAN International organized this national event which is being live streamed on various social media platform,” she said.

Kacholom said the major aim of
the Global Forum for Adolescents was to increase awareness on issues of adolescent and to sustain financial commitment for Adolescent friendly services towards achieving Sustainable
Development Goals.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Dr Gifty Addico, said: “Adolescents and young people under 25 years which make up about 63% of our nation’s population are a key focus group for UNFPA mandate areas. This cuts across our three transformative goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning and zero tolerance for gender-based violence and other harmful practices.”

Addico, who was represented by Gender/FGM Analyst, Ms. Karima Bungudu said: “I keenly anticipate the commitment pledges from the Government and our esteemed partners today. This isn’t mere rhetoric but a heartfelt promise to our Nigerian youths, underlining our collective commitment to their aspirations.
 
“UNFPA is committed to advocating for the rights of young people, empowering them with knowledge and skills to protect themselves and make informed decisions so they can realize their full potential and contribute to economic and social transformation.”

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has advocated for the establishment of a Health Development Bank of Nigeria to tackle the perennial challenges facing the nation’s health sector

The non governmental organisation (NGO) made the call on Thursday at an advocacy engagement which brought stakeholders across the country to Abuja to discuss the state of the nation’s health sector.

The Lead Director of CSJ, Eze Onyekpere
in his opening remark said the call was
premised on the poor funding of the health sector across the tiers of government; the low absorptive capacity of the Federal Ministry of Health; the equipment, infrastructure and technology needs of the sector and the need to tie investments to results.

He noted that the need for establishment of the Health Development Bank of Nigeria has also become imperative in order to respond to growing health tourism; repositioning the pharmaceutical, medical devices and equipment industry; facilitating private sector service delivery; the need to develop critical human resources for health competencies; enhancing sustainability and credibility of health financing; and improving health sector contribution to job creation, taxes and GDP.

Onyekpere said the Health Bank will provide equity capital and funds by way of single digit interest loans to Nigerian public and private health institutions, establishments and organisations for short, medium and long-term investments in the health sector at such rates and upon such terms as may be determined by the Board of Directors in accordance with best practices in development banking policy.

He revealed that with the bank would make fund available for the establishment and improving the state of the art reference hospitals and highly efficient mono-specialty hospitals; allow for facilities upgrade, health supporting infrastructure such as power, clean water and sanitation; provide for laboratories, diagnostics equipment, maintenance and infrastructure; improve information and communications technology connectivity that supports improved health information systems, mobile services and digital health solutions; help emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery including use of drones to supply blood and other health inputs, virtual outpatient platforms, etc;

He also added that it would lead to equitable provider payment mechanisms and systems to promote access to health care by creating incentives to improve health service delivery, quality and efficiency; help in the manufacture and production of vaccines and other pharmaceuticals, especially to improve upstream research and production, production of intermediaries and active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients; improve local manufacturing and production of health devices, supplies and technologies; assist in health research funding in critical areas to be determined by the National Health Research Committee;

The Lead Director also said this would help in outsourcing of specialized services and public private partnerships including service level agreements guaranteeing drugs and commodities in a universal health coverage environment; promoting low carbon health service delivery infrastructure and climate resilient health facilities leveraging technology and innovation; training and development of critical but unavailable human resource competencies in health including biomedical sciences and engineering; and developing health financing advisory services to enhance equity, value for money and fitness of purpose in the health sector.

The CSJ in conjunction with other stakeholders is working on a Bill for an Act to establish the Health Development Bank of Nigeria to provide medium- and long-term sustainable credit facilities to health institutions in Nigeria, to facilitate and promote the establishment, improvement and upgrade of health infrastructure and services and for other related matters

-By Magnus Emuji / Chukwudi Asoya:

The immediate past Special Assistant (SA) to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Teachers Professional Development Centre , Dr. Anthony Onwuka has described the appointment of Chief Patrick Ukah as the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency as a round peg in a round hole and lauded Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the gesture.

Dr. Onwuka stated this in his country home Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area while fielding questions from newsmen.

He said that as a strategist and uncommon administrator, Chief Ukah would make meaningful impacts in the DSCTDA and called for synergy among stakeholders to ensure that the vision behind the establishment of the agency was effectively achieved.

Dr. Onwuka, who hails from Okpanam, stated that under the administration of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief Ukah attracted several projects to Okpanam such as road construction, installation of street lights in strategic locations in the community and empowerment through political appointments for a number of Okpanam indigenes.

He noted Okpanam had been transformed into a modern city like Asaba as a result of being part of the state capital territory, adding that over 80 percent of civil servants lived in Okpanam community.

Dr. Onwuka further described Chief Ukah as a result oriented and very proactive individual, stressing that he would under his watch, the state capital territory development agency would record more success in terms of cleanliness.

Dr. Onwuka reiterated his commitment and support to Oborevwori led administration, saying that the administration would bring more development to the state.

-By Albert Ograka:

Delta State Government has commented members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, (DOPF) for their consistent and unwavering  support of the M.O.R.E agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Comrade Felix Ofou, expressed the appreciation when he played host to a delegation of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, (DOPF) led by the Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli.

He emphasized that the support and cooperation would engender robust partnership between the online publishers in DOPF and the state government.

Comrade Ofou noted that members of the Forum had consistently been publishing the activities of government over the years at their own cost, even in the current hard times, assuring that their partnership would not be taken for granted.

He said the importance of online news platforms could not be over-emphasized, describing them as critical stakeholders in the New media space, pointing out that the DOPF members had used their vast experience and integrity to manage information on government activities without resorting to Yellow Journalism.

The EA urged the publishers to always liaise with his office whenever there were issues to be clarified before going to press and pledged that they would be carried along by the Oborevwori administration in the scheme of thing.

Earlier in an address, the Chairman of DOPF, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, said the visit was to congratulate Comrade Ofou on his appointment, which he noted would undoubtedly give the New Media in the state a boost.

Mr Enebeli commended the Oborevwori administration for the infrastructural development it had so far initiated, especially in the Warri, Effurun and environs axis of the state and urged the Governor to act on the Agbor-Umutu,-Obiaruku-Abraka road to make it motorable and boost economic activities in the state.

The DOPF Chairman said members of the group deserved a better deal in view of their sacrifices in running government reports on a daily basis and solicited the cooperation of the EA in that regard.

The Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon.Sheriff F.O Oborevwori has formally approved the appointment of the following persons as members of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council.

Prof. Sam Oyovbaire -Chairman

Chief Dr. Chris Agbobu

H.E Chief BSC Elue

Chief Nkem Okwuofu

Barr. Mrs.Josephine Ada Kachikwu

Alaowei Broderick Bozimo

High Chief Gen. Broderick Demeyeibo Rtd.

Chief Mike Adiotomre JP

Hon. Anthony Akpomiemie

Chief Ignatius Agidi

Chief John Nwagimeje

Mr. Sam Nwa Igumbor

Chief Benson Iyama

Sir. Simeon Efenudu

Sen. Mrs. Stella Unuezi Omu OON Mni

Dr. Eddy Ugboma

Chief Emmanuel
Onyenkwu

Rear Admr. Mike Onah Rtd.OON JP

Chief Robert Onome

Avm. Frank Ajobena CON Rtd

Mr. Tony Monye

Ibonye Philip

Engr. Dr Pius Sinebe MFR

Chief Mrs. Margaret
Unukegwo

Chief Godwin Edeki

Chief Eddie Ono-Sorhue

Chief Major Patrick A. Egone Rtd.

Chief Emmanual Ogobene

Chief Sylvester Oduara O. Kohwo

Dr. Adogbeji Ideh

Dame Esther Uduehi PHD KSG

Chief Hope Erute

Hon Mrs. Irene Imilar

Chief Dr.Roland Oritsejafor

Chief Dr. Isreal Abido JP

Mr. John Edah

Chief Monday Arawore

Prince Igwe Nzekwe

Chief Iduh Amadhe

Chief Michael Eze

Rev.Gideon Oyibo

Bishop Emorariemu Benson

Bishop Jude Akhere

Bishop Godfrey Ifeanyichukwu Ekpenisi

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),Dr. Kingsley Emu, the date for their inauguration will be announced in due course.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured the conviction of a well-known socialite in Benin City and high-profile trafficker, Felicia Osaigbovo, also known as Mama Masha.

Mama Masha was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined N24 million by Hon. Justice Geraldine Imadegbelo of the High Court, Criminal Division, Benin City.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the spokesman of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye, the 62-year-old woman, is a member of a human trafficking syndicate, and was involved in the recruitment and trafficking of 12 Nigerian girls to Belgium for sexual exploitation.

He said notably, 12 collaborators, including three of the convict’s children, have already been convicted in Belgium.

The case against the convict commenced on July 1, 2021, with a 24-count charge that included assisting the activities of persons engaged in trafficking in persons and organizing foreign travels that promote prostitution, in violation of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA), 2015.

Mama Masha was said to have pleaded not guilty to all counts. The statement said the prosecution presented three witnesses, including a Belgian Chief Inspector of Police and submitted 13 exhibits as evidence.

Following a thorough trial, the court found the convict guilty on all 24 counts, leading to a sentence of 12 years in prison and a fine of N24 million.

In response to the judgment, Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi, PhD expressed her appreciation for the verdict by the judiciary, emphasizing that it represents an appropriate and significant punishment. She lauded the collaborative efforts of the Belgium Police Authorities, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the UK National Crime Agency under the Joint Border Task Force Initiative, and UNODC in ensuring justice for the victims.

Upon assuming office in September 2021, the Director General pledged to pursue high-profile traffickers vigorously. This conviction underscores NAPTIP’s determination to send a clear message to those involved in this heinous crime.

She said: “NAPTIP shall continue working tirelessly to ensure a safer and better society.”

The Federal Government has promised harnessing the potential of an aging population, assuring of its commitment to improve the quality of life and well being of Nigerians.

The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, while delivering an address at the International Day of Older Persons ceremony at the UN House in Abuja.

Speaking at the event with the theme: “Fulfilling the promise of the universal declaration of human rights for older persons across generations,” which was organised by the UN and the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Edu commended the establishment of the NSCC by the NSCC Act 2017 to promote mainstreaming of older persons in the delivery of positive outcomes for the aged.

She assured of President Bola Tinubu’s move to reposition the ministry demonstrated the government’s political will to develop mechanisms and achieve the desired goals.

Edu said such would ensure sustainable systems to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of Nigerans, as well as progressively lift 133 million Nigerians out of poverty.

She noted that: “The NSCC remains the veritable agency to consolidate opportunities for the older population, in partnership with the various Ministries, Department and Agencies through multi-sectoral coordination.

Edu promised that: “The present administration will ensure adequate support; persuasion of the state governments to domesticate the NSCC Act , VAPP Act, Persons with Disability Act and National Health Authority Act.

“The present administration will focus on harnessing the potential of an aging population, combat ageism and negative stereotypes and close the gaps and inconsistencies in data.

She added that the administration would focus on research, human capital development and continue to create systems capable of supporting older persons, including age friendly environments, universal health coverage and long term care systems.

On his part, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale, reassured of UN’s support for Nigeria in the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons.

Schmale commended the event for being tailored to provide opportunity for reflection on the impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the protection of the rights of older persons.

He said: “It is my sincere hope that today’s dialogue will allow for reflections on effective promotion and protection of older persons in Nigeria, focusing on their contributions throughout their life, for the knowledge and expertise they can pass on to younger generations.

“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the UN in Nigeria is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts towards enhancing the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons.

“Especially, older persons living in vulnerable situations and making the promise of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights a reality for all Nigerians.”

The Director-General of NSCC, Dr Emem Omokaro, identified universally declared rights of older persons to include right to life, liberty, and security of person, freedom from discrimination, abuse, violence and torture, right to work and education; and right to participate in cultural, social, and political life of their country and right to economic empowerment, access to justice, disability and age friendly environment.

Omokaro said: “Today, we wish to present highlights of IE’s Report and Nigeria’s response, and have a multi-sectoral panel of discussants to make inputs.

“The outcomes we hope will enhance understanding of opportunities and challenges of older persons.

“(To) strengthen partnerships and technical support, increased aging mainstreaming in multi-sector plans, the SDGs, equity and solidarity across generations”

…Says media blackmail does not take the place of law

The state chairman of Revenue task force, Mr. Malachi Monye has called on Deltans with claims of extortion to report to the appropriate quarters instead of running to the media to blackmail the taskforce.

He stated that the taskforce does not tolerate extortion and that anyone found guilty of such indecent act will be punished and the unit disbanded if the complainants follow due process and show proof of extortion.

He noted that revenue agents under his taskforce are not allowed to extort anyone and that there are dedicated state account numbers that offenders can pay penalties to.

Mr Malachi noted that there are reasons to doubt the veracity of the trending story of extortion by revenue taskforce given the content of the news article in circulation.

He noted with concerns that if the woman in question indeed existed, why would her identity be withheld when she has nothing to loose by exposing a supposed ills in the Society, he went further to point out that the law does not allow you to drive without a licence or expired papers as those renders the vehicle not road worthy and there is no penalty stated by the law below fifty thousand Naira for such offences therefore it is clear that the figure quoted by the author of the malicious article is conflicting with facts.

Further more, he pointed out that the woman should have a smart phone and would have atleast discretely captured the agents and even the vehicle but no such evidence is handy.

Another crack in the half baked story is that the writer clearly wrote that the office she had transaction with were VIO and DETSMA yet went ahead to accuse the revenue taskforce. This can only show you the malicious intent of the writer.

Mr. Malachi reiterated that the purpose of one’s movement was not considered in the law guiding the activities of the taskforce, irrespective of your destination, it is unlawful to drive without a valid license or expired documents, when you do that it is an offence in the eyes of the law, the law states that the vehicle will be out off the road, so if caught the taskforce will help you to put the vehicle off the road for your safety and that of other road users. you would have to pay a penalty for going against the law, then you have to get the needed papers and licence validated before coming to get the vehicle. In a case where it’s exceeds the date the vehicle was out off the road, every extra day attacks demurrage daily.

The taskforce chairman made it clear that his team can not be blackmailed with unfounded fiction stories about a non existent extortion, but when reports are properly reported through the right channel with evidence, he will spare no one who is found guilty of the offence.

Meanwhile he appealed to citizens to always do the right thing by driving with valid papers and licence no matter the emergency to avoided being fined

-By Fortune Abang:

Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China has continued to attract tangible development since inception of the formal establishment of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations on Feb. 10, 1971.
Over the years, both countries worked closely together, particularly in celebration of their respective independence anniversary on October 1, annually.
The celebration centered on the commemoration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Independence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria often promote benefits of cooperation between them.
As both countries commemorate their anniversary this year, it has become important to glance at gains of Nigeria’s partnership with China so far, in terms of national development.
Such gains derived under framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include; the Agricultural Projects tagged: Green Agriculture West Africa Ltd., (GAWAL) by CGCOC Group Co., Ltd in 2006.
Construction and Operation of Agriculture High-tech Abuja-Industrial Park in 2013, by GAWAL and development of Lekki Port, the first deep sea port in Nigeria by CHEC with the BOOT model, completed in October, 2022.
Also, construction of the Lekki Deep-Sea Port, Lagos Rail Mass Transit and Lagos-Ibadan Railway, Lagos Rail Mass Transit and Lagos-Ibadan Railway projects are expected to create nearly US$360 billion of economic benefits and 170,000 jobs for Nigeria.

Furthermore, the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, constructed by China Civil and Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).
Nigeria-China relations which span above 52 years has indeed, stood the test of time with Nigeria benefitting strategically in their trade volume pegged at $5.4billion, as of the first quarter of 2023.
Nigeria and China share similarities, in terms of celebration of indepence every 1st of October, which mark an important day for both countries having the largest population in their respective continents.
Nigeria and China are both highly complimentary in economic structure and development strategy.
Obviously, Nigeria has enjoyed comprehensive and rapid development through cooperation with China and thereby, flourished in many spheres of economic and social development.
Nigeria, one of African countries that has attracted most investments from China is the third largest trading partner to the country.
According to Ms Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, trade volume between Nigeria and China reached $23.9 billion in 2022.
Yan said, “In spite of the impact of Covid-19, Nigeria still maintains its position as China’s largest civil engineering contracting market, second largest export destination, third largest trading partner and major investment destination.
“The opportunities arising from Chinese Modernisation will certainly benefit 200 million Nigerians.
“China is willing to work together with Nigeria to strengthen the development strategy dialogue, enhance close contacts at various levels to firmly support each other.
“To expand pragmatic cooperation in all aspects and promote development of China-Nigeria strategic partnership towards a deeper and higher level.”
Obviously, partnership between Nigeria and China brought about High-Quality Development of Belt and Road Cooperation, and many landmark construction projects by Nigeria-based Chinese enterprises.
Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China also enjoyed comprehensive and rapid development.
Cooperation between the two countries is flourishing, especially in the fields of politics, trade, infrastructure development, IT, agriculture and culture.
As of January 2023, the opening ceremony of Nigeria’s Lekki deep-Sea Port herald its operation as the largest deep-water port in West Africa constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited.
In line with this, President Muhammadu Buhari and his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping had during the official exchange of pleasantries on the occasion of October 1, independence anniversary promised to deepen Nigeria-China ties.
The two leaders exchanged pleasantries on the occasion of Nigeria’s 62nd and China’s 73rd independence anniversary respectively.
In his letter, congratulating the Chinese president on the anniversary, Buhari said Nigeria’s relation with China achieved far-reaching and fruitful results on the basis of equity, mutual trust and mutual benefits.
According to him, Nigeria sought to elevate its strategic partnership with China to a new level.
Buhari said, “The bilateral ties between Nigeria and China have achieved far-reaching and fruitful results on the basis of equity, mutual trust and mutual benefits.
“We thank China for its support to us in various ways and are ready to seek more collaborations with you, as well as to elevate the Strategic Partnership between our two countries to a new level.”
For his part, Xi said the Sino-Nigerian relations enjoy sound momentum, with political mutual trust being enhanced, cooperation in various fields yielded fruitful results and coordination on international and regional affairs being closer.
“I highly value the development of China-Nigeria relations, and would like to join efforts with you to promote the strategic partnership between our two countries and the two peoples.”
Meanwhile, in his remarks during the 74th independence anniversary celebration of China, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, lauded Chinese for driving growth and development in the nation.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Bimbo Salu-Hudeyin, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said China had helped in the actualisation of significant projects in Nigeria.
According to him, the completion of the first phase of the Blue Line rail transportation from Marina to Mile-2 is one of the mutually beneficial partnerships between China and Lagos State.
“We commend the people of China for their incredible spirit that has continued to drive growth and development.
“Your outstanding and remarkable accomplishment in critical areas such as infrastructure, technological innovations, and aerospace technology, ecological development, cultural evolution etc, is most inspiring.
“The government of Lagos State cherishes the long standing beneficial relationship with the People’s Republic of China.
“This relationship has contributed immensely to the rapid growth of our economy, especially in the areas of trade infrastructure and road construction,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The analysts agreed that irrespective of the evolving international situation Nigeria-China pragmatic cooperation in major sectors also witnessed a rapid development, driven by wheels of guiding strategy, trade, investment and contracted projects, development assistance, and that a lot more could be achieved by deepening relations to build community with shared future.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has continued to raised the bar on disaster preparedness and mitigation through continous human capacity development of staff and stakeholders.

The concerted effort by NEMA is aimed at bolstering inter-agency collaboration and enhance the capacity of grassroots-level human resources. These endeavors aim to equip its personnel and stakeholders with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective disaster management. The training programs were conducted in collaboration with international partners, such as the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) and the United States Forest Service, facilitated by USAID, and took place in Abuja.

The collaboration with UN-OCHA resulted in the training of 125 individuals divided into two cohorts. The focus areas encompassed various critical aspects of disaster management, including Humanitarian Coordination Mechanism, Disaster Management Cycle, Institutional Capacity, Resource Mobilization, Information Management, Community-Based Disaster Management, Search and Rescue, Incident Command System, Disaster Preparedness, Risk Management, and Early Warning Systems.

Concurrently, the collaboration with USAID consisted of two separate batches focused on the Incident Command System (ICS) and the Emergency Coordination Centre/Multi-Agency Coordination (EOC/MAC). These sessions featured facilitators from the United States Forest Service, bringing a wealth of expertise to the training.

Mustapha Habib Ahmed, the Director General of NEMA, emphasized the imperative nature of capacity-building programs. He stressed the importance of continuously enhancing the knowledge and skills of disaster managers to ensure sustainable and efficient disaster management in Nigeria. Ahmed stated that “training of personnel is a critical component for effective and efficient disaster management” and affirmed NEMA’s commitment to exploring avenues for ongoing capacity development among its staff and stakeholders.

Highlighting NEMA’s recent training efforts, Ahmed mentioned previous collaborations with the United States Forest Service in January 2023 and Bournemouth University Disaster Management Center in February 2023. These training programs included participants from NEMA staff, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and other stakeholders. Ahmed also hinted at upcoming capacity development programs in the near future.

Furthermore, Ahmed elaborated on the significance of training SEMA staff, aiming to strengthen the working relationship between federal and state emergency management agencies. This collaboration seeks to facilitate coordinated disaster management efforts, aligning with NEMA’s mandates, while simultaneously bolstering the capacities of SEMAs to effectively manage disasters at the state and local government levels.

The Director General expressed his deep appreciation for the collaboration with UNOCHA, USAID, and USFS, as well as the support from various other international development partners. These collaborations have been instrumental in the success of NEMA’s capacity development initiatives.

Ahmed encouraged all beneficiaries of the training to leverage the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance the services provided by their respective agencies and locations. Participants in the training included staff from SEMAs, officers of Fire Services, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and others.

In conclusion, NEMA’s commitment to enhancing disaster management capabilities through training and collaboration with international partners demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property in Nigeria. The agency’s dedication to continuous improvement and capacity development is a testament to its mission of effectively responding to and managing disasters at all levels. As NEMA continues to strengthen its partnerships and invest in its personnel, the nation is better prepared to face and mitigate the challenges posed by disasters, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for all.

Manzo Ezekiel and Abdulkadir Ibrahim
wrote in from NEMA Headquarters press unit

A suspected drug kingpin wanted for alleged attempts to ship illicit drug consignments to the United Kingdom tops the list of arrests made by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA through interdiction operations that led to the seizure of four tons of illicit substances in the past week.

According to a statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Sunday, Obiorah Chigozie has been on the wanted list of the NDLEA since 15th September 2023 when a consignment of 1.5 kilogrammes skunk concealed in flour going to London, UK was intercepted at the SAHCO export shed of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, during which his freight agent, Nworah Adaugo was arrested.

Babafemi said that Obiorah convinced that the 1.5 kilogrammes consignment had sailed through, walked into the agency’s dragnet last Thursday when he personally brought another tranche of 2 kilogrammes concealed in cartons to the airport for shipment to the UK. He noted that during interrogation, Obiorah claimed he was into shoes sales in Lagos before venturing into the illicit drug business.

He said operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Command of the agency last Friday intercepted a container truck with registration number BD G41 XM coming from Lagos to Kano at the Gwagwalada area of the FCT, revealing that no less than 1,188 kilogrammes of skunk loaded at Owo, Ondo state and hidden under cartons of toothpaste were recovered from the truck and its driver, Amafan Fattison, 28, arrested.

In the same vein, NDLEA officers in Bayelsa state last Wednesday seized 432 kilogrammes of the same substance from an abandoned J5 bus along Saipem road, Opolo, Yenagoa. The vehicle was equally recovered from the scene for further investigation.

In Kano, a septuagenarian grandpa, Ado Mai Unguwa, was arrested last Saturday with 143.2 kilogrammes skunk in Dindere village, Tofa local government area, while operatives in Enugu same day recovered 110.6 kilogrammes of same substance from a locked-up shop at Aria new market.

Babafemi revealed that operatives in Lagos on Saturday stormed the notorious Idi-Oro drug enclave in Mushin where they seized 212.5 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa belonging to a wanted drug lord. This is even as NDLEA officers in Kwara state recovered 104 kilogrammes of skunk from a Toyota Camry car in Offa area of the state, while a Chadian, Mohammed Ibrahim, 25, was nabbed at Mafa check point, Borno state with 11.8 kilogrammes of same substance last Monday.

He said in Plateau, the state police command in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration transferred four suspects: Yusuf Akim; Frank Gah; Jackson Ejeh and Joseph Utsu, and 1,978 kilogrammes cannabis recovered from them to the state command of NDLEA, while in Cross River, operatives last Monday seized 40,000 ampules of pentazocine injection from two suspects: Fajulugbe Adeshola, 35, and Nnaorji Agwe, 54, at Mobil by MCC road, Calabar.

Also in Kogi state, NDLEA officers last Wednesday arrested a suspect, Ifeanyi Odoh, 25, with 59,867 pills of opioids including Tramadol and 4.03 kilogrammes cannabis sativa at Idah area of the state.

Babafemi dissident the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy activities equally continued across the country in the past week. He noted that some of the activities include: WADA advocacy visit to the Director/CEO, Nigeria French Village, Badagry, Lagos, Prof. Lateef Ayeleru by the Seme Special Area command of NDLEA; WADA sensitisation lecture at Ar-Rahmania College of Health Sciences, Minna, Niger state; WADA advocacy lecture at Pentecostal Academy, Aba, Abia state and WADA sensitisation lecture for students and staff of School of Nursing, Eket, Akwa Ibom state among others.

Meanwhile, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, FCT, Bayelsa, Borno, Kogi, Kwara, Cross River, Borno and Enugu Commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for ensuring a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

Heads of drug law enforcement agencies in Africa have called for the setting up of specialized courts to try drug cases and other organized crimes across the continent.

This was part of recommendations adopted at the end of the weeklong 31st Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF) in Abuja.

At the meeting which drew to a close on Friday, the participants agreed that: “Governments should consider the establishment of national specialized
courts and asset recovery offices dealing with organized crime and money laundering and supporting tracing, recovering and management of proceeds of crime. Governments are encouraged to make effective and full use of existing informal regional and international cooperation instruments aiming at facilitating investigations and prosecuting organized crime including drug crimes and related money-laundering, including West African Network of Central Authorities and Prosecutors (WACAP), Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network for Southern Africa (ARINSA), Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network of West Africa (ARINWA) as well as the UNODC CRIMJUST programme.”

They also urged governments in African countries to promote cooperation and the
sharing of best practices in the confiscation of proceeds of crime, including drug-related cases.

They agreed that: “Governments should adopt adequate legal and regulatory frameworks on virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies, to prevent and combat their use for drug-related crime and money-laundering.”

Other recommendations adopted by the HONLAF working group during the annual meeting include asking African governments “to develop and implement drug policy responses that address, indirectly or directly, the environmental impact of illicit crop cultivation, drug manufacture and drug use, taking into consideration positive and
negative effects.

“Governments are encouraged to empower indigenous people, youth groups
and local communities to protect the land, forest reserves and water sources in their
areas, making the best of local knowledge and in line with local interests and needs.

“To address the challenge of limited data, countries are encouraged to promote research and monitoring systems to collect data and establish baselines on
environmental impact, which will allow for evidence-based interventions and impact
assessment.

“Governments are encouraged to strengthen their capacity to safely dispose
of seized drugs, chemicals and the precursors and drug waste, utilizing guidance available from relevant national organizations as well as UNODC.

“Governments are encouraged to increase domestic collaboration between
law enforcement agencies and other relevant national agencies, such as the ministries of environment and agriculture.”

Meanwhile, delegates and participants at the meeting were on Thursday 28th September treated to a gala night dinner by the host agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, where the special guest of honour at the evening event, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume charged them to implement agreements reached during the conference.

The SGF, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Service Office, Dr. Maurice Mbaeri stated that:
“Beyond the relaxation and camaraderie of the evening, Nigeria looks forward to a fruitful result of the various deliberations of the past few days, particularly in areas of joint operations and regional cooperation. We hope that in another year, and elsewhere, when we hear of the report of this 31st HONLAF, we will be able to look back with nostalgia at the Abuja meeting.”

The federal government has commenced important step towards drafting the nation’s Circular Economy Roadmap Framework to guide Nigeria’s transition to a more circular economy in the short, medium and long terms (2023-2050).

Speaking during the Stakeholders Validation Workshop of Nigeria Circular Economy Roadmap in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Idris noted that Nigeria with a population of over 200 million people generates about 32 million tons of solid waste per year, with little or no segregation is illegally dumped in open spaces or co disposed off with hazardous wastes in dumpsites and burnt openly.

He decried that: “These unwholesome practices have been linked to perennial flash floods across the country, increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increased incidences of cancer, loss of aquatic life, loss in agricultural productivity, etc.”

He however said the large volume of waste being generated in the country presents circular economy business opportunities across the waste management value chain which should be properly harnessed for job/wealth creation, establishment of micro, small and medium scale enterprises, private sector investment including foreign direct investment.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Director, Human Resources in the Ministry, Lawrence Adigwe revealed that in order for Nigeria to benefit from it circular economy potentials,, a study on ‘Nigeria’s Transition to Green Economy: Linking Circular Economy and Natural Capital for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Investment’ was commissioned with support from African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Netherlands and the African Green Growth & Development Forum (AGDF) as part of the process for the development of the Nigerian Circular Economy Programme (NCEP).

He said the scope of the study is basically to carry out feasibility studies of all Circular Economy and Natural Capital Accounting Activities in the country and develop a Circular Economy Roadmap Framework to guide Nigeria’s transition to a more circular economy in the short, medium and long terms (2023-2050).

He disclosed that the European Union through the Switch to Green facility is providing support for the development of the Nigeria Circular Roadmap and the stakeholders inception workshop was held on 17th August, 2023 during which the draft Roadmap was presented to stakeholders for their comments and contribution.

He told the participants at the workshop that “it is on this note that you are here today to validate the Nigeria Circular Economy Roadmap as part of the process for its Development to support Nigeria’s transition to circular economy.

He added that “this workshop is apt and coming at time when the global community including Nigeria is making concerted efforts in innovative resource management through circular economy practices.

“As you aware, the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with critical stakeholders has established the Nigeria Circular Economy Programme as part of its efforts to promote the adoption of circular economy in Nigeria as a model of sustainable development in which the productive use of resources is enhanced overtime, wastes reduced and jobs created.”

Nigeria’s population is currently growing at 2.59% annually. This makes Nigeria the fastest growing population of any country and is estimated to reach 400 million people by 2050, which will make it the world’s third most populous country. The demographics of Nigeria’s population show that 63% of the population is currently 24 years or younger.

Although categorized as a middle-income country, Nigeria’s poverty and human development indicators, as well as its current performance with respect to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is deteriorating. Nigeria’s massive population growth exceeded its GDP growth, and that divide will likely widen. Diversifying the economy beyond oil, creating opportunities and empowering young people, women and girls will be vital to overcome these challenges. Nigeria has a population of over 200 million with a median age of 18.1 years old and more than 60% of the population is under the age of 25. Thus, the political, economic and social development of Nigeria will largely depend on the ability to provide young Nigerians with opportunities for employment, education and health, and access to the decision-making processes.

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has announced the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) as the best Federal Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDA) in the Use of Environmental Sustainable Technology Implementation in the country.

In a letter ref. BPSR/ICT.20/1/139 conveying news of the prestigious Nigeria GovTech Award, the Director General of BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Arabi also revealed the nomination of the Director General of NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro for the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award for exemplary leadership.

Arabi disclosed that a major criteria for the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award was the advancement of GovTech initiatives and digital governance in line with the Federal Government digital transformation in the public sector.

He said the awards which will be presented in October this year, followed a “nationwide nomination and online voting process initiated on Radio, Television and Newspaper publication, Punch Newspaper of September 4th, 2023.”