The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has urged the Edo State government to compel Coca Cola Company, Seven Up Bottling Company and other producers of plastics to engage in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) by taking responsibility for the plastic waste they produce.
According to ERA/FoEN, the flooding experienced in Benin City and its environs is fueled by plastic waste materials that have found their way into the drainage systems and waterways.
A statement by ERA/FoEN’s Communications Officer, Elvira Jordan, at the weekend, noted that the statement was the highpoint of a Return-To-Sender Action protests by ERA/FoEN and other groups in Benin City.
The exercise was in collaboration with Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZEWA), Edo Civil Society Organization (EdoCSO) and Students Environmental Assembly of Nigeria (SEAN), University of Benin Chapter.
The statement states that the exercise was targeted at determining the highest polluting brands. Coca Cola and Seven Up came up as the highest polluters, with a frequency rate of 33% and 23% respectively.
Speaking during the action, the Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Chima Williams, represented by Babawale Obayanju said the flooding in Benin City and its environs is aggravated by the plastic waste materials that have found their way to drainage systems and waterways.
He added that statistics clearly show that the identified companies are making lots of money and are equally contributing heavily to the plastic waste menace in Benin, without any waste management systems in place.
“We brought their plastic waste back to them as it is polluting our environment and based on our findings during the brand audit, The Coca-Cola Company, Seven Up Bottling Company and others primarily use plastics for their packaging, including PET bottles with plastic caps.
“It is very crucial for these companies to design and develop a take-back or withdrawal scheme for their products as there are no active withdrawal schemes currently in place. Implementing the take-back/withdrawal schemes and exploring circular economy models can enhance recycling rates and reduce plastic pollution.”
“We also request that The Coca-Cola Company and the other brands should have a squint at further research and development into eco-friendly packaging materials, collaborate with recycling partners, and engage with consumers to achieve its plastic reduction targets and contribute to a cleaner environment”, he stated.
He called on Coca-Cola Company, Seven Up, CWAY Group and others to transition to sustainable packaging alternatives such as biodegradable materials, reusable containers, or reduced plastic packaging
Also speaking, Project Officer, Waste Management of ERA/FoEN Melody Enyinnaya said the plastic pollution experienced in Benin City was appalling as manufacturers continue to produce without retrieving their waste.
“This situation has thrown our environment into a dumping ground for plastics, especially our drainage systems and our rivers,” she said.
Eyinnaya demanded that coca cola, seven up and all other manufacturers withdraw their plastics waste from the environment “as we need fishes in our rivers not their plastics.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has released a powerful message to mark the 63rd Independence Day of Nigeria.
In this message titled “63RD INDEPENDENT DAY MESSAGE TO ALL NIGERIAN WORKERS AND PEOPLE BY THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC)… NIGERIA: THE TRAVAILS OF A MISMANAGED GIANT”, the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, addressed the country’s downward spiral since its early days of independence, emphasizing the critical need for reforms and a nationwide strike to demand change.
According to Ajaero, Nigeria, which was once seen as a promising giant on the world stage, has suffered from mismanagement and corruption over the decades.
He recalled the optimism of the nation’s early years, with thriving agriculture, industries, and a population full of hope. The healthy competition among regions drove progress and prosperity.
“However, the promise of Nigeria’s early independence years soon gave way to a series of missteps, corruption, and missed opportunities. The erosion of ethical governance, widespread corruption, and political instability became the hallmarks of the nation’s trajectory.
“One striking example of this decline is the demise of Nigeria Airways, a once-thriving national airline with a global presence. Today, Nigeria has neither a national airline nor a national shipping line, which has led to embarrassing situations like the ill-fated Nigeria Air project. The country’s once-strong currency, the Naira, has also weakened significantly in comparison to the U.S. Dollar,” Ajaero said.
The press release further questions the privatization of key assets, including power generation and distribution companies, aluminum smelter companies, and steel manufacturing companies, which seem to have failed to deliver the expected benefits to the Nigerian people.
On the healthcare and education fronts, the NLC expressed concern about the declining state of public hospitals and the exorbitant cost of quality education, leading to many Nigerians seeking education and healthcare abroad.
The message also raises the issue of insecurity, particularly the challenges in combating Boko Haram insurgency, despite the military’s past successes in conflicts like the Nigerian Civil War.
Furthermore, the NLC said it has not overlooked the plight of Nigerian workers, who face unfair labour practices, inadequate wages, and the burden of rising fuel prices. They argue that the minimum wage of N30,000 is insufficient to meet basic needs.
The NLC extended its message beyond criticism, as it called on Nigerians from all regions to unite, demand transparency and accountability from their leaders, and work toward a brighter future.
The NLC’s nationwide strike, scheduled for October 3rd, aims to draw attention to these issues and rally citizens to be active participants in reshaping their nation.
Comrade Joe Ajaero reminded Nigerians that the path to a better future for their nation requires collective effort. He called on the people to join hands and build a coalition to address the nation’s challenges, transforming Nigeria into a truly independent and prosperous nation once more.
See Full Statement Below:
63RD INDEPENDENT DAY MESSAGE TO ALL NIGERIAN WORKERS AND PEOPLE BY THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC)
NIGERIA: THE TRAVAILS OF A MISMANAGED GIANT
Our nation with all its flaws at conception possesses a great potential to be amongst the best economies of the world. It had the promise of a nation destined to be prosperous and continually developing. At independence, it began to demonstrate the signs that it was going to fulfill these expectations especially with all the giant strides being recorded in all the regions that made up the country. There was a healthy competition amongst the diverse regions for progress with pacesetting and record-breaking achievements all around the nation.
When Nigeria gained independence on October 1st, 1960, the world watched in awe as a nation endowed with abundant human and natural resources took its place on the global stage. With a thriving agricultural sector, burgeoning industries, and a diverse and vibrant populace, Nigeria held immense promise. The spirit of unity and hope that characterized those early years was palpable, and it seemed that we were poised for greatness.
The famous groundnut pyramids became the symbol of a prosperous north while the famous Cocoa House standing on the Cocoa output and the Western Television showed the readiness of the Western region to outpace others with the Eastern region demonstrating its prowess in Palm produce and its rich technological start-ups. It was indeed a nation poised for greatness as the sky beckons.
Our Hospitals and Educational institutions were top notch as royalties thronged our shores for medical treatments while Asian and other African students found home in our citadels of learning. We had a nation that could feed, house and cloth her people; a nation whose citizens lived in prosperity and enjoyed a life that was comparable to that possible in all parts of the globe.
Our currency which was originally the British Pounds and was changed in 1973 to the Naira was stronger than the U$ Dollars but was at par with the British Pounds. Going abroad for studies or to live was not attractive and foreign nationals thronged our shores for greener pasture. Social infrastructure was efficiently maintained and the public utilities remained functional.
As we celebrate Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary, it is important that we drew our attention to the fact that this nation was once a great nation filled with great hope inspired by great leaders until inept and corrupt leaders took over the helms of affairs and ran the country aground. The crisis of leadership is truly the crisis of our national development.
The continued mismanagement of our resources has made it difficult for us a nation and as a people to make sustainable progress rather, we have continued to march backwards with every preceding year looking worse than the previous one.
Regrettably, the decades that followed were marked by a series of missteps, mismanagement, and missed opportunities. The erosion of ethical governance, rampant corruption, and political instability became defining features of our nation. Instead of harnessing our potential for the collective good, our leaders often pursued personal interests, leaving the masses to grapple with the consequences.
There is no other way to explain the fact that about 43yrs ago, Nigeria had a vibrant Airline called the Nigeria Airways with a large fleet of Aircraft, flying to several parts of the globe and owning large properties which spans almost half of Ikeja GRA and in London and capital cities of Europe. We had a national Shipping line that had in its fleet several Vessels which competed favourably with other shipping lines all over the world yet, as a nation, we have managed to deliberately become a nation with neither a national Airline nor a national shipping line. We became a nation that derives happiness in making a mockery of ourselves as was typified by the Nigeria Air debacle where we had to fake the ownership of an Airline by shamelessly borrowing and repainting an Aircraft from Ethiopian Airline.
This period of independence must serve as a time when all of us have to seriously seek to question ourselves and thoroughly re-examine our actions as a people and as a nation. We have to soberly reflect on why we have moved from a once prosperous nation to become a country that is the poverty capital of the world with over 133m multi-dimensionally poor people. This number has since increased after the hike in the price of petrol (PMS) by His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is indeed an opportunity to find how we have moved to a nation that had a refinery that was operational in the 1960s which grew into another three refineries in the 1980s but which have been deliberately made obsolete by those we have entrusted the leadership of our nation.
Nigerians must seek to find out why we have become a nation that must import a product which can easily be refined in our nation and why the conscious sabotage of our economy by those who occupy the helm of affairs in our country? We must make conscious effort at finding out what the phantom called fuel subsidy is, how much was it worth, who was receiving the monies claimed to have been spent and why the obvious lies when the Direct Sales and Direct Purchase (DSDP) agreement was the framework for the import and distribution of products in Nigeria?
Also of great importance is the willful bastardisation of the Naira and the attendant Dollarisation of the economy by the nation’s leaders. We need to find out whether truly a genuine foreign exchange market exists in its true sense in Nigeria. Why would the value of the nation’s currency continue a free fall when the value of accruals from crude is rising? What magic has made it difficult for the value of the Naira to remain stable against the Dollar especially when the Dollar is being pummeled all over the world?
Workers all over Nigeria would want to find out why almost all the privatized entities were sold at a give away price to the so-called investors? Why is it that most of them have either been stripped and scrapped and no longer operational? Who are the real buyers of these entities? We will want to find out who bought the GENCOS and DISCOs, who bought the Ikot – Abasi Aluminium Smelter company and why it is no longer producing but has been shut down. Nigerians deserve to know and we must ask this question: what is going on here?
This Independence Day celebration should allow us to ask those who are leading us why they have refused to fund public Universities appropriately and have instead decided to establish and own private universities? We may wish to know why they have turned Nigeria from a country where foreigners took pride in coming for education to a country where majority of the citizens go abroad to obtain quality tertiary education. We would want to know why the elites have managed to price education out of the reach of the poor.
It is also an opportunity for Nigerian workers to ask our leaders why our hospitals have been turned into places to go and die instead of places to go and be healed? We would want to find out why our Health care system that used to boast of the patronage of influential individuals and families from all over the world have suddenly become anathema both to foreigners and the Nigerian rich? We want to find out why the Rich throng abroad to treat minor ailments instead of making use of our health facilities?
We want to find out what happened to the Ships in the defunct Nigeria Shipping line and what happened to the Aircraft and properties of Nigeria Airways that scattered all over the world. Who acquired them and at how much and where is the money from their acquisition? It will also be interesting to find out who acquired the Steel companies and why none of them is producing steel today?
Much more, Nigerian workers will want to find out why it has become difficult for an army that fought the Civil war and won, fought in Lebanon, Sierra Leone and in Liberia to defeat the Boko Haram insurgents? We want to find out whether it is a deliberate tool to keep Nigeria in perpetual crisis.
One of the most painful aspects of Nigeria’s journey has been the economic struggles faced by the majority of our citizens. Despite being blessed with abundant natural resources, poverty and unemployment have become entrenched in our society. The promise of prosperity for all remains elusive, as a significant portion of our population continues to live in abject poverty.
Moreover, social disparities have widened, with a yawning gap between the privileged few and the marginalized many. Access to quality healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure remains a distant dream for millions of Nigerians. This inequality not only undermines our social fabric but also hampers our collective progress.
As the voice of Nigerian workers, the Nigeria Labour Congress has tirelessly championed and will continue to champion the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and people. Yet, we cannot overlook the numerous challenges that persist. Issues such as unfair labour practices, inadequate safety standards, and insufficient protection for workers continue to plague our labor force. It is imperative that we work together to address these issues and create an environment where every worker can thrive.
It is inexplicable why this persistent contradiction of; the harder we work, the less we earn; which has kept Nigerian workers totally emasculated and unable to meet their basic needs. N30,000 national minimum wage cannot buy a bag of 50kg rice but can only buy 30 loaves of average sized bread yet some states have refused to pay. Earned income via wages are seen as charity demanding applause from Nigerians when they are paid. Workers have become reduced to going to work on Mondays and sleeping in their places of work till Friday evening before going home because they cannot afford the cost of transport on daily basis yet, this government has refused to act to save the people from this horrendous suffering. That is why we have continued to ask for a Wage Award to serve as a cushion to the consequences of the hike in the price of Patrol by the Government.
We have demanded that because the level of hunger and disease in our nation has become so pervasive, Government should look at Cash Transfers for the most vulnerable through an acceptable national register of the most vulnerable; Tax rebates for low and middle income earners, Mass Transit schemes driven by CNG and EVs to reduce transport cost to citizens; getting the four existing public refineries back to work of which Billions of U$ Dollars have been spent; Access to social housing, Healthcare and quality Education for our citizens; instead of meeting them, they sought means of hijacking Unions and persecuting trade union leaders to weaken and muzzle our voices as the only remaining voice in the civic space.
Despite the challenges that have beset us, there is reason for hope. Nigeria remains a nation with enormous potential. Our young and dynamic population, if properly empowered, can be the driving force behind our resurgence. It is imperative that we invest in education, skills development, and job creation to harness the untapped potential within our youth.
Furthermore, we must demand accountability from our leaders. The days of impunity and unbridled corruption must come to an end. We call on all Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process, holding our elected officials to the highest standards of integrity and performance.
We must then in the spirit of this year’s independence go beyond questioning why we have found ourselves in the cesspool of poverty and despair and build a determination to put a stop to this inexorable march to the cesspit and morass of excruciating pains and impoverishment. The citizens have a strong role to play in our collective quest for freedom from the shackles of mindless exploitation and pauperization.
Holding our leaders accountable is one of the very critical roles we must all play to free ourselves from the gyres of the oppressive forces of retrogression. It is the highest form of participation in the democratic space. If we cannot hold our leaders to account for every of their action then, we lose our democracy and we lose our nation. It therefore remains our patriotic duty for those that truly love our nation to rise at this time and speak truth to power to ensure that the salvation of our nation becomes real and our people from the North, the West, South and the East are able to enjoy the full benefits of their “Nigerianness” which holds a great promise.
What will the people say of us when we are gone? How will they perceive our actions today if in the face of the great injustice to the downtrodden and the disdain and contempt being meted to our people, we refuse to take action? How will posterity judge us and how will the generations to come see us – as those that folded their arms while our nation kept slipping down the path to destruction or shall we be seen as those patriotic heroes that stood against the manifest wickedness trampling down on the rights and privileges of the common man with historic arrogance and impunity? Are we going to be counted amongst those who rescued our nation by stoically insisting that enough is enough? What will be our choice?
Until we seek to find out why we moved from a nation that had Automobile plants littered all over the nation like Steyr, Leyland, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Peugeot to a nation with zero automobile manufacturing companies if not the intervention of INNOSON and co, a nation that had strategic Paper Mills around the country but now imports all its paper products; a nation that had Steel Rolling Mills in katsina, Osogbo, Jos including Aladja, Ajaokuta etc but had them all intentionally crippled and hijacked by greedy capitalists, we will not have real independence.
Our nation needs men and women today who can rise and save her from those who have captured our nation and are using its levers just for their own selfish ends without any care at all in the world about the workers, the unemployed and the suffering. We need men and women who will deliver us from the galloping powers of neo-colonialism especially their internal collaborators who rule our nation at their behest without a care of the consequences of their actions for millions of our citizens.
We call on all national gatekeepers especially the Traditional Rulers who are the custodians of our customs and traditions and who are closest to the masses thus can feel the degree of suffering in the Country to plead with Government to lift the burden on the people. In making our nation work for the people, the purpose of Governance is fulfilled as anything short of that makes governance predatory.
As we mark this Independence Day, let us do so with a renewed sense of purpose. Let us acknowledge our past, confront our present challenges, and collectively work towards a brighter future for Nigeria. Together, we can reclaim the greatness that has eluded us for too long. It is time for Nigeria to rise and shine once more as a beacon of hope and prosperity for all its citizens. Remember, when we stand as one refusing to be divided, we will triumph! We call on all Nigerians to join us on the 3rd day of October around Nigeria to begin our march to freedom through the indefinite nationwide strike.
To this end, the Nigeria Labour Congress beckons on all of us to join hands from all parts of the nation; the North, the East, the West and the South to build the needed coalition to make our nation truly an independent nation. This nation can work for all of us! This nation can be made beautiful but good things do not just happen; they are worked out. Liberty is not a ripe fruit that falls to the ground on its own accord. With our hands joined together as the owners of Nigeria, in truth and one heart, we can work for our freedom.
In a solemn and poignant ceremony, President Bola Tinubu addressed the Nigerian Defence Academy’s (NDA) Passing Out Parade, where 707 cadets took their oath of duty.
The event, which was held in Kaduna on Saturday, marked a significant moment in the nation’s security landscape, with Tinubu emphasizing the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the country.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu underscored his administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing security challenges and pledged full support to the military in this endeavour. He acknowledged that without vigilance, the goal of fortifying and stabilizing the country would remain elusive.
The newly commissioned military officers, hailing from the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army), and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force), were reminded that they would face a dynamic and challenging landscape, vastly different from that encountered by their predecessors.
President Tinubu emphasized that the future of Nigeria depends not only on their courage but also on the educational foundation provided to warriors and scholars alike.
In a testament to his administration’s commitment to national security, President Tinubu announced plans to empower citizens to combat issues such as poverty, criminality, and terrorism.
He also acknowledged the impending food security crisis resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, banditry attacks on farmers, natural disasters, and the repercussions of military coups. He assured the nation that his government remained vigilant in devising solutions to mitigate these challenges and enhance national security.
At this pivotal juncture, the President revealed a new era in Nigeria’s national defense and security strategy, emphasizing a resolute commitment to confront significant threats within the West African subregion. He directed all heads of defense and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect the nation’s integrity and well-being.
President Tinubu, who also serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS, shared that the regional body was diligently working to enhance conflict management and development mechanisms in West Africa. He stressed that forging a path towards greater peace, stability, and progress across the region was non-negotiable.
Furthermore, the President addressed the removal of fuel subsidies, assuring the nation of tangible measures to alleviate hardships caused by this decision. These measures include reducing taxes on strategic manufacturing industries, distributing grains from the national reserve to vulnerable demographics, providing fertilizer and farm inputs, and extending soft loans to small and medium-scale industries.
In closing, Tinubu commended the NDA for its significant contributions to national security and called on the institution to invest in scientific research, technological innovations, and the development of prototypes and concepts to enhance national security.
The Passing Out Parade not only marked the commencement of new journeys for the cadets but also underscored the government’s commitment to securing the nation’s future and empowering its citizens to thrive in challenging times. President Tinubu’s words served as a rallying call for vigilance, resilience, and dedication in the pursuit of a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
The Chief of Depence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa has restated commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to end security challenges in the country.
Musa stated this during a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli, at the weekend in Zaria, Kaduna State.
He assured that the security challenges facing the country would soon be a thing of past, and sought for prayers for the military to succeed.
Musa accompanied by some top military officers commiserated with the over the death of eight worshippers, who died in a mosque collapse.
The CDS conveyed the condolence of the Armed Forces and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
He said: “I am in Kaduna for the Passing-out parade at Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, but felt I should take time out to pay you this condolence visit.
“As a father to me and the entire north, I count on your support and prayers so that we succeed in our various operations.
“I was here severally, I was in here in Zaria as the Commandant, Nigerian Army, Depot, and now as a Chief of Defence Staff, to God be the glory”.
On August 11, eight worshipers died and 25 others sustained injuries sequel to the collapsed of a section of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque during a congregational prayer session.
Responding, Bamalli expressed gratitude for the visit and commended President Bola Tinubu for finding Gen. Musa worthy of the appointment.
Bamalli noted that though the appointment was strictly base on merit, Mr President however deserves applaud from the entire people of Kaduna State for choosing a competent military officer from the state to serve in such capacity.
He expressed hope that security challenges in parts of the country would be addressed under the present administration.
The royal father said the council and the people of the state would continue to pray for the CDS and the government to succeed.
The Nigerian Navy has arrested six persons posing as Nigerian Navy personnel to engage in fraudulent activities.
The Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga stated at the weekend in Lagos, that the NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team arrested the suspects in a raid at Ajah area of Lagos State.
“The raid resulted in the apprehension of impostors who carry out nefarious activities like extortion and intimidation of residents, among other despicable acts while claiming to be Navy personnel,’’ he stated.
He added that two Toyota Hilux vehicles, fake Nigerian Navy identification cards and other related documents were seized from the impostors.
“The impounded vehicles bearing the inscription `SAIL NAVY’, the suspects and other exhibits had been handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution,’’ Oguntuga stated.
The commander urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to appropriate authorities as collective effort was crucial in safeguarding the public from potential and fraudulent activities.
Oguntuga also stated that eight stowaways were arrested on board a vessel on Thursday during NNS BEECROFT’s routine patrol of the maritime environment.
“NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team arrested the stowaways inside the vessel’s rudder compartment and handed them over to the appropriate authorities,’’ he added.
The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulkarim Ckukkol, has said that the agency, in its war against corruption, economic and financial crimes, has secured 1,688 convictions between January and September, this year.
Ckukkol disclosed this weekend at the Passing out Parade of Detective Assistant Course 4 Cadre for 331 cadets of the commission at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga.
According to him, the EFCC in 20 years of existence, has made a huge difference in the affairs of the nation.
“Through the efforts of the commission, odious image of Nigeria as a 419 hub, with the attendant negative effect on our economy, was erased.
“The Commission’s investigation activities have led to the recovery of asset running into billions of Naira.
“Last year (2022), the commission secured a total of 3,785 convictions, the highest by any law enforcement agency in Nigeria in a single year.
“Between January and now, the commission recorded 1,688 convictions. The figure is bound to increase as more cases are brought to conclusion in the courts,” he said.
He said that the commission, in addition to enforcement activities, would continue to pursue its prevention mandate with relentless vigor through engagement with different stakeholders in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.
According to him, the commission recently broke new grounds in this endeavor with the commencement of test transmission of its radio station, EFCC Radio 97.3 FM.
“The initiative promises fresh vista of opportunities for public engagement as the commission strives to get the people to own the fight against corruption,” he said.
He urged the cadets to bolster the efforts of the Commission to consolidate on the achievements of the past and secure its place as a premier law enforcement agency not only Nigeria but the world.
He urged them to be committed to the profession they signed up for, and should know that law enforcement, especially fighting economic and financial crimes, is a crucial national service.
He described it as “a career” which takes years to build but could be destroyed in a moment of careless indiscretion or poor judgment.
“For you to run this race and fulfill your dream as an EFCC officer, you must at all times stay focused and uphold the values of the Commission which are Integrity, Courage, Professionalism and Collaboration.
“I must also sound a note of warning that the Commission will not condone any indiscipline, as violation of the established code of conduct will be met with appropriate sanctions,” he said.
The Acting Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja, Mr Baba-Shani Umar, urged the new cadets to stand on the precipice of new beginnings.
“I urge you to remember the principles that have been instilled in you: integrity, Courage, professionalism and Collaboration in the pursuit of excellence.
“Carry these values as your compass, and they will guide you through the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead,” he said.
The Commandant, Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hill, Nasarawa, DCP Ikioye Orutugu, urged the cadets to make use of the training they had received in eradicating corrupt practices in the country.
Orutugu admonished them to use their talents as well as skills acquired to contribute their quota to the fight against economic and financial crimes.
He also stressed the need for inter-agency cooperation and mutual understanding among other sister agencies as witnessed between EFCC and the Nigeria Police for the growth of the nation.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) Command, Bauchi, has arrested three suspected vandals and transformer cable thieves in Jama’are local government area (LGA) of the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, DCP Ibrahim Gabdo, and made available to newsmen at the weekend in Bauchi.
He said the three suspected transformer cable thieves and vandals were arrested in different locations in Jama’are local government area sometimes in August.
According to him, the suspects were arrested by the NSCDC Command patrol team following intelligence reports that some criminals were vandalizing transformer cables and carting them away.
“The arrested suspects are Abdulwahab Yakubu, 18, of Unguwar Abuja, Jama’are LGA, Ya’u Abdullahi, 18, of Unguwar Tsamiya, Jama’are LGA, and Musa Haruna, 19, of Jama’are LGA.
He said the Commandant, Mr Oyejide Ilelaboye, paraded the suspected vandals at the NSCDC State Command Bauchi.
He warned other criminal elements in the state to turn a new life before the law catches up with them.”
The Spokesman said the three suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court Bauchi on Friday, for conspiracy and vandalism.
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the labour unions to give government more time to address the issues bedeviling the country.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have fixed October 3rd to embark on an indefinite strike following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government and the attendant hardship it has brought on Nigerians.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, at a public lecture to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary on Friday in Abuja, announced that the Federal Government is determined to address the socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians.
Whilst urging them to sheathe their swords “in the interest of the masses”, Tinubu said his government was doing everything within its power to bring succour to Nigerians.
“I want to emphasise as well that this government is new and the government is doing all within its powers to make sure it brings succour to the entire people of this country.
“Government has already gone ahead to provide N500 billion to states to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
The President enjoined members of the unions to consider dialogue as the best way to resolve the issues.
“The Sultan also talked about the issue of strike by the NLC. Please, on behalf of the President and the entire government, this is not the time for strike. It is too early.
“Please let’s dialogue, let’s get together, let’s understand ourselves and let us look at the prevailing situation in the country,” he said.
Earlier in his remark, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had appealed to labour unions to shelve the nationwide strike slated to commence on Tuesday.
Abubakar urged Labour not to embark on the industrial action but continue to dialouge with the Federal Government.
He emphasised the need for dialogue to find solutions to the issues “instead of embarking on a strike”.
“I am an advocate of dialogue because strikes don’t solve problems; they make them worse. Our leaders must tighten their belt, the common man is suffering.
“I don’t think this government will just decide to make life bad for the people; as leaders and elders, we will always call on stakeholders not to embark on journeys that will make life worse for the common man.
“I don’t think government can take it upon itself to make life unbearable for the common man, let’s give them chance and see what they can do,” he said.
According to him, strike will add more problems to the existing economic situation.
“If people are on strike, there wouldn’t be electricity, water, hospital and transportation system.
“Please, let’s reach out to our brothers and sisters who are clamouring to go on strike. They should have a rethink,” Sultan appealed.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released 16 million dollars from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies to tackle cholera.
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said this during an online news conference.
Ghebreyesus said that the organisation was providing essential supplies, coordinating the on the ground response with partners, supporting countries to detect, prevent and treat cholera, and informing people how to protect themselves.
“To support this work, we have appealed for 160 million dollars, and we have released more than 16 million dollars from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies.
“But the real solution to cholera lies in ensuring everyone has access to safe water and sanitation, which is an internationally recognized human right,” he said.
According to him, in the previous week, WHO published new data showing that cases reported in 2022 were more than double those in 2021.
He said that the preliminary data for 2023 suggested was likely to be even worse.
“So far, 28 countries have reported cases in 2023 compared with 16 during the same period in 2022.
“The countries with the most concerning outbreaks right now are Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq and Sudan.
“Significant progress has been made in countries in Southern Africa, including Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, but these countries remain at risk as the rainy season approaches,” Ghebreyesus said.
According to him, the worst affected countries and communities are poor, without access to safe drinking water or toilets.
He said that they also face shortages of oral cholera vaccine and other supplies, as well as overstretched health workers, who are dealing with multiple disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.
On COVID-19, Ghebreyesus said that as the northern hemisphere winter approaches, the organisation continued to see concerning trends.
He said that among the relatively few countries that report them, both hospitalisations and ICU admissions have increased in the past 28 days, particularly in the Americas and Europe.
WHO boss said that meanwhile, vaccination levels among the most at-risk groups remained worryingly low.
“Two-thirds of the world’s population has received a complete primary series, but only one-third has received an additional, or “booster” dose.
“COVID-19 may no longer be the acute crisis it was two years ago, but that does not mean we can ignore it,” he said.
According to him, countries invested so much in building their systems to respond to COVID-19.
He urged countries to sustain those systems, to ensure people can be protected, tested and treated for COVID-19 and other infectious threats.
“That means sustaining systems for collaborative surveillance, community protection, safe and scalable care, access to countermeasures and coordination,” he said.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi (right) with the Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mba (middle), during an on-the-spot assessment of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road
The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi has said the Federal Government would begin immediate reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu/Port Harcourt expressway.
Umahi said this when he and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State visited the scene of the collapsed bridge for an on-the-spot assessment as part of his working visit to the state.
He said that the reconstruction of the bridge would end the plight of commuters plying the road, adding that the collapse of the bridge was unfortunate, and the government would in the meantime, provide alternative road for the people.
According to him, “We are going to look at the second bridge and see how far the remedial work will be done on it. We are going to scale up the reconstruction of the two bridges alongside with the road construction.
“I want to assure you that I have directed the contractor to do everything possible to provide an alternative road.
“We are going to work on the second bridge to ascertain the integrity of the bridge and see if we can use it while we demolish the collapsed one and start the reconstruction.
“I believe the contractor is hearing us and the process will start immediately. I want to have a memo which I will send to Mr President.”
The minister added that the report and pictures of the collapsed bridge sent to him were the same with what he was seeing.
He explained that the collapse occurred because the pipes were exposed, adding that the bridge was constructed in 1968.
He assured the Enugu Government of his support, and thanked him for his initiative in dualising the Enugu to Abakaliki town road.
“We have gotten your letter on that and I will be sending my men to come and evaluate it. I can assure you that within the next 7 days you must hear from us; we are doing the drains, and will give you our standard and bills of quantities.
“It is difficult for me to assure any governor that wants a refund, I cannot say, because we came into office and inherited an economy that has more than 90 per cent of its income being used to service debts.
Mbah thanked Umahi and the FG for the prompt response to the bridge collapse, saying that it underscored the president’s commitment when he took the oath of office.
“He is committed to lead with compassion and run an inclusive government, and that is what we are seeing here today.”
He explained that when the incident happened, he reached out to the FG immediately and within 48 hours the minister was in the state for inspection to find solution on how they can get at least one section of the road done to accommodate the people.
“This is a major gateway road so we cried out to the FG for expeditious action,” Mbah said.
