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  • Int’l Day of the Disappeared: 23000 people missing in 10 years -Minister

    Int’l Day of the Disappeared: 23000 people missing in 10 years -Minister

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu says that 23,000 people have been reported missing in less than a decade due to the insurgency in some parts of the country.

    Edu said this in Abuja at a stakeholders’ engagement with the theme “Where are you now”, to mark the International Day of the Disappeared.

    She said that the figure represented half the number of missing people in the whole of Africa.

    Edu said that the report of the missing people released by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) was as a result of the insurgency in some parts of the country.

    “Today, over 23,000 persons are still missing.

    “However, it is likely that this is just a tip of the iceberg as a more efficient mechanism is needed to improve the reporting and forensically trace cases of missing persons,” she said.

    The minister said the issue of missing people had become one of the most critical and long-lasting humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts, and as such called for sober reflections.

    Edu said that the present administration was committed to curbing the issue, hence the need to facilitate and strengthen the legal frameworks that would substantially address the incidences of disappearance.

    Mr Yann Bonzon, Head of Delegation, ICRC, said that more than 23,000 people, registered by the Family Links Network in Nigeria, never returned home, and remained missing until date.

    Bonzon said that the number did not convey the true extent of the issue.

    “The actual number of missing persons is likely to be much higher, with Nigeria having more missing people than any other country on the continent.

    “Until a national mechanism is created, immediate steps must be taken by the Nigerian government to prevent disappearances, to prevent the disruption of family links and maintaining links between separated family members.

    “It will also help to address proper management of the dead,” he said.

    Bonzon said that ICRC would continue to work closely with the government and relevant stakeholders to prevent disappearances to encourage and promote the adoption of international best practices.

    He said that the ICRC would also support the Nigerian authorities to build sustainable capacities and resources to establish a national mechanism for the missing and their families.

    “Let us collectively remind ourselves that while people might be gone, they will never be forgotten, and their families will never stop searching for them,” he added.

    The group walked from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to the National Human Rights Commission, to create awareness. 

  • 2023 UNGA: Tinubu to address global leaders Sept 19

    2023 UNGA: Tinubu to address global leaders Sept 19

    President Bola Tinubu will address the 78th Session of the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, September 19.

    Tinubu, in his first outing to the Assembly, will be addressing world leaders in the evening of that day.

    The Nigerian President would be the fifth African leader to speak on day one of the gathering, according to the speakers list from the Office of the General Assembly President,

    According to the list, Tinubu will be the 14th speaker out of 20 leaders slated to speak on the first day.

    The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the 10th speaker, will be the first African leader to speak in the morning session of the Assembly.

    In the Afternoon session, five African leaders are expected to address the gathering.

    The Nigerian president would deliver his statement around 6pm (11pm Nigerian time) to the world leaders during the afternoon session.

    The President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune will be the first African leader to speak at the afternoon session, followed by the Moroccan leader, Aziz Akhannouch and Mozambique President, Filipe Nyusi.

    The President of Senegal, Macky Sall will be the firth African speaker to address the gathering and the last leader on the first day.

    The President of Brazil, Luiz da Sliva would be the first world leader to present his address to the 78th session as it is tradition, followed by the U.S. President, Joe Biden, the traditional second speaker, being the host country.

    The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) will open on Tuesday, Sept 5. with the inauguration of a new President, Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago, who will take on the mantle for the next 12 months

    The high-level General Debate will be held from   September 19 and to September 29.

    The Theme of the General Assembly including the general debate will be rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its sustainable development goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all. 

  • FG begins infrastructural improvements at Idu train station

    FG begins infrastructural improvements at Idu train station

    The Federal Government has commenced improvement of facilities and infrastructure at Idu Train Station, Abuja, to improve service delivery.

    Mr Fidet Okhira, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), stated this after an inspection visit to the station on Wednesday.

    Okhira added that the move was to improve customer service experience and ensure comfort, safety, and the safety of users.

    He explained that the inspection became necessary following the unscheduled visit by the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali to the station.

    He added Alkali had highlighted some issues that needed to be corrected.

    “My visit today is a follow up to ensure that all directives are duly followed and implemented.

    “We appreciate the minister`s visit because it has put us on our toes and everybody, including myself, is busy getting the job done,“ he said.

    He said that the three faulty lifts at the station have been fixed, while one of the three escalators was also working.

    He explained that the remaining two escalators could only work in one way for now, adding that the remaining two were being fixed.

    According to him, the NRC has keyed into the renewed hope of President Bola Tinubu and is determined to transform the railway service to serve the public better.

    On welfare, the managing director said that the corporation had paid two months out of the five months allowances owed to cleaners and security personnel.

    He explained that the delay was due to a shortfall in revenue generation since the train attack, adding that expenses had equally gone up.  

    “We will do all we can to ensure that the remaining balance is paid. This key to boost their morale to keep the train clean and safe for all users.

    “Nonetheless, we are appealing for continued cooperation of the cleaners and security personnel to enable us to deliver quality services to the members of the public,” he said.

    Okhira commended the Nigerian Police, the Army, and other stakeholders for securing the station and keeping it clean and serene.

  • APC expels 84 for alleged anti-party in Osun

    APC expels 84 for alleged anti-party in Osun

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun have announced the expulsion of 84 of its members for engaging in alleged anti-party activities.

    In a statement by the Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Lawal, the party took the decision following complaints of anti-party activities against those expelled.

    “Following complaints of anti-party activities, the State Executive Committee of the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) constituted a disciplinary committee to investigate the allegations against some members.

    “This disciplinary measure came in response to the allegations of misconduct and actions that embarrassed and brought the party to disrepute.

    “The disciplinary committee undertook a thorough and impartial review of the allegations and the findings were carefully deliberated upon by the State Executive Committee.

    “After a comprehensive assessment of the evidence and consideration of the committee’s recommendations, the State Executive Committee has taken the difficult yet necessary step of expelling the following members:

    “Akibu Olaiya – Iwo LG, Yekeen Ajoke Nafisat – Iwo LG, Wakeel Mutaleeb Adekunle – Iwo East LCDA, Olufunke Akano – Iwo East LCDA, Olatunji Idowu Ajoke- Iwo West LCDA, Ajala Abayomi – Ayedire LG.

    “Adegboyega Semiu Adeniyi – Ayedire LG, Sabitu Rofiat Omolayo – Ayedire South LCDA, Oladeji Ismail – Ayedire South LCDA, Tajudeen Akanbi – Olaoluwa LG, Oyediran Quasim – Olaoluwa LG, Ajetunmobi Moshood – Olaoluwa South LCDA.

    “Akintoye Opeyemi – Irewole LG, Akerele Sunday – Irewole LG, Pastor Peter Olaawo – Irewole LCDA, Orisatola Surajudeen A. – Irewole LCDA, Shariat O. Olaniyi – Ayedaade LG, Akeem Olodude – Ayedaade LG.

    “Raji Sikiru – Ayedaade South LCDA, Isaac Adeyemi Aderinoye – Ayedaade South LCDA, Oyedeji Tawab O. – Osogbo LG, Aderemi Tajudeen – Osogbo LG, Kamoru Afusat Bolanle – Osogbo South LCDA.

    “Ibrahim Mumini Tunde – Osogbo South LCDA, Olayinka Musiliu Shina – Osogbo West LCDA, Adewumi Ademola Taofeeq – Osogbo West LCDA, Ajala Oladiran – Olorunda LG, Abiola Omotosho – Olorunda LG, Ganiyu Aliu O. – Olorunda North LCDA.

    “Lawal Olalekan – Olorunda North LCDA, Ganiyu Adebayo A. – Olorunda Area Council, Afolabi Olaniyi Olatunde – Olorunda Area Council, Serifat Olayiwola – Ifelodun LG, Olawale Morufu Adebukola – Ifelodun LG.

    “Ajibade Olatunji Ganiyu – Ifelodun North LCDA, Oladunjoye Rasheed Taye – Ifelodun North LCDA, Wale Agboola – Ifelodun Area Council, Sulaiman Akeem – Ifelodun Area Council, Odetayo Olubunmi – Odo Otin LG.

    “Agboola Dayo Remilekun – Odo Otin LG, David Ajiboso – Odo Otin North LCDA, Ajala Richard Folashade – Odo Otin North LCDA, Ogunkanmi Adekunle – Odo Otin South LCDA, Adepoju Kabiru – Odo Otin South LCDA.

    “Fadunmola Fatai A. – Boluwaduro LG, Aina Olusola – Boluwaduro LG, Oyekanmi Hajarat Adenike – Boluwaduro East LCDA, Adewumi O. Olufemi – Boluwaduro East LCDA, Teniola Alaba – Ilesa East LG.

    “Muraina Fatai Olusegun – Ilesa East LG, Alaka Bode Olakunle – Ilesa North East LCDA, Ojediran Folasade Kehinde – Ilesa North East LCDA, Raji Azeez – Ilesa West LG, Afolayan Kafayat – Ilesa West LG.

    “Kabir Ademola Hameed – Ilesa West Central LCDA, Kazeem Kafayat – Ilesa West Central LCDA, Agunlejika Adejuyigbe – Atakumosa West LG, Ogundele Sesan Opeyemi – Atakumosa West LG, Omidiji Olaolu – Atakumosa West LCDA.

    “Adejare Israel – Atakumosa West LCDA, Oni Abiodun – Ife Central LG, Ismail Busayo Alabelewe – Ife Central LG, Chief Titus Awofesobi – Ife Central West LCDA, Alhaji Akeem Oyeleye – Ife Central West LCDA. 

    “Alhaji Omisakin Bisi–Ife East LG, Ogunrinola Sayo – Ife East LG, Oyewole Rafiu – Ife Ooye LCDA, Adefioye Adegboyega – Ife Ooye LCDA, Sangolade Olawale – Ife East Area Office, Adekunle Toyin Asabi – Ife East Area Office.

    “Adeyeye Yinusa O. – Oriade LG, Mathew Olamuyiwa Samuel – Oriade LG, Samson Fakinyede Oladipo – Oriade South LCDA, Oyediran Mikail – Oriade South LCDA, Lamidi Oyeyemi – Obokun LG.

    “Dare Adarayaki- Obokun LG, Oluseyi Oyinloye – Obokun LCDA, Ogundele Ogunsanmi – Obokun LCDA, Ismail Elewedi – Ejigbo Central LCDA, Yekeen Adewale – Oyebisi Ejigbo South LCDA, Muraina Atanda Adeleke – Ejigbo South LCDA.

    “Alhaja Temilade Olokungboye Halid – Osogbo West LCDA, Biyi Odunlade – Ife Central LGA, Rasak Salinsile – Iwo LGA.

    “As we move forward, we enjoin our members to remain focused on our goals and continue working together to serve the interests of our constituents and our State.

    “Our commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to our party’s core values remains unwavering.” the statement read.

  • Reps frown at N81.2bn spent by Green Wall Agency to plant trees

    Reps frown at N81.2bn spent by Green Wall Agency to plant trees

    *Expresses displeasure over conflicting financial reports by CBN, OAGF

    The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the utilisation of ecological funds released to the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has uncovered N81.2 billion allegedly spent to plant 21m trees in 11 states.

    The investigation is from 2015 till date. Hon.  Isma’ila Dabo, the Chairman of the Committee in Abuja, decried the persistent of environmental challenges in spite of funds put into the programme.

    He said the funds put by the Federal Government and international partners necessitated the investigation.

    He said the committee would embark on, on-the-spot assessment tour to all the projects executed under this scheme to ascertain the claims.

    He said the committee was not out to scandalise any individual or organisation but only to ensure that public funds were utilised for the purpose they were given.

    “We will not shy away from pointing fingers where necessary, not out of personal animosity but simply in the national interest of our nation.”

    The 11 states where the trees are planted are: Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe and Borno.

    The committee expressed displeasure over conflicting financial reports submitted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to the committee.

    Piqued by the inability of the agency to substantiate most of the tree planting projects carried out so far, the committee said 80 per cent of trees planted by the agency did not survive.

    Meanwhile, the documents submitted by the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein showed that the total sum of N19.378 billion was released from the derivation and Ecology Accounts to the agency from Feb 2019 to date.

    Responding to questions from the committee, NAGGW Managing Director, Dr Yusuf Bukar, said the Great Green Wall Act was signed by Mr. President in 2015.

    He said it enabled the agency to implement the Nigerian component of the programme as an initiative of the African Union being implemented in 11 African countries.

    This according to him, is to address the problem of land degradation, desertification, drought, climate change and livelihood of affected communities.

    He saud the agency planted 1 million trees in Borno, Yobe and other states, adding that N2.4 billion was released in the first phase and N7.3 billion released in the second phase.

    He added that the fund accruing into the agency’s account included 15 per cent of the ecological fund for the Great Green Wall, contribution of fund from the natural resources development fund and gifts.

    Others include loans and grants in aid from national bilateral, multilateral organisations and donors, international and development agencies as well as individuals.

    He said that the agency often got funds from donor agencies; however, he did not provide relevant documents on the amount received so far.

  • 15,000 missing persons recorded in North East –Red Cross

    15,000 missing persons recorded in North East –Red Cross

    The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), says it has registered 15,000 persons as missing by relatives as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

    Ms Lilian Dube, Family Links Team Lead, ICRC in Maiduguri, stated this at an event to commemorate the 2023 International Day of the Disappeared, on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

    She said the figure could be higher but the number of those who registered with the organisation stood at 15,000, adding that most of them hailed from Borno.

    Dube said that 900 of the missing persons had been reunited with thier families through the ICRC.

    Mr Serge Zogg, Head Sub-Delegation, ICRC, who interacted with families of some of the missing persons at Ngarannam Ward of Maiduguri, assured of the organisation’s sustained support towards finding the missing persons.

    “This event is for you, and it is a testament to your strength and resilience as you navigate through the challenges brought by absence of your loved ones.

    “Please know that the ICRC stands with you in solidarity as you commemorate your missing family members.

    “The ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent organisation whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of persons affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, and to provide them with assistance,” Zogg said.

    He lauded the Borno government for its support and cooperation to the organisation.

    Also, the District Head of Ngarannam, Lawan Shettima, lauded the ICRC’s restoration of family links and psychosocial support to families of missing persons programmes.

    Shettima said the interventions by the ICRC impacted positively to the lives of the affected families in the area.

    Highlights of the event included sharing of testimonies by some members of the affected families.

  • Tinubu mourns designer of Nigeria’s national flag, Pa Akinkunmi

    Tinubu mourns designer of Nigeria’s national flag, Pa Akinkunmi

    President Bola Tinubu has conveyed his sympathy to the family of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, who designed the national flag in 1958, following his passing into glory at the age of 87.

    This is contained in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Tinubu condoled with friends and associates of the retired civil servant, who dedicated his life to the service of the nation, sharing knowledge and experience with old and young, and inspiring many to think and act patriotically.

    The President affirmed that the Green and White flag is a legacy that has consistently reflected the fruitfulness, resilience, and harmony enjoyed by the nation.

    He said that it represented the boldness and uniqueness with which Nigerians characteristically reach for and achieve success around the world.

    The President believed Pa Akinkunmi lived and worked for the greatness of the country, with a generational legacy and a place of honour in Nigeria.

    Born Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi in Ibadan, the older of a set of twins, he lived with his father until he was eight years old before he relocated to the Northern part of Nigeria.

    He began his early education in the North and after his father’s retirement, he came down to the West and was re-enrolled at Baptist Day School, Idi-Ikan in Ibadan.

    He was a Nigerian civil servant who was best known for designing Nigeria’s national flag.

    He was commonly referred to as Mr Flag Man. 

  • TCN celebrates 400 days of non-national grid collapse

    TCN celebrates 400 days of non-national grid collapse

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says the national grid operated for 400 days without collapsing.

    According to a statement signed by the principal Manager of Public Affairs TCN, Ndidi Mbah, it showed that the country is on the path to achieving stability in the electricity sector.

    Nigeria’s electricity generation has been between 4,000 to 5,000 Mega-Watts despite investments in the power sector.

    Last year, it crashed from the 6,336.52 megawatts recorded in 2021 to 5,346.82MW.

    In 2022, the National Grid collapsed eight times, with the last record to be in September.

  • CCLCA decries campaign of calumny against Gbajabiamila

    CCLCA decries campaign of calumny against Gbajabiamila

    A civil society organization, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has condemned a campaign of calumny again the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila from certain political actors who missed out on the ministerial and other lists.

    The group drew the attention of Nigerians to the acerbic attacks on the chief of staff to President.

    The group, coalition of 92 civil society organizations, through its Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, decried that the political actors are hell bent on spreading falsehood against the Chief of Staff.

    According to him, they are blaming him for their inability to occupy appointive office at the moment, even though it is the president, acting in consultation with the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Governors, and other key stakeholders in the polity, that appointed Ministers and Board Chairmen. 

    However, he stated that Nigerians are not buying the falsehood, and we have seen socio-cultural groups like Arewa Youth Forum and Ohaneze Youth Movement call on Nigerians to ignore the accusations thrown at Gbajabiamila over the constitution of boards of government agencies.

    He therefore, appealed to Nigerians to disregard the detractors, saying that the chief of staff is well experienced and capable of carrying out his duties.

    “This people do not care for the fact that positions came at the time destined, and that clearly, everybody cannot be a minister at same time.

    “Hon Gbajabiamila’s, antecedents as a public servant with a sterling record and a sticker for truth and fairness, and due process would entertain the absurdities ascribed to him for a second. 

    “As a Surulere, Lagos born politician cum technocrat, he comes to the present assignment fully qualified, having been in the house of Representatives for two decades (2003 – 2023), boasting record of unblemished service. 

    “Throughout his sojourn in public service, Hon Gbajabiamila has been a very close and loyal disciple of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Recall that as a speaker of the 9th assembly, it took his intervention to end the protracted and unending ASUU strike of the university lecturers. As the chief of staff, he had participated actively on resolving the disagreement between Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress”

    While passing a unanimous vote of confidence, the Director General of CCLCA, stated that President Tinubu, took into consideration Gbajabiamila’s track record and his commitment to the actualization the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He further asked the political actors to cease the needles casting of aspersions and leave the chief of staff to do his job.

  • NiMet achieves ISO certification for aeronautical services, capacity building

    NiMet achieves ISO certification for aeronautical services, capacity building

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has successfully obtained recertification for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 and ISO 29990:2010, signifying its commitment to aeronautical meteorological services and capacity building.

    The ISO certifications were conferred at NiMet’s Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Lagos and the Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MBMIST) in Katsina.

    Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, the Director General of NiMet, shared the achievement in Abuja, explaining, “We embraced this challenge in 2013, maintaining our certification every three years.

    “We have recently been recertified for ISO 9001:2015, which covers aeronautical meteorological services in the six major international airports across the country. Our aim is to expand this coverage to an additional 10 airports nationwide.

    “We’ve also obtained recertification for ISO 29990:2010, specifically for our training programs. NiMet operates two training institutes similar to polytechnics—one in Lagos, the RTC, a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) accredited training centre, and the Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MBMIST) in Katsina, accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for offering diplomas.

    “This certification applies to training in various aspects of meteorology, including applied meteorology and climate change,” he further elaborated.

    Notably, NiMet holds the distinction of being the first meteorological service in Africa to attain these certifications. The agency is currently serving as an auditor for Malawi and Gambia.

    Furthermore, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development have approached NiMet to support them in obtaining the ISO certification.

    Prof. Matazu emphasized that the recertification signifies international recognition of the agency’s commitment to standardized service delivery, ensuring precision and efficiency in its operations.

    He also revealed that NiMet is progressing toward quality management systems and transitioning to Safety Management Systems (SMS) on a nationwide scale.