House of Representatives members-elect

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos says it is exposing House of Representatives members-elect to tasks ahead in areas of health, education, security among others.

Its spokesman, Prof. Sola Adeyanju, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja when he spoke with State House correspondents on the side-lines of the Strategic Leadership retreat for newly-elected public office holders.

The essence of this retreat is to make sure that we expose our lawmakers, particularly the newly-elected lawmakers to those researches that had been conducted in specific areas of our national life.

Areas like health, education security; there are lots of works that had been done and recommendations made; and we have a lot of implementation strategies that can help lawmakers to know what their role will be.

We want a situation where the newly-elected lawmakers will come and they will be able to hit the ground running.

We want to give them an idea of what kind of bill and in what areas we actually need some bills and areas needing some law making, he said.

Prof. Adeyanju added that there was the need to implement recommendations already made as they would have far-reaching impacts on the country.

For instance, recommendations had been made on the kind of educational system that we could have where we would not be having incessant strikes.

We have worked on funding healthcare services which concern people at the grassroots and how government can look for funding to make sure that healthcare services are okay.

Some of these recommendations are lying fallow out there and we felt we should expose the incoming lawmakers to them before the next Assembly is proclaimed so as to help the country, he said.

Some of the legislators-elect also spoke with the newsmen.

Inuwa Garba (PDP-Gombe) Yamatu Deba Federal Constituency said the retreat had equipped the lawmakers-elect with the requisite knowledge for law-making.

I have to appreciate NIPPS for this very laudable initiative by organising this programme which I believe will empower members-elect with some basic requirements of the tasks ahead.

I believe we have gained a lot in terms of the quality of presentations and the answers to so many questions that were raised, he said.

On her part, Chinwe Nnabuife, member-elect representing Orumba North and Orumba South Federal Constituency of Anambra, said the retreat was enriching.

This programme is very informative and educative; coming from our backgrounds; we have been made to know what the processes of policy-making are, she said.

Nnabuife added that newly-elected lawmakers had been made to understand policy making, policy implementation and policy evaluation.

For us in the 10th Assembly, we are particular about making policies and ensuring that they are implemented and evaluated for the good of Nigerians; it is not going to be business as usual, she stressed.

The first two days of the retreat were dedicated to governors-elect, their deputies and senators-elect. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Kamal Olowosago, presenting document to one of the beneficiaries of the apartments

By Abiodun Lawal

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) on Thursday inaugurated 72 units housing estate in Emuren, Sagamu, Ogun State.

Speaking during the inauguration, Mr Madu Hamman, Managing Director, FMBN, said the residential housing estate was developed by LSDPC under the FMBN Cooperative Housing Development Loan window.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Kamal Olowosago, presenting document to one of the beneficiaries of the apartments

Hamman said the project, fully funded by FMBN, was in fulfillment of its commitment to the realisation of the home ownership dreams of Nigerian workers who were contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme.

The managing director stated that the commitment led to the development of the FMBN Cooperative Housing Development window through which the estate was delivered successfully.

He said that FMBN had continued to ensure that Nigerians had access to decent and secure accommodation through affordable mortgage financing and access to products in the Nigerian financial services sector.

He appreciated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, for the support extended to FMBN and the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme.

This support has ensured consistency of NHF contributions by the state workforce.

This project consists of 72 housing units comprising 48 units of two-bedroom terrace apartment and 24 units of three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

The estate is fully serviced with basic infrastructure including internal road network, drainages, electricity, and water to create a conducive and liveable environment, he said.

By this endeavor, we are not only reducing the housing deficit in the country, we are also creating jobs and tackling unemployment, he said.

The FMBN managing director appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his support which he said made the project a reality.

In his remarks, Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi, Chairman, Board of Directors, FMBN, said the projects reaffirmed the commitment of FMBN to deliver affordable housing to Nigerians, who were contributors to the NHF scheme managed by the bank.

Gbeleyi lauded the Ogun State Government for allowing the project to be located in the state, adding that the synergy deserved commendation.

In his speech, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Mr Kamal Olowosago, said that his government would continue to prioritise workers welfare.

Sanwo-Olu commented FMBN for the scheme, saying that the government would continue to collaborate with the bank in ensuring that the state workers benefited more in various housing projects.

Oba Adesegun Abolaji, the Elemuren of Emuren, Sagamu, expressed gratitude for siting the project in his community, promising that he was ready to donate another 20 hectares of land for another phase of the project.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Olawunmi Ashafa

Source: NAN News

Ms Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, Executive Director, FAME Foundation

By Deji Abdulwahab

The FAME Foundation has warned against threats to life, stigmatisation, discrimination and cyber bullying of women journalists, urging government at all levels to protect them by all means.

Its Executive Director, Ms Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, gave the advice on Wednesday at a news conference held in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2023 (WPFD) in Abuja.

Ogunleye-Bello said the call became necessary as it would enable journalists to enjoy their right to freedom.

She praised women journalists in particular and called for an end to the bullying that some women journalists were facing.

On this day, I celebrate journalists for their courage, passion, and determination to bring the news to every corner and nook of the earth.

I particularly celebrate women journalists and ask for a stop to cyber bullying, threats to life, slut-shaming, and discrimination for doing their job.

They have the right to practice journalism and report the news like any other person. The rights of women journalists are human rights, protect them, Ogunleye-Bello said.

According to her, press freedom is the foundation of free speech, adding, if the press is allowed to speak freely, so would the general public.

She added that marking the day should serve as a reminder to the government of their commitment to press freedom and media workers.

Ogunleye-Bello urged other media outlets and personnel to be vigilant and truthful in their duties, refrain from bribery, stop publishing false news and always defend their integrity.

Ogunleye-Bello expressed her excitement, love, and respect for the media and the tremendous expansion of media companies in Nigeria.

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3 every year and the theme 2023 is: Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang(08032918464)

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has tasked stakeholders in Nigeria to ensure the protection of the press from undue interference in the discharge of its duties.

The groups Executive Director, Ms Faith Nwadishi said this on Thursday in Abuja at the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day organised by CTA in collaboration with the Abuja chapter of the University of Calabar, Theatre Arts Alumni Association (UCTAA).

We call on all well- meaning Nigerians to join us in standing up for the press and protecting them from undue interference.

We are here to not only commemorate the World Press Freedom Day but to celebrate the resilient and indefatigable Nigerian press and journalists who have kept the flag flying high amid stifling environment and circumstances, she said.

Nwadish said that UNESCO acknowledged that freedom of expression was a driver for all other human rights.

The press must be allowed to fulfill its roles as a watchdog for society, educate and inform citizens and generate public opinion without fear of harassment, violence, or undue pressure from government or other actors, she said.

She expressed concern over Nigerias ranking in the World Press Freedom Index which she said had fallen further to 123 out of 180 countries in 2023.

The executive director said that the ranking had reinforced the urgent need to address the challenges facing the press and protect its rights to operate freely without fear of intimidation or harassment.

As we mark World Press Freedom Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to upholding the fundamental right to freedom of expression and ensuring that journalists can carry out their critical work without undue interference or censorship.

The press is a vital component of any democratic society and we must work together to protect and promote press freedom, Nwadishi said.

She reminded media practitioners of their social responsibilities in society by discharging by discharging their duties without fear or hindrance.

A free press is critical to any democratic society and we must do all we can to protect and promote it, she said.

Earlier, the alumni coordinator, Mr MacDonald Ekemezie, said that the association was established to serve as a rallying point for former school mates.

We are also communicators and therefore, we said it is important we join our voice to reinforce the voice to say that the press should be free.

A lot of our members are practicing journalists so whatever affects the core media also affects us. We say no to molestation, harassment and intimidation of journalists.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3 as a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

The 2023 theme is Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights. (NAN)(ww.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

court

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court, Abuja has restrained Seplat Energy Plc from holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) fixed for May 10 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling, directed parties in the suit not to tamper with the subject matter until the issues before the court were resolved.

The ruling was handed down at the hearing of a motion on notice for interlocutory order moved by Kalu Onuoha, counsel to the plaintiff, seeking for an order, restraining the respondents in the suit from holding the AGM.

The development followed the oral application by Onuoha, urging the court to caution the respondents from taking any action until the matter was dispensed with, after the court learnt that some of the respondents were yet to be served in the matter.

When parties have submitted to the court , parties should hold themselves, restrain themselves from doing anything that will affect the res (subject matter) until the issues are resolved.

Parties are hereby order not to tamper with the res until issues are resolved, Justice Ekwo had declared in a ruling on April 28 but sighted on Wednesday.

The judge consequently adjourned the matter until May 31 for respondents to show cause.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiffs; Boniface Okezie, Hon Bright Nwabuogu, John Isesele, Okonkwo Timothy, Augustine Ezennachukwu had sued Seplat Energy Plc, Mr Roger Thompson Brown, Mr Basil Omiyi, Dr Charles Okeahialam and others.

Others include Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Rabiu Bello, Mrs Bashirat Odenewu, Emma Fitzgerald, Mrs Edith Onwuchekwa, and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as 1st to 10th respondents respectively.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) logo

By Bosede Olufunmi

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has engaged proprietors of public and private secondary schools in Kano State on the importance of education system management: ISO 21001.

The Director-General of the organisation, Mallam Farouk Salim, said ISO 21001 certification was a management system standard specifically designed for educational organisations with the aim of improving quality and effectiveness of education.

According to him, the standard provides a framework for implementing and maintaining a management system that ensures the holistic development of learners.

It covers all aspects of the educational organisation, including curriculum development, teaching and learning processes, assessment and evaluation, student support services, and staff development, he said.

Similarly, Muhammed Said, Assistant Director of Education Education Quality Assurance Service (FEQAS), from the Federal Ministry of Education, described the system as part of activities in education sector, where all hands must be on deck.

Said said there was a little gap in education system where non governmental organisations, individuals and influencial indigenes needed to step in to bridge the gap.

Some stakeholders, Kassim Akinriola from St Louis Secondary School, and Hassan Ibrahim from Gwarzo Secondary School, both in Kano State, thanked the organisation for organising the forum, which they said was beneficial to them.

NAN reports that stakeholders from private and public secondary schools, education sector, union bodies, among others, attended the forum.

The Director, System Management Certification, Mr Nyako Felix, presented a paper on Implementing ISO21001 and its benefits to schools. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

L-R: Assistant Director of Radiotherapy, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Patrick Ida (left); Vice Chairman, WHHF, Egnr. Titus Omolewa (2nd left); WHHF Programmes Manager, Joy Okoye (3rd left); WHHF Board members, Victor Okoye (5th left); Emma Okoye (4th right); Pauline Okoye (2nd right) and Barr. Patrick Abah, WHHF Legal Adviser (right); alongside the recipients of the money grant for cancer patients on the occasion of the 4th memorial anniversary of Late Evang. Helen Titilayo Okoye at the National Hospital, Abuja

By Victor Okoye

The William and Helen Heritage Foundation (WHHF) on Tuesday donated N1.5 million to aid the treatment of cancer patients in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation, which was part of activities to mark the fourth memorial anniversary of the late Rev. Helen Titilayo Okoye, was made at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The patients were presented with a cheque of N 300,000 each to assist them in the treatment of various cancer-related diseases.

Mrs Okoye who was the wife of Rev. William Okoye, the General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission and former Aso Rock Chaplain, passed away on May 2, 2019 at the National Hospital, Abuja at age 63.

Until her death, she was the founder and coordinator of the Fellowship of Pastors Wives and Women in Ministry based in Abuja.

She was also the National Director of Worship, and the National President of the Women Fellowship, All Christians Fellowship Mission and a well sort after speaker in Christian women programmes nationwide.

A prayer warrior of note, she ran a 24 hour prayer chain network for individuals, families, the church and the nation.

Mr Titus Omolewa, the Vice Chairman of William and Helen Heritage Foundation, told NAN that the donations this year were made specifically to the treatment of cancer patients.

He noted that the late Okoye who died of cancer was a generous giver who had a large heart for people.

Today we are here as a foundation to give back to the people who actually inspired the creation of the WHH foundation.

In 2019, our mother in the Lord Rev (Mrs) Okoye passed on to glory as a result of a cancer-related ailment.

Afterwards, a foundation was made in her honour to ensure that even though she passed on from a cancer disease, we can also help people because we know the legacy she left behind.

So, we want to make sure that the legacy that she left behind continues. So that is one of the reasons why the foundation was created, he said.

He explained the WHHF board of trustees decided that this year the foundation concentrates its attention on the indigent cancer patients.

He said the foundation decided to give out money grants to about five patients who were currently suffering from cancer-related ailments.

He noted that cancer treatment was very expensive, adding that there was usually not much of aid for such patients in the country.

The WHHF therefore found it necessary this year to look into a few people because we couldnt handle everybody as it is a very massive project.

So, we singled out five cancer patients that we are assisting. We have taken care of three today at the National Hospital, alongside two other patients who are unavoidably absent here today.

We have discussed with the management of the hospital and they graciously allowed us to handle three patients this year who are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

We have been able to give the three patients a token and we hope that this token can be used as part of their treatment.

We are aware that these treatments ranging from chemotherapy to radiotherapy and various types of tests that are usually done are very expensive.

However, we believe that this token will go a long way to help them, he said.

Pst. Emmanuel Okoye, the first son of the deceased and a board member of the WHHF, said he was elated by the gesture, adding that it was a way of preserving the good name and legacy of his late mother.

I feel happy that we are doing this in honour of our mum to remember her name and what she lived for.

So, I am elated and we have prayed along with the patients trusting God to perfect their healing, he said.

Dr. Patrick Ida, an Assistant Director of Radiotherapy at the National Hospital Abuja, said the kind gesture by the foundation had registered something eternal in the hearts of the patients.

What the WHHF has done today (Tuesday) can never be forgotten by these patients.

This is indeed one of the best ways we can preach the gospel through our actions and kind deeds as Christians, he said.

Mrs. Theresa Peter, one the beneficiaries of the grant, expressed gratitude to God, the foundation as well as the doctor who recommended her for the grant.

Honestly I am so happy and I want to appreciate the foundation as well as the doctor that recommended me for this grant.

I also appreciate God for what he has done for me and making me to be a partaker of this programme.

Words fail me to express my feelings. I dont know that God loves me like this. I honestly did not expect this at all, she said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Martina Lukas, said she was overwhelmed with joy, adding that she had nothing much to say but to simply thank the WHHF as well as Dr. Ida for recommending her to the foundation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Sirajo receiving his award

By Joan Nwagwu

The authority of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has honoured the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Malam Mukhtar Sirajo, with the Pillar of Public Relations Award.

A statement by Mr Stanley Ogadigbo, Public Relations Officer, NIPR, on Thursday, said the ceremony took place at the Assembly Hall of the University on Tuesday in Keffi.

Ogadigbo stated that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, presented the award to Sirajo and said that the NIPR president bagged the award, based on his contributions to the growth and development of Public Relations in the country.

The University Management is proud of your sterling antecedents as a prime Public Relations professional and particularly for your support towards the growth of the public relations programme in the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Ogadigbo reported Mohammed as saying.

Mohammed noted that the award ceremony was part of activities marking the Universitys 2023 International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa.

Sirajo received the award in company of the Council Member representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Ike Neliaku.

Responding, the NIPR boss attributed most of his achievements in the profession to his passion for professionalism and excellence.

He noted that such recognition could only serve as a morale booster to do more for the institute and the country.

The NIPR boss was decorated at the well-attended event along with other eminent Nigerians and international scholars, with the Ag. Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe as Visitor to the University.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who was represented by Mr Isa Wasa Francis, was the Special Guest of Honour. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

Iwuanyanwu, some South East Governors and NEC mmembers of Ohanaeze Imeobi

By Emmanuel Afonne

Mrs Aqueen Ibeto, Chairperson Ohanaeze Ndigbo, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, has described the choice of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as a blessing to the entire Igbo race.

Ibeto stated this in a congratulatory message, signed on Thursday by the Media Consultant, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK/Northern Ireland, Ms Asa Blessing-Chijekwu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Her message comes just days after Iwuanyanwu was unanimously endorsed as the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide during a meeting in Enugu on Sunday of the Ohanaeze Imeobi, the highest decision making of the group.

Time has come for Igbo sons and daughters at home and abroad to come together to chat the way forward through the new Ohanaeze helmsman, in a united Nigeria, Ibeto said.

Iwuanyanwu was chosen as the new President-General of Ohanaeze and presented to Gov. Hope Uzodinma early last month following the death of Prof. George Obiozor in late December 2022.

The National Executive Council of the group had directed the people of Imo to find a credible replacement for Obiozor based on doctrine of necessity.

Ibeto, therefore, described Iwuanyanwu as a man with many parts, noting that his political tact and sagacity were testament to the quality of leadership he would inject into Ohanaeze.

We urge you sir, to focus on collaborating with the diaspora arm of Ohanaeze Worldwide to see how we can forge a common front for the good and future of our children.

By the grace of God, your wealth of experience will be brought to bear in the discharge of your duties as we chart a course for a successful future for every Igbo man in UK.

This appointment is coming at a critical time in the history of our country and Igbo people after the concluded 2023 general election where an Igbo man, Mr Peter Obi, made a significant impact through Labour Party.

We therefore congratulate you believing that with your capacity and political sagacity over the years, you will bring your wealth of experience to bear, Blessing-Chijekwu quoted Ibeto as saying.

It would be recalled that Iwuanyanwu held many public offices, including Board Chairman, Federal Road Maintenance Agency; Board Chairman, Nigerian Investment Promotion and founding Chairman, Raw Materials Research and Development Council of Nigeria.

Other positions he held include Chairman, National Productivity Merit Award; Chairman, Nigerian Sports Development Council; Founding Chairman, Nigerian National Lottery; Chairman, National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos; Pro-Chancellor, University of Calabar, Cross River State.

Iwuanyanwu founded over 20 limited liability companies including Hardel

By Olanrewaju Akojede

The Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Oluwatoyin Gafaar, says the state expects a carnival-like Lagos International Squash competition when it kicks off.

Gafaar spoke at a news conference to herald the tournament at the Sports Bar of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos will once again host the 200 point-ranking international squash competition.

The international classics, with ,000 prize money for Men and Women categories, will kick off on May 9 and end with a final match on May 13.

The squash tournament, backed by Professional Squash Players Association (PSA), is expected to attract players across the world, from France, Germany, Hong Kong, England among others as well as host country, Nigeria.

Gafaar, who restated the commitment of the state government to sports development, noted that the state would continue to witness more landmark international tournaments.

This is one of the classics that we have been sponsoring and have interest. We also have other classics, and we have been on this journey for a while.

This competition, Lagos International Squash Classic, is unique because it is a ranking tournament recognised by the world body.

We are happy because we will be hosting players from across the globe in Lagos participating alongside our home-based players.

We will always identify and support this competition because we are always showing interest in the development of sports and at this time around, we will do more, he said.

Gafaar also expressed the intention of the commission to encourage more home grown talents and groom them to stardom, a vision that the international squash classic represents.

We look forward to a carnival like tournament with such an international feel in the world of squash game.

The game is a good one that encourages sportsmanship and is already developed in Nigeria.

Hopefully, we are going to have exciting games with Nigerian talents and their foreign counterparts. We are proud to be associated with squash association, he said. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News