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Ekiti Govt Orders Probe As 100 Students Hospitalized After Fumigation

The Ekiti state government has ordered the probe of the incident which saw no fewer than 100 students of the Ekiti State Government-owned College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero Ekiti hospitalised on Wednesday following fumigation of the school by men suspected to be from the Federal Fire Service.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, who confirmed the incident, said 100 students were taken to the State Specialist Hospital, Ijero Ekiti.

Filani, who rushed down to Ijero Ekiti immediately the ministry was alerted, said, “Before I left the hospital at Ijero, 64 of them had been discharged, while about 34 are still in the facility. I expect many of them to be discharged Wednesday evening and Thursday.

“We sent two of the students to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, for observation and to ensure that they are in good condition and one other is undergoing investigation at the Afe Babalola University Multi-systems Hospital, Ado Ekiti.”

The commissioner, who said the federal fire service officials had been arrested by the police, noted, “Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

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Lagos Judicial Panel on SARS Related Abuses Has Not Made Any Finding on Lekki Toll Gate Incidence – Aregboruwa

I have just come across the Facebook post of Mr Joe Igbokwe, a member of the Lagos State Executive Council as Special Adviser to the Governor, to the extent that the Lagos Judicial Panel made a finding that nobody died from the Lekki Toll Gate Incidence of October 20, 2020. I was thoroughly embarrassed as I was diminished, by the said post, coming as it were, from someone who should know better.

I’m a member of the Lagos Judicial Panel. The Panel NEVER EVER said this. No such finding came from the Panel at all. As a matter of fact, the Panel has just opened the cases of EndSARS protesters, who have video evidence with which they hope to disprove the claims of the Nigerian Army that nobody was shot.

So, I truly don’t know where Mr Joe Igbokwe got his story from, but it’s certainly not from the Panel of which I am a member.

We are even yet to take evidence from the Lagos State Government, from the Chief Pathologist, we are yet to conclude the testimonies of the hospitals where it was alleged that people with gun shot wounds were treated.

So, how on earth can we conclude as a Panel that people died or people did not die when we are yet to hear the whole testimonies of those involved?

I do humbly appeal to all Nigerians to disregard the statement from Mr Joe Igbokwe which had no verifiable source. Members of the Panel are people with proven integrity and I can assure all Nigerians and indeed the entire world, that our findings will be based on truth; if people were killed at Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020, we will say so loud and clear and heavens will not fall, but if otherwise, we will also says so, clearly.

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Lagos Seals Off Chinese Firm Over Teenager’s Death

The Lagos State Safety Commission has sealed off a manufacturing firm, Mingy Trading Company Limited, for allegedly violating safety precautions in its operations.

The decision to shut the firm followed PUNCH Metro’s report that 17-year-old Babatunde Abdulrahmon lost his life in an industrial accident on the day he resumed work at the factory.

The spokesperson for the safety commission, Adewunmi Okoh, said the Director-General for the agency, Lanre Majola, while investigating the circumstances surrounding Abdulrahmon’s death, inspected the company and observed poor housekeeping, lack of safety signage, poor factory layout for emergency management, very poor recruitment process with no documented training records, poorly installed electric cables and poor record keeping.

While affirming the government’s commitment to the safety of lives and property of residents of the state, Okoh explained that the DG said on no account should any company employ an underage person to operate a mixer or grinding machine without proper training and use of personal protective equipment.

She stated that the manufacturing company was, therefore, sealed off for violating established safety protocols.

Okoh said, “The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of lives and property of the citizens. This assertion was made by the Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, while sealing off the Mingy Trading Company Limited, located at No. 11 Ila Orangun Street, Ijegun-Egba, Satellite Town.

“The action followed a publication in the PUNCH newspaper dated, Thursday, May 20, 2021, tagged: ‘Lagos teenage factory worker killed in industrial accident on resumption day’. Mojola disclosed that the fatality occurred due to violation of safety precautionary measures.

“The victim, one Babatunde Abdulrahmon, 17, was newly employed on the said day and immediately exposed to mechanical and electrical manufacturing equipment without training and provision for personal protective equipment.

“In the process of operating the equipment, he lost his life. There was also very clear evidence of poor housekeeping, lack of safety signage, poor factory layout for emergency management, very poor recruitment process with no documented training records, poorly installed electric cables and poor record keeping.”

Okoh explained that the DG, while condemning the events that led to Abdulrahmon’s death, said any organisation found culpable of violating safety protocols in the state would be dealt with in accordance with extant laws.

She said, “According to him, on no account should any company employ an underage person to operate a mixer or grinding machine without proper training and use of personal protective equipment.

“He reiterated the importance of having a tested electrical wiring system, appropriate safety signage, good housekeeping and a clean environment devoid of infractions and hazards to the lives of workers.

“He implored organisations to value lives above monetary gains and adopt best practices, adding that a culture of safety first should be our individual and collective responsibility.

“He declared zero tolerance for safety violations and warned that punitive measures would be taken against organisations found culpable with an assurance that extant safety laws would be applied.

“He urged members of the public to report incidents and infractions regularly to the Lagos State Safety Commission in a bid to have a safer Lagos for the citizenry.”

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Bakers Mull Increase in Bread, Biscuits Prices as Inflation Surges

Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) has directed its members nationwide to increase prices of bread, biscuits and other items by 30 percent due to devastating economic situation of the country.

The association explained the adjustment in price was as a result of the sudden increase in the costs of production as well as prices of sugar, butter, yeast and flour.

The directive was part of the resolution reached at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association in Abuja.

National President of the association, Mansur Umar, who read the resolutions explained: “After considering the impact of the skyrocketed prices of baking ingredients/materials, for the survival of our noble business, which is presently bleeding, the association came to the conclusion to adjust our prices by 30 percent.”

It called on the Federal Government to intervene and reverse the high tariff regime imposed by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and streamline regulation by allowing only NAFDAC to regulate bakers.

Besides, the association frowned at the incessant increase in the price of flour as it is forcing its members to close their businesses.

While directing members across the country to increase prices of their products to at least 30 percent to cushion effects of high cost of production, AMBCN called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps towards reducing the high price of flour as it is killing the business.

“The incessant increase of prices of flour and other baking materials is responsible for the decision.

“In the last six months, one truck of flour that we used to buy at less than N6m is now N9m,” the association said in a statement.

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Constitutional Review: Sanwo-Olu Demands Special Economic Status For Lagos, Fiscal Federalism, State Police

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday demanded a special economic status for Lagos, saying the progress and prosperity of Nigeria is inextricably linked to the progress and prosperity of Lagos State.

The Governor also demanded for a State Police and entrenchment of true fiscal federalism in Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the demands at the opening of the two-day Senate zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution under the leadership of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, held at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos State.

The Governor also commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for responding to the concerns of Nigerians on the need to carry out a review of the 1999 Constitution to reflect current realities.

“For us in Lagos State, the issues of State Police and fiscal federalism are at the top of the priority list for us, in this ongoing review process. Equally fundamental, particularly for us in Lagos State, is the issue of a Special Economic Status for Lagos, considering our place in the national economy and the special burdens we bear by virtue of our large population and limited land mass.

“I believe the need for this Special Status has been sufficiently articulated and justified. It suffices for me at this point to restate that this request is by no means a selfish one, but one that is actually in the interest of every Nigerian and of Nigeria as a nation.

“The progress and prosperity of Nigeria is inextricably linked to the progress and prosperity of Lagos State. A Special Status for Lagos State therefore must be a concern not only for the people of Lagos State alone, but for all Nigerians.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also called on all Nigerians within the zone being covered by the Senate Committee on Constitutional amendment to embrace the opportunity of the zonal hearing so that their voices and opinions will count in the amended constitution that will emerge.

He said: “This constitutional amendment process will provide Nigerians the opportunity to express their minds on the issues they want to see reflected in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, either by way of amendments to existing provisions, or entirely new provisions.

“This is another opportunity to build on the work that has been done so far. I should note that many of the issues that have been agitating the minds of the various stakeholders in the Nigerian project are already in the public domain. However, this Zonal meeting provides an opportunity to articulate and express them again, in the hope that this particular process will produce favorable outcomes.

“According to the National Assembly, the primary issues on the table for this Public Hearing include: Increased Participation of Women and Vulnerable groups in governance, Local Government Administration and Autonomy, State Police, Fiscal Federalism and Revenue Allocation, Judicial Reforms, Electoral Reforms, Residency and Indigene-ship, Constitutional Roles for Traditional Rulers, and many more.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu who commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for responding to the concerns of Nigerians on the need to carry out a review of the 1999 Constitution to reflect current realities, assured them of the Lagos State Government support in any way necessary to make the assignment easier and highly rewarding for all Nigerians.

Speaking at the events representatives of several states, town, communities, associations and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) spoke passionately on several issues that have to do with States creation, gender equality and special status, among others.

CAPTIONS:

PIX 1 L-R: Senator Olamilekan Solomon; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Senator Ibikunle Amosun during the opening of the senate committee zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

PIX 2 L-R: Senator Olamilekan Solomon, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Senator Ibikunle Amosun during the opening of the senate committee Zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

PIX 3: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (fifth right), flanked by Senator Ibikunle Amosun (fourth right); Senator Oluremi Tinubu (fifth left), followed by Senator Olamilekan Solomon; Senator Tokunbo Abiru and others during the opening of the senate committee Zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

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Constitutional Amendment: 1999 Constitution is overdue for Review ~ Gov. Akeredolu

As the process of constitution amendment is ongoing in the country, the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday said it would be better for the country to adopt the 1963 Constitution, which he said contained the principles of true federalism.

The governor, who berated the current 1999 Constitution, noted that the constitution was improper and needed to have been changed before this time.

Akeredolu stated this in his remarks at the opening of the zonal public hearing on the proposed alteration in the provision of the constitution, held in Akure, the state capital.

According to the governor, there was a need to correct the fundamental mistakes that had been made in the past on the existence of the country. He warned that the ongoing process of amendment of the 1999 Constitution must not be taken frivolously.

He said, “The current attempt at constitution amendment should be taken beyond the usual jamboree conceived and executed to arrive at the predetermined result. This country has been experiencing constitution review since 1922 when the colonialists pretended to give a semblance of representation in our affairs.

“The 1946 Richard’s Constitution followed due to agitations of the people who clamoured for more representation. The Macpherson’s of 1951 and Lyttleton’s of 1954 followed the same pattern. The 1958 Conference held in London gave provenance to the Independence Constitution of 1960. The 1963 Constitution retained Regionalism and upheld the principle of autochthony, an organic development of the law using local experiences.

“The republican status of the country was reflected. Each Region had considerable latitude to blossom at her own pace. There was devolution of powers in the true sense of the term. This was the period when even outsiders noticed the potential greatness of the nascent post-colonial country. The major provisions which allowed the three regions which existed before independence were retained in the 1963 Constitution. That remains the best document for a country as heterogeneous as Nigeria.

“It was the best practicable guide towards nationhood. Unfortunately, the military coup of 1966 destroyed that when it abolished regionalism and created the so-called provinces while imposing a unitary system on the country.”

He specifically warned that the exercise must not toe the path of the previous attempts at “tokenism,” saying “the basic law of any country must not be reduced to frivolities reflecting preferred whimsies.”

“It must not be oppressive of the minorities. Its provisions must indeed give teeth to the primary purpose for which the government exists. No provision of the law must not be justiciable as Chapter Two of the current 1999 Constitution seeks to impress on us. All the agitations of the peoples of this country must be looked into with a view to improving the economic power of the average citizens. The best way possible is to allow each region flower in its areas of comparative advantage” the governor implored.

In his own remarks, the Chairman, the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, explained that the ongoing review provides a platform for the people of Nigeria to express their opinions on the “fundamental law that governs our lives through proposals that will lead to the highest good for the greatest number of our people.”

Represented at the hearing by the senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, the chairman said, “No doubt, we are going to have diverse and differing views on the different themes of the exercise. However, the focus for this Committee is how to manage the review exercise in a fair, inclusive, credible, and transparent manner.”

Memoranda were submitted at the public hearing by the representatives of different groups from Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun states.

Some of the areas in the constitution they wanted to be reviewed included, power devolution, state police, gender equality, residency, local government, legislative and judiciary autonomy among .

Source: Punch news.

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Tinubu, Akande, Others Visit Buhari Over Military Plane Crash

APC leaders from the South West pay a condolence visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Villa in Abuja on May 25, 2021.

Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the South West on Tuesday paid a condolence visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President received the leaders, who came to sympathise with him on the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other military officers, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

They included APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu; former interim National Chairman of the party, Bisi Akande; and former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba.

Others were former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Alani Akinrinade, and former APC National Vice Chairman (South-West Zone), Pius Akinyelure.

Attahiru, who was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff in January, died in a plane crash in Kaduna on Friday last week alongside 10 other personnel of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force.

They included Brigadier-General MI Abdulkadir, Brigadier-General Olayinka, Brigadier-General Kuliya, Major LA Hayat, Major Hamza, Sergeant Umar, Flight-Lieutenant TO Asaniyi, Flight-Lieutenant AA Olufade, Sergeant Adesina, and ACM Oyedepo.

The remains of the late military personnel were later laid to rest amid tears on Saturday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

In honour of the deceased, President Buhari directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast from Monday to Wednesday in all public buildings, facilities, and official residences across the country.

He had also approved Monday as a work-free day for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Highlights of the visit by Tinubu and other APC leaders to the Villa are captured in the pictures below

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Oyo Govt Trains Officers On Multi-Linear Budgeting Process

The Oyo State government has hinted on its plans to commence a multi-linear budgeting process by 2022.

The State’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr Adeniyi Farinto disclosed this during a one-day capacity building on Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation which was held in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The training, which was for Budget officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State was to evaluate the immediate past budget (2020) and adequately plan towards the coming year’s budget.

Farinto, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Mofoluke Adebiyi, noted that the budgeting process has taken a new dimension in Oyo State.

Barr. Adeniyi said Oyo State was almost rounding off on the preparation of the medium term expenditure framework, from which future annual budgets will be derived.

“This means that the introduction of a multi-linear budget will cater for a three years’ budget which will be reviewed from time to time.

“The budget must be realistic and attainable, Oyo state is the Pace Setters State and this is why all hands must be on deck for the State to catch up with other States ahead and overtake, we must restore the old glory of the State.”

Appreciating Governor Seyi Makinde for opening up the budgeting system and getting the citizens to be involved in the budgeting system preparation, the commissioner explained that the State’s projection is to achieve 75% of the budget implementation.

He noted that no sector can perform without budget and charged the trainees to work diligently to achieve the set target.

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At 64, Aregbesola Is A Progressive Deserving Of All Admiration – Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, congratulates former Governor of the State of Osun and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on the occasion of his 64th birthday.

Governor Akeredolu describes Aregbesola as a man whose passion for service is contagious and admirable, particularly with his years of service as commissioner in Lagos State, two-term governor in the state of Osun and now a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Rauf has a remarkable record of simplicity and humility in public service. He is a progressive committed to the service of the country. He is deserving of all admiration.

“As you mark your 64th birthday, I am sure the country still has a lot to gain from your wealth of experience in various areas of public service. We are proud of you and many strides you have recorded in your service to the people of the state and the nation at large,” Governor Akeredolu says.

Arakunrin Akeredolu wishes Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola a very happy birthday while praying that the Almighty Allah will continue to grant him good health, peace and success.

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Replicate Gov. Makinde’s Good Governance At The Grassroots – Oyo PDP Tells New LG Chairmen

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Oyo State chapter, has congratulated the newly sworn-in Local Government Chairmen and charged them to replicate Governor Seyi Makinde’s policies and programs at the grassroots.

The party also maintained that it is optimistic about PDP’s victory in the rescheduled election in Ido local government billed for May 26, stressing that the track record of Honourable Sheriff Adeojo as one of the finest stock of politicians and public administrator in its fold will surely earn the party a resounding victory.

The ruling party in the state gave this charge on Tuesday 25th, May, via a signed press statement by Oyo state PDP’s Spokesman, Engr Akeem Olatunji, and made available to newmen.

Governor Makinde, according to the press statement has shown the desired political will expected of a responsive government to turn the fortune of Oyo state around for the best.

Olatunji in the statement maintained that Governor Makinde has continued to match his words, especially every policy statement with commensurate action which is clearly evident in both human and infrastructural development in the state.

The party explained that the council Chairmen must see their new offices as a call to service and must justify the trust and faith reposed in them by the people of the state who defied all odds to come out in large number on May 22 to cast their votes for them.

“The Executive Governor of Oyo state, our own ‘Mr Talk and Do’ has proved to the whole world that good governance is not a product of media propaganda but visible human and infrastructural development that improves the quality of life of the people.

“Governor Makinde has continued to make the PDP the toast of many even across opposition parties. Politics is never a do or die affair and must never be seen so which is why this government of our great party has continued to deliver on its mandate from day-one of taking over reins of power in the state.

“We urge you all to dedicate yourselves to the service of Oyo state in your various local government areas by replicating Governor Makinde’s laudable policies and programs in order to take good governance which the Makinde led government is reputable for to the doorstep of the people at the grassroots.

“Local Government administration is the closest to the people and your mandate as ambassadors of our great party in your various councils is to ensure that the people continue to enjoy dividend of democracy.

“We urge you to make your doors open for constructive criticism even as Governor Makinde has always exemplified by running open and all inclusive government.

“The Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo state presented you to the people from our stock of very fine, refined, and progressive minded political stock which was reciprocated by the people who have given you resounding victory at the poll, it is indeed a testament to the general acceptance of PDP across the nooks and crannies of Oyo state and we urge you to keep our party flag flying high.

“We are committed to provide all needed political support to ensure that you succeed in your new designations and pray God almighty grant you renewed tenacity, dexterity, political vigor to deliver on your mandate as local government Chairmen and chairperson,” the state concludes.

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