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Reps seek free treatment for cancer patients

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Reps seek free treatment for cancer patients

Cancer patients across the country may soon heave a sigh of relief as the House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to provide funding for the establishment of free cancer treatment centres across the country.

This followed the adoption of a motion on matter of urgent importance on “The Need for free cancer treatment in Nigeria,” moved by member representing Shanono/Bagwai Federal Constitiuency, Kano State, Mr Yusuf Badau.

The lawmaker described the devastation cause by cancer disease and the rising number of cancer patients in Nigeria as alarming, adding that “Urgent step is needed to cushion the effect on the affected persons of the disease.”

He said, “This disease has recorded unprecedented cases of deaths in recent time due to lack of government intervention in cancer treatment which result to difficulties been experienced by many affected persons in meeting the financial obligation of the treatment.

“The House is aware that majority of these affected persons are low-income earners mostly in rural communities where there is no or just little fund, awareness on prevention and managing cancer disease compared to other developed Nations of the world.

“The House is also aware that, there is urgent need for government to provide the legal framework to ensure free treatment of cancer in all teaching hospitals so as to eradicate or reduce the high rate of death caused by cancer disease in Nigeria.”

 

Following the adoption of the motion, the House Committee on Health Services mandated the Federal Ministry of Health to direct all teaching hospitals in the country to “Immediately establish cancer treatment centres and commence free treatment of cancer patients in their hospitals.”

The House also mandated the Federal Ministry of Finance and Budget Office of the Federation to appropriate funds to ensure the establishment of cancer treatment centres and free cancer treatment exercise in Nigeria.

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Anambra SUBEB chair denies involvement in N6.7bn contract scam

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Anambra SUBEB chair denies involvement in N6.7bn contract scam

The Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Associate Prof. Vera Nwadinobi, has denied any involvement in an alleged N6.7billion UBEC contract scam said to be uncovered and currently being investigated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

There have been reports making the rounds on social media platforms over the alleged N6.7bn contract scam said to be procurement funds meant for UBEC projects in Anambra for 2019, 2020, and 2021.

But in a reaction, when contacted over the development on the telephone on Tuesday, Nwadinobi, dismissed the allegations, saying they are “false and fabricated” stories from those who don’t want the “disruptive change” going on in Anambra.

The reports claimed that the funds were allegedly shared among the chairman of ASUBEB in collaboration with some government officials and their cronies.

Investigations revealed that the UBEC contracts in the period under review were awarded to people who did not participate in the technical bidding process of the board.

However, a source in ASUBEB confirmed to our correspondent that the officials fingered in the alleged scam have been invited by the ICPC to explain their alleged involvement in the development.

The source said, “Also, the anti-graft agencies including ICPC and the office of the Anambra State Auditor General have invited ASUBEB officials for questioning on the ugly developments in the award of contracts.

“The Executive Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board and some officials of the ASUBEB have been invited to explain their involvement in the scam by the ICPC on Wednesday morning.

“The development caused confusion at ASUBEB as the notice board where ‘qualified bidders’ list was pasted has been removed and replaced with another list. This happened during the last administration and government officials were guests severally at these anti-corruption agencies.”

The reports also had it that to perfect the scheming, a new Procurement head was brought to ASUBEB who is signing the contract award letters he never supervised and was never part of the Procurement process.

Documents from the office of ASUBEB showed that 12 companies were allegedly awarded contracts they never bid for and 50 other companies that failed the bidding process were also awarded such projects to execute.

During the telephone conversation with our reporter who sought clarification from the ASUBEB chairman over the development, she said the claims were fabricated lies.

She said, “They are all fabricated lies. Somebody is fabricating the stories, the person could not key into the disruptive change by the governor to better Anambra and rid the state of corrupt practices. They are all fabricated stories, none is true, bye bye for now.”

When also contacted on Tuesday through the telephone over the investigations, the Spokesperson for ICPC, Azuka Ogugua, told our correspondent to give her some time to make her findings and get back.

But on Wednesday, when reminded again by our correspondent, Ogugua simply said, “When an investigation is ongoing, we do not disclose the details. Thank you.”

Police arraign ex-NIRSAL MD for forgery

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Police arraign ex-NIRSAL MD for forgery

The Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday arraigned a former Managing Director of Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Plc, Aliyu Abdulhameed, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The former NIRSAL MD who was removed from office by former President Muhammadu Buhari, on December 1, 2022, was arraigned alongside Babangida Abdullahi on 10 charges bordering on conspiracy and document forgery.

In the suit marked: FHC)ABJ/CR/555/2023 the police said the defendants, and others now at large, were alleged to have, about October 23, 2023, conspired among themselves to commit an offence of forgery.

The defendants, and others now at large, were also alleged to have conspired among themselves to commit an offfence.

The offences were said to be contrary to Section 3(6) and punishable under Section 1(2){c} of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The prosecuting counsel, Celestine Odo, then urged the court to remand the defendants at the Kuje Custodial Centre.

Odo also informed the court he had penciled down five witnesses to prosecute the case.

He added that the prosecution would not call more than three witnesses to establish their case against the defendants, noting that documentary evidence would be tendered by the witnesses.

Giving his remarks on Odo’s comment, the trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, noted that he would take documentary evidence in a bundle.

He said, “You are going to bundle the documentary evidence per witness and paginate it from page 1 to the end.

“I will take the documentary evidence in a bundle and will not entertain any objection on admissibility.

“Parties will be at liberty to address the court after the trial on both admissibility and probative value. ”

The counsel for the defendants, Akin Olujimi (SAN), while applying for his clients’ bail, told the court he had filled an application on February 24.

He added that the prosecution had not filed any counter-affidavit in opposition.

When asked, Odo confirmed that the defence counsel served them with the application, adding that the prosecution was not opposing the request.

The judge subsequently admitted the defendants to bail on the terms of the administrative bail.

He ordered the prosecution to transfer the particulars of their bail to the court registry.

Ekwo, however, adjourned the matter til May 20, 21, 22 and 23 for trial.

Southern senators revive forum, appoint new leaders

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Southern senators revive forum, appoint new leaders

Senators from the southern part of the country have revived their forum.

They met for the first time on the platform of the Southern Senators Forum to inaugurate the forum nine months after the inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

The 51 senators from the 17 southern states, met and elected six executives under the Chairmanship of Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC Lagos East).

Other members of the executives are: Vice Chairman, Senator Victor Umeh (Labour Party, Anambra Central), Secretary, Senator Mpigi Barinada ( PDP, Rivers South East), Publicity Secretary, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong ( APC, Cross River North ) and Treasurer, Senator Kenneth Eze ( APC Ebonyi Central).

Addressing the forum at the inaugural meeting, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the forum has been in existence since the 9th Senate and not a newly formed forum.

He said his current position as Leader of the 10th Senate prevented him from providing the required leadership, which has necessitated the change of leadership which took place at the meeting .

The Senate leader said, “What is happening here today is not new as both the Southern and Northern Senators’ fora existed even before this 10th Senate.

“At this meeting of the Southern senators, new executive members will be announced to steer the affairs of the forum.

“The new chairman as unanimously agreed by Southern Senators is Senator Adetokunbo Abiru ( APC Lagos East) , Vice Chairman, Senator Victor Umeh (Labour Party , Anambra Central) , Secretary , Senator Mpigi Barinada ( PDP Rivers South East) , Publicity Secretary, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC Cross River North ) and Treasurer , Senator Kenneth Eze ( APC Ebonyi Central).”

Accepting his appointment as the new leader of the forum, Abiru said the forum would serve as a veritable platform for discussing, analysing and dissecting national issues by Southern senators for the purpose of moving Nigeria forward.

He added that they would partner with the Northern Senators Forum to move the country forward.

Abiru said, “This forum, the Southern Senators Forum is to champion the course of Nigeria and Nigerians. We have our Northern brothers with the Northern Senators Forum. We will work together with the Northern Senators Forum to move the country forward.

“We will swing into action and roll out our plans for the betterment of the region and Nigeria. We will map out our plans and work on them for the betterment of Nigeria and Nigerians generally.”

When asked by our correspondent why it took the forum nine months before its inauguration and if it had anything to do with what transpired in the plenary on Tuesday, Abiru said it had nothing to do with it.

He said, “No, it doesn’t have anything to do with what happened at the plenary yesterday. The last leadership headed by the leader of the Senate is just transferring their powers and responsibilities to us.

“We have been running, it’s not like we haven’t existed, what we just have now is a change of leadership because our former leader is now the leader of the Senate.

“So, what we had today is a change of leadership and we will follow in line with the direction they have given us. It’s continuity and we will all work together.”

Chartered institute of directors inaugurates South West executives

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Chartered institute of directors inaugurates South West executives

The Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, Abeokuta Southwest zone, has inaugurated its new executive officials.

The swearing-in, conducted by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, CIoD Nigeria, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, represented by the Secretary-General, Mr. Bamidele Alimi, was held at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during the institute’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday.

The inauguration witnessed the emergence of Chief Olabode Mustapha as the Chairman, Dr. Olubola Aikulola as Vice-Chairman, Olori O.M Aboderin-Olubasi as Secretary, Mr. Ogunseye Oluwaseyi as Treasurer, and Mr. Rotimi Olashore as Public Relations Officer.

Congratulating the new executives, Borodo expressed gratitude for the dedicated service of the zone’s inaugural Chairman, Chief Alaba Lawson, who served from 2017 until her death in October 2023.

He said, “I am honoured to stand before you today at the first Annual General Meeting of the Charter. I feel great to be among esteemed colleagues of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria.

“Let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to all esteemed members of the zone for this stride, and I must particularly use this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the inaugural Chairman of the Zone, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, F.IoD, who served from 2017 till her demise in October 2023.

“As we usher in new leadership to champion the affairs of the zone, I offer my congratulations and best wishes while assuring them of the institute’s support and dedication to advancing the zone’s activities and progress,.”

In his remark, the new Chairman, Mustapha, pledged to expand membership and organise events to attract valuable contributors to the Southwest zone.

“I am confident that with the inauguration of an EXCO for the zone, more members will undoubtedly be brought on board, and events will be organised to attract members who could significantly add value to the South West Zone and the whole of the institute, especially now that it has attained its Charter status.

“Let me, however, accord due respect to the former Chairman of the Branch, Late Iyalode Alaba Lawson, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council CIoD Nigeria, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, and his Governing Council members for their resounding and tireless effort in ensuring that the Institute’s Chartership portfolio becomes a reality.

“I must also recognise the DG/CEO, Mr. Bamidele Alimi, for his steadfastness and his entire team for their collective efforts in the institute’s stewardship roles,” he added.

He further commended the efforts of Borodo and the Governing Council for their collective roles in the institute.

CIoD Nigeria is a professional institute that promotes directors, develops corporate governance, represents members to the government, enhances the economy for business development, and provides services to its membership.

Zamfara bans tinted glasses, unlabelled bread

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Zamfara bans tinted glasses, unlabelled bread

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has signed an Executive Order prohibiting the use of tinted glasses, the sale of unlabelled bread, and the sale of over 50 litres of petrol throughout the state.

This was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, on Wednesday.

Lawal signed Executive Order No. 02 and Executive Order No. 04, 2024, to address various concerns identified as contributing factors to the security challenges in the state.

The statement read, “Following the recent spate of attacks on some communities across some local government areas of the state, particularly Zurmi, Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda and Talata Mafara and the resurgence of activities of banditry, kidnapping in communities and some major federal highways in the state, Governor Lawal has signed Executive Order No. 02 2024, banning the sale of unlabelled and packaged bread in sacks and prohibiting some unwanted activities in the state.

“All bakery production companies and enterprises must label their bread with the full address and particulars of their production factory with immediate effect.

“All petrol filling stations in the state shall not sell more than 50 litres of petrol to vehicles at a time. Petroleum product sales at filling stations are also restricted from 6am to 6pm.

“Transportation/sale of bread is restricted within the capital of every local government.

“For Gusau, the restriction is limited to the following areas: Damba—Zaria road; Gada Biyu—Sokoto road; Command Guest House along Kaura Namoda road; Gusau Garage—Dansadau road.”

The governor also prohibited the use of tinted glasses by all vehicle owners in the state.

“Vehicle owners are prohibited from covering their licenced number plates while driving.

“All vehicle owners must possess their vehicle particulars and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Zamfara State Road Traffic Law No. 2, 2015, and other relevant laws,” the statement added.

Benue varsity lecturers suspend strike

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Benue varsity lecturers suspend strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University Branch, Makurdi has suspended its strike.

This was contained in the statement issued by the chairman and secretary of the association, Comrades Kwagfan Tarnongo and Terrumun Gajir, respectively and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday.

The BSU ASUU has been on strike since February 1, 2024, to demand implementation and payment of accrued arrears of 2021, 2022, and 2023 promotions

The union said it suspended the strike based on the personal intervention of the visitor to the university, Governor Hyacinth Alia and his appeal and assurances that all the grievances of ASUU-BSU will be resolved as soon as it suspends the strike action.

“The Congress therefore mandated the Branch Executive Committee to enter into the tripartite agreement.

“Thus, the Congress of ASUU-BSU resolved to suspend the strike action in deference to the intervention of the Visitor and Executive Governor of Benue State.

“The Congress of ASUU-BSU firmly believes that the government under Governor Hyacinth Alia shall ensure that the agreement is implemented fully, expeditiously, and satisfactorily.

“In view of the foregoing, and following permission from ASUU National, ASUU-BSU wishes to inform the public that the strike it embarked upon on the 1st February 2024 has been suspended today, Wednesday 13 March 2024,” the statement read in part.

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Bauchi adjusts closing hours for civil servants

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Bauchi adjusts closing hours for civil servants

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has approved the adjustment of closing time for civil servants during the Ramadan fasting period.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by the Overseeing Director, Establishments for Head of Civil Service, Isma’il Ibn Garam, the governor said civil servants are to close at 3 pm from Mondays to Thursdays, while on Fridays, offices are to close at 1 pm with effect from the start to the end of the fasting period.

The statement added that the adjustment is to support Muslim civil servants in observing the sacred practices of Ramadan and to engage fully in worship.

“The government, therefore, encouraged the civil servants to use the holy month to pray for the prosperity and advancement of the state and nation at large,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Sokoto, has approved the payment of half the salary as a Ramadan gift to all civil servants from primary school teachers to local government staff as well as pensioners in the state.

This, according to the governor, formed part of his efforts to ensure that Muslims in the state start this year’s Ramadan fast comfortably.

A statement signed by his media aide, Abubakar Bawa, and made available to newsmen on Sunday read, “The governor in a magnanimous gesture, which is expected to commence tonight, is to assist workers in the state observe this year’s Ramadan fast with relative ease.

“Governor Aliyu, therefore, appealed to the Muslim ummah to use the sacred month to pray for Allah’s intervention in the numerous challenges hindering Nigeria’s development.

“He also called on traders and wealthy individuals in the state to show love and mercy to the have-nots for them to earn Allah’s mercy and forgiveness in this holy month.

“The governor thanked the people of the state for their continued support and fervent prayers to his administration, which he described as key to all the success so far recorded in the state.”

Pensioners threaten protest as FG withholds wage awards 

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Pensioners threaten protest as FG withholds wage awards 

Pensioners who retired from the Federal Civil Service have threatened a nationwide protest over the Federal Government’s failure to pay their wage awards.

The pensioners, under the aegis of Federal Civil Service Pensioners, an affiliate of the National Union of Pensioners, expressed dismay at the Bola Tinubu-led administration’s failure to pay the wage awards despite the untold hardship currently being faced by Nigerians following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol.

Tinubu announced during his October 2023 Independence Day speech that his administration will pay N35,000 to active workers and N25,000 to pensioners pending the completion of negotiations for the new minimum wage.

Though the government commenced the payment of active workers, the scheme was suspended before it took off again in December 2023 after pressure from the Organised Labour.

While addressing selected press members in Abuja on Wednesday, Sunday Omezi, President of the Federal Civil Service Pensioners, said pensioners were experiencing excruciating pain and agony.

“We feel constrained to bring to the knowledge of the world through this medium, the excruciating pains and agony we have been subjected to over the years by the same government we served vigorously and diligently with our youthful energy without blemish only to be abused, dehumanised, marginalised and neglected with reckless abandon, after sapping our energy and leaving us dejected and consigned to rot and death.”

Speaking on the unpaid wage award, Omezi said, “It is pathetic and disappointing to bring to the fore the non-payment of the N25,000 wage award promised to pensioners by the government.

“It is rather distasteful that up to date, no single payment has been made to pensioners. We are hereby demanding immediate payment of the award because it is so embarrassing for such a promise to be left unfulfilled.”

Omezi also noted that pensioners have been profusely crying tears of pain over the years, as evidenced by several official representations to the government.

“Our telling has been deliberately ignored, hence we are left with no option, but to cry out louder to the world to be informed of the pathetic condition we have been made to suffer by the same system that is expected to protest us.”

When asked whether the union would protest, Omezi said, “We are hoping it won’t get to that. That is the major reason we have this press briefing. However, if nothing is done, we may have to embark on a protest.”

Binance says it restricted 281 Nigerian accounts in 2022

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Binance says it restricted 281 Nigerian accounts in 2022

The largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, stated that it restricted 281 accounts belonging to Nigerians in 2022 due to money laundering concerns.

The exchange said it also collaborated with the Federal Government to protect users from illicit activity.

This information was disclosed in a statement published on its website on Wednesday.

A few weeks ago, Binance announced its decision to stop naira-to-dollar exchange services following a fallout with Nigerian authorities, who had accused the platform of manipulating the country’s foreign exchange rate.

The exchange mentioned that its team visited Nigeria twice in the fourth quarter, conducting comprehensive law enforcement training sessions for officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

With over 30 investigators in attendance for each full-day session, Binance said it provided a detailed overview of its operations, training Nigerian law enforcement on the intricacies of exchanges in the digital asset ecosystem.

“During these sessions, various case studies were presented, including those involving suspects from Nigeria. The positive feedback received from Nigerian investigators underscored their strong desire to sustain this cooperative format, the platform noted.

“Binance’s financial crime compliance teams processed 626 information requests related to Nigeria or from local law enforcement agencies between June 2020 and February 2024.

“The Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and INTERPOL Nigeria were among the many organisations that benefited from the information we supplied in their efforts to combat crimes ranging from money laundering, kidnapping, extortion, and scams,” it said.

The exchange also conducted a three-hour online workshop for 70 EFCC officials in August 2023. The workshop’s main objectives were to interpret Binance’s operational responses and determine how best to use our help.

“We worked closely with the authorities to safeguard users from illegal activity in a well-publicised action that occurred in January 2022, restricting 281 accounts that belonged to Nigerian residents because of worries about money laundering,” it added.

The crypto exchange recognises Nigeria’s thriving fintech ecosystem, anticipating that nearly half of all investments in Africa from 2019 to 2023 will be directed to the country.

“Operating alongside established global players like Binance is deemed vital for the cohesive growth of this ecosystem, fostering a supportive environment for dynamic local startups,” the company noted.

Binance explained that collaboration with regulators and law enforcement in Nigeria would accelerate its financial technology adoption.

According to the exchange, the suggestion is to rely on top-tier partners with a proven track record of productive partnerships with both Nigerian and international authorities.

Looking ahead, Binance expressed eagerness to continue positive interactions, aiming to contribute to the prosperity of every Nigerian through ongoing collaboration and support for the nation’s fintech evolution.

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