The Plateau Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP, has decried the dearth of personnel, conducive accommodation, functional vehicles and other needs crucial to efficiency.
The BPP also said the challenges had constituted a major setback to the effective operation of the bureau toward ensuring open contracting in the state.
This was disclosed by the Acting Director General of the agency, Mr Yabilsu Dogo, at a stakeholders’ consultative meeting organised by a group, Accountability Lab, in Jos the Plateau State Capital.
According to him, “We don’t have a conducive environment for procurement operations in the state.
”Few days ago, our entire office building was flooded and we are currently operating outside.
”As we speak, we don’t have a functional vehicle, how do we embark on monitoring projects?
”Our portal has been down for months, we have reverted to manual operations, and open contracting means making all government activities open,” he said.
Dogo also decried the unwillingness of most Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state to cooperate with the bureau by availing details of ongoing projects under them, for proper capturing.
Earlier in his address, Mr Onyekachi Chuwkwu, the consultant to the accountability lab, said the meeting was supported by Open Contracting Partnership (OCP) and funded by the United Nations Development Agency (UNDP, to promote open contracting and ensure accountability in the procurement processes of the state.
Chukwu identified a lack of political will, poor citizen engagement, low data, low incentives for personnel, and lack of autonomy, among others, as factors hampering the effective operation of the bureau in the state.
He, however, said that the meeting is particularly aimed at finding a lasting solution to the challenges of strengthening the procurement processes in the state.
We suffer shortage of staff, poor accommodation, no vehicles – Plateau BPP
We suffer shortage of staff, poor accommodation, no vehicles – Plateau BPP
Djokovic defeats Nadal as Daley dives to fifth Olympic medal
Novak Djokovic overcame a gritty Rafael Nadal comeback Monday in probably the last chapter of their epic tennis rivalry at the Paris Olympics, where British diver Tom Daley grabbed his fifth medal in five Games.
In the pool, Canada’s Summer McIntosh launched her bid for 400m medley gold in the morning session, with Australian Ariarne Titmus hotly tipped to win her second swimming gold later in the day.
With fans basking under glorious blue Paris skies, a happy contrast to the soggy opening ceremony only three days ago, golds are up for grabs in 11 sports.
As forecasters issued a heat warning for Paris and surrounding areas, the hottest ticket in town was at Roland Garros, where Djokovic and Nadal clashed for a 60th time.
Coming into the match, Djokovic held a razor-thin 30-29 edge in their rivalry but the Spaniard had always ruled the roost on the clay in the French capital down the years.
Age and injuries have caught up with the Spanish great however and he had warned before the match he would struggle to be competitive with Djovokic.
That proved painfully prescient in the first set as the ruthless Serb dispatched the former king of clay 6-1.
But Nadal rolled back the years in the second set, roared on by a packed Roland Garros crowd, fighting back from 4-0 down to 4-4 with two breaks of serve.
Djovokic found an extra gear at the end to claim a 6-1, 6-4 victory, the two tennis legends embracing at the net and Nadal waving to the Roland Garros faithful.
• ’Goofy Tassie girl’ –
Another electric night of swimming action is expected, with Titmus bidding to add the 200m freestyle crown to her dominant 400m triumph on Saturday, when she blew away rivals McIntosh and Katie Ledecky to retain her title.
The 23-year-old Titmus is favourite at 200m — she is reigning champion and world record-holder.
Her biggest threat is fellow Australian Mollie O’Callaghan, who boasted the fastest time ever until Titmus smashed it in June.
Monday’s other swimming finals are women’s 400m individual medley, men’s 200m freestyle, men’s 100m backstroke and women’s 100m breaststroke.
• ’It’s very sad’ –
In diving, Daley took an emotional silver medal with partner Noah Williams in the men’s synchronised 10m platform behind China’s Lian Junjie and Yang Hao.
Williams choked back tears as he recalled his former coach Dave Jenkins, who died in 2021 after the last Olympics in Tokyo.
Daley, whose father Rob died of cancer in 2011, told the BBC: “I’ve never seen Noah cry in my whole life, I know how much today mean to him.
“It’s very sad Dave is not here, but I know Dave and my dad would both be so proud to see us here today.”
Daley made his Olympic debut as a 14-year-old at the 2008 Beijing Games and won his first Olympic medal with a bronze at the 2012 London Games.
He took another bronze in Rio, then another at the Tokyo Olympics before finally winning gold in the men’s synchronised 10m platform event at those Games.
China scooped the first diving gold in Paris with victory ahead of the United States and Britain in the women’s synchronised 3m springboard.
• Seine events scrapped –
Another fascinating battle pits China and Japan against each other for gold in the men’s team final of the gymnastics.
Gold medals are also up for grabs in archery, canoeing, mountain biking, equestrian, fencing, judo, shooting and skateboarding.
Yuto Horigome defends his men’s skateboarding street title after the event was postponed on Saturday because of rain.
Japan could snatch all three medals, with the 2023 world champion Sora Shirai and 14-year-old Ginwoo Onodera also strongly fancied.
In women’s basketball, the United States launch their bid for an eighth consecutive gold medal when they open their campaign against Japan, with veteran Diana Taurasi aiming to snare a sixth gold in her farewell international tournament.
Meanwhile, Olympic organisers cancelled a second day of triathlon training in the River Seine planned Monday after weekend downpours polluted the waterway.
AFP
NCC orders MTN, others to reactivate blocked SIMs
The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) on Monday directed MTN Nigeria and other mobile telecommunication companies to reactivate Subscribers Identification Modules (SIMs) blocked over the National Identification Number (NIN).
Details later…
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Alleged Banditry, Kidnapping: Zamfara lawmaker in police custody
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Muhammad Shehu Dalijan, has confirmed the arrest of a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim, representing Kaura Namoda State constituency, over alleged banditry and kidnapping.
The Commissioner of Police also explained that the District Head of Kaura Namoda, Jafaru Abdullahi Kumburki and a former chairman of the LGA, Nasiru Muhammad, are in police custody over similar allegations.
According to the Commissioner, three district heads of Danjibga, Bukkuyum and Unguwar Gyauro in Tsafe and Bukkuyum LGAs, whose names have not been made public, are being investigated over the same issues.
Dalijan assured that a preliminary investigation by the police indicated that the district head of Kaura Namoda allegedly connived with two suspected bandits’ collaborators, Bala and Hali Sidi, and kidnapped nine people in Gidan Sambo village in Kaura Namoda LGA.
He said the trio allegedly collected N800,000 ransom before they freed their captives, saying that Ibrahim, the serving lawmaker in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, was arrested over an allegation of involvement in the kidnap of 80-year-old Alhaji Ibrahim Sarkin Fada of Kasuwar Daji village.
Dalijan said, “The former chairman of Kaura Namoda LGA, who is also under detention, allegedly connived with Hali Sidi and the said Alhaji Bala and kidnapped one Alhaji Ango of Kumurya village.”
The police commissioner stated that the district heads of Danjibga, Unguwar Gyauro and Bukkuyum will face an investigative panel set up by the state government over their involvement in banditry activities.
He observed that prior to the formation of the panel, the police had conducted an investigation on the matter and submitted their report to the state governor (Dauda Lawal) for further action, assuring that the police authorities would continue to identify, arrest and subsequently prosecute anybody found participating in banditry and other related crimes.
He said that the investigation is still ongoing and assured that whoever is found directly or indirectly involved in this case will be invited for questioning.
Alleged Banditry, Kidnapping: Zamfara lawmaker in police custody
Health-related infections cost Nigeria $4.5bn
The Federal Government said the total economic cost of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Nigeria has been estimated to be $4.5 billion in 2023.
The Coordinator of the National Infection Prevention and Control Programme at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Tochi Okwor disclosed this on Monday at the inauguration of the national IPC Technical Working Group in Abuja.
Okwor said the cost of the HAIs as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product has also been estimated to be up to 0.94 per cent.
HAIs are avoidable harms that result from healthcare when IPCs are not optimal in hospitals.
She stated that Nigeria also has a high burden of community-acquired infections.
“The total economic cost of HAIs in Nigeria has been estimated to be up to $4.5bn in 2023, and the cost of these HAIs as a percentage of our GDP has also been estimated to be up to 0.94 per cent, and the cost of treating these HAIs as a proportion of our total healthcare expenditure in 2023 has also been estimated to be up to 3.8 per cent.
“Infectious diseases are non-discriminatory as they can affect the lives of everyone, especially Nigerian patients receiving care who could be you or me. The Turn Nigeria Orange Programme is strongly linked to implementing strategies that would help increase awareness and reduce incidences of HAIs,” she stated.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate noted that HAIs pose significant threats to the health and well-being of Nigerians, and can lead to death.
Pate, who was represented by the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, said, “A recent study revealed that approximately 44 per cent of patients admitted to our hospitals acquire at least one HAI during their stay. The human and economic costs are substantial and have been calculated to cost $715 per episode, draining vital resources and funds that could be channelled towards other critical aspects of our health system.
“The burden of HAIs extends beyond financial implications, as it represents a threat to the health and productive years for our citizens, affecting the quality of life for countless families and healthcare workers.”
He, however, noted that strengthening IPC as well as water sanitation and hygiene practices, is vital to protecting the health of Nigerians.
He highlighted that effective IPC and WASH measures improve maternal and child health, reduce antimicrobial resistance, slow the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and enhance emergency preparedness and response.
“The establishment of this National IPC TWG also aligns well with the Global Action Plan on Infection Prevention and Control 2024-2030, which was recently approved by the World Health Assembly.
“Having a national IPC Technical Working Group is an important national-level indicator to track the national implementation of the Global Action Plan on IPC. With the inauguration of this technical working group, Nigeria has demonstrated leadership in infection prevention and control, and setting a precedent for other countries to follow,” she noted.
On his part, Idris said the inauguration of the National IPC TWG marks a significant milestone in the country’s collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health system through robust IPC measures.
The NCDC boss stated that the IPC serves as the first line of defence against the spread of infectious diseases, safeguarding patients, healthcare workers and the community at large.
The Country Representative of the World Health Organisation in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo noted that the IPC TWG would address health security, and promote an efficient, equitable and quality health system.
VIDEO: Nigerians have right to peaceful protest, no one can stop them
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has emphasised that Nigerians have the constitutional right to peaceful protest, and no one can deny them this right.
In an interview on TVC’s “Politics on Sunday” on July 28, Ngelale stated, “There is nobody within our administration that has the standing, the command, or the gravitas to tell Nigerians that they cannot peacefully protest and that they cannot peacefully protest in any part of the country.
“We are not in office to dominate our people, we are in office to serve our people. And this is the position of the president.
“President Bola Tinubu has been very clear that the notion of peaceful protest is a central component of an effective function in democracy.”
Ngelale further emphasised, “Anyone who disagrees with the notion from inside the government, the notion that we are here to serve our people and not dominate them, they are lining up themselves against the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who will defend the right of Nigerians to peaceful protest in any part of the country. And we want to be very unequivocal about that.”
Watch the video below:
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Contact: [email protected]
#EndBadGovernance protests possibly on agenda as National Assembly holds emergency plenary on Wednesday
The National Assembly will hold an emergency plenary session on Wednesday to deliberate on issues of national importance.
The spokesman for the House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Akin, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.
He said the session would focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention.
Although the statement was silent on the issues to be deliberated by the lawmakers, there are insinuations that the session was convened as a last-minute effort to stave off the planned nationwide protests over hunger and other economic problems slated to hold on August 1.
The statement read: “The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., a plenary session has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
“Honourable members have been duly summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session. This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.
“The House had commenced its annual recess on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The Annual Recess provides Honourable Members with the opportunity to engage extensively with their constituencies, ensuring that the legislative process remains attuned to public input.
READ ALSO:National Assembly extends recess by one week, to resume January 30
“This period also allows for in-depth engagements at the grassroots, facilitating a deeper understanding of the constituents’ needs and priorities.”
“The forthcoming session will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention. Honourable Members are expected to make the necessary arrangements to ensure their presence.”
In a similar move, the Senate has also fixed an emergency plenary for the same day.
The Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, in a memo said matters of critical national importance would be discussed at the session.
The memo read: “The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened.
“Distinguished Senators are requested to make all necessary arrangements to attend as issues of national importance will be discussed.
“We regret all the inconveniences this interruption of the recess will cause. Thanks for your usual understanding.”
Last Tuesday, both chambers of the National Assembly had adjourned plenary till September 17 as members headed for their annual recess, which was to last seven weeks.
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Nigeria’s problems centuries old, Tinubu not magician
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged Nigerians to be patient and give President Bola Tinubu more time to address the nation’s economic challenges.
In response to growing discontent and the planned August protests against economic hardship, Tunji-Ojo, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, emphasised the complexity and historical depth of the nation’s economic issues.
“Mr President, to the best of my knowledge, never campaigned to be a magician; he campaigned as a statesman. He campaigned on the basis of ‘Renewed Hope’. Before hope could be renewed, it had dwindled,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
He highlighted that solving economic problems rooted in decades of mismanagement cannot be achieved overnight.
“What you see today is an accumulation of mismanagement over the last 100, 60, 30 years,” he added.
The minister’s plea for patience comes amid skyrocketing prices of food and basic commodities, exacerbated by the government’s recent economic policies, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of forex windows.
These measures, though intended to stabilise and strengthen the economy in the long run, have sparked one of the country’s worst inflation rates and economic crises in recent memory.
Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the immediate hardships these policies have caused but insisted that they were necessary steps for the nation’s long-term sustainability.
“Nigeria is going through a surgical process and will emerge healthy and strong. We are pleading for time,” he said.
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Nigeria’s protest history since 1999 — A timeline from anti-fuel hike to #EndSARS
Since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, the nation has witnessed a series of protests reflecting the populace’s persistent demand for better governance, social justice, and economic reforms.
These protests, ranging from anti-fuel hike demonstrations to the globally recognised #EndSARS movement, have played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
Each wave of protests underscores the citizens’ resilience and determination to hold their leaders accountable and address systemic issues.
According Online reports that Nigerians are gearing up for a nationwide protest on August 1 against hunger and hardship stemming from economic policies and subsidy removal under President Bola Tinubu.
Additionally, the recent ban by network providers on millions of subscribers over the weekend has led to protests in major cities across the country, including Lagos, Osogbo, Oyo, and Niger, among others.
This timeline provides an overview of the major protests that have erupted in Nigeria over the past two decades, highlighting the key events and underlying causes driving these collective actions.
1999 – 2009
1. 2000 – Sharia Law Protests:
The introduction of Sharia law in some northern states led to protests and violent clashes.
2. 2003 – Anti-Fuel Hike Protests:
Widespread protests were organised by labour unions against the government’s decision to increase fuel prices.
3. 2005 – Occupy Nigeria (Early Protests):
Protests against corruption and poor governance.
4. 2007 – Electoral Protests:
Protests against the alleged rigging of the presidential elections won by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
2010 – 2015
5. 2010 – Anti-Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests:
Protests against the removal of fuel subsidies led to increased fuel prices.
6. 2012 – Occupy Nigeria:
Massive nationwide protests against the removal of fuel subsidies which significantly increased the cost of living.
7. 2014 – #BringBackOurGirls:
A global movement and protests following the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State.
2016 – 2020
8. 2016 – Biafra Agitations:
Protests by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the secession of the Southeast region.
9. 2017 – Anti-Buhari Protests:
Protests demanding President Muhammadu Buhari’s resignation due to prolonged medical leave abroad.
10. 2018 – NLC Protests:
Strikes and protests by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) demanding an increased minimum wage.
11. 2020 – #EndSARS Protests:
Nationwide protests against police brutality, specifically the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), resulted in significant international attention and the eventual disbandment of SARS by the Nigerian government.
2021 – Present
12. 2021 – #EndSARS Memorial Protests:
Memorial protests marking the one-year anniversary of the #EndSARS movement.
13. 2022 – ASUU Strike Protests:
Protests and strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over unpaid allowances and inadequate funding of the education sector.
14. 2023 – Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests:
Protests against the removal of fuel subsidies by the new administration of President Bola Tinubu, leading to increased fuel prices and cost of living.
This timeline highlights some of the significant protests in Nigeria since 1999, reflecting ongoing issues related to governance, economic policies, human rights, and regional agitations.
#EndBadGovernance protests possibly on agenda as National Assembly holds emergency plenary Wednesday
The National Assembly will hold an emergency plenary session on Wednesday to deliberate on issues of national importance.
The spokesman for the House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Akin, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.
He said the session would focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention.
Although the statement was silent on the issues to be deliberated by the lawmakers, there are insinuations that the session was convened as a last-minute effort to stave off the planned nationwide protests over hunger and other economic problems slated to hold on August 1.
The statement read: “The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., a plenary session has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
“Honourable members have been duly summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session. This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.
“The House had commenced its annual recess on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The Annual Recess provides Honourable Members with the opportunity to engage extensively with their constituencies, ensuring that the legislative process remains attuned to public input.
READ ALSO:National Assembly extends recess by one week, to resume January 30
“This period also allows for in-depth engagements at the grassroots, facilitating a deeper understanding of the constituents’ needs and priorities.”
“The forthcoming session will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention. Honourable Members are expected to make the necessary arrangements to ensure their presence.”
In a similar move, the Senate has also fixed an emergency plenary for the same day.
The Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, in a memo said matters of critical national importance would be discussed at the session.
The memo read: “The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened.
“Distinguished Senators are requested to make all necessary arrangements to attend as issues of national importance will be discussed.
“We regret all the inconveniences this interruption of the recess will cause. Thanks for your usual understanding.”
Last Tuesday, both chambers of the National Assembly had adjourned plenary till September 17 as members headed for their annual recess, which was to last seven weeks.
The post #EndBadGovernance protests possibly on agenda as National Assembly holds emergency plenary Wednesday appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.