The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has lamented inadequate personnel to carry out its functions in the country.
The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, stated this in Abuja when the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, visited her office.
The NAFDAC boss, who expressed the agency’s readiness to partner with the NCTC, said they needed more personnel.
According to her, the agency has just 2,000 staff, stating that they need more than 12,000 personnel, citing the country’s population.
”As a regulatory agency, we are supposed to have 12,000 staff, but we are barely 2,000 in a country of more than 230 million.
”NAFDAC staff work round the clock. We are not just a civil service organisation but a regulatory body that is mandated to protect lives on a daily basis from food to drugs, to water, precursors and chemicals that can fall into the hands of the terrorists,” she said.
She said NAFDAC was suitably positioned to fight drug counterfeiting, drug abuse, unwholesome food and unauthorised handling of chemicals fuelling terrorists operations and other criminal activities in the country.
According to her, NAFDAC, being a World Health Organisation Maturity Level 3 Regulatory Authority, has highly qualified experts and well equipped laboratories.
We have just 2,000 staff – NAFDAC laments
We have just 2,000 staff – NAFDAC laments
Afam Osigwe emerges new NBA president
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Afam Osigwe, has emerged as the president-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
Osigwe, the former Secretary-General of NBA, got the highest number of votes for the position of the president from the results of the 2024 NBA election held online.
Similarly, Mrs Bridget Ijeoma Edokwe emerged as the Publicity Secretary of the association.
The voting, which started at 12am on Saturday, ended at 1.59pm with the live results for all positions displayed real-time.
Osigwe secured 20,395 votes, defeating his closest rival and chairman of the NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, Tobenna Erojikwe, who scored 10,970 votes, while former chairman of NBA Lagos Branch, Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, got 9,007 votes.
Osigwe will take over from the outgoing president of NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN.
Afam Osigwe emerges new NBA president
Euro 2024: Police ‘foiled ISIS attack’ before England vs Spain final
It has emerged that German Police foiled a suspected ISIS terror attack hours before the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain last Sunday.
The game saw thousands of fans from both countries travel to the fan zone in Berlin’s Breitscheidplatz.
ISIS had threatened to carry out an attack during the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League.
And ahead of the Euros, both the organisers and German security forces took a heightened approach to policing during the tournament.
According to The Sun, the police raided different addresses in the nearby city of Potsdam.
This came after fears arose over a potential imminent attack on the England fan zone.
The five men police were searching for are said to be known ISIS supporters and were already under German police surveillance.
The men were placed under investigation and three suspects have since been released under investigation.
German police said in a statement: “The homes of three men were searched at three addresses in Potsdam.
“Forces from the special task forces were involved in the operation. The measures were carried out in connection with an immediate threat from the Islamist spectrum.”
Spain won their first major trophy in 12 years, defeating England 2-1 in the final.
Euro 2024: Police ‘foiled ISIS attack’ before England vs Spain final
NiMet predicts 3-day thundery, rainy, weather conditions from Sunday
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Sunday to Tuesday across the country.
NiMet`s weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja, forecast thunderstorms on Sunday with rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Yobe States during the morning hours.
It said later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the entire northern region. Rains are expected over the North Central region in the morning hours.
NiMet further revealed that moderate thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Benue and Kogi states.
According to the agency, intermittent rains are anticipated in the morning hours over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta states.
The agency said intermittent rains are expected to prevail over parts of Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa states during the afternoon/evening hours.
It predicted morning thunderstorms on Monday with rains over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kaduna, Borno, Taraba and Katsina States.
NiMet envisaged moderate thunderstorms later in the day over parts of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa and Katsina States.
The agency anticipated rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Plateau states during the morning hours.
It said that there are prospects of intermittent rains over parts of Edo, Rivers and Delta states with Cloudy atmosphere over the remaining southern states.
Then, later in the day, moderate/intermittent rains are expected over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Rivers States.
According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are predicted on Tuesday with rains over parts of Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, and Taraba States.
The agency forecast thunderstorms over the entire northern region later in the day.
It predicted rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kwara states with cloudy skies over the remaining states during the morning hours.
In the afternoon or evening hours, intermittent rains are expected over part of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger states.
There are prospects of morning rains over parts of Edo, Delta, Imo and Anambra States with cloudy skies anticipated over the remaining parts of the southern region.
Later in the day, intermittent rains are expected over parts of Ondo, Edo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa states.
NiMet advised the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.
It further advised the residents to avoid flood-prone areas as high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities could occur due to downpours.
NiMet predicts 3-day thundery, rainy, weather conditions from Sunday
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Sunday, July 21, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. I’m not in APC, but appreciate Tinubu’s bold reforms —Okupe
A former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said on Saturday he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but appreciates the bold reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.Read more
2. Edo Deputy Gov Shuaibu defects to APC from PDP in surprise move
Philip Shuaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, on Saturday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).Read more
3. PROTEST: Presidency accuses Peter Obi supporters of plotting mayhem
The Presidency, on Saturday, alleged that supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, are planning a nationwide protests aimed at destabilizing the country.Read more
4. Obi accuses presidency of blackmail on planned protest
The Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has rejected an attempt by the presidency to link him with the planned protest in the country.Read more
5. Ganduje inaugurates campaign council, vows to reclaim Edo for APC
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje, on Saturday vowed to reclaim Edo State for the party in the September 21 election in the state.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, July 19, 2024
6. Why we didn’t participate in Ebonyi local council election – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has given reason for its non-participation in the local council election in the state.Read more
7. Rights group demands probe as politician is brutalized by security agents for allegedly criticizing Kaduna Gov, Sani (Video)
The United Nigerians Against Crimes (UNAC), a prominent civil society organization, has strongly condemned the alleged brutalization of a politician Alh. Abdulmajid Danbilki Komanda as captures in a viral video.Read more
8. NSCDC arrests nine illegal fuel dealers, others in Akwa Ibom
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested nine suspects for illegal dealings in petroleum products and other offences in Akwa Ibom State.Read more
9. Charly Boy challenges Odumeje to save Nigeria from ‘burning’
The former President of the Performing Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Charles Oputa aka Charly Boy, has urged controversial preacher, Chukwumeka Cyril aka Odumeje to use his power to save Nigeria.Read more
10. ‘Team Nigeria must surpass 1996 Olympics performance’
Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, says his 2024 Olympic Games goal is for Team Nigeria to exceed the nation’s best Olympic performance, which was achieved in 1996.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Sunday, July 21, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Banditry: Katsina residents stage protest
Residents of the communities affected by banditry in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State on Saturday urged the government to intensify efforts in protecting their lives and property.
The people made the call during a peaceful protest to show their concern on how bandits were recurrently perpetuating their nefarious activities in the area.
The residents blocked the ever-busy Marabar-Kankara to Katsina and Kano State road, as well as the road linking Malumfashi to Funtua and Kaduna State.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, one of the residents who gave his name as Muhammad Sabiu, said they wanted the government to hasten tackling the problem, lamenting that “what is happening in these areas is bad.”
“The most affected areas include Malumfashi West, Burdugau, Unguwar-danguna, Yar-teba, Dangume, up to Yargoje.
“Right now, there are corpses of people killed by the bandits in the bush and they have prevented us from evacuating them.
“The killings happened three days ago. That is what is happening day and night in our communities.
“We are calling on the government and the authorities concerned to hasten intensifying measures to curtail the problem.
“They have even prevented some of us from farming, so life in those places has become extremely difficult,” he said.
Another resident, Alhaji Salmanu Yusuf, said: “We blocked the roads to show our sadness over the high rate of insecurity in the communities.
“Most of the children around us are orphans and they don’t have food to eat, so we need urgent support”.
On his part, Sagir Sa’ad, also decried the high rate of insecurity in their areas.
“Right now, there are over 12 corpses of people killed by the bandits that have not evacuated,” he bemoaned.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu-Danmusa, said, ”’It was over and the protesters were already addressed by the Galadiman Katsina, District Head of Malumfashi.”
It would be recalled that the North-West Governors’ Forum and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently organised a security summit with a view to addressing the lingering insecurity in the zone.
The two-day summit, held in Katsina on June 24, had the theme: “Regional Cooperation for securing lives and livelihoods”.
The state governor, Dikko Radda, who is the Chairman of the forum, stressed the importance of confronting the menace collectively.
Radda said that their goal was providing peace and ensuring the security of lives and property in the region.
Banditry: Katsina residents stage protest
Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN gunmen, capture weapons in Abia
The Nigerian Army says its troops have successfully dislodged and destroyed a terrorists’ camp belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The army, in a post on its official X-handle on Saturday, said the operation was conducted early in the day in the Ezere Forest of Umuawa Aku, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.
It said the operation, which also extended into Akawa Nnneato and Lomara communities in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia, resulted in the capture of a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and other assorted items.
It said the troops acting on actionable intelligence regarding the harassment and intimidation of local residents by the terrorist elements, swiftly mobilised to neutralise the threat.
According to the post, troops, in arrival, engaged the terrorists in a fierce shootout, dislodging them from their camp.
It added that the troops exploited their success and gave the fleeing terrorists a hot pursuit, compelling them to abandon a significant cache of arms.
These, it said, include one GPMG, assorted rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two communication radios.
“The operation underscores the Nigerian army’s undeterred commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
“Troops will be decisive in dismantling any threat to ensure the safety of the communities.
“This significant operation serves as a testament to the army’s dedication to protecting civilians and combating terrorism.
“The successful operation has not only served to disrupt the activities of the terrorist group but also sends a strong message on the army’s resolve to restore and maintain order in the affected areas,” it said.
Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN gunmen, capture weapons in Abia
War: Stay in shelters – Military warns as Russia attacks Ukraine capital, Kyiv
Serhiy Popko, the head of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv’s military administration, has warned residents of the city to stay indoors.
This is following multiple missile attacks fired on the capital city by the Russian military.
The Guardian, UK, reports that Ukraine’s air defence systems were engaged in repelling a Russian air attack on the capital.
The Ukraine’s military said on Sunday that it has activated its defense systems.
“Air defence systems are being activated on the approaches to Kyiv,” Popko said on Telegram.
The military head added, “Stay in shelters until the air raid alarms are lifted.”
War: Stay in shelters – Military warns as Russia attacks Ukraine capital, Kyiv
Nationwide protest: ‘Tinubu, locust cabal only love wealth of Nigeria’ – Ex-Minister
Nigeria’s former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung has said that President Bola Tinubu and his ‘locust cabal’ love only the wealth of Nigeria.
Dalung also berated Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesperson, for claiming that the proposed nationwide protest against bad governance is meant to destabilize the country.
The former Minister in a post on his X handle on Saturday said that Onanuga’s statement was not only uncharitable but wicked.
According to him, “the generation of Nigerians demanding for good governance, accountability and justice are more entitled to Nigeria than the group of scavengers occupying power.”
Dalung insisted that the proposed protest is sacrosanct, saying it is to demand accountability from those who are destroying Nigeria’s common heritage.
His words: “Make no mistake about it, we love our country but @officialABAT and his locust cabal love only the wealth of Nigeria.
“The protests are to demand for accountability from those who are destroying our common heritage. Nigerians have nowhere to go but @officialABAT has France, while others have Europe, Canada and USA.
“Therefore @aonanuga1956 calling out Nigerians as those planning to destabilize Nigeria is not only uncharitable but wicked.
“The generation of Nigerians demanding for good governance, accountability and justice are more entitled to Nigeria than the group of scavengers occupying power. Take it to the bank, the protests are sacrosanct.
“Deploying antics of divide and rule will not only fail but antiquitated. The only antidote to the protests is for @officialABAT and his cult of plunderers to surrender to the demands of the people.
“The fear of the protests degenerating into anarchy is evil imaginations of your mind calculated at abating holding the government responsible. All we are demanding is good governance, which is not too much.”
Nationwide protest: ‘Tinubu, locust cabal only love wealth of Nigeria’ – Ex-Minister
Minimum Wage: Gov Oborevwori labour friendly, won’t take back seat – Delta govt
Delta State government has assured that the administration of Gov Sheriff Oborevwori, as a labour friendly state, will not take the back seat over what it will pay its workers as minimum wage.
This came after the federal government’s approval of N70,000 minimum wage.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, spoke on Saturday while declaring the position of the state government on the payment.
He said, “So be rest assured that our Governor. Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to the welfare of workers in the state, especially now that a new minimum wage has been agreed on and is waiting for the National Assembly’s consent.”
On whether the state government will need federal government’s assistance to pay the new minimum wage or will ask for an upward review in the monthly allocation, he said that President Tinubu himself has also assured that efforts will be made to support the private sector and sub-national entities (State and Local Governments) to ensure that they can afford to pay the new minimum wage.
“So there is no doubt that the state governments and the federal government will be working closely together to ensure that all measures will be put in place to see that the new minimum wage is paid.
“The Governors Forum will also be expected to meet and take a collective position on the new minimum wage,” he added.
Minimum Wage: Gov Oborevwori labour friendly, won’t take back seat – Delta govt