Day: May 28, 2024

Reverend Father Emmanuel Okpoti Kofi Oddoye, a witness in the trial of Dr Stephen Opuni and two others, says the Committee for Testing Chemicals and Machines (CTCM) needs to be reorganized to make it more effective.

The witness, who chaired an Adhoc Committee to investigate the testing of Cocoa Nti Fertilizer made a recommendation to the CTCM.

Rev. Father Oddoye said the Committee should put together a document to spell out the steps to be followed in testing chemicals and machines.

Rev Father Oddoye, a subpoenaed witness for Mr Seidu Agongo, was speaking in his evidence led by Mr Benson Nutsukpui, Counsel for Seidu Agongo, a Businessman.

He said the document would ensure that all chemicals and machines went through a standardized test.

Dr Opuni and Mr Agongo are facing 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretences, willfully causing financial loss to the State, money laundering, and corruption by a public officer in contravention of the Public Procurement Act.

They have both pleaded not guilty to
the charges and are on a GHS300,000.00 self-recognizance bail each.

The former Deputy Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) said at the time of the investigation, the CTCM did not have spelt out steps to be followed in testing chemicals and machines.

He said the recommendation suggested that the CTCM should have a book or a combined methodology that every scientist should follow or be guided by.

The witness said at that time, the methodology used for even the same class of chemicals was found to have deferred.

‘In this regard, they will need to consult CRIG’s biometrician to make sure that the field experiments are properly laid out and analyzed,’ he added.

He said the circumstances surrounding the receipt of Cocoa Nti fertiliser by Dr Alfred Arthur to be tested were the reasons and other evidence that the Committee heard during their sittings that made them come up with such a recommendation.

He explained that it meant that in the case of fertilisers, some samples required
just a laboratory acid analysis, whereas others required a field test in addition.

Rev Oddoye said in Dr Arthur’s submissions, that the initial samples were coming directly to CRIG without reference to COCOBOD.

In the same submissions, he came out that later in 2014, scientists were informed that all requests for testing of chemicals must come from COCOBOD.

He explained that the Committee was trying to correct or recommend that appropriate guidelines be put in place to ensure that all Chemicals and Machines come to CRIG through COCOBOD with the necessary documentation.

‘The new format will ensure that the testing of any Chemical will fit a standardized format,’ he added.

He said they recommended punishment for Dr Arthur who was transferred to the CRIG substation at Bunso, ‘and l suspect he was also suspended but l can’t remember.’

The witness said because of the election general and the change in the governance structure of the country, ‘we were directed to ask to reinstate Dr Arthur to resume work at t
he Soil Science Division at CRIG, Tafo and not at the Bunso Sub-Station.’

He said the directive was issued by Dr Yaw Adu-Ampomah, a former Deputy Chief Executive of COCOBOD in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control.

Rev Father Oddoye said he was not given an option but was directed to write a letter for him to resume his position.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Federal Government has proactively attracted foreign investments to the Nigerian automotive industry.

Mr Joseph Osanipin, the Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development (NADDC), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Osanipin said a significant effort geared towards this move was the recent meeting with the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) on May 3.

According to him, AAAM, consisting of eight major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in Africa, has expressed keen interest in investing in Nigeria.

‘They are looking at areas and how to invest in Nigeria because they know we have something that is unique and that’s the market, the population and then the growing youth.

‘When you look at the age of the Nigerian population, you will now know that a lot of Nigerians are below 40 years. These are the people that buy cars more.

‘So they know this is where to invest. We are working with them, we know their concerns, we have noted
them and we are working with those concerns.

He said the investors were discussing with the Federal Government on how to explore investment opportunities in the country.

On vehicle recalls, the NADDC said the council focused on ensuring the quality of locally assembled vehicles to meet global standards.

‘So what we will try to do with our own assemblers is; there are some basic processes to ensure quality assurance. We always make sure that those basic processes are in place and adhered to.

‘Some of these vehicles that are recalled, it is when you are using it you realise something is wrong either with the braking system or feasibility or a lot of things.’

According to Osanipin, every vehicle assembled in Nigeria undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compliance with safety standards.

He said NADDC also had a compliance unit that monitored service failures and quality issues and ensured that appropriate actions were taken.

The director-general said that for vehicles that required recall, the council alwa
ys followed up with its representatives from Nigeria to tackle the issue.

Osanipin said the efforts to attract foreign investments, ensure safety and quality, and promote locally assembled vehicles were all part of a comprehensive strategy.

According to him, the strategy is to strengthen the automotive industry and drive economic prosperity.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Ladies section of the IBB International Golf and Country Club has sensitised children of the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Abuja, on the need for personal hygiene and dangers of child abuse.

Lady Captain of the Club, Dame Julie Donli who led members of the club to the IDP Camp on Monday to identify with the kids on the Children’s Day celebration, called for more support for them.

She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the visit was meant to uplift the less privileged children and give them a sense of belonging.

‘Today is a day to celebrate the children, we are here at the IDP camp in Durumi to celebrate our lovely children that are displaced.

‘We need to give them a sense of belonging, in spite of the fact that they are in a displaced camp, we are trying to tell them we care about them, we love them.

‘They are not different from the regular children and that is why we decided to bring the party to them and also talk to them about hygiene and other issues,” she said

Earlie
r, the Social Secretary of the Club, Omon Isemede said this year’s Children’s Day celebration was taken out of the lush green golf course, to create wider impact.

‘We are here today to celebrate with the kids in the IDP camp, we also gave a talk about hygiene and how to take care of themselves, even though they are displaced, little things like this matter,’ she said.

NAN reports that the pep talk to the children focused on the need for personal hygiene, dangers of child abuse/molestation and the need to take their education seriously.

High point of the occasion was the presentation of gifts to the kids and donation of N200, 000 to the IDP camp for their upkeep.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has named the Southern Parkway, from National Christian Centre to Ring Road I (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway), after President Bola Tinubu.

Wike announced the honour during the inauguration the road for public use, in Abuja on Tuesday, as part of activities to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

He said that development of the Southern Parkway, now Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, at par with the Northern Parkway, was awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nigeria Ltd. at N16.23 billion.

He added that the cost of the project was later revised to N35.76 billion in March 2021 due to changes in scope and other economic indices.

He explained that the road would provide freeway access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.

‘I am happy that the project is now completed in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of Mr. President, which will enhance traffic circulation around the city centre, thereby,
reducing delays in travel time.

‘It will also complement the developed portion of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the Southern Districts of Garki, Gudu, and Durumi.

‘The road will also accelerate the development of the Southern axis of the city in general, thereby, bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and visitors to the city.

‘It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolved that this very important road be named the ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way’,’ Wike said.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmed, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory said that the road was 5.4 km, made up of two main carriageways of four lanes each, and two service carriageways of two lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes.

‘It also includes the construction of four interchanges, with eight bridges in addition to other facilities. It traverses the city centre, linking the outer fringes and inner portions of the city expressways.

‘
It is expected to optimise vehicular movement between developed sectors in the southern part of the city with the Central Area of the federal capital city,’ he said.

While inaugurating the road, the highly elated Tinubu thanked Wike, whom he referred to as ‘landlord’ for the honour.

‘I will not say that I am surprised. Nyesom Wike, Mr Project, thank you for giving us this hope, and sincere commitment to shared value.

‘Well done; as a team leader, you work so hard and tirelessly.

‘The changes you made to the FCT – structural and administrative – are yielding results and elevating the hearts of many Nigerians, thank you very much.

Tinubu further said: ‘Today, we are here to mark a significant milestone in the journey of our nation towards progress and development.

‘Once again, our dear landlord, Wike, thank you for bringing life back to our Federal Capital Territory.

‘The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, as we strive to build a world-
class capital city.’

The president said that his administration recognised infrastructure as an enabler of jobs, economic development, and prosperity and expressed confidence of achieving all in no distant time.

He added that the needs of Nigerian citizens were paramount to his administration, ‘so for making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed.

‘As we formally inaugurated this road, I am greatly honoured, I heard him mentioning my name as the beneficiary.

‘Thank you very much. Thank you for being a very good team leader, we all, collectively will not let you down,’ Tinubu said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

On Aug. 16, 2023, President Bola Tinubu heeded the called by tourism industry stakeholders for the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism in the country, with the appointment of Lola Ade-John as the minister to spearhead affairs of the ministry.

The creation of the first-ever Ministry of Tourism was greeted by celebrations and jubilation among stakeholders across the nation.

One year into the present administration, some tourism practitioners while commending the government for the creation of the ministry, however, fault its budget allocation.

The ministry has an allocation of N11.06 billion in the 2024 budget, of which the sum of N3.96 billion is for recurrent expenditures while N7. 30 billion is for capital expenditure.

Ime Udo, National President, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), advised President Bola Tinubu to ensure a substantial budget allocation for the tourism industry to support large-scale capital projects, marketing initiatives and capacity building.

Udo said it was nece
ssary for the government to revitalise the industry, which has been abandoned for a long.

‘The allocated budget of N11.06 billion for the tourism ministry in 2024 is a meagre sum, considering the industry’s neglect over the years and the need to execute significant capital projects.

‘Recurrent expenditures account for a substantial portion (N3.96 billion), leaving limited funds for capital projects (N7.30 billion).

‘To revitalise the industry, a more substantial budget allocation is necessary to support initiatives like infrastructure development, marketing campaigns, and capacity building.

‘I believe tourism as a whole needs a lot more investment and budget than what we currently have.

‘Tourism marketing and promotion does not only benefit the sites, attractions or festivals but also the entire socio-economic landscape of the people,’ she says.

Udo further advised that going forward, a comprehensive tourism master plan must be developed, outlining strategies for sustainable development, growth and inv
estment in human capacity building, training tourism professionals, and enhancing service standards.

She harped on the need for tourism and hospitality practitioners to leverage technology for digital marketing and virtual tours to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

For Ikechi Uko, a tourism consultant, the ministry is yet to receive its full support from the government.

‘No office, no vehicles, no take-off grant, so, for now, we are waiting for the government to fund and support its new baby to help realise the full potential of the purpose of its creation.’

According to Gbenga Sunmonu, President, Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI), the tourism industry has not faired well in the last one year.

Sunmonu says this is a result of the low budget made available for the sector which cannot make any significant impact in the promotion of tourism.

‘The budget allocation is abysmal. This is just a fragment compared to some MDAs in the country.

‘To groom the industry, the governmen
t should approach a holistic strategy starting from increasing the budget through appropriation.

‘The minister should be intentional to develop all year-round programmes along geo-political zones; involve the state commissioners and be ready to mass promote using all agencies of government,’ he said.

Sunmonu advised the Federal Government to reinstate the Presidential Advisory Committee on Tourism and walk the talk.

‘The tourism minister should minimise junketing across states and be purposeful in the visits to attract others to create wealth.

‘Let the states make their respective tourism boards effective,’ he says.

On his part, Nkereuwem Onung, National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), called for the release of a take-off grant for the new Ministry of Tourism.

‘One of the bane of tourism development in Nigeria is lack of funding. Some state tourism budgets are higher than the federal tourism budget.

‘I call on the federal government to release the take-off grant
for the young ministry. We need a structured programme for the industry that will enable us to move on a predetermined trajectory.

Onung saaid going forward, the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of the ministry should be made public while appropriate records of international arrivals, domestic tourism potential and delivery be made available to all.

According to him, this will aid the growth of the industry over time.

Tourism is one of the biggest economic activities in the world today. It involves the pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and pleasure while making use of the commercial provision of services.

The tourism industry with its enormous potential is capable of generating the needed employment opportunities for the teaming youth as well as engaging them in meaningful ventures.

Stakeholders said the industry, if well positioned, can successfully boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through the development of inbound and outbound tourism.

They said while the government should be committed to ta
king deliberate and giant steps in creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive by making available the needed infrastructures and basic amenities, the private practitioners are meant to consolidate on this to build an attractive and formidable industry, capable of contributing significantly to economic growth.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Impeached Deputy Governor of Edo, Mr Philip Shaibu, said on Tuesday that would challenge the emergence of Asue Ighodalo as PDP candidate for the upcoming state election to the highest judicial level.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Monday dismissed a suit filed by the Shaibu seeking to nullify the Feb. 22 governorship primary of the PDP that produced Ighodalo as its candidate.

Justice James Omotosho, in the judgment, held that Shaibu lacked the legal right to challenge the outcome of the primary on the grounds that he did not fully participate in the exercise.

Omotosho also held that the impeached deputy governor was not equally present at the venue of the primary the day it was held.

However, Shaibu while speaking with news men in Abuja said he would continue to challenge the emergence of Ighadalo because he did not win the primary.

‘I won the election with the authentic delegates. I am sure and confident that the court will do the right thing.

”Concerning what happened yesterday (Abuja H
igh Court ruling) my lawyers are looking into it, and by the grace of God, I can bet you because I believe in the judiciar, justice will be served.

”I believe that the judiciary is not what they say it is. I believe that we have a judiciary that will deliver justice in the issue between Ighodalo and me, and the issue of my impeachment”, he said.

He said he would not say much because the matter was in court even as he expressed confidence that he would ultimately emerge victorious.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The global community considered equality as not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

Based on this, the global community through Sustainable Development Goal, SDGs-5, seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.

According to the United Nations, women and girls represent half of the world’s population and half of its potential, adding that gender inequality persists everywhere and continues to stagnate social progress.

Similarly, gender advocates have argued that despite the contribution of women in development, they have been marginalised in many developing countries and their economic, social, political, and environmental potential under utilised.

In Nigeria, women participation and representation in governance and decision-making processes had remained very dismal, despite the long and consistent advocacy for women inclusion.

For instance, women’s representation in the 10th National Assembly is merely
7.4 per cent out of the 469 seats in the Senate and House of Representatives.

The situation is even more disturbing in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which placed women issues on the least of its priorities prior to President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The FCTA had eight secretariats, namely Legal Services, Health and Environment. Education, Transport, Area Councils, Social Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation,

However, none of the secretariat was specifically designated to address the concerns of women and ensure their inclusion in governance and other spheres of life.

The issues of women and vulnerable groups were buried in the Gender Development Department under the Social Development Secretariat.

This is in contrast with developments at the Federal and state levels, where ministry of women affairs exist, and the government made budgetary provisions and designed programmes for women inclusion and empowerment.

Stakeholders poi
nted out that the absence of a women affair’s secretariat in the FCTA, did not only deny the women a voice, but also schemed them out of decision-making processes on matters that affect them.

To turn the tide, Mr Nyesom Wike, barely two months in office as the Minister of the FCT, noticed the gap and took steps to address it.

On Oct. 13, 2023, the minister announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of the Women Affairs Secretariat, 47 years after the establishment of the FCT.

According to him, women are critical to the development process of the country, stressing the need for a conscious step towards addressing their plight.

The minister said: ‘In the world that we are in today, how can you talk about good governance and development without including women?

Three days later, Wike announced President Tinubu’s approved for the appointment of Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi as the pioneer Mandate Secretary for the new secretariat.

‘With your resumption, we can see that you are full of t
alent and experience, and that’s what we want you to bring to bear to help FCT, to have a place where women will also be part of the governance structure.

‘We want to believe that women will appreciate this opportunity to also contribute to the renewed hope agenda,’ Wike said.

For the pioneer mandate secretary, the task was huge, she, however said that the task was surmountable, with Tinubu, Wike, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, and the First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu on her side.

Barely 100 days of steering the affairs of the secretariat, the mandate secretary reeled out impactful exploits that signalled a new dawn in the efforts to empower women and vulnerable groups in the FCT.

For example, to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the mandate secretary initiated a data reporting programme that resulted in a threefold increase in reported cases of GBV in just 100 days of existence.

The mandate secretary also secured approval for a dedicated day for adolescent girls, under the Adolescent Girl Chil
d Empowerment programme.

Pioneer Ma thendate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, Mrs Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi and FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

The pilot project, according to the mandate secretary, benefitted more than 310 girls between the ages of 12 and 20.

Benjamins-Laniyi equally said that the Elderly Support Initiative also provided support to more than 250 individuals from ages 65 and above, with medical check-ups and cash interventions, including palliative support during festive seasons.

She also said that 20 women farmers were empowered with N500,000 each, under the first lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative’s Women Agricultural Empowerment programme.

She also announced the FCT Administration’s plans to revamp orphanages in the territory to international standards, to provide specialised care and support for children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with disabilities.

She said that the orphanages would be overhauled under a comprehensive initiative design
ed to redefine and upscale the services provided by orphanages across the FCT.

‘Key components of the initiative include a thorough review of existing orphanages by a committee, focusing on recertification and adoption processes within the city.

‘The secretariat is creating a future where every woman would realise her full potential, because no one was left behind.

‘We have equally initiated an initiative tagged, Abuja Accelerator programme, to serve as a platform for proffering solutions to global challenges, borne out of a unique perspective and gender experiences.

‘The Abuja Accelerator is our offering for collaboration. Invest your pilot project in Abuja, whatever it is, we are ready,’ the mandate secretary said.

The FCT Minister of State, Mahmoud, explained that the Abuja Accelerator programme would serve as a beacon of ‘renewed hope’, offering a platform for women to come together, share their experiences and amplify their voices for meaningful change.

She added that the programme embodied the spi
rit of empowerment and progress for FCT women from all walks of life.

‘It will provide a space where women from various backgrounds can converge, exchange ideas, and strategize on how to address pressing issues facing women globally.

‘The strength of the Abuja accelerator lies in its ability to foster collaboration among women, by bringing together individuals with different perspectives and expertise,’ she said.

The creation of the secretariat attracted applause from stakeholders, who described the initiative as critical to the inclusive development of the territory and leaving no one behind.

The Canada High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr James Chrisoff, commended Wike for taking the bold step to address challenges affecting women.

Chrisoff particularly described the establishment of the Women Affairs Secretariat in the FCT Administration as a ‘critical step’ towards women empowerment and development.

Similarly, the UN Women has expressed optimism that the FCT Administration, under Nyesom Wike, would be a
model for gender equality and women empowerment.

Its Representative to Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong, described the FCTA’s efforts toward unifying women from all walks of life as a laudable initiative.

Eyong, during the celebration of the UN Commission on the Status of Women @68, commended the minister of state and the mandate secretary for building partnerships and bringing women together to uplift their lives.

Also, its National Programme Officer, Patience Ekioba, during the pre-inauguration of Abuja Accelerator programme with the theme, ‘Unifying Women for Global Impact’, commended Tinubu for giving women a voice in his government.

In spite of the laudable achievements so far, stakeholders insisted that any development effort that does not give due consideration to the role of women would not achieve its full potential and run the risk of failure.

Mr Sameula Isopi, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said it more aptly: ‘The active participation of women in decision-making and politics remains
important if Nigeria is to achieve equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy’.

Gender advocates insisted on the need for legal equality, economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and participation in decision making for women to play a significant role in the development of their communities.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

On May 29 when his administration was inaugurated, president Bola Tinubu promised that his administration would carry out reforms that will have far-reaching implications for Nigerians.

Reforms in the economic sector such as fuel subsidy removal, the floating of naira and harmonisation of exchange rate have dominated the headlines.

However, Tinubu has, within this past one year, taken actions that have largely gone unnoticed but which experts say hold the prospect of repositioning the judiciary to meet the yearnings of Nigerians.

The reason for this is not unconnected to the saying that the judiciary is the bedrock of democracy and last hope of the common man.

For instance in December Tinubu recommended 11 Justices for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court.

Following their confirmation by the National Assembly, Tinubu administration made history by becoming the first to ensure that the apex court has full complements of 21 Justices as required by law.

Section 230 (2) (b) of the 1999 constitution
(As amended) provides that, ‘The Supreme Court of Nigeria shall consist of such number of Justices not exceeding 21 as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.’

There is no doubt that this will speed up the process of dispensing justice in a court where some cases could last for years.

It would also ensure that all parts of the country are fairly represented at the zenith of the nation’s litigation hierarchy.

Another major step taken by the Tinubu administration is the move to improve the welfare of judicial officers. It is a fact that in some cases there is coloration between poverty.

This becomes more challenging when one occupies an office when officers are tempted with financial inducement daily.

Perhaps it was against this background that on March 19, Tinubu sent a bill to the National Assembly proposing a new structure of salaries and allowances for judicial officers.

In the letter communicating the bill to the lawmakers, the president said the bill seeks to end the ‘prolonged stagnat
ion’ of the remuneration of judicial officers, adding that it will improve their welfare.

The letter was entitled ‘Transmission of judicial office holders’ salaries and allowances bill, 2024.

The transmission was in accordance with the provisions of section 58, sub-section two of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,’

‘I forward herein, the judicial office holders, salaries and allowances bill, 2024, for the kind consideration of the senate.

‘The judicial office holders salaries and allowances bill seeks to prescribe salaries and allowances and fringe benefits for judicial officials to end the prolonged stagnation in their remuneration and to reflect contemporary socio-economic realities.

‘While I hope that the judicial office holders salaries and allowances bill 2024 will be carefully, yet expeditiously considered and passed by the senate’, Tinubu said in the letter read by Godswil Akpabio, the Senate President.

Bill which has been passed by the House of Representatives,
seeks a 300 per cent increase in the salaries and allowances of judicial office holders.

Similarly, in June 2023, Tinubu signed another Constitution alteration bill which provides a unified retirement age for all judicial officers of superior courts of record.

The alteration provides that all pensions, allowances and other retirement benefits of judicial officers shall be charged to the Consolidated Revenue fund of the Federation and paid directly by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Judicial experts say this will address a situation where payment of retirement benefits of state judges is left to the state governments to handle, and in many cases, these benefits are owed or delayed.

Tinubu’s actions have attracted applause from lawyers and other stakeholders in the judiciary.

A Lagos-based lawyer, Josephine Ijekhuemen, described the appointment of the 11 justices as ‘a positive development for easy and quicker dispensation of justice.’

She said before now, the apex court was left with 10 justices aft
er the death of Justice Centus Nweze, and the retirements of Justices Amina Augie and Dattijo Muhammad.

‘I welcome the president’s decision to Increase the number of justices of the Supreme Court as required by law,’ Ijekhuemen said.

On the proposed increase in salaries and emoluments for judges, the human rights lawyer said the judiciary, being the third arm of government, also deserves to be well remunerated for services rendered.

‘The approval for an increase in the allowance and remuneration of judges is equally a welcome development,’ she added.

Another lawyer, Mr George Itodo, said Tinubu, so far, had done tremendously well by increasing the number of Supreme Court justices to 21.

He said ‘the appointment will ensure quick dispensation of cases as there will be more panels to hear cases.

‘There will be early hearing and determination of cases. A situation where you have a matter at the Supreme Court and it will be going for 10 years will be a thing of the past.

‘Because there will be more panels
now, it makes things easier. Cases will be quickly dispensed with thereby promoting the course of justice.’

A legal expert, Mr Suleiman Lawal, urged judges to reciprocate the adjustment in their salaries and allowances through impartial and quick dispensation of justice.

However, some stakeholders say more still needs to be done to make the judiciary perform optimally.

Mr Paul Daudu, the Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bwari Branch in Abuja, listed the challenges to include prolonged pre-trial detention, delayed trials, lack of access to legal representation and poor case management.

He said the problem also includes conflicting and perverse judgments for superior courts of record, unethical practices by some legal practitioners and law enforcement agents, amongst others.

According to him, there is indeed the perception by ordinary citizens that what presently operates in Nigeria is the ‘administration of law’ and not ”administration of justice.’

‘The former being a system riddled by hybrid
technicalities, legal jargon, cumbersome adjudicatory procedure and rhetoric,’ he said.

He called on the legal practitioners, as guardians of the law, to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all.

Other stakeholders say no reform in the judicial sector is complete without guaranteeing true independence of this third arm of government.

‘The preservation of and non-interference with, the independence of the judiciary and the jurisdiction of the court are so important, if not indispensable”, argues legal luminary, Afe Babalola, in a piece entitled ‘Role of a strong and Independent Judiciary in a Nation’.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief Medical Director, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, has lauded President Bola Tinubu Administration for its infrastructure interventions, which have enhanced mental health service delivery at the hospital.

Owoeye spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Lagos while appraising Tinubu’s one year in office.

He said there had been some major landmark achievements and positive impact recorded at the hospital in the past one year of the current administration.

He explained that the achievements were majorly in the area of manpower development, infrastructure equipment and services.

Owoeye said that the hospital had rehabilitated a 60-bed premium ward with all the needed equipment.

He added that the hospital’s sleep laboratory and sleep disorder treatment centre had also been reactivated and equiped, which was the first of its kind in Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospitals in Nigeria and the only one in government health institutions in Lagos.

According to h
im, the administrative building of the hospital has also been renovated and modernised to create a conducive atmosphere for the smooth running and operation of the hospital.

‘In the past one year of the current administration of President Tinubu, the Federal Government has really focused attention on us in the area of infrastructural development.

‘For example, the rehabilitation of a 60 bed premium ward with all the equipment; that’s a major achievement because the place now make it conducive for patient’s treatment and also for the workers to work in a conducive environment.

‘Similarly, the sleep laboratory and sleep disorder treatment centre has been reactivated, equipped and being managed by a trained consultant specialised in that field.

‘The hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and surgical centre have also been put to operation; though, this was equipped for us during COVID-19 period, but we have been able to activate it for use within the past one year.

‘And finally, we now have our own laundry u
nit fully functioning.

‘All these are major landmarks achieved in the last one year alongside other ongoing projects. So, the current administration has really enhanced our service delivery by making funds available for effective operation of the hospital,’ Owoeye said.

In the area of manpower development, Owoeye said that the hospital, through the help of government’s given approval, recruited a total of 86 clinical staff, consisting of consultants doctors, resident doctors and nurses.

He noted that all the trainees (doctors and nurses) of the hospital made 100 per cent success in their qualifying professional exams like the West Africa College of Physician, Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria and alike.

He, however, said there was need for more support to further enhance performance of the hospital, calling on the Federal Government for subsequent financial supports.

According to him, some buildings in the hospitals are old and need to either be renovated or rebuilt, saying that the Federal Govern
ment stepping forward to rebuild the structures will be a welcome development.

Owoeye said that the existing 90-bed drug rehabilitation centre of the hospital was grossly inadequate and needed to be expanded.

‘To sustain development of the hospital and further enhance its operations, there is need for more support.

‘Some of the buildings are old and there is need to either remove them and rebuild or renovate. This will also improve on the hospital’s mental health care services

‘There is also need for expansion of our drug rehabilitation centre; we have 90 bed drug rehabilitation center for both male and female, and as at now, the facility is overstretched.

‘So, a purpose built drug rehabilitation centre by the government, will be a welcome development,’ Owoeye said.

NAN reports that the hospital was established in 1907 as an Asylum, and has over the years evolved to become centre of excellence in mental health services, research and training.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), Dr Robert Floyd, will visit Ghana from June 2 to 5, 2024, as part of a multi-country tour of selected West African countries.

The visit is aimed at strengthening international cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and promoting the global effort to achieve a comprehensive ban on nuclear tests.

A statement issued by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission’s (GAEC) Commercialisation and Communication Directorate and signed by Anthony Nana Boateng, its Director, said Dr Floyd would pay courtesy calls to some government agencies during his two-day visit.

The agencies are GAEC, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MoFARI).

This will be followed by a public lecture to stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, the security services, and the public, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sc
iences (SNAS) of the University of Ghana, GAEC, to offer a better understanding of CTBTO’s mission and the relevance of the treaty to global security.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation was established to ensure that States that signed and ratified it refrained from conducting nuclear explosions, including nuclear weapons tests.

The statement said Ghana signed the CTBT in 1996 and therefore had set up a National Data Centre (NDC) at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission to help with international efforts to better monitor nuclear weapons test explosions around the world.

Source: Ghana News Agency