Day: May 28, 2024

The Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers (NICE),on Tuesday said Nigeria recorded 41 building collapses in 17 months.

The National Chairman of NICE ,Virgilus Ezugu, made this known at the NICE Building Collapse Prevention Workshop with the theme: ‘Stemming the Tide of Building Collapse Menace in Nigeria’ in Abuja.

‘This means that Nigeria recorded more than two building collapses monthly. This is a worrisome trend that needs to be reversed .

‘Building collapse has become a disgrace to the built sector and as core stakeholder with direct responsibility to ensure the protection of lives and properties NICE has stepped up to address it.

‘In 2023, the Institution set up a committee on Building Collapse prevention whose core mandate is to take all necessary steps and advice on ways to halt the tide of incessant collapses of buddings.

‘The Committee swung into action and has been collecting data on reported collapses from January 2023.

‘The data show that over 41 cases have been recorded in the past 17 months
with an average of two and above collapses per month.’

According to Ezugu, this is even more disturbing considering that over 50 per cent of the collapses are not always reported.

Nevertheless ,he said NICE as a responsible professional body has therefore taken the bull by the horn to stem the menace in fulfilment of one of the engineers’ professional codes of public safety through nationwide training.

He said NICE also organised workshops with professionals and other stakeholders with the aim to develop a handbook to guide stakeholders on step by step actions to take in eliminating these incidents.

The Keynote Speaker ,Prof. Samson Duna, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI),attributed building collapse to use of substandard materials among others.

According to Duna, 80 per cent of building collapse happens during the rainy season due to some natural causes and because the materials were substandard, it gives in.

He, therefore, recommended training and retrainin
g of engineers and professionals in the construction sector should attend refresher courses to refresh their knowledge.

He said the government and professional bodies should sensitise the general public on the steps to follow when embarking on building projects.

‘All professional bodies should strengthen its arm of monitoring, to ensure they function effectively during project supervision.

‘ The professionals must be involved in monitoring and evaluation of building projects and funds for the supervision should be cooperated in the cost of the project.

The Guest of Honour ,Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, President ,Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN),said there was need for stakeholders to synergise to address the challenge of building collapse .

‘The built environment needs to be well organised and well structured to do this and COREN has set up 10 committees to look at 10 sectors in this regard.

‘Although the issue might be caused by quacks ,however, the most dangerous quackery is when
a civil engineer tries to do the work of a mechanical engineer.

‘So we need to look into these things.’

Mrs Margaret Oguntala, President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE),called on engineers to adhere strictly to the principles of safety, reliability and sustainability.

Oguntala, represented by the Executive Secretary of NSE, Joshua Egube, advised engineers to commit to upholding the highest standards of practice, from initial design through to construction and maintenance.

‘This means rigorously applying engineering principles, staying abreast of the latest developments in our field, and continuously updating our skills through professional development.

‘Effective regulation is essential to preventing building collapses.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Drug and substance abuse, trafficking, and related criminal activities remain serious problems that affect the lives of a sizable number of Nigerians and are the most pervasive problems facing the nation currently.

The United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) supported Drug Use Survey in Nigeria has revealed a drug use prevalence of 14.4 per cent in Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 years, almost three times the global drug use prevalence of 5.5 per cent.

Drug use is most common among those between the ages of 25 and 39 years, and the survey also found that a total of almost 3 million persons suffered from drug use disorder.

These statistics have since earned Nigeria a bad image globally with Nigerian travellers subjected to untoward treatments during international travels.

Worried by this negative reputation, President Bola Tinubu in concert with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, designed a scheme that combined prevention, treatment, and enforcement to break the cycle of substance abuse and
crime.

During the 2023 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Tinubu said his administration would work closely with the NDLEA and its international partners to fight the menace of drug abuse.

He urged stakeholders to take a people-centred approach in addressing drug addiction, saying addicts were also humans who deserved understanding and support to recover from the downward path of drugs.

‘I want to assure everyone including our local and international partners of this administration’s unwavering support for the sustenance of drug control efforts,’ he had said.

The president also said interventions to address drug use and its associated consequences must recognise the individual and address the social stigma that comes with the menace.

He said persons struggling with drug abuse often faced barriers in accessing health care and social services within the society in addressing their drug use problems.

Therefore, he said interventions to address drug use and its associated conseque
nces must be mindful of such individuals.

According to him, stigma, both social and structural, which is one of the most common barriers to access support and services must be removed.

He urged stakeholders to educate themselves and others on the dangers of drug abuse and the need to stop the stigmatisation and discrimination.

‘We must empower our youths with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their lives and the resources they need to avoid falling prey to drugs,’ Tinubu said.

The NDLEA has since launched nationwide enforcement activities to seize drugs and arrest drug abusers.

The agency has also increased its sensitisation programme, rehabilitation, and border patrol to checkmate trafficking of illicit drugs to and from Nigeria.

The NDLEA has executed a relentless campaign against drug trafficking networks, resulting in unprecedented successes.

The agency’s recent report reveals the arrest of 52, 901 drug peddlers/traffickers including 48 barons, and the conviction o
f 9,034.

The report included seizures of more than 7,561,000kg of illicit drugs, N958 billion worth of cash and drugs seized across the 36 states and FCT.

The NDLEA FCT commander, Kabir Tsakuwa, said in 2023 alone, the agency arrested more than 500 suspects with more than 7,000 kilograms of assorted drug seizure as well as the conviction of more than 200 offenders.

Tsakuwa said in the first quarter of 2024, the agency arrested about 80 suspects, with more than 3, 000 kilograms of assorted drugs.

He said more than 50 individuals were prosecuted as 12 suspects were successfully convicted and sentenced to different jail terms.

The NDLEA’s efforts extend beyond mere enforcement, as demonstrated by their proactive approach to combating drug cultivation through initiatives such as the search-and-destroy campaign against cannabis plantations.

This approach had seen the destruction of more than 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis farms.

The agency has also counselled and rehabilitated more than 32,404 drug users,
with 948 houses, vehicles and other assets forfeited to the federal government.

Meanwhile, the Chairman /CEO of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, lauded the president for his continuous support for the on-going efforts to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Marwa noted that the present administration had shown nothing but support to the agency in the fight against illicit drugs and substance abuse, peddling/trafficking.

Marwa noted that the agency was looking forward to some positive developments that would lend impetus to the attainment of its set objectives under the leadership of President Tinubu.

‘One of such developments is the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which will significantly enhance the organisational capability of our agency in drug supply reduction.

‘The hearing of the amended bill is making progress in the National Assembly, and we look forward to it scaling the final hurdle,’ he said.

Tsakuwa also commended the Tinubu administration, say
ing his support to the agency assisted the command in recording a high level of success in the effort to rid the FCT of drug menace.

Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has celebrated the achievements of the NDLEA proclaiming it as a source of pride for President Tinubu’s administration.

HURIWA commended the accomplishments of NDLEA, recognising them as the most significant in its history and a testament to effective leadership and strategic partnerships.

‘NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership is a beacon of excellence and a source of pride for President Tinubu’s administration,’ the group said.

The association noted that the agency’s achievements under Marwa reflected concerted efforts toward realising the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

NDLEA’s proactive measures, including the open destruction of seized illicit drugs in compliance with court orders, demonstrate transparency and accountability in its operations,’ HURIWA said.

So
urce: News Agency of Nigeria

The NBA Finals have long served as the ultimate stage for basketball’s greatest heroes and iconic performances. From last-second heroics to awe-inspiring comebacks, these moments have not only defined careers but have also left an indelible mark on the fabric of sports history. Here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable moments from the NBA Finals.

The Magic of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan’s influence on the NBA Finals is unparalleled. Among his many standout moments, the ‘Flu Game’ in 1997 stands out. Jordan scored 38 points to help the Chicago Bulls defeat the Utah Jazz, even though he was obviously sick and weak from flu-like symptoms. This game is a testament to his relentless spirit and is often cited as one of the greatest performances in NBA history.

Magic Johnson’s Rookie Feat

In 1980, a young Magic Johnson was thrust into the center position in place of an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Johnson’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he
scored 42 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out seven assists, leading the Lakers to the championship and earning the Finals MVP as a rookie.

Ray Allen Saves the Heat

Ray Allen’s clutch three-pointer in the closing seconds of Game 6 in the 2013 NBA Finals is one of the most dramatic moments in basketball history. With the Miami Heat facing elimination against the San Antonio Spurs, Allen’s shot tied the game, leading to an overtime victory and, eventually, a series win in Game 7.

Willis Reed’s Inspirational Comeback

The 1970 NBA Finals witnessed one of the most uplifting moments in sports when Willis Reed of the New York Knicks limped onto the court for Game 7 after suffering a severe thigh injury. His presence alone lifted the spirits of his teammates and the crowd, contributing significantly to the Knicks’ victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s Rivalry

The 1980s were defined by the intense rivalry between Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics and Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles La
kers. Their numerous Finals encounters are legendary, with each game adding to their storied competition. The 1984 Finals, in particular, highlighted this rivalry with several games decided in the final moments, including a crucial steal by Gerald Henderson that helped shift the momentum of the series.

LeBron James’ Block in 2016

The legendary defensive move that LeBron James made against Andre Iguodala in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals is still remembered by many. This crucial play not only helped the Cleveland Cavaliers win their first NBA Championship but also pulled off a historic series comeback against the Golden State Warriors, trailing 3-1 at one point.

Naturally, such a crucial game was a focal point for NBA Finals betting, with many fans and analysts making betting picks based on the expected outcomes and performances like LeBron’s game-changing plays.

Conclusion

These moments are just a few highlights in the rich tapestry of NBA Finals history. Each year adds new chapters to the ongoing saga of
basketball excellence, with players reaching deep within themselves to perform at their best when it matters most. The NBA Finals not only determine champions; they create legends and unforgettable memories that resonate with fans around the world.

From Michael Jordan’s flu-ridden heroics to Magic Johnson’s rookie miracle and Ray Allen’s last-gasp three-pointer, the NBA Finals have delivered drama and excitement that has captivated basketball fans for generations?.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The President, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Maria Lagbaja, has encouraged barracks children to be obedient and focused so as to become responsible citizens in the future.

The Wife of the Chief of Army Staff gave the advice when she held Children’s Party to celebrate the 2024 Children’s Day for barracks schools children on Tuesday in Abuja.

Lagbaja said the event was geared towards making the children happy, saying that if the children are happy, parents will be happy too.

She urged the children to always obey their parents while making effort to be outstanding in their academic endeavour and making the society proud.

‘Children should always obey their parents so that they can be good leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

On her part, the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa urged parents to be more intentional, focused and look inward in nurturing their wards.

Mrs Musa also advised parents to draw their children closer, always give
them attention and be observant.

According to her, parents should be more conscious of their children’s whereabouts, be conscious of their environment and talk about things like drugs as parents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that wards and students from NAOWA Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools in Abuja as well DEPOWA School participated in the activities.

The event featured cultural display, dancing competition and spelling bee among the schools.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Fire Service Ladies Association of Ghana (FISLAG) has awarded 36 women firefighters for excellence in their fields.

Presented with citations, certificates and cash, the women of difference were recognised for their commendable services, hard work, sacrifices and influence.

The Central Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) organised the splendid event which was interspaced with melodious music with dances by ladies from all the districts.

It was also used to celebrate Mother’s Day for FISLAG.

The FISLAG Mother’s Day celebration is a prime time to celebrate and recognise the love, sacrifices, and unwavering support that female firefighters as mothers provide amid the unique challenges both at home and work places.

It was on the theme: ‘FISLA – empowerment of female firefighters to accelerate efficient service delivery.’

Addressing the gathering, Assistance Chief Fire Officer I, Doris Lamptey, the President of FISLAG, said female firefighters played an invaluable role in firefighti
ng, bringing diverse perspectives, compassionate leadership, and innovative solutions to the table despite the numerous challenges confronting them.

‘Today, we celebrate not only female firefighters’ dedication to saving lives and property, but also their achievements in breaking barriers and setting new standards.

‘Consider the remarkable journey of some of our very own members from leading rescue operations to spearheading community fire safety programmes, these women have demonstrated that gender does not define capability…

‘ Their stories of perseverance and success serve as powerful examples for all of us,’ the President of FISLAG said.

However, she said the journey was not without its hurdles, as balancing the demanding responsibilities of a firefighter with the equally demanding role of motherhood required immense strength and resilience.

‘Many of our members have faced these challenges head-on, often working twice as hard to prove their mettle, noting that the stories of female firefighters were
testaments to the unyielding spirit of our female firefighters,’ she stated.

‘It reminds us that while the challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. Empowerment is not a solo journey; it thrives based on community and support systems,’ she noted.

In that light, Assistance Chief Fire Officer I Lamptey said FISLAG had been at the forefront of creating a congenial environment where female firefighters could thrive.

Through mentorship programmes, leadership training, and community outreach, she said FISLAG had built a network of support system that empowered women to excel in their careers and personal lives.

‘Our initiatives as an Association have been instrumental in providing the resources and support needed for our members to succeed. By fostering a culture of empowerment, we enhance individual capabilities and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our service delivery.

Looking ahead, she said, ‘FISLAG is ambitious and inspiring, expanding our support programmes, advocating for more
leadership opportunities for women, and ensuring that every female firefighter has the tools and resources needed to excel.

‘Our goal is to create an environment where empowerment leads to excellence in service delivery and we are committed to breaking barriers and setting new standards, so we can build a better future for Ghana.’

‘In an institution that demands utmost bravery and perseverance, you have consistently demonstrated that you are more than equal to the task and I urge you on,’ she said.

Some award winners highly praised FISLAG for supporting and uplifting female firefighters for more efficient and effective service delivery.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The British Council in Ghana is commemorating its 80th anniversary with a focus on its significant contributions to Ghana’s cultural and educational landscape.

The British Council Ghana has planned a series of events and initiatives in June, including Co-sponsoring the ‘unsung category’ in the upcoming Telecel Ghana Music Awards, A music summit to dialogue on the state of the local music industry, introduce the British Council So-Creative Learning platform, and musical performances.

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The rest are, a dissemination event to share insights from commissioned research on the contribution of UK Alumni to national development, a Masterclass workshop on the music business for capacity building of music artists and industry players and an awards night to recognise partners and staff for their contributions.

This was contained in a press release dated 28th May 2024 and signed by Madam Susan Amu, Regional Head of Communications, British Council, Sub-Saharan Africa.

On the theme, ’80 years of building connections u
nderstanding and trust; turning legacies and lessons into innovation and impact’, the anniversary celebrations aim to honour the organisation’s rich history and its impact on generations of Ghanaians.

Nii Doodo, Country Director of British Council Ghana, remarked: ‘As an organisation, we are very proud of our achievements as one of the organisations that have profoundly impacted the lives of young people in Ghana over the years.

Through this anniversary, we seek to consolidate our gains, celebrate our successes, and continue the legacy of exposing young people to global opportunities.’

Background

Since 1944, the British Council has sought to develop and improve relations between the United Kingdom and Ghana through programmes that showcase its expertise in sectors such as pre-tertiary and higher education, TVET, Arts and culture.

Over the past 80 years, the British Council Ghana has achieved numerous milestones, including investments in developing Ghana’s human capital through scholarship initiatives, su
pport for entrepreneurial efforts of young men and women, and fostering best teaching and learning practices between schools in the UK and Ghana.

Through its various projects, such as Blazing Trails, the Challenge, the Innovation for African University (IAU), So-Creative E-Learning, VET Toolbox and the Investment Climate Reform Facility, the British Council has supported thousands of young Ghanaians with skills and resources to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Additionally, initiatives like the then DFID Global School Partnerships and Connecting Classrooms have facilitated cross-cultural exchange and collaboration between schools in Ghana and the UK.

As the British Council Ghana celebrates its 80th anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust, and nurturing the next generation of leaders and changemakers in Ghana, the release said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr Nick Danso Adjei, the Executive Chairman of Ghana Link Network Services Limited, operators of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), has been named the Best Maritime and Trade CEO of the Year at the eighth Ghana CEO Summit.

This year’s Ghana CEO Summit was on the theme: ‘Reigniting Business and Economic Growth: Charting a Path Forward; Economic Diversification and Artificial Intelligence Transformation.’

Dr Adjei’s award was in recognition of his focal role in the enhancement of trade facilitation and improving efficiency in the clearance of cargo at Ghana’s ports and points of entry through the operations of ICUMS.

The award comes after Dr Adjei was recently named Ghana’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the Ghana-West Africa Business Excellence Awards.

The Ghana News Agency (GNA) gathered that under his leadership, ICUMS had connected over 8,000 trade facilitation players and streamlined operations at critical points of entry such as seaports, airports, and land borders.

The operations of IC
UMS, which form part of the government’s initiative to have a paperless, efficient goods-clearing process, have changed the trade sector by reducing the complexities of previous processes and, in effect, substantially increasing state revenue.

Dr Adjei, who is also the chairman of Misyl Energy and Nick Petroleum, told the media after receiving the award that the ICUMS had integrated advanced artificial intelligence technologies to enhance system efficiency and security, noting that the introduction of AI had sealed potential loopholes, ensuring a robust platform that supports fast-tracked and smooth clearance of goods.

He urged the youth to be focused on life and work hard towards achieving their goals to succeed in whatever business they found themselves in.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Republic of Senegal reaffirmed, through its Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Yassine Fall, its ‘constant and firm’ support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Moroccan Sahara.

This position was expressed in the joint Communiqué issued at the end of talks in Rabat on Monday between Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Yassine Fall, who is making her first visit to the kingdom as Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs.

In the joint Communiqué, Senegal’s FM reaffirmed her country’s full support for the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco, which constitutes the only credible and realistic solution for resolving the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

In this respect, she praised the efforts of the United Nations as the exclusive framework for achieving a realistic, practical and lasting solution to the dispute over the Moroccan Sa
hara.

The Republic of Senegal had opened a consulate general in Dakhla on April 5, 2021, marking its firm commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Morocco.

The opening of this diplomatic representation is further proof of the unfailing alliance between Morocco and Senegal, and of their active solidarity, which has never wavered.

Source: Ghana News Agency

An Adenta Circuit Court has remanded Faisal Moro, a businessman, over an alleged GHC289,600 visa fraud case.

Moro is alleged to have collected the amount to provide some people with German visas.

The visas, however, turned out to be forged when two of the victims presented them at the airport to travel abroad.

Moro was charged with defrauding by false pretences. He pleaded not guilty.

‘I am trying to solve the issue for the complainants to travel abroad but I have not been given the chance,’ Moro stated in court.

The court presided over by Mrs Sedinam Awo Kwadam ordered the police to verify Moro’s place of abode and sureties for bail consideration.

The matter has been adjourned to June 11.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Anim Darko, stated that the complainant, Peter Kwabena Addai, is a businessman who lives in Adenta-Frafraha, and Moro also resides in Dansoman, Accra.

It said that on April 6, 2024, the complainant was introduced to Moro by his friend, Appiah Kubi, as an ‘agent who had secured
visas for many people including him.’

The court heard that the complainant contacted Moro, who agreed to assist and gave him seven passports to start the visa process.

On April 9, 2024, Moro returned two passports with visas and informed the complainant that ‘these two are ready and scheduled to travel on April 13, 2024.’

Following this, a sum of GHC 289,600 was paid into Moro’s Cal Bank account.

According to the prosecutor on April 13, 2024, Moro went to the airport as scheduled to assist the two to travel to Spain and Germany through Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom.

The prosecution said that during the check-in process, the visas and tickets were discovered to be fakes, and the individuals were denied permission to travel.

The court heard that Moro admitted to the offence in his caution statement to the police.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Anlo Traditional Council has distanced itself from the issue involving its vehicle’s involvement in an alleged smuggling of cocoa beans from Suhum to Dzodze.

This was after officers of the Ghana Police Service intercepted the vehicle on Saturday night bearing the name of the Council with 26 bags of loaded cocoa beans.

A statement signed by Togbi Agbeshie Awusu II, Awadada of Anlo State, and sighted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Tuesday confirmed the vehicle bearing its emblem was intercepted by the Sogakope Police.

‘The Anlo Traditional Council wishes to make it unequivocally clear that they are not associated with the incident in any capacity.

‘The Council distances itself from any unlawful activities and is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and legality,’ it added.

Preliminary findings revealed that the driver of the vehicle, in his account, stated he was helping a friend to transport the items on his return from an errand to Kumasi and was unaware of any illegality rega
rding the act.

The Council further commended the Police for their actions and promised to collaborate with them to conduct investigations into the matter.

‘We extend our gratitude to the Sogakope team and the Ghana Police Service for their vigilance and swift action in intercepting the vehicle. Their dedication to maintaining law and order is commendable, and we support their ongoing efforts to protect our communities,’ it said.

Also, the Council stated that they were conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the use of its vehicle for the act.

They expressed their determination to uncover the facts on the matter.

The Council also urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

‘The Anlo Traditional Council reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.’

Source: Ghana News Agency