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LASG REOPENS LADIPO MARKET

LASG REOPENS LADIPO MARKET

The Lagos State Government has reopened Ladipo Market, Mushin, after meeting the most essential criteria, set for reopening sealed markets.

According to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, business activities would commence at the popular spare parts market, after its recent closure for various environmental infractions.

He noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu prioritised the issue of clean environment, public health, and safety, in line with the THEMES Plus agenda, which informed the recent drive, to enforce strict compliance with waste management best practice, across markets in the state.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety, particularly within markets and around business facilities, stressing that the goal was to ensure all markets in Lagos State, followed laid down environmental rules, resulting in a safer and healthier business environment for buyers and sellers.

Gbadegesin urged the traders to support the efforts of the State Government, by adhering strictly to the environmental laws, as markets that run foul of the law risk indefinite closure.

 

Nigeria’s First Lady Declares COWLSO National Women Conference Open in Lagos

…says women should break barriers and adopt a more positive mindset. Women should support each other, pursue education, and sustain conversations on issues that affect their growth.

First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stated this while declaring open the 23rd National Women Conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

The First Lady pointed out that women stand a better chance of creating a world of more opportunities for themselves, given the renewed consciousness among them about their own potential and role in national development.

The conference, which has served as an annual rallying point for women within and beyond Lagos state to introspect and engage on issues affecting them, has as its theme ‘Unleash Your Potential’.

To do that, the First Lady charged them to break barriers and interrogate stereotypes while adopting a more positive mindset about who they are in the task of reshaping the society.

“Through the years, I have had the privilege of meeting many remarkable women who have overcome challenges, broken barriers, and achieved remarkable success in various fields. Some of these women have served as sources of inspiration to me, and some as mentors and role models from whom I learned the ropes that have helped me through my journey in life.

“The potential that lies within each and every one of us knows no bounds. It has the capacity to transform not only our individual lives but also the broader landscape of our nation and the world.

“Let us remember that our potential is not just about personal success; it is about uplifting our families, communities, and our great nation as a whole. When women are empowered, society thrives.”

Speakers at the conference, including the Senate President, represented by his wife, Ekaete Akpabio, and Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, described the focus of the conference as another clarion call to bring more women on board in governance.

They noted that Nigeria needs the contribution of all women, supporting the present administration to drive ongoing reforms.

The 23rd edition of the National Women Conference had the theme ‘Unleash Your Potential’.

 

SIGNED

Busola Kukoyi

SA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”

President Tinubu Appoints New PTDF Executive Secretary / CEO

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ahmed Galadima Aminu to serve as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for a term of four (4) years in the first instance.

The new Executive Secretary / CEO of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund recently served as the General Manager of the Education and Training Department at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

His appointment trails the application for retirement submitted by the outgoing Executive Secretary / CEO, Bello Aliyu Gusau, to proceed on 90-days pre-retirement leave beginning on September 26, 2023.

The President has directed the new Executive Secretary / CEO of the PTDF, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, to serve in acting capacity until he commences his fresh term of four (4) years in office, beginning on December 26, 2023.

The President wishes the new PTDF Executive Secretary / CEO well in the discharge of his duties.

 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 17, 2023

President Tinubu Appoints New NAHCON Chief Executive Officer; Approves Dissolution of NAHCON Board

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi to serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for a term of four (4) years in the first instance.

The President has directed the outgoing Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, to proceed on 3-months pre-retirement leave as provisioned by Public Service Rule (PSR) 120243 with effect from October 18, 2023, leading to his eventual retirement from service on January 17, 2024.

The new Chairman / CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, will assume office in acting capacity on October 18, 2023, and will continue to serve in substantive capacity for a fresh term of four years, beginning on January 17, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu has also approved the dissolution of the Board of NAHCON.

The President expects that the new NAHCON leadership will serve in reverence of Allah and with utmost adherence to the precepts of service according to the Holy Qur’an.

 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 17, 2023

 

Nigeria, China Strategic Partnership Key to Africa’s Development– VP Shettima

**Says President Tinubu’s foreign policy drive boosting investors’ confidence*

 

Vice President Kashim Shettima said today that Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China needs to be scaled up, as it remains key to Africa’s development.

This, he assured, is in progress on the part of Nigeria, just as he said since assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strategically tinkered with the country’s foreign policy to drive and boost investors’ confidence.

To augment this, the Vice President noted that President Tinubu has walked the talk by creating levellers for the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

The Vice President who is representing President Tinubu at the ongoing Belt And Road Initiative Forum in Beijing, China, stated this when he was hosted by his People’s Republic of China counterpart, Vice President Han Zheng, at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, Beijing.

He expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception accorded his delegation, noting that Nigeria and China, having celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2021, must now take their destinies into their own hands.

Declaring that the rest of Africa stands to gain from a successful Nigeria, VP Shettima said, “Our mutually beneficial relationship will be further enhanced and upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

“Nigeria is China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa; it is the largest economy in Africa and the most populous country in the African continent. The Belt and Road Initiative is a big beautiful concept that can be deployed to achieve this”.

The Vice President drew attention to the burgeoning relationship between Nigeria and China, stating that both countries stood to gain mutually from their friendship.

On his part, Vice President Zheng assured his Nigerian counterpart of continued partnership with Nigeria, hinting that President Jinping’s meeting with VP Shettima would enhance political mutual trust, advance practical cooperation and better develop the bilateral relation between the two countries.

Vice President Shettima was later a guest at the State Banquet hosted by President Jinping and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan.

In the meantime, attention and focus would shift to the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Initiative Forum at the Great Hall in Beijing billed for tomorrow.

VP Shettima is expected to proceed to the National Convention Centre to deliver his Paper titled, “Digital Economy As A New Source Of Growth”.

A bilateral meeting with the Chinese President and Prime Minister of Pakistan is also on the VP’s itinerary, just as he and other members of his delegation will be presiding over meetings with management of top construction, technology, finance and communication giants in China.

 

*Stanley Nkwocha*

*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications*

*(Office of the Vice President)*

*17th October, 2023*

President Tinubu Appoints New ICPC Management Team; Approves 90–Day Pre–End of Tenure Leave for Outgoing ICPC Chairman

In exercise of powers conferred on the President as established in Section 3(6) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and in furtherance of the Renewed Hope mandate to reform key institutions and invigorate Nigeria’s war on corruption, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new management team for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), pending Senate confirmation:

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu — Chairman / Chief Executive Officer, ICPC

Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu — Secretary to the Commission, ICPC

The new Chairman of the ICPC is nominated for confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, following the President’s approval of the outgoing Chairman’s request to proceed on pre-end of tenure leave beginning on November 4, 2023, ahead of the expiration of his tenure on February 3, 2024.

The position of Secretary to the Commission does not require Senate confirmation and, therefore, by the directive of the President, the appointment of Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu as Secretary of the Commission takes immediate effect.

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu has embarked upon many far-reaching reforms as the Attorney General of Jigawa State since September 2019 and holds Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees in Law. He was also named as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria-designate in October 2023.

Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu is a lawyer with over 30 years of experience and has served meritoriously in the public service as a Member of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission and Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council.

The President implores the new management team of the ICPC to always be above board as they discharge their duties without fear or favour concerning all matters before them.

 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

October 17, 2023

 

President Tinubu Condoles Ex–Senate President Lawan over Mother’s Death

October 17, 2023 in Latest News, Press Releases

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, over the death of his mother.

Senator Lawan’s mother, Hajiya Halima (Baba) Ibrahim, died at the weekend and was buried on Sunday in Gashua, Yobe State, in accordance with Islamic rites. She was 86.

President Tinubu described the late matriarch as a strong pillar of support, not only for Lawan and his siblings but also for others beyond her immediate family.

The President asked the former Senate President to find strength in the knowledge that Mama lived to an advanced age and to continue to cherish the good name she left behind.

“We thank God for the invaluable roles played by the deceased matriarch in raising exemplary children and for her tireless service to Allah and her community,” the President said.

President Tinubu prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the shortcomings of the departed elder and supply her family with the needed consolation in this difficult moment of grief.

 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

October 17, 2023

 

PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIA’S FIRST LADY DECLARES 23RD NATIONAL WOMEN CONFERENCE OPEN

…Says Women’s Potential Are Boundless

… As Akpabio, Sanwo-Olu, Others Laud COWLSO

 

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, OON, has declared the 23rd National Women’s Conference open, saying that women have the capacity to transform not only individual lives but also the broader landscape of our nation and the world if given the needed support.

Giving a Keynote Address at the Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island on Tuesday, Senator Tinubu urged participants at the event to work together, collaborate, and support one another to ensure that every woman in Nigeria has the tools and opportunities to reach her full potential.

According to her, women have the power to shape the future as leaders, innovators, caregivers, and agents of positive change but must continue to break down barriers that limit their progress, challenge stereotypes, and foster an environment of equal opportunity for all.

The First Lady told women at the conference to remember that their potential is not just about personal success; but about uplifting families, communities, and Nigeria as a whole, hence the need to unleash their potentials and transform the communities.

She said “I call upon each and every one of you to embrace the theme of this Conference, “Unleash Your Potential,” not only for your benefit but for your individual States and the benefit of our beloved Nation.”

While delivering a Goodwill Message at the event, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the theme for the Conference, “Unleash Your Potential”, is very apt in view of the current challenges that Nigeria is facing, as it underscored the need to be more intentional and determined in harnessing the innate abilities and capacities of women to drive the Renewed Hope agenda at the national level, and similar initiatives being implemented at the sub-national levels.

Sanwo-Olu maintained that the gathering of women under the COWLSO umbrella, represents an invaluable opportunity to explore the collective power and potential of individuals, particularly women, in the quest to build a Greater Lagos.

He acknowledged the many interventions of COWLSO in critical sectors such as Health, Education, Environment, and Youth development are impacting positively on the lives of Lagosians, revealing that COWLSO recently completed the construction of three-floor classroom building in partnership with the Lagos State Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools, (SCRPS), for students of Ogombo in Ajah.

The Governor urged participants at the Conference to be catalysts of positive change in their various communities, workplaces, and families, saying that together, we have the power to shape a future where every individual, regardless of gender, is afforded equal opportunities to excel and contribute meaningfully to society.

Other speakers at the event included the Senate President, Senator Goodwill Akpabio, and the Governors of Oyo, Ogun, and Osun who were represented at the event, lauded the various giant strides of COWLSO and the developmental projects already delivered by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials.

Earlier, the Chairman of COWLSO and the wife of the State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, acknowledged the First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, OON for the massive support she continues to give to women and children, as well as the Senate President Senator; Godswill Akpabio, the Governors of Oyo and Bauchi States, Engr. Seyi Makinde and Abdulkadir Mohammed for identifying with the cause of women’s leadership and development in the State.

The First Lady who listed some activities of COWLSO under her leadership, reported that the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials had impacted lives through its various interventions in the education sector, Agriculture, donation to orphanages, seminar on sanitation, security, and safety for market leaders and stakeholders, senior citizens outreach with presentation of cash gifts and household items, just to mention a few.

According to the First Lady. The 2023 theme of the Conference “Unleash Your Potential”, is urging participants to take risks, face their fears, and push past their comfort zones in order to discover what they are truly capable of achieving. “Our focus is to bridge the gap between where you are presently and the place or position where you ought to be, where your potential is fully unleashed”, she added.

The COWLSO Chairman, however, remarked that unleashing one’s potential is a step one has to take with courage as anyone who fails to unleash his/her potential has robbed the world of valuable treasures.

 

OLUBUKONLA NWONAH

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY

October 17, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU MARKS WORLD FOOD DAY WITH LAGOS FARMERS, RECOMMITS GOVT TO FOOD SAFETY MEASURES

  • Governor woos individual paddy rice farmers for immediate supply

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, recommitted his administration to actions and interventions that would make quality food affordable and accessible within the State.

The Governor said the ongoing development of Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Park in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, was part of the current interventions by his Government to ensure food affordability, stressing that the facility would help bring the food market closer to the consumers and scale down food prices.

Sanwo-Olu joined hundreds of farmers at Lagos Farm Fair – an event held at the Police College in Ikeja for the commemoration of the 2023 World Food Day.

The event with the theme: “Water is Life, Water is Food; Leave No One Behind”, was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture with the objective to promote awareness and action against hunger, and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all.

Farmers from various Local Government Areas of Lagos, who were supported by the State Government through Lagos APPEALS Project, exhibited their produce at the Fair and offered reduced prices for bulk purchase of their crops.

As the State population grows, Sanwo-Olu said there was need for collaborative efforts and innovation to sustainably scale up agricultural production to meet demand, while improving food supply chain and security.

The completion of the Food Logistics Hub next year, the Governor said, would centralise the State’s food supply from the farm to the markets where consumers would buy at affordable prices. He said the facility was being developed with capacity for long-term storage to reduce waste and loss.

He said: “It is another year of commemoration of the World Food Day. For us in Lagos, it is to celebrate and appreciate our resilient farmers, while also bringing up a conversation on need to begin to ensure that food is affordable and accessible. It is important to note that the current economic situation has made the prices of food to go up, but I believe with deliberate interventions that will bring the market closer to the consumers, we can help to bring down the food prices.

“As part of our efforts, we are currently building the largest Food Logistics Hub in West Africa in addition to middle level markets we are opening across the State. By this time next year, we would have completed the first phase of the project. The Logistics Food market will be the central hub through which all farm produce will come into Lagos. The facility has cold and dry storages from which food will be supplied to the middle-level markets and where products go to the retail shops.”

Sanwo-Olu said the Logistics Hub was part of a “robust, integrated” plan of his administration to ensure food adequacy and sufficiency. Other initiatives, he said, focused on equipping farmers to raise productivity, and supporting the market in order to make food affordable for the end consumers.

The Governor said despite the deficiency of land in Lagos, the State had been showing the way in urban farming in areas, such as aquaculture, piggery, fishing, poultry, vegetable and fruits production. He reiterated his commitment towards providing infrastructure and creating incentives for farmers to meet residents’ nutritional needs.

In spite of the collaboration with some key agrarian States for paddy rice supply, Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos-owned Imota Rice Mill hardly received adequate paddy rice from its suppliers to meet production capacity. He called on independent paddy rice farmers to collaborate with Lagos in order to sustain the rice production.

“Farming is an important component of our Government’s activities. We need to grow what we eat, and eat what we grow. While we have collaborated with some major agricultural states within the country, we are also looking for independent paddy rice farmers across the federation to raise paddy supply to Lagos Rice Mill. We need a lot of paddies to meet up with production capacity. It doesn’t matter the tonnage of paddy rice they have, we are ready to take it up. This is calling on paddy growers across the country to key into this opportunity,” he said.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, noted the event was held in the wake of critical food security issues facing the country and which required “urgent” actions to scale up food production across the various value chains.

She said the Farm Fair would encourage action on food insecurity, promote production and consumption of safe food, which would have an immediate and long-term benefit on the people, the planet and the economy.

“Not only is Lagos playing frontline role in the aqua farming industry, we are also key players in production of other crops and edible produce. This year’s commemoration of World Food Day is to come out and encourage our farmers, and create a platform for them to be aware of all the incentives and interventions we have created for them,” the Commissioner said.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

16 OCTOBER 2023

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” says Julius Berger Managing Director Engr. Dr. Lars Richter at Project flag off ceremony in Abia State JULIUS BERGER PROJECTS: “WE WILL DELIVER ABA-PORT HARCOURT ROAD TO CONTRACTED SPECIFICATION

JULIUS BERGER PROJECTS: “WE WILL DELIVER ABA-PORT HARCOURT ROAD TO CONTRACTED SPECIFICATION,” says Julius Berger Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter at Project flag off ceremony in Abia State

 

 

JULIUS BERGER PROJECTS: “WE WILL DELIVER ABA-PORT HARCOURT ROAD TO CONTRACTED SPECIFICATION,” says Julius Berger Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter at Project flag off ceremony in Abia State

  • As Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, tells excited Abians: “For the strategically important road, only the best engineering construction contractor is good enough for the works, and that is Julius Berger.”

 

Residents of Aba, Abia State were in upbeat mood Thursday as they jubilated with His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR as the Abia State Executive Governor flagged off the reconstruction of the 6.8km Aba-Port Harcourt Road at Aba the State’s commercial nerve-centre.

 

The Honourable Commissioner for works, Engr Otumchere Oti kickstarted proceedings at the ceremony in Aba when he said that “…the new Aba-Port Harcourt Road is a total of 6.8km, and it is made up of 5.7km from the beginning of Port Harcourt Road  by Ngwa road to the end of the intersection  with the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway  by Alaoji, and another 1.1km from the intersection with Ngwa road to the junction of Azikiwe road by Asa road.”

 

His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti in his remarks at the event also said that the road which was first constructed by former Governor Sam Mbakwe has been in a state of disrepair and abandonment for over 20 years occasioning avoidable flood and other environmental problems and, consequently, shut down of businesses. He said, “I am glad that we are taking yet another strategic  step in fulfilling one of my promises to break the jinx of  Port Harcourt Road, Aba and revive the long abandoned economic activities along this corridor; activities that once gave Aba a set of peculiar commercial and trading advantages,  starting from the early  1980s when our revered  leader, Dee Sam Mbakwe, Governor of old Imo State constructed this road to feed into the booming oil industrial complex in Port Harcourt.” The Governor recalled with nostalgia that the road corridor in past decades emerged as one of the busiest parts of Aba and a go-to destination for people and businesses in Abia. He positively assured Aba residents and Abians in general that the years of abandonment of the important road are over.

 

On the Abia State Government’s choice of Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Plc as the contractors for the project, Governor Alex Chioma Otti described the decision as “another milestone to bring definite relief to the people.”  He said, he had earlier led representatives of the company to inspect the road because, it was his view that it will take a long time to complete the process of bringing life to the corridor. “We were very careful not to repeat the errors of the past. It is better to construct the road and do it well…. I told our people we shall only go for the best because that is what you (Abians) deserve. We then accepted the engineering designs and bid of the foremost engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.” This remark was received by a resounding applause by the teeming and excited audience. “I believe that Julius Berger is the best and, under my watch, only the best is good for Abia State. So, forget the heartbreaks of the past on this project. Look into the future as Julius Berger is here to give you the best of their expertise and put happy smiles on your faces again,” the Governor added, even as he called for the cooperation of residents with the contractors. Governor Otti concluded by saying that on completion, there will be restoration for all the businesses and property value for residents of the area.

 

Also speaking during the event, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr Dr Lars Richter thanked Governor Otti for his administration’s confidence in Julius Berger, adding that, “…we are humbled and challenged by this award.  I promise that we will employ our unique expertise to deliver the project to specifications.  We assure you that you will get quality delivery.”

 

Counting on the goodwill of the people on the project corridor for peaceful project progress and success, Richter solicited the cooperation of residents of Aba during the reconstruction period and even beyond.

 

While the Governor led the State Executive Council members and other stakeholders to the landmark event, in the delegation of Julius Berger were Dr Lars Richter,  Engr Friedrich Wieser, Engr Dominic Mueller and Chief Sam Ngbor amongst others.

 

‘Social media is not Nigeria’s problem, reject bill to regulate it’, SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas “to reject the recently reintroduced social media regulation bill which if passed would unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.”

 

SERAP urged them to “request the administration of President Bola Tinubu to drop any ongoing efforts to put pressure on Google, YouTube, TikTok and other social media companies to unduly restrict these fundamental human rights.”

 

SERAP said the bill would “criminalize the legitimate and lawful exercise of human rights.”

 

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) last week reportedly stated that, “one of Nigeria’s major problems now is social media”, and described the social media as “a monster”.

 

In the letter dated 14 October 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “the social media is neither Nigeria’s problem nor a monster. Any regulation of it would have arbitrary and excessive effects, and cause incalculable damage, both in material and human rights terms.”

 

SERAP said, “Any move to regulate social media would be inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

 

According to SERAP, “The proposed bill raises serious concerns about the rights to freedom of expression and privacy, and would lead to digital siege.”

 

The letter, read in part, “Rather than rushing to pass the social media regulation bill, the National Assembly should encourage the Federal Government to maximize opportunities around social media access, and address the growing social and economic inequalities in the country.”

 

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are immediately taken upon the receipt and/or publication of this letter. SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions against the National Assembly and the Federal Government if the social media regulation bill is ever passed into law.”

 

“We urge you to request the administration of President Bola Tinubu to publish the details of any ongoing discussion and engagement with Google, YouTube, TikTok and other social media companies.”

 

“The reintroduction of the social media regulation bill would lead to deterioration of the human rights situation in the country and carry major economic costs for all sectors, as well as exacerbate social and economic inequalities.”

 

“It would effectively deepen digital divides in the country and seriously undermine the Tinubu administration’s expressed commitment to develop this sector.”

 

“Under international law, all restrictions on the operation of social media companies and other intermediaries must comply with the requirements of legality, legitimacy and necessity.”

 

“The regulation of social media may be incompatible with the services of major social media and private messaging intermediaries, negatively impacting the free flow of information and ideas, and affecting economic and social activities.”

 

“The National Assembly should put pressure on the Federal Government to comply with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 and the country’s international human rights obligations regarding the rights to freedom of expression, privacy and participation.”

 

“Access to social media is widely recognized as an indispensable enabler of a broad range of human rights. It is central to freedom of expression and the realization of many other human rights including education, freedom of association and assembly, access to information, and participation.”

 

“The Federal Government has the legal obligations to promote and facilitate the enjoyment of human rights, and to take all steps necessary to ensure that all individuals have meaningful access to social media. The authorities should refrain from unduly interfering with access to digital communications platforms.”

 

“Under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, any restriction on freedom of expression constitutes a serious curtailment of human rights.”

 

“The Nigerian Constitution and these human rights treaties protect everyone’s right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information of all kinds, regardless of frontiers. States have the obligation to respect and ensure the right to freedom of expression, without distinction of any kind.”

 

“The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties protect a broad range of expression, including political discourse, commentary on one’s own and public affairs, canvassing, discussion of human rights, journalism, and artistic expression.”

 

“This includes information that may be regarded as offensive, false or untrue by some people but is considered legitimate political discourse by others. Restrictions on the right to freedom of expression are only permissible when they meet the requirements of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination.”

 

“The onus to show that restrictions comply with those requirements is on the State seeking to restrict rights. Social media regulation bills generally do not meet those requirements.”

 

“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has called upon States not to engage in or condone any restriction of access to the Internet or other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.”

 

“According to our information, Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Balarabe Ilelah, recently stated that the social media regulation bill has been sent to the National Assembly. The bill is reportedly seeking to repeal and reenact the NBC Act, CAP L11 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

 

“According to the NBC, ‘We have already submitted a bill to amend the NBC act. One of our major problems now is social media. Unless there is a law that allows NBC to act on social media issues, the issue will continue to be a monster in our daily lives in this country.’”

 

“Similarly, Mrs. Francisca Aiyetan, Director, Broadcast Monitoring of the NBC, recently reportedly said that without regulation, young people could be misguided. According to the NBC, the Federal Government is currently engaging with Google or YouTube, TikTok, ‘so we know the faces behind these [social media] platforms.’”

 

“If the 2023 social media regulation bill which has reportedly passed the first reading before the National Assembly is the same as the 2019 bill, it would impose disproportionate penalties on Nigerians solely for exercising their human rights.”

 

“According to our information, the newly reintroduced social media regulation bill seems to be the replica of the version of the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill 2019, with provisions empowering the authorities to unilaterally order the shutdown of the internet.”

 

“A similar bill to regulate social media was considered by the National Assembly in 2015 but failed to pass into law after public outcry.”

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

15/10/2023

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact: +2348160537202

 

 

 

Dum Dekor Urges Nigerians To Rekindle Sense Of Unity, Compassion

The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor is worried over the diminishing levels of empathy and concern among Nigerians, attributing the decline to the erosion of societal values.

Speaking as guest on ’30 Minutes On NTA’, a current affairs programme aired on the Nigerian Television Authority on Saturday, Rt. Hon. Dekor emphasized that the traditional values of compassion, solidarity, and empathy which once held Nigerian society together are gradually fading away.

He expressed deep concern about the growing sense of indifference and apathy that seems to permeate various aspects of Nigerian life.

“We have witnessed a noticeable decline in our collective empathy towards one another. The fabric of our society is being strained, and our ability to stand together in times of need is waning,” he remarked.

The distinguished lawmaker who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, urged Nigerians to reflect on the roots of this issue and work towards reigniting the spirit of unity and compassion.

He emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of community, understanding, and support for one another, regardless of individual differences.

“We must reflect on our core values as a society and strive to rekindle the empathy that once defined us. Let us remember the strength we derive from our unity and the compassion that binds us as one nation,” urged Rt. Hon. Robinson Dekor.

Rt. Hon. Robinson Dekor, a former Deputy Speaker in the Rivers State House of Assembly as well as former Commissioner for Works in the state, took viewers on a nostalgic journey back to his time at the Federal Government College in Sokoto State, where he emphasized the profound sense of unity that prevailed among students.

He recalled that in those days, there was no distinction between a man from Sokoto State and an Ogoni man from Rivers State. He added that their motto, “Pro Unitati,” symbolized unity, a concept that unified them into one family, underscoring the fact that nobody would inquire about one’s state, tribe, or religion; they were simply Nigerians.

During the programme, he condemned the alarming disregard for human lives in the country and cited the ongoing insecurity, particularly the captivity of the Dapchi and Chibok school girls by their kidnappers. His voice trembled with emotion as he expressed his fervent hope for a day when every Nigerian could live and do business freely anywhere in the country.

“Let our diversity be our strength, and let our flag unite us together,” proclaimed Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor. “We are so richly endowed, yet we live in abject poverty.”

Rt. Hon. Dun Dekor Media Team

JULIUS BERGER CSR: ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION LEADER AGAIN RENOVATES, RESTORES AND DELIVERS CLASSROOM BLOCKS FOR SCHOOLS IN NIGER AND KANO COMMUNITIES

 

Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc improved her Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio of initiatives to benefit its host communities across the country recently, when it donated a block of classrooms and Principal’s Office to Government Day Junior Secondary School, Boyi, Gurara L.G.A, in Niger State.

 

At the event, after a brief introduction of the Julius Berger team and opening remarks by the leader of the company’s CSR team, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim, the Principal of the school, Mr Bala Ishaku Dodo said, “the importance of education and a conducive learning environment cannot be overemphasized. Before now, this building was an incomplete one, and there was not a roof and chairs for our classrooms,” adding that, “…initially, we had to wait for the primary school students to finish their classes to enable the junior secondary students go in for their classes in the afternoon.

 

Bala Ishaku Dodo further stated that, “Julius Berger Nigeria Plc came to our school’s rescue and not only gave us this beautiful structure, but also provided us with students’ and teachers’ chairs, a Principal’s office, and a toilet. The excitement on our children’s faces clearly shows that Julius Berger has given them an amazing gift and we cannot be more grateful. On behalf of the Management and students, we say a very big thank you to Julius Berger.”

 

Speaking at the event, the Acting Village Head, John Nasara JP, who couldn’t withhold his excitement said, “Words aren’t enough to express my excitement. With this donation, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has not only touched the hearts of the students, but also left an indelible mark in the hearts of our community. Through this donation, Julius Berger has showed us the actual meaning of kindness and has exhibited it by giving back to the society. We are grateful and may God bless the company with every good and kind gift.

 

The Secretary of the Hausa Community, Umar Abdulkareem Kauru, who was also present at the handing over of the project said, “…we are very excited for the helpful actions taken by Julius Berger. Looking at the smiles on our children’s faces gives me so much joy. We appreciate God first and then Julius Berger for what they have done today. We are so grateful.” 

 

The Head Boy of the school, Michael E. Daniel, who was also present at the event said, “I want to thank Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for providing us with this block of classrooms. We appreciate how much Julius Berger is concerned about our education and all the company’s efforts towards our community. On behalf of my fellow students, I say thank you to Julius Berger.”

 

At the company’s next donations stop at Ahmed Idris Kura Community Science and Technical College, Arewa Kura, Kura L.G.A, Kano State, Julius Berger’s CSR efforts were also commended and gratefully acknowledged by the school management and the students.

 

The Principal of the school, Falalu Kabiru Ahmed, was effusive with thanks and prayers for Julius Berger. “…I want to specially thank Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for providing us with this block of classrooms. We had just two classroom blocks and could not afford to admit more children into our school due to lack of learning spaces. Thankfully, this very thoughtful gesture came to us at a time when we really needed it, and we do not take this for granted. God gave us what we really desired and He did that through Julius Berger. On behalf of the staff, parents and the pupils of Ahmed Idris Kura Community Science and Technical College, Arewa Kura, I say a very big thank you to the company.”

 

The Village Head, Abubakar Tijjani Abubakar, said, “I am extremely grateful to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for this significant contribution made to our school and also our community. I also want to take out time to also thank the entire management of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. This company, indeed, has written its name boldly in our community anals.”  

 

The College Director, Mr. Salisu Kura, who was present at the event, thanked the company also for the CSR donation gifted to the school, adding that, “Asides this, Julius Berger also helped to repair certain areas within the school premises which had potholes and were water-logged and as such, the students were previously restricted from accessing certain points in the school. He added that with Julius Berger’s intervention, the bad portions had been repaired for free and easier movement. We are happy. I pray God reward and bless the company continuously.”

 

The Julius Berger delegation to the event was led by the AKR Project Manager, Finn Drosdowski and ably supported by the Project Coordinator, Engr. Yusuf Ibrahim. Other Julius Berger officials at the events in Niger and Kano States include Akeem Lawal, Michael Ashofor and Olivia Uzoma.

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