NEWS
Abbas, Kalu Express Grief over Deputy Chief Whip, Onanuga’s Death

Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed deep grief over the demise of the Deputy Chief Whip of the house, Rep.
Adewunmi Onanuga.In a statement on Thursday, Abbas described the late lawmaker as a strong pillar who would be sorely missed in the house.
Report says that Onanuga, who died on Wednesday, represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency and was serving her second term in the house.
Abbas said that he had led members of the house in support and prayers for Onanuga during her health challenge and was hopeful of her recovery, saying that her eventual death was painful.
He recalled Onanuga’s campaigns for gender equality, women empowerment and inclusion in politics and governance, as Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare in the Ninth House and as a principal officer in the 10th House.
Abbas also recalled how the late lawmaker, as the only female member in the leadership of the house, inspired and rallied female legislators for the greater good of the chamber and the country in general.
“Onanuga was a brilliant woman, experienced politician, resourceful lawmaker and a dependable ally in the legislative business,” he said.
Abbas commiserated with the Onanuga family and her constituents, the people and the government of Ogun as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the demise of the legislator.
Also, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, expressed sadness over Onanuga’s death.
Kalu described the deceased as a shining example of dedication, compassion and selfless lawmaker whose service to her constituents and the nation was outstanding.
He acknowledged her support for the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), which demonstrated her passion for defeating insecurity in Nigeria.
“Onanuga was a dedicated and committed lawmaker, renowned for her unwavering commitment to peace.
“Her passion for promoting harmony and understanding was truly commendable. Beyond her legislative accomplishments, Onanuga’s compassion, humility and simplicity inspired countless individuals.
“Her warm and infectious smile, coupled with her empathetic nature, endeared her to everyone she met, making her a beloved figure in the lives of many,” he said.
Kalu said that Onanuga would be remembered for her commitment to the cause of women’s empowerment and political inclusion as well as her relentless efforts toward ensuring that the gender bills were passed.
The deputy speaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the Onanuga family, her colleagues and constituents, saying that she would be greatly missed.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late lawmaker and the fortitude to bear the loss. (NAN)
NEWS
We’ll Comply with PenCom’s 3-day Pension Payment Directive- PenOp

The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) has assured the National Pension Commission (PenCom) that its members will comply with the recent directive to settle all pension benefits within three working days.
The Report says that the National Pension Commission has mandated Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Fund Custodians to approve and pay pension benefits to eligible applicants within three working days of receiving complete applications. Mr Oguche Agudah, Chief Executive Officer, PenOp, speaking with newsmen in Lagos, said that the directive was positive and capable of fostering accountability. Agudah said that PenOp members were fully aligned with PenCom’s efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the pension system in Nigeria.He said, “This is a good development for pensioners, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and the entire system.“PFAs are going to comply with this new directive, which is set to begin in June. We will ensure servicelevels are maintained, and we will also ensure people get their money as and when due.“We recognise the importance of timely payment of pension benefits to retirees, and we are committed to working with PenCom to achieve this goal.” (NAN)NEWS
Food Security: Benue Govt. partners FACAN on Pricing of Agric. Commodities

The Benue State Government is partnering with the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) on pricing of agricultural commodities in the state.
Mr Donald Akule, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Agricultural Development Company (ADC), who made the disclosure on Monday in Makurdi, said that the partnership would enhance food security. Akule restated the state government’s willingness to work with FACAN to mediate between the farmers and the government on the prices of commodities. The MD said that the aim was to ensure that all farmers get value for their produce and also ensure food availability. “We have declared a state of emergency on food insecurity. We want to make sure that every farmer gets value for what they produce. “In the coming days we are going to roll out a template of how this produce can be bought or mopped by the ADC and to make sure that we fill up our silos and food banks,” he said. Akule advised farmers to form cooperatives or groups for easy transactions, adding that the government would not work with individual farmers. “Agriculture business is a collective business; it is a collaborative business. We are going to liaise with FACAN to make sure that we regulate the prices of grains. “We will not recognise any person that is working in isolation. Any farmer that is not part of an organised working group would not be accepted,” he said. FACAN State Coordinator, Mr Vitalis Tarnongu, said Benue farmers were ready to partner with government in the regulation of prices enable them get value for their produce. Tarnongu said that their mandate was to ensure that the prices of commodities are set in such a way that both farmers and government make gains. The new state coordinator assured government of FACAN’s commitment with ADC to boost agricultural production.“We are ready to work closely with ADC to ensure food sufficiency.“We solicit your support and cooperation for the association to succeed in its assignment,” he added.(NAN)NEWS
Court Orders Man to Pay N140,0000 Feeding Allowance for Child

A Shari’a Court sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna State on Monday ordered one Bilya Isah to pay the sum of N140,000 as feeding allowance for his child.
The Judge, Malam Kabir Muhammad made the ruling after one Rabi Musa, an ex wife to the defendant prayed the court to grant her custody of her one year and seven months old son. The Judge granted her custody and ordered Isah to pay N140, 000 as feeding allowance for the seven months he failed to provide and to continue paying N10, 000 monthly. Earlier the complainant said through her counsel, A. Badamasi that her ex husband had neglected their child for seven months and prayed the court to order him to pay N1 million as compensation for the months he missed.She also prayed the court to order the defendant to pay N30, 000 monthly feeding allowances.Meanwhile the defendant on his part said he can only afford N3, 000 monthly allowance.(NAN)