NEWS
Oborevwori swears in 26 commissioners, warns against ethnic politics
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Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has directed members of the state executive council to prioritise the interest and welfare of the state above ethnic considerations.
Oborevwori gave the directive in Asaba on Tuesday while swearing-in 26 commissioners in the state with a charge for them to remain humble and shun ethnic politics.
Gov.
Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on Tuesday in Asaba, swore in 26 commissioners with a charge to remain humble and shun ethnic politics.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioners have not been assigned portfolios yet.
They are Chief Fidelis Tilije, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Mrs Rose Ezewu, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, Odinigwe Odigle Daniel, Joan Onyemaechi, Jerry Ehiwario, Michael Ifeanyi Anoka and Princess Pat Ajudua.
Others are Darlington Ijeh, Funyei Manager, Godknows Angele, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, Emamusi Obiodeh, Perez Omoun, Orode Uduaghan, Isaac Tosan Wilkie, Agbateyimiro Weyinmi, Samuel Oligida, Prof. Tonukari Johnbull and Etagherure Ejiro Terry, Jamani Tommy Ejiro and Onoriode Agofure.
Mr Izeze Reuben, Vincent Oyibode and Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen also made the list.
The governor reminded the commissioners that they were rather privileged to be appointed based on the number of qualified persons in the state.
He urged those who could not make the list not to be disappointed.
He also announced the payment of N10,000 palliatives monthly to no fewer than 50, 196 state workers to run for three years to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal and depreciating naira exchange rates in the country.
He said that an approval has been given to pay workers’ promotion arrears which had been scheduled to start from August to November this year.
He also approved a committee including the labour union to work out modalities on how to provide palliatives for the widows, persons living with disabilities, poor and aged persons in the state.
Oborevwori said that he had discussed with local council chairmen to ensure they also get palliative for their workers.
He added that an approval had been given to recruit no fewer than 2000 primary school teachers in the state.
According to him, the government is also working out modalities to acquire electric vehicles and to ensure a tricycle workshop in Asaba to convert tricycle to both petrol and gas engine to ease high costs of transportation in the state.
He, however, said that the commissioners should continue the process of filling job vacancies in the ministries, departments and agencies but noted that they must on merit.
Oborevwori said, “This council is an inspiring blend of youths and experienced hands; the youth represents a breath of fresh air, while the old hands represents experience and mentorship.
“To the commissioners that have been sworn in today, I charge you to be humble, shun pride and arrogance,” he said.
He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Responding, Sir Tilije and Miss Orode Uduaghan in their separate remarks pledged the commissioners resolve to deliver on their mandate which centred on effective service to the government and people of the state.
The event was attended by dignitaries including former Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Chief Great Ogboru, a chieftain and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state.
NEWS
Kebbi Relocates 6 Sir Yahaya Hospital Departments for Remodeling
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The Kebbi Government has announced plans to relocate six medical departments from Sir Yahyah Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, to Kalgo General Hospital in Kalgo Local Government Area for proper remodelling.
Dr Zaki Abubakar-Zaki, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Sir Yahyah Memorial Hospital, gave the information while briefing the press in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
“Gov.
Nasir Idris has approved the transformation of Sir Yahyah Memorial Hospital into a modern facility to meet the challenges of contemporary medical care.“The relocation of some departments to Kalgo Medical Centre is necessary to facilitate the reconstruction of affected buildings and the installation of modern equipment.
“This action puts to rest rumours and speculations that Sir Yahyah Hospital is being relocated to Kalgo,” he said.
Abubakar-Zaki explained that Sir Yahyah Memorial Hospital, established in 1952, was originally built when Birnin Kebbi had a smaller population.
“However, the rapid population growth now necessitates modernisation to align the hospital with current needs.
“Gov. Idris sanctioned the hospital’s transformation during his visit, recognising the importance of modern medical care.
“Patients from the affected departments will receive their medical records for transfer to the new location.
“The departments being relocated are Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Dental, and Physiotherapy.
“Departments remaining at the hospital until the completion of the remodelling include Accident and Emergency, Maternity Unit, Paediatrics, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Dialysis, Laboratory, and X-ray.”
Abubakar-Zaki, who is also the hospital’s Permanent Secretary, noted that the hospital was currently unable to train medical interns, except for nurse interns, due to its current state.
He said once modernised, Sir Yahyah Memorial Hospital would be capable of training medical professionals at all levels.
The CMD also clarified that the hospital would continue to serve as a Tertiary Health Institution but stated it would not become a University Teaching Hospital. (NAN)
NEWS
NAHCON Approves 4 Banks to Implement Hajj Savings Scheme
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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved four banks to support and implement the Hajj Savings Scheme.
Abdulbasit Abba, an official in the Information and Publications Division of NAHCON, announced the development in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
Abba stated, “A significant milestone for the Hajj Savings Scheme, three new Islamic banks—Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank have officially joined the initiative to support Nigerian pilgrims.
“These banks will operate alongside Ja’iz Bank, bringing the total number of participating financial institutions to four.
“The official signing and acknowledgment of the appointment letters took place at Hajj House in Abuja, where representatives from the three new banks received their official letters from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
“The Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management, and Finance, Prince Abdullazak Aliu, presented the letters on behalf of the Chairman/CEO, Prof. Abdullahi Usman.
“This expansion marks a new era for the Hajj Savings Scheme, ensuring a more robust financial structure to facilitate pilgrimage arrangements for Nigerian Muslims.”(NAN)
NEWS
Bill to Regulate Agency, Legal Fees in Enugu State Scales First Reading
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A bill seeking to regulate house agency and legal fees in Enugu State has scaled first reading in the State House of Assembly.
The bill titled, “Bill for a Law to Amend the Landlord and Tenant Law Cap 101 of of Enugu State 2024” was sponsored by the member representing Nkanu East constituency, Mr Okey Mbah.
Mbah said the move was in response to the growing complaints by Enugu State residents over rising exploitation by landlords.
He pointed out that Section 3 (4) provides that no tenant shall be caused to pay any further premium in acquiring any accommodation except legal fee payable to a qualified legal practitioner.
The lawmaker said it must be for the purpose of preparing the landlord and tenant agreement and such fee should not exceed 10 per cent of the rent.
Mbah explained that offence under this bill, when passed, would attract a N500,000 fine or a prison term of six months or both.
He said the bill equally seeks to checkmate the injustice suffered by tenants through forced, irregular, and fraudulent evictions by establishing a legally defined duration for eviction and other relevant notices.
Mbah said that the amended bill which sought to ensure that anyone who wished to be a land agent/manager must be certified by the government.
The first term lawmaker explained that there was a 10 per cent ceiling for both Agency and Legal fees, the percentage can be negotiated lesser but could never be above 10 per cent.
He also explained that the tradition of caution fee should be prohibited.
The legislator however, said that government ministry or agency was given the powers to make further regulations on housing issues in Enugu State.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the assembly, Chief Uche Ugwu, applauded the initiator of the bill describing it as being apt.
Ugwu urged the members to study the bill and get ready for deliberations during the second reading. (NAN)