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Ministerial list: Reasons Buhari must withdraw Fashola’s nomination – CACOL

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The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, on Friday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw the Ministerial nominee of Babatunde Fashola.

CACOL said Fashola, who was the immediate past Minister of Work, Housing and Power, had failed to ensure good federal roads within Lagos State and Ogun axis.

In a statement addressed to the President, the Executive Chairman of CACOL, Debo Adeniran also insisted that Fashola failed in Power and Housing sectors while he was a Minister, hence should not be reappointed.

The letter sent to DAILY POST reads: “We wish to draw your attention to some vital issues concerning distinguish men and women, that you have assembled to be part of your cabinet with a view of partnering with you, towards realizing your plan for promoting good governance and accountability.

“We believe that competence; integrity, track record and diligence will no doubt determine the realization of your goals, to birth a new Nigeria in accordance with your avowed commitment towards a socio-political environment in Nigeria, and a rejuvenated, economically virile, peaceful and united country in line with the dreams of our founding forebears.

“Against this background, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) hereby urge your Excellency to withdraw the nomination of Mr Raji Fashola whose name, unfortunately, featured prominently amongst those to be reappointed as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Sequel to the letter sent to you on 9th of April 2019, where we demanded that Mr Fashola should not be reappointed based on the fact that he has failed in carrying out his duty in the three portfolios in terms of Work, Housing and Power.

“Suffice it to outline our in-depth analysis on the key portfolios of the outgoing Minister as follows: –

“Deplorable conditions of federal roads within Lagos state and Ogun axis

“In Lagos, deplorable federal roads include the entire stretch of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos-Badagry Expressway, some sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway yet to be touched by the ongoing reconstruction of the dual carriageway and where work has been ongoing, the quality of work has not been impressive

“Within the city, some of the affected roads are the Ijora Causeway and Flyover; Funsho Williams Avenue, Alaka, Custain Roundabout to Eko Bridge ramp and Costain to Iganmu bridge.

“Also affected are Carter bridge roundabout to LAWMA Junction inwards Eko Bridge, Herbert Macaulay Way from Jibowu Junction to Adekunle Junction, Outer Marina to Ahmadu Bello Way from Apongbon bridge to Bonny Camp, Falomo roundabout through Kingsway Road to Osborne Road, Apapa Road to Western Avenue, between Iganmu bridge ramp and Western Avenue bridge ramp among others

“Bad portions on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway such as Sango-Ota, Joju, Owode, Ijako, Iyana-Ilogbo and Pakoto have not only become death traps for motorists, but they have made commuters plying the road prone to armed robbery attacks

“Many spots on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway are in a deplorable state, which of course have made things very difficult for the commuters and motorists. These spots are the Toll Gate area, the Sango Market area, Under Bridge, Joju junction, Oando Petrol Station junction, Owode-Ijako and Iyana Ilogbo, along Lagos-Abeokuta road. Specifically, on Sango-Idiroko axis, you have bad portions at Iyana Ota, Oju Ore, Fowobi Junction, General Hospital, Ota Junction as well as Ota High Court, Iyana Iyesi and the Bells area

“The deplorable state of the iconic Third Mainland Bridge has left many motorists dumbfounded as they continue to lament the fragility of this all-important, connecting bridge. Not only that some portions of the bridge evokes occasional tremor and instability, even on occasions that repairs are done, the quality of work usually leaves much to be desired. The dream of a Fourth Mainland Bridge remains what it is: a dream, as no tangible dateline for its commencement is in sight many years after its official launching. This would have no doubt, ease much of the congestion in movement of people and goods from Lagos hinterland to the surrounding cities

“Apart from the Lagos-Abeokuta and Sango-Idiroko express roads begging for urgent intervention, other federal roads in the state-required major intervention such as Ikorodu-Shagamu road, Shagamu-Ijebu Ode road, Ijebu Ode-Ore are equally in terrible conditions and require urgent attention.

In the area of power, CACOL said Fashola propagated more propaganda during his first term as Minister.

“Power Holding (Electricity supply) and Nigerians’ Experience

“The experience has been that of continuous epileptic power supply even as the power generation availability hovers around 3, 500 to 4, 500 megawatts with tens of billions of US Dollars expended as shortfalls to Electricity Generation Companies (GENCOS)

“Almost four (4) years in the saddle, the Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing has demonstrated more of rhetoric and propaganda in protecting electricity consumers from the shylock electricity distributive companies (DISCOS) as more of darkness is supplied as bogus billing system (estimated billings) is enforced with people being hamstrung to pay for power they never enjoyed. The situation remains evenly pathetic, throughout the federation metering of homes and offices remain a pipe dream with different stories of how the exploited Nigerian power utilizing individuals and corporate organizations lick their wound daily, with unimaginable consequences on the entire economy and social activities

“Even with the claim of the power Ministry under Babatunde Fashola that power generation has increased from 4,000 (Four thousand) Megawatts to 7,000 (Seven Thousand Megawatts, Transmission from 5,000 (Five Thousand) Megawatts to 7,000 (Seven Thousand) Megawatts and Distribution from 2,690 (Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety) Megawatts to 5,222 (Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty-two) Megawatts, nothing is on ground to justify this claim as diverse protests rock the nation by frustrated and agonized members of the public who suffer these defects in power supply

“As it is characteristic of Babatunde Fashola’s style of leadership, when confronted with indifference and complacency on deployment of huge quantum of resources on electricity with defaulting companies not brought to book by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and challenged through the Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts, all that could be extracted was the role of an Abuja based company named POW Technologies Ltd that got paid for 19 (Nineteen) items since 2014 but has remained in default of 6 (six) items while palpable failure of many other procurements and contracts remain sketchy till date.”

Highlighting Fashola’s failure in the area of Housing Policy and Result, CACOL added: “Honourable Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) while commenting on the housing sector hinted that the pilot National Housing Programme which to him is second in the history of the nation has led to a nationwide housing construction currently at various stages of completion in 34 States of the federation, where landed properties were provided. He also insisted that construction works at these project sites are an ecosystem of human enterprise where artisans, vendors, suppliers and craftsmen are direct beneficiaries as well as contributors to nation-building.

“The Works and Housing Boss opined that the Ministry is also tackling the backlog of issuance of consent and Certificates of Occupancy on Federal Government lands, explaining that a total of 1, 216 applications for Consent to Transfer Interest inland and 1, 300 Certificates of Occupancy were approved and signed.

“However, unlike what was clearly visible under Lateef Jakande’s administration as Minister of Works under General (rtd) Abacha’s regime, most Nigerians continue to lament lack of adequate and affordable Housing scheme under this regime.

“CACOL had written to advice against the appointment of same Babatunde Raji Fashola in concordance with our objective appraisal of his performance whilst he held sway as governor of Lagos state. Today, we have been sufficiently vindicated as his inability to deliver the goods stare us all in the face. It is in view of this noted incompetence that we hereby, express our dissatisfaction of his performance in all those three (3) vital portfolios and call on your leadership to not only relieve him of any future responsibilities, but to probe his office on all supposed contracts given out under him with a view to bring him and others who may be culpable of siphoning and diverting humongous sums of money for work not done.

“Please, accept our esteemed regards as we believe you would view this intervention as our little contribution towards assisting in the greater success of this government, especially during your last lap in office.”

The Senate had on Wednesday commenced the screening of the Ministerial list Buhari sent to them for confirmation among whom was Fashola.

Other nominees include: Chris Ngige, Hadi Sirika, Rotimi Amaechi, Adamu Adamu, Mohammed Adamu, and Lai Mohammed.

Others in the list are Uche Ogah, Emeka Nwajuiba, Sadiya Farouk, Musa Bello, Godswill Akpabio, Sharon Ikeazor, Ogbonnaya Onu, Akpa Udo, and Adebayo (Ekiti).

Also, Timipre Sylva, Adamu Adamu, Shewuye (Borno), Isa Pantami, Gbemi Saraki, Ramatu Tijani, Clement Abam were also declared as part of the nominees.

Paullen Tallen, Abubakar Aliyu, Sale Mamman, Abubakar Malami, Muhammed Mamood, Rauf Aregbesola, Mustapha Buba Jedi Agba, Olamilekan Adegbite, and Mohammed Dangyadi.

https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/lagos-guber-im-confident-of-victory-at-tribunal-sanwo-olu/

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NAF Pharmacist Shines at 97th PSN Conference, Bags Three Prestigious Awards

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Air Commodore David Olumuyiwa Babalola, a consultant clinical pharmacist in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has achieved an extraordinary milestone in Nigerian pharmacy practice, earning three prestigious honors at the 97th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

Held from November 4 to 9, 2024, the conference celebrated Babalola’s exceptional contributions with the Biogenerics Integrity Award, the Pfizer Excellence Award, and the Fellowship of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN).

Babalola was recognized as the best overall public-sector hospital pharmacist in Nigeria, clinching the Biogenerics Integrity Award. This esteemed honor, accompanied by a ₦1,000,000 cash prize, celebrates excellence in patient care, career achievements, innovations, training, research, professional service, philanthropy, and leadership in public hospitals.

Adding to his accolades, he was one of four pharmacists nationwide to receive the Pfizer Excellence Award. This award highlights outstanding contributions to hospital and community pharmacy and includes a ₦250,000 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, and a certificate.

Representatives of Pfizer Nigeria presented the award during the conference’s grand closing banquet at Flairmore Event Centre, Uyo.

This achievement makes history as Babalola becomes the first pharmacist in the Nigerian Armed Forces to win a PSN-sponsored corporate award since its inception nearly two decades ago.

In his acceptance speech, Babalola expressed gratitude to Biogenerics Nigeria Ltd and Pfizer Nigeria for their sponsorship, which he said inspires excellence in hospital pharmacy practice.

He also acknowledged the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal HB Abubakar, for fostering an enabling environment for pharmacists within the NAF and for approving the implementation of the Pharmacists Consultant Cadre in the force.

Babalola’s accolades were further crowned by his conferment with the Fellowship of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN), the highest honor awarded to pharmacists in the country. This recognition, reserved for individuals who have rendered exemplary and meritorious service, solidifies Babalola’s status as a trailblazer in the field.

As the first pharmacist in the Nigerian Air Force to attain the rank of air commodore, Babalola’s career is marked by groundbreaking achievements.

His latest recognitions underscore his relentless commitment to advancing pharmacy practice in Nigeria and inspiring a new generation of pharmacists.

The investiture ceremony for his FPSN honor is slated for early 2025, promising yet another celebration of his outstanding contributions to the pharmacy profession and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

 

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NGO Launches Ibadan Food Bank Project to Combat Hunger Among Vulnerable Nigerians

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The Founder and Executive Director of the Temmy Helping Hands and Youth Empowerment Foundation, Mrs. (Pastor) Elizabeth Bakare, on Saturday unveiled the Ibadan Food Bank Project during the foundation’s 2024 annual convention in Ibadan.

The initiative tagged “Let Nobody Go to Bed Hungry,” aims at tackling food insecurity and hunger among Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations”.

Mega Icon Magazine recalled that a recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has highlighted the severe economic challenges faced by Nigerian households, revealing that two-third of the population struggle to afford healthy and nutritious meals.

The survey titled “Nigeria General Household Survey – Panel (GHS-Panel) Wave 5 (2023/2024)”, noted the worsening multidimensional poverty and the erosion of purchasing power due to the persistent rise in the cost of goods and services.

According to the report, approximately 63.8% of households have been forced to eat only a few kinds of food due to financial constraints. About 62.4% of respondents admitted worrying about food insufficiency, while 60.5% ate less than they thought they should.

“The situation has deteriorated significantly since the last survey, as the proportion of households expressing food insecurity concerns rose from 36.9% in the previous wave to 62.4% in the current one”, the report reads further.

Speaking at the unveiling in Ibadan, during the 2024 annual convention of the foundation, Mrs. Bakare described the alarming rise in hunger caused by the nation’s economic challenges, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the increasing exchange rate, which have led to soaring food prices.

She noted that these conditions have placed immense strain on widows, single parents, orphans, and other underprivileged groups, making it imperative to act swiftly.

The Ibadan Food Bank is set to provide food support to 2,500 individuals monthly, with plans to expand its reach to 30,000 beneficiaries annually by 2029 and 105,000 per annum by 2034.

The initiative incorporates several interventions, such as the free distribution of essential food items, a food subsidy programme offering discounted staples, and a mobile kitchen service providing one free meal daily.

Continuing, it includes outreach to prisons, orphanages, IDP camps, and leprosy centers, as well as educational meal subsidies for schools and centers for people with disabilities. The project also encourages self-reliance through a home farming initiative that offers seeds, tools, and training, and through food processing training to empower beneficiaries with sustainable livelihood skills.

Since its establishment in December 2023, Temmy Helping Hands has already made significant strides in alleviating hunger and poverty. Past achievements include food distributions during World Food Day celebrations and financial support for widows.

Bakare also announced an upcoming initiative, “Make This December One to Remember,” which will provide assistance to 500 vulnerable individuals during the festive season.

She called for partnerships to expand the scope and reach of the Ibadan Food Bank, urging individuals, organizations, and corporations to support the initiative through food donations, financial contributions, and volunteering.

Highlighting various ways to collaborate, she appealed for sponsorship of families or meals, establishment of endowment funds, employee volunteer programs, and media campaigns to raise awareness.

According to Bakare, such contributions would not only transform lives but also demonstrate a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.

She thanked the awardees for their dedication to humanitarian service, urging everyone to join in the fight against hunger.

“Together, we can ensure that no one in Ibadan goes to bed hungry. Every act of kindness matters,” the Founder added.

The keynote address at the occasion was delivered by Dr. Ibraheem Okunlola Akinwale, an Assistant Director at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who spoke on strategies for coping with the economic hardship in the country.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Princess Oyedele Bolatito, from Oyo State WAZOBIA Widows commanded Temmy Helping Hands and Youth Empowerment Foundation for the laudable initiative, urging others to emulate such kind gesture.

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Two-Thirds of Nigerians Can’t Afford Healthy Meals — NBS

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A recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has highlighted the severe economic challenges faced by Nigerian households, revealing that two-thirds of the population struggle to afford healthy and nutritious meals. The survey, titled Nigeria General Household Survey – Panel (GHS-Panel) Wave 5 (2023/2024), underscores the worsening multidimensional poverty and the erosion of purchasing power due to the persistent rise in the cost of goods and services.

The report shows that approximately 63.8% of households have been forced to eat only a few kinds of food due to financial constraints. About 62.4% of respondents admitted worrying about food insufficiency, while 60.5% ate less than they thought they should. The situation has deteriorated significantly since the last survey, as the proportion of households expressing food insecurity concerns rose from 36.9% in the previous wave to 62.4% in the current one.

Power Outages and Access to Energy

The survey also sheds light on the nation’s energy crisis, revealing that Nigerian households experience an average of 6.7 power blackouts per week. While 82.2% of urban households have access to electricity, the figure drops to 40.4% in rural areas.

Cooking remains predominantly dependent on traditional methods, with 65% of households using three-stone stoves and 70.2% relying on firewood. However, the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is reportedly increasing.

Sanitation and Asset Ownership

In terms of sanitation, the report highlights that many households still lack basic toilet facilities, relying on bushes or streets for waste disposal. Access to clean drinking water is often through tube wells or boreholes, reflecting a lack of formal infrastructure in many areas.

On asset ownership, the survey indicates a decline since 2018/19. While two-thirds of households own mobile phones, only 21.3% have internet access. Housing ownership remains significant, with 70.4% of households owning their homes—80.1% in rural areas compared to 49.1% in urban centers.

The NBS report provides a stark reminder of the challenges many Nigerians face daily, from food insecurity and power outages to inadequate sanitation and declining asset ownership. It calls for urgent policy interventions to address these critical issues and improve the living standards of the population.

 

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