Wednesday, November 20, 2024

ADHA Passes Bills to Establish Road Maintenance Agency, other



Adamawa State House of Assembly on Wednesday, passed a bill for a law to establish the Adamawa State Road Development and Maintenance Agency. News Platform 


The assembly also passed a bill for a law to repeal the Adamawa State House of Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) law 2021, so as to remove restrictions for the appointment of chairman and members of the commission.


The passage of the 2 bills followed the consideration of 2 separate reports presented by the committees on Public Petitions, Public Service and Electoral Matters and that of Works, Energy, Land an Survey.


The reports were laid by the Chairmen of the above House Committees, Hon. Kantomon Bulus Naftali (Shelleng) and his counterpart of Verre, Hon. Japhet Hammajabu.


In its report, Hon. Japhet's led committee said the agency is key to economic growth and development, and that it will help in reducing poverty and improve economy.


It recommended its establishment for the overall management, development, rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of class "C" and Class "D" roads on behalf of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Adamawa State and maintenance of Class "B" roads.


It said that the agency will promote sustainable development and operation of the rural roads sector in the state and urged the assembly to pass the bill considering its importance.


After the passage of the bills, the Speaker of the assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, directed the clerk to prepare clean copies of the bills for Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri's assent.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

ICPC Kicks off Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking



The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has kicked off the phase 7 of the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Exercise.


The tracking of constituency and executive projects is an initiative of the Commission which began in 2019, focusing on how well money allocated to critical sectors of education, health, agriculture, water resources and power amongst others, by the government are utilized.


This is contained in a release signed by the Ag. Director, Public Enlightenment and Education/Spokesperson for the Commission, Demola Bakare.


It said that the 7th phase, involving 1,500 projects with a total project value of N610 billion, commenced on Monday, November 18th, 2024, in 22 states across the 6 geopolitical zones. 


According to the commission, the states include Kwara, Niger, Kogi, FCT, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Abia and Enugu State.


"The phase 7 tracking exercise will cut across agencies of government including intervention agencies such as North-East Development Commission (NEDC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), National Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and Ecological Fund Office.


"The objective of the exercise is to deepen adherence to due process in the execution of government projects, improve value for money, and entrench the culture of compliance with the scope and specification as contained in the contract documents", the release explained.


The Ag Director said that the ICPC had tracked a total of 1,900 projects valued at N500 billion naira in phase 6 of the exercise across 24 states of the nation's 6 geopolitical zones. 


He said,"The projects were tracked within the focal sectors of Education, Water Resources, Agriculture, Power, Health, Energy, and Roads".


It further stated that these projects in the 6th phase were awarded to a total of 1,355 contractors in 176 MDAs.

Monday, November 18, 2024

YEDC Begins Deployment of 1,880 New Meters for Band A Customers



Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has announced the commencement of providing meters under the Meter Acquisition Funds (MAF) program.


This initiative which is targeting unmetered Band A customers within YEDC’s franchise area, is part of ongoing efforts to providing accurate billing and improving customer satisfaction.


Following the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)'s approval of the MAF process, YEDC will deploy a total of 1,880 meters. 


This allocation, according to the release, comprises 1,500 single-phase meters and 380 three-phase meters as stated in release signed by Blessing Tunoh, Communications Officer.


The release added that the installation will be carried out by approved meter vendors over a two-week period, from November 18 to November 30, 2024.


"The MAF project is a special intervention under the Presidential Metering Initiative, launched on June 13, 2024, to accelerate metering for electricity consumers nationwide. 


"Importantly, meters procured under this framework will be installed at no cost to YEDC customers.


"We urge all Band A customers to cooperate with the installers visiting their homes and business premises during the metering exercise", it explained. 


She said YEDC is dedicated to enhancing the quality of electricity distribution and ensuring all customers receive reliable and transparent services.


Friday, November 15, 2024

Shelleng Lawmaker Sponsors Bill to Establish Security Trust Fund



Adamawa State House of Assembly has taken steps towards enacting a law aimed at establishing security trust fund for the state.


This followed the first reading of the bill sponsored by the member representing Shelleng constituency and Chairman House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Bulus Naftali Kantomon.


The legislation is tagged, A bill for a law to establish Adamawa State Security Trust Fund and other matters incidental therewith".


If passed by the assembly and assented to by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the legislation will aid in generating funds to tackle insecurity for peace and stability in the state.


It was learnt that the bill will also help the government solicit for funds within and outside the state including private organisations and individuals primarily to address security challenges.


Likewise, the new bill may consider establishing a board with representatives of all security agencies operating in the state including the Police Force, Armed Forces, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local security as well as traditional institutions. 


According to sources, the board which will be constituted will also be vested with the responsibility to decide how best to spend money generated on security in line with government's policy on security of the state.


After the 1st reading of the bill, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, directed the Chairman Rules and Business of the assembly to schedule it for 2 reading at the next legislative day.


The unanimous resolution of the Legislators to read the bill for the 1st time at the resumed sitting of the assembly, following a motion to that effect by Hon. Bulus Naftali Kantomon.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

ICPC Urges Women, Youth to Join Fight Against Corruption


The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has urged women and youth to take a more active role in the fight against corruption and other social vices in Nigeria.


The ICPC Chairman, in his welcome address at a one-day workshop for women and youth on corruption prevention with the theme: “Women and Youth Alliance Against Corruption” held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja on Thursday highlighted that women and youth disproportionately experience the effects of corruption in society.


He stated that the conference was put together as a pivotal event dedicated to empowering two key groups—women and young people—in the fight against corruption.


He said “Today’s workshop is not just an event; it is a crucial platform that aims to highlight the pivotal roles that women and youth play in the fight against corruption”.


According to him, “By uniting our voices and resources, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in our communities.


"Engaging women and young people in this battle is essential, as they are often the first to feel the effects of corruption, yet they hold the keys to innovative solutions and transformative leadership", he further stated.


According to him, the workshop stands as a pillar of public engagement, fully aligned with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, and the ICPC Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028.


Dr. Aliyu noted that the ICPC was committed to leveraging technology for mobilisation, building inclusive coalition, and empowering marginalised voices to foster a more just and equitable society. 


He went further that “by engaging women and youth, our over-arching objective is for our anti-corruption efforts to become more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable, leading to enhanced credibility, increased public support, innovative solutions, long-term impact and, of course, an unbiased and impartial society for Nigerians.

 

The ICPC boss enjoined those attending the event to participate actively in the panel discussions that follow, as their contributions would be “invaluable in shaping our collective efforts and formulating actionable recommendations to be captured in our communique”.


In her speech at the event, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said that when corruption thrives, “it is the most vulnerable among us—women, children, and marginalized communities—who bear the heaviest burden. It is for their sake, and the future of our beloved country, that we must remain resolute in our efforts to combat this scourge."


The First Lady said, “As we gather today, let us reflect on the words of our elders: 'It takes a village to raise a child.' In the same vein, it takes the collective will of the entire nation to defeat corruption. We cannot leave this battle to government agencies alone”. 


Continuing, she noted, “It is a fight that requires the active participation of civil society, the private sector, and—most importantly—our young people. The vibrancy, creativity, and determination of our youth are invaluable assets in this struggle."


She charged the Women and youth to be at the forefront of this fight against corruption in the country, stressing, “We must move beyond the desire to have our voices heard and step into roles where our actions can make a difference. It is time for us to take our place as leaders, advocates, and reformers."


“The challenges we face today—whether they be in schools, workplaces, or our communities—call for our courage and determination. We must work towards creating safe spaces for our sisters and daughters, ensuring that their dignity is upheld and their rights protected” she remarked.


She lamented that the growing issue of sexual exploitation in our educational institutions and workplaces adding that “this menace not only violates the rights of women but also threatens the moral fabric of our society. As female leaders, legislators, and advocates, we must use our influence to push for legislation and policies that address these injustices head-on. A society that respects and values the contributions of women will undoubtedly flourish”.


Speaking directly to young leaders at the event, Senator Tinubu, urged them to see the event “as a call to action. You have the knowledge, energy, and innovation needed to lead the charge against corruption. The challenges we face are complex and dynamic, but so too is your potential to drive change”. 


She disclosed that the National and State Assemblies are working tirelessly to update our laws to address new trends in corruption adding that it was up to them to ensure that these laws translate into real change through advocacy, transparency, and accountability.


While commending the ICPC and its leadership for their unwavering commitment to the cause of anti-corruption, she said that the Commission’s efforts in fostering collaborations with other anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the private sector have been pivotal in advancing this agenda, noting with delight, “I am confident that under the capable leadership of the Honourable Chairman, the ICPC will continue to make great strides in this fight”.


The conference brings together leaders, activists, policymakers, and community members to address the unique challenges women and youth face in combating corruption.


Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, the conference aims to equip participants with tools, strategies, and support networks to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability within their communities and institutions. 

ICPC Urges Women, Youth to Join Fight Against Corruption



The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has urged women and youth to take a more active role in the fight against corruption and other social vices in Nigeria.


The ICPC Chairman, in his welcome address at a one-day workshop for women and youth on corruption prevention with the theme: “Women and Youth Alliance Against Corruption” held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja on Thursday highlighted that women and youth disproportionately experience the effects of corruption in society.


He stated that the conference was put together as a pivotal event dedicated to empowering two key groups—women and young people—in the fight against corruption.


He said “Today’s workshop is not just an event; it is a crucial platform that aims to highlight the pivotal roles that women and youth play in the fight against corruption”.


According to him, “By uniting our voices and resources, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in our communities.


"Engaging women and young people in this battle is essential, as they are often the first to feel the effects of corruption, yet they hold the keys to innovative solutions and transformative leadership", he further stated.


According to him, the workshop stands as a pillar of public engagement, fully aligned with the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, and the ICPC Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028.


Dr. Aliyu noted that the ICPC was committed to leveraging technology for mobilisation, building inclusive coalition, and empowering marginalised voices to foster a more just and equitable society. 


He went further that “by engaging women and youth, our over-arching objective is for our anti-corruption efforts to become more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable, leading to enhanced credibility, increased public support, innovative solutions, long-term impact and, of course, an unbiased and impartial society for Nigerians.

 

The ICPC boss enjoined those attending the event to participate actively in the panel discussions that follow, as their contributions would be “invaluable in shaping our collective efforts and formulating actionable recommendations to be captured in our communique”.


In her speech at the event, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said that when corruption thrives, “it is the most vulnerable among us—women, children, and marginalized communities—who bear the heaviest burden. It is for their sake, and the future of our beloved country, that we must remain resolute in our efforts to combat this scourge."


The First Lady said, “As we gather today, let us reflect on the words of our elders: 'It takes a village to raise a child.' In the same vein, it takes the collective will of the entire nation to defeat corruption. We cannot leave this battle to government agencies alone”. 


Continuing, she noted, “It is a fight that requires the active participation of civil society, the private sector, and—most importantly—our young people. The vibrancy, creativity, and determination of our youth are invaluable assets in this struggle."


She charged the Women and youth to be at the forefront of this fight against corruption in the country, stressing, “We must move beyond the desire to have our voices heard and step into roles where our actions can make a difference. It is time for us to take our place as leaders, advocates, and reformers."


“The challenges we face today—whether they be in schools, workplaces, or our communities—call for our courage and determination. We must work towards creating safe spaces for our sisters and daughters, ensuring that their dignity is upheld and their rights protected” she remarked.


She lamented that the growing issue of sexual exploitation in our educational institutions and workplaces adding that “this menace not only violates the rights of women but also threatens the moral fabric of our society. As female leaders, legislators, and advocates, we must use our influence to push for legislation and policies that address these injustices head-on. A society that respects and values the contributions of women will undoubtedly flourish”.


Speaking directly to young leaders at the event, Senator Tinubu, urged them to see the event “as a call to action. You have the knowledge, energy, and innovation needed to lead the charge against corruption. The challenges we face are complex and dynamic, but so too is your potential to drive change”. 


She disclosed that the National and State Assemblies are working tirelessly to update our laws to address new trends in corruption adding that it was up to them to ensure that these laws translate into real change through advocacy, transparency, and accountability.


While commending the ICPC and its leadership for their unwavering commitment to the cause of anti-corruption, she said that the Commission’s efforts in fostering collaborations with other anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the private sector have been pivotal in advancing this agenda, noting with delight, “I am confident that under the capable leadership of the Honourable Chairman, the ICPC will continue to make great strides in this fight”.


The conference brings together leaders, activists, policymakers, and community members to address the unique challenges women and youth face in combating corruption.


Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, the conference aims to equip participants with tools, strategies, and support networks to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability within their communities and institutions. 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Yola Chief Magistrate Court Remands 3 for Theft



The Chief Magistrate Court II sitting in Yola, Adamawa state on Wednesday, remanded 3 young men in prison custody for alleged theft.


Those remanded include Sikiru Habu, Ahmadu Tanko Kugama and Sani Abubakar of Mayo Belwa LGA for allegedly stealing a motorcycle worth N1million.


The defendants were remanded for alleged "criminal conspiracy, house trespass and theft" contrary to sections 60, 334 and 276 of the state penal code law of which they pleaded not guilty.


After issuing the remand order, the Chief Magistrate Court presided by A. M. Adamu, adjourned the matter to the 27th November, 2024 for hearing.


According to First Information Report, the defendants had on the 30th October, 2024, conspired and forced themselves into a house located at Anguwan Fada in the LGA.


The defendants were alleged to have invaded the affected house without any justification and stole the said motorcycle belonging to one Umaru Bello Daburam.


The FIR said that the defendants had participated in series of theft related crimes within and outside Mayo Belwa LGA


After the court's ruling, the Prosecutor, Sgt Ahmed Abubakar prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable him assemble witnesses to prove his case.