Electricity: Senate Seeks Suspension of Proposed Hike

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July 26, 2023

Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, called on the federal government to intervene and halt the proposed increase in electricity tariff by the distribution companies, DISCOs.

It also urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, (NERC) to decentralize the proposed engagement with stakeholders scheduled for Abuja, to the six geo-political zones of the federation for effective participation by all.

The Senate’s resolutions were sequel to a motion, titled: “Need to halt the proposed increase in electricity tariff by eleven successor electricity distribution companies, DISCOs” sponsored by Senator Yunus Akintunde and two others.

Leading debate on the motion, Senator Akintunde, noted that the 11 successor DISCOs have applied for rate review with the NERC, saying that “the request for rate review is premised on the need to incorporate in macro-economic parameters and other factors affecting the quality of service, operations and sustainability of the companies.”

Senator Akintunde informed that the commission, in line with its mandate, requested the general public for comments on the rate review applications by the distribution licenses, while advising interested stakeholders to review and consider the excerpts of the applications filed with the commission by the respective licenses.

The lawmaker further observed that NERC, according to the powers conferred by Electricity Act 2023, is empowered to conduct a rate case hearing on the applications before making a ruling, adding that the commission had through its official website published and set July 20, 2023 deadline for comments by stakeholders.

Senator Akintunde expressed concern that “the proposed increase will significantly impact the affordability of electricity for the average Nigerian, further exacerbating the financial burdens faced by households and businesses.”

He added that it would impede industrial growth, job creation and economic development while it would also “have adverse effects on the nation’s drive towards sustainable development and poverty reduction.”

According to him, the time frame of less than one week provided by the NERC for comments from all relevant stakeholders was too small for any meaningful engagement.

The lawmaker said: “It is essential to address the issues of inadequate power supply, metering and quality of service provided by the DISCOs,” pointing out that “customers should not bear the brunt of inefficiencies in the power sector.”

The Senate, in its further resolutions, urged NERC to explore alternative measures to address the financial challenges faced by DISCOs such as improving operational efficiency, reducing technical and commercial losses, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms.

It also asked DISCOs to henceforth discontinue estimated billing and make available to all electricity consumers prepaid meters at affordable prices.

Thereafter, the Senate mandated its Committee on Power, when constituted, to engage with the Federal Ministry of Power, the NERC and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the electricity sector, including the need for comprehensive reforms.

It added that DISCOs should henceforth liquidate the cost of electricity transformers purchased by communities or individuals before they are added to the billing system.

2023 Women Afrobasket: NBBF Releases Final List As D’Tigress Head For Title Defence In Rwanda

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Emenike Agu

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July 26, 2023

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The federation initially invited 18 players to camp on Monday, 17 July, with five players from the local league making the cut.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has released the names of 13 players who made the trip to Kigali for the 2023 Women’s Afrobasket.

The federation initially invited 18 players to camp on Monday, 17 July, with five players from the local league making the cut.

However, according to the trimmed list released on Tuesday, just one player from the local league, Murjanatu Musa Linan from First Bank, made the trip to Kigali.

The quartet of Theresa Auta Joy (First Bank), Hembam Wandoo M (MFM), Akaraiwe Nkem Uwa (Customs), and Mac-Dangosu A. Theresa (First Bank) were all deemed surplus to requirement.

The final team, which is primarily dominated by players based in the United States led by Toyosi Abiola, saw some regulars missing out after failing to take part in controversial tryouts organised by the NBBF.

Ify Ibekwe, Anthony Nyingifa, Adora Elonu, Oderah Chidom, and Victoria Macaulay won’t be part of the D’Tigress team to Kigali.

These players were influential in D’Tigress’ good run, which culminated in the qualification for the world cup last year.

Stalwart Nicole Enabosi Ehizele, meanwhile, has been placed on standby.

Implications

The travelling party to the Women’s Afrobasket in Kigali, no doubt, is a strong statement, signifying a change in the guard for the Rena Wakama-led team.

The newly appointed coach leads the team to Rwanda with the help of three assistant coaches and a player development coach.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress are the competition’s defending champions after winning the title back to back in 2019 in Dakar, Senegal, and in 2021 in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Nigeria will kickstart the defence of their title against DR Congo in the opening game of the championship on Friday.

US Re-commit to Nigeria’s Gender Equality Initiatives

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Cleopatra Okohai

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July 26, 2023

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The American government has restated its commitment to initiatives that will drive gender equality in Nigeria.

This was made known by the Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, Joseph Kruzich, during the graduation ceremony of 50 beneficiaries of the ‘Break the Bias, She Can’ initiative on Tuesday in Lagos.

The event was organised by Additional Plus Sports and Education Initiative in partnership with Lagos State Sports Commission.

NAN reports that ‘Break the Bias, She Can’, is an initiative of the Management of APSE in partnership with LSSC, to provide a one-tear sports and political empowerment programme for some outstanding girls.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba, Lagos.

The programme was designed as a sport and political education with a major focus on taekwondo, table tennis and sensitisation.

It also involves a mentorship programme on political participation and how votes can count and be used as a tool in combating the disturbing phenomenon.

At the graduation ceremony of the 50 beneficiaries, the U.S. envoy in Nigeria, Kruzich noted that the drive toward gender equality was one of America’s dreams.

He said, “Gender equality is one of the core values of the Americans and I believe it is one of the core values of the Nigerian government as well.

“As both countries now have strong democracies, we are committed to working together with Nigeria to do more in the area of gender equality, economic development and good governance.

“We are not also forgetting the boys as well, because they are also important. We need both sides, but in traditional settings, we sometimes forget our women, their voices and needs are neglected.

“We want to focus on these, so that everyone in the society has a role to play in the rebirth of Nigeria, in her development and Africa as well.”

Kruzich also stated that the American government was excited to partner with the ‘Break the Barrier’ Initiative, adding that it is the right change that Nigeria needed.

“The U.S. government is excited to be part of this programme, especially because of the ambition of the initiator of this programme, Dr. Oluwaseun Nariwoh.

“This is a strong initiative that gives training in sports and educational development, which in turn gives confidence and political training.

“This programme would have afforded participants a good outlook on their roles in society and what they should do to make Nigerian society a better place. The initiative is great and the organisation is good; putting smiles on the faces of the children.

“It is now time for the children to show the world what stuff they are now made of, while we appreciate other organisations to come on board,” he said.

The President of the International Visitors Leadership Programme, Mrs. Adetoun Tade, U.S. Consulate, told Newsmen that the programme had been able to fulfil its mandate.

According to her, this is evident with the successful completion of the one-year intensive programme for the beneficiaries.

“This is a good way of giving back to society which we are all proud of and we will always like to support.

“This is the way to raise the next generation of talents that will positively impact our society and youths with responsible values.

“I am sure that this programme will be more encouraged to ensure its sustainability,” she said.

Also, the Director of Sports, Lagos State Sports Commission Moses Kolawole, noted that the commission was proud to be part of the initiative.

He said that it was because the initiative was part of the core values being upheld by the state government.

“This is a programme that Lagos State is known for. We can’t have it better than this in raising responsible children to adulthood,” he added.

The initiator of APSE, Dr. Oluwaseun Nariwoh, said that the programme was designed to identify some gaps in the development of athletes, which included combining sports with education.

She said, “We need to prepare these young ones well ahead of the future challenges, and this is what we have been able to achieve.

“The young participants now know the values of education and not sports alone, which has a lifespan.”

Drug Control: NDLEA Cautions Medicine Sellers

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Cleopatra Okohai

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July 26, 2023

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The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Rivers, Ahmed Mamuda, has advised the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers to be law-abiding.

He gave the advice during a one-day workshop organised by the NDLEA in collaboration with NAPPMED in Port Harcourt.

The workshop was themed, ‘The Role of NAPPMED in Curbing the Menace of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’.

Mamuda said that the theme was in line with the directives given by the Director General of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd) to collaborate with all critical stakeholders in the communities through the concept called ”War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA).

He said that the aim of the workshop was to educate NAPPMED members, who are very close to society on their responsibilities and limitations on dispensing drugs to the public.

“The aim is also to educate them on the need to collaborate with NDLEA to fight against drug abuse by educating the youths who indulge in illicit drug use on the dangers,” he added.

Mamuda decried the alarming rate of drug abuse in the state, noting that it was disturbing.

He, however, said the recent reduction of drug use activities recorded was due to some steps and measures put in place by the agency to curtail the abuse.

Mamuda advised NAPPMED members and all patent medicine vendors to abide by the law and desist from unethical dispensing of controlled drugs to members of the public.

Mamuda said the NDLEA was committed to achieving a drug abuse-free state and to ensuring that those caught dispensing drugs are arrested, investigated and prosecuted.

He called on the state government to include the Agency in the State Security Council.

According to him, the inclusion will enable it to bring its activities, achievements and challenges before the state government.

Also speaking, the NDLEA Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Mrs. Stella-Maris Amede, described illicit drug use as a global plague affecting both developed and developing nations.

While presenting a paper on “Consequences of Substance Abuse”, she mentioned three categories of Psychoactive drugs that affect the brain to include depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens, noting that they slow down brain activities.

Amede said NDLEA was addressing the problem through supply control measures and demand reduction activities aimed at reducing the menace to the barest minimum nationwide.

She also listed some of the drugs not to be sold by NAPPMED as Rohypnol, Amphetamines, Lexotan, Ephedrine tabs, cough and cold medications that have codeine.

Others are librium cap, tramadol, dextrose injection, phenobal injection, diazepam tablets and tramadol royal shrubbery flavour.

She urged NAPPMED and the public to desist from the sale and use of these medicines.

Desk Officer, Drug and Substance Abuse Control Unit, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Quanta Dappa, said the state government would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse were reduced to the barest minimum.

She noted that the state Ministry of Health constituted a Drug and Substance Reduction and Control committee of 11 members, comprising the NDLEA, Nigerian Police State Command, the Prison Correctional Centre, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Civil Defense Corps to curb the menace of drug abuse in the state.

She mentioned Tramadol as one of the drugs that pose a lot of problems in society and called on the public, especially young Nigerians, to desist from the use, except on the prescription of medical experts.

With promises to address most of the issues, the Acting President Rivers, NAPPMED, Mr. Charles Opara, commended the NDLEA for its efforts in sensitizing its members.

He said NAPPMED has a task force team that goes around all patent medicine stores to ensure that no member indulges in dispensing controlled drugs and trafficking of illicit drugs in the state.

He noted that NDLEA also carried out investigations and arrests, and has prosecuted persons indulging in the act.

Emefiele: NBA Slam DSS, NCOS, Seeks Punishment On Officers

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 26, 2023

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned a scuffle between operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over the custody of suspended CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.

According to report, the altercation took place on Tuesday after Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos admitted Emefiele to bail in the sum of N20 million.

The judge also ordered that Emefiele be remanded at the correctional centre pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.

However, after the court ruling, the DSS operatives positioned their vehicle in a manner suggesting that they wanted to take Emefiele back to their detention centre.

When the prison officials moved to take Emefiele into custody, the DSS challenged them, and a fight ensued.

Emefiele’s lawyers eventually allowed the DSS to take custody of their client.

The NBA, in a statement, condemned the scuffle and called on the two agencies to take immediate disciplinary measures against the officers involved.

The association said the altercation was a “brazen disrespect for the sanctity of the court premises” and “a recipe for anarchy and chaos.”

The NBA also called for a complete overhaul of the two institutions and a total reorientation of their personnel to achieve professionalism and ensure synergy in the discharge of their respective constitutional responsibilities.

“This incident regrettably is further evidence of the lack of discipline and absence of professionalism that continues to plague key security institutions in Nigeria, which, without doubt, is largely responsible for the limited progress in achieving a coordinated response to security concerns across the country,” the statement partly read.

“The NBA further condemns the brazen disrespect for the sanctity of the court premises. The courts and judicial processes remain the barometer by which the conduct of persons or agencies of government are gauged in assessing the rule of law.

“The NBA calls on the two agencies to take immediate disciplinary measures against the officers involved in this disgraceful conduct. In addition, there is an urgent need for a complete overhaul of the institutions and a total reorientation of the personnel, to achieve professionalism and ensure synergy in the discharge of their respective constitutional responsibilities.”

CAF Draws: Enyimba, Bendel Insurance To Face North African Clubs In Preliminary Stage

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Emenike Agu

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July 26, 2023

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CAF Champions League debutants, Remo Stars, have a date with Ghanian club Medama

Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, Enyimba and Remo Stars have been drawn with clubs from Libya and Ghana respectively.

The draw which took place in Egypt’s capital, Cairo on Tuesday witnessed the attendance of 54 participating clubs who had qualified to participate in the first preliminary stage from the 42 member nations.

Tricky draws

During the draws, Enyimba who are the reigning NPFL champions, were drawn against Libyan side Ahli Benghazi.

The Aba Landlords have a glimpse of what to expect from Libyan teams.

Many vividly recollect how Enyimba were ousted during their last participation in the CAF interclub competition by Al Ittihad who sent the People’s Elephant packing in the knockout phase.

On the other hand, debutants, Remo Stars, will be wrestling it out against Ghana league leaders Medeama for a progression to the second stage in the Champions League.

As indicated in Tuesday’s draw, the winner between Enyimba and Ahli Benghazi will get a chance to play either Benin Republic-based club Cottonsports or Asec Mimosa from Ivory Coast for the second preliminary round.

Should Remo Stars defeat their Ghanaian opponent, they will face Guinea club side, Horoya, in the second stage.

The first round matches are scheduled to be played within 18-20 August in Libya and Ghana respectively for Enyimba and Remo Stars.

Confederation Cup

In the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary draws, winners of the FA Cup, Bendel Insurance are pitched against Algerian side ASO Chlef.

Should they win, the Benin Gunners will play another Northern African side, RS Berkane, in the second stage.

This is the first time in a long while that Bendel Insurance is getting a chance to compete on the continent.

For Rivers United who have been regulars in the CAF interclub competitions in the last three seasons, they were drawn in the preliminary fixtures.

Stanley Eguma’s men would have to wait till the second round before they play the winner between Etoile Filante from Burkina Faso and Ziguinchor from Senegal.

Scientists Call For Joint Research Collaboration

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Cleopatra Okohai

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July 26, 2023

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Clinical Scientists at the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, have called for joint collaboration in research and practice to reach the grassroots.

They made the call in Lagos on Tuesday during its 18th annual conference and gathering themed ‘A Sick Eye in a Sick Body: Multidisciplinary Team as a Research Tool’.

A Professor of Ophthalmology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Head, Glaucoma Services, Adeola Onakoya, who is the guest speaker, said the conference was about the impact of collaboration.

She said that as clinicians, members look after the body of human beings, adding, “And what we’re trying to say is that no one can work in isolation”.

According to her, there are different specialties in medicine, hence the need to collaborate and work together to have an integrative system to improve the healthcare system.

In her speech, the Dean, Faculty Of Clinical Science, Professor Folasade Akinsola, UNILAG, pointed out that the guest speaker went through what could be called anatomical foundations.

“She talked about the importance of different parts of the body, likening them to the field of clinical science and medicine in general. The brain is a very important organ in the body. Once there is no brain, there is no person.

“The eyes are the offshoots of the brain and vessels that are in the eyes are vessels, which could also affect the vessels all over the body.

“If you have issues with the vessels in the eyes, then you have issues all over your entire body,” she said.

Prof. Akinsola said the issue was about joint collaboration to reach the grassroots, noting that the government must also help the specialists.

Also, Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said that the public starts with the medical community, but that they must also collaborate with civil society organisations and NGOs.

She said NGOs and civil society organisations were doing a better job of reaching and engaging the grassroots.

The VC, noted that within the hospital setting and among doctors, they are beginning to realise that they must do a lot more in working with communities.

“I am aware that there has also been a lot of push to go into the communities,” she added.

Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 26, 2023

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The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a “total and indefinite strike action”.

The association revealed this in a terse statement made on Tuesday evening.

The resident doctors listed their demands to include the immediate payment of the 2023 MRTF, the immediate release of the circular on one-for-one replacement, and the payment of skipping arrears.

The list also noted the upward review of CONMESS in line with full salary restoration to the 2014 value of CONMESS, the payment of the arrears of consequential adjustment of minimum to the omitted doctors, and the reversal of the downgrading of the membership certificate by MDCN,

Other demands are the payment of MRTF, new hazard allowance, skipping and implementation of corrected CONMESS in State Tertiary Health Institutions, and the payment of omitted hazard allowance arrears.

The strike comes after the association on July 5 issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government for the implementation of all its demands.

In an attempt to avert the strike, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday, held deliberations with the leadership of NARD behind closed doors.

Following the private talks, Abbas promised to meet with President Bola Tinubu to avert the industrial action of the resident doctors and announced the setup of an ad hoc committee to meet with all the stakeholders and address the matter.

The Speaker also appealed to NARD to give the house leadership a two-week period to find solutions to the issues raised.

NLC To Embark On Nationwide Strike August 2

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 26, 2023

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the federal government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse all its economic policies.

The policies have stifled the poor, according to the NLC

It said that the Federal government risked an indefinite nationwide strike if the policies were not reviewed before August 2, 2023.

NLC has fixed August 2 for the commencement of the strike if their demands remained unsettled.

These policies include the recent hike in the pump price of petrol.

This is as NLC directed all its affiliates and state councils to immediately begin mobilization of workers and other Nigerians, including civil society allies, for a long-lasting strike and mass protests should the government fail to meet its demands.

It was gathered that the decisions were reached at NLC’s Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting held Tuesday, July 25, at Abuja Labour House.

Hollywood Actors’ Union Continues Strike

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Emenike Agu

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July 26, 2023

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Hollywood’s actors are on strike, joining writers in the first industry-wide shutdown in 63 years after last-ditch talks failed, with nearly all film and television production set to grind to a halt.

The screen actors guild (SAG-AFTRA), which represents 160,000 performers including a-list stars, said negotiations had ended without a deal on their demands over dwindling pay and the threat posed by artificial intelligence.

According to the union’s chief negotiator duncan crabtree-ireland, sag-aftra’s national board unanimously voted to issue a strike order against the studios and streamers.

Writers have already spent 11 weeks on the picket line, after their similar demands for better pay and protections against the future use of ai in television and films were not met.

Popular series set to return to television this year now face lengthy delays. And, if strikes continue, major films could be postponed too.

A strike immediately prevents actors from promoting some of the year’s biggest releases, at the peak of the movie industry’s summer blockbuster season.

3actors and writers are demanding higher pay to counteract inflation, and guarantees for their future livelihoods.

In addition to salaries when they are actively working, actors earn payments called “residuals” Every time a film or show they starred in is aired on network or cable — helpful when performers are between projects.

But streamers like netflix and disney+ do not disclose viewing figures for their shows, and offer the same flat rate for everything on their platforms, regardless of its popularity.

Muddying the waters further is the issue of AI. Both actors and writers want guarantees to regulate its use, but studios have refused to budge.