ActionAid Calls for Proper Investigation into Natasha’s Allegations Against Akpabio

By: Michael Mike

The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), Mr. Andrew Mamedu has cautioned against throwing the allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Nduaghan against the Senate President, Godwin Akpabio

Reacting to the allegations by Natasha that he was being intimidated by the Senate President for refusing his advances, Mamedu said: “So for us it is a case of those allegations need to be investigated.”

He asked the right committee should be set up to investigate the allegations.

He said: “So we cannot sweep it under the carpet. We cannot undermine her. She should not be victimized but the allegations should be investigated.

“I am not saying she is right but those allegations should be investigated. So there should not be power over. So the presidency should not put its power on it or the senate leadership may use its power to sweep it under the carpet.

“No. It should be investigated. There is an ethics and privilege committee in the Senate so they should take it up and independently run it.

“She should not be victimized. And if the offence is proven to be true then the rights sanction should be meted out. And if it is false then the rights sanction should be meted out.

“And of course she has said it and it is difficult to prove that it is the truth. But again we cannot sweep it under the carpet. We have to investigate it and find out what has happened.”

ActionAid Calls for Proper Investigation into Natasha’s Allegations Against Akpabio

Ramadan: FFS Advises Nigerians to be Mindful of Fire While Frying

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has launched a comprehensive safety campaign to forestall household fire incident during the Ramadan, urging householders to exercise extra caution in their homes and on the roads throughout the holy month.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Controller General, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, comes as the month of Ramadan, which is solemn month for Muslims to fast and pray, begins globally.

Jaji said: Ramadan, which began on March 1, is a period of spiritual reflection, with Muslims fasting during the day and breaking their fast with a meal after sunset (iftar) and before dawn (suhoor).

He however emphasised that this unique set of circumstances, combined with the traditional preparation of deep-fried foods, can significantly increase the risk of fire-related incidents in the home.

In a statement personally signed by him, he reminded Nigerians of the potential dangers associated with cooking late at night or early in the morning during Ramadan.

He said, “Fasting can sometimes cause lower concentration levels, especially when individuals are hungry, tired, and dehydrated. This, combined with the distractions and busy kitchens during Ramadan, makes fire hazards more prevalent,” Engr. Jaji explained.

He said the FFS is particularly concerned about the increased fire risks posed by cooking practices and late-night fatigue. “We understand that cooking is central to Ramadan, and that many households prepare traditional dishes for iftar. However, it’s crucial to be aware that the combination of late-night cooking, fatigue, and distractions can lead to dangerous accidents,” Jaji warned.

Among the key safety tips provided by the Fire boss are that “it’s essential to never leave cooking unattended. If it’s necessary to step away, always ensure that the stove or hob is turned off. He also urged people to keep children away from the kitchen to prevent accidental spills or burns.

According to him, “Safety extends to personal attire as well, with the Fire Service recommending that individuals, especially women, avoid wearing loose clothing or flowing garments like jubbas, as these can easily catch fire. Instead, they should tie back sleeves and wear aprons for added protection.

“In addition, extra caution should be taken when frying, with oil temperatures being closely monitored. Overheating oil can cause fires, and in the event of an oil fire, water should never be used to extinguish it. Instead, a fire blanket or a damp cloth should be used.

“It’s equally important to keep cooking areas clear of flammable items such as dishcloths, packaging, or paper towels, which should always be kept well away from heat sources.

Jaji also stressed the importance of testing smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are in good working order. If a household does not have a smoke alarm, he encouraged residents to book a home fire safety check to ensure their homes are properly equipped.

He also urged residents to remain cautious on the roads during Ramadan, noting that changes in daily routines could increase the likelihood of road traffic accidents. “The period of Ramadan can bring about shifts in daily schedules, increasing the risk of fire and road traffic incidents. We urge everyone to stay vigilant both in the kitchen and on the roads,” he said.

The FFS boss promised to expand the initiative with a promise to make its fire safety advice widely available through community , market and religious leaders, aiming to reach at-risk groups and ensure a safe and joyful Ramadan for all.

“We are committed to reaching as many people as possible with these vital safety tips, especially in the run-up to Ramadan, to ensure everyone stays safe and can celebrate without incident,” Engr. Jaji added.

In the event of a fire, the Fire Service boss reminded residents of the crucial steps to take:

He added that by spreading these essential safety messages, the Federal Fire Service hopes to minimise the risks associated with Ramadan celebrations and ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

Ramadan: FFS Advises Nigerians to be Mindful of Fire While Frying

ECOWAS May Deploy AI in Counter-Terrorism, Peace Operations

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is not ruling out the deployment of technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its counter-terrorism and peace operations within the West African region.

The Chairman of the Governmental experts’ validation meeting on logistics concept and logistics deport policies of the ECOWAS standby force, Air Commodore Sampson Eyekosi, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the meeting in Abuja on Friday.

The meeting was ahead of the commissioning of the recently completed ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, Sierra Leone.

Eyekosi, on the resolutions of the meeting, which comprised top military personnel and government officials from all ECOWAS member states, said they would be forwarded to the authorities for ratification in March.

He said top on the list was the introduction of technologies to the operations of the standby force.

He said: “We want to leverage on technology and fight against terrorism, insurgency and other threats we see, even climate change. We need technology such as artificial intelligence, drones, and other forms of technology.

“We need to harness them as much as possible, working as a whole of the community, bringing our expertise, early warning, humanitarian issues, youth and women, everybody having a part to play so that we can ensure peace and security.”

He also disclosed that local sourcing of military hardware was also top on the list of issues raised, noting that the body would need to look inward for the supply of most of the needed military equipment needed for counter terrorism and peace operations.

The Chairman also said the issue of funding was a top priority, adding that the meeting encouraged the ECOWAS to look at other sources of funding, including the private sector.

ECOWAS May Deploy AI in Counter-Terrorism, Peace Operations