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

AT NIPSS COURSE 46 GRADUATION: President Tinubu Charges Policy Makers To Spearhead Nigeria’s Digital Reforms

…Pledges increased support for policy research institutions, broadband expansion

By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored new graduates of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) as well as other policy makers in Nigeria to take the lead in driving the nation’s digital transformation and tech-driven economic growth.

This, he said, is premised on plans by his administration to revitalise NIPSS, “fully digitising its operations, developing an advanced e-library, and establishing virtual learning platforms to ensure executive education remains cutting-edge and accessible.”

President Tinubu gave the charge on Friday at the graduation ceremony of Senior Executive Course 46 of NIPPS, Nigeria’s premier policy institution, in Kuru, Plateau State.

The President, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, specifically noted that policy research, youth empowerment, and technological innovation are indispensable in shaping Nigeria’s future.

He noted that this year’s course theme, “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria,” perfectly aligns with his administration’s priorities.

“The task ahead is not an easy one, but I have no doubt that you are equal to it. You must return to your organisations and communities with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the future of our nation rests, in part, on the quality of leadership you provide,” the President said.

President Tinubu maintained that technology holds a central place in leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population, which constitutes over 60% of the country’s demographics, to propel economic transformation.

He said, “Young people are our greatest asset. Their energy, creativity, and technological prowess must be fully harnessed to propel our country into a new era of economic transformation. This is an investment we cannot afford to take for granted.”

The President promised that initiatives, including the expansion of broadband infrastructure, the development of digital entrepreneurship, and the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy would help the country maximise the potential of its youth population.

“We are going nowhere unless we are well positioned to utilise technology in our daily lives and guide our industries towards the demands of this new wave of industrial revolution,” he stated.

The Nigerian leader reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening policy research institutions like NIPSS, describing them as the “fulcrum of strategic thought” in national development.

“No nation that cares about its future underfunds the very institution that provides strategic insights and policy direction for national development,” he said.

President Tinubu pledged to revamp NIPSS’s digital infrastructure, including the establishment of an advanced e-library and virtual learning platforms, just as he underscored the need to “fully digitise NIPSS operations to ensure executive education remains cutting-edge and accessible.”

He recalled that the federal government recently approved the takeover of the Oba Adetona Post-Graduate School of Policy and Governance Studies to bolster Nigeria’s policy research ecosystem.

“This decision underscores our dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s ecosystem of policy research institutions,” he said.

President Tinubu also mentioned ongoing efforts to empower young Nigerians through vocational training and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), explaining that “through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme, we are equipping young Nigerians with practical skills in technology, construction, and the creative industries.

On his part, Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, said the state government would prioritise sending female candidates to the institute, just as he appealed for the state to be given more slots to accommodate the growing demand for the institute’s admission.

“I want to congratulate you on having gone through this course, and I hope that what you have learned here will add value to our national progress,” the governor said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo, said the graduation was a testament to the vision of the class and the institute to foster strategic leadership in Nigeria.

“In past years, we have made significant strides in making our research outputs relevant to today’s critical national issues. The digital economy is reshaping the global landscape, and Nigeria must embrace these technologies. We must drive sustainability for generations to come,” he said.

He added that while the experiences of the participants’ would undoubtedly contribute to addressing the future of work, “the class represents a new wave of leaders equipped to drive change in Nigeria.”

Also, the Monitor-General for Course 46, Colonel Fakandu Mohammed Bala, said the class of 96 members developed two humanoid robots, using locally sourced materials at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) owned by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

“The essence is to show that we have the capacity and ability to drive our developmental processes with homegrown technologies. The two robots are designed to improve the efficiency of workplaces such as hospitals and government offices,” he said.

Dignitaries present at the graduation ceremony included former Plateau State Governors, Joshua Dariye and Major General Lawrence Onoja (rtd); National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan; members of the Plateau State House of Assembly; security heads; traditional rulers, and other government officials.

AT NIPSS COURSE 46 GRADUATION: President Tinubu Charges Policy Makers To Spearhead Nigeria’s Digital Reforms