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Kenyan parliament sacks Senator over stain attire

Hauwa Mustapha
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A Kenyan senator Gloria Orwoba is reported to have been sacked from parliament after attending a session while wearing a white suit stained red in an apparent menstrual activism campaign.

Gloria Orwoba, of the ruling coalition, is due to table a motion on a bill to provide free sanitary pads on Wednesday as part of efforts to end period poverty.

According to reports, senators disrupted Tuesday’s afternoon session to draw the Speaker’s attention to Ms Orwoba’s “inappropriate dress code”.

But the senator protested saying, “I am shocked that someone can stand here and say that the House has been disgraced because a woman has had her periods.”

Speaker Amason Kingi ordered the senator to go change her clothes before she could be readmitted to the chambers.

“Having periods is never a crime… Senator Gloria, I sympathise with you that you are going through the natural act of menstruation, you have stained your wonderful suit, I’m asking you to leave so that you go change and come back with clothes that are not stained,” the speaker said.

Outside the chambers, Senator Orwoba confirmed the report to journalists saying “unfortunately I have been kicked out because I’m on my period and we are not supposed to show our period when we are on our period and that is the kind of period stigma girls and women are having outside”

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Commission approves upgrade of Kano College to University

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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National Universities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria has approved the upgrade of  Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso in Kano state northern Nigeria to a University of education.

 

The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, who presented a letter of recognition of the institution as a university to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State in Abuja, said the institution was the 61st state-owned and 221st in the entire Nigerian university system.

 

The NUC Executive Secretary commended the governor for the initiative of establishing the university, saying the institution would go a long way in meeting the education needs of the state.

 

Rasheed said the NUC was impressed by the various documents presented to it by the Kano State government on the new university, adding that with its approval, other relevant federal government agencies would now accord it recognition as a full-fledged university.

 

“Having met the requirements, consequent upon the receipt of your letter and the formal presentation of necessary documents, I write on behalf of the NUC, that with effect from Tuesday, 14 February, 2023, that Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education is recognised as the 61st state and 221st university in Nigeria”, Rasheed said.

APC SW governors, ministers to receive Tinubu in Ibadan

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors in South-West, former governors and ministers are expected in Ibadan,Oyo State, on Thursday to receive Sen. Bola Tinubu, the party presidential candidate.

Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, the Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Oyo State, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan.

The presidential rally earlier scheduled to hold on Feb. 7 was rescheduled to Thursday in solidarity with the masses over the twin crisis of scarcity of new naira notes and fuel.

Olaosebikan said that the Local Organising Committee for the mega rally scheduled to hold at the historic Mapo Hall on Thursday has concluded all arrangements for the rally.

He said that the party presidential candidate would at the rally unfold his programmes for the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Olaosebikan said that the APC National Chairman, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, would lead members of the National Working Committee of the party and other top chieftains of the party across Nigeria to the rally.

He said the APC national headquarters, Tinubu and his running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, place high importance on the state, adding that they all desired a pacesetting rally in the state.

“The state coordinator for the Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Council, Sen. Teslim Folarin, and the Director-General, APC Campaign Council in Oyo State, Dr Isiaka Kolawole, are working to ensure that the rally is successful and mother of all rallies.

“Top notch security arrangements have been put in place in and around the venue.

“The arrangement will ensure maximum security of people and their property,” he said.

Olaosebikan said that human and vehicular movements too would be as smooth as possible on all the streets to be visited by the campaign train.

He said that Tinubu and Shettima would be received on arrival at the Alakia Airport by the governors, ministers and other dignitaries led by Folarin, the APC governorship candidate in the state.

Olaosebikan said that the campaign train would proceed to the palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun.

He said the presidential campaign motorcade would make a brief stop at Idi-Ape to commence a colorful procession to Mapo for the main event.

Olaosebikan said that music maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde K1, would lead the sensational Fuji Merenge, Rasheed Ayinde and other top musicians to serenade at the rally.

He said that the rally would be highly informative, enlightening and entertaining as well as It will be classy and groovy.

According to him, the rally to be attended by all party bigwigs in the country would also be attended by the immediate past Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Oyetola.

Olaosebikan said that the Southern governors would be joined by their counterparts from Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Nasir El- Rufai (Kaduna); Hope Uzodinma (Imo); Abdullahi Su (Nassarawa); Sanni Bello (Niger) and others.

He listed the seven South-West ministers expected at the rally as Babatunde Fashola; Niyi Adebayo; Sen. Olorunnibe Mamora; Dr Olamilekan Adegbite; Ademola Adegoroye; Rauf Aregbesola and host Minister, Chief Sunday Dare.

 

 

NAN/N.O

 

Governor Soludo Inaugurates Seed Processing Plant For Export Produce

Kamila Bello
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Anambra state governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has inaugurated an export-based seeds processing plant, known as, Panac Industries Limited. The plant is located at Mgbawa, Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.

Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Industries, Mr Obinna Ngonadi, described the plant as the first of its kind in the South-East.

He further described the plant as an addition to the industrialisation drive of the state.

He commended the Managing Director of the firm, Mr Chinedu Aniagboso, for blazing the trail in the seed processing subsector.

He called on entrepreneurs across the country to invest in the state, saying that, “Anambra is open to investors.”

He said, that the administration was determined to support the activities of the export sector.

According to Soludo, “We have already commenced the creation of an export emporium, where all export-bound products would be showcased, standardised, branded and containerised.

“This is a great initiative, exporting processed agro produce is a huge addition to the industrialisation efforts of Anambra, including its employment and revenue benefits.

“We are going to support businesses like this.
“Already, we have started building an export emporium on a 40-hectre land.

“That facility will be a standardised point for all Anambra export brands,” he said.

Speaking at the occasion, Aniagboso said the company was set up to add value to Nigeria’s agricultural produce.

He said that the plant had a combined capacity of 60-metric tonnes processed sesame seeds, soya bean seeds and sorghum

The initiative was a product of years of business opportunity research within and outside the country.

He appreciated the Anambra Government for providing the conducive environment for investment to thrive in the state.

Aniagboso appealed to the government to provide the basic infrastructure and institutional support for young entrepreneurs.

The Director-General of Onitsha Business School, Professor Segun Sogbesan, said the only way Nigeria could improve her balance of trade was to encourage export of value added products.

Sogbesan said Nigeria should move from exporting primary products to processing in order to earn foreign exchange.

Also, Chief Kevin Obieri, the Chairman, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, called on the State Government to build industrial clusters with necessary facilities that encourage business establishment and growth.

Obieri congratulated Panac Industries for leading the pack in the export-based subsector.

He said that indigenous firms need incentives, low cost finance, access roads, power and water to serve the citizens and Nigerians, better.

Minister tasks institute with speedy National Transportation Development

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adewole Adegoroye has tasked the Chattered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), to take critical steps geared towards transforming and promoting the transportation sector in the country.

 

The Minister stated this in Abuja at the 2nd Governing Council Inauguration Ceremony of the Institute.

 

Speaking at the event, Prince Adegoroye urged the new Executives of CIOTA to put in place functional structures based on solid and stable leadership.

 

He charged them to make a mark, saying they have made history by being once, members of the Governing Council.

 

In his words, he said: “Prove your worth and prove your capability. You must leave a mark by doing something that others have not done. Make a difference”.

 

Prince Adegoroye, while enumerating the benefits and impacts of CIOTA, said: “as the premiere Chartered professional transport body in the country with the primary objectives of advancing the study, training and practice of Transportation Management and Administration as well as enhancing the knowledge and skills of persons seeking to become registered as chartered in Transportation, CIOTA has lived up to expectation in rendering services to critical stakeholders in the transportation sector as well as the populace in general”.

 

He pointed out that the Institute has not only supported the Ministry in policy formulation and the development of initiatives but had also contributed to the development of local capacity in Nigeria, therefore, making Nigerian transport administrators a force to be reckoned with.

 

The Minister expressed optimism that the new Executives under the leadership of its President, Prince Segun Obayendo will do very well, describing the President as the right peg in a right hole.

 

In his inaugural speech, the President/ Chairman of the newly inaugurated Governing Council, Prince Segun Obayendo lauded the achievements of the past executives while affirming his dedication to deliver on the mandate of the Institute.

Agency impounds 1.4 tons of Cannabis in Cross river state

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), has impounded 1.4 tons of Cannabis Sativa worth 26 Million Naira in Calabar, Cross River State, southern Nigeria.

 

The cannabis was packed in 130 jumbo bags and concealed in the cylinder of a truck intended to convey cooking gas from Ondo State in south-west Nigeria to Calabar.

 

The Cross River State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Kupi Maulsei told Voice of Nigeria that the arrest was “first of its kind in this part of the country.”

 

According to Maulsei, “through intelligence gathering and painstaking investigation, the command impounded a gas cylinder truck and 13 motorcycles deep inside a forest in Odukpani local government area. While assessing the truck, my officers discovered that the truck, which was purchased in June 2022 has never been used to convey gas.

 

“Rather when they opened the pumps, the smell was different and checking inside the cylinder recovered 130 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa with a street value of 200,000 naira per bag totaling 26 Million Naira. The motorcycles included 2 power bikes and 11 others also valued at about 10 million naira besides other tools, even the truck was bought at 28 Million Naira solely for this business,” he said.

 

Other achievement 

Continuing, the commander said one of those involved was arrested, while investigation was ongoing to apprehend the supplier, who is in Ondo State and the buyer in Cross River State, noting that the command was determined to ensure illegal drugs were mopped up this election period.

 

He said, “we are tracking the supplier and buyer’s whereabouts. The command will not rest on its oars until that gang is squashed completely. Imagine the quantity of drugs coming into the State during this period when we are going for elections. It has the potential of heightening violence and insecurity during the elections and we cannot allow that happen. In collaboration with other security agencies, the NDLEA is ready to do its part to guarantee peaceful and transparent election devoid of every form of violence,” he further stated.

 

He explained that the officers despite being constantly under attacks by citizens, recently destroyed 15 hectares of cannabis sativa farm in Akamkpa local government area with the support of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

 

Rehab services 

 

The commander hinted that besides arresting, impounding and destroying illegal drugs and facilities, the command through its Drug Demand Reduction Unit, assist families rehabilitate relatives suffering from addictions.

 

“We offer assistance to drug addicts in that we help families especially parents, who were previously unaware that their children or wards are addicts, get rehabilitated. We collaborate with the Psychiatric Hospital Calabar to rehabilitate addicts and train some students on what we do. 

 

“We also provide counseling services to some of those needing advice rather than rehabilitation. We equally counsel parents and guardians, while on our part, we constantly strengthen the capacities of our officers as well as strengthen patrol, which has yielded great results,” Maulsei said.

 

He advised people to support the effort of the command in curbing drug abuse amongst young people, noting that violence and other vices amongst the youths, could be attributed to illicit drugs usage.

Sturgeon resigns as Scotland’s First Minister

Zainab Sa'id
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Nicola Sturgeon has resigned as Scottish First Minister after more than eight years leading the Scottish government.

Sturgeon said her dominance over her party and the country was no longer the asset it once was in the fight for an independent Scotland.

She said she has become too divisive – and too tired – to reach across the political divide, and she wanted to step away from the “brutality” of modern politics to focus on “Nicola Sturgeon the person”.

Sturgeon became leader of the Scottish National Party in the wake of a 2014 independence referendum when Scotland voted 55% to 45% to remain part of the United Kingdom.

She steered her party through a series of resounding electoral victories and earned a reputation as the best political communicator in Britain. Those skills were evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when she avoided many of the mistakes made by politicians in Westminster.

But in recent months the path she was seeking for a new independence referendum was blocked by Britain’s Supreme Court, and she became embroiled in a row over transgender rights that angered even some of her own supporters.

In a surprise announcement, she said she would stand down as first minister and leader of the SNP once a successor was found.

Sturgeon told a news conference in Edinburgh that while she believed there was majority backing for independence in Scotland, the SNP needed to solidify and grow that support.

“To achieve that, we must reach across the divide in Scottish politics. And my judgement now is that a new leader will be better able to do this. Someone about whom the mind of almost everyone in the country is not already made up for better or worse”. She said.

Echoing Jacinda Ardern’s comment that she had “no more in the tank” when she quit as New Zealand’s leader in January, Sturgeon said the brutality of modern politics took a toll and she could no longer commit to give “every ounce of energy” that the job entailed.

Also Read: New Zealand PM Quits Citing Burnout

The 52-year-old, who saw off four British prime ministers during her time in office, stands down with no obvious successor, and with the matter of independence unresolved.

She led her party to a thumping success in the United Kingdom’s 2015 election, winning 56 of 59 seats in Scotland before she retained control over the devolved parliament at more recent elections.

But the SNP suffered a blow in November when the United Kingdom’s top court ruled that her government could not hold a second referendum without approval from the British parliament.

Successive Conservative governments in London have said the 2014 referendum was a once-in-a-generation decision and should not be repeated so soon.

Her departure will have implications for the SNP, for the fight for independence and for the drive by Britain’s opposition Labour Party to win enough seats in the United Kingdom to beat Sunak’s Conservatives in an election expected next year.

 

Zainab Sa’id

FCT Minister reaffirms commitment to Staff welfare

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The Minister of the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Malam Mohammed Musa Bello has reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment toward ensuring a better welfare package of civil servants in the Territory.

The Minister made the commitment when he received the Executive Committee members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja.

The Minister commented on the area of the provision of affordable housing, emphasizing the Administration’s efforts in seeing to the Success of the Federal Government’s FISH Programme amongst others.

Malam Bello said that FCTA has over time recognized the need for the unions to work together with the management for the benefit of the citizenry.

He hinted that one of the legacies of the current FCT Administration is that it has been able to rekindle in the staff of the Administration, the passion for hard work which has translated to progress within the system and better service delivery to members of the public.

The Minister said “One legacy I feel very proud of as I move in the next three months is the fact that we have encouraged staff to have confidence in themselves, for Directors, Heads of Departments and Agencies to know that as heads, they have responsibilities and they have capacity and should use it”.

We also tried to rekindle in the workers the passion to work and the moment you have hard work and passion, the result is progress. That’s what we’ve been able to do and I’m very happy that you (ASCSN) have been able to notice that. I hope and pray that the next team coming over will build upon that”, the Minister added.

He said the FCT administration is always ready to listen to all Unions so as to understand what is happening and make corrections when necessary.

“That’s why we’ve worked together with all the Unions across board in the FCT particularly under JUAC (Joint Unions Action Committee) where all of them are represented and we have been able to work carefully and gradually. It has not always been smooth but that is why we have a relationship.

But regardless of what happens, we are always conscious of the fact that we are here to work and serve and that is the bottom line. So, you find that even where there are areas of diverging views, we eventually would meet“, Bello stated.

Read Also:Scorecard: FCT Minister lists achievements

Speaking further, Malam Bello Said “Our efforts in this regard is reflected in a letter which we received from the SERVICOM, commending the FCT for the level of substantial improvement in service delivery. All these would not have just come like that without the conscious efforts and hard work of all the workers across board”.

“The Minister is just an individual and a Minister will come and go but the system is there and that’s what we have tried to do, to encourage the system to work, irrespective of who is Minister” Malam Bello reiterated”.

Speaking earlier, the National President of the Association, Comrade Tommy Etim Okon said that the visit to the FCTA was to extend the appreciation of the Association to the FCT Minister for his efforts in ensuring that workers are able to perform their duties optimally.

Dr Okon further explained that, “We’ve seen that symbiotic relationship between you and the Union and that has led to very good successes which you have recorded. We must say and convincingly so, that we’ve had Ministers of FCT, but you have demonstrated the leadership that is uncommon and very worthy to be emulated”.

Also present at the event were the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, SSA to the Minister on Security, Amb. A.S Muhammed, SSA on Legal and Multi-Lateral Cooperation, Bass Lawal Yusuf and other senior officials of the FCTA and ASCSN.

NORAD intercepts Russian bombers near Alaska

Zainab Sa'id
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The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) says North American air defence forces intercepted several Russian strategic bombers and fighter jets as they flew over international airspace near Alaska.

According to a statement dated February 14 by the joint U.S.-Canadian centre, the aircraft, which were identified on Monday, did not enter U.S. or Canadian airspace and did not pose a threat.

“NORAD had anticipated this Russian activity … Two NORAD F-16 fighters intercepted the Russian aircraft,” it said.

It added that the Russian flights were in no way related to the mysterious spate of airborne objects shot down by the U.S. military over North America in the past few weeks, the details of which remain unknown.

Russia said on Wednesday that it had carried out several flights over international waters in recent days, including in the Bering Sea between Alaska and Russia.

It said two of its Tu-95MS strategic missile carriers had flown over the Bering Sea accompanied by Su-30 jets, and that it had made similar “routine” flights north of Norway and over international waters near Russia’s far east.

Also Read: Spy balloon: U.S – China diplomatic rift deepens

“Long-range aviation pilots regularly perform flights over the neutral waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Black Sea, Baltic Sea and Pacific Ocean,” Russia’s defence ministry said. It did not say whether its aircraft had been intercepted.

North American security forces have been on high alert since a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon crossed into U.S. airspace, prompting the United States to shoot it and other objects down as it combs the skies.

While Russia has carried out flights over the Bering Sea before, its neighbours in the region have become more concerned about Moscow’s military activity since its invasion of Ukraine last year.

NATO member states have also ramped up military exercises in the Arctic in recent years, as Russia has expanded and renewed its military infrastructure in the region.

 

Zainab Sa’id

Zambian grants bail to Croatians on trafficking charges

Hauwa Mustapha
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Eight Croatians, four married couples accused of child trafficking in Zambia have been granted bail of about $1,000 each.

A magistrate in the Ndola court, central Zambia, said Tuesday, that the suspects posed no flight risk as Zambian officials hold their passports.

The accused allegedly attempted to traffic four children from neighbouring DR Congo on 7th December last year with the help of a Zambian immigration official.

The children are aged between one and three.

The immigration official who also faces trafficking charges had previously been released on bail.

All 9 have pleaded not guilty.

The case is scheduled to begin on March 1.

The eight Croatians were first arrested and charged with child trafficking in January.

The charges against them were dropped on February 6 and they were ordered to leave Zambia within 48 hours.

But when they were about to board a plane to leave the country, they were rearrested on fresh charges.

They were held in custody since they were rearrested on 7th February.

The Croatians facing charges include Zoran Subosic, 52, a guitarist in a well-known band Hladno Pivo, or Cold Beer, Immovic Subosic, 41, an administrator, Damir Magic, 44.

An electrical technician, Nadic Magic, 45, a technician, Ladislav Persic, 42, a medical doctor, Aleksandra Persic, 43, a hair salon attendant, Noah Kraljevic, 40, a program director, and Uvona Kraljevic, 36, a dog handler.

Zambian immigration official Gloria Sakulenga, 36, is also facing the charges.

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