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Democracy Day: Gov Umar Bago frees 80 inmates in Niger
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has pardoned 80 inmates in various correctional centres across the State.
The governor has also approved the immediate payment of their fines to enable the inmates immediately rejoin their families.
Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government, in a statement in Minna on Monday, explained that the gesture was part of activities to mark the 2023 Democracy Day.
According to the governor, the release of the inmates was in line with the prerogative of mercy granted to the governor by the Constitution for them to start a new life afresh.
Usman said, “The State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended the release of the 80 inmates based on old age, ill health and good behaviour.”
Usman appealed to the inmates to make use of the opportunity to engage in useful ventures and shun acts that could lead them back to prison and be detrimental to the peaceful coexistence of the state and the country as a whole.
He admonished them to be law-abiding and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of various empowerment windows to establish themselves in society for their benefit.
The SSG called on the people of the state to use the 2023 Democracy Day to reflect on their roles in peace-building and support good governance for a better tomorrow.
He also enjoined them to support the programmes and policies of the present administration designed to bring rapid development in all spheres of life to the people in the state.
Usman reassured that the government would ensure that the dividends of democracy were felt in all the nooks and crannies of the state for the overall benefit of all.
Personnel from the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Bolade, Oshodi, reportedly stormed critical power infrastructure premises in Lagos State, engaging in rough handling and forcibly taking individuals away amidst a dispute over unpaid electricity bills amounting to billions of naira.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the air force personnel allegedly carried out the invasion in retaliation for disconnections made at their base due to outstanding debts.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the unnamed air force personnel, whose identities were withheld, targeted facilities including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) station and Eko Distribution Company (Disco) Mushin Business Unit in Isolo, as well as the Ikeja Electric’s Oshodi Business Unit on Okota Road.
Reports indicated that operators at the TCN station were overwhelmed during the attack, resulting in the removal of power supply to certain feeders.
At Ikeja Electric’s Oshodi Business Unit, employees were reportedly assaulted and taken to the barracks, where they were allegedly subjected to physical abuse.
The incident has raised concerns over security and the rule of law, with stakeholders calling for a thorough investigation into the actions of the air force personnel and the circumstances surrounding the unpaid electricity bills dispute.
Authorities from both the military and electricity distribution companies have yet to issue official statements regarding the incident.
The affected power infrastructure facilities are expected to assess the damage caused and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their personnel and operations.
The Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, known for its strategic importance in military operations, has not commented on the allegations made against its personnel.
The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has warned students against the dangers of drug abuse and urged schools to prioritise prevention initiatives to combat the growing trend.
The council made the call at an awareness campaign held at Federal Science and Technical College, Orozo, Abuja, to commemorate World Drug Day.
Acting National President, Geraldine Etuk, emphasised the crucial role schools play in shaping students’ attitudes and behaviours towards substance abuse.
She stressed the importance of investing in prevention programs within educational institutions to raise awareness, provide support, and foster a drug-free environment for students.
The campaign’s theme, ‘The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention,’ highlighted the need for proactive measures to address drug abuse among young individuals.
“As a society, we cannot afford to overlook the devastating consequences of drug abuse, especially among our youth.
“It is important that we take proactive measures to prevent and address this issue effectively,” she said.
Ms Etuk also appealed to school administrators to collaborate with local authorities, healthcare professionals and community organisations to create a network of resources to address the multifaceted aspects of drug abuse.
Superintendent of narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, FCT Command, Nduka Augustine, utilised visual aids to showcase the adverse effects of various drugs.
Augustine said the visuals aimed to dissuade students from engaging in such harmful practices.
He advocated for the implementation of comprehensive drug prevention programmes encompassing education, counselling and support services for students at risk of substance abuse.
The Lagos State Government on Monday has announced plans to unveil a Labour Management Information System aimed at tackling unemployment in the state.
The system, which has been in production for a year, will be launched at the Lagos Employment Summit scheduled for July 3 at Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to the Acting Executive Secretary of Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Feyisara Alayande, the initiative is designed to provide a platform for job seekers and employers to access employment data and connect with each other.
“We are launching a labour management information system.
“It’s a system that has been in production for a year. Our focal point is making sure that anybody who needs data around employment has a place to go.
“As a job seeker or employer, we call on everyone who wants a job or who wants to hire somebody to look out for us or go to the platform -labour management information system.”
Alayande also reiterated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment towards empowering the Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME) community.
“The agency had disbursed N10 billion to SMEs, trained 220,000 people in various entrepreneurial skills, and supported 500,000 businesses across various sectors in the state,” she said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said the summit was in line with the developmental agenda of the government to create value and wealth.
He said it was also to scale up businesses in the state and urged residents to key into the programme.
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