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NUJ decries resurgence of harassment, extortion by revenue touts in Anambra

Published

1 month ago

August 23, 2023

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Wednesday, decried the resurgence of touts in different forms, harassing and extorting citizens and visitors for different levies within Anambra.

The Chairman of NUJ Anambra State Chapter, Dr Emeka Odogwu, revealed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on how these illegal revenue collectors dehumanise residents and visitors in the state.

Odogwu noted that there was a need for a digitised revenue collection methodology or refined approach to avoid painting the government bad.

He appreciated security agencies for their efforts in addressing the touting menace and other security challenges in the state, adding there was the need to deploy non-uniformed officers to monitor the activities hoodlums to curb criminal activities associated with them.

According to him, however, “I frown at the resurgence of cult-related killings in some cities in the state and call on the commissioner of police and state director of DSS to rise to the occasion.

“We are commending the state government’s efforts in enhancing the aesthetics of the state by demolishing shanties and similar structures, but we appeal to the government to carry out these demolitions with a human face.

“This can be done by ensuring that the goods and property of the occupants are not destroyed recklessly or punitively in the process as well as providing an alternative for the displaced traders,” he said.

The chairman noted that one of the primary duties of journalists as members of the “4th estate of the realm” was to continue to advocate for the downtrodden in the society for a better society.

“The role of journalists as moral barometers and conscience of the society should never be compromised or traded not minding whose ox is gored. The watchdog roles must go on unhindered.

“On this premise, I am raising an alarm on the dilapidated state of Basden Memorial Special School in Isulo, Orumba North local government area (LGA) and calling on government and public-spirited individuals to assist the school bounce back.

“As a body, we passionately appeal to Anambra Governor’s Wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, and other well-meaning individuals to support special schools in the state, particularly the Basden Memorial Special School, Isulo,” he added.

News

NEDC distributes palliatives to people with disability in Borno

Published

37 mins ago

September 23, 2023

Olakunle Adeniyi

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has commenced distribution of palliatives to people living with disability in Borno.

During the exercise on Saturday in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, the Managing Director of the commission, Mr Mohammed Alkali, said the gesture was in line with the commission’s mandate.

Alkali, who was represented by the NEDC Coordinator for Borno, Mr Mohammed Umaru, said the exercise started with the people with disability in Maiduguri metropolitant and would be extended to their members in the 26 LGAs of the state.

“What we are doing here today will also be done in remaining 26 LGAs of Borno.

“It has also commenced or has been done in other north east states as part of measures to ensure that everyone is given a sense of belonging in line with the NEDC mandate.”

Responding, the Chairman of people living with disability in Borno, Mallam Mohammed Abubakar, thanked the commission for the gesture and assured of the leadership’s commitment to ensure fairness in sharing the 50 bags of rice and 50 cartons of spaghetti to its members in the metropolis.

Abubakar urged other organisations to emulate the gesture by the commission in reaching out to vulnerable groups in their support to victims of insurgency at this critical period.

News

Customs boss charges 81 cadets on integrity, professionalism in conduct

Published

40 mins ago

September 23, 2023

Desmond Ukafor

The acting Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged the Basic Course I/2023 Cadets to uphold the highest level of integrity and professionalism while discharging their lawful duties.

The Ag. CGC delivered this charge in statement in Lagos on Saturday.

Adeniyi congratulated the cadets on their successful completion of training and welcomed them into the service.

He expressed the hope for a better service, equip them with knowledge and skills, and urged them to make a meaningful difference in the nation.

“You should attach importance to discipline, good conduct, and the highest level of integrity in your actions, and you should represent excellence in the Nigeria Customs Service.

“There is significant enhancement to the service’s training and development framework, and officers within the superintendent cadre, starting from those graduating today will undergo a mandatory refresher course every five years,” he said.

The Training College Commandant, Deputy-Comptroller Haniel Hadisson, advised the cadets to maintain the high standard of discipline they experienced during their compulsory six-month training while executing their duties.

He expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Acting Comptroller-General and his team.

As a reward for excellence, awards were presented to outstanding cadets who had distinguished themselves through dedication and hard work.

In total, 81 Cadets successfully completed their training and passed out of the Training College after six months of rigorous preparation.

The event was attended by the Deputy Gov. of Gombe State, Manasseh Jatau, a retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, senior officers of the service, and representatives of sister agencies, among others.