Kakaki

By Joy Odigie

Asaba, June 30, 2022. (NAN) The International Press (IPC) has built the capacity of about 30 journalists in Edo, Delta and Anambra States on skills to ensure safety as well as the use of digital security tools while carrying out investigative/ dangerous assignments.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training is part of the IPC’s strategy to enhance press freedom through documentation, dialogue and capacity building.

Speaking during the two-day capacity building for journalists in Asaba, Mr Peter Nkanga, a press freedom defender, said that there were realiable digital applications journalists could install on their mobile devices to send out destress calls and alerts.

Delivering his lecture on Data and Digital Security and Related Security Issues in Investigative Reporting and Coverage of Dangerous Assignment, Nkanga said that journalists were also being faced with cyber staking which invaded their privacy or rights.

He, therefore, advised journalists to embrace the use of digital security tools that would make their information secured on their gargets as well as enhance their personal safety.

Also, Dr Majority Orji, Lecturer, Delta State University, Abraka, urged journalists to be objective while carrying out investigative reportage to prevent libel.

Orji, who delivered a lecture on Investigative Journalism or Reporting: Understanding the Challenges and Possible Dangers, said that journalists needed to be mindful about their sources, safety and interest of the public when carrying out investigations.

Meanwhile, Dr Isreal Uzo, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychology, University of Lagos, urged journalists to always take their mental health seriously as well as look out for signs that predisposed them to stress, depression and anxiety.

Uzo, represented by Mr Moses Tingir, a Clinical Psychologist, however, called for a review of the Mental health law in the country to enhance service delivery as well as the way people perceive mental health issues.

In his remarks, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, IPC, noted that journalists needed to put safety and professionalism first when seeking out the truth during conflicts and dangerous situations.

Arogundade added that journalists should be able to identify the different stages as well as types of conflicts to enable them write reports that would promote conflict resolutions.

Earlier, Miss Adeola Olanrewaju, Media Monitoring Officer , IPC, said the training was organized as a response strategy to address the unrelenting assaults on journalists and media institutions by state and non-state actors who rarely face justice.

Olanrewaju, said that the centre had documented about 45 attacks against journalists in the last six months, noting that the incidents were possibly under-reported.

“We continue to have impunity for crimes against journalists and other media professionals in Nigeria as a result of which the perpetrators have become emboldened”.

She furthered said that that the attacks on media personnel had more far reaching consequences on the physical as well as mental health of the journalists.

“The bigger concern however is that while we pay more attention to the statistical aspect of the harassment and molestation of journalists, we tend to be less concerned about the effects on their physical and mental health.

“Yet, this should be the crux of the matter because like all other human beings, journalists have emotions and feelings, which cannot just be toyed with even if we concede that there can be occupational hazard in journalism”.

NAN reports that the two-day media capacity building workshop was on ‘safety/security consciousness and mechanisms in investigative reporting and coverage of conflicts/dangerous assignments and it held from June 29 to 30. (NAN)

 Breach
By Kevin Okunzuwa
Benin, June 30, 2022( NAN) The Iyase (Tradional ruler) of Udo, Chief Patrick Igbinidu, has urged the people of Imaroghioba, Ovia South West local government area of Edo, to always honour its agreement with Okomu Oil Palm Company Ltd.
 
The traditional ruler also urged the community to avoid unnecessary aggression against the company which could be construed as breach of their peace agreement.
 
He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin while reaction to Wednesday’s attack on the company by the community.
 
In the incident where the community was protesting the constitution of a vigilance group by the company it allegedly damaged the company’s excavator.
 
Igbinidu said that such skirmish was avoidable through further dialogue between the parties.
 
NAN recalls that the Iyase had in May convened a peace meeting between Imaroghioba community and Okomu oil palm company when crisis erupted between the parties.
 
Members of the community had then demonstrated to protest the trenches dug by the oil company around its plantation.
 
The company had claimed that it dug the trenches in a portion of land belonging to it to stop the incessant thefts of its oil palm fruits.
However, members of the community said the action was an infringement on their rights of passage and an oppressive tendency by the company.
The misunderstanding was however, resolved through a peace meeting convened by the Iyase of Udo, who oversees communities within the locality, including Okomu and Imaroghioba.
 
The meeting had representatives of the security agencies and other stakeholders in  attendance.
 
Part of the resolutions of the peace agreement was that the digging of the trenches should continue.
 
Another was that the company should assist the community to create alternative road in areas where the trenches were seen as obstruction of the road as claimed by the community.
 
It was also resolved that there should be a neighborhood security watch to help both the company and the community.
 
Okomu oil company Communications Officer, Mr Fidelis Olise, told NAN in Benin on Thursday that the community’s attack on its facility was without provocation.
 
According to him, the damaged excavator was mobilized to create access road to the community being an aspect of the resolution it reached with the people of the community at the peace meeting.
 
The Iyase, who confirmed the attack to NAN, said, “I have spoken to the acting Odionwere of Imaroghioba community, Chief Gabriel Ikhuolegbe, to find out what happened.
 
“Although the acting Odionwere confirmed the incident he, however, denied that any of the community members was responsible for the damage.
 
“I have advised him to call his people to order while I am also in liaison with the Iguobazuwa Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to see that incident does not escalate,” he said.
 
Contacted, the acting Odionwere, who also confirmed the incident to NAN, however, attributed the new disagreement to the manner the constitution of the vigilance group was handled by the company.
 
He said the vigilance group was dominated by members of a particular tribe, whom he alleged had issues to grind with the youth of the community.
 
“Most of these people do not have good records in the community; and now they have been recruited as members of the vigilance group.
 
“They want to use them to oppress our people while they are guarding Okomu oil company personnel.
 
“This action is not acceptable to our people, hence, the resistance,” he said.
 
Also contacted, DPO Ade, in a telephone conversation confirmed to NAN that he was briefed on the incident but said, “I am right now in a meeting trying to resolve another matter.”
 
NAN reports that Okomu oil company, with headquarter in  Okomu, Ovia South West Local Government Area, is bound by 29 host communities across three local government areas of Edo: Ovia North East, Uhunmwonde and Ovia South West.

The Chief Judge of Edo, Justice Joe Acha, said excellent conducive environment was the necessary panacea for improved administrative and dispensation of justice in the country.

Acha said this on Tuesday during the inauguration and handover of a Magistrates’ Court Complex built by the state government but executed by Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDOSOPADEC) at Urhonigbe, Orhionmwon Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Acha had earlier performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a High Court and Staff quarter at Abudu, headquarter of Orhionmwon LGA.

Acha commended the state government for the gesture, saying the edifice would help in the quick dispensation of justice in the state.

“The state judiciary is appreciative of the state government’s commitment towards improving infrastructure of the state judiciary and its staff welfare for speedy delivery of justice.

“This edifice is well thought out while the users will find joy in putting it to good use.

“I am more grateful that these projects are coming during my time as Chief Judge.

Our prayers are with the state government and urge it to replicate this in other areas of human endeavour”, he said.

In his address, the Chairman of EDOSOPADEC, Mr Kennedy Osifo, said the conception of the projects was in line with the state government’s agenda of “Making Edo Great Again (MEGA).”

Osifo, however, urged the personnel of the state judiciary to put the complex in good use for the benefits of mankind.

Edo Sate Government on Thursday flagged off the long abandoned 16.7 Kim Ikpako-Ajoki road project to improve the social economic activities of about 10 communities across Ovia North East and Ikpoba Okha local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

The communities included Ikpako, Obateru ( corrupted as Obateni), Evbuorokho and Evbuode in Ovia North East LGA and Ajoki, Abiala, Ajamokha and Kolokolo in Ikpoba Okha  LGA .

Edo  Governor, Godwin Obaseki, in his address, described the road project as historic,saying it would be completed on time.

He said “We are making history not just because we are constructing another road; we’ve constructed so many roads in Edo, but this road is special,

“Before now we used to suffer the embarrassment of accessing Edo communities from Delta.

“This road will now ensure that our people can access all the Edo communities in this region. This road is going to be an economic road because it is connecting oil producing communities and will improve oil producing activities.

“Not just the the communities but the activities that this project brings. We are likely to see a road that will now begin to bring in more than just agricultural produce,; it will also bring in oil producing products , particularly gas.

“This road is very unique in terms of the way we conceived it and it gives us hope,’ he said.

According to the governor, this road is a joint venture, it’s a collaboration between Edo government, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) and ENAGEED, a subsidiary of Sahara company, in partnership with  NNPC.

“Edo state and EDSOGPADEC are contributing 30 per cent each while  ENAGEED is bringing 40 per cent.” 

On the uniqueness of the road project  Obaseki said “it’s not just the monetary part, it’s the way we have come together in securing the contract for the road.

” it shows that the way we procure project in Edo is of International standard because it meets with the same standard  NNPC uses in procuring their infrastructure. 

“Why this is project is mportant to us and me personally, is that we tried to this same method last year or two years ago with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the Benin-Abraka road.

‘We proposed the same financing agreement, we established bank accounts, signed agreement but NDDC failed us. 

“So it made us loose hope and we didn’t believe that this kind of structure can work; but are happy now that it is working with NNPC and  its partners on the same financing structure.

“And flagging off this road today and with the money for this road already in the bank gives us lots of hope and courage. 

“Before now, bulk of infrastructural development was done by government but today you can see that we are creating innovative ways in partnering with private sector and the federal government to create infrastructure. 

“This is just the beginning, the best is yet to come,;  let me assure all the communities in this environment that we have already started the design of the road from Gelegele to join  Ekewan road to Benin.

“We are going to accelerate that work because of this one so that you will not have challenges in coming to the city,  ” he said.

Earlier, chairman of .EDSOGPADEC, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, assured the people of the communities of delivery quality and durable project that would meet international standards.

He noted that the road project was special because it would free the people from economic slavery.

” The Ikpako-Ajoki road will open up economic activities in  the two local government areas, it will also eliminate the double taxation being paid to the two states when coming to any community within Edo state,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary ministry of  Roads and Bridges, Engr. Enabulele Ferguson, assured the people of the completion  of the Ikpako-Anoki project, in 2024  as scheduled .saying ” this project is cash backed and in this year’s budget.

“Its not an ordinary project because of the swampy nature of the terrain We need to talk more with the Consultant on how best to open up the road first and the likely challenge and how bext to tackle it.

” That is the process we are undertaking right now. And this is a significant development in the history of this enclave. First we have to see that the road us opened up.

” After that, we begin to look at the geometry and how to effectively fix the culvert

” I can assure you that in the first quarter of this year, the clearing will be completed while the second quarter will be about accelerated construction of the culvert and majority of concrete works  because the rain usually sets in early in these areas.

” These are things we  have factored into our design review and these aspects can only be done when the road is cleared and the issue of alignment is properly situated.

“But we are optimistic that we will keep to the plan because this project is already being accommodated in this year’s  budget.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Nkyari, in his address,  also expressed optimism of the partnership delivery a world class road project.

” i grew up here and and started with NNPC in Benin.  I have personally worked around these areas acquiring seismic data and am very familiar with these places and the challenges here. 

“I can confirm that tnis road should have come 30 years ago. It’s not here. But we are happy that it is now here because of the partnership with the state govt, NNPC and our partner, ENAGEED.

” We will make this work beacuse it is our respobsibliy to bring support to areas we work and to bring about national development for the benefit of all us, “” he said.

A community leader  Mr Emmanuel Uwagboe, from Obateru community, speaking on behalf of  other communities, commended the state government for the gesture and assured of the communities’ support towards a successful completion of the project.

No fewer than 128 staff of a multinational oil palm company, Okomu oil Ltd., in Edo, on Saturday received long-service awards, after variously putting in between 15 years and 25 years of meritorious service to the company.

The event was held at the company’s headquarters in Okomu, near Iguobazuwa, the administrative headquarters of Ovia South West local government area (LGA) of the state.

Of the 128 awardees, 107 are junior staff, 18 senior staff while three of them were outsourced senior staff to Human Assets company, a subsidiary of Okomu oil palm company.

The Managing Director of the company, Dr Graham Hefer, at the occasion, congratulated the awardees and urged them to reciprocate the gesture through renewed commitment of services to the company’s fortunes.

Hefer assured the staff of the management’s continued commitment to provide conducive environment that would enable them give their all, saying strong institutions and well-motivated staff remain veritable tools for growth of any company.

He said that environmental and health safety of its workers would never be compromised, adding that both management and staff could not afford to let down their safety guards.

“This is the reason we always ask staff to be top notch with compliance with environment and health protocols.

“What will be our gain if we drop our safety guards and allow government to either sanction or close us down? Of course, there will be no more work or award ceremonies like the one we are holding now.”

Hefer said the 2021 long-service award is unique as three staff from Human Assets company, a subsidiary of Okomu oil, for the first time, were also rewarded for long service, with each of the staff, putting in 15 years of  meritorious services.

Some of the items gifted the staff included medium-sized freezers, generators, complete settees, king- and queen-sized beds, plasma TV, dinning set and detachable wardrobes.

A beneficiary, Mr Nwankwo Chucks, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, commended the company for the gesture, saying the annual event is now a tonic “that propels us to put in our best.”

By Usman Aliyu

Prof. Sarah Agbor of the African Union Commission, Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo and Chief Bisi Akande, former governor of Osun on Saturday called for the reinvigoration of the education policies in Nigeria and African continent in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

These renowned personalities made the call at the 19th convocation ceremony and conferment of honourary degrees on three eminent Nigerians of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo, which is the premier private university in Nigeria.

Speaking as the convocation lecturer, Prof. Agbor, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, said that though Africa had an opportunity to build sustainable structures to support her children, women and youth, but the cost of not doing enough, far outweighed the investments.

“It is impossible to achieve the Agenda 2063 vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, whose development is driven by its own people, without increased and sustained investments in quality education, science and technology as well as youth development and empowerment,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the envoy delivered a lecture titled “Higher Education and Career Advancement: Opportunities in the 21st Century Revolution”.

Agbor, who is a Cameroonian, but had her education in Nigeria, said that African graduates must destroy unemployment by creating job opportunities that speak to national reconstruction and inspire the youth to be engaged in these processes through creating creational spaces.

Gov. Obaseki in his address asserted that Nigerian universities must move from mere status symbol to instrument of national development through research.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu, said “this new role we are advocating for 21st century higher institution of learning does not means that our universities must be politicized, rather, they should help in creating an enabling environment to play advisory partnership role that involves research and information delivery.

“There is a missing link in the way and manner academic policies and course are designed in African universities.

“We must faction out a way of formulating policies in tandem with African peculiarity.

“We must be able to access and identified political, economic and social issues as well as the aspiration of the society in order to design our academic courses in line with local reality or challenges.

“Our institution must desist from producing graduates without considering the societal need; it must bequeath knowledge that can be deployed in solving African challenges rather than imitating the academic courses of foreign universities.”

He lamented that production of human capital development by African universities has been overtaken by modern trend in education and, therefore, it should diversify to address national challenges like poverty, social dysfunction, low productivity, unemployment among others.

Also speaking, Akande, who was conferred with an honorary doctor of Political Science, stressed the need for Africa to go back to native informal education, where children were taught craftsmanship, skill development and entrepreneurship.

The discovery of writing and literacy, he said had not overtaken these traditional knowledge of those days.

The erstwhile Osun governor commended the foresight of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion for blazing the establishment of private university in Nigeria.

This, he said had bridge the infrastructural gap and raised the standard as well as the quality of tertiary education in the country.

The honouree announced an establishment of School of Leadership at the University, as a way of recognising the honour done him.

Earlier, the chancellor and founder of the institution, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, said the institution was established to offer qualitative education to deserving students in the nation’s quest for improved educational system.

The chancellor, who spoke through his son, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, a former governor of Edo, said graduate of the institution were not only employable, but are also employers of labour in view of its entrepreneurial training.

NAN reports that Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and his Osun counterpart, Adegboyega Oyetola, Senator Bashir Ajibola and Senator Iyiola Omisore were among the personalities that graced the occasion in honour of Akande.

The GambarI that I know is a man who understands what is in a name and the code of conduct of  diplomacy  and accountability.

Apart from being a prince, he is a conservative  diplomat to the core.
Prof Ibrahim Gambari that I know will never  indulge  himself in things that are unethical. He will rather submit himself to  decency rather than gratification  from anyone .

Those who speculate about ethic of bargaining should also note that Gambari was already in charge of Global resources and economy lessens from other jurisdictions before becoming  chief of staff to Nigeria Government. 

A number 10 man man to world and global power as under secretary for two decade never strive to make money but to contribute knowledge to a sustainable world order.

At 76, Prof Gambari will not descend so low to ask for bribe and trick president Buhari at the expense of protecting the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians in the face of controversial Paris Club unpaid fund.

Those behind this write up should rethink about blackmailing a man of honour like Prof Gambari. “A word is enough for the wise “.

Dr Goroso Giwa, is a human rights advocate