Features
June 12 Democracy Day: Algon Leaders Insist On A Virile Local Governments And Councils, Lists Gains
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By Obiora Orji
The Association of local governments of Nigeria National President Hon Alabi Kolade David has said that this year’s Democracy day is a unique one at the twilight of all forces of change and existential threats against democratization at the local
level which according to him have gathered so much momentum in recent times that
they can only be resisted or allowed to continue at Nigerians peril.
He said that from the feelers gathered through the just concluded Zonal Public Hearing by the Association, it has been established that democracy has
become the legitimate demand of all local communities in Nigeria.
In his words, ‘today most of the countries of the world are in the process of
implementing political and administrative reforms aimed at decen-
tralizing and strengthening their local governance. We all know that democracy is not an event but a complex and continuous
process and that is why we must sincerely continue to advocate for a strong local governments/Councils.
Indeed, this June 12 therefore makes it essential that we collectively weight the gains and losses if we can honestly develop our potentials and resources for growth.
It is in this regard that this year’s event has been geared towards stock-taking, advocating for the promotion and development of
democracy at the local level, identify people’s capacity to
manage development leveraging on our diversities to design appropriate systems to suit various peculiarities through the anticipated outcome of the proposed alterations.
Alabi also noted that his administration in ALGON with his NEC, BOT and management are convinced
that sustainable development in both strong and in weak economies
can only be rescued if local government is empowered to play its role
based on recognized principles of participation and transparency
in a manner that conforms to basic human rights. Such according to him is gaining attention from most Nigerians”.
It will be recalled that there have been several clamour for either enactment or implementation of efficient local government laws as captured in Sections 7, 163, 163/5 of the 1999 Constitution as (Amended), of which even the framers of the constitution now realize that it is not a cookbook with standard recipes for success in Nigeria as it were.
For instance fragmented local governments tenure don’t always lead to productivity which is part of the problem.
ALGON is strongly of the opinion that there is a clearly held truth that unfortunately, the constitutional boundaries established decades ago is presently hurting the system and needs urgent redress.
The ALGON National President also drew the attention of Nigerians as it affects running a fragmented local government tenure as experience has shown that such have not led to responsiveness to local government operation.
Earlier the Chairman Board of Trustees of ALGON Hon Odunayo Ategbero observed that It is a pity that some states are having 1 year, 2 years and even six months under all kinds of leadership nomenclature interim, Caretaker or what have you.
The BOT Chairman noted that in many of states where such is practiced, development has been a whims and caprices of the state as almost nobody holds them accountable”
It has been in the national conversation that Nigeria’s political landscape has remained stubbornly resistant to change, a situation whereby such system that would have helped to overcome the yearning gaps between the rich and poor has remained unaddressed thereby creating terrible boundaries.
In his Democracy day message, the Deputy National President of ALGON, Hon, Shehu Marshal Jega stated that Nigeria need a strong systems at the councils to strongly resist hunger, unemployment, disease, de-escalate unrest, bandictry and promote, rural governance through industrialization, Development partnership, promote peace, ensure the ennabling environment for ease of doing business, guarantee security through community policing, vigilantes, make education work, have functional local/magistrate courts for prompt àdministration of criminal justice and jurisprudence, promote peace through youth engagement, provide quality learning and teachers for foundatinal impact, widen civic engagement, expand advocacy for law enforcement, he also stated thay tax compliance, oversight the traditional rulers and faith based entities-engagement will effectively make the system work through other activities that can shore up IGR profile for meeting the huge responsibilities heaped on the Local Governments/Councils as enshrined in the 4th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution as (Amended), and so on he stated.
Lending her Motherly voice, the Director-General of ALGON Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello call for refocusing on the things that matter to people and especially through regularization of elections in all the states to entrench democratically elected Chairmen who will help to create more responsive leadership at the rural levels.
It was a joint opinion of the Chief of Staff to the National President Hon Itiako Ikpokpo, and the ALGON National Legal Adviser, Hon Taofiq, National Publicity Secretary Hon Solomon Onah and others member of the NEC that the June 12 auspicious day is strategic to encourage all statesmen and founding fathers to address Local Governments problems which could be solved by simple compliance with the long yearnings of the people through a bottom up development approach for virile local governments system that will impact all including providing an atmosphere of strong legislative functions and access to funds that will take over the outmoded budgetry provisions, increase checks, balances, provide due diligence, encourage key performance indicators which have all kept the system on its knees noting that if the constitution is amended to address these issues.
They collectively believed that the the June 12 will offer another important time to emphasize that the present Nigeria Constitution is a recipe for unresponsive governance, which has been creating room for perpetuity of dysfunctional leadership without ample time to plan or tackle development needs squarely.
Finally, the National President Hon Alabi crowned the message with a rider and kennels that for a conscientious political will focusing on freeing the LG/Councils to threive, nothing but growth and active rural development will be the result. It concluded.
Community
Abiodun declares state of emergency on flooded Isheri community
…assures residents of permanent solution after comprehensive assessment
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday declared state of emergency on the flooded Isheri community, in Ifo Local Government Area of the State, as he assured residents of the area quick intervention to save the situation.
The governor added that a comprehensive assessment that would lead to permanent solution to the menace of flooding in the affected area would be conducted very soon.
Prince Abiodun, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after inspecting the flooded community, said that his administration is working with the federal government to deal with the situation as an emergency case.
He noted that the time has come to find a lasting solution to the perennial flooding to make the area morw conducive for living.
According to him, the state government will see to the elevation of some roads in the area as parts of the solutions to the problem.
The govenor said: “We will prioritize the works here because I am touched with what I have seen. I will ensure that we immediately begin to see signs of relief as we are stepping this up. The Minister of State for Environment is already aware. The Vice President is already aware and also the president. It will be dealt with as an emergency and we are taking it as such.
“As an emergency, I will like to take it up myself. Please continue to bear with us as we are going to conduct a comprehensive assessment of what we need to do to make this place conducive for living.
“Whatever that assessment comes up with is what we are going to implement. So, we are going to first start with ensuring that we have the required road infrastructure at the appropriate levels.
“So if you now built in such a way that we need to relocate you, we have to do that. Whatever it is that we must do to ensure that place does not persistently experience flood, we will do it. But let us wait for the result of the studies to come back and then we will begin to take that decision as and when the situation arises.”
Addressing residents of Riverview Estate, Governor Abiodun said he has requested for an area survey of the entire estate to identify critical areas that needed immediately intervention.
He assured that the intervention would come through the construction of an elevated road with adequate drainages to mitigate their suffering.
“I want to assure you today, knowing fully well that we are a promise keeping administration, we do not say what we do not mean, my heart goes out to you, it is very unfortunate, I am giving my commitment today, the commissioner for works will come and see what needs to be done.
“We have also engage the Minister of State for the Environment, who fortunately, is from Ogun State and I have already brought this to his attention.
“Before the end of the week, I will also table it before the Vice President and the President as well so that we ensure that this problem gets all the desired attention and consequently gets the desired solution so we can bring this to an end,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that he and the Minister of Water Resources would visit the community in few days time.
“We will also discuss the issue of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority and try and interrogate the activities there and understand how their activities affect this community and other communities with respect to the opening and closing of the dam,” he said.
The governor described the environment around the Kara cattle market as an eyesore and not befitting the dreams of a “new Ogun State”.
He said that the market was not conducive for human living and not in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals and waste disposal.
He, however, acknowledged the area as one of the biggest commercial operation that provide services to a large number of people, even as he assured that government would go into a satisfactory agreement with the market men and women after which a comprehensive beautification of the area would take place.
The Chairman, Riverview Estate, Abayomi Akande, in his remarks, intimated the governor of the suffering residents of the area are going through as a result of the flooding.
He said that there is a need for a panel of inquiry into the operations of Oyan Dam to stop incessant release of water to cause havoc in the State
He applauded the governor for sending miscreants packing from the road, saying residents of the axis have suffered robbery attacks and other criminalities for quite awhile.
Akande urged the state government to think of converting the area into a Government Residential Area (GRA) through Public Private Partnership arrangement to fast track its development.
Features
MediaTek, Airtel Nigeria intensify collaborative efforts to bolster mobile connectivity in Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria – October 12, 2023 – MediaTek, a global leader in semiconductor industry together with Airtel Nigeria, a leading telecommunications service provider, briefed the local media on Thursday on their collaborative efforts, to drive technological advancements and improve mobile connectivity across the nation.
The collaboration introduces MediaTek’s T750-powered Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), a groundbreaking technology that enhances internet connectivity. This advancement allows users to access high-speed 5G networks from the comfort of their homes, opening doors to remote work, gaming, online education, and entertainment streaming like never before.
Speaking during the session, Rami Osman, Director for Corporate Sales and Marketing at MediaTek, Middle East Africa, highlighted MediaTek’s commitment towards expanding its footprint across the Smartphone and Smart Device ecosystem in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region.
“MediaTek is at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry, and we are proud to lead the way in key sectors like Smartphones, 5G Fixed Wireless Access, Wi-Fi, TV, and AI-IoT. In Nigeria, our collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, revolves around three core areas of focus. In connectivity, we are enhancing high-speed internet access with our advanced chipsets.”
“In the Smartphone domain, we are committed to offering a wider range of premium and flagship devices while supporting the transition from feature phones to smartphones. In the realm of AI-IoT, we are exploring new possibilities and technologies. Thus, this will promote digital inclusion, revolutionize connectivity in Nigeria, and contribute to sustainable development goals,” said Osman.
In addition, he said, “This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our MEA agenda, laying a robust foundation for the future of 5G technology. As we move forward, we are excited to lead in technological progress within this continually evolving region.”
Ismail Olusegun Adeshina, Director, Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the partnership with MediaTek and how it will provide affordable connectivity to Nigerians. He stated, “Our commitment to innovation is evident through our early adoption of 5G technology. We’re proactively investing in this technology to improve connectivity, to tackle coverage and cost challenges, and make 5G devices more accessible across Nigeria”.
MediaTek powers globally recognized brands and remains dedicated to providing state-of-the-art innovations through its latest products and solutions. These offerings span a diverse range, including smartphones, smart devices, automotive technology, satellite connectivity solutions, and next-generation wearables.
MediaTek’s product portfolio includes MediaTek Dimensity for 5G smartphones, MediaTek HelioG series for 4G gaming smartphones, MediaTek Kompanio for arm-based Chromebooks, MediaTek Pentonic for Smart TV technologies, MediaTek Genio for Internet of Things applications, MediaTek Filogic for advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, and MediaTek Dimensity Auto for cutting-edge automotive technologies, among others.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mediatek.com/
The award-winning Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink brand, a product of Rite Foods Limited, is delighted to unveil her highly-anticipated fourth edition of its “Bigi Watch and Win” promo. Designed exclusively for movie enthusiasts in Lagos and Abuja, this exciting promo offers participants the opportunity to watch their favourite movies and win fantastic prizes.
From September 18, 2023, to November 18, 2023, movie goers can enjoy any film of their choice at Silverbird Cinemas and receive a raffle ticket. These tickets can be redeemed for a chance to win incredible prizes, including laptops, Bigi products, printers, perfumes, and more. The grand prize for this edition is a brand-new car.
The first edition of “Bigi Watch and Win” took place in 2021, and later that same year in December, the Bigi brand held another edition. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, demonstrating Rite Foods Limited’s commitment to rewarding brand loyalty among its valued consumers.
Ms. Biola Aransiola, Assistant Brand Manager for Bigi, expressed her excitement about the fourth edition of the promo, saying, “We’ve partnered with Silverbird Cinemas to enhance people’s movie-going experience. Movie lovers can enjoy any of our 13 Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink flavours while watching their favourite films and stand a chance to win amazing prizes.”
Ms. Aransiola also mentioned that her favourite part is witnessing participants’ reactions when they discover the incredible prizes they have won, particularly the grand prize—a brand-new car. She encourages potential participants to check @getbigi on all social media platforms for the terms and conditions.
Through the “Watch & Win” promo, the Bigi brand accentuates Rite Foods Limited’s dedication to supporting the entertainment industry. The brand continues to sponsor movie premieres, as it has in the past with movies such as “The Prophetess,” “Progressive Tailors Club,” and “Aki and Pawpaw.” Additionally, it has been a consistent sponsor of the popular talent discovery platform, Nigerian Idol, for three consecutive seasons (6, 7, & 8), helping aspiring Nigerian singers achieve their dreams of stardom in the music industry.
The “Watch & Win” promo, combined with other effective marketing initiatives, has earned the Bigi brand numerous awards within its market segment. In 2023, Bigi Cola was honored with the “Best Value for Money” award at the BrandXchange Consumers Value Awards. In 2022, it received the “Fastest Growing Cola Brand of the Year” award at the Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards in Lagos. The Bigi brand also claimed the “Most Outstanding CSD Brand of the Year” award at the 2021 Brandcom Awards, solidifying its position as a market leader in the beverage industry, outperforming its competitors.
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