Connect with us

News

Edo 2020: Provocative Utterances May Mar Election, NOA Warns

Published

on

Dr. Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, has warned that violence and provocative utterances by politicians, which has continued unabated May mar the forthcoming Edo State governorship election.

The Director-General who issued the warning recently while charging officers of the Agency responsible for voters education and sensitisation, said the sensitisation becomes necessary so as to ensure citizens of the state become conversant with INEC’s Voter Code Conduct, VCC, for election during the COVID-19.

Garba noted that stakeholders in Edo State have a duty to work towards a peaceful election in line with demands of universal democratic practices.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Edo Guber: CAN Admonishes Youth To Eschew Violence

While regretting that recent utterances from especially the main political parties leave very little to be desired, the DG urged all sides in the political process to exhibit high sense of patriotism, democratic ethos and put the lives of the people of the state and nation first.

He said, ” We are calling on the political class to guard against the use of intemperate language capable of heating up the political space.

Advertisement

“In the same vein, we call on political leaders to caution their followers against uncivil behavior and thuggery and play the game in the spirit of good sportsmanship. We should all have realised by now that winning an election should not be a do or die affair and that the lives of the people we want to serve are sacrosanct and must remain so.

” For how long will Nigeria continue to witness bloodshed during election? Sadly, this disenfranchise citizens because of the fearful atmosphere created by politicians. We expect politicians and political parties to be defenders of democracy and not otherwise. Political campaigns should therefore be issue-based.”

Speaking on the code of conduct for election during COVID-19 period, the DG admonished NOA officers to step up their campaigns on awareness creation on the disease especially as it relates to wearing of facemasks by both officials and voters.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Edo Guber: INEC Cautions Politicians On Use Of inflammatory Languages

” The new guidelines require early arrivals to polling stations, while voters showing signs of fever or coughing and sneezing will be requested to leave the queue and be attended to by designated officials,” he further noted.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Comments

News

Reps Move To Regulate Cryptocurrency, POS Operations

Published

on

Concerned about the growing cases of cybercrime, money laundering, and terrorism financing linked to digital finance platforms, the House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale (POS) operations in Nigeria.

Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, who inaugurated the committee on Monday in Abuja, said the move became necessary amid increasing concerns over fraud and consumer exploitation in the country’s rapidly expanding digital finance ecosystem.

He noted that while Nigeria’s resilient economy has the potential to support cryptocurrency growth, the risks associated with its unregulated operations, including its use for illicit financial flows, cannot be overlooked.

Advertisement

Abbas explained that the absence of clear regulatory guidelines, coupled with the volatility and complexity of digital assets, compelled the House to intervene and establish a regulatory and consumer protection framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), including cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets.

READ ALSO:NNPP Expels Reps Member, Drags Him To Court

He said Nigeria’s economy has consistently demonstrated resilience, often recovering from recessions and recording growth in non-oil sectors, making it a potentially strong environment for cryptocurrency trade. However, he cautioned that the vulnerabilities inherent in digital currency operations must not be underestimated.

Advertisement

“It is because of this absence of clear rules, coupled with the volatility and complexity of the technology, that the House of Representatives found it imperative to establish regulations and consumer protection measures that will regulate the activities of Virtual Assets Service Providers, including cryptocurrencies and crypto assets,” Abbas said.

He added that the committee’s mandate includes conducting public hearings to gather input from stakeholders that would guide the House in developing legislation for a comprehensive regulatory framework governing cryptocurrency and other digital finance platforms.

READ ALSO:Court Case Stalls Reps Hearing On Takeover Of Benue, Zamfara Houses Of Assembly

Advertisement

The Speaker urged members of the committee to discharge their duties with patriotism and integrity, ensuring that the best interests of the nation guide their work.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Olufemi Bamisile (APC–Ekiti), described the assignment as one of national importance aimed at striking a balance between financial innovation and national security.

“We have been entrusted with a task of national significance — to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale operations in Nigeria,” Bamisile said.

Advertisement

He added that the committee would work closely with key regulatory and security agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force.

Continue Reading

News

World Habitat Day: Okpebholo Commends Building Control Agency For Developmental Milestones

Published

on

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has commended the management and staff of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA) for their significant contributions to urban growth and infrastructural development across the state.

The governor gave the commendation on Monday when he played host to the delegation of the agency in his office as part of programme to mark this year’s World Habitat Day celebration.

The deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa who received the team on his behalf, commended the agency led by the Managing Director, Mr. Imoisili Igabali, for its “selfless contributions” to the development of our dear state.

Advertisement

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa noted that the agency had played a pivotal role in driving urban renewal and enforcing modern building standards in the State, describing their efforts as vital to the government’s vision of sustainable city planning.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Okpehbolo Appoints New VC For AAU

“We want to thank you for being part of the growth and development of our dear state. Your work has not gone unnoticed.

Advertisement

“What is most important to us is that we have the political will to ensure that this agency continues to fulfill its mandate effectively,” he stated.

He expressed optimism on the future of urban development in Edo State and pledged continued government support for the agency’s initiatives.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, I want to thank you for this wonderful day.

Advertisement

“We congratulate you as a state, and we thank God for giving us a capable leader in Mr. Igabali, whose dedication and teamwork continue to yield results,” he said.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Warns Companies Against Fuelling Edo–Delta Boundary Dispute

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the agency expressed appreciation to the Governor and his deputy for their support and for taking the time to receive the agency’s delegation during the World Habitat Day observance.

Advertisement

The 2025 World Habitat Day celebration in Edo State was marked with renewed calls for sustainable housing, improved infrastructure, and enhanced urban management — key pillars of the Okpebholo administration’s development agenda.

Continue Reading

News

UNFPA Launches Technical Working Group On Disability Inclusion In Northern Nigeria

Published

on

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has supported Bauchi State to inaugurate the first Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (DITWG) aimed at promoting equity, inclusion, and human rights for persons with disabilities.

Speaking during the inauguration of the group in Bauchi on Monday, Ms Muriel Mafico, UNFPA Representative in Nigeria said that out of the 19 Northern states in Nigeria, Bauchi was the first to inaugurate the group.

According to her, the inauguration marked a significant milestone in the collective commitment in advancing inclusion, equity, and human rights for all persons with disabilities.

Advertisement

Represented by Olawunmi Akande, an official of UNFP, Mafico said that disability inclusion is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of the 2030 Agenda.

READ ALSO:OPINION: A Journey Through Ogoni, The Titusville Of Nigeria

“Disability inclusion is not an act of charity, but a matter of human rights, development, and justice.

Advertisement

“UNFPA is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities, especially women, girls, and young people have equal access to sexual and reproductive health services, education, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.

“UNFPA stands ready to support this Working Group through evidence generation, capacity building, inclusive programming, and technical assistance,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Abubakar Sambo, an official of the Bauchi State Agency for Disabled Persons, said that the objectives of the group was to promote, coordinate and collaborate through a multi-sectoral approach to disability inclusion by bringing together relevant stakeholders and Organizations of People with Disabilities.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:18-year-old Hangs Self, Police Launch Investigation

He also explained that the group would provide technical support and expertise in areas such as inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, health services, and disability-inclusive employment practices.

Sambo also emphasized on monitoring and reviewing policies and programmes in Bauchi State to ensure alignment with international standards and best practices.

Advertisement

He added that the technical group would also advocate for disability rights through public awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, and engagement with key decision-makers, Amongst others.

Earlier, Mrs Brisca Jerome, Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for People with Disabilities, said the support from UNFPA would complement the state government’s efforts toward inclusive governance.

She appreciated the support of the UN agency and the state governor for creating an enabling environment for partners to strengthen activities and programmes targeting persons with disabilities.

Advertisement

She said that the DITWG consists of a 36 man group from all stakeholders in the sector.

The DITWG is to be chaired by the Executive Secretary, Bauchi state Agency for People With Disabilities.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending