News

Obaseki, Edo CJ Partner To Reduce Number Of Awaiting Trial Inmates

Published

2 years ago

October 4, 2023

Editor

L-R: Judge, Edo State High Court, Anthony Erhabor; Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Judge, Edo State High Court, Efe Ikponmwonba, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

…say devt of new State correctional centres ‘ll help to reform inmates, decongest facilities

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said his administration will collaborate with the Chief Judge of Edo State and the judiciary to reduce the high numbers of awaiting trial inmates across correctional facilities in Edo State.

The governor said this when he received the leadership of Edo State judiciary led by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, who was on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki said, “We are concerned about the large number of awaiting trial inmates in our correctional centres and would like our Chief Judge to do something different and give assurance of comfort to these people and reduce the number of awaiting trial inmates. We are ready to put in resources to support you in achieving this.

“We are ready to work with you in taking advantage of the new constitutional arrangement to build our own correctional facilities in Edo State to support the work you are doing. We have acquired land and are working on the design as the Attorney General of the State will be meeting with you to show you the plan we have in place.”

Commending the judiciary for its role in maintaining law and order in the state, the governor noted, “The executive arm of government in Edo State will ever be grateful to the judiciary. The judiciary has been one key basis for the success we have recorded as they have helped us sustain the rule of law.

“When we came in 2016, this was not the case. It was not uncommon to find non-state actors taking laws into their own hands, becoming laws unto themselves. Sometimes, it’s better for us to reflect on what the situation was less than eight years ago. With the help of the judiciary, we have been able to maintain law and order in Edo State.

“Nobody can challenge this administration or accuse us of taking steps that are extra-judicial in our dealings as we have abided by the law of the land, which is why we enjoy the level of peace and stability today in the State.”

The governor further stated, “We want to thank you for the adoption of technology. In the executive arm, we are enjoying the benefits of technology as our sessions are now virtual and all the memos and approvals I give are now through technology. We will continue to support you to embrace technology.

“Advancement in technology is not restricted to Benin City alone as we have laid 2,000km of fibre optic connections across the State as it will help us deliver high connectivity to all your Courts in Edo State. We are delivering technology to our schools, hospitals, and also consultants in America offering telemedicine services to our people.”

On his part, the Chief Judge, Justice Okungbowa, who commended the governor for his continuous support to the judiciary, said the visit is to invite the governor to the 2023/2024 Legal Year.

He said, “We want to thank you, Your Excellency, for the cooperation in the past year and solicit for more cooperation in the coming years. You have done so well in terms of infrastructural development as new Courts have been built and also support in improving the judiciary technology-wise.”

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

11 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

11 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

12 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.