Category: News

Heritage Bank joins forces with Gail Sickle Initiative to rescue sickle cell patients

Heritage Bank joins forces with Gail Sickle Initiative to rescue sickle cell patients

Heritage Bank Plc has upped the ante of its support in the corporate social responsibility space by joining forces with Gail Sickle Initiative to rescue people living with sickle cell anaemia.

The partnership with Gail Sickle Initiative, a non-profit organisation, according to the Executive Director, Heritage Bank, Osepiribo Ben-Willie with its back-to-school project support, is to ameliorate the burden of sickle cell persons in Nigeria and to ensure that all affected persons live normal pain-free lives.

She stated it has become of concern to Heritage Bank to help alleviate the burden as over 40million Nigerians are healthy carriers of the sickle cell gene, whilst 150, 000 children are born with the disorder. This, according to her, is by far the largest burden of sickle cell disorder around the world especially Nigeria and most of these children die in childhood from lack of access to early diagnosis and proper care.

“In Heritage Bank, health is a priority, that is why we want to continue partnering and supporting the NGO, Gail Sickle Initiative on welfare support, early detection and improved treatment and proper care,” she said.

Ben-Willie further affirmed that said that Heritage Bank in partnership with Gail Sickle Initiative is synergizing to create significant awareness and support for individuals affected by the disease.

Speaking at an event, the convener of Gail Sickle Initiative, Oluwafemi Ajayi, disclosed that with the support from Heritage Bank, the NGO has gone beyond its support to her members whom she refers to as winning warriors, to supporting and donating to people living with the sickle cell disease across the country.

According to her, as an organisation that supplies supplements to winning warriors, the Gail Sickle Initiative partnered with Heritage Bank and with the funds provided went beyond the organisations’ members and reached out to other winning warriors who have no parental support and to those in various hospital to give them supplements and offset the bill of some who were unable to pay their bills.

Ajayi further stated that Sickle Cell disorder poses various challenges to the carriers like the health challenge, stigmatisation, economic challenge amongst others.

According to her, the Gail Sickle Initiative focused on how to cover every aspect of these challenges by birthing the Sicklepreneur, this aids the warriors to be trained so they can acquire relevant skills and equip themselves to be independent. Therefore, apart from trying to eradicate the sickle cell disease, they ensure that the stigmatisation label on the warriors does not result in depression for them.

She encouraged other corporate organisations to learn from Heritage Bank’s sterling example to the winning warriors by supporting the initiative and further contributed towards the back-to-school project with relevant items donated.

‘Laws Should Correct, Not Destroy People’ — Jandor Replies APC-led Lagos Govt Over Auctioned Vehicles

 

 

Olajide Adediran, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, has slammed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for criticising his visit to some of the traffic offenders whose vehicles were recently auctioned by the state government.

Videos from the exercise had gone viral on social media after affected persons who couldn’t reclaim their vehicles through the bidding process were seen crying profusely.

Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, visited some of the victims at the weekend and reportedly promised humane traffic measures against traffic violators if elected governor in 2023.

But Jandor’s action did not sit well with the Governor Sanwo-Olu-led APC government which accused the PDP candidate of being desperate, promoting lawlessness, and playing politics with human lives.

The PDP candidate, in a response issued by the head of communications of his campaign organisation, Gbenga Ogunleye, clarified that he was encouraging residents of the state to be lawless.

He said in punishing traffic offenders, the state government must ensure that the measures they adopt do not “destroy” the people.

“We must realise that laws are made for the people and not people for the law. Therefore, all laws must bear a human face and seek to correct rather than destroy the very citizens that they were made for.

“In this instance, the penalty for breaking the law in question amounted to killing an ant with a sledgehammer and will potentially create more problems than it was meant to solve.

“One may wonder why a state government that is supposed to cater for the welfare of the people is so intent on taking away the means of livelihood of the same people when other measures, such as hefty fines, could have served as a deterrent to potential offenders?

“Their pathetic outburst could be the wild ranting of a dying hegemony having realised that their game is up and Lagosians are now sick and tired of the poor governance that they have been subjected to for the past 23 years and are now craving for the breath of fresh air, which the dynamic duo of Adediran and Olufunke Akindele represent,” read the statement.

BREAKING: Court Rules On Suit Seeking Peter Obi, Tinubu’s Disqualification From 2023 Election

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused to disqualify the candidates of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, from participating in the 2023 presidential election.
The court, in a judgement that was delivered on Monday by Justice Donatus Okorowo, held that a suit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) instituted against the two presidential candidates lacked merit and deserved to be dismissed.

 

PDP had approached the court, accusing both Peter Obi and Tinubu of acting in breach of the Electoral Act.

The PDP told the court that contrary to provisions of the electoral law, both Obi and Tinubu, failed to nominate their running mates in due time, choosing rather to temporarily hand over their Vice Presidential tickets to placeholders.

PDP told the court that whereas the candidate of the Labour Party, Obi, chose Dr Doyin Okupe as the placeholder for his Vice Presidential post, the other hand, candidate of the APC, Tinubu, submitted the name of Kabiru Masari as his own placeholder.

Plaintiff, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1016/2022, contended that the Electoral Act, 2022, did not make provision for a “place holder” or temporary running mate.

The opposition party argued that the subsequent resignation, withdrawal or substitution of Okupe and Masari, by both the LP and the APC, were illegal and unconstitutional.

PDP maintained that Obi and Tinubu could only qualify to contest the 2023 presidential election with Okupe and Masari, as their respective running mate.

It further argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was bereft of the power to accept any withdrawal or substitution of both Okupe and Masari, without the LP and the APC conducting fresh primaries to substitute Obi and Tinubu.

PDP told the court that both Okupe and Masari are not products of any primary election and as such was not validly nominated by the LP and the APC.

Delivering ruling on Monday, Justice Okorowo held that the suit was not only incompetent but amounted to gross abuse of the judicial process.

The court held that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain an incompetent suit and accordingly dismissed it.

 

Drama As Herbalists Pour Blood On Kwara United Players Ahead Of Confederation Cup Match In Niger Republic ( VIDEO)

 

A mild drama ensued on Sunday in Niamey as a herbalist poured blood on Kwara United FC players ahead of their second leg confederation cup match with AS Douanes FC.

Kwara United side had won the first leg of the clash by three goals to nil at the Mobolaji Jonhson Arena in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The second leg which was to hold at the Senyi Kountche stadium in Niamey, however, took a dramatic turn when a herbalist was captured on camera pouring blood on the players and in the team bus as they alighted.

The herbalist’s accomplice also held a black goat and both were dressed in Nigerien colours with their faces covered with a turban.

The video which was shared on the verified Twitter handle of Kwara United FC, showed the chairman of the club Kumbi Titiloye, instructing the players to return to the team bus insisting that the team is not going to play.

“#CAFCC happening now! AS Douanes hired herbalists poured blood on Kwara United FC players as they are about entering the field. The two herbalists, one with keg of blood & the other with goat performed the act when the players are coming down from the bus. NO single policeman,” the Nigerian club tweeted.

The match which was eventually played after the initial delay ended in a goalless draw with Kwara United qualifying for the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup by 3 aggregate goals.

African Football has been rocked with diabolism with FIFA cracking down on herbal/traditional medicine during the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa

Obasa Celebrates Deputy Governor Hamzat At 58

Obasa Celebrates Deputy Governor Hamzat At 58

– Praises Hamzat for his dedication to service of Lagos

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, says the State remains proud to have Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as its Deputy Governor.

Dr. Obasa said this on Sunday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, celebrating Dr. Hamzat, who clocks 58 on Monday, September 19.

According to the Speaker, the Deputy Governor has shown, consistently, his commitment, dedication and passion to the goal of making Lagos an enviable State in Nigeria and one admired by the world.

He added that Hamzat at 58, remains a perfect example of a technocrat who is not only effective in the discharge of his duties, but uses all within his powers to ensure the good of the majority.

The Speaker further noted the seamless running of the Lagos government made up of the Executive, legislative and judicial arms, attributing this to the knowledge, wisdom and zeal of leaders including Hamzat to make the State constantly habitable for the residents.

“I congratulate Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, my brother and friend in the service of Lagos and the nation as he marks his 58th birthday.

“To say Lagos is not tired of him is just saying the obvious. He has helped, over time, to lift the civil service of our dear State to an enviable height.

“We are happy to have him serve Lagos as Deputy Governor at this time, especially with his knowledge of how our dear State works.

“Again, it is noteworthy that our Deputy Governor has consistently shown beyond every reasonable doubt what a dependable ally in the scheme of progress he is.

“He has always been a loyal team player with fantastic knowledge and managerial skills. His records of service and achievements cannot be under-emphasised and have been sources of encouragement for many.

“We remain proud of him as we wish him more divine knowledge, wisdom and vitality to carry on in the service of Allah and the people.

“Happy birthday tfrom me and my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly,” the statement read.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Why Buratai’s Visit To Tinubu Will Add Value To APC Victory In 2023

 

H.E Amb Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Lt Gen Rtd) met with the All Progressive Congress (APC), Presidential flag bearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. Although the details of the meeting is not disclosed, but it may not be unconnected with the 2023 elections.

H.E Amb Tukur Yusufu Buratai, is a personality with vast experience and admirable track record.

Given his reputable track record as a war tested General, and the longest serving Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria’s history, and as a diplomat, HE Buratai is vastly experienced in strategic leadership and human resource management.

He would certainly add great value to APC’s victory in next year’s general elections and the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s President.

We foresee a lot of electoral value coming the way of the APC as a result of the fusion of forces of these great leaders and FUSION NIGERIA would like to call on all Nigerians to support the APC to ensure its resounding victory in next year’s polls.

Joining forces of the two leaders could mean well for the APC party, it is also an indication of a stronger ties for BAT in the build up of the presidential election.

This could mean alot for the success of the APC in the up coming general elections.

‘One-way Drivers Ruined Homes’- Lagos Govt Justifies Auctioning 134 Vehicles

 

The Lagos State Government has defended the ‘controversial’ auctioning of 134 vehicles belonging to traffic offenders.

Lagos State Taskforce on Thursday auctioned the vehicles over different traffic offences.

Based on Lagos laws, the taskforce is to “carry out enforcement exercise which is confiscation of vehicles for traffic offenses, and handing them over to the Mobile Court (with evidence) for Judgement.”

The offences are in categories as some attract a fine.

“But some people run away from the Court Process, that’s why they have been forfeited to the State Government after the stipulated period (by law),” the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Lagos State on New Media, Jubril Gawat tweeted.

The auction has been described by Nigerians as opaque and shrouded in irregularity.

Imafidon Andy with Twitter handle @ImafidonAndy was one of the Nigerians who responded to Gawat.

Andy tweeted, “Your summation here then explains the due process that alluded to the decision to sell off the vehicles of these various offenders. The process has to become more refined to avoid all these emotional and physical damage that the current process affords. Give owners the opportunity.”

The Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Akosile in a response to the sympathiser, Andy, said the offenders where playing “emotional card.”

He said traffic related offenses in the state has led to the death of many Lagosians.

Akosile also denied any wrong doing as held by many Nigerians.

“Andy, the process has always been open and transparent. At any rate, why do we always jump in when people play emotional card over what is just and right? Do you know how many homes have been ruined due to one-way driving? Many children orphaned; women widowed,” he added.

 

Photo Story: Amb Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai Meets APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

 

 

The former Chief Of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Amb. Lt Gen.Tukur Buratai RTD has met with the presidential candidate of the All progressive Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, 15th Of September, 2022 in Abuja.

Although the details of the meeting is not disclosed but its not unconnected to the 2023 presidential election of which the revered Diplomats will play a key role for his party.

Ministries, Agencies Padded 2021 Budget With N300 Billion Duplicated Projects – ICPC

 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) padded the 2021 budget to the tune of N300 billion.

The padding which they did by duplicating projects shot the budget to N13.59 trillion, it has stated.

The anti-corruption agency says that the MDAs also padded the 2022 budget with duplicated projects amounting to N100 billion.

This shot the current year’s budget to N17.12 trillion.

This is aside of the N49.9 billion discovered as salaries for ghost workers between January and June, 2022, it says.

ICPC’s Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, made these known in Abuja on Thursday.

He made the submissions at an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance on the 2022-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper.

He said the ICPC discovered the projects duplication and budget padding for the two years during a scrutiny of projects approved for the various MDAs.

“Three hundred billion naira would have been wasted by the Federal Government on duplicated projects inserted into the 2021 budget.

“Federal Government would have wasted another N100 billion in the 2022 budget if not tracked and intercepted by the ICPC.

“The same pre-emptive move saved the country from spending N49.9 billion on payment of salaries to ghost workers inserted into payrolls by the fraudulent MDAs between January and June this year.

“Names of MDAs involved in projects duplication and fictitious payrolls are available and will be forwarded to the committee,’’ he said.

Owasannoye explained that ICPC’s interception ensured that monies for the fraudulent acts were prevented from being released to the affected MDAs.

“It is gratifying that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General’s Office cooperated with us’,’’ he stressed.

The ICPC chairman advised relevant committees of the National Assembly to look out for such projects duplication in the proposed N19.76 trillion 2023 budget.

“From our own end, detection of such projects is done by verifying their locations and names, upon which we tell the appropriate authorities not to release wrongly budgeted monies,’’ he said.

In his remarks, chairman of the committee, Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Lagos West), assured that ICPC’s operational cost would be increased from the current N1.8 billion.

“This committee is impressed by the proactive ways your commission has adopted in the fight against corruption.

“Your submissions clearly shows that all hopes are not lost for our dear country as far as fighting corruption is concerned.

“Your operational cost which is N1.8 billion will be increased as required impetus for more proactive measures against corrupt practices across the various MDAs,’’ Sen. Adeola said.

 

Just In: PSC Union Suspends Strike After Musiliu Smith’s Resignation

 

The Joint Union Congress of the Police Service Commission (PSC) chapter has suspended its indefinite strike after 17 days.

The PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani disclosed this in a statement on Thursday where it officially reacted to the resignation of the former chairperson of the commission, Musiliu Smith.

Ani noted that the union suspended its indefinite strike to allow the new management to look into its demands.

It was earlier reported that the commencement of the strike action purportedly due to the hijack of the commission’s constitutional mandate to manage recruitment exercises into the police force.

The union had accused the PSC’s former management led by Smith of complicity with the police authorities to rid staff members of their constitutional duty to recruit prospective officers.

The Union also accused the erstwhile management of nepotism while stating that the situation is limiting the commission’s growth.

Meanwhile, the PSC acknowledged the resignation of Smith stating that the development was pursuant to Schedule 2(4) sub-section 2(2) of the Police Service Commission Establishment Act 2001.

The statement further confirmed the nomination of Clara Ogunbiyi, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, as the acting Chairman pending the appointment of a new Chairman by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In her response, Justice Ogunbiyi expressed her appreciation to her colleagues for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to run an inclusive administration based on the rule of law.

Ogunbiyi who is a Commissioner in the Commission and next in the hierarchy to the former Chairman noted that the commission deserves the best.

“We will do our best by the grace of God and I believe our best will be good enough,” she said.

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