The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on Thursday, granted bail to the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Ishaq Kawu Modibbo, after he was arraigned over alleged irregularities in the award of a N2.5billion Digital Switch Over (DSO) contract.
Continue reading Reps consider report on Sports Bill at Vanguard News.
Leading Nigerian songstress, Tiwa Savage and talented Afro-pop singer, has begged Don Jazzy that he should promise their relationshiTiwa Savagep will never change
Whenever the month of Shaaban, the eight month of the Islamic year is drawing to a close and as the month of Ramadan approaches, happiness and joy filled the Muslim Ummah. This is because the ninth month offers the greatest opportunity to cleanse oneself from all the impurities of this world, align oneself to the Creator Who has promised to flung the gates of mercy open and shut the gates of evil. It is a rare blessing for His servants.
Continue reading Ramadan: Gates of paradise set to open at Vanguard News.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Thursday, disclosed that it has saved $2.2 billion since the introduction of the Direct Sales, Direct Purchase scheme, DSDP.
Continue reading NNPC saves $2.2bn from DSDP scheme at Vanguard News.
Leading Nigerian songstress, Tiwa Savage and talented Afro-pop singer, Simi have shook up the music industry in a major way with their announcement yesterday that they would be leaving their record labels for good.
THE weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo entered late night Thursday.
Continue reading Osinbajo suspends FEC meeting to receive Rights group at Vanguard News.
Uber has announced that riders in Nigeria will now be able to tip their driver after every trip to show appreciation for excellent service delivery. This new tipping feature will be 100% optional and riders will be given optional tip values as well as an option to customise an amount for their driver.
Continue reading Uber introduces tipping feature at Vanguard News.
The Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, ACJL, 2015, is currently experiencing some challenges in its implementation. While the State Judiciary appears to be making significant impact on the justice system with the ACJL especially in the area of prison decongestion, the state executive and legislative arm seem to be doing the opposite. Using innovative ideas and policies, such as non-custodian sentencing, probation and restorative justice system, the state judiciary has ensured that inmate population in prisons and other remand homes in the state is drastically reduced. This is also complemented by regular amnesty gestures extended to deserving inmates by the state chief judge. These efforts ordinarily ought to have translated to significant decongestion of the prisons but that is presently not the case as the prison population continues to rise at an alarming rate.
Continue reading Making non-custodian provisions of Lagos ACJL work at Vanguard News.
While the Federal Govern-ment confronts political problems created by civil strife in the North-East, the North- West and most recently, the South-South (Niger-Delta), there is a serious necessity to take up the menace of fake products which are commonly being dumped on the public. The Nigerian consumers need serious protection from this dangerous trend, so also is the manufacturing sector.
Why SON?
To the public especially the consumers, the manufacturers as well as the government, as the regulator, a vehicle for policing all manufactured goods whether within Nigeria or outside, are a necessity. This is why SON came into being. The enabling statute, Standard Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015 created the SON. This Act repealed and replaced the SON Act Cap. 59 of 2004. This statute states as follows:
Section 1 “Thus “the Organisation” shall be a legal person with all the powers to sue and be sued, to acquire, hold or dispose of any property etc. The general powers of establishment, constitution of the Council (Section 3) etcetera deal extensively with the governance structure.
This is the locus of the SON to deal with or be dealt with. A cursory look at Part I interestingly shows the SON as a truly representative body, with nominees from diverse background in the Public Service (the Ministry) and Educational Institutions (the University & the Research Institutes), the Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Mines (Private Section), Engineering (Consultancies), the manufacturing, the Construction, Employers' Association and most importantly, the consumers. The only reservation herein is the ultimate power granted to the Minister to solely appoint the members of SON’s governing council. This is not too democratic.
Before I proceed into the functions of SON, I hereby seek to address the audience on what constitutes “Quality” products. Quality is defined in Blacks’ Law Dictionary 8th Edition as “the particular character or properties of a person, thing, or act, often essential for a particular result.” or “the character or degree of excellence of a person or substance, especially in comparison with others.” This definition captures the intent of the FGN as a holistic interest in obtaining excellent products for the people of Nigeria. This is not a compromise but a mandatory duty imposed on what Nigerians can buy or use in their day-to-day activities. SON is the torch-bearer of this excellence.
The function of the SON is explicitly covered under Part II – the combination of the Functions of the SON with the Duties under the same Act is germane. This is in correlation with the function of the Council (the Board) which is the governing authority.
For purposes of uniformity of standards in Nigeria, all Regulatory Agencies or Organisations dealing with matters pertaining to or related to standards shall do so in collaboration with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria.
The Organisation shall undertake such research as may be necessary for the performance of its functions under this Act and, for that purpose, it shall have power to make use of research facilities available in other institutions, whether public or private upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the Organisation and the institution concerned.”
The functions cover a plethora of responsibilities like testing of products, investigation of quality, certification, verification, checking of weights and measures on international standard system, standardisation generally, laboratories, information to both public and private sundries, inventories, surveillance on products, penal duties, regulation and registration, issuance of marks etc., publication of data, advisory services to the Federal, State and Local governments, training and accreditation in line with international organisations, coordination of all activities within and with international organisations in such fields and administer the Act.
The functions of the SON create a powerful organisation for a comprehensive management of standards in the products to be sold or to be consumed by both the public and private sectors and individuals. A good management therefore is needed to execute these functions.
The people of Nigeria have been inundated with the fact that the sole problem of the nation is leadership. This may be translated to managerial abilities of the functionaries of the federal, state and local governments. The same goes for corporations established by statutes e.g. SON.
To enhance quality of the products to be consumed by all, SON must live up to the reason for its creation; execute its mandate under the statute and in doing this, it is necessary to deploy fit and proper persons into the organisation.
Part IV on staffing. I am of the opinion that Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 need a strict adherence by the appointing authority. The Minister must not allow political exigencies to influence him. So far, I am happy that capable men have been appointed as the DG and Executive Directors, in fact, most of them, Professors and Academics from Engineering, Sciences and Research Institutions, are supported by able lieutenants.
Section 9 allows the DG to “Freely manage the organisation in accordance with the Act.” This is a noble provision. He cannot be hindered by the Council” in the methods or with the manner in which he employs the material and human resources of the Organisation in order to obtain results…” a novel provision which I hereby recommend to all other agencies/organisations.
To effectively allow this provision to work is to enhance quality of service delivery by SON. This will go a long way to resurrect the comatose offices and laboratories scattered throughout Nigeria.
Financial aspect
To harness the opportunities that this Act has provided, the SON has been given largesse in terms of provision of funds, at least on paper! Part V deals extensively with sourcing for funds. This is not limited to government's budgetary provisions that hitherto sabotage good intention by the Organisation.
Apart from appropriation by the National Assembly under Section 16, the SON has provisions under Section 15(2) and these include fees and penalties charged for services by the Organisation, gifts, endowment, and contributions by persons or organisations, foreign aid/assistance, and subventions and allocations from the FGN.
I submit that by the foregoing, the time is ripe for the SON to reach to the sky. However, I plead for a just regime in the management of accrued funds. We all must harness quality services by shunning graft and corruption. Funds made must be justly used to enhance productivity and welfare of both the SON and her staff. The opportunities made open to the Organisation to source funds from the Federal Government and even from abroad are geared solely to harness external opportunities for a result-oriented organisation.
This is the time to open offices in at least the 6,600 political regions of Nigeria and Abuja while establishing internationally approved laboratories and research centres in many states of the federation. The parts and border post needs this domain.
The efficiency of any organisation depends on the way and manner that funds at its disposal are used. Section 16 creates a fundamental shift from the past. The SON now has the power to undertake all the functions of the Organisation. See Section 16 generally.
Conclusion
I believe that this statute, SON Act 2015 if well-managed and enforced by all and sundry, Nigeria shall be rid of defective, fake, hazardous and inhumane products. What I believe is a concerted efforts by all and sundry to implement the extant provisions of this Act.
Continue reading SON Act: Enhancing quality, harnessing opportunities at Vanguard News.
An international organization that provides free services to the people especially in the areas of health and education, Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO), has applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for enhancing business activities in the state through the provision of the needed peace and security.
Continue reading Int’l body lauds Ugwuanyi on peace, security, good governance at Vanguard News.
Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Prof. Isa Mohammed, on Thursday, vowed to move against currently serving Governors and Ministers that are found to have falsified their assets.
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has assured the media that he would continue to ensure that the media was not muzzled in any way.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police ( I -G), Mr Mohammed Adamu, has warned Police Mobile Force ( PMF) Squadron Commanders against illegal posting of personnel for body guard duties.
Continue reading I-G warns PMF Commanders against illegal guard duty at Vanguard News.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi on Thursday urged the newly appointed Board Members of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) not to slow down ongoing efforts at revitalising the country’s railway system.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi on Thursday urged the newly appointed Board Members of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) not to slow down ongoing efforts at revitalising the country’s railway system.
The Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, has frowned at the early jostling for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Thursday said this year’s Sit-at-home exercise across Biafraland on the 30th May 2019 is going to be uniquely observed, and will also be used to remember the victims of killer herdsmen attacks, Boko Haram terrorists attacks and those allegedly killed by security agents.
Continue reading 30th May sit-at-home going to be unique – IPOB at Vanguard News.
Popular Islamic cleric, Sheik Muyideen Bello, says people engaging in the killing of others in the name of Allah are not true Muslims.
Continue reading True Muslims don’t engage in killings — Islamic cleric at Vanguard News.
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) launched an investment directory and an investors submit among others aimed at boosting foreign direct investments (fdi) in the country.
Continue reading NIPC launches investment directory, summit to boost FDI at Vanguard News.
The Lagos State University (LASU) on Thursday said it would graduate 57 first-class students, out of the 14,369 graduands at its 23rd Convocation, representing the highest figure produced by the institution in its 36 years of existence.
THE apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo has warned President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ayuba Wabba to stop using derogatory language on the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige.
Continue reading NSITF: Ohaneze condemns Wabba’s attacks on Ngige at Vanguard News.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for fourth quarter 2018 was N324.59 billion compared to N264.34 billion recorded in third quarter of the same year.
Continue reading States’ IGR hits N324.59bn in Q4, 2018 – NBS at Vanguard News.
In a bid to change the narrative about Foreign Exchange investment in Nigeria, leading foreign investment firm, MBA Forex International, and its partners AFX Group UK and Fintec Global Markets have partnered to organize a financial investors meeting in Lagos on Saturday.
Unknown hoodlums stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Moriki town of Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and kidnapped six people in the wee hours of Wednesday night.
By Daniel Abel
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) staged a walk against depression and suicide, in Oyo State in a bid to sensitise the general public on the existence of depression and the need not to consider suicide as a solution or way out.
Led by Editorial CDS president, Daniel Abel, the awareness walk took place around the NYSC state secretariat Agodi Ibadan Oyo state.
ALSO READ: We love Buhari – IDPs
Corps members displayed placards with various inscriptions such as: “your mistakes do not define you”, “happiness is free”, “make yourself happy”, “you are important, stay with me” among others.
Continue reading NYSC stages campaign against depression, suicide in Oyo State at Vanguard News.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May has come under severe attack following her sack last Wednesday of Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson.
Continue reading UK PM May under fire after Huawei’s sack at Vanguard News.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Thursday tendered a copy of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of Nigeria at the resumed trial of former Justice Mohammed Yunusa, a dismissed Judge of the Federal High Court.
Kenya's Olympic 800m bronze medal winner Margaret Nyairera Wambui, who has herself faced questions over her testosterone levels, on Thursday slammed an IAAF ruling against her rival Caster Semenya.
Continue reading Kenyan 800m runner Wambui slams Semenya testosterone ruling at Vanguard News.
The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama has expressed delight over the release of its citizens Ms. Zainab Aliyu and Ibrahim Abubakar that were erroneously accused of trafficking hard drugs to Saudi Arabia.
A few weeks after the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, urged the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to dismiss his suit challenging the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the February 23 election, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has described the party as home to hypocrites who speak from both sides of the mouth.
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed sadness over the death of elder statesman, industrialist, philanthropist, rubber and oil magnet, Prince (Dr.) Kenekueyero Boyewa Omatseye who died at the ripe age of 91 years.
Continue reading Okowa mourns industrialist, K.B. Omatseye at Vanguard News.
Nigeria unemployment rate to reach 33.5 per cent by 2020, says the Federal Government.
A coalition of youth groups under the aegis of the Consolidated Youths of Niger Delta ( CYN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to unseal the head office of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
Continue reading N’Delta youths gives Wike 7-days ultimatum to unseal NDDC office at Vanguard News.
TENSION has enveloped Oghara, the hometown of former Governor James Ibori of Delta State, following the discovery of the headless body of a woman in the early hours of Thursday.
Continue reading Headhunters behead woman in Oghara at Vanguard News.
Mr Olawale Alausa the Minority Leader, Ogun House of Assembly, on Thursday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC ).
Continue reading Just in: Ogun minority leader dumps PDP, defects to APC at Vanguard News.
The Chief Operating Officer of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Commission (IBEDC), Mr John Ayodele, has said activities of vandals tampering the Disco’s facility are preventing it from tending customers’ needs.
He also condemned the building of houses, shops and relaxation spots under power lines, bypassing of meters by 70 per cent of Nigerians, saying that prosecuting all defaulters in the law courts will make the courts treat electricity defaulters’ cases alone at the expense of other critical issues.
Mauricio Pochettino said he was open to a change in football's concussion protocols as Tottenham wait for an update on the health of defender Jan Vertonghen, who suffered a head injury against Ajax.
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) on Thursday urged the Federal Government to negotiate with the council on the consequential adjustments arising from the new minimum wage.
A few weeks after the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, urged the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to dismiss his suit challenging the declaration of President Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the February 23 election, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as described the party as home to hypocrites who speak from both sides of the mouth.
AS the 9th senate prepares to convene and elect officers to pilot the affairs of the Red Chambers, members of the All Progressive Congress, APC from Delta and Edo states in Diaspora have endorsed Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for the position of the Deputy Senate President, DSP.
Continue reading Delta, Edo APC in Diaspora endorse Omo-Agege for DSP at Vanguard News.
Scores of community leaders and residents of Agidingbi area of Ikeja on Thursday embarked on peaceful protest against the judgment of Supreme Court which awarded ownership of 398 acres of landed property in the community to a traditional land-owning family, Akinole-Oshiun.
The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) has announced the arrival in South Africa of its election observation mission (EOM) led by former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to observe the country’s national and provincial elections.
The delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unveiled a solar tree at the EU Delegation Office Complex Abuja, to highlight the union’s commitment to renewable solar energy in Nigeria.
Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPAN), says its members will pay the new minimum wage of N30,000 and emphasised the need for a decent work environment in the country.
Continue reading Outsourced workers will get new minimum wage – HuCaPAN at Vanguard News.
The Police Command in Zamfara has confirmed the kidnap of five persons at Government Girls Secondary School Moriki in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state.
Continue reading Police confirm abduction of 5 persons at girls’ school in Zamfara at Vanguard News.
Professor Matthew Nsing Ogar, Chairman Committee of Deans of the Cross River State University of Technology was on Wednesday asked to conduct the matriculation ceremony for 6,245 students admitted into the school this academic session following the confusion over the appointment of Acting- Vice Chancellor for the University.
The Hide and Skin Association, Ijebu-Igbo Branch in Ogun, on Thursday called for the arrest and prosecution of importers of poisonous cow skin better known as “Ponmo”.
Continue reading Poisonous “Ponmo”, not from Ijebu-Igbo, association cries out at Vanguard News.
A group of contractors with the Presidential Amnesty Programme has added their voice to the current rift between the Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme and a top executive member.
Three contractors who requested anonymity revealed most of the unethical activities of the said executive.
According to them, the executive has been allegedly collecting kickbacks from contractors, since late last year. They also frowned at the open disloyalty of the director.
ALSO READ: Amnesty Programme: 365 Days of Dokubo’s Restoration Mission
See the statement below:
“It is important that as citizens of Nigeria, we lend our voice to oppose unethical activities especially in our primary constituency; The Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Office.
Continue reading Contractors kick against amnesty executive at Vanguard News.
The absence of defence counsel has stalled the trial of five students accused of gang-raping and blackmailing a fellow student, at an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday expressed commitment to ensuring that the capital market was not used for money laundering and terrorism financing.