La Commission de la CEDEAO, conduite par son Président, S.E. Omar Alieu Touray, Phd, a reçu le mardi 12 mars 2024, à son siège, une délégation de hauts responsables espagnols conduite par S.E. Diego Martinez Belío, secrétaire d’État aux Affaires étrangères du Royaume d’Espagne, dans le cadre de la signature d’un protocole d’accord d’une valeur de 2,5 millions d’euros.
Dans son discours d’ouverture S.E Omar Alieu Touray a remercié l’Espagne pour son engagement dans le développement des infrastructures énergétiques, dans le domaine agricole, et dans les questions de développement du genre.
Il a salué le projet CEDEAO Espagne Femme Paix et Sécurité dans l’espace CEDEAO et a en outre rappelé que l’ensemble des actions menées doivent être gouvernées par un renforcement des programmes permettant la paix et la sécurité dans la région car, a-t-il ajouté, la Paix et la Sécurité sont les conditions pour une stabilité et un développement durable de la Région.
Dans son discours d’ouverture Mr Diego Martinez Belío a rappelé que le protocole d’accord signé comprend une contribution volontaire de 2,565 millions d’euros et les fonds contribueront au renforcement institutionnel de la CEDEAO, au soutient du Centre de Développement du Genre de la CEDEAO, de l’Agence régionale pour l’agriculture et l’alimentation (ARAA) dans la mise en œuvre de la stratégie révisée de sécurité alimentaire et le développement d’un programme régional d’alimentation scolaire innovant. Ceci permettra donc la création de 90 cantines scolaires pour nourrir en toute sécurité 23 860 élèves principalement dans les zones rurales et transfrontalières de la CEDEAO.
La Signature de ce memorandum a été suivie par le lancement du programme Femmes, paix et sécurité et du lancement officiel du programme de formation du personnel de la CEDEAO à la langue espagnole
In a recent Press Release issued at the Civil Society House Abuja, the leadership of the National Civil Society Council (NCSCN) vehemently condemned the incessant attacks on Seyi Tinubu, first son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by some Nigerians, describing the attacks as unnecessary distractions from critical issues of National Development.
The text jointly signed by the Executive Director, Amb. Blesssing Akinlosotu and the Deputy Executive Director, Southern Nigeria, Olayemi Success frowned at the manner with which some persons have continuously misinterpreted and wrongly portrayed what they said should naturally have been a credit and commendable gesture of President Tinubu as a responsible parent and family minded father, in a very bad light.
The NCSCN Press Text went on to assert that a major requirement for successful leadership is a testimony of a united and bonded family working towards collective goal and aspirations as has been demonstrated by the Tinubu’s over decades.
“The leadership of the Civil Society Council can readily attest to the consistency and commitment of the family of President Tinubu to the political aspirations of the Family head that has contributed immensely to the successes experienced by the President, even in difficult years in the trenches of NADECO struggle for democratic emancipation of Nigeria. Without the resilience and support from family line, President Tinubu would have been history by now, hence, the love, passion and uncompromising bond of partnership existing between the Tinubu’s till date, which is a plus and not minus to a prominent leader of that calibre”. The Text read in part.
“The solidarity and support shown to his father by Seyi Tinubu, and the reciprocal love by the father President Tinubu to his son, Seyi, should be source of inspiration and thing of emulation to leaders across the Federation, so long as it does not interfere with or have negative impact on business of governance”. The Text continued.
Across the globe, great and successful leaders have been seen to showcase the strong bonding existing within their families by publicly presenting spouses and children at necessary occasions and ceremonies with their countries and even in their oversea trips. The case of Seyi Tinubu accompanying his father in some oversea trips is not isolated or strange, as we can draw endless lists of great and reputable world leaders like the Bush Family, Mandela Family, the Barak Obama Family, Prince Charles etc. who are severally seen in public and overseas trips with spouses and offspring. President Clinton visited Nigeria on an official state visit with his adult daughter, Chelsea, who was the FIRST person he introduced to then-President Obasanjo. Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher took her son, Mark Thatcher, to overseas UK Business summits. Sir Mark Thatcher is a businessman, as is Seyi Tinubu. Also President Obasanjo similarly took his son, Gbenga, on a business summit while he was President. Gbenga is also a legitimate businessman. The current U.S. President, Joe Biden, took his son, Hunter Biden, on a business summit in China while he was Vice President. And President Trump even made his daughter and her husband his advisers, who frequently traveled with him to business and political summits. It then becomes worrisome to the Council why the case of Seyi Tinubu has been over sensationalized in the Nigerian media space” The leadership of NCSCN explained in their Text that the trip to Qatar was publicly billed as a business summit, for which Nigerian businesses were meant to collaborate with Qatari companies. The Press Text revealed that some critics even mocked the Tinubu administration when a letter leaked that the “Business Summit” aspect of the trip had been canceled. Which NCSCN claimed turned out to be a lie.
“It is on record that to the President’s credit, he publicly kicked his son, Seyi Tinubu out of a Federal Executive Council meeting and warned him never to attend again, because that was not a business summit. That was a government meeting. The Civil Society Council, therefore, earnestly appeals to all Nigerians and those involved in this distractive and retrogressive act to deceit from these in order not to detract government and the citizenry from focusing on crucial issues of National Development.
The big question to be asked in this matter is if the presence of Seyi Tinubu in the oversea trips of his father, the President, his in any way interfares with running of government, negatively affects the purposes of the trip, or usurps the authority of relevant government official? Is the inclusion of Seyi in any way encumbers decision-making processes in the trip or governance? The answers, to the best of the Civil Society Council, is a big No”. The Text concluded.
His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Atang Udo Samuel as the Head of the Civil Service Federal Capital Territory Administration, others as permanent secretaries, Chairman and Commissioners
This was made known in a statement by the Director of Press,( office of the Minister), Anthony Ogunleye on Tuesday.
“Mr. Atang Udo Samuel is appointed as the Head of the Civil Service and the following as Permanent Secretaries: Dr Adam Babagana, North East; Wanki Adamu Ibrahim, North East; Asmau Mukhtar, North West; Dogo Aliyu Wadata Bodinga, North West; Olusa Olusegun, South West; Adetoyi Rabiu Kolawole, South West; Grace Adayilo, North Central; Olubunmi Olowookere, North Central; Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka, South East; Okonkwo Florence Nonubari, South-South.”
The statement also announced the appointment of Mr Emeka Ezeh as Chairman of the Commission and others as commissioners, representing the 6 geopolitical zones.
They are: Emeka Ezeh, Chairman; Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, North West; Chief Anthony Okeah, South-South; Mohammed Magaji Ibrahim, North East; Miskoom Alexander Naantuam, North Central; Hon. Jide Jimoh, South West; Martin Azubike, South East
President Tinubu further approved the appointments of heads of critical agencies of the FCTA, including, Abdulkadir Zulkarfi, as Coordinator Satellite Town Development Department; Chief Felix Obuah, as Coordinator Abuja Metropolitan Management Council; and Oladiran Akindele, as Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Council.
He disclosed that the appointments takes immediate effect adding that the appointees will be sworn in on Monday, March 18, 2024.
In his determination to ensure peace, cooperation, and progress reigns among the youth as a substructure for their growth and development, the Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has brokered peace among the two factions of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
This was made known in a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Maryam Umar Yusuf.
According to the statement, the Minister urged the leaders of the two factions, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo and Akoshile Mukhtar, during a peace meeting which was held in his office on Tuesday 12th March, 2024 to put aside their differences and embrace peace so as to forge ahead in the interest of the teaming youths of the country whom they represent.
Olawande who recognised the central role that the body has to play in promoting the wellbeing of the youth, expressed joy over the decision of the factions to reconcile their disagreement and join hands to work towards a common goal.
He emphasized the need for all hands to be on deck to raise a new generation of purposeful and holistically developed youths.
The Minister expressed belief that by prioritizing peace and cooperation, the NYCN could achieve great things and make a positive impact on the Nigerian youth demography.
“Let’s come together and pave the way for a brighter future. Our youths deserve nothing less than the very best from us. It’s time to chart a new course and make a difference. We need to share our ideas and become agents of reform and enlightenment for all young people in this country. Together, we can create a better tomorrow”, he stated.
Comrade Akoshile Mukhtar, a former factional leader who was known as the acting President, informed members of the press that he wanted to be addressed as the Vice President, NYCN, North Central, a position he held before the conflict that degenerated into faction began.
Comrade Akoshile commended the minister for taking out time to bring about the truce.
He expressed confidence in the leadership style of the Honourable Minister.
According to him, “The Minister’s tireless efforts to restore peace and unity within the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) is highly appreciated.”
He called on the youth to acknowledge the Minister’s vital role in restoring peace and unity within the NYCN.
Akoshile, therefore, declared that he should henceforth be recognised as the Vice President of the NYCN North Central.
In his address, the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ambassador Sukubo Sari-Igbe Sukubo assured the Minister that his effort will not be in vain while promising that effort will be made to maintain peace henceforth.
He assured the minister of their resolve to unite and focus their energy on the promotion of the interest of the Nigerian youth. “The nation’s youth can be rest assured that their interests are in safe hands.” He said.
A group made up of Non-Governmental actors and Civil Society Activists, under the auspices of Citizens Right and Empowerment Advocacy Initiative, has on Monday decried the epileptic electricity supply across Nigeria, while calling for the immediate sack of the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, and the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz.
The group made this assertions in a Press Release to address the national outcry over drop in national grid and unstable power supply since the commencement of the new Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Press Text signed by the National Coordinator Barr. Ahmed Kabiru Garba revealed that even the very low average daily supply of 7 hours as stated by the National Bureau of Statistics was no longer obtainable as some part of the country now spend days in total blackout, while at best some enjoy only about 6 Hours of Steady electricity daily.
The Text further stated that this ugly Development has drastically affected domestic and industrial activities leading to tremendous reduction in National Productivity, which has become outrightly unacceptable to citizens.
“Nigerians are facing the worse period of hardship in our recent history, considering the soaring cost of food items, which is now worsened by epileptic power supply, thus making life unbelievable for the common man” the Text quotes in part.
The group claims that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised improved Power Supply and better life for Nigerians on assumption of Office, hence, no room for excuses. It affirmed that Electricity was central to Productivity and Economic Development in the Country and cannot be left in the hands of incompetent Administrators that have failed to proffer immediate solution to this critical human need, hence, justifying their call for the sack of the Honourable Minister of Power and Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria by President Tinubu.
…….prays for divine blessing as Christians and Muslims observe Lent, Ramadan fast
Maryam Aminu
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase CFR, retired Inspector General of Police, has extolled the uncommon qualities and commitment of his personal Assistant, Ukom Abam who was recently promoted from the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police to the substantive rank of Superintendent.
Dr. Arase said he was impressed with Abam’s commitment to work and general disposition to assisting him deliver on his mandate to take the Commission to the next level.
Dr. Arase disclosed this when he decorated his Personal Assistant with his new rank of Superintendent of Police.
He charged him to be steadfast on his commitment to “our shared vision” stressing that his dedication to national duty will not go unnoticed.
The PSC Chairman used the occasion to announce that the Commission will continue to ensure that promotions in the Nigeria Police Force must be defined, merit based and on seniority.
He advised his aide to remain focused and continue to contribute his little quota to national security.
He also prayed for divine blessings as Christians observe the Lent and Muslims the Ramadan fast.
He said Nigerians should continue to pray for a new Nigeria as there is need for all to assist government deliver on its mandate.
We have to support the government to succeed, it is a collective responsibility and Nigeria must rise again” he noted.
AThe Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs CONYSSA, has appointed a Nigerian based in Texas, United States of America, Amb. Bailey Aderopo Oladele as the new director- directorate of diaspora.
The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed on Friday March 1st, 2024 by the Director General Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel.
According to the statement, the organisation appointed him going by his silent contributions towards the sustainability of security within the state he is in Texas, United States of America and Nigeria as a country before he left
CONYSSA noted that Oladele possesses the knowledge and skills to address complex social issues.” Your track records in human capacity building are more reasons to this appointment
Amb. Bailey Oladele until his appointment was the Chief of Staff to the Director General CONYSSA
He was former south/west youth leader presidential Campaign Council
He was also the former Special Assistant to the Honourable Member Representing Akoko South East
Reacting to the appointment, Oladele expressed with delight that the organisation selected him
“I’m very happy and excited that the organisation selected me to serve as a Director, Directorate of Diaspora. Because I have long had an interest in CONYSSA’s cause, I am eager to lend my support.”
Oladele tagged the appointment as worthwhile cause saying the Director General’s confidence in him to help his cause is touching.
The new Director promised to make the organization proud.
“Nigerians in diaspora will pull resources together to make CONYSSA great in the diaspora.I have personally seen the results of the great activities, so I come on board without hesitation”, he said
With organizations like yours complementing national security, we can all take heart that the future will be better for all.
He expressed that Nigeria stands to benefit a great deal as CONYSSA accomplish each objective.
Speaking on the challenges bedevilling Nigeria especially insecurity he pledged to unite with burgeoning diaspora so as to provide the Nigeria with the helping hand it needs.
“Nigerians in diaspora will evolve practical solutions to security challenges in Nigeria”he added
“I look forward to working with members to better the security challenges of our country. Nigeria faces many security challenges but working together we can collectively complement national security making our security structure more stronger, more agile and better” he added.
In a shared effort to address gender equality across the board, PICTT/NASENI unveils initiative supporting female engineers succeed in engineering and technology based enterprise
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu has said the Agency would double the number of female Engineers in Nigeria over the next five years
The EVC/CEO made this pledge on Friday at the NASENI Headquarters, Abuja during the official launch of “Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her” (DELT-Her), an event which also coincided with the global commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD).
According to Halilu, DELT-HER is an opportunity platform through which girls and young women can pitch and present their exciting and groundbreaking engineering ideas, for funding by NASENI through its Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT).
L- R: Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development NASENI, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi; Chairman Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Nko Esuabana; President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu and Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi during the launch of the DELT-Her programme in commemoration of the International Women’s Day at NASENI HQs Abuja on Friday, 8th March, 2024.
Speaking further on the project, the EVC said DELT-Her seeks to correct the balance in practice and enterprise development by focusing attention and funding on young women, and very importantly, creating and cultivating public awareness around the need to train and mentor more women into the engineering professions.
He expressed that women makes up half of the population. what this should ideally mean is that women should make up half of all professional spaces in the country but, for now, this is far from reality.
“The global average for female representation in engineering is 28 per cent. In Nigeria, it is only five percent, only one in 20 Nigerian engineers is a woman. This awareness component of the work is one that we will take very seriously, working through schools, and storytelling campaigns.
“We intend to, through DELT-HER, double the number of female engineers in Nigeria over the next five years. This will mean working extensively at the level of secondary education, which is where young girls make the vital decisions regarding choice of professional field”, said Halilu.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru stated that, “The Committee, through continuous support of NASENI is determined to fund innovative and commercially viable ideas in engineering and technology-oriented proposals by women. Therefore, today’s launch of call for proposals from young women marks the beginning of a chain of events which are expected to lead to engineering start-up companies owned and run by women.”
In her key note address, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala said DELT-HER initiative sought to address the challenges of practice by the female gender, and to unlock the full potentials of women in engineering.
Other goodwill messages at the event included the chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi who pledged his support for Women in engineering and science sector to ensure that they are given their rightful position in society.
Others who gave goodwill messages include the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola and Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria(APWEN), Engr. Mrs. Katume Giwa. The event was graced by students from Government Secondary School, Dasara, Kuje, Abuja.
In a shared effort to address gender equality across the board, PICTT/NASENI unveils initiative supporting female engineers succeed in engineering and technology based enterprise
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu has said the Agency would double the number of female Engineers in Nigeria over the next five years
The EVC/CEO made this pledge on Friday at the NASENI Headquarters, Abuja during the official launch of “Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her” (DELT-Her), an event which also coincided with the global commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD).
According to Halilu, DELT-HER is an opportunity platform through which girls and young women can pitch and present their exciting and groundbreaking engineering ideas, for funding by NASENI through its Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT).
Speaking further on the project, the EVC said DELT-Her seeks to correct the balance in practice and enterprise development by focusing attention and funding on young women, and very importantly, creating and cultivating public awareness around the need to train and mentor more women into the engineering professions.
He expressed that women makes up half of the population. what this should ideally mean is that women should make up half of all professional spaces in the country but, for now, this is far from reality.
“The global average for female representation in engineering is 28 per cent. In Nigeria, it is only five percent, only one in 20 Nigerian engineers is a woman. This awareness component of the work is one that we will take very seriously, working through schools, and storytelling campaigns.
“We intend to, through DELT-HER, double the number of female engineers in Nigeria over the next five years. This will mean working extensively at the level of secondary education, which is where young girls make the vital decisions regarding choice of professional field”, said Halilu.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru stated that, “The Committee, through continuous support of NASENI is determined to fund innovative and commercially viable ideas in engineering and technology-oriented proposals by women. Therefore, today’s launch of call for proposals from young women marks the beginning of a chain of events which are expected to lead to engineering start-up companies owned and run by women.”
In her key note address, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala said DELT-HER initiative sought to address the challenges of practice by the female gender, and to unlock the full potentials of women in engineering.
Other goodwill messages at the event included the chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi who pledged his support for Women in engineering and science sector to ensure that they are given their rightful position in society.
Others who gave goodwill messages include the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola and Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria(APWEN), Engr. Mrs. Katume Giwa. The event was graced by students from Government Secondary School, Dasara, Kuje, Abuja.
L to R: Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development, NASENI, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi; Chairman Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Nko Esuabana; President Nigeria Society of Engineers NSE, Mrs. Margaret Aina Oguntala; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu; Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi and students of Government Secondary School, Dasara, Kuje, Abuja during the launch of the DELT-Her programme in commemoration of the International Women’s Day at NASENI HQ Abuja on Friday, 8th March, 2024.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammed Bello Matawalle, MON has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthen bilateral ties with the Government of India in the area of Defence Cooperation.
Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe Director (Information and Public relations) disclosed that Matawalle stated this when he received the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence India, Mr. Anurag Bajpai and his delegation in Ship House Abuja.
The Minister who outlined the areas of mutual Military Cooperation to include; Intelligence Sharing, Joint training and other support for Nigeria’s drive to end insecurity.
Dr. Matawalle said that the meeting on defence collaboration marked a significant step towards fostering a strategic partnership between Nigeria and India in Defence sector.
He expressed profound pleasure as he hosted the delegation highlighting the importance of the collaborative efforts for the mutual benefit of both countries.
He emphasized: “The defence cooperation between the two countries will strengthen the existing bond between Nigerian and Indian governments and will enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
Acknowledging Nigeria’s commitment to upgrading its military-industrial complex, Dr. Matawalle said that the newly signed DICON bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would boost the joint Defence cooperation.
He assured the Indian government of fastraking efforts to amend the draft Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) between the two countries on defence cooperation.
The Minister noted that Nigeria has remained a major participant in joint bilateral activities with India, adding that significant achievements have been made but more can be done especially in the security sector.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar kana, mni appreciated the Indian government for the cordial relationship between both countries.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, India Anurag Bajpai described Nigeria as strategic partner to India in Military diplomatic ties and promised to continue to build on the existing relationship between both countries.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) says the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) is not to blame for the stampede that occurred during the sale of subsidised rice in Lagos.
The NCSCN made its position known in a communique it issued on Friday, at the end of its 1st Quarter of 2024 deliberations, to discuss the state of the nation in Abuja.
The NCSCN, which described as unfortunate the incident which on Feb. 23, when the President Bola Tinubu-led government, through the NCS, tried to offer vital humanitarian intervention, occasioned by the current economic hardship.
”It is saddening that this good intended gesture of government witnessed unexpected casualties,” the council stated in the communique signed by Blessing Akinlosotu, its Executive Director.
The council said the emergency meeting, which was held in line with its convention, practices, and obligations, was to deliberate on the current state of the Nation, critical developments and sundry issues on the front burner in national discourse across the Federation.
The council, therefore, observed that the unstable and high exchange rate of the naira and its attendant consequences, were to be blamed for the incident as the NCS was only carrying out the mandate it was given.
The council further listed other factors as the bane of the current challenges the country was facing.
”The naira depreciation that has culminated into high cost of living, particularly the food inflation that is soaring higher as the day breaks.
”The resultant closure of factories and reduction in services has yielded only unemployment and increase in criminality.
”It was also observed that the high cost of transportation is affecting productivity.
”The council observed with displeasure the drop in electricity supply which has affected both domestic and industrial activities.
”The council also observed the resurgence of communal crisis and clashes, insurgencies, and kidnappings,” it said.
According to the communique, the NCS made the right call when it decided that for accountability and transparency, payment for the subsidised rice should be made through Remita.
”However, due to poor network, the payment was slow culminating into waste of time, then leading to the decision for cash on ground purchase.
”Furthermore, it was also revealed that when the Comptroller General realised that the Cash Payment method was still slow and time was fast running out, he ordered for free distributions, which yielded positive result.
”However, at some point after he had left, the crowd became impatient and unruly as they observed that the products were running out, then many pushed their way through the security barricades into the containers.
”This led to a stampede and suffocation of some persons due to intense heat and inadequate air,” it stated
According to the council, though emergency ambulances were ready and available to pick and rush victims to hospitals as part of NCS’ emergency preparedness approach, but the long distance and traffic situation did not help matters, as some lives were regrettably lost.
”We quite agree that there could have been better arrangements, however, the development is pardonable considering the good motives, intentions, actions and decisions of the NCS, hence we recommend the Service to conduct thorough investigations to address lapses and adequately compensate families of the victims,” it added.
The NCSCN, however, said of greater concern to the council was the inactivity of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
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