News
Tinubu To Judiciary: Give Nigeria Functional Justice System
Declares open 2024 National Summit on Justice
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored the nation’s Judiciary to embark on reforms that would ensure a functional justice system that will support a rapidly growing economy, guarantee basic human and political rights of individuals as well as provide security and justice to all Nigerians.
According to him, much can be achieved when institutions of government, including the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, unite to acknowledge their challenges and brainstorm with a view to profering solutions to the problems bedeviling Nigeria.
President Tinubu gave the charge on Wednesday when he declared open the National Summit on Justice, 2024, held at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
The President who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged the judiciary to align its activities within the tenets of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly as they relate “to the priorities on inclusivity, fairness, rule of law, and anti-corruption stance, among other things”.
Noting that his administration had pledged to be impartial and adhere to constitutional principles, Tinubu said the Summit availed institutions in the justice sector “with an opportunity to push boundaries by identifying needed system changes and critical reforms that would allow Nigerians to reap the benefits of huge investments in the sector.”
Delivering the President’s address at the event, VP Shettima explained that the federal government is determined to implement its policies and promises made to Nigerians for a renewed hope, through the instrumentality of the “law and the dictates of justice to create opportunities for our people”.
Outlining the preliminary measures he took in order to reposition the Judiciary in the bid to support a just and rules-based Nigeria, President Tinubu recalled that his administration made funding for the third arm of government a top priority, doubling it in the Renewed Hope budget 2024 by more that 100 per cent from last year’s budget.
He listed other efforts his government has made to reposition the Judiciary to include full complement of 21 Justices of the Supreme Court as required by law for the first time after many years, and his approval of “a substantial increase in the salaries and emoluments of judges, which is currently undergoing legislative action.”
The President noted however that despite progress being made in the justice sector, there “is an urgent need for a functional justice system capable of supporting a rapidly growing economy, guaranteeing basic human and political rights of individuals, and providing security and justice to all.”
Observing that this is why continued reforms had become imperative, President Tinubu continued: “Justice sector leaders and professionals need to find the right responses to the challenges we face through policy innovation, citizen-centered reform, systems change, and legislative reform, where necessary.
“I accordingly urge the leadership of all justice sector institutions to seek a new direction and focus on outcomes by creating a justice system that truly responds to the needs of our citizens – one that serves Nigerians now and for generations to come.
“I demand informed and coordinated responses to the identified challenges plaguing the effectiveness and efficiency of the sector. I demand performance so that Nigerians can feel and acknowledge the impact of your reform efforts. Ultimately, the expectations are that law and justice should aim to ensure public safety, economic development, peaceful co-existence, and the well-being of our people.”
Earlier, the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio commended the commitment of all stakeholders in the justice sector in building a consensus that will ensure a more robust judicial system that guarantees justice for all irrespective of background and social status.
He undersored the commitment of the National Assembly for a more vibrant and transformative justice system, assuring that the legislature will play its part by deliberating on the outcome of the summit in a bid to enshrine the outcomes into law.
Maintaining that reforming the justice system is a moral imperative, Sen. Akpabio suggested that key recommendations for ammendment or review be clearly highlighted and sent to the National Assembly in the bid to ensure speedy and fair dispensation of justice, recommending a bottom to top approach in the proposed reforms.
On his part, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Okukayode Ariwoola, said given expectations from the judiciary, undertaking a holistic reform of the sector had become necessary, noting that “constitutional, statutory and operational reforms in the justice sector is imperative in meeting the aspirations and yearnings of the general public.”
The CJN attributed most of the achievements recorded in the judiciary to the support of Tinubu administration, particularly in the enhancement of the welfare of judicial officers and improvement in their working environment.
In the same vein, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, emphasised the significance of the revised draft national policy on justice, noting that building a national consensus on the advancement of the justice sector has become necessary.
On his part, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Yakubu Maikyau, commended leaders in the justice sector for convening the summit and noted that reforming practices and mechanism for operations in the sector was critical to the overall economic transformation of the country.
In his keynote address, a former Chief Justice of Kenya, Dr Willy Mutunga, looked at constitutional and overall justice sector reforms in Kenya and Nigeria and repositioning for an African justice system.
Analysing issues in the Kenyan and Nigerian justice sectors, specifically citing the sharia law system in Nigeria, Dr Mutunga said the development of a jurispudence that is African-based will go a long way in reinstating confidence of the people in the judiciary.
Also present at the event were the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin; Ministers of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris; Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede; Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), and Chief Judges from the states, among others.
inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has emerged the most outstanding brand in urban service in Nigeria at the maiden edition of Iconic Brands and Legends of Media and Marketing Communications Award held in Lagos on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
inDrive was recognized and celebrated for its transparency, fairness, and affordability in intercity travel and logistics among ride-hailing platforms in Nigeria.
Speaking on the award, Timothy Oladimeji, Country Representative, Nigeria, inDrive, described it as a testament to the ride-hailing platform’s unique contribution and commitment to providing fair and accessible transportation options to its customers.
Oladimeji stated that the award highlights the company’s focus on safety, fairness, affordability, and satisfaction, thereby cementing its reputation as the go-to ride-hailing service in Nigeria.
He noted that the achievement underscores the company’s dedication to delivering the best ride-hailing and logistic experience for customers while continually pushing the envelope for innovation. He explained that the mobility platform remains a game-changer in the ride-hailing business in Nigeria as it empowers both drivers and passengers through its negotiation model.
“This recognition is a huge motivation that would help us expand our footprint and continue to provide exceptional services to all our customers. I can categorically say that the recognition validates the acceptability and rapid adoption of our platform by both drivers and passengers in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on the recognition and criteria, the lead convener of the award, Samuel Ajayi, said the award was truly deserving, given that the platform has provided unique, fair, and affordable services to all its users.
Ajayi emphasised the significance of acknowledging the brand’s achievements in Nigeria over the last few years adding that the company has shown exceptional performance by all parameters and standards.
“inDrive has really thrown its weight since joining other ride-hailing platforms in Nigeria. I am happy to say that inDrive has disrupted the Nigerian market with its unique offerings, which has endeared many users to the platform. From our findings, I can say that the brand remains the preferred platform given that it is the only one that provides safe, fair, efficient, and affordable transportation,” he said.
Since launching in Nigeria, inDrive has cemented its status as a market leader through its commitment to enhancing urban mobility and consistently delivering superior customer service.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that the country is on track to add an additional 150 megawatts of electricity to its national grid before the end of the year, following the successful completion of the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).
He made the disclosure to State House Correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Bola Tinubu and President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Giving insights into what transpired at the meeting, Adelabu, explained that the initiative, which is being implemented in collaboration with Siemens, aims to enhance Nigeria’s electricity supply through a series of strategic projects.
“We believe that before the end of the year, an additional 150 megawatts will be added upon completion of the entire pilot phase.”
Minister of Power outlined significant advancements in the country’s energy sector, emphasizing the crucial role of international collaboration, particularly with Germany.
“We have a bilateral relationship with the Republic of Germany that focuses on energy and electricity support,” the minister stated. “The name of the game now is about cooperation, collaboration, and partnership.” He highlighted the Siemens project as a flagship component of this relationship, aimed at implementing both Brownfield and Greenfield transmission substations under the PPI.
He noted that since signing the agreement in December 2023 during COP 28 in Dubai, Nigeria has made substantial progress. “We have completed the pilot phase of this project up to 80%,” he noted. This phase includes the importation and installation of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations, with eight already commissioned.
“The positive impact of this is that it has added nothing less than 750 megawatts to our transmission grid capacity,” he explained, attributing the current stability in electricity supply to this achievement.
He said the next phase will involve rehabilitating 14 existing substations and establishing 23 new ones across Nigeria.
“The entire grid is quite fragile and dilapidated,” he lamented. “We need to revamp it to ensure stability going forward.” He reiterated that these efforts are essential for transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In addition to addressing immediate power needs, Adelabu emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy as part of its long-term strategy. “We have an energy transition plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060,” he said.
He pointed out that Germany’s expertise in renewable technologies aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s abundant natural resources. “Germany has technology; we have the sun and wind,” he added, highlighting that over 30 states in Nigeria enjoy a minimum of 10 hours of sunshine daily.
The minister also discussed plans for off-grid solutions, advocating for a distributed power model where each state would have its own generating plants. “This model will shield states from problems on the national grid and ensure rural electrification,” he explained.
Germany’s involvement extends beyond traditional energy sources; it includes significant investments in green energy projects.
The Minister of Power reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that enhance energy access and sustainability across the nation. “Together with our partners, we can build a robust energy infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves quality of life for all Nigerians,” he declared.
The German Consul General in Lagos, Weert Borner, recently announced that Germany has added 670 megawatts to Nigeria’s grid capacity in 2024 alone through their ongoing partnership. “This partnership is vital for improving electricity access for final consumers,” Borner remarked during an interview.
Additionally, Nigeria is set to benefit from Germany’s ambitious €4 billion investment in green energy projects across Africa by 2030.
DailySun
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that foster inclusivity, economic empowerment, and poverty reduction.
He made this pledge during the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) for vulnerable and indigent residents, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Wednesday.
At the event, approximately 1,500 residents were provided with various empowerment tools, including sewing and stoning machines, pepper grinders, hairdryers, barbing kits, cake mixers, welding machines, tiles-cutting machines, and more.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this initiative exemplifies his administration’s dedication to creating a Greater Lagos, where every resident has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to collective progress.
The governor explained that the MESI programme extends beyond offering financial aid to residents. He stressed that it focuses on building a foundation for self-reliance, driving economic growth, and unlocking the potential of women.
“It ensures that every woman, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the tools and resources needed to transform her life, community, and Lagos State,” he stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further highlighted the importance of skill acquisition, capacity building, and financial empowerment, stating that the government is working towards a future where poverty is eradicated, and prosperity becomes a reality. He encouraged the programme’s beneficiaries to use the tools and resources wisely to grow their businesses, enhance their livelihoods, and inspire others in their communities.
“Remember, this programme is just the beginning. Your success will contribute to the larger success of Lagos State,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji-Dada, described the initiative as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs in Lagos. She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support of Lagos communities and for making the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative possible.
Bolaji-Dada detailed the variety of tools distributed, which were selected to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. These included stoning machines, pepper grinders, sewing machines, hairdryers, barbing kits (including clippers, sterilizers, and generators), standing facial steamers, aluminum cutting machines, two-phase burners (with 30-inch cooking pots and 12.5kg cylinders), cake mixers, welding machines, agricultural items (fertilizers, knapsacks, and seeds), and cash grants.
“These tools are not just instruments of trade, but instruments of transformation, designed to help you grow your businesses and uplift your communities,” the commissioner said.
She urged beneficiaries to fully embrace the opportunities before them and work diligently toward realizing their entrepreneurial goals.
DailySun
inDrive Emerges Most Outstanding Brand in Urban Service
Electricity: Nigeria set to add 150 megawatts by year-end – Adelabu
Sanwo-Olu reaffirms commitment to empowerment, poverty alleviation
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