Legislature
Senate urges Police to probe death of toddler at creche, nursery school in Aba
The Senate on Monday urged the Nigerian Police Forece (NPF) to carryout a thorough investigation into circumstances surrounding the fall and death of Master David Udo in a creche, nursery school located in Aba, Abia state.
David Etim Udo reportedly fell off from the third floor of the three-story building and crashed on the floor. He suffered head and body injuries.
Senate’s request came after the adoption of a motion at plenary on Tuesday on “Urgent need to mandate schools to locate their creche and nursery classes to the ground floors of their high-rise buildings and implement safety protocols.”
The motion was sponsored by Sen. Adebule Oluranti (APC-Lagos).
Oluranti in her presentation decried with grief, the death of a toddler David Etim Udo on the 24 October, 2003 who fell from a school high rise building at Emerald International School Aba, Abia state.
She said that the incident brought to the fore again the issue of safety in schools particularly for babies and toddlers in creche and nursery schools across Nigeria.
She said that accidents do occur, including falls from multi-floor buildings in schools, resulting in injuries, temporary or permanent disabilities and in some cases death.
She said many of the accidents may not have been reported appropriately to the supervisory state authorities to cause the activation of necessary investigation and possible sanctions.
“The ultimate is for investigations to cause state policy direction that will permanently prevent recurrence of these heinous accidents.”
She expressed concern that state policies or school operators and managers were expected to display duty of care and ensure that babies and toddlers under their care are properly monitored and prevented from falling off high-rise buildings in their premises.
She said that the case of Master David Udo was a pathetic and heart-breaking incident that required the Senate to critically look into the safety issues and protocols in schools across the country, including school building and facilities design and arrangement.
Sen.Victor Umeh (LP-Lagos) said the
the death of the toddler exposed negligence in the systems by relevant authorities.
” What we are suffering in this country is lack of control and design approval.
“We cannot build a house that will not pass building approval,building of schools must pass through the approval.”
Umeh commended the sponsor of the motion, describing her as a nationalist, though from Lagos but sponsored a motion of an human interest incident to that occurred in Abia State.
Other Senators who decried the incident and condoled the family of the deceased toddler included Sen.Abba Moro (PDP- Benue and Barau Jibril (APC-Kano).
Moro also called for proper design of school structures.
Senate thereafter, observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased toddler.
It also urge the Federal and States Ministries of Education to compel schools nationwide to locate their creche and nursery classes to the ground floor or bungalow within the school premises.
It further urge the Federal and States Ministries of Education to immediately conduct a risk assessment in all school Infrastructures in Nigeria to identify hazards and vulnerabilities and timeously Identify means to mitigate such hazards.
Senate also urged the Federal and State Ministries of Education to enforce safety protocols in schools as enshrined in the National Policy on Safety, Security and violence-free Schools and lasting its implementation guidelines.
Legislature
Lawan condoles with Borno Governor, victims of flood disaster
Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has extended his condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State following the recent devastating floods that have ravaged parts of the state.
A statement by his media adviser Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo quoted Lawan to have expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and property caused by the disaster, which has left many residents displaced and without livelihoods.
He urged swift intervention from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.
Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, commended Governor Zulum’s efforts in responding to the flood disaster and pledged his support for the affected communities.
The former Senate President’s statement conveyed his solidarity with the people of Borno State during this challenging time.
The statement reads, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the severe flooding in Borno State, which has caused untold hardship and suffering to our compatriots. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and property in this disaster.
“I urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to swiftly provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.“
“I want to commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his proactive efforts in evacuating residents from the flooded areas and providing temporary shelters for them. His leadership has been instrumental in minimizing the impact of the disaster.“
He commended the federal government for providing additional support to Borno State to enable it to cope with the aftermath of the flood.
Lawan also urged the Borno State government to work with relevant agencies to find lasting solutions to the flooding in the state.
“While we commiserate with the victims of the flood, we must also work towards finding lasting solutions to this perennial problem. The Borno State government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, should embark on a comprehensive flood control programme to mitigate future disasters,” he said.
Senator Lawan prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the flood and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Legislature
KGHA Resumes Sitting, Congratulates Ododo over Supreme Court Victory
From Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has reconvened after a lengthy recess, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf expressing gratitude and excitement over the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 11th governorship election.
In his welcome address to members, Speaker Yusuf commended the lawmakers for their solidarity and assured them of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s commitment to collaborative governance for the state’s betterment.
Yusuf stated, “The Supreme Court’s pronouncement has profound significance for all of us, both as members of this esteemed assembly and as a state. We attribute this triumph to the Almighty God.”
The Speaker emphasized the legislature’s unity across party lines, saying, “As lawmakers, we have collectively rejoiced at this outcome, demonstrating our commitment to working harmoniously for the state’s progress.”
The assembly pledged its support for the executive branch, ensuring a harmonious working relationship to drive development and progress in Kogi State.
Legislature
Kogi Assembly Passes Vote of Confidence on Governor Usman Ododo
***Applauds Numerous Achievements in 7 Months
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed a Vote of Confidence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, lauding his outstanding achievements over the past seven months.
The vote of confidence was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session following the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance, moved by Hon. Akus Lawal (APC-Ankpa 1).
In his motion, Hon. Akus highlighted the governor’s significant accomplishments in fiscal discipline, financial management, agriculture, health, security, infrastructure development, and education.
The motion commended Governor Ododo’s efforts in reducing the state’s domestic debt from N121 billion to N38 billion, earning Kogi State a “B-” rating with a positive outlook from FITCH Ratings.
The governor’s initiatives in agriculture, such as designating 8,000 hectares of farmland, releasing N8 billion to farm clusters, and refurbishing 200 tractors, were also praised.
In health, the motion recognized the governor’s efforts in formalizing the Health Insurance Scheme, revitalizing over 70 primary health centers, and distributing essential consumables and hospital equipment.
The governor’s commitment to security, infrastructure development, and education was acknowledged as well, including the engagement of local hunters and vigilantes, the launch of a metropolitan quick response unit, and the construction of roads and model colleges.
The House of Assembly’s vote of confidence is a testament to Governor Ododo’s dedication to transforming Kogi State and improving the lives of its citizens.
Hon. Jibrin Abu (APC-Ajaokuta) seconded the motion, which was supported by other members. In their various submissions, they applauded the governor for his achievements despite the pressure from ongoing litigation.
In his ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that despite the pending litigation from the election, the governor had achieved a great deal within seven months. He highlighted Governor Ododo’s impact on fiscal discipline, financial management, debt reduction, improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and advancements in the agricultural sector.
Speaker Yusuf also emphasized the tremendous support the health sector has received under Ododo’s administration, from private healthcare to tertiary health institutions. He noted significant improvements in security, infrastructure development across the three senatorial districts, continuity and support for education, as well as reforms and improvements in Kogi’s civil service at both the state and local government levels.
He concluded that the governor not only deserves a pass mark but also excellence, and that a Vote of Confidence to support and encourage him was indeed in order.
Speaker Yusuf then adopted the motion following overwhelming voice votes in favor of the motion.
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