News
Several families trapped as 8-storey building collapses in Kenya
Many families were feared trapped under the rubble after an eight-storey building collapsed in Kahawa West, a densely populated neighbourhood north of Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday.
The building had been condemned for demolition, according to Nairobi county officials.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed the fears of trapped residents on X, while Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja mentioned that one woman standing outside the building was injured but stable.
He added, “Casualties were expected to be minimal,” and evacuation efforts were underway for nearby residents.
According to the BBC, onlookers flocked to the scene, located between high-rise buildings and a church. Catherine Wanjiku, a former resident, narrowly escaped the tragedy.
“I don’t feel good because I moved out yesterday. I am shaky, I am stressed. I have friends whose belongings have been destroyed in there,” the 33-year-old said.
A Nairobi county document from October 16 revealed that the building had been constructed and occupied without the required approvals.
Tenants were ordered to vacate within two weeks, but the building collapsed before the deadline.
Kenya has seen a rise in building collapses, often due to poor construction and lax enforcement of regulations.
In September 2022, five people were killed when a six-storey building fell outside Nairobi, and in April 2016, 49 people died in a similar incident after heavy rains caused structural failures.
The ongoing construction boom in Kenya, marred by corruption, has enabled contractors to bypass safety measures, putting more lives at risk.
News
Former NLC Deputy President, Joseph Akinlaja Loses Mother-in-law, Rachael Olague
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ondo East and West Federal Constituency in the 7th and 8th Assembly, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja has lost his mother-in-law, madam Rachael Olague, who passed away in Benin City on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
According to a statement issued by the former parliamentarian and former Deputy President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), madam Olague 79, the mother of Queen Philomena Akinlaja (nee Olague), Nekpen Olague-Nekeve, Eugene Olague, and Andrew Olague was known as an exemplary and kind-hearted mother in her community and also a devout Christian.
“With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, my dearest wife Queen Philomena Akinlaja (née Olague) lost her beloved and precious mother, Mrs. Rachael Olague to the cold hands of death on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
“Mama, who also was my mother-in-law, was a caring mother, grand-mother, and matriarch; her illustrious virtues would be greatly missed.
“She was respected for her wisdom, story telling, compassion, and dedication to charitable causes,” the statement said, adding that many remember her as a source of guidance and support, both within her family and in the wider community in Benin, Edo State.
Akinlaka, a former General Secretary of NUPENG further noted that madam Olague’s shocking and painful exit had since drawn a large gathering of family members, friends and associates paying their condolences and also commiserating with the bereaved family.
Her death, the statement said, was undoubtedly a great personal loss for the family of Olague in Edo State especially the nonagenarian widower, Chief Osa Olague and by extension the entire Akinlaja family.
“We however draw solace from the fact that madam Rachel’s sojourn on earth was impactful and fruitful and it is our belief that she is already resting in the bosom of her Lord. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. We appreciate your love, prayers, and support as we mourn Mama’s passing, as she rests tranquil, in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement concluded.
News
Oborevwori appoints Prof. Asagba Delsu VC
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon.Elder Sheriff F.O Oborevwori has approved the appointment of Prof. Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba as the new Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Eze Emu, the appointment will take effect from 1st December, 2024.
A Professor of Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology, Prof. Asagba had previously served the University in various capacities, including serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration as well as Provost of the defunct Asaba Campus.
News
Constitution Review: Reps to involve NGF, NGE, LG Chairmen, CSOs, Others
… Kalu announces membership of sub-committees
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has said that it will engage the Nigerian Governors Forum, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Conference of Speakers of State Legislature, Chairmen of the 18 Political Parties, Civil Society Organisations, amongst others, as part of activities for the ongoing review.
The Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who made this known during the committee’s meeting in Abuja, also said that the House will be holding an international legislative dialogue on women on October 28 and zonal public hearings in January.
In his remarks, Kalu assured that the committee is on track to deliver to Nigerians, a new Constitution by December, 2025, noting that the essence of the engagements is to get the input of various stakeholders and brief them on what the committee is doing.
He said that the Committee in carrying out most of its assignments, will be broken down into subcommittees, which will not be exhaustive as additional members will be included later on to ensure that everyone is carried along.
The Sub-committees members according to thematic areas include: Local Government Matters, “Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Hon. Onwuzibe Ginger Obinna, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya , Hon. Jimbo Inemesiti Clement, Hon. Ibrahim Tukura Kabir, Hon. Abeji Leke Joseph, Hon. Olawuyi Olatunji Raheem, Hon. Ahmed Idris.”
Judiciary, “Rt. Hon. Bello Kumo ii. Hon. Ogene Victor Afamefuna ii. Hon. Manu Zoro Mansur iv. Hon. Agbedi Fredrick Vv. Hon. Benson Babajimi Adegoke vi. Hon. Gbewfi Gaza Jonathan, Hon. Mamudu Abdulahi vili. Hon. Sada Soli.”
Electoral Matters: “Rt. Hon. Ali Abdulahi Ibrahim ii. Hon. Tarkighir Dickson iii. Hon. Aliyu Muhktar Betara iv. Hon. Ofionu Goodwin Odey Ekpo v. Hon. Osoba Olumide Babatunde vi. Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati vil. Hon. Oke Olubusayo Oluwole vill. Hon. Abiodun James Faleke.”
Security Architecture, “Hon. Isa Ali JC li. Hon. Pondi Julius G. ii. Hon. Chinedu Nweke Ogah, Hon. Akpatason Peter, Hon. Olayide Adedeji Stanley, Hon. Ajang Alfred Iliya,cHon. Bob Solomon, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo.”
Gender Issues – “Rt. Hon. Onanuga Adewunmi Oriyomi li. Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Oluwaseun li. Hon. Mohammed Audu iv. Hon. Fatima Talba Vv. Hon. Zainab Gimba vi. Hon. Princess Miriam Odina vii. Hon. Akume Regina viii. Hon. Ogbara Adetola Kafilat.”
Devolution of Powers & Other Special Matters: “Rt. Hon. Chinda Kingsley Ogundu ii. | Rt. Hon Madaki Aliyu Sanni iii. Hon. Obed Paul Shehu, Hon. Amadi Akarachi Etinose, Hon. Fulata Abubakar Hassan vi. Hon. Kabir Amadu vii. Hon. Mohammed Danjuma Hassan viii. Hon. Francis Waive.”
Members of the Committee on Human Rights include: Rt. Hon. Ozodinobi George Ibezimako, Hon. Magaji Amos Gwamina, Hon. Yusuf Rabiu, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Ahmed v. Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Omehia, Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahaman and Hon. Dasuki Abdlsamad.”
The Deputy Speaker, thereafter assured that clear actionable recommendations from the women summit holding next week will be taken forward in the constitutional alteration exercise.
He added that the summit will help in building of political will and eliciting of commitments from political leaders and stakeholders.
-
Foreign17 hours ago
Zambian president sacks top judges who ruled in favour of his rival
-
News16 hours ago
Mohbad: Lagos govt to begin trial, explains delay
-
News16 hours ago
Ashiru to NDLEA: Who did you charge to court if drugs were found in my house?
-
Entertainment15 hours ago
BBNaija: “Stop billing me, allow a brother to settle.” – Kellyrae cries out
-
News16 hours ago
Flood-Ravaged State Budgets N420million For ‘Praise Night, Christmas Decorations’
-
Sports15 hours ago
AFCON: CAF to decide Libya vs Nigeria case Wednesday
-
News10 hours ago
Oil prices increase as Israel plans to attack Iran
-
News10 hours ago
UK partnership with Nigeria on drug war yielding results- Home Office . Renews MoU with NDLEA as Marwa asks for more support