News

Former NLC Deputy President, Joseph Akinlaja Loses Mother-in-law, Rachael Olague

Published

1 month ago

October 22, 2024

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

Reps Urge FG To Make Available Reliable Data On Housing Deficit

Published

18 minutes ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide scientific, verifiable data on the housing deficit and improve access to affordable housing in the Nigeria.

This resolution was sequel to the adopting of a motion by Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, on the “Provision of affordable housing in Nigeria,” Tuesday at plenary.

Rep. Ukpong-Udo who noted that data is considered an important factor in the planning and execution of projects across all tiers of government, said the housing sector in Nigeria, with a huge deficit, lacks veritable data for planning and execution of housing policies and strategies.

He stated: “The House is aware that according to the world population review, over 24 million people in Nigeria are homeless, with no appropriate access to proper dwelling with some basic social amenities.

“The House is worried that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with homeless populations, leading with 24 million, followed by Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, and Congo.”

The House also expressed displeasure that the country relies on the World Bank report for housing data, and that for a nation to grow and enjoy stability, there is the need to have its housing data as well as a market that works efficiently and provides decent shelter for its citizens.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to address the lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data on the state of housing in the country and ensure access to decent and affordable housing.

News

Provide Adequate Security For Transmission Towers Across Nigeria – Reps Tell FG

Published

31 minutes ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has charge the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, to urgently provide adequate security for Transmission Towers across the country to avoid future occurrences of vandalism.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep Oboku Oforji, lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokoma-Opokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State on Tuesday at plenary.

In his lead debate, Rep. Oforji noted that on July 29, 2024, residents of Yenagoa and Bayelsa State in general woke up to a total blackout occasioned by the collapse of a Transmission Station between Emezhi and Mbaima in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State and three others between Igbogene and Nedugo Agbia in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to him, the Bayelsa State Government in collaboration with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, swiftly swung into action to address the challenges that has culminated in dwindling of socio-economic activities in the state.

He further noted that saddened that on the 19th of November, 2024, just as the work was nearing completion, at Ula-Akpata, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, some hoodlums went and vandalised a section of the lines.

The motion reads in part: “By this development, the woes of the residents of Bayelsa State still subsist for one or two days, because as we speak the people of the State are in total blackout, this has been the situation for over 4 months.

“The efforts of the Bayelsa State Government in mobilizing financial and material resources to support the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is highly commended. However, proactive measures must be taken to forestall future occurrences of vandalism of these Transmission Towers.

“As a representative of my people this brings to mind the provisions of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) which talks about our economic and social rights as citizens, which I believe should not be taken for granted by the government”.

The House adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Interior and Power to ensure compliance.

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Heading For France

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for a state visit to France.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Emmanuel Macron invited his Nigerian counterpart to the European country.

Onanuga said the three-day visit will focus “on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation among others”.

“President Tinubu who will be traveling with the First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.”

“During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.

“Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” the statement read.

Tinubu and his wife who will be hosted to a state dinner by the French leader before their departure, will be accompanied by top government officials.