Connect with us

News

Just In: NPF Debunks Forceful Evictions of Officers for Reconstruction of Falomo Barracks

Published

on

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says on Monday that contrary to recent media reports, no officers were forcefully evicted from the Falomo Police Barracks, Lagos State.

In a statement with Reference No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/256 dated October 14th, 2024 ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force PRO, Force Headquarters, Abuja, clarifies that the occupants were given adequate notice, provided relocation assistance, and compensated with N2,000,000 each to secure alternative accommodations. “

Furthermore, they will receive monthly rent allowances in line with provisions for officers not residing in the barracks.

Upon completion of the new facility, these officers will be allotted housing units, ensuring a seamless transition back to improved living conditions.

We urge the public to dismiss false narratives regarding this reconstruction and recognize the broader objective of enhancing police welfare,” he said.

The statement added: “The NPF remains committed to the well-being of its personnel, understanding that dignified living conditions are essential to effective service delivery.

The rebuilding of Falomo Barracks reflects our unwavering resolve to provide safe, decent housing for officers, a vision that aligns with global standards and safeguards the future of those who serve.

We appeal to the public to support these reforms, which aim to enhance the quality of life for our officers and strengthen the foundation of public service in Nigeria.

“ACP Adejobi, explained that the barracks, previously in disrepair, will undergo a complete redesign and reconstruction to provide modern, habitable accommodations that reflect the dignity our officers deserve.

This project was initiated under the leadership of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba Alkali, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and private sector partners through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The current IGP, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to improving officers’ housing by convening the first Nigeria Police Force Housing Summit on April 23-24, 2024.

This summit brought together stakeholders to chart a sustainable path toward improved police welfare.

A nationwide assessment revealed that less than 25% of police personnel have access to adequate barracks accommodations, with 90% of existing barracks falling into severe disrepair.

Many of these structures are dangerously unsafe, posing a clear risk to occupants.

The urgent reconstruction of these facilities, including Falomo Barracks, is not only necessary but aligned with international best practices to ensure the safety and well-being of our officers.

The IGP, through the NPF Property Development and Construction Company, has leveraged PPP arrangements to rebuild existing barracks and provide affordable housing for officers.

PPP models, which integrate private sector investment into public infrastructure, have been successfully adopted across various sectors in Nigeria, such as rail projects and university hostels, and globally in police housing initiatives.

Several countries around the world have successfully employed PPPs to provide modern housing for police personnel, with global examples of PPPs in Police Infrastructure including:

•United Kingdom: PPPs have been utilized to develop and manage police estates and accommodations.

•Australia: The New South Wales Police Force has partnered with private developers for residential facilities.

•United States: Cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago have adopted PPP models for police housing.

•Canada: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has engaged private developers for police accommodations.

•South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco: These countries have implemented PPPs to address the housing needs of their police forces.

•India and Singapore: State governments and police forces have collaborated with private developers to upgrade infrastructure and residential facilities.

•Algeria and Ethiopia: These nations are actively pursuing PPP models to build thousands of housing units for police and military personnel.

The growing adoption of PPPs reflects a global trend toward sustainable infrastructure development and enhanced police welfare.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Ekiti Airport targets 24-hour flight operation, says Gov Oyebanji

Published

on

….Says Ekiti economy has improved significantly under his watch

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has revealed that efforts are in place to ensure the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport runs 24-hour operation, in a bid to make the route competitive.

The Governor also expressed delight that the economy of the state has recorded significant improvement in the past two-and-a-half years, promising to do more in order to ensure a more sustainable development of the state and better living standard for the people.

Governor Oyebanji who stated these on Monday night during the March edition of his monthly media chat, “Meet Your Governor”, said his government intends to make the Ekiti Airport a major hub, as well as a major driver of the economy, attracting more investors to the state and boosting the economic capacities of the citizens.

He explained that his administration has entered into discussions with three major airlines in the country to commence commercial flights at the airport, facilitate air travel, tourism development, more investment and transportation of cargoes and export of farm produce to local and international destinations.

While expressing optimism that at least two of the airlines would operate flights to and from the airport, Oyebanji said his administration also hopes to make the route competitive by working hard to install Instrument Landing System (ILS) that will enable the operation of 24-hour flights in the airport.

The Governor said: “The issue is to make the route profitable and competitive for airlines and if the route is profitable, they will bring their planes. Part of what we are doing is to make it an airport of choice and by next year, they will be able to run Hajj and (Christian) pilgrimage.

“To make it an airport of choice, we must put a structure that guarantees 24-hour landing.

There is what we call Instrument Landing System (ILS) which enables night operations and also enables planes to land in extreme weather.

ILS as at today will cost close to N4.6 billion but we are determined to get it done.

“We are determined that before the end of this year, we will install ILS at the Ado Airport.

If we are able to do that, it will be the second airport in Southwest after Lagos Airport that has such a facility so that aircraft can land at night. We are also talking to a vendor that will provide a hangar for airport services, so it’s a whole gamut of transaction that is going on.

“The Governor also disclosed that a cargo shed is being constructed at the airport to serve as storage facility for farm produce and cash crops. He commended the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for facilitating its inclusion in the budget.

The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport was given approval for non-scheduled flight operation for six months last December. Governor Oyebanji who said expressed optimism that the airport would be one of the most competitive by the time it commences commercial operations.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji identified some indices of economic growth witnessed under his administration to include springing up of more businesses in the state made possible by an enabling environment for them to flourish, improved internally generated revenue and receipts from the Federation Account, as well as adequate protection of lives and property.

The Governor who disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) have moved from about N600 million monthly to over N2 billion monthly, attributed the feat partly to the fact that more residents are now encouraged to pay their taxes, having seen evidence of the government’s effective utilization of proceeds of the taxes in every part of the state.

He explained that his administration has not restricted development strides to only Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, as it is being speculated in some quarters, noting that virtually all parts of the state including the rural areas have been touched.

He also expressed readiness to keep on working for the people of the state till his last day in office, stressing that he wont be distracted by on going politicking.

Speaking on the state of the treasury, Oyebanji said what the state government and local governments receive monthly are not hidden as they are published by the office of the Accountant General noting that they vary from one month to the other.

He emphasized that his administration does not tamper with the local government funds as the State House of Assembly has an enabling law with established the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) with the monies for the councils coming directly into the account from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

While noting that he does not get involved in how the funds are shared, the Governor pointed out that he only monitors the projects the council chairmen execute with the funds to ensure that they are in line with the needs of the people and they such projects are satisfactory.

Continue Reading

News

Kogi State enforces ban on rallies, public gatherings amidst riding security concerns

Published

on

In view of the growing security concerns in Kogi State, the government has announced a ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace.

According to a statement on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for information and Communication Kingsley Fanwo, the decision comes after reports of planned violent rallies disguised as political and religious agitations surfaced.

The Commissioner averred that the state government has taken proactive measures to prevent any form of security breach that could destabilize the peace and security of the state.

Explaining further, Fanwo said “With recent incidents in various local government areas, including clashes in communities and tensions rising due to planned rallies, the government has deemed it necessary to implement stricter security measures.

“The ban on public gatherings includes suspending all fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area until peace is completely restored after recent clashes resulted in the loss of lives.

Additionally, security operatives have been deployed to affected areas to restore calm and implement the directive.

“Furthermore, in Ankpa Local Government Area, communal clashes between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala are threatening the peace in Kogi East. Security personnel have been deployed to the area to calm the situation and avert further loss of lives and property.

“The ban on rallies and public gatherings applies to all individuals, groups, or organizations within the state until further notice. The government acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to express themselves but emphasizes that security considerations must take precedence for public safety.

“The state government has also directed that any individual or group entering Kogi State with a convoy of security personnel must obtain prior clearance from state commands to prevent unauthorized movements and ensure the presence of duly accredited security agents.

“To ensure strict enforcement of these measures, the State Security Adviser has been tasked to work closely with all security agencies and maintain high alertness to prevent any breakdown of law and order”.

Fanwo added that the government urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies to guarantee the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“With the Chief Servant of Kogi State leading efforts to protect lives and property and maintain peace and stability in the state, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or movements to the appropriate security authorities.

The government reassures the public that any attempt to undermine the peace and security of Kogi State will be met with the full force of the law.

“By implementing these measures and collaborating with security agencies and community leaders, the Kogi State Government is committed to safeguarding the state and providing a safe environment for all residents” the statement added.

Continue Reading

News

President Tinubu congratulates Jim Ovia on admission to the freedom of the city of London

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, on his admission to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London.

Admission to the Freedom of the City of London is an honour bestowed on individuals for their service to the city or for their achievements.

In a press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the honour as a fitting recognition for Mr Ovia’s exceptional contributions to business, innovation, and technology, as well as for his role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and strengthening economic ties between Africa and the rest of the world.

“This honour is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence, your pioneering role in the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria, and your visionary leadership that continues to inspire generations.

As an accomplished entrepreneur and advocate of innovation-driven development, your recognition in the City of London affirms the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise”, the President stated.

President Tinubu commended Mr Ovia for being a distinguished ambassador of the nation’s private sector and wished him continued success in his endeavours.

Continue Reading

Trending