News
Just In: NPF Debunks Forceful Evictions of Officers for Reconstruction of Falomo Barracks
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.
News
South African kills Nigerian bar worker
Olaleye was allegedly shot by a South African national following an argument over whether a drinking glass should be taken outside the bar.
• South African police
The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) says Olatunde Olaleye, a 40-year-old father of two, has been shot dead in the country.
According to NAN, NUSA said Olaleye, an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti, was killed on September 21 while working at Spanata Bar and Grills in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
Smart Nwobi, NUSA president-general, in a statement on Thursday, said Olaleye was a husband and father of two children, adding that his death has left his family devastated.
He said the union is concerned by reports that Olaleye was allegedly shot by a South African national following an argument over whether a drinking glass should be taken outside the bar.
According to him, there were also reports that the suspect returned to the premises to threaten the bar’s management, with a promise that members of his crew would return.
Nwobi called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We cannot continue to lose Nigerians under circumstances that leave families devastated and communities traumatised,” he said.
News
Nigerian Editors Brace for Democracy Protection Ahead of 2027 Elections
“As editors, we must remain above board in an increasingly polarised environment. We must not become agents of disorder. Neither should we display contradictory tendencies that cause the citizenry to question our credibility,” Anaba said.
Enugu|•L-R Prof Pat Utomi; Prof Chinyere Okunna and Eze Anaba President Nigerian Guild of Editors at the 22nd All Nigerian Editors Conference in Enugu. Photo. Nwankpa Chijioke
Nigerian editors have been urged to protect the credibility of the ballot and help safeguard democracy as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The call was made by Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, in his welcome address at the 22nd Annual All Nigerian Editors Conference, which opened today in Enugu.
The conference is themed, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”
Anaba said the media, alongside other critical institutions, had a responsibility to nurture democracy by ensuring that voters were adequately informed and that electoral outcomes reflected the choices of the people.
According to him, the ballot can only fulfil its democratic purpose when voters have access to credible information and are able to make their choices freely, without intimidation or undue influence.
He urged editors and journalists to uphold verification, independence, accuracy, fairness, accountability and courage, particularly in an era of social media, artificial intelligence, deepfakes and the rapid spread of misinformation.
“As editors, we must remain above board in an increasingly polarised environment. We must not become agents of disorder. Neither should we display contradictory tendencies that cause the citizenry to question our credibility,” Anaba said.
He stressed that the media’s overarching responsibility was to serve the public good and help ensure that government derived its legitimacy from the consent of the people.
News
Works Minister Orders Tinubu’s Pictures On First Niger Bridge
“The President has worked so hard and we need to reward his hard work by decorating this bridge with his pictures.”
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the removal of illegal advertisements from the rehabilitated First Niger Bridge and their replacement with pictures of President Bola Tinubu, saying the display would recognise the President’s work on infrastructure.
Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of ongoing rehabilitation works on the bridge linking Anambra and Delta states.
He said the bridge was expected to reopen to motorists next week, subject to the completion of critical structural work.
“Once we are done with work on this bridge, I want all the illegal adverts on this bridge removed. Anyone who wants to advertise should apply to the Ministry of Works. For now, the bridge will be decorated with the pictures of President Tinubu,” Umahi said.
“The President has worked so hard and we need to reward his hard work by decorating this bridge with his pictures.”
Congo military plane crash kills 13, including three officers
Manchester City Faces Expulsion For Breaching 114 EPL Financial Rules
TIME Names Moniepoint CTO Felix Ike Among 50 Global Executives of the Year
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business3 days agoFG Engages Stakeholders On Nigeria’s Rice Value Chain
-
Business3 days agoNaira To Dollar, Pound , Euro Rate Wednesday September 23
-
Business3 days agoAirtel Money Targets October Listing On London Stock Exchange
-
Business2 days agoMAN Urges CBN To Consider CRR Cut Next Phase of Monetary Easing
-
Crime2 days agoJUST IN: Zamfara LG Chairman Freed After 61 Days in Captivity
-
Business3 days agoCardoso Says Multiple FX Windows Cost Nigeria 3% of GDP, Higher Than Fuel Subsidy
-
Sports2 days agoFIFA names Nigerian referee among 81 officials for U-17 World Cup
-
News2 days agoVP Shettima, Gov Mbah to address Over 500 editors on 2027 election issues