Flowerbud News

Month: November 2023

  • 10 doctors were victims of kidnapping, violent crimes within 2-month in Enugu – NMA

    10 doctors were victims of kidnapping, violent crimes within 2-month in Enugu – NMA

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Enugu: The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Enugu State says more than 10 doctors were victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes in less than two months in Enugu State.

     

     

    This is contained in a communiqué issued on Friday in Enugu at the end of an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of the NMA Enugu State held on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu.

     

     

    The communique was jointly signed by the Chairman of NMA Enugu State, Dr Celestine Ugwoke and the General Secretary of NMA Enugu State, Dr Sunday Okafor.

     

     

    The statement said that EGM equally observed that a situation in which more than10 doctors were victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes in less than 2 months is a dangerous trend unprecedented in the annals of Enugu State.

     

     

    The communiqué, which has been copied to various government and security agencies offices, noted that the recent development called for serious concern, drastic and decisive action(s).

     

     

    According to the statement, the EGM is well aware of the general insecurity in the country and painfully observed the spate of kidnappings in the state, most of which Medical and Dental Practitioners have unfortunately received the worst hit.

     

     

    It said that the EGM regrettably observed that there is very minimal and in some cases no presence of strong security formations in most of our public hospitals as well as dwindling presence of armed patrol teams at critical times and in most areas of the state.

     

     

    The statement noted that the porous security arrangement had made the criminal elements more emboldened to operate with ease, and in the process maiming the livelihoods of our members and fellow citizens.

     

     

    “The EGM further observed that the rising insecurity in the state is becoming an added burden to the already stretched healthcare facilities available in Enugu State and the safety of our patriotic doctors who should care for the victims of these violent crimes is no longer guaranteed which is very worrisome.

     

     

    “The EGM while noting the efforts and commitment of the State Government in the area of security infrastructure, observed the gross inadequacy of the necessary security architecture and installations required to safeguard a vast and strategic state like Enugu State with its peculiarity as the capital of the old Eastern Region of Nigeria.

     

     

    “The EGM finally observed with condemnation and regretted the fact that the NMA is yet to receive any report from the relevant security agencies on full scale conclusive investigations/inquiries into these kidnap cases and none of these enemies of the state have been brought to book yet,” it said.

     

     

    The NMA members that attended the Emergency General Meeting (EGM), however, came out with seven resolutions to bring solutions to the negative and unprecedented development.

     

     

    The statement said: “First, the EGM strongly resolved to call on the Enugu State Government to as a matter of urgency ensure that all our public hospitals are well and heavily guarded by armed security personnel.

     

     

    “The government should equally ensure the beefing up of the presence and operations of armed security patrol teams across the state.

     

     

    “Second, the EGM unanimously resolved to request the State Government to as a matter of utmost priority rejig and totally revamp the current security architecture of the state.

     

     

    “The rejigging should be done through adequate funding for security, installations of modern technologies and security gadgets among other innovative security measures that would speedily help bring this ugly situation to a halt.

     

     

    “Third, the EGM also resolved to call on all the security agencies in the State to live up to their biddings/obligations, scale up operations and ensure that the current trend is radically aborted and culprits brought to justice.”

     

     

    It said that the EGM further resolved to mandate the management of the various health institutions in the state to either ensure that Medical/Dental consultants on hospital calls are provided with decent call rooms, meals etc or in the alternative provide a to and fro Ambulance escort for them to be able to perform their duties.

     

     

    According to the statement, the EGM resolved to unequivocally charge all health institutions in the state to as a matter of urgency set up a Security Committee meeting, adopt and adapt the UNTH template currently being implemented while also factoring in their own peculiarities as the case may be.

     

     

    “The EGM further resolved to officially communicate all relevant security agencies in the state on the need for better collaboration and synergy by embarking on security sensitization tours across the major health institutions in the state.

     

     

    “While also ensuring that their operations and presence are well felt in these places.

     

     

    “The EGM finally resolved to notify the State Government and all other relevant quarters of authority in the State that the Association will closely monitor the trend and implementation of these resolutions.

     

    “These included the earlier advanced protest letters and may not be able to guarantee industrial harmony in the entire Health sector of the State if reasonable progresses are not made in good time,” it added. (Flowerbudnews

  • ITF-NECA train 8, 000 persons on technical skills

    ITF-NECA train 8, 000 persons on technical skills

     

    By Nana Musa

    Abuja:  The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), on Thursday in Abuja trained 8,000 persons under the Technical Skills Development Project (TADP).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was done in incollaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NACA).

    The Director-General/Chief Executive of ITF, Dr Afiz Ogun, said this when he declared open the ITF/NACA TSDP stakeholders dialogue forum and award of 28 outstanding trainees.

    The TSDP is a joint initiative of the two agencies with the overriding objectives to promote the availability of manpower with appropriate technical and vocational skills to meet the identified needs of industries and the economy.

    Ogun said that the ITF/NACA TSDP was initiated in order to tackle the problems of unemployment and skills mismatch in the country.

    “It is aimed at providing employable and entrepreneurial skills to youths to address skills needed in the country by promoting technical and vocational skills development for economic growth.

    “In other words, it is a functional and result-oriented model for employability and job creation to promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) through strategic intervention in Technical Colleges, set standards and monitor adherence,” he said.

    Ogun said that to ensure the success of the project, ITF and NECA adopted a robust management structure that had not only guaranteed its effectiveness but also ensured its efficiency and numerous achievements.

    “The organ responsible for policy formulation, implementation, and the attainment of set milestones is a 10-man policy board.

    “This comprises the directors-general of ITF and NECA as the Chairman and Co-Chair, respectively, with four other representatives from each organisation.

    “The TSDP adopts the “brown-fields” approach for the skills acquisition programmes, which entails leveraging existing facilities for training.

    “In this regard, the project uses training facilities of NECA member companies (participating organisations), ITF Industrial Skills Training Centres and other selected organisations.

    “Also involved in the project are selected Federal and State Technical Colleges from the six geo-political zones and the FCT, which have been provided with the requisite equipment, tools for practical work and workshops.

    “These were either newly constructed or renovated to bring them in sync with laid down standards for all facilities that are used for Project,” the chairman said.

    The Director-General of NACA, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said that the project was designed to provide employable and entrepreneurship skills to youths to address skills needed in the country.

    Oyerinde said that it was also to promote technical and vocational skills development for economic growth, set standards and monitor adherence in the implementation of the project.

    He said that the two agencies were promoting TVET through strategic intervention in technical colleges, demonstration to policy makers a functional and result-orientated model for employability and job creation.

    Dr Vanessa Phala, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, commended the project describing it as essential for development.

    Phala, who commended the 28 exceptional participants, said
    that the ILO would continue to support the project.

    One of the award recipients, Mr Bongshin Edward, commended the government for the initiative and efforts of all the coaches for the project.

    He advised other trainees to take the programme seriously and encourage people to enroll for any skills acquisition programme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • NDDC minister warns new board members against underperformance

    NDDC minister warns new board members against underperformance

     

    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt:  The Minister of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Abubakar Momoh, has warned the members of the commission’s Board against underperformance during their tenure.

    Momoh gave the warning on Thursday in Port Harcourt, when he inaugurated the new board.

    The Director, Corporate Affairs of the commission, Mr Pius Ughakpoten, disclosed this in a statement he issued to newsmen.

    The statement quoted the minister to have also challenged the new board members on the need to change the narratives around the commission.

    Momoh said that President Bola Tinubu-led government had a template to measure performance and any board that failed to measure up would be shown the way out.

    “It is also necessary for you to know that this administration is quite different from others because there are going to be a lot of supervision and monitoring in order for us to deliver.

    “As you are aware, two weeks ago, myself, as a minister, and the Permanent Secretary signed the performance bond with the President.

    “And the performance bond that we signed have deliverables that are associated with the eight presidential priorities,” he said.

    The minister also said that the members of the board would be made to sign performance bond, like the ministers.

    He, however, said the bond signing would be done during a proposed retreat for the board members and management team.

    “So, it’s very, very important because the president is not joking with this and, from time to time, we are expected to present our reports.

    “And there is also a committee that will be set up by the president to monitor the performance of each ministry and agencies.

    “So, I think I want this one to be behind your mind so that as you start your work, you know exactly what is expected from you.

    “I want to also use this opportunity to appeal that this time around, we need to change the narratives,” he said.

    Momoh also charged the board to focus on the completion of abandoned projects that were scattered across the nine states of the region.

    He appealed to the new management to offset the commission’s debt to its contractors, especially the local contractors, with “very small amount, not more than N30 million”.

    He advised members of the board to take responsibility of developing the region, saying that they all hail from Niger Delta, hence the progress of the region should be their utmost concern.

    In a remark, the Chairman of the board, Mr Chinedu Ebie, called for collaboration among all the stakeholders to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration for Nigeria and the region, in particular.

    Ebie said that the commission would collaborate with critical stakeholders in the region to achieve more in the development process.

    “We will execute legacy projects based on detailed needs assessment and seek strategic collaboration with opinion leaders, community leaders, professionals and development partners,” he said.

    He also said that the board would make effective communication with the stakeholders paramount in the course of their duties, in order to foster trust, restore transparency and promote accountability to the region and Nigeria at large.

    “We will look back at the vision and history of NDDC’s 23-year existential journey, aligning it with current realities and the objectives of the current administration.

    “This approach will illuminate the yearning needs of the people of the region, identify the commission’s challenges and proffer workable solutions.

    “We acknowledge the genuine endeavours of our predecessors, who, at various times, worked toward the development of the region through infrastructure and human capital development,” Ebie said.

    He solicited for the support and goodwill of stakeholders and Niger Delta people to enable them to usher in a new era of vitality, hope, peace and sustainable development for the region NAN/ (Flowerbudnews)

  • Troops neutralise 6 bandits, recover Guns and 40 sets of uniforms in Kaduna

    Troops neutralise 6 bandits, recover Guns and 40 sets of uniforms in Kaduna

    By Mohammed Tijjani
    Kaduna:  The 1 Division Nigerian Army, said it’s troops have killed six suspected bandits in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations of the Division, Lt-Col. Musa Yahaya said this in a statement, on Thursday in Kaduna.

    Yayaha said that the operation was carried out on Nov. 16, adding that 40 pairs of police and military uniforms and nine motorcycles were recovered.

    According to him, troops of 1 Division and operation Whirl Punch swooped on the bandits following credible intelligence.

    “The highly motivated troops carried out an offensive clearance operation to bandits strongholds in Sabon-Birni, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro-Ngede Allah and Kidenda all in Birnin Gwari LGA.

    “In the fire fight that ensued when contact was made, troops neutralized six bandits, recovered two AK 47 rifles, four AK 47 rifle magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 40 pairs of bandits uniforms and nine motorcycles.”

    Yayaha said the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, who is also the Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, applauded the troops for their gallantry.

    He charged them not to relent until all terrorists, bandits and other criminals in the division’s area of responsibility are completely neutralised. (NAN)(nannews.ng) /Flowerbudnews

  • PSC, NPF consider 65 years as police retirement age

    PSC, NPF consider 65 years as police retirement age

    The Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force are contemplating the extension of the police retirement age to either 65 years or 40 years in the service.

     

    The move, it was gathered, followed the retirement of several competent police officers which had affected the effectiveness of the force.

     

    The recommendations were among the several others presented by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, to the Inspector-General of Police, Kehinde Egbetokun, as part of plans to reform and professionalise the police force as contained in the Nigeria Police Force Scheme of Service.

     

    Among other policies being considered under the NPF Scheme of Service is a proposal to ease out junior officers at the inspectorate cadre unless there is a conversion based on additional academic qualifications.

    However, if the policy was approved, the affected policemen would not be promoted beyond the rank of Chief Superintendent.

     

    The recommendations for inclusion in the NPF service scheme read, “Rank and file should terminate at the inspectorate cadre unless is a conversion based on additional qualification but should not rise beyond the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police.

     

    “Non-graduates should not be promoted to the SPO cadre. The scheme of service should cover traffic warden personnel as a specialised arm of the force.

    concept of general duty or limit it to a specific number of years after initial entry to allow new intakes to develop skills, gain competencies and acquire relevant experience to progress into specialised areas.

     

    ‘’Length of service in the NPF should be extended to either 40 years or 65 years of age, whichever comes first.’’

     

    When asked about the proposal to ease out junior officers who failed to provide additional qualifications, the force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, simply said, ‘’A recommendation is not a policy.’’

     

    Explaining the decision to extend the service tenure to 65 years for policemen, the spokesman for the Police Service Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, said the commission’s chairman, Arase, believed that the early retirement of seasoned police officers had robbed the NPF of what he called institutional memory.

     

    He stated, “The chairman of the commission is saying that when you retire them too early, they go away with their institutional memory and this affects the force. They have done it (extension of service years) for the judges, and he is saying it should be extended to the police.

     

    “At the last retreat for retired IGs, it was part of their communiqué. When they leave below 60, some of them are still young and they can still be useful to the police and the nation. When you extend their tenure, they are still in a position to contribute to the nation.’’

     

    On the plan to peg the exit rank for junior officers who had no additional qualifications to CSP, Ani stated that the personnel had been directed to present their certificates.

     

    ‘’What I know is that they asked those with additional qualifications to submit their certificates. The policy behind it is that they can move up to fill certain positions.

     

    “There are some policemen that read law and they are corporals and they go to court to represent the police and the NBA (Nigerian Bar Association) said it is wrong. The chairman said there is a need for them to be in short service and upgraded so they have self-confidence in the job they do,’’ the PSC spokesman disclosed.

     

    Meanwhile, the police reform plans have received the endorsement of retired IGs.

     

    The Committee of Retired Inspectors-General of Police in a communique issued at the end of their retreat in Ibadan in August advocated 65 years as retirement age and 40 years as tenure of service for police personnel.

     

    The retreat had the theme, ‘Intervention of former IGs for strategic contribution to effective policing in Nigeria.’

    The retreat allowed the ex-police heads to brainstorm about repositioning the NPF for greater impact, relevance, and strategic intervention within the country’s competitive security landscape.

     

    According to the communiqué, there is a need for a re-evaluation of retirement age and tenure of service

    .

    “This should be by extending the retirement age from 60 to 65 years and tenure of service from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first,” it said.

     

    The committee also recommended that divisional police headquarters across the country, which they observed were usually understaffed and under-equipped, should be adequately staffed.

     

    “They should be provided with appropriate law enforcement equipment to enable them to discharge their statutory duties effectively,’’ it said.

     

    The committee said recruitment into the Nigeria Police should be institutionalized and captured in the annual budget proposals of the NPF to put a halt to intermittent requests for approval.

     

    It also asked the police management to re-evaluate the large number of police personnel usually attached to VIPS and politicians to allow for wider coverage of the personnel in its core area of policing.

     

    The committee advised the NPF to build the capacity of its personnel by promoting digital literacy initiatives to enhance professionalism, noting that promotions should be based on examinations, merit, competence, and a deep understanding of the evolving challenges.

     

    The former IGs encouraged the NPF management to leverage the experience of retired officers and harness their potential in the efforts to combat security challenges.

    They said, “In the immediate, graduates, professionals, and technicians should be recruited to replace the number of personnel wastages in the system. The efforts of the IG should be applauded for gravitating towards actual personnel increase during staff recruitment rather than the usual personnel replacement.

     

    ‘’The Federal Government should give the NPF funding priority in the face of competing demands. Government at all levels should prioritize consultation with the Committee as a strategic partner in both intelligence sharing and policy reforms.

     

    “Government at all levels should prioritize the employment of technology in policing to complement other policing assets of the Nigeria Police. The government is advised to come up with a policy as a condition precedent for all building approvals to have CCTV installed, as part of community safety measures in the country.’’

     

    The participants also called on the Federal Government to implement the White Paper on the Police Reform Reports (Danmadami and M.D Yusuf Reports) for optimal performance of the Nigeria Police.

     

    Relying on extant provisions of the Constitution and Establishment Act, the ex-IGs said the NPF should be restored to be effectively in charge of internal security management to avoid needless usurpation of her statutory functions.

     

    The communiqué further stated, ‘’Police Mobile Force should be restored to its original status where it has its budget with the IGP as the Accounting Officer for efficient service delivery.

     

    “The NPF should, as a matter of urgency, conduct a personnel audit of the PMF to restore it to its original concept.

    It was observed that the Divisional Police Headquarters across the country are usually under-staffed and under-equipped. It is therefore recommended that they should be adequately staffed and provided with appropriate law enforcement equipment to enable them to discharge their statutory duties effectively.’’

     

    Also, given the shortfall in manpower of the Nigerian police, the CRIG stressed the urgent need to upgrade junior police officers with higher educational qualifications to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to reflect the persona and carriage of their qualifications.

     

    Noting the level of sophistication with which modern crimes were perpetrated, it urged the Federal Government to support the NPF in her quest to continually upgrade assets in logistics and intelligence-sharing technology with her strategic partners.

     

  • Ford Foundation supports FRSC on emergency response, preparedness

    Ford Foundation supports FRSC on emergency response, preparedness

     

    As Nigerians prepare for the yuletide and the attendant travels, the Ford Foundation’s Office of West Africa (OWA) is providing funding support to help the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) build the capacity of its paramedics and operational officials to provide prompt and efficient accident rescue operations, preparedness and responsiveness to the very high accident rate on Nigerian roads

    Speaking in Abuja at the flag-off of a capacity building training programme, the Foundation’s Regional Director in West Africa, Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu, said she hopes that all FRSC officers participating in the training would be equipped with enough skills to effectively carry out their duties adding that with timely first aid and skilled first responders, more lives could be saved during accidents.

    She further stated: “I am personally delighted that we are able to support this initiative of the FRSC because despite the harassment we citizens can sometimes experience from the FRSC personnel on the road, I am so proud of the work of the FRSC.”

     

    Dr. Aniagolu further noted that the FRSC is not only saving lives, but also an essential link to the development of Nigeria because the safe movement of goods, services, and human mobility contributes to economic growth and development. This according to her, makes the safety of our roads an important public issue that needs to be a concern to everyone

    .

     

  • Osun Assembly suspends Chief Judge, Adeleke appoints replacement

    Osun Assembly suspends Chief Judge, Adeleke appoints replacement

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Justice Olayinka Afolabi as the acting Chief Judge of Osun state with immediate effect, following the approval of the resolution of the House of Assembly.

     

    This was disclosed by the spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Thursday.

     

    Afolabi is next in line in order of seniority to the Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo.

     

    Earlier, Adeleke, had approved the resolution of the State Assembly, that recommended the suspension of Ojo.

    The spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement said the House had approved Ojo’s suspension at its plenary.

     

    “Meanwhile, following the approval of the resolution of the House by the governor, the deputy governor has been directed by the governor to perform the swearing-in ceremony of the acting Chief Judge of Osun State which will be held tomorrow at the Executive Lounge, Governor’s Office, Osogbo,” the statement partly read.

     

    Giving further details of what transpired at the plenary, Press Secretary to the Speaker, Tiamiyu Olamide, in a statement, said the Assembly resolved that the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Petitions and Legal Matters should investigate petitions submitted against Ojo by inviting her.

    The committee was given seven days to report its findings to the House.

    The statement read, “This decision was taken during the plenary on Thursday, the House also resolved that pending the outcome of the investigation, the Chief Judge of Osun State Honourable Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo should step aside, not for any disciplinary action, but to allow for proper investigation.

     

    “This House decision is in line with the investigative powers vested on the House of Assembly by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

     

    “The Executive Arm was also advised to immediately swear in the next judge in order of seniority as the acting Chief Judge of Osun State in order not to create a vacuum in the office while the executive was also advised to notify the National Judicial Council and the State Judicial Service Commission of the resolution of the House.”

     

    Meanwhile, the suspended Chief Judge has sued Adeleke, the state Attorney General and the Osun State Judicial Service Commission before the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.

     

    Earlier on Thursday, the suspended CJ, through her lawyer, Mr. Oladipo Olasope (SAN), obtained an interim order restraining the governor and other defendants from removing her from office.

     

    Justice J.D. Peters, ruling on the motion ex parte marked NICN/IB/6123, made “an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants by themselves or their agents or privies howsoever so-called from interfering with removing, reversing or terminating the appointment and conditions of service of the applicant as the as the Hon. Chief Judge of Osun State including but not limited to salaries and other pecuniary benefits pending the determination of the interlocutory application.”

     

    The judge made a similar order in the case of the Secretary to the Osun State JSC, Michael Obidiya, who also sued the governor to block his planned removal.

     

    Both matters were adjourned till December 12 for hearing of Motions on Notice.

  • VIDEO: Adeleke did not snub Ooni at Ondo event, video reveals

    VIDEO: Adeleke did not snub Ooni at Ondo event, video reveals

    Contrary to claims that the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, snubbed a handshake from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at recent event in Ondo State, a video revealing what transpired at the event has proven otherwise.

     

    A former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, on Thursday, shared the video on X, revealing that Adeleke went to greet the monarch where he was seated, and they exchanged warm pleasantries before he headed back to his seat.

     

    Momodu’s caption read, “The Ooni met Governor Adeleke at the Ondo event and came to greet the governor. After some time, the governor said we should go and greet the Ooni. Most of the camera people were not present so they only captured the tail end. Fortunately, we found one.”

    The Osun State Government, on Wednesday, called on the public to disregard a video being circulated on social media purporting that Adeleke disrespected the Ooni at a public function.

  • We’re ready to build sustainable gaming environment in Oyo- Makinde

    We’re ready to build sustainable gaming environment in Oyo- Makinde

     

    We’re ready to build sustainable gaming environment in Oyo- Makinde

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, says the state is ready to build a sustainable and responsible gaming environment.

     

    Makinde stated this in Ibadan during the 5th annual stakeholders’ interactive forum, organised by Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, with the theme: Tax and Task, Building a Sustainable Gaming Environment.

     

    Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, said a responsible gambling policy would be enforced in the state.

     

    “What will enable us to build a sustainable and responsible gaming environment in Oyo State would be building stakeholders capacity to take advantage of the industry’s potential and manage the risks associated with gambling expansion.

     

    “Improving rich engagement through innovation and technology, a responsible gambling policy that will be enforced to institutionalise support for patrons with gaming problems,” he said.

     

    Speaking to newsmen, the Director-General of Oyo State Gaming Board, Mr Olajide Boladuro, warned that gambling was not for people below the age of 18.

     

    He also stated clearly that as a game, the probability of winning was very low.

     

    “When I came on board, one of the major things that we set to do was to make sure that children that are under age were not going to the gambling house.

     

    “We went to a lot of schools, we did a lot of sensitisation within the communities, speaking to parents and guardians.

     

    “We always say it emphatically that it is not something for the underaged children to do.

     

    “It is not something you do and become a millionaire financially, it is just something that you do with loose change that you have, and I preach that aggressively to people.

     

    “Don’t use your children’s school fees, don’t use money that you have earmarked to do capital project for your family to go and gamble.

     

    “You don’t get addicted to it, you don’t look at it as something that will bring permanent fortune to your life.

     

    “If it happens it happens, but the probability of that is very low, so we are seriously discouraging heavy gambling,” Boladuro said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)