Afam Osigwe, president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), says it is unconstitutional for members of the cabinet or governors to be giving gifts to judges.

Osigwe spoke on Thursday during Politics HQ, a programme on News Central TV.

The NBA president’s comments came months after Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), announced the construction of quarters for judges in Abuja.

In September, the FCT minister flagged off the construction of 40 houses for judges in Abuja, which sparked a public outrage.

He said 20 of the houses, when completed, would be allocated to judges of the FCT high court, while 10 would be given to the judges of the federal high court and 10 to those of the court of appeal.

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Silas Agara Champions Inclusiveness for Persons with Disabilities

By Ibrahim Abdul

Unlike before, when persons with disabilities (PWD) suffered and were neglected by their biological families and communities due to their deformities or impairments, many were relegated to street begging.

This unfortunate situation often led to their exclusion from employment programs, resulting in unemployment rates for PWD that are double those of the general population.

However, in an unprecedented paradigm shift, the National Directorate of Employment under the leadership of Director General Silas Agara has launched the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative. This modest short-term program aims to empower 93,731 youth, women, and PWD nationwide. Silas Agara emphasized that inclusiveness is his cardinal objective, allocating 30,000 slots specifically for beneficiaries from the PWD community.

Director General Silas Agara pointed out that street begging among PWD is an age-old institution in Nigeria that requires a collective solution, as it tarnishes the nation’s image. He stressed that the government cannot effectively tackle the issue of street begging without offering viable alternatives. This is why the Directorate has reserved slots for PWD to harness their potential through vocational training and make them relevant in the labor market.

Training the unskilled PWD marks what Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, describes as an era of new beginnings. Providing useful skills enables PWD not only to seek employment but also to develop their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

This initiative signifies a critical step towards dismantling the stigma around disability, changing perceptions, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.

In addition to vocational training, the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative plans to establish partnerships with private sector organizations, facilitating internships and job placements for PWD. This collaboration aims to create a robust support system that encourages employers to recognize the potential of PWD, ultimately leading to more equitable opportunities in the job market.

As the nation progresses, it is imperative that we continue to uplift all citizens and drive meaningful change for those with disabilities.

The Kaduna Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved an unprecedented revenue milestone, recording a 98.79% increase in collections between January and November 2024.

The Command generated ₦28.4 billion during this period, a significant rise from the ₦14.3 billion collected in the same period of 2023.

In a press statement signed Thursday, 5 December 2024, the Command’s spokesperson, Ridwan Yusuf, on behalf of Tijjani Abe, said, “In November alone, the Command set a new record, generating over ₦4 billion—its highest-ever monthly revenue.”

The revenue was sourced from three main streams: Import Duty (₦14.1 billion), Excise Duty (₦6.2 billion), and Fees and Others (₦8 billion). Key contributors included three excise factories—Leaf Tobacco & Commodity Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Breweries Plc (Kakuri and Kudenda), and Seven-Up Bottling Company—as well as the Inland Dry Port in Kakuri, Kaduna.

The Controller of the Command, Comptroller Tijjani Abe, attributed the achievement to strategic reforms and initiatives led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

He also acknowledged the critical support of sister agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS), in facilitating this exceptional performance.

“The Kaduna Area Command remains committed to maintaining this momentum, improving revenue collection efficiency, and fostering a trade-friendly environment within its jurisdiction,” Comptroller Abe stated.