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Kano building collapse: Death toll rises to 3 – NEMA

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the death toll from the building collapse at Noman’s Land Quarters, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano, has risen to three with two injured persons.

The NEMA Coordinator, Kano Territorial Office, Dr Nuraddeen Abdullahi, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Thursday.

NAN reports that a two-storey building at Noman’s Land Quarters collapsed at about 2 am.

Abdullahi said: “Four persons earlier rescued by our team included a husband, wife and two children.

“Out of the victims, the two children were confirmed dead, while the couple were rushed to Armed Forces Specialist Hospital, Kano for treatment.

“The dead bodies have been deposited at the mortuary.”

The NEMA chief also said that the search and rescue operation’s team recovered one trapped body from the rubbles of the collapsed building.

“Our search and rescue operation is still ongoing to rescue one remaining trapped victim.

“We are still looking for her, maybe she fell inside water because there is water close to the collapsed building.

“We ordered the Kano State fire service to dive and check the girl’s body under the water.

“We have also informed the Emir of Water (Sarkin Ruwa) to check if the water has taken the trapped victim’s body,” Abdullahi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NEMA, Kano State Fire Service, Police, Red Cross, NSCDC, SEMA and other volunteers were among the search and rescue team. (NAN)

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Ekiti governor approves waterway dredging to prevent flooding

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the dredging of more waterways in various communities to prevent flooding as the rainy season begins.

The Chairman of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency (EKSEPA), Chief Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, confirmed this to journalists on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti.

Oguntoyinbo stated that some affected waterways are in Ado-Ekiti, Otun-Ekiti, Ido-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti, and Ekiti West Local Government Area.

He emphasised that the initiative is necessary to curb flooding and urged residents to stop blocking waterways with refuse.

“I sincerely thank the governor for approving the dredging of waterways in towns and communities across Ekiti.

“EKSEPA has begun dredging in Otun-Ekiti, Ido-Ekiti, and other parts of the state to prevent flooding in all areas.

“I appeal to residents to refrain from dumping refuse in waterways to avert flooding,” he stated.

Oguntoyinbo commended the governor for taking proactive steps to protect life and property from flooding.

“I thank the governor for his efforts in safeguarding lives and properties. I urge all residents to dispose of their refuse properly at designated sites,” he said. (NAN)

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INEC: BVAS, IReV not electoral scam, but tools for electoral transparency

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) are not scams.

INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr Lawrence Bayode, made this clarification during a conversation organised by the commission on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday in Abuja.

In his presentation, titled “BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths,” Bayode said both BVAS and IREV were technological innovations aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s electoral process.

He emphasised that INEC had taken bold steps and made concerted efforts to improve the credibility, transparency, and accuracy of elections through technology.

Bayode described BVAS and IREV as key components of Nigeria’s election process, noting that various misconceptions had created doubts about their functions.

“There is a belief that BVAS and IREV are scams.

“This misconception arises from misunderstandings, technical issues, and general distrust in the electoral process. However, this belief is incorrect,” he said.

“BVAS verifies voters using fingerprint and facial recognition, ensuring that only accredited voters cast their ballots.

“IREV is an online portal that allows the public to view scanned polling unit results for transparency. It does not count votes or collate results.”

He dismissed the notion that technical failures, such as slow uploads, server downtimes, or network issues, equated to fraud.

“These challenges do not mean the system was designed to deceive voters. Rather, they highlight areas that need improvement in election management,” he explained.

Bayode further debunked the myth that BVAS transmitted election results, stressing that its primary role was voter accreditation and authentication.

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“BVAS does not directly transmit election results. Instead, results are recorded on Form EC8A, which is then uploaded to IREV,” he stated.

“BVAS is used at polling units for voter accreditation. IREV is an online platform where scanned polling unit results are uploaded for public viewing.”

“BVAS significantly reduces voter impersonation and over-voting, other electoral malpractices, such as violence and vote-buying, can still occur,” he noted.

He also dispelled the myth that voting could not continue if BVAS failed, explaining that INEC provided backup devices, and in rare cases, elections in affected polling units might be rescheduled.

Bayode highlighted BVAS’ role in reducing electoral fraud, stating that voter impersonation and multiple voting had been significantly curbed since its introduction.

“IREV has also enhanced transparency by allowing citizens to verify polling unit results in real time.

“Before IREV, election results were not easily accessible to the public. Now, discrepancies can be identified, which proves the system enhances transparency rather than being a scam,” he said.

INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Victoria Eta-Messi, added that the commission was collaborating with the National Assembly and stakeholders to amend the Electoral Act, particularly on election results management.

She also reiterated INEC’s commitment to voter education to build public trust, reduce voter apathy, and promote credible elections.(NAN)

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Sallah Celebration: Hon. Mustapha Extends Warm Greetings To Muslim Ummah

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By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the esteemed Vice Chairman of Jaba Local Government in Kaduna State, extends his warmest wishes to the Muslim Ummah as they celebrate the sacred occasion of Eid-El-Fitr.

This significant festival marks the culmination of Ramadan, a period of immense devotion, faith, and obedience to the Almighty.

Hon. Mustapha expresses his heartfelt congratulations to all Muslim brothers and sisters within Jaba Local Government, Kaduna State, and across Nigeria.

He acknowledges their commitment to fasting and spiritual reflection throughout the holy month and commends their perseverance in observing this fundamental pillar of Islam.

The holy month of Ramadan instils invaluable virtues such as piety, faith, sacrifice, patience, and kindness. Hon. Mustapha emphasises that these principles are essential for fostering a strong, united, and just society.

By embracing these values, individuals can contribute to the development and harmony of their local communities and the broader Nigerian society.

He encourages the Muslim Ummah to carry forward these spiritual lessons beyond Ramadan, applying them in their daily interactions, decision-making, and community engagements. “By doing so, we can help build a more cohesive, compassionate, and prosperous society” Hon. Mustapha stated.

The Vice Chairman extends his prayers for the well-being of all Muslims and Christians. He seeks Allah’s guidance and blessings upon the faithful, praying for their continued health, protection, and prosperity. He also hopes that Allah grants them the opportunity to witness and partake in many more Ramadan seasons in the future.

Hon. Mustapha further urges the Muslim community to embrace the spirit of unity and generosity, supporting those in need and fostering goodwill among people of all backgrounds.

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He believes that by upholding these principles, the Muslim Ummah will continue to play a vital role in nurturing peace and progress within Jaba Local Government and beyond.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi reiterates his heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah once more, on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

Hon. Mustapha also urged citizens to support the good government of Governor Uba Sani and Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku for positive Kaduna State.

He prays for a joyous and blessed Eid-El-Fitr, filled with love, happiness, and divine favour.

Barka Da Sallah.

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