Proper implementation of ACJA remains a priority, AGF, IGP

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN and the Inspector General of Police(IGP) Usman Akali Baba, have reiterated their commitments to the effective implementation of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act ( ACJA) in Nigeria.

AGF said the ministry, as a leading stakeholder in the administration of justice will continue to support stakeholders to ensure that the reformation of the justice sector aligns with the International best practice.

Malami was represented by the Director of Public

Procurement (DPP) Mohammad Baba Doko, at a 2-Day Workshop on Implementation of Administration of Criminal Justices Act, (ACJA) 2015 for Police in North Central Zone, held in Abuja.

At the workshop with the theme: implementation of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) For Police Prosecutors in the North Central, Malami said the essential elements of the ACJA 2015 remained the abolition of stay of proceedings; effective case management by trial courts; witness protection, and sentencing guidelines among others.

The recent criminal justice bill passed by the senate according to the AGF has added some new innovations such as the establishment of a sex offender registry in the federal capital Territory.

He explained further that upon conviction of a sex offender, the offender’s particulars shall be entered into the sex offender register.

The Justice Minister stated that other innovations in bill just passed by senate include, abolition of trial within trial which delayed criminal proceedings; filing of witness deposition to promote speedy trial and among others innovation that when passed would help enhance criminal justice in Nigeria.

In his remarks the IGP, represented by the commissioner of police in charge of the legal department, David Igbodo (rtd) said the police is very much committed to ensuring the effective dispensation of justice in Nigeria.

While expressing commitments and dedication to ensuring the reformation of the criminal justices sector, the IG expresses the zeal of the police towards achieving the implementation of the process.

The Executive ACJW, Mr Biodun Aikomo disclosed that ACJA has dealt with a lot of identified challenges in the Justice sector, reminding that the police is central to maintaining cohesion in the society.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Tony Ojukwu who was represented at the workshop promise to assist with necessary skills and knowledge aimed at promoting the rule of law.

NIHOTOUR to host 3rd edition of gastronomy festival in June

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), said it is hosting the 3rd edition of the biggest Gastronomy Festival in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued in Abuja, by Director Media and Public Relations, Ahmed Mohammed Sule .

According to the statement, the gastronomy festival is scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre on the 16th and 17th of June, 2023, tagged Culinary Arts: The Gate Way to Growing Tourism Destination.

The Gastronomy Festival is organized by the National Institute for Hospitality and

Tourism (NIHOTOUR), is targeted at the upskilling of Nigerian gastronomes on the essence of the preparation and presentation of traditional Nigerian cuisines to improve the expertise of practitioners in the tourism sector.

Speaking on the highlights of the Gastronomy Festival, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIHOTOUR, Nura Kangiwa, said the event will feature amongst others, exhibition of indigenous gastronomy by exhibitors prominent among which are, NIHOTOUR, which as usual, showcase indigenous Nigerian cuisines from the sixgeopolitical zones of the country.

He said this year’s Gastronomy Festival is the third consecutive food and beverage exhibition and sampling event annually organized by NIHOTOUR since 2021.

Leading local food franchises, international cuisines showcase by foreign missions, Jollof War by select west African chefs, and the investiture of NIHOTOUR Fellowships on individuals who have contributed to the development of the nation’s Tourism and Hospitality sector.

Likewise, a masterclass for members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Travel Writers (ANJET) facilitated by the director general of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Runsewe, the managing director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Buki Ponle and ex-NTA director, Peter Igho.

Gastronomy Fair, is an opportunity to address the dearth of culinary artistry in the country.

“The festival provides one of the best opportunities for hospitality and tourism stakeholders, students and enthusiasts to have handson learning and perspectives on how to sustain the tourism destinations using gastronomy festivals as promotional tools,”

The statement noted that since the festival started 2021 it has experience over 5,000 visitors including local industry stakeholders and the diplomatic community in Nigeria such as Ethiopia, China and Spain participate showcasing their countries food culture and processes of preparation from the farm to the table.

CAN wants employers to treat workers with dignity, respect

By Albert Akota

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on governments and other employers to treat workers with dignity and respect, and provide them with decent conditions, fair wages and job security.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

Archbishop Okoh praised the resilience, dedication and hard work of Nigerian workers, who had continued to drive the economy forward in spite of numerous challenges.

He said CAN recognised invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers to the growth and development of the nation.

He said: “We recognize the sacrifices they make daily to ensure that their families and the nation at large has a better future.

“As Christians, we believe that work is not just a means of earning a living but also a means of fulfilling our Godgiven purpose on earth.

“We, therefore, encourage all Nigerian workers to continue to approach their work with diligence, excellence and integrity, knowing that their labour is not in vain.

“We also want to use this occasion to express our solidarity with Nigerian workers who have been adversely affected by the current economic situation,” it said.

Ageing: NSCC organizes workshop to enhance desk officers in MDAs

By Albert Akota