Author: Isah Mukhtar

NAN-S-9
Tennis
By Franklin Ohaegbu
Lagos, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) Top male seeded at the ongoing Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis tournament, Spain’s Enrique Lopez-Perez, says Nigerian players don’t excel because they fail to interact with their foreign counterparts.

Lopez- Perez made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos at the 16th edition of the competion at Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

Lopez-Perez, the winner of the first leg, said that most of the time, Nigerian players tended to train with themselves and did not mix with the foreigners.

“The locals here have a good game going for them. They can play well but most of them don’t mix with us.

“I think it is not a good thing for them because no man is an island.

“You cannot learn new tricks with people you see and train everyday with, they can learn from us and we also can learn from their experiences.

“I try to mix with them most times and learn a thing or two but I have noticed that most of them keep to themselves.

“Let me tell you my secret, I win in most tournaments I attend because I try to interact with everybody, because I know I will learn something new in life and, most especially in tennis.

“Exposure is one major problem here, they don’t go for international competitions and the only one they get to have they are not utilising it to the fullest,’’ he said.

NAN reports that players at the competition came from 39 countries of the world and are fighting for ranking points and 50, 000 dollars prize money in the men and women’s events.

The grand finale of the second leg will hold on Oct. 22 and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Ambode Akinwunmi will be present. (NAN)
FOE/ENN/PDE
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

United against Fenerbahce revives memories of Rooney debut

NAN-S-10
Rooney
Berlin, Oct. 19, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Wayne Rooney made a sensational debut as an 18-year-old for Manchester United in the Champions League against Fenerbahce.

Twelve years later the sides meet at Old Trafford in a key Europa League encounter.

Manchester United take on Fenerbahce in a key Group A match of the Europa League on Thursday in a fixture which has special memories for Wayne Rooney.

The England captain made a sensational debut as an 18-year-old for United after arriving from Everton in 2004, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-2 defeat of the Turkish side in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

Twelve years later, Rooney appears no longer a first choice for manager Jose Mourinho, but will be keen for some action as he seeks another goal to equal Ruud van Nistelrooy club record of 37 goals in UEFA competition.

United, on three points, also come up against former striker Robin van Persie as they seek to overtake unbeaten Fenerbahce (four), while Feyenoord – also on three points – host Ukrainians Zorya.

Mourinho is thought likely to make changes following the goalless draw at Liverpool on Monday and a game at Chelsea on Sunday, with Rooney hoping to start.

“I like to think I can play every game, but obviously it’s the manager’s decision and I respect that,’’ Roooney said.

Roma veteran Francesco Totti is also eyeing a goal landmark against visiting Austria Vienna in a Group E game featuring the leading sides, both on four points.

Captain Totti, who turned 40 on Sept. 27, could, if he plays, take his goal tally to 100 in UEFA competitions.
Roma defender Federico Fazio said: “Getting all three points on Thursday would be huge for our standing in the group and also in terms of our morale.

“We want to keep on winning and get used to the feeling – it has to become the norm.’’

Fellow Italians Inter Milan badly need a win after two defeats in Group K as they host Premier League side Southampton.

“Europe is not simple,’’ Inter coach Frank de Boer said. “We have to play every game as if it’s a derby and so far we haven’t done that.’’

Isarael’s Hapoel Beer-Sheva, level on four points with Southampton meanwhile greet Sparta Prague, who are a point behind.

Of the Spanish contingent, Athletic Bilbao visit Genk in good heart after Sunday’s 3-2 defeat of Real Sociedad in the Basque derby.

“We are in quite good form and enjoying our games,” left-back Mikel Balenziaga said. “But we cannot relax our efforts at all. Thursday’s game is important in qualifying for the knockout stage.”

Group F is the tightest of all, with Bilbao, Genk, Sassuolo and Rapid Vienna – who host the Italians – all on three points.

Celta Vigo host Group G leaders Ajax, who are two points above them, while Group L leaders Villarreal visit Turkish side Osmalispor.

Germany’s Schalke are missing a number of injured players as they visit Russian side Krasnodar in a Group I meeting between two sides who have won their first two games.

Fiorentina hope to maintain top spot in Group J in a visit to Slovan Liberec, Bundesliga side Mainz greet Anderlecht in a match between the two top Group C teams, while Group D sees a clash between undefeated Dundalk and Zenit St Petersburg.

Among the evening’s 24 games, Shakhtar Donetsk are seeking a third win when they greet KAA Gent in Group H. (dpa/NAN)
TON
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Edited by Tony Nezianya

NAN-AE-4
Potato
Abuja, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) The Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria (POFAN) says it will partner the Federal Government by providing “orange fleshed sweet potato” to ensure the success of the school feeding programme.

Mr Daniel Okafor, the National President of the association, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday that the association had formerly written government on the proposal.

“The association had written the presidency in respect of the programme and mentioned the health and wealth benefits of the orange fleshed sweet potato,’’ the president said.

NAN reports that orange-flesh sweet potatoes are exceedingly rich in beta-carotene; excellent source of vitamin A. It is also a very good source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6.

Okafor said that his private company has been researching into value chain addition on the orange fleshed sweet potato, which he said, was very good for the body.

“Along the value chain, one can have potato flour, potato bread and potato juice.

“ The value chain is good and the processing of orange flesh potato is a milestone in the history of Nigeria.

“ The bread from orange fleshed potatoes contains lost of vitamins needed for body metabolism.

“I have taken the proposal to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and they have certified it good,’’ he said.

According to him, the product is good for children; it is good for brain development and also gives the elderly, required strength.

“Orange fleshed potato is also good for people suffering from eye disease because of its richness in beta carotene – a precursor for vitamin A,” the president said.

Okafor said that by partnering with government on the school feeding programme, its members would be able produce the potato in commercial quantity.

NAN reports that potato bread has a texture similar to traditional bread, produced with a combination of 40 per cent of wheat and 60 per cent of potato flour.

According to him, a slice of potato bread contains 85 calories, one gramme of fat and traces of calcium, iron and potassium.

“Agriculture must become Nigeria’s new oil, supplying food, creating wealth and generate jobs.

“Just like other crops that were neglected and relegated to mere stable food after the discovery of oil, sweet potato was seen as a tuber for mere consumption, especially in the rain forest area of the country.

“Our goal is to encourage the private sector to be able to unlock the potentials of the agricultural sector through potato.

“Nigeria is the third largest producer of sweat potato in the World after China and Tanzania.

“The association has a training centre in Karu, Abuja where members are trained.

“This centre serves as a rallying point for stakeholders in the sweet potato business such as farmers, investors, manufacturers and marketers,’’ he said.

POFAN president said that the future of sweet potato was bright, given the variety of products derivable from the crop’s value chain.

“My new research idea is to look into how to increase content of bread to 80 per cent of sweet potato and 20 per cent of wheat.

“A breakthrough in this research will be best thing to happen to this country so that we can be less dependent on wheat importation.

“We also need to help our farmers that growing wheat locally,’’ he stated.

Okafor urged stakeholders to continue do their best and cooperate with government to achieve their aims and objectives of diversify the country’s economy. (NAN)
ROK/AIB/AFA
Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Felix Ajide
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Nigerian women ignorant of menopause symptoms – Specialist

NAN-HG-1

Menopause

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) A Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, Dr Jumoke Ogunro, says an average Nigerian woman is ignorant of basic symptoms associated with menopause.

Ogunro, who works at a Lagos-based hospital, Alpha Assisted Reproductive Klinic, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

She said that lack of awareness about menopause was the major reason many women did not visit gynaecologists to consult on menopausal symptoms.

‘’Menopause is a normal condition that all women experience as they age,” she said.

The medical experts describes menopaouse as any of the changes a woman goes through, either just before or after she stops menstruating, marking the end of her reproductive period.

“In Nigeria, we need to first educate women about menopause.

“The average woman knows that one day, she will stop menstruating but most are not aware of symptoms associated with this normal process that every woman will have to cope with.

“Medical community has also neglected this sub set of women in the community.

“In developed countries there are menopausal societies that help to educate women and also the health care professionals regarding menopause and its management.

“In Nigeria, the menopausal woman is left to cope all by herself; our women must receive the right information about menopause, and how to cope with it,“ she said.

According to the specialist, menopause is a normal process and not a disease.

She said that the symptoms experienced are as a result of a fall in the levels of the female hormones including the oestrogen and progesterone.

“Once menopause is attained, there is a drastic drop in the level of these hormones.

“Symptoms associated with menopause include hot flushes, vaginal dryness, itching, pain with sexual intercourse, leakage of urine.”

The medical practitioner said that because the protective effect of oestrogen on the bone is lost, this development could result in osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).

“Menopause is also associated with some emotional and cognitive symptoms. “

The gynaecologist said that ideally, hormones replacement therapy (HRT) was used to replace the hormones that were lost during menopause.

She said, however, that the use of HRT was associated with an increased risk of stroke, breast and endometrial cancer.

“HRT is used for the shortest time possible and the benefits must outweigh the risks.

“As a result of this, other medications such as anti-depressants and clonidine have been used to treat hot flushes.

“Vaginal moisturising agents have been used to manage vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

“It is important to note that some of the symptoms can be managed with simple lifestyle changes. “

Ogunro said that the average age of menopause was 51 years, but that menopause could occur in women between 45 to 55 years.

According to her, in Nigeria, the age range has been between 46-48 years from studies reviewed.

“It can occur early or later in some women; when it occurs before a woman is 40-years-old, it is called premature ovarian failure, “ she said. (NAN)
EEI/DUA/MZA
Edited by Dada Ahmed and Controlled by Maharazu Ahmed
===========================================

1. Nigeria Air Force briefs journalists in Katsina on the 2016 NAF Sports Festival coming up in Katsina.

2. Commissioner of Police, Zamfara Command, holds news conference in Gusau on the rate of violence in the state.

3. Head of Operations, South-East Zonal office of EFCC addresses news conference on activities of the commission in the region.

4. Gov Al-Makura of Nasarawa State meets with manufacturers willing to invest in the state.

5. Kogi House of Assembly considers Bill for the amendment of Local Government Law in the state.

6. Taraba Commissioner for Commerce and Industry addresses journalists on measures by the state government to encourage growth of SMEs.

7. Super Falcons commence training at the National Stadium ahead of the African Women Championship in Cameroun in November.

8. The Draws for the 2016 FCT Principals Cup hold at the FCT FA Secretariat, Area 10, Garki at10 a.m.

9. Two games are slated for play at the Area 3 Football Pitch in the second phase of the ongoing FCT Super League.

10. Chief of Army Staff tour of military formations in the South-South continues.

11. The opening ceremony of the Nigerian energy alternative expo holds at Yar’Adua centre, Abuja.

12. Federal High Court continues hearing in alleged armed robbery case filed against four men.

13. The National Industrial Court hears a case of alleged termination of appointment filed by an aggrieved officer against Federal Road Safety Commission.

14. An FCT High Court, Apo, hears a case of alleged criminal conspiracy and forgery filed against three men

15. An FCT High Court, Kubwa, hears a case of alleged criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust filed against Kabiru Jauro.

Woman docked for allegedly assaulting lawyer
NAN-H-62
Assault
By Chinyere Omeire
Lagos, Oct. 18, 2016 (NAN) A 59-year-old trader, Mariam Abu, who allegedly tore the shirt of a lawyer was on Tuesday in Lagos granted N20, 000 bail.
An Igbosere Magistrates’ Court gave the ruling while trying the accused who resides at No. 6, Durosimi St., Somolu, Lagos.
The accused is standing trial on a count charge bordering on assault.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 17 at about 8: 20 pm at Central Police Station, Adeniji Adele, Lagos.
He said that Abu unlawfully assaulted one Barrister Charles Ola-Oni by tearing his shirt.
“The accused contacted the complainant for help to secure the bail of her brother who was repatriated from Brazil over drug related issues at the National Drug Law Enforcement ‎Agency (NDLEA) office.
“The lawyer, however, collected N30,000 from the accused, but failed to secure the bail and could not refund the money.
“While they were at the police station to report the case, the accused held the complainant’s shirt and tore it,” Osuji said.
According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is punishable under Section 170 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate Mrs A. T. Omoyele granted her bail with one surety in like sum.
She said the surety should be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government and their address verified.
The case was adjourned till Nov. 11 for mention. (NAN)
OCC/ENN/TA
Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-H-41

Judge

By Mabel Patience Yakubu

Abuja, Oct. 18, 2016 (NAN) Justice Adeniyi Ademola, the judge in the case against the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has withdrawn from the cases.

Ademola, one of seven judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on allegations of corruption, claimed that he was being harassed and intimidated by the service.

He cited allegations of corruption by DSS against him, which is prosecuting Dasuki’s case, as the reason for his action.

The judge claimed that he was being harassed and intimidated for granting bail to Dasuki and Nnamdi Kanu, the Director of Radio Biafra. (NAN)

PMY/JCE
======

Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

Stock broker wants policies to drive dollar influx

Association urges foreign companies to invest in agric sector

NAN-AE-14
Companies
By Kudirat Ogunyemi
Abuja, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The African Young Farmers Association (AYFA) has called on the foreign companies and multinationals to invest in the country’s agricultural sector.

Mr Bakare Oladimeji, the National President of the association, made the call in interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday at the sideline of the World Food Day celebration.

Oladimeji said that Nigerian government needed serious international and multinational intervention in the sector.

He appealed to all the multinational companies operating in Nigeria and all the corporate organisations, to play a role in reducing hunger and poverty in the country.

“Unemployment is ravaging the entire nation, and hungry population is an angry population.

“Peace and peaceful co-existence is being threatened and crime rate is on the increase; we should not allow the situation to remain or even deteriorate,’’ he said.

He explained that there are potentials in Nigeria’s agriculture, mining and other sectors of the economy.

The association’s president stressed the need for more investment in rural roads, agricultural equipment among others.

“They should help us to create jobs and boost means of livelihood through agriculture and it will be better for us all.

“We are also calling on Nigerians in Diaspora that there are so many opportunities in agriculture, especially in food processing and storage of agric produce.

“Please come and support the ongoing efforts of the present administration to save Nigerians from hunger and to create good wealth and job opportunities.

“Come and join us to make Nigeria a better place for all,’’ he pleaded.

AYFA leader added that the association was keenly committed to nation’s building through agriculture, youth development and empowerment.

“ We have accepted the responsibility of charting a new course for the new generation of farmers and agric entrepreneurs and we will not rest on our oars until the desirable changes Nigerians yearn for are achieved.

“ AYFA are not deterred by the enormousness of burden of this national assignment, we consider it as an opportunity to contribute a significant quota to the efforts toward repositioning Nigeria to its rightful place.

“ Our strength and solace will be derived from goodwill of our people as well as the unrestricted outpouring of support from well meaning Nigerians,’’ he said.

He said that the association has designed and developed a lot of agricultural programmers with great capacities to create jobs and financially empower the youth.

“ The support of the government at all levels toward the successful implementation of these programmes is needed.

“ We also use this medium to extend our hand of fellowship to international donor agencies, multinational companies and corporate to come and partner with us in implementation these programmes, ‘’ he said. (NAN)
ROK/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
================

AYFA charges foreign companies to invest in Nigeria’s Agriculture

NAN-AE-

Companies

By Kudirat Ogunyemi

Abuja, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The African Young Farmers Association (AYFA) has charged the foreign companies to invest in Nigeria’s agriculture as country is obviously broke and financially incapacitated to very large extent.

Mr Bakare Oladimeji, the National President of the association stated this in a side interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the press conference to mark the `WORLD FOOD DAY’ in Abuja on Monday.

Oladimeji said that Nigeria government needed serious help and appealed to all the multinational companies operating in Nigeria, all the corporate organizations, reputable citizens to play a role in reducing hunger and poverty.

“ Unemployment is ravaging the entire nation, adding that a hungry population is an angry population.

“ Peace and peaceful co-existence is threatened and crime rate cannot be controlled if we allow the situation to remain the same or even get worse,’’ he said.

He urged the companies to help Nigeria’s agriculture, invest in rural roads construction or rehabilitation, agricultural equipments and production input manufacturing.

“ Help us to create jobs and means of livelihood through agriculture and it will be better for all us.

“ We also call on Nigerians in diaspora that there are so many opportunities in Nigerian agriculture especially in food processing and storage of agric produce.

“ Please come and support the on-going efforts to save Nigerians from hunger and also avail yourselves with the opportunity to create good wealth. Come and join us to make Nigeria a better place for all,’’ he said.

AYFA leader added that the association keenly committed to nation building through agriculture, youth development and empowerment.

“ We have accepted the responsibility of charting a new course for the new generation farmers and agric entrepreneurs and we will not rest on our oars until the desirable changes Nigerians yearn for are achieved.

“ AYFA are not deterred by the enormousness of burden of this national assignment, we consider it as an opportunity to contribute a significant quota to the efforts towards repositioning Nigeria to its rightful place.

“ Our strength and solace will be derived from goodwill of our people as well as the since and unrestricted outpouring of support from well meaning Nigerians,’’ he said

He said that the association has designed, developed and now implementing a lot of agricultural programmers with great capacities to create jobs and financial empowerment for the youth.

“ The support of the government al all levels towards the successful implementation of these programmes in all the states across the nation.

“ We also use this medium to extend our hand of fellowship to international Donor agencies, multinational companies and corporate to come and partner with us in implementation of the programmes, ‘’ he said. (NAN)

ROK/

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World Food Day: Association urges govt to pay attention to climate change

NAN-AE-9
Food
By Kudirat Ogunyemi
Abuja, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The African Young Farmers Association (AYFA) has urged government at all levels to pay greater attention to climate change to address poverty and hunger in the country.

The National President of AYFA, Mr Bakare Oladimeji, gave the advice at a news conference to mark the World Food Day in Abuja on Monday

The theme of the World Food Day is “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too’’

Oladimeji said climate change had adverse effect on foods production and security.

According to him, the issue of climate change deserve prompt attention to address poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

Oladimeji said the Nigerian population including farmers, fishers and pastoralists had been hit hardest by higher temperatures and weather related disasters.

“To effectively mitigate unpleasant consequences of climate change in Nigeria, there is need for adaptation of modern farming techniques, which will enable the country to grow food in a sustainable way.

“ This means, we need to adapt practices that produce more with less in same area of land and also use natural resources wisely.

“ We will also need to reduce losses before final product or retail stage through a number of initiatives including better harvesting, storage, packing, transport, market, mechanism, institutional and legal frameworks,’’ he said.

The association president said the Federal Government had done well in prioritising agriculture as a vital tool for alleviating poverty and hunger in Nigeria, and as a major key to reviving the economy.

“In spite of the importance of agriculture as major driving force of our economy, the sector was still being starved of adequate attention and investment, in particular budgetary allocation to the sector.

“ To make success in the sector, let the proper justice be melted on anyone found culpable of stealing or looting little budget allocated to the sector as fight against corruption is the major focus of this administration.

“ Government at all levels need to establish good policies and also put in place practicable programmes that can address the various challenges being encountered by farmers and agric entrepreneurs.’’

Oladimeji appealed to the governments to find a lasting solution to the problems between farmers and cattle rearers in Nigeria, adding that the level of killings and destruction of lives and property was counterproductive.

He urged governments to develop policies that could further stimulate private investment in the Nigeria’s agriculture and food production sector.

According to him, availability and accessibility of farmlands in the country are major problems because the only way to develop agriculture is to ensure access to farmland to increase production and solve the food insecurity.

“ Million youths including graduates are ready to take up agricultural production but they cannot get a sizeable farmland.

“ Youths need governments to help them solve this issue among others, so that they can achieve their dreams in agriculture. (NAN)
ROK/ADA/AFA
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab/Felix Ajide
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