Author: Isah Mukhtar

Kenya: Kipchoge for Delhi Half Marathon

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Kipchoge
Nairobi, Oct. 17, 2016 (PANA/NAN) Kenya’s Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge will have his first race since his memorable triumph in Rio at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, an IAAF Bronze Label Road Race, on Nov. 20.

Kipchoge, who turns 32 on Nov. 5, has put together a winning streak of seven successive marathons and is unbeaten over the classic distance in the past three years.

Kipchoge has been gracing local marathon races in Kenya since striking the Olympic gold in Rio as a way of motivating young and upcoming long distance runners.

However, the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon will be his first outing over a shorter distance since he finished sixth at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in February 2015.

“It’s six years down the line since the Commonwealth Games were held in Delhi, where I got the silver medal in the 5000m,’’ Kipchoge said.

“I have great memories of my last visit to India and now I am ready to come back in a different capacity as a road racer.

“India is one of the world’s biggest hubs of technology and business but I am looking forward to visiting the country and once again experiencing competitive sport in India,’’ he added.

Kipchoge has a half marathon personal best of 59:25, which dates from 2012.

Although he has not broken 60 minutes for the half marathon since then, he will still have in his sights the course record of 59:06 set by Ethiopia’s Guye Adola in 2014, which makes the race one of the fastest half marathons in the world.

Kipchoge and the rest of the elite runners will be chasing men’s and women’s first prizes of 27,000 dollars with a total prize fund of 270,000 dollars. (PANA/NAN)
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South Africa: Football legend suffers major heart attack

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Legend
Cape Town, Oct. 17, 2016 (PANA/NAN) Football legend Neil Tovey is fighting for his life after suffering a massive heart attack on Sunday.

PANA reports that the 53-year-old midfielder who led South Africa to its only Africa Cup of Nations title in 1996, was training near his Durban home when he collapsed.

He was rushed to a hospital in Hillcrest where his condition is listed as critical. His brother Mark Tovey said doctors are battling to stabilise him.

In February 2015, Tover suffered his first heart attack while playing squash. SA Football Association President Danny Jordaan expressed his shock and wished him a full recovery.

During his career, he played club football for AmaZulu and Kaizer Chiefs. He won 52 caps for South Africa and captained the team 29 times.

His finest moment was when President Nelson Mandela handed him the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at Ellis Park in Johannesburg which served notice that South Africa was firmly back in the international arena following decades of sporting isolation because of Apartheid. (PANA/NAN)
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Commonwealth Games to run entrepreneur course in UNIPORT
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Course
Lagos, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Commonwealth Games Association has concluded plans to organise a two-day entrepreneurship training scheme for students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

A statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Tony Ubani, said the training would run from Oct. 20 to Oct. 22, at the Ebitimi Bango Auditorium.

It quotes the Secretary-General of the NOC, Tunde Popoola as saying the training would be under the auspices of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

“It will enable students to explore entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to become employers of labour, instead of roaming the streets in search of non-existing jobs after graduation from colleges’’.

Popoola, who doubles as Secretary-General of the Nigeria Commonwealth Games Association, explained that UNIPORT was chosen because of the mutual relations between NOC and University of Port Harcourt.

“UNIPORT is our Olympic Africa Centre in Nigeria. It is one of those universities in Africa for the Equip programme.

“Ken Anugweje, a professor from the university, is in charge of the Equip programme, while Labi Francis, is the intern selected to coordinate the activities of Commonwealth Games Secretariat in Lagos”.

He noted that a number of activities had been executed since the Equip programme started, “the first was a borehole in Ahoda and the second is this program you are witnessing today.

“Government has been trying to re-orientate the youths on how to effectively acquire and utilise entrepreneurial skills to run business irrespective of the environmental challenges’’.

While stressing that “the major challenges undermining national development in Nigeria were poverty and unemployment”, organisers of the training said they hope to address them by equipping youths with entrepreneurial skills.

The CGA Intern, Francis noted that students would be trained on web and graphics design, social media, digital and cinematography, business development strategy, debt analysis and management, bead making, professional decoration, make-up and catering.

He added that four resource persons had been invited to speak on various topics. (NAN)
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1. The African Heritage Institution organises course on Econometrics Methods for Policy Analysis in Enugu.
2. Opening ceremony of the meeting of elders of Southern Nigeria holds in Umuahia.
3. Abia Coordinator of NOA holds news conference in Umuahia on ‘’the Change Begins with Me’’ campaign.
4. Information Minister Lai Mohammed presents a lecture at NIPSS, Kuru, near Jos.
5. Taraba SEMA distributes relief materials to IDPs in Gassol, Taraba.
6. Commissioner for Agriculture speaks with Newsmen on measures taken by the state government to curb post-harvest losses by farmers in the state.
7. Mr Shaarik Zafar, the US Special Representative to Muslim
   Communities, holds news conference in Kano.
8. Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria organises a training in Kaduna on budget tracking.
9. Gov. Al-Makura of Nasarawa State meets with leaders of organised labour unions in Lafia.
10. Leaders of farmers/herdsmen groups meet in Karu.
11. Niger State University, Lapai, organises seminar on women empowerment.
12. All Progressives Congress Governors Forum meets in Ibadan.
13. EFCC arraigns a former banker in Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, for allegedly operating a fake polytechnic.
14. Olojo Festival continues in Ile-Ife.
15. FCT Chief Judge Ishaq Bello visits Kuje Prisons
16. Ex-Governor Joshau Dariye of Plateau alleged case of diversion of N1.16 billion ecological funds continues in an FCT High Court.
17. Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court continues hearing in a case of alleged fraud filed against Moses David and two others
18. An FCT High Court, Apo, hears a case of alleged culpable homicide filed against a 37-year-old ex -police man.

19.An FCT High Court, Kubwa, continues hearing in a case of alleged robbery preferred against Ishak Barnabas and four others.

20. Presidential advisory committee against corruption present reports to mark one year anniversary

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Suspension
By Kola Adeyemi
Lokoja, Oct. 16, 2016 ( NAN) Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Sunday suspended Alhaji Sadiq Rabiu, the Chairman of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, over an allegation of fraud during the just concluded Hajj.

The Director-General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, who disclosed this in a statement in Lokoja, said Rabiu had been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation and possible prosecution.

Fanwo said that the governor was also not happy with the dehumanising treatment of pilgrims from the state during the 2016 Hajj.

“ The travails of the chairman stemmed from allegations of corruption, nepotism and blatant disregard to the welfare of the state’s contingent to this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia,” he said.

He said that the suspension of the chairman followed the outcome of an investigative panel into the allegations of corruption, nepotism and dehumanising treatment of pilgrims in spite of adequate provisions made by government.

Fanwo said that the administration was poised to address the issue of corruption with “absolute seriousness in order to checkmate the effect of corruption on the development of the state.” (NAN)
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

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Conference

By Akin Makanjuola

Abuja, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Sen. Chukwuka Utazi, said the current fight against corruption should be embraced by all Nigerians to save the nation from collapse.

Utazi stated this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, on a two-day National Anti-Corruption Conference scheduled to hold on Tuesday in the Federal capital.

NAN reports that the conference is being organised by the National Assembly in collaboration with the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Utazi affirmed that the national assembly was on the same page with the Federal Government on the war against corruption.

He said that in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s body language, well-meaning Nigerians should join in the anti-graft fight

According to the lawmaker, the corruption fight informed the synergy between the senate and the presidency in organising a conference on anti-corruption to help to secure the future of our nation.

Speaking in same vein, Utazi’s House of Representatives counterpart, Mr Jide Akinloye, told NAN that the national assembly could not sit on the fence while the country’s destiny was being hijacked by greedy and unpatriotic people.

“The conference, therefore, signposts our common resolve to align with like minds to put an end to all corrupt tendencies, impunity and financial recklessness in our public life.”

Similarly, Consultant to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Anti-Corruption, Mr Victor Oluwafemi, said that the conference was a clear signal that the presidency and national assembly were on the same page in fighting corruption.

“Buhari, like the Biblical Moses, needs the support of Aaron and Hur to succeed in the war against corruption.”

“The only obstacle before Nigeria can assume its proper role as an emerging power in the world is corruption,” Oluwafemi said.

NAN reports that the conference, which will hold at the Nigeria Air Force Conference Centre, will be declared opened by President Muhammadu Buhari. (NAN)

AK/DO/OPI

Edited by David Onilede and Olisa Ifeajika

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Tennis
By Franklin Ohaegbu
Lagos, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) Downpour on Friday did not stop the top male seed at the ongoing Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis tournament, Enrique Lopez-Perez from getting a ticket to the final.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) covering the championship reports that the downpour affected the clement weather experienced before.

The Spaniard defeated Egypt’s Karim-Mohamed Maaroun, seeded three, 6-4, 6-4 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

The match that lasted less than an hour saw the confidence with which the top seed delivered his balls deep into the half of his opponent.

Lopez-Perez told NAN after the game that he knew he would defeat his opponent because he had studied his last two matches and found his weakness.

“I saw myself winning the match; all I needed to do was to work on his weakness.

“I made sure I put more of my balls at the far left corner of the court where he would run to retrieve them.

“I don’t know if I will meet Sasi Mukund from India or the French man, Gainni Mina, but I am certain I’ll contain any of them,’’ he said.

NAN reports that Julia Terziyska of Bulgaria, seeded six, will settle scores with Switzerland’s Conny Perrin in one of the semi-final games in the women’s singles.

Tadeja Majeric of Slovakia, seeded two, and number five seed, Deniz Khazaniuk of Israel will fight for the final ticket.

The players 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 finals of the first leg of the competition will hold on Sunday. (NAN)
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

1. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, holds convocation ceremony.
2. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ondo State, Command, briefs newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on the arrest of suspected pipeline vandals.
3. Workshop on how to boost Internally Generated Revenue, organised for Adamawa local government council chairmen holds.
4. Organising committee handling the Jos International Trade Fair holds a news conference in Jos.
5. Taraba Tourism Development Corporation holds a news conference on revenue generation in Jalingo.
6. Synergos Nig.Ltd, an agricultural outfit, organises workshop in Lokoja for cassava farmers.
7. Abuja Electricity Distribution Company holds stakeholders’ meeting in Minna.
8. Niger Ministry of Agriculture distributes fingerlings to fish farmers.
9. High Level Women Advocate, an NGO, meets with Katsina State Government officials on ways to improve girl-child enrolment in schools.
10. A case of an 80-year-old man, son, grandson, accused of serially raping a 10-year-old orphan comes up before a Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna.
11. Enugu State Commissioner for Information addresses newsmen on the outcome of the state executive council meeting.
12. Garki Hospital, Abuja, organises free eye screening to celebrate World Sight Day.
13. The 16th Army Sports Festival continues in Abuja.
14. The CAF `C’ Licence Coaching Course continues at the National Stadium, Abuja.
15. FCT High Court continues hearing of defence in former Plateau governor, Joshua Dariye’s alleged diversion of N1.16 ecological fund.
16. Former Interior Minister Abba Moro’s trial on alleged recruitment scam continues at the Federal High Court.

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Sponsorship
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) Nigerian athletes’ abysmal performance at international competitions are due to lack of exposure, Gideon Akinshola, a board member of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) said on Friday.

Akinshola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that adequate funding was needed to expose athletes to high grade tournaments to increase their chances of doing well at global meets.

He, however, solicited for the assistance of individuals and corporate organisations for the sponsorship of athletes.

According to him, sufficient funds will ensure adequate support to efforts at exposing athletes and enhancing their performance.

He said that the body had concluded arrangement to approach individuals and companies with its proposal ahead of some tournaments coming up later in the year and 2017.

“We are making this request early because we will begin to approach individuals and companies for sponsorship soon.

“Our athletes need to participate in local and international competitions for exposure and this can only be possible with the availability of funds.

“This is an effort to have a plan B rather than solely relying on when funds are made available by the authorities which has previously affected athletes’ participation in championships,’’ he said.

Akinshola noted that athletes got excited when they had sponsorship to take part in international tournaments as it was an opportunity for them to improve their standard.

According to him, athletes who participate and performed credibly in championships are usually upgraded in the Africa.

He urged coaches and athletes to show more dedication to make remarkable impact to encourage sponsors.

Akinshola also promised that the body would adequately utilise every sponsorship funds for the purpose for which it was meant.

“We will be ready to give a good account of all expenses made,’’ he added. (NAN)
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

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By Aisha
Interception
Lagos, Oct. 13, 2016 (NAN) The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intercepted a consignment of eight bags containing substances suspected to be cocaine.
The Customs Area Comptroller, Yusuf Bashar, told newsmen on Thursday in Lagos that the suspected substance, numbering 200 pieces, was concealed and un-manifested inside a container with cement raw materials.
“The container originated from New Zealand and the shipment point is from Spain,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Bashar as saying while handing over the consignment to narcotic officials.
The comptroller urged regulatory agencies at the ports to work together as a team, adding that the law would take its course over the un-manifested concealed item.
Mr Yashim Danladi, Head of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Tin-Can Island Port, said that the substance was suspected to be cocaine based on preliminary test on the consignment.
The narcotic chief added that the concealed substance would go through other laboratory tests to further confirm its contents. (NAN)
AIC/WOJ
(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)