Author: Isah Mukhtar

NAN-F-12

Warning
Moscow, Oct. 6 (Xinhua/NAN)  The Russian Defence Ministry on Thursday warned that it could shoot down U.S. missiles in Syria if they were used against the Syrian government forces.

“One should really be aware that crews of Russian air defence systems are unlikely to have time to clarify via a direct line the accurate flight programmes of missiles and who their carriers belong to,” the ministry’s spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, the U.S. media reported that Washington is considering plans to launch air strikes against the Syrian government army.

Konashenkov said that the Syrian army now have effective Russian-made S-200, Buk and other air defense missile systems, while the Russian forces have deployed in Syria the advanced S-400 and S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems, “the range of which may come as a surprise to any unidentified flying objects.”

He added that any missile strikes against territories controlled by the Syrian government might present a threat to Russian servicemen working for the Russian Centre for Reconciliation in Syria.

“I would recommend to colleagues in Washington that they carefully calculate possible consequences of such plans,” said the spokesman.

On Sept. 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced a week-long nationwide ceasefire in Syria, but crossfire resumed in the first hours the truce expired on Sept. 19.

On Sept. 17, the U.S.-led coalition airstrikes killed over 90 Syrian troops in Syria’s eastern province of Deir al-Zour, incurring a strong response from Moscow, which accused Washington of violating the ceasefire.

Konashenkov said Russia “had taken all necessary measures to avoid any such ‘mistakes’ aimed against Russian troops and military targets in Syria.”

Earlier this week, the U.S. suspended negotiations with Russia on restoring ceasefire in Syria, blaming Moscow for its military role in the attack on the Syrian city of Aleppo. (Xinhua/ NAN)

(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)

Customs impounds goods worth N101.5m
NAN-H-14
Seizures
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone ‘A’ Federal Operations Unit, Lagos, says it intercepted prohibited items with a duty paid value of N101.5 million in September.
Area Controller, Umar Dahiru, told newsmen on Thursday in Lagos that the unit also recovered N30.1 million on false declaration, undervaluation and evasion of duty payment from vehicles and other goods.
The controller said 14 suspects that tried to beat the system from the seaports and border stations were apprehended in connection with the seizures.
“In the month of September 2016 alone, about 98 seizures were recorded, comprising vegetable oil, imported rice, frozen poultry products, fairly used vehicles and general merchandise,’’ he said.
Dahiru commended the courage, patriotism and intelligence displayed by the officers which led to seizures and urged them to intensify their border patrols.
He warned smugglers who saw ‘ember’ months as peak periods for their nefarious acts to desist from such illegal business, adding that the unit would counter them.
Dahiru said that the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution after thorough investigation. (NAN)
AIC/WOJ
(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)

Female squash players call for more competitions

NAN-S-2
Squash
By Aderonke Ojediran-Lawal
Lagos, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) Worried by the dearth of competitions, female squash players in the country have urged sports authorities and private organisations to institute tournaments for them.

The players, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, noted that they hardly had up to five competitions in a year.

They noted that not a single competitions was organised for junior female players in 2015, while the senior players only had three competitions during the period.

According to the female players, their male counterparts usually have 12 to 14 competitions annually.

Longdi Dasbak, former number one female squash player, said that the situation had discouraged upcoming female players, as there were no sponsorships coming for regular competitions.

“If you look at most of the club monthly tournaments, hardly will you see female category, it always include that of the men, and we get all sort of excuses.

“Aside from regular competitions, there is great disparity in price money, at times what we get as winner in our category is less than what the third position gets in the in the male category.

“We have being trying our best to change this status quo, we train as much as men do so what is the difference?

“In fact, we train more, what we have suffered over the years, the younger players may not be able to bear it,’’ Dasbak said.

Sharing similar views is Lola Ajayi, another top female squash player told NAN that young players were being discouraged from choosing squash as a sport.

“Honestly speaking it is demoralizing for upcoming players. Take for instance, the forthcoming Alake of Egba competition is almost on the way but it is only opened for male junior players.

“I think it’s unfair. So many talents have abandoned squash, it’s crazy to train hard and at the end of the day, there is no competition to participate in.

“Something needs to be done, we are helpless, we don’t know how we can seek redress, I pray someday soon, something good will come on,” she said. (NAN)
OAF/ENN/MZA
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu and Controlled by Maharazu Ahmed)

NAN-H-132
kidnap
By Mohammad Tijjani

Kaduna Oct. 5, 2016,(NAN) The Police Command in Kaduna State on Wednesday confirmed the release of the immediate past Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Malam, and her husband, Pius.

The couple was abducted along Bwari/Jere axis on Kaduna-Abuja highway on Monday evening.

The Command’s spokesman, ASP Aliyu Usman, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna that the two regained their freedom on Wednesday evening.

“They were rescued at Jare through the effort of the security operatives,’’ he said.

Usman said no one had been arrested in connection with the incident but added: ‘’we are doing everything possible to arrest the suspects so that they can face the law.

“The ex-minister and her husband have united with their family.’’

Usman said that the abductors took away the former minister and her husband but released their driver unharmed.

” We call on the public to always give police useful information so as track criminals in our society,’’ he said.

NAN recalls that the abduction of high profile individuals in the country has been on the increase in recent times.

Early on Wednesday the police in Oyo State confirmed the shooting of a former Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof.  Olufemi Bamiro, by persons who allegedly attempted to kidnap him.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the abductors of Margaret Emefiele, the wife of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, released her after three days in captivity.  (NAN)

TJ/JCE

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Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

NAN-H-125
Synergy
By Oluwaseun Fadugba
Lagos, Oct. 5, 2016 (NAN) Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, on Wednesday called for more synergy with the police to end violence against women and children in the society.
Speaking during a visit to the Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos, Odumakin urged the police to ensure accelerated prosecution of perpetrators of violence against women and children.
“There is need for more synergy between Women Arise Group and the Police, especially in addressing violence against women and making prosecution possible and achieving justice.
“We need to take proactive steps for collaborative advocacy which will target significant reduction of incidences,” she said.
The woman activist said the group would engage the police at the advocacy level to sensitize authorities and the public on the alarming rate of gender abuse and violence against children in the society.
“We need to embark on enlightenment campaigns together with the police in order to send a strong message that the era of impunity is over,’’ Odumakin said.
Odumakin also urged the judiciary to ensure speedy dispensation of justice for gender-related violence to ensure justice for victims.
“We have only recorded 30 per cent justice for our victims and some of our victims get frustrated in the process.
“We still have lots of pending cases in the courts, so we are appealing to the judiciary to ensure justice to serve as punishment to perpetrators,’’ she said.
Receiving the group, Assistant-Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Mr Abdul-Majid Ali, assured the visitors of the police readiness to support the campaign.
“Violence against women and children as well as trafficking in women and children are evil and will have no place in my jurisdiction,’’ he said.
The AIG then assured the assured the organisation of the support of the police in curbing the menace in the society. (NAN)
NOD/WOJ
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(Edited by Wale Ojetimi(

NAN-H-80
Attack
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, Oct. 5, 2016 (NAN) Hoodlums on Wednesday attacked officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) at Costain Roundabout in Lagos and vandalised one of their patrol vehicles.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the hoodlums went on rampage on suspicion that one LASTMA official allegedly hit a commercial driver with a charm while arresting him over traffic offence.
The hoodlums and commercial drivers then blocked the Costain roundabout, causing a traffic snarl on the ever busy road.
An eye witness, Mr Kehinde Salami, said the LASTMA official stopped the commercial bus.
“The driver was dragging the steering wheel with the officials and one of them hit the driver with hand, the driver fell down and started foaming from the mouth.
“The LASTMA officials took away the bus, leaving the man on the floor.
“While this was happening, a LASTMA patrol car 003, with registration number RT 503 LA came into the scene with two officials in it. The hoodlums’ pounced on them but the officials escaped.
“The vehicle was vandalized; they even attempted to set it ablaze if not for BRT buses parked within the vicinity,’’ Salami said.
The conductor of the erring commercial bus, who simply identified himself as Kelvin, told NAN that LASTMA officials arrested their vehicle while attempting to pick passengers at Costain Roundabout.
According to the conductor, the officials physically assaulted both of them until the driver fell down and fainted.
“As soon as he fell down, the LASTMA officials took away our bus,’’ he said.
NAN further reports that the hoodlums took the victim in a tricycle with registration number KJA 409 QD to LASTMA Iponri office where a scuffle ensued.
The hoodlums later retreated following the arrival of police patrol teams which removed the vandalized LATSMA car to Iponri Police Station.
A Lagos State Emergency Ambulance Service with registration number KSF 632 DR later took the victim to General Hospital in Lagos Island.
LASTMA Commander in Surulere, Gbolahan Rasheed, who was in the vandalised car, told NAN that his vehicle ran into the hoodlums at about 9:20 am at Costain.
“We escaped by a whisker. I ran to Iponri Police Station to report, while the driver of the patrol car, Abalaya, was beaten seriously,’’ said the LASTMA Commander.
He said that the commercial bus driver, who allegedly fainted at the scene, suddenly started talking on getting to Lagos Island General Hospital.
“`The doctor called from the hospital to inform us that the driver had been discharged.
“That is why we arrested the conductor and one other, who claimed to be a brother to the commercial bus driver. We want them to provide the driver,’’ Rasheed said. (NAN)
MIO/WOJ
(Edited and controlled by Wale Ojetimi)

NAN-S-8
Tournament
By Victor Asije
Lagos, Oct. 5, 2016 (NAN)MoneyGram Guangzhou Open African League (G.O.A.L) has called on footballers from Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Congo, Kenya and Uganda to register for its forthcoming maiden tournament in Guangzhou, China.

MoneyGramm International’s Media Person, Ms Maria Bankiet-Kamińska in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos said the tournament was scheduled to commence from Oct. 22 to Nov. 5.

It said the tournament would enable participating teams to showcase their football skills.

The statement also said that teams’ participation would make them win the Grand Prize of 2,000 dollars as best team and 1,000 dollars for the runners-up.

According to the statement, the tournament will run for three consecutive Saturdays and culminate in the grand finale on Nov. 5.

“MoneyGram Guangzhou Open African League (G.O.A.L.) is 5-A-Side football tournament that will take place for the first time on Oct. 22, 2016.

“This initiative brings a professional football tournament to Guangzhou, which is home to a large African community with significant populations from Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Kenya and Uganda.

“Registration for MoneyGram G.O.A.L will last until Oct. 18, 2016. A maximum of 32 teams can enter for the tournament. Each team can have 8-10 players representing any African country.

“So far, we have teams from Nigeria, Congo, Mali, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Ghana. We still have over 2 weeks left of registration till it closes,’’ it said.

The statement said that the tournament was launched as the organisation’s way of giving something back to communities.

It added that the competition was also being organised to further promote the important role that football would continue to play in peoples’ everyday lives.

MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer and payment services and is recognised worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. (NAN)
AVU/ENN/PDE
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu and Controlled by Peter Ejiofor)

4 ships laden with petrol waiting to discharge in Lagos ports
NAN-H-25
By Aisha Cole.

Ships

Lagos, Oct. 05, 2016 (NAN) Four ships laden with petrol were waiting to discharge in Lagos ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) publication, “Shipping Position’’ said on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes the publication as saying that three other ships with bulk fertiliser, general cargo and containerised goods were waiting to berth at the ports.
According to the NPA, 25 ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive at Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from Oct. 5 to Oct. 17.
The NPA explained that the expected ships contained bulk wheat, bulk sugar, containers, base oil, frozen fish, steel products, frozen fish, bulk charcoal, crude palm olein, bulk fertiliser and petrol.
NAN reports that 15 other ships are at the ports discharging general cargoes, bulk wheat, bull yellow corn, empty container, bulk gypsum, frozen fish, bulk charcoal, and butane. (NAN)
AIC/WOJ
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(Edited and controlled by Wale Ojetimi)

NAN-DS-1

FRSC

By Peter Okolie

Oba (Anambra), Oct. 5, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said it prosecuted no fewer than 274 traffic offenders for 352 violations in Onitsha, Anambra, between July and September, 2016.

The Commander of Onitsha Unit of the commission, Mr Paulinus Akpotobo, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Oba, near Onitsha on Wednesday.

Akpotobo, who spoke on the sideline of ‘Ember’ month enlightenment on Highway Code, organised for members of the Tipper Owners and Welfare Association, said that 30 vehicles were impounded during the period.

According to him, 16 vehicles were confiscated and 23 drivers were cautioned during mobile court sessions carried out in different locations of Onitsha within the period.

“Motorists still overload their vehicles and drive without seatbelts in Onitsha area, but the command has intensified its enforcement on overload, especially in this Ember months,” he said.

Earlier, during the event, Akpotobo had urged tipper drivers to obey traffic rules by avoiding overloading and to ensure that the tyres of their vehicles were in good shape before embarking on any trip.

He also advised them to obtain new driver’s license through the relevant authorities, cautioning that “any driver license issued to you within three days or without capturing your face, finger prints and electronic signature is a fake document.

“If you are caught with it, you will be apprehended and made to pay a fine.”

In a lecture, the Unit Commander for Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state, Mr Patrick Ogbu, also cautioned the drivers against overloading.

“Stop creating compartments in your vehicles just to carry overloaded sand or stones; it ends up causing hazards and inconveniencing other road users.

“You should also have respect for smaller vehicles and humans and not use your horns to instil fear in them,” Ogbu said.

In a remark, President of Tipper Owners and Welfare Association, Mr Hycent Okafor, commended the FRSC for the lecture and promised that members would adhere to traffic rules.

He assured that the association would introduce internal disciplinary measures to check the conduct of members. (NAN)

OPC/DUA/OPI

Edited by Dada Ahmed and controlled by Olisa Ifeajika

1. The Association of Micro-Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN) holds news conference in Lagos on the state of the economy.

2. Ekiti State Government distributes new cars to best performing teachers in recognition of the state’s performance in the last NECO examination.

3. The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) organises a Skill Acquisition/Youth Empowerment Programme in Akure.

4. An NGO, Community Peace Partnership Initiative (CPPI), meets with traditional rulers in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, to find lasting solution to the crisis in the area.

5. National Veterinary Research Institute NVRI), Jos, briefs journalists on new research devices by the institute.

6. Kokona Local Government of Nasarawa holds peace and security meeting in Keffi.

7. Taraba Coordinator, Legal Aid Council, briefs journalists in Jalingo.

8. A case of a man who allegedly raped a minor comes up at Egor Magistrate’s Court in Benin.

9. The Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission, inaugurates the inter agency professionals for the evaluation of the 2016 research submitted by the academics.

9. Breast Without Spot, an NGO in Enugu, marks World Cancer Awareness Day.

10. House of Representatives conduct investigative hearing on alleged corruption, malpractices and breach of due process in the award of oil prospecting licence.

11. House of Representatives continues plenary to deliberate on a Bill for an Act to provide for the Administration and Political Structure of Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory and Other Related Matters.

12. Senate continues deliberation on the recent earth tremours in Kaduna State and other legislative matters.

13. Chief of Army Staff addresses a news conference on the opening of 2016 Nigerian Army Sports Festival in Abuja.

14. Abuja International Trade Fair Continues.

15. The trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for alleged false asset declaration, continues at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Abuja.

16. FCT High Court, Maitama, continues hearing in a case of alleged money laundering against retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, former National Security Adviser.

17. National Industrial Court hears a case of alleged unlawful dismissal, filed by some aggrieved staff against the Nigeria Police Service Commission.