Author: Isah Mukhtar

NAN-S-8
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Course
Lagos, Oct. 4, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 25 taekwondo technical officials on Tuesday in Lagos participated in a seminar on modern competition requirements.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the one-day seminar, held at the National Stadium, Lagos, was organised by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF).
NTF President George Ashiru told NAN that the seminar brought the coaches and referees together as a family and taught them modern techniques of interpreting rules at competitions.
“Some rules have been released by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and since we are affiliated to the body we must bring our technical officials to these current competition requirements.
“By the end of this programme, we expect the participants to be able to upgrade their coaching and officiating level in line with rules obtainable without any hitch,’’ he said.
David Kingsley, a participant from the Nigeria Customs Service, expressed delight that the programme would help adjust training for athletes to suit competition requirements.
Kingsley said: “We are better informed on what our athletes are expected to do to attract points or penalty, and it is a plus on our training schedules,’’
Thursdaline Peters, a Lagos-based instructor, said the seminar came at the appropriate time when the National Sports Festival was around the corner.
Peters said that she was impressed with the standard of the seminar.
“The NTF have done well by bringing an international standard seminar to our door step,’’ she said. (NAN)
MIL/WOJ
(Edited and controlled by Wale Ojetimi)

NAN-H-26

Farming

By Kola Adeyemi

Lokoja, Oct. 4, 2016 (NAN) The Kogi State Government on Tuesday said arrangements were being concluded for the establishment of six farm settlements across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The Special Adviser to the governor on Local Government Affairs, Mr Abubakar Ohere, spoke of the plan in Lokoja.

He was addressing the administrators of the state’s 21 local government councils on the New Agenda blueprint of the state government

Ohere said that farmers in the settlements would be encouraged to embark on mechanised farming and be provided with extension services to ensure food sufficiency in the state.

The adviser said that the proposed farm settlements were being initiated in response to the government’s desire to use agriculture to create jobs and wealth for the youth.

According to him, farmers that will be engaged under the scheme will also be trained on how to handle simple farming tools.

He said that the farming tools would be fabricated locally to save money while the tools would be sold to farmers at subsidised rates.

Ohere said that 252 sheabutter farmers selected across the 21 local government councils in the state would be going for a capacity building train the trainers workshop in Minna , Niger State.

According to him, the training is to take place in the next few weeks as part of efforts by government to make the product a foreign exchange earner.

The Special Adviser disclosed that all the local government councils inherited a loan of N4 billion from the previous administrations.

He, however, said the state government was taking steps to ensure that this did not impede service delivery to the people at the grassroots.

Ohere charged the council administrators to ensure effective implementation of the New Direction blueprint through quality leadership style and good governance.

He also warned them against allowing sentiments and tribalism to creep into governance at their respective councils.

The Chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr Taufiq Isa, also spoke at the event.

He promised that the administrators would implement the quick win areas in the New Direction Agenda for the benefit of the people. (NAN)
KKA/COO/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

NAN-S-6
Tennis
By Franklin Ohaegbu
Lagos, Oct. 4, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 109 players from 39 countries, including Nigeria are to participate in the 16th edition of the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship, billed for Oct. 8 to Oct. 22.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship is scheduled to hold at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club in Onikan.

According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the players will jostle for the $100,000 prize money and the Association of Tennis Players (ATP) points in a two-part tournament.

They would also compete for honours in the singles and doubles events of both the men and women’s categories.

Interestingly, this year’s competition will see the return of some former champions of the Governor’s Cup to the city of Lagos.

Top on the list is Enrique Lopez-Perez from Spain, who won the two legs of the tournament in 2012.

Ranked number 174 in the world, the Spanish star is the top seed in the men’s singles this year.

Also to feature is Boy Westerhof of the Netherlands, who won the competition in 2007 and was men’s doubles winner in 2010 edition. He is currently ranked number 313.

Egyptian Karim-Mohamed Mohamed, Duncan Mugabe of Uganda and Mark Fynn of Zimbabwe are some of the old faces to play in the pro-circuit event.

For the first time in the history of the game, Nigeria’s Christian Paul with ATP rank, 1,290, is listed in the main draws of the first leg of the tournament.

Other Nigerian players, who would play preliminaries to the main draws in the qualifying matches – except the wildcards from the ITF, include Sylvester Emmanuel, Moses Michael, Umar Balami and Albert Bisong.

Joseph Ubon, Mohammed Mohammed, Edward Christopher, Adimabua Iyorovbe, Francis Aleji, Emmanuel Ikakah and Ilechukwu Iloputa would also have the chance to fight their ways to the main draws.

In the women’s event, 2013 and 2015 champion, Tadeja Majeric of Slovakia ranked 239, would stage a comeback to Lagos.

She would be joined by regular faces such as Conny Perrin of Switzerland, semi-finalist in last year’s event.

Perrin, who is ranked, 233 is the top seed in the women’s singles.

Others are American Alexandra Riley, Indian Prathana Thombare, a quarter finalist in 2015, Ester Masuri and Keren Shlomo, both from Israel as well as Valeria Bhunu of Zimbabwe.

Melissa Ifidzen is the highest ranked Nigerian lady with 1,029 in the world, while other local ladies listed by the ITF, include Osariemen Airhunmwunde, US-based Omolola Oredugba and Patience Onebamhion.

Also, Loveth Donatus, Ronke Akingbade, Aminat Quadri, Sarah Adegoke, Aanu Ayegbusi and Christie Nwankwo would be competing.

The Secretary of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Gloria Ekwempu, said that Lagos was ready for the competition.

“All necessary preparations to host the array of foreign stars coming to Lagos for the tourney have been put in place.

“We’ll ensure that visas procurement of the players were easy at our various embassies across the world. We are ready to welcome the world stars to Lagos.

“On the part of our local players, they have been informed.

“As usual, their registrations have to be done online on the website of the ITF where they will pay necessary fees and all other documentations.

“We will be working with the Local Organising Committee to ensure that we stage a memorable 16th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship this year,” Ekwempu said.

The scribe said that the technical committee of the federation would soon meet to decide who gets the wildcards for the main draws of this year’s competition among the Nigerian players. (NAN)
FOE/ENN/SN
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu, controlled by Silas Nwoha)

NAN-H-13
Assault
Lagos , Oct. 4, 2016 (NAN) A 19-year-old employee, John Edward , was on Tuesday arraigned in Lagos for beating up his employer over delay in the payment of salary.
The accused, whose address was not stated in court, is facing a four-count charge bordering on assault, conspiracy and malicious damage before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
The Prosecutor, Mr Ishola Samuel, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Sept. 1 at Olusoji Idowu St. Ilupeju, Lagos.
Samuel said the accused conspired with others still at large and assaulted their employer, Solomon David, over delay in the payment of their salaries.
“The accused used dangerous weapons such as iron rod and stick to inflict injuries on the complainant,’’ the prosecutor said.
According to him, the accused and his collaborators also destroyed a telephone handset worth N7,000 and tore their employer’s shirt, valued at N10, 000.
Samuel said that the offences contravened Sections 410, 171 and 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, Miss A .R Onilogbo, granted the accused N50,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned to Nov. 1, for hearing. (NAN)
IZU/WOJ
(Edited and controlled by Wale Ojetimi)

WADA, Interpol team up to combat doping substances trafficking

NAN-S-3

Doping

Berlin (NAN/dpa) The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Police Organisation (Interpol) have set up a joint project to fight the trafficking of performance-enhancing substances by criminal networks.

Interpol said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the WADA-funded project Energia aims to identify criminal networks.

It said that WADA and Interpol would also uncover links between trafficking and criminal organisations in sport and determine how to conduct law enforcement efforts.

The project is to focus on drugs which are used solely to enhance performance, such as anabolic steroids, growth hormones, peptides and the blood booster EPO.

“The Energia project is a key component in the global fight against doping.

“By joining forces, WADA and Interpol are better able to share intelligence on trafficking methods.

“And on those who manufacture and distribute dangerous substances to athletes seeking an edge,’’ it quoted WADA Director-General Olivier Niggli as saying.

Niggli said the project would help “support efforts to cut off the supply of performance enhancing drugs at the source, before they manage to get into the hands of athletes and it will contribute significantly to protecting clean sport.’’ (NAN/dpa)
MJO/ENN/SN
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu, controlled by Silas Nwoha)

NAN-H-31

Refineries

By Yahaya Isah

Abuja, Oct. 3, 2016 (NAN ) Nigerian Air Force ( NAF) has some destroyed illegal refineries and barges in the Niger Delta, its spokesman Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, said in a statement in Abuja on Monday

“In its concerted efforts to stop illegal bunkering and criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, NAF today destroyed illegal oil refineries and barges filled with petroleum products.

“The refineries and barges were sighted by NAF Diamond 42 aircraft on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission in Bille Community of Rivers.

“Thereafter, an Mi-24V helicopter gunship was called-in for attack,” Famuyiwa, who is the Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, said.

He described the operation as very successful and added that a similar operation was carried out with remarkable success earlier in the same location.

“These are clear signals to criminals operating in the South-South region as well as other parts of the country that it is no longer business as usual,” Famuyiwa said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the destruction of  illegal refining facilities by security agencies and their re-installation by oil thieves have become a regular occurrence in the Niger Delta. (NAN)
YI /JCE
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Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

NAN-H-36
Support
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Oct. 1, 2016 (NAN) The Minister of State, Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, says Nigeria is prepared to continue to support the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO’s) “No Country Left Behind” initiative.

Mr James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday that Sirika made the pledge at the 39^th ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada.

Sirika called on members of the organisation to support the initiative with a view to assisting ICAO to implement its standard and recommended practices.

He said that Nigeria had prior to the initiative been collaborating with ICAO and African Civil Aviation Commission to promote safety in the West Africa sub-region.

According to him, Nigeria is doing that through hosting and subvention funding of Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation, the Aviation safety organisation with  headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

“It gladdens my heart to say that as of today, there is no state in our sub-region that is on the list of states with significant safety concern.

“Nigeria will continue to champion the advancement of civil aviation in our sub-region through the continuous hosting and sponsorship of ICAO’s comprehensive regional implementation plan of aviation safety in Africa.

“Within the last two years we have made major strides to promote safety in our airspace and this was confirmed with the success recorded by Nigeria in the ICAO audit.

“We have also successfully retained FAA category One rating.

“Presently, we are reviewing the primary aviation legislation, Civil Aviation Act 2006 to ensure that Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority continues to exercise requisite power and full autonomy to regulate aviation safety without political interference,’’ he said.

Sirika also said Nigeria had continued to record significant improvement in the area of aviation security by installing modern security equipment at its airports.

He said  the country recently carried out vulnerability analysis of its airports and put in place measures to check terrorism activities.

He said Nigeria’s excellent outing at the last ICAO security audit which took place in June, 2015, attested to its efforts in the area of safety.

“We, however,  believe that  ICAO and member states must continue to put in place proactive measures to curb ever-increasing threat to security of civil aviation.

“It is also noteworthy to mention that Nigeria continues to participate in the ICAO’s PKD and support ICAO’s effort to provide assistance to other West African states in their resolve to introduce e-passport.

“We are also in consultation with the UN to establish aviation security training schools in Nigeria and these schools  will serve, not only Nigeria but the entire sub-region,’’ he said.

The minister noted that ICAO General Assembly was meant to reflect on the developments that had occurred in the aviation industry and  new strategies of improving them.

He said that those new strategies should make air transportation safer, secure, efficient and  environmentally friendly to ensure the growth and sustainability of the aviation industry globally.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the ICAO Assembly is the organisation’s body which meets, at least, once every three years.

The 191 member states of ICAO and international organisations attend the assembly to formulate policies  for the next three years.  (NAN)
OYS/JCE
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Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

1.IBADAN ZONE
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1. The Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti, rules on Gov. Ayo Fayose against EFCC and Zenith Bank over the freezing of his private accounts.

2. The Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Christian Wing, holds its quarterly prayer session on the state of the Nation.

3.The Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta, holds a special Jumat service to commemorate Nigeria’s 56th independence, Jokotoye to cover.

4. Training workshop, organised by South Saharan Social Development Organisation for the physically challenged holds in Enugu.

5. The 3rd National Conference of Crop Science Society of Nigeria holds in Nsukka.

6. Gov. Lalong of Plateau in Jos meets with manufacturers in Plateau.
7.Gov. Al-Makura of Nasarawa state holds media chat with journalists and inaugurates e-library project.

8.Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo visits Zamfara.

9. Olu of Warri conferred chieftaincy titles on some distinguished persons in Warri.

10. Sitting of Farmers/Herders Panel of Enquiry set up by Adamawa Government holds in Yola.

11.News conference by the Redeemed Christian Church of God comes at Akute, Lagos.

12. ‘The City of Lagos Monopoly Competition’ holds at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

13. The second Top Sprinter and Lagos Relays Competition continues at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

14.The Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation meets with stakeholders on value Re-Orientation,

15. House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change meets.

16. Techher innovations, an innovation incubating organisation, holds public meeting at the British Council from 9 in Abuja.

17. Three Matches to be played in the ongoing 2016 FCT Super League at the Area 3 football pitch, Abuja.

18. Capital City Dove Football Club to face Delta Queens Football Club in the Match 12 of the ongoing Nigeria Women Football League, Abuja.

19. Nigeria’s female national team Flamingoes play their Brazilian counterparts in teams first match at FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan–Desk with reactions.

20.The Central Bank of Nigeria seminar for finance reporters and editors ends at Osborne la Palm hotel, Abakaliki.

21. The Abuja International Trade Fair opens .

22.A symposium organised by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria , Abuja.

23.National Primary Healthcare Development Agency addresses news conference in Abuja on the outbreak of polio virus in part of North-East of the country.

24.Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court continues hearing in a case of alleged recruitment scam filed against the former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro.

25.An FCT High Court continues hearing in an alleged corruption charge against AVM Alkali Mamu, a former Air Officer Training Command and a member of the Committee for Procurement, Ministry of Defence.

26.The National Industrial Court hears a case of alleged unlawful termination of appointment filed by an aggrieved member of staff against the Nigeria Immigration Service.

27.An FCT High Court, Apo, continues hearing in a case of alleged breach of trust filed against a 42-year-old contractor, Yinka Adeniyi.
28.The Supreme Court to give reasons for its decisions on Abia and Sokoto governorship appeals.

Police Zone 2 Command moves to crack down on errant officers
NAN-H-57
Monitoring
By Oluwaseun Fadugba
Lagos, Sept. 29, 2016 (NAN) Mr Abdul-Majid Ali, Assistant-Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 2, has set up special monitoring teams to check the activities of officers against unlawful activities.
Spokesman of the command, Muyiwa Adejobi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that the teams were set up to ensure police compliance with statutory regulations.
Adejobi, a superintendent of police, said the monitoring teams were established in accordance with the agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, to reform the police force.
He said that the move followed a strategic meeting between the police high command and heads of police formations in Lagos and Ogun States.
“The meeting came up with the setting up of different monitoring teams to check the operations of officers in the zone.
“The monitoring teams will put officers on their toes and ensure they do the right thing at all times.
“They will undertake routine checks and visits without notice to area commands or divisional posts, including officers on operations,’’ he said.
Muyiwa noted that the development would deter officers from engaging in unlawful duties.
“We have about seven men in our custody that were arrested for impersonation.
“Some are out of service but they still parade themselves as officers; these are some of the things the monitoring teams will handle,’’ said the police spokesman.
He advised policemen to desist from any form of illegality by operating within the ambit of the law. (NAN)
NOD/WOJ
(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)