Author: Isah Mukhtar

NAN-H-55

Burial

By Stanley Nwanosike

Enugu, Jan. 29, 2018 (NAN) Enugu township is presently wearing a new look following clean-up and arrangements for visitors and friends coming into the town to pay last respects to the late former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ekwueme died on Nov.19, 2017 at a London Hospital in the United Kingdom after a brief illness.

NAN reports that the Presidential Committee for the burial of the late Vice-President had fixed a service of songs for late Ekwueme at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Independent Layout, Enugu, on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m.

According to the burial arrangements, there will be South-East Zonal Commendation ceremony at Okpara Square, Enugu at 10 a.m on Wednesday.

A correspondent of NAN, who monitored development in the state capital on Monday, observed that the grasses in green verge areas of the metropolis had been pruned.

Trees with outgrown trucks and branches in the town had been trimmed as well.

At Okpara Square, which would be venue for South-East Commendation Ceremony, the square had been re-painted, its grass pruned and its lighting systems had also been fixed and re-tested for efficiency.

The compound of the Good Shepherd Cathedral Church, Independent Layout, Enugu, had been given proper cleaning ahead of the service of songs for the late political icon.

Meanwhile, the Enugu country home of the late former Vice-President is already wearing a new look as the facilities had been cleaned up.

The water system had also been fixed, while the building was wearing a new glossy paint, revealing the beauty of the edifice which was more than 25 years old.

Buildings within the vicinity of his residence had all been repainted, especially houses No. 8, 10 and 12 on the same street, which were directly opposite the late political icon’s house.

When NAN correspondent went through the condolence register at the residence, more 391 Nigerians had signed it so far. (NAN)
KSN/MOL/EEE
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ese E. Ekama

NAN-AE-4
Training
By Musa Kudirat
Abuja, Jan. 29, 2018 (NAN) The FADAMA III Additional Financing (AFII) programme has started training farmers in Kogi on how to use simple farming technology to boost agriculture.

Ms Josephine Unekwu, FADAMA III Communication Officer in Kogi, made this known via a statement on Monday in Abuja.

She said that the FADAMA III AF II programme would strive to improve the farmers’ productivity by teaching them simple farming technology and assisting them to adopt it.

“It is necessary to build the capacity of farmers before the end of 2019; it is also necessary to encourage the farmers to build healthy relationship with Fulani herdsmen.

“The project will ensure that the FADAMA Federated Community Associations are formed, and they will be used to sustain all our investments,’’ she said.

The statement also quoted Mr Ashiru Asiwaju, Kogi Commissioner for Finance, as saying that “the project is in line with the agricultural blueprint of the state“.

Asiwaju also said that farmers in the state had testified how the FADAMA project had positively impacted on their livelihood.

He said that the farmers were particularly impressed by the high-yield capacity of the improved cassava seed provided for them under the project.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kogi is one of six core states benefiting from the FADAMA III AF II programme, which involves the development of cassava and rice value chains. (NAN)
ROK/EEM/OOK
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Edited by Emmanuel Mogbede and Dayo Komolafe

NAN-S-4

Tinubu
By Alli-Hakeem Ajibola

Lagos, Jan. 29, 2018 (NAN) The organisers of the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards have expressed shock and sadness at the untimely death of Deji Tinubu, one of the pioneer supporters of the awards.

The late Tinubu who died on Jan. 25, was until his death the Special Adviser on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State.

The organisers said that it was sad that the soccer fan slumped while playing the five-aside match with fellow participants at the retreat for members of the Lagos State Executive Council and Permanent Secretaries at the Jubilee Chalets, Epe.

Mr. Shina Philips, President of the Awards in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, said Tinubu had been a supporter and a voter on the platform of the awards.

“Since 2012 when the maiden press conference of the awards was held, Mr Deji Tinubu had remained committed to uplifting the standard of football in Nigeria through the organisation of  a credible and rewarding  system,’’ Philips said.

He expressed shock at the news of Tinubu’s sudden passing on.

“He was full of life the last time we met,’’ Philips said, adding that “his death will be a very big loss to many athletes, sports lovers, sports journalists and his immediate constituency.’’

Philips added that Tinubu was one of the organisers’ top guests and speakers at the press conference that heralded the Nigeria Pitch Awards in July 2012 in Lagos.

“Since then, he has remained committed to the awards and to Nigerian football,’’ he said.

He said Tinubu’s death came at a time when the nation needed his experience and expertise most as the country was making efforts to improve on the standard of the sport.

“As friends and partners with him, we pray that God will grant his family, the Lagos State Government and the football family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,’’ he said.

Similarly, Mr Debo Oshundun, the chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter, told NAN that the body had opened a condolence register at its secretariat in Lagos.

He said that the chapter also participated in the candle- light procession organised by the Lagos State Sports Commission, held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Sunday.

According to the burial programme released by the family, there would be the Lying-in-State for the deceased at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Victoria Island, Lagos State on Tuesday, Jan.30, 2018 at 9.30 a.m.

It added that the funeral service would also hold at the same venue on Jan. 30 at 10.00a.m., while interment would follow immediately after at Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi, Lagos. (NAN)
AHA/ENN/PAD
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Dada

NAN-H-40
Arrest
By Biola Lawal
Abuja, Jan. 28, 2018 (NAN) The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested a 38 year old herbalist, Mr Chigozie Emmanuel, aka ‘Akuchi’, for selling new born babies in Abuja.

NAPTIP said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, that Emmanuel is from Enugu State and the owner of Akuchi Herbal Concept, located at New Nyanya, Abuja.

It said he was arrested “after weeks of diligent surveillance by officers of the Agency and those of the Department of State services’’.

Emmanuel was allegedly “deceiving women into thinking they are pregnant and thereafter giving other people’s babies to them having collected lots of money’’.

“The arrest was based on a previous arrest by the Nigerian Police, of a woman whom they saw with a baby in Abuja enroute Minna, Niger State.

“Based on their suspicion, they detained and questioned the woman on the identity of the baby she carried. She admitted to being a patient of Emmanuel, whom she said administered some herbs to her after years of infertility.

“She thereafter appeared pregnant and was cautioned against going to the hospital for any medical treatment or ante-natal care.

“When it was time for her ‘delivery’, Mr. Emmanuel directed her to Port-Harcourt where a baby was handed over to her. She confessed to paying Mr. Emmanuel the sum of six hundred and fifty thousand naira (N650,000) for his services’’.

The statement added that Emmanuel, who was arrested at the weekend, “is helping in further investigations on sale of human beings and child trafficking’’.

Reacting to the arrest, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli commended the Officers for their painstaking surveillance which culminated in the arrest.

She further warned the public, especially women, to stop patronizing such ‘herbalists’, as the sale of babies is a crime punishable by law.

The NAPTIP boss advised couples who wish to adopt a child to go through the legal means of adoption.

According to her, some of the babies sold to these women were abducted from their biological parents.

She called for more information from the public about any such act or ‘maternity homes’ being run in their neighbourhood. (NAN)
BL/IS
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-HE-11

Collaboration

By Biola Lawal

Abuja, Jan. 26, 2018 (NAN) Nigerian businessmen have indicated interest in collaborating with Pakistani industrialists in surgical equipment manufacturing, according to Pakistan Head of Chancery, Asim Khan.

Khan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that other areas of partnership being explored by the businessmen included textile, shoe making and agricultural equipment and facilities.

“The increasing interaction between Nigerian and Pakistani businessmen will open more areas of investment, create opportunities for joint ventures and further promote cordial relationship,” he said.

He disclosed that application for business visa from Nigerians visiting Pakistan had increased, assuring that the relationship between the two countries would further improve with the cooperation in the area of military material and training support.

NAN recalls that Pakistan had provided logistic assistance to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism with donations of military aircraft to the West African nation’s military. (NAN)
BL/ETS

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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

NAN-H-5

Patients

Lokoja, Jan. 24, 2018 ( NAN) Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi  says his administration has spent N100 million to offset the medical bills of no fewer than 300 persons in the state in the past one year.

The governor said in a statement in Lokoja on Wednesday that the money was sourced from the Kogi State Poor and Vulnerable Fund which was established in 2017 to mark his one year in office.

According to Bello, the N100 million was to offset medical bills of people who otherwise would not have been able to raise funds to get the needed medical attention they deserved both within and outside the country.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mrs Petra Akinti-Onyegbule, said that the fund was set up to give the poor and vulnerable a new lease on life.

She expressed joy and satisfaction that the fund was already achieving its objective.

She however said that much still needed to be done, especially in the rural areas, where the bulk of the indigent sick people reside.

“The satisfaction of seeing people do what illness and lack of access to funds had deprived them of for years and in some cases decades, has filled Gov. Bello’s heart  with immense joy and determination to reach more people and offer succour,” she said in the statement.

She said that the governor had directed his friends, associates and other well wishers who wanted to place congratulatory adverts in the media as his administration clocks two years in office to stop the idea.

She said that the directive also covered local governments, ministries, agencies and departments.

The CPS said that the governor had pleaded that money meant for such adverts should be donated to the fund so that more indigent patients could benefit.

She said that the governor, however, expressed gratitude to the people for the immense support his administration had enjoyed from them in the last two years.

She said that Bello promised that apart from the ongoing infrastructural development in the state, his administration would entrench long lasting institutional reforms that would be the bedrock of an organised and functional system.

Akinti-Onyegbule said that the governor assured residents of the state that his administration would make efforts to ensure that the system was hinged on the principles of equity, fairness, justice, and would reward merit and diligence.( NAN)
KKA /PAD
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Badoo Killings: I-GP sets up mobile police base in Ikorodu

NAN-H-69

Commissioning

By Adepote Arowojobe

Lagos, Jan. 22, 2018 (NAN) In a move to curb the rampant criminal activities in Ikorodu, the police high command on Monday inaugurated the Squadron 63 Mobile Police Base in Igbogbo Baiyeku area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Squadron 63 Police Mobile Force (PMF), headed by a superintendent of police, was equiped with dozens of combat-ready anti-riot policemen to curb crime rates in the area.

Inaugurating the mobile police unit, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, said that Ikorodu had over the years grown to become one of the fastest developing Lagos suburbs with thriving commercial and social activities of emerging cities.

“Ritual killings, murders, kidnappings, armed robbery and others have become features of Ikorodu and this experience brings the urgent need to strengthen security around Ikorodu and the environs,” the I-GP said.

The I-GP was represented by Mr Folusho Adebanjo, a deputy inspectors general of police.

He urged the community to collaborate and support the new security unit by providing useful information to curtail insecurity in the area.

Speaking at the ocassion, Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Imohimi Edgal, said that the establishment of the PMF squadron base in Ikorodu would help in reducing crime rate in the area to the bearest minimum.

“Community policing and safety partnership is working and I can promise that the year 2018 is going to be more of action and less talk.
“Squadron 63 is here, in the next one week you will see their deployment and of course crime rate will reduce drastically,” said the Lagos police commissioner.

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by Tunji Bello, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, said that PMF Squadron 63 was established in Igbogbo Baiyeku to effectively address the security challenges in Ikorodu area.

“Universally, the primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safety and security of its citizenry.

“No meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos, fear and uncertainty about safety of lives and property.

Ambode commended the I-GP for his partnership with the state and prompt approval of the base to ensure that criminals do not have a safe haven in any part of the state.

Earlier, Mr Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, commended the police and the state govenment for establishing the security unit and assured that the community would synergise with the security agency. (NAN)

ADEX/WOJ
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(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)

NAN-HE-12

Pension

By Bukola Adetoye

Lagos, Jan. 21, 2017 (NAN) More than 25,000 pensioners are still excluded from the Federal Government’s payroll of retirees, according to the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).

Lagos Chapter Chairman of NUP, Joseph Dele, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that the affected pensioners were not among over 300,000 paid under Defined Benefits Scheme and Contributory Pension Scheme.

The NUP urged federal government to mandate the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to conduct verification exercise for the affected pensioners to enable them get gratuities for their long years of service.

He described allegations that officials of the union were involved in pension fund scam as an excuse not to pay NUP members excluded from the payroll system.

“The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alleged that the pension fraud was perpetrated by public officials with the active connivance of NUP, Association of Federal Public Service Retirees, among others.

“NUP did not collude with anyone to list 16,238 ghost pensioners to siphon N839 million to fictitious pensioners monthly.

“Over 25,000 and not 16,238 members were still excluded on the payroll.

“They are not fictitious pensioners as claimed by the AGF and as we speak they are not on federal government payroll,” he said.

Dele explained that only one per cent of monthly pensioners’ fund was remitted to the NUP secretariat for maintainance and other ad-hocs services. (NAN)
OBA/WOJ
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(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)

Police fraud unit arrests 20 visa racketeers in Lagos

NAN-H-25

Arrest

By Adepote Arowojobe

Lagos, Jan. 20, 2018 (NAN) The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) says it has arrested over 20 suspects who specialised in counterfeiting entry visas of some foreign countries.

Spokesman for the PSFU, Audi Lawal, said in a statement on Saturday in Lagos that the visa racketeers were arrested at several embassies of the foreign countries in Lagos.

The police spokesmanspokesman said that the suspects specialised in forgery of visa processing documents such as passports, bank statements, company letterheads and immigration stamps of several overseas countries.

Lawal said that all the supects confesssed to have committed the crimes and were charged to court for prosecution to serve as deterrent to others involved in such illegal activities.

“The Polıce Special Fraud Unit in its effort to discourage members of the public from patronising racketeers and false document makers, recently busted a cartel which specialises in counterfeiting.

“This cartel specialised in UK, Canada and Shengen visas, Nigerian passports, bank statements, various countries’ immigration stamps and letter of introduction from corporate organisations,” Lawal said.

The PSFU spokesman advised visa applicants against patronising agents using fake travel documents for processing visa at embassies in Nigeria.

He urged visa applicants to always access embassies and high commissions information through their official websites on visa application procedures.

ADEX/WOJ
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(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)

NAN-H-9

Doctor

Lokoja, Jan. 20, 2018 ( NAN) Kogi State has recorded a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever as a medical doctor working with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) , Lokoja has been confirmed to be a victim of the disease.

Dr Olatunde Alabi, the Medical Director of FMC, who briefed newsmen on Saturday in Lokoja, said that the male doctor was diagnosed of the disease on Jan. 19.

He said that the victim’s blood sample was sent to the Federal Medical Centre, Irrua, Edo State for laboratory analysis, adding that it tested positive.

Alabi said that the 30-year-old doctor was in the early hours of Saturday taken to Irrua for further treatment.

According to the medical director, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the state Ministry of Health and other stakeholders have been informed of the development and are already assisting the Centre in various ways.

He said that all the people that came in contact with the sick doctor, both at home and work had been placed under surveillance.

Alabi said that the centre in partnership with relevant stakeholders had commenced contact tracing to enable it trace the source of the disease and ascertain if there was any other victim within the community where the doctor resides.

He said that the Centre would also embark on health education for its members of staff to prevent human to human transmission of the disease.

The medical expert urged members of the public to endeavour to report cases of fever early to the nearest health facility for early treatment.

He also appealed to residents to take urgent steps to eliminate rats in their houses and surroundings, saying that foodstuff like garri, rice, beans, maize should be kept in air tight containers to prevent contamination by rats.

It would be recalled that the centre in 2017 handled three cases of Lassa fever, two of the victims died while one survived. (NAN)
KKA/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama