Author: Isah Mukhtar

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NAN-H-43

Competition

By Gami Tadanyigbe

Kwali (FCT), Nov. 9, 2017 (NAN) The National Mathematical Centre (NMC) has called on well-meaning  Nigerians and private organisations to invest in the National Mathematical and Science Olympiads competitions, to improve Nigeria’s participation in mathematics competitions globally.

Prof. Stephen Onah, Director/Chief Executive of the centre, made the call during the National Mathematical Olympiad Award Ceremony for 73 outstanding students of mathematical sciences on Thursday in Kwali, FCT.

Onah said conducting the mathematical Olympiad competitions was capital intensive involving huge amount of money for the training of the students and their travelling abroad.

‘‘The Federal Government cannot do it alone, I am calling on all well-meaning Nigerians and private organisations to fund mathematical science/ Olympiad competitions,’’ he said.

He, however, stressed the need for the study of mathematics.

‘‘Studying mathematics helps to develop skills in logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.

‘‘The country is automatically rated as one with high level of youth development and a country with high potential in science and technology.

He also said that the Olympiad competitions had become so popular across the world, adding that they were being held at the national, regional, continental and international levels.

Also speaking, Dr Enang Moma, Administrator, Nigerian office, UNESCO, expressed satisfaction with the students’ performance in the mathematical Olympiad/sciences competitions.

Moma said that the UNESCO was interested in strengthening and encouraging female students in the study of science education.

‘‘She said UNESCO encouraged female students to have interest in learning science subjects because of the wide gap between the boys and the girls in the learning of sciences.

Contributing, Mr Zakari Mohammed, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, said that learning of sciences would go a long way to assist the country develop effectively in science and technology. (NAN)
SGT/MOL/DUA

Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Dada Ahmed

NAN-HG-4

Arrest

By Kola Adeyemi

Lokoja, Nov. 7, 2017 ( NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested a mobile police officer (name withheld) for allegedly escorting a vehicle loaded with 30 bags of substance suspected to be Indian hemp.

The Kogi State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Idris Bello, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lokoja that the police officer and the vehicle were arrested in Lokoja 2 p.m.

He said the suspected substance was found in a Toyota Picnic car with registration number Kogi KNA 185 LG.

Bello said that though the driver of the said vehicle escaped arrest, officials of the agency were able to apprehend the mobile policeman.

The commander said NDLEA had taken the policeman, the vehicle and bags of the suspected substance into custody. (NAN)
KKA/CHOM/DUA

Edited By Chioma Ugboma/Dada Ahmed

Kogi Govt. donates N20m to Kabba Community fund raising

NAN-H-43
Fund raising
Kabba(KOGI) Nov. 4, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has donated N20million to kabba community towards the building of a civic centre.

The governor, who was represented by the speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Mr Kolawole Olushola, announced the donation at the event in kabba on saturday.

The governor congratulated the good people of Kabba on the epoch making celebration, while he assured them of more assistance from the government.

In his speech, Mr Emmanuel Ajibero, the chairman of the committee on Kabba Day 2017, welcomed all dignitaries and people from home and abroad.

Ajibero said the launch of an ultra modern civic centre in kabba has been long desired.

He noted that he was optimistic it would be achieved within the next one year, and urged all invited guests to contribute generously.

He congratulated the royal father and traditional institution in the community on the auspicious occasion.

In his speech, Sen. Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi West in the Senate congratulated the good people of Kabba on the occasion.

He donated N3million to the community towards building an ultra modern civic centre.

High points of the occasion were entertainment of guests, cultural dance, exhibition of indigenous foods.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi was also represented by the Asoya of ile isoya Ife at the event.(NAN)
WAL/AFA
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Edited by Felix Ajide

Police arrest kidnap, robbery suspects in Kogi

NAN-DS–13

Arrest

Kola Adeyemi

Lokoja, Nov. 3, 2017 ( NAN) The Police in Kogi on Friday said they had arrested six kidnappers and one robbery suspect with arms and ammunition in the state.

A statement issued in Lokoja by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP William Aya, said that the suspects were arrested following tip-offs.

Aya gave the names of the suspected kidnappers as Samson Akogun, Joseph Mathias, Hassan Idris, Iliyasu Shaibu, Alhaji Shadow and Ede Adejoh.

He said that the suspects were arrested at their various hideouts in Egabada and Idah communities in Kogi East senatorial districts.

According to him, the suspects were behind the alleged kidnapping of Mr Ogbu Chikehi of Egabada town in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area in September.

The police spokesman said the hoodlums collected a ransom of N100,000 from their victim.

He said that the suspects had since confessed to the crime, saying that items recovered from them include a pump action gun, machetes , charms and N33,400.

He said the robbery suspect, Sheu Mohammed, was arrested by operatives attached to Kabba Division recently.

On interrogation, Aya said that the suspect confessed to belonging to a syndicate that had been terrorising residents of Kabba and its environs.

“Efforts are on top gear to arrest other members of his syndicate. Items recovered from him include one locally made Pistol with one live Cartridge,” he said.

He attributed the achievements to “the proactive strategies rooted in intelligence -led policing and robust interaction with the various strata of our communities”.

To consolidate on this, Aya said, the Police Area Commanders as well as Divisional Police Officers had been charged to beef up security in their areas of responsibilities.

“ They are to ensure massive deployment of police patrol teams and undercover operatives to black spots, flash points and other vulnerable criminal spots to nip in the bud all forms of crimes and criminality across the state,” the police spokesman said. ( NAN)
KKA/AMY/AMY
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Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

Bello vows to track, punish killers of unionist, two others

NAN-DS–12

Killers

By Kola Adeyemi

Lokoja, Nov. 3, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Friday vowed that the killers of a Labour leader and two other persons in Okene would be found and made to face the law.

In a statewide broadcast to the people of the state, Bello said he had already directed the police and other security agencies to track down the fleeing killers.

According to him, the brazen manner in which the killings were carried out indicated that the assassinations were premeditated

“There was also a clear intention to kill any hapless person who happened to be present at the time of the attack.

“ Law enforcement agents are already on their trail and I have put the full support of my administration at their disposal.

“ I promise Kogites that we will leave no stone unturned till we find and decisively put these cowardly criminals out of business in the manners prescribed by law,” he said.

He said that government viewed the killings as “enemy action” aimed at unsettling the peace and security in the state which had been restored at a great cost.

“ We are already fighting back strongly for our people. Kogites can be rest assured that no one will be allowed to take us back to the past.

The governor expressed sadness over the killing of Messrs Abdulmumini Yakubu and Ibrahim Otaru at Ozonwaya area of Okene on Nov. 1 and a 55-year-old carpenter , Mr Abdulganiy Aduki, who was killed at Nagazi in Adavi Local Government Area on Oct. 31.

According to him, the slain unionist, Yakubu, was a well known community leader, an Islamic cleric, a schoolteacher and a Labour leader.

“ In fact, he was one of the leaders who worked closely with government and the security agencies to stem the tide of insecurity in Kogi Central, particularly the Okene Axis.

“ Those who knew him well inform us that he lived an honourable life. No one must be allowed to dishonour him, even in death,” he said.

Bello insisted that the people of the state must be safe in every part of the state, especially in their homes.

According to him , security of lives and property will continue to remain a preoccupation of his government.

“Kogites will bear us witness that in the nearly two years we have been in office we have taken Kogi State from being one of the leading Theatres of kidnapping, armed robbery, thuggery and violent crimes in the country to its current status as one of the safest states to live and do business in,” he said.

“In times like this, it is important that we do not surrender to fear. If we do, that fear spreads like an infectious disease throughout our population, and the terrorists win,” the governor stated.

Bello then urged the people to be mindful of what they say or do in the collective interest and unity of the state.

He said that he was particularly worried about utterances credited to the leadership of organised Labour in the state, suggesting that Yakubu’s death may not be unconnected with his roles as a Labour leader opposed to Government.

“ Simply put, they have insinuated that this Government may have something to do with his death.

“ They have also gone ahead to posit that their lives are not safe as Labour leaders. I am aghast at this manner of thinking. Nothing could be further from the truth, and the leadership of Labour know this,” he said.

The governor said that the Labour leaders had nothing to fear as the government was not after them.

“ I am not after them. On the contrary, Government remains responsible for the security of their lives and property, along with those of all other citizens of this great state.

“It is a responsibility which even they know that we take very, very seriously indeed, “ he promised.

The governor advised the Labour leaders to avoid sensational statements so as to minimise the potential for fear and mischief mongering.

He reiterated that his administration had no choice but to work for the welfare of civil servants and the entire people of the state. ( NAN)
KKA /AMY/AMY
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Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

Political activities banned at 2017 Kabba Day- official

NAN-H-21

Ban

Aledare Akinwale

Lokoja,Nov 3,2017(NAN) For rancour-free celebration, the organisers of 2017 Kabba Day holding on Saturday have banned political activities in and around the Kabba Township Stadium, the event venue.

Mr Olabode Adeyemi, the Chairman, Publicity Subcommittee, announced the ban in a statement signed by him in Lokoja on Friday.

He said that the ban would cover display of any form of political solidarity by youths, signage and posters.

Adeyemi urged supporters or followers of political figures attending the event to comport themselves in this regard.

He said security officials and personnel would be adequately and efficiently deployed to maintain law and order throughout the period of the festival.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event will feature a carnival train of kings and queens in a royal cart.

The Okun people said they would honour the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, with a royal banquet among other activities. (NAN)

WAL/OSA/TA

Edited by Shittu Obassa/Tajudeen Atitebi
 

Unpaid salaries : Labour suspends negotiation with Kogi Govt. as gunmen kill unionist

NAN-DS-4

Killing

By Friday Idachaba

Lokoja, Nov. 2, 2017 (NAN) A Labour leader in Kogi State, Mr Abdulmumini Yakubu, has been killed by gunmen in Okene area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) gathered on Thursday in Lokoja that Yakubu was killed alongside a community leader, Ibrahim Otaru, in his house on Nov.1 at about 6:40 p.m.

Yakubu was until his death the Kogi branch Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools ( NASU) of the Science , Technical and Technology Education Board ( STTEB).

He was also a member of the Labour Negotiation Committee on the current industrial dispute with the State Government.

He also doubled as a community leader in Ozowanya area of Okene.

The killers, numbering about five, were said to have arrived Yakubu’s house at Ozovanya in a Sienna bus where they met him and Otaru discussing community matters.

On sighting them, the killers opened fire on Yakubu and Otaru and killed them on the spot.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP William Aya, confirmed the killings, saying that the matter was reported to the Okene Police Station at about 8 p.m. on the day of the incident.

Aya said that the corpses of Yakubu and Otaru were taken to the morgue of the General Hospital, Okene, where an autopsy would be conducted on them.

He said that police had begun a manhunt for the killers to bring them to justice.

The killing of Yakubu has thrown the organised Labour in the state into mourning.

The Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) immediately announced the suspension of further negotiation with the state government over their demands for the payment of  workers’ outstanding salaries and other benefits.

The talks were  earlier scheduled to resume on Nov. 2.

The decision was announced in a statement signed by the Chairman of the NLC, Mr Onu Edoka, and the Chairman of the TUC, Mr Ranti Ojo.

It said that the suspension was to enable workers to mourn their departed colleague.

“Labour leaders will only return to negotiating table as soon as there are full assurances of their safety and that of the members of their families,”the statement said.

It condemned the killing of the unionist and called on the police and the state government to urgently intervene and ensure that the killers were apprehended.

“ The organised abour will continue to fight to ensure that this particular murder does not go the way of many unresolved others,” it said.

Both the NLC and the TUC, however, urged workers to remain steadfast and prayerful for God to intervene in the myriad of problems bedeviling the state and commiserated with the family of the deceased. ( NAN)
FDJ /KKA/AMY

Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-HE-23
PTAD
By Biolal Lawal
Abuja, Nov 2, 2017 (NAN) The Executive Secretary of PTAD,  Sharon Ikeazor, on Thursday appealed to pensioners for calm over delay in disbursement of their October benefits.

Ikeazor said in a statement in Abuja that the delay “is due to new features introduced on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, GIFMIS platform for financial transactions”.

The directorate explained that it received “on October 27, 2017, new guidelines issued from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation on the new features which mandate it (like other employers) to integrate its pensioners into the cash management to employee payable procedures”.

“All PTAD departments had uploaded payments to pensioners for the month of October but some are yet to finalise payment owing to these new features’’.
While apologising to the pensioners for the delay, Ikeazor assured that “all efforts are being made to resolve and speed up payment’’. (NAN)
BL/IA

NAN-AE-3
Agriculture
By Kudirat Musa
Abuja, Nov. 2, 2017 (NAN) Mr Ibrahim Alkali, Project Desk Officer, FADAMA  III Additional Financing (AFII) project, says states in the North East need more intervention programmes to restore agricultural production in the region.

Alkali said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East needed more interventions, which the FADAMA AF II programme alone could not provide.

He said that the programme only targeted 24,000 persons, out of the millions of people who were displaced due to the insurgency.

“This figure, 24,000, is just a small portion. The demand is high; we are hoping that the Federal Government will reach out to the World Bank to provide more funds to restore the livelihoods of the IDPs.

“Looking at the North East generally, their main source of livelihood is agriculture but the people have been devastated because of the insurgency; they have lost all their belongings.

“Some have returned home and some still live in camps; they are helpless. I think it very important for the government to reach out to donor agencies to seek more funds for the people’s rehabilitation,’’ he said.

Alkali, however, noted that in the area of agricultural intervention, the FADAMA programme had performed creditably in the country.

“We have advantages because the FADAMA programme has existed for some decades; our experience and structures, from national to community levels, have been beneficial in the project implementation across the country,’’ he said.

Alkali said that the FADAMA III AF II package, which was specifically designed for the North East, was a complete package that covered all aspects, including livelihoods restoration, training, advisory services and environmental concerns.

“We provide food assistance for the people so as to make them to maintain the agriculture support given to them because you cannot support them without providing the food they can eat for them.

“We also provide social amenities for some of the communities in order to make life easier for them and make the project implementation more effective,’’ he said.

Alkali said that the National FADAMA Programme Office had just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Food Programme (WFP) to boost food production and people’s livelihoods in Borno.

“This is the first time that FADAMA is intervening in an emergency situation; the WFP has been in that sector for long and has recorded great results.

“For us to be fulfilled, we need an international agency to assess our performance.

“The one-million-dollar pilot project would be executed in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area; and its target is to reach 7,500 households,’’ he said.

Alkali said that the main objective of the project was to enhance income generating businesses in the neighbourhoods via the provision of start-up capital and skills strengthening schemes.

“I believe that the collaboration will also improve the beneficiaries’ access to food and community assets, with a positive impact on food security and nutrition.

“We are doing that purposely to work with experts; the project will also serve as a training opportunity for our staff, as they would be able to gain experience and learn from the approach of WFP to such interventions,’’ he said. (NAN)
ROK/OOK
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