Author: Isah Mukhtar

NAN-AE-18
Farming
By Philomina Attah/Kudirat Ogunyemi
Abuja, Aug. 28, 2017 (NAN) Mr Adewale Ajadi, Country Representative, Synergos Nigeria, said that its initiative, tagged ‘’State Partnership for Agriculture (SPA)’’ was a huge boost to the country’s agriculture sector.

Ajadi said this while addressing participants at a Consultative Forum and Core Delivery Team Capacity Building workshop on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Synergos is a global non-profit organisation that fights poverty, and helps to solve problems on health, nutrition, agriculture, education and employment.

The Country Representative said that the project was designed to assist farmers  to solve problems relating to poverty, by converting cassava peels to animal feeds and other areas of agriculture.

”The Synergos project, called SPA, is to narrow the gap between the state and federal agenda and develop the linkages between them for the benefit of the rural farmers.

“SPA has developed the capacity of stakeholders involved and will step it down to the community farmers in three states: Kogi, Benue and Kaduna.

“We train our staff in management for them to use different mode to make farmers understand our mission and vision and what they stand to gain thereafter.

“ These means and others have really helped farmers not only to increase their production, but also give them stable income,’’ he said

According to Ajadi, the organisation has identified some difficulties facing agriculture in Nigeria and had designed solutions to them.

 He mentioned some of the challenges to include, land clearing, post harvest loss, marketing, credit facility inadequate agricultural equipment among others.

“About two to three years ago, when Synergos came to Nigeria, our challenge was how do we get the Federal and state governments to the same room and speak about issues of agriculture.

‘’Our success so far now is encouraging and we promise to do more in accordance with the Federal Government Green Alternative Policy,’’ he said.

Mr Ashafa Dauda, General Manger, Kaduna State Agricultural Agency (KADA) said that the state as one of the state benefiting from Synergos project had really achieved from its SPA project in all aspects.

Dauda said capacity building, advisory services, certified inputs and agrochemicals, marketing and more, launched by Synergos, had really increased production and income of farmers in the state.

He, however, stressed the need for stronger partnership between the Federal Government and Synergos, through SPA, to eradicate poverty and find solutions to some of the challenges facing farmers in Nigeria.

Also, Mrs Lydia Oyewole, Fadama representative for Kogi, said that Synergos project had also assisted farmers in the state to record huge harvest.

Oyewole said Kogi was one of the states that started the SPA in 2015 with a focus to transforming cassava peel to animal feeds, due to the excess of cassava production in the state.

She said that this had served as source of income to numerous farmers in the state, increased production and ensure job creation to the youth and women.

Oyewole called on Federal Government to carry state governments a long in the agricultural in its policy, saying that the states were the institutions interacting directly with farmers with a view to increasing their productivity. (NAN)

APA/ROK/AOS/DUA

Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Dada Ahmed

NAN -H –11

Factory

Kola Adeyemi

Lokoja, Aug. 27, 2017 ( NAN) Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Maj.-Gen.Sharif Kaikoba, said arrangements had been concluded by some investors from his country to establish a ceramic factory in Kogi.

Mrs Petra Akinti-Onyegbule, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kogi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lokoja.

Kaikoba said the industry would have taken off since, but had to put it on hold because of the security challenges facing the state.

He explained that his country had a genuine and sincere interest in the economic development of the state.

The high commissioner also commended Gov. Yahaya Bello for the noticeable improvement in the security situation in the state, and called for its sustenance to create enabling environment for foreign and local investors.

“My visit is to discuss economic opportunities with the governor is in furtherance of the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh,’’ he said.

Responding, Gov. Bello highlighted the enormous opportunities which abound in the state, especially in the areas of agriculture and mining, and called on investors to exploit the opportunities.

He said that the security challenges facing the state had become  history, commending the security agencies and the people of the state for their collective efforts at tackling the security problems headlong.

“Crime has drastically reduced as criminals cannot freely ply their trade in the state anymore,” he said.’’

The governor told the high commissioner that he would not allow bureaucratic bottlenecks to frustrate the efforts of the investors to establish the ceramic factory in any area of their choice in the state.

He also promised to continue his efforts at promoting economic growth in the state through creating ease of doing business, tax reforms, better infrastructure, and provision of incentives for investors. (NAN)
KKA/YI/AMY

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Edited by Yahaya Isah/Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-44
Retirement
Lokoja, Aug. 25, 2017 (NAN) The newly appointed Head of Service in Kogi, Mrs Hasana Lawal,  has been retired.

A statement  issued on Friday in Lokoja by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folashade Ayoade,  confirmed the retirement of Lawal.

She  was retired barely 72-hours after being appointed as the substantive Head of Service on Aug. 23

Lawal had acted in that capacity from March 15, 2016 and no reason was given for her  retirement from the civil service.

Ayoade said that her retirement was with immediate effect.

Both Lawal and Gov. Yahaya Bello hail  from Okene Local Government Area of the state.

“ The State Government thanks  her for her services and wishes her well in her future endeavours,” Ayoade  said.

Ayoade, however, said that Bello had graciously appointed Lawal as his new Special Adviser on Civil Service, Labour and Pension matters.

She also announced Mrs Deborah Ogunmola as the new Head of Service with effect from Monday.

Ogunmola who hails  from Ogori, Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area of the state,  joined the service in 1983 and  held several positions, including being the Sole Administrator of Mopa-Muro Local Government  Council.

She was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of  Works and Housing until her new appointment .

Ogunmola holds a Masters  degree in Business Administration ( MBA) from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Ayoade said the governor also approved the appointment of 14 others as special advisers, senior special assistants , special assistant and seven chairmen of boards and parastatal agencies. ( NAN)
KKA/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Pakistan invites Nigerian businessmen to its International trade exhibition

NAN-HE-17

Pakistan

By Biola Lawal

Abuja, Aug. 24, 2017 (NAN) Pakistan on Thursday urged Nigerian businessmen and investors to participate in the forthcoming 10th Expo Pakistan in Karachi, to deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.

A statement by an official of the Pakistan High Commission in Nigeria, Mr Thairv Abbass, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in  Abuja, disclosed that the expo would last for four days.

It stated that the fair was “the primary sourcing point for a large number of businesses worldwide, giving them a head start on the buying and ordering for coming seasons.“

According to the statement, the expo “is the biggest trade fair in Pakistan, showcasing the largest collection of Pakistan`s export  merchandise and services, adding that “foreign exhibitors from neighbouring countries also use the platform to display their product.’’

The success of the fair’s first edition in  2015 was manifested by the participation of a large number of local and foreign buyers who settled business deals estimated at around 1.2 billion dollars, the statement added.

It disclosed further that over 70 Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were signed among counterpart associations and chambers.

The exhibition “which is the largest ever display of Pakistan`s exportable merchandise and service, holds at the Karachi Expo Centre from Nov. 9 to Nov.12.

“Participants are expected from more than 77 countries at the fair during which products on display will include textiles, leathers, food and ingredients, engineering, soccer goods; automobiles and auto parts; gems and jewellery.“

Pakistan is home country of many companies producing bed-linen, kitchen  and bath wears, tanned leather, leather garments, surgical instruments and auto vehicles among others. (NAN)

BL/IA

(Edited by Idris Abdulrahman)

NAN-H-1
Appeal
By Jacinta Nwachukwu
Abuja, Aug. 24, 2017 (NAN) Prof. Isaac Obasi, Department of Public Administration, University of Abuja has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities in Nigeria (ASUU) to consider the Federal Government’s offer and end its on-going nationwide strike.

Obasi made the appeal in a document made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

He said for the fact that the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu,  openly acknowledged the government’s failure to fulfil its part of the agreement  with ASUU was a sign to a quick resolution of the strike.

“ For the first time in history, a serving Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, openly declared very frankly that the Federal Government did not fulfil its part of the bargain with ASUU.

“This sincere and open confession of failure uncharacteristic of past ministers on that seat opens to me new window to a quick resolution of this on-going ASUU strike.

“More importantly, this is a spirit that allows for constructive engagement necessary for reaching a consensus in any collective bargaining engagement.

“Again, this cooperative spirit de-escalates rather than escalates the conflict. It is a spirit that facilitates mutual trust and compromise on the bargaining table.

“Furthermore, this is the spirit that enables negotiation to proceed in good faith,’’ Obasi noted.

He described  the national strikes of 1980, 1981 and 1988, as a bad record for both “our public labour relations’ managers as well as to our academics.’’

Obasi said something had been fundamentally wrong with strategies on both sides to drastically reduce the number of strikes in the past 37 years.

“I am interested in an implementable agreement under a peaceful atmosphere ‘because I am involved’ in two ways both as a researcher on the issue as well as a potential beneficiary.

“Historically speaking, the strike statistics of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are usually frightening in both strike frequency and its duration.

“The duration of ASUU strikes appears to impact more negatively on the reputational status of our otherwise highly respected ASUU members than even the incessant nature of the strike,’’ he noted.

Obasi said that in terms of frequency; starting from the first ASUU strike of 1980, ‘’we can count a total number of 16 national strikes, excluding warning strikes of shorter durations.’’

He said that in terms of ‘’ duration, the picture is more scaring to members of the public, and more damaging to academics in reputational terms’’.

Obasi said a window to resolve the  current strike was already open as all the necessary government representatives such as the ministers of Finance, Labour and Employment and Education, were involved.

He expressed the hope  that the strike would be one of the shortest in ASUU’s history but noted that the duration would depend on how the union’s local chapters would vote on the government’s proposals.

Obasi appealed that all parties should work toward a quick resolution of the crisis.

On Aug. 14, ASUU commenced an indefinite strike due to the federal government’s failure to fulfil the 2009 agreement made with it. (NAN)
JIN/JCE
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Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

NAN–H–55
Appointment
Lokoja, Aug. 23, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has approved the appointment of Mrs Hajarat Lawal as the new Head of Service for the state.

She is to replace Dr Moses Atakpa who has returned to the Kogi state University, Ayangba.

The Secretary to the state government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, who disclosed this in a statement in Lokoja on Wednesday, said that Lawal’s appointment takes immediate effect.

It said the opportunity granted Atakpa was to enable him use his wealth of sound academic knowledge and practical experience in the area of public administration to inspire the younger generations.

The statement disclosed that the secretary to the Kogi government urged Lawal to justify the confidence reposed in her by the government.

Lawal has been acting as the Head of Service being the most senior director when Bello ordered Atakpa to proceed on compulsory leave in March 2016. (NAN)
KKA/IS
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN-H-29
Stealing
By Remi Bamgbose
Okitipupa (Ondo State), Aug. 23, 2017 (NAN) An Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State, on Wednesday, sentenced a 25-year-old man,  Monday Ojowuro to two years imprisonment for stealing a motorcycle valued N150, 000.

The Magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, sentenced Ojowuro after he had pleaded guilty to the one-count charge of stealing.

Ayeomoni held that the convict should serve his jail term without an option of fine, saying that this would serve as a deterrent to others.

He  ordered the police to release the motorcycle to the rightful owner.

Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Insp Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 1 at Awo Camp, Ode-Irele Road, Okitipupa.

Orogbemi said the accused stole one blue Hajoue Elegant motorcycle, property of one Seun Oluwole.

“He stole the motorcycle with engine number 156FML2C3K76853 and chassis number LC6PCJM6F0034133 from where it was parked,’’ he said.

Orogbemi said the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006.

However, Ojowuro, had pleaded for leniency, saying that he is the first born of seven children.

“I have responsibilities; I stole in order to take care of the family,’’ he said. (NAN)

BAA/EOB/YEMI

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

NAN-H-68
Pakistanis
By Biola Lawal
Abuja, Aug. 21, 2017 (NAN) The two Pakistan nationals abducted in Calabar area have been rescued by the Nigeria Police, Mr Azim Khan, Head of Chancery, Pakistan High Commission has announced.

Khan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that the Police rescued the men, Azeem Alikhan and Rehan Siddique and captured the kidnappers.

“They were saved without any ransom paid and their vehicle was recovered by the police,’’ he said.

Khan commended the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police and the Cross River government for their efforts in rescuing the kidnapped Pakistani nationals.

“This will further strengthen the cordial relationship between us and boost Pakistan and the international community’s confidence in security in Nigeria,’’ he told NAN.

NAN reports that the two Pakistanis were kidnapped on Aug. 13. (NAN)
BL/AAB/IS
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Edited By Adeboye Ajayi/Ismail Abdulaziz

Expert to promote digital skills for economic transformation

NAN-HE-1
Digital
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Aug. 21, 2017 (NAN) Mr Jacobs Edo, a technology expert, plans to launch a digital transformation book aimed at promoting digital skills for stronger economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book titled “Digital Transformation: Evolving a Digitally Enabled Nigerian Public Service” would be launched in Abuja on Aug. 24.

Edo, the Enterprise Resource Planning Systems Coordinator at the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Vienna, Austria, said the book was written to enlighten readers to the emerging advantages of public service digitisation.

“Nigerian public service is a dynamic resource about building a stronger Nigerian economy that works for everyone through the implementation of innovative technology solutions,” he said.

Edo added that he imparted his knowledge and experience in technology by enlightening readers to the emerging advantages of public service digitisation.

He also outlined some steps and strategies to digitise the public service and infrastructure.

On the motivation for writing the book, Edo said he wanted to properly position government policies to alleviate the growing poverty in the country.

“I want to help steer government policies in the right direction, so as to help alleviate growing poverty within the population.

“By re-invigorating Nigerian public service, the resultant effect should rub off positively on the populace,” he said.

NAN reports that some professionals, including a development politician, Esema Aguse, have endorsed the book. (NAN)
JNC/ENN/MZA
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed

Curb foreign exchange wastage on furniture importation, industrialist urges FG
NAN-H-34
Furniture

By Biola Lawal

Abuja, Aug. 20, 2017 (NAN) An Industrialist, Oyemike Onaham, has urged the Federal Government to curb foreign exchange wastage on furniture importation by empowering indigenous furniture producers.

Onaham, Managing Director of the ongoing 1^st made in Nigeria furniture fair, made the call while visiting stands at the exhibition on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that government empowerment with loans and grants would boost local production of world class furniture products and effectively curb importation.

“Government injection of fund and other policy support will open up the potentials of this multi-billion naira sector to the teeming youths for self employment.

“The present federal administration is a responsible and serious government, I therefore, appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to facilitate the empowerment of furniture industrialists by providing special support loans and possible grants to industrialists in the sector,” Onaham said.

He disclosed that furniture production business had been profitable for local and foreign companies in the country.

He said “the sector is almost still at virgin level with a huge potential for growth, employment and even exportation”.

Onaham said “Nigeria is one of the countries in the world blessed with amazing varieties of wood, including hard and water proof ones, which are suitable for production of dazzling and diverse furniture products for homes, offices, factories, vehicles among others ”.

“Since no one can do without furniture, it is now necessary that government pays full attention to the furniture industry,” he said.

Onaham added that funds assistance and patronage by the federal, state and local governments, and corporate organisations would boost the furniture industry and make it attractive to youths.

“Once there is patronage by governments as a policy, it will be easy for corporate organisations to follow suit and thereby expand employment opportunities in the sector,” Onaham noted.

The first Made in Nigeria Furniture Trade Fair is being organised by Baca Furniture Products Limited.

It urged prospective participants to contact organisers through – 08050535537 and 07038606995 for enquiries on how to ensure the growth of the industry. (NAN)

BL/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman