Borno Govt. moves to complete Chibok–Nbalala-Damboa road project

NAN-H-36
Road
Maiduguri, March 20, 2017(NAN) The Borno Government said on Monday that it would ensure the completion of the 34-km Chibok- Nbalala-Damboa road project in 90 days.

The State’s Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Adamu Lawan, made the promise in Maiduguri while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Lawan said that government had given the contractor, Cumex Nigeria Ltd., handling the job deadline to complete work before 2017 rainy season begins.

‘‘We have the mandate of 90 days grace to complete the project before rains set in.

‘‘We are certain that work will be completed in line with the mandate,’’ he said.

Lawan said since the state was handling the project on behalf of the Federal Government it would seek reimbursement at a later date for the money spent.

‘‘We are going to request for reimbursement from the Federal Government at a later date,’’ he said.

Lawan told NAN that the contract for the road construction was awarded few years back by the State Government, but was abandoned due to activities of the insurgents.

‘‘The road is actually a Federal Government road, but we felt that the state could come in to end travelers` nightmare due to its terrible condition.

‘‘The State Government therefore awarded the contract to Cumex Nigeria Ltd. a few years back,’’ he said.

Lawan added that: ‘‘the contractor left the site barely few days after moving to the site due to the Boko Haram insurgency.

‘‘Now that peace has returned to the area, government re-awarded the contract to another firm without additional cost.’’

He said about 50 vehicles and assorted plants had been moved to the site for commencement of work.

‘‘We have so far deployed over 50 assorted vehicles and plants to the site to start work immediately,’’ Lawan added.

The commissioner said he was relocating to the site to supervise work.

‘‘Gov. Kashim Shettima has ordered that I relocate to the area to supervise the work, and by Tuesday I should have moved in line with the directive,’’ he said.

Lawan added that technical officials from Federal Ministry of Work had been incorporated to ensure that quality job was done at the end of the day.

‘‘We incorporated the Federal Ministry of Works Department officials to monitor and ensure good job is done.

‘‘We have two engineers in Damboa at present supervising the preliminary work. God willing we will complete the work in 90 days,’’ he said. (NAN)
ABI/MOL/AFA
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Felix Ajide

NAN-H-37
Description
By Bolaji Buhari
Lagos, March 18, 2017 (NAN) The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described the late Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo as a detribalised Nigerian, who contributed immensely to the peace and unity of the country.

The minister said this in Lagos on Saturday during a condolence visit to the late Adebayo`s family compound.

He noted that the former military governor of the defunct Western Region played a huge role in the stability of the country at a historic moment in the country’s history.

Mohammed, who was received by the deceased`s widow, Modupeola, and daughter, Mrs Nike Makinde as well as other family members, said Adebayo was a passionate and astute administrator, who put the interest of the country first in all he did.

He said the life of late Adebayo could serve as a great leadership lesson with especial focus on tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

“Late Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo was an astute administrator, who did his best to promote the peace and progress of Nigeria, particularly the old Western region when he was governor.

“I think what we need to learn from the great leadership achievements of the late Adebayo, is that we must understand the various sensibilities; we might be a country but we are a country of many nations.

“So anybody, who is entrusted with the mantle of leadership, must look at Nigeria from that perspective; he must be very understanding, accommodating and tolerant.

“And we can say about the late Adebayo that he was tolerant, understanding and accommodating and was able to achieve quietly what others would achieve with so much noise,’’ he said.

The minister urged Nigerians to celebrate the life lived by the late Adebayo rather than mourn him, adding that history would be kind to him for his role in keeping the country together.

Speaking, Makinde, the late Adebayo`s daughter, said the patriarch of the family was humble and an icon of selfless service.

She said her father was not materialistic as he dedicated all he had to the benefit of the under-privileged.

“Our father was a good example of humility and generosity; he always told us to humble ourselves before people and never feel that we were important.

“He was not materialistic; he did not live for himself alone, but also for the needy.

“He was always helping people and would not say it.

“He was such a wonderful father; we will sorely miss him.

“He really did his best for humanity,’’ she said.

She thanked Nigerians for standing by the family following the death of her father, saying the condolence messages family members received were a reflection of the achievements and the goodwill of the late military administrator.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Adebayo, father of former Ekiti Governor, Niyi Adebayo, died in Lagos on March 8, a day to his 89th birthday. (NAN)
BHB/MOL/YEE

Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Emmanuel Yashim
==================================

Alakija urges women to take bold steps to overcome obstacles

NAN-H-23

Alakija

Lagos, March 17, 2017 (NAN) Africa’s richest woman by Forbes reckoning, Mrs Folorunso Alakija, has called on women to “rise, fight and push for themselves” in order to overcome factors affecting their growth globally.

Alakija, Vice-Chairman of Famfa Oil, made the call in her keynote address titled “Bold Steps for Big Change” at an exhibition and conference organised by Women in Nigeria (WIN) in Lagos.

A statement by Funmi Okeowo, spokesperson for WIN, said Alakija urged women to take bold steps towards the realisation of their dreams.

According to her, women possess exceptional qualities which stand them in good stead to succeed on all fronts of life.

Alakija urged women to unleash their “unconquerable can-do spirit” to excel in their careers and businesses in spite of the prevailing socio-economic circumstances.

She enjoined participants at the exhibition and conference to network and cross-pollinate ideas with one another so as to maximise the opportunities provided by the events.

Ms Shade Ladipo, Country Director for WEConnect International, the event sponsor, urged women to be more creative and innovative in order to leverage on the benefits of the current economic recession.

She charged government at all levels to match its words with action in its women empowerment programmes.

Highlight of the events, attended by women entrepreneurs and employees of businesses, was the presentation of award of “Amazing Role Model for Women in Business” to Alakija by WIN. (NAN)

HOB/WOJ

(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)

NAN-S-11
CAF
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagso, March, 16, 2017 (NAN) Football enthusiasts on Thursday said the emergence Madagascar’s Ahmad Ahmad as the new President of African Football Confederation (CAF) will usher in change in African football.

The fans who, apparently, were happy with the defeat of Cameroon’s Issa Hayoutu who had been on saddle for 29 years, advised the incoming CAF president to do all he could to promote football in the continent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ahmad won the election with 34 to 20 votes garnered by Hayatou at the Headquarters of African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The defeat ends Hayatou’s reign which began in 1988.

Friday Ekpo, a former Super Eagles player, congratulated Ahmad for taking a bold step to make a change in African football.

He advised the new president to do everything possible to develop and promote the sport in the continent.

“The new president has a lot of job to do and I hope he will take his time to study the situation on ground and make positive changes where necessary in CAF,’’ he said.

Christian Chukwu, a former Super Eagles Chief Coach, told NAN that the Hayatou had paid his dues and ought to have stepped down from the position before the election.

“Hayatou has tried as far as I am concerned, he should have left the position but instead he decided to re-contest to remain in charge.

“Let’s watch the new president and the plans he has for African football because to whom much is given much is expected,’’ Chukwu said.

Bright Omokara, an ex-international expressed delight over Hayatou’s defeat in the election.

“I am happy that Hayatou has been voted out, he was biased in his decisions and had negatively influenced the outcome of some Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches.

“He did a lot of things that dragged the continent back in football and I’m happy that finally he has gone,’’ he said.

He urged the new president to quickly move into action and do the needful to move football forward in the continent. (NAN)
KOA/ENN/PDE
===========
(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

We are ready for Lagos corporate cycling 2017 — Adeleye
NAN-S-4
Cycling
By Franklin Ohaegbu
Lagos, March 16, 2017 (NAN) Mr Olabamiji Adeleye, Chief Executive Officer, Addefort Ltd., and organiser, Lagos Corporate Cycling (LCC) 2017 on Thursday said the competition would promote cycling as a major sporting activity in the country.

Adeleye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that competition had been scheduled to run between May 13 and June 10.

He added that other activities for the month long event would include brand exhibition, coaching and talent discovery/development programme.

Adeleye said the competition was also designed to champion healthy competition among corporate organisations as well as encourage healthy lifestyle among corporate executives.

According to him, the organisation is working with stakeholders to stage a cycling competition that would meet international standards and further enhance its development.

“Corporate organisations through their participations are to encourage the general public to engage in cycling in their various communities for healthy living.

“They will compete for medals, it will also provide a platform for talent discovery and grooming of young participants.

“Professionals would also have to compete for various categories of prizes”. (NAN)
FOE/ENN/MZA
========
Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed

5

Blind lawyer calls for attention to rehabilitation centres

NAN-S-3
Centres
By Franklin Ohaegbu
Lagos, March 16,  2017 (NAN) Danlami Basharu,  Director of Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind (ANWAB), has urged the government to give adequate attention to rehabilitation centres for persons living with disabilities in the country.

ANWAB is a Lagos-based charitable and voluntary organisation aimed to create an enabling environment that will foster independence of blind people  through education and welfare.

Basharu, also the Director of the association’s chess club, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that such centres existed globally to engage the affected people meaningfully.

“In developed countries, the blind people are regarded as first class citizens, they have everything for themselves, and they don’t feel that they are second class citizens.

“They have rehabilitation centres almost everywhere where such persons can go and make the best of their lives.

“If other governments can do that, I see no reason why we can’t do the same here.

“Even after schooling, many of the blind can as well go back to the centres to do something else.

“The sportsmen among them share same glory with those who can see, and they earn a living from sports,’’ Basharu, a Lagos-based lawyer said.

The Director, who is blind, said that the government should help to finance the constructions of more centres.

“I know that there are a lot of people who have families or friends that are blind and who are taking full responsibility to care for them at adulthood.

“It is not easy because it requires a lot of energy and funds to take care of the blind.

“But if we have such centres across the country, it would help relieve the stress from such individuals whereas the centres would be a home for all,’’ he said.

Basharu  said that such measure would  give the persons living with disability the opportunity to contribute their quota to nation building. (NAN)
FON/ENN/MEMO
=============
(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Mike Mbonye)

Firm to hold Marathon for Peace in Borno
NAN-S-2
Marathon
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, March 15, 2017 (NAN) A sport consulting firm, Twin Huts Concept says it has concluded plans to organise a Marathon in Borno tagged “Marathon for Peace 2017’’.

Tunde Giwa-Daramola, Chairman of the firm, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, that the race had been tentatively slated to hold on April 27 in Maiduguri.

Giwa-Daramola said that the event would be powered by the Nigerian Army in their quests to assist in rebuilding the North East region.

“Over the years, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has promoted watersports, basketball and boxing among others. He is currently supporting the Nigerian Army to regain its rightful position in sports.

“It will be another opportunity to show the world that normalcy has returned to the North East as the focus is now on rebuilding and attracting investors to the area.

“It will also go a long way to promote peace, harmony and brotherhood in the zone.

“The inspiration for the Marathon for Peace race is the handwork of Lt.-Gen. TY Buratai, who was a 400 metres runner and a man with a large appetite for sports development,’’ he said.

Giwa-Daramola who was the former Commodore of the Nigerian Navy Sailing Club, added that the event would also feature a concert.

He urged Nigerians to join hands in making the charity event a success, saying that the proceeds would be channeled to the welfare, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).

The chairman added that prize money and awards would go to winners in the men, women, boys and girls, IDPs, Handicapped and Veterans categories. (NAN)
KOA/ENN/MZA
========
Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed

NAN-H-128

Demolition

Lokoja, March 15, 2017 (NAN) Kogi State Government on Wednesday demolished a house and a mosque identified as hideouts of kidnappers, terrorists and armed robbers in Okene.

The house and the mosque were said to be owned by a kidnap kingpin, Tijani Abubakar while the mosque was owned by a suspected terrorist group,

The demolition of the buildings, supervised by Gov. Yahaya Bello, was in line with the state’s law on terrorism.

The building belonging to Abubakar at Oyunkoko Ward in Okene Local Government was the first to be demolished at about 2:30pm.

The mosque belonging to the notorious Ahlul-Sunnah Mosque in Inike, also in Okene, was demolished later.

The mosque was said to have been hijacked by the notorious terrorists group, Boko Haram in 2015 and had been serving as their operational base.
The buildings were identified by the Military Joint Task Force which recently arrested some 17 robbery, kidnap and terrorism suspects.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Wilson Inalegwu and heads of other security agencies, accompanied the governor during the demolition.

The state has also lined up other buildings identified as criminals’ hideouts in the state for demolition.

Gov. Bello vowed to implement the Anti-kidnapping, Robbery and Terrorism Law of the state to the letter.

Police boss Inalegwu said that the state was no longer safe for criminals.

“This is a strong message to kidnappers and hoodlums that they must change their ways. They should work hard and earn a decent living.

“We want to make Kogi safe so that those living here or travelling through will not have fear of being kidnapped’’,  he said. (NAN)
KKA/IEA
========

Actress Mercy Johnson

Gov. Bello appoints Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson SSA entertainment
NAN-ELS-3
Appointments
Lokoja, March 14, 2017( NAN) Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has appointed Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson, as his new Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on entertainment, arts and culture .

Johnson’s appointment was announced, along with 62 others, in a statement issued in Lokoja on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government ( SSG), Dr Folashade Ayoade.

The appointments take effect from April 1, the statement said.

According to Ayoade, the rationale for the appointments is to “fill key positions with the right people and to broaden inclusiveness in governance by bringing people from more communities on board”.

The breakdown of the new appointees showed that 54 of them will serve as Senior Special Assistants while nine will work as Special Assistants to the Governor as Federal Constituency Supervisors for the Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) Connect Programme .

The SSG further stated that the appointments were made to recognise and encourage outstanding contributions to the New Direction Agenda.

“ The nine Special Assistants will also act as direct liaisons between the present administration and the Local Government Ward Coordinators of the GYB Connect Programme, “ the statement said.

Johnson, started her acting career soon after completing her secondary education when she auditioned for a role in The Maid, a movie that was to launch her into stardom.

Her outstanding performance in that movie paved the way for her into getting more roles in movies such as Hustlers, Baby Oku in America, War in the Palace, and many more.

She is now one of the most sought-after Nollywood actresses.

Johnson won the Best Actress award at Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards in 2013 for role in comedy movie “Dumebi the dirty girl.”

In December 2013, Johnson was listed as Google’s Most Searched Nollywood Celebrity,a position she also held in 2012.

Johnson had in 2009 also won an award for best supporting actress at the African Movie Award show. (NAN)
KKA/EAL
———-
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Okorodudu, Nwankpa extol Ogbemudia`s contributions to sports
NAN-S-4
Ogbemudia
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, March 14, 2017 (NAN) Some boxing enthusiasts on Tuesday, eulogised Late Samuel Ogbemudia for his enormous contribution to sports development in the country, especially in boxing.

Ogbemudia, a former governor of old Bendel State, died on March 10, aged 84.

He was a onetime chairman of the Nigeria Boxing Federation in the late 70’s to 1984.

Jerry Okorodudu, a former athlete and a boxing coach, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Ogbemudia’s contributions to boxing and sports generally would never be forgotten.

Okorodidu said that the country produced great boxers who performed creditably when Ogbemudia chaired the federation.

“Ogbemudias death is a big loss to the country`s sporting realm,  he was a good man who was so passionate  about sports  development in the old Bendel state and Nigeria.

“He ensured that all sportsmen and women in the state were either given scholarship or employed to work in the state.

“He was also a good administrator, he also built a boxing school in Afusa in Edo State,” he said.

Also, Obisa Nwankpa,  a former national lightweight title holder, said that Ogbemudia brought light to boxing and other sports.

Nwankpa said that he  represented the country in various international competitions due to Ogbemudia`s commitment to boxing.

“There is a whole lot I can say about the late Ogbemudia, most especially about boxing in Nigeria.

“He sponsored boxing competitions regularly and people like myself, Faitai Ayinla and Anthony Andek among others, benefitted from these competitions.

“I also remembered when he brought the Late Muhammed Ali`s coach, Ackimo to Nigeria in the eighties to train some coaches and boxers in the country, “he said. (NAN)
KOA/ENN/MEMO
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Mike Mbonye)