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Shagari,epitome of high moral leadership– Ekwueme’s family
Leadership
Abuja, Dec. 29, 2018 (NAN)The family of late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, have expressed their condolences over the death of former President Shehu Shagari.
Shagari, 93, who was the first Executive President of the country, died on Dec. 28, at the National Hospital in Abuja.
Ekwueme’s first son, Goodheart Obi Ekwueme, said this in a statement on behalf of the family and the entire people of Oko in Anambra State.
He described Shagari as “an eptitome of high moral leadership”, having meritoriously served Nigeria without any blemish whatsoever, a virtue he evidently shared with his late Vice, Dr Ekwueme.”
The Ekwueme family noted that Shagari had the most cordial working relationship with his Vice President and both had greater hearts of service for the nation.
“They were more Nationalistic in their work relation and even though they both had different religious backgrounds, they were not polarized by the issues of religion and tribe.
They were first and foremost Nigerians before Christians or Muslims, Fulani or Igbo. They were both selfless,” the family said.
The family recalled that Shagari demonstrated his humility in his message through his son, Aminu Shagari, at Ekwueme’s burial, where he said he chose him as his Vice President because of his impeccable integrity and character.
Shagari through his son had said, “I’m not here to give undeserved praises on Ekwueme, whatever I say here I have told him so in his life.
“I never thought his last birthday was his last though he was younger than me.
“Death is a certainty and we will all face it one day.
“I chose him because he came across as a man of impeccable integrity and character.
“We worked harmoniously because we had the same vision.
“He was a deputy I trusted and mischief makers could not drive a wedge between us.
“His character remained impeccable. Even in death his achievements cannot be diminished.”
The Ekwueme family also expressed gratitude to God that Shagari lived to a ripe age and led an exemplary life, and urged Nigerians of all walks of life to emulate him.
“We pray that Almighty God will comfort the family of the ex-president and all those who mourn him and will grant his soul eternal rest, ” the statement said.(NAN)
EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Jigawa Govt. sponsors wedding of 270 orphaned girls

Wedding

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
Dutse, Dec. 29, 2018 (NAN) The Jigawa State Government says it has sponsored and conducted the wedding of 270 selected orphaned girls in the state.

Malam Mustspha Saleh, Special Adviser to Jigawa governor, Muhammad Badaru, disclosed this on Saturday in Dutse during the exercise in Dutse.

Saleh said that 10 orphaned girls were selected from each of the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

“Ten beneficiaries were selected from each of the 27 wards of the state by the committee shouldered with the responsibilities of selecting and screening eligible beneficiaries.

“And they selected based on merit, not political affiliation or any other thing,” he said.

Saleh further disclosed that more than N93 million was spent by the state government to sponsor the wedding, including the provision of complete house furniture to the beneficiaries.

According to him, the gesture is part of the government’s effort to support the poor and vulnerable in the state.

Saleh added that medical tests, including HIV/AIDS test, were conducted on the couples in order to ascertain their genuine health status before the marriage.

“We decided to conduct the medical test because it was the best way to engender trust in the minds of the couples.

“The screening conducted had been a success story, as none of the couples was found to be carrying diseases that will disqualify him from benefitting from this kind gesture.

“And this is because joining the couples in suspicious circumstances, will make them distrust each other which might end up destroying the relation,” Saleh said.

In her remarks, the wife of state governor, Hajiya Asma’u Badaru, who distributed furniture and other items to the beneficiaries, urged them to live in peace with their respective husbands.

According to her, living in peace would make the union to last long.

She also reminded the couples of the need to imbibe the fear of Allah, in dealing with their marriage.

Badaru added that they would be made to account for what they did in the hereafter.
“The mass wedding was consummated on the high expectation and commitment, and I hope that it will last for eternity,” she said.

Also commenting, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad, urged the grooms to treat their wives kindly.

Muhammad reminded them that Islam forbids beating, or abusing marriage partners on the premise that the conjugal union was consummated to instill happiness, love and mutual trust, in the minds of each other.

“We call on the couples to imbibe the spirit of fairness as ordained by Islam.
“In Islam nothing is ambiguous on how a husband and wife should live together devoid of unnecessary vendetta,” the emir said.

He also advised the husbands to support wives to further both their Islamic and western education.

NAN reports that each of the 270 brides was given bed, mattress, wardrobe, cushions chairs, pillows, bed sheets, cottons, leather rugs, among other things.

Some of the beneficiaries, Nasiba Tata, Sadiya Bala and Jamila Bello, commended the Jigawa government for the gesture and promised to live in peace with their husbands. (NAN)

MNB/OOA/YEE
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Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Emmanuel Yashim

Statesman

By Zubairu Idris

Katsina, Dec. 29, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State has said that the death of former President Shehu Shagari signifies the country’s loss of one of its last great statesmen standing.

This is contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Abdu Labaran on Saturday in Katsina.

Masari described the late leader “as one of the leading conscience of the nation, who lived an exemplary life defined by uncommon simplicity, in the tradition of the late Premier of the North and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

“The former President Shehu Shagari was a rare gem, and his death has created a wide leadership chasm that may take a long time to fill.

“His death is particularly devastating, coming at a time when our nation, buffeted by multi-faceted challenges, requires his wise counsel.’’

He expressed his condolences to President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of himself, the government and people of Katsina state.

The Katsina State governor called on Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the deceased’s “book of life” and lead a simple life devoted to service to the people in whatever position they found themselves.

He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Shagari his sins and give his family the strength to bear the loss. (NAN)

ZI/YEE

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Nigerians project rise in inflation, borrowing rates in next 12 months – CBN report

By Olawunmi Ashafa

Survey

Lagos, Dec. 29, 2018 (NAN) Some Nigerians have projected rise in inflation and borrowing rates as well as naira appreciation in the next 12 months.

They gave the projection in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 2018 fourth quarter Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) report released on its Website.

According to them, the major drivers of the expected upward movement will be in prices of rent, food and other household needs, telecommunication, electricity, debt payment and purchase of house.

The survey, conducted between Nov. 24 and Dec. 7, 2018, covered a sample size of 1,770 households drawn from 207 Enumeration Areas (EAs) across the country, with a response rate of 99.2 per cent.

It showed that in spite of the adverse projections, consumer overall confidence index improved in fourth quarter 2018, as more consumers were optimistic in their outlook.

“The index at 9.7 points was 8.7 points higher than the index in the corresponding period of 2017.

“Respondents attributed this favourable outlook to improved family income, family financial situation and economic condition.

“The consumer outlooks for the next quarter and next 12 months were positive at 33.2 points and 28.4 points, respectively, the survey said.

They said the outlook could be attributed to the expected increase in net household income, the anticipated improvement in Nigeria’s economic conditions and expectations to save a bit and or have plenty over savings in the next 12 months.

On the price changes outlook, the survey said most respondents expected prices of goods and services to rise in the next 12 months, with an index of 13.3 points. (NAN)

AWA/WOJ
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Edited by Wale Ojetimi

Shagari
By Martins Abochol
Yola, Dec. 29, 2018 (NAN) Yerima Isa, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo,  on Saturday said that former President Shehu Shagari  lived the  life of a peaceful democrat.

Isa, who was reacting to the death of the former president in Yola, said Shagari epitomised a peaceful democrat.

He recalled that the late former president often offered profound advice to the country’s leadership when necessary.

The former envoy  added  when he was alive, Shagari never  condemned, disparaged or  insulted the country’s  leaders.

He said that the late former president was a personality worthy of  emulation. (NAN)
MK/MAM/YEE
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Emmanuel Yashim

Badaru eulogises late Shagari

Eulogy
By Nabilu Balarabe
Hadejia (Jigawa), Dec 29,2018 (NAN) Gov. Mohammed Badaru of Jigawa on Saturday eulogized late former President Shehu Shagari, saying his selfless service to the nation was exceptional.

Shagari, 93, died on Friday evening at the National Hospital,Abuja, after a brief illness.

Badaru, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) through his Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Alhaji Bello Zaki, said the country had missed an elder statesman.

“ He served this country as a classroom teacher, a legislator, a minister and at the exalted position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“ Apart from this rare feat, Shagari served the traditional institution as the Turakin Sokoto, Ochiebuzo of Ogbaland, the Ezediale of Aboucha and the Baba Korede of Ado Ekiti,” the governor said.

Badaru commiserated with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, President Mohammadu Buhari, the immediate family of the deceased and all Nigerians.

Shagari was the President of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983 under the defunct National Party of Nigeria.(NAN)

NB/MS/ASH

Edited by Mustapha Sumaila

By Olawunmi Ashafa
Index
Lagos, Dec. 29, 2018 (NAN) The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 61.1 index points as at December 2018, indicating an expansion in the manufacturing sector for 21 consecutive months.

This is contained in the CBN’s monthly Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Survey Report by the Statistics Department and posted on its Website.

The report said the index grew at a faster rate when compared to 57.9 index points recorded in November.

According to the survey report, 13 of the 14 sub-sectors assessed, reported growth in the month reviewed in the following order: transportation equipment; furniture and related products; printing and related support activities; textile, apparel, leather and footwear.

Others are: plastics and rubber products; chemical and pharmaceutical products; food, beverage and tobacco products; non-metallic mineral products; paper products; fabricated metal products; cement; electrical equipment; and petroleum and coal products.

On the downside, however, the report said that the primary metal sub-sector recorded a decline in the period reviewed.

At 63.6 points, the production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the 22nd consecutive month in December, indicating a faster growth when compared to the 59.9 points production level recorded in the preceding month of November.

Ten of the 14 manufacturing sub-sectors recorded increased production level, while three remained unchanged, just as one recorded decreased production level.

The report further said that the composite PMI for the non-manufacturing sector stood at 62.3 points in December, with the result also indicating expansion in the non-manufacturing PMI for the 12th consecutive month.

The report added that the result was an indication that the index grew at a faster rate when compared to that of November 2018.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PMI is an indicator of business activity – in both the manufacturing and services sectors.

It is a survey-based measure that asks respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from the month before. (NAN)
AWA/YEE

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Shagari left a legacy of peace for Nigerians – Sardaunan Gombe

Peace

By Uwumarogie Peter

Gombe, Dec. 29, 2018 (NAN) Dr Jamilu Gwamna, the Sardaunan Gombe, said the late former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, left a legacy of peace for Nigerians.

Gwamna told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Saturday in Gombe, that Shagari was a lover of peace and a true Nigerian.

He said Shagari ensured that peace remained the priority of his associates, and that this was a valuable lesson to Nigerians.

According to him, the late former president’s fatherly role of promoting peaceful co-existence in the country cut across party line, religion, ethnicity and tribe.

“The late former President was a man that believed that peace solved all problems. He acted peace and talked peace. He insisted that those who associated with him followed the path of peace.

“His fatherly role in making sure that peace reigns in the country will be missed. Well, as far as I am concerned, he left us a legacy of peace and humility.

“The late Shagari symbolised everything that young Nigerians need to provide the needed positive change in whatever capacities they found themselves. They must emulate him to build the Nigeria of our dream,’’ he said.

Gwamna appealed to Nigerians to see the death of the late president as an opportunity to forgive one another and toe the line of peace for the country to be a better place.

He added: “We are Nigerians, we must live in peace and do the right thing, especially as elections beckon if we must be united for growth and development.

Malam Mohammed Ismail, 86-year-old resident of Bolari East, described late Shagari as a man of unique leadership trait who preferred democratic solutions to all problems that came his way.

Ismail noted that the late president would be greatly missed at a time Nigeria needed his fatherly advice for the current security situation in the country.

Shagari died on Dec. 28, at the National Hospital, Abuja at the age of 93.

He served as the first democratically elected President of Nigeria between 1979 and 1983. (NAN)

UP/SA

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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Support

By Dorcas Jonah

Abuja, Dec. 29, 2018 (NAN) Directors of Sports Forum  on Saturday called on government at all levels to invest 20 per cent of their security vote in the development of sport.

The Chairman of the forum, Tunde Kazeem, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that adequate investment in sport would reduce the many social vices in the country.

The chairman of the forum said that 60 per cent of Nigerian youths were actively involved in sport, hence the need for proper investment by all tiers of government.

He also called on the private sector to invest in sport development as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

“We love sport in Nigeria, but we are not paying attention to sport at the three tiers of government.

“Government should know that sport is business, education and health.

“I advocate that the money we are spending on security, 20 per cent of it should be invested in sport and the high level of vices in the society will drop.

“I am also appealing to corporate bodies, financial institutions to key into sport development since government cannot do it alone,’’ he said.

Kazeem said Nigeria should developed a progression system for sports development in Nigeria adding that small countries in Africa was doing better because of the systematic programme for sports.

He said that Nigeria was blessed with abundance of talents but they were underutilized adding that the progression system should address discovery of talents and training athletes, coaches and referees.

He noted that constant change of governance was also a major setback to sports adding that Nigerian politicians must developed a political will for sports development.

Kazeem also stressed the need for Nigeria to be more involve in continental politic adding that this was another way to develop sports.

“I want to see the next administration after the elections, working to see that more Nigerians are keyed into continental bodies.

“There is a lot of infighting in Nigeria sports and we draw ourselves back, unstill we come together as one, the way forward for sports will continued to be a mirage,’’ he said.

He however, commended Nigeria’s sports performance in 2018 adding that the country did not do badly but could do better with more competitions and adequate funding.

Kazeem said that the 2018 National Sports Festival (NSF) served a dual purpose.

He said that the festival served as trials for the All African Games coming up in Morocco in 2019, just as it provided an opportunity for states to showcase their sport talents.

“The talents discovered from the NSF will move into camp anytime from now for the African Games and of course the Olympics.

“ I only hope that money will be made available for various federations to kick start preparations. That is where we always have problems; we will have good programmes but no funds for execution, no cash backing,’’ he said.

Kazeem described the year 2019 as a promising one for sport in Nigeria. (NAN)

DEYEE

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim