Blog

Theft

By Tomisin Erogbogbo

Lagos, Dec. 27, 2018 (NAN) A 36-year-old security guard, Monday Babatunde, who allegedly stole two air conditioners valued N 70,000, which belonged to his employer, on Thursday, appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The accused, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft; he, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, ASP Fidelis Dike, alleged that the accused committed the offences on Nov. 30 at 5 a.m. at Cooper Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He said the accused, a security guard, conspired with two others to steal an outdoor 2-unit AC and an indoor 1-unit AC valued N 70,000, which belonged to his employer, Alpha Maintainance Facilities Company.

Dike said the accused and his accomplices, who are at large, stole the two air conditioners, which were due for repairs and servicing, and was removed pending when the artisan would come to fix it.

“The accused was with the security guard on night shift and he had arranged with his accomplices to come and cart away the air conditioners before the guard on morning shift resumed.

“However, the guard came early and caught them,” he said.

He said the offences contravened Sections 287 (7) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which stipulates seven years and two years imprisonment respectively for offenders.

The magistrate, Mr T. A. Anjorin-Ajose, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

He said that one of the sureties must be a relation of the accused and the other a civil servant.

Anjorin-Ajose adjourned the case until Jan. 17, 2019 for mention. (NAN)
TME/MOL/YEMI
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Yemi Idris-Aduloju

Ex banker, Ahmed, emerges IEDPU president
By Abdulfatai Beki
President
Ilorin, Dec. 27, 2018 (NAN) A former banker, Alhaji Yahaya Ahmed, has emerged the new acting National President of the llorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (lEDPU).

Ahmed, who was the first National Vice president, was sworn in during the 2018 working session of the union held at Afon, headquarters of Asa Local Government Area of the state.

The emergence of the new acting National President followed the stepping aside of the incumbent President, Amb. Sheikh AbdulAzeez.

AbdulAzeez was among the 12 nominees recently pencilled down for membership of the National Assembly Service Commission.

Ahmed, in his acceptance speech, solicited the support and cooperation of all indigenes of llorin as well as other stakeholders to enable him succeeds in his new assignment.

Also sworn in was Alhaji Toyin lmam who emerged the new National Publicity Secretary of the union.

Imam, who was elected unopposed, replaced Alhaji Masud Amuda who was appointed as the union’s Liaison Officer in the Office of the Senate President.

Meanwhile, a communique issued at the end of the working session of the union expressed dismay at the abrupt end of the opening ceremony of the 53rd annual conference of the union held at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on Tuesday.

The lEDPU, while apologising to the emir, over the incident appealed to security agents to ensure prompt response to such unfortunate incidents to check a recurrence.

It cautioned politicians against inflammatory utterances capable of overheating the polity ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The lEDPU also frowned at what it described as the decay in infrastructure in various educational institutions across the state and called on the state government to urgently address this.

The union further appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Federal College of Education in the state to replace the one in Okene following the creation of that state.

Delegates from more than 100 branches in various parts of the country and in the Diaspora attended the annual conference. (NAN)
BEKl/MAM/EAL
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Ekemini Ladejobi

Assault

By Deborah Akpede

Ikeja, Dec. 27, 2018 (NAN) Four men:Ismail Dauda, 53, Emmanuel John,25, Mohammed Abbas,28, and Osuntayo Adesina, 38, on Thursday appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos state for allegedly assaulting a medical doctor and a nurse.

The accused, who reside at: Berger, Agege, Ogba in Lagos State and Ibafo in Ogun respectively, however, pleaded innocence to the three-count charge of breach of peace, assault and conspiracy levelled against them.

The prosecutor, ASP Clifford Ogu, said that the accused committed the offences on Dec. 13 at the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Alausa in Ikeja.

He said that the accused and others still at large conspired to assault Dr Babatunde Durosimi and Olabode Alabi.

“The accused beat-up the complainants while they were performing their official duties.’’

Ogu said that the accused jumped over the fence to gain access into the centre’s premises.

“They beat-up and overpowered the security guards on duty, who accosted them and tried to stop them from entering the ward.

“The accused forcefully entered the ward, beat-up the complainants attending to accident victims.

“One of the complainants called the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) men who came to their rescue.

“The RRS men arrested four of the accused while others escaped,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 168, 173 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 173 carries three years’ jail term for assault while Section 411 attracts two years for conspiracy.

Magistrate J.A. Adegun granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with one surety each in like sum.

Adegun said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government (LASG).

The case was adjourned until Jan.28, 2019 for mention. (NAN)

DOA/PAD

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Edited by Peter Dada

Power: Indigenous Coy signs 20 mega watts gas fire power plant MoU with Highland Energy

Power

By Deborah Coker

Benin, Dec. 27, 2018 (NAN) The Atlanque Marine Engineering Services (AMES) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a 20 mega watts Gas Fire Power Plant with High Land Energy Solution Services Ltd (HESSL)

Dr Charles Akhigbe, Chief Executive Officer of AMES, told newsmen shortly after signing the agreement that the MoU was imperative, in view of the almost zero-power situation currently in Benin, the Edo capital.

Akhigbe said the gas-fired power plant would help drive the AMES 250,000 tonnes pipe mill and coating plant expected to commence operations soon.

He said that power would also be extended to Utesil community, where the Pipe Mill and Coating plant was located, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

He said that the Pipe Mill and Coating plant was expected to be scaled up to 5,000,000 tonnes per annum within the next five years, adding that the plant would employ a total of 1,000 direct and indirect staff.

The Managing Director, HESSL, Dr Akinpelu Shogunle, said the MoU was in furtherance of the goals and objectives for the Captive Power Project Concession at Agbonmoba Village, in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo.

Shogunle said the concession was for the AMES Pipe Milling and Coating Plant Factory, AMES Edo Inland Dry Port, as well as the AMES Resort & Estate.

He said HESSL, as the Project developer, in conjunction with VTT LNG (WEST AFRICA) Ltd, had proposed an LNG/CNG Dual fuel-fired Gas Combustion Electricity generation Independent Power Producing Technology Platform, to produce and supply metered electricity.

He said the supply would be to the existing and future occupants/users of its designated facilities throughout the perimeter and within the AMES project facilities in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Lee Adams of VTT LNG (West Africa) Ltd was also present during the signing of the MoU. (NAN)
DCO/KOLE/PIO
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(Edited by Remi Koleoso/Idonije Obakhedo)

FRIN establishes 160 hectares of national mandate tree species

Trees

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Ibadan, Dec. 27, 2018 (NAN) The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) has established 160 hectares of National Mandate Tree Species across ecological zones in Nigeria between 2017 and 2018 under the national afforestation programme.

Dr Adeshola Adepoju, the Executive Director, FRIN, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, on Thursday that
the institute achieved this feat through research breakthrough in tree-breeding and genetics and reducing the gestation period of some indigenous economic tree species.

He listed the tree species as; Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea butter tree) Garcinia kola (bitter kola) Irvinga gabonensis (Bush mango) among others.

He said the institute also established a herbal gene bank, developed herbal drugs and trained personnel on conservation of medicinal plants.

Adepoju also disclosed that soil research activities were carried out by the institute over the period under review.

He said this was to determine soil nutrients’ availability and the physical properties of soil that matched selected tree species to be planted within a particular locality.

“During the period, there was an increase of 25,000 plants collection to Forest Herbarium (FHI) which has more than 150,000 plants specimen and recognised as the largest herbarium in West Africa.

“FRIN developed an innovative process technology which converted wood wastes, principally sawdust and wood shavings, into decorative phase ceiling boards, flour and wall tiles.

“Due to the rapid loss of biodiversity globally, FRIN is focusing its research on conservation and domestication of the rare, threatened and critically endangered Flora and Fauna species, as identified by the International Union for conservation of Nature (IUCN).

“The training workshop on Botanical Research and Herberium Management (BRAHMS) System was undertaken through Capture of Primary Biodiversity Data on West African Plants, sponsored by JRS Biodiversity Foundation of U.S. this year.

“This data management tool is being extended to the broader Nigeria Science community to enhance the expertise of Herbarium workers/users, Plant Ecologists, Seed collectors, Plant Data Collectors, Plant Data keeper and Graduate Students,” he said.

The Executive Director said FRIN also developed a Forest Management plan for the Association of Charcoal Exporters of Nigeria (ACEN) for sustainable renewable energy production in the forest at Ora, in Kwara State.

He said to achieve its extension and dissemination mandate, six farming systems’ annual review workshops were organised by the institute to identify farmers’ problems in adopting FRIN research breakthrough.

“There were planning research activities on different models of Agroforestry, sensitisation for farmers and other beneficiaries of FRIN’s technologies on the need for further collaboration.

“Also, we sensitised the public on the importance of FRIN in food security through agroforestry in sustainable forest management.”

He noted that technologies such as edible mushroom cultivation, cane rat domestication and multiplication, snail farming, honey production and processing, were transferred to more than 1,000 farmers in FRIN adopted villages (Forest-based Rural Resource Centres).

He said other technologies transferred included seedlings production and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) processing and utilisation.

“United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in collaboration with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through a Fund-in-Trust agreement, commenced a project on Green Economy in Biosphere Reserves (GEBR).

“The project aims to reduce poverty, bio diversify conservation and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa and FRIN is anchoring the project by establishing four livelihood enterprises in Omo biosphere for 200 project beneficiaries.

“The enterprises are: Fish farming/ production, snail rearing, mushroom production and wildlife (Grass cutter) domestication,” he said.

Adepoju noted that a bill for an act to establish the FRIN Bill, 2016; and other related matters, had been enacted by the National Assembly and assented to by the Presidency on Aug. 17, 2018.

He said that the FRIN Establishment Act had also been gazetted on Aug. 20, 2018.

The executive director said a restructuring and manpower development document was produced for the institute to enhance productivity, efficiency and focus-based research output.

“This policy document is positively directing the institute toward meeting her mandates in a better way.”

Adepoju, however, identified the institute’s challenge as low appreciation of its critical mandates in the sustainable environmental management by Nigerians in the rural areas.

“Another challenge is non-collaboration between private and public sectors in the protection of private and public businesses, through biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental management practices.

“We have several other achievements not mentioned here, but in spite of these challenges, we will make more progress in 2019,” Adepoju said. (NAN)

CC/FLP/DOR
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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Nyisom Dore

L-R Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy

Lateness

By Anita Eboigbe

Abuja, Dec. 27, 2018 (NAN) Some Nigerian music fans have called on artists to shun habitual lateness to shows, following the resurgence of the trend in recent concerts.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the complaints grew stronger on Thursday after Afro-fusion singer, Burna Boy showed up eight hours late to his headline concert.

The concert tagged ‘Burna Boy Live’ held at the Eko hotel convention centre and was billed to start at 6pm. It, however, began at about 2:30 am leaving fans frustrated.

Although the rest of the show went well and earned a lot of appreciation from guests, fans found it disrespectful as alternative singer, Simi and Afropop star, Wizkid did the same thing.

NAN reports that Simi’s Live in Concert held, on Dec. 9, started five hours behind schedule. Guests had arrived but were left stranded as she was not seen which she later apologised for.

Reacting to her lateness, @PatrickIgbokwe tweeted, “it’s disrespectful that Simi came so late to her show. Show that was to start 6pm she came at 11pm.

“No one can waste my time on top money I paid. God forbid. Last show I ever went for was rhythm unplugged. Never again.”

@Sholz also tweeted, “People really out here paying to attend Simi’s concert then she comes out 5 hours late, the nerve.”

Similarly, Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ concert, on Dec 23, began seven hours after the set time. Although the concert became an epic sensation afterwards, fans still called him out.

@TungstenMarvie tweeted, “I really wanted this wiz concert to be epic. See stage, see crowd, this would have held records.

“But Wizkid is late. Reminds me of the Coachella Disappointment. And he was early at Albert hall concert last year which is still his most legendary stage performance,” he said.

Considering the lateness trend, fans are afraid that Davido, whose concert is set to hold on Thursday, might turn up late and are pleading with him to not follow suit.

@Sub_delivered tweeted, “Simi came late for her concert, Wizkid came late for his concert, Burna boy came late for his concert; Will Davido come late for his?”

@Thesagachristo said, “This one that Burna boy and Wizkid came very late, it means Davido will come by 6am tomorrow. God safe us.”

While the debate went on, some Twitter users were angry at the perceived bias shown to Burna Boy compared to the brashness shown to Wizkid and Simi for similar offence.

Seeing as Burna Boy has been using a lot of social media influencers to promote his concert, they took his lateness lightly and tried to turn the narrative around.

@Traqman tweeted, “Simi’s show started several hours late, Twitter ng went ballistic on her.

“Poor her. Burna Boy didn’t show up until 2am, he gets a round of applause from Twitter ng? Nah fam, nah.”

@Perfectkones said, “You did thread for Wizkid’s late appearance on stage then suddenly Nepa took your light and you started tweeting motivational in reference to burna boy.”

@Darablaquie tweeted, “Burna Boy showed up 2am at his own show and next thing, the whole twitter world influencers went mute. Well, you don’t attack someone paying you.”

@Insanepotter tweeted, “These same people will criticize those old women collecting bowl of rice before voting.

“But see those hypocrites can’t even say ‘Pimm’ after seeing Burna Boy coming late to the show.” (NAN)

AEE/ EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Sensitisation
By Auwal Birnin Kudu
Daura (Katsina State), Dec. 27, 2018 (NAN) Buhari Support Group (BSG), Polling Unit 003 in Sarkin Yara A Ward in Daura, has started
sensitising the electorate toward the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Aminu Masari in 2019.

The Chairman of the group, Malam Ali Dahiru-Daura, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Daura on Thursday that BSG had
commenced door-to-door,  village-to-village and a town-to-town sensitisation and mobilisation of voters in Daura, Baure, Sandamu,
Maiadua and Zango local government areas to ensure that the duo were  re-elected in the next general elections.

He said that the Buhari administration had in the last three years brought unprecedented transformation, especially in critical sectors of
the nation’s economy, stressing that “Nigeria has regained its lost glory, especially in the international community.”

Dahiru-Daura further said that the administration had constructed and rehabilitated hundreds of roads and rail lines across the six geopolitical
zones of the country, adding that rail transportation was now alive and running steadily.

He noted that other sectors that witnessed unique transformation were the security, agricultural and social investment, stressing that thousands
of unemployed youths had been empowered through the N-power programme, trader moni and  other initiatives.

He added that the administration had discouraged“artificial kind of life” and encouraged the life of reality through its anti corruption crusade
and adherence to due process in both private and public conduct of individuals.

He emphasised the need for Nigerians to re-elect Buhari to enable him to continue with the good work of re-positioning the nation,
saying “I am sure that the next four years of Buhari administration, if re-elected, would be years of prosperity, development and massive
dividends of democracy.”

Alhaji Ibrahim Killi, the Grand Patron of the group, described Buhari and Masari administration as “great blessings to Nigeria and Katsina
State, considering the positive transformations so far recorded.”

He said that the Masari administration had reformed education through construction of additional schools, recruitment of teachers and
provision of school furniture and promotion of teachers’ welfare.

He noted that the Masari administration had also settled in billions, the inherited backlog of pension and gratuities of retired civil servants
and promoted those who deserved to be elevated.

He said that the instances of cattle rustling and banditry had been seriously addressed, saying “however, the recent incidents of banditry in
neighbouring Zamfara was causing a spillover effect in some parts of the state in spite of efforts of the Katsina State Government to
stem the tide.”

Killi called on the electorate to vote wisely by supporting  the change agents and shunning money bags with a “do or die” political philosophy.

Meanwhile, the Sarkin Yara A Polling Unit 003 had organised a 500,000-man march in support of Buhari and Masari scheduled for Jan.1, 2019
in Daura. (NAN)
BKD/OSA/HA
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Edited by Shittu Obassa/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Police

By Aminu Garko

Minna, Dec. 27, 2018 ( NAN) The Police Command in Niger on Thursdays, applauded residents of the state for maintaining  peace before, during and after the just concluded yuletide in the area.

Mr Dibal Yakadi, Commissioner of Police in the state, made the commendation in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna.

Yakadi said reports reaching him from the 25 local government areas of the state indicated that the celebration was peaceful.

“Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been directed to commence normal operations and patrols in their respective areas of jurisdiction, “he said.

He said the command would continue to initiate and implement various security methods to enhance peaceful coexistence among the residents.

“We have also reached out to traditional and religious leaders as well as stakeholders to sensitise residents on the need to be security conscious at all times. “

“We expect members of the public to volunteer information on suspected miscreants for prompt security intervention to enable the police apprehend and prosecute bad elements in the society.” (NAN)

AAG/KOLE/DUA

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Dada Ahmed

Investors
By Taiye Baiyerohi
Lagos, Dec. 27, 2018 (NAN) Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, the Osolo of Isolo, Lagos, on Thursday called on local and international investors to come into his community and set up businesses that would boost the economy of the area and reduce unemployment.

Agbabiaka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that establishing corporate organisations in the area would create job opportunities for the youths, thereby reducing unemployment.

The royal father said the issue of unemployment in an industrial area like Isolo,  was worrisome, and had become worse over the years.

According to him, interested investors are assured of an enabling environment and security, among others.

“A good percentage of our youths are jobless; this is a concern to me because when youths do not have means of livelihood, they can go stealing and committing all manner of atrocities.

“Most of these youths have graduated six to 10 years ago and are still jobless,” he said.

He said some had engaged in social vices that had become a problem for the community.

“We want both local and international investors to establish companies and industries that can create employment opportunities for our youths.

“This will minimise crime rate, illicit drug abuse and other social vices.

“We will provide an enabling environment, good security and all for interested investors,” he said.

The monarch said that there were investment opportunities in the areas of tourism, agriculture, health care, entertainment and commerce, among others. (NAN)
PTB/BOLA/SOA
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Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Oluwole Sogunle