Blog

Ships
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) The Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), has suggested acquisition of more tankers and dry cargo vessels through the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to create more jobs for youths.

Mr Greg Ogbeifun, President of SOAN, made the suggestion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

He noted that it had become imperative to disburse the CVFF at a single digit interest rate to make provisions for purchase of more vessels.

The ship owner urged stakeholders to collaborate to achieve a common goal of growing the Nigerian maritime industry and to boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to him, if all critical stakeholders as well as government agencies collaborate, the maritime industry will grow faster.

Ogbeifun added that a proper management of the maritime industry would assist the Federal Government to encourage diversification from oil to non-oil revenue.

“The whole essence of Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund is to enable ship owners have access to the fund at a single digit interest rate.

“The political will from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) had, however, been challenging.

“We ship owners must ensure that we are eligible to access the fund. We need to look at our processes and system to ensure they meet the requirements.

“We are making progress but we need the media to continue with the news that will enable every player in the shipping industry to do the right thing,’’ Ogbeifun said.

He said Nigerian ship owners must focus on owning ships now.

Ogbeifun said that Nigerian ship owners often chartered ships from London, saying that if they purchase tanker and dry cargo vessels, it would help create more jobs for youths.

He said that if Nigerian ship owners purchase vessels, it would enable indigenous shipping operators to charter vessels in Nigeria rather than from London. (NAN)
AIC/MAM/AJA
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Edited by Modupe Seriboh/Adeleye Ajayi

Park
By Adewumi Bukola/ 07067163693
Abuja, Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) In the spirit of Christmas, hundreds of fun seekers in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday besieged the Millennium Park in Abuja to continue with the celebration of the Christmas season.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that people of all ages were seen catching fun with their friends and love ones, entertaining themselves with music, foods and drinks.

Mr Solomon Ayakut, one of the fun seekers said the holiday was a moment to spend time with family and friends.

”I have been to this place on several occasions and I must confess, it is getting better over time.

”The environment is very clean and well organised, am happy am here with my family,” he said.

Mr Adedoyin Adeshina described the Christmas break as a time to relax and take off the stress of work.

”I was looking forward to the break so I can get deserved rest from the stress of work.

”Coming to the park with my friends is perfect for me to appreciate nature and the environment. It’s so good for the soul,” he said.

Meat seller, Malam Abdul Yakubu, described the season as a good time for business.

”I have made good money at the park since the beginning of the Christmas season. It’s a place to do business at a season like this,” he said.

One of the workers at the park, who pleaded anonymity, said that the park had been attracting hundreds of fun seekers daily.

”The large turnout of people who come daily, some to relax some for birthdays and meeting, is a daily occurrence,” he said.

Mrs Sharon Edmond, a mother of four, said she brought her kids to relax and play.

She, however, called on the park authority to improve security to discourage miscreants from coming to into the facility.

”As we were sitting and having fun some took my bag away before I could notice,” she said. (NAN)
BOL/FF/IS
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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Ismail Abdulaziz

Yuletide

By Anita Eboigbe

Abuja, Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) Some FCT residents have expressed concerns over the declining culture of gift giving and sending of personalised Christmas messages to families and loved ones.

Most respondents, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that unlike previous years, they did not receive any gift or special goodwill messages.

According to them, Christmas is the time of giving and appreciating loved ones but all the traditions seemed to have been watered down by social media and gradual loss of humanity.

Respondents noted that Nigerians used to be known for feeding their neighbours, giving out cash and hampers during the yuletide which seems to be eroding now.

They added that 2018 Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations did not come with the usual buzz and excitement due to economic challenges and general lack of spirit.

Mr Immanuel Ohimai, a lawyer, said he did not receive any gift and sadly found out he was the only person who sent hampers among his circle of friends.

“This year’s case is just terrible. Usually, gift exchange used to be the in-thing for Christmas as it is the end-of the-year appreciation window.

“I did not receive any although I sent to people. I don’t blame them though, the economy is not helping and also, people don’t think gifts are appreciated anymore,” he said.

Meanwhile, some other respondents argued that the age-long tradition is dying because of social media and the unrealistic idea of gifts that keep trending.

Miss Nyakno Offiong, a stylist, said, “To be honest, I struggled with what to buy for my loved ones this Christmas.

“The thing is, it’s hard to know what people will like and social media doesn’t help. I have not received any gift yet and I am sure people also don’t know what to buy.

“All over social media, people are gifting flashy things and subconsciously, you don’t know if your small gift will be appreciated as social media seems to be the standard,” Offiong said.

Another respondent, Mrs Charity Ebele, a caterer, agreed that social media is a contributing factor but for her, it was the loss of humanity that caused the decline.

“I received a gift from my husband only and I gave out some to my family members. For me, the issue is people are going further apart because of social media.

“You can only present a thoughtful gift when you know someone and these days, that humanity feeling is eroding. Growing up, we used to share food or hampers.

“People don’t just like themselves so much anymore and let’s not also forget the economic challenges as well,” Ebele said.

Also, respondents complained about the increasing number of broadcast yuletide goodwill messages against heartfelt personalised messages.

They told NAN that majority of the wishes they got was on Whatsapp with the ‘forwarded’ notification clearly written on them.

Mr Festus Uzo, a pharmacist said he received only two personal messages and several broadcast, sometimes receiving the same message three times from different people.

On the same issue, Mr Ango Williams, a banker, feels the value of human relationship has reduced over time and might be worse with the evolving of social media.

“Some people did not have the decency to send a direct broadcast so I can assume the message was personal. They just forward what had been sent to them.

He stated that he usually took out time to compose heartfelt messages but was not motivated to continue seeing the same messages all over Whatsapp.(NAN)
AEE/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Language

Enugu, Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) An Octogenarian and writer, Prof Anezi Okoro has expressed fears about the Igbo language going extinct in the hands of the present generation.

Okoro, 89, made the disclosure at an end of year party organised by the Coal City Literary Forum (CCLF) in Enugu on Wednesday.

The octogenarian, who is also the first dermatologist in West Africa regretted that parents of these days no longer communicate with their children in Igbo language.

The author of `One Week, One Trouble’ noted that parents also frowned at the language being spoken to their children by others.

According to him, in our time, the language was the safest means of communication when one found themselves in the midst of strangers.

Okoro, also the board chairman of the forum, used the occasion to announce the publication of his book entitled, `Akuko Ufodu Shakespeare Koro’ a translation of 10 William Shakespeare’s stories in Igbo language.

The Octogenarian said the book was aimed at enriching Igbo literature and availing lovers of the Igbo language with an opportunity to enjoy the tales of Shakespeare in a language they were at home with.

“My wish is to see this book published before I depart from this planet. By God’s grace, I will launch it to the public on my 90^th birthday in May, 2019,’’ he said.

In her remarks, the President of CCLF, Dr Adaobi Nwoye said the group would henceforth add Igbo literature in its monthly reading sessions to promote the language.

Nwoye blamed parents for not promoting the language for their children rather they paid huge amount for them to learn foreign languages.

“Some parents pay hugely for their children to learn Chinese, French and Russian languages but will not even speak their mother tongue to them.

“This is not peculiar to Igbos but Nigerians in general,’’ she said.

The CCLF president promised to mobilize other literary groups in the South East to find ways of promoting the language.

She also said the forum would do its best to ensure the launch of Prof Okoro’s book next year.

The state Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Comrade Zulu Ofoelue commended CCLF for organizing the event and promised to partner with it to promote declining reading culture in the country.

According to Ofoelue, it is worrisome that reading culture has degenerated to the lowest level and it is even worse that prolific writers are neither recognised by the academia and the society in general.

The event featured readings from some of the professor’s books. (NAN)

IFO/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Reformation
By Uchenna Eletuo
Lagos, Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) Two ex-inmates of  Kirikiri Prison, Lagos, James Etuk and Olawale Dada, say the carpentry skills they acquired during their incarceration resulted in their becoming joint-owners of a furniture company.

The duo, who spoke on vocational skill acquisition for youths, said that prisons across the country should be rehabilitated to meet contemporary demands.

The new joint-owners of Alpha Furniture Works Ltd. told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that their combined seven years sojourn at Kirikiri prison were not wasted.

Etuk, who was imprisoned for petty stealing and shoplifting in 1987 and spent four years at Kirikiri Prison, said the facility at that time was far better than now.

He also lamented the recurrence of jailbreaks in the country, blaming the administrators of facilities for their nonchalance and inhumane disposition.

“Then, while in prison, our mindset was daily focused on what we could engage ourselves in after leaving the yard that will enable us re-integrate well into the society.

“Because of the good handling of the place by the administrators, the thought of jailbreak was not in any inmate’s mind.

“I improved on the carpentry skills  I acquired thereby observation and reading through furniture works albums to meet up with the current trend,” Etuk said.

According to the furniture merchant who has two apprentices alongside his co-owner, the business is challenging but rewarding.

Dada, the co-owner of the furniture company, on his part said: “I spent three years in prison. I was in the same cell with Etuk and we were pardoned at the same time.

“ So we began to practise what we were taught in the prison at construction sites at Festac.”

Dada said that it was after working at various sites for two years that they were able to pool their resources together and rent a shop at Aboju market in Lagos where they made furniture for supply to sellers at Alaba International Market.

He said that many Nigerian youths could be gainfully employed in the informal sector if skills acquisition was prioritised.

Dada appealed to government at all levels to improve the welfare of prison inmates while promoting skills acquisition. (NAN)
EUC/COF/OJO
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(Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Mufutau Ojo)

CAN endorses Bauchi gov. ahead 2019 general elections.

Endorsement

By Ayinde Olaide Abdulsaheed

Bauchi, Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi state chapter has endorsed Bauchi state governor, Muhammed Abubakar for re-election next year.

CAN made this known in Bauchi on Wednesday through its Chairman, Rev. Joshua Maina when the Christian Communities of the state paid Christmas  visit on the state governor.

“The essence of Christmas is to worship God Almighty and to thank him for the hope he has given us amidst our hopelessness.

“We are here today to worship the Lord with you and to thank God for the leadership we have in this state.

“Your excellency, you are the one that the Almighty has bestowed in Bauchi state as our only leader and we have come back to tell you that we appreciate what God is doing through you.

“This is devoid of politics but a clear reality from the word of God.

“In essence, we once again want to declare the unquestionable loyalty and support of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bauchi state to your governance,” Maina declared.

The state chairman of CAN also appreciated the state governor for the priority given to security issues in the state, adding that Bauchi state remains the safest  among the North eastern states and one of the safest in the entire country.

“All of us know what we were passing through in the past. But to an extent we have even forgotten that there had been massacres and killings during worships.

“To the glory of God, it has become  history now and that has become possible because some people became committed to the reality of securing the lives and properties of people.

“Your excellency, you are one of those people. And one evident example is the fact that Bauchi state is becoming one of the most populous states in the North East because it is the safest  and one of the safest in the country,” Maina said .

CAN  pleaded with the  governor to lift the curfew imposed on November 20 on Yelwa Tsakani, Angwan Kusu, Angwan Ngas, Lushi and Yelwa Kagadama areas of Bauchi metropolis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the  state government imposed the curfew in the areas after three persons were killed, two cars and two buildings were set ablaze by rioting youths  on November 18.

Governor Abubakar  said he has forgiven the “transgression” in the areas and promised to consult the security chiefs before lifting the curfew. He  assured the Christian leaders that the lifting of the curfew is imminent.(NAN)

EED/

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Gsm: 08030416173

Settle your electricity bills to enjoy stable power, Eko Disco tells consumers

Electricity
By Yunus Yusuf
Lagos, Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) Just as the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has restated its commitment to uninterrupted power supply during the yuletide season and beyond, electricity consumers have been urged to reciprocate and pay their bills promptly.

Mr Godwin Idemudia, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, who made the call on Wednesday, urged consumers to pay their bills promptly to avoid power supply disruptions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EKEDC’s operational area covers Lagos mainland, island, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.

Idemudia said the company had put in place measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply within its operational territory during the Yuletide and after.

He said the company was aware of the high expectations of customers to enjoy steady power supply during the festive period.

“EKEDC has put in place measures to ensure that the customers’ hopes are not dashed.

“We want to appeal to consumers under the network that should there be any spark from the pole or fault from transformer, our technical crew is on standby in all our business units.

“Our technical crew will work throughout the holiday to rectify electrical faults so that customers can enjoy the holiday.

“Our customer care lines are working 24/7, so customers should feel free to contact them if there is any electrical fault in their area,” Idemudia said.

The EKEDC’s spokesman, however, warned against vandalism and tampering with equipment in the zone as it could cause deaths or serious injuries.

He said such acts were responsible for incessant power outage and unnecessary financial expenses on the part of the company.

He said: “It is illegal and dangerous for anyone to trade, live or work near electricity installations or even tamper with them.

“The company is determined to deliver power supply to its customers in a very safe manner; we will collaborate with communities to safeguard electricity installations.”

Idemudia advised consumers to ensure that their homes and business premises were properly wired and earthed only by approved technicians to ensure safety of lives and property.

The general manager expressed the company’s felicitations to customers and advised them to be security and safety-conscious always especially during the Yuletide and New Year celebrations.(NAN)
YO/AOS/DA
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Dele Akinsola

Inmates
By Yinusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) Mr Raheem Olawuyi, a member of the House of Representative, has donated some food items to inmates of Omu-Aran Medium Security Prison to celebrate Christmas and Boxing Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olawuyi, who was recently sworn-in following his victory at the just concluded by-election under the platform of APC is representing Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency.

Olawuyi, had while presenting the items through his Personal Assistant, Mr Lanre Abdulganeey, supported by some party members, said the gesture was to give the inmates a sense of belonging.

The Federal lawmaker said the donation was in line with his ways of impacting positively on the less-privilege in the society, especially during festive periods.

He charged the inmates to regard their present predicament as a temporary set-back and maintain absolute faith in God, saying; “there is still a brighter light at the end of the tunnel.

“You should not lose hope of getting over your present status but always be prayerful; definitely God is ever listening and will answer your prayers positively.

“God can turn any situation around; yours will not be an exception,” he said.

Olawuyij, who is also the APC candidate for the same position in the 2019 general elections, promised that his present and future representation would entrench good governance.

Mr Thank-God Tom and Malam Babangida Aliu, Pastor and Chief Imam among the inmates, in their respective remarks, thanked the donor for the gesture and foresight.

Mr Idris Adam, a Deputy Superintendent of Prison, in his own remark, also expressed the prison management’s appreciation over the gesture.

NAN reports that the team also visited and donated some food items and undisclosed amount of money to the inmates of the ECWA Leprosarium in Oke-Igbala, along Omu-Aran-Oke-onigbin highway.

Mr Julius Fabunmi, a community leader in Oke-Igbala, who received the gifts on behalf of the leprosarium inmates, described the donation as very timely and beneficial. (NAN)
ISHO/ESAN/IS
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Edited by Abiodun Esan/Ismail Abdulaziz

ATM
By Igbaugba Ehigimetor
Benin City, Dec. 26, 2018 (NAN) Long queues have surfaced at bank cash points known as the Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and Points of Sale (PoS) in Benin City, Edo capital, according to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) check.

Most of the machines had failed to dispense cash during the Yuletide with scores of residents returning home disappointed.

Some of the respondents who spoke in separate interviews with NAN on Wednesday described the situation as frustrating and unfortunate.

According to them, most of the machines in the city have not been dispensing cash since Friday night, a situation which has resulted in spending long hours in the queue at the few ATMs that were working.

Mr Peter Ojo, who said he was unable to get cash from the machines he visited on Friday night, regretted that the situation had not changed as at Christmas morning.

“It is a very `funny’ thing that the banks did not make contingency plans for a period like this,” he told NAN.

For Mr Osagie Mathew, he said had been in the queue since 6.00 a.m. on Wednesday waiting to cash money for the Christmas celebration.

He said:“I have been to more than six ATM machines of different banks but the same thing applies to all: unable to dispense cash.

“It is like a deliberate plan by all the banks to deprive their customers of cash withdrawals during holiday.

“What we are experiencing now was just what happened during the last Christmas and Easter celebrations where we had to contend with the failure of ATMs and fuel scarcity.”

A journalist, Osagie Omorogieva, said he trekked several kilometres to Akpakpava road, moving from one machine to another.

“I tell you, it was all a futile effort as I could not get any of the machines that was dispensing cash in the long stretch of Akpakpava road.

“The only two ATM machines at Diamond Bank and Union Bank that were dispensing cash was like a market place,” he said.

NAN reports that the situation is not different at the ATM machines on both Airport road and Sapele road.

A security guard at a new generation bank on Sapele road, who did not want his name in print, appealed to customers to exercise patience, saying the officials of the bank are already addressing the challenges to restore normalcy.

“I’m sure the people responsible will come and look into this problem before the end of today.

“I can tell you that the rush for cash by customers is largely responsible for this problem. But it will be sorted out soon,” he promised.

Apart from the ATMs, most PoS centres were unable to attend to their customers’ needs due to network failure.

A motorist, Mr John Omoruyi who described the situation as “appalling”, said he went to NNPC mega station with the hope of using their PoS to buy fuel but he could not get the transaction through owing to network problems.

“They had network problem and I couldn’t buy fuel.

“This is not just peculiar to the filling station as my friend also had a similar experience in one of the supermarkets where he was unable to make purchases due to the failure of PoS.” (NAN)
ESI/OSA/DA
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Edited by Shittu Obassa/Dele Akinsola