Blog

Yuletide: Lawmaker urges Christians to renew faith, pray for peaceful 2019 poll
Xmas
By Cecilia Ijuo
Abuja, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) A Federal Lawmaker, Sen. Solomon Adeola, has called on Christians and Nigerians in general to use the occasion of the Christmas to pray for a peaceful and rancor free 2019 general election.
Adeola in his Christmas message on Monday, in Abuja, said Christmas symbolises celebration of a new dawn for all humanity, especially Christians, noting that it should not only be used for merry making, but for prayers for Nigeria.
“This year’s celebration, coming weeks to a crucial election is another opportunity for fervent prayers,” he said.
While acknowledging that Nigerians were going through a difficult gestation period for sustained economic growth, the lawmaker called for patience.
He said, “mercifully, the period is not compounded by the usual fuel scarcity as witnessed in time past during yuletide.”
He urged Nigerians to look forward to a better future, adding that “with abiding faith in Jesus Christ, all our challenges will be a thing of the past as we move to next level of our development.” (NAN)
CJM/KOLE/ABI
===========
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ali Baba-Inuwa

Development
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Sen. Ayogu Eze, the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship candidate for the 2019 elections in Enugu State, on Monday said that he would place priority on provision of infrastructure and rural development, if elected.

The two-term senator, who represented Enugu-North Senatorial District at the national assembly, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja.

“We shall embark on an aggressive development of infrastructure that will open areas, supply electricity to every community in the state, and ensure 24/7 water supply to our rural and urban areas.

“We shall also create an arterial motorway network that would weld every part of the state into an unbroken highway chain,” he said.

Eze said that this would not only encourage easier communication and interaction among the various communities in the state, but would also promote greater cohesion among the various units that constitute Enugu State.

Ayogu said that where it was necessary to build bridges, culverts and drainage, his government would do so, to facilitate the road networks.

On the various markets in the state, the governorship candidate said that his government would embark on a comprehensive face-lift for the markets, to boost business activities.

“Markets in far-flung parts of the state will be boosted to increase the volume of activities in them and attract more trade from other states, far and near, and even from outside Nigeria.

“The overall effect would obviously increase internally generated revenue for the execution of the urgently needed infrastructure and rural development.

“We have large markets dotted around the state, and these can be made even bigger. Among these are Ogbete, Oji-River, Obollo-Afor, Agbani, Gariki, Awkunano, Emene and Ogige Nsukka and Ozzi.

“There are also those that are within the Enugu metropolis such as Ogbete, New Market, Artisan Market among others, all of which will receive equal attention from government,’’ he said.

He described the step as another sure way of giving expression to his campaign slogan of introducing a new dawn in Enugu State.

“This way, we shall give every part of this state a real sense of belonging and reassure them that they are indeed part of the state, and part of the new Enugu Project.

“Enugu State is more than just the Enugu metropolis. It runs from Igbo-Eze North to Aninri, from Uzo-Uwani to Nkanu-East, and thus must be developed from north to west, and from east to west.

“In Enugu, it can no longer be business as usual;there is work to do, and the sooner we embark on the Project, the much better off we will all be,” Ayogu said. (NAN)
EPA/FLP/AMY

Edited by Folorunso Poroye and Abdullahi Yusuf

NYSC
By Yashim Katurak
Abuja, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has assured corps members and entire staff nationwide of improved welfare and working conditions in 2019.

Kazaure said this in Abuja on Monday in his Christmas Message to corps members and staff.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the message was contained in a release signed by Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations.

The Director-General said that governments at all levels, and Nigerians, appreciated the selfless and patriotic service of corps members in elections and community development.

He said that these services have greatly improved the quality of lives of community members and the entire Nigerian populace.

“As the year 2018 draws to a close, I consider it appropriate to extend greetings to all corps members nationwide.

“The year 2018 has no doubt been an eventful, fulfilling and successful one.

“As a team, we will continue to work together to improve corps members’ welfare and working conditions of the entire workforce of the scheme.

“I wish to note with satisfaction, the exemplary conduct and invaluable contributions of corps members towards the implementation of the mandate of the scheme, aimed at promoting national unity.

“This mandate also aims at extending the frontiers of development in the critical sectors of our national economy.

“Government at all levels and the good people of Nigeria profoundly appreciate the selfless and patriotic service of corps members in the conduct of legislative and governorship elections in a number of states.

“We also appreciate your intervention in the provision of healthcare delivery, education, basic infrastructure, agriculture and other essential services.

“These services are indeed improving the quality of lives of the rural populace in particular and the entire population in the country.

“I am optimistic that you will continue to discharge your responsibilities as change agents in the society.

“However, ensure that you remain security conscious and avoid involvement in nefarious activities at all times.

“The year 2019 will be productive and fruitful for us all. I wish you a happy and prosperous New year,” Kazaure said.(NAN)
KRY/OOA/IS
=========
Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Ismail Abdulaziz

2019: Gov. Ugwuanyi urges indigenes in Diaspora to return home to vote

Indigenes

By Christian Ogbonna
Yenagoa, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has called on indigenes of the state in Diaspora to return home with their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to vote for the right candidate during the 2019 general elections.

Ugwuanyi made the call on Monday at a one-day summit on his achievements organised by the South-South Zonal chapter of the League of Enugu State Indigenes in Diaspora (LESID) in Yenagoa.

The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Youth Affairs, Mr Ogechukwu Nnamene, said that voting for continued good governance would bring more sustainable development for the people.

Ugwuanyi said that the present administration led by him, the state’s flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next election, was the obvious choice.

According to Ugwuanyi, he remains the right candidate for the next election because he has performed creditably in all facets of life.

“I am calling on our people in Diaspora to come back home during the election with their PVCs to return me back to the Lion building for the people.’’

On his achievements, he said that the Small and Medium Enterprises programme had engaged many youths, both males and females, in the effort to curb the effects of unemployment in the state.

“As I am speaking with you, Enugu state is the most peaceful state in this country.

“In the area of Agriculture, my administration has empowered rural farmers in all the local government areas. So, I want our people to come back home and vote for me,’’ Ugwuanyi said.

Mr Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, Convener of the Summit, said the aim of the programmer was to x-ray the achievements of Gov. Ugwuanyi and ensure that Enugu people returned him to the Lion building.

“We have, therefore, made it a pledge to lend our unalloyed support to a worthy gentleman of integrity, whose antecedents are proof of patriotism and effective representation.

“It is our prayer that our choice will not be maligned by prejudice as we hope to make decisions which will favour our homeland and generations to come.

“We, therefore, endorse the present Governor, Ugwuanyi for second term,’’ Arthur-Ugwa said. (NAN)
OOC/COF/AMY
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare and Abdullahi Yusuf

NHIS: SGF receives investigative panel report

Report

By Kate Obande-Okewu

Abuja, Dec. 24, 2018(NAN) Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Monday in Abuja received the report of the Presidential Independent Fact-Finding Panel on National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a seven-member panel was inaugurated in November to investigate the conflict that engulfed the NHIS and led to the suspension of its Executive Secretary, Prof. Usman Yusuf.

Mustapha said that the government’s decision and recommendations of the panel would be made public at the appropriate time.

He said that NHIS was critical in enabling government deliver on its promise of qualitative and affordable health care to Nigerians.

He noted that healthcare delivery was a cardinal programme in which huge investments had been made because a healthy nation was a wealthy nation.

“I am delighted to receive the report of the panel on NHIS from the Chairman and members who were assigned to look at the immediate and remote causes of the conflict that engulfed the NHIS.

“The panel was earlier given two weeks to submit its report; it was, however, extended due to the nature of the work and the need to address core issues.

“I receive this report with deep sense of appreciation and I assure you that the report would be expeditiously processed for implementation,’’ he said.

Mustapha also thanked the panel for their various sacrifices in ensuring that the scheme was sustained and remained beneficial to all Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Panel, Dr Bukar Hassan, said the report contained a set of recommendations that could be considered for short, medium and long term implementation.

Hassan called for urgent attention to the key recommendations.

He explained that the panel extended the period for the submission of the report because of the quantum of the documents that had to be perused and the need to be fair.

“In the course of the work, the panel had to interface with stakeholders including the Minister of Health, the Permanent Secretary, Chairman of Governing council, Unions, the National Assembly, among others.

“It is our belief and aspiration that our recommendations will reposition the scheme and proffer solutions to the challenges that have hindered the scheme in achieving its laudable objectives,’’ he said.

The chairman thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the confidence in the panel and for giving the members the opportunity to serve their nation.

Prof. Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health said that the ministry would find the report very useful in achieving its mandate.

Adewole, who was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, thanked the panel for judiciously carrying out the assignment. (NAN)

KTE/DOR
========

Edited by Nyisom Dore

Expert educates industries, households on waste management

Waste

By Lilian Okoro

Lagos, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Mr Odumeru Musiliudeen, former National Vice Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has called on manufacturing companies and households to carefully manage their wastes to prevent environmental pollution.

Musiliudeen told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that proper waste management by companies could curtail arbitrary disposal of toxic wastes and pollution in the country.

According to him, due to the hazardous nature of chemicals from industrial activities, there is need for companies to go the extra mile to dispose the effluents appropriately.

“Poorly managed waste spreads disease, contaminates water resources, increases the cost of potable water, increases flooding, pollutes the air, and repulses tourists.

“Manufacturing processes can generate chemical wastes which could be toxic and pose threats to the environment and human health.

“Manufacturing industries should look for a way to recycle their wastes because all waste is recyclable.

“Residue needs to be channeled into the effluent treatment plants where it will be treated and re-used. And this could form an additional source of income,” Musiliudeen said.

He stressed that industries that did not have effluent treatment plant should endeavour to get one or register with waste management authorities.

“For the households, they should have septic tanks for the wastes at the front of their homes.

“The public need to desist from the ugly act of random disposal of wastes into the drainage canals particularly during rainy season.

“Trees and forest should not be cut or burnt. They are natural components that make the environment beautiful,” he said.

Musiliudeen noted that the safety of the environment was a collective responsibility of everyone in the society and should not be left to the government alone.

He, however, advised manufacturers and households to obey environmental regulations to help the government actualise its efforts in ensuring a safe and healthy environment. (NAN)

LUC/GOM/WOJ
==============
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Wale Ojetimi

Infrastructure deficit, major impediment to nation’s growth – Expert
Infrastructure
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Mr Sola Oni, a chartered stockbroker and Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications, on Monday attributed the lethargic approach to investment in infrastructure as a major impediment to the nation’s growth and development.
Oni told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the sluggish approach to infrastructure investment was affecting economic activities with dire consequences for the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“A nation without infrastructure like energy, roads, rails and waterways cannot create an enabling business environment,” the chief executive officer said.
He noted that top-notch and consistent investment in infrastructure had multiplier effects of creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and also enhanced employment opportunities.
Oni said conscious and constant investment in roads, rails, utilities, water and airways among others, would aid job creation.
He explained that if these measures were backed with appropriate fiscal incentives, there would be increase in spending.
“Sadly enough, at 58, Nigeria is still contending with infrastructure deficit.
“This must be tackled with dispatch in order to ensure sustainable growth in our GDP.
“The current growth of GDP at 1.81 per cent in Q3 is tenuous. Concerted efforts are required to make the growth sustainable,” Oni said.
Commenting on the budget, he said the 2019 fiscal budget had taken into consideration the challenging operating environment.
“This is noticeable in the Federal Government’s deliberate reduction of the key drivers of the economy to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
“The total budget estimates of N8.83 trillion is down from N9.01 trillion of 2018,” the chief executive officer said.
According to him, security breaches, governance issues and vagaries in the international oil market, among others created an atmosphere of uncertainty that enveloped the entire economy in 2018.
Oni said the 2019 budget must be fairly conservative for effective implementation.
“The benchmark price of crude oil at 60 dollars per barrel and production of 2.3 million barrels per day are subject to controversy in view of the signals from the international oil market.
“But the good thing is that the government is not unmindful of these and there are plans to switch gear in the event of unforeseen risks.
“The heart of 2019 budget is the cautious management of the economy by reducing the weight of debt burden and expanding the income generating streams,” he added.
Oni said the exchange rate of N305 per dollar was conservative, noting that the critical challenge was how to grow the GDP on sustainable basis and boost the external reserves.
NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari on Dec. 19 presented a N8.83 trillion budget for 2019 before a joint sitting of the National Assembly.
The fiscal plan for next year is smaller in size compared with N9.12 trillion budget for 2018.
The proposed budget shows that about a quarter of the sum, N2.14 trillion, will be spent on debt servicing, while capital expenditure is expected to gulp N2.03 trillion.
Government also intends to spend N4.04 trillion on recurrent expenditure and N492.36 billion on statutory transfer in the course of the 2019 fiscal year.
The fiscal policy is predicated on crude production of 2.3 million barrels a day, an oil price of 60 dollars per barrel and exchange rate of N305 to the dollar. (NAN)
JNC/COF/SA

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Salif Atojoko
=============================

Virginity
By Lydia Ngwakwe
Lagos, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) An NGO, Women Arise for Change Initiative (WA) has called on governments to ensure more awareness programmes to end virginity testing of young females in Nigeria.

Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of WA, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.

According to her, virginity testing of females is `barbaric’.

“Virginity testing of females is barbaric and it falls under the rubric of violence against women and girl child.

“There has been global condemnation of the practice and substantial gains in the advocacy to end this ignoble practice.

“Government and stakeholders must do more in terms of advocacy, toward ensuring that the practice is totally eliminated,’’ Okei-Odumakin said.

The rights activist also said that any test carried out on any human being be it a female or a male, meant infringement on the person’s right.

She said the test lacked scientific backing as it could not tell whether a woman has had sex.

Okei-Odumakin appealed to parents to stop requesting that their female children be tested, saying that the archaic tradition must stop.

She said the practice had led many women and girls into developing psychological problems.

The rights activist called on health workers, the police and other stakeholders to join hands in fighting the barbaric tradition.

The UN Human Rights, UN Women and the World Health Organization (WHO) had in a joint statement said virginity testing, a gynecological examination conducted under the belief that it determines whether a woman or girl has had vaginal intercourse, must be brought to an end.

The statement, which was issued during the World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO 2018) in Rio de Janeiro, said that such tests were both unscientific and a violation of human rights. (NAN)
LED/FF/AJA
==========
Edited by Fela Fashoro/Adeleye Ajayi

Students

By Victor Adeoti

Ibadan, Dec. 24, 2014 (NAN) Three Nigerian university students on Monday won N2.2 million prize in the “Platinum Reasoning Contest” held at the University of Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the contest was organised by Platinum Mind Global Company (PGMC).

NAN reports that Animasaun Victor of Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, won N1 million first prize, Jesuloyomi Temitayo of University of Ilorin received N700, 000 second prize while Taiwo Owolabi of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, won N500, 000 third prize.

Speaking during the programme, Mr Abdulkadir Agboola, Coordinator of PGMC, said the reasoning contest was organised to identify African students with special talent for development.

Abdulkadir enjoined the winners to utilize the money judiciously and creatively towards the advancement of their potential.

He said that the month-long selection process was very tough and rigorous, encompassing presentation of series of projects for industrial usage.

In his remarks, Mr Ayandeji Peter, a PGMC official, urged the students to be creative and contribute their quota to the quest of alleviating poverty by investing the money in small scale business rather than looking for white collar jobs.

Also, Mr Ruth Adeola, PGMC legal adviser, also urged the winners to see their success as an opportunity to move further in the ladder of life.

She advised the students against giving room for euphoria of success that could derail them from the good path, saying youthful exuberance kills dreams in the absence of guidance.

The students, in their responses, thanked the organisers with a promise to invest the prize money wisely. (NAN)

VE/IKU/WOJ

======

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Wale Ojetimi