Blog

Christmas
By Yinusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Christians have been called upon to emulate the exemplary leadership qualities of Jesus Christ in order to gain the desired righteousness and eternal salvation.

Hon. Raheem Olawuyi, a member of the House of Representatives, made the call on Monday in a  Christmas message released in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

Olawuyi, representing Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara, said the birth of Jesus heralded selflessness, compassion and peaceful co-existence which should be emulated by Christians.

He said the birth of Jesus was very significant, noting that the purpose of his coming was to save humanity from sins.

Olawuyi, who urged Christians not to allow themselves to be carried away by worldly material gains, said Jesus lived and died for the sake of humanity.

The federal lawmaker advised religious leaders to always emphasise and preach the gospel of love, unity and tolerance among Nigerians.

”This is what Jesus lived for and such was the path every righteous and devoted Christian must follow in order to gain the desired salvation,” he said.

Olawuyi, who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the constituency in the 2019 general elections, said his present and future representation would be transparent, purposely and impactful.

He urged the people to promote unity in order to ensure the desired socio-economic development envisioned for the constituency.

Similarly, Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, urged Christians to allow their activities to be guided by the teachings and practices of Jesus as enshrined in the Holy Bible.

Oladipo, in his Christmas message released in Omu-Aran, stressed the need for Nigerians to return to God through prayers and devotion to His commandments.

”There is a need for us to retrace our steps away from sins and return to God in righteousness.

”It is only by being righteous and devoted that we can intercede on behalf of the leaders for the country to move forward.

”Our country, no doubt, is passing through a critical period especially with the ongoing electioneering processes which require stakeholders’ responsibility for survival,” he said.

The council boss praised the council workers for their loyalty, selflessness and perseverance in the face of enormous financial constraints arising from the inadequate payment of bonuses and allowances.

Oladipo, however, expressed his administration’s readiness to promote agriculture and entrepreneurship development, especially among the youths in the area.

He also called on eligible voters in the council who had yet to collect their  Permanent Voters Cards to do so, insisting that the reported high number of uncollected PVCs in the council was unacceptable. (NAN)
ISHO/FF/OJO
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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Mufutau Ojo)

Yuletide: NSCDC deploy 1,600 personnel in Bauchi
NSCDC
By Amina Ahmed
Bauchi, Dec. 24,2018(NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp(NSCDC) Command in Bauchi, says it has deployed 1,600 personnel across the state for Christmas and New Year celebration.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Yahuza Garkuwa stated this on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi.
He said some of the personnel were posted to places of worship, recreational centers and public gathering areas for safety of the lives and property.
Yahuza said NSCDC has three commands in the state, adding that various teams had set out for patrol.
“The command has deployed 1,600 personnel across the state to keep vigil in worship areas and recreational centres.
“Other places are public gathering areas to maintain security of lives and property and peaceful conduct of Christmas and New Year celebration,” he said.
He called on members of public to be vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies in the state.(NAN)
AE/ OYE/ABI
Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Ali Baba-Inuwa

L-R Skales, Olamide, Wizkid and Dotun at Olamide’s concert in Lagos on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018

Wizkid
By Anita Eboigbe
Abuja, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Afro pop star, Ayodeji Balogun aka Wizkid, surprised fans when he performed at Olamide’s Adedeji aka Baddo’s concert in Lagos shortly after his own show.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in spite holding on the same day, Sunday, Wizkid’s ‘Made in Lagos’ concert and Olamide’s ‘Live In Concert’ (OLIC) were sold out with fans trooping to support each artist.

At about 2 a.m, Wizkid kicked off a live set at his own festival which spanned over one hour.

After the electrifying show, he made it to Olamide’s concert where he delivered a brief but stunning performance of ‘Kana’.

NAN reports that Nigerians on social media spared no time to share their excitement over the support shown by Wizkid amidst claims that the date clash would affect the impact of both concerts.

They commended Wizkid for constantly supporting his colleagues and praised him for being able to perform at two concerts in one night.

@Darey__ tweeted, “Before you lose your home training on this app! This is Wizkid live at #OLIC5 out to support Olamide! The sky is big for everyone to fly please. Much respect Starboy.”

@OOUnetwork said, “Olamide’s #OLIC5 soldout. Wizkid’s #MadeinLagos soldout. Sometimes you don’t need to compete to attain success. God’s grace is sufficient for all.”

@Lailaijeoma said, “Wizkid left his concert #MadaInLagos to perform Kana with Olamide at #OLIC5 When they say the sky is big enough for everyone, this is it!!!”

@Adeyemijobest tweeted, “Maximum respect for wizkid turning up for #OLIC5 after his own show #MadeinLagos.”

This was not the first time Wizkid had made surprise appearances at his colleagues’ concerts.

In November, he surprised Wande Coal and Simi at their headline London shows held the same night. (NAN)
AEE/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Theft

By Tomisin Erogbogbo

Lagos, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) A 34-year-old security guard, Taofeek Adeyemi, is to celebrate the Yuletide in prison for breaking into his employer’s warehouse and stealing 72 cartons of shoes, valued at N1.5 million.

The accused who appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Monday is facing a two-count charge of theft and unlawful entering.

The Magistrate, Mrs F.M. Dalley, ordered that the accused by remanded in Ikoyi Prisons after he had pleaded guilty to the charge.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Olufemi Adeleye, told the court that the accused, a resident of No. 23, Itunpate St., Ikorodu, Lagos, committed the offences between Dec. 6 and Dec.18.

He said that Adeyemi, unlawfully entered the warehouse at No. 107/108 UHI Plaza, Martins St., Lagos Island, where he was employed and stole 72 cartons of shoes.

He said that the accused unlocked the warehouse with the keys which he had duplicated and stole the shoes belonging to his employer, Mr Ikena Nweje, which was valued at N1.5 million.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 287 (7) and 307(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

Both sections stipulate seven-year imprisonment for anyone found guilty of theft, breaking and entry.

Dalley adjourned the case until Jan. 17, 2019 for facts and sentencing. (NAN)

TME/FLP/EMO

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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Ejike Obeta

Nigerian filmmaker, Genevieve Nnaji

Film
By Anita Eboigbe
Abuja, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Veteran actress and filmmaker, Genevieve Nnaji has called out film distributors for allegedly monopolising the market.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nnaji’s directorial debut ‘Lion Heart’ was reportedly delayed from showing in the cinemas because of ‘power tussle’ and ‘arm twisting’ by cinema distributors.

Reacting to the issue, a statement released by Ugoma Adegoke, a representative of Nnaji’s team, quotes her calling out major film distributors for frustrating efforts of upcoming filmmakers.

The statement further accused them of inflating box office figures, having showtime bias for films they invest in and not prioritising the customers.

Nnaji said, “It is sad to discover that the very people who pose as Nollywood supporters and promoters of their content are the very same people frustrating the efforts of filmmakers.

“They are currently invested in a couple of movies showing in the cinemas and want to protect their assets at all cost.

“Monopolising the market this season is their strategy to recouping their investment. It’s like 2004 all over again.

“When we were all banned from the industry. Except this is not 2004. This is 2018. The sheer audacity.

“It is clear to me that the interest of the consumers is not of utmost priority as advertised.

“These cinema chains are only here to make money off of struggling artists while protecting their investments in the films they are affiliated with.

“The major reason cinema chains globally do not produce their own movies is to avoid bias.

“Competing with the very people you are supposedly a distributor for is downright ridiculous and shameful, to say the least.

“It is not enough that they buy out their own tickets and manipulate the numbers and time slots to keep up this false imagery of making box-office hits.

“They prevent filmmakers from releasing their products to manipulate foot traffic as well. Thereby forcing consumers to watch only that which is available to them. Not what they actually want to see.

“It sickens me to think that if this could be done to me (twice if I may add), then I can only imagine what many struggling independent filmmakers must be passing through in the hands of these industry vultures.

“I call them vultures because they are a bunch of opportunists, and they prey on the weak. If the only success stories you can boast of as a distributor are movies you invested in, then how are you a supporter for the industry at large?

“To be honest, as an investor in this project, I have no complaints. I am happy with the progress I have made and remain grateful for how far I have come.

“But as an artist, having you watch my first-time film as a director meant a lot to me. Plus, I am aware of the challenges of streaming in this region, so bringing this home to you was important.

“Unfortunately, the cinemas have refused to show Lion heart. Despite all my efforts, they remain insistent. I don’t own a cinema chain of my own so my hands are tied.

“Lion heart will be waiting for you starting January 4th on Netflix. I hope you are as proud of it as I am.

“As for the ‘powers that be’, this is not over. On the contrary, it is just the beginning. You are going to respect what I stand for which is art.

“You are going to respect where I came from which is Nollywood. You are going to learn to respect the talent. Period,” Nnaji said.

Amidst the controversies, the movie was premiered at a private screening in Lagos on Thursday, with the film stars, Nnaji’s family and some celebrity guests in attendance. (NAN)
AEE/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Muhammad Auwal

Yola, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Mr Morris Vonubolki, Project Coordinator, North East Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project, said 200 agriculture extension workers were trained by the Federal Government with the support of the World Bank in Adamawa.

The project coordinator, who disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola on Monday, stated that the development would increase agricultural production in the state.

‘‘The Federal Government with the support of the World Bank had recently trained about 200 Agriculture Extension Workers in Adamawa.

‘‘The extension workers were trained in order to reach out to the affected farming communities, who were assisted with agricultural inputs,’’ Vonubolki said.

Vonubolki noted that the training was aimed at reaching out to over 10, 000 farmers affected by the insurgency in the northern part of the state.

He said the core objective of the agricultural intervention programme was to address food security and support farmers to improve their farming for sustainable livelihoods.

Vonubolki noted that the prevalence of law and order in the area paved way for the project coupled with the support of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe Governments.

The project coordinator emphasised that the training would serve as knowledge bolster for the farmers as well as monitoring channel for tracking the progress made by households.

He noted that supporting the affected communities was among the crucial part of the recovery project.

‘‘The World Bank agricultural intervention project for the affected people of North East Nigeria is classified into intermediate and long-term humanitarian development chain,’’ he said.

He called on the benefiting states in the region to give maximum cooperation for the project’s successful implementation. (NAN)
AMA/MOL/MZA
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Maharazu Ahmed
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Language

Abuja, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Mr Han Sungrae, Director of Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) says the Korean Language Classes organised by the centre for Nigerians is to boost relationship between the two countries.

Sungrae made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, KKCN organises the language classes for Nigerians annually to facilitate interaction between them and Koreans, and those that will like to study in Korean to overcome language barrier.

“Korean Language classes are to assist Nigerians who generally are interested in learning the language of Korean people.

“They may either be interested in travelling to Korea in future, studying, working or doing business that requires Korean language skills.

“The essence of this is to help them learn the language and by extension boost the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Korea.

“Nigeria and Korea have come a long way and language is not supposed to create any form of barrier between us,’’ Sungrae said.

The KKCN director explained that the language courses for Nigerians run for a period of six weeks where students undergo rigorous training and evaluation.

He also said that all classes were taught by native Korean speakers and successful students received certificate of completion.

NAN reports that 16 young Nigerians recently graduated from the Korean language course organised by the centre.

NAN also reports that eight students graduated for the Beginners’ category where Miss Oluwadara Oluwantoye emerged overall best student and Miss Akinola Onyindamola, overall best for the intermediate categories respectively. (NAN)

CMY/IKU/MNA

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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Maureen Atuonwu

Undiagnosed Turner Syndrome worries medical experts
By Ibukun Emiola
Support
Ibadan, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Medical experts have called for support of girls with Turner Syndrome (TS) to have early detection and treatment, as many cases remained undiagnosed in Nigeria.
Dr Tokuinbo Jarrett, a Paediatric Endocrinologist, and Dr Adefemi Afolabi, an Endocrinologist Surgeon, made the appeal in Ibadan on Monday while speaking on ways to help patients with turner syndrome.
Jarrett said Turner Syndrome (TS) is not a disease, but a chromosomal disorder that is genetic in girls that occurs at random; when an error leads to the missing of x-chromosome in the sperm or egg of the parent, so the TS girl has only one x instead of two.
“We have no data presently on the prevalence in Nigeria, because of how expensive genetic tests are; to make a definitive diagnosis of TS you need to carry out a Karyotype on the girl or woman to show the chromosomes and one can see the missing one.
“The major problem that brings TS girls to the hospital is short stature; any short girl is advised to have a karyotype done which is about N180,000.
“The girl could have certain features that are peculiar to the TS but not all of them will have these; some appear perfectly normal until they are extremely short for age and growing stopped,” he said.
The paediatrician further stated that “there is a wide spectrum of problem that individuals could have at different stages of life which include heart problems, especially coartation of the aorta.
“Others are cardiovascular issues including high blood pressure, hearing problem, reproductive issue because ovaries die out pretty early in life, bone, skin and dental problem, among others”.
Jarrett further said early detection and treatment is key to TS, though it is expensive and could cost about N2 to N3 million yearly for a girl.
“Limitations here are numerous because it is capital intensive and the key treatment is administering growth hormone to help growth; apart from other forms of follow up periodic screening for hearing of heart.
“And liver, bone as well as kidney aside other hormonal problems. Also, fertility is possible if there are egg banks and reproductive treatment is available.
“I have patients who have TS but can’t afford the treatment hence they are condemned to a life of misery whereas in the developed countries growth hormone is covered by the insurance company,” she said.
Afolabi however called on parents whose children have been diagnosed to have TS to organise themselves in to group as it is being done in developed countries to make accessing drugs for treatment easy for their wards.
“The growth hormone needs to be administered before bones become fused; at puberty people grow taller, if you don’t give this growth hormone at the time we need to give it then the child will remain at that height forever.
“In the developed countries people who have similar disease or condition their parents come together to form an association or group where they can receive help and can have pharmaceutical companies sell drugs for them at a subsidised rate.
“But here in Nigeria we are ashamed and afraid of whatever we are going through; there is the need to render support because we have people who are discouraged physically, emotionally and mentally,” Afolabi said.
Mrs Muyi Willoughby, the mother of a 14-year-old girl who was diagnosed of TS in 2016 during a routine doctor’s appointment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, urged Nigerians to come to her aid.
“The treatment is very expensive and the condition is so rare that most people don’t even understand it; we need to create awareness, so that there would be early diagnoses and treatment of the syndrome.
“We need about N7 million to treat Gbemisola; the growth hormone alone cost N5 million, as she would need 91 pins for the first year, there are other tests which she will undergo before, during and at the end of the treatment of the first 12 months.
“She needs to commence treatment now, or it will be too late; she should have started the treatment in January 2017, but we were unable to raise the money.”
Willoughby further said: “Our daughter, who is 14 years, worries about the fact that she is not growing as she should and that all the physiological changes of adolescence are not happening.” (NAN)
IBK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Port
By Uchenna Eletuo
Lagos, Dec. 24,2018 (NAN) The Baro River Port Cargo handling equipment installation has been completed, Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Sen. Olorumnimbe Mamora, has said.

He told newsmen on Monday that the River Port cargo handling equipment would soon start operation.

Mamora, who said he was impressed by what he saw while the contractors were fixing the last equipment, was given assurance by the contractors that the project will be ready in in the next one week or two.

Mamora also commended the contractors for a job well done and the community for being a good host and encouraged them to ensure the safety and security of the River Port.

He said Baro River Port, which is the flagship port in the northern part of the country, will be commissioned very soon by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I am satisfied with the quality of work done and in a week time the port will be inaugurated for operations.

“I wish to thank the host community for their patriotic zeal and the security the accorded the contractor while doing the work and also wish they extend the same security to the workers when the port comes on stream.

“The port apart from boosting the economy of the community will bolster the economy of the state and the country,’’he said.

NAN reports that the Baro River Port is the flagship port in the North

NAN reports that the  Baro River port awarded in 2011 at a cost of N2.563 billion to Messrs CGGC Global Projects Limited.

(NAN)
EUC/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Innovation
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, Dec. 24, 2018 (NAN) Dr Nteranya Sanginga, the Director-General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, on Monday said that in achieving its goals to raise over 11 million Africans out of poverty, 7.2 million had been lifted out of poverty.

Sanginga made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

He noted that part of the goal of the institute was to redirect over 7.5 million hectares of under-utilised, marginal, degraded lands to more productive, sustainable use and increase yields of major crops by 60 per cent.

Sanginga said that in pursuance of the goal, IITA obtained about 895,000 ha of restored degraded land associated with the adoption of improved technologies developed by IITA and partners.

The director-general said that on-farm yield assessment showed that the adoption of improved varieties and good management practices by farmers resulted in 50 to 80 per cent yield grains in maize and soybean.

According to him, the institute’s Research for Development (R4D) effort in scaling out successful Drought Tolerant Maize (DTM) in the dry savanna and excellent research on reducing the breeding cycle of banana and plantain contributed to the above goals.

Sanginga also noted that the liquidity status of the institute’s Business Incubation Platform (BIP) enterprises, measured by cash balances relative to the size of operating cash needs, had improved from 303 days to 94 days of actual sales.

He said that in addition to improved cash management, the BIP enterprises achieved operational profitability in 2018.

Sanginga said IITA focused on exploring the synergies between R4D and Partnership for Delivery (P4D), ensuring that it became a culture widely adopted in the institute to achieve agricultural transformation across Africa.

“The BIP signed agreements with three commercial private parties to invest in BIP. This resulted in technology transfer and commercialisation via companies, shared production and investments in inputs and equipment,” he said.

Sanginga said that in its achievement this year, IITA was awarded the Africa Food Prize in recognition of its contributions to innovations to food security and economic development through agriculture across Africa.

“In awarding the prize, the committee chairman, former President Obasanjo, recognized IITA for generating solutions on and off the farm that have improved the lives of millions in the face of climate change, surge of crop pests, disease and urgent need for youth employment across Africa.

“The prize received worldwide recognition during the World Food Prize award ceremony in Des Moines, Lowa, on Oct. 18.

“The energy generated by the two events is being channelled into proactive engagement with our external and local partners and donors for resource mobilisation,’’ he said.

Sanginga explained that IITA refined its strategy to direct youth from diverse academic disciplines who had completed their training toward agribusiness careers through the IITA Youth in Agribusiness (IYA) programme.

“IYA has become a high-profile mechanism toward strengthening youth participation in agricultural transformation through agribusiness establishment and growth.

“Between Nov. 2017 and Nov. 2018, we completed three new studies on impact of soybean innovations in Malawi (1,237 households in six major soybean-growing districts, cowpea improved varieties in Northern Nigeria (1,525 households in 10 states).

“We also have the Adaptive Yam Minisett Technique (AYMT) in the yam belts of Ghana and Nigeria (1,400 households).

“We have numerous successes not mentioned here; although the situation is still challenging, I am optimistic that we will make more important giant strides in 2019,’’ he said. (NAN)
CC/AJA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi