Blog

Commendation
By Mustapha Sumaila
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has commended the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) for it contributions toward combating human trafficking in the country.

Ms Julie Okah-Donli, the NAPTIP’s Director-General made the commendation when the agency hosted participants of the 6th INTERPOL Global Conference on a Gala night in Abuja.

Okah-Donli explained that its effort in combating organised crime networks, especially human trafficking could not be over-emphasised, adding that NAPTIP had benefited immensely from the various activities of the INTERPOL.

“We have received credible intelligence that has led to searches, arrests and seizures of all grades; we have participated in conferences and expert group meetings.

“The capacity of NAPTIP manpower has over the years been enhanced by INTERPOL, equipping and repositioning the agency’s officers and men for effective and efficient service delivery.

“The effort also creates a high performance in work ethics in line with international good practices.

“NAPTIP is grateful to the INTERPOL for such laudable initiatives that seek to advance the course of crime fighting and terrorism.

“The initiatives has helped in fighting Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling have been dealt a big blow by INTERPOL’s coordinated crime fighting mechanisms,” she explained.

Okah-Donli said that though much still needed to be done but so far it had been so good in the collaboration.

She said that Human Trafficking was a complex crime that went beyond national borders and required the cooperation of International Police to effectively stem the tide of the menace.

The director-general noted that the 6th Global Conference hosted by Nigeria for the first time, was an opportunity to highlight the importance of a uniform approach to combating this organised crime syndicate.

She added that it was only through coordinated efforts that the perpetrators could be apprehended and the victims protected.

“I want to assure you all that, as a model Anti-Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Agency in Africa and worldwide, NAPTIP is willing to do more.

“We could do more, we want to do more to combat the human trafficking menace and usher in a new era of hope in the society.

“I implore you to please join hands with NAPTIP to eliminate human trafficking,” she said.

Responding, the Secretary General of INTERPOL, Mr Jurgen Stock said that all relevant security agencies must remain united to fight human trafficking and migrant smuggling across the globe.

Stock expressed happiness for the partnership with NAPTIP and Nigerian Police Force in the fight against organised crime.

He urged security agencies to be at alert as new technology can be used to perpetrate organised crimes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants of the conference were drawn from 80 countries and it was the first time to be hosted in Africa. (NAN)
MS/VOE/IS
=========
Edited by Vivian Emoni/Ismail Abdulaziz

TUC insists on strike Thursday

Strike
Bukola Adewumi
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday insisted organised labour would commence strike from early hours of Thursday, Sept. 27, following Federal Government’s failure to honour its ultimatum on the new minimum wage.

A statement signed by Mr Musa-Lawal Ozigi, TUC, Secretary General in Abuja stated that the decision to embark on strike was sequel to the resolve of the Central Working Committee (CWC) of TUC on September 24.

Ozigi said that following the mandate of the CWC, TUC leadership would take all necessary action to effect the ultimatum on the new minimum wage in collaboration with other stakeholders.

“Strike is hereby declared to commence from early hours of Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018,” the Secretary General said.

He noted that as a result of the TUC’s decision to embark on strike, mobilisation of members would commence immediately.

According to him, all workers, civil society organisations and the masses are hereby put on notice to stockpile their houses for all necessary provisions and food items.

Ozigi, however, called on state councils to form joint state strike implementation committee that would comprise the TUC, NLC and other stakeholders in the state to ensure effectiveness.

He further called on union members to be alert for further directive on or before Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the labour leaders had on September 12 cautioned the Federal Government against foot-dragging on the new minimum wage and allow the tripartite committee to conclude its job to avoid action.

The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, had said that the committee was not pleased with the comments allegedly made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

The Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige had earlier told the committee to adjourn indefinitely to give room for further consultations with the government on the new minimum wage.

The Federal Government had assured the organised Labour that the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage would conclude its negotiation before the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum.

Ms Amal Pepple, Chairman, Tripartite Committee on the new National Minimum Wage gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen on recently in Abuja.

According to Pepple, we do not want strike and I am sure that even the Federal Government does not want strike, and also Nigerians.

“So, we pray that everything will be resolved before then so labour do not have to embark on any strike,” she said.

Ngige said that the organised labour’s 14-day ultimatum was “a subtle blackmail” to stampede the Tripartite Committee on the new National Minimum Wage.

According to him, it is not true that the Federal Government is trying to stall negotiations. (NAN)
BOL/ELLA/AFA
=============
Edited by Ella Anokam/Felix Ajide

Pensioners

By Solomon Asowata

Lagos, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Ex-workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways on Tuesday thanked the Federal Government for approving N22.6 billion for the payment of their entitlements.

They told the News Agency of (NAN) in Lagos that the payment of the money would go a long way in saving the lives of some of the pensioners who had been living in pain over lack of money to attend to their health issues.

NAN reports that the airline, which started flight operations in August 1958, was liquidated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government in May 2003, with the workers yet to be fully paid their entitlements.

However, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, on Monday announced that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of the funds for the part payment of the ex-workers who are being owed N45 billion.

Mr Godwin Jibodu, Chairman, Nigeria Airways Elders Forum, said the approval, though late, was a welcome development.

Jibodu said: “We have no choice than to take it because many of our people are in penury today. With the money, people can meet their financial needs, buy medication and plan for other things.

“The ministry has promised us that they will pay the balance of 50 per cent within the next six months. So, I think it is a welcome development.

“We are going to have a congress tomorrow to discuss the modalities of accessing the funds and decisions will be taken, but I can assure you that negotiations will still continue with the ministry to fine tune everything.”

He said that the pensioners were wallowing in abject poverty in spite serving the nation exceptionally during their time in the liquidated national carrier.

Also, the Secretary of the Nigerian Airways Elders Forum, Mr Sheri Kyari, said that the pensioners were grateful to the government for the gesture.

According to him, the payment of their entitlements will relieve the suffering of the workers who have been clamouring for it for over 14 years.

“We are hoping that government will keep to its promise of paying the other part that they promised to pay in six months,” he said. (NAN)

ASO/OFN/SOA

Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Oluwole Sogunle

Safety
By Uchenna Ugwu
Abakaliki, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Ebonyi chapter of Environmental Health Officers Association is set to enlighten members of the public on preventive health education so as to ensure food safety in the society.

The President of the Association, Mr Sunday Nwonu, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abakaliki.

He said that the target participants for the seminar included food vendors, restaurants, eateries, hotels and farmers.

He added that all environmental field workers across the 13 local government areas of the state, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as some federal institutions would also be involved.

Nwonu said that the awareness campaign was to reawaken the need to promote environmental health in efforts to make the public to become more conscious of the quality of food they consumed.

He said that the enlightenment activity was organised to mark the World Environmental Health Day, which was celebrated on every September 26, with aim of preventing occurrence of diseases, while supporting the provision of safe food and water.

NAN reports that the theme of the 2018 World Environmental Health Day is “Global Food Safety and Sustainability’’.

Nwonu said that the enlightenment programme would also enable the public to understand and appreciate environmental health issues, while changing their negative attitudes on them.

He said that the association had invited a seasoned sanitarian to present a public lecture on “Preventive Health Services’’ at the event.

Besides, Nwonu said that the association was collaborating with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) in efforts to boost food safety.

“We are training the trainers and the event will commence in Abakaliki, the capital city, we will also step it down to the rural areas.

“The International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have laid greater emphasis on preventive health services.

“We want to promote food quality because most times, the food either lacks the essential nutrients or is badly handled by farmers, food processors, restaurants, and this poses great consequences on human health.

“Food poisoning has become a serious menace in our society and so, I urge citizens to be part of this campaign,’’ he said.

Nwonu said that as part of the celebration, special sanitary inspection of premises would also be carried out.

Meanwhile, Mr Phillip Eworo, the Special Assistant (SA) to the Governor on Environment, said that house-to-house sanitary inspections were a statutory function of the Ministry of Environment.

He, however, underscored the need to sensitise the general public to salient environmental health issues so as to enable them to fully understand their expectations.

“Residents should adhere to sanitary rules and ensure compliance, while defaulters must know the sanctions for offenders in the existing legal framework,’’ Eworo added. (NAN)
UVU /GOM/OOK
============

Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam and Dayo Komolafe

Sheriff not a mole in APC, says Buhari Support Group

Sherriff

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN)The Presidential Support Group (PSG) for Buhari 2019 campaign, says its Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff is not a mole planted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to scuttle the election of the president in 2019.

Mr Kassim Muhammed Kassim, the group`s Secretary said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, that those making the allegation were only being mischievous.

“Sheriff came into APC without any hidden political agenda other than to contribute his quota to the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari because he identifies with the president’s integrity,’’ Kassim said.

He added that the allegation, credited to a former Commissioner of Information in Borno, Inuwa Bwala, and published by some online medium was malicious and deceitful, calculated to serve the interest of those working against the President’s re-election.

He challenged Bwala to publish any record to substantiate his allegation, adding that Sheriff’s appointment as PSG chairman was based on his dedication to the re-election of President Buhari.

He added that the PSG had always identified with the president’s integrity and philosophy and therefore working tirelessly for his re-election.

He stressed that the PSG currently facilitates the activities of over 300 pro Buhari groups working for his re-election in 2019.

According to him, Sheriff is presently leading a strategy committee making consultations across the 36 states of the federation on the positive impact of the Buhari administration.

He said the essence was to convince Nigerians to rally round and re-elect the president in 2019.(NAN)

EEM/COO/MZA
=============
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Maharazu Ahmed

Agriculture
By Uwumarogie Peter

Gombe, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Alhaji Abbas Umar, a rice farmer in Gombe State, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for sustaining the agriculture policies that had transformed the sector beyond expectation.

Umar, who gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Tuesday said he became a millionaire since he heeded government urge for Nigerians to embrace back to the land policy.

He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has provided the right policies that have attracted most people to farming.

The president has done well for strengthening agriculture through Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrower programme.

“The loans, fertiliser, improved seedlings and the other farming assistance that the present administration is giving is making young people go into agriculture.

“Today, fertiliser is affordable and accessible.“

According to him, his investment in agriculture has made him a millionaire, saying that he has engaged over 200 youths through direct and indirect labour in different agribusiness ventures.

He said agriculture remained the only sector that could guarantee maximum returns on investments.

Umar noted that agriculture had the capacity to make every Nigerian a millionaire with the provision of enabling environment.

He said Buhari had also provided the right agriculture-driven policies that had attracted everyone to farming thus, making farmers wealthy.

“Agriculture has made me a millionaire, and not just that, I have employed over 200 youths through direct and indirect labour working in my rice farm.

“Last year, I invested N10 million in rice farming but due to low rainfall, I didn’t make as much as I would. Even with the poor yield, I got back my money with some profits.

“ I am comfortable with farming and I don’t think any organisation can pay me what agriculture is paying me now; not even as a civil servant will I earn as much money.

“Agriculture is one sector that if you put your money, you won’t regret doing so. If all Nigerians go into agriculture with the right environment, we all can become millionaires.

Umar, who also grows millet, maize and beans urged Nigerians to accord agriculture the need recognition.

“Nigerians must stop looking down on farming as a vocation for the uneducated, pointing out that graduates who took to farming were also now making huge profits from it.“(NAN)
UP/KOO/DUA

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Dada Ahmed

Monitoring
By Kevin Okunzuwa
Benin, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Alumni Association of University of Benin has called on the Federal Government to urgently set up a geo-technical team to commence seismic monitoring of the Nigerian Basement complex arising from the recent earth tremor in Abuja.

The body made the call in a communique issued at the end of its 95th council meeting held on Saturday in Enugu.

The communique signed by its World President, Ifaluyi Isibor and Secretary General, Prof. Myke Omoigberale, was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Benin.

It said the geo-technical team would also monitor and address the perennial flooding in Abuja which had led to the loss of lives and property.

The body also urged the Federal Government to “quickly approve the new national minimum wage with labour unions to avert the impeding nationwide strike by the unions.’’

According to the communiqué, the executive and the national assembly should quickly harmonise their respective positions on the amendment of the Electoral Act.

The body said it was impressed by efforts of INEC in its preparations ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

It, however, called on all political parties to work assiduously in ensuring a level playing field for all and deliver a peaceful, free and fair and credible election. (NAN)
KOO/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

Spanish federation delays approval of Girona-Barca match in Miami

Barcelona, Sept. 25, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) La Liga’s plans to move Girona’s fixture with Barcelona on Jan. 26 to Miami hang in the balance, after the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) declined to authorise the move until it received more information on the game.

“We have received a letter from the RFEF requesting more information about our proposal to play a La Liga competition match in the U.S.A

“We will provide that information,” La Liga’s head of communications Joris Evers told Reuters on Tuesday.

According to world governing body FIFA’s statutes, any domestic competition played outside the league’s usual home must be approved by the home federation.

The approval of European governing body UEFA, the federation where the game is taking place, and the regional confederation – in this case the United States Soccer Federation and CONCACAF would be required.

“They are not saying no, they are asking for more documentation.

“Evidently, they are not very keen on it, but I’m still optimistic,” La Liga president Javier Tebas told reporters gathered outside the organisation’s headquarters on Friday.

In August the Spanish federation took the Spanish Super Cup outside of Spain for the first time, as Barcelona met Sevilla in Tangier, Morocco.

“The federation may not like the idea of us playing this game.

“But the president of the RFEF has to resolve this legally, with the precedent of having taken a game to Tangier after everything that has been said about adulterating the competition,” Tebas added.

“The game (in Miami) is still alive, without a doubt. We believe we are in the right and we will respond to all the doubts expressed in the letter.

“This isn’t about us wanting to play a game in Miami, it’s a strategic plan to promote our brand amid the relentless competition for broadcasting rights,” he said.

Girona and Barcelona declined requests from Reuters to comment.

In August, La Liga announced a landmark 15-year promotion deal with U.S. Entertainment Company Relevent, the organiser of the annual International Champions Cup tournament played across the United States, Asia and Europe.

The agreement included plans to play one game a year stateside.

The plans were initially rejected by the Spanish Footballer’s Union, the AFE, who said they were prepared to go on strike in order to prevent the match from going ahead.

Earlier this month, Barca spokesman Josep Vives said the club supported the idea of playing abroad, but would only do so if all parties in Spanish football agreed.

“We’re interested in playing in the United States because it’s a strategic market, but we want it to be done consensually, in agreement and in harmony with the players and the Spanish soccer federation,” he said.

Last week Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said he was opposed to the idea, telling a news conference: “I don’t agree with this game, all the teams should play in the same stadiums.” (Reuters/NAN)

ERO/SA

Edited by Salif Atojoko

=================

Nollywood Travel Film Festival to spotlight female directors at Glasgow edition
Festival
By Anita Eboigbe
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Nollywood Travel Film Festival (NTFF) will spotlight female directors in Nollywood at the Glasgow edition, festival director, Mykel Parish said.

Parish, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, said that female filmmakers Tope Oshin and Blessing Egbe would lead the focus on women in the industry.

He added that the two filmmakers would show the world how strong female voices contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian film industry.

“Blessing Egbe would present her latest film ‘The Women’ staring Omoni Oboli, Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Ufuoma Mcdermott and Katherine Obiang.

“The Women’ offers an honest insight into marriage and friendship in the lives of four couples in Nigeria, as they go on a weekend getaway for a birthday party,” he said.

According to Parish, ‘The Women’ has established Egbe as a filmmaker with a flair for creating realistic characters and stories likely to resonate with audiences across the world.

Meanwhile, Oshin, who is best known for her acclaimed movie ‘Isoken’ would be premier her latest film ‘We Don’t Live Here Anymore’ which stars Funlola Aofiyebi and Osas Ighodaro.

The film follows two teenage boys, Tolu and Chidi, who find themselves embroiled in a high-stake scandal that could alter the course of their future.

NAN reports that the NTFF, which is the largest travel festival in Nigeria, will showcase the filmmakers in partnership with Africa In Motion Film Festival.

Africa in Motion Film Festival is Scotland’s major annual celebration of African cinema with a special focus on women in film in its 2018 edition billed to hold from Oct. 26 to Nov. 4.

In 2017, the NTFF celebrated new entrants in the Nollywood in Toronto during the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

NAN also reports that the Glasgow edition would feature conversations around women in film, culture exchange and the expansion of the Nigerian film industry. (NAN)
AEE/EAL
=========
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FERMA woos APWEN for young female engineers

Partnership
By Uche Bibilari
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) is to partner with the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) to encourage young females in  secondary schools to develop interest in engineering.

The Managing Director, FERMA, Mr Nuruddeen Rafindadi, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the partnership would advance the number of practicing female engineers in the country.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was signed by Mrs Maryam Sanusi, Director, Head of Communication and Public Relations, FERMA.

Rafindadi encouraged the association to remain committed to engineering principles anchored on proffering solutions to problems and challenges.

He commended APWEN for embracing girl-child mentorship programmes, saying that the effort would help build a healthy nation.

The National President, APWEN, Mrs Felicia Agubata, said the visit was aimed at tapping FERMA’s disposition in engineering services and developmental programmes for a viable economy.

Agubata said that APWEN, a Non-Governmental Organisation established in 1982, had encouraged young people to study of engineering and advanced the development of practicing female engineers.

“APWEN aims at catching young female engineers through well-articulated programmes and policies, execution and evaluation which provides them a platform.

“It encourages practicing ones to excel and attain an enviable height in their chosen field of endeavour.

“APWEN programmes spans various aspects of the economy to reach out to female engineers, both young and old.

“The association combs through organisations, both private and government, for the female engineers to enhance, encourage, equip themselves, and to excel and play outstanding roles in building an economically healthy nation,’’ Agubata said.

She called on FERMA to partner with it in its annual targeted of introducing engineering programmes across the six geopolitical zones in secondary schools to mentor the girl-child in engineering practices.

Agubata said the association’s 25^th anniversary would come up from Sept. 26 to Sept. 28, 2018. (NAN)
UU/COF/MZA
=======
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Maharazu Ahmed