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Ex-SMEDAN DG docked for alleged N189.6m money laundering

Redeployment

Abuja, Sept. 24, 2018(NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday approved the redeployment of four federal permanent secretaries to various ministries.

Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), made this known in a statement in Abuja.

She stated that Alhaji Mu’azu Abdulkadir, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel has been redeployed to Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Mrs Georgina Ehuria, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) was now deployed to Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel.

“Mr Aliboh Leon, Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) was also deployed to Federal Ministry of Environment.

“Alhaji Suleiman Mustapha, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, OHCSF has been deployed to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

She directed that all handing-over and taking-over processes should be done on or before Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. (NAN)

KTE/JTJ/MNA

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Edited by Julius Toba Jegede/Maureen Atuonwu

Health

Enugu, September 24, 2018, (NAN) The wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi, on Monday flagged off a three-month media campaign aimed at promoting under-five birth registration in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign, was organised by the National Population Commission (NPopC) in conjunction with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in Enugu.

Ugwuanyi represented by Mrs Onyinyechi Anichukwu, Head of Administration, Governor’s wife pet project, assured the organisers of the birth registration campaign of her unalloyed support as well as that of the state.

Ugwuanyi, who used the medium to present birth certificates to some mothers, urged them to also help to publicize the importance of birth registration to others.

The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze emphasized the importance of birth registration and the role his ministry would play in achieving the set target.

Represented by Dr. Vera Nwafor, a director in the ministry, the commissioner said that state owned schools and tertiary institutions would henceforth be directed to ask for NPopC’s birth certificates as a pre-requisite for admission and enrollment.

“I think if we implement this directive, it will go a long way in making parents see the importance of birth registration.

“When they realise that their children cannot be admitted without birth certificate, they will make move to get one.

“Thus increasing the rate of birth registration in the state as well as meet up with the set target,” he said.

Earlier, the State Director of NPopC in Enugu State, Mrs Ngozi Onyia, said the campaign for the promotion of birth registration in Nigeria and Enugu State especially was necessary.

According to her, a complete birth registration complements census data because birth registration is a continuous exercise.

“It also enables adequate population estimation and projection, aids statistical planning and research and for administrative purposes.”

Onyia noted that under-five children formed five per cent of an estimated 4,768,755 Enugu State population.

She said that out of the figure, the commission hoped to register a total of 137,766 children within the space of three months when the media campaign would elapse.

The State Director, therefore, urged parents to seize the opportunity to register their children and save themselves of the grave consequences that might arise now and future for not registering their children with NPopC.

She however, appealed to the media and other major stakeholders to help create awareness both in the rural and urban areas.

“Our greatest challenge as regards birth registration in Enugu State has been lack of awareness of the importance to register with the NPopC.

“Our media friends which are a part of this programme will have to help us in creating awareness and bridge the communication gap,” onyia said.

The NPopC boss commended the wife of the state governor for her continuous support for all the programmes of the commission.

She pledged that NPopC’s registration centers would be designated in hospitals, health centers, local government secretariats and all the commission’s offices across the state. (NAN)

AED/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

‘Agbada challenge’ takes centre-stage at AY’s ‘Merry Men’ premiere

Agbada

By Anita Eboigbe

Abuja, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) Several Nigerian celebrities attended the premiere of Ayo ‘AY’ Makun’s movie ‘Merry Men’ in their best ‘Agbada’ styles as part of the ongoing ‘Agbada challenge’.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that fans and stars alike were called on to partake in the ‘Agbada challenge’ prior to the movie premiere which held in Lagos on Sunday.

Omawunmi, Waje, Anto, Ik Ogbonna, Brian Okwara, Alex Ekubo, Yomi Casual and Ushbebe were among the crowd of celebrities who rocked ‘agbada’ to the premiere.

The challenge began when AY announced it as part of events leading to the premiere of the much talked film, ‘Merry Men’ which stars Jim Iyke, Folarin ‘Falz’ Falana, AY, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ramsey Noauh.

Thereafter,Alex Unusual who hosted the premiere’s red carpet, set up the cast of the film against another ex-housemate, Tobi Bakre and media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu tagged ‘Tobuka’.

The ‘Agbada challenge’ soon spiraled into a social media contest with the hashtag #agbadachallenge, as fans and celebrities alike began posting pictures of themselves wearing ‘Agbada’.

This frenzy was carried on to the premiere which had ‘agbada’ as the official dress code, as stars showed up in stylish ‘agbada’ pieces which they did not hesitate to share on social media.

NAN reports that host, Alex Unusual and the Merry Men also showed up in ‘agbada’ with veteran actor, Mofe-Damijo rocking four different pieces.

Alex Unusual, doing the “Shaku- Shaku” dance at the premier

However, fans longed to see Obi-Uchendu’s ‘agbada’ at the premiere following his style reputation after he showed up at Banky Wellington’s wedding wearing a classic piece.

His absence fuelled several speculations from fans who stayed awake throughout the premiere and monitored on social media.

Although Tobi Bakre, one half of ‘Tobuka’ sent his ‘Agbada’ picture from Beirut, fans keenly looked forward Obi-Uchendu’s outfit as he is tagged ‘the king of agbada’.

Here are some of reactions from the premiere.

@Rotiwap tweeted, “That is how @Ebuka didn’t show up for the #AgbadaChallenge yesterday and kept us waiting. His tailor might have disappointed him”

@Shes_ade said, “Good morning everyone except @Ebuka he should go and collect his good morning from his tailor Amaka oshi!”

@Iamstillonstill wrote, ” Someone said “@Ebuka‘s agbada is now more anticipated than 2019 election”.”

@I_am_ruby tweeted, “Alex The best so far argue with your ancestors.

A winner for the challenge has not been announced yet and Obi-Uchendu is yet to comment on his absence from the premiere. (NAN)

AEE/EAL

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

2 years after, Air Peace to resume Lagos-Asaba route flight Oct. 8

Flights

By Adekunle Williams & Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) A Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has announced plans to restart its daily Lagos-Asaba-Lagos flights
on Oct. 8.

The airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah, said on Monday in Lagos that the airline decided to return to
the Asaba route to end the nightmare of air travellers seeking to connect the Delta capital, Anambra and other adjoining cities.

According to him, Air Peace, which pulled out of the route more than two years ago because of safety concerns about the runway of
the Asaba Airport, will also add Abuja-Asaba-Abuja flight to the service.

“We are pleased to announce our return to the capital of Delta State, Asaba, starting from Oct. 8.

“Air Peace had to suspend flight operations to the Asaba Airport more than two years ago due to safety concerns with the facility.

“Since we suspended our operations to the airport, members of the flying public have inundated us with calls and appeals to return
to end their nightmare on the route,” Iwarah said in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“We are, however, thankful that the Delta State Government had to intervene to give the airport a facelift.

“We have been assured that the airport is now safe and we cannot but move in immediately.”

NAN reports that some foreign athletes, who participated in the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championship in Asaba in August, had
difficulties connecting local flights to the city from Lagos and Abuja. (NAN)

WAC/ASO/IKU/DA
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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Dele Akinsola

Man docked over alleged theft of electric cables

Cables
By Ugochukwu Ugochi
Abuja, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) A 31-year-old man, Onwe Ignatius, was on Tuesday brought before a Lugbe Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for allegedly stealing electrical cables in a building in Standard Estate Galadimawa, Abuja.

Ignatius, who resides at Kabusa Village in Apo area of Abuja, is being tried on a three-count charge of criminal trespass, mischief and theft.

The Prosecuting counsel, Mrs Ukoha Ndidi, told the court that Ignatius allegedly committed the offences on Sept. 10.

Ndidi said that one Jafaru Abubakar of the estate reported the matter at the Lugbe Police Station on Sept. 10.

She said that the accused entered the building by breaking the ceiling and stole electric cables whose value was yet to be determined.

The prosecutor said the complainant raised the alarm and Ignatius was caught inside the ceiling by policemen.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 262, 348 and 288 of the Penal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mr Idharhi Samuel, granted N200, 000 bail to the accused with a surety in like sum.

Samuel adjourned the matter until Oct. 2 for hearing. (NAN)
UGO/JI/TA
Editing by Joseph Idika/Tajudeen Atitebi

NAF trains personnel in Bayelsa on staff duties

Training

By Christian Ogbonna

Yenagoa, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) The Mobility Command of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) in Bayelsa, has organised a workshop for the personnel in order to improve on their performance of duties.

Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Napoleon Bali, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Command, said during the workshop on Monday in Yenagoa, that about 33 officers were participating in the training.

Bali, represented by AVM Hyacinth Eze, Chief of Staff in the command, said the staff duties workshop was one of the NAF’s policies to ensure more quality service delivery for nation building.

“The programme was to engender higher levels of efficiency and responsiveness in the working environment of officers and transform NAF into a highly professional and disciplined force.

“The participants in the training were drawn from the units under the Bayelsa mobility command.

“We have officers and men from Lagos units and officers from Ilorin, Minna, Calabar and Uyo which are under the command,” the AOC stated.

Bali noted that the focus of the lectures in the workshop included precise and summary writing as well as filing and document security which were critical staff functions.

He urged the participants to make good use of what they had been taught for national development.

Also speaking, Air-Marshal Nelson Calmday, Director of Administration, NAF’s Headquarters, Abuja, said the training was to improve productivity of officers.

Group Capt. Chukwuma Ohanele, an instructor, who took the participants on the topic, “Service Paper,” said that mastering the rulers of writing for effective communication would go a long way in improving quality service delivery.

“I urge the participants not to relent on reading and researching in order to improve themselves on writing and speaking,” he said.

A participant, Flying Officer Elizabeth Akereie, said the training had exposed her to a wide range of knowledge in writing and speaking. (NAN)

OOC/COO/EMO
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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ejike Obeta

WTA roundup: Pliskova snaps Osaka streak for title

Tokyo, Sept. 24, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Fourth-seeded Karolina Pliskova handed U.S. Open champ Naomi Osaka a 6-4, 6-4 defeat, to claim the title at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

It ended the third-seeded Osaka’s 10-match victory streak, dating back to the start of the U.S. Open.

The title is the 11th of Pliskova’s career and her fifth straight triumph in a final.

“First of all, my serve was very good today — I was able to hold all my service games so that was the key,” said Pliskova, who needed just 63 minutes to dispatch Osaka.

Osaka, 20, was searching for her third career title — both previous titles having come this season.

Osaka and Pliskova had faced off twice before, each winning once.

Second-seeded Kiki Bertens picked up her third title of 2018, outlasting Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 7-6 (2), 5-6, 6-2 in the final at Seoul, South Korea.

The 26-year-old Bertens, the first Dutch player to reach a final in Seoul, earned her seventh career title with the victory.

“I knew I had to play good to win today,” said Bertens.

“She’s a great fighter and she showed that this week.

“I knew I had to play aggressive and make her move around the court, to play with all the energy I had in me and to be positive all the time — that was the goal.”

The unseeded Tomljanovic, 25, is still looking for her first career title. She’s 0-3 in finals for her career.

Bertens beat Tomljanovic in three sets at the 2017 French Open in their only other meeting.

Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open

Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit upset ninth-seeded American Sloane Stephens 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the first round at Wuhan, China.

Belgium’s Elise Mertens, the 15th seed, also was knocked out, falling to Belarus’ Aliaksandra Sasnovich 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3).

Other first-round winners included 11th-seeded Julia Goerges of Germany and 13th-seeded Daria Kasatkina of Russia. (Reuters/NAN)
ERO/MZA
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Navy begins championship for 100 amateur golfers

Championship

By Desmond Ejibas

Port Harcourt, Sept. 24, 2018 (NAN) No fewer than 100 men and women amateur golfers, drawn from various maritime industries, are participating in a golf championship organised by the Nigerian Navy, a senior navy official has said.

Rear Adm. David Adeniran, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the one-day Golf Kitty Championship in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Adeniran said the championship was organised to achieve four purposes which are, maintaining and improving civil-military relations; boosting security; talent discovery and keeping fit.

“We decided to organise this golf kitty going by the fact that the task of securing the maritime environment cannot be done by one agency alone. It’s a joint effort.

“So, this golf kitty is aimed at bringing together all stakeholders in the maritime environment. Most of the golfers participating in the championship are civilians.

“We have more than 100 golfers drawn from various maritime industries that have come to participate in this golf kitty; which is a very good turnout.

“The championship is mainly sponsored by civilian stakeholders. That shows the level of friendship that exists between us,” he said.

Adeniran debunked claims by some golf enthusiasts that the game of golf was exclusively for the wealthy and senior citizens.

He said the game could be enjoyed by both the wealthy and the poor as well as elderly and young people.

“The game of golf belongs to everybody. It is the only physically and mentally demanding game that people of different classes and ages can play.

“The golfers participating in this golf kitty are made up of junior staff, senior staff and directors from the civil service, private sector and the armed forces.

“Some people have that perception about the game because they have not tried it. So, I encourage everyone to develop interest in the game,” he said.

The FOC urged participants and others interested in improving their skill to register with Sealord Golf Club at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder in Port Harcourt.

NAN reports that gas cookers, laptops, clippers and various cash prizes will be presented to winners and participants. (NAN)

DES/MA/MZA

Edited by Muftau Adediran/Maharazu Ahmed

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