Investment in infrastructure will get Nigeria out of recession – Udoma

NAN-HE- 20

Investment

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) Sen. Udoman Udo Udoma, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, says massive investment in infrastructure is the surest way to get the country’s economy out of recession.

The assurance was given in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by Media Adviser to the minister, Akpandem James.

The statement stated that Udoma gave the assurance at the Annual Forum of the laureates in Abuja at the 9th Award Winners Lecture.

It stated that government was looking at various strategic ways of restoring revenue and getting the economy back on the path of sustainable grow

It added that in spite of the revenue shortfalls experienced during the 2016 budget year, N753.6 billion had so far been released for capital expenditure.

According to the statement, the the revenue was targeted at the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, as well as the Ministry of Transportation, adding that the revenue exceeded the aggregate capital expenditure budget for 2015.

The minister, however, told the forum that government had been having difficulties funding the budget because of the disruptions of oil production in the Niger Delta.

“At one time, almost half our production was shut in because of pipeline vandalism.

“This compounded our economic situation and pushed us into the current recession we are experiencing in the country.

“We are looking at ways to restore our revenues and get the economy out of recession and back on the path of sustainable growth,” the statement quoted Udoma as saying.

According to him, exchange rate stability has been a major issue which the Federal Government has been grappling with due to the reduction in foreign exchange earnings caused by the fall in crude oil exports.

It stated that the Federal Government would welcome every genuine idea from experts on how to address the economic challenges.

Government will be looking forward to receiving the various papers and recommendations from the lecture.

Dr Obodiah Mailafia, a development economist, traced the root of the current economic situation largely to dependence on a mono-cultural economy, fiscal indiscipline and delay in implementing enabling policies.

Mailafia, in a paper titled “Diversifying the economy and re-engineering growth in an age of diminished expectations’’, explained that the reckless fiscal indiscipline subsequently resulted in “massive dollarisation” of the economy which eventually snowballed into recession.

“What we call recession is just dollar scarcity; print dollars today and recession will go,” the statement quoted him as saying.

He said that when President Muhammadu Buhari took over the helm of affairs in May 2015, he expressed shock at the grim spectre of a virtually empty treasury. (NAN)

CIA/EAL/IA
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Idris Abdulrahman

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NAN-HG-16
Marriage
Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday inaugurated the Campaign to end Child Marriage and the Strategy Document 2016 to 2020, pledging the Federal Government’s commitment to ending child marriage in Nigeria.

At the ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs in Abuja, Osinbajo directed all government agencies to cue into the campaign in order to right the wrongs done to the womenfolk in the past.

He said there was both the need and urgency to deal with the issue of early marriage which was clear and compelling.

He stated that there is a correlation between child marriage and poverty.

Cue in audio (Osinbajo on child marriage)

“My presence here today underscores the fact that as far as the federal government is concerned, the campaign is not just for the Ministry of Women Affairs alone.

“It is a task for every department of government; our position is clear: `No Child Marriage’.

“Every nation is endowed by God with resources and talents and human capital it needs for that society to live in abundance, peace and prosperity.

“The talent he gives a nation include men and women; in some woman somewhere God has probably planted the cure for Sickle Cell Anaemia or Fibroid – ailments that mainly affect black people.

“If God has planned that women should only be capable of producing children, He would not have bordered to give them the intelligence to be scientists, law professors, medical experts and technology innovators.
“We as human beings must not bury the talents that God has already provided.’’

Cue out audio

According to Osinbajo, the country has made significant progress in the struggle to change child marriage as the Child Rights Act is one of the most progressive pieces of legislation in Africa.
He said that being a legislation the states had competence they should pass similar legislations on their own and observed with satisfaction that no fewer than 24 states had already done so.
He noted that the country along with other African states in 2014 joined the campaign to stop child marriage in the continent.
He noted that the campaign had succeeded largely with the initiative of the day being part of the campaign.
Osinbajo, however, noted that laws and institutions could only be effective as the societal beliefs and customs allowed.
“Good laws or right rules especially on societal  matters largely depend on societal consensus of buy-in otherwise the laws will not be enforced or only be haphazardly enforced.
“The battle is now for the minds of men and women who for one reason or the other still believe that child marriage is right.
“Unfortunately, their views cannot be ignored or waved aside.
“They must be understood and rebutted by the overwhelming case for the healthy, happy and prosperous future of girls and nation that suffers the loss of their talents and skills,’’ he said.
The Vice President said there must be persuasion through constant advocacy until the last t vestiges of the practice of child marriage were removed.

He said government must take concrete steps to encourage girl-child education adding that policies which support pregnant and married girls to continue their education should be pursued.
Osinbajo also suggested the removal of unnecessary admission protocols to ensure true realisation of free and compulsory education.

He said it was gratifying to note that some states already established special schools and centres for continuing education for women and girls especially those whose educational pursuits were interrupted.

Accordingly he urged the states yet to provide such centres to do so without delay in order to reintegrate those who dropped out of school.

He said: “it is never too late to continue education.

“Regardless of the reasons that girls are not in school it is the responsibility of leaders to ensure that opportunities are available for them to have a re-start.

“All obstacles in the part of enrolment, retention, completion and transition for girls in education must be removed.

“This is the only way we can begin to right the wrongs that have been done to these forgotten girls and women.

“This is the surest way of unleashing their abundant potential and enable them to overcome challenges and make meaningful contributions to their immediate families and the development of the nation.’’

Osinbajo thanked the ministry for the initiative and expressed hope that it would yield more results. (NAN)
DCU/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim
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Osinbajo’s audio on child marriage

NAN-H-83
ICT
By Constance Athekame
Abuja, Nov 29, 2016 (NAN) Some ICT stakeholders have expressed mixed reaction to the proposed increase in the cost of data by some telecommunication operators from Dec. 1, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN recalls that some telecommunication companies have been sending out messages to subscribers that they will increase data rate from Dec. 1, in line with the Nigeria Communications Commission’s order.

Mr Olusola Teniola, the President Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said that with the increase, other telecom companies would jerk up their prices, which would adversely affect subscribers.

He said that operators would also increase the cost of megabytes, which consumers could not afford at this time of economic recession.

“So what we are saying at ATCON is that no taxes should be applied in this industry and if there any taxes, it should also include other sectors.

“Already, the cost of data will go up in December and subscribers will not be getting as much data as they paid for,’’ he said.

Mr Edwin Okolo, a computer scientist said that the increase in the cost of data “is uncalled for’’, adding that there should be other avenues for government to make money.

“What we are saying is that we want every Nigerian to be linked with the internet and you are planning to increase the cost of data, so it is no longer for the poor,’’ he said.

However, Mr Adede Williams, the National President of Telecommunications Professionals of Nigeria sought the understanding of subscribers in the proposed increase.

Williams said that some stakeholders in the telecom sector were soliciting the understanding of the subscribers in the increase.

“We the stakeholders are appealing to the subscriber to have a little understanding for to have effective service delivery.

“If you check out the tariff, it is just a slight difference from what we use to have, so that is the true position of things now.

“Some of the subscribers have been informed before now of the tariff increase.

“I know it is not easy but it is just because of the trend of what is happening in the country,’’ he said. (NAN)
COA/GY
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Edited by Grace Yussuf

NAN-H-82
Enlightenment
Kano, Nov .29, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), in Kano on Tuesday flagged off the 2016 “Ember months Mega Rally with the theme, “Crash the crashes, speed kills” held at Kofar Wambai Motor park in Kano.

The Sector Commander of FRSC, Kano, Aminu Umar, said “this year ‘s theme is a reflection of the long standing quest by the corps toward achieving the slogan, “safer roads, fuller lives.”

According to Umar, the corps has decided to commence the enforcement of the installation of speed limiting device on all vehicles in Nigeria as a panacea for reducing road traffic crashes.

He added that speed limit device controls the maximum speed of equipped vehicles and is powerful in speed management.

Umar held that speed had remained a monster that has claimed a lot of lives and destroyed property on highways on daily basis particularly during ember months.

He advised motorists to abide by the rules and regulations, concentrate and be patient while driving

He said full enforcement of the speed limit device would start on Jan. 1, 2017. (NAN)

BO/DS/IEA
Edited by Idahosa Asowata

Tearful Afghan boy thanks Merkel for opening doors to refugees

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Thankful
Berlin, Nov. 29, 2016 (dpa/NAN) An Afghan boy broke down in tears as he thanked German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her government’s open-door refugee policy.

“I would like to thank you, Mrs Merkel,” the boy, Edris, said in German into a microphone at a party conference of her Christian Democrats (CDU) in the western city of Heidelberg.

“I am very, very happy,” said Edris, who had been lifted up by his father so he could see the chancellor.

A smiling Merkel praised Edris’ German language skills before hurriedly leaving the podium to greet her young admirer, who wiped away tears as he shook her hand.

The encounter with Edris was in marked contrast to that with Reem, a 14-year-old Palestinian refugee, who cried during a televised meeting with Merkel about her family’s possible deportation back to Lebanon.

That meeting last year sparked controversy as Merkel told Reem that “politics is sometimes hard” and Germany wouldn’t be able to manage an unchecked influx of Palestinian refugees.

The chancellor’s subsequent attempts to console Reem were described by critics as heartless.

More than a million refugees have entered Germany since the start of 2015.

Underlining the tensions caused by Merkel’s liberal refugee policy, CDU member Ulrich Sauer drew boos when he called on the chancellor to step aside from the party leadership over her “laissez-faire” asylum policy.

Sauer told delegates the policy was “a burden that we will not get rid of any time soon.”

Despite a slump in Merkel’s popularity following her decision to open Germany’s borders, she announced last week that she is planning to seek a fourth term in September. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)

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HIV/AIDS
Calabar, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Lafarge Africa Plc, says it will partner with the Cross River Government in its fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.

The Country Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge, Mr Michel Puchercos, made the assertion in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Calabar.

He said that the company would also sponsor the commemoration of the “World AIDS Day’’ slated for Dec.1 in Calabar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations had in 1988 declared every Dec.1 as the World AIDS Day.

This is to honour AIDS victims and focus on issues surrounding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

The theme is: “Hands Up for #HIV Prevention’’.

Puchercos said that the company was moved by the ravaging nature of the HIV/AIDS scourge on the affected people.

He said, “The threat to human existence by   HIV/AIDS scourge since its discovery in 1981 has become so alarming that it behooves people-oriented governments, institutions and individuals to focus on curbing it.’’

Puchercos said that health and safety remain the top priority among the values in Lafarge Africa.

He said the company shared the concern that HIV/AIDS creates for humanity.

The Lafarge chief commended the Cross River Government for putting in much effort at preventing the spread of the scourge in the state.

NAN reports that there would be a procession to be led by Gov. Ben Ayade to commemorate the day, and would mark the official opening of activities for the 2016 Carnival Calabar. (NAN)
BEN/AK/GOK
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Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Olagoke Olatoye

World’s oldest person celebrates 117th birthday

NAN-F-20
Celebration
Rome, Nov. 29, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Emma Morano, a woman from north-western Italy, whose life has spanned three centuries and 11 popes, and is recognised as the oldest person in the world, celebrated her 117th birthday on Tuesday.

Morano started her day with an egg, biscuits and camomile, her doctor Carlo Bava told journalists. He described the super centenarian as happy, smiling and “very alert.”

Carmen Pedretti, an official from the local municipality of Verbania, said the mayor was to visit Morano at her home in the village of Pallanza, by Lake Maggiore.

The mayor “usually brings a cake,” Pedretti added.

Morano received birthday wishes from President Sergio Mattarella, who hailed her “exceptional” achievement. Verbania authorities organised the staging of a musical and the presentation of a book about her for later in the day.

The municipality said Morano had a tough life. She was the oldest of eight siblings and married an abusive husband from whom she “courageously” separated in 1938. Their only child died six months after his birth.

“He would beat me every day; I would do nothing wrong, I would go to work, he worked very little and I would have to support him,” Morano told Italian website Fanpage.

She added that she did not seek another partner after parting ways with her husband.

Morano attributes her longevity to a diet based on eggs and meat. “My doctor told me to eat raw meat, preferably minced, so I can eat it,” she said.

Super centenarians are people aged 110 or above.

According to the Gerontology Research Group, a U.S. body that tracks super centenarians, 45 women and two men have reached that age. The oldest person after Morano is Jamaican woman Violet Brown, who is set to turn 117 on March 10. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)

NAN-H-80
Chinyere Bassey
Data
Lagos, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Tuesday urged the Federal Government not to increase the cost of data to  avoid further pressure on mobile telephone users.

Mr Bobooi Kaigama, the President of the congress made the call in a statement in Lagos.

Kaigama said that the decision of government to jerk up the cost of data could increase insecurity, adding that “it is unacceptable’’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that telecommunication companies have been sending out messages to clients that it will increase data rate on Dec. 1, in line with the Nigeria Communications Communication order.

Kaigama said that the increase in rate would further frustrate the people who were already burdened by high cost of goods and services.

“We feel worried about the move because data is one of the cheapest ways to empower the teaming youth.

“This move if allowed will make it unaffordable. This is insensitive on the part of the parties involved,” the TUC President said.

He further said that government should increase awareness for citizens’ participation in Information Communication Technology (ICT) rather than dampen their spirit to embrace the technology.

According to him, the decision if implemented will obstruct the drive to increase youth’s participation in ICT.

“What then will be the benefit of the policy to the self employed who depend on data for their businesses?.

“Cheap internet data is a vehicle to economic development. It is very unfortunate and inhuman to come up with such idea at a period of recession,” he said.

Kaigama said that any call for increase in prices of goods and services at the moment was uncalled for.

He therefore urged the government to create policies that would encourage investment and stimulate growth and boost businesses instead. (NAN)
CHIN/OMO/GY
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Edited by Martins Odeh/Grace Yussuf

NAN-H-79
Pensioners
Yola, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, the Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), said
that the ongoing nationwide verification of pensioners was to make life easier for the retired workers.

She made this known on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen in Yola.

Ikeazor, who was in Yola to monitor the verification of pensioners in the state,  said that the exercise would not only help in tracking “ghost workers”,  but would ensure that the biometric data of pensioners was captured for hitch-free payment of their benefits.

She lauded the smooth conduct of the verification in Yola and the commitment shown by PTAD staff conducting the exercise.

She said “I am impressed with the dedication of the PTAD staff, their comportment and how organised they are.

“I have talked to quite a lot of pensioners and they said this is the best verification they have ever seen; as you can see, even those that cannot walk, we provided wheel chairs for them.”

She explained that so far, 9,000 “ghost pensioners” were identified in the nationwide exercise, adding that those who missed the verification or
had any complain could visit the PTAD headquarters or any of its six offices across the nation.  (NAN)
YMU/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NASS calls for amendment of procurement act to fast-track growth of Agric sector

NAN-AE-4
Procurement
By Kudirat Ogunyemi
Abuja, Nov.29, 2016 (NAN) Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Mohammed Monguno, has called for an urgent need to amend the procurement act to fast-track growth in Agriculture sector.

A statement issued by the Director of Information in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Tony Ohaeri,  quotes Monguno as saying this, when he led his members on an oversight visit to the ministry.

The team was in the ministry to see the level of execution of the 2016 budget and the constraints faced so as to give necessary supports in the 2017 budget.

He said that for government to achieve its policy of economic diversification through Agriculture, the National Assembly and the executive must work together to review the budgetary system and remove Agricultural sector from the normal budgetary process.

“There is the need for a paradigm shift for Nigerians to see agricultural sector as business especially to encourage youths to go into Agriculture.

“ The National Assembly had passed laws such as the Fertilizer Regulatory Act among others and would continue to enact and amend relevant laws to sustainably develop Agriculture in Nigeria,’’ he said.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Mukari Chiromawa, demanded more efforts from the ministry, adding that government needs to holistically look at the country’s agricultural policies.

Earlier  the Minister, Chief Audu Ogbeh, presented the ministry’s implementation of the 2016 budget and identified inadequate fund, bureaucratic bottleneck in handling procurement processes.

Ogbeh said that the budget released to the ministry was 61 per cent and the sector had continuously experienced decline of budgetary allocations that fall short of Maputo Declaration of 10 per cent of National Budget allocation.

He also highlighted the projects and programme implemented under 2016 budget, despite the challenges faced by the Ministry.

“The ministry had acquired 110 various capacities of rice mills of 10 tons, 20 tons, 50 tons and 50 tons per day for distribution to cluster farmers to boost rice production in the country.

“The Agro dealers, seed companies and fertilizer suppliers had resumed redemption of seeds, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs to small holder farmers under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) programme,’’ he said.

Ogbeh who also allayed the fear that the country would experience famine in 2017 said, the Ministry had engaged in the buying- back of assorted grains under the Guarantee Minimum Price Programme.

“For restocking of strategic silo complexes while farmers in some states of the federation had already commenced preparation for the dry season farming to ensure adequate food security across the country.

The minister hinted that the federal government was poised to reform the Bank of Agriculture to serve as a quasi commercial bank to bring the interest rate to a single digit for accessibility to farmers.

Ogbeh also said that 30,000 slots allocated to the ministry under the N- power scheme of the federal government would be trained through the Agricultural Development Programmes as Agric extension workers and distributed to local government areas of the country.

“The fund in Agriculture has to be outside the budget and it is something we should look at extensively.

“ We sought for more legislative supports from the National Assembly in order to have a sustainable agricultural development in the country,’’ he said. (NAN)

(Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/ Julius Enehikhuere)