Blog

NAN-H-74
Pre-Trial
By Kevin Okunzuwa
Benin, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Election Petition Tribunal will commence pre-trial hearing in the case filed by Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu against Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) and two others in Benin on Thursday.
PDP and Ize-Iyamu are challenging the declaration of Mr Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner in the Sept. 28 Edo governorship election by INEC.
The petitioners are asking the tribunal to nullify the result and instead, declare Ize-Iyamu as the winner of the said election.
But APC and Obaseki have urged the tribunal to discountenance PDP’s petition and uphold their application which challenged the areas where PDP claimed victory.
The tribunal had on Oct. 11, ordered INEC to allow PDP have unhindered access to all electoral materials in the Sept. 28 governorship election in Edo.
The order followed an ex-parte motion filed by PDP’s counsel, Mr Kingsley Obamogie.
Obamogie had argued that the motion was in compliance with section 151 of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended which he relied on and prayed the court to grant them the order to inspect the INEC materials.
The three-member tribunal led by Justice A. Badamasi, on Tuesday, fixed Thursday, Dec. 1 for the commencement of the pre-trial hearing in the petition.
The other two members of the tribunal are Justices E.A. Ade Sodun and Khadi Adamu Usman. (NAN)
KOO/IEA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Idahosa Asowata

NAN-HG-13
NAFDAC
Dutse, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Jigawa has advised restaurant and canteen owners to keep their premises in hygienic condition to reduce food contamination.
NAFDAC coordinator in Jigawa, Abdulsalam Lawal, gave the advice during a meeting with restaurant owners in Dutse on Tuesday.
Lawal urged the restaurant owners to discontinue the use of pit latrines and provide water cistern (WC) toilet facilities in their premises.
He also told the restaurant owners to carry out periodic medical check on their staffers, saying that food handlers’ hospital test should be conducted at least thrice a year.
The NAFDAC boss said that restaurant owners should ensure their stewards used aprons, head gears and mouth masks while on duty.
“The essence is to prevent hair and avoid cough or sneeze from entering into the food they are serving.
“Their nails should be cut to the lowest level, so that it would not habour germs which could be transferred into food,’’ he said.
According to Lawal, NAFDAC would embark on unscheduled inspections to clamp down on erring restaurant owners.
He said that the Agency was committed to ensuring that food from restaurants is safe and clean for public consumption. (NAN)
MS/VIV/WOJ

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(Edited by Vivian Ihetu / Wale Ojetimi)

Gov Wike advocates intergovernmental relations to achieve development
NAN-H-71
Development
By Cecilia Ologunagba
Abuja, Nov. 29. 2016 (NAN) Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has called on the three tiers of government to relate more among themselves in spite of political differences for sustainable development.
The advice is contained in statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media.
The statement said Wike made the call when the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, paid him a courtesy call in his office in Port Harcourt.
He said the issues of development should always receive priority attention despite political differences.
Wike said placing development above partisanship would enhance partnership between the Federal and State Governments to transform the country.
He commended the leadership style of the minister by setting aside politics to liaise with the Rivers State Government on the development of a credible insurance scheme for state government workers.
The governor urged his guest to give priority attention to the welfare of workers and pensioners.
Wike said that the state government would study and buy into the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund programme under the Employment Compensation Act.
Earlier, Ngige had described political parties as vehicles to specific destinations where leaders are empowered to enthrone development.
According to him, the existence of political parties should not affect the delivery of development projects.
He said he was in the state to promote the Employment Compensation Act.
The minister said that the Act made it mandatory for employers to take care of the fundamental insurance needs of workers in the area of death, accident and emergency health needs.
Ngige said he was introducing the scheme to state governments beginning from Rivers because it was strategic in the welfare of the living and deceased workers.
He said that the private sector had already keyed into the implementation of the Act. (NAN)
CIA/EAL/TA
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-H-73
Institute
By Martha Agas
Jos, Nov.29, 2016(NAN) The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) would soon establish an academy for craftsmen and artisans  in the country, Mr Daniel Makava, the Head, Consultancy and Extension Services Department of NBRRI said.

Makava made this known at a one-day capacity workshop for members of the Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen (NAEC),
Plateau chapter on Tuesday in Jos.

The Consultancy head, who was represented by Prof. Daniel Matawal, the Director General of NBRRI, said that the proposed academy would enhance skills and train craftsmen on best practices in their various field.

He added that the academy, which was only waiting for certification, would officially be inaugurated in December and would start with 10 trades, including carpentry, plumbing, wall technology and electrical engineering.

He said such certification  would enable graduates to present their certificates in any institute of learning or various forums in Nigeria.

“The academy will be launched in December in Lagos; a provost has already been appointed and programmes drawn and curriculum designed for its take off,” he said.

He said the capacity building for NAEC members was to introduce new technology around the globe, which, when adopted, would reduce the cost of construction.

He said this would be done through the use of indigenous building materials because it was fire resistant and durable.

“We are training craftsmen on new technology which would reduce cost of production.

“The technology uses indigenous materials, which is laterite found in almost every community in Nigeria.

“It is mixed only with five per cent of cement which saves 40 to 60 per cent cost of production compared with the conventional method.

“It is also bullet-proof with thermal control and fire proof because of the minimal usage of cement.

“This technology, when adopted, would curb youth restiveness because they would be engaged in the business and would not be susceptible to  influence by evil people for nefarious activities.”

In his remarks, Mr Terver Tyosar, the Zonal Coordinator, North Central of NBRRI, said the technology was introduced first to craftsmen because they were closer to the grassroots and would replicate it across the 17 local government areas of the state for greater impact.

He said “the main material, which is laterite, is found in Plateau, which is also the first state to conduct training for craftsmen on the technology in Nigeria.”

He explained that the method needed no plastering and no maintenance.

In his remarks, Mr Henry Miri, the Chairman, Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen (NAEC) in Plateau,
commended NBRRI for the training.

He said the training would make the craftsmen better equipped, skilled and exposed to better and cheaper technology, thereby making housing accessible to all. (NAN)
MAA/DO/HA
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Edited by David Onilede/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-H-70
Army
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.- Gen. Ebenezer Oyefolu, on Tuesday in Lagos charged soldiers to remain disciplined in their dealings with civilians.
In a statement issued by the Division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Kingsley Samuel, the GOC also charged the soldiers to conduct themselves professionally.
“Soldiers are to sustain the cordial and harmonious relationship with civilians in Lagos.
“Remain disciplined in your dealings with civilians and conduct yourselves professionally,’’ Oyefolu said during his familiarisation visit to the 9 Brigade Headquarters in Lagos.
He urged soldiers to exploit the appropriate channels of communication to report any wrong by the civilians.
He further charged the soldiers to uphold the vision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.- Gen. Tukura Buratai, for a professionally responsive Army.
“I remind you that discipline is the bedrock of military profession; hence, you must continue to improve on it.
“I admonish those on internal security operations, specifically OP MESA and OP AWATSE, to always adhere strictly to the Rules of Engagement.
“I assure you that the Army authority will continue to attend to your welfare,“ Oyefolu said.
He congratulated officers and men that benefited from the recent promotion exercise, noting that it was a reward for hard work. (NAN)
HOB/BOLA/WOJ
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Reps Committee pledges support for repositioning NIMASA

NAN-H-31
Rebuilding
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration has pledged continuous support for the rebuilding efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Mrs Lami Tumaka, Head of Communication Team for NIMASA, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Mohammed Bago, said the House would support NIMASA’s quest to reposition, reform and restructure the maritime industry for the benefit of the nation.

Bago also assured the agency of the committee’s unflinching support in ensuring the growth and development of the maritime sector, especially now that the country is in a recession.

He called on the management not to see their visit as punitive but as a wakeup call, noting that “in the 8thAssembly, the legislative agenda is the same.

“All of us apply the same approach now in trying to bring out the best in our parastatals.

“So, we should not be seen as vindictive or punitive but as partners in progress,’’ he said.

Bago, who challenged NIMASA’s management on the implementation of its 2016 budget, said the committee expected that its implementation would have surpassed 90 per cent at present.

He also charged the management to spend the funds appropriated according to the provisions of the law so that the value of the projects can be realised.

Responding, Dr Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General of NIMASA, assured the committee of his readiness to cooperate with the legislature in the interest of the maritime industry and the country as a whole.

Peterside assured the committee of significant improvement in the operations of NIMASA, calling for synergy between the Executive and Legislative arms of government for the benefit of the country.

“The beauty of democracy is collaboration, synergy between the Executive and the Legislative arms of government.

“It is not we versus them; we are all working for a single purpose to help Nigerians. We are working to help the Nigerian people to ensure that life is better for all our people.

“No single arm of government can do it alone; we must work in a collaborative manner”.
According to him, when you are given an assignment, you are expected to be accountable; you are expected to conduct the assignment in a transparent manner.

“The oversight function today is part of the accountability responsibility on our side.

“The National Assembly appropriates for us so we are expected to be accountable. And so we have given account of our stewardship.

“The National Assembly may not have been totally satisfied with what we have done but they appreciate that a lot is being done to change the narrative in NIMASA,’’ he said. (NAN)
OYS/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-H-58
Corruption
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) is to scale up advocacy against corruption in private sectors and professional associations as part of efforts to fight corruption next year.

The Executive Secretary of PACAC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, gave the assurance on Tuesday at a news conference in Lagos.

The conference was to review the activities of the committee in the last one year.

According to Owasanoye, PACAC intends to scale up anti-corruption advocacy next year through engagement of civil society organisations, citizens and state and local governments.

On plea bargain, he said: “No government has the capacity to prosecute all manners of offences; that is the reason there is a legal frame work for plea bargain.

“The plea bargain is not a trade off, but has been set up with other guidelines to refrain suspects from perceiving it as an outlet for easy escape.

“The Administration of Criminal Justice Act is meant to resolve the challenges in the criminal justice system; if it is failing, then, it is as a result of implementation.’’

He also stressed the need to further build the capacities of government ministries, departments and agencies as well as the judiciary, on money laundering and asset recovery.

Owasanoye said that PACAC was making efforts to track high profile cases and also ensure improved application of sanctions.

“We also intend embarking on revisit of some high profile corruption cases like the Halliburton case and see them to a logical conclusion,’’ he said.

He listed public apathy and elite complicity as some of the challenges of PACAC in the past one year.

According to him, poor economy, ineffective application of preventive measures and negative use of constitutional can aid corruption.

The executive secretary called for improved collaboration between all the arms of government in fighting corruption.

A member of PACAC, Prof. Etannibi Alemika, stressed the need to evaluate agencies responsible for the fight against corruption as well as the need to build their capacities.

He urged that Nigerians must learn to give informed reports on cases of corruption.
According to Alemika, journalists and civil society organisations can create more public awareness on the consequences of corruption.

“Nigerians must learn to get the narrative back to behaviour,’’ he said. (NAN)
UNS/FAT/IGO
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(Edited by Fatima Sule/Ijeoma Popoola)

NAN-AE-2
Support
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The National Coordinator, Global Environmental Facility, Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, on Tuesday said the GEF/SGP has supported more than 100 NGOs in 25 states in Nigeria since its establishment in 2009.

Olubamise, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that the GEF/SGP carried out community environmental projects in these states.

She said that GEF was launched in 1992 by the World Bank with 33 participating countries in the pilot phase.

She explained that the Small Grant Programme (SGP) was launched much later to complement the work of GEF in the provision of critical infrastructure for local communities.

Olubamise said “the GEF/SGP has expanded to provide assistance to 132 countries.

“We believe that community-driven and civil society-led initiatives can generate environmental benefits, while supporting sustainable livelihoods and local empowerment.

“This is one of the most effective ways in addressing global environmental challenges.

“Although GEF/SGP funding is modest, it enables communities to take measured risks. A poor and vulnerable community can use a small grant to develop capacity for a larger project.

“Once a community has proven the effectiveness of an innovative idea on the ground, it can often scale up impact through networking with other communities and partner organisations.

“These results in turn usually attract additional donors and government support for wider application,’’ she said.

GEF`s national coordinator said SGP had won eight international and national awards for effective execution of projects across the country.

She said that GEF established SGP to facilitate communities` participate in safeguarding the environment and assist individuals to derive benefits from its programme.

She disclosed that SGP grants were given directly to Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in recognition of the key roles they play in the development of the society.

She said that the SGP complements the large and medium- sized GEF project funding by providing a window for the direct participation of NGOs and local communities.

She said that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also ensured that projects in those communities were effectively implemented.

She said that GEF/SGP provided financial and technical support to communities to meet the overall objectives of global environmental benefits secure through community-based initiatives and actions. (NAN)
VOE/MOL/GY
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Grace Yussuf

NAN-H-56
Language
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The former Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Ango Abdullahi and that of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Prof. Dandatti AbdulKadir, on Tuesday advocated for the adoption of indigenous languages in schools.

According o them, it will facilitate complete students’ understanding of their subjects and enhance rapid national growth and development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they made the assertion at a colloquium organised by the Department of African Languages and Cultures, ABU, at the main campus, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Ango, also Chairman of the occasion, said that teaching students in foreign language (English) had deterred the progress which Nigeria would have recorded in sciences and technology if indigenous languages were used in schools.

“The use of English as a formal language came when the colonial masters came to Nigeria and found that each region predominantly spoke its own local language – Hausa in the North, Yoruba in South-West and Igbo in South-East.

“In an effort to get what they want, the white men introduced English as only acceptable language of communication. This is with a view to ease evacuation of our resources to their country,’’ he said.

According to him, knowledge had no language, but language is just a medium of communication through which the knowledge is acquired, hence, the need for Nigerians to rethink and adopt indigenous languages.

He challenged Hausa scholars to endeavour to translate academic books into Hausa to inculcate knowledge in Hausa instead of English.

Ango said that currently, Hausa language was being spoken in about 11 countries across Africa.

Earlier, the former Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University Kano (BUK), Prof. Dandatti Abdulqadir, described Hausa as a language that borrow from other languages to become more enriched.

Dandatti, who is one of the pioneer Hausa scholars not only in Nigeria but in Africa, said there was the need for Northerners to borrow a leaf from Yoruba.

“Yoruba gave a time frame for a shift from teaching primary school pupils and secondary school students in English to their native language.

“Efforts are on the way to translate academic books into Hausa to enable our young ones to learn all fields in their mother tongue to facilitate understanding and contribute to national growth,’’ he said.

While describing Hausa as an international language, Dandatti said it was spoken in major global radio stations like BBC London, Voice of America, Radio Germany, Radio France and Radio Iran.

He said that Hausa was the most widely spoken language not only in Nigeria but in the West African sub-region.

Earlier, the Head of African Languages and Cultures Department, Dr Salisu Garba-Kargi, said that the programme was one of the community services to the nation in general and to Hausa in particular.

Garba-Kargi said the goal of the colloquium was to ensure that Hausa took its rightful place as the official language in Nigeria.

“In view of this, the department wishes to take a pioneering role in achieving the set goal.

“As such, we earnestly request that a Centre of Excellence on Hausa Translation and Cultural Studies be established.

“This centre should be saddled with the responsibility of translating the versed scientific, technical, historical, educational, library and cultural terminologies domiciled in foreign languages into Hausa,’’ he said.

He identified some achievements of the department to include championing Hausa-cikin-Hausa project (teaching of Hausa in Hausa) as initiated by Prof. Dalhatu Muhammad in 1973.

Another one is the translation of technical terms across the programmes of the university as part of final year project, he said.

Garba-Kargi explained that the staff of the department partnered with publishers in the production of instructional materials for primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. (NAN)
KLM/GOM/PDE
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(Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-S-7
Basketball
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) Peter Ahmedu, the Head Coach, First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos, on Tuesday expressed satisfaction with his team’s victory over GS Petroliers of Algeria in their Africa Club Championship match in Maputo.

First Bank earned valuable winning points when they came from behind to snatch their victory through Upe Atosu’s three-point sinker to put the scores at 66-64, with nine seconds to go.

Atosu, who led the Nigerian champions with a team-high of 20 points, was not only made the game-changer, but she also forced GS Petroliers’ to make several mistakes that ensured First Bank’s victory.

With the first win secured, First Bank will now play United states International University (USIU) of Kenya in their second group game on Wednesday.

An elated Ahmedu, wrote on his facebook page that he was delighted to see his team come from behind to beat the Algerian team, in a nail biting match.

“It was a very tough match; I give kudos to my team for rising to the challenge and doing it at the right time.

“We look forward to the next game with much confidence and believe we are here to make an impact in the competition,’’ Ahmedu said.

Meanwhile, there are confirmed reports that Nigeria’s U.S based player, Olayinka Sanni, has joined the First Bank team to beef up the onslaught, as they challenge for the championship trophy.

Sanni featured for Nigeria at the 2016 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Nantes, France.

According to Sanni, the team is well prepared and all have a great experience.

“We have talented players in the likes of Nkechi Akashili, ChiomaUdeaja and Upe Atosu.

“We just need to play together as a team and we could make a great impact,” she said.

With the win, First Bank climbed to second in Group B, behind ACCW reigning champions Primeiro D’Agosto of Angola, who defeated USIU, 98-41, in Monday’s second game. (NAN)
BAO/PIO/PIO
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(Edited by Idonije Obakhedo)