Blog

NAN-HG-12
Allocation
By Oluwakemi Oladipo
Lagos, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Lagos State chapter has urged the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to the health sector.

Mr Olawale Ogundipe, the Chairman of SAUTHRIAI in Lagos State, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

Ogundipe said, “This will ensure that a more efficient and effective healthcare service was made available to Nigerians.

“The budgetary allocation to health sector should be increased to a minimum of 15 per cent as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“We also observed that allocation to the health sector is grossly inadequate to the extent that the necessity of overhead to maintain services can no longer be fulfilled.

“A health financing mechanism which should provide for sufficient financial provision similar to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is recommended to cater for the teaching hospitals.’’

He also urged the government to release necessary circulars on the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The chairman of SAUTHRIAI said, “We are also calling for the release of documents on the 65 years retirement age.

“The union observes that the non-payment of arrears of promotion and other allowances is as a result of the cut down in the budgetary proposals made by these institutions.

“The Federal Government should urgently release supplementary budget to ensure the payment of all outstanding arrears to reduce the sufferings of the workers.

“The management system should be re- invigorated for improved healthcare delivery to our clients.’’

He said that a situation where the retirees were not paid their benefits more than one year after their disengagement from service was unacceptable.

The SAUTHRIAI chairman called on the Federal Government and various government establishments to promptly remit their fund to the retirement savings. (NAN)
OKG/VIV/GOK
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Olagoke Olatoye

NAN-H-53
Suit
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the manner in which it carried out its probe of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.

Delivering judgement in a N50 million fundamental rights suit filed by Ajumogobia against the EFCC, the trial judge, Justice Muslim Hassan, urged the EFCC to be professional in the discharge of its duties.

It will be recalled that Ofili-Ajumogobia, in the fundamental rights enforcement suit, is seeking among other things, an order of the court declaring her continued detention by the EFCC as illegal.

While noting that the EFCC was vested with powers to arrest and detain any citizen suspected to have committed an offence, Hassan said that such powers must be exercised with caution.

The judge questioned the rationale behind the revocation of the administrative bail granted to Ofili-Ajumogobia by the EFCC on Oct. 22, when she did not pose a flight risk.

He said: “The respondent should have exercised restraints in revoking the bail earlier granted the applicant; there was no evidence that the applicant is a flight risk.

“The respondent is hereby counselled to be professional and to always exercise caution and restraints in the exercise of its powers’’.

Hassan, however, disagreed with Ofili-Ajumogobia that the remand order obtained by the EFCC from a magistrates’ court on Nov. 10 was unlawful, illegal and a violation of her fundamental human rights.

According to Hassan, the remand order was issued by the Magistrates’ Court pursuant to Section 264(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The judge also refused to make any order as to the applicant’s request for bail from the EFCC’s custody, following her arraignment on Nov. 28, before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court.

“The issue of the applicant’s bail from EFCC’s custody has already been overtaken by the event of her arraignment at the Lagos High Court and her subsequent release on bail by the court.

“The applicant’s lawyer is also at liberty to challenge the continued detention of the applicant by the respondent after the expiration of the magistrate court’s remand order.

“However, in the light of the recent event in this matter, this suit is hereby struck out,’’ the judge held.

The EFCC had on Nov. 28, arraigned Ofili-Ajumogobia and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Godwin Obla, on a 30-count corruption charges before an Ikeja High Court.

They had, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and had since been granted bail on self recognition by the court. (NAN)
UNS/ENN/PDE
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

Women farmers voiceless in influencing agricultural policies – ActionAid Nigeria
NAN-H-30
Policies
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The ActionAid Nigeria says Nigerian women remain the most voiceless in influencing agricultural and land policies in spite of their being the primary actors in agriculture sector.

Mr Oluwole Elegbede, Director of Finance and Acting Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, said this on Tuesday at the 3rd Annual Farmers Forum and inauguration of the organisation’s new executives in Abuja.

The forum was organised by ActionAid Nigeria and Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON)

He said that the forum was to increase small holder farmers’ capacity to demand pro-poor policies and their implementation.

Elegbede said the forum would strengthen the people’s action to hold government and corporate organisations accountable and enhance people’s access to quality services and outcome.

“We know that women in Nigeria constitute 60 to 80 per cent of the agricultural labour force but their access to agricultural related services of credit, inputs, technology, training and advice are limited.”

He applauded the officials of SWOFON for their relentless efforts and sacrifices towards steering the organisation to an enviable height.

“You are providing voice for small holder women farmers across the country.

“SWOFON is a vocal and visible pressure group that will continue to support small holder women farmers,’’ he said.

He described the organisation as a veritable platform contributing to rural economic development which ActionAid Nigeria was excited about.

Mrs Sarah Ypwa, the outgoing president, SWOFON, handed over to her successor, Mrs Mary Afan.

Afan, the new President, pledged to work together with the members of SWOFON to provide opportunities for small holder women farmers to push their demands.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SWOFON is a national level smallholder women farmers’ platform whose formation of members drawn from across 34 states with over 1,000 cooperatives. (NAN)
EPA/ADA/MST

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-DS-3
Youths

By Muhammad Bashir

Dutse, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Jigawa Command, said on Tuesday in Dutse it would organise a skills acquisition programme for youths in border towns of the state.

The Assistant Comptroller-General of NCS in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, stated this when he visited the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad.

Umar said the agency observed that most of those engaged in smuggling activities were youths, hence the need to engage them in legitimate businesses.

“We observed that youths in the area are the most engaged by their masters in smuggling activities.

“And these youth, who are in their productive ages, waste their energy, talent and time on illegal activities.

“So that is why we felt the need to engage them in various skills acquisition schemes at border towns to discourage them from smuggling.

“The initiative has been in operation in Kano state and is yielding positive result.

“And that is why I consulted our comptroller-general about extending it to Jigawa and he okayed it,’’ Umar said.

Umar said the Youths Skills Acquisition Scheme would start with 30 youths, to be trained in various income-generating trades.

According to him, the programme will be conducted in collaboration with the Jigawa government and other philanthropists in the state.

He said the scheme would be inaugurated in December.

According to him, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the UN, will serve as chief enlightener at the event, which will have Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa and the Emirs of Dingas and Murya, Niger Republic in attendance.

Responding, the Emir of Dutse said the programme would go a long way in checking smuggling activities among youths in state.

He said it would also reduce unemployment and restiveness among youths in the border communities.

Muhammad, therefore, urged the youths to avail themselves of the opportunity to be trained to become self-reliant. (NAN)
MNB/LAB/YEE
Edited by Lydia Beshel/Emmanuel Yashim

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NAN-H-

Sale

By Martins Odeh

Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) Vendors of food, wares and other related goods on Tuesday in Abuja complained of low patronage at  the call-to-bar of the August/September batch of young lawyers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had always looked forward to the event to make brisk sales from the large turn out at the occasion.

The call-to-bar is the convergence of thousands of ““new wigs’’, family members, friends and well-wishers from across the various branches of the Nigerian Law Schools.

Malam Idi Yusufu, a Suya dealer, told NAN that patronage was low, adding however, that it might not be unconnected with the present economic situation.

Yusufu said the event had pulled crowd as expected but that the people had responded slowly to buying his specially made barbecue.

“”I am surprised this is happening to me in view of the fact that you do not have to have plenty of money to buy suya.

“”On a good day I should have sold close to 90 per cent of my meat. Things have really changed,’’ he said.

Mrs Alice Okon, a food vendor said people preferred to buy snacks and drinks, adding that many families had brought their food from home.

“”There is a slight change from what we knew of this event. We paid money to be allocated this space, I therefore wonder if I shall smile home today,’’ she said.

Chinedu Chukwu, who deals in drinks, however, gave a different account, as according to him, the hot weather has pushed people to patronise his products.

Chukwu said business was good, adding that: ““I brought N12, 000 worth of drinks and I have sold close to N8,000 worth. It could have been better.’’

On his part, Sinachi Odogwu, who deals in traditional fabrics, also decried the slow patronage this time.

“”I have had many people who have come to lift my wares rather than buy them.

“”Nobody can tell you of making speedy sale including those that even sell food. We are all struggling today, understandably so because salaries have not been paid,’’ he said.

NAN further reports that the new lawyers and their visitors took advantage of the festive colouration of the event to exchange food, gifts and pleasantries. (NAN)

OMO/IS/

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foundation organises English and Mathematics competition for students

NAN-H-49
Competition
By Yinusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 250 students on Tuesday participated in an inter-schools Mathematics and English competition in Omu-Aran, Kwara, organised by SOK Foundation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual competition attracted junior and senior secondary students across 30 schools in Irepodun and Oke-Ero Local Government areas of the state.

The competition was held at the examination hall of Government Secondary School (GSS), Omu-Aran.

The President of the foundation, Mr Sunday Kunle, said the competition was to make the study of the two subjects more attractive and competitive to students.

Kunle said the competition, since its inception about 15 years ago, had produced winners who had excelled in their various chosen academic fields.

He said that the foundation, through in-depth research, discovered that most students had developed a kind of phobia for the study of the two important subjects.

“We discovered that the students are now scared and uncomfortable when it comes to the study of English and Mathematics.

“These are very important and relevant subjects which every student must pass convincingly to assist in their future academic pursuits.

“So, it is our belief that the competition will provide the opportunity for students to compete and interact for optimum performance,’’ he said.

Kunle said the foundation had introduced monetary reward of N10, 000 for the two overall best students in both the junior and senior categories aside other gifts.

He promised that the organisers would continue to employ honesty and transparency in deciding the winners of the competition.

Kunle urged other wealthy individuals and groups to join hands with the foundation in its efforts toward transforming the education sector.

Mr David Adeyanju, a parent, praised the foundation for its selfless contribution toward education development.

Adeyanju expressed the support of parents to sustain the competition for overall benefit of the students.

Master Ibiloye Abeeb, a participant, thanked the organisers for their foresight and urged them to maintain the tempo.

Some schools that participated included Ogbo Grammar School, Omu-Aran, Federal Government Girls College, Omu-Aran and Omu-Aran High School.

Others are Landmark University Secondary School, Omu-Aran, Models International Nursery and Primary as well as Al-furqon Nursery and Primary School, Omu-Aran. (NAN)
ISHO/FF/TA
Edited by Fela Fashoro/Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-H-50
Theft
By Moronke Boboye
Lagos, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) A 20-year-old unemployed, Segun Joseph, who allegedly stole two mobile phones valued at N100,000, was on Tuesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, who resides at Ojota area of Lagos, is being tried for alleged conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the offences were committed on Oct. 22 at Gowon Estate, Ipaja area of Lagos.

Inuoha said that the accused and other now at large, went to the shop of Mr Olalere Olajide, under the pretence of buying a mobile phone.

“The accused and his accomplice, now at large, stole two mobile phones valued at N100,000.

The offences contravene Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years jail term to offender if found guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi, granted bail of N200, 000 to the accused with two sureties in like sum.

Osusanmi adjourned the case till Jan.30, 2017 for mention. (NAN)
MTO/MOL/GOK
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Olagoke Olatoye
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NAN-DS-2
Forum
Dutse, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday said it had concluded arrangements to establish  Community Relationship Forum (CRF) to enhance its activities in the state.

An Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, stated this when he visited the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad.

Umar said the forum would enable the agency to fully enforce its anti-smuggling policies in border towns across the state.

He said that the forum would serve as an avenue for the command and members of the communities to enlighten youths on dangers associated with smuggling.

Umar said the forum was also meant to create a kind of partnership between the agency and the broader communities with a view to increasing surveillance in monitoring activities at the border posts.

“You see, whatever policy or thing you want to achieve will not be good without the cooperation of people concerned.

“So that is why we decided to establish this forum for proper and good understanding between our officers and their host communities at the border towns.

“It is also to collaborate with the border communities in checking smuggling at all borders in the state,’’ he said.

Responding, the Emir commended the Customs Service for the initiative, pointing out that it would help in reducing smuggling in the state.

Muhammad assured the assistant comptroller-general of the Emirate’s readiness to assist the command in all its activities.

“This very good initiative, involving the border communities, will assist you immensely in checking smuggling.

“This is because they know the terrain very well since they are residents and may have knowledge of routes the smugglers used to perpetuate their evil deeds.

“So, on behalf of the entire Dutse Emirate, I assure you of our continued support and cooperation in achieving that,’’ the Emir said. (NAN)

MNB/DO/AJA
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(Edited by David Onilede/Adeleye Ajayi)

NAN-HE-6
Diversification
By Simon Akoje
Lagos, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) A Financial Analyst, Mr Emmanuel Eze, has said that if the diversification of the economy is appropriately implemented, it could resolve the nation’s foreign exchange scarcity in the long run.

Eze, who is the CEO of Perfecta Investment Trust, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that diversification was the surest way to earn foreign exchange besides hydrocarbons.

According to him, the current drive to massively diversify the economy to earn foreign exchange is vital to enable Nigeria to be able to meet her international obligations.

The entrepreneur added that the foreign exchange challenges were already being felt, but became evident after the collapse of crude oil prices in the international market.

“In spite of the plunging of commodity prices, our people in authority are not always known for planning for the economy.

“Inadequate planning has become our bane over the years, even when the oil prices went as high as $100 per barrel,’’ he said.

Eze stressed that the monetary policy team of the apex bank, must strive to have a robust approach in resolving the foreign exchange demand in the country.

The Perfecta Investment boss added that government should cease to interfere in foreign exchange operations and allow demand and supply to determine the original price.

“It is completely wrong for state agencies to continue to clamp down on dealers of foreign exchange because it will drive up speculation.

“It is common principles that if speculation is driven up, the gap between the interbank and the parallel markets will be widened, ‘’ he added. (NAN)
STA/ERO/PIO
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Idonije Obakhedo)

Customs chief urges experts to develop legal framework on border insecurity

NAN-HE- 14-

Framework

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Abuja, Nov. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali has urged experts from West and Central Africa to develop a framework, to address insecurity at the borders in the region.

Ali made the appeal at the opening of a three-day Meeting of the Technical Committee on Security Project on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said as law enforcement organisations, it was essential to strive to do things to fall within the confines of the law.

“As you develop templates and methodology for your research, your experiences as field officers would be brought to bear.

“I charge you to be honest in sharing such experiences as we are here to learn from one other,’’ the official said.

Ali recalled thatthe project, SPC++, was initiated by Nigeria Customs at the Conference of Directors General of West and Central Africa region in Abidjan in April.

He said that the conference adopted the project and the participation of six countries at the pilot stage with the possibility of expanding it to other countries.

The countries were Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic and Niger.

Ali said the World Customs Organisation (WCO) endorsed and supported the project with a promise to provide technical expertise and research opportunities for its success.

He, however, said that the intention of considering funding option for the substance of the project was also a welcome development.

“Nigeria Customs Service is still committed to providing leadership to stir the ship as the expectations of other Directors-General of Customs are very high.’’

Thomas Carten , a Researcher with the WCO, said it had been partnering with Nigerian Customs in terms of research analysis and solutions.

“We will support them to do some field work in order to find donors to support the project and fund the solutions from the research.

“We will first and foremost understand what is going on at the borders and see the type of service Customs can offer the border communities.

“It is important to offer support because states are not always present at the borders so we want to understand the situation and restore it,’’ Carten said.

Also, Mr Mark Shaw, Director, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, said insecurity at borders was a global problem and was not common to the region.

He said many countries in America, Africa and Asia also faced similar challenges such as illicit trade, illicit trafficking, organised crime, conflict and security.

According to him, the challenges are due to convergence between local and global factors.

The director, however, called on the participating countries to embrace workable tools and technologies to address the challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the framework and recommendations from the experts will be presented to the directors-general of Customs of benefiting countries for consideration.

They will afterward meet to consider the recommendations that will set the pace for the project. (NAN)

CIA/GOM/
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Idris Abdulrahman