Blog

NOSDRA will ensure timely, effective response to oil spills – DG
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Response
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Mr Peter Idabor, the Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) says the agency will ensure timely, effective and appropriate response to oil spills.

Idabor gave the assurance at the agency’s 10th anniversary symposium with the theme “Oil Spill Management in Nigeria: The Journey So Far’’, on Thursday in Abuja.

The director-general said that the agency would carry out such function by cleaning up and remediation of all impacted sites.

“The agency in these past 10 years has been intensely occupied with enforcing compliance with environment legislation in the Nigerian petroleum sector.

“We have embarked on joint investigation visit, ensured remediation of impacted sites, and monitor oil spill drill exercises and facilities inspection of remediated sites,’’ he said.

He said that one of the major landmark achievements of the agency was the successful bidding of the Regional Coordinating Centre for Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in West, Central and Southern Africa (GI-WACAF).

“This is partnership with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association to enhance the capacity of countries to prepare for and respond to marine spills.

“In line with the present administration’s efforts towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals, we strive, despite various challenges, to deliver on our mandate.’’

He said that the agency had carried out community-based sensitisation and awareness programmes to integrate and mainstream active community engagement into disaster risk reduction plan for oil spill management.

“This is to strengthen Stakeholder Engagement Initiative as a veritable tool for achieving peaceful co-existence, socio-economic stability and environmental sustainability in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.’’

Contributing, the Minister of Environment, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, said that NOSDRA had demonstrated professional will and determination to effectively respond to and manage oil spill incidents in Nigeria.

“The agency should be encouraged and strengthened to perform more effectively, especially in view of the challenges posed to oil spill management in Nigeria today due to attacks on oil facilities by armed militants.

“The Federal Government is committed to dialogue with state governments, opinion and youth leaders in Niger Delta to find a lasting solution to the incessant attacks on oil facilities,’’ Mohammed said.

She added that government was also working to strengthen and review the agency’s establishment Act to empower it for more effective service delivery.

Mr Obinna Chidoka, Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Habitat, said that the symposium was timely to chart the way forward on oil spill management in Nigeria.

“Oil companies will not comply willingly; therefore, NOSDRA should not expect an easy enforcement but put its foot down to make sure that things are done properly.’’

He, however, pledged to leave his doors open to the agency and give it the necessary legislative support to deliver its mandate. (NAN)
EPA/DUA/MST
Edited by Dada Ahmed/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-DS-9
Raid
Warri (Delta), Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Joint Task Force (JTF) code-named ”Operation Delta Safe” on Thursday raided a suspected militants’ camp in Okosugbene along the Burutu/Warri in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta.
A source told newsmen in Warri that the military personnel stormed the camp with two Fighter Jets and about eight Gunboats at about 6 a.m.
The camp was said to be an abandoned hideout used by the former militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and now occupied by sea pirates.
The JTF were said to have acted on a tip-off on a raid that lasted for about an hour.
”Information about casualties is still unknown.
”The raid caused tension among dwellers of riverine communities as residents fled for safety,” the source said.
The Sector (1) Commander of the JTF, Col. Alhassan Grema, confirmed the raid but declined to give details. (NAN)
EDI/AMY/AMY
Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-S-20

Sports
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Gbade Ojo, the Chief of Staff to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, says sports is a tool for the promotion of international peace and physical well-being of the people.

Ojo said this on Thursday in Ibadan after being made a Patron of the Oyo State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

“When you see national teams play either in the Nations Cup or World Cup, all the trophies there are to promote peace.

“In the process of our interactions either locally or internationally, you will notice actions, reactions and counter-actions. So, wherever you promote sports there will be peace.

“Wherever you witness sports activities, there are spectators of diverse background on the basis of towns, states, countries and even skin texture, who forget their problems and hatred.

“Even at homes, people forget their problems when they are glued to their television set, offering special prayers for participants,’’ he said.

Ojo, who added that sports activities have become big businesses across the globe, however noted that sports in Nigeria were still at the pedestrian level.

He urged the media to harp more on this drawback for the policy-makers and non-state actors to promote sports and discourage cultural imperialism.

“Developed countries have tried a lot in turning sports to a big business. But we still have sports on the pedestrian level in Nigeria.

“Sports enthusiasts in the country today now patronise viewing centres to watch foreign clubs play football at the expense of our various local teams.

“We need to revive sports in Nigeria and develop talents to discourage cultural imperialism. Our talents don’t have to sojourn in foreign lands before becoming stars,” Ojo said.

While expressing his appreciation at being given the opportunity to serve the Oyo State people by Gov. Ajimobi, Ojo thanked the state SWAN for identifying him for the position.

He promised to support the association in all the capacity he could, and assured the Oyo state chapter members of better days ahead.

Adeboye Ajayi, the SWAN Zonal Vice-President (South West), while speaking, appreciated Ojo for his usual support, saying that his new role was to assist the association for greater heights.

Ajayi commended him for his usual advice, saying he hoped for a better relationship between him and the association.

Earlier, Niyi Alebiosu, the Oyo State SWAN Chairman, had said the association carefully picked Ojo as its patron after considered his usual support and numerous contributions to humanity.

Alebiosu said the new leadership of SWAN both in the state and country has developed laudable programmes to move sports to greater heights.

He said sports in Oyo state was in a poor condition, and SWAN in the state would not relent in its efforts at reviving it.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an interactive session featured alongside Ojo’s investiture as the association’s patron.(NAN)

TAA/DE/OLAL
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(Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Olawale Alabi)

Lufthansa cancels 830 flights, as third day of strikes looms

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Strike
Frankfurt, Nov. 24, 2016 (dpa) The pilots’ strike at Lufthansa will result in the cancellation of 830 flights on Friday, affecting the travel plans of some 100,000 passengers, the German flagship carrier said on Thursday.

Lufthansa said long-haul flights would be “carried out virtually according to schedule.” Domestic and short-haul flights within Europe would be worst hit ahead of the weekend, the company added.

By the end of Friday, a total of 315,000 passengers will have been affected. A total of 876 flights were cancelled on Wednesday and 912 on Thursday.

Lufthansa repeated its call for the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) pilots’ union to accept arbitration in the dispute, which stretches back to April 2014.

“As executive board, we are responsible for more than 120,000 staff members and aim to equip Lufthansa for the future. That would be impossible given a demand for 20 per cent more pay,” Lufthansa executive Harry Hohmeister said.

The company has offered 2.5 per cent up to the end of 2018. VC is demanding a total of 22 per cent for the period up to April 2017.

Lufthansa Group subsidiaries, including the Eurowings and Germanwings budget airlines, as well as AUA, Swiss, Brussels and Air Dolomiti, are unaffected.

Hohmeister termed VC’s demands “obscure” and “completely unacceptable,” noting that Lufthansa already paid its pilots more than was common at other carriers.

He called for a rapid return to talks, adding that every day on strike was costing the company around 10 million dollars, as well as damaging its reputation for reliability.

“We are seeing this in our medium-term bookings,” he said.

VC spokesman Joerg Handwerk accused company executives of “uncompromising business politics.”

German airports, including the main hubs at Frankfurt and Munich, were reported to be quiet.

Chaos was avoided by many Lufthansa passengers simply staying away from airports. The company was providing ongoing information on its website and arranging alternatives for stranded passengers. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)

NAN-F-8
Bombing
Yaoundé, Nov. 24, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Two young female suicide bombers attacked a town in Cameroon’s Far North region early on Thursday, authorities said, the fourth strike near the Nigerian border by suspected Boko Haram militants this week.

One of the bombs exploded in Mora, killing the girl and wounding at least four people, said Babila Akaou, prefect of the Mayo-Sava department.

Locals killed the second bomber before her device detonated, he added, without going into further details.

Fighters from Boko Haram have killed thousands in their campaign to carve out an Islamist state in their base in northeast Nigeria and have also launched attacks in neighboring Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

The group has frequently used female bombers and children to hit targets.

The two girls, aged between 13 and 18, entered the town early on market day and were spotted by a watch committee, said Akaou.

“They were heading toward the market. They weren’t wearing shoes … which drew attention,” said a local named Abou. The girls passed by him around 7 a.m., he said.

Suicide bombers have launched attacks in Mora, about 30 km (20 miles) from the Nigerian border, several times before.

Similar attacks used to happen on an almost daily basis in Cameroon but the International Crisis Group reported this month that the frequency had fallen since September, leading analysts to believe Boko Haram was weakening there.(Reuters/NAN)
IAA/AMY

Isaac Aregbesola/Abdullahi Yusuf

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SEC
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday said it was making efforts to boost financial literacy among young people.

Mr Mounir Gwarzo, the SEC Director-General, spoke on Thursday at the launching of the Nigerian Journal of Securities Market (NJSM) in Lagos.

Gwarzo said that it would improve financial literacy of Nigerians, because poor financial literacy has been identified as one of the factors responsible for the low level of financial inclusion.

The SEC director-general said that launch of the journal was one of the steps being taken by the commission to address the gap.

According to him, the commission has focused on several financial literacy initiatives as part of its market development drive.

Gwarzo said that efforts were being made to boost financial literacy among young people with school programmes, literacy week and a capital market curriculum.

He said that the journal represents another milestone in the endeavour of the SEC to fulfill its capital market literacy master plan.

“The Nigerian Securities Market Journal (NSMJ) is a periodic multi-disciplinary journal that will serve as a platform for disseminating information and research on the Nigerian Capital Market.

“The journal will publish original evidence-based papers on capital market activities.’’ he said.

The SEC director-general said that the journal would revamp capital market information, serve as evidence point and re-establish SEC as the knowledge bank of the capital market.

Gwarzo said that the journal would provide an avenue to disseminate critical insights into some of the main problems facing the securities market.

“It will provide an avenue to present and analyse emerging trends and contemporary issues as they affect the Nigerian Securities market,” he said.

Launching the journal, Mr Bismarck Rewane, the Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Ltd., commended SEC on its efforts at financial literacy.

Rewane said that it was important for Nigerians to be financially literate given the current economic recession.

He expressed optimism that the country would experience early symptoms of recovery by late 2017, urging SEC to sustain its efforts at educating Nigerians on financial issues. (NAN)
JNC/GOK
Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

GDP: NGO says women can enhance development
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Women
Abuja, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Founder, Women International Networking, Kristin Engvig, says the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a nation could triple if women involvement is encouraged.

She disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to her, the work force of women is high in Norway due to this singular involvement; the GDP of Norway has tripled.

However, she advised the Nigerian government and others to emulate the gesture.

Engvig noted that women involvement in policy making, businesses and other activities helped in the development of a nation.

She said WIN conference in Abuja was geared toward helping women actualise their dreams, aspirations and potentials.

The founder added that the conference annually had 1,300 participants due to the fact that there was something unique to learn in each country.

She emphasised that WIN conference had helped women in networking programmes, building businesses as well as learn more trade.

“When a woman works, the little salary she realises, she pays taxes and also buy product and services which helps in the growth of the society.

“In this conference women are thought to stand on what they believe as well as their dreams.

“WIN is an avenue for women all over the world to come together to connect and learn different kinds of culture and values.

“It is an avenue to teach women on how to overcome obstacles, develop their skills, and network, share ideas and replicate,’’ she said.

She noted that women workforce was key in economic growth of a nation and such would encourage Nigerian women to boost their knowledge and skills.

Engvig therefore enjoined women to start trade and should not undermine little beginning. (NAN)
CSO/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

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Committee
Lokoja, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Kogi State government has set up a committee on the selection of a new Obaro of Kabba and the Ejeh of Anpka.

A statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday by the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said the committee was inaugurated on behalf of Gov. Yahaya Bello by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade.

The statement was signed by Mr Jordan Akpata, Information Officer, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the stool of Obaro of Kabba became vacant in August following the transition of the late Oba Michael Olobayo, who ruled the community for 32 years.

The stool of the Ejeh of Ankpa is also vacant; the last holder, Alhaja Ahmadu Yakubu died in September this year

The committee, which has Mr Edward Onoja the Chief of Staff to the governor as chairman, would recommend qualified and rightful candidates to fill the vacant traditional stools.

The statement quoted Ayoade as saying that the terms of reference of the committee includes initiating the process of filling the vacant stools, monitor and supervise the process of filling them.

She said the committee also had the mandate to retrieve and forward the staff of office and any other government property kept by the family or relations of the deceased traditional rulers.

Ayoade charged the committee to abide by the principles of fairness, justice and equity in the discharge of its assignment.

She said that government holds the traditional institution in high regard, stressing that the roles of traditional rulers in the development of the society should not be toyed with.

Meanwhile the government has directed two traditional rulers, the Ohi of Ihima, Chief Ahmed Abdulraheem and the Obobanyi of Emani, Chief Samuel Onimisi to ensure peace in their domains or be deposed.

Alhaji Abubakar Ohere, Special Adviser to the governor on local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, gave the directive during a meeting with the two traditional rulers.

He warned that the lingering dispute in some Ihima communities should not be allowed to degenerate.

He charged them to ensure peace and harmony in their domains to attract more government projects.

Ohere also directed the Administrator of Okehi Local Government Council to convey a meeting of the two traditional rulers and other stakeholders and relay the decision of the government to them.

In his response, the Administrator, Alhaji Abdulraheem Ohiare thanked the government for the intervention and expressed his readiness to abide by the directive. (NAN)
KKA/AEA
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Edited by Archibong Asuquo

NAN-AE-4
Project
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, the National Coordinator, Global Environmental Facility/Small Grant Programme (GEF/SGP), says the programme has spent  49,000 dollars in executing projects in Chukuku Community, Kuje Area Council, FCT.

Olubamise disclosed this on Thursday when the officials of GEF and its National Steering Committee members visited the community on project inspection.

She said that the community had been experiencing the effects of climate change evidenced by dwindling incomes generated from climate- related agricultural activities.

She said that the main objective of the project was to create awareness and building the resilience of rural dwellers for effective adaption strategy to the impacts of climate change.

According to her, the GEF/SGP`s projects in the community is training and capacity building to produce 1,000 energy saving stoves.

“Provision of four water points for dry season farming and two motorised 5,000 cubic litre boreholes for livelihood enhancement and creating of awareness on climate change.

“Training on climate smart agriculture, including composting, alley cropping, and planting of economic trees.

“Also, soil conservation techniques, harvest preservation, dry season farming and management of farms, crops, livestock aquaculture and how to manage resources better, “ she said.

The coordinator said that GEF/SGP started the programme early in 2015, adding that the duration of each project ought to be one year.

“GEF/SGP offers grants to various NGOs for projects and inspects, monitors and encourages the beneficiaries of the projects in giving communities for sustainability,’’ he said.

Olubamise said that the team was impressed with the level of work done on the project.

The national coordinator advised the community to participate strongly in ensuring efficient management and maintenance of the project.

She said that GEF/SGP was one of the institution`s largest standing funding programmes established by World Bank to integrate global environmental benefits and to help the vulnerable in various communities.

She said that GEF/SGP had granted direct support actions to combat environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity, polluted international waters, land degradation and persistent organic pollution.

Mr Kelvin Dzeremo, the Executive Director, Foundation for Economic Empowerment and Educational Development (FEED), an NGO, who is handling the project, said that the community members were split into different groups to ensure their participation in the project.

Dzeremo expressed the hope that the grouping would promote the level of commitment and dedication by the group members.

Malam Jibrin Sarki, the Village Head of the community, thanked the GEF/SGP officials and the NGO leader for making their dreams to come to reality.

Sarki said that before the GEF/SGP`s intervention, the people were passing through some difficulties in their day-to-day undertakings.

“Our wives are spending a lot of money and energy when they want to prepare food; now we don’t buy water and fire wood.

“The local stoves we are using now, which GEF/SGP introduced to us, have been of great help to us and has reduce cost of cooking.

“Our farming production has increased tremendously because of the organic composition, we no longer buy fertiliser.

“On behalf of the entire community, we remain grateful and we promise that the project will continue to move forward in this community.

“A lot of our women who participated in making local stoves have improved and people come around to buy stoves from them, “ he said.

Mrs Fatima Haruna, one of the beneficiaries, said that she had made 30 local stoves in just one month.

“I realise good money from my local stove; I want to thank all the officials of GEF/SGP.

“I could not send my children to school before, now they are all in school, the community as a whole is really enjoying the project, “ Haruna said. (NAN)
VOE/MOL/GY
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi.

NAN-AE-3
Encroachment
Dutse, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Jigawa Farmers-Herdsmen Conflict Resolution Board said it recorded 387 encroachment cases from
the beginning of this year’s farming season to date.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Rabi’u Miko, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Dutse.

He said “from the beginning of this year’s rainy season, we recorded 378 encroachment cases and complaints across the 27 local government areas
of the state.”

Ibrahim said the Board usually receives complaints at the beginning and at the end of the rainy season annually.

He explained the cases received were mainly those of grazing reserves and cattle routes encroachment by farmers.

He added that some of the cases were reported by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), while others were reported by individuals.

The executive secretary pointed out that some farmers in the state were in the habit of encroaching into cattle routes and grazing reserves close to their farms.

He noted that the act usually causes conflict between farmers and herdsmen in the state.

He, however, said most of the cases were resolved by the board’s technical team, representatives of MACBAN, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), farmers-herdsmen committees and village heads of the affected communities.

According to him, there are 452 areas identified by the Board as grazing reserves across the 27 local government areas of the state.

He said that the Board had deployed its guards to oversee the reserves and cattle routes, and report any illegal activities to the
director, reserves management.

He, therefore, urged the two parties to live in peace as they could not do without one another.

According to him, farmers-herdsmen conflicts and clashes has reduced drastically in the state compared with previous years.

This, he said, followed several proactive measures put in place by the Board to address the menace.

The executive secretary noted that some of the measures taken by the Board included the provision of watering points for cattle rearers, demarcation of grazing reserves and planting grasses on several grazing reserves across the state. (NAN)
MNB/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu