Blog

NAN-H-61
Electricity
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has secured the release of 330 overtime containers of electrical equipment from various terminals at the ports.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tambuwal Atiku, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Atiku said with the clearance of the equipment, power supply to Nigerians would soon improve.

Cue in audio 1 (Atiku)

“We have already secured the release of over 330 containers from different terminal operators.

“Materials and equipment that are contained in these containers are going to be moved to site by our various contractors.

“It’s expected that we see the benefits of these by completing those critical projects so that power supply will become available to Nigerians.“

Cue out audio 1 (Atiku)

He said that with the support of the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, TCN would continue to negotiate with terminal operators and shipping companies to secure the release of the remaining overtime containers.

“The negotiation, actually we had started close to seven months; even though we assured terminal operators that within two, three months after; we will be able to pay them the amount that we agreed.

“The budget, you know, was not released in good time.

“So we were not able to comply. So we will still continue negotiating with them and they were good enough to say okay, they still accept our offer of the discount.

“That is why we have got DUNCAN Bonded Terminal to release these ones (77 stranded containers),“ Atiku said.

The Chairman, House Committee on Power, Rep. Daniel Asuquo, said TCN had saved 2 billion naira for the Federal Government through negotiation with the terminal operators.

Cue in audio 2 (Asuquo)

“They have actually negotiated release for 300 (containers) and something. They have paid for 218 (containers).

“So actual payment to the shipping companies, to the terminal operators is 218 (containers).

“DUNCAN terminal happens to be one of those terminals that have the largest number of containers.

“It is proper, logistically, to start the showcase of the release from here. So while DUNCAN is holding 77, there are other terminals that are still having the balance of 218, which has been already negotiated and paid for.

“The total negotiation in question, when actual payments are out, should be a little above a billion.

“They (TCN) have saved 2 billion naira, because the total cost of releasing about 300 and something containers was well over 3.5 billion naira.

“So in the first exercise, based on the negotiation of the minister, terminal operators and the shipment people, we have seen TCN succeed to save 2 billion naira.

“That is quite a lot of money, so we really appreciate it.“

Cue out audio 2 (Asuquo)

The Executive Director of TCN, Sonny Iroche, commended the management’s effort in taking drastic steps in getting the stranded equipment out of the ports.

“The executive management of TCN, when it fell into the hands of the Nigerian counterpart August of this year, puts it as priority to clear these containers because we know how important they are.

“To complete all the projects that had been abandoned for these years.

“We have had negotiations with the ship owners and the terminal operators, mainly by the honourable Minister in March and the second one in September.

“We got waivers of close to 50 per cent and 75 per cent for the outstanding demurrages and the bills.

“We are still paying. We have paid a lot of money; over 218 (containers) and we will continue to clear.

“When you are in production, you need certain ingredients to complete even the cooking of your food at home.

“This is the part of the ingredients to refurbish and expand the National Grid of TCN, “ Iroche said. (NAN)

AIC/AJA/YEE
Edited by Adeleye Ajayi/Emmanuel Yashim

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NAN-H-26
Trends
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) News about Nigeria’s gallant soldier, Lt. Col. Mohammed Abu-Ali, who died fighting Boko Haram terrorists, was top on Google search this week, an official said on Thursday.

Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos.
He said that the search was from Nov. 16 to Nov. 23.

Kola-Ogunlade said that the Mannequin challenge which requires people to stay frozen while a video was being recorded also got people’s attention.
According to him, Google search users were also agog over news on the internet which went from Kanye West’s rant on stage, to the death of two members of the Nollywood community.

“Earlier this month, a gallant Nigerian soldier, Abu-Ali lost his life in the battle to recapture some major towns in the North-East from the stronghold of the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

“As a form of support to his widow, Gov. Kashim Shettima, of Borno, donated N10 Million to the family,’’ he said.

He noted that Nollywood recently grieved over the loss of two of its members – the popular Yoruba actress, Kudirat Ajimat – and top producer cum director, Uduak Ansa Oguamanam.

“Ajimat who is known for her motherly roles in Yoruba movies was buried immediately, according to Islamic rites.

“Ansa, younger sister to the talented and award-winning film-maker, Emem Isong, was said to have died of complications from prolonged peptic ulcer,” he said.

According to him, change your style was the new thing on block which caught attention online.

“As the mannequin challenge becomes global, more Nigerians are engaging in the internet viral challenge which requires its participants to remain frozen, while a video is being recorded.

“The phenomenon which began in Florida, U.S., has seen the likes of Etisalat, the Super Falcon, Dr Craze, MI, Falz, and LASEMA posting their versions of the challenge on the internet,” he said.

Kola-Ogunlade added that earlier this week, WhatsApp official launch of its video call which required users to update their WhatsApp application, got attention online.

“Users can also enjoy the support by updating the feature on their Android or iPhone, or they can simply go to the App Store or Google Play for available updates,” he said.

He stated that U.S. rapper, Kanye West, was hospitalised this week, and reports said he was immediately placed under observations.

“The popular entertainer, who cancelled the last 21 dates of his national tour after abandoning a Sacremento performance, was reported to have been transported to the hospital in an ambulance, and placed in a psychiatric hold.

“News went around that film-maker and Ebony TV boss, Seun Egbegbe, was accused of stealing nine iPhones at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos State,’’ Kola-Ogunlade said.

The Google manager said that Egbegbe explained that he left the shop with the phones to pick money from his jeep.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Google Trends launched in May, 2006, allows one to see how popular search terms and its demography have been overtime on Google. (NAN)
CAN/IGO
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Delta assembly calls for relief materials for victims of rainstorm

NAN-H-64
Relief
Asaba, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Delta House of Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution calling on the state government to provide relief materials for victims of rainstorm in Obiaruku community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

News Agency of Niogeria (NAN) reports that the heavy rainstorm destroyed over 50 houses including economic trees, properties worth millions of naira were also destroyed.

The resolution followed a motion calling on Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa to direct the state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to send relief materials to victims of the rainstorm.

The  motion was moved by the lawmaker representing Ukwuani constituency, Dr Alphonsus Ojo.

Moving the motion, Ojo noted that the rainstorm which occurred on Nov. 17, destroyed properties worth millions of naira, adding that more than 50 houses including churches and poultry farm were destroyed by the rainstorm.

He also said that apart from the houses, poultry farm and churches that were destroyed by the rainstorm, economic trees were also affected.

The lawmaker who cited section 14, sub section 2b of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, said that the security and the welfare of the people were responsibility of government.

Ojo stressed the need for the state government and the Federal Government to assist the victims with relief materials.

He also said that several electricity poles and cables were also affected by the rainstorm, adding that the victims of the rainstorm had been displaced.

The lawmaker therefore appealed to state government to send relief materials to the victims in order to ameliorate their sufferings.

The motion which was unanimously adopted by the House was seconded by Mr Dennis Omovie representing Warri South II constituency. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Enehikhuere

NAN-H-24
Sentence
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Nov. 24 2016 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday sentenced a 30-year-old carpenter, Ibrahim Rabiu, to one year imprisonment, for dealing in 1.1 kg of  hemp.

Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo sentenced Rabiu after he pleaded guilty to a charge of drug trafficking.

Oguntoyinbo said she found the accused guilty as charged, saying that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others trying to commit such crime.

“Based on evidence adduced by the Prosecution, the accused is found guilty as charged and is accordingly convicted.

“He is hereby sentenced to a term of one year imprisonment, beginning from the date of his arrest,” she said.

The court also ordered the drug exhibit to be destroyed, if no appeal subsists against the judgment.

Earlier the Prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 4 at Agbomalu, off Marine Bridge,  Apapa, Lagos.

He said that the accused was caught selling the hemp under the bridge.

Aernan tendered several evidence as exhibits, to establish his case.

They included: a written statement of the accused, a request for scientific aid form, a drug analysis form, as well as the hemp.

The accused had urged the court to  temper justice with mercy and be lenient, promising to turn a new leaf, if granted the opportunity.
UNS/EOB/PIO
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(Edited by Edith Bolokor/Idonije Obakhedo)

NAN-ELS-6

Garri

By Buhari Bolaji

Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) Sen. Solomon Olamilekan (Lagos West Senatorial District) on Thursday said that having soaked “garri’’ and dried fish as a meal gave him more satisfaction than any other food.

Olamilekun, a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that garri and dried fish was his favourite food.

“I don’t know why I just like garri and dried fish, it gives me the kind of satisfaction I can`t describe, I just feel good after having it.

“Some people would ask me, why would a senator like garri and not all these expensive stuffs? and the answer I give is that it makes me feel great.

“It is so amazing that sometimes when I am having stomach upset, and I take garri everything disappears within minutes. I think garri is best suited for my body,’’ he said.

Olamilekan stated that he preferred mostly local foods to foreign delicacies.

Speaking on his political career and speculations that he intends to contest for the governorship position of his home state Ogun in 2019, Olamilekan did not give a direct answer.

“I am from Ogun state. I visit and interact with my people. It will be an honour to serve them. But we would not make any announcement for now.

“At the right time, we would come out and tell the people. The concentration is on the Senate right now. We are waiting on God to determine our next move,’’ he said. (NAN)

BHB/ENN/EEE

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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Ese E. Ekama

NAN-H-22
Utilities
Wukari (Taraba ) , Nov. 24 (NAN ) Mr Adi Daniel, Care-taker Chairman, Wukari Council Area in Taraba, on Thursday urged the mining company operating in Akwana District to provide amenities to the community.

Daniel told newsmen in Wukari that the miner, S.B. Olatunji Global Nigeria Ltd., was required to perform his obligation in accordance with the provision of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007.

He said the company registered to extract Lead and Zinc had denied the community of the amenities that would improve the living conditions of its people.

Daniel said the council had written to the state government and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development on the need to urgently address the issue.

On his part, a Youth Leader in the area, Mr Agyo Atswenbuma, said the activities of the company had clearly violated Sections. 116 (1 ) (2) (3) a,b,c and e of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007.

He said the sections provided the mandatory community development agreement before commencement of work and the contribution of the project to infrastructure development.

Atswenbuma said the company had also violated sections 102 (2) and 113 (1) of the Act by not paying surface rent and compensation for crops, economic trees and building work damages respectively.

“Look, this illegal mining has no economic benefits to our people rather it is worsening our impoverished conditions because even our source of water is blocked due to the mining activities.

“This is also a clear violation of sections 125 and 127 (1) of the Act which provide for payment of compensation for pollution of water supply.

“Let me state clearly here that anyone who is coming to mine here based on the provisions of the law is welcomed, but we will not allow you to deny us what is due to us.

“The issue of statutory obligations of a miner is non-negotiable as it is clearly stated in his licence that failure to comply with his obligation may lead to revocation of the licence,’’ he said.

When contacted, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Seun Olatunji, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the allegations levelled against the company were very unfair.

He said most of his staff who worked as welders, blacksmiths and masons were indigenes of Akwana and their salaries were paid promptly.

Olatunji said when people returned to the area after the 2014 ethnic clashes, the company had renovated some places of worship and it planned to sink boreholes for the community.

He told NAN that in spite of the frequent stealing of the company’s equipment on the site, it had so far invested over N150 million in mining in the area.

The managing director said the company was determined to continue with exploration in the hope of discovering Lead, noting that it would remain committed to its social responsibilities.

NAN reports that Akwana village, with about 21 kilometres land mass, has a huge mineral deposit, including Tantalite, Columbite, Florite, Tamalin, Copper and Gypsum, among others. (NAN)
NB/DO/PDE
=========
(Edited by David Onilede/Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-H-18
Goods
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Police in Lagos on Thursday brought a 38-year-old woman, Gloria Ugochi, before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, over the alleged receipt of goods worth N205,000 under false pretences.

The accused, who is facing a two-count charge stealing and fraud, resides at the Ajah area of Lagos.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Nwosu George, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in March, at No. 1 Condo St., Ajah, Lagos.

According to him, the accused collected goods worth N205, 000 from the complainant, Susan Adegbohungbe, with a promise to sell the goods and remit back the said amount to her.

George alleged that rather, the accused sold the goods and converted the money to her own personal use, and started avoiding the complainant.

The prosecutor said that when the complainant did not get any feedback from the accused, she decided to call her on phone, but she refused to pick her calls.

George told the court said that when the accused eventually picked the call, she insulted her, saying how much was the money and asking that “the complainant should not disturb her again.

“Susan reported the case to the police and the accused was immediately arrested,” the prosecutor said.

George said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 which prescribed a jail term of 15 years for offenders upon conviction.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

The Magistrate, Mr M. O. Osinbajo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Osinbajo directed that one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the accused and should be gainfully employed.

He further directed that the sureties should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

He adjourned the case till Dec. 12, for mention. (NAN)
LAW/KOO/PIO
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(Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Idonije Obakhedo)

NAN-HE-5
Market
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) A financial expert on Thursday attributed the prolonged downturn on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to weak macroeconomic fundamentals.

Dr Glenn Prince-Abbi, Executive Consultant/Chief Executive Officer, Espera Global Corporation, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that capital market headwinds was due to the prevailing economic situation.

“These headwinds in the market are not stand-alone events which are cut off from the Nigerian economic ocean.

“Hence the capital market challenges that we currently see in Nigeria are a full mirror-image of what is happening in the Nigerian economy,’’ he told NAN.

Prince-Abbi said that the market could only experience improved growth and development with a healing of the economy

He said that all economic policy players, monetary and fiscal, must do their creative best to accelerate the needed healing process required by the nation’s economy.

“The capital market is not ensconced from the prevailing economic situation in Nigeria neither can it ever be.

“These headwinds in the market are not stand-alone events which are cut-off from the Nigerian economic ocean.

“Essentially, the economy must get back to growth; real sector activities must build up and then this will steadily have a positive impact on the capital market.’’

Prince-Abbi noted that the nation’s weakened currency when compared with the dollar, led to wiping out of value and real wealth in the market and persisting bearish trend.

According to him, a progressively weakened real sector production base cannot sustain a growing capital market.

He noted that the capital market uncertainties would increase when the U.S. president-elect, Mr Donald Trump’s efforts would unfold policies aimed at bringing capital back to America.

NAN reports that the All-Share Index between Nov. 14 and Nov. 23 lost 409.81 points or 1.81 per cent to close trading on Nov. 23 at 25,517.00 compared with 25,986.81 posted on Nov. 14.

Also, the market capitalisation during the period under review shed N161 billion or 1.80 per cent to close trading on Nov. 23 at N8.784 trillion against N8.945 trillion achieved on Nov. 14. (NAN)
JNC/BOLA/PDE
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(Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-DS-3
Rice
Maiduguri, Nov. 24, 2016 (NAN) The National Logistics Committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), on Thursday gave 115, 017 bags of 50 kg rice seized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), to the Borno State Government.

Alhaji Sanusi Umar, the Chairman of the committee, who presented the rice to Gov. Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri, said it was for the upkeep of displaced persons in the state.

Umar, an Assistant Comptroller General Customs, said the gesture was aimed at complimenting the efforts of the state government in feeding the IDPs.

“This is our second coming; few months ago, we brought varieties of food for the upkeep of the IDPs.

“This time around we came with only rice, we are presenting 115, 017 bags of rice to the government for sharing among the IDPs,” he said.

Umar explained that the items were seized by the NCS in its anti-smuggling campaign across the country.

“This rice did not come from heaven, it is rice seized by the customs at land borders where there was infraction against the Federal Government and condemned in a law court.

” It is now handed over for sharing to people affected by terrorism in the North-East”, he said.

Umar said the committee was constituted by the federal government to further provide succour to the IDPs in the states affected by terrorism in the North-East.

Shettima thanked the committee and promised to be fair and just in the distribution. (NAN)

ABI/EAL/IEA
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Idahosa Asowata

NAN-H-17
Defilement
By Boboye Moronke
Lagos, Nov. 24, 2016(NAN) For allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl, Matthew Mbam,21, was on Thursday docked at an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The accused apprentice, who resides at Alakuko , a suburb of Lagos, is being tried for defilement.
The prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the offence was committed at the accused residence.
Inuoha said that the accused invited the victim into his room under the pretext of sending her on an errand and defiled her.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.
The chief magistrate, Mrs B. O. Osunsanmi, granted the accused bail of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Osunsanmi adjourned the case to Jan. 23, 2017 for mention. (NAN)
MTO/BOLA/PAD
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Edited by Bola Akingbehin, Peter Dada