Blog

NAN-DS-13

Bombings

Maiduguri, Nov. 23, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Wednesday assured that the recent spate of suicide bombings in Maiduguri would soon be a thing of the past.

Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Theater Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole stated this while briefing newsmen in Maiduguri.

Irabor stated that the army had put in place mechanism to end the bombings.

“I am delighted to be with you again this afternoon to acquaint you with developments within the theater of operation. The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have continued with the ongoing operations to clear the remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists.

“Since our last interaction, our troops have conducted many operations with immense successes,’’ he said.

Irabor said that the army had been able to minimise  impact of the bombings on the public.

“The impact of recent bombings in Maiduguri, though sad and unfortunate, was minimal due to the alertness of troops and other security agencies.

“Apart from the one wherein two Civilian JTF personnel were killed and some others wounded, only the terrorists died, while one was captured alive.

“The captured suicide bomber is assisting in the investigation into cases of suicide bombings.’’

He said that the continued bombings by the terrorists were a sign of weakness.

According to him, the incidents are only indicative of a weakened and defeated Boko Haram terrorists, their ignoble adventure is destined to fail totally,’’ Irabor said.

He advised members of the public to be more conscious and alert to their environment.

“I wish to remind the general public to be more alert and security conscious with their environment, especially when a strange face comes around.

“I also commiserate with all the victims of the recent suicide bombings by terrorists within the theatre. We shall continue to work to ensure the safety of lives of every citizen, ” Irabor said.

He urged Boko Haram remnants to take advantage of a window of opportunity by surrendering their arms.

“Let me once again use this medium to remind the remnants of Boko Haram that their miserable days are numbered because their future is going to be disastrous if they fail to surrender and lay down their arms.

“Let me therefore, encourage them to take advantage of this window of opportunity now to surrender as failure to do so would be hugely regretted,” Irabor said.(NAN)

ABI/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

NAN-H-93
Campaign
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

Idofian (Ilorin), Nov. 23, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Kwara Sector Command, on Wednesday in Idofian, Kwara, inaugurated the `ember months’ road safety campaign.

The Sector Commander of the commission, Mr Sunday Maku, made this known in his address of welcome at the inauguration of the 2016 ember months safety campaign tagged, “Crash the crashes; speed kills”.

“The ember months are around again; they have started since September and with them come the attendant traffic challenges.

“This period or season is laced with a lot of travelling-induced activities and it is equally a season of economic boom for our transporters.

“However, we need to be alive to celebrate and maximise the potentials of this season, which calls for safety caution.

“This year has been an eventful one in terms of robust awareness campaigns and collaborative public discourse on safety issues.

“I would like to add that speed kills faster with bad tyres, unhealthy drivers and no speed limiter to control the acceleration of vehicles,’’ Maku said.

He added that adhering to and conforming with laid down traffic rules and regulations were the best way to stay alive during the ember months.

“Some of the things we preach against include over-speeding, drinking alcohol while driving or driving when drunk and that all commercial vehicles must have speed limiter installed, to mention a few.

“Obedience is better than sacrificing your lives.

“Remember that if a driver is bent on suicide, do not allow him or her to take you along; warn him or her.

“I wish us all a crash-free end of year and New Year celebrations,’’ Maku added.

The sector commander expressed appreciation to the stakeholders including security agencies for the roles they have played toward achieving maximum safety standards on the roads.

The Zonal Commanding Officer, Kwara RS8HQ, Mr John Meheux, who was represented by the Zonal Head of Operations, Mrs Daniel, said Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) had reduced in the state.

Daniel said the reduction was due to the cooperation of the public and transporters.

“Between September to October 2015, we had 104 RTCs which resulted in 397 persons being injured and 45 persons were lost.

“In 2016, between September and October there were 85 RTCs, 310 persons were injured and 42 persons lost their lives.

“We may think the difference is little but each life matters to us and to God, we want to reduce RTCs to minimum possible.

“And I want to assure you that the speed limiter device will be extended to private vehicle owners also, I thank all the road transport unions for your cooperation,’’ she said.

Mr Abdulrazak Omotoke, the state Secretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers, said the safety of lives and properties is of paramount importance to the union.

“We have started to work against drinking alcohol and driving and we assure you that very soon it will be a thing of the past.

“We will continually appreciate the efforts of the FRSC and we urge them to continue to monitor over speeding,’’ he said.

Mr Abdulrahman Olayinka, the representative of the National Association of Road Transport Owners in the state, called for the repair of damaged roads across the state and nation at large.

Olayinka urged drivers to learn to differentiate between pleasure driving and long distance driving.

He gave an assurance that members of the union would install speed limiters on their vehicles to curb excessive speed on the highways. (NAN)

BAY/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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Trump nominates Indian American governor for UN ambassador

NAN-F-13
Nomination
Washington, Nov. 23, 2016 (dpa/NAN) United State president-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, nominated South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, 44, to serve as his ambassador to the UN.

Haley an Indian American, had been a prominent opponent of Trump during the Republican Party’s state-by-state primaries earlier this year and had offered only tepid support during his campaign against Hillary Clinton.

The naming of Haley, the first woman of Asian descent to lead a state, will add diversity to Trump’s team amid criticism that it has been so far dominated by older white men.

It also pointed to his willingness to bring former critics into his administration.

“Gov. Haley has a proven track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation to move critical policies forward for the betterment of her state and our country.

“She is also a proven deal maker, and we look to be making plenty of deals. She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage,” Trump said in a statement

Haley said in a statement that she would accept the nomination, but regretted not completing her term as governor.

“When the president believes you have a major contribution to make to the welfare of our nation, and to our nation’s standing in the world, that is a calling that is important to heed,” she said.

Haley was elected in 2010 as a wave of fiscally conservative lawmakers and governors backed by the ultra-conservative tea party movement rode into office amid opposition to President Barack Obama’s health care reforms.

She drew nationwide attention for her handling of a racially motivated shooting at an African American church in Charleston last year.

Her willingness to face criticism in the conservative southern state by calling for the removal of a Confederate flag from the statehouse grounds also drew attention.

She has focused much of her two terms in office on promoting economic growth and ethics reform.

Harley has little experience on the international stage, which is sure to raise questions when she faces a Senate nomination hearing.

An accountant and businesswoman, she served in the South Carolina legislature from 2004 until she became governor.

She was born in Nimrata Randhawa in South Carolina, the daughter of Sikh immigrants. Haley, who converted to Christianity, is married with two teenage children. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Julius Enehikhuere)

NAN-AE-12

Fruits

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Ibadan, Nov.23, 2016 (NAN) A Research Scientist at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Mr Semeton Amosu says fruits and vegetables are hidden money spinning venture, urging investors to focus on them.

Amosu said this on Wednesday at a two-day seminar organised by Agric Investors and Resources Development Forum (AIRDEF) held at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

He noted that fruits and vegetables had a lot of value-chain ranging from production, processing, packaging, trading, as well as sales.

“For pineapple alone, one can make money from suckers, multiplication and sales; production; sales of pumpkin (ugu) seedlings and the leaves could also yield good money.

“All you need do is to get accurate, current and dependable information about the business you want to do before you start,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Elizabeth Farinde, a Food Scientist at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) Ibadan, said the only way to reduce food wastage was through food processing and preservation for future use.

Farinde said re-investing in agriculture would only be meaningful if processes of adding value to agricultural produce were given priority attention.

“We waste a lot of food in the processing stage, because we don’t have enough facilities to process them, some technologies developed for food processing are still hidden and not accessible.

“Training people on hygienic ways of handling food, good packaging machines, appropriate processing all save food wastages,” she said.

For exporters of agricultural produce, Mr Eyiola Oyedepo from Okims Investment Ltd, Lagos, advised them to register with all relevant tax authorities and obtain valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).

“Try and register with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council to obtain export license to avoid running into problems,” he said.

Mrs Atinuke Ofunkoya, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, said the event was apt, in view of the  country’s stance to diversify the economy into agriculture.

Ofunkoya identified agriculture as one of the main policies of the state government, as it had put in place empowerment programmes for women and youths via the ministry of Women Affairs

Earlier, AIRDEF President, Mrs Olla Oluwaseun, said the organisation was established to expose, enlighten and empower Nigerians on commercial agriculture.

“We focus on agriculture as a vehicle for achieving food security, job opportunity, poverty alleviation, economic growth, development of capacity, skills, stakeholders’ engagement and exportation of products in Nigeria.

“We partner with states and federal ministry of agriculture, agro allied industries and major stakeholders in agricultural industry,” she said. (NAN)

CC/MAS/EEE

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Edited by Moses Solanke/Ese E. Ekama

NAN-HE-10
Shares
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Nov. 23, 2016 (NAN) Transactions on the Nigerian equity market on Wednesday reversed a two-week bearish trend with the market indicators appreciating marginally by 0.22 per cent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the All-Share Index grew by 55.66 points or 0.22 per cent to close at 25,517.00 against 25,461.34 recorded on Tuesday.

The market capitalisation, which opened at N8.764 trillion, inched N20 billion to close at N8.784 trillion due to price growth.

Nestle recorded the highest gain to lead the gainers’ table, growing by N10 to close at N810 per share.

CAP chalked up 93k to close at N33, while Flour Mills gained 89k to close at N18.74 per share.

PZ Industries appreciated by 71k to close at N15.20 and Glaxosmithkline increased by 46k to close at N14 per share.

Conversely, Total, for the second consecutive day, led the losers’ chart, dropping by N10.58 to close at N70 per share.

Julius Berger shed N1.90 to close at N36.10 and Africa Prudential dropped 12k to close at N2.66 per share.

NAN also reports that Dangote Sugar lost 6k to close at N6 per share.

Similarly, the volume of shares traded appreciated by 37.05 per cent with an exchange of 165.73 million shares valued at N1.13 billion transacted in 2,484 deals.

This was against a total of 120.93 million shares worth N1.19 billion exchanged in 2,397 deals on Tuesday.

A breakdown of the activity chart showed that Diamond Bank was investors’ delight, accounting for 34.44 million shares worth N32.72 million.

It was trailed by Access Bank with 32.65 million shares valued at N181.89 million, while FBN Holdings sold 21.91 million shares worth N66.13 million.

Transcorp transacted 12.69 million shares valued at N8.65 million and Skye Bank traded 12.19 million shares worth N6.27 million. (NAN)
JNC/FAT/GOK
Edited by Fatima Sule/Olagoke Olatoye
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NAN-S-16
League
By Nicholas Obisike
Enugu, Nov. 23, 2016 (NAN) Enugu State has been scheduled to host the premier league Super Four tournament for the 2016/17 football season.
The Media Officer of Rangers international FC, Foster Chime, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday.

He said that the tournament would hold between Dec. 7 and Dec. 11 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The four teams involved in the tournament are the 2016 league champions Rangers International FC, Rivers United, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and FC Ifeanyi Ubah of Anambra.
He said the League Management Company (LMC), had lined up several programmes during the tournament including seminars for club chairmen, media officers, team doctors and chairmen of supporters club across the country.
Chime said that the LMC would also hold its Annual General Meeting during the tournament.
The media officer urged teeming supporters of the club in the South East and beyond to participate in the making event. (NAN)
NUO/MNA/IEA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Idahosa Asowata

Crime fighting: AIG charges officers to be courageous, firm

NAN-H-82

Courage

Keffi(Nasarawa State), Nov. 23, 2016 (NAN) AIG Agboola Glover has challenged men of the force in Nasarawa State to be “courageous, firm and professional” in the fight to rid the country of criminals.

Glover, Zonal Commander in charge of zone 4 Police Command, Makurdi, who spoke on Wednesday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, also emphasised the need for integrity and dignity in service.

“We must continue to be dedicated to the duties of flushing out criminals; it is the only path to a better and prosperous Nigeria,” he said in an address to police officers, during his familarisation tour to the Keffi Area command.

The officer cautioned them against corruption, abuse of office and indiscipline, and warned that the Force would not hesitate to sanction erring police officers.

He said that the tour was primarily to relay the Inspector General’s  message of hope for men on the field and also listen to their complaints with a view to addressing them.

“The Inspector General of Police is doing a lot for you, especially in the area of welfare, promotion and other gestures aimed at motivating everyone toward optimum output.

“ We want to motivate all personnel to work harder to protect Nigeria and its citizens,” he said.

Glover also charged the men of the force to be fair to everyone, stressing that they must avoid sentiments that could call their neutrality to question.

He promised that the police authority would continue to equip the force to enhance quality service delivery. (NAN)

AKW/ETS

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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

NAN-H-91
Defaulters
Bauchi, Nov. 23, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Bauchi Command, said on Wednesday that it apprehended no fewer than 70 road traffic defaulters within one week for various traffic offences.

The Assistant Corps Commander, Mr Aliyu Idris, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi.

Idris said that the defaulters were apprehended between Nov. 14 and Nov. 20.

He said that the motorists and cyclists were apprehended for offences ranging from fake number plates, seat belt violation, driving and making calls, expired and fake licences and road obstruction.

“In just one week, we apprehended 30 offenders for road obstruction and 40 for fake number plates, motorcyclists being the worst culprits.

“These acts are part of Nigerians not being patriotic to government policies and also endangering the lives of the people moving on roads.

“Another person’s recklessness can also affect other commuters; therefore, people should also play safe to protect the lives of others, not just those boarding the same vehicle.’’

Idris said that the issue of underage driving had dropped drastically as parents were sensitised on dangers associated with underage driving.

“In the recent past, some parents prefer to buy motorcycle for their underge children as a means of transporting themselves to school.

“But recently, due to intensified sensitization on the dangers and public awareness, the act has drastically reduced as we do not see them much on the roads,’’ he said. (NAN)

AE/OIF/NKO

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(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Nkechi Okoronkwo)

NAN-H-90
Marriage
Asaba, Nov. 23, 2016 (NAN) The President of Sisters’ Fellowship International (SFI), Rev. Nches Iredu has identified instability in marriage as a major cause of societal vices in the country.

Iredu stated this on Wednesday in Asaba at a two-day  programme organised by the Asaba chapter of the fellowship for couples and families with theme: “Position Yourself for Greatness”.

She lamented the increased rate of societal vices, especially among youths, noting that instability in marriage was having a negative toll on the youths in the country.

She said that failure of couples to realise the importance of staying united was one of the reasons for the increasing rate of crime and social vices in the society today.

“Couples and families who are experiencing instability in their marriages and home will always find it very difficult in raising godly and descent children.

“Children from unstable families, where there is always quarrelling, fighting and violence are prone to social and societal vices.

“Any family where the man is always angry, hot tempered and the wife is also hot tempered, can hardly raise godly children,’’ he said.

Iredu, therefore, appealed to couples and parents to ensure they lived in harmony, saying it would go a long way in moulding the character of the youths.

She also advised couples and families not to give up hope because of the present economic situation rather be committed to God, who alone has the power to change situations.

Iredu expressed displeasure at people whom she said no longer have time for God because of money, affluence, riches and other things and called for a change of attitude.(NAN)
MOA/CEO/GY
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Edited by Chidi Opara/Grace Yussuf

NAN-F-11
Conflict
By Maureen Okon
Abuja, Nov.23, 2016 (NAN) Dr Vivian Iwar, a member of ECOWAS Commission Abuja, on Wednesday, blamed the incessant conflict between among farmers and pastoralists, on the  lack of implementation of trans-humans certificate by governments’.

She made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the end of “ Mercy Corps’’ four year initiative programme.

The Mercy Corps programme, is sponsored by UKAid to support peace building process in communities.

According to her, the international trans-humans certificate is the provision of the Heads of States decision in 1998, which stated that the certificate was to check the number of cattles coming into a country.

“The international trans-human certificate is a provision of the Heads of States’ decision on trans-humans of 1998, that provides for an international trans-human certificate.

“It is like a passport for animals, same way you have passport for humans entering another country. Animals are suppose to have that certificate as long as they are crossing from one ECOWAS country to another.

“This is aimed at cattle movement and training and to ensure wholesome stealing that is going on is checked,” she said.

According to her, due to the failure of implementation in the regulations in certain member states, it is difficult to identify which animal belongs where and who is taking and exactly what is going on.

She also said that the conflict between pastoralist and farmers should be blamed on the lack of proper border control of animals.

“Because we do not know what animal comes into a certain country, conflict occurs in part of the country, for instances, in Nigeria if the country did not identify where those animals are coming from”.

She explained that it has ramification on anything coming into the country, if you do not control that.

“Animals come in, sometimes carrying things on them, so if you cannot identify what animals came in at a certain time, they could be bringing all manner of things you won’t even know.

“So it’s really a proper border control that is needed for animals coming into the country, and when you control the animals, you also control the humans and whatever else they may be bringing in,’’ she explained.

She blamed government in the sub- region for failing to develop a consistent policy on livestock, and also to regulate pastoralism and the practices of pastoralism.

“Because we have failed to develop a consistent policy on livestock development over time, we have also failed to regulate pastoralism and the practices of pastoralism.

“This has given the opportunity to those, who generally disobey the laws to do so, when there’s nothing to hold them to; there are no enforcement regulations and no stable policy.

`The government must take a stance and say this is where we want to go and you have to fall in, when none of that exist, people take advantage of such confusion and do as they please.  (NAN)
(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Julius Enehikhuere)