Blog

Trial
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Sept. 20, 2018 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday said it would on Friday hear the defence of a former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, in the case of N3. 2billion fraud preferred against him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Kalu together with his former Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogo, and a Company, Slok Nigeria Ltd in a 34-count charge, bordering on N3.2 billion fraud.

They had each pleaded not guilty to the charge, and were granted bail.

At Thursday’s proceedings, the defence counsel had urged the court for a stay of proceedings, pending the determination of appeals filed at the Court of Appeal, on jurisdictional issues.

Defence argued that the grounds of appeal question the jurisdiction of the trial court, to continue with the hearing of the case, following the elevation of the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, to the Court of Appeal.

The defence argued that Order 4 Rules 10 and 11 of the Court of Appeal Rules is superior to the provisions of Section 396 (7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which permits the judge to still sit as a High Court judge.

The defence, therefore, urged the court to stay proceedings.

Responding, EFCC’s lawyer, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), expressed opposition to defence’s request for a stay of proceedings in the matter.

Jacobs argued that the points raised by defence lawyers were no longer live issues, as they had been overtaken by the advent of ACJA.

He said that Section 306 of the ACJA frowns at any application for stay of proceedings in criminal matters and urged the court to refuse the application as it is no longer permissible under the law.

In a Bench ruling, Justice Idris declined the request to stay further proceedings in the case, on the grounds that it is in conflict with the provisions of the law.

“The application is in conflict with the law; trial is being conducted under the ACJA, which requires day-to-day proceedings.

He said that learned counsel could proceed to the Appellate Court for hearing of their application for stay, but ordered the accused to begin their defence.

Idris, thus adjourned the case until Sept. 21, for continuation of trial.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offence between August 2001 and October 2005.

Kalu was alleged to have utilised his company to retain in the account of a First Inland Bank, now FCMB, the sum of N200 million.

The sum is alleged to have formed part of funds illegally derived from the coffers of the Abia Government.

In one of the counts, his company (Slok Nig. Ltd) and one Emeka Abone, said to be at large, were also alleged to have retained in the company’s account N200 million, on behalf of the first accused.

In counts one to 10, the accused were alleged to have retained about N2.5 billion in different accounts, which funds were said to belong to the Abia Government.

Cumulatively, in all the counts, the accused were alleged to have diverted over N3.2 billion from the state government’s treasury, during Kalu’s tenure as governor.

The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of Sections 15(6), 16, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2005.

It also contravenes the provisions of the Money Laundering Act of 1995, as amended by the amendment Act No.9 of 2002, and Section 477 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 1990. (NAN)

UNS/FLP/WOJ

========

Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Wale Ojetimi

NBS begins survey on poverty statistics – Statistician General

Statistics

By Lucy Nwachukwu

Nasarawa, Sept. 20, 2018 (NAN) The Statistician General of the Federation, Mr Yemi Kale, says the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) will commence the Nigeria Living Standard Survey (NLSS) from Sept. 27.

Kale disclosed this at a One Day Stakeholder’s Sensitisation Workshop on NLSS in Keffi.

He said: “work is going to start next week; for us to be sensitising the public, it basically means that we are ready to go.

“All the background work, all the plenary exercise have been done and we are informing people so they can ask their questions and help us sensitise the public.

“From next week, trained field officers will be deployed to selected households in enumerated areas across the country over the next 12 months.

“They will collect information on consumption, expenditure, assets and general living conditions,” said Kale.

According to him, the accurate provision of this information will ensure that indicators that reflect the true living condition of households in the country are produced.

He said it would also ensure that the government its partners had the best possible information to work with, thereby giving their policies and programmes the best chance of success.

Kale said a lot of quality assurance measures and checks had been put in place to ensure good results from the field.

“Like all NBS household-based surveys, this round of NLSS, will for the first time be carried out using electronic means of data collection.

“Field staff, trainers and monitors have been undergoing rigorous and extensive training in preparation for the data collection.

“The purpose of all these quality assurance measures and methodological improvements is to ensure that we collect the best possible information from the field, and in turn generate good living standard estimates for the country.

“There is a lot going on right now in the country, with all the visible socio-economic challenges being experienced,” the Statistician General said.

He said government and its partners require information on security, unemployment and environmental challenges to understand how they affect households and communities in the country.

“It will further assist them in designing policies and programs and assist them in monitoring and evaluating existing programs for the maximum benefit of the citizens,’’ Kale said.

According to him, the NLSS is a very important exercise, not just for NBS or the statistical system in Nigeria, but also for the nation.

He said: “It is from this exercise that we derive statistically sound indicators for measuring poverty and inequality in Nigeria.

“It also serves as a major source of data for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda for tracking Nigeria’s attainment or otherwise, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The subject of poverty is very critical to a developing country like Nigeria, most, if not all of government effort is geared towards ensuring that citizens are able to attain a decent standard of living.

“We will be failing in our mandate if we are not providing the public, government and policy makers with useful and reliable statistics to deploy in designing and implementing poverty-alleviating interventions and programs across the country.

“It is for this reason that we have been working with the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) and the World Bank to carry out this exercise.’’

Mr Isiaka Olarewaju, commended all the partners that had made the survey a reality while soliciting for more cooperation.

Also, Mr Iorwa Apera, National Coordinator, NASSCO, pledged the continuous support of the office to the NBS.

Apera expressed optimism that the result of the survey would meet the expectation of Nigerians and all stakeholders.

The World Bank representative, Mr Kelvin McGee, said the result of the survey would be of great relevance to the nation and international community.

He pledged that the bank would build on the partnership that it had with the NBS.

Mr Greg Nzekwu, the representative of the European Union, also commended the NBS for taking a bold step in carrying out the survey.

Nzekwu urged the various States Statistician General to ensure it sensitised its people on the importance of the survey so that they can cooperate with the NBS. (NAN)

LCN/AOM

/SA

Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Salif Atojoko

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Osun election: INEC’s ban on phones will reduce vote buying, selling – CSO

Phones
By Angela Atabo
Abuja, Sept.20, 2018 (NAN) YIAGA Africa, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), said the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ban on phones in voting booths during the Osun governorship election would reduce vote buying and selling.

Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, a board member of YIAGA Africa in a statement said that the group under its Watching The Vote (WTV) project deployed 561 observers to monitor the pre, during and post election environment of Osun.

Nwagwu said that 500 stationary observers, 32 mobile citizen observers and 30 collation observers would be sent to 250 polling units across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun to observe the election.

“As noted during the 2018 Ekiti governorship election, the Osun governorship election may be decided by the highest bidder.

“This is based on prevalence of voter inducement that precedes Election Day voting.

“With this in mind, WTV welcomes the reorganisation of polling units by INEC in its bid to protect the secrecy of ballot.

“ Specifically, we welcome the ban on use of phones in the voting cubicles or voting booth, if properly enforced, WTV believes it will reduce the incidence of vote buying and selling at the polling unit.”

Nwagwu urged voters to resist any attempt by politicians to subvert the process through material inducement or cash.

He also urged voters to make informed voting choices based on capacity, character and competence of candidates and not amount of cash or gift items distributed by parties and candidates.

He said that the group also identified some early warnings that needed attention.

He said that the WTV observers reported cases of violent physical or verbal attacks, vandalism, destruction of properties, inflammatory and inciting statements and recruitment of political thugs by a candidate or the supporters.

He said that these incidences could potentially lead to breach of peace if not abated.

He said that the group was concerned with the growing rate of fake news and misinformation in the public space ahead of the election.

Nwagwu said that this was dangerous and could negatively influence political behaviour in this election.

He said the group urged INEC and security agencies to remain alert and counter fake news and misinformation in a timely and expeditious manner.

The official said that sponsors and peddlers of fake news and misinformation should be reprimanded and sanctioned in line with legal stipulations.

He said that the group reiterated its call that security agents on election duty should uphold the principles of non-partisanship, transparency, civil policing and professionalism in the conduct of their affairs.

He urged security agencies deployed for the election to respect the rights of citizens and observers, including the right to freedom of movement on Election Day for duly accredited observers.

He, however, expressed concerned with the influx of top government functionaries from other states into Osun, adding that such officials should be barred from moving around with security agents.

Nwagwu said that on Election Day, WTV observers would report to their assigned polling units at 7:00 am and remain there throughout setup, accreditation and voting, counting and the announcement and posting of the official results.

He said that throughout the day, every citizen observer at sampled polling units will send in eleven coded text messages to the Osun data centre located at Ideal Nest Hotel, Osogbo.

He said that once the text messages are received at YIAGA Africa’s data centre, they would be processed and reviewed to ensure the information is complete, authentic and accurate.

“We urge the electorate to remain calm even in the face of challenges that may arise as every Osun voter has the right to participate irrespective of party affiliation.” he said.

Nwagwu said that in the interests of transparency and accountability, INEC should make polling unit results publicly available in a timely manner.

This, he said, would enhance the confidence of political parties, contestants and the public in the accuracy of the official results.

He encouraged all registered, with their cards to go out on Saturday, Sept. 22 to vote their choice in the Governorship Election. (NAN)
ATAB/AFA
=========
Edited by Felix Ajide

Skills
By Diana Omueza
Abuja, Sept. 20, 2018 (NAN) Mr Frank Nweke-Junior, the former Minister of Communication and Information, has called on the Federal Government to develop skills targeted at sustaining innovations and development.

He made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a news conference organised by iCreate Skill Fest, organisers of technical and vocational skill competitions.

He said that the importance of skills development to bridge the skill gap and prepare the youth workforce for advancement of technical and vocational training in Nigeria could not be over emphasised.

“The high level of unemployment in the country can be ameliorated if government institutions recognise that technical and vocational skills are the bedrock for a thriving economy,’’ he said.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, iCreate Skill Fest, Mr Bright JaJa, expressed optimism that a platform for youth to showcase technical and vocational skills would empower the youth to meet global standard.

Jaja observed that over the years, the government had invested considerable efforts on improving university education with insignificant attention paid to technical and vocational education.

He said that the dichotomy had reinforced the belief by teachers and parents that success was measured strictly by obtaining academic qualifications.

“This is the foundation of the problem of unemployment and employability that we have in Nigeria and we need a shift in mindset to change this.

“We live in a country where parents decide their children’s career path, where students with different learning abilities are compelled to learn in only one way and directed to a career path based on exam results,’’ he said.

Jaja agreed with Nweke-Junior that technical and vocational skills were the bedrock for a thriving economy and that its group would strive to influence the government to adopt policies that encourages vocational studies.

“We would try our best to encourage vocational studies and charge private sector to invest in setting up technical institutions around the country.

“We would change the paradigm thinking of parents, educators and legislators to understand that without a solid skills foundation in a country, companies, communities and the citizens cannot sustainably manage their developmental challenges,’’ said.

Jaja expressed optimism that the focus of the organisation would soon be on building a unified, credible, creative and innovative skilled workforce in Nigeria by creating a global call-to-action to prioritise skill education and training.

He said that the progress of a country was determined by the quality of its people, adding that Nigeria had one of the youngest populations in the world.

He said that the population could be of tremendous economic benefits, if the focus was on empowering young energetic minds to be more active and productive.

He noted that the iCreate Skill Fest 2018 edition would host a participation of 150 competitors across 17 skill sets, including tailoring, art, photography, web design, applications development and graphics design, among others.

iCreate Skill Fest is a project designed to serve as a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s high youth unemployment, skills shortage and industrialisation.

Participants described iCreate Skill Fest as Africa’s biggest vocational skills event, designed to create a conscious awareness of the importance of skills development while actively bridging the skills gap and preparing the youth workforce for the skills of the future.(NAN)
DOM/KAY
=========

Kayode Olaitan

Robbery

By Ariwodola Idowu

Ado Ekiti, Sept. 20, 2018 (NAN) A bank robbery that occurred in Igede Ekiti, headquarters of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area area of Ekiti State, late on Wednesday claimed two lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injury.

The incident was confirmed on Thursday by

The State Police Command which confirmed the incident on Thursday added that the command had beefed up security in and around all the banks in the state, as the year’s activities were drawing  near.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those who died from the incident that occurred at a first generation bank in the town had been identified as a bank official and a private security guard.

The Police Public Relations Officer {PPRO}, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, said his men had launched a manhunt for the fleeing robbers.

Ikechukwu added that the command had also deployed more of its men in banks to curtail such incidents in the future.

Ikechukwu, however, did not confirm if the robbers made away with any cash from the bank.

He only confirmed that there was an exchange of gunshots between his men and the bandits.

He said that the attack from the men from the command forced the robbers to flee the scene upon realising that the police were closing in on them.

NAN reports that the guard, who was shot in the head, died within the premises of the bank, while the injured staff died in the hospital.

The PPRO disclosed that the robbers had planned on escaping through Ilawe-Igede road, but later drove into the bush and escaped into the thick forest between the two towns.

He said the expansive forest had already been rounded up by the police and that his men are combing the bush in search of the robbers.

“The robbers would have done more havoc than they did, but for the prompt action taken by our men.

“There was exchange of gunshots between the bandits and our personnel. They tried their best to manage the situation

“It is true that two persons were killed during the bank operation The operation was regrettable and the death of the two persons was painful.

“The command is stepping up its intelligence gathering skill and operation. As a temporary measure, we are going to deploy more men in banks to make the place safe for staff and customers

“If you are on ground in Igede now, more men have been deployed, particularly the mobile police unit. We are doing same across the state

“As we speak, our Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) and State Intelligence Investigation Department (SIID) have drafted their men for intelligence gathering, while mobile policemen are on road and other critical areas”, he said.

Ikechukwu, however, urged members of the public to go about their normal businesses, assuring that the police are on top of the situation.

When NAN visited the bank, broken doors and windows of the bank appeared to have been blown off with dynamite, while blood stains of those killed were still visible. (NAN)

ARIS/KTO/PAD

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Peter Dada

Police confirms two dead, scores injured in Ekiti bank raid

Robbery

By Ariwodola Idowu (08066562890)

noblearistotle2@yahoo.com

Ado Ekiti, Sept. 20, 2018 (NAN) A bank robbery in Igede Ekiti, headquarters of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area area of Ekiti State, has claimed two lives, while others sustained varying degrees of injury.

The incident was confirmed on Thursday by the State Police Command, saying it has also beefed up security in all banks in the state, as end of the year activities draw near.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that those who died, in the incident that occurred late Wednesday evening at a first generation bank in the town, had been identified as a bank official and a private security guard.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, said his men had launched a manhunt for the fleeing robbers, and that more men had been deployed in banks to curtail such incidents in the future.

Ikechukwu however, did not confirm if money was indeed stolen from the bank, as he said there was hot exchange of gunfire between his men and the bandits.

This he said botched the operation as the robbers had to flee the scene upon realising that the police were closing in on them.

NAN reports that the guard, who was shot in the head, died within the premises of the bank, while the injured staff died in the hospital.

The PPRO disclosed that the robbers had planned on escaping through Ilawe-Igede road, but later drove into the bush and escaped into the thick forest between the two towns.

He said the expansive forest had already been rounded up by the police and that his men are combing the bush in search of the robbers.

“The robbers would have done more havoc than they did, but for prompt action taken by our men. There was exchange of gunshots between the bandits and our personnel. They tried their best to manage the situation

“It is true that two persons were killed during the bank operation The operation was regrettable and the death of the two persons was painful.

“The command is stepping up its intelligence gathering skill and operation. As a temporary measure, we are going to deploy more men in banks to make the place safe for staff and customers

“If you are on ground in Igede now, more men have been deployed, particularly the mobile police unit. We are doing same across the state

“As we speak, our Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) and State Intelligence Investigation Department (SIID) have drafted their men for intelligence gathering, while mobile policemen are on road and other critical areas”, he said.

Ikechukwu however urged members of the public to go about their normal businesses, assuring that the police are on top of the situation.

When NAN visited the bank, broken doors and windows of the bank appeared to been blown off with dynamite, while blood stains of those killed were still visible. (NAN)

ARIS/KTO

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Victims
By Monday Ajogun
Anegbette, (Edo) Sept. 20, 2018 (NAN) The Edo Government has directed  victims  of the flooding in  Etsako Central and Etsako East Local Government Areas  to relocate to the camp created for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, gave the directive on Thursday in Anegbette when he toured some of the affected communities.

Shaibu assured the victims that government had made provisions for food, relief materials, health facilities and security at the IDPs camp pending the time the floodwater would recede.

He underscored the need for the urgent evacuation of the flood victims to a safe location, adding that flooding could cause the outbreak of diseases.

The deputy governor, however, called on Federal Government and public-spirited Nigerians to come to the aid of the flood victims, saying that the state government could not cater for their needs alone.

Responding, one of the flood victims, Mr Umaru Aminu, appealed to the government at all levels to come to their aid, saying that the flood incident had adversely affected them.

He said that the flooding had taken over their farms and stopped their children from going to school.

Aminu said that the victims were in need of government’s intervention so as to enable them to overcome the consequences of the flooding. (NAN)
AJOM/OSA/OOK
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Edited by Shittu Obassa and Dayo Komolafe

Ships
By Aisha Cole

Lagos, Sept. 20, 2018 (NAN) Thirteen ships carrying various products are at Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports waiting to berth, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said this on Thursday in its daily publication.

It said seven of the vessels were carrying petrol, while the remaining six ships would berth with buckwheat container and bulk fertiliser.

The NPA also said that 29 ships carrying buckwheat, frozen fish, bulk sugar, steel products diesel, container, buckwheat, general cargo, bulk gypsum and petrol were expected at the ports between Sept. 20 and Sept. 30. (NAN)
AIC/TA

Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

aishacole4real@gmail.com

08035633485a

Population

Enugu, September 19, 2018 (NAN) Enugu State Government has directed the stoppage of individual issuance of birth certificates in the state and urged hospitals to go through the National Population Commission (NpopC).

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Fintan Ochin gave the directive in Enugu on Thursday at a forum organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The commissioner directed hospitals and churches that use their individual names, to rather issue delivery reports to parents.

“I will direct them to stop issuing individual birth certificates but rather issue delivery reports to parents.

“They will, as a matter of the essence of birth registration, further direct parents to go through NpopC which is the recognised body for such exercise,” he said.

In addition, Ekochin said the ministry would draft in the staff of NpopC during the training of N-Power graduates by the Africa Resource Center.

He said this would enable trained N-Power graduates to register births and help close the gap of inadequate NpopC birth registration officers.

The commissioner, who expressed dismay at the low rate of birth registration, assured of the ministry’s support towards increasing the registration rate in the state.

“This development is a sad one and I am not happy with it. Fortunately, providence has made this issue arise before our meeting with all health stakeholders.

“We will soon be meeting with all medical directors, matrons, patrons of the 500 public and private health facilities in the state.

Also, the Commissioner for Gender Affairs in Enugu State, Princess Peace Nnaji, emphasized that the issue of birth registration should be a collective effort of all and not left For NpopC alone.

Nnaji said all Liaison Officers under her supervision and located at each Local Government Area of the state would be mandated to draw support for the registration campaign.

She commended NpopC and UNICEF for organising the stakeholders meeting and said she was hopeful the meeting will yield positive results.

In his remarks, Dr. Hillary Agbo, the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, guaranteed that it would dedicate two health workers at all political wards to the course of birth registration.

He pledged that a circular would be issued to all head teachers to request birth certificates as a pre-requisite for child enrollment.

Other stakeholders that pledged commitment were representatives of the Ministry of Education, media, faith based organisations, NGO’s and traditional rulers.

Earlier, the State Director of NpopC in Enugu State, Mrs Ngozi Onyia, said the stakeholders meeting was organised by the NpopC in collaboration with the UNICEF.

Onyia noted that the essence of the stakeholders meeting was to chart ways of increasing birth registration and create public awareness on the importance of birth registration.

“We have discovered that we cannot achieve 100 per cent birth registration in Enugu State without the support of major stakeholders.

“There are several militating factors that have been hindering NpopC from achieving increased birth registration,” she said.

The director mentioned some of the challenges hampering increased child registration to be insufficient workforce and resources, lack of public awareness on the importance of birth registration and insecurity.

Others, she said, are lack of support from educational actors, lack of motivation for staff, socio-cultural beliefs, unimplemented policies and conflicting birth certificates issued by individual organisations and religious bodies.

The Chief of Enugu Field Office of UNICEF, Dr. Ibrahim Conteh, said the meeting was a milestone in efforts geared towards achieving 100 per cent birth registration in Enugu State.

Represented by Mrs Nkiru Maduechesi, a programme officer, Conteh stated that every care-giver is mandated by the law to carry out birth registration of children within 60 days of birth.

He said that the stakeholders meeting had provided the platform to deliberate on strategies for promoting birth registration of all under five children in the state.

Conteh said UNICEF was committed to supporting and partnering with initiatives aimed at strengthening the birth registration system in Enugu State.

The UNICEF boss urged the state government through its health, educational, welfare sectors as well as media, traditional rulers and faith based organisations to cooperate with NpopC in the area of child registration.

He said that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the mandate of achieving 100 per cent registration for under five children within three months would be a reality.

Also, the Head of Department, Vitals Registration of NpopC, Mrs Anthonia Ezeh said the birth registration figure of under five children in Enugu was not encouraging.

She noted in 2016, NpopC recorded 49 per cent birth registration in Enugu State and 50 per cent in 2017 in the 17 local government areas of the state.

However, in 2018, a total of 62, 724 birth registration of under-5 children was recorded in 17 local government areas of Enugu State from January to August.

“This figure represents 14 per cent out of a total number of 445,470 which is the expected birth of under-five children from January to August.

“You can see that the figure has fallen drastically compared to previous years and even that recorded in other neighbouring states.

“Although, all states in Nigeria are still in the red zone pertaining to achieving 100 per cent birth registration.

“But even with this situation, Enugu is still far behind and who says we cannot come out of our present situation and be the leading state in birth registration,” she said.

Ezeh enumerated some of the benefits of birth registration to be eligibility for healthcare, employment, marriages, school admission and obtaining international passports and it was an evidence for inheritance.

Furthermore, she said, birth registration checkmated incidences of child abuse and trafficking and the first step in recognising a child’s inalienable rights.

The meeting which had in attendance 58 representatives of different federal and state ministries, media and agencies was tagged `Stakeholders meeting on 2018 Media Campaign for the Promotion of Birth Registration in Enugu State.’

(NAN)

AED/SAV/AIO/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Bikers

By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Sept. 20, 2018 (NAN) Nigerian and West African sub-regional motorcycle bikers numbering over 200 are expected in Abakaliki from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 for their annual convention, their association said on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bikers under the aegis of “Ace of Spades Bikers Association” alias Bikers in Nigeria (BIN), will ride their motorbikes from their various locations to Ebonyi for the three-day event.

Mrs Joann Otaru, National President of the Association, told newsmen on Thursday in Abakaliki that the body was an umbrella body for various motorcycle clubs in Nigeria.

“The body was set up to promote unity, discipline and responsibility among members as the concept of our annual convention is built on an educative, fun filled and community give-back model.

“The event is usually organised by the host club(s) at a designated region and supervised by the executives of the association,” she said.

The national president noted that the theme of the 2018 convention is “Closer to Nature — Games Festival (Gamesfest)” and it seeks to promote team bonding activities through various intense survival games.

“We will also be conducting free cervical and breast cancer screening on the public and explore the rich-cultural heritage of Ebonyi people.

“National bikers convention has been a regular feature in the country since its inaugural edition in Calabar, 2008 and has been subsequently held in different states, including Benue, Rivers, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Ekiti, Delta, Lagos and Imo.

“The event is open to the public and bike enthusiasts who wish to interact and familiarise themselves with the biking community not just from Nigeria but West Africa,” she said.

She added that the conventions were designed to showcase the country’s tourism and diversity, while providing an explicit platform for brands, businesses and organisations to access individuals within the biking community.

“The Ace of Spades bikers association is our registered name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and we use all available medium to correct the impression that biking is a dangerous sport.

“We, however, encourage individuals to enroll in riding schools for adequate knowledge of inherent risks associated with biking and ways to avoid them before joining our association.

“There are riding schools all over the country, especially in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Ibadan among others as our members have the requisite training and licence to operate super-bikes,” she said.

Otaru also noted that the processes of acquiring bikes were the same with those of cars with the cost relative to the type of bike one seeks to acquire.

“Biking is a hobby to most of us and others as anyone who can afford a car can equally afford a bike.

“Bikers enjoy a common trait which is the love of adventure and the thrill of being with nature when riding a bike,” she said. (NAN)
RCO/PDE
======
(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

 Warning

By Awayi Kuje

Keffi (Nasarawa) Sept.20, 2018 (NAN) Prof. Mohammed Akaro-Mainoma, the Vice-Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, warned the students of the institution to refrain from drug abuse, cultism and others social vices, in the interest of their education.

Akaro-Mainoma gave the warning in Keffi during the orientation for the students of institution on Long Vocation Distance Learning students for 2018/2019 session.

The exercise centred on the need for students to obey the rules and regulations of the institution by shunning examination malpractice, drug abuse, and cultism among others.

He said that drug abuse, cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices had affected the education sector negatively and called for all hands to be on deck to address the menace.

The vice-chancellor advised the students to adhere strictly to the school rules and regulations in order to excel in their academic pursuits.

Akaro-Mainoma told the students that for them to excel in their academic pursuits; they must work harder and put aside other things that would affect their education negatively.

“I advise you and other students to refrain from indulging in cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, others social vices

“Shun unruly behaviours capable of ending your academic career as well as tarnish the image of the society.

“You are also advised to live in peace and should be tolerant with each other, in your interest and for the overall development of the education sector.

He said that the institution would not condone any negative act but continue to initiate good policies that would improve the standard of education in the state.

Also speaking, the Registrar of the Institution, Alhaji Bala Ahmed 11, also called on the students to take their studies with seriousness to justify their parents’ and government investment on their education.

Responding, Aisha Shuaibu, a student, who spoke on behalf of other students, expressed delight for securing admission into the institution and promised that they would abide by the institution’s rules and regulations. (NAN)

 AKW/DUA

Edited by Dada Ahmed