Blog

NAN-H-70

Accommodation

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Lafia, Nov. 21, 2016 (NAN) The Nasarawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has appealed to the government to provide the board with corporate befitting office accommodation to discharge its duties effectively.

Mr Clement Odeh, the Executive Secretary of the board, made the appeal on Monday when the state House of Assembly Committee on Pilgrims Matters paid an oversight visit to the board in Lafia.

Odeh said the board had no permanent office accommodation since the creation of the state in 1996, adding that provision of befitting office accommodation would safeguard the board’s documents and improve workers’ performance.

He identified inadequate subvention as major problem confronting the board and solicited for the assembly’ support.

“The board has been up and doing in sensitising the people of the state to the need to live in peace and tolerate one another, irrespective of our ethnic, religion and political affiliation.

“But our major problem is finance. As you can see, we are living in a rented accommodation in which our files and other documents are at risk,” Odeh said.

He appealed to the political class and wealthy individuals to sponsor the poor to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, saying there was need for spiritual and physical empowerment.

Earlier, Alhaji Yahaya Rilwanu (APC-Awe South), Chairman, House Committee on Pilgrims Matters, said that the visit was to assess the 2016 budget performance of the board, to address any challenge.

“It is only when the committee knows the budget details or performance of the ministry in the 2016 fiscal year that it will serve as a guide for the 2017 fiscal year,” Rilwanu said. (NAN)

BAB/ORO/IA

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Edited by Razak Owolabi

NAN-DS-18

Protest

By Alex Enebeli

Enugu, Nov. 21, 2016 (NAN) A combined team of some security agencies on Monday barricaded the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu to monitor proposed protests by the students of the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 20 vehicles belonging to the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were stationed at strategic positions in the school.

Confirming the development, the police spokesperson, SP Ebere Amaraizu, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the heavy presence of the security men at the polytechnic gate was to ensure that there were no breakdown of law and order.

Amaraizu said the command got the tip off on the planned protests by the aggrieved students over alleged hike in hostel fees.

“Our men are stationed at the entrance gate and other exits to ensure that there was no destruction of lives and property within and outside the school by the students.

“You know students, if they are not monitored, they can go out of control and police do not want any breakdown of law and order in the state.

“Whatever grievances they have should be settled through dialogue,” he said.

Meanwhile, a student who spoke to NAN under anonymity said that the students were protesting against an increase in hostel fees imposed on them by the school management as well as the deplorable state of the hostels.

“Our hostels are in a terrible condition and are not fit for habitation.

“The windows and doors are broken and there is no water in the school, yet they want to increase the fees,” the student complained. (NAN)
AAE/MNA/AMY

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-DS-8

Arms

By Moses Omorogieva

Lagos, Nov. 21, 2016 (NAN) Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Owoseni, on Monday announced the recovery of caches of arms in FESTAC area of the state.

Owoseni said the recovery was made at 6th Avenue and that two AK 47 Riffles, 24 AK 47 fully loaded magazines, one Browning Pistol and magazine were recovered.

Other arms recovered, he said, included 951 ammunition of 752 mm size and 1,107 ammunition of 6mm size.

Owoseni, who confirmed this during his weekly briefing on the activities of the command, stated that the Police are doing their best possible to uncover the persons behind the stockpile.

He, however, did not say if anyone was arrested in connection with the recovery.

The commissioner further said that in the last two weeks, 28 robbery suspects and two kidnap suspects were arrested.

He added four of the robbery suspects were shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with the police.

Owoseni said 16 different types of guns, 24 AK 47 magazines, one pistol, 1, 083 ammunition, three cutlasses and 10 vehicles were recovered from the suspects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspects, arms, ammunition, vehicles and other items were show to newsmen at the state Police Headquarters, Ikeja. (NAN)

MIO/MOL/YEE

Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Emmanuel Yashim
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Cattle rustling: Niger Police arrest 8 suspects in Shiroro, Commissioner

NAN-DS-11
Arrest
By Aminu Ahmed Garko
Minna, Nov. 21, 2016 (NAN) Niger Police Command has arrested eight suspected cattle rustlers allegedly terrorising the people of Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Zubairu Muazu, the Commissioner of Police, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Minna.

He said that 21 cows were recovered from the area after the arrest.

He said that the command had put in place various forms of security measures to ensure the arrest and prosecution of more criminals in the state.

He explained that the suspects were arrested within the forest in the area which was believed to be hideout of cattle rustlers.

“We have combed the entire forest and blocked identified routes of cattle rustlers for their arrest and prosecution,’’ he said.
The commissioner said the deployment of well-armed security personnel was purely responsible for the success recorded.

He explained that the command had taken concrete working measures to prevent cattle rustling and kidnapping through effective security network.

He solicited the support of communities to volunteer information that would lead to the arrest of criminals in the area.

“We are battle ready to deal with any form of security threats as our officers have been briefed on security method to be adopted in confronting miscreants. ” ( NAN)
AAG/FAT/IA
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Edited by Fatima Sule/Idris Abdulrahman

NAN-H-66

‎Training ‎

Minna, Nov. 21, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has commenced free training on how to drive for 30 senior staff of Federal University of Technology Minna.

The Sector Commander of the commission, Mrs Susan Ajenge, said in Minna on Monday that the first batch of trainees would train others that would pass 0n the knowledge acquired.

She expressed optimism that it would enable the trainees to have better road culture and attitude and also help to guarantee the safety of lives and property on the highways.

The sector commander said that the commission had trained drivers of the institution before embarking on the training of its senior staff.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Musbau Akanji, said the training came at a good time, especially during the “ember” months.

“We engaged the FRSC for this training for directors, deans‎ and it is timely and of immense benefit.

“The training has addressed all we seek to know like road consciousness, signs we need to look out for to know if we are being driven well by our drivers”, he said.

The Vice Chancellor also said that the university would soon begin training for middle level staff. (NAN)

MNO/EEM/IEA

Edited by Emmanuel Mogbede/Idahosa Asowaata

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NAN-H-68
Motion
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, Nov. 21, 2016 (NAN) An FCT high court on Monday fixed Nov. 24 for hearing in a motion on notice filed by former FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) violation of his fundamental right.

Mohammed, former minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, had been in the custody of the EFCC since Oct. 25 following petitions against him by the public.

The former minister, through his counsel, Mr Chris Uche (SAN), brought a motion of violation of fundamental human right against EFCC for detaining him for four weeks.

He also sought the order of the court for EFCC to release him on bail and also to award N100 million damages against EFCC.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, Uche told the court that his client had been in custody of the EFCC for four weeks now.

Uche then prayed the court to attend to the matter urgently, noting that motion for the enforcement of his client’s fundamental right was filed on Nov. 16.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Rimamsomte Ezekiel, informed the court that the applicant was in the custody of the EFCC following an order of an FCT high court on Nov. 9.

He said the order would expire on Nov. 23 and that the applicant was detained because he was jeopardising investigation.

Ezekiel said that the applicant was being investigated on many petitions against him on several financial and fictitious contracts he signed while in office.

After hearing the submissions from the counsel, Baba-Yusuf adjourned until
Nov. 24 to hear the motion if the applicant was not released on bail before then. (NAN)
NEO/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-DS-9
Arrest
By Mufutau Ogunyemi
Akure, Nov. 21, 2016 (NAN) The Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oluwaseun Ade, who was caught with three guns, five cutlasses and two cameras.

Ade was also found with four cell phones, some cartridges and other items in a well-branded political party bus.

Mrs Hilda, the Commissioner of Police, presented the suspects to newsmen in Akure on Monday.

Ibifuro-Harrison said that the suspect was arrested by personnel of the 32 Artillery Brigade during a `stop- and-search’ patrol on Nov.18 in Igbokoda.

She said that the suspect had given relevant information to the police on how he came across the harmful items, saying that prosecution would commence after full investigation.

She added that the command was beaming its searchlight on activities of all political parties to ensure that criminality was not allowed.

Ibifuro-Harrison assured that criminal activities would not be tolerated in the state.

According to her, there was full security presence in all nooks and crannies of the state.

She said that over 25, 000 police personnel would be deployed for the Saturday election.

Speaking to newsmen, Ade said that he was not aware that the dangerous items were in the bus, adding that he was only a photographer meant to cover a political rally in the area.

The suspect stated that his co-passengers ran away immediately the items were found in the bus. (NAN)
OMA/FF/AMY
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Edited by Fela Fashoro and Abdullahi Yusuf

Buhari hails Okoro’s World Bank appointment, Ogwumike too

NAN-H-64
Commendation
Isaac Aregbesola
Abuja, Nov. 21, 2016 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Ms Sandie Okoro, for her recent appointment as Senior Vice President and General Counsel, World Bank Group.

The President also extended the same felicitations to Ms Nnemkadi Ogwunike on her record breaking achievements in the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) League.

The two congratulatory messages were signed by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa on Monday in Abuja.

The President described Okoro’s track record in the banking sector as impressive, which has brought a rekindled hope that “Nigerians in the Diaspora with the right atmosphere, are professionally excellent”.

Buhari said that “having followed her excellent track records in making Nigeria proud as a nation, there is no doubt in my mind that the sky is your beginning’’.

The president also said Nigeria received the victory of Nnemkadi Ogwunike as the 2016 Most Valuable Player of U.S. WNBA League with utmost pride and deep sense of appreciation to the country.

“We were even more excited to learn that you have led your team to clinch the 2016 League Championships, a feat that has been achieved by your team, the Los Angeles Sparks, since 2003.

“It is even more befitting and admirable that, as a true African and Nigerian daughter, you have set a remarkable example for your younger Sister, Chiney Ogwunike.

“She (Chiney) joined you to make world history in 2014, when selected by the Connecticut Sun as the Number One draft pick achieved by your team, the Los Angeles Sparks, since 2003’’.

“The legacy you began in 2012, with your selection by the Los Angeles Sparks, making both of  you, the second set of siblings to ever be selected number one in any American Sports.

“I am truly proud of both of you, and urge you to continue to extol the virtues and strengthen of Nigerian heritage. Your shinning example serves as inspiration to the youths of Nigeria,” the president added. (NAN)

Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Julius Enehikhuere

NAN-H-65
Jega
Abuja, Nov. 21, 2016(NAN) The former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has criticised the trend where universities engage in bread and sachet water production to generate funds.

Jega, who is the Pro-Chancellor, Plateau State University, Bokkos, expressed displeasure over the trend at the opening of the three-day 2016 Nigerian Higher Education Summit on Monday in Abuja.

Organised by the Association/Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU/CVC) and TrustAfrica, Dakar, Senegal, the summit has “Exploiting Diversity, Differentiation and Quality Assurance in Revitalising the Nigerian Higher Education System” as its theme.

According to Jega, the crisis of funding in Nigerian universities is acute but the primary responsibility of funding universities is that of government.

He said that “putting universities in such a dire situation where they have to be doing things like producing and selling sachet water is sad; frankly, it is not the business of universities.

“We want young unemployed youths to be involved in such entrepreneurial activities to generate income for themselves and to build businesses.

“For a university to become in dire and desperate need for money as to bake bread and produce sachet water is unwholesome and needs to be discouraged.

“Government needs to provide sufficient funding to universities,” Jega, former President of Academic Staff Union of Universities, said.

The don said universities were in the business of knowledge production and should strive to produce patents or prototypes which they could engage Nigerian industries to manufacture.

He added that the problem was not that government lacked money but for it to re-arrange its priorities so that it recognised the importance of education and provide commensurate funding to universities.

The former INEC boss said there was also the need for the management of Nigerian universities to have an inclusive and transparent process of managing resources.

According to him, it is unhealthy for universities to be struggling to generate funds to carry out their mandates.

He said that for strikes to be avoided, there should be mutual respect between the Federal Government and the unions.

“It is important for government to bend over backwards and it is important for unions to be realistic in their demands in order to find solutions,” he said.

On his part, Prof. Michael Faborode, the Secretary-General, AVCNU/CVC, said a lot had been achieved by Nigerian universities despite the numerous challenges.

He said that out of 22 centres of excellence in Africa, 10 were in Nigeria, noting that this was worth celebrating.

“The fight against Ebola virus spread was led by the Centre for Infectious Diseases in Redeemers’ University, Osun State and they have some of their products here to display.

“Let us bring all these into the fore; it is not all about mourning the Nigerian university system all the time; we need to celebrate the successes,” he added.

In a keynote address, Mr Benedict Oramah, the President, African Export Bank, said there was need for Africa to move away from the colonial-style education it inherited.

Represented by Mr Stephen Keuma, the Director, Human Resources, AFREXIM, Oramah said the way forward was to refocus on technical education that would equip the continent for manufacturing. (NAN)
CJ/MOL/HA
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-DS-7

Maiduguri, Nov. 21, 2016(NAN) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, on Monday assured Borno border communities of Damasak and Kashigar of their return home following successes recorded against the Boko Haram terrorists.
Buratai gave the assurance at the launch of the third batch of the Most Wanted Boko Haram Terrorists Album in Maiduguri.
He said the military was making effort to ensure the return of the communities before end of the year. “The fight against the Boko Haram terrorists has been tremendously successful.
“It is in this regard that we assure the good people of Borno and indeed the people of Damasak, Kareto, Gashigar and Malam-Fatori that they will return home very soon”, Buratai said.
“Before the end of the year they will be back in their communities, this we are working on. We are also working to ensure that we open all access roads in that axis.”
Buratai added that it was clear that the Boko Haram terrorists had been defeated by the military, lamenting however that some unpatriotic Nigerians still promoted the group by publicizing their activities.
“It is clear that the Boko Haram terrorists have been defeated, to continue to have any doubt on this or to continue to insinuate that the terrorists have not been decimated will only encourage them to continue their useless things.
“We should not be the ones to propagate their ideology or make them feel they are still around. We have the support of all Nigerians that the terrorists have no hidding place.
“As I mentioned before, most of them are non-Nigerians, we must be patriotic to ensure that the war is won without delay.” (NAN) ABI/IEA =======

Edited by Idahosa Asowata