Blog

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FRSC
By Kazeem Akande
Lagos, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) The Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, has told travellers that the organisation  would eliminate gridlock and road crashes during the yuletide period.

Oyeyemi said this on Friday while addressing newsmen along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Corps commander also reacted to the accident which involved a petrol tanker along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday Nov. 16, adding that all efforts had been put in place to curb such occurrence in future.

According to him, the FRSC has put in place some logistics to ensure safety of road users during the festive period.

“We have created a diversion to ensure free flow of vehicles, especially along the long bridge due to ongoing construction.

“We will try to ensure the gridlock and crashes are eliminated before and after the Christmas period.

“We have been able to eliminate and reduce crashes along the expressway recently through our able personnel,’’ he said.

Oyeyemi also said that government had provided enough logistics to help officers in performing their duties effectively.

The FRSC boss said that government had provided a platform for the commission to be proactive in its operations.

“Government has provided enough logistics in terms vehicles and ambulance to ensure effectiveness, while performing our duties.

‘’That is why I am moving around to see the level of preparedness of our personnel and cheer them up to work effectively as the festive period approaches,’’ Oyeyemi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that commuters were subjected to trekking long distances on Wednesday following a multiple accident involving about five articulated vehicles on Kara Bridge, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

A trailer loaded with petrol rammed into others, exploded and caught fire which extended to others. (NAN)
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(Edited by Adeleye Ajayi)

UNESCO advocates safer environment for media practitioners

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UNESCO

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Baku, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) Mr Getachew Engida, UNESCO Deputy Director-General, has advocated for a safer environment for media practitioners to ply their trade.

He made the call at the News Agencies World Congress and the 16th General Assembly of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific Agencies in Baku, Azarbaijan.

“Media community together with member states has to unite in order to create safer environment for all – old and new media, reporters and freelancers, journalists and social media producers.

“Even though we have strong support of UNESCO member states, diverse and pluralistic media needs safe environment,’’ he said.

This, he said, was especially so as media freedom and freedom of expression have continued to be under siege.

According to him, a total of 827 journalists lost their lives for bringing information to the public in the last decade, thus making it an average of one casualty every five days.

He added that media professionals in general and reporters from the news agencies in particular became targets.

This, he said, was so not only because of what they reported, but also because by doing their job, they counter propaganda of extremists.

Engida explained further said that diversity and pluralism of media would enrich individual minds and collective cultural experiences with diverse opinions, narratives and information.

He maintained that news agencies remained the driving force of information exchange and media pluralism, which in turn ensures cultural and intellectual diversity.

“It encourages inter-cultural dialogue across borders and frontiers as well as strengthens freedom of expression which in turn allows us to enjoy free press and different opinions.

“We should also remember that a news agency remains a major actor in generating and sharing information,’’ he said.

He further maintained that without news agencies the right to access information legislation would not become such powerful tool to guarantee and implement freedom of information principle.

The UNESCO deputy director-general added that with the advent of internet revolution, quality journalism has been as vital as it had ever been.

He further added that the role of news media was to serve the public interest by providing reliable information and a free forum for speech.

He said that it was also to act as a watchdog in the interest of the society, especially in times of crises and conflict.

While speaking on ethical reporting, Engida said it is applying a conflict sensitive lens through awareness of the social dynamics reported on and going beyond the search for simple and inflammatory narratives.

He added that it implied scrutinising facts and figures, reporting on causes and motivations of those working to stir up antagonism as well as of those working for harmony and co-existence.

The 5th News Agencies World Congress and the 16th General Assembly of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific Agencies was attended by media professionals from more than 100 news agencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day congress discussed the state of the media across the world.

It is also debated the role of news agencies and the conditions which enables freedom of expression to flourish. (NAN)

EEM/EAL/MST
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-HE- 15
Portal
By Cecilia Ologunagba
Abuja, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has inaugurated a new online Data Portal, Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), to provides an advanced and interactive tool for further analysis of governance in Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by the foundation in London and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

The statement said that the portal would provide unprecedented access to 15 years of data, crucial to assessing the quality of governance in African countries.

According to the statement, the portal was launched to commemorate African Statistics Day, celebrated in the region every Nov.18 to promote awareness about the important role of statistics in the society.

“The Data Portal is freely available online. It will serve as an interactive platform for in-depth analysis and review of governance performance across Africa.

“The Data Portal reinforces the foundation’s commitment to strengthening the availability and use of data in Africa.

“Through its specially designed digital format, the Data Portal provides access to the most comprehensive collection of data on African governance to policymakers, businesses, academics and civil society.’’

The statement quoted Abdalla Hamdok, Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Advisory Council and Acting Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), as describing the portal as friendly.

“Portal is a powerful tool that allows anyone who is interested in African governance to make their own assessments using its 95 individual measures of governance.

“With it, anyone can build on the analysis conducted by the Foundation and produce new and unique findings from the data.

“We hope that the ability to conduct research of this kind will be invaluable to those seeking to identify solutions to the challenges confronting African nations today.”

The statement further quoted, Mo Ibrahim, Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation as saying that the portal would support efforts to improve governance in the continent.

“It will strengthen the African national statistical offices; the robustness and availability of data is crucial to unlocking the continent’s potential.

“It is a matter of ownership, of identity and of sovereignty. Without sound national data, there is no way you can define adequate public policies nor measure their outcomes.

“Giving free access to data is about empowering people.

“It is less eye-catching than building a hospital or a school but it is a smart way to ensure that more hospitals and schools are delivered more effectively and efficiently.

“I’m delighted that the Foundation can play its part in taking forward Africa’s data revolution, and I hope that our new Data Portal will support efforts to improve governance on the continent.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mo Ibrahim Foundation was established in 2006 with a focus on the critical importance of leadership and governance in Africa.

It was founded by Dr. Mo Ibrahim, a Sudanese philanthropist and businessman who founded telecommunications company, Celtel International in 1998. (NAN)

CIA/GOM/YAZ
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Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Yusuf Zango

U.S, Britain, others for Nigerian higher education summit

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Summit

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Abuja, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) Delegates from the U.S, Britain and four other countries are to participate in the 2016 Nigerian Higher Education Summit scheduled for Nov. 21 to Nov. 23 in Abuja.

A statement by the Association/Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU/CVC) on Friday said the National Universities Commission (NUC) and TrustAfrica, Dakar, Senegal were the organisers.

The statement signed by Prof. Michael Faborode, the Secretary-General, AVCNU/CVC, listed other countries that would participate in the summit as Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania and Egypt.

He said that the Keynote Speakers included Dr Okey Oramah, President of the African Export Import Bank, Cairo; state governors, and business moguls, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mrs Funmilayo Alakija.

Others are Tony Elumelu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, President of ASUU.

“The goal of the international summit is to build an effective platform and network for the revitilisation of the Nigerian higher education system.

“It seeks to identify appropriate reform issues and strategies related to its diversity, differentiation and relevance to the critical issues of national development, especially in the face of our persisting national challenges and the concerns of the citizenry.

“The anticipated outcome of the summit is a consensus document of stakeholders in form of a charter for revitalising the Nigerian higher education system.

“Moreso, it will include provision for the establishment of knowledge parks and innovation hubs to strengthen productive alliance between research, knowledge, business, industry and governance, and enhance national productivity and prosperity,’’ he said.

Faborode said that the charter would be formally presented to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari at the close of the summit. (NAN)

CJ/EAL/MST
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

2-year-old boy burnt in Abakaliki inferno

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Fire
Abakaliki, Nov.18, 2016 (NAN) An inferno on Thursday burnt a 2 year-old boy and property worth millions of naira at Ekuluobia Street Kpiripiri in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the fire which started at about 9:50 a.m. on Thursday destroyed 15 rooms.

Items destroyed by the inferno included refrigerators, mattresses, sofa, electronics, documents, among others.

Mr Stanley Nze, a victim and caretaker of the house lamented the fire outbreak.

“There was an electricity spark and within seconds there was fire everywhere.

“Am the caretaker and a prospective corps member, I have lost all my documents to fire and am supposed to join other corps members in few days time.

“We have 24 rooms in all, but 15 rooms were burnt with no items rescued.

“The most painful is a 2 year- old boy that lost his life.

Nze said the fire fighters were able to arrest the situation, and pleaded for assistance from the government and other well spirited individuals.

Mr James Owoh, Chief Fire Officer in the state, who expressed worry over the tragedy, said his men responded promptly to the situation, and regretted the loss of the little boy and other items.

“We arrived immediately after we were contacted and was able to put off the fire to avoid it escalating.

“We still plead with the public to procure 6kg fire extinguisher for their homes to fight fire before the arrival of fire authority, ” he said.

Mr ken Ozioma, Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), condoled with the family of the deceased boy. (NAN)
UVU /CEO/OU
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Edited by Obike Ukoh

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FRSC
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) The FRSC in Ebonyi on Friday said four persons died in Wednesday’s multiple auto crashes on the Enugu-Abakaliki highway and not 19 as reported by some sections of the media.

The Ebonyi Sector Commander of the Corps, Mr Sunday Iyamah, told newsmen in Abakaliki that the reports were mischievous and meant to mislead the public.

He said: “My officers responded proactively to the incident as only four people died in the two separate accidents while 23 persons were injured.

“The accidents occurred at the Ezillo-Rice Mill Junction and Ejemco Filling Station axis of the highway,” he said.

Iyamah said that the accidents occurred on the day the FRSC organised a mega-rally for motorists on the dangers of drunk-driving.

“Bystanders, in particular, gave several accounts of the road crashes to the public and they are not professionals in the field.

“One of the affected vehicles had more than 15 passengers and when crashes occur, passengers lie on the ground, even the ones with minor injuries.

“When these bystanders behold such accident victims, they conclude they are dead and disseminate such news to the public.

“They count the number of those lying down and this was the case with the accidents which occurred on Wednesday,” he said.

The sector commander said its personnel confirmed the four deaths while the injured were still in the hospital.

He urged motorists to always obey traffic regulations to save lives on the roads, especially in the embers months.

“There are no evil spirits on the roads as insinuated in several quarters but the incessant crashes are caused by our carelessness and general poor attitude to traffic regulations.

“The FRSC will intensify its efforts to check these crashes and we solicit the cooperation and support of all to achieve this aim,” he said.

Iyamah also noted that the command would participate actively in the World’s Day for Remembrance of Road Accident Victims.

“The event, which is celebrated globally, is held every third week of November as ratified by the United Nations.

“The FRSC Officers Wives Association will on Friday visit accident victims in hospitals while we will organise an executive walk with speeches and a candle-light procession on Saturday.

“The event will climax on Sunday with a special thanksgiving service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Water-Works road, Abakaliki,” he said. (NAN)
RCO/OIF/OJO
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(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Mufutau Ojo)

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Brexit
By Chinyere Bassey
Lagos, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, on Friday, said that the decision by the UK to exit the European Union (EU) would boost business ties between it and Nigeria.

Arkwright said this in Lagos at a roundtable organised for workers and business entrepreneurs.

He said that the target of the British Government was to grow its market.

According to him, relations between Nigeria and the UK will become stronger after exiting the EU.

He added that the British Government had decided to leave the EU and it would not renege its decision.

The envoy noted that the British Government would give priority to smooth transition that would minimise disruption and there would be no immediate changes to their relationship with the EU.

He added that “until we exit formally, UK will remain a member of the EU with all the rights and obligations of membership.”

Arkwright said the UK was working toward encouraging more businesses in Nigeria, and would invest and encourage more inward
investment into the UK from Nigeria.

The British Government was interested in Nigerians going to the UK to do business, study, visit families and invest in the economy.

“I don’t know if it will mean more Nigerians travelling to the UK but in 2014, 168,000 people applied for visas to the UK.

“70 per cent of those applications were successful and the visas granted within seven to 15 days from the date of application.

“Most people for some reason doubt this but it is true,’’ he said.

Arkwright then commended Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy from dependence on oil and gas to other areas.

He said the price of oil may increase but that the industry alone would not be able to support the need for jobs that Nigerians require.

“And that is why the UK Department for International Development is helping with the immediate needs of those in desperate circumstances in the North-East.

“We are also helping to diversify Nigeria’s industrial base and encourage entrepreneurship through improved education and skills training.” (NAN)
CHIN/EAL/HA
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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Ladoja
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday urged a Federal High Court Lagos, to issue a bench warrant against a former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, over money laundering charges.

EFCC said its prayer was based on Ladoja’s refusal to show up in court, to give answers to a N4.7 billion money laundering charges preferred against him by the Commission.

At the mention of the charge on Friday, counsel to the EFCC,  Mr Olabisi Oluwafemi, from the law firm of Mr Festus Keyamo, informed the court that the matter was for the arraignment of Ladoja along with his former aide, Chief Waheed Akanbi.

He told the court that the accused were invited and asked to appear at the EFCC’s office, but they did not honour the invitation.

He said the accused deliberately stayed away from court and merely sent their lawyers to represent them.

He, therefore, urged the court to issue bench warrants against the accused, arguing that without their attendance in court the trial cannot proceed.

Reacting to the application for a warrant, counsel to Ladoja, Mr Bolaji Onilenla told the court that he was not aware that the business of the day was for the arraignment.

He argued that this was so, because there was a pending appeal before the Supreme Court.

He informed the court that after the decision of the Court of Appeal, Ladoja changed his counsel, and then filed an appeal to the Supreme Court.

He stated that neither the accused nor their counsel were served with any court summons to appear in court.

Onilenla also challenged the prosecutorial powers of the prosecutor on the grounds that the fiat to prosecute was exclusively given to Fetus Keyamo.

He added that such fiat could not be transferred to any other person in his chambers.

He also disclosed that the Supreme Court had earlier dismissed Ladoja’s appeal pursuant to order 6 rule 3 of the procedure rules, but that an application had been filed to restore the appeal.

He added that to continue with the trial will amount to showing disrespect to the apex court and it would be an infringement on the rights of the accused.

After the submissions of the counsels  the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, fixed Nov. 25 to rule on the application for a warrant of arrest.

The EFCC had in November 2008 arraigned Ladoja along with his former aide, Chief Waheed Akanbi, before Justice Ramat Mohammed, who was then serving at the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the two men conspired to convert properties and resources derived from an alleged illegal act, with the intention of concealing their illicit origin.

It also alleged that Ladoja used N42 million out of the proceeds to purchase an Armoured Land Cruiser Jeep, and remitted about 600,000 pounds to one Bimpe Ladoja in London.
Ladoja and Akanbi had both pleaded not guilty to the charges and urged the court to quash the charges.

The lower court had refused the prayer to quash the charges.

Dissatisfied, Ladoja had appealed against the decision of the Federal High Court.

But, the Appellate Court in its judgement delivered by Justice Sidi Bage, had disallowed the appeal and ordered the former governor to continue his trial at the lower court.

Bage in his lead judgement, which was unanimously adopted by two other justices, had held that the EFCC had statutory powers to prosecute under Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004. (NAN)
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Dana
By Adekunle Williams and Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN) Dana Air on Friday assured its passengers of its commitment to on-time performance, even as the scarcity of aviation fuel (JET-A1) worsens across the country.

The airline gave the assurance in a statement signed by its Communications Manager, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The statement said that in spite of the scarcity of aviation fuel, Dana Air’s on time performance was still second to none.

It reassured passengers that the airline was doing everything within its capacity to ensure that the travel itineraries of its guests are not in any way altered by the present situation.

“The unexpected scarcity disrupted our flights only on Monday, but I can assure you that, we are currently operating scheduled flights on-time.

“We are doing everything to ensure that our guests get to their destinations with little or no delays and they have nothing to worry about.

“In as much as the situation was not too good earlier in the week, we operated 90 per cent of our flights, and our on-time performance has also been above 80 per cent.

“We will continue to do everything to ensure that we maintain this status and meet the desires of the travelling public at this time,’’ the statement said.

Meanwhile, Dana Air has also announced its partnership with Spectranet 4GLTE, to provide free internet service to its passengers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) in Lagos.

The airline said the partnership was part of efforts to keep its promise of providing world-class service and innovative products to its guests.

“Dana Air during its 8th anniversary celebration reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable and customer–centric air transport services to its teeming guests.

“The airline airlifted over 4 million passengers in the last 8 years of its operations,’’ the airline said in a statement signed by Ezenwa. (NAN)
WAC/ASO/PIO/PIO
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(Edited by Idonije Obakhedo)

Imo Police foils bank robbery
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Robbery
By Ugonne Uzoma
Owerri, Nov. 18, 2016 (NAN)‎ The Imo Police Command on Friday said it had foiled an attempt by a robbery gang to attack a commercial bank on Douglas road, Owerri.

Mr Francis Bisong, the Area Commander of Owerri Police Command, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the planned attack was nipped in the bud, following the immediate deployment of crack detectives to the scene.

Bisong, however, said that the robbers fled the scene on sighting the police team.

“ No staff or customer of the bank was hurt in the failed robbery attempt and also no money was carted away,’’ the area commander said.

He ‎urged the public to go about their normal businesses without fear, adding that the police was determined to safeguard lives and property in the state.

Similarly, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, said investigation into the botched attack had commenced.  (NAN)
UOI/ENN/AMY
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu and Abdullahi Yusuf