Blog

Army arrest 37 Boko Haram suspects in 15 months in Lagos, Ogun
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Army
Lagos, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army on Thursday says it arrested 37 suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Lagos and Ogun States within the last 15 months.
The outgone General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Isidore Edet, disclosed this in Lagos while handing over to his successor, Maj.-Gen. Ebenezer Oyefolu.

Edet said the Division, under his watch, arrested the terrorists in different parts of the two states.

“As Boko Haram is being defeated, the terrorists run to other parts of the country.

“From the period I took over in August 2015 till date, we arrested 37 Boko Haram suspects.

“We will continue to arrest them and hand them over to the appropriate authorities,’’ he said.

Edet said his most challenging moment as GOC 81 Division was the abduction of three of his operatives by militants in Ijagemo Area of Lagos.

“I had to work round-the-clock to secure their release,’’ he said.

On pipeline vandals at Arepo area of Ikorodu, the outgone GOC said the Army worked collaboratively and cooperatively with other security agencies to rout the vandals from the area.

In his remark, the new GOC, Maj.-Gen. Oyefolu, said he would key into the successes of his predecessor to move the Division forward.

Until his appointment as GOC 81 Division, Oyefolu was the Deputy Director at Defence Intelligence Agency, Abuja. (NAN)

HOB/WOJ
(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)

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Data

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Abuja, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA) has urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to invest more in data collection and dissemination for sustainable growth and development.

The Second Vice President of NSA, Dr Olusanya Olubusoye, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, on the sideline of a road show to mark the African Statistics Day.

Olubusoye said the activity was organised to draw attention of Nigerians to the importance of data and how it could be used to improve the quality of life of the people.

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“The whole essence of this celebration is to advocate for the need to understand the importance of statistics.

“The need for individual, for the society and for the government as whole to appreciate the role of statistics and particularly for government to see the need to see production of official statistics as public goods.

“The way they make provision for roads, for airport, for railway so also there should be provision for data collection, for data production, for data publication about various sectors of this country.

“So it is to call the attention of every stakeholder that data is life and with data the quality of life can improve, without data you cannot know your quality of life.’’

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The official noted that data had been used to measure birth, delivery, academic performance, career and even death rates.

Speaking on the theme of celebration “Strengthening Economic Statistics for Regional Integration, Structural Transformation and Sustainable Development’’, Olubusoye said, data could help Africa solve its economic problems.

He said without quality statistics, there was no way the region could strengthen economic integration and transform its economy.

“We need quality data, so we are advocating that the Federal Government should invest in data collection to understand how to plan effectively and to address some of the social and economic problems as a country.

“The government is fighting corruption, how can you fight what you don’t measure, if you are going to fight me, I need to measure your strength.

“So, if you are fighting corruption, you must measure it so that you know the strength and how to fight it correctly,’’ the official said.

He, however, called for collaboration between data providers and users to achieve effective planning and sustainable development.

NAN reports that the road show which started from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) office in the Central Business District ended at the NTA headquarters in Area II and was jointly organised by the NBS and NSA.

NAN also reports that public lecture on the theme of the celebration will hold on Friday at the

bureau’s headquarters.

The African Statistics Day Celebration is an offshoot of the meeting of Ministers responsible for planning in Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia held in 1990.

The meeting set aside 18th of November of every year as a special day for statistics and promoting awareness about the important role it plays in the development of the society. (NAN)

CIA/LAB/YEE
Edited by Lydia Beshel/Emmanuel Yashim

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Airports

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has designated four International Airports for the airlift of intending pilgrims to the Holy Lands of Israel, Rome and Greece for the 2016 main pilgrimage.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev. Tor Uja, disclosed this in a statement by the NCPC’s Head of Media, Mr Celestine Ogugua, on Thursday in Abuja.

Uja said that the airports were Yola International Airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

He warned the general public, especially intending Christian Pilgrims to beware of fraudsters, who often used pilgrimage season to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

“All intending pilgrims are to note that only NCPC, Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards and licensed Christian Pilgrimage Operators (CPOs) are authorised to mobilise pilgrims to Israel, Rome and Greece.

“The commission, therefore, urges intending pilgrims to refrain from patronising unauthorised persons and organisations, who would try to use the pilgrimage to extort money from Nigerians desirous of performing the pilgrimage.’’

Uja assured intending pilgrims and stakeholders in the project that the commission had put all logistics in place in Israel, Rome and Greece for a hitch free pilgrimage operation.

He also said that the flag off of the main pilgrimage would take place on Nov. 24, at Yola International Airport, Adamawa.

“The Governor of Adamawa Sen. Mohammed Bindow, will be the special guest of honour at the occasion,’’ he said. (NAN)
OYS/TO/MO

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Edited by Tola Okinbaloye/Morayo Omolade

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Theatre
By Oladapo Udom
Lagos, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) says it plans to carry out advocacy on the importance of culture in the life of a people.

The President of the association, Mr Babatunde Obalana, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos ton Thursday that the association decided to embark on the campaign given the tendency of Nigerians to assimilate other cultures to the detriment of their own.

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“We are going to be doing a lot of advocacy to let people understand that art is life.

“In theatre, a people without a culture, are portrayed as dead people.

“It is tragic that for everything that comes into Nigeria we tend to forget who we are.

“In other climes, the people of that country take the good aspect of what is being introduced to them but they always manage to retain themselves.

“Here, we forget who we are because of the influx of the new ideas that are being sold to us.

“Part of what theatre does is that it opens doors, it educates, it entertains, it informs and it also provides entertainment but the government also has its fault.

“We have a cultural policy that has lying fallow on the shelf for how many years that they have not given life to.’’

Cue out audio (NAN)

OUU/ERO/LAB/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Lydia Beshel/Emmanuel Yashim

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Rape
Lagos, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) A 40-year-old painter, Yisa Aweda, on Thursday was caught at his residence in Orile Area of Lagos having sexual intercourse with a two-year-old girl child (name withheld).

The Coordinator, Lagos State Domestic Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Adeniyi said that the crime was initially reported at Orile Police Station where the father of the victim was also reported to have hit the rapist with a broken bottle when he caught him in the act.

“On Nov. 16, the victim’s mother found Yisa Aweda having sexual intercourse with her daughter in her living room and immediately shouted for help.

“This attracted other neighbours and her husband who came in and in anger took a broken bottle to cause serious injury on the perpetrator.

“The matter was immediately reported to Orile Police station, while the perpetrator was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

“The father of the girl was also arrested and detained.

“On Nov.14, Mirabel Centre carried out a test on the victim, which confirmed a penetration but the result has been sent to the Police Station for proper prosecution.

“The matter was reported to the office of DSVRT on Nov.15. We visited the Police station to know the steps taken by the Police and we also visited the perpetrator in the hospital, ‘’ she said.

According to her, the report of the detained husband will be looked into by the Divisional Police Officer to either release the man on bail, pending when the perpetrator will be discharged.

Adeniyi said the case would be filed to court, considering the evidence available, adding that the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) had been briefed on the matter.

“In view of this fact, the rights of the child need to be adequately safeguarded and the father of the victim will be legally represented, she said.

Adeniyi  said that the perpetrator- Aweda –  was married to the family of the victim and they had since been pleading that the matter should not be taken to court.

“Today, the family members came to appeal that the matter be settled out of court. DSVRT has been informed about the case and the state would ensure diligent prosecution.

“We hope the suspect recovers quickly to stand trial in the court for the offence he was alleged to have committed and we urge the public to desist from such act,’’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode has urged the Lagos State Task Force Unit to track down offenders of domestic violence and rape cases to serve as deterrent to others. (NAN)
TAL/EOB/AJA
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(Edited by Edith Bolokor/Adeleye Ajayi)

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Harmattan

Kano, Nov. 17,2016(NAN) As harmattan sets in, second-hand cloth sellers are smiling to banks as prices shoots up in Kano, the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] reports.

NAN learnt that second hand cloth markets in Sabon Gari and Kofar Wambai are already witnessing large turn out of customers buying socks, cardigan and turtle necks to ward off the cold.

Khalid Murtala, a trader in second hand clothes at Wambai Market said most of his customers were women who purchased the commodity for their children.

“The business has started picking up now in anticipation of the coming of the season as many women come to buy socks and other items in readiness for the season.

“ Few weeks back a pair of sock was N150 but now the cost has risen to N200 depending on the quality’’’, he said.

Another seller, Sadiq Labaran said, “The prices of cardigan, cap, turtle neck, socks have increased in the market’’.

NAN observed that the number of hawkers of second-hand clothes had also increased in the city as the Harmattan season was fast approaching (NAN).

BO/GOM/MZA

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Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Maharazu Ahmed

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Scriptwriter
By Babajide Awoyinfa
Lagos, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) Some of the nation’s thespians and film producers on Thursday took to the social media platform to mourn Ansa Bassey Kpokpogri, a scriptwriter, who passed on after complaining of pains from peptic ulcer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news of her death was revealed by a film maker, Uduak Oguamanam, who took to her Facebook page to announce her passing.

“Grief. It makes you remember things. Minute details, like the sound of their feet, the colour of their hair and the sweet smell of their body spray.

“It makes you regret. The holidays you never took, the movies you never watched together, the visits you kept planning but never made.

“My life was better because you were in it. Sleep well my beautiful, adorable, amazing Ansa. Till we meet again, to part no more,’’ Oguamanam wrote.

“I am still in shock as this feels like a bad dream, my prayers are with your husband, family and young child. RIP Ansa Kpokpogri, totally heartbreaking,’’ said actress Uche Jombo.

“Another actress Omoni Oboli said: “Ansa why? Is this how we are taking over the film making world? Dear Lord! This wasn’t part of the plan but you know best. Rest well, darling.

“May God give your beautiful daughter, your husband, your parents and indeed the whole Nollywood family the fortitude to bear this loss,’’ she said.

Actress and TV producer, Mbong Amata said: “Dear Yellow, I know you’ll never get to see this.

“But I am glad that we both know that my life’s story can never be complete without the chapters you wrote.

“Sleep well, I will miss you Yellow,’’ she said.

“Where do I start? Do I say I’m sorry now? Everyday, I’m aware the world is not ours forever but you have made me realise it’s nothing to bother my head with.

“I learnt you had gone to rest and all that’s in my head is that stupid quarrel we had on set that I never tried to reach out to you to resolve.

“How do I keep calm? My heart went down my stomach; tears filled my eyes talking to Ayana on the phone. Young and overly dedicated to her craft, she will not back down if you don’t give her what she wants.

“Ansa, rest in peace. Focus on the things that matter and leave the rest.

“You might not have tomorrow to focus on the important things of life. Rest in peace my Art Director, ‘’ actress Yvonne Jegede said.

“I’ve attempted to publish this for over 5 times. I keep holding back to see if the story would change. Praying it should be a rumour, but NO, “Ansa is no more”.

“We’ve lost Ansa”. “Ansa is gone”. “Ansa has passed” and these words keep piercing my heart. Rest in peace Ansa, we shall meet to part no more. “Screenwriter Dorothy Essien said.

“We still can’t find the words. We still expect a miracle that doesn’t seem to be coming.
“Selfless, dedicated, hardworking. You’d be greatly missed! RIP Ansa, ‘’ according to Royal Arts Academy. (NAN)
BAG/ERO/PIO
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Idonije Obakhedo)

Abuja court remands 3 men in prison over alleged armed robbery
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Remand
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) An FCT High Court on Thursday remanded three men in prison custody over alleged criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and receipt of stolen property.
Justice Peter Affen ordered that the accused – Omenini Bayallah (30), Paul Sunday (20) and Dahiru Yusuf (40), – be remanded in prison pending hearing of their bail applications.
“In the interim, the defendants shall be remanded in prison custody, pending the hearing and the determination of the bail application,” he ordered.
Prosecuting counsel, Kenneth Ubanwa, told the court that the 1st and 2nd accused on July 14, robbed Mrs Ogechukwu Irono of 25,000 dollars and Samsung galaxy handset in Maitama, Abuja.
According to him, the two accused also robbed the complainant of jewellery valued at N32 million and other personal items.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Section 6 of the Armed Robbery and Firearms Act.
Ubanwa also told the court that the 3rd accused, on the same date, received the stolen jewellery from the 1st and 2nd accused persons.
The three accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Affen adjourned hearing in the case to Nov. 24. (NAN)
NEO/HAS/WOJ
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(Edited by Hajia Sani / Wale Ojetimi)

Dasuki’s death end of an era, says Information Minister

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Condolence

By Hussaina Mohammed Yakubu

Kaduna, Nov. 17, 2016 [NAN] Information Minister, Lai Mohammed on Thursday said the demise of former Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki marked the end of an era in the history of Nigeria.

The minister, who visited the Dasuki family at the deceased’s residence in Kaduna, said the late Sultan had lived a worthy life.

“He is a great man. Another era and history has been closed and we are all here today not to mourn but celebrate the passing away of a great Nigerian.

“He is a man that has influenced many people, a man who has benefitted many when he was in office, for me, one of Nigerian’s titants had passed away.

“The lesson here, is that whatever we do in life, we must be consistent, loyal and whatever befalls us in life, our faith in almighty Allah must never waiver in life.

“May Allah forgive him his sins and reward him with Aljannat Firdaus,” the minister said.[NAN]

HUM/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

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Creativity
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) Mr Yele Okeremi, Chief Executive Officer, Precise Financial Systems Ltd., on Thursday urged encouragement of creativity and resilience among the youth for improved society.
Okeremi made the appeal during the 7th Information Technology Conference and Award organised by the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), in Lagos.

The conference had the theme: “Emergence of Lagos Smartcity: Benefits, Issues and challenges’’.

According to Okeremi, governments need to channel the creativity and resilience of the Nigerian youths better in the interest of national development.
“Governments spend a lot of money on technology but fail to carry the youth along in what they do.

“The creativity and resilience of the Nigerian youth cannot be taken away from them, and until they are carried along the appropriate way, there is no way forward.

“They should be encouraged so that the wealth of the country will reside with them.

“The wealth of a nation does not lie with the things under the ground but on the heads of the people,” he said.

He said that having a smartcity, Internet of Things (IoT), would result in a lot of changes including wealth creation.
“IoT will bring a major change to our lifestyles; it will tell us what we are expected to do for the day, and this will make us smarter,” he said.

“Machine will accurately predict in explicit time what would happen,’’ he said.
Mr Deolu Aladekomo said that a smartcity would transform informal businesses to formal ones and make them to more efficient.

“As the global population continues to grow, it leads to urbanisation, and this needs to be smarter, increase efficiency in the city.
“Smartcity innovation hub has the basis that will deepen the emergence of technology, IoT, thereby leading to an efficient and sustainable ecosystem.

“Smartcity is expected to bring in foreign investment that is very important for a country’s growth and sustainability,” he said.

He said that some factors driving smartcity such as urbanisation, climate change and economic restrictions put much strain on resources.
Earlier, Mr Charles Onyeukwu, NCS Chairman, said that the world was going into innovation, and that it was time to encourage the youth to be entrepreneurs.
“It is time to see projects leave the shelves and be useful to people in the long run,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the 2016 Golden Names Award given to Alhaja Oladimeji Ogunneye, the past President of NCS, and Mr Demola Aladekomo, Founder of Chams Nig. Ltd.(NAN)
CAN/IGO
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