Blog

NAN-H-38
Welfare
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) Alhaji Kazeem Adekanye, the newly sworn-in Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairman for Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, has promised to make staff welfare his priority.

Adekanye made the promise  at the inauguration of the council’s TIC members at the council headquarters in Omu-Aran.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed had constituted a four-man committee to run the affairs of each of the 16 local councils.

Adekanye in his maiden official assignment said his administration would channel adequate resources toward offsetting the backlog of salary arrears and allowances owed the workers.

He expressed his administration’s commitment to promoting the state government’s policy thrust of prioritising the welfare of workers as a catalyst for socio-economic development of the state.

Adekanye, who also pledged to run an open door administration, maintained that every stake holder would be given equal opportunity in the efforts to transform the council.

“I wish to state that I have been adequately briefed by the relevant officers on the prospects, problems and aspirations of the workers.

“I want to assure you all that we shall work assiduously work with the available resources to make life more meaningful to the generality of the council’s staff.

“Our priority will be in the area of staff welfare and well-being through regular payment of salaries and allowances, ” he said.

The council boss charged the newly sworn-in officers to make honesty, transparency and accountability their watch words.

He solicited the cooperation of party leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in building the desired solid foundation for the next elected council administration.

Adekanye commended the governor and the state’s APC leader, Sen. Bukola Saraki, for the confidence reposed in the committee’s ability to turn the council around.

Chief Bisi Owolabi, the Chairman of the party in the council area, urged the TIC members to see their appointments as a call to service.

NAN reports that the inauguration was attended by party leaders and supporters across the 11 wards of the council area.

Those sworn-in were Mrs Serifat Abdullahi, Supervisory Councillor for Finance; Olanrewaju Awotayo, Supervisory Councillor for Health and Education; and Lawal Tunde, Supervisory Councillor for Works and Agriculture. (NAN)
ISHO/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-H-37
Warranty
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has warned consumers against purchase of goods without a warranty card and receipt.

The Osun State Coordinator of SON, Mr Sunday Badewole, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Osogbo.

“Any good without a warranty, we classify them as substandard.

“A warranty means that a manufacturer or seller is giving his commitment for a particular product, that after sales he is still responsible for it for a certain period of time.

“But if the warranty is not there, who will be responsible for the product if it developed fault?

“Warranty is a proof of quality and that is why we always encourage consumers to buy product with warranty,’’ Badewole said.

The SON coordinator also urged consumers to always get a receipt for every good they purchase, saying this would help them to trace the address of the seller in case there was a problem.

Badewole appealed to consumers not to buy goods in traffic, adding that such goods might be faked and without a traceable address.

“Consumers should be mindful of where they buy their goods. Anywhere a receipt will not be given after purchase, is not place to go.

“Because when problem comes consumers will not be able to trace them,’’ he said.

Badewole said that the organisation would not relent in its quest to eradicate substandard goods in the Nigerian markets. (NAN)
VE/FF/GY
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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Controlled by Grace Yussuf

Harmattan: Community leader warns against indiscriminate bush burning

NAN-H-31

Warning

Dutse, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) The Village Head of Warwade Community in Jigawa, Alhaji Ado Musa, has advised residents against bush burning and careless use of fire during the harmattan period.

The community leader gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Dutse.

He said that the advice became necessary in order to avoid fire disasters during the dry season, as most of the residences in the community were highly inflammable thatched houses.

Musa explained that the traditional council would continue to sensitise the public on the dangers posed by the harmattan winds, especially as they relate to fire.

“People must be careful while burning bushes, particularly now that the farmers are harvesting their produce.

“They must avoid indiscriminate setting of bushes ablaze in the name of preparing their farmlands for another farming season.

“Because fire, particularly during the harmattan, can escalate and consume valuables, including houses and even human lives, if care is not taken,’’ he warned.

He further advised housewives and local food vendors in the area to ensure that they quench the fire they used to cook, to avoid any fire outbreak.

“Housewives and those selling food items must also ensure that they quench the fire they use after cooking,” he added.

According to him, people must also be careful while using candles and lanterns in their homes, as they are capable of igniting fire.

“We are advising people to also be careful when using candles and kerosene lanterns, as they have the capacity to ignite fires.

“Also, people should endeavour to switch off electrical appliances before leaving their homes to avoid fire that can happen as a result of power surge,’’ he added.

According to him, all Chief Imams of mosques in area have been mobilised to sensitise people in their domain on emergency fire handling during the harmattan season. (NAN)

MNB/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-HE-3
Rate
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) Some financial experts have called for a downward review of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) during the last Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) meeting scheduled for Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. to tackle inflation in the country.

The MPR currently stands at 14 per cent.

The experts told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the committee should pursue an expansionary monetary policy.

They said that the extant monetary policy adopted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had not yielded any result.

Prof. Sheriffadeen Tella of the Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, said the committee could pursue a downward review of the interest rate to reinvigorate economic activities.

Tella said that the country’s inflation rate would continue to soar if the interest rate was not reduced.

He explained that companies would find it difficult to borrow money for business expansion with the current interest rate.

Tella also called on the committee to address the challenge of foreign exchange volatility currently causing intense speculation and affecting the nation’s currency.

Mr Sola Oni, the Chief Executive Officer, SOFUNIX Investment and Communications Ltd., said that high inflation affected stock prices negatively.

Oni said that quoted companies, like any other, struggled with high inflation as it affected their return on investment.

According to him, the real return, either from companies or sale of stocks, is when it is higher than inflation rate.

“When inflation rate is lower, investment in stocks can be used as a hedge against it.

“But a higher inflation rate at 18.3 per cent is a disincentive to investment in stock as the relationship is inverse,’’ Oni said.

He said that the MPC should address the current regime of stag-inflation whereby economic growth was stagnant and inflation rate was soaring.

NAN reports that the committee, at its September meeting, retained the MPR at 14 per cent; the cash reserve ratio at 22.50 per cent and the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.

Mr Godwin Emefiele, the CBN Governor, had explained that while challenges in the economy remained, monetary policy alone could not boost growth.

“Cutting interest rates is not advisable and the current stance will help to limit inflation,’’ Emefiele said. (NAN)
JNC/PDE/IA
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(Edited by Peter Ejiofor/Idris Abdulrahman)

Radiologist advises women to eat food rich in calcium

NAN-HG-1

Diet

By Maureen Ojinaka-Nwanosike

Enugu, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) Dr Ngozi Njeze, Consultant Radiologist, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, has advised women to always eat balance diet food with more calcium so as to prevent bone disease called osteoporosis.

Njeze gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday.

She described osteoporosis as a bone disease that affects the bone structure and strength of bone, and raising the risk of fractures.

According to her, eating a well balance diet rich in calcium would help prevent bone disease that affects the strength of the bone.

The expert noted that it could affect anybody, but most common in women due to the decrease in protective estrogen levels after menopause.

“Osteoporosis can affect any gender, but it is particularly prevalent in women because from the onset women have softer bones and due to the sudden decrease in protective estrogen levels after menopause,’’ she said.

She added that the disease was considered a silent disease, as there were no clear outward symptoms caused by the loss of bone density; adding that bone pain may occur in some people.

Besides, Njeze advised women to do things with moderation especially women who were up to 50 years and above.

“Women who are up to 50 years should do things in moderation.

“They should exercise their body moderately, they should not use running as an exercise rather they should take a walk as part of their exercise,’’ she advised.

The radiologist also urged women to live a healthy life style by avoiding smoking and consumption of excessive alcohol so as to prevent osteoporosis. (NAN)

OJI/HS/MST

Edited by Halima Sheji/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-ELS-8
Industry
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) Raphael Uche, a movie director and producer, says that if the right type of investments are made in the nation’s entertainment industry, it will likely steer the nation out of recession.

Uche told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that the government must take proactive steps to exploit the opportunities that abound in the sector.

“I must state clearly here that the current economic downturn in the country is quite a difficult one.

“The government has been trying to diversify the economy but has yet to look into entertainment industry now, this the time to take advantage of the opportunities in the industry.

“There are big opportunities government can take in terms of investment. This sector is a critical one that could produce instant result and that is tourism.

“In the U.S, the biggest contributor to the economy in the State of California is not Information Technology or other fields; Hollywood remains the highest contributor; that is entertainment industry,’’ he said.

In terms of earnings from movies produced from Nollywood, the entrepreneur said that the requisite infrastructure must be put in place to harness the derivable benefits from the industry.

“In 2015, Global Box Office posted a record of 38 billion dollars earnings from Hollywood. The figure is there for everyone to see. This is how big the industry is,’’ the producer added.

Uche said that if Nigeria could go the way of the U.S. by investing in the entertainment industry, tourism could provide the much needed foreign earnings.

“If the Nigerian government can support the entertainment industry by providing loans for equipment, other countries will be willing to shoot their films in Nigeria knowing that we have the infrastructure.

“When talking about investment in entertainment industry, not only is the U.S. reaping the reward, there is also Bollywood in India which is the second largest in the world.

“We have been clamouring for this investment for some time now, but no one seems to take us seriously, this has resulted in colossal loss of revenue.

“Entertainment remains the major drive of tourism; over the years people travel all over the world just to watch the Oscar Awards.

“Imagine how much the airlines will rake in from tickets alone,’’ he said.

Uche told NAN that the movie industry was currently endowed with thoroughbred professionals that were contributing immensely to its development.

“We now have an industry that is governed by experts because of the availability of various courses in entertainment in our tertiary institutions.

“Education has played a major role in redefining the industry. Many of the players in the industry are now graduates in the field; so they are doing things professionally.

“The graduates are more professional in their roles than those who are not because they are trained; they tell more of the stories and bring more creativity into play,’’ he said. (NAN)
KOJE/PCN/ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-S-‎1
Exercise
Adedeji Egbebi
Ado-Ekiti, Nov.‎ 17, 2016 (NAN) A Sports Medicine Practitioner in Ekiti Sports Council, Emmanuel Ige, on Thursday advised Nigerians, especially civil servants to embark on regular exercises to keep them healthy.

Ige, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti, described exercises as good medicine to revitalise the body.

He explained that keep fit exercise was one of the most beneficial choices that an employer or establishment could make use of for maximum productivity.

‎He advised civil servants, employers and individuals to carry out exercises for at least 30 minutes daily for their well being and good health.

Ige said that it would enable employees to reach their full potential, adding that they were also less likely to get sick than those who did not exercise their body.

The medical practitioner said that most of the employees would be more effective in their various offices if they devoted quality time to exercising their bones on regular basis.

“Exercise has the ability to decrease the amount of stress from physical and emotional tensions felt by civil servants.

“Employees who are not stressed are more focused, positive and happy.

“Their minds allow them to focus on work which means they contribute to a much higher level of productivity.

“Exercise gives employees a feeling of self confidence, creates a sense of poise and allows them to set higher goals and strive for excellence,’’ he said. (NAN)
DJ/ESAN/PDE
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(Edited by Abiodun Esan/Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-H-6
Development
By Christian Ogbonna
Yenagoa, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has expressed his readiness to consolidate on the developmental plans of the state.

He said this at an evening event on Wednesday in Yenagoa, organised by Bayelsa Government to thank the people for winning the Dec. 5, 2015 Governorship election.

The governor said that his victory at the Supreme Court was for the people.

Dickson commended the exemplary leadership displayed by the nation’s judiciary, adding that the victories at the Tribunal, Appeal Court and the Supreme Court was a welcome development.

“I thank the nation’s judiciary for what they displayed throughout the verdict.

“The judiciary did not allow themselves to be intimated by any person or political parties. I commend them for the nation’s political stability.

“Our (PDP) mandate has been protected by the apex court and we have won victoriously. Our mandate will stand till 2020.

“This is time to rededicate ourselves for consolidation and continue the good work which we have been doing.

“We want to consolidate the task of development for the betterment of the people.

“I, therefore, urge the people from other parties to join me and my team to ensure that Bayelsa State is developed. I am ready for open door policies in order to move the state forward,’’ the governor said.

Also speaking, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP’s) Chairman in Bayelsa,  Mr Cleopass Moses, said Dickson’s victory was a good thing which had  happened to the people.

Moses described Dickson as “a Triumphant Governor” and expressed the hope that his victory on Dec. 5, would bring more developments to Bayelsa.

The Bayelsa PDP Women Leader, Mrs Eunice Akeni, congratulated Dickson for his victory at the Supreme Court and assured the governor of her support.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Supreme Court had on Nov. 8, declared Dickson as a validly-elected Bayelsa Governor.

The seven-member panel of judges gave the ruling following an appeal by Mr Timipre Sylva, an All Progressives Congress (APC’s) candidate in the election.

Dickson’s election as governor had earlier been ratified by the Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. (NAN)
OOC/AOM/AJA
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(Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Adeleye Ajayi)

NAN-DS-1
Crash
By Angela Atabo
Abuja,Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal , Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has warned motorists to be extra cautious on the  Lagos-Ibadan Highway and obey all traffic rules and regulations at all times.

A   statement signed by  Mr Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations and Strategy, on Wednesday in Abuja ,said Oyeyemi made the plea while  reacting  to the multiple crashes on the route.

He said that the crash happened on the bridge before Kara Market by OPIC on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to him, the crashed  involved six  vehicles, killing four  persons and causing  a heavy gridlock.

He said that the unfortunate incident happened due to negligence on the part of  drivers and not the ongoing construction work on the expressway.

The Corps Marshal said  it took the combined efforts of FRSC, LASTMA, LASEMA, Fire Service and NEMA  about 15 hours to extinguish the inferno and remove obstructions and debris  from the crash.

” I implore motorists to plan their journeys and exercise adequate caution while on the road.

“I  thank the agencies that participated and other good Nigerians who assisted in the rescue exercise.

” I wish the injured quick recovery while sympathising with the families of the dead,” Oyeyemi said. (NAN)
ATAB/NKO/NKO

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Edited by Nkechi Okoronkwo

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NAN-H-2

Solidarity
By Lizzy Agbaji
Abuja, Nov. 17, 2016 (NAN) Ms Angele Dikongue-Atangana, the Country Representative, United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), has called for international solidarity and intervention in the crises situation in Nigeria.

Dikongue-Atangana made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the UNHCR annual stakeholders and donors briefing to highlight its achievements in 2016 and its 2017 operational plans.

She said that intervention needs, especially in the North-East region were huge and outstripped the capacity of a single government or institution.

According to her, the Nigerian crises situation is the most neglected one in the world and the least funded one even though the magnitude of the need is high.

She, therefore, urged the international community, stakeholders and partners to join hands with Nigeria to save the country from further troubles.

The Country Representative said that in spite of the immense humanitarian protection and funds challenges, the commission in 2016, significantly scaled up its response activities in the North-East.

“As part of UNHCR’s achievement for the year, the Commission, in its screening activity, identified 133,294 vulnerable Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and registered 143,848 Nigerian returnees from neighbouring countries.

“Twenty two thousand two hundred and six individuals received emergency shelter,and 96,624 individuals were provided with material protection-based assistance.

“Three thousand one hundred and eighty persons were trained in core protection services, including peace building, Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM).

“In order to better serve the IDPs, the agency relocated its sub office from Bauchi to Maiduguri which is the epicenter of the displacement crises and host of most IDPs.

“As part of our advocacy drive, UNHCR’s team met with the Senate President to lobby for the creation of a committee on IDPs and other persons of concern.

“In like manner, we also met with the House of Representative’s Committee on IDPs and North-East initiative.’’

She said the aim of UNHCR’s operational strategy in Nigeria was to support the government and relevant authorities to establish an effective coordination and protection system for persons of concern.

According to her, persons of concern include refugees, asylum seekers, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), stateless persons and returnees.

Dikongue-Atangana said the commission’s operational strategy for 2016/2018 outlined the strategic objectives for the office and the intervention to be carried out in collaboration with its partners and stakeholders.

She noted that it was in line with its country humanitarian response plan that the commission implemented various activities to ensure that persons of concern accessed and enjoyed their fundamental rights.
She thanked donor agencies that had partnered the commission and called for more support from them and others.

Also speaking, the Chief Humanitarian Coordinator of the Federal Government, Dr Ayoade Alakija, further called on international partners to support Nigeria.

Alakija stressed the need for increased protection for displaced persons, especially women and children against Sexual and Gender- Based Violence (SGBV).

She said that persons of concern should not just be seen as IDPs but as their own children who deserve the basic needs of life.

In a remark, the High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, Amb. Salaheddine Ibrahimma, described humanitarian crisis in Nigeria as a global one.

He explained that addressing the deadly crossing across the Mediterranean could not be effectively achieved without the international community assisting in addressing the North-East crisis situation.
According to him, Nigerians account for a good number of those migrating elsewhere including to Europe, America and the western world in general for safer haven.

He, therefore, urged stakeholders to complement the efforts of UNHCR in Nigeria and the sub-region as part of their own contribution to the development of the world. (NAN)
LIZ/NKO/NKO
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Edited by Nkechi Okoronkwo

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