Blog

NAN-H-37

Dasuki

By Aminu Ahmed Garko

Minna, Nov. 15, 2016 ( NAN) The Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Martins Uzoukwu on Tuesday extoled the qualities of late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki, describing him as a very good man of peace and unity.

Uzoukwu said in a tribute to the deceased, that Dasuki’s death was a monumental loss to Nigeria.

The bishop told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that the former Sultan would be missed greatly “especially now that Nigeria needs to pave a new way in legacy, reconciliation and rehabilitation.”

Uzoukwu noted that late Dasuki had promoted unity and mutual coexistence among Nigerians of all religions, a virtue which current Nigeria leaders should emulate.

“Nigeria will be a better place to live, if we can judiciously utilise the abundant God-given resources across the country,” he said.[NAN]
AAG/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

NAN-H-53
Marks
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, Nov. 15, 2016 (NAN) Residents of Ilorin on Tuesday expressed mixed feelings on tribal marks as a way of preserving culture.

Some of them who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said it was dehumanising as it inflicts physical and emotional pain while others think it helps sustain culture.

The respondents were reacting to a picture that went viral on the internet on Monday of a young boy who was given tribal marks running from the head down to the cheeks.

Mrs Aisha Abubakar, a resident of Ilorin, said though she was an advocate of culture preservation, inflicting pain and injury on children in the present age was not good enough.

“Although, our culture is our pride and must be guarded jealously, there are several ways that our culture can be preserved ranging from language, dressing, hairdo and other things.

”But looking at the picture in question, one will pity the boy and imagine the pain he was put through.

“Then if pain subsides and he grows up, let’s look at the emotional torture he will go through among his peers because of civilisation.

“So, it is a no-no for me. We should rather concentrate on other aspects of our culture and not the ones that can cause pain,” Abubakar said.

A civil servant, Mr Jenrola Philip, said it was an abuse on the child’s fundamental right because no child born now would want to be inflicted with such pains.

“The world is now civilised more than such acts and we should not be found to be involved in such barbaric act all in the name of culture preservation.

“Even we grownups that have marks wish we don’t have because it does not add any value to us.

“I can’t imagine giving any of my children tribal mark. I am sure such child will not forgive me because the world has gone above that now,” Philip said.

In his own view, Mr Julius Makinde, said there was nothing wrong with tribal marks as it also serves as a means of identification for some households or people.

“There is nothing bad in it as long as it is done in a healthy environment since it does the child no harm. It is our embracing of western culture that makes us think ours is bad.

“For those that have it as their tradition to give their children marks, it is their belief and nobody can change it. So, we should rather embrace it,” Makinde said.

Also, Malam Nurain Ajia, said nothing would stop him from giving marks to his children as he inherited it from his family.

“You can see I have marks on my face and I have done same for my first born, planning to take my second child too for his.

“It is a mark peculiar to my family and it has been like that for years; so I do not see reasons why it has to stop with me.

“No matter the kind of marks, my children will be accepted in the society because it is not strange to us in this part of the world,” Ajia said. (NAN)
BAY/FF/IS

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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Ismail Abdulaziz

NAWOJ urges members to get involved in peace journalism

NAN-H-16

NAWOJ

Yola, Nov. 15, 2016 ( NAN) Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, the National President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists ( NAWOJ), has urged its members to be fully involved in peace journalism in the bid to promote peace and security in Nigeria.

Omowole gave the advice on Tuesday at the the opening of a two-day workshop for female journalists in the North-East Nigeria held in Yola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had the theme: “Promoting Women’s Engagement in Peace Security in Northern Nigeria”.

She said that women should ensure positive outcome from promoting security, peace and stability in any community.

“Women from all levels should be involved in security and peace making because of their capacity building in promoting security and peace in the community and the society at large,’’ Omowole said.

She urged members to change their style of reporting and always put the interest of the country first as well promote gender related issues.

Dr Orhi Titus, the UN Women-Gender Technical Adviser based in Adamawa, said that the purpose of the training was to build capacity of female journalists in reporting gender related issues.

Titus said that some of the topics to be discussed at the workshop would include issues on women, peace and security as well as safety and security in reporting.

He said that about 46 journalists from three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe were participating at the training.p

Titus said that the programme was funded by European Union and implemented by the United Nations entity for gender equality and empowerment of women in collaboration with UNICEF. (NAN)
AMA/FF/TA
Edited by Fela Fashoro/Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN- HG-47
Watermelon
By Tinuade Adeshiyan
Lagos, Nov. 15, 2016 (NAN) A nutritionist on Tuesday in Lagos, advised people not to discard watermelon seeds after eating the fruit but consume them too because of their nutritional benefits.

The nutritionist, Mr Olusola Malomo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that as watermelon is rich in nutrients and minerals, so also the seeds; therefore it should be chewed and swallowed.

He said that watermelon seeds had many health benefits; the amounts of minerals and vitamins in them could be low but still better than unhealthy snacks.

“Watermelon seeds contain some essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own such as lysine and arginine among others.

“The amino acids help in calcium absorption to facilitate the formation of collagen and connective tissues in the body and improve the body’s metabolism, cardiovascular system and sexual health.

“Watermelon seeds are good sources of magnesium, which is vital for normal heart functioning, maintenance of normal blood pressure, supporting metabolic process and protein synthesis.

“It is also beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, besides controlling blood pressure and diabetes.

“Watermelon seeds contain lycopene, which is good for your face and also helps to improve male fertility, it also helps in growth and repair of muscles, skin tissues and rich in enzymes.

“These seeds are excellent sources of multivitamin B and can replace some of the supplements; it is an important source of calories and energy and can be beneficial in combating protein deficiencies.

“The healthy fats present in watermelon seeds, including Omega 6 fatty acids, help in reducing the levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood, which reduce cardiac ailments and health complications,’’ he said.

Malomo, however, said that the seeds could be used to make tea in case one could not eat them.

“Grind four spoons of watermelon seeds, bring to boil in two litres of water, allow to cool, sieve the seeds, the tea is ready for consumption, you can drink at least four times in a day.

“Watermelon seed tea works as a natural diuretic; it can be used for kidney cleansing, eliminate kidney stones, urinary infection and control diabetes,’’ he added. (NAN)
TAL/FAT/YEMI
Edited by Fatima Sule
Controlled by Yemi Idris-Aduloju

Corps members offer free HIV/AIDS counselling, test in Jigawa markets

NAN-HG-1

HIV/AIDS

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Kiyawa (Jigawa), Nov. 15, 2016 (NAN) The NYSC Community Development Service Group (CDS Group) in Jigawa has extended its free HIV/AIDS counselling and testing services to major markets across the state.

The President of the group, Dr Muhammad Abubakar, told newsmen on Tuesday in Kiyawa that the corps members decided to extend the outreach to markets in order to assist rural dwellers know their HIV status.

Abubakar said that the group had targeted about 500 persons for counselling and testing for HIV/AIDS in the area.

“The reason why we decided to conduct this free counselling here is because, this market, being an international one, large number of people from different parts of the state and other neighbouring states patronised it weekly.

“So our plan is to counsel and test as many people as we could so that we help them know their status with regards to the diseases,’’ Abubakar said.

He explained that the group was able to counsel and tests over 150 people at Shuwarin market.

The president recalled that the group had conducted similar exercise at Dutse Ultra Modern Market where it counselled and tested 130 people.

According to him, the exercise is supported by Jigawa State Action Committee on AIDS (JISACA), NYSC Secretariat and the State Ministry of Information.

“I want to use this opportunity to commend JISACA for proving us with test kits, and the Ministry of Information for providing us with transportation and other logistics.

“Also our state NYSC Director for his support and encouragement towards the success of the exercise,’’ he said.

Abubakar added that each person was given three packs of condom after been counselled and tested.

He said that the beneficiaries were opportuned to know their status on HIV/AIDS courtesy of the CDS group.

“We told them the outcome of the test; those who need further attention we refer them to appropriate centres or hospitals, while those with no problem we advised them on how best to protect themselves from the menace,’’ he added.

One of the beneficiaries, Malam Idirisa Abdulhadi, commended the group for the gesture, saying the outreach enabled him to know his status.

Abdulhadi urged the corps members to extend it to rural areas.

However, he got everyone laughing after he was given three condoms.

Abdulhadi innocently turned back and asked: “Is this medicine? Do I take it with water or what?’’ (NAN)

MNB/FF/MST

Edited by Fela Fashoro/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-H-46
Resignation
By Ayodeji Alabi
Akure, Nov. 15, 2016 (NAN) Mr Adeniyi Akindele, a former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Akindele made this disclosure at a news conference in Akure on Tuesday.

He told newsmen that he had  tendered his letter of resignation to the PDP chairman in Ayetoro Ward III and the state chairman of the party respectively.

“I want to use this medium to thank the entire members of the party in my Local Government for their cooperation with me during my membership of the party.

“Since I have been in this party in 2015, it has been one problem or  the other due to lack of oneness and cohesion.

“The latest development in the party is worrisome; less than 15 days to the election, one cannot say where the pendulum of victory will swing.

“In view of this development, I take my exit from the party and very soon you will know where I am going; may God help all of us,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akindele was  a member of the state House of Assembly twice from 2007 to 2011 and 2011 to 2015.

He was also a former member of  the state chapter of Alliance for Democracy (AD) and former Vice Chairman of Akure North Local Government Area under former Gov. Adebayo Adefarati administration. (NAN)
AYO/OSA/YEMI

Edited by Shittu Obassa

Controlled by Yemi Idris-Aduloju

NAN-H-14
Education
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Nov. 15, 2016 (NAN) The Google Sub-Saharan Africa on Tuesday expressed its determination to educate policymakers on values associated with the enactment of friendly policies for online business activities.

Ms Bunmi Banjo, the Head, Digital Education, Google Sub-Saharan Africa, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Banjo said that educating policymakers and users on online activities was key for online businesses in the country to flourish.

“Digital business, e-commerce is not a space that policymakers understand.

“One thing Google tends to focus on is educating officials of the benefit of an open web in the country and people connecting online.

“If there is good understanding of the web, there will be better policies that will lead to better businesses.

“There is need for internet friendly policies that will actually make it easier for people to do business online and take advantage of opportunities that exist there.

“People should understand that the risks of online does not outweigh the benefits,’’ she said.

Banjo said that access to data was no longer an issue, but having people to know what was possible online; the good aspect and going online should be paramount on people’s mind.

“A lot of times, people do not end up doing the wrong things because they want it It is because they think that it is a way for them to learn a trade.

“If they are shown an alternative, there will be a shift in what obtains online.

“The more people are educated generally on the benefits of the web, the better for everyone and it will give room to tackle cyber-crime and all vices online,’’ Banjo said. (NAN)
CAN/AOM/TA
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(Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-H-13
Education
Dutse, Nov. 15, 2016 (NAN) Malam Adamu Ibrahim, Secretary, Jigawa chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, on Tuesday urged nomads to give priority attention to education of their children.

Ibrahim told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that quality education would ensure brighter future for nomadic children.

He said that the existing gap between nomadic and non-nomadic children could only be bridged when nomads would enroll their children in school.

Ibrahim described education as the pivot of development of any community, state, tribe, or nation, saying that the relevance of education to children’s lives could not be over-emphasised.

“No tribe or group of people progresses without education; so also, no nomad becomes great without education,” he said.

Ibrahim advised that nomadic children should acquire Islamic education side-by-side with Western education for a facilitated development.

According to him, Islamic education will make the children good citizens, productive and excellent leaders of tomorrow.

“Religious education helps because the important thing is the use of the knowledge acquired for positive growth and development.

“Nomads must do everything possible to ensure their children get educated in both Islamic and western education,” he urged. (NAN)
MNB/OSA/IGO
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(Edited by Shittu Obassa/Ijeoma Popoola)

NAN-H-45
Cultism
By Monday Ajogun
Benin, Nov. 15, 2016 (NAN) Four men were on Tuesday arrainged before Egor Magistrates’ Court in Benin over alleged membership of unlawful society.

The accused, David Junior, 20, Osagie Imasuen, 24, Mattew Ukwekeo, 20, and Endurance Dobor, 22 are facing a two-count charge of membership of unlawful society and conspiracy.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Osayomwanbor Omoruyi told the Court that the accused with others now at large, committed the offence on Nov. 6, at Travis Christian College, Ugbiyokho, Benin.

Omoruyi said that four men are members of a prohibited society known as “Eiye Confraternity.’’

He said the offence contravened Section 516 and 64 (A) of the criminal Code.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Igho Braimoh, granted the accused persons bail in sum of N250, 000 with a surety each in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties should deposit affidavit of means with the court as part of the bail conditions and adjourned the case till Dec. 14, for hearing. (NAN)

AJOM/DEB/AEA
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Edited by Debo Oshundun/Archibong Asuquo

NAN-H-44
Replacement
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, Nov. 15, 2016 (NAN) Residents of Ilorin in Kwara have commended the management of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its decision to replace scratch cards with PIN.

Some of them who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said it would save parents and guardians the cost of purchasing scratch cards.

A parent, Mr Sunkanmi Sunday said the money that would have been spent on the cards would be channelled towards other things.

“The replacement of scratch cards with PIN is very timely, especially with this recession, it will save us some costs.

“We will even be able to use the money for other things, so it is a good decision,’’ Sunday said.

An admission seeker, Fatimah Bakare said it was better especially for candidates that would not pass at the end of the day.

“It is a good one because if one ends up not passing the examination afterwards, the money that could have been wasted will be minimal.

“So, it is just as if JAMB is helping us to reduce the burden on our parents a little,’’ Bakare said.

Another respondent, Augusta Okoye said the decision was a relief to parents, especially those that have more than one child seeking for admission into tertiary institutions.

“I have lost count of the amount I have spent on recharge cards for my children apart from the money used in obtaining the form.

“There was a year that I gave three of them money for that purpose, but unfortunately, only one of them passed.

“I almost developed hypertension each time my children mention it to me that it is time to give them money for scratch cards.

“Personally, I will like to thank whoever made decision because parents will no longer be looking for money for cards when feeding has become a problem for virtually every household, ‘’ Okoye said.

NAN recalls that JAMB had announced the adoption of PIN vending for the 2017 examination over the regular scratch card and advised prospective candidates to get familiar with the new approach. (NAN)
BAY/EAL/MO
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Morayo Omolade