Blog

NAN-HG-8

Immunisation

Dutse, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Jigawa Government says it will immunise 1.7 million children against polio in the ongoing immunisation campaign across the state.

Dr Kabiru Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHDCA), disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Dutse.

Ibrahim said that enough personnel had been engaged to conduct the exercise simultaneously across the 27 local government areas of the state to ensure that all children had been immunized against the disease.

The executive secretary commended traditional and religious leaders as well as other stakeholders in the state for their support and cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of the exercise so far.

Ibrahim, who expressed satisfaction at the level of compliance by parents, urged husbands to always allow their wives to take their children to health care facilities for the routine immunisation.

He also appealed to parents to co-operate with immunisation officials for the exercise to be hitch-free.

Ibrahim said such cooperation would further facilitate quick response in combating the disease and addressing other emergency situations in the state.

NAN reports that the current round of polio immunisation commenced in all the 27 local government areas of the state on Nov. 12. (NAN)

MNB/EAL/ASH
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

1. The Commission of Inquiry investigating Sen. Jonah Jang’s tenure as Plateau governor probes the use of eight billion dollars World Bank loan by the administration.

2. Provost, Niger State College of Education, Minna, addresses newsmen on  newly accredited courses in the college.

3. 042 Sports Festival Elimination for Nsukka Zone continues.
4. The member representing Funtua/Dandume Constituency in the House of Representatives distributes working tools to women and youths in his constituency.
5. 2016 convocation ceremony of the University of Ibadan takes place.
6. The Nigerian Basketball Federation begins Division One league.
7. FCT Principal Cup continues in Abuja.
8. British High Commission celebrates its Remembrance Day in memory of soldiers who died in World War II.
9. The trial of the former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Olisa Metuh, continues at the Federal High Court-Martins
10. FCT High Court continues hearing of case on allegations of contract breach filed against Stephen Adeje.
11. The Federal High Court to rule on a bail application filed by retired Air Vice Marshal Tony Omenyi.
12. All Progressives Congress National Working Committee meets.
13. Luftansa Airline holds news conference in Ikeja.
14. Federal Fire Service holds campaign on Fire Safety awareness in Abuja to mark the fire safety week.
15. Chief of Army Staff’s visit to troops in Borno continues.

NAN-H-41

Appointments

By Deborah Ogedemgbe

Benin, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Monday in Benin, announced the appointment of Mr Osarodion Ogie as Secretary to the State Government

Also appointed, according to him, are Mr Taiwo Akerele as Chief of Staff and Mr John Mayaki as his interim Chief Press Secretary.

The governor, who made the announcement while addressing the Head of Service of the state and permanent secretaries as he assumed office, said that the three men would be sworn in immediately.

He charged civil servants in the state to brace up for maximum productivity, saying that it was satisfying to note that the civil service was one that understood its responsibility as the bedrock of development.

He, however, decried the rot that had permeated the civil service at both state and federal levels.

Obaseki assured that his administration would build a strong civil service that would be vibrant, trusted, competent and reliable in spite of the glaring challenges.

“I have no doubt about the capacity of the civil service, but we will also need to clear the clog on the wheel of progress,” he said.

The governor said that there was need for civil servants to put in place a system that would support them through old age, maintaining that no government or system could succeed with a weak civil service.

He directed the permanent secretaries to take charge of the ministries until government’s programmes were properly defined.

He emphasised that until that was done, no political appointments would be made, adding that he study the transition committee’s report in groups with the permanent secretaries.

The governor said that the state could not afford a government that would not create value across board, assuring that his administration would be fair and firm in following due process.

He warned that his government would not fail to sanction any erring civil servant. (NAN)

DCO/KOO/OPI

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Olisa Ifeajika

FRSC confirms one death in Abakaliki auto crash

NAN-H-1

Crash

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Abakaliki, Nov.14, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of a middle-aged man in an auto crash that occurred on Sunday in Abakaliki.

Mr Sunday Iyamah, Ebonyi FRSC Sector Commander, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abakaliki, that the accident occurred at Hill Top-Water Works junction.

He said that it involved an articulated vehicle and a motorcycle.

“The motorcyclist died, his passenger was injured while the driver of the articulated vehicle was unhurt.

“Preliminary investigation shows that the accident was caused by reckless driving and speed-limit violation on the part of the articulated vehicle driver,” he said.

Iyamah, who said that investigation into the accident was still on-going, advised motorists to obey traffic regulations in order to save lives.

“The command will intensify efforts to sensitise and prosecute erring road users to check road crashes in the state, especially in these ‘ember months.”

An eye witness, who also spoke with NAN on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the articulated vehicle driver negotiated the junction without viewing appropriately.

“He negotiated the bend with much speed and ran into the motorcycle, good-spirited individuals saved him from being lynched by an angry mob,” he said. (NAN)

RCO/DUA/OU
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Edited by Dada Ahmed/Obike Ukoh
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Niger Govt urges residents to embrace Diabetes testing

NAN-HG-1

Diabetes

Minna, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Niger Government has called on residents to embrace the free diabetes testing programme as the State commemorates this year’s World Diabetes Day.

The Coordinator, Non Communicable Diseases and Cancer Control, Niger State Ministry of Health, Dr Hauwa Kolo, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Monday.

‎She said that the 2016 World Diabetes Day has the theme “Eyes on Diabetes”, a call for all to be involved in a global drive to confront and combat diabetes as a crucial health challenge.

Kolo said that diabetes is a disorder of the metabolism system causing excessive thirst and the production of large amount of urine.

She described diabetes as a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly.

The director also explained that diabetes develops when glucose cannot enter the body’s cells to be used as fuel.

“This happens when there is no insulin to unlock the cells known as Type one diabetes.

“When there is no adequate insulin or the insulin is there but not working properly this is also known as Type two diabetes,” Kolo said.

She also said that children can have diabetes that can be a genetic factor, stressing that overweight children are likely to have diabetes. (NAN)
MNO/DS/MST

Edited by Dauda Shehu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-HE-11

Economy

By Maureen Ojinaka-Nwanosike

Enugu, Nov.14, 2016 (NAN) The Enugu Coalition of Business and Professional Associations, on Monday said it would help the Enugu State Government with ideas on how to raise its Internally Generated Revenue.

The Secretary of association, Mr Emeka Okereke, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the body would also advise the government on measures to create wealth and provide jobs.

The seceretary, however, said the government should address the problems of multiple taxation, inadequate power supply, high rent charges on business premises among others, to allow businesses to thrive.

He said it was important to tackle the problems as it had endangered the business environment, thereby, stunting growth and wealth creation in the state.

Okereke, who is also the Director-General, Enugu State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, advised residents to engage in various businesses, to beat the recession.

“In this period of recession in Nigeria, it is pertinent for people, especially Enugu residents, to embrace business opportunities and possible solutions to challenges confronting businesses provided by the association.

“This will help to promote the well-being of the people in the state by creating enduring wealth and job opportunities for youths,” he said.

The secretary explained that the association consists of 32 business and professional bodies, and was vaimed at creating market-oriented business environment, provide employment and sustainable development.(NAN)

OJI/DUA/MZA
Edited by Dada Ahmed/Maharazu Ahmed

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NAN-HE-2
Mining
Birnin Kebbi, Nov 14, 2016 (NAN) The Kebbi State Government has directed Sole Administrators of the 21 local governments in the state to guard against the activities of illegal miners in their areas.
Alhaji Abubakar Augie, the state Commissioner of Finance, gave the directive in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
Augie said that government was committed to checking the activities of illegal miners and directed the council administrators to mount surveillance in such areas.
As chief security officers of their localities, the council administrators have the responsibility of securing both public and government assets in their areas, Augie said.
“We therefore expect the council administrators to be up and doing in guarding against illegal mining activities” the commissioner said.
He noted that government has commenced formal registration of capable mining entities with a view to ensuring that due processes of mineral exploration were adhered to.
According to him, the state will make maximum utilization of its mineral resources to diversify the economy, generate employment and boost its revenue base.
NAN reports that Kebbi was blessed with various mineral deposits, including Gypsum, Gold, Diamond, Kaoline and Iron Ore.
In 2013, an illegal mining entity was detected at the Garin Auwwal gold mine in of Fakai Local Government Area of the state.(NAN)
BKD/YMU/WOJ
(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)
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NAN-H-44

Employment

Ilorin, Nov 13, 2016 (NAN) The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Sunday in Ilorin launched: “Skill Acquisition, Training and Empowerment Programme (STEP)” to empower 40, 000 youths in the state.

Saraki explained that the programme was aimed at empowering the youth in the state.

The president of the senate stressed the need to arrest the increasing unemployment and youth restiveness across the country for meaningful development to take place.

He said the Senate was considering the use of local fabric “Aso-Oke” as material for school pupils’ caps and cardigans to provide large number of jobs and generate enough revenue.

Saraki said this was in line with his firm belief and advocacy for patronage of home made goods.
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Saraki challenged leaders to develop future oriented technology, training and employment schemes to integrate the younger population into the nation’s economy.

He said young men and women, who had opted for entrepreneurship in the face of unavailability of white collar jobs, should be encouraged and motivated to become employers of labour.

“Under Skills acquisition, Training & Empowerment Programme (STEP), 40,000 youths will be trained over 4 years with advanced skills,” he said.

Also speaking the former Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi described the statistics of 34 million unemployed Youth in the country as alarming, saying that it could retard the nation’s development.

He said those afflicted by unemployment syndrome also lacked direction as to where they are going in the way and manner they scout for jobs.

He said unemployment was one of the biggest challenges facing governments across the globe, adding that the menace was redefining national security, reshaping politics and changing societies.

The National President, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji AbdulHameed Adi, described the empowerment of Saraki as well thought-out and urged other office holders to follow suit.

He said creation of more empowerment schemes will reduce the rate of unemployment, thereby making the army of the beneficiaries to be self-employed.

Adi, who disclosed that IEDPU recently empowered about 250 youth in conjunction with Kwara State Polytechnic, enjoined the beneficiaries of the scheme to take it seriously.

An Associate Professor in the University of Ilorin, Dr Fatai Aremu Ayinde, who also delivered brief lecture at the ceremony, identified goal clarity, desire, belief, knowledge and action as sure ways to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

NAN reports that the programme was attended by the Speaker of the Kwara House of assembly., Dr Ali Ahmad, Members representing the state at the National Assembly among others. (NAN)
BEKI/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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NAF undertakes aerial patrol of Abuja, Kaduna railway
NAN-H-43
By Yahaya Isah
Patrol
Abuja, Nov. 13, 2016 (NAN ) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday said the service had extended its aerial patrol and surveillance of the Abuja-Kaduna highway to the railway.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

Famuyiwa explained that it was part of the ongoing efforts by NAF to protect lives and safeguard critical national assets within the affected areas.

“The latest patrol and surveillance efforts cover both railway terminus in Abuja and Kaduna and its environs using NAF helicopters,” he said.

This, Famuyiwa said, was as a result of increase in crime rate in the North-West of the country towards the end of the year.

“This include: Abuja metropolis, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari road, Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, Falgore Forest as well as Minna and its environ.

“All targeted at checkmating criminal activities such as armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnapping,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) recalls that in August NAF commenced extensive aerial patrol of Abuja-Kaduna highway in order to rid the area of any form of criminal activities. (NAN)
YI/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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Ooni, BoI sign N1bn MoU to empower youth, women

NAN-H-41
Youth
By Elusogbon Dorcas
Ile-ife(Osun), Nov. 13, 2016 (NAN) The House of Oduduwa and the Bank of Industry (BoI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which would provide loans to youths in Ile-Ife, the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi signed for the House of Oduduwa while the Acting Managing Director of ‎BoI, Mr Waheed Olagunju, signed for the financial institution.

Olagunju explained that the initiative was aimed at reducing youth unemployment in Ile-Ife communities.

Among the features of the MoU is the provision of N1 billion loans at an interest rate of 7.5 per cent to the youths.

According to him, substantial part of the loan will be disbursed to women, youth and businesses that show high sustainability.

“We have been partnering with multinational and corporate companies, but today we are collaborating with traditional rulers.

“These are people who have access to the grass root. Partnering with them is a way of ‎democratising entrepreneurship.

“We identify areas in which communities have comparative advantages and invest in them.

“The beneficiaries will be selected using the world best practices. For this edition, about 15 to 20 percent of them will be those who deal in local products.

‎“We are working with the entrepreneurship centre of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

“Applications are expected to be submitted and a joint committee of BoI team, the Oduduwa House and OAU team would access it.

“They are to be monitored by members of the committee and elders, especially the traditional rulers. We estimate that about 5,000 youths will benefit from this,” he said.

On his part, Ooni emphasized the need to get youths empowered, saying that was necessary for the nation’s continuous growth.

He subsequently challenged monarchs across the country to be dedicated to developing youths in their communities.

He said: “I would not mind going hungry to empower the youths. If the youths of today are empowered, many generations will benefit from them and poverty will be abolished.

“Today’s event is another giant step in the history of Ile-Ife. We are molding future of our youths in the areas of agriculture and agro-allied industry.

“I put a challenge to other monarch’s to engage in community partnership.

“We should stop relying on government. There are so many initiatives that community leaders can tap into.

“Community leaders should go into partnership with multinational companies and financial institutions to benefit there people,’’ he said.

The Monarch also said the N1 billion funding would help the youth of the entire House of Oduduwa and beyond.

He said monarchs should think of what they could do for their people and support government in its empowerment moves.

The royal father noted that government at all levels should set up a body that will particularly focus on local contents initiative.

He said the body should also be responsible for quality assurance and‎ control, adding that with this, over 60 per cent contracts will have local input.” Ogunwusi resorted.(NAN)
EDA/OMO/AFA
Edited by Martins Odeh/Felix Ajide
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