Blog

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HIV/AIDS
Calabar, Nov. 13, 2016 (NAN) The United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) says it plans to screen 5000 persons for HIV/AIDS daily during the December Calabar Carnival.

The Programme Officer of UNPF in Nigeria, Mr Araoyimbo Idowu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Sunday.

Idowu said that UNPF would conduct the tests in collaboration with an NGO, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS).
He said that the fund would organise an awareness campaign tagged “Wise Up Cross River ’’on a daily basis throughout the one month carnival.

“There is going to be some demonstration by youths and various stakeholders during the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.

“In the course of the campaign, there will be various activities including one-on-one counseling, music, graphic designs, tattoo inscription and games.

“Also, many young volunteers and other stakeholders will be on stage to entertain people each day at the condom zone,’’ he said.
The programme officer said that the campaign was aimed at sensitising the youths on the dangers of HIV/AIDS and the need for safe sex.

He said that the programme would also bring together commercial sex workers, students’ organisations and those already living with the virus, to share knowledge on the disease.

He said that the organisation would mobilise youths from the 18 local government areas in the state to participate in the programme.
Idowu also said that condoms would be distributed free during the month-long campaign.

According to him, the UNPF decided to bring the campaign to the carnival because of its popularity and mass participation. (NAN)
BEN/EMO/AMY
Edited by Ejike Obeta and Abdullahi Yusuf

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Commendation

By Victor Okoye

Abuja, Nov. 13, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commended Globacom for its wonderful service in support of Nigerian Football, and says it is open to discussions with other prospective partners in the sector.

This is in a communique signed by Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Spokesman and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Olajire said the decision was reached at an NFF
Executive Committee meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Nov. 11.

Olajire  said the decision followed the expiration of the partnership agreement between the Federation and Globacom Nigeria Limited, and the recommendation of the Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Sub–Committee.

He said the federation commended the company for its wonderful service in support of Nigerian Football for over 10 years, during which it enabled the growth of the game at different sectors and levels.

He however said that it noted that the telecommunication company had failed to reply to an offer of first refusal as contained in the contract over the period stipulated.

He said the board had mandated the Sub–Committee to open discussions with prospective partners in that sector with a view to a new partnership agreement.

Olajire  also said the NFF Executive Committee met to discuss other important issues in Nigeria football and made the following resolutions.

He said the committee approved Dec. 13 for the 72nd Annual General Assembly of Nigeria Football Federation to hold in Lagos.

He said the committee noted the guidelines and time–table released by the NFF Electoral Committee for the conduct of bye-election into the NFF Executive Committee (North East Zone), as a result of the demise of a member from that zone, Alhaji Hussaini Modibbo.

He said it re-affirmed that the bye-election would take place on the floor of the General Assembly on Dec. 13.

He said the federation had challenged the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons and the U20 Women National Team, Falconets, to give their all to do the nation proud in their respective upcoming international competitions.

NAN reports that the Super Falcons are aiming to retain their Women Africa Cup of Nations title in Cameroon (Nov. 19 – Dec. 3) while the Falconets are in Papua New Guinea for the 8th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals (Nov. 13 – Dec. 3). He said it also applauded the efforts of the ad-hoc committee composed by the NFF General Secretary for the resolution of the Nigeria Football Supporters’ Club crisis.

He said that the federation agreed that both parties to the crisis must adhere to the resolutions reached at the meeting.

He said the Executive Committee approved the elevation of Deputy Director (Communications), Mr. Ademola Olajire, to the position of Acting Director (Communications).

In attendance at the meeting were, Mr. Amaju Pinnick (President); Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi (1st Vice President); and Malam Shehu Dikko (2nd Vice President).

Others included, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau (Member); Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member); Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member); Barr. Chris Green (Member); Alhaji Yusuf Fresh (Member); and Otunba Sunday Ajayi (Member).

Also in attendance were, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Member); Alhaji Babagana Kalli (Member); and Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (Secretary). (NAN)
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Sent from my iPhone

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Marathon

By Victor Okoye

Abuja, Nov. 13, 2016 (NAN) Amaju Pinnick, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, has commended the Eagles for a well-deserved victory but warned that the race was still a long way from over.

This is according to a statement by Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Spokesman, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

NAN recalls that Super Eagles’ Victor Moses and Mikel Obi starred as Nigeria moved into full control of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with 3-1 home victory over Algeria in Uyo.

Pinnick celebrated the three precious points but insisted that the Eagles must continue to take the 2018 World Cup qualifying race one match at a time.

“This victory is very, very sweet. But as I said after the match in Zambia, this is a marathon.

“We have now won two matches out of six, and as a result of the draw between Cameroon and Zambia, we are looking very good on top.

“The best approach is to keep focus, to know that we are not there yet but that we surely will be there by putting more effort in each of our next four matches.”

NAN reports that the Super Eagles next play Cameroon home and away within a week in the third quarter of next year, and Pinnick insists those two games will be tough.

“Cameroon have drawn their first two matches of the series and will play us hard in both legs, but we have to play them even harder,” Pinnick said.

Nigeria have recorded six points from two matches, while Cameroon are second on two points after they forced Zambia to a 1-1 draw at home.

Zambia are third on a point ahead of Algeria.

The qualifying tournament will resume in August 2017 with Nigeria hosting Cameroon and Zambia at home to Algeria. (NAN)

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Sent from my iPhone

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Committee

By Zubairu Idris

Katsina, Nov. 12,2016(NAN) Katsina state government on Saturday inaugurated a 15-man Committee on Dialogue and Amnesty to parley with cattle rustlers operating in the forest across the state.

Speaking while inaugurating the committee in Katsina, Gov. Aminu Masari mandated the committee to meet with various gangs of cattle rustlers operating in the state with a view to identifying their grievances, and advice the government, accordingly.

He also asked members of the committee to consult widely with stakeholders and engage religious and traditional leaders in order to convince the rustlers to repent and accept government’s amnesty.

Masari expressed hope that after a ceasefire, the rustlers would submit their weapons and be willing to embrace rehabilitation programme for reintegration into the society.

“The government decides to employ dialogue after it had used force by about 80 per cent and yielded no much positive results.

“The ongoing negotiations are aimed at eradicating the menace completely in all the 10 local government areas affected by the problem,’’ he said.

The governor, therefore, appealed to the cattle rustlers in the state to embrace the government’s amnesty programme.
According to him, the state government will provide social amenities to the repentant rustlers to improve their living conditions.

The committee has Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Mustafa Inuwa, as chairman while representatives of Civil Society Organisations, farmers and pastoralists associations, Katsina and Daura Emirates will serve as members.

Members of the committee also include the State Police Commissioner, Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army, the Director, Department of State Security and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC).

Others are the Commissioners of Justice, Information, Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs.

In his remarks, the chairman of the committee, Alhaji Mustafa Inuwa, assured that the committee would tap from the experience and resourcefulness of its members to deliver on its mandate.(NAN)
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Edited Ismaila Chafe

Eagles victory thrills Mikel,  says scoring goals not easy

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Mikel

Uyo, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel says  he is happy that the teams won against Algeria in the World Cup qualifier played in Uyo on Saturday.

Mikel said this in a post-match news conference after beating the visiting Desert Foxes of Algeria 3-1 in a well attended match played at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

He said that scoring goals in matches was not easy but his team had to employ the tactic of moving the ball around to make it difficult for the opponents to catch up with them.

Mikel admitted that Algerian played “a nice game” but the Eagles utilized all their chances to win the match.

He said he did not know why his coach at English Premier league club, Chelsea, Antonio Conte was not fielding in matches.

“I try to make myself fit, I work very hard and I feed well.

“I have been playing for Chelsea Club for 11 years, well let’s see what happens by January next year,” Obi said.

Also speaking in the post match briefing, the Algerian captain , Carl Medjani, admitted that his team lost some scoring chances during the match against the Super Eagles in Uyo.

Medjani said that the Algerians could still qualify for the world cup, adding that the team would play better in their subsequent matches.

“We are very disappointed. We have to win the remaining games and Nigeria could lose,” Medjani.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was watched by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Senate Minority Leader, Chief Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo.

Others included former Super Eagles skipper, Jay Jay Austin Okocha; a former Eagles mid-fielder, Friday Ekpo among other fans. (NAN)

IE/BB/DOE/YAZ

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Ecstasy

By Victor Okoye

Abuja , Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) Sports enthusiasts on Saturday in Abuja expressed their delight over the Super Eagles victory against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Victor Moses’ brace and a goal from Captain Mikel Obi was all it took for Nigeria to claim a resounding victory over their Algerian counterparts.

The Algerians, however, got a consolation goal through Nabil Bentaleb for a 3-1 score line.

A cross section of sports enthusiasts, who spoke to NAN, said the result over the Algerians was ‘fantastically surprising’, while others noted that the team was still a work in progress.

Bitrus Bewarang, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, said it was a very good performance, adding that the score line was the ‘icing on the cake’.

“Good performance, good result, six points in the kitty,” he said.

Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, Nigeria Coaches Association, FCT Chapter said it was a blend of youthfulness and experience that did the magic.

“There is hunger and fire in the youth, while the determination to keep their shirts by the old brigade is bringing the best out of the players.

“I predicted a 1-0, 2-1 victory for the Eagles but was pleasantly surprised to see a 3-1 score at the end. It could have been even more.

“Over all the boys did well, but there are still areas that need to be perfected, especially at the defence department,” he said.

Patrick Ngwaogu, the Vice Chairman, FCT Football Association said it was a wonderful performance by the team, adding however that the team made some costly mistakes but were lucky not to have been punished.

“Good game, good pace, but the midfield went to sleep on several occasions, thereby exposing the defence at will.

“The Algerians would have been three goals up in the first half if they were clinical in front of goal,” he said.

Usman Ilerika, the Secretary, FCT FA noted that the boys gave a good account of themselves, adding that the feat was a sign of betters things to come out from the team.

“The best is yet to come, by the time proper understanding comes into the team, then we will be counting more than three goals,” he said.

Mansur Abdullahi, Coach of Warri Wolves FC said the team was in a good shape, adding that Coach Gernot Rohr must be given credit for the good job done so far.

“We must recognise the good job done by Rohr in eliminating the team’s weak points and always finding solutions to problems, like he did by playing Omeruo at right-back position today.

“He is a master tactician and his ability to read games is phenomenal.

“He pulled out Alex Iwobi when it became clear he had lost steam, and also brought on Wilfred Ndidi who slotted in well for Mikel.

“I think the team will get even better by next game,” he said. (NAN)

VO/YAZ

Edited by Yusuf Zango

World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria consolidates group leadership

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By Isaiah Ekah

Football

Uyo, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for Russia 2018 World Cup was rekindled Saturday in Uyo when the Super Eagles defeated the Desert Foxes of Algeria 3-1at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Chelsea of England’s winger, Victor Moses scored a brace for the Eagles in the 25^th  minute and at the injury time while his team mate in the English Premier League, John Obi Mikel also scored in the 41^st minute.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Algeria’s Nabil Bentaleb scored for the visitors in the 67^th minute outside the 18 yards.

Eagles Manager,  Gernot Rohr, told sports journalists at a post-match briefing that although Nigeria won the match, “it was a difficult game.

He said: “We made a very good first half just like we did in Ndola, Zambia, but the visitors got pushing in the second half. We suffered so much in the beginning of the second half.

“The third goal came through a professional touch. It is not finished. It is a long way to go. We still have games against Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia.’’

He also had praises for the Super Eagles goal-keeper Daniel Akeyi saying he had a good game even though he could not stop Bentaleb’s wonderful shot.

“What is important is the team. We had a mixture of experienced and young players,’’ he said.

He, however, said that he had problems with the  Eagles defense which he would work hard to improve upon.

Similarly, Algerian Coach, Georges Leekens, hired about two weeks ago by the Fennecs, said the match was balanced and tight.

“My team created lots of chances but could not utilise them. We have not given up in the group. We still have opportunities in the remaining matches to qualify,” he said. (NAN)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Mike Mbonye

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Transparency

By Adekunle Williams/Solomon Asowata

Lagos, Nov.12, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government on Saturday assured aviation stakeholders that it would ensure transparency in the planned concession of airports and creation of a new national carrier for the country.

The Minister of State, Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, gave the assurance at the Second Aviation Stakeholders’ Forum in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government had indicated interest to concession airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt in order to increase their capacity and efficiency.

Sirika disclosed that transaction advisers that would be saddled with coordinating both projects would be announced by the government within the next two weeks.

He reaffirmed that concession was not tantamount to privatisation or outright sale, explaining that the facilities involved in the exercise remained the property of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“Public-Private-Partnership and concession in the airports have never been done in a structured and transparent manner.

The contracts are not properly prepared, no risk analysis and no financial models. Consequently, it is not surprising that they ended in litigation.

“I want to assure stakeholders that we will be transparent and the concession is in the best interest of the country,” he said.

According to Sirika, Nigeria with a population of 180 million people has the capacity to become an aviation hub with implementation of right policies and investment on airports infrastructure and navigational aids.

“Nigeria is growing and the facility is not adequate so the airports must be improved upon.

“The Federal Ministry of Transport remains committed to making air transportation the preferred and safest means of transportation, creating a self-sustaining business model and driving socio-economic growth in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the government was committed to protecting the jobs of Nigerians in the aviation sector, adding that the era of airlines giving preferences to expatriates would soon be over.

“We will ensure that Nigerians are given priority in getting jobs in the aviation sector.

“We will give adequate time for the airlines to prepare themselves but for sure, we will ensure that it happens soonest,’’ Sirika added.

He said that the industry was facing challenges such as scarcity of foreign exchange and aviation fuel and that the government had been working assiduously to tackle them.

He also disclosed that the government intended to strengthen security at the airport and that approval had been given to the ministry to properly train and arm aviation security personnel. (NAN)

WAC/ASO/OPI/OPI

Edited by Olisa Ifeajika

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Diagnosis

By Talatu Maiwada

Abuja, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) A Consultant Paediatrician at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Kunle Otuneye, on Saturday said early diagnosis of pneumonia was crucial in preventing death of children under five years.

Otuneye said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja to commemorate the World Pneumonia Day.

He explained that pneumonia was an acute respiratory infection that affected the lungs, making breathing difficult and painful.

He said that one in five children died globally from pneumonia every year, adding that it was a preventable and treatable illness with improved sanitation, vaccines and antibiotics.

“Pneumonia is one of the biggest killer-diseases of children under five years globally.

“Early diagnosis, intervention and awareness to protect, prevent and treat pneumonia is however important in combating the deadly infection.

“Saving children from pneumonia requires urgent attention and it includes recognising the danger signs such as cough and difficulty in breathing and swallowing,’’ he said.

He stressed that the impact of pneumonia was most potent among the rural communities, but could be prevented with simple interventions.

Otuneye said the treatment of pneumonia should be focused on ensuring that every sick child had access to right care from community-based health workers and in all health facilities.

He said that it was important to keep children away from anyone presented with the symptoms of pneumonia, which included running nose, sore throat, cough and respiratory infection.

He, however, stated that there were effective vaccines against the two most common causes of pneumonia, which include Haemophilus Influenzae type B and Streptococcus Pneumonia.

The consultant advised nursing mothers to breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months to help in protecting the children from pneumonia and other infectious diseases.

He added that children and adults should be immunised against the deadly disease as well as consult their doctors during any outbreak of the infection.

Otuneye listed good nutrition, hand washing, sanitation, hygiene, cross ventilation in homes, environment free of pollution and fumes as factors that could help in preventing pneumonia in adults and children.

NAN reports that WHO and UNICEF integrated global action plan for pneumonia and diarrhea aims to accelerate pneumonia control with a combination of interventions to protect, prevent, and treat pneumonia in children.

The report says the action plan includes promoting exclusive breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding, with vaccinations, hand washing with soap and reducing household air pollution.

NAN reports that World Pneumonia Day is celebrated on Nov. 12 every year. (NAN)

TIM/OPI/OPI

Edited by Olisa Ifeajika

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Inauguration

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Benin, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has pledged to provide good leadership that would ensure improved infrastructure development, industrial growth and job creation in the state.

He made the pledge in his address to Edo people immediately after his inauguration as governor of the state in Benin on Saturday.

Obaseki, who was sworn-in along with the Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, said his administration would be committed to improved welfare of the citizens.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he defeated his opponent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, at the Sept. 28 governorship election.

The governor promised to complete all ongoing projects in the state and called for the support of the people to enable his administration to succeed.

He said that he utilise the agricultural potential of the state to improve on the living standard of the people, and promised to build on the legacies of his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.

“I am humbled and proud of succeeding a governor, who in the last eight years provided dedicated, fearless, inspired leadership that has transformed our state in ways people considered impossible.

“Taking the reign of office from my leader and mentor, Adams Oshiomhole is an honour that I will always treasure. I will always respect and hold dear to my heart, his love, confidence, counselling and inspiration.

“I want to thank you Comrade Governor, in the presence of all and before the whole world, for being the leader that you have been for the people of Edo.

“I want to assure you that as we take over today from where you stopped, we have resolved to build on your legacy.

“We need to strengthen and expand the infrastructure that has been established so that we can have a foundation on which to build a new Edo of our passionate dream.

“We will need to build and sustain a robust human intellectual, philosophical and even metaphysical infrastructure, because without them, it is virtually impossible to attain significant progress,’’ he said.

Obaseki reaffirmed that his mission was to achieve prosperity for Edo people by progressing the work previous administrations.

According to him, as we begin our journey to build a new Edo, I want to repeat and affirm that promise; I have pledged to create 200,000 jobs in the next four years.

“We will achieve this by leveraging on our comparative advantages and our key factor endowments in production and commerce.

“Our key factors will focus on commerce and agro business value chains like the entrepreneurship, investment in industries, technical and vocational skills.

“We will also fill all vacancies in the civil service and optimize job creation potential in infrastructural development.

“Agriculture is a major focus in our socio-economic programme because of its strategic importance in many areas, from food sufficiency to rural development, economic development, job creation and critical revenue generation.

“For us, we will make agriculture a business. Many Edo people will generate wealth by keying into our value chain development of oil palm, cassava, grains, rubber, fruits and vegetables,’’ he said.

The governor thanked God “for seeing us through a very peaceful election where the will of the people prevailed’’. (NAN)

ESI/DE/OPI

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Olisa Ifeajika