Blog

NAN-H-33

Skills

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Abakaliki, Nov.12, 2016 (NAN) The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) have trained 500 Ebonyi youths on skills acquisition.

SMEDAN Director General, Dr Dikko Radda made this known in Abakaliki on Saturday during the closing ceremony of its Entrepreneurship Training Programme.

Radda represented by Mr Monday Ewans, SMEDAN acting Director of Policy, Advocacy and Coordination said that the Bank of Industry was also involved in the programme.

“This vocational, skills training and financing initiative is under the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), a subset of the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP).

“The NISDP was conceptualised to build a bridge over the gap between employers and job seekers in the industrial sector, aimed at reducing youths’ unemployment,” he said.

Also, Mr Jacob Ekhaguere, Enugu Area Manager of ITF, said that Ebonyi was one of the states of the country to benefit from the first batch of the training programme’s 5th phase.

According to him, 500 youths from the state have been successfully trained in various vocations across the three senatorial zones of the state.

“They were trained in Carpentry and Joinery, Tailoring and Weaving, Welding and Fabrication, Shoe and Bag making and Masonry and Block Laying,” he said.

According to him, the youths are trained within a period of three months; I commend the state government for its unrelenting interest in youths’ growth and development.

“The trainees in carpentry and wielding section would assist the government in making chairs, tables among others while those in tailoring would design uniforms for schools and hospitals.

“We wish to remind the government of its promise to train 60 youths in electrical installation, we hope that these trainees would become assets to the state and the country,” he said.

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, represented by Chief Samuel Okoronkwo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, congratulated the trainees for the completion of the programme successful.

“I urge you to efficiently implement what you have learnt during the programme being part of the initiatives to fight unemployment and social vices.

He said that the state government would fulfil its promise to train 60 youths in electrical installation and commended SMEDAN and ITF for a successful programme.

“I urge you to make available, samples of the school seats you have produced so that we would make a case for their usage in our primary and secondary schools.

“The state government has concluded plans to empower 3, 000 youths in the month of November in enhancing entrepreneurship activities for optimum efficiency,” he said.

Miss Ifeoma Uzoma, one of the trainees thanked SMEDAN and ITF for organising the programme and called for financial assistance to start their respective ventures.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trainees used the occasion to showcase various items they produced such as beds, chairs, tables, and stoves among others. (NAN)

RCO/MO

Edited by Morayo Omolade
 

NAN-H-27

Reconstruction

By Moses Kolo

Kafanchan (Kaduna), Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Kaduna State Government on Saturday promised to donate 100 million naira for the reconstruction of the churches and mosques destroyed during the religious crises in Southern Kaduna.

Gov. Nasir el-Rufai made the pledge while speaking at the Historic Unveiling of Public Apology Billboards at Samaru Roundabout in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state.

El-Rufai said the government’s decision to contribute to the reconstruction of worship centres was informed by the desire to consolidate on the peace building process in the area.

He said the Apology Billboards would serve as innovative solution for the people to shun violence and live a life of dignity.

“The writing on the billboards suggests the Kaduna State that once existed without the religious and ethnic divides, which is the Kaduna of our dream,” he said.

The governor said saying sorry was not a sign of weakness, but a mark of maturity and remorse and should be backed with pragmatic actions.

He, therefore, urged the people to support the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), the initiator of the peace process, to help bring about lasting peace in Southern Kaduna.

Also speaking, Mrs Alice Nderitu, Senior Advisor and Lead Mediator of HD, expressed appreciation to the people of Southern Kaduna for choosing the path of peace.

She urged the communities in the area not to allow structures destroyed during the crises to remain in a state of disrepair as they had the capacity to stir up bad memories and breed enmity amongst upcoming generations.

“Don’t leave destroyed structures to over stay as it does not speak well to future generation,” she said.

In his remark, Senator Danjuma Laah, representing Southern Kaduna Senatorial District,  said there was need for the state government  to restore normalcy in the area.

Laah urged the people of the area to shun any act capable of being interpreted as ethno-religious bias and embrace the path of peace.

In his contribution, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jocob Gyang Buba, urged the people to find common ground for coexisting and stressed the need for continued dialogue amongst affected communities.

He urged the traditional institution to always seek ways of ensuring peaceful coexistence among the people, adding: “A society that has no law and order would always have this kind of problems.”

NAN reports that the event was witnessed by some traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, women groups and community-based groups. (NAN)

MGK/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim
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NAN-H-29

Obaseki

Benin, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Saturday in Benin took an oath of office succeeding former Gov.Adams Oshiomhole.

 Obaseki took an oath of office at about 12:30 p.m. administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Cronwel Idahosa.

 Similarly, Obaseki’s Deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu took an oath of office at about 12:00 noon, thereby succeeding Dr Pius Odubu as the state’s new deputy governor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former governor; Oshiomhole presented the handing over note to Obaseki on Friday night.

 Oshiomhole expressed hope that Obaseki would continue with the development strides his government achieved in the past eight years.

Obaseki, All Progressives Congress Candidate (APC), on Sept. 28, won the governorship election by defeating his closest rival and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu. (NAN)
ESI/ESAN/MO

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Edited by Abiodun Esan/Morayo Omolade

NAN-H-28

Project

Damaturu, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) Alhaji Musa Garba, Yobe Coordinator of Fadama lll says additional agricultural project will be implemented in 103 communities to improve the well-being of insurgency victims.

Garba made this known in Damaturu on Saturday when he received the National Fadama lll Desk officer, Mr Ibrahim Alkali.

He said that the Additional Financing ll1 Project would be implemented to promote agricultural activities and food security.

Garba gave the assurance that facilitators in the state project office would provide technical assistance to the benefitting communities.

Alkali, on his part, said that Fadama national office would continue to give its full support to the state in the drive to succeed in agricultural development.

He said that the payment of N20 million counterpart funds by Yobe Government would facilitate the commencement of the project in the state.

Alkali said the measures taken in the Fadama lll project between 2008 and 2013 by the state government that brought about successes would also be used to execute the new projects.

The Fadama desk officer solicited for a cordial working cooperation between the state office and the benefitting communities for the success of the programme. (NAN)

MM/IS/MO

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz/Morayo Omolade

NAN-H-26
Golf
By Vezi Isike
Lagos, Nov. 12, 2016(NAN) A Golf Coach, Nnamdi Chukuka has urged golf enthusiasts to encourage youths to embrace the game at the grassroots to ensure the sustenance of the sport at all levels.

Chukuka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday that such programmes had not been effective in recent times.

According to him, the need for grassroots initiatives is inevitable in ensuring that the sport is played at all levels in spite of its elite nature.

“There is the need to support start up programmes to build a culture to make the sport accessible for everyone and create global opportunities for the younger generation.

“In Nigeria, golf has suffered lack of control and organisation even in the face of the Nigerian Golf Federation.’’

He noted that sponsorship was needful and called on well-meaning golf enthusiasts to support amateur participation through laudable initiatives.

“We shouldn’t always have a culture of refraining from helping the next generation when the need arises.

“You barely find people who will painstakingly assist start-ups but if we are able to portray the effect of their support in a good way, I’m sure they will give their support.

“Look, in other parts of the world, amateur golf is far more controlled and driven to motivate youngsters than our big leagues here.

“This is because these start-ups are given all the assistance they desire to have.’’(NAN)

VOI/MO

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Edited by Morayo Omolade

NAN-H-17
Crowd
Benin, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin was filled to capacity as the new governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, took the oath of office on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the main bowl of the stadium and the outer precincts were filled to capacity during the ceremony.

Among the dignitaries at the occasion were the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Gov. Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun.

Also present were business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the APC governorship candidate in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.

The ceremony also had in attendance a former military head of state, Dr Yakubu Gowon, and ministers including that of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

NAN reports that the inauguration ceremony was also graced by traditional rulers from across the three senatorial districts of the state as well as youths and market women who were all dressed in different attires.

NAN also reports that Obaseki is taking over from Adams Oshiomhole who had served two terms of four years.

Obaseki defeated the candidate of the PDP, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in the Sept. 28 governorship poll in the state. (NAN)
ESI/OJO
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NAN-H-16

Crowd

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Benin, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin, was filled to capacity as the new Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki took oath of office on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the main bowl of the stadium was filled to capacity as well-wishers, associates, friends and family members thronged the stadium to witness the ceremony.

Among the dignitaries, who were at the event, which also marks the end of Adams Oshiomhole’s two terms as governor of the state, was the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

Some others were Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Gov. Mohammed Abdulahi Abubakar of Bauchi State; Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun; and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Ondo, Rotimi Akeredoolu.

Also at the event, were former military Head of State, Dr Yakubu Gowon, and a host of ministers such as that of the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Obaseki, the All Progressives Congress (APC) party candidate in the Sept. 29 gubernatorial election in Edo State, won the two-way contest with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), winning most of the votes.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu of PDP came second in the votes collated and announced by INEC.

After collating the results across the state, INEC said APC won 13 of the state’s 18 local government areas. (NAN)
ESI/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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NAN-H-15

Councils

By Muhammad Baba Busu

Lafia, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Nasarawa State House of Assembly says its three-day tour of the 13 local government areas in the state is aimed at revamping the local government system.

Mr Saidu Galadima-Shafa (APC-Toto/Gadabuke), Chairman Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made this known in Lafia on Saturday.

According to him, the gesture is not to only make the system attractive but to make it workable, attainable and sustainable in the state.

He said that local government system had gone through gradual decay in the past 20 to 30 years.

 According to him, the tour affords the committee a firsthand opportunity to proffer solutions that will restore its lost glory.

“The committee identified corruption, political and administrative problem, unnecessary employment, indiscipline, absenteeism and lack of proper supervision of staff as major problems affecting the local government administration in the state.

“The constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate the activities of the local government system to bring the much needed dividend of democracy to the electorate at the grassroots.

“Our tour of the 13 local government areas of the state is not to witch hunt anybody but to save the system from total collapse.

“Everybody is aware that what is going on in the local government system today makes the system unattractive, hence the need for the government to overhaul it.

“The tour is also to assess the budget performance of the councils, to see things for ourselves and also to advise the operators of the system to initiate projects that have direct bearing on the people.

“Local government Interim Management Committee (IMC) chairmen were advised to explore more ways to increase their internally generated revenue.’’

Galadima-Shafa assured the people that the Assembly would collaborate with the Executive Arm and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges facing the third tier of government to make it sustainable.

However, the IMC chairmen identified lack of funds and irregular payment of salaries as the major problems affecting them and solicited the Assembly support in that direction. (NAN)

BAB/IS/MO/

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz/Morayo Omolade

NAN-H-11
Appointment
By Zubairu Idris
Katsona, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State has approved the appointment of Alhaji Sani Bala Kabomo as the new General- Manager of the Katsina State Radio.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Mr Abdu Labaran in Katsina on Saturday.

Until his new appointment, Kabomo was a Director at the state radio.

He is also the Chief Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Lawal Abbas.

It stated that the appointee succeeds Alhaji Nasiru Kira, who retired a month ago after attaining the mandatory 60 years of age.

The statement further said that Kabomo was born in 1964, in Bakori local government area of the state.

It explained that the new General Manager is a graduate of the Bayero University Kano, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Hausa in 1990.

He also holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication, which he obtained from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.

According to the statement, the appointment is with immediate effect. (NAN)
ZI/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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NAN-H-13

Security

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Benin, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) The vicinity in and around the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, where the new Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, will take his oath of office has been put under tight security and heavy surveillance.

Security personnel drawn from the Police, Army, Department of State Security and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have been positioned in the area to forestall any unforeseen security breach.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the road leading to the stadium and other adjoining streets within the precinct of the stadium are under heavy surveillance by security personnel.

NAN also reports that although the surrounding area of the stadium is heavily guarded, there is free-flow of traffic to and from the stadium due to the presence of the police and officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission.

Former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, whose government was inaugurated on Nov. 12, 2008, handed over the reign to Obaseki last night at a brief ceremony at the Government House in Benin.

NAN reports that Obaseki, who is of the All Progressives Congress, had on Sept, 28, won the Edo governorship election of Sept. 28 by defeating the People Democratic Party candidate, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu. (NAN)
ESI/IS/YEE

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz/Emmanuel Yashim

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