Blog

NAN-H-106

Atiku

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Abuja, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday advised his associates not to take paid advertorials in the media to congratulate him on his 70^th birth anniversary.

Instead, he said in a statement in Abuja by his media office, such money should be channelled to Internally Displace Persons (IDPs) camps in the North-East.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former vice president would turn 70 on Nov. 25.

Besides the IDPs camps, Atiku said that such resources should also be spent to other charitable causes.

He urged his friends to celebrate him “in the service of humanity instead of devoting money to adulatory and self-glorifying advert messages’’.

 “God has been wonderfully kind to him for sustaining his life and keeping him in good health to witness yet another birthday event.

“Giving back to humanity has been his passion; his friends and associates can honour him better if they spend their resources on charitable causes to celebrate his special day,’’ the statement said.

It added that the former president`s birthday, besides being a special day to him, was one for reflection, thanksgiving, prayers and inestimable gratitude to God.

The statement quoted him as saying “touching lives of others is the best expression of gratitude to God for His boundless favours and blessings.

“I will forever cherish your prayers for more years in good health to enable me undertake whatever assignment God and humanity have set for me”. (NAN)

EEM/OPI/OPI

Edited by Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-H-80

Suspects
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday said it had concluded arrangements to arraign four suspected members of an international drug trafficking syndicate.

The syndicate, according to a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, specialised in smuggling narcotic drugs with fake security escort vehicles with siren.

“All four defendants will appear before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo, on Friday, Nov. 11.

“Officers attached to the Edo Command intercepted the convoy of a Ford pickup and a Toyota Tundra while conveying 34.2kg of methamphetamine from Lagos.

“The substance that tested positive for methamphetamine was concealed in cartons containing computer accessories.

“The estimated street value of the drug in Europe and Asia is about 24 million dollars,’’ he said.

Ofoyeju said it was the largest seizure of methamphetamine by the state command.

“The arrest was made along Lagos-Benin Bypass.

“The drug tested positive for methamphetamine, weighed 34.2kg and all is now set for the defendants to be arraigned in court.

“The agency is pressing a four-count charge against the defendants,’’ he said.

Ofoyeju quoted the Chairman of the Agency, Mr Muhammad Abdallah, as saying that the case would be diligently prosecuted.

He also quoted Abdallah as saying that investigation was still ongoing to establish possible links with drug trafficking organisation outside the country.

“The agency will diligently pursue this case to a logical end.

“The success of the agency in the dismantling of clandestine laboratories for methamphetamine production in the country must transcend shutting down of production cites to judicial victories.

“We shall also monitor every hint and subject every member of the suspected drug syndicate to justice.

“Nigeria’s capacity and tenacity that resulted in the discovery of eleven methamphetamine production laboratories in the past five years shall be sustained.

“The triumph over drug trafficking syndicates is a victory for all,” he said.

Abdallah, according to the statement, reiterated his call for stakeholders to support the Agency in the dismantling drug trafficking syndicates in the country. (NAN)

HOB/IKU/SOA
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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Oluwole Sogunle

Jigawa Govt. spends N439m on farm cluster scheme

NAN-AE-12
Agriculture
By Rabiu Sani Ali
Hadejia (Jigawa), Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The Jigawa State Government said on Thursday that it had spent N439 million on farm cluster scheme to accelerate rice production in the state.

Gov Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa said this at the distribution of farm inputs to farmers under the Anchor Borrower Initiative for rice and wheat cultivation in Hadejia.

Abubakar said that some 15, 000 farmer groups were registered in 287 clusters.

He said that the government had distributed fertiliser, seeds and farm inputs to the farmers during the last cropping season.

Abubakar disclosed that some 15, 000 hectares of land were cultivated; adding that about 30 groups had repaid N57 million loan given to them.

The governor explained that additional clusters would be established to enhance participation in the programme.

“We are geared toward creating an enabling environment to encourage outgrower scheme and promote financial discipline in farm cluster programme,” he said.

The governor said that the state government had adopted practical measures to increase yield production per hectare from 2.5 to 8 tonnes.

Abubakar said that the state planned to cultivate 1.2 million tonnes of rice and also earmarked 50, 000 hectares for wheat cultivation in 2017 farming season.

The governor commended the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria over the Anchor Borrower programme.

In his remark, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture, said the Federal Government had initiated various programmes to transform agriculture.

Ogbeh said the measure was imperative to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.

Also commenting, the Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emiefele, pledged support to the state government to ensure sustainability of programme.

NAN reports that some of the farming tools distributed included 4,325 manual sprayers, 200 thrashers, 30 mobile mechanic workshops, 1, 000 water pumps, 200 milling machines and 529 mini harvesters. (NAN)
RSA/YMU/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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NAN-H-103
Convocation
By Modupe Seriboh
Ibadan, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) Seventeen out of 493 graduating students of Lead City University, Ibadan, emerged in the first class category at the institution’s ninth convocation ceremony on Thursday.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olufemi Onabajo, who disclosed this at the ceremony, also said 118 emerged in the 2nd Class Upper category while 242 had second class lower division.

He said another 82 had third class while two had pass degree.

The vice chancellor said the university’s programmes had increased to 39  from its initial 12, cutting across five faculties and the School of Postgraduate Studies on full time mode.

He added that eight undergraduate programmes were also on part-time mode.

Onabajo  said that the university would continue to remain focused on research and development.

The university, he said, had introduced Information Communication Technology into every programme of the university to ensure graduates were more competitive in the employment market.

He urged the graduands to use the skills acquired from the institution to generate employment and also become employers of labour.

“We have instilled in you courage and boldness. You have been taught never to be overwhelmed by any situation, no matter how intimidating it appears, ” he said.

In his remarks the Chancellor of the university, Prof. Gabriel Ogunmola, urged the graduands to continue to support the growth  of the nation and mankind.

“There is hope in each and every one of you and about Nigeria  despite all of our many challenges.

“It is on the solid strength of your character and a high sense of responsibility that Nigeria will progress and become a prosperous and developed nation, ” he said.

An award of honorary degree of Performing Arts was conferred on Chief Adeniyi Adegeye, also known as King Sunny Ade,  while Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun, an independent scholar, bagged another honorary degree. (NAN)
MAM/JEO/OJO
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(Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka/Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-H-104

Election

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) Rev. Samson Ayokunle, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has congratulated the government and the people of the United States of America on the just concluded general elections.

Ayokunle in a statement in Abuja on Thursday also congratulated the President-elect, Donald Trump on his unprecedented victory.

CAN prays for divine guidance for Trump and tasks him to address all the ungodly practices and social ills associated with the United States.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria, the umbrella body for all Christians in Nigeria hereby congratulates the winner of the just concluded presidential election in the United States of America, Mr Donald Trump.

“We pray for him for God’s guidance in leading the great nation of America.

“It is our desire that he would use his God-given executive position to address the extreme nominalism, moral breakdown and police racial brutality that are fast manifesting in the United States of America.

“The gun culture is another evil requiring the urgent attention of this soon to be inaugurated administration together with sodomic tendencies in public life.’’

The CAN president lamented on how the country that was regarded as God’s own descended into a state of decadence in the name of civilisation.

He urged the new president–elect to restore the lost glory of the country.

“The US, known as “God’s own country’’ should not descend into becoming the headquarters of satanic activities in the guise of embracing humanism or enforcing the principle of individual liberty.

“Humans must not be allowed to become god to themselves.

“We equally urge the president-elect to love all nations and relate cordially with them in order to engender world peace.

“We as well urge him to forget the bitterness of the campaign period and close ranks with the opposition for the progress of American nation.’’

Ayokunle acknowledged the peaceful atmosphere of the US while the election lasted, especially the absence of all electoral malpractices that were identified with elections in Africa.

“Americans had decided through their votes and thus made all of us proud by the peaceful way the election went.

“There was no police intimidation of voters neither was there any over-zealous and desperate politician attempting to rig election.

“The way the election was won and defeat conceded was a great lesson to politicians in Africa.’’  (NAN)
OYS/MO/
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Edited by Morayo Omolade

NAN-H-78

Drones

By Solomon Asowata/Adekunle Williams

Lagos, Nov.10, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will on Nov. 21, hold a stakeholders’ meeting to articulate the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/ Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in the Nigerian Airspace.

The NCAA, in a statement by its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye, on Thursday in Lagos, said the meeting was being organised in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

It said the meeting, scheduled to hold in Abuja, was a mandatory exercise for all stakeholders in the interest of safer skies.

The regulatory body noted that there had been lots of interest shown for the civil use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) otherwise known as drones in the country.

According to the statement, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is yet to publish Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as far as its certification and operations are concerned.

“The NCAA has put in place the Regulations/Advisory Circular for certification and operation for the use of civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/ Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in the Nigerian Airspace, through Nig CARs (Part 8.8.1.33) and implementing Standards.

“Owing to the importance attached to this meeting, participants will be drawn from the Military, Federal Ministry of Aviation and its Parastatals/Agencies,  Flying Clubs, Tour Operators, Media Practitioners (Aviation Press Corps), neighbouring African countries.

“Others are the film making industry (Nollywood), National Assembly (Aviation Committees) and Sports Organisations,” it said.

The NCAA said discussions would centre on Safety Implications, Risk Assessment, Oversight, Regulations and Certification.

It said stakeholders meeting had become very necessary since the civil operation of RPA/UAV would require approval/permit from the NCAA and ONSA. (NAN)

WAC/ASO/IKU/SOA
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Edited by Tayo Ikujuni/Oluwole Sogunle

NAN-HG-13
Sex
By Tinuade Adeshiyan
Lagos,Nov.10,2016(NAN) Two marriage counsellors on Wednesday in Lagos advised couples to always engage in steady sex  saying it most time saves the marriage from collapse.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) that healthy sex life is one of the most important factors in a thriving and successful marriage.

Mrs Ola Madari, the President of Family Victory Marriage Counselling Home in Lagos, said constant love making in marriage would make it to remain steady, longer and happier.

“One of the major reasons for many marriage break-up  is because there was no mutual relationship which originate through constant love making.

“Once the sex goes, so many other problems follow and it has also been proven that couples  will live and stay longer  if they have steady sex.

“Not only does sex  brings couple together, it also brings about  a deeper level of communication that they don’t have with any other person,” she said.

Madari, however, said that couples engagement in constant love making will create passion and a unique connection that can settle any differences within marriage.

Another marriage counsellor, Mr John Ikugbonmire, also advocates for constant sex within marriage.

” So many marriages were at the verge of collapse because of sex gap.

” Some couples engage in infidelity act simply because the other partner does not want to have or rejects love making advances.

“Intimacy and physical touch creates passion and bond, it also helps couple thinks that they are more than friend.

“This unique connection that lovers have creates vibrancy, passion and romance between the two of them that cannot be created in  any way other than sexually.

“What is more important is that sex becomes an intimate and connecting experience for couple

“Lack of constant sex in some cases pushes either of the partner to commit adultery or fornication,while sex is a recipe for great marriage, couples should satisfy each other sexually,” Ikugbonmire said.

They both advised that couples should not just have constant sex but should be able to sexually satisfy each other. (NAN)

TAL/YAZ
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NAN-DS-8
Army
Yola, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Army is to organise security seminar for media executives in the North East  in an effort to promote collaboration between the military and the media in the ongoing fight against insurgency.

The Acting Director Information, Defence Headquarters, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, made this known on Thursday in Yola during a meeting with media executives.

Abubakar called for more collaboration between the media and military, particularly now that the fight was at its last lap.

He said “we appreciate the critical role of the media  in this fight and seek for more collaboration, partnership and understanding.

“As we all know, security requires everybody’s support; we are in a national crisis and need to work together.”

The director, who reiterated the commitment of the military to continue to operate according to
rules of engagement, said that currently, the military were operating in 16 places across the country to contain security threats.

He explained that some of the operations were jointly conducted with other security agencies.

The defence spokesman announced plans by the military to launch “Operation Safe Corridor” for the rehabilitation of repentant Boko Haram members to make them useful to themselves, the society and Nigeria as a whole.

He said “we also have ‘Operation Accord’ to check the problem of criminal herdsmen.”

The Adamawa Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Malam Ahmad Sajoh, lauded the move by the military for more partnership with the media.

He added that the Adamawa Government on its part had conducted series of security enlightenment to mobilise the people on security consciousness and the need for maximum support to the military and other security agencies.

Sajoh urged the military to continue to reach out for the support of the public on internal security challenges such as Boko Haram.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that highlights of the meeting was the presentation of enlightenment materials by the defence spokesman for the media in Adamawa.

The Adamawa commissioner for information also presented the spokesman with similar materials produced by Adamawa Government as part of its contribution to security awareness in the state. (NAN )
YMU/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NAN-H-93
SUBEB
By Benson Ezugwu
Calabar, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The Cross River Universal Basic Education Board said on Thursday that it was committed to improving the quality of basic education.

Its Chairman, Dr Stephen Odey, said at a two-day capacity building workshop in Calabar that the workshop was aimed at building a formidable team, where everyone would contribute their quota, for the overall good of the board and basic education.

Odey, who was represented by Mr Cyril Itam, the Secretary of the board, said the workshop on Work Ethics and Organisational Productivity, was organised in partnership with MicroAdyears International.

In his presentation, Dr Eni Alobo, the facilitator of the workshop, said that every employee of the board was mandated to sustain its mission and vision.

Alobo said that employers and employees should work in harmony to ensure that the organisation achieved its goals and aspirations.

He said that achieving such goals would make positive impact on the basic education sector.

He urged the staff of the board to do their duties in line with its obligations, noting that education was the bedrock of development as well as the best legacy to bequeath the next generation. (NAN)
BEN/VIV/MVO
(Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Mbadiwe Okwor)

NAN-HE-8

Shares

Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lagos, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria equity market on Thursday appreciated marginally by 0.18 per cent to halt the six-day consecutive downward trend.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the All-Share Index improved marginally by 48.06 points or 0.18 per cent to close at 26,221.75 compared with 26,173.69 recorded on Wednesday.

Also, the market capitalisation which opened at N9.010 trillion inched N18 billion or 0.18 per cent to close at N9.029 trillion.

NAN reports that Guaranty Trust Bank recorded the highest price gain to lead the gainers’ table, gaining 96k to close at N21.61 per share.

International Breweries followed with a gain of 53k to close at N19.53 and Zenith International Bank gained 49k to close at N14.70 per share.

Access Bank appreciated by 15k to close at N5.30, while Air Service and Logistics grew by 13k to close at N2.90 per share.

On the other hand, Total led the laggards’ table with a loss of N25.88 to close at N290 per share.

Forte Oil trailed with a loss of N9.67 to close at N104.05 and Mobil Oil lost N4.99 to close at N185.01 per share.

Nigerian Breweries dipped N1.50 to close at N142, while Cadbury depreciated by N1.25 to close at N11.70 per share.

NAN also reports that a total of 137.64 million shares valued at N990.95 million were exchanged by investors in 3,283 deals.

This was in contrast with 146.11 million shares worth N1.04 billion traded in 3.031 deals on Wednesday.

Sterling Bank was investors delight with an exchange of 27.69 million shares valued at N22.15 million.

Chams accounted for 25.10 million shares worth N12.55 million and GT Bank sold 16.95 million shares valued at N366.65 million.

Access Bank transacted 11.28 million shares worth N60.17 million, while Zenith traded 9.70 million shares valued at N144.82 million. (NAN)
JNC/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle