Blog

UN advocates more sensitisation on gender-related issues
NAN-H-70
Gender
By Martha Agas
Jos, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The United Nations Media Network says it is intensifying sensitisation efforts

toward raising public awareness on gender-equality and the need for more women participation in

peace building processes.

Miss Oluwatosin Akingbulu, the UN Communications Consultant on Women Equality, told the

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Jos on Thursday that the sensitisation would focus on gender-related

provisions of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR)1325.

“UNSCR 1325 addresses not only the inordinate impact of war on women, but also the pivotal role women

should, and do play in conflict management, conflict resolution, and sustainable peace,” she explained.

The official said that the world body had since kicked off such sensitisation efforts in Adamawa,

Gombe, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in its efforts to encourage those authority

to engage more women in peace and security structures.

He said that the network had intensified its campaigns via periodic publication of women-related news

in newspapers, radio programmes and news features.

She said that the network had also embarked on advocacy visits to key stakeholders, at the states and national

levels, on peace and security issues and had selected six zonal coordinators for Plateau, Adamawa,

Gombe, Bauchi, Borno and the FCT to constantly assess women’s involvements.

NAN reports that the UN recently organised a capacity building for northern women journalists to enlighten

them on gender-sensitive reporting, strategic advocacy and the role of the media in promoting the

engagement of more women to participate in peace and security building processes. (NAN)
MAA/ETS

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Edited by Martha Agas and Ephraims Sheyin.

NAN-S-11
Cricket
Cape Town, Nov. 10, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Rangana Herath grabbed Zimbabwe’s final three wickets to return figures of 8-63 as Sri Lanka wasted little time in finishing off the hosts.

This happened on the final morning of the second test at the Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

The home side, teetering on 180 for seven overnight, survived 13 overs before being bowled out for 233 as Sri Lanka won by 257 runs, to complete a sweep of the two-match series.

Herath, standing in as captain for the injury-hit Sri Lankan side, finished with 13 wickets in the match as he fully exploited a turning surface to dominate the test with his spin.

Craig Ervine, the only home player to provide any significant resistance was first out on Thursday.

He added seven runs to his overnight 65 before a sharp catch from Dhananjaya de Silva at slip gave Herath his first wicket of the morning.

Carl Mumba departed for one run soon after and Chris Mpofu was the last wicket to fall, trapped leg before for a quick-fire 20.

Sri Lanka’s victory proved a lot easier than their success in last week’s first test when they almost ran out of overs before eventually dismissing Zimbabwe to win by 225 runs.

The two sides will next be joined by the West Indies for a triangular one-day international series in Zimbabwe, which starts in Harare on Monday. (Reuters/NAN)
ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)

Expert says pneumonia biggest killer of under-5 children globally

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Pneumonia
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) Dr Safiya Ojo, a General Physician at the Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, on Thursday said that Pneumonia was one of the biggest killer diseases of children under age five globally.

Ojo disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, ahead of the World Pneumonia Day 2016, scheduled for Nov. 12.

She explained that nearly one in five children die globally from pneumonia every year, adding that it is a preventable and treatable illness with improved sanitation, vaccines and antibiotic treatment.

NAN reports that Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia released by WHO and UNICEF says globally, pneumonia sickens 155 million children under five and kills 1.6 million each year.

This makes pneumonia the number one killer of children under five, claiming more young lives than AIDS, malaria and measles.

The report added that one million children’s lives could be saved every year if prevention and treatment interventions for pneumonia were widely introduced in the world’s poorest countries.

Ojo further explained that pneumonia was an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs, making breathing painful and limiting oxygen intake.

“Pneumonia is a viral infection of the lungs which may occur after having cold or flu, causing difficulty in breathing.

“The risk factors include cigarettes smoking, respiratory infection, chronic lung disease or diabetes, among others.

“To prevent pneumonia, it is important to keep our environment clean while maintaining personal hygiene, avoid smoking to prevent the spread of the viruses,’’ Ojo said.

She listed cough, fever, shortness of breath and cold, difficulty swallowing as some of the common symptoms of the infection.

The physician said the symptoms could be mild or severe depending on the health condition and age of the patient.

Ojo said that there are effective vaccines against the two most common causes of pneumonia, which include Haemophilus influenzae type B and Streptococcus pneumonia.

She advised both children and adults to be immunised against the deadly disease as well as consult their doctors during any outbreak of the infection.

NAN reports that this year’s event has “Innovate to End Child Pneumonia’’ as its theme.

The day is celebrated to help bring the health crisis to public attention while encouraging policy makers and health professionals combat the disease. (NAN)
TIM/JPE/MST
Edited by Joseph Edeh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-H-72
Patronage
By Adekunle Williams/Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) Indigenous aircraft lessors on Thursday decried the low patronage of their services by airline operators in the country.

Mr Emmanuel Kalu, Managing Director, Adonai Aircraft, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that many aircraft leasing companies might go out of business soon unless the trend was reversed.

“We are an integral part of the aviation industry. We are involved in civil aviation aircraft and helicopter sales, aircraft acquisitions, engines, spare parts supply and aviation project financing.

“One of the greatest problems we have in Nigeria is that people don’t really value the services of indigenous aircraft leasing companies.

“It is wrong for them to bye-pass us here and go overseas or around Africa for services that can be offered by us.

“Often times, they come back with bad news that they lost their money in the transactions instead of using professionals that are here to show them the way,’’ Kalu said.

He noted that indigenous service providers had the capacity to deliver any aircraft of the lessee’s choice approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in its Airline Operating Certificate.

“Even if the lessees don’t have the money, we can bring in our partners that will fund the acquisition of the aircraft and still give them operational funds.

“As it stands, other countries are calling for our services and that is why it is very unfortunate that we are getting low patronage here in Nigeria.

“These are the things that lessees are missing out from but we want things to change,’’ the aeronautical engineer said.

He said the lessors would soon form a union; Association of Aircraft Aquisition Brokers, which would be an umbrella body to push for a legislation at the National Assembly to protect their interest.

According to him, the legislation will ensure that airline operators in Nigeria will begin to look inward to see the benefit of working with indigenous lessors.

Kalu also emphasised the need for airlines to carry out the necessary periodic maintenance checks on aircraft in their fleet.

“The aviation sector is a highly regulated sector and airlines cannot afford mistakes. It is safety first and they cannot toy with that.

“In aircraft maintenance, all the spare parts have limited time of usage.

“So, when it is the time to change even a nut, you have to change it. If you fail to do that then you are operating in a risky manner.

“To sum it up, when aircraft maintenance is ignored or excused, you are putting the lives of our dear country people in danger,’’ he added. (NAN)
WAC/ASO/ENN/PDE
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

Ex-CJN urges constitutional amendment to narrow appeals to S/Court

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Amendment

By Martins Odeh

Abuja, Nov.10, 2016 (NAN) The former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on Thursday called for a constitutional amendment to reduce appeals to the Supreme Court.

The immediate past CJN made the call in his speech during a valedictory session organised for his exit from the bench.

Mohammed said the volume of appeals filed in the apex court was overwhelming.

“Permit me to re-iterate my comments made during the opening of the 2016-2017 Legal Year when I opined that our Supreme Court is arguably the most overworked in the World.

“In the 2014-2015 Legal Year, the Supreme Court heard 1578 matters, consisting of 1000 motions and 569 substantive appeals, delivering 262 judgments.

“In 2015-2016 Legal Year, the court heard 1489 matters, consisting of 908 motions and 581 substantive appeals, delivering 268 judgments in that period,’’ he said.

He further said a total of 500 new appeals were filed in the Registry of the court in the 2015-2016 legal year.

“This figure shows that nearly ten appeals were filed per week, most of which were interlocutory in nature.

“Similarly, there were more than 5,000 outstanding appeals some of which have become academic in nature.

“The log-jams are the result of a free-for-all appeals process, which has been given the imprimatur of our constitution. It was obvious that urgent action was required,’’ he said.

As an interim measure, the out-gone CJN said the court had taken measure to constitute a second panel to sit on Wednesdays in-addition to the normal sitting in Chamber slated for the same days.

“This additional Panel was a first in the history of the court and has certainly had a significant impact on the case disposal rate of the court.

“I will not take full credit for this success, as My Brother Justices rose to the challenge, but I recognise that this was a necessary response to the yearnings of all Nigerians for justice,’’ Mohammed said.

Besides, Mohammed said the country owed the judiciary a debt of gratitude for standing firm in the face of contrary winds that threatened to blow Nigeria’s democracy off course.

“During the run up to the 2015 elections, our judicial officers withstood immense pressure in order to guarantee a level playing field and smooth transition of government.

“This ensured that we were speared a re-enactment of the June 12 saga. In fact, the courts, thus securing the electoral process, disallowed so many frivolous matters aimed at truncating the electoral process.

“I must particularly commend the Supreme Court for refusing to be intimidated or influenced by any candidates or political parties, and I make no apologies for the firm stand that we took in our decisions,’’ he said.

On alleged corruption rocking the Judiciary, Mohammed said he had tried to use the power bestowed on him as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to restore the integrity of the judiciary.

“As Chairman of the National Judicial Council, I was greatly concerned about the integrity of our Judicial Institution.

“I was particularly keen to ensure that the judiciary was properly positioned, both institutionally and ethically, to effectively play its role as valuable partner in good governance and the fight against corruption,’’ he said.

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), said the out-gone CJN would be remembered not just for his judicial pronouncements.

According to him, Mohammed will also be remembered as CJN who spear-headed some of the most innovative reforms in the Judiciary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the immediate past CJN was born in Jalingo, Taraba capital, on Nov. 10, 1946.

He had his early elementary education at Mallam Kasimu Koranic School and Jalingo Primary School between 1950 and 1956.

He completed his primary education at the Senior Primary School, Jalingo, between 1957 and 1959.

The out-gone CJN studied Law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, between 1967 and 1970, and was at the Nigerian Law School between 1970 and 1971. (NAN)

OMO/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-H-29
Contracts
Dutse, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 78 construction companies are competing for contracts for construction of 90 mosques in Jigawa.

Alhaji Muhammad Musa, Chairman, Tender Board Committee for the project, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Dutse.

Muhammad, also the Permanent Secretary, Administration and Finance, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, said that three mosques would be constructed in each of the 30 constituencies of the state.

He gave the assurance that due process would be followed in awarding the contracts, adding that the Technical Evaluation Committee for the bidding would be fair. (NAN)
MNB/ORO/IGO
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Edited by Razak Owolabi/ Ijeoma Popoola

NAN-ELS-8
Allegations
Los Angeles, Nov. 10, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Brad Pitt took to the red carpet at a fan event for his latest film “Allied” in Los Angeles on Wednesday, hours after he was cleared of child abuse allegations.

Shortly after he was cleared of the allegations, he applied for shared custody of his children with Angelina Jolie.

Pitt, 52, had kept a low profile after the Hollywood power couple, split suddenly in September.

The reason for the split had to do with an incident on a private plane, in which Pitt was reported to have lost his temper in front of one or more of the children.

But Pitt resumed press obligations this week for espionage war thriller “Allied”.

On Wednesday he attended a fan event alongside his co-star Marion Cotillard and director Robert Zemeckis, answering a few questions during a Facebook live stream hosted by movie studio Paramount Pictures.

“I don’t know much about the espionage world.

“And what it took to get behind enemy lines and to plant your characters, so that was really interesting,” Pitt said of the film, which will be in theaters on Nov. 23.

The actor plays Canadian army officer Max Vartan, who goes undercover in Casablanca during World War Two, paired up with Cotillard’s lively French spy Marianne Beausejour, to assassinate a German Nazi ambassador.

While the pair flawlessly plays a happily wedded couple during their undercover stint, they soon find themselves falling in love for real.

But Marianne’s alliances are called into question.
On Wednesday a source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pitt fully cooperated in a comprehensive inquiry in a child welfare case by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

They found no wrongdoing on his part.
Pitt was only asked questions related to the film during the live stream interview, from his favorite Zemeckis movie to his grasp of the French language, which he was required to speak in parts of “Allied.”
“I had to work at it really, really hard just to get that far. I say I’m going to get this language, but it may take me a lifetime,” he said.(Reuters/NAN)
ERO/SN
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Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Silas Nwoha

NAN-H-27
Absence
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Thursday,  fixed Nov. 21 for continuation of the trial of Warampo Dudafa, a former special assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dudafa, alongside one Joseph Iwejuo, is facing 23-counts of conspiracy and concealment of crime proceeds, brought against the duo by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

They had both pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment.

Justice Mohammed Idris on Thursday, adjourned the case for continuation on Nov. 21 and Dec 2, following the absence of counsel to Dudafa, Mr Gboyega Oyewole, who was said to be ill.

The prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had confirmed knowledge of the situation before the court before the adjournment.

When the case came up earlier on Nov.8, the trial had also been stalled following the absence of the prosecutor, who was said to be before the appellate court in Lagos.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have, on June 11, 2013, conspired to conceal proceeds of crime amounting to over N1.6billion.

It was alleged that they concealed the sum through a company, Seagate Property Development and Investment Ltd,

They were alleged to have also used Avalon Global Property Development Company Ltd to launder over N399 million.

Other companies allegedly used in perpetrating the crime include Pluto Property and Investment Company Ltd, Rotato Inter Link Services Ltd, and De Jakes Fast Food and Restaurant Nigerian Ltd.

Dudafa was alleged to have, between June 1 and June 4, 2015, contracted Iwejuo and Ebiwise Resources Ltd, to conceal N150million, being alleged proceeds of crime.

EFCC also alleged that on April 27, Dudafa failed to furnish any information in relation to over N616 million held on his behalf by Seagate Property’s account.

The prosecution said he also failed to disclose the sum of N560 million held for him by De Jakes Fast Food Ltd, as well as the sum of N10 million held for him by Ibejige Services Ltd.

The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of Section 27 (3) (c) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004. (NAN)
UNS/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Sokoto Assembly approves additional N2.42bn virement request

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Virement
By Muhammad Nasir Bello
Sokoto, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Thursday approved the request of the executive for another virement of N2.420 billion for 2016.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this followed the consideration of a report by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

The Committee Chairman, Alhaji Malami Ahmed (APC- Sokoto South II), while presenting the report to the Assembly, said that the amount requested was found to be necessary and a priority need of the state.

“The requested virement from the aforementioned Ministries and Departments was found to be necessary, and equally there are available funds from relevant subheads for the transfer within the affected ministry.

“Moreover, the capital and recurrent virement warrant requested affected the ministries of Environment, Water resources, Department of Political Affairs as well as Administration and General services,” he said.

The Speaker, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, said that the report of the committee was considered and approved accordingly after the members unanimously accepted it in a voice vote.

In a related development, the House passed into law a Bill to amend the Public Procurement and Price Intelligence Law, 2013.

NAN reports that this followed the consideration of a report submitted by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

Ahmed said that the committee observed that there was need to incorporate provisions for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the bill.

“The provision of PPP should be incorporated into the law and it should reflect also in the title of the bill.

“Additional functions regarding PPP should be included in the functions of the Bureau in such a way that investments in state infrastructure through private sector funding are accelerated.

“This is by assisting the state government and MDAs to implement and establish effective PPP engagement in government procurement activities,” the committee chairman said.

He added that the law would also include the functions of the Bureau to ensure robust, transparent, efficient and equitable processes are developed.

“This is for managing the selection, development, procurement, implementation and monitoring of PPP projects and that the process is applied consistently to all relevant projects.

“It will also ensure efficient execution of any concession agreement or contract entered by the government and the advantages and requirements of PPP are well appreciated at the state level, among others,” Ahmed said.

The Speaker said that the committee’s recommendations were considered and remains part of the report, and the lawmakers unanimously accepted it when put to vote.

He said: “The Bill is therefore read the third time and passed into law of Sokoto State for the overall development of the people,” Maidaji said.

Meanwhile, the House received a letter from Gov. Aminu Tambuwal seeking approval for the appointment of Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed as the new state Auditor General.

Tambuwal said that the nomination followed the retirement of the former auditor general, Malam Sambo Nawawi, who left service in July. (NAN)

MNB/AOS/MST

Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-S-8
Protest
By Nabilu Balarabe
Jalingo, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) Players of Taraba FC on Thursday protested the failure of the state government to pay their one year salary arrears, saying it had brought untold hardship on them and their families.

The players, who blocked the entrance of the Government House, threatened to continue the protest until all their entitlements were paid.

The Team’s Captain, Kamil Sale, said the protest was the last resort since the government had failed to redeem its pledge to pay the salaries.

“They promised to pay our one year salaries in instalment but it did not happen.

“The last time we received something was last year when they paid for two months and since then, no allowances, no bonuses.

“I think we should be commended for finishing fourth in the Nigeria Nationwide League Division One last season in spite of our predicaments,’’ he said.

Miss Wakin Katu, the Taraba Queens Captain, said both the male and female teams had reached out to some clerics and politicians to intervene in the mater but their efforts failed.

“We are tired of empty promises from the Taraba State Government. Do you know that our players drink Garri on the pitch as food because of hunger?’’

When contacted, the Sports Commissioner, Gambo Ndafro, said efforts were being made to pay the players their entitlements. (NAN) NB/TO/PDE
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(Edited by Tola Okinbaloye/Peter Ejiofor)