Blog

NAN-H-42
Accessibility
Osogbo, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) A Demographer, Mr Gbenga Arowosaye, on Thursday urged the Federal Government to make rural areas more accessible for speedy development.

Arowosaye who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo, said this would reduce rural-urban migration.

He said the influx of rural dwellers in major cities and towns was due to the disconnection between the rural and the urban centres.

The demographer argued that if there were good roads connecting urban and rural settlements, many people would not be desperate to live in the cities.

“Successive governments in Nigeria had failed woefully in the area of rural development; it has totally disconnected the people at the grassroots from civilisation’’, he said.

He, therefore, canvassed for consistent rural development through provision of good roads and rural electrification scheme.

“Our rural settlements need urgent attention if government wants to make an impact in the lives of the people at the grassroots and address population explosion at the city centres.

“Rural dwellers are desperate about coming to the cities and towns due to the little or no presence of governments at their domains in terms of necessary infrastructure ot modernity.

“Of course, rural-urban migration is one issue that is taking the attention of many governments of the world, which is so alarming in Africa and Nigeria in particular.

“My candid advice for the federal government is to be proactive in opening up the rural areas through sustainable development and drastically reduce over-crowding in the cities. (NAN)
DOO/AOM/IEA
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Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Idahosa Asowata

APC accuses Wike of interfering with police investigation into fake result sheets

NAN-H-32

Investigation

By Desmond Ejibas

Port Harcourt, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers, on Thursday accused Gov. Nyesom Wike of interfering with police investigation of those arrested allegedly printing fake INEC result sheets.

This is contained in a statement issued by the party’s Chairman in the state, Chief Davies Ikanya, in Port Harcourt.

The News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] recalls that the police had on Saturday arrested some individuals allegedly involved in printing the fake result sheets, few days after the national electoral commission fixed Dec. 10 for legislative re-run elections in the state.

Gov. Wike was reported to have accused the police of plotting to cover-up the matter by transferring the case to its Zone 6 headquarters in Calabar, Cross Rivers, for investigation.

The APC described Wike’s position as misleading.

“APC’s attention has been drawn to recent utterances by Gov. Nyesom Wike aimed at interfering with police investigation concerning arrest of persons allegedly involved in printing of sensitive INEC materials.

“Particularly, the APC vehemently rejects attempts by Wike to dictate how the police will go about performing its duties.

“The governor’s statement amounts to undue interference and unbridled attempts to force the hands of the police in the direction of the governor’s choosing – of which we condemn in its entirety.

“We call on Wike, as an interested party, to desist from ongoing campaign to intimidate the Police; twist facts and mislead the public,” it said.

The APC urged the governor to stop overheating the polity, especially as the state prepares for the re-run national and state legislative elections.

It stressed that Wike must allow the police to carry out its investigations in the best way possible and within its established methods. (NAN)

DES/KOLE/MZA

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Maharazu Ahmed

NAN-H-37

Re-orientation

By Ajibola Olaniyi

Osogbo, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The Permanent Secretary of Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, says the level of social consciousness of youths was low.

Kolawole made the observation during interview with News Agency of Nigeria (nan), in Osogbo on Friday.

He, therefore, called for social reorientation of the youths, saying such would make youths more responsible and productive.

He explained that the call had become imperative considering the enormous responsibility of nation-building before them.

The scribe added that many of the youths were not ready to take up responsibility, but preferred easy route to success and wealth.

According to him, hard work and perseverance make a person very successful without adverse consequence.

Kolawole, however, called for patience on the part of the citizens in the face of present economic crunch, saying that the situation required spirit of collectivism to succeed. (NAN)

DOO/KOLE/IEA
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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Idahosa Asowata

NAN-AE-1
Extension
By Muhammad Adam
Yola, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) Adamawa Government said on Thursday that it had recruited and trained 500 agricultural extension officers to boost farming activities in the state.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Waziri Ahmadu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola that the new officers have been posted to various farming communities.

Ahmadu explained that the officers would enlighten farmers on the appropriate modern techniques of land preparation, weeding and nursing their crops to harvesting stage.

He said that the state government expanded the extension service in order to improve farm productivity and enhance their income.

“The government, through its Agricultural Development Project, employed and trained 500 extension officers.

“This is to improve farmers’ production and their income generation,’’ Ahmadu said.

The commissioner also said that the ministry would resuscitate all its orchard farms across the state in order to encourage cash crops production.

He listed the crops to include mango, citrus, guava, pawpaw and cocoa.

“The programme, if given full attention, can contribute substantially to farm produce export,’’ he said

NAN reports that Adamawa is among the cocoa producing states in the country with 300 registered as cocoa farmers. (NAN)
AMA/AIB/AFA
Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Felix Ajide
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Niger State Geopraphic Information System generates N102m in 10 months – Official

NAN-HE-12

Revenue

By Aminu Ahmed Garko

Minna, Nov. 10, 2016 ( NAN) Niger State Geographic Information System ( NIGIS ) has generated about N102 million revenue in the last 10 months, its General Manager, Mr Husaini Abdul, has said.

Abdul said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) in Minna on Thursday that the money was realised largely from charges on Certificate of Occupancy and other lands related matters.

He disclosed that about 213 Certificates of Occupancy were processed and issued to individuals and corporate organizations during the period under review.

The general manager disclosed that the organisation is developing a strategic physical plan for Minna, the state capital to prevent unplanned expansion of the town.

He added that it had also developed basic urban services information index for Minna and Suleja in the areas of road network, schools, places of worship, petrol stations, hotels and commercial complexes.

“We have taken concrete measures against any person or group of people that might want to tamper with the development master plan for Minna and Suleja, ” he added.

He warned residents to desist from erecting structures on water ways, saying that the agency would sanction anyone caught.(NAN)
AAG/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

NAN-HG-1
Handwashing
Birnin Kebbi, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) An NGO, Inspire Nurses Network Africa (INNA), has urged school heads in Kebbi to inculcate in their students the habit of constant handwashing before and after meal.

Mr Ifeanyi Kenechukwu, the state coordinator of the organisation, made the plea on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi.

Kenechukwu said that the NGO was a volunteer group educating school children on the importance of handwashing before and after meal as well as after going to the toilet.

He said inculcating such habit in school children would promote their health and improve hygienic condition, adding that the campaign would be taken to all schools in the state.

Kenechukwu said that the network was determined to enable the schools and agencies to take preventive measures against infectious diseases.

He called on parents to compliment the efforts of the organisation by teaching their children on the importance of washing their hands at short intervals.

Kenechukwu said that the network would procure handwashing chemicals for distribution to schools in order to promote the health of children.

He called for the support of the state government to actualise the dream of the organisation.

NAN reports that the state government was currently collaborating with some foreign NGOs to perform free eye treatment and heart-related diseases to more than 10,000 patients. (NAN)
BKD/KOLE/GOK
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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Olagoke Olatoye

Ikeji, top Nigerian blogger goes social, hitting 50,000 sign-ups, dominates Google trend
NAN-H-10
Trends
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Nov. 10, 2016(NAN) Top Nigerian blogger, Linda Ikeji’s launch of a social network was top on Google search this week, an official of Google in Lagos said on Thursday.

Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos, saying that the search was between Nov. 2 and Nov. 9.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Google Trends, launched in May, 2006, allowed one to see how popular search terms and demography had been over time on Google.

“Google search trend this week moved between the tension-filled U.S. elections to Linda Ikeji social, the newly launched social networking site of famous gossip blogger.

“The awoof buying spree on Jumia online store along with some other exciting news also got people’s attention online,” Kola-Ogunlade said.

“Ikeji goes Social” this week witnessed the announcement of the latest competition to Facebook in Nigeria, the Google manager said.

“Top Nigerian blogger, Ikeji launched her new social network and hit 50, 000 sign-ups on the first day.

“Linda, who runs a blog that is widely known as a top gossip site, says she plans to pay users to gain more followers on the site,” he said.

According to Kola-Ogunlade, with a few hours remaining to the Nov. 8 elections, search for updates on the blood pumping US elections shot up on Google.
“Internet users wanted to know things like the latest forecasts, what time winners would be announced, and even the newest gaffes from either of the two contestants, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

“Up until the day of elections, citizens wanted to know who was likely to become the US President,” he said.

The Google manager said that folks went into frenzy search on Google when the ‘Awoof’ buying on Jumia Black Friday sales dates was announced by the online retail giant Jumia Nigeria.

He said that they offered buyers amazing discounts on the Website for quality products ranging from electronics, beauty and more.

“Jumia announced that this year’s Black Friday will start on Nov. 14 and end on the 25th and customers who spend 10,000 and above will win mouth-watering prizes,” he said.

Kola-Ogunlade said other sites visited included “Stop the rumour: Kogi’s helmsman is alive.’
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He said that to calm the rumour, which went around over the weekend on the demise of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, the state government sent out a statement refuting the death.

He said that the Director General, Media and Publicity, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed that the governor was on a two-week break outside the country approved by the state House of Assembly.

He said that in some other reports, the governor was said to be in Germany for an eye surgery.

“Several people went scampering for news on Kwara Poly all over the internet to know if indeed the polytechnic had increased its school fees, Kola-Ogunlade said.

He said that the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic rebutted the rumour, saying people should stop listening to rumours that started on the social media.(NAN)
CAN/KOO/TA
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Tajudeen Atitebi

1 Arraignment of five suspected robbers comes up at an Owerri Chief Magistrates’ Court.
2. Kaduna Electric Company to distribute 20, 000 pre-payment meters free of charge to customers in Kaduna.

3. Commissioner of Police in Plateau addresses journalists in Jos.
4. Kogi House of Assembly considers Bill on new taxes in the state.
5. Committee on Works, Nasarawa House of Assembly continues inspection of rural road projects in the state.
6. The Research, Innovation and Community Service for Societal Transformation, an NGO, holds conference at the University of Ibadan.
7. A case of unlawful termination of appointment and claims of entitlement instituted against Bureau of Public Enterprises by some former PHCN workers holds at the National Industrial Court, Ibadan.
8. Chief of Army Staff visits troops in Borno after the killing of some soldiers by Boko Haram insurgents.
9. Eurobase Consult Nigeria Ltd organises training on Big Boost for Agro- Diversification and Export at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
10. Stakeholders Retreat on Development of Medium Term National Plan 2017-2020 opens at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.
11. Special Court of Appeal Panel rules on motions on Ondo PDP governorship candidate.
12. Federal High Court hears a case filed by Minister of Interior against EcoBank.
13. Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court continues hearing in a case of alleged possession of 1.2 kg of a substance suspected to be cocaine filed against a suspect.
14. An FCT High Court Maitama continues hearing in a case of alleged culpable homicide preferred against one Sunday Emmanuel.
15. FCT Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal to rule on a land matter between one Mrs Chinonye Okoye and Kuje Area Council.
16. ‎ House of Representatives continues deliberation on Bill for an Act to make provisions for Freedom from Hunger and the Right to Adequate Food of Acceptable Quality and Other Related Matters.
17. House of Representatives continues deliberations on a Bill for an Act to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission Act to make provisions for licensing procedure and registration of driving schools.
18. House‎ of Representatives continues deliberations on a Bill for an Act to establish a Scholarship Board for the Purpose of Planning, Implementing and Overseeing a Federal Scholarship Scheme and Other Related Matters.
19. Senate continues plenary to consider a Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigerian Customs Service Management Act.
20. Chief Executive Officer of NEPAD Nigeria meets with Focal Point Officers of NEPAD in MDAs in Abuja.
21. Senate Committee to pay an oversight visit to Servicom, Abuja.

NAN-HG-4

Diagnoses

By Maureen Ojinaka-Nwanosike

Enugu, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN)  Mr Chinenye Nwekpe, former Chairman of Laboratory Scientist Association of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, has called on medical personnel to always conduct laboratory test before giving treatment to their patients.

Nwekpe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday that this would also help in the process of drug prescription to the patients.

“Wrong drug choice causes complications, especially where the health expert is working on mere personal experience or hunch without a result from a laboratory test.

“Medical experts should use laboratory test to help their patients recover fast as well as check time and money wasting due to engaging in trial and error methods,’’ he added.

Nwekpe noted that the proper diagnoses of each illness had become important to check the rising spate of self medication in the country.

According to him, Nigerians should stop the blanket idea of treating all fever as either malaria or typhoid.

“That fever might be other forms of fevers, which the blanket approach of calling it malaria and typhoid, could complicate the issue of treatment.

“So, the best thing and wise thing to do is to ensure proper diagnoses through having a laboratory test.

“Even, the National Malaria policy had made it mandatory that there should be laboratory test before treatment. Our people should do the right thing, because a stitch in time saves nine,’’ he said. (NAN)

OJI/KOLE/IS

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ismail Abdulaziz

Police arrest robbers in Nsukka, recover guns, cartridges
NAN-H-6
Recovery
By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The Enugu Police Command on Thursday said it had arrested two suspected armed robbers in Nsukka who specialised in dispossessing people of their money and valuables as well as bugling houses.
Mr Ebere Amaraizu, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the police recovered two single-barrel locally-made guns, a rubber pistol, five live cartridges and an expended cartridge from the robbers.
Other items recovered by the police included three cell-phones, one Cy 90 lady motorcycle, two generators, one television, one standing fan and cooking utensils.
According to Amaraizu, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 8.00 a.m. following a distress call received by operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) Nsukka Zone.
“The suspects are Chinedu Omeje, 25, and Onyebuchi Ezema, 22, an ex-convict that recently regained freedom after serving a jail term over his nefarious activities ranging from stealing and robbery.
“The duo was nabbed by the operatives following a distress call.
“Following their arrest and revelations made by them, some of the burgled and stolen items were recovered, some from them and a receiver of the stolen items identified as one Ifeoma Ugwu, a 36-year-old widow.
“They are already helping the police in the investigation,’’ he said.
Amaraizu said that the suspects in their separate defence blamed the situation to acts of the devil and pleaded for forgiveness.
He said the receiver, however, said she did not know the motorcycle she bought was stolen. (NAN)
KSN/ECN/TA
Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Tajudeen Atitebi