Blog

Ghana: Veteran Ghanaian football coach Afranie dies

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Death
Accra, Nov. 10, 2016 (PANA/NAN) Veteran Ghanaian football coach Emmanuel Kwesi Afranie has died after an ambulance transferring him to a hospital was involved in an accident on Wednesday.

The Accra-based ‘myjoyonline’ website reported that the accident occurred in the Eastern Region while he was being transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana’s second biggest city.

The coach was said to be suffering from a mild stroke.

Afraine qualified three different Ghanaian national teams for World Cup competitions – the Black Starlets (Under-17) and the Black Satellites (Under-20) where he won silver, and later the Black Queens (national women’s team). (PANA/NAN)
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Edited by Tony Nezianya

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Investment

By Aisha Ahmed

Kano Nov. 10 2016 (NAN) The Dangote Group has expanded its investments into agriculture and mining, Mansur Ahmed, Executive Director, Corporate Communications of the group, said in Kano.

He said at a media forum in Kano that the aim was to beat the economic recession in the country.

According to him, “The group reviewed it’s business plan to develop its investment directive and commits a greater investment in agriculture and mining to diversify economy.”

The reason is to diversify into areas that are fundamental to consumers and other stakeholders.

Ahmed pointed out that the company planned to expand its sugar refinery to other states, adding that the company had already started acquiring land for the purpose.

“We are actually working towards providing enough sugar and wishing to eliminate the importation of sugar by the next five years.”

The spokesman announced that rice and milk production had already begun in Jigawa, although it wasn’t done directly by the company yet.

He, however, stressed that the company had worked with about 800 farmers in Hadejia in Jigawa and planned to increase the number to about 2,000 farmers to begin commercial farming.

Other areas that the company is venturing into are in the oil and gas sector.

The group would also venture into fertiliser production, petrochemicals and provision of gas pipeline and alternative energy supply.(NAN)

AAA /AK/IA

Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Idris Abdulrahman

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Loan
Kano, Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) A local tanner in Kano, Malam Mohammed Isa, has called on the state government to assist tanners with soft loans to enable them expand their businesses.
He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano.
Isa, who operates at Bata Bus Stop in Kano, said the appeal was necessary to enable them sustain their business because of its profitability.
‘’We produce it in different categories; some are used here in the country, while some are exported out of the country.
‘’The animal skin is very important since it is used for different purposes such as wallets, shoes, bags, and pillows which people sit on,’’ Isa said.
According to him, empowering their members would enable them employ more hands thereby reducing redundancy and idleness among the teeming unemployed youths.
He said the business had created wealth and job opportunities for many other people in areas where the local tanners were operating.
‘’When we want to produce bags or wallets, we use some chemicals to get a good result and there many people who have gone into the business of selling chemicals.
According to him, many other people had gone into the business of selling salt which is used in checking environmental pollution.
‘’We use a chemical like salt immediately the skin is removed from the animals. We salt it without wasting time so as not to pollute the place,” he said. (NAN)
BO/UDO/TA
(Edited by Udochukwu Ifionu/Tajudeen Atitebi)

FG Donates 70 tons of Drugs to Train Accident Victims in Cameroon

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Drugs

By Bamidele Jones

Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government on Wednesday donated about 70 tonnes of assorted drugs to Cameroon government as assistance to train accident victims in the country.

The drugs were delivered by a government delegation  led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Khadijat Abba-Ibrahim.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajia Binta Bello and other officials from the Ministry.

Mr Philemon Yang, the Prime Minister and Head of the government of Cameroon received the consignment on behalf of the country and expressed great appreciation for the concern and good neighbourliness shown by Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the train accident occurred on Oct. 21, when a packed passenger train travelling between Cameroon’s two largest cities, Yaounde and Douala, derailed and overturned.

At least 55 people died while 300 sustained injuries when the passenger train derailed  the town of Eseka,  120 km west of the capital, Yaounde on Oct. 21.

The inter-city passenger train was travelling from Yaounde to the commercial capital, Douala, when the accident occured. (NAN)

BJO/YAZ

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Constitution
By Modupe Seriboh
Ibadan, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) A don, Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun, has advocated for a new constitution for the country in order to promote genuine unity among the diverse ethnic groups.

Adamolekun spoke on Wednesday at a convocation lecture he delivered at Lead City University, Ibadan, as part of the activities marking the institution’s ninth convocation ceremony.

The lecture was entitled : “ The Idea of Nigeria: Two Challenges-Unity in Diversity and Prosperity.”

Adamolekun, a former lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, said a new constitution would solve the political and socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

The don, who opposed the continued effort to amend the 1999 constitution, said creating a new constitution was a necessity and not a choice.

He added that the new constitution must also contain features capable of keeping the country united.

“I would also add that the federation to be enshrined should be the one that would accommodate the country’s ethnic, linguistic, religious, cultural, regional and geographical diversity,’’ he said.

This, he said, would be capable of advancing social-economic progress while a devolved federal system, both politically and economically, would yield the desired outcomes.

“The new constitution must be adopted through a referendum to affirm that it is truly owned by the people” he added.

In moving the country forward, the don listed peace and security, economic diversification, strengthening of elite institutions and anti-corruption campaign as the most promising drivers of prosperity for the country. (NAN)
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

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Speech

Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) Savannah Centre for Diplomacy Democracy and Development (SCDDD), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called on Nigerian politicians to desist from hate speeches during election campaigns.

Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Abdullah Omaki, made the call at a stakeholder’s Media Validation Workshop on Wednesday in Abuja.

The workshop was aimed at fashioning our how to reduce hate speeches in the country, especially during electioneering campaign.

“Disturbingly, the run-up to Nigeria’s 2015 elections was characterised by hate speeches, inciting campaigns, inflammatory statements in both broadcast and print media.’’

Omaki said that regulatory bodies maintained a passive stance while the situation lasted and degenerated, due to weak regulatory guidelines and laws, adding therefore, the workshop would address issues of “bad character’’ in politics.

He urged the forum to evolve ways of addressing the challenges faced by political leaders in the country, warning that if hate speeches in politics were not tackled, there would continue to be violence during elections.

“There is need for media regulatory bodies to monitor and place sanctions on the ailing media houses or broadcasting stations found guilty of such offence of hate speeches and inciting contents,’’ he said.

According to Omaki, the outcome of this validation exercise will form the final working document of the Advocacy Council set up to advance the objectives of the project.

He said that the discussions on the issues, through an assessment of the existing regulatory guidelines, would ensure a balance of measures that would address administrative gaps.

This, he said, would bring up clear practice guidelines in favour of national stability through a carefully selected council of respected individuals.

The executive secretary expressed optimism that the project would provide the required platform for the discussions towards bridging the identified gaps in the country`s political system.

The group urged the media to base its agenda for reporting of elections and democratic governance issues on public interest and credible processes, development and democratic accountability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the validation exercise looked at the various issues based on equitable access, professionalism and social responsibility, among others. (NAN)

COO/EEM.OPI

Edited by Emmanuel Mogbede and Olisa Ifeajika

Nigeria congratulates Trump

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Felicitation

Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated the president-elect of the United States, Republicans’ Donald Trump.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, in a message posted on his twitter account on Wednesday, applauded Trump’s victory in the keenly contested election.

“Nigeria congratulates Donald Trump on his election as the President of the United Sates (POTUS) and welcomes the spirit of his victory speech”, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports Trump as saying that America would seek common ground, not hostility; partnership, not conflict. We will embark upon a project of national growth and renewal.

“ I will harness the creative talents of our people, and we will call upon the best and brightest to leverage their tremendous talent for the benefit of all. It is going to happen.

“We have a great economic plan. We will double our growth and have the strongest economy anywhere in the world.

“At the same time, we will get along with all other nations willing to get along with us. We will have great relationships.

“America will no longer settle for anything less than the best. We must reclaim our country’s destiny and dream big and bold and daring. We have to do that.

“We’re going to dream of things for our country, and beautiful things and successful things once again.

“I want to tell the world community that while we will always put America’s interests first, we will deal fairly with everyone, with everyone”, he said. (NAN)

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Edited by Idahosa Asowata

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Promotion
Ilorin, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) An Ajibola Otegbeye brace and Ibrahim Abdullahi solo effort plus individual brilliance by Muhammed Muhammed secured Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC a Premier League slot on Wednesday in Ilorin.

ABS defeated Gateway United FC 4-1, after the week 14 Nigeria National League (NNL) match was abandoned on Oct. 30 when the Abeokuta-based side cited security concerns for not playing.

The match started on the front foot as both sides were playing carefully not to concede first.

Otegbeye fired the Saraki Boys into the lead just on the stroke of half time to end the first stanza 1-0.

He nodded home a goal mouth scrambling ball after Gateway goalkeeper failed to punch the ball over his defence.

The initially timid ABS players came into the second half with more confidence as they dictated most of the proceedings in the half.

Otegbeye followed up on another Gateway defensive error to make it 2-0 for ABS in the 70th minute after he had failed to score a one on one effort which was well defended by the Gateway goalkeeper.

Muhammed Muhammed dribbled through the defence of Gateway United FC to find Ibrahim Abdullahi who stretched the Gateway goalkeeper to his far right to score the third of the day for ABS.

Centre Referee, Nura Abdullahi from Zamfara State, pointed to the spot kick after Ibrahim Ahmed’s effort to clear the ball resulted in a penalty.

Bala Yahuza came forward and sent ABS goalkeeper Boje Abdullahi the wrong way to pull one back for Gateway from the spot in 88th minute.

There was only two minutes between Gateway goal and ABS fourth of the day as Muhammed again snatched the ball from the midfield, dribbled to the Gateway defence to fire home the winner for the Saraki Boys.

The victory means ABS Ilorin FC has now joined the likes of Remo Stars, Katsina United, Gombe United in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) next season.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that ABS Ilorin FC was relegated in the 2012/2013 season. (NAN)
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

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Cultism
By Abdulfatai Beki
Ilorin, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) A Kwara High Court sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday sentenced a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Fatai Olasile, to 10 years imprisonment for belonging to a secret cult

The court presided over by Justice Sikiru Oyinloye also fined the convict N50,000.

The judge said the student was sentenced over his involvement in cult-related activities in the state and for being in possession of firearms.

Olasile was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on membership of the Eiye secret cult, contrary to Section 2 of Secret Cult and Secret Societies Law of Kwara.

He was also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a locally made pistol, an offence punishable under Section 3 (1) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, 2004.

The prosecution led by Mr Kamaldeen Ajibade, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, called three witnesses and tendered  exhibits to prove its case.

One Mohammed Kehinde and two others were also arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, initiation of new members into a secret cult and membership of a secret cult. (NAN)
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

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Change

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Americans for buying into the “change mantra’’ by electing Republican candidate, Mr Donald Trump, who canvassed change in U.S. polity.

The National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said in Abuja on Wednesday that Americans had spoken by voting Trump, adding that APC could do nothing than to congratulate him for the victory.

Odigie-Oyegun, however, declined to speak on the expected Foreign Policy of the Republican President-elect, but stated that he preached change and Americans bought into change.

“Like APC, Trump preached change and Americans bought into the change by electing him”.

The APC National Auditor, Chief George Moghalu, while also congratulating Trump for his victory said it was about the people of America.

“l am however, a bit worried over the positions before and during the election, especially from the side of the President-elect with regards to his Foreign Policy”.

Meanwhile, some politicians and political parties have expressed concerns over the victory of the Republican candidate against his Democratic opponent, Hilary Clinton.

While some believe that Nigeria and Africa should be weary of Trump`s victory, some believed that the Democratic policy in the last eight years was not beneficiary to Nigerians and Africa.

A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Chief Patrick Okomiso, stated that the eight years of Democratic government of President Barack Obama was unprofitable to Nigeria and Africa.

Okomiso said there was nothing to regret that the Democratic candidate, Clinton, did not win as the policies of the party in the last eight years did not favour Africa.

He alleged that it was Obama that stopped the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Nigeria`s Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, from emerging as the President of World Bank.

Okomiso, however, expressed optimism that Trump would have the best foreign policies.

“Let me say this, Obama’s foreign policy failed; he had nothing to contribute to foreign policy. The foreign policy of America dropped significantly because of Obama`s presidency.

 “Trump will rebuild America and America will be strong again but this is an opportunity for Nigerians to get into it and get into Trump and change our belief and see how our oil can be sold back to America,” he said.

Similarly, the presidential candidate of KOWA party in the 2015 general elections, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, said it was regrettable that Clinton lost the election.

According to her, the world was expecting that for the first time, a woman was going to rule America.

“Unfortunately she has not been able to make it; she was judged by all the emails scandal‎.

“It is disappointing but the American people have made their choice and the important fact here is that democracy is about the people.

“They have the right to elect whoever they want to elect not minding what is being said,” she said.

Also, Dr Adebayo Ayeni, African Peoples` Alliance (APA) presidential candidate in the 2015 polls, stated that with the victory of Trump, the world democracy had taken a different pattern.

He America had given a precedent where an outsider from a well-established political association won an election in spite of the antagonism of the core leadership of such political association. 

“That is a new trend entirely in advance democratic system,’’ Ayeni said. (NAN)

EEM/OPI/OPI

Edited by Olisa Ifeajika