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Fear of racism trail Trump’s victory

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Reactions
Akure, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) Stakeholders in Akure on Wednesday expressed fears of racism which might be perpetuated by the American president-elect, Donald Trump.

Speaking with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, Mr Sunday Adeleye, Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Ondo State, said the Trump had expressed disdain against blacks in his various speeches.

“I congratulate him because the election was free and fair, and devoid of any malpractice, but Africans see the man as racist because he hates blacks.

“And we pray that he will rescind his decision not to send blacks away from America because it is the blacks that hold the economy of America.

“We also pray that there won’t be any problem between America and any world powers like Russia and Arab countries.

“Trump once told the Mexican president that he would deport all Mexicans in America,” he said.

Adeleye further said everyone thought Hilary Clinton would win the election based on opinion poll, but she had called to congratulate Trump.

Also, Dr Michael Oke, senior lecturer, Department of Banking and Finance, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, said that Trump’s victory had beaten the imagination of many people.

Oke added that Trump’s hate speech for blacks and Mexicans during his political campaign would not stand and advised him not to embark on any stringent measures that could attract hatred towards America.

According to him, the elections revealed that American citizens stuck to their preferred candidate in spite of influence of world leaders unlike developing countries where influence counts most.

However, Mr Bayo Balogun, a businessman, noted the victory as a new development for Americans and the whole world.

“I think this Donald victory is a welcome development and that is what Americans want.

“And I want Nigerians to pick a clue from that especially Ondo State during preparations for their governorship election,” he noted.

Balogun said that Clinton had congratulated Donald for his victory, which was how it should be.

“Am appealing to Nigerians and Ondo state to learn a great lesson from this, after any election, we should move forward and congratulate the winner,” he said. (NAN)
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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

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Kit
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The finalists of the 2016 Gold Cup pre-season football tournament will be kitted by Nigeria’s sportswear company, Owu, the organisers said on Wednesday.

The competition’s Media Manager, Olawale Quadri, said in a statement on Wednesday in Ilorin that Tunji Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of Owu Sportswear Ventures gave the competitors the assurance.

According to the statement, the firm will kit the two finalists and promises to always contribute its quota to the development of the tournament and Nigerian football.

It added that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Board Member, Ahmed Fresh, had donated a trophy for the team that would emerge the Gold Cup Pre-Season tournament’s runners-up.

The statement said the football administrator disclosed his planned donation to the General Coordinator of the competition, Tunde Shamsudeen.

“I have been following the Gold Cup tournament, I say to you the organisers that season after season; you have been doing a wonderful job.

“As journalists who cover the leagues, you provide a platform where teams in the various leagues in the country can test their players to know their strengths and weaknesses before the new season kicks off.

“I know there is a trophy and cash prize for the winners, courtesy of Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, but in my own little way, I’m donating a trophy that will be presented to the second best team,’’ said Fresh.

It said that Shamsudeen thanked Fresh who is the Niger FA boss, for identifying with the tournament, saying the trophy would bring about stiffer competition among the participants.

“I want to specially thank Alhaji Ahmed Fresh, for his kind gesture and I believe this runners-up trophy will go a long way in making the competition more glamorous,’’ Shamsudeen said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament will be staged at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, from Nov. 26 to Dec. 4.

Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars, Niger Tornadoes, Crown FC, Remo Stars, Lagos-based MFM FC and Supreme Court FC are among the participants.

Kano Pillars won the last edition having defeated Supreme Court 2-1 in the final. (NAN)
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(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)

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Fraud

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, Oct. 21, 2016 (NAN) A caretaker, Lucky Abode, who allegedly obtained N10.18 million under false pretence, was on Wednesday arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

Abode, of No. 28, Bayo Akunleyan Str., Owutu area of Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

The accused was employed by the complainant, one Kalif Keshiro to manage and take care of his properties.

The prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the accused defrauded the complainant of N10.18 million

“Abode was given the said amount to purchase plots of land in various locations through the Lagos State Government at Alausa Secretariat Ikeja, Lagos.

“The accused issued Keshiro fake documents and receipts on all the properties; he also received money for approval and tax clearance on property been developed which he never delivered,’’ Ayorinde said.

He said that the complainant was dismayed on returning from United States of America where he had been and discovered the documents were fake.

“Keshiro went to Ministry of Lands, Alausa, Ikeja to verify the authenticity of the documents and realised they were all fake,” he said.

The prosecutor said that the accused committed the offences sometimes in July 2015 at LSDPC Housing Estate, Ogba, Lagos.

He said that accused was later apprehended by the police.

Abode, however, pleaded not guilty.

The offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for offenders.

The Chief Magistrate, Omolade Awope, granted the accused N2. 5 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

Awope, adjourned the case to Dec. 2, for mention. (NAN)

LAW/DEB/MZA

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Edited by Debo Oshundun/Maharazu Ahmed

Expert warns African countries against bio-risk

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Biosafety
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) Mr Paul Keese, an expert in Biosafety Management, has advised the African countries to understand the complex nature of Bio-risk with a view to prevent the underlying common features.

Keese, a former Biosafety Manager, Australia’s Biosafety Regulatory Agency, gave this advice in Abuja on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said that Bio-risk is  a persistent, pernicious constraint on food security in sub – Saharan Africa.

According to him, sub-Saharan Africa is not only the birth place of civilisation, but also a hotbed for emerging bio-risks.

“From the cradle to the grave, African lives are besieged by organisms that cause harm such as weeds, pests and pathogens and these undesirable organisms reduce potential crop production by about 50 per cent.

“Also the all-pervasive familiarity of biological threats with crippling significance can cause pneumonia and diarrhoea, which account for about 40 per cent of deaths among young children in Africa.

“Even with awareness and vigilance, the evolutionary elasticity of pests and pathogens to rapidly overcome our control measures makes the battle relentless, “ he said.

He said that growing global trade, mass movement of people and uncertainty from climate change has only exacerbated the challenge.

“Even organisms designed to provide part of the solution such as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or Biocontrol agents pose controversial risks.

“Therefore, Bio-risks are recognised across many sectors, including Biosecurity and trade which is biothreats from the movement of people, goods, plants and animals, which are subject to increasing international concern.

“Also in Public health, parasites and pathogens have major impacts on the health of people, including significant indirect costs through loss of productivity.

“So in food safety, the importance of food and feed contamination by fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens continues to be underestimated. “

Keese, however, said that Biosafety from modern biotechnology such as GMOs, synthetic biology and other emerging technologies offered opportunities to improve the lives of Africans but may also have unintended adverse effects.

“Treatment of Bio-risk in Africa is usually left to those least supported, whether this is the small scale farmer whose meagre production is often overwhelmed by pests and pathogens.

“Or the public health worker who is confronted with a plethora of diseases,“ the expert said.

He, therefore, advised that since Bio-risk was multifaceted problems, there was need to understand the complex nature of Bio-risk, discern the underlying common features and advocate practical solutions relevant to the African context. (NAN)
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Felix Ajide
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Shock waves
Berlin, Nov. 9, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, has sent shock waves across German business sector.

Ulrich Grillo, Head of the Influential Federation of Germany Industries (BDI) warned the president-elect not to cut off his nation from the rest of the world.

“The sense of uncertainty in industry is enormous.

“Trump is well advised not to block the U.S. economy from the world, otherwise the uncertainty about the U.S. future course will result in considerable negative effects for the global economy,” Grillo said.

Martin Wansleben, the Chief Executive of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) said “no one knows what is going to happen in the coming months.

“The uncertainty is considerable among German companies,” Wansleben said, echoing Grillo’s comments.

He said about 5,000 German businesses are active in the U.S.

“They are now hoping that international cooperation will not be placed at risk by the new U.S. government,’’ Wansleben said.

German business had been at the forefront of moves to forge a new free trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union (TTIP).

However, Trump had blamed global trade agreements for loss of jobs in the U.S.

Grillo said that during the election campaigns, Trump took a `skeptical stance’ on free trade.

He called on the U.S. to stay, focused on open markets, adding that “everything else would be poison for the U.S. economy.

“German industry will continue to work for a fair TTIP, which includes good rules for both sides,” the BDI chief said.

“World trade organisations, free trade and climate agreements were all central themes for internationally focused German companies.

“For the German economy, the U.S. is a key trading partner:

“In Germany, this means that almost one million jobs are dependent on exports to the U.S.,” Wansleben said. (Reuters/NAN)

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Edited by Celine Oyewole/Archibong Asuquo

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Driver

By Tomisin Erogbogbo

Lagos, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) A 45-year-old LAGBUS driver, Omoniyi Alugo on Wednesday appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly hitting a 56-year-old woman, causing her internal injury.

Alugo, who was said to have hit the pedestrian and failed to stop, is facing a three-count charge of reckless driving, causing injury and hit and run.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

The police prosecutor, Insp Philip Osijiale, told the court that the accused, on Aug. 31, at about 6:30p.m., along Ebute Ero Road, Lagos Island, drove the vehicle recklessly.

He said that Alugo hit one Olushola Adewuye, causing her internal injury.

Osijale said that the offences contravened Sections 19, (1) 26 and 26 (9) of Road Traffic Law of Lagos State, 2012.

The Magistrate, Mrs Memunat Folami, granted the accused N200,000 bail, with two sureties in like sum.

She said that the sureties must be blood relations of the accused and must not be below 35 years of age.

The case has been adjourned till Dec. 1 for trial. (NAN)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

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Remand
Lagos, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) A Federal High Court on Wednesday remanded a 37-year-old man, Idris Abubakar, in prison custody, pending his bail application in a case brought against him for alleged illicit drug dealing.

Abubakar, who deals in scrap iron, is facing a one-count bordering on the offence brought against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his plea, counsel to the accused, Mr G.U. Okaka, informed the court that he had yet to file a bail application on behalf of his client.

The trial Judge, Justice Chuka Obiozor, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody, pending his bail application, and fixed Dec. 7 for hearing.

The prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, had told the court that the accused was arrested on Aug. 26, under a bridge at Ijora in Lagos.

According to the prosecutor, 200 g of Marijuana was seized from the accused, who was reported to be a syndicate of the narcotics to his customers.

He said that the accused was accordingly arrested and charged.

The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of sections 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation, 2004.(NAN)
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

US elections: US may cut foreign aid to developing nations -Industrialist

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Election

By Kingsley Okoye

Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) An Industrialist, Chief Tomi Akingbogwu,  said on Wednesday that there might be less foreign aids from the American government to developing nations like Nigeria, given the victory of Republican Donald Trump in the US elections.

Akingbogwu said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, while reacting to the election of US President-elect, Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Akingbogwu said given the Trump’s victory, developing nations in the world might witness less of support from the new government in terms grants, considering the conservative orientation of the republicans.

He said the policies and programmes of the new government might not be totally favorable to Nigerians and other immigrants, based on the campaign speeches of the new President.

“America might play a lesser role in assisting developing countries  by coming to the needs of the needy nations.

“That means we in Africa will be on our own; that means there might  be less foreign aids from the new government.

According to him, if that happens, it is an opportunity for Nigerians who have become very successful in America to return home and support the rebuilding of the economy.

He said Nigerians had contributed in the building of the American economy over the years, noting that it was time for them to return and help to salvage the nation from recession.

The industrialist said Nigeria needed a lot of assistance to come out of recession, adding that the combined efforts of Nigerians abroad, especially in America, would contribute to rebuilding the economy.

He said there were many Nigerians in America who had several skills that could help to develop the country further.

According to him, government must create a special platform for Nigerian  professionals  interested in coming back from abroad to  invest.

He said part of the platform was for government to set aside a special fund for the professionals to access in taking the necessary steps in investments.

He also said government must also provide the needed infrastructure that would  encourage the Nigerian professionals from abroad to invest.

“If you are a specialist in some certain area, you can access special fund to develop your business in this area. This will attract so many of them.“(NAN)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Trump’s victory, a new hope for Nigeria- says activist

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Election

Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) Olukayode Ajulo, a former National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) has said that the victory of the Donald Trump as the president of the U.S. signals a new hope for  Nigeria.

Ajulo, a lawyer and right activist, said this on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the just concluded U.S. presidential election.

The unionist said that American had made a choice against all odds and sentiments adding that victory of Trump was decision of the majority.

He expressed the belief that Nigeria would benefit from his government better than what it had under outgoing President Barack Obama.

“One thing is that I see a new hope for Nigeria in Trump’s government because all the supports given to Obama by  Nigeria were never reciprocated by him.

“I believe that the government will speak well for Nigeria,” he said.

Ajulo urged Nigerian leaders and politicians to learn a big lesson from the election that the wishes of the people should be respected.

He, therefore, called on the leaders to find a way of working with the newly elected president in such a way that Nigeria will benefit.

He called on the Nigerian electoral body to take a cue from the U.S. election stressing that the election was free and fair and was conducted in peaceful manner. (NAN)

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Wastes: Nasarawa Govt to prosecute culprits

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Refuse

Keffi (Nasarawa State), Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) The Nasarawa State Government warned on Wednesday that it would prosecute individuals found dumping refuse indiscriminately across the state.

Retired Capt. Tanko Auta, the Director-General, Nasarawa State Waste Management Bureau, issued the threat on Monday in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Keffi.

Auta said the wastes constituted health hazards to residents and cause flooding.

He therefore advised residents and shop owners to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse so as to avoid sanctions.

The director-general warned that the state government would not spare any individual who undermine its efforts at ensuring clean and healthy environment.

“The Nasarawa State Government under Gov. Tanko Al-Makura administration is doing its best in keeping the environment clean.

“It is also the responsibility of everybody to complement government efforts by keeping his or her environment clean.

“It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, it is on this note that the government and stakeholders are always advising the people on the need to maintain personal and environmental hygiene in the country.

“That is why, the state government will not spare any individual dumping refuse indiscriminately as it will apply the necessary law to prosecute culprits to serve as deterrent to others,” Auta said.

According to him, the state government had established Nasarawa Waste Management Bureau in Keffi zone with the mandate of promoting sanitation in the state due to the importance of clean environment to human health.

He also advised residents and shop owners to always dump their refuse at designated points in the interest of public health and for the overall development of the country.

“Dumping of refuse in to gutters, markets and other places indiscriminately could also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes which is dangerous to human health which could lead to the spread of communicable disease.

“That is why, we urge residents of the state to keep their dustbins tightly and to cover it at all times as debris from uncovered dustbins goes straight into gutters,” he added.

The director-general reiterated the state government commitment and efforts in ensuring a clean, hygienic environment and the maintenance of drainage channels as part of strategies to improve on the lives of residents. (NAN)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola