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Sydney (Australia), Nov. 9, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Wednesday that the relationship between Australia and the U.S. would remain one of “trust and confidence” with president-elect Donald Trump in the White House.

Turnbull told reporters in Canberra that “we have no stronger relationship, whether it’s on the battlefield or in commerce, than we have with the U.S.

“We’ll continue to work with our friends in the United States through the Trump administration, just as we have through the Obama administration, just as we always will.”

Earlier Turnbull had said Trump’s victory was another example of global voter unrest following Brexit.

He said “it’s very important in this time of unprecedented change, economic change, technological change, to ensure all sectors of the community are not left behind.”

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia remained hopeful that Obama administration would use the so-called “lame duck session” of the Congress to approve the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Opposition Labor party leader Bill Shorten, who had called Trump “barking mad” and “entirely unsuitable to be the leader of the free world” made a possitive remark.#

He said the result was a sign of a political era where “disaffection and disengagement are easily harnessed”.

The alliance with the U.S. has thrived for seven decades, he said, and “it is far bigger than any individual, far more powerful than any personality and it will endure.” (dpa/NAN)
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Edited by Damilola Oyewole/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Anambra Jubilee Fair, an opportunity to showcase inventions – Organisers
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Fair
By Emmanuel Ndukuba
Awka, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) The forthcoming Anambra Jubilee Trade Fair would offer participants the opportunity to showcase their inventions and create over 500 new enterprises, organisers said on Wednesday.
Sunny Nwachukwu, Chairman of the organising committee, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the fair would hold in Awka between Nov. 25 and Dec. 9.
He said the organisers had carried out adequate sensitisation among the business community and organised private sector to ensure a successful fair.
“We want to showcase the state’s spirit of investment, enterprise and cooperation.
“We have received tremendous responses and we are expecting majority of those who responded to take up stands as participants.
“We are jointly working with the government which adopted the fair as part of activities marking the state’s 25th anniversary,’’ he said.
According to him, the fair is being packaged by the Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi Chambers of Commerce.
Nwachukwu said that the government and the private sector had synergised to showcase the economic potentials, capabilities and prowess existing in the state.
“It is our expectation that many new production techniques, research findings, industrial inventions and several newly-developed cottage applications will be exhibited at the fair.
“It is an opportunity for industries, research and manpower training institutions to team up for sustainable development of the state.
“This is also an opportunity for Igbo traders to bring in their partners to set up manufacturing outfits and rake in profit,’’ he said.
Nwachukwu said that the President of African Export Bank, Dr Ben Okey Oranu, was billed to deliver a keynote address at the opening ceremony. (NAN)
EAN/ECN/WOJ
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(Edited by Emanuel Nwoye / Wale Ojetimi)

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Analysts
By Temitope Ponle
Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) International relations experts have described the victory of
U.S. President-elect, Donald Trump, as a surprise that will bring uncertainty to international politics.

The experts told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday that Trump did not have the experience and expertise in international affairs.

Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a professor of political science, described Trump’s victory as a worrisome development.

Akinyemi, who was a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, said global predictions of the Democratic candidate, Hilary Clinton’s victory was cut short by Trump’s win.

“It brings uncertainty into international politics because the world now has to deal with a man who is inexperienced, does not understand the complexities of international politics and has no respect for anyone who is not white or American; I think that is dangerous.

“There has always been an ugly side to the U.S. just as there is with every country in the world but the good side in the U.S. has always prevailed so that in tackling American problems, the interests of the U.S. are not defined in antagonism to the interest of the whole world.

“But this victory of Trump is a victory of the ugly side of the U.S.”

The professor added that it would be difficult to predict Trump’s policies toward Nigerians or Africans
in the diaspora and the continent itself.

Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, however, advised the leadership of Nigeria and Africa to promote policies in the interest of the citizens.

Gambari said such interests would encourage development and reduce the flow of African citizens to western countries.

He added that “as Africans, we have survived slavery, colonialism, apartheid; I think the strength of the African people will enable us to survive any negative consequences arising from this results.

“The important thing is for the leadership of our continent to put the people ahead of anything else and if the link between the people and the leadership is strong, then we will survive the decision by the Americans to electing Donald.”

He expressed optimism that U.S. laws and institutions would protect Nigerians and Africans in the U.S., stressing, however, that “clearly, we should be prepared.

“The Africans in the diaspora are the sixth region in Africa as being decided by the African Union so we have to be supportive and look out for them.”

Amb. Dapo Fafowora, former Nigerian ambassador to the UN, however, said Trump’s victory was a lesson to Nigerians and Africans to remain in and contribute to the development of their countries.

Fafowora said Africans needed to reduce their reliance on world economic powers.

He added that “there is nothing in his background to suggest he has any durable interest in Africa.

“I think it is a lesson for Nigerians; people should stay here and make contributions in developing our country.

“When people go abroad, they contribute to these foreign countries; one must agree that conditions are difficult but if Nigerians abroad work half as hard as they do in abroad in Nigeria, we will be a better country.

“I think it is a good development for Africa that we should look inwards and try to develop ourselves without relying on any major economic power.”

The U.S. presidential election of 2016 held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, was the 58th and most recent quadrennial U.S. presidential election.

Republican candidate Donald Trump, and his running mate, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana defeated
Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and her running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

Trump got 289 votes, surpassing the expected 270 electoral votes.

He will take office as the 45th President of the U.S. on Jan. 20, 2017 and Pence will take office as the 48th Vice President.

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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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Classrooms
By Deborah Ogedemgbe
Benin, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday inaugurated nine blocks of 22 classrooms in Benin, lauding Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo for his laudable  achievements.

Ambode, inaugurating the project at Itohan Girls Grammar School, Benin, on invitation of Oshiomhole, said that completion of the project had shown that his host “is a people-oriented leader’’.

He said that the Oshiomhole-led administration had turned around the fortunes of the state in the last eight years.

The governor of Lagos State also commended the outgoing governor for completing the project at a time when the nation’s economy was facing some challenges.

Ambode said that he was thrilled about the continuity in governance in Edo as Oshiomhole would be handing over to another All Progressives Congress government on Nov. 12.

He announced scholarship for two students of the school to study courses of their choices at the newly inaugurated Edo University, Iyamho, from first year to their graduation.

Ambode said that selection of the students should be based on merit.

Oshiomhole had earlier expressed happiness over re-building of the school, saying that primary and secondary schools were the foundation for quality education.

He urged teachers and the host communities to ensure proper maintenance of the facility put in place by his administration.

Oshiomhole said that Edo would continue to copy what works in Lagos State in view of the special relationship existing between the two states.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Education, Mr Gideon Obakhan, said that the project was another testimony to the government’s commitment to the development of education sector.

Obakhan said the administration understood that an investment in education was an investment in the future of children and the nation.

He also said that efforts put into the sector by the Oshiomhole-led administration had gone a long way in boosting the morale of the students and reduce examination malpractices. (NAN)
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Olagoke Olatoye

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Health
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Nov 9, 2016(NAN) Dr Ogugua Osi-Ogbu, Consultant Physician Geriatrician with the National Hospital, has advised Nigerians, particularly the aged to closely monitor their health records regularly to ensure healthy life and graceful ageing.
Osi-Ogbu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
She said ageing was not a disease although the elderly were at a higher risk of developing some ailments such as diabetes, hypertension and stroke.
The consultant said that it was important for the aged population and all Nigerians to monitor their health records which comprised of the four ultimate numbers of their health.
“There are four ultimate numbers which everyone should know about themselves annually in order to avoid sudden death or health breakdown.
“Firstly our blood pressure, secondly blood sugar, thirdly cholesterol and lastly our body max index, ‘’ she said.
She described body max index as a function of the weight to the height which should be between the ranges of 19 to 25.
“If the figure indicates 25 to 30 such a person is regarded as been overweight, 30 to 35 indicate obsessed mildly, while 35 to 40 indicate obsessed moderately.
“For men at the age of 45 years should check their prostrate regularly and anyone from 35 years who is overweight should always ensure that the four numbers are optimal at all times.
“Also if an aged person losses more than 10 per cent of their body weight in less than six months with no ailment diagnosed should consult their doctor,’’ she said.
Osi-Ogbu said persons with family history of certain diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and those living a sedentary life should be more committed to regular checkups.
She said that management of such disease conditions involved lots of education for the patient and their family members in achieving a healthy life and graceful ageing.
“Lifestyle modification is very important to the management of these diseases by eating the right foods, avoid smoking and excess intake of alcohol.
“A minimum of 150 minutes pace walking exercise, which translates to 30 minutes of exercise five times a week is also very important for healthy living.
“The best way to monitor our health records is to make it a birthday gift to ourselves,’’ Osi-Ogbu added.
The consultant advised Nigerians to check into any health facility on their birthdays to ensure that the four numbers for their health were at optimal levels.
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Edited by Halima Sheji/Tajudeen Atitebi

Court in Benin remands 26-year-old man for alleged assault
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Remand
By Monday Ajogun
Benin, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) An Evbuoriaria Magistrates’ Court, Benin , on Wednesday remanded Aaron Ibhagbe, 26, for allegedly assaulting Boi Stanley with broken bottle.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Abu Al-Hassan, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 8, at 3rd Junction, Sakponba Road, Benin.

Al-Hassan said that the accused unlawfully used broken bottle to caused the victim grievous harm on his left ear.

He said the offence contravened Section 332 (1) of the Criminal Code.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge bordering on grievous harm.

The Magistrates’, Mr I. Ihenyen, remanded the accused in prison, and adjourned the case till Dec. 1, for hearing. (NAN)
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Edited by Felix Nwadioha

Nasarawa Deputy Speaker dumps PDP

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Dump

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Lafia, Nov. 9, 2016(NAN) The Deputy Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr Godiya Akwashiki, on Wednesday announced his defection to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Akwashiki was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to represent Nassarawa Eggon West constituency at the Assembly.

The lawmaker’s defection was contained in a letter read on the floor of the assembly by the Speaker, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, on Wednesday in Lafia.

The speaker congratulated Akwashiki for taking the right decision at the right time and assured him of their supports at all the time.

In the letter, Akwashiki hinged his defection on the ongoing leadership crisis in the PDP at the national level.

“The crisis rocking our party at the national level between Sen. Makarfi faction and Sen. Sheriff faction is the reason why I dumped PDP and defected to APC.

“After due consultation with my party stakeholders, the people of my constituency and other people in the state, I deem it necessary to dump PDP and to defect to APC, so as to contribute my quota to the development of the state and Nigeria at large,” he stated.

In his comment, the speaker welcomed the lawmaker to the APC and assured people of the state of the assembly’s determination to enact laws that would improve their lives.

He said the assembly was satisfied with the efforts of Gov. Tanko Al-Makura to make positive impact in the state.

A member of the PDP in the assembly, Mr Ibrahim Muluku said although Akwashiki’s decision was personal, he was deeply touched by the action of the lawmaker.(NAN)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi/Maharazu Ahmed

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Demolition

By AbdulFatai Beki
Ilorin, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) The Kwara Town Planning and Development Authority (KSTPDA) on Wednesday demolished two petrol stations in llorin, the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the demolition was in line with the resolution of the State House of Assembly in Aug. 2016.

The two stations are nearly completed and located at Alfa Yahaya Oke Agodi area and Mandate market road in Ilorin.

The KSTPDA Director of Development Control, Alhaji Bolakale Yusuf, who supervised the demolition exercise, said it was in line with the directive of the state government and the assembly.

According to him, the demolition was part of the agency’s responsibilities of ensuring that all illegal structures in the state are demolished, adding that it would be a continuous exercise.

The Chairman of the state House of Assembly ad-hoc Committee on proliferation of filling stations, Kamal Fagbemi, said six filling stations within residential areas are slated for demolition.

Fagbemi said one of the remaining four filling stations slated for demolition had already instituted legal action against the order. (NAN)

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Edited by Saidu Adamu/Ismail Abdulaziz

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YouTube
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Nov. 8, 2016(NAN) Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa, has urged Internet users to log on to YouTube Videos anytime they need a chuckle, and just laugh.

Kola-Ogunlade said in Lagos that “laughter heals and enables one to live a longer life and such laughter can be gotten through Google’s YouTube videos.

“There is so much happening around us today and life may even taste like a real sour orange. But wait, you know how it is, today you buy sour orange, tomorrow you buy the one that is as sweet as ever.

“So why keep your face scrounged like a crumbled paper. If there is something many people need more than water, it is laughter.

“Now, because Google cares, we will let you in on an open secret. Anytime, you need a chuckle, go on YouTube and Just laugh! Life has no duplicate.”

The Google manager also urged individuals to be YouTube content creators, adding that such content should have a humour side.

He said individuals could also begin to earn money from their channels once they increase subscribers.

Kola-Ogunlade listed seven YouTube videos that would keep people laughing; Frank donga and Falz the bahd guy wrong numba, Biggest Star – this guy can sing shaaa.

Others, he said, are; My Real Face- Mark Angel Comedy – Episode 48, Confession Ft. Bovi, African Mums – Punishments, Pornography, or simply bad luck and Okon picks a Lady who turned out to be a Guy.

He urged users to log onto https://www.youtube.com/watch? for the videos.(NAN)
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Egypt’s president congratulates Trump, looks forward to new era of closer ties

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Ties

Cairo, Nov. 9, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday on his victory in the U.S. presidential election.

He said that he hoped his election would unleash a new era of closer ties with Washington.

“The Egyptian Arab Republic is looking forward to the period of Donald Trump’s presidency to imbue new spirit into the path of Egyptian-American ties.

“With more cooperation and coordination in the interests of both the Egyptian and American people,” al-Sisi said. (Reuters/NAN)

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Edited by Damilola Oyewole and Abdullahi Yusuf