Blog

In bid for history, Clinton fails to reach the mountaintop

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Hillary

Washington, Nov. 9, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Hillary Clinton came closer than any other woman to winning the White House on Tuesday but fell short for a second time, a bitter disappointment for a pioneering but polarising American political figure.

Seeking to win election to the office her husband Bill Clinton held from 1993 to 2001, Clinton, 69, lost her battle for the Democratic presidential nomination to Barack Obama in 2008.

She lost on Tuesday to Republican Donald Trump, 70.

Trump told supporters at a rally early on Wednesday that Clinton had phoned to congratulate him on his victory.

A Clinton campaign aide confirmed the phone call.

In 2000, Clinton became the only first lady to win elected office, as a U.S. senator from New York.

In 2009, she became the third female secretary of state.

In July, she became the first woman to claim a major U.S. party’s presidential nomination.

The presidency turned out to be a bridge too far.

Accepting her party’s nomination in July, she embraced the historic nature of her candidacy, saying that “when any barrier falls in America it clears the way for everyone.

“After all, when there are no ceilings, the sky’s the limit, so let’s keep going.

“Let’s keep going until every one of the 161 million women and girls across America has the opportunity she deserves to have,” Clinton said.

During four decades in public life, Clinton withstood such controversies as an FBI investigation of her use of a private email server as secretary of state, probes into her past business dealings.

Also is of her husband’s infidelity and an unsuccessful Republican effort to remove him from office.

Two American women, Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Sarah Palin in 2008, were nominated by major parties as their vice presidential nominees, but fell short in the general election. . (Reuters/NAN)
OYE/AMY
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Edited by Damilola Oyewole and Abdullahi Yusuf

Farmers in Jigawa record bumper harvest this year
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Havest
Abdullahi Shugaba
Dutse, Nov, 9 2016 (NAN) Farmers in Jigawa on Wednesday said they recorded bumper harvest this year because of high yield grains, favourable weather and provision of inputs by government in 2016.
A cross section of farmers in the state said this in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Dutse.
Malam Abdu Yuhaya of Galamawa Ward of Dutse told NAN that he recorded impressive yield in rice from his farm this year.
Yahaya said that he got 300 bags of rice during harvest compared to the 60 bags he got last year.
He said that he also planted wheat where he was optimistic to get not less than 400 bags after the harvest.
Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar, a farmer in Chei chei village, said that she also got more beans from her farm this year.
Hadiza disclosed that she harvested 120 bags this year compared to the 20 bags she realised in the previous year.
She attributed the bumper harvest this year to stable rainfall and the availability of ferliliser and other farm inputs.
Malam Haladu Wanzam, another farmer from Kalawa, thanked God for what he got.
Wanzam said for the past 10 years, he had never harvested sorghum, maize, sesame and guinea corn like this year.
He said that the bumper harvest recorded this year was due to stable rainfall and favourable atmospheric condition with availability of farm inputs (NAN)
AIS/TO/TA
Edited by Tola Okinbaloye/Tajudeen Atitebi

EU invites Trump to early summit, cites security, trade ties

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Summit

Brussels, Nov. 9, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Leaders of the European Union institutions have invited Donald Trump to a summit as soon as he can schedule one and cited security and trade ties.

This was mentioned as key in a letter signed by the leaders on Wednesday congratulating Trump on his election as the new U.S. president.

“Today, it is more important than ever to strengthen transatlantic relations,” wrote Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker, presidents respectively of the European Council, which groups member states, and the executive European Commission.

“Only by cooperating closely can the EU and U.S. continue to make a difference when dealing with unprecedented challenges such as Da’esh, the threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, climate change and migration,” they said.

The leaders said that “fortunately, the EU-U.S. strategic partnership was broad and deep, from our joint efforts to enhance energy security and address climate change.

“Through EU-U.S. collaboration on facing threats to security in Europe’s Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods and to the negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

“We should spare no effort to ensure that the ties that bind us remain strong and durable,” the EU leaders said. . (Reuters/NAN)
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Edited by Damilola Oyewole and Abdullahi Yusuf

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Defence
By Aderonke Ojediran-Lawal
Lagos, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) An ex-international, Edema Fuludu, on Wednesday said he was afraid of the Super Eagles defence as the team prepared for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the qualifiers hold on Nov. 12 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Fuludu, a member of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the handlers of the team should focus on beefing up the defence.

Cue-in audio

“My only fear has always been our defence line, against Zambia we were very worried that their attack was very sharp but the defence did not play very well.

“I hope the new technical adviser and the coaches will notice that and thinker properly with our defensive formation.

“While the attackers are doing their beats, the midfielders are working so hard to score; we should not concede any unnecessary and flimsy goal.

“So that we can keep our hope alive, this is one of the toughest matches we will play, but I think the Super Eagles of Nigeria will triumph.

“Even if we win with a slain one goal or two goals margin, victory is the most important thing for us; and Algeria is not going to be a push over.

“ I believe that with them having a new coach their spirit will have been gingered up again psychologically.

“And I think they will come and play a game of delay, a game of frustrating our Super Eagles.

“But with the calibre of players that have come into camp we will be able to triumph.

Cue-out audio

NAN reports that Group B of the World Cup qualifiers consists of Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon; Eagles won its last tie against Zambia 2-1 in an away match. (NAN)
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

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Certification
By Adekunle Williams/Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) RwandAir, the national flag carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, has announced its successful registration as an International Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).

Mrs Ibiyemi Odusi, the airline Country Manager, Nigeria, made the announcement in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ISAGO is an International Air Transport Association (IATA) standardised and structured audit programme for Ground Service Providers (GSP).

Odusi said that with the registration, RwandAir is now a Certified GSP under the IATA–ISAGO registry and valid for two years till July 2018.

“This follows an audit conducted on RwandAir ground operations in July 2016 by WAKEQA, an IATA approved audit organisation.

“The audit was concluded with minimal findings and observations.

“The audit uses internationally recognised ground operational standards aimed at reducing risk and cost as well as minimising damages and incidents,” she said.

Odusi, in the statement, quoted Mr John Mirenge, the Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir, as saying that the airline would provide enhanced ground-handling services with high safety standards to its customers.

“This would not have been possible without the dedicated, tireless, hardwork of the RwandAir staff.

“The pursuit of the ISAGO certification, in addition to the existing IOSA certification, confirms RwandAir’s commitment to the industry best practices in operational safety to a world class level,” Mirenge was quoted as saying. (NAN)
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Olagoke Olatoye

More than half of Germans want Merkel to run in 2017 vote

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Vote
Berlin, Nov. 9, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) More than half of Germans want Chancellor Angela Merkel to run for a fourth term as the conservative candidate in the 2017 federal election.

A poll showed on Wednesday, despite a dip in her popularity due to her liberal migrant policy.

Some 59 per cent of Germans want Merkel to put herself forward for “The Union”.

It is made up of Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) a survey by pollster Forsa for Stern magazine showed.

That compared with 35 per cent who said they do not want Merkel to run for a fourth term, according to the poll of 1,002 people conducted between Nov. 3 and Nov. 4.

Senior allies of Merkel have indicated they expect her to run for office again in 2017.

Although her decision to allow more than a million migrants fleeing the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere into Germany this year and last has polarised society.

Merkel, 62, has been chancellor of Europe’s largest economy since 2005.

She has repeatedly declined to comment on whether she will run in 2017, saying only that she will make her intentions clear in due course. In September she said she was still motivated.

If Merkel decides not to run, 26 per cent think Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, who earned respect for his handling of the euro zone crisis, would be the best candidate to run for the conservatives.

Meanwhile, 18 per cent were in favour of Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen is often rumoured to be a possible successor to Merkel but said in October that she hoped to continue serving in her current role beyond the election.

Some 12 per cent thought the Interior Minister, Thomas de Maiziere would be the best choice for conservative candidate if Merkel chooses not to run. (Reuters/NAN)
OYE/OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha

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Para-badminton
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, Nov. 9, 2016 (2016) Dixon Dada, winner of the 2015 National Para-badminton Championship on Wednesday expressed his readiness to retain the title.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3^rd edition tagged Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu Championship would hold from Dec. 1 to Dec. 3 in Umuahia, Abia State.

NAN reports that Dada defeated Victor Ozuruba of Imo by 2-1 to win in the Male category.

Dada, who is an athlete from Delta State, told NAN that he had intensified training to ensure a good outing at the event.

“I’m gearing up for the championship; I started preparations very early to retain my title come December. I know it will not be an easy task because other participants will also come prepared,’’ he said.

He, however, appealed to the Delta State Government to support the state athletes participating in the championship.

Meanwhile, Samuel Ekeoma, President of the Nigeria Para-Badminton Federation, told NAN that measures are already in place to ensure a hitch free competition.

Ekeoma commended the Abia State government for supporting the championship and para-sports as a whole in the country. (NAN)
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Ismail Abdulaziz

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Sentence
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday sentenced a 23-year-old unemployed, Fatai Obadeyi, to three years imprisonment for stealing  generator valued N60,000 property of Adebayo Ojo.

Chief Magistrate M.O. Osinbajo sentenced Obadeyi after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

“Based on the facts of this case confirmed report and the plea of leniency, I hereby sentence you to three years imprisonment without an option of fine,” she held.

Obadeyi, lives at No. 3, Matomi Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.

The Prosecutor, Sgt Yomi Egunjobi, had earlier told the court that the convict committed the offence on Oct. 30 at about 3.00 a.m. at No. 55, Giwa Str., Ilupeju, Lagos.

Egunjiobi said the convict stole a generator belonging to a man, Aro Olusanya, and took it to Mushin Area of Lagos and sold it to one Ubong now at large.

“But luck ran out on Obadeyi when he came back to the same area very early hours of Nov. 1 to steal another generator and phones, property of Ojo.

“The convict was apprehended while trying to abscond with the stolen items and handed over to the police,” Egunjobi said.

He said the convict contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. (NAN)
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Edited by FElix Nwadioha

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Fire
Mohammed Mamman
Damaturu, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Yobe  has cautioned residents in the state against bush and domestic fire accidents as the harmattan season sets in.

Dr Muhammad Fari, the NSCDC State Commandant, gave the warning on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu.

“As the dry harmattan winds blow harshly, people are advised to guard against exposing naked fire to the winds to avoid disaster.

“We must avoid bush burning and reckless handling of fire to avoid disaster both at home and in the environment.

“This is very important because, many farmers are now harvesting their farms, we have to protect the farms and valuables in our homes against fire accidents,” he said.

The NSCDC commandant also advised parents to monitor and ensure that their under age children did not handle fire, adding that gas cookers, cooking stoves and fire woods should be properly extinguished after cooking.

Fari also encouraged traditional, religious and community leaders to sensitise the public on the need for proactive measures against fire outbreaks throughout the season.

“Automobile mechanics and motorists should endeavour to have fire extinguisher in their vehicles and workshops” the commandant said. (NAN)

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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Ismail Abdulaziz

Harmattan: Keep warm to protect eyes, respiratory system – pharmacist advises

By Blessing Odega

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Harmattan
Jos, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) A pharmacist, Mrs. Rotkang Okunola, has advised members of the public to keep themselves warm during the harmattan, to protect their eyes, skin and respiratoy systems.

Okunola, chief pharmacist at Dilimi Central Pharmacy, Jos, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Jos that the season had health implications that humans must strive to avoid.

“The season is usually characterized by foggy mist, which has dust particles; such particles cause irritation to the eye and the respiratory system.

“ In most cases, the eyes are the most affected because they are exposed to the dust particles carried by the dry, cold and dusty wind leading to itching, redness and other allergices.

“The dust and cold weather also cause respiratory diseases such as cough, catarrh, sore throat diseases and bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes characterized by coughing, and chest pain,” she explained.

She particularly advised asthmatic and sickle cell patients to be more proactive during the period as the dry and cold wind usually aggravate crises in the affected individual.

The expert listed other challenges associated with Harmattan to include cracked lips, dry skin and cracks on the sole of the feet, and prescribed the use of skin care products.

Okunola advised people to wear cardigans, head warmers, stockings, leggings and hand gloves to keep warm.

She emphasized the need to keep children warm as they were more prone to cold which could lead to pneumonia if not effectively managed.(NAN)
UBO/ETS

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Edited by Blessing Odega and Ephraims Sheyin