Blog

NAN-H-70
Elope
By Usman Aliyu
Ilorin, Nov 8, 2016 (NAN) A housewife, Rasheedat Mudashiru, has told an Ilorin Area Court that she eloped with her husband, Taiwo, when her family withhold their consent in the marriage.

Rasheedat, who lives in Alapata Area of Ilorin, made this known when she testified in her divorce petition against Taiwo, whom she had cohabited with for seven years on Tuesday.

“My family was not in support of the union from the beginning but I eloped with him till I was pregnant,” she said.

Rasheedat  told the court that her  husband was fond of beating her despite the fact that he had not paid her bride price.

She said her family ordered her to file the divorce suit when it was evident that the situation was unendurable.

“It is now clearer to me who he is. He beats me at will and there is no rest of mind in the matrimony,” she said.

The petitioner urged the court to grant her divorce because she had been hypertensive.

But, Taiwo, in his response, denied the allegations and confirmed that he had not paid the bride price.

He pledged to do so if given a second chance and urged the court to save the marriage.

“I still love my wife, please grant me adjournment to make a reconciliatory move.

The Area Court judge, AbdulQuadir Ibrahim, adjourned the case till Dec. 19 for report of settlement or continuation. (NAN)
AUO/OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha

NAN-H-60
Theft
By Muftau Ogunyemi
Akure, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) A 22-year-old mechanic, charged with conspiracy and armed robbery, was on Tuesday remanded in prison custody by an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Sunday Adedapo, ordered that Akinritan Aanu be remanded in Olokuta Prison till Nov. 21 for bail consideration.
The Prosecutor, Mr Pelumi Adejuwon, told the court that Aanu and others at large, broke into one Nissan vehicle with registration number JY 319 EKY and stole N2 million.
Adejuwon said that the accused was armed with offensive weapons on Oct. 17 when he stole the money belonging to one Mr Philip Alainbamijo along Barracks road in Ondo Town.
He said the offence was contravened Sections 516 and 402(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The accused’s counsel, Mr Orlu-Orlu Mills, prayed the court to grant his client bail on the most liberal terms.
The case was adjourned to Nov. 21, for consideration of bail application. (NAN)
(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)

NAN-H-59
Jumia
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) An online retail giant, Jumia Nigeria, on Tuesday announced that this year’s “Black Friday’’ would hold for 12 days from Nov. 14 to Nov. 25.

Jumia Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Juliet Anammah, said in a statement that the initiative was designed to offer customers more days, deals, convenience and to deliver better customer service to shoppers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Black Friday is a large sales event in which online stores offer heavily discounted products to shoppers.

“This year, Jumia Nigeria’s Black Friday will take place for 12 jaw-dropping days, on all Jumia websites.

“It will be on Jumia Mall, Jumia Food, Jumia Car, Jumia Market, Jumia Travel, Jumia House, and Jumia Deals websites.

“Top brands like AXA Mansard, MTN, Binatone, Innjoo, Infinix, Poly Star, HP, Intel, Etihad Airways have partnered with Jumia to bring to Nigerians the largest shopping event of the year.

“Jumia Black Friday shoppers are expected to see increased sales inventory in all categories including fashion, electronics, phones, computers, home, baby, health and beauty, up to 70 per cent discount on regular prices.

“Over 100,000 deals from 2,500 vendors highlight offerings from brands like PolyStar, HP, Binatone, Nikon, Pampers and Apple,’’ Anammah said.

She said that in addition to mouthwatering deals, this year’s Jumia Black Friday would feature an online giveaway for every customer who spends N10, 000 and above.

The online retail chief said lucky customer winners could win an iPhone 7, a PS4 console, two economy class Etihad tickets, and two business class tickets.

She said this year’s sales event had been expanded to reach even more customers, following last year’s impressive volume of orders, in which more than 2.3 million Nigerians visited Jumia.

Also, the Jumia Market Chief Executive, Sefik Bagdadioglu, stressed that in Jumia Black Friday, sellers could reach up to 15 times their daily volumes in sales and buyers would have incredible bargains to enjoy.

“Deals are expected to go fast, on a first come, first serve basis.

“Customers are encouraged to download the Jumia app and subscribe to the newsletter for real time notifications on the featured sales, deals and daily offerings. (NAN)
CAN/COF/PIO
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Idonije Obakhedo

NAN-S-13
Focus
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi on Tuesday in Abuja said the team must remain focused and disciplined to achieve their World Cup qualification goal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mikel, Ahmed Musa and 18 others on Tuesday took part in the Super Eagles’ first training session at the National Stadium, Abuja.

Mikel, who spoke to newsmen after the training, admitted that the game against Algeria would be a very difficult one.

He, therefore, urged the team to ensure that all hands were on deck to take all three points from the game.

“We must continue to do exactly what we are doing.

“We’ve been doing things right, we have been playing well and look solid as a team.

“Defensively, we look good, going forward we look good, we create chances and we score goals.

“So, we have to continue to do exactly what we are doing, maintain focus, discipline in camp and ensure we work very hard toward Saturday,’’ Obi said.

He noted that though the Algerians would be a very hard nut to crack, he was confident that the Super Eagles would be victorious.

“We are a very good side. We are a very young team.

“Even though we have a couple of experienced players, the team is very young and energetic. So, the counter-attacking style of the Algerians will not be a problem for us.

“We can recover, we can attack. We’ve got the legs to do that.

“They will play to their own strength, while we also play to our own strength and I think it is going to be a very tactical game.

“So, we have to be careful. We want to win but a draw wouldn’t be a bad result,’’ Obi said.

NAN reports that the explosive encounter is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Nov. 12. (NAN)
VO/PDE
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(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-HE-14

Mining

By Aminu Ahmed Garko

Paiko ( Minna) Nov. 8,2016( NAN) The Federal Government will provide land to artisanal miners in the country to legitimise their trade, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Feyemi, said in Tuesday.

Kayode, who inspected mining sites at Muye Kafinkoro in Paiko Local Government Area of Niger State, said the government was developing a framework to legalise artisanal mining in the country.

“We will encourage them to register, so that government can come to their aid in the area of capacity training, modern equipment and financial assistance to enable them excel in their business,” he added.

Kayode said it was important for the miners to properly organise themselves into cooperative groups, to benefit from various interventions of the federal government to boost the sector.

He said that the ministry would issue mining licences through the cooperatives.

The minister explained that the registration of cooperatives would also allow the miners to be engaged by registered mining companies to earn decent income.

“Mining must become job creative avenue and revenue generating vehicle for Nigeria,” Kayode said.

He advised the miners to ensure that all dug wells were covered to prevent accidents.

The minister frowned at the involvement of children in mining activities, saying government would not condone any form of child labour.

He said the ministry would carefully monitor to prevent the participation of children in the trade, adding that “ the children must be seen in school and not engaged in artisanal mining.”

Kayode called for active participation of local government chairmen and stakeholders in monitoring mining activities in their localities.(NAN)
AAG/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

NAN-H-34
Stealing
By Boboye Moronke Tinuola
Lagos, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) Two engineers, who allegedly stole their employer’s property valued at N450,000, were on Tuesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The accused, Adebowale Hunga, 33 and Kabiru Akindele, 24, living at Popoola Street, Oshodi in Lagos, are facing trial on charges of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Donjor Perezi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 29 at Ikeja.

Perezi said that the engineers stole a property belonging to their employer, Mr Kunle Adedeji.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Hunga and Akindele, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for any offender, if found guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.A. Layinka, granted the accused bail of N100, 000 each with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case to Dec. 5 for mention. (NAN)
MTO/DUA/GOK
Edited by Dada Ahmed/Olagoke Olatoye
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NAN-H-58
AD
By Lydia Ngwakwe
Lagos, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The Lagos Chapter of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) had urged its members in Ondo State to remain committed so that the party can win the Nov.26 governorship election.
Mr Kola Ajayi, the Lagos State Chairman of the party, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the time had come for dedicated members “to know that hard work pays’’.
Ajayi’s advice came on the backdrop of media reports that many AD members in Oke-Agbe, headquarters of Akoko North-West Area of Ondo State, at the weekend, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party’s chairman urged his members not to be deterred by the antics of their opponent, alleging that the defectors were paid and arranged to say they were defecting to the APC from the AD.
“You know the members of the APC are a clever people having seen a large number of their members joining the AD in Akoko North-West and Akoko North –East areas, respectively.
“They were alleged to have also arranged some boys and paid them to say they were defecting from the AD to the APC in Akoko North-West area.
“It will interest you to know that in Akoko North-East area, the APC members’ defected en-masse to the AD because of the popularity of our governorship candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, who is a grassroots’ man.
“His credibility, quality and antecedents are making people to join the party.
“Apart from the APC members, others are also moving to the AD; the party is strong and solidly on ground in Ondo State.
“It is a party that people want to reckon with,’’ Ajayi said.
He advised party men and women not to be jittery about the arranged defectors, urging them to remain focus as they have been doing.
He also advised them not to allow themselves to be used and dumped later by the opponents.
“I trust that our members will not be the type that money can buy because such money will only last for a short period,’’ Ajayi told NAN.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be impartial in the conduct of the forthcoming election.
He said the commission should allow a level playing ground for all the political parties so as to correct the wrong impressions people have had about it.
He urged INEC to do everything within its power to ensure the election was conclusive, adding that it should work with all stakeholders to ensure a successful poll outcome.
Ajayi appealed to the electorate to vote for the AD and its candidate.
He advised the voters to remember the achievements AD made when it governed the state.
NAN reports that the election is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 26. (NAN)
LED/AIB/PAD
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/controlled by Peter Dada

NAN-DS-5

Motorists

By Aminu Ahmed Garko

Minna, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Tuesday said the speed limit device was introduced to cut down on traffic accidents and save lives.

The FRSC Sector Commander in Niger State, Mrs Suzan Ajenge said motorists would do themselves a lot of good if they acquire the device.

Ajenge said in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that all stakeholders  must support the corps in the current crusade to reduce traffic accidents.

“Stakeholders must actively engage in mobilising roads users on the need to adhere to the speed limiter, to prevent road crashes,” she added.

The sector commander stressed that motorists must obey traffic rules and regulations to stay alive.

She attributed over 40 per cent of road traffic crashes to over speeding, adding that the speed limiter was to check such excesses. (NAN)
AAG/MZA

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NAN-HG-14
Women
By Martha Agas
Jos, Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) Involvement of women in decision making will boost the attainment of sustainable peace and development in Nigeria, the UN Women official has said.

Mr Peter Mancha, the Deputy Programme Manager, UN Women, a body under UN, made the assertion on Tuesday at a two-day workshop organised for women journalists in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants were drawn from Plateau, Gombe, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Theme of the workshop is: “Promoting Women’s Engagement in Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria’’.

It was funded by the European Union and implemented by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

It is to build the capacity of women journalists as key actors in the advocacy for peace and security.

Mancha said that the workshop would also strengthen women in leadership role, advance gender equality and improve the protection of women and children in conflict areas.

He said that more than 30 women from each of the states were being trained and mentored as advocates to fast track the promotion of peace and security.

According to her, women are always the worst hit during conflicts of any kind.

In her remarks, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, the President, National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said that women were key actors in ensuring peace and security because of their innate skills for conflicts resolution.

“Government should engage women in the peace-making process because they have natural endowment for resolving conflicts and they are most affected by crisis,’’ Omowole said.

She urged NAWOJ members to engage the communities in their respective areas in the promotion of peace and security.

Omowole said that empowerment of young girls through mentorship and economic empowerment was required for the development of any society.

Also, Mrs Rufina Gurumyen, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Plateau, said that the power of information could change negative perception in the society.

Gurumyen, represented by Mr Tireng Retshik, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, urged participants to use the knowledge acquired at the workshop to serve as change agents in the society. (NAN)
MAA/COF/GOK
Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Olagoke Olatoye
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NAN-H-35
Festivals
By Muhammad Baba Busu
Kwandare (Nasarawa), Nov. 8, 2016 (NAN) The Emir of Kwandare in Nasarawa State, Dr Ahmadu Al-makura, on Tuesday called for regular cultural festivals by ethnic nationalities to preserve and promote Nigeria’s culture.

The traditional ruler made the call during a cultural display by Gwandara people in Kwandare, Lafia Local Government Area of the state.

Al-makura said that it had become necessary for ethnic groups to revive their cultures and traditions going into extinction.

He said that promotion of Nigeria’s culture would curtail Western influence on the citizens.

He advised that the younger generation should be encouraged to participate actively in such festivals to be able to appreciate them and give less attention to foreign ways of lives.

Al-makura said that undue Western influence was misleading some young Nigerians, some of who, he said, had been involved in vices.

He described the cultural display by Gwandara people as timely in view of its importance to the present generation fast losing cultural values, norms and identities.

The monarch hoped that that display would mark the beginning of culture promotion among Gwandara people.

“Gwandara people have rich culture, and we are proud of our tradition; we must do everything possible to promote it,” he said.

NAN reports that the cultural display was organised by the Sarkin Kwandare to showcase different traditional dances.(NAN)

BAB/ACO/IGO

(Edited by Oluleye Abiodun/Ijeoma Popoola)