Blog

NAN-S-3
Cup
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 42 Schools would compete in Abuja to dethrone FOSLA Academy as FCT Principal Cup Football Competitions begins Nov. 8.

This is contained in a statement signed by Patrick Ngwaogu, the Vice Chairman of the FCT Football Association and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the 2016 edition of the FCT Principals Cup football competition will hold in four different centres across the Federal Capital Territory.

NAN recalls that FOSLA Academy won the first edition of the competition.

“This edition, which incidentally is the second edition of the tournament, will be competed for by 42 Secondary Schools that have been grouped in Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Karshi and Tundunwada Wuse Zone 4.’’

According to the statement, the first matches to be played in the Kubwa Government Secondary School playground will be between Government Secondary School Gwagwalada and Government Secondary School Zuba.

Government Secondary School Bwari would take on Government Secondary School Byazhin in the second match.

Government Secondary School Yebu would play the School for the Gifted Gwagwalada, while Government Secondary School Jiwa would tackle Government Secondary School Yaba in the Gwagwalada Government Secondary School Centre.

Government Day Secondary School Karu will settle scores with Government Day Secondary School Wuse 2 at the Karshi Centre.

The second match in that group would be between Government Secondary School Apo and Government Secondary Nyanya.

The Government Secondary School Tundunwada, Wuse Zone 4 Centre would host the match between Government Secondary School Dei Dei and Government Secondary School Mpape.

While, the second match in the group would be between Top Hills Secondary School and Government Secondary School Dutse Alhaji. (NAN)
VO/LAB/YAZ
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(Edited by Lydia Beshel/Yusuf Zango)

NAN-H-61
Revenue
By Kate Obande
Abuja, Nov.7, 2016 (NAN) Prof. Bappa- Aliyu Muhammadu, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) says  the commission generates about N10 million between January and now.
Muhammadu made this known when the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), paid an oversight visit to the commission on Monday in Abuja.
Muhammadu said that the fund generated internally was part of the achievements recorded by the commission between January and now.
He explained that the money was generated from the three years renewal of lease for communication mast space, NCCE clinic capitation fee, sales of boarded items and rent of halls.
“The revenue is used to augment insufficient over head appropriated to the commission such as payment of outsourced services, maintenance and fuelling of generating plants, payments of electricity bills, water and waste disposal.’’
He said the commission planned to accredit Federal College of Education Kontagora, Minna and St. Augustine College of Education in South west before December.
Muhammadu said the commission had embarked on monitoring of learning in National Certificate of Education (NCE) awarding institutions in enhancing the quality of graduates.
He explained that the monitoring programme focused on mathematics and integrated science, adding that it was aimed at assessing the students before graduation to ensure quality education in these subjects.
The executive secretary also said that the commission was presently expanding and improving on the Information Technology facilities in the commission and all colleges in the country.
According to him, over 15 colleges of education have been accredited this year and resource visitations are carried out in nine colleges.
Muhammadu said that provisional approvals had been granted for the establishment of four new colleges in Oyo, Gombe, Benue and Enugu states.
He explained that the commission had set up standards for the management and disbursement of public funds to ensure transparency, accountability and compliance in all the federal colleges of education. (NAN)
KTE/JPE/MO
Edited by Joseph Edeh/Morayo Omolade
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NAN-H-62

Synergy

By Lizzy Agbaji

Abuja, Nov. 7, 2016, (NAN) The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, says synergy among stakeholders and development partners is vital to addressing the social and infrastructural challenges of the Niger Delta region.

Usani said this at a workshop on the validation of the report of a baseline survey of social and infrastructural resource base in the region.

The minister said in a statement signed by Mr Marshall Gundu, the Director, Press and Public Relations, that  the ministry that the decided to conduct baseline survey in view of the challenges confronting the people.

He said that the ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), commissioned a consulting firm, African Centre for Shared Development Capacity Building to conduct the baseline survey.

He urged the participants to review the report critically and come up with a document that could be used to attract interest and funds for the provision of infrastructure in the region.

He said that the final report, when ratified, would help reduce duplication of projects by government and stakeholders in the region.

The minister also requested the UNDP to assist in training staff of the ministry in some critical areas of its operations in the region.

He further advised government agencies, stakeholders and development partners to always carry along benefiting communities in projects that affect them.

The minister commended UNDP for funding the survey and the workshop, adding that the support would fast track developmental efforts in the Niger Delta Region.

The Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Daramola, also commended the consultant of the project, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye.

Daramola said that there was the need for periodic research to appraise the work of the ministry, other government agencies, stakeholders and development partners in the region.

Ajakaiye, while presenting an overview of the baseline survey, said that it focused on education  and health facilities, water and sanitation, transport, road, air, water/maritime and power.

He said that the outcome of the survey showed that the region was relatively under-served with respect to key social and infrastructural facilities.

He advised that to effectively address the challenges of the region, a comprehensive needs assessment and facilities distribution mechanism was required in each of the nine Niger Delta states.

According to the statement, participants from the  Niger Delta states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers attended the workshop.

It said that raised some issues on findings of the baseline survey.

They also requested for a period of two weeks for the reconciliation of some facts and figures before the final validation of the survey. (NAN)

LIZ/GOM/NKO
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Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Nkechi Okoronkwo
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NAN-H-59

Insurance

By Grace Alegba

Lagos, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) Mr Deji Elumoye, the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Branch, says the union has insured 250 journalists under its comprehensive insurance policy for journalists.

Elumoye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the union would register more members depending on the nature of its finances.

He also urged employers of journalists to insure the lives of their employees to give them a sense of belonging and security.

Cue in audio

“As regards the insurance, because we know the kind of job we do, that as journalists, we work 24 /seven, at short notice you are asked to go and cover one assignment or the other.

“That is why the leadership of the union, NUJ, evolved that policy, comprehensive insurance policy for journalists but because of paucity of funds, we cannot insure the lives of every practicing journalist in Lagos.

“As we speak, we have over 7,000 journalists working in Lagos, but we do not have much money.

“At the last count, we have been able to insure about 250 of our members – 250 journalists cross Lagos, but as a union and as a professional body but as we have more money, we will insure more lives.

“But we have also advised our employers that they should also key into the insurance programme.

“Let them insure the life of every journalist working for them. That will give an average journalist sense of belonging.’’

Cue out audio

According to him, the union’s insurance policy is doing well, adding that many colleagues are already taking the policy personally.

“The best thing is to advise media owners to key into the programme and insure the lives of journalists in Lagos.

He, however, expressed dismay at the shoddy treatment being meted out to journalists by the government and the citizenry. (NAN)

GA/ERO/OSA/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Shittu Obassa/Emmanuel Yashim ============================================

NAN-DS-9
Release
Maiduguri, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Army said on Monday that it had so far released about 1271 detainees after clearing them of any link with the Boko Haram terrorists group.

Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, disclosed this while speaking at a forum for the reintegration of children associated with armed forces or armed groups in Maiduguri.

Ezugwu, who was represented by Col. Yusuf Ali, said that most of those released were women and children.

” The Nigerian Army gives utmost priority to the rights of detainees especially women and children.

“We always try to fast track investigation to determine their fate, while those found innocent were released with out delay,” he said.

Ezugwu added:” Consequently, between February and October this year we have had five releases.

“In February 135 persons comprising mainly women and children were released, 204 were released in May, while the remaining three releases were carried out in September and October”.

He said that the army had also improved on the provision of welfare for the detainees.

“As part of the military high command care for the vulnerable persons under our protective custody.

“We have identified areas needing attention including feeding, health care, decongestion of cells, respect for detainees rights, sanitation and personal hygiene, ” Ezugwu said.

He said children and vulnerable persons were fed three times daily with balanced diet.

“We always provide meat or fish in every meal and drinks every Sunday for them.

” If fact, some of those released would have preferred to remain with us if they had the choice rather than move to IDPs camps,” he said.

Ezugwu commended the organisers of the forum, saying the event was timely. (NAN)
ABI/AMY/AMY

Edited by Abdulahi Yusuf

NAN-HE-6

Shares

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lagos, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) Transactions resumed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday still on a negative posture with the market indices sliding by 0.35 per cent due to poor liquidity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation downgraded by N33 billion to close at N9.255 trillion in contrast with N9.288 trillion achieved on Friday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index which opened at 26,981.60 shed 94.06 points or 0.35 per cent to close at 26,887.54.

Market analysts attributed the persistent downward trend in the market to poor liquidity and uncertainties in the economy.

They stated that persistent profit taking by investors to address pressing needs and exit of foreign investors in the market contributed to the development.

NAN reports that Unilever recorded the highest price loss to lead the losers’ chart, dropping by N1.50 to close at N48.50 per share.

CAP trailed with a loss of N1.35 to close at N32.40 and Guaranty Trust Bank shed 71k to close at N21.86 per share.

CCNN was down by 29k to close at N4.94, while Mansard Insurance depreciated by 9k to close at N1.89 per share.

Conversely, Guinness topped the gainers’ table, growing by N2 to close at N86 per share.

Eterna followed with a gain of 29k to close at N3.22 and Air Service appreciated by 12k to close at N2.66 per share.

Ikeja Hotel improved by 8k to close at N1.78, while Livestock advanced by 6k to close at 79k per share.

NAN also reports that analysis of the activity chart indicated that United Bank for Africa emerged the most active in volume terms, having accounted for 21.49 million shares worth N91.71 million.

It was followed by GT Bank with an exchange of 17.75 million shares valued at N393.25 million and Zenith International Bank sold 11.72 million shares worth N173.49 million.

FBN Holdings exchanged 10.53 million shares valued at N31.92 million, while FCMB Group sold 9.70 million shares worth N10.63 million.

In all, investors staked N1.16 billion on 115.04 million shares transacted in 2,963 deals against 151.85 million shares worth N1.21 billion achieved in 2,902 deals on Friday. (NAN)
JNC/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

NAN-AE-13

Environment

By Vivian Emoni

Abuja, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) The Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, says the Federal Government has concluded plan to establish emission testing centres for regular testing of vehicles plying the nation`s roads.

 Mohammed made this known at the 10^th National Stakeholders` Forum tagged: “Air Quality: Aspects of Control and Regulation, ‘’organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Abuja on Monday.

 She expressed the hope that there would be 90 per cent reduction in vehicular emission if the centres were established and effectively utilised.

 She explained that the National Vehicular Emission Control Programme (NVECP) was a programme designed to control emission from automobiles.

 “When the programme is fully operational, it will involve the establishment of testing of vehicles plying the roads.

 “The programme will involve various stakeholders at federal and state levels and it is envisaged as a public-private partnership arrangement that will create new jobs across the country, ‘’ she said.

 The minister said that a similar programme had also been designed to address emission from stationary sources, particularly the power generating sets.

She also said that the government would set a functional inter-agency committee to drive the process.

Mohammed called on stakeholders to join hands with the government to reduce the growing incidence and menace of air pollution.

According to her, we must all work together to get it right, we must take possible actions and involve an enduring legacy to improve the air quality in both rural and urban areas.

 “We must build synergies, partnerships and take joint measures against the emission of air pollutants and greenhouse gasses, ‘’ she said.

 She called on stakeholders to promote inter-agency cooperation at the federal state levels by supporting the regulatory and enforcement agencies, whose mandates had direct bearing on air quality.

 The minister advised universities and other institutions to encourage research and dissemination of research findings on air quality including modelling and forecasting.

She explained that such endeavour would promote fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.

Earlier, Dr Lawrence Anukam, Director-General of the agency, said that the purpose of the forum was to educate the stakeholders on ways to protect and promote public health.

 Anukam said that the forum would also enlighten the stakeholders on the appropriate means to reduce emission to a permissible level.

 He, however, urged the stakeholders to support the agency in ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for the country. (NAN)
VOE/MOL/MO
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Morayo Omolade
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NAN-H-58
Abandonment
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) A 33-year-old man, Tajudeen Onikijipa, on Monday urged an Ilorin Area court to dissolve his marriage to his wife, Zainab Bello, for allegedly abandoning their home.

Onikijipa of Ita Amoo, Ilorin, said Zainab left her matrimonial home for the past two years with no idea of where she could be.

He said though the union had not produced any child yet, all his efforts to locate her where about had proved abortive.

The plaintiff begged the court to dissolve the marriage to enable him move on with his life.

Zainab was, however, absent in court.

In his ruling, the Presiding judge, Abdulquadr Ibrahim, adjourned the case till Nov. 23 for a new summon to be issued against the respondent. (NAN)
BAY/YMU/OJO
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(Edited by Yakubu Uba/Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-HG-15

Hygiene

By Donald Ugwu

Abuja, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called for the reversal of the situation where the lack of clean water and poor sanitary conditions have caused the death of many Nigerians.

Osinbajo made the observation at the launch of the Partnership for the Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) and unveiling of the National Water Resources and Irrigation Policy in Abuja on Monday.

The vice president acknowledged that in spite of efforts made by previous administrations, the country had yet to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for water and sanitation due to poor coordination among the stakeholders and the inability to harness the required funds.
Cue in audio

“It is also a well-known fact that Nigeria did not achieve targets of the Millennium Development Goals for water and sanitation.

“Some of the reasons adduced for this include primarily the lack of effective coordination among the stakeholders and the inability to harness the required funds.

“Unfortunately, statistics show that over 66 million Nigerians still lack access to safe water, while 110 million do not have adequate sanitation.

“Consequently, large numbers of children under the age of five die annually from diarrhoea-related diseases and these are mostly traceable to unsafe drinking water.

“The situation is even more depressing in the rural areas, where polluted ponds and streams remain the only sources of water for drinking and other household chores.

“This trend must change.’’

Cue out audio

Osinbajo noted that successive governments in collaboration with development partners had contributed to efforts geared towards improving access to water supply and sanitation services.
According to him some successes have been recorded in a number of areas as access to water supply presently is at 69 per cent and sanitation is at 29 per cent.
“But still this is still a far cry from what is needed.
“Indeed with an ever increasing population and a drive to self-sufficiency in food production, the demand for water supply and sanitation services will continue to increase.’’

He remarked that excess water or insufficient water not properly managed was devastating to both man and the environment adding that an innovative and holistic approach was required toward closing the access gaps.

Osinbajo observed that the Ministry of Water Resources had concluded work on the national water resources policy and the national irrigation policy and both had been approved by the federal executive council.

He said the policy provided the framework which would guide the activities of all stakeholders in the sector especially in the administration’s renewed focus on agriculture as revenue earner and contributor to GDP.

He added that the policy would facilitate the development of irrigation infrastructure in the country.

The vice president said he was informed that PEWASH would provide a new collaborative and systematic approach to the achievement of an increased universal access to sustainable rural water supply and sanitation services involving relevant stakeholders.

He expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of the beneficiary communities, local government areas, state governments, development partners, donor agencies, the organized private sector and the federal government.

He also said it was gratifying that the initiative also took cognizance of special groups such as the vulnerable and people living with disabilities through this well-structured framework for project delivery.

“It is expected that the implementation of PEWASH will help to attain our targets of increased rural water supply and sanitation and improved public health as well as expected positive impact on economic growth and human development.’’

The vice president commended the Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, for his strong belief and practice of policy-driven initiatives.

He said it was clear that the minister strongly subscribed to the view that the way of ensuring sustainable attainment was to ensure that they were based on robust policy.

Osinbajo also commended the development partners involved in the initiative for their commitment and officials of the ministry for their hard work.

He, therefore, urged the stakeholders, especially the states and local governments, to participate in and commit to the success of the initiative in order that the common development goals of the nation would be achieved. (NAN) DCU/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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Osinbajo’s audio

NAN-H-47
NAMA
By Adekunle Williams/Solomon Asowata
Lagos, Nov. 7, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) on Monday solicited the co-operation of data originators and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth take-off of the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) project.

Speaking at a meeting of the AIS Automation stakeholders’ in Lagos, the Ag. Managing Director of NAMA, Mr Emma Anasi, noted that all the key agencies or data originators included the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“Others are the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Air Force.

“These agencies would need to enhance their data collation, origination, processing, storage and exchange systems, to meet the requirement for data integrity, accuracy and availability under the AIS Automation.

“On completion, the facility will link the country to a centralised aeronautical database, which will be connected to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) AFI Region Centralized Aeronautical Information Data Base (AFI-CAT),” he said.

Anasi noted that the agency was soliciting the support ahead of December 2016, when the expected completion of the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) Automation would be achieved in 11 locations.

Anasi affirmed that on completion of the project by December 2017, the 26 VSAT facilities located at various airports nationwide, under the AIS Automation project, would provide a structure for the exchange and management of flights.

He said others were the operational, aerodrome, safety, meteorological, financial, as well as administrative information.

Anasi added that this network of information flow from service providers or data originators to the airlines or airspace users would create the required environment for Airport Collaborative Decision Making.

Other deliverables, according to the NAMA boss, would include the enhancement of e-NOTAM, e-Flight Planning, e-AIP, e-TOD, e-Charts, e-Flight briefings and also boost capacity for voice and data communication for both air to ground and ground to ground communication.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Director-General of NIMET, Dr Anthony Anuforom, had called for regular meetings of stakeholders to monitor the progress of the automation project.

Anuforom stated that such interaction would fast-track the process and ensure sustainability over time.

Present at the forum were representatives of the Military Air Command, NCAA, FAAN, and NIMET. (NAN)
WAC/ASO/PIO/PIO
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Edited by Idonije Obakhedo