Blog

Katsina partners foreign firms to resuscitate 3 moribund industries
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Industries
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) The Katsina State Government says it will partner with foreign firms to resuscitate three moribund industries to enhance economic activities and create job opportunities in the state.
Alhaji Abubakar Yusuf, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Tourism, disclosed this on Friday at Kankia Metal Works Ltd in Kankia Local Government area.
Yusuf said that companies were Danja Sugar Company, Daura Tannery and Kankara Kaolin Project.
He said that the companies were established by the defunct Kaduna State Government over 30 years ago.
Yusuf said that the companies suffered neglect from the previous administrations and were unable to serve the purpose they were established.
According to him, the current administration has decided to resuscitate the companies under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Yusuf said the decision was in line with the administration’s determination to industrialise the state and diversify its economic base.
‘’Industrialisation is a quick way of generating employment, wealth creation, improve social security as well as revenue generation for the state,’’ he said.
The commissioner said that Katsina had comparative advantage in rice, wheat and sugarcane production as well as tannery.
Other areas are livestock and economic trees like Gum Arabic, Shea Nut and Moringa as well as tomato production and processing.
He said that the government would provide enabling environment for the investors in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kankia Metal Works was also established by the defunct Kaduna State Government in 1982 and was abandoned until when the current administration entered into partnership with AMPRI Global Ltd., an Indian firm which restored its operations. (NAN)
ZI/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

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BVN
Dutse, Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) The Commissioner for Local Governments Affairs in Jigawa, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad, has called on council employees to submit their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) or miss their salary.

A statement from the spokesman of the ministry of local government affairs in the state, Malam Naji Umar, in Dutse on Friday urged the staff members to submit the BVN to their respective salary desk officers.

It said that the commissioner gave the directive on Thursday when he visited Ringim local government headquarters in continuation of his assessment tour to the 27 local government areas in the state.

The statement said that Ahmed attributed the current delay in the payment of October salary to the inability of the workers to make their BVN to correspond with their salary account numbers.

“The state government through the ministry is fully committed to ensure sanity in the mode of salary payments in the local governments.

“The government will continue to pay salaries on the 25th of every month as it promised,” the statement quoted the commissioner as saying.

It said Ahmed further warned that the state government would not tolerate any form of laziness, lateness or truancy in both the state and local government workforce.

He also said that the government would take appropriate disciplinary action against any staff member in the councils found wanting in his duty.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was anxiety among civil servants in the state as most of them did not get their October salary early. (NAN)
MNB/MVO
(Edited by Mbadiwe Okwor)

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Board
By AbdulFatah Beki

Ilorin, Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) Gov. AbdulFatah Ahmed of Kwara has appointed new Governing Council and Board for the State owned lnternational Aviation College in llorin.

The state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahya, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in llorin on Friday.

According to the Commissioner, the governing council and board for the college has the Chairman/Chief Executive of Overland Airways, Mr Edward Boyo as Chairman

Other Members of the board are Mr Kunle Oyinloye, Alhaji Tajudeen Audu, retired Group Captain Ayo AbdulSalam, a representative each from the state Ministry of Finance and Works as well as the Rector of the College, Captain Mumeen AbdulKareem.

The commissioner said the new board members were appointed based on their experience in the aviation sector.

Yahya charged the new board to utilize their experience for the college to meet international standard.

NAN recalls that the Kwara lnternational Aviation College, llorin was established in 2012 and had produced over 70 commercial pilots. (NAN)

BEKI/DO/IEA
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Edited by David Onilede/Idahosa Asowata

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Assistance
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) Israel on Friday, pledged to assist Nigeria in tackling cyber crime and internal insecurity through the use of modern technology.

The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Guy Feldman, gave this pledge in Abuja‎ at a conference tagged: ‘Homeland and Cyber Security’.

The envoy, who decried the‎ menace of cyber crime across the world, stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to address the ugly trend in Nigeria.

According to him, Israel is a small country but it has a vast experience in cyber security, due to its technology and human capital development.

Feldman described Nigeria as the “Lion of Africa’’ which deserves all the support from the international community to evolve a virile and prosperous nation.

“Israel, as a country, has suffered from cyber attacks; it is not a problem for us but a challenge. Th‎is is because we have the technology and human resources to deal with the challenge,’’ he said.

He emphasised the need to deploy hi-tech technology, surveillance cameras and security gadgets to strategic sectors of the nation such as the financial and oil sectors.

The ambassador said that both countries were already discussing  how to strengthen ties and enhance business/security relations.
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He said that Nigeria could use the current recession and drop in oil prices to diversify its economy and focus on agriculture.

“Nigeria is blessed with a lot of arable land, water, natural resources and population, unlike Israel, which is a small country,’’ he said.‎
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The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, in his remarks, emphasised the need for cyber security to safeguard the nation.

Represented by one of his aides, retired Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala‎, he said Nigeria would continue to collaborate with Israel and other foreign countries to develop the nation.

Mr Aviad Marco, an Israeli security expert, who delivered a lecture on the efforts at tackling cyber crime, described the phenomenon as a new form of terrorism.

Marco said that the activities of hackers, especially on sensitive database, could bring a country down if not checkmated.

He said Israel was ready to support Nigeria in fortifying its sensitive database and protect critical national assets, using the latest technology.

Marco said that Israel had collaborated with the Lagos State Government in addressing some of its security and traffic issues and was ready to do same with the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, which was jointly organised by the Israeli Embassy and the Ministry of Interior, was attended by security experts and NGO representatives. (NAN)
MUYI/JEY/YEMI
Edited by Johnson Eyiangho

Controlled by Yemi Idris-Aduloju

‎

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Basketball
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) Howell Alusi, Coordinator, Lagos 3×3 Basketball Tour has expressed confidence that the event will ignite the passion for semi-professional basketball championships for ages 16 upwards.

Alusi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the event was targeted at developing youths who are yet to taste the professional aspect of the game.

According to him, the maiden 3×3 Basketball Tour will hold from Nov. 5 to Dec. 3 in five centres across the state.

The venues are Ilupeju, Ikeja, Yaba, Ikoyi and the final event in Surulere.

“I am happy that all is set for the take off of the 3×3 basketball tournament which is backed by the world governing body, FIBA and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

“The tour is largely focusing on street challenge for young male and female players largely 16 years above who are yet to play professional competitions.

“It is organised not only to develop the participants but also give them the opportunity to showcase their talent and at the end receive a certificate of participation and recognition,’’ Alusi said.

Alusi added that the programme would create an enabling environment for younger basketball players to visit sports centres with their selected teams and participate in the game.

“It is urban in nature and endorsed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) which the participants will have their individual rankings they deserve.

“The competition will be a round robin game and two teams will be selected from the centres,’’ he said.

Alusi said that no fewer than 48 teams have so far registered and that the list was open for more teams wishing to register.

“The tour has been well received by the many young players and it is definitely going to be a huge success as we have all the modalities to ensure a hitch free tournament.

“It is also going to be on the sports calendar of the state, as already, we have the backing of the Lagos State Basketball Associations (LSBBA).

“We also intend to spread to other parts of the country as we have already met with some other state associations, and once we have the clearance, we will proceed to organize events,’’ Alusi said.

NAN reports that the tournament is also backed by Swift Network, Urbanised Group, Item Sports and Rave TV. (NAN)
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed)

Malaria: Bauchi Govt distributes 300,000 doses of drugs to 205 facilities

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Malaria

Bauchi, Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Leprosy, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA) says it is distributing free 384,497 anti-malarial drugs to 205 health facilities across the state.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Dr Mansur Dada, said on Friday that the policy was designed to combat malaria in the state, especially among pregnant women and children.

According to him, 122,800 diagnostic testing kits; 2,456 packets of hand gloves and 203 pieces of safety boxes would be distributed to the facilities.

Dada said that the distribution was the first phase for the November to December 2016.

“The agency in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Global Funds as provided 355,937 doses of Artemiter and 28,660 doses of Fansider for pregnant women.

“The drugs are meant to be free for children from four years of age to adults and it is also expected that three doses of the Fansider will be given to each pregnant woman during her anti natal visits,’’ he said.

Dada said that the agency has relegatesd the responsibility of monitoring the health facilities to local government officials, traditional rulers and ward development committees to monitor the activities of the beneficial facilities.

“Ward Development Committees (WDCs) being those nearest to the people should ensure that the free drugs are given freely to the people.

“That is why the agency is working with the local government officials and stakeholders in the local government to draw our attention whenever the need arise,’’ he said. (NAN)

AE/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

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Markets
By Chidinma Agu
Lagos, Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, on Friday said that total elimination of street trading was being factored into the state’s market reform package.

Adejare told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that provisions would be made in the reforms to accommodate as many traders as possible in well-organised markets in the metropolis.

According to him, the idea is to have markets where sellers, goods and services will be laid out in sectors, in a way that will not give room for street trading.

“This will eliminate the belief and tendency that it is when goods are sold on the streets and on setbacks that selling can be achieved.

“No one is permitted to convert the roads, medians, set-backs and walkways into markets.

“The government is committed to its policy of zero tolerance on street trading and hawking.

“Violators of the state’s environmental laws should desist from such acts or incur the wrath of the law,’’ the commissioner said.

Adejare said that the activities of street traders and hawkers were degrading the environment.

He said the government’s insistence that all markets should be fenced had ensured that refuse generated within the enclosures was properly disposed of.

The commissioner said that perimeter fencing of the markets had also reduced the volume of refuse generated around such markets.

According to him, street trading will be a thing of the past in the state, as efforts are being made to ensure an end to such huge menace.

Adejare said that environmental officials were enlightening people on the dangers of street trading and why it should be stopped.

He said that those arrested for street trading were also being counselled on why they should stop it. (NAN)

ACA/FLP/SOA
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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Oluwole Sogunle

South Africa prosecutor says probe on Gordhan’s role advances

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Probe

Cape Town, Nov. 4, 2016(Reuters/NAN) South Africa’s main prosecutor said on Friday that investigations into Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s role in setting up a surveillance unit at the tax department that allegedly spied on politicians were at an advanced stage.

The rand eased briefly against the dollar, moving to 0.76 per cent down on the day, 0.61 per cent lower amid concerns the outcome of the probe could shake financial markets.

” I’ve been informed that investigations are at an advanced stage,” National Prosecuting Authority Head, Shaun Abrahams told a parliament.

Abrahams dropped fraud charges on Monday against Gordhan, executing a U-turn in a case that had rattled markets and drawn accusations of political meddling.

He confirmed that Gordhan was still being investigated for his role in setting up the surveillance unit at the tax department a decade ago when he headed the revenue service.

Gordhan was first questioned about this in February by the police but in August ignored a follow-up summons, saying he had done nothing wrong.

Investors and credit rating agencies backed Gordhan’s plans to rein in government spending in an economy that has been forecast by the central bank to grow only slightly this year.

Asked if the probe on the surveillance unit would be handled in the same manner as the fraud investigation on Gordhan, Abrahams said “Of course we will ensure that the same thing doesn’t happen in this particular matter.” (Reuters/NAN)

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Edited by Damilola Oyewole/Obike Ukoh

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Nasarawa Govt begins work on 22-km Aso Pada-Panda road

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Road

By Muhammad Baba Busu
Karu (Nasarawa State), Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State said on Friday that work has began on the construction of 22 kilometre Aso Pada-Panda road at Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area of the state.

Inspecting the project, Al-Makura said the road has been awarded in phases with the initial award of five kilometres from Mararaba to Aso Pada, promising early completion.

He said that the state government embarked on the construction of the road to open up the area and alleviate the suffering of the people.

He promised that the road would be completed within the next four months to give residents easy access.

Al-Makura explained that his administration remained committed to the well being of the people of the state.

“The government is putting serious measures in place to better the lives of the people in the state most especially those in the in rural communities,” the governor said.

The project manager of CGC Construction Company, Mr Hu Kai, promised to execute the work according to specification and within the scheduled time frame.

Kai also pledged to deliver quality job that would stand the test of time and reduce the congestion experienced in the area due to the bad condition of the road. (NAN)

BAB/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Tunisia sacks minister after controversial statements on Wahhabism

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Sack

Tunis, Nov. 4, 2016 (dpa/NAN) The Tunisian government sacked its minister of religious affairs on Friday, a day after he made controversial statements on Saudi Wahhabism, a statement by the Tunisian government said.

It said that Abdeljelil Salem was dismissed from his duties after he disrespected the principles of public office as well as making comments that do not conform to Tunisian diplomacy.

In a speech before the rights and freedoms committee in parliament on Thursday,  Salem held Wahhabism responsible for the spread of terrorism and extremism.

He called on Islamic scholars in Saudi Arabia to take steps towards religious reform.

“I said to the Saudi ambassador and the secretary general of the Arab interior ministers, who happened to be Saudi: reform your school as, historically, terrorism graduated from it,” he said.

Wahhabism, adopted mainly in Saudi Arabia, is known for having a strict, ultraconservative interpretation of Islam.

Shortly after Salem’s comments, the Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed in a statement that its relations with Saudi Arabia are marked by “harmony and cooperation,” and are strong enough not to be influenced by any factors.

“The ministry affirms its respect for all Islamic doctrines while being keen on clinging to our country’s doctrine and culture,” the ministry said.

The minister for justice has taken over Salem’s duties until a new minister is named.

This is the first dismissal from the new government that took office in August. (dpa/NAN)

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Edited by Damilola Oyewole/ Obike Ukoh

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