Blog

NAN-S-17
Eaglets
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

Ilorin, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) on Thursday explained its decision for the Under-17 National football team, Golden Eaglets to participate in the forthcoming 2016 U-19 Suwon Continental Cup tournament.

A statement from NFF’S spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, quoted the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, as saying that it was aimed  to sustain the team’s momentum.

He said the tournament would prepare the team for bigger challenges ahead.

He said the NFF had subjected the lads to series of medical examinations  to ascertain the fact that they were truly Under-17 players.

“Apart from the tests conducted by the NFF, there was a medical team from CAF that subjected the players to another thorough examination.

”We are very sure the boys are Under-17 players and we must do everything to prepare them for bigger challenges, as they will constitute the next Under-20 team.

“They showed naevity and a level of innocence in the way they approached the match in Niger Republic.

“That was partly why they were intimidated out of the African qualifying series,” he said.

Sanusi assured that apart from the Suwon tournament, the NFF would keep them busy next year with series of invitational tournaments and friendly matches.

He said this would help to expose and turn them into  matured  players for the qualifying series of 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a team of 22 players and 10 officials of the Golden Eaglets will depart Nigeria on Monday, Nov. 7 for Korea Republic for the Continental Cup.

The Eaglets are scheduled to take on their counterparts from England on Wednesday, Nov. 9, play Iran the following day and tackle the host team on Saturday, Nov. 12. (NAN)

BAY /DE/YAZ
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(Edited by Dorcas Jonah/ Yusuf Zango)

NAN-H-73

IATA

By Adekunle Williams/Solomon Asowata

Lagos, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has promised to work with guidelines that would enhance and promote the growth of travel trade business in Nigeria.

Mr Bernard Bankole, President National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), gave the hint in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

Bankole said the Regional Director of IATA for Africa and Middle East, Mr Dusan Kostic, made the commitment while receiving a delegation of NANTA executives in Amman, Jordan.

According to him, Kostic promised to review the interest rates charged against defaulting travels agents who delayed remittal of funds to IATA.

He said that the IATA chief also disclosed that the global aviation regulatory body would henceforth play more proactive role in the training and retraining of NANTA members.

Bankole said that Kostic, while appreciating the visit, used the opportunity to introduce the Gen ISS Programme – a global management process for travel agents meant to ease compliance with local trade laws.

The NANTA president commended IATA for its progressive oversight of aviation business in Nigeria but however called for more pragmatic approach to issues concerning Nigeria travel agents.

He said that travel agents are key players in the downstream sector of the industry, particularly with challenges posed by the Nigerian economy in recession.

Bankole assured IATA that NANTA would deepen the relationship with the Africa and Middle East region of IATA through strategic interface and visits whenever the need arises in future.

He described the visit, which was the first by any NANTA leadership since its foundation, as a step by the present leadership to reposition the body and travel trade business in Nigeria. (NAN)

WAC/ASO/FF/SOA

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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Oluwole Sogunle

NAN-HG-16
Infections
By Vivian Ihechu
Lagos, Nov.3, 2016 (NAN) People preparing for surgery should always have a bath or shower and not be shaved, a new guideline from the World Health Organisation (WHO), has said.

According to the new guidelines, this action is aimed at saving lives, preventing infections, cutting costs and arresting the spread of superbugs.

The guidelines, contained in the Global Guidelines for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, also advised that antibiotics should only be used to prevent infections before and during surgery, and not afterwards.

A list of 29 concrete recommendations distilled by 20 of the world’s leading experts from 26 reviews of the latest evidence, were also contained in the guidelines published  in “The Lancet Infectious Diseases” on Thursday.

According to it, there are also recommended stipulations on the best way for surgical teams to clean their hands, guidance on when to use antibiotics to prevent infections and what disinfectants to use before incision.

WHO said that the move was designed to address the increasing burden of healthcare-associated infections on both patients and healthcare systems globally.

In the publication, Dr Marie-Paule Kieny, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Systems and Innovation, said, “No one should get sick while seeking or receiving care.

“Preventing surgical infections has never been more important, but it is complex and requires a range of preventive measures,’’ he said.

According to WHO, surgical site infections are caused by bacteria that get in through incisions made during surgery.

“They threaten the lives of millions of patients each year and contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance.

“In low and middle income countries, 11 per cent of patients who undergo surgery are infected in the process.

“In Africa, up to 20 per cent of women who have a caesarean section contract a wound infection, compromising their own health and their ability to care for their babies,’’ the world health’s body said.

Also, Dr Ed Kelley, the Director, WHO’s Department of Service Delivery and Safety, said, “Sooner or later many of us will need surgery, but none of us wants to pick up an infection on the operating table.

“By applying these new guidelines, surgical teams can reduce harm, improve quality of life, and do their bit to stop the spread of antibiotic resistance.

“We also recommend that patients preparing for surgery ask their surgeons whether they are following WHO’s advice,’’ Kelley said.

The new WHO guidelines are valid for any country suitable to local adaptations and complement WHO’s popular Surgical Safety Checklist. (NAN)
PR/VIV/GOK
Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Olagoke Olatoye
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NAN-H-85

Advocacy

By Monday Ijeh

Abuja, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has commenced discussions with the World Bank to  support its advocacy programme and capacity building of members of its staff, Chief Emmanuel Ogbile has said.

Ogbile, who is the Chief Commissioner of PCC, made this known in Abuja on Thursday at the end of a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank, led by Mr Roland Lomme.

Ogbile, who addressed newsmen after the meeting said the team had been in the country for about two weeks.

He said the visit was part of the activities lined up by the delegation to visit Nigerian anti-corruption agencies.

“Basically, what we talked about had to do with areas of cooperation and collaboration, what the World Bank could do to support Nigerian anti-corruption family.

“We had very beautiful discussions and we were able to identify certain areas we belief the World Bank and the various sister agencies could be of value to the PCC,” he said.

According to him, the need to support PCC to build the capacity of its staff in terms of investigation and general development was also discussed.

“We also talked about advocacy, letting Nigerians and those who benefits from services of people within Nigeria to know that we exist to serve their interest,” he said. (NAN)

IMC/MO/

Edited by Morayo Omolade

Navy deploys 4 warships, 3,400 troops to tackle piracy, oil theft, others

NAN-DS-10

Deployment

Onne (Rivers), Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Navy has deployed four warships and 3,400 troops to tackle piracy, oil theft and vandalism of critical oil and gas installations at the nation’s maritime environment.

Rear Adm. James Oluwole, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, announced the deployment, codenamed “Exercise Sharkbite’’ on Thursday in Onne, Rivers.

The warships deployed for the exercise were the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Okpabana, NNS Ologbo, NNS Burutu, NNS Sagbama, and a naval Augusta helicopter.

He said that the two-day exercise would also serve as avenue to check combat readiness of troops to tackle militant attacks on oil and gas installations which plunged the nation into recession.

“The exercise is an annual event for the employment of naval resources in training for maritime operations, either exploring the effects of warfare or testing strategies without actual combat.

“The exercise will enhance the capacity of the command in the fight against piracy, sea robbery, hijacking, illegal bunkering and crude oil theft, among other maritime crimes.

“This exercise was informed by worsening vandalism of critical oil and gas infrastructure by militants which has plunged the nation into recession.

“The participating fleets will conduct naval evolutions, patrols, visit, boarding, search and seizure, opposed boarding of a hijacked vessel, maritime interception, blockade of some river entrances and target practice, among others,’’ he said.

Oluwole said the exercise which covers 24,000 nautical miles between Rivers and Cross Rivers states coastal areas sought to boost socio-economic activities at the nation’s maritime domain.

He said the exercise would not interfere with legitimate activities of oil companies and seafarers; movement of commuters and other economic activities at sea and creeks in the region.

According to him, the exercise follows a recent operation, Operation Tsare Teku III, launched by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas which sought to prevent attacks on merchant ships.

“The Nigerian Navy must be in the best position to secure critical oil and gas infrastructure both ashore and offshore for socio-economic activities to thrive in our maritime domain.

“The 3,400 personnel participating in this exercise comprised 3,000 ratings and 400 officers,” he said. (NAN)

DES/FF/OU

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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Obike Ukoh

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NAN-AE-15
Inputs
By Aminu Ahmed Garko
Paikoro (Minna), Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) Alhaji Jamilu Musa, a commercial farmer in Niger, has advised the Federal and state governments to provide farming equipment at affordable rates for farmers to encourage all-year farming.

Musa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Paikoro Local Government, Niger, that providing basic farming implements in the rural areas would pave way for massive food productions of various crops.

He said that availability of farm inputs would encourage youths to embrace farming thereby creating job opportunities.

He explained that the present insecurity challenges and youth restiveness facing the country could be tackled if youths were engaged in farming.

He explained that in the past farmers do have access to farm inputs at the local government headquarters and district offices at subsidies and affordable rates.

“We could still go back and reintroduce agricultural stores where farmers can procure such farming inputs at government controlled prices.

“We need concrete policies that will create avenue for job creation and poverty eradication through the provision of affordable farming inputs at the grassroots level,” he said. (NAN)
AAG/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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Nigeria will overcome economic challenges – Analyst

NAN-H-82

Analyst

Minna, Nov. 3, 2016  NAN) Alhaji Isa Abdullahi, a Public Affairs Analyst, on Thursday expressed confidence that Nigeria would soon overcome its current economic challenges.

Abdullahi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that Nigeria would be great soon with the realistic economic policies being packaged by the present regime.

“We will soon reach the destination we have been clamouring for; the country will soon overcome the present economic challenges, militancy, cattle rustling and insurgency.’’

He explained that what mattered was the political commitment of the president and Nigerians.

“We will come out stronger and better in meeting the desired economic development we have been yearning for,’’ he said.

Abdullahi said that the task ahead was for Nigerians to shun political, tribal, religious and ethnic differences and garner support for the policies and programmes of the present administration.

He advised leaders in the helm of affairs to put the nation’s interest at heart to ensure good democratic governance. ( NAN)
AAG/COO/IA
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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Idris Abdulrahman

NAN-HE-16
PPP
Lucy Nwachukwu
Abuja, Nov. 3, 2016(NAN) Mr Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance says  Public Private Partnership (PPP) is a viable and complementary alternative that will ensure provision of infrastructure in the country.
Isa-Dutse made this known at the Knowledge Sharing Forum on PPPs as Stable Financing Vehicle for Infrastructure Development in Nigeria held in Abuja on Thursday.
“We have massive infrastructure deficit in the economy, there are so many things that ought to be in place that are not in place, such as roads and power system.
“And the amount of money required to carry out these projects are beyond the source of government, especially at this moment.
“But there is a lot of money with the private sector, so it is a complementary and viably alternative to tap into the private sector.’’
He said that these projects could be jointly executed much earlier than it would happen if the government and the private sector joined hands together.
The permanent secretary said that the essence of the forum was to derive ways of stepping up the PPP.
According to him, all the stakeholders have been assembled so that we can understand the process and best practice of practicing the PPP and do it properly.
Isa-Dutse acknowledged that a lot of assistance had been received from development partners such as the African Development Bank which he said was a co-sponsor of the forum.
“They have a lot of experiences in this area and they are assisting the country in this regard as well as other partners such as the World Bank,’’he said.

Similarly, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr Sabiu Zakari, said the ministry concession  some of its infrastructure projects such as the Narrow Gate Lines which spanned through the country.
“ We are looking into the concession of the various terminals and the various airport projects under the PPP arrangement.

He said the ministry was partnering with the private sector and recently entered into an agreement with the China EXIM bank on the “Lagos- Kaduna total rail project’’.
“Already we have signed an agreement as part of that total package of Lagos-Ibadan and Kano-Kaduna which is all part of Lagos-Kano total rail project.
“In the next few weeks, once the China EXIM finishes perfecting the agreement we are entering with them, I think the loan will be perfected and the project will kick off.
“Even the Warri Ajaokuta line, a company from China, the China Railway Cooperation has indicated interest to partner with us and take over that line,’’ he said.
Mr Andoh Mensah, Chief country Portfolio and Operations, African Development Bank said the bank would ensure to provide financial instrument to support Nigeria, especially at this time of infrastructure gap.
According to him, no government could finance all its projects on its own.
He said there was need to promote other alternative source of funding to bridge the infrastructure gap and PPP was one of those means.
“PPP is a proven way to facilitate infrastructure development.
“We believe there is still a gap because in the past, infrastructure was financed by government and as you know today no country has the budget to do everything by itself.
“I do believe that this is the time now for Nigeria to look at these alternative financing models.
“In the past perhaps, it has not been given much attention but now is the time and we are prepared and committed to work with the government to get this done.’’(NAN)
LCN/MO/

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Edited by Morayo Omolade

NAN-H-68

Stealing

Alex Enebeli

Enugu, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) A Micro-Finance Bank in Enugu on Thursday dragged one of its workers, Joy Eze, to the Enugu East Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N134,900.

The accused was said to have collected the money meant for a customer from the bank but never delivered it to the customer.

Testifying before the court, the President of the bank, Mrs Felicia Ekeh, said that the accused was employed by the bank in 2012 and was assigned with daily collection of cash from customers.

She said that the accused had between Aug. 7 and Aug. 12, 2015, collected N220, 000 from the bank, claiming that 11 of her customers needed their money and the money was given to Eze to give to the customers.

Ekeh said the bank was surprised when a customer complained that the bank was yet to pay him, which made the bank to investigate the documents submitted by the accused.

She said the bank later discovered that N79, 000 and N55, 900 belonging to the customer were stolen by the accused.

The complainant explained that some of the bank’s customers were illiterate or semi-literate and that this made them to rely on Eze to collect money on their behalf.

Ekeh alleged that the accused had been collecting money from the bank without giving the money collected to customers.

“The accused paid other customers apart from this particular customer and when the management asked her, she denied and the matter was reported to the police and she was arrested and charged to court,” she said.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr Dennis Ekoh, adjourned the matter till Nov. 30 for continuation of hearing.

AAE/MNA/SN

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Silas Nwoha

Yobe Govt seeks N3.4bn facility for education, vehicles

NAN-H-37

Facility

Damaturu, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The Yobe Government on Thursday said it would access N3.4 billion stabilisation fund from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Aji Bularafa, dislcosed this at a news conference after the state Executive Council meeting in Damaturu.

He said N1.1 billion was approved for renovation of three secondary schools in Fika, Gwio-Kura and Yunusari.

“The council also approved payment of N971.6 million tuition fees for 836 students in Nigeria/Turkish International colleges in Mamudo, Kano, Kaduna and Abuja,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the sum of N275 million is approved for procurement of 24 utility vehicles for members of the state House of Assembly.

“The vehicles are to assist the state legislators carry out their legislative duties, oversight functions and constituency visits.”

The council also “ratified the supply and installation of household furniture at the new staff quarters of the 200-bed ultra modern hospital, Damaturu”.

He said the council approved the payment of N191.8 million for compensation of land acquired for building of army barracks in Damaturu.

“The sum of N170.4 million was approved for rehabilitation of Katarko bridge blown off by Boko Haram insurgents,” he said.

Bularafa said the council also approved more than N800 million for the supply, installation and rehabilitation of solar street lights in different locations in Damaturu. (NAN)

MM/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola