Blog

872 pregnant women die during child birth in C/River – Official

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Women
Calabar, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 872 pregnant women out of every 100,000 die during child birth in Cross River due to pregnancy-related problems, an official has said.

The Director-General, Cross River Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu, disclosed this in Calabar on Thursday.

She spoke during a High-Level Meeting on “Sayana Press’’ Scale UP Project organised by Action Health Incorporated in collaboration with UNFPA.

Edu stressed the need for Family Planning (FP) vaccines by couples, rather than beliefs in the use of cultural practices by women especially those domiciled in the rural areas.

“Some women would tell you about salt and water, coca cola and salt, washing immediately after sex, tying of piece of red cloth around the waist region which are all cultural practices that doesn’t work,’’ the official said.

Speaking, Mrs Adenike Esiet, Executive Director, Action Health Incorporated (AHI), opined that Sayana Press is an “all in one’’, three-month progestin-only ingest-able contraceptive that can be used by women of productive age.

Esiet stated that it was not the first time that the product would be used in sub-Saharan Africa, adding that it has been used in Burkina Faso, Niger, Uganda and Senegal.

“It has been very helpful in the reduction of maternal mortality in those countries,’’ she said.

She further explained that the product, with a three-year shelve life, could be administered by anyone as long as the person has undergone training.

She advised women to always go for counselling to be able to understand the side effects in case the need arises when they use the first dose.

The executive director disclosed that the programme was billed to run in 10 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). (NAN)
BEN/MOL/MST

Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-H-61
Phone
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) A 50-year-old trader, Sebastine Ezenwa, who allegedly snatched a phone valued at N15,000 under a bridge in Lagos, was on Thursday released on bail.

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court which gave the ruling, granted the accused a N10, 000 bail with a surety in like sum, who must be a blood relation.

He is also to provide an evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

A resident of No. 4, Tonade St., Ikeja, Ezenwa, was arraigned for conspiracy, breach of the peace and stealing which contravened Sections 285, 166 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused conspired with others still at large to steal a Techno phone valued at N15, 000 and cash of N1, 500 belonging to a man, Elechi Uchenna, Prosecutor Ishola Samuel said.

He told the court that the offence was committed on Oct. 24 at 7.00 p.m. at Ikeja under bridge.

He alleged that the accused accosted the complainant, claiming he needed direction to one Diamond warehouse in order to off-load some goods.

“Before the complainant knew what was happening, Ezenwa held and beat him to a pulp before snatching his phone and money.”

He said the complainant saw the accused the next day trying to dupe him again without recognizing him.

“He raised an alarm and the people around caught him and handed him over to the police.’’

The accused, however, denied the charges.

Under the Criminal Law, the accused may be sentenced to three years imprisonment on conviction.

The Magistrate, Mrs R.A. Onilogbo, adjourned the case to Nov. 14 for mention. (NAN)

LAW/DA
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Edited by Dele Akinsola

NAN-H-52
Innovation
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Thursday, said that innovative approach in the telecommunications industry was a key driver to success and excellence.

The NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, made this disclosure in a keynote address at the Nigeria Innovation Summit 2016 in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Danbatta, was represented by Mr Tony Ojobo, the NCC Director, Public Affairs on the occasion.

Danbatta spoke on the theme: Innovation in the Telecommunications Industry: The Role NCC has played as a Regulator’’.

He said any regulator restricting itself to doing the basics, risked missing the addition of valuable contributions to the country’s socio-economic growth.

“Any telecommunication regulator, who fails to apply innovative approaches in the scheme of its regulatory activities may end up being bugged down by bureaucracy.

“There is one popular concept that tells businesses to innovate or die and the commission has embraced innovation to give its best to the community.

“Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with innovation is a key element to spur growth in economic crisis and a game-changer in enabling emerging economies to sustain future economic growth,’’ Danbatta said.

He said the commission had contributed to the innovations in the telecommunications industry through its telecommunications regulations, economic growth indices and financial inclusion.

The NCC chief said other innovations included, expanded social media platforms, new malls on cyberspace, promotion of enabling environment for tech innovators, and enabler of other sectors of the economy.

“As regards telecommunications regulation, the commission is able to achieve this through a very transparent process and wide industry consultation, which helped in achieving stability.

“With financial inclusion, there is total transformation of the banking industry with online and mobile banking pervading the landscape.

“Spurred by the improved telecoms regulation and availability of smart phones, social media enthusiasts in the country, cutting across ages, have found solace in the new world boosted by innovation,’’ he said.

Danbatta said that to bridge the manifest digital divide and produce generations of youths, who had a flair for ICT, the commission invited innovators from higher institutions to compete and win research grants every year.

He said the commission was poised to promoting innovation as part of its eight-point agenda.

“By this, the commission makes conscious efforts to promote ICT innovations in ways that improve the nation’s ability to compete in the global economy.

“It increases the nation’s investment in youths and promotes new small and medium enterprises,’’ the NCC chief said.

Mr Tony Ajah, the Director, Nigeria Innovation Summit, urged the public to collectively embrace hi-tech innovation to achieve a sustainable growth in the country.

“It is on record that Nigeria ranks 114 out of 128 countries, according to the 2016 global innovation index and this is not good for us.

“This reflects the present reality of a country that does not invest in innovations with its rich human and capital resources,’’ Ajah noted.

According to him, there is the need for the country to explore opportunities in the  emerging tech and trends, research and development, entrepreneurship and investments to drive innovation.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Innovation Summit is an annual event that brings stakeholders together to share trends and opportunities in technological innovations.

The summit is also to promote the need for Nigeria to use innovation to drive her economy. (NAN)
CAN/COF/YEMI

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare

Controlled by Yemi Idris-Aduloju

NSHA tasks Nasarawa varsity on admissions

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Admissions

Keffi (Nasarawa State), Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has charged the state owned University to adhere strictly to stipulated admission policy and the law establishing the institution.

Mr Daniel Ogazi, the Chairman, the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, gave the task on Thursday during an oversight visit to the university in Keffi.

He said that upholding the laws would not only bring peace but also avert unnecessary criticism against the management of the institution and improve the standard of education in the state.

“The aim of this visit is not to witch hunt the institution but to assess its 2016 budget performance with a view to addressing any challenge if discovered.

“It is only we the committee know the budget details or performance of the institution for the 2016 fiscal year that it will guide us on how to make budget for the institution for the 2017 fiscal year,’’ the chairman said.

Ogazi who lauded the achievements recorded by the management of the institution, however noted that lot still needed to be done by the government through the provision of adequate funds for recurrent and capital expenditure in order to avert unnecessary strikes.

He assured the institution of the committee’s readiness to address some of the challenges, saying that the legislature will do the needful on the review of the university law to conform to other public universities in the country.

The lawmaker also assured of members’ readiness to enact laws that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state and solicited for support to enable them succeed in the task ahead.

Prof. Mohammed Akaro-Mainoma, the Vice Chancellor of the university, had earlier said that the institution have recorded tremendous achievements in the areas of academic and physical developments.

“We have constructed lecture theatre halls, library complex and completed Mass Communication complex, among other physical developments; we are also happy to inform you that 17 courses have been fully accredited.

“But a lot needed to be done especially on the payment of the remaining 20 per cent Earned Academic Allowance (EAA), which is about N200 million, to lecturers and other allowances being owned the non-academic staff so as to avert strike,” he said.

The vice chancellor also called for more hostel development, improved funding and the need for the speedy completion of the three blocks of hostels to accommodate more students.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Oct. 12, 2015, the House recommended the immediate indefinite suspension of the Vice Chancellor over alleged irregularities in the 2015/2016 admission.

The lawmakers had insisted for an 80 per cent and 20 per cent admission policy in favour of indigenes and non-indigenes. (NAN)

AKW/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-ELS-3
Citizenship
Vladivostok (Russia), Nov. 3, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an order to give Russian citizenship to U.S. actor Steven Seagal, the Kremlin said on its website on Thursday.

Commenting on the subject on a conference call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, said Seagal has repeatedly asked for Russian citizenship.

Seagal is famous for his “warm feelings towards Russia’’ that he has never concealed, Peskov said.

“At the same time, he is a rather well-known actor, which became the reason for granting him Russian Federation citizenship,’’ Peskov said.

Seagal, who according to his own website is 64, is the latest Western celebrity who has been given a Russian passport in the past few years.

In 2013, Gerard Depardieu, a French actor, was given Russian citizenship by Putin. (Reuters/NAN)
ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-H-59
Committee
Yola, Nov. 3, 2016 ( NAN) The Senate Committee on Special Duties on Thursday commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for rendering wonderful humanitarian services nationwide.
Sen. Abdulazeez Nyako, the chairman of the committee, gave the commendation when he led members of the committee on an oversight visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Damare, Yola, Adamawa.
Nyako said that the committee had visited various camps in Borno and Adamawa and it was satisfied and convinced on the way the agency was managing them and taking care of IDPs properly.
“From the appearance of the IDPs and the cleanness of the camps’ environments, the committee is convinced and satisfied with the services of NEMA.
“ We are going to support NEMA to lead and control all the activities of humanitarian organisations in the country,” the chairman said.
He confirmed that the only problem uncovered during the visit was shortage in water supply in some camps adding that the committee would invite the Minister of Water Resources for explanation.
Speaking earlier, Mr Sa’ad Bello, the agency’s operational coordinator in charge of Adamawa and Taraba, said that the number of the IDPS had significantly dropped from over 60,0000 to l8,958 persons.
“So far, over 900 Internally Displaced Children enrolled into schools in various camps in the state,” Bello said.
In the committee’s entourage were Sen. Kabiru Gaya and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Sani Sidi. (NAN)
AMA/ORO/PAD
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Edited by Razak Owolabi, controlled by Peter Dada

Ex-lawmaker urges youths to shun violence.

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Violence
Kokona (Nasarawa State) Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) Mr Danladi Jatau, a former member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has advised Nigerian youths to shun violence and embrace peace.
Jatau gave the advice on Thursday in Kokona, Nasarawa State, at the inauguration of a new executive for the Kofar Gwari Chapter of Eggon Youths Movement (EYM).
The former lawmaker said that rapid socio-economic development could only take place if the youths allowed peace to reign in their communities.
According to her, the security challenges facing some parts of the country will be a thing of the past if youths shun all negative tendencies.
“As a stakeholder and politician, my role is to preach peace, unity and advise people to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religion and political affiliations.
“Because no nation or society can develop in an atmosphere of rancour and confusion, the security challenges facing parts of the country had affected socio-economic development of the country negatively.
“It is in view of this that I want to advise the youths and other Nigerians to shun violence and all negative tendencies.
“You must live in peace with your neighbours at all times as peace is priceless, non-negotiable and a necessary requirement for the development of every society,” he said.
Jatau tasked the newly inaugurated executives to promote peace and initiate youth-friendly programmes aimed at moving the association forward.
He called on the association to operate an open door policy, shun corruption and carry members along while discharging their duties in the interest of peace and national development.
The former legislator also advised the youths to acquire skills and education to make them self-reliant and contribute to national development.
He called on the people of the state to be law-abiding, respect constituted authorities and engage in meaningful ventures.
Responding on the behalf of the new executive, the association’s chairman, Jerry Anzaku, pledged to carry every member along and discharge his duties without fear or favour.
“Transparency and accountability will be our watchword and we also solicit the support of the association to enable us succeed. (NAN)
AKW/OSA/WOJ
(Edited by Shittu Obassa / Wale Ojetimi)
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Rugby
Cape Town, Nov. 3, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) World Cup-winning fly-half Joel Stransky was less than optimistic about South Africa’s chances for their upcoming November internationals against England, Italy and Wales, saying the national side is an “very average’’ team.

“We are going to suffer defeats – that’s the reality. I don’t think this is a team that can beat England,’’ the 49-year-old Stransky told the BBC.

“It’s a team that will struggle against Wales. It’s a team that might even struggle against Italy.

“The likelihood is we are going to experience defeat.’’

The Springboks begin their tour against the Barbarians at Wembley on Saturday before playing England, Italy and Wales.

Influential senior players Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez, Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers have retired or been unavailable for international duty since South Africa lost in the World Cup semi-finals last year.

Allister Coetzee has since replaced Heyneke Meyer as head coach and Stransky feels the national side is not “well coached’’.

“Three years ago we had a really good side. Five years ago we had a great side. Now we have a very average side,’’ he added.

“They’re not particularly well coached, but if you look at the 15 players who are going to take to the field, it’s not a team that can win a World Cup.

“It’s not a group of players who are going to put fear into the opposition and that for us are a great concern.’’ (Reuters/NAN)
ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-S-10
Basketball
By Kemi Ajayi
Lagos, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 48 teams would participate in the maiden Lagos 3×3 Basketball Tour which will hold from Nov. 5 to Dec. 3 in five centres across the state.

Howell Alusi, the promoter of the tour, told newsmen at a news conference on Thursday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, that the match would be played in five venues.

He said matches would be played at the Ilupeji Sports Arena on Nov. 5, Lagos State Parks and Garden on Nov. 12 in Ikeja and Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba on Nov.19.

Others venues are YMCA Outdoor Court in Ikoyi on Nov. 26, while the final will hold on Dec. 3 at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Alusi added that the programme was initiated to create an enabling environment for basketball players to visit sports centres to play the game.

“This event is different from the normal competitions, where basketball players will have the opportunity to compete and showcase their talent without going to sport centres.

“It is urban in nature and endorsed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

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

Also, Deji Tinubu, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, described the upcoming event as a new dimension in bringing people together through sports.

Tinubu said that such events are massive outside the country, adding that it could also be massive in the country through awareness.

“The competition is a different kind of basketball game because the participants must be fit, skilful and combine it with entertainment.

“We want to take basketball out of the traditional centres and hand to it to the public place to entice people to the sport.

“Our aim is to make Lagos a sports hub and develop a sport culture,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the winner of the tour will received a cash prize of N200, 000, while awards will be presented to the various categories of the competition. (NAN)
KOA/ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-H-44

Sultan

By Angela Atabo

Abuja, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Thursday attributed the slow pace of development in Nigeria to misplaced priorities by political leaders.

Abubakar, who is the President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said this in Sokoto at an International symposium on the Sokoto caliphate.

The Sultan said Nigerians must muster courage to question their political leaders on how they spend state resources, and make input to policy issues that involves their wellbeing.

He said that it was only when citizens begin to ask questions that governors and other leaders would sit up and begin to take the people seriously.

According to him, it takes hard work to restructure and build a nation because things will never go right for lazy people who fail to tell themselves the truth.

He expressed regret that most times, Nigerian leaders had misplaced priorities, putting up projects that were of no benefit to the masses.

Abubakar noted that some leaders preferred to use billions to build airports when they could not pay salaries of their state workforce.

The Sultan advised that instead of duplicating projects like airports around the states, resources should be diverted to meet other cogent needs that would be of more use to the masses.

`There is need to begin to listen to the cry of the common man, to understand their needs rather than just carrying out projects.

“Of what use is it to be building airports worth billions of naira when the roads that the common man travels are bad?

“Instead of having an airport here in Birnin Kebbi that hardly sees one flight in one year, and then you have an airport in Dutse that only lifts pilgrims;

“Then you have an airport in Kaduna in Bauchi and Gombe and another one in Ekiti, in Markudi and so on, while the roads which the common man uses for his day to day activities is so bad .

“You can imagine if you are travelling from Minna to Abuja, how many hours it will take you and from Lokoja to Okene down to Akure due to bad roads.’’

Abubakar said these were the things political leaders needed to check and talk to themselves about, adding that “if you don’t say the truth you can’t have progress.’’

He said that the common man, in reality, has no food, no money among others.

The Sultan further urged Nigerians to stop hiding behind religion, politics and tribal affiliations to perpetuate crime.

He admonished Nigerians to learn to call a criminal a criminal, regardless of affiliation and come together as good people to fight the evil ones among them, for development to workout.

“People hide under politics to say or do certain things that are totally against the security of the state.

“If the person is arrested, the next thing you hear is that it is because he does not belong to the political party; what is bad is bad.

“Whether he is a Muslim or Christian or APC or PDP, remove all these and let him answer his name, a criminal, you have stolen government money.

“But once we start using tribe among others to claim right, it is t not good. We must all rise up and help government to get the money back.”

Abubakar urged the Federal Government to convene a national security summit of all stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, to deliberate on security issues; from militancy to Boko Haram to kidnapping.

He appealed to politicians to forget sentiments when elected into office adding that whoever was elected into office becomes leader of all regardless of party or other affiliations.(NAN)
ATAB/DUA/MZA

Edited by Dada Ahmed/Maharazu Ahmed
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