Blog

NAN-S-7
Cricket
Perth (Australia), Nov.3, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Australia ripped through the South African top order, to leave the tourists in damage limitation mode on 78 for four at lunch on the opening day of the first test on Thursday.

The performance lay to rest concerns about the fitness of two thirds of their pace attack and the WACA wicket.

The hosts sent back Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla and JP Duminy inside the first hour at the cost of just 32 runs.

Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis, who won the toss and elected to bat, was 37 not out at the break, having steadied the ship with a 46-run partnership with Temba Bavuma, who was unbeaten on 17.

Mitchell Starc, who had tested his recovery in just one Sheffield Shield outing since suffering a nasty gash on his leg in September, wasted no time in proving his fitness.

Clocking 147 kph and getting plenty of bounce from the opening delivery of the day, the left-arm paceman took just four balls to induce Cook into an outside edge.

An opening that Mitchell Marsh soared, to snatch out of the air at gully.

Three overs later and Josh Hazlewood, who was rested from Australia’s 5-0 one-day international humiliation in South Africa, struck to take the key wicket of Hashim Amla, again.

This was before the batsman had got a run on the board.

Amla also got an outside edge with a prod forward but this time there was no difficulty to the catch, skipper Steve Smith taking it comfortably at second slip.

That reduced the tourists to 5-2 and it could have been worse, had Usman Khawaja held on to a difficult low catch at forward square leg to dismiss Elgar off Starc.

Elgar did not last long after his reprieve, however, and had scored only 12 runs when Hazlewood claimed his second victim.

The move was done with a superb delivery that took a nick on the way back to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. (Reuters/NAN)
ERO/MZA
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Medical expert urges sexually active Nigerians to take HPV vaccine

NAN-HG-12
Vaccine
By Jacinta Nwachukwu/Uche Bibilari
Abuja, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) A Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr Nathaniel Adewole, has urged all sexually active Nigerians to take the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, to prevent them from contracting the virus.

Adewole, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, said that the vaccine would be more helpful to men or women who had multiple sex partners.

According to him, the virus is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

“Any man or woman who has multiple sex partners stands a high risk of getting the virus, and the virus cannot be cured, it can only be managed.

“The virus can be transmitted from man to woman, especially those who have multiple sex partners.

“It is better when you are not HPV exposed; you know most virus do not have treatment, they can only be managed.

“A person can take the vaccine to prevent him/her from having it and a woman that is not HPV positive can take the injection in order to prevent it.

“The best advice for the man if he has it already is that his wife should go for screening,’’ Adewole said.

According to him, people who have multiple sex partners, early exposure to sex,  and people who engage in unprotected sex stand the  risk of contracting the virus.

He said that cervical cancer was one of the leading causes of death among women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Adewole, therefore, advised women to do regular cervical screening or Pap smear in order  to detect  and treat whatever could lead to cervical cancer at an early stage.

He further advised HPV positive women to continue to undergo Pap smear screening while non-positive women should have the screening done at three-year intervals. (NAN)

JIN/UU/COF/NKO
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Nkechi/Okoronkwo

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NAN-S-8
Tennis
Paris,Nov.3, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Novak Djokovic began his bid to hold on to his number one ranking with an easy win over Gilles Muller in the Paris Masters second round, while Andy Murray struggled through and Stan Wawrinka faltered on Wednesday.

Serb Djokovic, who could be dethroned from the top spot by Wimbledon champion Murray this week, broke Luxembourger Muller once in each set to secure a drama-free 6-3 6-4 victory.

The 29-year-old will hold on to his ranking if he reaches the final in Paris.

“I try to focus on playing match after match and putting quality and value into my game.

“I know that if that’s the case, then I can challenge anybody on the world in any surface, in any condition,” Djokovic told a news conference.

It went less smoothly for Murray, who overcame a blip to down Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3 6-7(5) 7-5 before U.S.

Open champion Wawrinka was knocked out by German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff 3-6 6-7(6) 7-6(1).

A long season eventually took its toll on the world number three from Switzerland, who started brightly but ran out of gas after being forced into a second-set tiebreak.

Struff broke in the seventh game of the third set but Wawrinka broke back to send the match into a decisive tiebreak, which the German easily won.

Murray strolled through the opening set but lost his focus in the second, netting a backhand to allow Verdasco to level the match. (Reuters/NAN)
ERO/MZA
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Maharazu Ahmed)

NAN-AE-6
Information
Abuja, Nov.3, 2016 (NAN) Mrs Bibiana Kipkorir, Programme Officer, International Service for the Acquisition of Agric-Biotech Application (ISAAA), has advised biosafety stakeholders to release only scientifically proven information on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Kipkorir gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

She said that biosafety stakeholders should be trained on how to effectively pass on their messages as regards the issues of biosafety foods as long as they are backed by credible scientific evidence.

“You find out that a lot of debates and arguments going on out there among the public surrounding GMOs are caused by a lot of misconceptions.

“What we Africans should do is to educate ourselves by arming ourselves with adequate skills on how to communicate the issues relating to GMO and the associated risks,’’ she said.

Kipkorir said that there should be a strong grassroots programme where the unlettered could be educated on issues surrounding GMOs.

“We should as well talk to women and farmers to allay the fears that surround the technology and show them how they can benefit from it.

“We are dealing with a technology that is very controversial and also has to do with food so people are bound to address the issue with fear and a lot of anxiety.

“Stakeholders must be careful when they frame their messages when talking and educating the public because they are the public’s watch dogs, who ensure that whatever products are coming into their countries are safe,” she said.

Kipkorir said that the massages and information in addition to being scientifically backed should as well address the concerns of the public.

“Human beings are always sceptical about innovations and GMO is a controversial issue, so its associated information should be addressed with caution.

“Therefore, as we ensure safety in the application of modern biotechnology and Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) we must carry the public along.

“ As government moves ahead with its law and procedures for the deployment of the technology and the release of GMOs for any purpose, the public must be made aware, every step of the way.’’

She said that Africa was not in isolation of international communities and must understand that the issue of GMO was governed by science, basic and sound science.

“We do not just listen to illusions or sentiments on issues of biosafety because biosafety is regulated using sound science,’’ she said. (NAN)
EPA/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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NAN-H-2
Minerals
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, Nov.  3, 2016 (NAN) Mr Ken Kayama, a Federal Commissioner in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has identified the solid minerals sector, as the most viable alternative in diversifying the nation’s economy.

He made this remark on Wednesday in Katsina, when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State.

Kayama said that investigations by the RMAFC revealed that each of the 36 states of the federation had at least one type of solid minerals and in most cases, in commercial quantities.

“However, a lot is needed to be done by both the Federal and State Governments to reposition the sector to enable it to achieve the desired objectives.

“That is because the sector contributes less to the Federation Account, in spite of the high number of mining leases granted to companies and individuals across the country,’’ he said.

The RMAFC commissioner noted that for places as Katsina State, which had many registered miners, the revenue generated by the sector between 2007 and 2014 was N58.1 million.

According to him, this is rather insignificant and as a result, what is paid to Katsina State as 13 per cent derivation is just N8.5 million.

Kayama said that the situation could be attributed to either the licensee companies are not fully operating in the sector or they are not paying appropriate fees to the State Government’’.

He said that the commission’s visit to the states was to encourage State Governments to register and monitor the activities of companies operating in their domains, so as to improve their Internally Generated Revenue.

The commissioner said that the commission would also obtain relevant information on the number of mining leases issued to each operator, their expiry dates, mineral type and the amount of fees paid, as well as royalties due to the state.

In his remarks, Masari said that the state was blessed with some abandoned mineral resources, which could assist the state to diversify its economy.

Masari, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, said that the State Government was open to advice on how best it could harness such resources and develop its economy.

“We give more emphasis to agriculture and the solid mineral sectors because Katsina State is blessed with both agricultural produce and solid minerals,’’ he added. (NAN)
ZI/PIO/PIO
Edited by Idonije Obakhedo

NAN-H-42
Sultan
By Constance Athekame
Abuja, Oct 3, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday described the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III as a great leader, who has brought wisdom and pragmatism to bear in handling critical issues of national importance.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, gave the commendation in Sokoto, while speaking at the International Symposium on the Sokoto Caliphate.

He said: “Ten years in your royal sojourn, you are in good standing with your people and with the Nigeria people, this is not to be taken lightly the reason is that you have led by strong values.

“You have worked in worthy fellowship with leaders such as Cardinal John Onayekan and Bishop Mathew Kukah and other Christian leaders and leaders in other faith, locally and internationally

“You have extended great kindness and generosity to so many regardless of status and recognised common humanity.

“ Your reign has witnessed some of the most challenging times in the history of multi religious view of this nation.

“ You have handled the challenges with wisdom, pragmatism and great success, your dynamism and magnanimity during such times are clear testimony to the excellent and social background of this caliphate.

“A background that has expanse 100 of years of selfless service and commitment to the development of knowledge and intellect.’’

Osinbanjo, who also brought felicitations from President Muhammadu Buhari, added that the country was grateful to the almighty God for his great mercies.

The vice president also thanked God that the Sultan witnessed the day in “good health and on good standing with your people and the good people of the country.’’

On his part, the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal thanked the Vice President for coming to Sokoto to celebrate with the Sultan

Tambuwal said that the Sokoto Caliphate was proud of its history.

“All through our lives as citizens of this great caliphate, we are very proud of our background and we are very proud of history.

“ For the eminence, we thank you most sincerely for what you are doing in the Caliphate and even beyond in your task of providing leadership.” (NAN)
COA/JEY/MZA
(Edited by Johnson Eyiangho/Maharazu Ahmed)

AEPB prosecutes over 200 beggars in September

NAN-AE-5
Arrest
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) said on Thursday that it arrested and prosecuted over 200 beggars in the month of September alone.

Mrs Omolola Olanipekun, Acting Director of the board disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Olanipekun said that the arrest was in collaboration with the FCT ministerial task-force and Social Development Secretariat (SDS).

“In our efforts to clear FCT streets of beggars and hawkers, the board carries out a daily patrol of the city; this is an ongoing combined effort with other agencies like the SDS.

“More than 200 beggars were arrested and prosecuted in the month of September alone.

“We have our mobile courts which prosecute all sanitation and environmental defaulters under the AEPB Act of 1997,’’ she said.

According to the acting director, the board only arrests and prosecutes hawkers and beggars then hands them over to the SDS for rehabilitation and repatriation to their locations of origin. (NAN)
VOE/HAS/AFA
Edited By Hajia Sani/Felix Ajide
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NAN-H-47

Freight

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it airlines recorded 6.1 per cent increase in total global air freight in September.

The association’s Communications Department disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

It stated that the increase was the fastest pace of growth since the disruption to global freight operations by the US West Coast seaports strike in February, 2015.

It said that freight capacity, measured in available freight ton kilometres (AFTKs), increased by 4.7 per cent during the period, while load factors remained low, keeping yields under pressure.

IATA said that airlines in all regions, except Latin America, reported an increase in year-on-year demand during the period, adding that the results had continued to vary considerably.

“IATA statistics cover international and domestic scheduled air freight for IATA member and non-member airlines.

“Total freight traffic market shares by region of carriers in terms of FTK are Asia-Pacific, 38.9 per cent; Europe, 22.3 per cent; North America, 20.5 per cent and Middle East, 14 per cent.

“Latin America recorded 2.8 per cent while Africa recorded 1.5 per cent growth during the month,’’ it said.

The association said that September’s positive performance coincided with an apparent turnaround in new export orders in recent months.

It added that some unique factors that may have also contributed to the performance included rush replacement of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices during the month and impact of Hanjin marine shipping line collapse.

The statement quoted Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General, as saying, “demand for air cargo strengthened in September, although with growth in world trade virtually at a standstill, air cargo sector still faces some major hurdles.

“The conclusion of the EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement is good news for the economies involved and for air cargo.

“Growth is the way to overcome the world’s current economic challenges.

“The EU-Canada agreement is a welcome respite from the current protectionist rhetoric and positive results should soon be evident and governments everywhere should take note and move in the same direction.” (NAN)

OYS/DO/OPI

Edited by David Onilede and Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-HE-3
Listing
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) Some capital market operators have called on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to encourage listing of more companies to increase stock market liquidity.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday that listing of more companies would create activities in the market and enhance domestic investor participation.

Mallam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Ltd., said that increasing domestic investor participation in the market had become necessary as foreign investors might not help the country due to the current economic challenges.

He urged that institutional investors such as Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) should be encouraged to increase their exposure and quality of stocks in the market.

“Institutional investors should invest more in good companies, rather than doing five per cent when they can do 25 per cent,” he said.

“PFAs will be challenged to create activities in the market, if there are good companies to invest in,” Kurfi said.

The managing director also encouraged Nigerians to save in order to invest and develop the market instead of depending on foreign investors.

“It is true that we do not have enough, but we can still save from the little we have for the rainy days,” he said.

Mr Emeka Madubuike, the immediate past President, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), urged the Federal Government to embrace the capital market for long-term infrastructure projects.

Madubuike said that the government should use the market more to boost liquidity.

“Funding of long-term infrastructure projects must come through the capital market for growth and development.

“Every developing economy is tied to its capital market,’’ he said.

Madubuike said that there must be a linkage between the economy and the capital market for Nigeria to witness growth and development. (NAN)
JNC/MNA/IGO

(Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/ Ijeoma Popoola)

Experts call for indigenous technology to combat GMOs challenges

NAN-AE-4
Technology
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Nov. 3, 2016 (NAN) Experts in bio-safety management have canvassed for indigenous technology to devise means of combating the challenges posed by the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and foods.

They stated this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Paul Keese, a former Bio-safety Manager, Australia’s Biosafety Regulatory Agency, said that Africa had the chance to gain the benefits of technology in the area of Genetically Modified foods.

NAN reports that Keese is in Nigeria as one of the facilitators at a workshop organised by the National Bio-safety Management Agency (NBMA).

“Africa must see how they can work together to tackle the risks posed by GMOs and other organisms that may be a biological threat to the health of the people and its environment.

“They should also ensure that Africans carry out researches on African problems to come up with African solutions and not try to get solutions based on other people’s treatment of their peculiar problems. “

Keese, also a visiting fellow, University of Ghana, said that Africa should have a long-term sustainability programme and autonomy of African-led innovation to devise African solutions.

“We need to as well look at the education side so that Africans can lead the way in understanding bio-safety and bio-risks, so they can take the lead in teaching and applying things that are evolving within Africa.

“They must understand the peculiar technique to tackle African problems and challenges associated with Africa GMOs, which must be identified, analysed, evaluated and good regulatory decisions taken, “ he added.

Also, Mr Stephen Buah, Programme Officer, National Agricultural Research Organisation, Uganda, agreed that there must be African technologies and researchers to assess factors that could lead to harm in Africa GMOs.

“You know in a lot of cases Africans tend to think that the mere release of genetically modified organisms causes harm, but they must be educated that there are a lot of processes and sequences involved.

“We have to understand that the moment these processes are broken, harm will occur.

“So, we must assess the risks posed by Genetically Modified Foods because we have our peculiar challenges that also need peculiar solutions, “ he said.

He said that African capacity development was what Africa was hungry for and lot of those technologies started from somewhere else and that Africans only use the end products.

“I am happy that many African laboratories have the capacity to develop genetically modified crops which are very advantageous in different aspects. “

He said that there are fears only because of the negative information by the media and non- exposure to appropriate information by members of the public.

“People are raising questions about the safety of GM foods because they also question the technologies involved.

“That is why if we get tested and trusted African developed research and technologies, they will trust the assessment of the risks involved and as well its products.

“So Africa has the capacity to research, build and assess the risk posed by GMOs, its safety, and make the proper decisions not based on the information received from other countries, “ he stressed. (NAN)
EPA/MOL/AFA
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Felix Ajide
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