Blog

NAN-H-35
Memo
By Martha Nuhu
Jos, Nov. 1, 2016 (NAN) The Judicial Commission of Inquiry sitting in Jos has reserved ruling in a memo submitted by Njin Gyara against former governor of Plateau, Jonah Jang.

The Chairman of the commission, Justice Stephen Udah, reserved the ruling to a date to be communicated to the parties after hearing them on Tuesday.

Gyara, a former Deputy Director, Plateau Ministry of Finance, had filed a petition against Jang for dismissing him in office for refusing to sign a cheque of N112 million contract.

He alleged that he was suspended from office in 2012 after he refused to sign the said cheque, which he said, did not follow due process.

The petitioner said this when he testified before commission which was set up by Gov. Simon Lalong in August to probe activities of government from May 2007 to May 2015.

Gyara alleged that the said cheque of over N112 million was meant for the payment of consultancy service carried out out for the proposed Plateau Specialist Hospital in Barkin Ladi.

He told the commission during cross examination by Jang’s counsel, Mr Sunni Udeh, that he was suspended for alleged misappropriation of student allowances.

Udeh told the commission that Gyara and two others diverted funds meant for the students of the College of Health, Zawan, to their own personal use.

The counsel said that the petitioner who was in charge of paying the students a monthly allowance of N1, 200 paid the students N400 instead for many months which ran into millions of naira, an act which led to his dismissal and arrest by the EFCC.

Udeh also alleged that the petitioner also illegally took official documents from files and made photocopies for himself from the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health.

He prayed the commission to disregard the memo and urged that Gyara be held responsible for missing minutes and sensitive documents belonging to the ministries.

Gyara on his part urged the commission to disregard Udeh’s plea and still consider his petition.

He also maintained that he did not mutilate nor made photocopies of documents from files in the ministries in question.

The chairman of the commission, Justice Stephen Udah, however, closed the memo and reserved ruling to a date to be communicated to the parties.(NAN)
ADY/OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha

NAN-AE-3
Women
By Martha Agas
Jos, Nov. 1, 2016(NAN) The Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN) in Plateau, on Tuesday called for the recruitment of more female extension workers to enhance modern farming.

Mrs Jessica Vonkat, the State Coordinator of the association made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.

She said such recruitment would bridge the wide gap between the male and female extension workers, who would offer more empathy to the women farmers since they have similar challenges.

“They can discuss more freely with them on challenges facing women.

“ I believe the openness will give a vivid picture of their needs assessment and would help in proffering the right solutions,’’ she said.

She further advocated for more land allocation for smallholder women farmers cooperatives, saying this will help them in improving their production and generate more revenue to cater for their family and children’s education.

Vonkat implored government to establish functional marketing boards that will help women farmers to store and market their goods

She said that the board will also assist women farmers to get better returns for their farm produce.

She called on the Plateau Government to gazette the ‘Gender and Equal Opportunity Law’ to an active document and establish ‘Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission’ so as to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.

She explained that the law does not equate women with men but seeks inclusiveness in growth and development.

“ Section 11 just like other sections of the law is of great interest, especially to the rural woman, it prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender.

“It declares, particularly, any law, regulation, custom, practices which constitute discrimination null and void,’’ she said. (NAN)
MAA/EAL/AFA
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Felix Ajide
=============================

NAN-H-15
Arrest
By Mohammed Nair Basir
Dutse, Nov. 1, 2016 (NAN) For dumping her new baby boy in a refuse dump, a middle aged woman is now cooling her heels in police custody in Jigawa.

Malam Sa’idu Aliyu, the State Commandant of the Jigawa Hisbah Guards, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Dutse that the suspect (names withheld) was arrested by the guards on Oct. 29.

NAN reports that Hisbah is the Sharia Law enforcement agency in the state.

According to Aliyu, the suspect is a resident of Bulakalu Village in Dutse Local Government Area.

He said that the woman dumped the baby in Shuwarin Village in Kiyawa Local Government Area of the state.

The commandant said that the baby was picked by a `good Samaritan’, who took him to the district head of the community and later reported the incident to the police.

According to Aliyu, upon receiving the report, Hisbah deployed its intelligence officers to the two local government areas to fish out the mother of the baby.

Aliyu told NAN that the guards eventually got an intelligence report that a woman in Bulakalu Village gave birth to the baby.

“The residents said that they had not been seeing the suspect with her baby.

“For that, we invited the suspect to our office where she confessed to being the mother of the boy.

“She also confirmed that she was the one, who personally dumped the baby, because of fear of stigmatisation for giving birth out of wedlock,’’ he said.

Aliyu said that the baby was in good health and in the custody of a woman in Shuwarin Village, pending conclusion of investigations into the case.

He said the suspect had been handed over to the police for further action. (NAN)

MNB/AIB/IGO

=========

(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Ijeoma Popoola)

NAN-DS-2

Accident

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, Nov. 1, 2016 (NAN) Mr Clement Oladele, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, says about 60 per cent of road accidents in the state are caused by drivers of articulated vehicles.

Oladele made this known on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to members of Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun Council in Abeokuta.

He explained that most of the accidents that happened on the highways in the state were due to excessive speed which could have been avoided.

According to him, though, Ogun is blessed with highways; it is however, among the 10 most dangerous highways in the country, going by road accidents recorded in recent times.

He said that some of the highways included Lagos /Ibadan, Lagos /Abeokuta, Abeokuta /Sagamu and Odeda /Ibadan.

The sector commander said that 32 road traffic crashes were recorded in the state in August and it rose to 47 in September.

Oladele expressed the commitment of the command to get to the root cause of the high rate of road crashes in the state.

“We have a platform which says that for every operator that has minimum of five vehicles, it must register with road safety and annually, we certify them.

“When you don’t meet the basic requirements, we decertify you.

“We recognise that almost 60 per cent of these crashes that cause deaths are caused by these articulated vehicles, so we want to get to the root, so that we can address it.

“The FRSC has started to remove abandoned vehicles; we have to ensure that there is no obstruction that can cause road crashes.

“We want to leave the township patrol for the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), so that we now face where most of the crashes are happening.

“We want to mobilise our strength and face the highway but that does not mean that occasionally, when we see issues that happen in township, we won’t attend to them.

“We will try to see how we can empower TRACE, for it to become bigger, stronger and to be able to tackle the urban challenges.’’

Oladele said that FRSC in Ogun had prepared a strategic document which would be driven by the people to reduce road accident and loss of lives on the highways.

He said that the document would have the inputs of all stakeholders, adding that the governor would be fully involved to devise means on how to make the roads safer.

On speed limit device, he said that majority of the drivers had yet to use the device; however, it was introduced by FRSC to reduce road accidents.

According to him, between Oct. 1 and Oct 29, we have stopped 3,670 vehicles in the state and only 43 of them have speed limiting devise.

“If we have impounded these vehicles, maybe we would have grounded the economy of the state.

“We have encouraged transport unions to contact the vendors and be paying by instalment to enable them purchase the devise.

“By Jan. 1, we are going to arrest any vehicle that does not have speed limiter.”

Earlier, Alhaji Kunle Olayeni, the chapel Chairman, commended the FRSC command in the state for ensuring that roads in the state were safe.

Olayeni expressed the readiness of the media to collaborate with the FRSC in order to ensure considerable reduction in road accidents. (NAN)

LKA/DUA/MO/

Edited by Dada Ahmed/Morayo Omolade

NAN-DS-3

Explosion

Maiduguri, Nov. 1, 2016 (NAN) Police in Borno said nine persons were killed on Tuesday in Maiduguri in a vehicle explosion.

Spokesman of the command, Mr Victor Isuku, said in a statement that the dead were all in the vehicle when it exploded.

Isuku said that the incident occurred at about 10.30 a.m. near a military checkpoint along Gubio road in the metropolis.

“There was an explosion today along Gubio road just before the military check point. The incident occurred at abolut 10.30 a.m.

“According to preliminary report, a pick-up van with nine persons on board emerged from a bush path to join the road to Gubio town, when it exploded, killing all the persons,” Isuku said.

He added that details of the incident would be released after due investigation. (NAN)

ABI/OPI/OPI

Edited by Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-HE-1
Allocation
By Mohammed Bababusu
Lafia, Nov.1, 2016 (NAN) The Nasarawa State Government said on Tuesday that its continued monthly briefing on Federal allocations to local government councils in the state is to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Lafia.

According to him, transparency and accountability is the watchword of Gov. Tanko Al-Makura’s administration in order to bring the much-needed dividends of democracy to the citizens.

“Let me made it clear that the essence of the monthly briefing of allocations to the local government is to ensure transparency and accountability in the process of governance in the state and in the interest of peace and national development.

“It is also to clear doubt in the minds of some civil servants and other people on the Federal allocations to the state and its various local government council so as to ensure that nobody accuse the government unnecessary.

“As we are all aware that Gov. Tanko Al-Makura is known for his adherence to the rule of law, transparency, accountability and justice.

“Hence, the need for the monthly briefing of the allocations to the various local governments in the state, ‘’he said.

Ahmed called on the people of the state to continue to pray for an improved economy as well as for the country to overcome its present economic challenges.

He expressed optimism that the recession would be over.

Ahmed called on the people of the state and Nigerians to continue to support President Buhari and Al-Makura’s administrations to enable them succeed in the task ahead of them for the overall development of the country.

 The commissioner said the state government would continue to key into projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people. (NAN)
BAB/AJA
=======

(Edited by Adeleye Ajayi)

NAN-S-3
Para-badminton
Lagos, Nov. 1, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Para-Badminton Federation on Tuesday said that preparations were in top gear for the third edition of its national championships holding in Umuahia in Abia.

The federation’s President, Samuel Ekeoma, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the event, tagged “Mrs Nkechinyereugo Ikpeazu Championships’’ would hold from Dec. 1 to Dec. 3.

Ekeoma said that 16 states were expected to participate in the championships.

“This year’s edition will be bigger than the previous two editions because of the commitment and support toward it.

“A committee has been inaugurated to put necessary logistics in place and ensure hitch-free championships for all participants.

“The Abia Government also promised to support the championships to encourage physically challenged athletes,’’ he said.

He added that the competition would be use to select athletes that would represent the country at the 2017 International Para-Badminton Championship in April in Spain.

The president noted that para-badminton could also produce more medals for the country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games if given adequate attention.

NAN reports that the country won a total of 12 medals comprising eight gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.

“We did very well in the last Paralympics in Rio but there is always room for improvement.

“Para-badminton is also part of the International Paralympics Committee; the country can also win medals in the sport in the Tokyo 2020 Tokyo Games,’’ he said. (NAN)
KOA/PDE
=======
(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-HE-12
Inclusion
By Lucy Nwachukwu
Abuja , Oct 31, 2016 (NAN)The Association of Non-Bank Micro Finance Institutions of Nigeria (ANMFIN) has urged microfinance operators to adopt innovative products and modules of operations to attain financial inclusion in the sub-sector.

The Executive Secretary of ANMFIN, Dr Godless Safugha, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He said although operators were deploying some innovative approaches into their businesses, there was low introduction of new products and lack of innovation on the part of microfinance operators across the country.

He said, “ANMFIN has concluded its 2016 annual RUFIN sponsored on-site visit of affiliated members, with over 25 MFIs receiving technical support in different segments of microfinance operations for improved performances.

“The report revealed that microfinance institutions were rapidly deploying technology in managing financial transactions, increasing formation of groups as a vehicle to empowering women economically, through savings and credit groups.

“Also, it was discovered that as a result of their affiliation with ANMFIN,  most of the microfinance institutions are reorganising and changing their governance structure.

“They are moving from predominantly sole-proprietorship model where one man serves as Board Chairman/Chief Executive Officer to adopting a structure that encourages checks and balance by recognising divisions in responsibilities.

“However, the downside remains. Some microfinance institutions visited are still operating manually, while some credit officers are still grappling to understand the rudiments of the group formation methodology.

Safugha explained that the project was a routine exercise to strengthen members’ businesses with the chances of reducing financial exclusion in Nigeria.

He recalled that between 2014 and 2016, ANMFIN completed its microfinance business software developed in partnership with Access Solutions Ltd and Mosoni Systems.

He said,“ ANMFIN introduced a Rural Business Plan as well as the Code of Conduct for operators in addition to other innovations for the sub-sector.

“It is therefore necessary that we closely monitor the progress and to be able to provide emerging assistance to our members.

“The association envisaged that in spite of the huge investment made in training microfinance institutions in the country, some Institutions may still need direct on-site technical support.

“The support is in the restructuring, repositioning of their processes and procedures for the objective implementation of the reform programmes for the sub-sectors’ efficiency, introduction of new products and approaches.

NAN reports that ANMFIN is a Not-for-Profit Network of independent microfinance institutions in Nigeria.

It resulted from an Initiative in 2010 led by The Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Rural Finance Building Institutions of Nigeria (RUFIN).

Its aim is to create and strengthen a country level microfinance network to promote rural finance, financial inclusion and poverty reduction in Nigeria.

The Association is responsible for the promotion of self-regulation, capacity building, uniform standards, transparency and good corporate practice as well as financial linkages in the Non-Bank Microfinance Institutions sub-sector. (NAN)
LCN/EAL/IA
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Idris Abdulrahman

NAN-H-14
Training
By Mohammed Nasirbashir
Dutse, Nov. 1, 2016 (NAN) The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Jigawa had trained 1,225 youths, including 228 women, in various income-generating vocations within the last 10 months.
The NDE State Coordinator, Alhaji Muhammad Sambo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Dutse that 73 of the women were trained in farming under the Commercial Farmers Training Programme.
He said that another set of 99 women were trained in environmental beautification under the NDE’s Environmental Beautification Training Scheme (EBTS).
The coordinator said that 50 other women received training in tie-and-dye under the Directorate’s Women Employment Promotion (WEP) scheme.
Sambo also said that 227 youths were trained in auto mechanic, tailoring, carpentry and electrical installation under the agency’s Basic National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (B-NOAS).
The coordinator said 25 others were trained in commercial farming, mobile phone repairs, motorcycle repairs, tailoring and electrical installation, under the NDE’s Commercial Farmers Training Programme (CFTP).
Sambo said that the directorate had also engaged unemployed graduates to teach 248 candidates in the state with deficiencies in WAEC, NECO and JAMB’s examination results.
He said that the 25 beneficiaries of the commercial farming training received N3.7 million loan to start their businesses.
Sambo said the gesture was to reduce unemployment and restiveness among youths in the state.
It was also aimed at empowering women to contribute to the well-being of their families and overall economic growth in the state, he said.
“Women will be accorded special attention considering the level of their vulnerability in the society,’’ he said. (NAN)
MNB/AOS/PAD
=============
Edited by Bayo Sekoni/controlled by Peter Dada

NAN-AE-2
Abattoir
Benin, Nov. 1, 2016 (NAN) Butchers in Edo on Tuesday appealed to the State Government to provide them with modern abattoirs, preservation facilities and vehicles to transport meats.

The Chairman of the State’s Butchers Association, Mr Ikponmwosa Orhue, made this appeal in an interview with newsmen in Benin.

Orhue also appealed for soft loan for members, noting that when provided, the facilities will enhance their businesses as well as ensure that meat consume are of good hygienic condition.

The chairman, who bemoaned the present condition of abattoirs in the state, said a modern one have become imperative in order to avoid epidemic in the state.

According to him, the state of abattoirs, especially the government owned, are all in a mess, aside the issue of water, the sanitary condition of the abattoirs have become something one is not proud to discuss.

“Our fear is that this poses a serious health danger to the people of the state, who consume meat.

“There is the need for the government, especially the incoming one, to address this challenge by building modern abattoirs that will be equipped with the modern facilities.

“As for the preservation facility, it has become necessary for us to secure a place to preserve unsold meat to retain its freshness.

“We are also in serious need of vehicles to transport meat from one location or market to the other, rather than the present system where meat is exposed to unhygienic condition,” he said.

Orhue said the present economy situation, especially as it regards the issue of foreign exchange, was affecting their business.

“The amount we spend in buying two trailer loads of cows before is what we now spend in buying one trailer as a result of the increase in exchange rate.

“According to him, members of the association now buy cows from Northern Cameroon as Nigeria no longer have much cows as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

“This is why we are appealing to the government to assist us with soft loan to increase and support our businesses,” he stressed. (NAN)
ESI/ACO/AFA
Edited by Oluleye Abiodun/Felix Ajide
============================