Blog

NAN-S-1
Tennis
Abuja, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has advised Nigerian athletes to emulate the performance of three leading table tennis stars: Segun Toriola, Aruna Quadri and Funke Oshonaike.

The minister gave the advice on Monday in Abuja in a statement issued by Nneka Anibeze his Special Assistant on Media,

He said that the performance of the trio at the just concluded ITTF Africa Senior Championship in Agadir, Morocco was remarkable and a pride to the nation.

He noted with satisfaction that Oshonaike reclaimed her African women’s singles title at the Championships 24 years after winning it.

He added that the duo of Aruna Quadri and Segun Toriola defeated Egypt to hold on to the men’s doubles.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Quadri and Toriola defeated Egyptians El-Sayed Lashin and Ahmed Saleh 4-2 to give Nigeria its first gold medal in the chamapionship.

Dalung said that the ability of Toriola and Oshinaike to remain competitive at the continental stage at 41 years, was prove that an athlete could remain relevant for a long time if he or she is disciplined.

He added that Oshinaike’s performance in the competition where she won the mixed doubles silver alongside Segun Toriola and a gold medal in the women singles was a pointer to that fact.

“There is nothing like impossible with the right levels of preparation, mental strength and the desire to win,’’ he said.

The minister commended the world number 3, Quadri for sustaining the winning tempo after the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“I am aware of his inability to cart home the coveted men singles trophy after narrowly losing to Egypt’s Omar Assar.

“In sports, you win some and lose some.”

“I encourage you to quickly dust yourself from the defeat and bounce back stronger and better,’’ Dalung said,

He called on other sport federations to emulate the `self sufficient stance’ of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.

He stressed the need for sports federations to establish vibrant marketing department saddled with sourcing for funds to run their activities while the government would continue to create the enabling environment for sports to thrive. (NAN)
DE/AEA
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Edited by Archibong Asuquo

NAN-AE-21
Rice
‎Kura (Kano), Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Kano Chapter, says it is targeting the production of 700,000 tonnes of rice during this the 2016 dry season farming.
The association said the target will be achieved on the platform of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Anchor Borrowers Programme, in collaboration with the Kano State Government.‎
The Chairman of the association in Kano, Alhaji Abubakar Haruna, said this on Monday during the inauguration of 2016 rice harvest in Kadawa village in Kura Local Government Area.‎
He said more than 9,960 farmers in the state participated in the programme to achieve the targeted quantity.
The chairman said that the association would monitor and also work closely with officials of CBN, Bank of Agriculture and state officials to ensure the success of the programme.
Earlier, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje‎, who said the state government was committed to boosting agricultural production, also commended the Federal Government for ‎its efforts in developing agriculture in the country.
The governor also visited rice and wheat farms in Garum Mallam and Kura Local Government Areas respectively.
‎‎He added that the number of combine harvesters would also be increased to boost rice and wheat farming in the state.
A cross section of the farmers expressed determination to ensure the success of the initiative and solicited for full support from the government and banks. (NAN)‎
MNT/MOL/AFA
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Felix Ajide
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NAN-H-94

Bills

Calabar, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 50 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country would on Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 converge on Abuja to discuss legal frameworks to strengthen the anti-corruption war.

Dr Wakter Duru, Executive Director, Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption, made this known at a news conference on Monday in Calabar, Cross River.

Duru said that the national discourse by CSOs became necessary in view of recent happenings in the nation’s polity.

He said that the meeting was organised by his organisation in collaboration with Justice for All of the British Council, adding that participating CSOs were drawn from across the country.

“Top on the agenda is the consideration of strategies in advocating for the transmission and passage of the Proceeds of Crime Bill, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Centre Bill, Whistle Blowers Protection and Mutual Legal Assistance Bills.

“Recall that Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, promised Nigerians that the present Federal Government is committed to the passage of the bills.

“During the annual Conference on Financial Fraud, Cyber Crime and Cross Border Crimes, held in Abuja in February, 2016, the Attorney-General assured Nigerians that the bills will be transmitted to the National Assembly as Executive bills.

“He announced that the Mutual Legal Assistance and Money Laundering bills had been already transmitted.

“Till date, nothing appears to be happening in the case of the rest of the bills.

“The primary essence of the meeting is to review the situation and agree on steps to be taken to ensure that those that have roles to play live up to their responsibility,’’ he said.

Duru stated that the bills are necessary if the country’s anti-corruption war must be effectively fought and won. (NAN)

BEN/MOL/OPI

Edited by Mustapha Lamidi and Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-H-93

Support

By Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) The U.S. Consul General, John Bray says the U.S will continue to support, encourage and expand its Saving Mothers, Giving Life (SMGL) initiative aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria.

A statement by the information unit, U.S. Embassy, on Monday in Abuja, quoted Bray as saying this at SMGL global team-building meeting in Calabar, Cross River.

The meeting was organised by the Cross River Government in partnership with United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Health challenges in Nigeria are not always a result of limited access to facilities, but access to enough skilled professionals and quality services within those facilities.

“Saving Mothers, Giving Life Initiative is helping reduce both maternal and neonatal mortality.

“We will continue to support and encourage the Cross River government in its efforts as we look to expanding the programme into other areas in Nigeria.”

According to him, the project is U.S. government initiative for a period of five years at a cost of 18 million dollar.

Bray said that SMGL was a public-private partnership aimed at addressing three primary delays associated with maternal and newborn health.

“The delays are in seeking services, in reaching care, and in receiving high-quality care at a health facility.

“A woman dying from pregnancy and childbirth related complications is a major challenge in Africa and reducing maternal mortality has become a global priority,’’Bray said.

The envoy said that “the probability of a maternal death occurring is 1:13 in Nigeria’’.

He said that U.S. had been working in partnership with host countries and non-governmental organisations to reduce and put an end to preventable maternal and newborn deaths globally.

He recalled that Nigeria in 2014 became the third country to adopt the initiative after successes were reported by the programme in Uganda and Zambia.

He said the initiative brought together national and regional partners and key stakeholders to share updates on the progress of activities in Uganda and Zambia and guide inputs on expansion in Nigeria.

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River, Bray, and USAID acting Mission Director, Aler Grubbs participated in the opening ceremony. (NAN)

IAA/AK/MO/

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Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Morayo Omolade

NAN-F-21
Film
By Maureen Okon
Abuja, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) Japan has promised to strengthen the multi-lateral relationship between her and Nigeria through cultural heritage, saying this would create better understanding and more awareness.

Mr Hideki Sakamoto, the First Secretary Information and Culture section of Japan Embassy to Nigeria, made the promise on Monday during an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said to achieve the goals the between the two countries, a three day animated film festival would be organised.

Sakamoto said that the second edition of the festival was scheduled from 2nd to 5th of November.

He said the first edition of such festivals was held last year, but as a step ahead of last year’s edition a Nigerian’s animated film creator has been invited to enlighten them on Nigerian film before the second edition.

“This year’s edition has been improved upon because we have collaborated with the French institute and we have invited the Nigeria animated film creator to show their film.

“At a panel discussion we had before now, we were introduced and lectured on by one Nigerian animated film creator.

“And we talked about how we could do some collaboration in the future,’’ he said.

The official added that the 2016 festival would not only be film screening and open ceremonies but to concentrate on panel discussions, short film and screening of the Nigeria film.

Sakamoto disclosed that in recent time, Japanese animated film has become popular and they are trying to introduce Japanese culture in Nigeria through one of the best popular animated film.

He added that each film has its own historic massage, the first film which is `Spirited Away’ and an Oscar best film which has a strong massage.

NAN reports that the animated film festival is a cultural day in Japan and has a national holiday to celebrate it.

And also the film is a comic oriented cartoon which involves hand drawing; that’s hand craft compare to the present graphics in animated film. (NAN)
ETIM/FHO/AFA
Edited by Hawa Lawal/Felix Ajide
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NAN-HG-6

Welfare

By Chinenye Offor

Abuja, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, said the National Assembly has consolidated four private members’ bills to address the welfare of older persons.

Dogara said this at the Multi-Sectoral Stakeholders’ Forum on Ageing and Legislation to mark the 2016 International Day of Older Persons in Abuja on Monday.

This, he said, included Bill for an Act to Establish the National Council on Ageing which would provide social welfare services for the elderly as well as advance their cause.

Another bill is for an Act to Establish Welfare Trust Fund Management Commission for the effective management of the welfare of the unemployed and people with disability.

He added that the bill also aimed to ensure the welfare of widows, orphans and the elderly, among others.

The Speaker added that a Bill for an Act to Provide for the Registration and Control of Orphanages and other Institutions of Boarding and other Related Matters was also being looked into.

He said the House will utilise the opportunity of the forum to generate resources that would address the challenges faced by Nigerian families in taking care of the aged.

Dogara stated that the House was poised to formulate legislatures that will address the welfare of older persons in the country.

Mr Linus Okorie, Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, said the forum was organised to consider ways of improving the wellbeing of the aged.

Dr Emem Omokaro, Executive Director, Dave Omokaro Foundation, said it was “necessary to herald a national campaign against ageism.’’

She held that it was necessary for everyone to significantly contribute to influencing support and a consensus for ageing policy.

Omokaro also advocated systematic framework on ageing as well as having a social insurance security for senior citizens.

The forum was organised by the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, in collaboration with Dave Omokaro Foundation, to deliberate on issues relating to ageing. (NAN)

CSO/EEM/IEA

Edited by Emmanuel Mogbede/Idahosa Asowata
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NAN-H-93

Budget

By Kate Obande

Abuja, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) Connected Development (CODE), an NGO, has called on the Federal Government to involve Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the 2017 budgeting process for effective appropriation, implementation and utilisation.

Mr Hamzat Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer of CODE, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

He said that more funds should be allocated to the education sector which is the bedrock of the nation’s development, adding that 2016 budget for education was underfunded.

According to him, the N35.7 billion capital expenditure for education out of the N367 billion budgeted for education is poor.

He explained that the organisation had used its education budget tracker to visualise funds meant for various educational institutions across the country.

“It is important for the government to engage the civil society and key actors as they start discussion for 2017 budget.

“The National Assembly should make the budget defence to be open to enable the CSOs to be in attendance and listen to the defence to enable them monitor the funds for effective implementation.

“Most importantly, we need to see an ambitious budget, where more funds will be allocated to the education sector because education is underfunded in the 2016 budget.’’

Lawal said that there was the need for a unified and coordinative collaboration between international donors and the Nigerian government, to ensure a revamped education sector.

On the fight against corruption by the present administration, the CODE boss said that government should not just be ambitious but thorough.

He also urged governments at all levels, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to respond to citizens’ freedom of information request, to tackle corruption.

Lawal explained that the government and all key actors in the country should use information from available data to influence their decisions and policies.

Commenting on the children in the Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs), Lawal said that transparency and accountability were required to ensure they bridged the education gap in the society.

He said that over N50 billion had been channelled to Borno to cater for the IDPs but that there was no concrete evidence on ground to show for it.

He advised that mobile education should be explored in educating the displaced children.

“ I think it is now time where we explore mobile education where we can have mobile facilities that go into the various IDP camps and inculcate knowledge into them.

“ But most importantly, how can we provide a safer environment for them because as much as we want to educate them, there is need for safe environment,’’ Lawal said. (NAN)

KTE/MO/NKO

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Edited by Morayo Omolade/Nkechi Okoronkwo

NAN-H-76

EFCC

By Moji Eniola

Ikeja, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness,  Sulaiman Abiola, on Monday told an Ikeja High Court how Rickey Tarfa obstructed justice and shielded his clients from arrest.

EFCC on Feb. 5, alleged that Tarfa wilfully obstructed two of its officers; Moses Awolusi and Sanusi Mohammed from making an arrest of his clients within the premises of the Igbosere High Court.

Tarfa’s clients, Gnanhoue Sourou and Nazaire Odeste, were suspected by the EFFC of committing some financial crimes.

The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is currently being tried on a two-count charge of obstruction of justice and perverting the course of justice by the EFCC at an Ikeja High Court .

At Monday’s trial, Abiola, led in evidence by the counsel to EFCC, Mr G.A Lakanmi, told the court that he witnessed the event on Feb. 5.

“At 11 a.m. after the court proceedings, a team of EFCC operatives led by Moses Awolusi were at the car park of the High Court to arrest the clients of the defendant.

“When the operatives approached Tarfa and informed him of the arrest of his clients, he requested for identification and a copy of the warrant was provided.

“The SAN immediately ordered his clients into his car and ordered his driver to wind up the windows of the car and the engine was left running.

“Tarfa started making several phone calls and this continued for about six hours and at about 5 p.m., Awolusi placed a phone call to the EFCC office for re-enforcement.

“The SAN’s car eventually ran out of fuel and he and his clients had to alight from the car in order to refuel it.

“At that point, the EFCC operatives arrived and arrested both Tarfa and his clients,” Abiola said.

Earlier, during proceedings, the Mercedes Benz Jeep, KJA700CG, in which Tarfa allegedly hid his clients was tendered as exhibit in court.

Admitting the car as an exhibit, Justice Aishat Opesanwo, said “The car key is before the court as an exhibit, if I have the key, I have the car.

“The car should, however, be kept in the possession of the EFCC for safekeeping,” Opesanwo said.

Awolusi, who led the team of EFCC operatives that arrested Tarfa, told the court while being cross-examined by Tarfa’s counsel Mr Abiodun Owonikoko that no warrant was obtained by the anti-graft agency to arrest Tarfa’s clients.

“Though no warrant of arrest was obtained by the EFCC, the EFCC Act gives me powers including powers of arrest,” Awolusi said.

Awolusi added that Tarfa’s clients were eventually charged to court for alleged forgery.

Justice Opesanwo adjourned the case till Jan. 17 and Jan. 26 for continuation of trial. (NAN)

MAE /OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha

NAN-H-88
Scholarship
By Bukola Adewumi
Abuja, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) Praxis Catholic e-School, Abuja, has awarded a three-year scholarship to 300 children of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from 14 camps in Abuja and Nasarawa State.

Mr Ben Onwudinjo, the Proprietor of the school, said this at the news briefing on the implementation of the Presidential Initiative on rebuilding the North-East on Monday.

He said the gesture was to demonstrate the school’s zeal and support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s effort to rebuild the North-Eeast.

The proprietor said that officials of the 14 IDP camps made available a list of 300 brilliant but indigent students from Junior Secondary one (JS1} and Senior Secondary one  (SS1) from Yobe and Borno states.

Onwudinjo said the selection was based on Praxis request to enable the school to admit the students for the scholarship.

He said that the scholarships would commence on Dec. 9, adding that on completion of studies, they would return to the North-East as special ambassadors to help in facilitating the healing and rebuilding of the states.

“As already inspected by the Presidential Committee on North-East initiative, we have made arrangements for full boarding for them.

“Books, clothing, medicals, classes, tuition fee and part of their feeding and sports, among others, have been made available for the period and they will resume classes as from December 9.

“During holidays, the students will be taught self-reliance skills and given start-up funds at the end for those who may wish to be on their own, while others will be assisted to go for further studies.’’

Onwudinjo said that the scholarship scheme would be monitored by the Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative.

He urged the Federal Government to include the school on its free feeding programme for public school students for the sake of the 300 students.

“During our technical sessions with the Presidential Committee on North-East, we requested them to consider the 300 children we are admitting into scholarship as a special case ,by taking off part of the cost of their feeding.

“The school will in turn pay 50 per cent of their feeding for 3 years. If the Federal Government refuses to feed them, the school will still continue to feed them,’’ he explained.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of New Kuchingoro IDP camp, Abuja, Malam Usman Adamu, called for government support, adding that such gesture had never happened since they got to the camp.

He expressed happiness to be back to school, adding that he would be admitted into SS1, while calling on Nigerians to support the Praxis initiative.

Also speaking, Patience James, an IDP from Borno said that she was happy to be going back to school, adding  that since she got to the camp, she had been yarning to return to school but Abuja school was too expensive.

“My parents are poor; they cannot afford sponsoring me to school in Abuja because things are too expensive here. I am happy now that I am going back and my gratitude goes to Praxis Catholic e-school,” she said. (NAN)

BOL/OIF/NKO

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(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo)

NAN-H-89
Appointment
Katsina, Oct. 31,2016(NAN) Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State has approved the appointment of three new permanent secretaries into the state Civil Service.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Alhaji Abdu Labaran, said this in a statement on Monday in Katsina.

According to him, the appointees are Alhaji Aliyu Umar Danja, Alhaji Mohammed Hafizu Wali and Alhaji AbdulSalam Sabi’u.

Labaran said the governor also approved the redeployment of 15 other permanent secretaries.

The permanent secretaries affected are Idris Tune, who is moved from the Department of Higher Education to the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Ahmed Kabasiyu from the Ministry of Information to the Directorate of Employment.

Rabi’u Abdu Ruma from Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS) Office to the Department of Higher Education, Nasiru Bawale from Civil Service Commission to the Ministry of Women Affairs,
Also, Husaini Dangani, from the Ministry of Environment to the Department of Youth Development and Musa Mahuta, from State Assembly Service Commission to the Ministry of Information.

Others are Lawal Dutsinma from Local Government Service Commission to Civil Service Commission, Sagir Ibrahim, from the Ministry of Education to the Department of Establishment.

Ubale AbdulRahman from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Ibrahim Gambo Lawal, from the Department of Establishment, Pension and Training to the Ministry of Education.

Also, Sulaiman Safana was moved from the Ministry of Agriculture to SGS Office, Sani Isyaku Masari, from the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to the Ministry of Environment.

According to him, Isyaku Karofi is moved from the Department of Youth Development to the Local Government Service Commission, Rayyana Lawal from the Ministry of Women Affairs to the Ministry of Lands and Surveys.

“Sulaiman AbdulLahi, who has just come from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Jos, is posted to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, ‘’Labaran said.

He said that the appointment and the posting took immediate effect. (NAN)
ZI/MO/

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Edited by Morayo Omolade/