Blog

NAN-HE-5
Shares
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) Activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday resumed for the week on a negative posture with the market indices down by 0.28 per cent due to profit taking.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation dropped by N26 billion or 0.28 per cent to close at N9.349 trillion against N9.375 trillion achieved on Friday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index, which opened at 27, 294.21, shed 74.12 points or 0.28 per cent to close at 27,220.09 following loses recorded by some highly capitalised equities.

7UP recorded the highest loss to lead the losers’ chart, shedding N7.94 to close at N150.86 per share.

Lafarge Africa trailed with a loss of N2.50 to close at N47.50 and Cadbury declined by 65k to close at N12.95 per share.

Flour Mills lost 44k to close at N19.08, while Guaranty Trust Bank was down by 35k to close at N23.50 per share.

Conversely, Total led the gainers’ table, gaining N15.01 to close at N345 per share.

It was followed by Nestle gaining N4 to close at N795 and MRS gained N3.35 to close at N43.35 per share.

Okomu Oil appreciated by N2.05 to close at N43.05, while PZ Industries increased by N1 to close at N17.50 per share.

In spite of the drop recorded by market indicators, the volume of shares traded inched by 48.12 per cent with an exchange of 219.89 million shares worth N1.88 billion traded in 3,933 deals.

NAN reports that this was in contrast with a turnover of 148.45 million shares valued at N1.08 billion exchanged in 2,073 deals on Friday.

Wapic Insurance was the toast of investors, accounting for 26.91 million shares worth N13.46 million.

Sterling Bank followed with 26.31 million shares valued at N23.68 million and United Bank for Africa traded 21.67 million shares worth N92.14 million.

Access Bank sold 21.08 million shares valued at N119.23 million and Fidelity Bank exchanged 17.31 million shares valued at N15.60 million. (NAN)
JNC/GOK
Edited by Olagoke Olatoye
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NAN-H-61

Law

By Edith Nwapi

Abuja, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) A don, Prof. Clement Dakas (SAN), on Monday urged Nigerians to effectively use law for social engineering and the fight against injustice.

Dakas, who is the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

• Cue in audio 1 (Dakas)

“We must consciously deploy law as a very important tool for social engineering, of constitutional engineering for attacking the structures that are at the heart of injustice in our polity.

“As lawyers, we say that we are ministers in the temple of justice; judges say that they are custodians of justice and it means that we have a responsibility to strike at the heart of the structures of injustice in our system and inspire confidence in the minds of Nigerians.

“Because if the generality of Nigerians lose confidence in lawyers and judges and their capacity to engender justice in the polity, then people will resort to jungle justice

“And once people resort to jungle justice there will be anarchy in the society and once there is anarchy in the society, the society is headed for a disaster.“

• Cue out audio 1

Hev urged the Federal Government to ensure that the war against corruption is not only comprehensive, but one that “inspires confidence’’ and is carried out within the framework of the rule of law.

• Cue in audio 2 (Dakas)

“We must consciously and always remind ourselves that people are looking up to us.

“We need to strike at the heart of corruption, because when you look at the monumental damage that corruption is wreaking on our dear country, you cannot but align with the anti-corruption agenda of Mr President.

“But we must also ensure that the best way to fight corruption is to make sure that it is comprehensive.

“That corruption is fought in a manner that inspires confidence, and inspiring confidence entails that people are not left with the impression that it is selective fight and to inspire confidence also means that you have to wage the war against corruption within the framework of the rule of law.

“It is absolutely essential that due process is followed and the rule of law is observed that will inspire confidence in the generality of Nigerians and enable them to key into the anti-corruption agenda.“

• Cue out audio 2 (NAN)

NEO/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

======================

Dakas’ audio 1

Dakas’ audio 2

NAN-ELS-1
Fashion
By Oladapo Udom and Adebayo Olawunmi
Lagos, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) Nuvit Becan, an entrepreneur, says that the Nigerian fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar enterprise, that could become a major foreign currency earner for the nation, if well harnessed.

Becan, who is also the International Sales Director, Meridyen Fair, made the remark on Monday at the ongoing 2016 Lagos Fashion Show at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Fashion Show is being organised by Atlantic Exhibition Nigeria Ltd, in collaboration with the Meridyen Fair.

The event which began on Oct. 30, would be concluded on Nov. 2.

Becan added that his submission on the potential the Nigerian fashion industry was based on years of study, which indicated that it was a budding industry with the capacity to become a global phenomenon.

“This is why we decided to partner with the Atlantic Exhibition, in the effort to create awareness among Nigerian fashion brands on the industry’s potential,’’ he said.

In the same vein, Mr Ayodeji Olugbade, Managing Director, Atlantic Exhibition Nigeria Ltd, said that the fashion show was to encourage small-scale designers to grow.

“Over thirty exhibitors have come here to showcase their products.”

Olugbade told NAN that the show was aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s vibrant fashion brands and how they could be transformed from domestic brands to an international ones.

The show, according the entrepreneur, would also serve as an avenue to link the creators and distributors of local fashions to exporters, who would take them to other countries. (NAN)
OUU/AAO/ERO/PIO
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Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Idonije Obakhedo

NAN-H-60
Salaries
By Suleiman Shehu
Ibadan, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) The Oyo State Government says it is committed to the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it has with its workers on payment of salaries.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Toye Arulogun, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday.

Arulogun was reacting to speculations that the state government had decided to be paying 50 per cent of salaries to workers, including the 50 per cent of the six months salary arrears owed.

The commissioner, who dismissed the speculations, said “ government still stands by the last MoU which is to be paying the workers based on the allocation it receives.’’

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Public Service Negotiation Council (JPSNC) in the state had issued a statement rejecting payment of 50 per cent salaries.

The statement was jointly signed by the secretaries of the three unions– Mr Iduozee Wesley, (TUC), Mr Badiru Adesina (NLC) and Dupe Adewoye (JPSNC).

The unions had said in the statement that any attempt to slash workers  salaries would not be tolerated by labour in the state.

The unions  said that the development was a violation of the existing MoU between government and labour.(NAN)
SYS/MO/OJO
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(Edited by Morayo Omolade/Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-H-58
Arrests
By Bosede Olufunmi
Kano, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) The Faggae Outpost of the Kano State Hisbah Board (Sharia Police) on Monday said it had commenced the prosecution of  11 women for allegedly engaging in social vices.

Malam Salisu Umar, the Commander, Special Services of the board, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano that the suspects were apprehended around the Sabongari area in the metropolis.

He said they were  arrested  during a special patrol conducted by the Fagge local government office of the Board.

Umar said the suspects were found drinking alcohol, smoking cannabis and romancing with men other than their husbands or close relations, which is contrary to the Sharia legal system.

He said the state had been practicing the Islamic legal code that prohibits such illicit attitudes, stressing that the board would intensify its efforts to patrol identified flash points.

“The suspects are females between the ages of 21 and 24 and were apprehended around midnight at beer parlours in Faringida and Abedie Road in Sabongari,’’ Umar said.

“We have brought them before a competent Sharia court for prosecution,” he said.

Umar explained that the suspects were screened and taken to court and they were now awaiting trial at the Central Prisons, Kano, as their case was adjourned till Nov. 14th, 2016.

He said the board would not condone any act of immorality, stressing that it would arrest and prosecute whoever engages in such vices.

Umar noted that four out of the suspects were divorcees with kids, while one of them was carrying a three-month-old pregnancy. (NAN)
BO/PIO/PIO
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Edited by Idonije Obakhedo

(more…)

Ajimobi wants review of Oyo State partnership with World Bank
NAN-H-42
Restructuring
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called for the restructuring of the state’s working relationship with the World Bank for efficiency, effectiveness and timely execution of projects.
Ajimobi made the call on Monday in Ibadan when he received a 14-member World Bank delegation led by Mr Benmessaoud Rachid, the bank’s Country Director in Nigeria.
Ajimobi said the state government would be very glad to see a timely, effective and efficient delivery of World Bank projects for the benefit of the people.
“I am very concerned on the slow rate of the World Bank projects. We are not happy about the level of deliverables in our relationship with World Bank.
“I don’t support a situation, where a representative of your bank will be responsible solely to the bank.
“I believe most of these projects are loans and such must be known to both parties in the relationship,’’ said the Oyo State governor.
He urged the World Bank to continue to collaborate with his administration in improving the socio-cultural well-being of the people.
Ajimobi said the state was already working with the bank on education, adding that the government believed in capacity building for its citizenry.
“We believe you can assist us in the area of teachers’ training, out-of-school project, infrastructure, environment, reduction in maternal death, agriculture and waste-to-energy projects.
“We believe that agriculture can take the country out of recession as the largest employer of labour with multiplier effect: Oyo State is the largest producer of poultry products in Nigeria.
“The state also has potential for rice cultivation instead of the billions of dollars expended on the importation of rice,’’ the governor said.
Ajimobi said that the state agriculture initiative – Agric Oyo – would impact more than one million citizens.

Earlier, Rachid said the World Bank team was in the state to demonstrate its commitment to the existing partnership, enhance prosperity and reduce hunger.
“We have six projects valued at 241 million dollars under implementation in the state.
“One of the six projects is valued at 200 million dollars for urban sector projects.
“The remaining five projects, worth 41 million dollars, cuts across community development projects, HIV/AIDS and agriculture,” he said.
Rachid said the bank was ready to assist the state in any aspect it needed support.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor presented a talking drum to the World Bank delegation during the visit. (NAN)
TAA/CEO/WOJ
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(Edited by Wale Ojetimi)

Applicant, 26, docked for trespass
NAN-H-57
Arraignment
Abuja, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) An applicant, Moses Lalas, 26, was on Monday arraigned at a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court for trespass and constituting himself as public nuisance.
Lalas of Jabi Village was arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal trespass and constituting public nuisance.
The Prosecutor, Musa Mamman, told the court that one Muhammad Bawa of Gwarimpa reported the mater at the Gwarimpa Police Station on Oct. 21.
He said that the defendant was found smoking cigarette in an office in Galaxy Transportation and Construction Company, Gwarimpa, Abuja.
He said that the defendant, who was not a staff of the company, could not explain why he was there during police investigation.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Sections 348 and 183 of the Penal Code.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Senior Magistrate Nuhu Tukur granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50, 000 with a surety.
Nuhu ordered that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned hearing in the case until Nov. 14. (NAN)
UMD/HAS/TA
Edited By Hajia Sani/Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-H-54
Education
By Muhammad Nasir Bello
Sokoto, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) The Education Secretary in the Sokoto North local government, Alhaji Mustapha Ladan, has called on politicians and wealthy persons to support the state of emergency in the education sector.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Monday, Ladan said that the situation called for the support of all stakeholders in the sector.

”The aim of the emergency on the education sector will be achieved if stakeholders, teachers and the entire people are fully committed to the programme,’’ he said.

He called on politicians and wealthy individuals to emulate a member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Bala Hassan, who renovated three primary schools in Sokoto North local government.

“This is part of his efforts to support the emergency and the revival of the sector in the state,” he said.

Ladan also said that the local government would continue to organise seminars and workshops for supervisors and education officers to facilitate more achievements in the sector.

He urged the teachers to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties, considering the huge resources the state government was spending on the sector.

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal had in December 2015 declared an emergency on the education sector of the state with a pledge to turn around its fortunes in the next four years.

He had said that extraordinary measures would be implemented within a defined time-frame to achieve the desired results, explaining that statistics on education in the state was not only worrisome but also regrettable. (NAN)
MNB/DUA/MVO
(Edited by Dada Ahmed/Mbadiwe Okwor)

NAN-HG-5
Nutrition
By Abdullahi Shugaba
Dutse, Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) The Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency has pledged to improve the nutritional status of 50 per cent of the population of the state by 2021.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Monday that it had started imparting excellent nutrition knowledge and practice on the people.

Ibrahim said that with support from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a three-day workshop was recently organised in Kano for officials in ministries, departments and agencies to facilitate better nutrition and diet for families.

He explained that the aim of the workshop was to promote and strengthen research, monitoring and evaluation of food and nutrition programmes.

He said that the training was also to strengthen systems for providing early warning and information on food and nutrition situation in the country.

The secretary further said that the systems were to ensure access to nutrition by creating a sensitive social protection mechanism for vulnerable groups among others. (NAN)
AIS/AOS/MVO
(Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Mbadiwe Okwor)