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Yobe Govt. records increase in irrigation farming – Commissioner

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Irrigation
Bursari (Yobe), Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) Yobe Commissioner for Agriculture, Malam Mustapha Gajerima, said on Thursday that the state has recorded an increase in irrigation agriculture by farming communities.

Gajerima stated this in Bursari, Yobe, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Dayama Vegetable Farm in Bursari Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner said farmers in the state have massively engaged in vegetable production through irrigation to create sufficiency of the agricultural product.

“Many farmers have embraced irrigation farming while others have expanded their farms because it is more profitable.

“Vegetables are harvested three times before the farmers go into rice, wheat and other crops’ cultivation by the end of the year; so you can see that it is more lucrative.

“We have planted pepper, onions and tomatoes on this 11 hectare-farm land; we expect to make three harvests before the end of the year when we will be planting upland rice variety and wheat.

“This farm provides employment opportunities for people and also serve as an irrigation training centre for youths in this community with interest in farming, “ he said.

Gajerima said Yobe has agricultural potential to meet the food requirement of Nigeria, adding “we can successfully achieve this through irrigation.

“Yobe has advantage of vast arable lands with 765-kilometre stretch of River Yobe, making the state most favourable for irrigation farming,“ he added.

The commissioner, however, appealed to the Federal Government to dredge River Yobe to improve water flow to the downstream to enhance irrigation and fishing activities among the communities.

He also said the government has established a Task Force to boost irrigation farming in the state.

“The projects located in Nguru, Giedam and Jumbam will provide farming and employment opportunities for people and boost food security, “ he stressed.

Gajerima said the ministry has extension officers to provide professional guidance to the state`s irrigation farmers to improve agricultural activities.

“I am particularly happy with the fact that our elites and youths are all embracing irrigation farming and promoting food sufficiency and security in the state,“ he said. (NAN)
MM/MOL/AFA
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Felix Ajide
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ICT
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, on Thursday said that continuous investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) would create avenues to grow the country’s economy.

Anwukah made the remark at the presentation of the 2016 Outstanding Performance Awards ceremony organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised in collaboration with FSTC, CISCO academy, and TAFMUN, an affiliate of the United Nations.

He charged the 104 unity colleges to take steps to focus more on ICT by participating in international competitions.

The minister commended some students and management of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Yaba Lagos for coming top in this year’s award ceremony.

The minister called on all the unity colleges across the country to stand out as flagship institutions by thinking outside the box.

According to him, unity schools must take step further by tilting more towards ICT by participating in international competitions.

He said that ICT was the only way out, going by the current economic challenges facing the country.

Anwukah said that investing in ICT would create avenues to build the country’s economy and provide opportunity for employment with hands-on experience for Nigerian youths.

“FSTC Yaba has distinguished itself in this regard as the flagship and the only unity college that is coming out with a lot of awards from participating in ICT competitions within the country.

“This is why I am saying that we can be where the Asian tigers are if we really do the right thing.

“We are largely consumers of other people’s technology and the time to overturn the trend is now.

“Over the years, we have relied so much on foreign technology; so we must strive to look inwards and begin to see how we can harness our local materials.

“We must also begin to promote our own indigenous technology because we have the personnel and content.

“Rather than patronising other people’s technology, we can invite the technology manufacturing companies to come with their soft wares to Nigeria and manufacture here.

“I want to commend FSTC, Yaba for their landmark achievements in the field of ICT.

“With all that I have seen today, the future of these students are assured,’’ he said.

Earlier, the Principal of the College, Rev. Chris Ugorji, said the institution was fully aware of the importance of ICT to national development and global competitiveness.

Ugorji said that it was in line with the realisation that the college registered for the Cisco Netriders ICT Africa Competition that was organised for all colleges, including tertiary institutions in Africa.

He noted that the college emerged the overall best among colleges and also placed second position in the country.

Ugorji said the college had also participated in programmes and competitions organised for institutions under the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to him, this is part of the mandates to train the Nigerian child to acquire relevant skills for national development.

“The concept is in line with the spirit and letters of the National Policy on Education.

“It is also in tune with the vision and mission of the founding fathers of the 104 unity colleges across the country.

In his brief remark, Mr Imoh Akpan, the Area Academy Manager, CISCO English sub-Saharan Africa, said that so far, over five million people had registered in its networking academy programme across the globe.

He said that the programme had been translated into 19 languages.

Akpan said that in Nigeria alone, 172 academies with over 71,000 students had been trained in the academy.

He noted that, of the figure, 16,000 students were from the unity colleges in the country. (NAN)

CCN/AIB/IGO

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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde

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Policy

By Bukola Adewumi

Abuja, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) Mr Dennis Zulu, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Officer for Nigeria, said on Thursday that the proposed employment policy would promote sustainable economic growth for the nation, if adopted.

Zulu made this known at the National Employment Policy Validation Workshop in Abuja.

He said that the employment policy would support Nigeria’s efforts towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals of creating full, productive employment and decent work for all.

According to him, the workshop would determine whether the draft policy could collectively contribute to address unemployment and underemployment in a comprehensive, coherent and integrated way.

Zulu said that the process of preparing an employment policy for Nigeria began in 2012 with the objective to promote full and productive employment by developing skills policies that would impact economic growth.

“ The ILO wishes to note that the validation of draft national employment policy is in line with the prescribed national employment policies as articulated by ILO Employment Policy Convention No 122 of 1964.

He noted that the unemployment rate had risen from 12.1 per cent to 13.3 percent while the underemployment rate had also jumped to 19.3 per cent from 19.1 per cent.

In terms of labour force, the unemployment rate for women was 15.3 per cent compared to 11.5 per cent for men, he said.

Zulu said Nigeria did not have the choice of non-implementation of the policy as the consequences of doing so would aggravate a serious challenge of unemployment.

He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other social partners to consider ratifying the ILO convention by putting in place an employment policy. (NAN)

BOL/AK/NKO

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Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Nkechi Okoronkwo

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Arrest
By Olayinka Olawale
Lagos, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) A 25-year-old man simply identified as Yusuf Ganiyu, was on Thursday apprehended by security guards at the Yaba College of Technology for alleged pick-pocketing during the institution’s 2014/2015 convocation.

Ganiyu, who claimed to be a visitor, was caught in the act while trying to steal an android cell phone from a male student of the college, just as people were leaving the convocation grounds.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect was immediately taken to the college’s chief security officer’s office, where he was interrogated, from where he is expected to be transferred to the Sabo Police Station, Yaba.

Narrating the incident on condition of anonymity, the owner of the cell phone said he was making his way out of the convocation venue when he felt a hand inside his pocket and he immediately grabbed it and alerted a security guard.

NAN reports that when the security guard searched the suspect, a charm was found in his pocket.

“Please forgive me, I am not a thief. It is a mistake. I am not a student, I just came to observe the convocation,’’ Ganiyu pleaded.

Mr Charles Oni, the Director, Public Relations Unit of the College, who confirmed the incident, warned hoodlums to stay clear of the campus.

Oni told NAN that the suspect would be handed over to the Police for investigation and prosecution.

He said that the college had beefed-up its security, adding that anybody found wandering and trespassing would be apprehended and be made to face the law.

“The suspect is not one of our students and he was also not a guest.

“Any hoodlum found within the campus will be arrested and handed over to the police.

“We have stationed security guards in and around the college community to address situations like this.

“All miscreants and pick-pockets are advised to stay clear of our campus or have themselves to blame,’’ he added. (NAN)
OOG/IKU/PIO
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Edited by Tayo Ikujini/Idonije Obakhedo

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Dividend
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) The Board of Directors of the Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced an interim dividend of N7.93 billion, translating to N1 per share for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2016.

This is contained in a statement signed by the company’s Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr Uaboi Agbebaku on Thursday in Lagos.

The statement said that the interim dividend was declared in spite of the marginal decline in the company’s profit for the period occasioned by the current challenging environment.

The statement showed that the company’s revenue during the period under review rose to N222.72 billion from N214. 918 billion in the comparative period of 2015.

It said that the company’s operating profit stood at N37.96 billion against N42.77 billion posted in the preceding period of 2015, a decrease of 11 per cent.

The statement attributed the 11 per cent decline to higher input costs as a result of rising inflation and devaluation of the Naira.

It explained that the negative impact of scarcity of foreign exchange and Naira devaluation resulted in a 94 per cent increase in the company’s net finance costs.

The company’s profit after tax dropped to N20.10 billion in contrast with N26$18 billion recorded in 2015, indicating a decrease of 23 per cent, according to the statement.

It added that the macro-economic environment deteriorated further in the third quarter compared to the first half with continuous down-trading by consumers.

“Although, the operating environment is expected to remain challenging for the rest of the year, the company pledged to “continue to focus on our twin agenda of cost and market leadership supported by innovation”, said the statement.

It added that the company was well positioned to take advantage of any upswing in the market. (NAN)
JNC/BOLA/IGO
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(Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Ijeoma Popoola)

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Economy
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) Mr Oluwaseyi Abe, President, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), on Thursday called on the Federal Government to ensure speedy implementation of new measures that would promote the development of small businesses.

Abe stated this at the 20th Annual Conference of Stockbrokers in Lagos.

The theme of the conference is “Building New Pillars, Creating New Values for Sustainable Development”.

Abe, who expressed optimism in the potency of the government’s economic revival strategy, said that growth should be equitable and inclusive for the overall development of the economy.

He said that the conference was coming at a critical time when Nigeria’s economy was in a recession, with the threat of a depression lurking around.

“We commend the apex bank for the re-introduction and re-modelling of the floating single foreign exchange rate.

“It is a bold and positive initiative, which is in accordance with the tenets of democratic capitalism.

“It highlights market driven systems, free participation within individual limitations and the invisible hand,’’ Abe said.

He also noted that deficit spending and dollar inflows were some of the short-term panaceas for the present predicament.

Abe explained that government must look beyond the short -term measures towards building a more sustainable economy.

He noted that this was evidenced in the rate of unemployment, currently at 13.3 per cent.

“We are not alarmed or confounded by the turn of events, because we know that Nigeria is a part of a globalised economy and markets, with changing perspectives, where the only constant is change.

“However, we believe that our economy should have been proactively structured and positioned to enable it shift balances and absorb shocks or hits when they occur, without having a severe and destabilising impact as we are currently experiencing,’’ Abe said.

Dr Biodun Adedipe, the Chief Executive Officer, B. Adedipe Associates, Lagos said that government must enact policies that would promote the development of small businesses.

Adedipe said that industries create the needed platform for growth and development of the economy.

“Industrialisation is where to go in this country if we want sustainable growth,” he stated.

Adedipe spoke on, “Towards an industrialised economy for sustainable growth: A case for Infant Industries.’’

He added that “the size of an economy is not important but what an economy produces.’’

Adedipe also urged the government to ensure a policy of deliberate patronage for goods produced in Nigeria.

“Nigeria should produce what they consume and consume what they produce.

“Choices and decisions determine sustainable growth to protect our industries,” he added.

Adedipe said that jobs would be created if production took place in Nigeria, rather than creating employment opportunities in other countries through the importation of foreign goods and services.

Mr Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), said that the importance of a robust and sustainable domestic capital market could not be overstated.

He explained that access to long-term finance was critical to our economic recovery and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and other national and global agendas.

He stated that the theme – Building New Pillars, Creating New Values for Sustainable Development sits at the very heart of the NSE.

He noted that the exchange was strategically positioned to influence the adoption of globally recognised sustainability standards by Nigerian businesses.

Onyema said that the exchange would continue to make itself available to support Nigeria’s newly-privatised government entities, as they seek to access capital.

“We are also committed to financing low-cost, eco-friendly projects through green bonds and infrastructure bonds, amongst many other innovative products that support Nigeria’s socio-economic development.” (NAN)
JNC/JI/PIO
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Editing by Joseph Idika/Idonije Obakhedo

25-year-old female student wins overall best student at YABATECH
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Convocation
By Olayinka Olawale
Lagos, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) A 25-year-old woman, Motunrayo Ayebiwo, on Thursday emerged the best overall Higher National Diploma (HND) student at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos for the 2014/2015 session.
Ayebiwo, one of the 7,102 graduating students, won the college award with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.74 at the School of Technology.
The graduate told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that she dedicated the award to her parents for their love and support during the period of her studies.
She said although it was difficult for her at some point to pay her tuition fees due to her father’s poor financial status, she was able to accomplish her goal.
“Throughout the two years, I was coming from home to school because my father cannot afford to pay for hostel accommodation but today, the end has justified the means.
“I thank God for this award and for seeing me through this stage of my life because many were called but few were chosen.
“In the course of our two years sojourn in the college, my great lecturers impacted in us knowledge that has positioned us to be able to face greater challenges in life.
“We have been taught to strive for excellence in all we do.
“We have equally acquired the ability to adapt and excel even in the face of difficult situations.
“No wonder students often jokingly refer to the school as Yaba College of ‘Tension’, but today, I say it is a college of excellence,’’ Ayebiwo said in her valedictory speech.
She added: “We have learnt from our great lecturers not only to excel academically but also to be worthy in character.
“Today we can raise our heads proudly and declare boldly that we are prepared to make great change not only in our country but throughout the world’’.
Miss Precious Udom, another female student from the same department, won the overall best in the National Diploma category.
Other winners included Oluwatobi Olayade, overall best HND student, School of Engineering, Miss Ngozi Igwe, overall best HND student, Food Technology and Miss Ruth Ayoade, best overall National Diploma student, School of Liberal Studies. (NAN)
OOG/ENN/WOJ
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu / Wale Ojetimi)

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Surgeries
By Modupe Seriboh
Ibadan, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) Prof. Temitope Alonge, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan on Thursday said that the college was set to give free cataract surgeries to 500 indigent patients in November.

Alonge disclosed this at a public lecture organised by the Department of Ophthamology of the hospital in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture was organised to honour Prof. Olabopo Osuntokun, an ophthalmologist, at 80.

He said that the free surgeries would be done in all the optometrist clinics across Oyo State, adding that the department would soon take delivery of more surgical equipment to enable it embark on the programme.

Alonge said that cataract has been the leading cause of avoidable blindness, while the surgery stands to be the commonest major surgical procedure worldwide.

The CMD, while extolling the virtues of Osuntokun, said that the standard set by her in the department had brought out the better part of UCH, in spite of the many challenges been faced by the hospital.

“The Department of Ophthalmology has continue to provide high quality eye care to a large population, not only in the South-West but Nigeria in general,’’ Alonge said.

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Gbemisola Oke, described Osuntokun as an “unassuming, intelligent and humble’’ person.

Olayinka said that the ranking of the university as among the best in the world was not far from the contributions of those that have worked diligently to make it grow.

The VC said that people should not wait until the passing away of distinguished personalities before celebrating them.

The birthday lecture was entitled: “Lighten This Darkness’’ by Dr Toyin Fafowora, a consultant at the UCH.

According to her, there was no development in the western world that would not come to Nigeria in due season.

“As Nigeria advances technologically, I have no doubt that we will, in time, make our own contributions to eye health technology in terms of intentions and patents.

She said that the careful consideration of the eye care needs of people by Prof. Osuntokun had  lightened the darkness of many people.

Dignitaries at the occasion included Prof. Bolanle Awe, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, Prof. Oladejo Akinkungbe, a former UI VC and Prof. Oyinade Olurin. (NAN)
MAM/FF/PIO
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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Idonije Obakhedo

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Market

Jos, Oct. 27, 2016(NAN) Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau says his administration is set to build more satellite markets in the state to make it a commercial hub in the country.

Lalong made this known during the opening ceremony of the Plateau Day at the 2016 Jos Trade Fair.

He said that his administration supported entrepreneurship in every way because small businesses remained the primary engine for job creation, income growth and poverty reduction.

Lalong described entrepreneurship as a critical strategy for economic development, noting that the building of such satellite markets would encourage more small scale businesses in the state.

“As a responsible government, we are conscious of our mandate of spurring up entrepreneurship and industrialisation, so that gainful employment can be provided for our youths,’’ he said

The governor said the state government was determined to enhance the general economic wellbeing of the citizens.

According to him, the state government has embarked on various actions to boost commercial activities, including reviving and redeveloping the burnt Jos main market.

He said the actions were being done under the Public Private Partnership arrangement and prospective investors had been shortlisted to participate.

The governor said the government had acquired a befitting complex for One Stop Shop (OSS) as a means of easing doing business in the state.

He disclosed that the state government had an elaborate incentive for all investors ready to do business in the state.

Lalong said that the state had the natural ambience to house world class hotels that would accommodate all kinds of conferences, entertainment and events.

According to him, the state, located in the northern highlands of the country, has a unique climate that produces typical temperate vegetation, and is blessed with solid minerals. (NAN)
UBO/DUA/SOA
Edited by Dada Ahmed/Oluwole Sogunle
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Metuh
By Wandoo Sombo
Abuja, Oct. 27, 2016 (NAN) A Witness, Richard Ihediwa, told a Federal High Court on Thursday that embattled Olisa Metuh, solely funded publicity activities during Jonathan’s re-election campaign.

Metuh, a former National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is being tried for alleged N400 million money laundering.

Ihediwa, who was Metuh’s Personal Assistant on Media, disclosed this while being led in evidence by the defence counsel, Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).

He said that it came to a point that the ‘situation room’ was not funded by the party, and Metuh decided to pick up the burden and funded the activities of the publicity team from his pocket.

The witness said the financial status of the publicity arm was so bad that it got to a point that they could no longer pay companies that ran adverts for them.

He told the court that it was so bad that he contemplated resigning his position because the work load was too much for him to carry.

“But Metuh begged and asked me to understand that the office was not funded.

“That was when it was decided that extra hands be hired but he (Metuh) said he will pay them from his pocket.

“The nature of our schedule was so tight that I literally broke down because of pressure of work. I couldn’t cope because I was alone.

“I told Metuh I would not be able to continue except he hired other professionals.

“He reminded me that funding was an issue in the party and said he had severally made a case to the national working committee to no avail.

“He pleaded I should continue but I said I couldn’t under such conditions.”

The witness further told the court that when he sought to know why his boss was using his personal funds for the party, he explained that he didn’t want to fail as a publicity secretary.

“He went ahead to buy laptops, cameras, video cameras and was the one paying the monthly allowances of the five new media aides he engaged.

“As I speak, the party has not refunded him that money.”

The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, adjourned the case till Oct. 31 for continuation of trial. (NAN)
WS/AK/OFN
Edited by Akin Makanjuola//Felix Nwadioha