Blog

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Scholarship

By Adewumi Bukola

Abuja, Oct.24, 2016 (NAN) Mr Ben Onwudinjo, the Proprietor of the Praxis Catholic e-school, has pledged to award scholarship to 300 Internally Displaced Children (IDC).

Onwudinjo announced this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

He said that JSS1 to SS1 students were eligible to benefit from the scholarship.

He said that the scheme would cover boarding, tuition, books, materials, medical, entrepreneurship training and start-up capital on completion of school.

According to him, the school expects the Presidential Committee on North-East Intervention (PCNI) to share costs of feeding of the children with them.

“ We shall closely work with the PCNI to select, release, and monitor the students during the scholarship scheme,”he said.

The proprietor also said that the scholarship scheme was part of the school humanitarian contributions to the resolution of the North-East crisis.

He promised to further partner with  PCNI in achieving President Buhari’s Change Agenda.

“We call on other private schools to also key into the  scheme and help to provide education for children of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),’’ he said.

Onwudinjo commended the President for setting up the PCNI to resolve the current security challenges in the North-East.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice-president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, will launch the scholarship scheme on Dec. 9, in Abuja. (NAN)
BOL/MO/AMY

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Edited by Morayo Omolade and Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-ELS-11
Piracy
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) To curb increasing piracy of intellectual works, a motion picture practitioner, Mr Dele Odule, has urged the National Assembly members to initiate a bill that would apply stiffer penalties on pirates.

Odule, the National President, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producer of Nigeria (TAMPPAN), made the call while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Ilorin.

According to him, piracy is a global problem but is predominant in Nigeria due to the low penalty meted out to offenders and lack of actualisation of the law on the culprits.

“Film producers in Nigeria do not have retirement benefits like civil servants and our production is our benefit after retirement.

“But a situation where their works have been pirated, they are doomed and have a hopeless future,’’ Odule said.

The TAMPPAN president called on the Federal Government to assist film producers by creating an enabling environment for the practice as in the developed countries.

“The Federal Government should try to build a large Film Village where practitioners will pay a token to the government, while TAMPAN members could be loaned the facilities at low interest rates,’’ Odule said. (NAN)
BAY/ACO/PDE
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(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-HG-5
Children
By Benson Ezeugwu
Calabar, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Cross River Government on Monday commended the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Family Health International (FHI-360) for improving the lives of orphaned children in the state.

Mr Godwin Ettah, the state Commissioner for Education, made the commendation when he received Early Child Care Development (ECCD) items donated by FHI-360 in collaboration with USAID in Calabar.

Ettah described FHI-360 as a leading NGO that gives support and encouragement to the development of young children and the vulnerable in the state.

He said that the items to be distributed to the Prof. Eyo-Ita Primary School, Nyanhasang in Calabar Municipality, would go a long way in repositioning the school for better upbringing of children.

Ettah also said that the NGO had been partnering with the state government in many areas to give hope to the less privileged.

In his remarks, Dr Henry Ayuk, the State Programme Manager of FHI-360, said that the items were part of the organisation’s efforts to strengthen and promote Early Child Care Development (ECCD) in Cross River.

“The FHI-360, with funding from USAID, had earlier equipped an orphanage school in Ugep, Yakur Local Government Area of the state.

“It is important to pay attention to ECCD because, events in the first few years of a child’s life, are formative and played vital roles in building human capital.

“They are also important in breaking the cycle of poverty, promoting economic productivity, as well as eliminating social disparities and inequalities.

“Our organisation’s programme on ECCD links the young child’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical processes with the care provided by families, communities and the nation.

“This is required to support that development, hence the need to give a sense of belonging to this group of people,’’ Ayuk said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some of the items presented included 145 children’s plastic chairs, floor mats, puzzle mats, balls, complete swing, masking tapes, crayon, cardboards, magnetic white chalk board and dust bins. (NAN)
BEN/VIV/GOK
Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Olagoke Olatoye

Commercial tricyclist remanded over N2.2m bank fraud

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Fraud
By Chinyere Omeire
Lagos, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) An Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Monday remanded a commercial tricyclist at a prison after he pleaded guilty to hacking into another person’s bank account to withdraw N2.2 million.

The Magistrate, Mrs A. T. Omeyele, said the fraudster should be kept behind bars at Ikoyi Prisons
The accused, Nurudeen Samilu, 35, who resides at No. 23, Owoyele St., Ijegun, a Lagos suburb, was arraigned on a five-count charge of conspiracy, impersonation, forgery, stealing and fraud.

“The accused committed the offences on Oct. 10 12:00 p.m. at Admiralty Way Branch of Skye Bank, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

“The accused falsely represented himself as one Kazeem Dele, as the owner of a Skye Bank account number 1018716553 and withdrew N2.2 million.

“He also forged Dele’s signature on a fund transfer form to withdraw the sum of N2.2 million belonging to him, ”Prosecutor Cyriacus Osuji told the court.

To perfect the fraud, the accused diverted the bank’s SMS alert to his own phone.

The offences contravened Sections 78, 285, 335 (a), 363 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Oct. 26 was fixed for judgment.(NAN)
OCC/ENN/DA
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Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Dele Akinsola

NAN-S-16
Fans
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) Nigeria striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, has appealed to Manchester City fans to exercise patience with the team following underwhelming performances in recent matches.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Iheanacho, saved Coach Pep Guardiola’s blushes, coming off the bench to score for Manchester City in their 1-1 draw with Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The goal was Iheanacho’s third for the season though it was not enough to earn his side the full points against Southampton.

The Citizens have failed to win in their last five games in all competitions and had to come from behind to rescue a point against Southampton in the English Premier League (EPL) on Sunday.

Iheanacho was quoted on the club’s website as calling for restraint, while insisting that the team would soon turn the tide around.

“There is no problem (with City manager, Pep Guardiola’s system), we need to get our heads straight and focus on the next games.

“The fans need to know that we are football players, but we are human beings as well. We didn’t come from a different planet — we are of this world.

“I know the fans expect a lot from us, as players, but we are capable of losing and drawing as well as winning.

“There are a lot of games to go, so they need to have patience and get behind us.

“We’ll get there soon and make them proud,’’ Iheanacho said.

NAN reports that City’s form has been poor but Iheanacho has been outstanding.

Now the Citizens aim to end their winless run at Old Trafford in the English Football League (EFL) Cup Derby on Wednesday after cruising to a 2-1 win in September.

However, Iheanacho (who scored in that win) has warned it would be tougher this time.

“We haven’t won in five games now, but it is the game of football, and this can happen. We need to head straight and focus on the Derby that is coming.

“Last time we played United we put in a great performance from the whole team and won it, so we are looking forward to it again.

“This one will be harder, as they are getting to know us and our players.

“Also, having been humiliated 4-0 by Chelsea on Sunday in the EPL, we will definitely be looking for a positive response.

“They will fight hard so we have to get our heads straight, fight back and get the win at Old Trafford,’’ he said.

NAN reports that Iheanacho has now scored eight times in his last 11 league appearances for City.

His conversion rate is equally impressive as he has now netted 11 goals from 17 shots on target. (NAN)
VO/DE/PDE
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(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)

Traders, LG boss appeal to Nasarawa State Govt. to construct market roads

NAN-HE-14

Road

Awayi Kuje

Mararaba (Nasarawa State), Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) Traders in Aso B market of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Monday appealed to the state government to construct the deplorable road in Aso, Mararaba and their environs.

The traders told the News Agency of Nigeria in Mararaba that the provision of motor-able road would boost business and socio-economic activities of the area.

Mr Misan Damoeroem, Chairman, Traders Market Association, said that the road had caused poor patronage.

He said this had affected business activities negatively, adding that the condition of the road was deterring customers from patronising the market, especially during the rainy season.

“The importance of a market cannot be over-emphasised, apart from improving on the standard of living of both the traders and the consumers, it also fights poverty, unemployment and boosts the revenue base of the individual and government.

The market covers about seven hectares of land which were donated by a single person to traders to engage in their business activities.

The donor said it was part of his contribution to improve on the standard of living of Nigerians through job creation as well as contributing to national development.

“The major problem affecting traders and consumers in this market is the bad roads leading to the market which have affected the people around this area and its environs.

“As a journalist, you can see how you manoeuvre before getting to the market; see how the road is damaged.’’

“ Traders and consumers can no longer wear good clothes even during the dry season because the situation of the road; it is in bad condition and people cannot enjoy riding or driving on this road, especially during this season,’’ he said.

He urged consumers not to be deterred by the bad road but to continue to patronise the market

According to him, the association has pleaded with the state government to work on the road for the interest of all.

The chairman, however, commended the state government for its efforts in constructing markets across the state and called for its sustenance.

He appealed to the traders and Nigerians to continue to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities and support government policies in the interest of peace and national development. (NAN)

AKW/COO/IA
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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Idris Abdulrahman

Witness support unit will help decongest prisons- PRAWA
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Prisons
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Prisoners Rehabilitation and Work Action (PRAWA), a non-governmental organisation, on Monday said that the witness support unit would help to decongest the prisons.

Mr Yinka Lawal, Acting Executive Director of PRAWA told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that it was an avenue through which the prisons in the could be congested.

Lawal said that Enugu and FCT were the two states which PRAWA was using as pilot states for the programme.

“The witness support unit is an initiative borne out of consultation with stakeholders in relation to the gap identified in the criminal justice system, concerning the speed of criminal justice delivery in Nigeria.

`So many witnesses that could not navigate correctly in the court system are assisted and of course those that are not acquitted with the proceedings of the court are also assisted to know the proceedings.

“The bottom line is that so many people are in prison beyond the capacity of the prison and if you really and critically look at the demography of those in prison, you discover that so many of them are awaiting trial.

“ So, one of the ways of decongesting the prison is to bring those people who are not supposed to be in prison out of prison,”  he said.

Lawal said that the prison should serve the purpose for which it was established, namely to reform inmates.

“So, let the prison be for those who are convicted and expected to serve a term so that prison authorities can also focus on their mandate that is reforming the offenders to make our society a better place.

“ Then the prison authorities can take care of those that are serving terms through reformative programmess in one way or the other depending on their area of interest.

“ Ultimately they should come out better informed and empowered for the development of our society,”  he said.

Lawal said that from time0-to-time PRAMA visits the prisons the platform of various projects, including the witness support unit supported by DFID.

“Both projects are initiatives under a sub project called enhancing the attendance of witnesses in criminal trials, the project is supported by the justice for all, which is a programme of the DFID.

“So, we work with stakeholders to identify the gap in the criminal justice system and to develop solution to addressing these problems.” .

He also said that they are working on data recording system that would help the prisons have proper recording system.

“ There is an aspect of it that works directly with the prison to build the capacity in terms of their processes and procedure.

“This will help us also to alternate their recording system by providing a computer based management system for them both in the prison and of course in the head quarters.

“ As people are admitted into the prison, they are documented automatically and then of course their data also is being received at the head quarters.

“ So every point in time a pilot state has up to date information regarding the prison under each state“ Lawal said.

He said that PRAWA also works with Justice for All (J4A) Programme and Legal Aid Council of Nigeria

“In connection with prison inmates as well we have another project initiative which deals with the issue of providing support now in the form of legal assistance for inmates in the prison that do not have lawyers.

“ We have the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria whose duty is to provide legal assistance to those who need it; we instituted under this project what we call a clearing house system.

“ what that does automatically in simple language is to identify inmates in prison custody who are in need of legal assistance and then document them in a computer based data system at the clearing house.

“ So what the clearing house does is to match counsel that are able to provide the pro bono services to inmates in prison who are in need of these services “ he said.

NAN reports that PRAWA established 22 years ago, promotes reforms in both the security and judiciary sector in Nigeria. (NAN)
NEO/YMU/OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha

ECCIMA decries neglect of Enugu trade fair complex

NAN-HE-13

Neglect

By Emmanuel Acha

Enugu, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) The Director-General of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Emeka Okereke, says the continued neglect of the trade fair ground in Enugu has become more worrisome.

He said on  Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, that the chamber was at a loss that efforts to get the Federal Government develop the site had failed.

ECCIMA is the organiser of the annual Enugu International Trade Fair.

He said that the chamber had done its best to upgrade infrastructure on the site, but needed the Federal Government to play its part as it did in Lagos and Kaduna states.

“Development of the trade fair complex at the Golf Course started in 2,000 but if you go there it is in a sorry state in terms of the negligence the place has suffered.

“We have variously appealed to the Federal Government to upgrade the facilities just as they have done in Kaduna and Lagos.

“If your infrastructure is not upgraded to that international standard, it won’t be easy to market participation at trade fairs,” he said.

Okereke said that the deterioration of the site had been the greatest challenge the chamber had faced in terms of organising fairs, adding that the development was affecting economic activities in the zone.

According to him,  in spite of obvious challenges, the chamber has done its best to get exhibitors and foreign firms keep fate with the annual exhibition.

He said ECCIMA was hopeful that the economy would be on the path of recovery if serious palliative steps were urgently taken to salvage the situation.

“We have started our marketing of the 2017 edition of the trade fair and have reached out to foreign embassies, international organisations and indigenous manufacturers and service providers,” he said.

He said that the chamber was not deterred by the current economic recession and had continued to support local production for export purposes.

“We are looking forward that things will get better and hoping the 2017 trade fair will be a huge success.

“It has been tight for everybody, including manufacturers and business people, but it should also be an opportunity for us to be innovative and not be frustrated out of business,” he said.

The 2017 trade fair would provide opportunities for participants to learn and build a sustainable socio-economic future.

ECCIMA was established in 1963  to promote and protect commerce and industry, and to represent and express the opinion of the business community on questions affecting commerce, industry, mines and agriculture firstly in Enugu, the then Eastern Nigeria (its main catchments area), and where applicable, the whole federation.

(NAN)

EOA/MA/IA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Idris Abdulrahman

NAN-S-6
Football (Notebook)
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 24, 2016 (NAN) Nigerian stars were in action for their respective clubs in the major leagues across Europe at the weekend.

While some failed to fly with their clubs, others did the business in
exemplary fashion as the major leagues across the Old Continent begin to take shape.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reviewing the best of the action from the weekend reports:

ENGLAND (PREMIER LEAGUE)

Alex Iwobi was restored to Arsenal’s starting XI for the game against Middlesbrough.

NAN recalls that he was used as a second half substitute in the club’s previous game — a 6-0 thumping of Ludogorets Razgrad in the UEFA Champions League.

Iwobi who eventually made way for Spaniard, Lucas Martínez in the 67th minute failed to help his side claim maximum points as Boro claimed a heroic point following a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Ahmed Musa finally scored his first goal for the champions, Leicester City as the Foxes put unconvincing league form behind them to thrash Crystal Palace 3-1 at the King Power Stadium.

Musa, who was substituted in the 81st minute, struck in an exhilarating fashion just before the break to set the tone for the comprehensive win.

Odion Ighalo returned to the Watford starting line-up after missing the Hornets’ win away to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

The Super Eagles striker played all 90 minutes in his side’s 0-0 draw with Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, while compatriot, Success Isaac was not listed.

The fear of Kelechi Iheanacho seems to be the beginning of wisdom for Premier League defences these days as the young attacker continues to underline his status as one of the most potent forwards around.

He came off the bench as a replacement for the injured Belgian, Kevin de Bruyne and scored Manchester City’s only goal in the 1-1 draw with Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

Victor Moses seems to be a man reborn.

Loaned out for the last three seasons, the winger has knuckled down and is now one of the most important components in Antonio Conte’s well-oiled Chelsea machine.

Moses put in yet another solid display for Chelsea in the 4-0 trouncing of Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old Super Eagles man played all 90 minutes as the Blues moved into the Champions League qualifying places.

GERMANY (BUNDESLIGA)

There is happy news to report to Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, as one of his most trusted defensive stalwarts; Leon Balogun got competitive minutes under his belt for the first time since Sept. 24.

Balogun was booked in the 24th minute of his side’s 0-3 defeat to Schalke 04 but crucially completed all 90 minutes at the VELTINS-Arena.

Victor Obinna Nsofor is an unused Darmstadt 98 substitute but his teammates got the job done in his absence, beating Wolfsburg 3-1 Jonathan-Heimes-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.

ITALY (SERIE A)

Joel Obi has now made a full recovery from the injury that sidelined him for a month.

He was a second half substitute for Torino in the 2-2 draw with SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.

SPAIN (PRIMERA DIVISION)

Uche Agbo played all 90 minutes for bottom club, Granada in the 0-0 draw with Sporting Gijón at Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes.

FRANCE (LIGUE 1)

Vincent Enyeama continues to quietly but efficiently go about his business at Lille OSC.

On Sunday, Enyeama played all 90 minutes at Stade Pierre-Mauroy as Les Douges won 2-1 against Bastia.

TURKEY (SUPER LIG)

Godfrey Oboabona put in solid display for Caykur Rizespor in the 2-1 win over Gençlerbirligi at Yeni Rize Sehir Stadi (Rize).

Oboaboana played all 90 minutes for his side as he looks to battle his way back into the Super Eagles.

It was a sad day for Kenneth Omeruo who was on from start to finish for Alanyaspor in their 0-2 defeat to Bursaspor at Alanya Oba Stadyumu (Alanya).

Ogenyi Onazi enjoyed an extremely good day in the office as his sparkling displays in the Trabzonspor midfield acted as the catalyst in a shock 1-0 win over Galatasaray at Türk Telekom Arena.

Onazi was substituted in the 89th minute to rapturous applause from the visiting faithful.

Emem Eduok made his first start for Kasimpasa and it proved an inspired move by manager, Kemal Özdes as the struggling side won for only the second time this season.

Eduok played for 86 minutes in the win over Osmanlispor as his side claimed a rather surprise 2-1 win at Osmanli Stadi.

Aminu Umar played all 90 minutes for the vanquished side.

RUSSIA (PREMIER LEAGUE)

Jerry Mbakogu was an unused Krylya Sovetov substitute in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal Tula Stadion Metallurg.

Kehinde Fatai and Sylvester Igbonu were both in action for FC Ufa in the 0-0 draw with Rostov at Stadion Neftyanik.

Fatai played all 90 minutes while Igbonu was drafted in as a second half substitute.

Ezekiel Henty was on the Lokomotiv Moscow bench for the entire game as his side beat CSKA 1-0 in the Moscow derby decided at Stadion Lokomotiv.

PORTUGAL (PRIMEIRA LIGA)

Oghenekaro Etebo was on for 89 minutes for Feirense in their 1-1 draw with Vitória Setúbal at Estádio Marcolino de Castro.

Mikel Ndubuisi Agu was an unused substitute for Vitória Setúbal. (NAN)
VO/PDE
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(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)