Blog

NAN-DS- 3

Base

Muhammed Mamman

Buratai (Borno), Oct. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Saturday, said the army would establish additional Forward Operation Bases to support increasing military operations across the country.

Buratai stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after the inauguration of a new Forward Operation Base in Buratai, in Borno.

He revealed that already provisions had been made in 2017 budget for construction of more operational bases across the country.

According to him, the increasing operational activities in the fight against insurgency and terrorism in the North east, had necessitated the establishment of the Forward  Operation Base in Buratai.

He stated that the base, which had accommodation and other facilities, would support operational activities in the area.

“As you are aware, Buratai serves as a major link between Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe states, and therefore, the base becomes necessary to support operations in the area for adequate security.

“From here, Buratai is just about 10 km to the border with Yobe. So, the base is established to give that support to the increasing operations,” he said.

He reassured that the army was committed to making Nigeria safe and secure.

“We appreciate the support by President Muhammadu Buhari to the army to effectively execute its duties with high sense of responsibility,” Buratai said. (NAN)

MM/SYC
Edited by Ismaila Chafe

LAST NUMBERS FOR SAT. 22, 10, 2016

HOME NUM.  31

AE NUM.  4

SPORTS NUM.  2

ELS NUM.  1

DS NUM.  3

NAN-H-27
Culture
By Maureen Ojinaka-Nwanosike
Enugu, Oct. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Curator of the Unity Museum, Enugu, Mrs Carol Ifejiagwa, has urged stakeholders in culture sector  to sensitise the public on the need to identify their cultural norms and values.

Ifejiagwa gave the advice at this year’s new yam festival organised by the museum in Enugu on Saturday.

She said that initiating plans and sensitising the public on the need to identify their cultural heritage and also to promote them were vital.

She noted that the ceremony was to enable the people of the South East to have  knowledge and  get involved in Igbo cultural norms and values.

She added that the involvement of the secondary school students in the ceremony  was to catch them young to imbibe Igbo norms and values as future leaders.

The curator said that it was regrettable that foreign culture had almost overshadowed the original culture of the Igbo who were known for respect to elders, honesty, sincerity and communalism.

“Our culture has been dominated by foreign cultures; you can see that most of the things the youth do these days are copied from the western world through the  media.

“Most of our children don’t know about their culture; most of them don’t know how to speak their native languages.

“These are as results of imbibing foreign culture that has no regards, or respect for elders and moral values.’ She said

Earlier, Mr Robinson Eziokwu, the Chairman of the organising committee of the ceremony, called on the stakeholders and parents sensitise the public and their children to always showcase the Igbo culture for the betterment of the society. (NAN)
OJI/MVO
(Edited by Mbadiwe Okwor)

NAN-H-26
Cancer
By Emmanuel Acha
Enugu, Oct. 22, 2016 (NAN) Residents of Enugu on Saturday took the campaign for early cancer detection to major streets of the coal city.

Led by Dr Amaka Nnamani, a consultant radiologist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, the cancer walk was in commemoration of Miss Ogechi Atuonwa, who died of lymphoma in her prime in October 2015.

The campaigners marched from Liberty Estate, Independence Layout through Mkponkiti Junction to the adjoining Presidential Road and made a detour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nnamani, a cancer advocate with Breast Without Spot Initiative, said the disease knew no age limit.

She said that developing countries bore the greatest burden of the disease due to late detection and lack of the right information.

“Cancer does not spare anybody and does not have age bracket. It can occur in young children.

“The burden of cancer is more in developing countries because people do not detect it early. They come to the hospitals at later stages when the doctors and oncologists cannot do much,” she said.

Nnamani said that the sure way to get rid of the disease was to embark on regular screening for all forms of cancer.

She described the experience as traumatic for the patient, medical personnel and loved ones.

“That is why we are preaching screening so that we can get it early for the person to be cured.

“It is equally necessary for us to change and modify our life styles including the type of food we eat,” Nnamani said.

Speaking, Mrs Maureen Atuonwu, the mother of the victim, said “this cancer walk and awareness is the debt I owe the society as I will not wish anyone to pass through what my daughter and my family passed through.

“Ogechi was a victim of late cancer detection. It was a very horrible and traumatic experience for the whole family. She was in pains till the last day,” she said.

Atuonwu said it was sad that the government was not doing much to combat the disease, adding that there was no support system for cancer patients.

“It is disheartening that there is no cancer centre in Nigeria. The one in Abuja has been overgrown by weeds and people are spending money travelling abroad.

“My appeal is for the government all levels to set up functional cancer centres in all the states or at least in the six geopolitical zones.

“We have human resources but no facilities to take care of cancer patients. The government needs to come to the aid of cancer patients in Nigeria,” Atuonwu said. (NAN)
EOA/MVO
(Edited by Mbadiwe Okwor)

Police confirm one dead during fracas at Abdulsalam Abubakar Motor Pack Minna

NAN-H-25

Death

By Aminu Ahmed Garko

Minna, Oct. 22, 2016( NAN) The Niger Police Command has confirmed that one person was killed and another  seriously injured  following a misunderstanding between two transport unions at  the Abdulsalam Abubakar Motor Park, Minna.

The misunderstanding was between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW) and Road Transport Employers  Association of Nigeria.

ASP Bala Elkaina, Police Public Relations Officer of the command, confirmed the death in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) on Saturday in Minna.

He said that the injured person was currently receiving treatment at Minna General Hospital.

Elkaina said that the police had invited the two leaders of the union for thorough investigation in order to bring the culprits to justice.( NAN)
AAG/OU/OU

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Edited by Obike Ukoh

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NAN-S-4
Qualifiers
By Victor Okoye
London, Oct. 22, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Sofiane Feghouli has admitted it will be difficult for Algeria in the World Cup qualifiers if they failed in Nigeria next month, while also being openly critical of ex-coach Milovan Rajevac.

Group leaders Nigeria welcome Algeria on Nov. 12 in Uyo after the North Africans were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Cameroon and have parted ways with Serbian Rajevac.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Feghouli played a vital role in West Ham United’s crucial 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

“It will be a difficult trip to Nigeria in November,’’ West Ham United winger Feghouli told reporters.

“We will have to bounce back immediately because if we lose, it will become very complicated to qualify (for the World Cup). We know that.

“Unfortunately, it started badly with the home draw with Cameroon.

“In the group stage, the first match is always very important. But we still have a chance as there are still five matches to go.’’

Feghouli has been fingered out as leading a player rebellion against coach Rajevac, but while being critical on the choice of the Serb, the forward insisted he had never been selfish while playing for Algeria.

“FAF (the Algerian Football Federation) was wrong in the choice of Rajevac,’’ he opened up.

“He did not know the names of the players or their positions. There was very little information on Cameroon. We did not prepare as we should.

“But I was not annoyed that I did not start against Cameroon because I do not have any ego problems when I play for the national team. I play for the flag.’’ (Reuters/NAN)
VO/PDE
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(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-S

Musa

By Victor Okoye

Abuja, Oct. 22, 2016 (NAN) Ahmed Musa scored his long-awaited first goal for Leicester City as his side trounced Crystal Palace 3-1 at the King Power Stadium, England on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the English Premier League (EPL) match played in front of 31,969 spectators saw Musa open scoring in the 42nd minute.

Algerian Islam Slimani played a one-two with Shinji Okazaki before providing the assist for Musa who riffled home from 20 yards to put Leicester in front.

Leicester dominated possession   in the second half as Okazaki made it 2-0 in the 64th, while, Christian Fuchs added a third from a superb volley in the 80th minute.

Musa was replaced by Demarai Gray in a tactical substitution in the 81st minute as Coach Claudio Ranieri looked to preserve the 3-0 lead.

The visitors however piled on the pressure and got a consolation goal in the 85th minute through Yohan Cabaye after an assist from Wilfried Zaha.

In other Premier league matches played on Saturday, Alex Iwobi’s Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Middlesborough at the Emirates Stadium.

The home side were frustrated by a Middlesborough team which felt comfortable to “park the bus” and rather rely on counter-attacks.

Iwobi who played for 67 minutes before he was replaced by Lucas Perez in a tactical substitution put up a good performance as he made several dangerous through passes into the opponent’s box.

The draw was however enough to see the Gunners temporarily go top of the league table with 20 points, just one ahead of  Manchester City who play on Sunday.

Odion Ighalo’s Watford were also held to a goalless draw by Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

Ighalo who played for 90 minutes made several incursions into the home side’s box  but was intercepted by a solid Swansea defence line.

Also, AFC Bournemouth held Tottenham to another goalless draw in an early kick-off at the Vitality Stadium, while Burnley handed a shock 2-1 defeat to Everton.

Hull City lost 0-2 to Stoke City and West Ham pipped Sunderland 1-0.

The last match of the day will see Liverpool play host to West Bromwich Albion at Anfield.

NAN also reports that it promises to be a Super Sunday as Chelsea and Manchester United lock horns at Stamford Bridge, while Manchester City take on Southampton for a chance to reclaim the top spot. (NAN)

VO/
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Genuine change must start from the leadership – Cleric

NAN-H-23
Change
Abuja, Oct. 22, 2016 (NAN) Mrs Nkasiobi Okoh, President, Mothers’ Union/Women’s Guild, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has urged the nation’s leadership to take the lead in the government’s ‘Change Begins with Me’ campaign.
Okoh spoke on Saturday in Abuja, when she addressed the 17th Annual Diocesan Women’s Conference.
She commended President Muhammadu Buhari for launching the anti-corruption campaign.

Okoh , however , said that true change would come if the government could convince Nigerians to key into it.
According to her, to convince Nigerians of the seriousness of this change, it must genuinely start with the leadership, from the President down to the least person in authority.
Okoh, wife of the primate of the church,   explained that a leadership that failed to take responsibility was a failed leadership, adding that leadership by example is the key to success.
Okoh also commended the government for its fight against corruption, urging it to ensure that the fight was all inclusive, without making anyone a sacred cow, including those currently in government.
The wife of the primate recommended that the loot being recovered be visibly utilised for the benefit of the country at large.
 

She appealed to the government to introduce policies that would fast-tract diversification of the economy.

“We are calling on the government to diversify the economy by giving serious attention to solid minerals; agriculture and entrepreneur in order to bring the economy out of recession.
“Government should also consider the suggestions to bring in qualified economic technocrats into the Economic Management Team (EMT) to lead us out of this paralysing recession,” she said.
She said that government has a direct responsibility of providing the right environment for entrepreneurial development as well as providing adequate infrastructure.
Okoh also urged government to urgently address the activities of herdsmen and pipeline vandals as well as unemployment in the country. (NAN)
OYS/DO/OU

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Edited by David Onilede/Obike Ukoh

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NAN-H-20
Convocation
Ekpoma (Edo), Oct. 22, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 8,692 graduates on Saturday bagged diplomas and first degrees at the 20th convocation of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, who presided over the ceremony, said the graduates were drawn from the 2013/2014 and the 2014/2015 academic sessions.

He said that the university also conferred degrees on 492 post graduates in the two sessions.

The Vice Chancellor said that since the inauguration of the university’s governing council in 2013, 14 of its programmes had got full accreditation, eight interim while six were denied.

Onimawo, however, said that the areas of shortfall had since been remedied and the university was ready for re-assessment in these areas.

He also disclosed that 136 academic staff, 276 senior non-teaching staff and 443 junior staff had been promoted.

In his opening remarks, the chancellor of the university and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar, said that education was a system that started from birth.

He said that it was like a relay race which must be faced with humble heart and open arms.

Abubakar told the graduates that their graduation was the climax of a strong spirit and sacrifice.

The traditional ruler said that the graduation ceremony should be the springboard for greater achievements for them in the future.

Abubakar urged them to always look around for a problem they could solve and they would never be poor in doing so.

Also speaking, Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, stressed the need for Nigeria to re-order its priorities, as the education system must never be allowed to fail.

He said that his administration had accomplished a lot in education such as increasing the annual subvention to the institution from N1.2 billion to N3.6 billion.

The governor said that government must never default in ensuring that teaching and learning continued. (NAN)
DCO/DO /YEMI

Edited by David Onilede

Controlled by Yemi Idris-Aduloju

Emir commends government’s effort in keeping Kebbi polio-free

NAN-H-22

Commendation

By Shuaibu Tatu.

Brinin-Kebbi, Oct. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammadu Sami, has commended the Kebbi Government’s effort in keeping the state free of polio and other killer diseases

Sami expressed the emirate’s readiness and commitment in supporting the fight against polio and other related killer diseases.

Sami spoke during the polio immunisation exercise in Zuru on Saturday.

He called on parents and guardians in the state to give necessary support, in order for the exercise to succeed.

Commissioner for Health Usman Kambaza, represented by Director of Immunisation,  Aliyu Ambursa, thanked the emir for his tremendous contributions in enlightening people on polio eradication.

Ambursa also commended the emir for establishing the Sami HIV/AIDS Foundation, which enlightens the youths on the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

Alhaji Aliyu Birninkebbi, the Director of Health, Zuru Local Government Area, said that he received enough dozes of vaccines for the targetted number of children to be immunised.(NAN)

SZT/ORO/OU

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Edited by Razak Owolabi/Obike Ukoh

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