Blog

NAN-AE-16
Poverty
Eruwa (Oyo State), Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), says plans are underway to increase Bank of Agriculture Rural Business Initiative (BOARBI) branches in states to three.

The Country Manager of IFAD, Ms Atsuko Toda, said this on Thursday in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Oyo State, during an inspection tour of sponsored projects in the area.

Toda, who visited the BOARBI office in Eruwa, said that the idea was to expand its scope of operation.

He said that IFAD financed Rural Finance Institute Building Programme (RUFIN) was geared to eradicate poverty in rural areas.

The country manager said the report by Mrs Olufunke Ojo, Head of the BOARBI Centre, Eruwa, had shown that women in the community had embraced the programme and were benefitting from it.

She said that in order to touch many more lives, IFAD would strive to increase to three the numbers of BOARBI office in each state.

Toda, however, charged BOARBI officials to ensure that the Rural Business Plan was effectively implemented and comprehensive data of the RUFIN groups in the area were provided.

This, he said, was necessary to enable disbursement of loans to beneficiaries.

Earlier, Ojo said that BOARBI was specifically targeted at rural women, adding that the programme started in Eruwa in May 2015.

She said that the bank covers Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North, which comprises of seven villages and 21 communities.

Ojo said that the major challenge of the bank was funding as it had since its inception received only N2 million from the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).

According to her, N8.7 million had so far been disbursed to members of 35 groups and recorded zero default on loans repayment by beneficiaries.

Ojo appealed to IFAD to provide N10 million seed fund to enable the bank sustain its operation and positively impact on the lives of rural dwellers.

The inspection team visited Temidire village where it inspected some of the projects undertaken by its loan beneficiaries including harvested crops.

The Ibarapa East Local Government Chairman, Mr Adelore Atanda, commended IFAD/RUFIN for touching the lives of the rural dwellers and implored the body to extend the programme beyond 2017.

Also on the IFAD team was Mr Liam Francis Chicca, the Special adviser to the IFAD President, Mr Kanayo Nwanze (NAN)
AOS/DE/OJO
==========
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-H-108

Oba Ewuare

By Constance Athekame

Abuja, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) The newly installed Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, on Thursday in Benin, called for the inclusion of Edo language and history in schools’ curriculum.

The Oba made the call in Benin during his coronation and receipt of staff of office.

He implored government to include Edo language and Benin history in schools’ curriculum.

He also appealed to the Benin people to uphold and respect traditional institutions at all times.

“I advise my Benin people to try to maintain our culture especially our language, by insisting on its use in communicating with their children and each other.

He equally spoke on what he called “cultural diplomacy” when he said:

“We shall strive to ensure that conflicts are resolved between individuals, families and communities along the principles of social justice.

“We shall use cultural diplomacy as veritable tool for the promotion of harmonious relationship with our neighbours far and near.’’

The Oba said that to survive, it was imperative that culture is maintained; adding that culture is a unifying force for the people.

“Our culture and tradition remain the one main factor that international communityrespect us for.

The Oba said that his reign shall uphold the principle of neutrality and non-partisanship in political parties’ activities.

“While our people remain free to play politics by subscribing to any political party of their choice, we shall, however, continue to pray for and always support the right kind of political leaders.

“Who will safeguard the welfare of our people, provide for their basic needs and who will accord recognition to traditional institutions.” (NAN)

COA/AK/IEA
===========

Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Idahosa Asowata

NAN-H-85
Media
By Yinka Olawale
Lagos, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) To remain relevant in the changing digital world order, media practitioners have been advised to put audience’s experience, ideas and knowledge into their operations to improve media products.

The Editor-In-Chief of The Guardian newspaper, Mr Debo Adesina, gave the advice at the 2^nd Distinguished Lecture, organised by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA) on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the lecture series is: “Building a New Generation of Media Professionals in a Changing World Order’’.

In his lecture titled: “Vessel in a storm’’, Adesina said that the level of access to information through the internet or the new digital revolution was unprecedented and that the volume was immeasurable.

He said that such unhindered access “is giving the people the power, hitherto reserved for media kings’’.

Adesina said that the internet or the new digital revolution offered some advantages to the traditional media, especially those members of the old media oligopoly that were smart enough to embrace it.

“Media organisations must find a way to get some of the audience’s experience, ideas and knowledge into their operations to improve their products.

“ Any organisation that ignores this may be choosing a prime location in the cemetery for its own entombment.

“A smart traditional media organisation must be conscious of what it generates, refine it for the best and make it irresistible for the audience to consume,’’ Adesina said.

According to him, the ability of a media practitioner to research, report, edit, analyse or interpret issues in ways that build a trustworthy brand, is unassailable.

“Our professional standards are a great selling point; yet, we must include our users in our operations, take in as much as possible.

“We must admit that our profession is not rocket science.

“A professional journalist knows how to get information, ask questions, tell stories and connect isolated facts.

“These are not esoteric or specialised skills, just heightened versions of things any smart citizen should be able to do,’’ he said.

In his welcome address, the President of UMCAA, Mr Vincent Oyo, said that the lecture series was one of the programmes lined up to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the Mass Communication Department.

“The lecture is very apt in the era of new technology, placement of ideology with unusual fundamentalism, the arrival of social media and globalisation.

“We can hold our heads high because of the contributions of past and present lecturers of this department,’’ Oyo, who is the Managing Director of Image Consultants Ltd., said.

He urged old and new members of the association to work together to build a strong membership base so as to take the body to a greater height. (NAN)
OOG/AIB/AJA
============

(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Adeleye Ajayi)

NAN-H-99
Lodges
Dutse, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) The Jigawa Government says it will construct lodges for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), members in each of the 27 local government areas of the State in 2017.

The Head of the State Civil Service (HoS), Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa, said this after meeting with the executives of the state chapter of the Muslim Corps members Association of Nigeria (MCAN).in Dutse on Thursday.

 He said the lodges would be 10 bedrooms each to be situated in the headquarters of the councils.

Inuwa said government decided to build the lodges considering the accommodation challenge faced by NYSC members serving in the state.

He said government had directed the 27 LGAs to make budgetary provision for the project in their 2017 budget.

Head of the association, Malam Muktar Yakubu, appealed to the state government to assist them with a bus for easy mobilisation and discharge of their duties. (NAN)
MNB/ CEO/IEA
============
Edited by Evangeline Opara/Idahosa Asowata
======================

NBA calls for immediate stepping down of judges fingered over fraud

NAN-H-97

Judiciary

By Martins Odeh

Abuja, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Mahmoud Abubakar (SAN), on Thursday urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to order the immediate stepping down of the seven Justices accused of judicial fraud.

Abubakar gave the advice at the valedictory session in honour of Justice Sotonye Denton-West of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that for days now, the Country’s judiciary has come under criticisms over fraud allegations brought against the seven senior judicial officers.

They included two Justices of the Supreme Court and five Justices of the Federal High Court.

“I am sure that many here will be expecting me to make further statements on the ongoing events affecting the nation’s judiciary.

“I have in the course of the last two weeks or so made several statements and remarks on these developments. Our position is therefore well known.

“It appears to the NBA that it is extremely important that the NJC takes very urgent steps to safeguard the public image and sanctity of the courts,’’ he said.

The NBA president said: “We therefore strongly recommend that, without prejudice to the innocence or otherwise of the Judges involved in the ongoing investigations, they should be required to excuse themselves from further judicial functions.

“Better still, they may be required to proceed on compulsory leave until their innocence is fully and completely established or until the conclusion of all judicial or disciplinary proceedings.

“We believe this will be necessary in order to protect the sanctity and integrity of judicial processes that may involve the judges concerned and safeguard the public image of the institution.’’

On Denton-West’s retirement, Abubakar said said she was easily one of the most ebullient personalities of the Court.

“She is always highly spirited and maintains a warm and caring relationship with people around her,’’ he said.

Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, President of the Court, described Denton-West as a hardworking, amiable and erudite jurist, adding that the vacuum created by her retirement will be difficult to close.

“Justice Sotonye Denton-West is a first in her own right. She is the first female lawyer, first female judge and first female acting Chief judge of the High Court of Rivers State.

“She is also the first female indigene of Rivers State to be appointed to the Court of Appeal,’’ Bulkachuwa said.

Responding, Denton-West described her sojourn through the legal profession as rewarding.

According to her, integrity, peace and love are the virtues she uses to serve justice.

She, therefore, advised legal officers on the bench and bar to remain steadfast, diligent and incorruptible in carrying out their duties.

“It is unfortunate that we have not been able to stop some of the social malaises creeping into the profession. Judicial officers should shun corruption.

“It is also important for us to stay together and prevent foreign forces from encroaching into our ranks,’’ she said.

NAN reports that Denton-West was born on Sept.15, 1946, in Lagos State.

She completed her primary education from Our Lady of Apostles, Yaba, Lagos, from 1953 to 1960, and proceeded to the prestigious Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos from 1961 to 1965 for her Secondary education.

Denton-West obtained her law degree in 1970 from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian bar in 1971.

She is retiring from active service upon attaining the compulsory 70 years allowed by the Civil Service Rule.

NAN further reports that books written to grace her exit from the legal profession include “VIA IURIS’’, meaning (by means of law), and “Triumph of Integrity: The Life of the Justice Sotonye Denton-West’’.

The third publication is titled “Review on the Compendium of Judgments by Justice Sotonye Denton-West’’.

The occasion was attended by several justices, judges, senior lawyers and politicians including Gov. Nysome Wike of Rivers. (NAN)

OMO/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-H-84
Advertisement
By Yinka Olawale
Lagos, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) An Advertising Practitioner, Dr Biodun Shobanjo, says spending on global  digital advertisements is steadily growing, urging advertisers to key into the changing trend.

Shobanjo, who is the Chairman of Troyka Holdings, Nigeria, made the remark at the 2nd Distinguished Lecture organised by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA) on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the lecture series is: “Building a New Generation of Media Professionals in a Changing World Order’’.

“Digital spending is growing and in the next couple of years, in fact, it will be the fastest growing platform in the world.

“In 2015, the global advertising spending was 552 billion dollars.

“Out of this amount, digital spending accounted for 150 billion dollars,’’ Shobanjo, who also chaired the occasion said.

In Nigeria, he said that what advertisers spent in 2015 was N170.8 billion, out of which digital advertising accounted for N8.1 billion.

“What this portends is that both teachers and practitioners in the media industry must quickly adapt to the way that digital media is trendily changing.

He attributed the change to evolving technological advancement which keeps changing and which the audience themselves were also embracing rapidly.

“In the past, the consumer waited to be educated through a variety of media to make a buying decision but this is not any more.

“Not only is that consumer unwilling to be left on what brand to buy, you are almost unsure of which media he attends to.

“The digital technology or the mobile phone has indeed changed our ways of life forever,’’ Shobanjo said.

In the Lead Lecture, the Editor-In-Chief of  The Guardian newspapers, Mr Debo Adesina,  said that without an understanding of the audience, the journalist or any communication specialist wanted to serve in the new age, he or she would not be useful to that audience.

“Our most urgent duty is to put ourselves in the position of those users of our products or services, if anything useful and for which any form of payment would be made, will be put out.

“Because of the devices of media content production readily available to people today, they are as effectively connected to each other as they are also linked up to the traditional big media,’’ Adesina said.

He said that even though, the internet penetration was still relatively low, especially in Nigeria at about 20 per cent “but it is growing’’.

“There is a school of thought now which says Wi-Fi rights are human rights. Meaning all citizens deserve access to the internet,’’ Adesina said.

According to him, with huge investment companies like Facebook, making Wi-Fi cheaper or even free everywhere, a certain “techno democracy’’ will further strip the journalist of his monopoly on information gathering and dissemination.

Adesina said that the digital change in the world was gradually making media practitioners, almost irrelevant, if not ‘useless’. (NAN)

OOG/AIB/AJA
===========

(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Adeleye Ajayi)

NAN-HE-22
Mining
Abuja
By Lucy Nwachukwu
Abuja, Oct.20, 2016(NAN) The President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sani Shehu, has urged the Federal Government to ensure improved data and adequate mechanisation in the mining sector.

Shehu said this at a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that if the sector gained support in the two areas, it would help to increase the sector’s contribution to the economy.

“The data on which they will use has to be improved because mining is trying to bring out something of value which you may not know where it is.

“Data will be able to guide the miner on what it is worth, the quality, the quantity and the likely investment that is required for one to be able to extract that mineral of value.

“So adequate data, mechanisation are the key and this are tied to funding.

“So for miners to be able to contribute or for miners to be able to make the sector contribute to the economy, they need support by way of equipment and improved data,’’ Shehu said.

He expressed displeasure at the contribution of mining to national economy, saying “it is disturbing”.

According to the miners’ president,  in the 60s, 70s and even in the mid 80s, mining contributed significantly to the nation’s economy.

“We know that mining has done well but the kind of mining that did well is the mechanised mining.

“For those who are familiar with the Plateau, you will notice that the tin and columbite that was mined led to a significant income to the government.

“ That mining was fully mechanised and that is what is absent now.’’

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the solid mineral sector contributes barely 0.3 per cent to the economy, a situation currently being aggressively addressed by the Federal Government through an intervention fund to the tune of N30 billion. (NAN)

LCN/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

EFCC recovers N200m stolen funds in Borno
NAN-H-93
Funds
Maiduguri, Oct. 10, 2016(NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says it recovered about N200 million stolen funds in Borno from November 2015 till date.

Malam Ibrahim Bappa, the Head of Operations of Maiduguri Zonal Office of EFCC, stated this on Thursday in Maiduguri.
Bappa via a statement stated that the money belonged to the Federal Government and to an individual.
He said that N196 million belonged to the Federal Government, while about N3 million belonged to an individual who petitioned the commission.

“Since the office resumed operations in November, 2015, it has recovered N196 million for the Federal Government and N3 million for an individual victim.

“ For the individual victim, the commission received a petition and acted on it,” Bappa said.

He, however, did not state from whom or where the money was recovered in Borno.

Bappa said the EFCC opened its Maiduguri Zonal Office on March 22, 2011, but suspended its operations due to the security challenges.
He said the resumption of operations by the commission now means it was poised to fighting corruption and financial crimes in the area.(NAN)
ABI/OU/OU

==========

Edited by Obike Ukoh

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

NAN-H-98
Confirmation
By Muhammad Nasir Bello
Sokoto, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Thursday, confirmed the appointment of Justice Bello Abbas as the Chief Judge of Sokoto state.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the confirmation followed the resolution of members after his screening.

Abbas’  confirmation followed a motion moved by the Assembly leader, Alhaji Garba Bello (APC- Yabo)  urging his colleagues to confirm the appointment.

He said the Assembly’s action would be in compliance with the provision of section 271 sub-section (1) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bello added that the nomination was in order as it followed the retirement of former Chief Judge, which took effect from May 13, 2016.

The House unanimously approved the motion when the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji,  who presided over the sitting, put it to vote. (NAN)

MNB/AK/YAZ
===========

Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Yusuf Zango

NAN-H-83
ITF
By Martha Nuhu
Jos, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) The Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr Joseph Ari, has urged the staff to be good ambassadors of change and imbibe positive work attitude and values to achieve the agency’s mandate.

This is according to statement by the Head, Public Affairs Unit of the fund, Mr Abdul-Rasak Adeniran, on Thursday in Jos.

Ari, while addressing staff during his maiden Interactive Forum, identified indiscipline and other negative attitudes as obstacles to the realisation of the fund”s corporate goals.

“I charge you to be good ambassadors of change and imbibe positive work attitudes and values that would guarantee the achievement of the agency’s mandate and economic diversification of the Federal Government.

“To my mind, the utmost impediment to our corporate achievement is the rampant indiscipline, which manifests itself in late coming, absenteeism, truancy and other negative work attitudes.

“These have occasioned a situation whereby some few work tirelessly day and night for the good of the ITF,’’ he said.

Ari warned that the management “would do all it takes to stamp out such attitudes,” the statement said.

He reminded the staff that the economic diversification programme of the Federal Government was reliant on interventions from organisations such as the ITF.

“Therefore, the need for a change in the Fund’s work processes and the individual mentality is paramount.

“The economic diversification programme embarked upon by President Muhammadu Buhari, imposes on us additional responsibilities.

“It requires us more than ever before to equip more Nigerians with the relevant skills to not only ensure its success but for employability and entrepreneurship to be able to take advantage of the opportunities that will be opened up by the programme.

“Therefore it means that we must do more, It also means that we must change our processes and individual mentality,’’ Ari said.

The director-general urged the workforce to key into the change mantra of the Federal Government and make themselves to be good ambassadors of the change by displaying ethos attitudes and values.

Ari identified accelerated skills development as the surest way for the nation to overcome the prevailing economic challenges.

He also said that for that to happen, the staff must generate fresh ideas and initiatives to develop the nation’s human capital and reinvigorate the industries.

“I need not remind you that Nigeria is in an economic recession and the surest and perhaps the only way out of the recession is through accelerated skills development specifically and human capital development generally.

“As the leading skills development institution, Mr. President and indeed all Nigerians expect a lot from us and we cannot afford to betray that trust.

“We must therefore attend to our duties with utmost commitment and total dedication.

“I expect nothing less from you. We must be innovative and creative and work in such a way and manner that will develop the human capital to revamp and reinvigorate the industries once more,” he said.(NAN)
ADY/AJA
========
(Edited by Adeleye Ajayi)