Blog

NAN-AE-15

Appetite

By Victor Adeoti

Osogbo, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has called on Nigerians to curb excessive appetite for foreign foods and fabrics.

Aregbesola said this in Osogbo on Thursday while playing host to some youths who returned from Germany after two months of training in modern agricultural techniques.

He said it was more pertinent to practise birth control as panacea to poverty reduction during economic recession.

According to him, the reality today is that Nigeria is in economic crisis.

The governor said apart from the fact that the nation’s economic mainstay, oil was cheap on the international market,

He added that the production capacity had reduced significantly due to the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers.

“Besides, we also face food crisis and if we are unable to feed ourselves, then there is problem. We believe, as a government, that we must produce what we consume.

“The first panacea out of the food crisis is for us as a people to drastically curb our excessive taste for foreign foods.

“We should patronise our local foods rather than spend huge but scarce foreign exchange on importation of rice.’’

“Apart from this, now is also the time for our people to practise birth control and control our population.

This, he said, would go in no small measure in reducing poverty in the land.

Aregbesola said the state government decided to send the youths for the agriculture programme to boost food production in the state.

He said the youths would impact positively on the mode of agricultural practice to boost food production.

The governor, who promised that government would assist the youths financially, advised them not to fold their hands until such assistance comes.(NAN)

VE/ADA/IEA
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NAN-HE-9
Shares
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) Trading activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday bounced back, reversing the three-day negative trend as the market capitalisation increased by N41 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation rose by N41 billion or 0.43 per cent to close at N9.479 trillion against N9.438 trillion achieved on Wednesday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index appreciated by 120.30 points or 0.44 per cent to close at 27, 598. 34 compared with 27,478.04 posted on Wednesday.

Market analysts attributed the rebound to investors’ reaction to impressive third quarter result released by the Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.

NAN reports that Seplat topped the gainers’ chart, appreciating by N7 to close at N368 per share.

The Guaranty Trust Bank followed on the gainers’ with a gain of N1.19 to close at N24.49 and Guinness chalked up N1.90 to close at N80 per share.

Mobil Oil grew by N1 to close at N187 and International Breweries went up by 95k to close at N19.95 per share.

On the other hand, Ecobank Transnational recorded the highest price loss to lead the losers’ table, declining by 40k to close at N10.13 per share.

Dangote Sugar Refinery trailed with a loss of 14k to close at N6.26, while National Aviation Holding dipped 13k to close at N2.92 per share.

Africa Prudential Registrar also lost 13k to close at N2.56 and Custodian and Allied Insurance shed 9k to close at N3.71 per share.

GT Bank emerged the most traded equity, trading 17.07 million shares worth N426.53 million.

It was trailed by Zenith Bank having sold 10.52 million shares valued at N157.58, while Transcorp transacted 10.08 million shares worth N9.78 million.

NAN reports that Hallmark Insurance exchanged 10 million shares worth N5 million, while Fidelity Bank traded 8.42 million valued at N7.08 million.

In all, a total of 111.89 million shares worth N4.01 billion were traded by investors in 2,699 deals.

NAN also reports that this was against the 81.91 million shares valued at N592.52 million exchanged by investors in 2,520 deals on Wednesday. (NAN)
JNC/FF/GOK
Edited by Fela Fashoro/Olagoke Olatoye
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NAN-AE-13
Water
By Zubairu Idris
Abuja, Oct. 20, 2016(NAN) The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has so far provided clean water and sanitation facilities for more than 20,000 communities in Nigeria under the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project, an official has said.

The UNICEF Chief of WASH, Mr. Kannan Nadar, made the fact known in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting on Capacity Assessment of Selected States and Local Governments Areas in Nigeria.

Nadar said that communities were drawn from 98 local government areas from 19 states participating in the project.

He said that the step was aimed at attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number six, which is on water and sanitation.

Nadar said that it would assist the country to reduce the child and maternal mortality rate and improve education enrolment, particularly in the rural areas.

‘’Saving children’s lives by improving sanitation, hygiene and access to clean water is our target,’’ he said.

He highlighted some of the challenges to the delivery of safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation in Nigeria.

According to him, the major challenge is the lack of much commitment on the part of policy makers to make adequate budgetary provision on water and sanitation by some state governments.

Nadar urged state governments to intensify efforts in making adequate budgetary provisions to the sector to achieve the set target.

‘’With more commitment of state governments, we will continue to reach many communities until we achieve the SDGs on water and sanitation,’’ he said. (NAN)
ZI/JCE
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Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

Ondo REC reads riot against electoral violence

NAN-H-87

Warning

By Bukola Adewumi

Abuja, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) Ahead of the Nov. 26 governorship election in Ondo State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Olusegun Agbaje, has warned perpetrators of electoral violence to keep off the state.

Agbaje issued the riot act in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Media Manager, YIAGA, Mr David Oluwaseun, on Thursday in Abuja.

The REC handed down the warning at the roundtable meeting and induction of election observers by the Youth Initiative for Advancement Growth and Advocacy (YIAGA), and Watching the Vote (WVT) project.

The statement quoted Agbaje saying that the ballot snatching incidences recorded in the just concluded governorship election in Edo would not be tolerated in Ondo state.

“In Edo state, we still have cases of ballot snatching in 2016; this must not be allowed to happen in Ondo.

“In places where I supervise there were ballot snatching even where old women came to vote as early as possible, some young people still came to disrupt the process by snatching ballot boxes,” the commissioner said.

Agbaje said that the commission had put a lot in place to ensure the success of the election, including stakeholders meetings to cement existing relationship between INEC and stakeholders.

According to him, INEC also conducted voter education and public enlightenment, advocacy, sensitisation visits to designated persons and institutions, training and sourcing of ad hoc election officials, among others.

He enjoined the political class to change its “do or die” attitude to good conduct in politics and the political culture of violence has to be done away with.

“Our political parties must imbibe the culture of sincere internal party democracy in the overall interest of the nation’s democracy.

“All forms of electoral malpractices such as buying and selling of votes, double, multiple voting, among others, should be eschewed.’’

Agbaje said there was pressing need for increased partnership and cooperation among stakeholders’ especially political party leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and security agencies, among others.

He said that the attainment of this goal is dependent on the cooperation, commitment, contribution and support of all through performance of their respective roles with adherence to law.

Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, the Chairman of the group, commended the REC, describing Agbaje as a man of integrity and command respect.

Nwagwu pledged to support the electoral umpire in its quest to make the election free, fair and credible. (NAN)

BOL/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-HE-23
Exhibitors
By Blessing Odeda
Jos, Oct. 20,  2016 (NAN) Mrs Bolcit Barshep, The Managing Director, Anista Marketing and Events Ltd., organisers of the 2016 Jos Trade Fair, said that 700 exhibitors had so far been registered.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the fair was organised in collaboration with the Plateau Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA).

She disclosed this in an interview with NAN on the sideline of the official opening ceremony of the fair on Thursday in Jos.

Barshep said that the exhibitors were from within and outside the country.

“We have so far registered 700 exhibitors from different parts of the country and we also have exhibitors from Pakistan, India, Egypt and from other West African countries.

“This has a multiplier effect as most hotels and guest houses in the state capital are fully booked and most of these exhibitors have hired the services of our youths.

“This will no doubt boost the Internally Generated revenue of the state,” she said.

She said that since the beginning of the fair on Oct. 18, it had so far recorded an influx of 20, 000 persons during the day and at night 40,000 to 50, 000 daily.

Barshep attributed the huge influx of people at night to live musicals from popular and upcoming artists in the country.

She said that the large turnout of exhibitors was a clear indication of the existing peace on the Plateau.

The managing director thanked the Plateau Government for availing the company the opportunity to organise the fair, adding that the last trade fair in the state was last held in 2010.

Gov. Simon Lalong, who was represented by his Deputy, Sonny Tyoden, assured investors at the fair, that the state government was willing to work out incentives to attract the establishment of industries and businesses in the state.

He said that the state had put in place tax incentives to attract investors to the state.

“The government is also ready to work out other peculiar conditions under a Memorandum of Understanding that will be peculiar to any type of investment,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2016 trade fair began on Oct. 18. (NAN)
UBO/JPE/AJA
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(Edited by Joseph Edeh/Adeleye Ajayi)
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NAN-H-86
Framework
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) A Tourism Consultant, Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, has called for
a strategic framework for tourism development in the country.

He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the idea of adopting strategic framework for sustainable tourism development would help to reduce tension and friction created by the complexity of interactions among tourism
industry stakeholders.

He added that “the framework will ensure that tourism and associated infrastructure operate within natural capacities for the regeneration and future productivity of natural resources.

“It will also recognise the contributions that people and communities, customs and lifestyles make to
the tourism experience.

“A framework will also ensure that host communities have a fair share in the economic benefits of tourism which must be guided by the wishes of local partners.’’

Ndu, the President, African Renaissance Link, said the framework would encourage and maintain practices that do not have negative impact on the environment and host community but contribute to its development.

He added that “it must enhance social sustainability and build a system that does not upset and disturb peoples’ daily lives to acquire proper ecological balance.

“Develop tourism that will be capable of determining the authenticity and individuality of local cultures to be preserved, and avoid their saturation with external cultural influences.

“It must identify, promote, increase and stablise the benefits of tourism resources for the host communities, while maintaining the cultural and environmental integrity of the people.”

He advised that effective tourism framework would provide high-quality visitors’ experience to their destinations, while ensuring that the destinations were not compromised in terms of its social, environmental and cultural integrity.

“It should strengthen the industry’s management and regulate tourism market through standardisation and by implementing the tourism law to accelerate the progress toward advanced international standard,’’ he added.

The tourism consultant said government should take a leading role in marketing and promoting
the nation’s tourism brands through multiple means.

“This can be done through tourism marketing and promotion using media platforms at home and abroad, publications, advertisements and trade and investment promotion officers.

“The platforms may include major international events, large-scale festivals, various international exchanges and international tourism fairs through foreign tourism media and tourism industry representatives.’’ (NAN)
EPA/HA
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(Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

Bayern, Gladbach renew rivalry in Bundesliga after Euro wins

NAN-S-9
Rivalry
Berlin, Oct. 20, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich welcome Borussia Moenchengladbach in a classic encounter late on Saturday while Hertha Berlin host Cologne in a clash between surprise packages.

Only in Munich could one defeat in 10 competitive games and a place at the top of the table be considered a mini-crisis but Bayern were under pressure going into Wednesday’s Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.

“It was a good reaction from my players,’’ coach Carlo Ancelotti said of the 4-1 victory which ended a three-game winless streak.

“The attitude was right, the (last drawn) match against Frankfurt was a good lesson for us.’’

Previously Bayern had been held domestically by both Eintracht Frankfurt and Cologne along with losing in Europe at Atletico Madrid.

“It was fun today,’’ forward Thomas Mueller said. “We wanted to turn in a better display than in the last few matches.’’

Gladbach have also had a mixed time of things recently with the frustration of a goalless draw with 10-man SV Hamburg last weekend lifted by a superb 2-0 win at Celtic in the Champions League midweek.

“We put the game on Saturday against Hamburg behind us quickly and only looked forward – this is how we’re going to go on,’’ Andre Hahn said.

Ninth-placed Gladbach remain short of the level reached in their glory days of the 1970s but have offered stiff resistance to Bayern in recent years.

The Foals have lost only once in their last four meetings with the German record champions and have won two of these meetings.

Earlier Saturday eyes will be on the capital where second-placed Cologne visit fourth-placed Hertha with only a point separating the teams. Unbeaten Cologne can even go top – for a few hours at least – with victory.

“At this stage of the season I suppose it is a top match, but in 10 weeks it could all look very different,’’ Cologne coach Peter Stoeger told the club homepage, adding that with his team winless in Berlin since 2009 he would be content with a draw.

Hertha made a positive start to last season before fading to miss out on the Champions League spots so are cautious despite another strong opening.

“We have not set ourselves a table-place as a target rather 45 points,’’ midfielder Mitchell Weiser told the club website.

“This is the task we want to reach. We want to confirm or even improve our efforts from last season.’’

Third-place RB Leipzig do not play until Sunday when they host improving Werder Bremen before Germany’s Europa League representatives, Schalke and Mainz, face off in Gelsenkirchen.

The weekend action opens on Friday with winless Hamburg in desperate need of a victory at home to Frankfurt.

The northerners are the only original Bundesliga club never to have been relegated but, sitting 17th and having scored only twice, already seem set for another battle for survival.

“That we haven’t scored so many goals at the minute is known to everyone.’’ coach Markus Gisdol said.

“That’s in the papers every day. Of course we’re working on this topic.’’

Saturday’s other games are Bayer Leverkusen v Hoffenheim, bottom-club Ingolstadt v Borussia Dortmund, Freiburg v Augsburg and Darmstadt v Wolfsburg, led by interim coach Valerien Ismael after the departure of Dieter Hecking this week. (dpa/NAN)
TON
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Entrepreneurship backbone of Nigerian economy – Acting Perm. Sec.
NAN-H-8
Entrepreneurship
By Martha Nuhu
Jos, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) Mr Pwajok Mangs, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Plateau Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, on Thursday said that entrepreneurship and small businesses remained the backbone of the economy.
Mangs made the observation during the graduation and display of trainees’ materials at the Women Affairs Centre organised by the ministry in collaboration with Indutrial Trainning Fund (ITF) in Jos.
He said that for any society to grow, entrepreneurial activities and small businesses must thrive as they led the way in terms of new product innovation.
“Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of every economy, especially now that the country is faced with recession.
“Engaging in small businesses will really impact in our ailing economy; we should not only be entrepreneurs, but also encourage and employ others.
“For any society to grow, entrepreneurial activities and small businesses must thrive as it leads the way in terms of new product innovation,” he said.
The permanent secretary said that the state government would continue to empower youths in human capital development and expressed optimism that the graduating trainees would also empower others in form of employment.
Mangs expressed gratitude to the ITF for the collaboration and assured the ITF of continued partnership in the future.
Mr Yusuf Dabis, the Training Development Officer, ITF, said that the collaboration became necessary as gaps were identified within the Nigerian system which the Fund decided to step in to fill.
Dabis said that youths were identified and keyed into three areas for training and these were carpentry, garment making and catering.
He said that the skill acquisition would empower the trainees to make incomes and also impact positively on the economy.
Dabis urged the trainees to spread their hands and empower others as a skill that is not shared will definitely die.
Mrs Sidikat Ahmed, a trainee on garment making, thanked the ministry of women affairs and the ITF for the impactful collaboration, saying that the training was timely for her as she has been without a job for years. (NAN)
ADY/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

Rampant Spanish leaders Atletico to visit solid Sevilla

NAN-S-8
Atletico
Madrid, Oct. 20, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Normally the big match every weekend in Spain features either Barcelona or Real Madrid, with the media almost completely focused on the two giants.

Not this time.

The big clash will be Sunday’s duel between third-placed Sevilla and leaders Atletico Madrid, both of whom are in exceptional form.

Sevilla won 1-0 at Dynamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday while Atletico prevailed by the same score at Rostov on Wednesday.

“Everything is going well for us at the moment. We have to carry this good form into Sunday’s game against Atletico,’’ Sevilla winger Vitolo said.

Atletico have won their last five games, and triumphed 3-0 at Sevilla last season.

However, coach Diego Simeone is not completely happy with his team, saying on Wednesday: “We were not particularly sharp tonight, to be honest.

“We were too anxious and tense. If we play like this against Sevilla, then we are going to have problems.’’

Kevin Gameiro is likely to return to the Atletico attack, to the detriment of Fernando Torres, while Nicolas Gaitan is likely to come in for fellow Argentine Angel Correa.

Atletico are still unbeaten and have conceded a miserly three goals in eight matches.

They are top on goal difference, above a Real Madrid side also in good form, as Tuesday’s 5-1 slaughter of Legia Warsaw confirmed.

At home to sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, Real will again be without midfielders Casemiro and Luka Modric, though Marcelo and James Rodriguez are now fit again.

Bossing the midfield for the Whites will be Germany’s Toni Kroos, who has extended his contract in Madrid until 2022.

Real will be hoping for an improvement in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has so far scored only two goals in La Liga.

Sunday’s other games are Celta Vigo v Galician rivals Deportivo La Coruna, Malaga v Leganes and unbeaten Villarreal v Las Palmas.

Saturday will see Barcelona trying to confirm their resurgence at Valencia, for whom new coach Cesare Pranelli made a winning start last week at Sporting Gijon.

Barca will make the trip with a rejigged defence because of injuries to Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba. However, Sergi Roberto is fit to return at right-back.

Leading the Barca attack will be the reborn Lionel Messi, who confirmed his return to fitness on Wednesday with his 37th hat-trick for Barca in the 4-0 destruction of Manchester City.

“Whoever had any doubts about Messi’s fitness and form has been proved wrong. He was wonderful tonight,’’ Barca coach Luis Enrique said.

Last season, Valencia took four points off Barcelona, who never have an easy time of it in old Mestalla.

The weekend’s action will start Friday with Osasuna against fellow strugglers Real Betis.

In addition to the Valencia-Barca clash on Saturday will see Espanyol v Eibar, Granada v Sporting Gijon and Real Sociedad v Alaves. (dpa/NAN)
TON
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NAN-H-69
Campaign
By Cecilia Odey
Abuja, Oct. 20, 2016 (NAN) The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) says it has commenced door-to-door mobilisation of electorate at the grassroots for the victory of its candidate, Mr Francis Aloa, in the forthcoming Nov. 26 Governorship election in Ondo State.

The National Director of Publicity of APGA, Mr Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the party had met all the requirements of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the election, including the primaries to select its flag-bearer for the election.

Oguejiofor described Aloa as a tested man, adding that he would carry the people of Ondo along, if elected as the governor.

The director of publicity assured the people of the state of good governance if the party’s candidate becomes governor of the state.

“All candidates of the party are law-abiding. They have been tested by the people and have the qualities the electorate want,’’ he said. (NAN)

COO/DUA/AJA
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(Edited by Adeleye Ajayi)