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Fishermen seek FG assistance on incursion of foreign fishing trawlers

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Incursion

By Nathan Nwakamma

Yenagoa, Oct.16, 2016 (NAN) Local fishermen operating along the Atlantic coastline in Bayelsa have alleged that foreign fishing trawlers encroach into the exclusive fishing territory reserved by law for local fishermen.

The fishermen, under the auspices of Odioama Kingdom Coastal Fishing Association, said the activities of the industrial fishing trawlers had been a threat to their trade since 2014.

The Chairman, Mr Wapaemi Michael, expressed the concern in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Sunday.

Michael called on the Federal Government to come to their aid to enable them to remain in business.

According to him, the trawlers are mostly operated by foreigners with armed escorts to ward off the local fishermen.

He noted that existing laws reserved six nautical miles from the shoreline to the high sea exclusively for traditional fishing activities.

The chairman claimed that those using the “invading trawlers” were in the habit of firing gun shots whenever the local fishermen complained against the incursion.

He alleged that armed escorts on board a red-coloured trawler, identified as Star Shrimpers XXIX, shot at a local fishing boat on Sept. 27 at a location within the exclusive territory.

Michael said the incident occurred off the beach between Santa Barbara and St. Nicholas Rivers in Bayelsa.

He said the trawlers destroyed the fishing nets and other accessories of members of the association in broad daylight, adding that the attack had become so frequent.

Michael said that the local fishermen who used paddled canoes, nets and hooks, lacked the resources to get into the deep sea to compete with the trawlers.

He also complained that the encroachment of the trawlers was destructive because they caught all sizes of fishes including fingerlings in the reserved territory.

Michael told NAN that this had resulted in overfishing, wiping of generations of fishes and reduction in their catch.

He urged the Federal Government to take urgent action, saying “we want to make it absolutely clear that we do not go beyond six nautical miles off the shore.

“We believe there is a legislation restricting trawlers from coming close to the shoreline. Why then is this law always violated by these trawlers with impunity?

“Are the operators of these trawlers above the law of this country? We have been quite for a long time.

“Remaining quiet in the face of current economic realities means death and ending traditional fishing in this country hence our appeal and cry for help,” Michael added. (NAN)

NN/EMO/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

Association decries influx of sick beggars in Asaba market

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Market

By Abiodun Azi

Asaba, Oct. 16, 2016 (NAN) Chief Chigbogu Nwobodo, the Chairman, Ogbeogonogo Market Traders Association, Asaba, has decried the influx of sick beggars to the market and appealed to the State Government to curb the menace.

Nwobodo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on Sunday that the presence of the beggars in the market constituted an eye saw and health hazard to traders and buyers.

He said that it was improper for sick persons to be allowed to troop into public places, especially markets, adding that the practice has become common but had serious health implications.

The chairman said the association was handicapped to salvage the situation because any move to drive them could be interpreted to be wickedness on the part of the traders.

“Even in hospitals, some sick persons are kept in separate wards because of the nature of their ailments.

“The essence of quarantining some patients is to ensure the disease is not transferred to other people.

“Here in Ogbeogonogo market, people with all kinds of health challenges roam about, begging for alms.

“This is very dangerous for traders and even those that come to buy things, including the house helps of top government officials.

“People can easily contract diseases here now if nothing urgent is done. Government should device a means to salvage this situation.

“Times are hard but the relations of these beggars should also help the society by assisting them out of public places,” he urged. (NAN)
AGE/ EMO/MST

Edited by Ejike Obeta/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Hard drugs in pregnancy increases risk of birth defect – Expert

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Drugs
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Oct. 16, 2016 (NAN) Dr Olusola Epharaim-Oluwanuga, a Chief Consultant Psychiatrist with the National Hospital, Abuja, says intake of hard drugs and alcohol by pregnant women increases the risk of  birth defect.

Oluwanuga told this the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday that such drugs could affect the physiological development of the foetus.

She said that hard drugs such as cocaine and alcohol are sedative substances which are considered strong and are likely to pose risks to foetuses and nursing infants.

Oluwanuga added that expectant mother who indulge in drugs were often prone to miscarriages as well as deliver babies with low birth weight, due to drug effect and poor self-care.

“Mothers who take drugs during pregnancy could also give birth to children with foetal alcohol syndrome.

“Other drugs such as crack and heroin causes placental barrier, resulting in addicted babies going through withdrawal soon after birth.

“The expectant mother can develop liver problem, respiratory impairment and memory difficulties while the baby could be born drunk, with defects or die of complication,’’ she said.

Oluwanuga said that the child could also be born with a defective brain which may not be dictated by X-ray and could cause soft damage to the brain.

According to her, it is scientifically proven that a child born into a family of drug addicts could become addicted to drugs due to generic component.

“Some studies have shown that when a child is taken away from parents who are addicts, the child can still become an addict, hence not environmental but genetic,” she said.

She noted that children born drunk could convulse as a result of heavy drinking in the womb and their brain prone to stress.

The expert said that resuscitation could be needed and vitamin supplement administered to the infants immediately after delivery.

Besides, special nutrition must be given to the child as most of such babies are malnourished from the womb, she said.

Oluwanuga advised addicted mothers to seek counselling and get treatment through detoxification and rehabilitation from a psychiatrist for about two months before considering conception. (NAN)
TIM/ENN/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

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Prosecution

By Abiodun Azi

Asaba, Oct. 16, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Asaba has said that it prosecuted 42 traffic offenders and secured the conviction of one.

The Sector Commander, Mr Rindom kumven, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on Saturday that the offenders were charged with 115 traffic offences.

Kumven said that one was convicted for dangerous driving and assault on a road marshal on duty.

The sector commander said that Mrs Victoria Ghomoria. Magistrate presided over the Mobile Court which tried the offenders.

He said it was disheartening that despite FRSC’s vigorous campaigns against violation of road traffic rules, motorists in the state had continued to disobey the laws.

“All we are doing is just to safeguard the lives of road users but some people have decided to throw caution to the wind.

“Traffic offenders are apprehended on a daily basis for one offence or the other. We advise that they should obey the rules to save their lives,” he said.

On installation of speed limit device, he said many commercials drivers had yet to comply with the directive, advising such road users to install the device in their own interest. (NAN)

AGE/EMO/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

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Inauguration
By Mike Mbonye
Kimberly (South Africa),Oct. 16, 2016 (NAN) The President of Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, has urged Nigerians resident in that country to be good ambassadors by respecting the law.

Anyene made the call at the inauguration of new executives of the union at Kimberly, Northern Cape Province of South Africa.

He also said the union was determined to ensure that the interest and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa were protected.

Anyene urged the new executive of Northern Cape Province to carry all members along in their activities.

“ I urge you to respect the laws of your host government, resist the temptation of engaging in acts capable of tarnishing the image of our country and be good ambassadors,” he said.

Nigeria`s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, charged the new executive to be magnanimous in victory.

She called on Nigerians to work with the union to uphold its integrity and welfare of members.
Mr Chris Anyamele, the Chairman of the union in the province, said that integrity would be the hallmark of the new leadership.

“ The new executive will uphold integrity in all our endeavours. We will also maintain good relationship with our host country,” he said.

Anyamele also commended the South African government for giving jobs to Nigerian professionals in the country. (NAN)
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(Edited and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)

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Campaign
By Mike Mbonye
Kimberly (South Africa), Oct. 16, 2016 (NAN) Nigeria`s Consul General in South Africa, Amb, Uche Ajuku-Okeke, has commended members of the Nigeria Union for launching a campaign against drugs and prostitution in that country.

Ajulu-Okeke, who was represented by Mr Ibrahim Nayaya, the Counsellor in charge of Information and Culture, gave the commendation at Kimberly, Northern Cape Province of South Africa, at the launch of the campaign.

She said many Nigerians were doing well in South Africa while a few were on the streets struggling to survive.

Ajulu-Okeke said that the consulate has a responsibility to cater for the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.

“ I am most delighted that the union has taken action by launching this campaign against prostitution and drugs which will help eliminate social vices among our citizens,” she said.

The President of the union, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, said that it was disheartening that drug abuse and prostitution were no longer challenges involving adults.

“ It is pathetic to watch children in school uniforms smoking, sniffing and selling narcotics and then indulging in prostitution,” he said.

Anyene said that the union would raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse, prostitution and human trafficking through rallies in all chapters in South Africa.

He stated that the union would work with various rehabilitation centres in the country to assist victims.

The Northern Cape Commissioner of Police, Lt.-Gen Shivuri Risimati, said the campaign would assist in minimising drug abuse and prostitution in the country.

He said the police were happy with the move made by the union and gave an assurance that the force would support the campaign.

Mrs Cherlyn  Tshabangu, the Director of Asilweni Cleaning Streets, a non-governmental organisation, said South Africa has the highest number of people trafficked as slaves from other African countries.

She also said that there was need to stop young people from abusing drugs and enagaging  in prostitution. (NAN)
MEMO/OJO
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(Edited and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)

Last number for Saturday Oct.15, 2016

H- 78

S- 8

F10

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Moses

By Victor Okoye

Abuja, Oct. 15, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Nigeria’s Victor Moses scored the third goal for Chelsea as the former Premiership champions handed a 3-0 defeat to their successors, Leicester City on Saturday.

In the match played at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea got two goals in the first half through Diego Costa and Eden Hazard. The loss was the fourth for the new champions, this season.

In another encounter, Arsenal defeated Swansea City 3-2 to joined Manchester City at the top of the League table with 19 points apiece, after leaders, City, ended their match 1-1 with Everton.

Arsenal introduced Swansea’s new manager, Bob Bradley, the first American to take charge of a top-flight English side, to the harsh realities of Premier League as Arsene Wenger’s men won sixth consecutive league matches.
Walcott struck twice in the space of seven minutes in the first half and almost got a hat-trick, while Mesut Ozil also scored on his 28th birthday.

The draw at the Etihad Stadium ended City’s 100 per cent home record win this season, but the team remained leaders of the league on goal difference.

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, saw his side’s perfect record disappear after Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero had poor penalties saved by Maarten Stekelenburg in a game the leaders dominated.

City have now missed four of their eight penalties this season. Romelu Lukaku made them pay in between the missed-spot kicks with his sixth goal of the season for Everton before Nolito headed the equalizer.

Tottenham Hotspur, who had started the day in second place, missed a chance to go top, needing an 89th-minute goal from Dele Alli to rescue a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion.
This result ensured that they protected their record as the only unbeaten side in the league.
Tottenham were dominant at the Hawthorns but looked set to lose when their former player, Nacer Chadli, put West Brom ahead in the 82nd minute.
England international Alli, however, ensured Spurs remained unbeaten after the opening eight league matches of the season for the first time since 1990.

They are now one point behind City and Arsenal in third place but Liverpool, who are two points further back, can leapfrog them with a win over Manchester United on Monday.

The battle of the bottom two sides saw Stoke City leave Sunderland stranded at the foot of the table with a 2-0 victory, thanks to the in-form Joe Allen, who struck twice in the first half.

The performance of the day came from Bournemouth, who enjoyed their biggest Premier League win with a 6-1 thrashing of struggling Hull City. (Reuters/NAN)

VO/OPI/OPI

Edited by Olisa Ifeajika

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Festival

By Dorcas Jonah

Abuja, Oct. 15, 2016 (NAN) The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army on Saturday  emerged champions of the 2016 Nigerian Army Sports Festival with 118 medals.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 1 Division, who were the defending champions, clinched  45 gold, 32 silver and 41 bronze medals, to beat the Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQG) to the second spot with 103 medals.

The 103 medals are made up of 32 gold, 31 silver and 40 bronze.

The 81 Division came third with a total of 94 medals comprising  31 gold, 26 silver and 37 bronze medals.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Minister of Defence, retired Brig-Gen Mansur Dan Ali, said the festival would provide more cohesion in the military.

“Sports and physical training are inseparable from the military because of the need for the personnel to be fit to be able to fight at all times.

“Maintaining good health and physical fitness is required by all to perform our daily task effectively, hence the need for more events like this.”

Dan Ali, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,  urged the military authorities to further improve on the standard of the games.

Earlier, the minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, said that the Nigerian Army would be good partners in progress in the development of sports in Nigeria.

He said that with the talents harvested during the festival, Nigeria would soon take its rightful place in the world of sports.

NAN  reports that  a renowned marathoner, Abbas Mohammed put off the festival torch at 5.30 p.m. to bring the week-long event to a close.

Activities to mark the closing ceremony included the  finals of the 100m, race as well as 4x100m and 4×400 combat relays for men and women. (NAN)

Edited by Halima Sheji/Yusuf Zango

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Defeat
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Oct. 15, 2016(NAN) Nasarawa United Football Club on Saturday qualified for the final of 2016 Federation Cup after defeating Enyimba International Football Club of Aba 1-0 in the semi-final of the competition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the  semi-final match was played at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Nasarawa boys secured the lone goal in the 30th minute of the match through a penalty kick taken by Seun Sogbesan.

The centre referee had given the team a penalty kick after Sogbesan was brought down by the Enyimba FC goalkeeper, Joel Afelokhai, in the 18-yard box.

Coach Kabiru Dogo of Nasarawa United FC told NAN that the victory was well deserved, saying that they had prepared for the victory.

“What do I say again than to thank God for the victory. We have a target from the beginning of the season that we want to play in a continental tournament.”

Dogo said that the team would be playing in the finals of the competition for the first timesince the creation of the state 20 years ago.

He was optimistic that the team would win the 2016 Federation Cup, adding that they have promised the governor that state would celebrate its 20th anniversary with the cup.

Nasarawa United are expected to play against Ifeanyi Uba FC in the finals (NAN)
TAA/YAZ

Edited by Yusuf Zango