Blog

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Reading
By Emmanuel Acha
Enugu, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Coal City Literary Forum has commenced the establishment of reading clubs in public and private secondary schools in Enugu State to promote reading.

Inaugurating the club at the Queen’s School, Enugu on Friday, the President of the forum, Mrs Adaobi Nwoye, said the aim was also to sharpen the writing skills of the students.

Nwoye expressed dismay that modern technology like the social media had negatively impacted on children’s reading habit.

She said that the development had reduced the interest in literature among students even in tertiary institutions.

The president encouraged the students to engage in reading to enable them to improve on their vocabulary.

Nwoye said that the forum was targeting about 50 schools before the Christmas vacation, adding that it would conduct essay and short story competitions for the schools.

She also presented some literature books by authors like Anezi Okoro, Chimamanda Adichie, Chukwuemeka Ike, Chinemerem Anyi and her own literary works.

Receiving the books, the Principal of the school, Mrs Ezigbo Nzeakor, thanked the forum for the initiative to promote reading in schools.

Nzeakor pledged to support and encourage the children to be literary conscious to reduce social vices in the society.

The President of the reading club in the school, Miss Comfort Anugwo, described the programme as one of the best things that happened to the students.

Anugwo, who is in SS2, said that the introduction of the club would boost their writing skills and promised to carry other students along.

The event featured reading sessions with members of the forum comprising writers and journalists and presentation of books to students who performed well during a quiz session.

The group had earlier inaugurated a similar club at the Command Day Secondary School, Enugu. (NAN)
EOA/MNA/MVO
(Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Mbadiwe Okwor)

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Volleyball
Abuja, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) The male volleyball team of the Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQ) on Friday in Abuja clinched the bronze medal of the event at the ongoing Nigerian Army Sports Festival.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the game played at the Package B, National Stadium, saw AHQ defeat their 82 Div., Enugu counterparts 3-1 at the end of a pulsating encounter.

AHQ came into the game with seven points, having won two, sharing one and losing one match in the round robin stages, while their opponents had yet to win a match.

Therefore, anything short of a win would have jeopardised AHQ’s chances of a podium finish as 1 Div., Kaduna on 6 points still had a game to play.

Thus, AHQ knew what was at stake and started the game on the front foot, taking the first set 25-17.

They, however, lost steam in the second stanza and surrendered the set to a rejuvenated 82 Div. side 13-25, for a 1-1 score line.

AHQ nevertheless, came out strong in the third and fourth set as the team’s setter, Mohammed Mohammed combined very well with the outside hitter and captain, Aliyu Abu whose barrage of strikes were effective.

They thus, took the last two sets 25-23, 25-14 to clinch a well deserved bronze medal.

“We are very happy to have finished third. It wasn’t an easy feat as my boys were under pressure right from the beginning of the game.

“We also underrated the ability of our opponents and paid dearly for it in the second set.

“But I spoke to my players after the first two sets to be calm and enjoy the game.

“I was glad they played to my instructions and that was key to our victory,’’ Coach Zulu Kana said.

In another game played earlier on Friday, 2 Div., Ibadan, walked over 3 Div., Jos, to settle for the silver medal after winning four and losing only one match to finish on 12 points.

81 Div., Lagos having won all four matches so far and amassed 12 points will take on 1 Div., Kaduna with six points for the gold medal.

NAN reports that the sports festival which kicked off on Oct. 8 will end on Oct. 15. (NAN)
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(Edited by Peter Ejiofor)

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Reading

By Olayinka Olawale

Lagos, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) In a bid to resuscitate reading culture among young Nigerians, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is to distribute books in primary and secondary schools in the country.

The National President of ANA, Mr Denja Abdulahi, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos, said the books would be sourced from authors.

He said the distribution of books would be one of the association’s core programmes in 2017, commencing in the first quarter.

Abdullahi said the programme was part of the responsibilities of the association to create a reading culture among students.

The ANA chief said the association had also established literary clubs in schools to encourage youths to read and promote a reading society.

He said that such a society would impact positively on making the younger to appreciate Nigerian history and the nation’s developmental strides.

“As we speak, we have a project called teen authorship, where we gather mentors to train young children on how to read, compete and become writers.

“These efforts are geared toward projecting the reading culture and cultivating writing habits among our school population.

“The end result is to produce new writers that will succeed aging generation of authors in the country.’’

Abdulahi said the association had called for entries for the mentorship programmes from members.

He said the entries, which must contain historic articles on values; culture and gender issues were being collated.

“Any entry that fits into the category will be selected and the good ones will be published in the first quarter of 2017,” he stated. (NAN)

OOG/AIB/SN

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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Silas Nwoha

South Africa’s Gordhan dismisses fraud charge as “frivolous”

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Charges
Cape Town, Oct. 14, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) South African Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, on Friday dismissed fraud charges levelled against him and described it as “frivolous”.

Gordhan said that he would carry on with his job, including delivering an interim budget at the end of the month.

He also said the economy was bottoming out and had every chance of expanding by more than 1 per cent in 2017.

“The fraud charges have fueled suspicions of a political plot to oust Gordhan, a highly respected finance minister who defied allies of President Jacob Zuma in their quest for lucrative state contracts,’’ analysts said.

Gordhan described the charges as “political mischief”.

He said he would continue his work in trying to convince ratings agencies not to downgrade South Africa to sub-investment grade at the beginning of December.

The charges caused fresh turmoil in South Africa’s financial markets this week, sending the rand more than 3 per cent lower on Tuesday.

However, the currency recovered some of those losses the next day when the state prosecutor said he might be open to reviewing the charges if asked.

Gordhan said his lawyers would be issuing a statement in that regard later on Friday.

Despite the charges, Zuma has continued to express his support for Gordhan. (Reuters/NAN)
OYE/AMY

Edited by Damilola Oyewole and Abdullahi Yusuf

Loss-making Kenya Airways shares rise

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Kenya-Air

Nairobi, Oct. 14, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Shares in loss-making Kenya Airways climbed as much as 3 per cent on Friday, with analysts citing reports that the Chief Executive, Mbuvi Ngunze, and Chairman, Dennis Awori, might be replaced soon.

There is a key demand of pilots who have threatened strike action.

Reports said that Ngunze and Awori would exit by the end of the month.

“They are laying out plans to replace the senior management and that includes the CEO, this is based on reports that I am reading,” Daniel Kuyoh, analyst at Alpha Africa Asset Managers said. (Reuters/NAN)
OYE/AMY

Edited by Damilola Oyewole and Abdullahi Yusuf

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Yam
By Teniola Ibitola
Lagos, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) A 28-year-old man, Olayinka Yusuf, who allegedly stole 100 tubers of yam at broad daylight at the popular Oyingbo market in Ebute Meta, Lagos Mainland, was on Friday hauled up before a magistrate.

The accused is arraigned before the Magistrate, Mrs A.O. Ajibade, a charge of stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty and was admitted to a bail of N30,000 with one surety in like sum.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Silas said that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 13 at about 7.10 a.m. at Oyingbo market.

“The accused was asked to wheel the tubers of yam to a spot nearby but absconded with them.”

The offences contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section prescribes three years jail term for offenders.

The case was adjourned to Nov. 1 for mention. (NAN)
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Edited by Dele Akinsola

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Rape
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCD), Sabongari Division, has arrested  Emmanuel Francis, 21, of Dan-Raka Estate, Samaru, for allegedly raping a three year old girl (names withheld).

Parading the suspect before newsmen in Zaria on Friday, the Divisional Officer, SP Ahmed Musa said the case was reported to the division by one of its staff, Kamal Aliyu.

“I received a phone call at about 3p.m. on Thursday from one of our staff, Kamal Aliyu, who lived in the same compound with the accused and the parents of victim.

“I immediately mobilised our men to the scene.

“When they arrived at the house, they discovered that people had nearly lynched the accused, if not for Aliyu, who locked him up in his room after persuading the crowd,” he said.

Musa said the girl had been taken to Major Ibrahim Abdullahi Memorial General Hospital for medical examination to ascertain the fact and level of penetration.

He said the case would be charged to court after investigation.

The accused, who admitted to have canal knowledge of the little girl, said he committed the offence under satanic influence.

He appealed to those thinking of indulging in similar act to change their minds.

The mother of the girl, (names withheld) said:

“We reside in the same compound with Emmanuel and my children used to call him Uncle Emmanuel.

“I was preparing to proceed to Islamiyya School only to find out that the girl was not around.

“I knew she used to go to his room to play with his younger sister because they stay together.

“When I went into the room, I saw Emmanuel on top of my daughter releasing semen.

“There and then I shouted; people who gathered wanted to lynch him but a security man saved his life,” she said. (NAN)
KLM/YMU/AEA
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Edited by Archibong Asuquo

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Rugby
Cape Town, Oct. 14, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) South African rugby is “rotten from the bottom up and top down’’ according to Joel Stransky, whose drop goal sealed their greatest triumph when they won the 1995 World Cup on home soil.

That emotional extra-time victory over the All Blacks in front of Nelson Mandela, and another World Cup triumph in 2007, underlined South Africa’s re-emergence as one of the sport’s superpowers.

But those heady days are starting to acquire a sepia tinge in the wake of their recent woes.

Stransky added that the sport would need radical reform if the current slump is to be reversed.

Last year they lost at home to Argentina and Ireland for the first time, to Japan at the World Cup and followed up with defeat to the Pumas this August during a ragged Rugby Championship.

Things reached their nadir last Saturday with the humiliating record 57-15 capitulation to New Zealand in Durban.

With their next fixture coming against a resurgent England at Twickenham in November, South African rugby has to face up to some painful questions.

Coach Allister Coetzee, whose four wins from nine games in charge gives him the second-worst win percentage after the dark days of Carel du Plessis in 1997.

Coetzee was quick to blame the country’s domestic system as he tried to explain the crushing defeat and Stransky agrees.

“You cannot look at 2016 in isolation; it is a problem that has been coming for some time.

“And you need to look at the game holistically from grassroots level to the top,’’ Stransky, now a respected pundit and businessman, told Reuters.

“The kids coming out of school do not have the same skill-set as in other countries, or are as well coached.

The education system plays a major role in that. (Reuters/NAN)
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)

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Planning
By Modupe Seriboh
Ibadan, Oct, 14, 2016 (NAN) A non-governmental organisation, Advocacy Network of Nigeria (ANN), on Friday said that environmental degradation and social vices could be controlled through family planning.

The Head of ANN, Alhaji Salauddeen Buhari, gave the assurance at a one-day workshop organised by the organisation for media professionals in Ibadan on family planning awareness in Oyo State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ANN organised the workshop in conjunction with Pathfinder International Nigeria.

Buhari said that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would be achievable only if family planning would be embraced, considering many social problems facing the world.

He urged media professionals to key into the family planning concept and ensure that it would become a norm among the people.

“The main issue here is to deal with myths and misconceptions about family planning; for us at ANN, family planning is all encompassing.

‘’This is why we want you to share our aspiration to ensure that family planning becomes a norm.

“We are in the era of change; SDGs are achievable through family planning,’’ he said.

The Programme Officer of the Pathfinder International, Dr Adenike Jagun, said that the workshop was organised to sensitise the public to family planning.

She said that the workshop was to discuss the role of family planning in reducing maternal and infant mortality as well to enhance development of a productive society.

NAN reports that no fewer than 35 journalists from various media houses in the state attended the workshop.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted on Sept. 25, 2015 are: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, quality education, clean water and sanitation affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production; climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice and strong institutions and partnerships for the goals. (NAN)

MAM/HS/IGO

(Editing by Halima Sheji/Ijeoma Popoola)

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Golf
Watford (England), Oct. 14, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Former world number one Lee Westwood brushed off wintry conditions and a woeful run of form to boost his hopes of securing a 24th European Tour victory at the British Masters on Thursday.

The 43-year-old reeled off five birdies in a dynamic eight-hole run on the back nine to move within one stroke of the first-round leaders.

His effort brought him close to Richard Sterne of South Africa, fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, Finn Mikko Ilonen and Marc Warren of Scotland.

“I played really well today,’’ Westwood told reporters after posting a four-under-par 67 at The Grove course on the outskirts of London.

“Billy (Foster) was saying it’s the best he’s seen me play in quite some time,’’ he said, referring to his long-term caddie.

“The ball is not flying that far because it’s heavy and wet and chilly. I hit a lot of fairways and my iron shots were pretty adjacent most of the day.’’

Westwood has missed his last two cuts and also performed poorly at the Ryder Cup earlier this month.

He failed to pick up a point from his three matches as Europe were beaten 17-11 by the U.S. in Minnesota.

“I think the attitude was good today,’’ said the veteran campaigner who had two spells at the top of the world rankings in 2010 and 2011.

“The driving’s not been great but I drove it really well today, didn’t miss a fairway, and gave myself a lot of chances for birdie.’’ (Reuters/NAN)
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)