Blog

Recession: Association urges private school proprietors not to hike fees.

NAN-H-42

Schools

Akwanga (Nasarawa), Oct 14, 2016 (NAN) Dr. Sali Nkem-Aduku, National President of the Association of Private Schools Proprietors has appealed to his members against an increase of school fees at this period of economic recession.

Nkem-Aduku stated this at the 2016 celebration of the association in Akwanga on Friday

Represented by Harrison Eze, Nasarawa State Assistant Secretary-General of the association, Nkem-Aduku urged the proprietors to look inward for other sources of revenue to keep their businesses afloat.

“We should try to be innovative and prudent in the management of our schools to ensure we charge parents affordable school fees that will not be a burden to them despite recession,” he said

He advised against increase in school fees, stressing that it would attract withdrawal of children from schools.

According to him, “we should not use the present economic predicament as an excuse to deny children of less privileged quality education”.

He assured that proprietors of private schools wuold continue to do their best in imparting sound education and good moral values in young minds.

The national president, however, urged government at all levels to consider them as partners in nation building.

The Chief Inspector of Education, Akwanga Local Government Area, Alhaji Dauda Mohammed, urged owners of the schools to register their institutions with relevant authorities.

He stressed the importance of private institutions in providing both sound academic knowledge to students and  creating job opportunities for the teaming youths in the state.

Muhammad also lamented that some proprietors had refused to comply with laid down rules and regulations of the state Ministry of Education

He said that the area office was saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and supervising schools and would not relent in exercising its core mandate to any ailing schools.(NAN)

BAB/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Ebonyi Govt. distributes N8m relief materials to natural disaster victims

NAN-AE-1
Relief
Abakaliki, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Ebonyi said on Friday that relief materials worth eight million naira had been distributed to victims of natural disaster in the state.

Mr Ken Ozioma, Executive Secretary SEMA, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.

He said the agency had embarked on a sensitisation and advocacy visit to local government areas, with the aim of raising awareness at the grassroots.

He also noted that Gov. David Umahi had approved N8.8m to assist Ochiiyiamu community and Internally Displaced Persons in the state.

NAN reports that they were displaced as a result of communal crisis between the community and Cross River State.

“Gov. Umahi made another approval of N8.8 million to reduce distress and support victims, who suffered communal crisis over land disputes.

“We had earmarked on sensitisation and advocacy visits to educate the people at the grassroots, to explore measures and strategies in reducing disaster from bush burning.

“We also advised our people to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse on waterways to prevent flooding in flood prone areas,” Ozioma said.

He said major flood prone areas include Izzi, Onicha , Afikpo North, Ikwo, Ebonyi and Abakaliki Local Government Areas were informed. (NAN)
UVU/TO/AFA
Edited by Tola Okinbaloye/Felix Ajide
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Senate Committee on NAF to push for passage of AFIT Bill

NAN-H-29

Oversight

By Mohammad Tijjani

Kaduna, Oct 14, 2016 (NAN) The Senate Committee on Nigerian Air force (NAF), said it would push for the passage of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Bill currently before the Senate.

The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Doro Faseyi gave the assurance during an oversight tour of the Nigeria Air Force Training Command in Kaduna.

Faseyi said the committee would work with other senators to pass the bill, which is presently at the committee level.

He assured that the bill would be laid before the Senate before the end of the month for third reading.

On the visit, the chairman said it was to enable the senate measure the actual performance of government agencies during the year.

“It is to measure the level of actual performance and compliance to what is has been appropriated.

“Besides, it encourage and stimulate the culture of self- reliance and judicious use of available resources, especially now that the country is going through trying times as a result of economic recession.”

He pledged that the National Assembly would continue to accord priority to the Nigeria Air Force in view of its strategic national importance.

“The training command is the arm of the NAF chiefly responsible for implementing training policies, ground training and support services to its technical personnel.”

Faseyi noted that growing level of insurgency locally and internationally, has made continuous training and capacity building of personnel very necessary.

He said such training would raise their motivation, professionalism, competence, efficiency and combat readiness.

The chairman said that the committee was generally satisfied with the performance of the NAF under the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, who had turned around the service to global standard.

“We commend the gallant efforts of NAF personnel in effectively routing the insurgents and terrorists in the dreaded Sambisa forest, “Faseyi said

NAN report that other members of the committee on the tour include Sen. Bala Ibn NaAllah and Sen. Jonah Jang among others.(NAN)

TJ/MZA

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

NAN-HE-

Pension

By Abdullahi Shugaba

Dutse, Oct 14 2016 (NAN) The Jigawa Government has paid the sum of N665.8 million to 462 workers who retired from service in September as their gratuity.

The Executive Secretary of the State and Local Government Contributory Pension Board, Alhaji Adamu Suleiman, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Friday.

Adamu explained that 378 of the figure that reached the mandatory retirement period collected N548 million while 68 people that died in active service but did not reach the mandatory period got the sum of NIO7.5 million.

He further stated that 15 persons that died but reached the mandatory period of retirement got N9.5 million and one person who served and did not reach the the retirement period, got N37,198 as their gratuity.

Adamu said that the board had issued cheques to all the  beneficiaries, adding that the state contributory Pension Board did not waste time in paying all retired civil servants their benefits.

Adamu said the organisation was one of the best in the country in terms of effectiveness and efficiency.

He commended the state governor for his concern for the welfare of civil servants through prompt payment of their salaries, gratuity and pension immediately after retirement (NAN)

AIS/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

NAN-H-41
NDDC
By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has warned the public to ignore forms for enrolment for agriculture empowerment programme purportedly being circulated by the commission.

Mrs Ibim Semenitari, the acting Managing Director of the commission, gave the warning on Friday in Port Harcourt in a statement issued by Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, the commission’s Head of Corporate Affairs.

She said that the fictitious form, currently being circulated by some unknown persons, urged residents to enrol for a non-existent empowerment programme in agriculture.

Semenitari said the commission’s Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries was not privy to the issuance of the forms, describing the development as `a scam.’

“I wish to inform the public that the commission did not authorise anybody to embark on solicitation for prospective beneficiaries of the imaginary empowerment programme.

“Similarly, the commission did not permit or delegate any individual to solicit, recommend or collect money from the public in the name of empowerment.

“The commission frowns at this unfortunate development where the name of the acting Managing Director is used to defraud Nigerians,” the statement quoted Semenitari as saying.

The NDDC boss expressed regret that some dubious individuals had used her identity to exploit unemployed youths.

She said she that she had vigorously pursued several empowerment programmes since she assumed office. (NAN)

DES/MNA/AEA
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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Archibong Asuquo

1. Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, holds convocation ceremony.
2. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ondo State, Command, briefs newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on the arrest of suspected pipeline vandals.
3. Workshop on how to boost Internally Generated Revenue, organised for Adamawa local government council chairmen holds.
4. Organising committee handling the Jos International Trade Fair holds a news conference in Jos.
5. Taraba Tourism Development Corporation holds a news conference on revenue generation in Jalingo.
6. Synergos Nig.Ltd, an agricultural outfit, organises workshop in Lokoja for cassava farmers.
7. Abuja Electricity Distribution Company holds stakeholders’ meeting in Minna.
8. Niger Ministry of Agriculture distributes fingerlings to fish farmers.
9. High Level Women Advocate, an NGO, meets with Katsina State Government officials on ways to improve girl-child enrolment in schools.
10. A case of an 80-year-old man, son, grandson, accused of serially raping a 10-year-old orphan comes up before a Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna.
11. Enugu State Commissioner for Information addresses newsmen on the outcome of the state executive council meeting.
12. Garki Hospital, Abuja, organises free eye screening to celebrate World Sight Day.
13. The 16th Army Sports Festival continues in Abuja.
14. The CAF `C’ Licence Coaching Course continues at the National Stadium, Abuja.
15. FCT High Court continues hearing of defence in former Plateau governor, Joshua Dariye’s alleged diversion of N1.16 ecological fund.
16. Former Interior Minister Abba Moro’s trial on alleged recruitment scam continues at the Federal High Court.

Enugu unveils toll-free emergency call centres, to tackle crime

NAN-H-28

Call

By Emmanuel Acha

Enugu, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) Enugu State Government has rolled out a toll-free line for use by residents to expose corrupt public officers and any threat to peace in the state.

Dr Godwin Udeuhele, the Commissioner for Information, told newsmen on Friday in Enugu that the 117 line had been approved by the State Executive Council at its meeting on Thursday.

Udeuhele said that the 24-hour line to be accessed through MTN or Airtel, was for all emergency situations.

“The emergency call center is fully functional and the aim is to curb all manner of social ills in the state.

“If there is anything you noticed anywhere, you place a call to 117, it is free of charge and on for 24 hours. Somebody will be there to take your calls.

“If you observe extortion in any government office, you move away and place a call to the number. If it is to the governor they will channel it to him,” he said.

On alleged intimidation and extortion of motorists by the police, the commissioner urged those with valid evidence to report such through the call centers.

“If you are being extorted by the police you call this number and report to them and they will transmit it to the appropriate quarters.

“But you have to report accurately with the name of the police officer and his particulars as well as the location,” Udeuhele said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the emergency call center was reintroduced in the state in the wake of the incessant clashes between herdsmen and local communities.

The centers, located in the headquarters of the 17 local government areas of the state, have the main control station at the Government House. (NAN)

EOA/MNA/MZA

(Edited by Maureen Atuonwu and Controlled by Maharazu Ahmed)

Manufactured products without SON certification should not be purchased – official
NAN-HE-5
Certification
Jos, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) Mr Musa George, the State Coordinator, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Jos, has advised the general public to stop purchasing manufactured products without SON certification.

He said that such products might be in the market illegally and could be detrimental to them since they had not met the requirements for quality and safety.

He gave the advice during the presentation of SON Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certification to seven companies whose products passed the monitoring process and conformed to Nigerian Industrial Standards.

The state coordinator said that every product that had met the requirements of the Nigerian Industrial Standards was safe and certified with either a MANCAP or a NIS (Nigerian Mark of Quality) sign.

He also said that certified manufactured products imported into the country would carry the SONCAP logo on them.

He decried the alarming rate at which Nigeria was being used as a dump site for substandard goods from other countries and stressed that the development was detrimental to the public.

According to him, the aim of the organisation is to ensure that all manufactured products complied with NIS requirements before their introduction to the market.

The SON coordinator said that the action was to prevent dumping of unsafe and substandard products in the markets.

He said that this would also promote consumer confidence and global competitiveness of Nigerian goods and services.
George called on the awardees to ensure that they adhered to SON standard as their products could still be subjected to regular surveillance.

He warned them that the MANCAP certificates could be withdrawn if the products failed to conform to the minimum standard or if the company abused the rules on usage of the MANCAP logo. (NAN)
UBO/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-HG-3
Intervention
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Oct. 14, 2016 (NAN) A security expert, Mr Ona Ekhomu, has advised the Federal Government to provide psychological counselling for the just released 21 Chibok girls.

Ekhomu, the President, Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

Describing the release of the girls as a positive development, Ekhomu also called for urgent antenatal care for any one of them that was found pregnant.

He said, “These girls have been scared for life; it is hoped that they will resume their normal lives at some points in the future.

“These girls went to hell and the Federal Government and Borno State Government should protect them, provide treatment and care for them.”

Ekhomu advised the government not to expose the girls to undue publicity by parading them in the offices of politicians or traditional rulers.

“The girls must be allowed to spend quality time with their families in order to begin the healing process,” he said.

Ekhomu thanked the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaigners and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for their roles in ensuring the release of the girls.

He said that the relentless pursuit of the freedom of the Chibok girls embarked upon by BBOG showed that the public opinion still matter in the country.

The security expert urged the government to work hard on releasing other women, girls and boys still held captive by the Boko Haram.

Ekhomu, however, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping an important campaign promise of “bringing back the Chibok girls”. (NAN)
OEO/KOLE/GOK
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Olagoke Olatoye
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Surgeon wants govt. to drive organ donation, tissue harvest, preservation

NAN-HG-4

Organ

By Dianabasi Effiong

Calabar, Oct. 13, 2016 (NAN) Prof. Rowland Ndoma-Egba has called on the Federal Government to enact enabling laws that would promote, protect and drive organ donation, tissue harvest and preservation in Nigeria.

Ndoma-Egba, a former Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, made the appeal in Calabar.

The Consultant Surgeon, who delivered the 70^th University of Calabar Inaugural Lecture, also urged relevant authorities to encourage the establishment of liver and multi-organ transplantation services in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the expert spoke on “Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Tree-The Green Tree of life: Do We Have the Liver?”.

Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgery refers to a separate sub-specialty of general surgery involving the surgery on diseases of the liver, pancreas and bile.

Ndoma-Egba also called for the development of dedicated HPB units in all hospitals, especially teaching hospitals, “to train the critical human capital to practice this challenging field of surgery’’.

He also urged the Nigerian government to promote the training HPB manpower by establishing centres of excellence for what he called Minimal Access Surgery and Endoscopy.

Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person’s digestive tract using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it.

Besides, he advocated for the development of related fields of HPB such as international Radiology, Molecular Biology and Oncology (diagnosis and treatment of cancer).

He reiterated that medical services would thrive in Nigeria if government barred foreign medical travels and promote “our own version of medical tourism’’.

The expert also said that government should provide the means for free treatment of cancer, diabetic and tuberculosis patients and immunisation against hepatitis B and C for all vulnerable groups.

“There is no justification for National Health Insurance Scheme not to apply to all Nigerians or majority thereof,’’ Ndoma-Egba said. (NAN)

DOE/MST/MST

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Muhammad Suleiman Tola