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Germany earmarks 47.6m euros technical support to Nigeria

NAN-HE-19

Support

By Kingsley Okoye

Abuja, Oct 6,2016(NAN)The  German government says it has eamarked 47.6 million euros to support Nigeria for the 2016 technical cooperation, programmes and special project initiatives.

In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning stated that Mrs. Renate Von Boddien leader of German delegation, announced this at a meeting of Nigeria- Germany consultations on development cooperation.

The statement, signed by the Director of Information, Adedeji Ajibade, reported Boddien as saying that the decision by German government to provide support to Nigeria was designed to tackle the root causes of displacement.

It stated that the fund would also assist in the re-integration of refugees and the realisation of the One World – No Hunger – Green Innovation.

This, it added, would also strengthen the support of the Green Innovation Centre for the Agriculture and Food Sector.

It explained that 22.6 million euros of the fund was allocated for bilateral technical cooperation.

Boddien said that 19.9m euros would be channeled to special initiatives to tackle the root causes of displacement and reintegrating of refugees.

According to her,  six million euros will be dedicated to special initiatives for the“One-World-No Hunger Project“.

The statement reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to stay engaged in the priority areas of sustainable economic growth, Nigerian energy support programme and technical cooperation.

According it, the “Technical Cooperation (TC) is being implemented through the pro-poor growth and employment promotion in Nigeria programme .

The TC was commissioned by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and co-financed by the European Union.

The overall objectives of technical cooperation is to increase employment and income generation for micro, small and medium sized enterprises in Niger, Ogun and Plateau.

Other areas Germany is planning to also commit funds are the North –East humanitarian support for the plight of the internally displaced persons and the fight against Polio disease.

The statement  stated that the corporation would also provide support for technical,vocational education and training to provide innovative skills for the Nigerian Youth.

According to the statement, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, has commended  Germany for its support to Nigeria.

He told the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Schlag Heck, that Nigeria was working hard to diversify the economy through agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing and development of processing zones.

The minister urged German investors to invest in Nigeria and create jobs to ensure development, adding that government had provided enabling environment for investors in Nigeria.(NAN)

KC/IA

(Edited by Idris Abdulrahman)

NAN-HG-22

Malaria

By Aisha Ahmed

Getso(Kano State), Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) Kano State Government has approved over N48 million for the purchase of drugs and equipment to combat the current Malaria scourge in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Kabiru Getso, disclosed this on Thursday when he laid the foundation stone for the upgrading of Getso Primary Health Care Centre at Getso town.

The commissioner said that the state government was determined to improve health care delivery to the people.

He said the hospital was undergoing total renovation and upgrading, and that when completed, it would serve not only Getso community, but also the neighboring local government areas.

“A part from the renovation, training and purchase of sophisticated equipments for the health facilities, the government has also been committed to creating awareness on the importance of keeping the environment clean and healthy,” he said.

The Village Head of Getso, Alhaji Bello Ibrahim, thanked the state government for the project.(NAN)
AAA/AMY

Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-102
Container
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) Six people including three women, ‎who allegedly stole a 40-feet container laden with high density polythene valued at N21.5 million, were on Thursday brought before a Lagos Magistrates’ Court sitting at Igbosere on the island.

The accused are Iyabo Olaiya, 69; Ibrahim Musa, 35; Tunde Omowumi, 48; Muhammed Jazulin 30; Fatimoh Abdulkareem, 37; and Iyabo Azeez 48.

They are standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and receiving of stolen goods worth N21.5million.

The prosecutor, ASP Eshiet Eshiet told the court that the accused with others still at large conspired to commit the offences on Aug. 28 at TinCan Island Port in Apapa, Lagos.

According to him, the container is property of Geepee Industries Ltd at Sango-Ota in Ogun.

He alleged that the second accused with others at about 3.30 p.m. at Mile 2, also stole one Fiat truck with registration no. BDG 682 XK valued at N2 million belonging to Mr Rasak Ishola.

The offences contravened the provisions of Sections 285 (10), 326, 327 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The six pleaded innocence of the offences.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs Abimbola Komolafe, granted the second accused bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum, while the five others were granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

She said the sureties must be gainfully employed, one of who must be a blood relation of the acccused.

In addition, Komolafe said the sureties must present evidence of tax payment to the government as part of the bail condition and adjourned the case to Nov.1 for mention. (NAN)
UNS/DA
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Edited & controlled by Dele Akinsola

Gov Lalong’s commission of inquiry is an exercise in futility – PDP Chieftain

NAN-H-112

Probe

By Thompson Yamput

Pankshin (Plateau) Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN)  Chief Alexander Mwolwus, Plateau PDP Chieftain, on Thursday said the Commission of Inquiry set up by Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau to probe his predecessor amounted to an exercise in futility.

Lalaong had on Thursday inaugurated the commission set up about two months ago in Jos to probe the activities of former Gov. Jonah Jang administration from May 2007 – May 2015.

The six-man commission is being chaired by Justice Stephen Adah, with Alhaji Sani Yahaya as Secretary.

But Mwolwus, who was the former Special Adviser to Jang on Political Matters, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Pankshin that Jang, his commissioners and aides were not afraid of the commission.

“My worry is that the setting up of the commission in the first place was of no need for it is just a waste of public funds for such commissions had never in the history of Plateau yielded any result.

“The Public funds, which are supposed to be used to augment the education, health and construction of good roads for the citizens are going to be wasted on this commission. ’’

Mwolwus said: “If anyone thinks that somebody’s image is going to be dented by setting up and inaugurating that commission then he or she is making a big mistake.’’

According to the PDP chieftain, Nigeria and Plateau  have witnessed this kind  of inquiry but nothing has come out of them.

“Buhari, in 1983, tried it by throwing some politicians like late Solomon Lar and Jim Nwobodo in prison, but President Babangida later set them free; Dariye inquired into the activities of former military administrators and discarded it at the end.

“Even Jang himself, when he came on board as Governor of the state, inquired of Dariye’s activities, it went to court and matter was thrown out; so I don’t see any difference with what Lalong is doing now.’

“The report of this commission will also go to court and it will not survive there because it shall be strongly contested, ’’ he explained.

He said that he thought Lalong had come to unite the citizens of the state but the setting up of the commission would not help mattersbecause it would generate some tension and crises.

Responding, Alhaji Mohammed Nazif, the state Commissioner for Information, described Mwolwus’ claim as false and uncalled for as the commission was to help put the record straight and get some money back from looters.

Nazif said the government meant business and that it would complete the assignment before the end of Lalong’s tenure.

“I believe that it will yield good dividends for the state,’’ Nazif said (NAN)

TYC/IA

(Edited by Idris Abdulrahman)

U.S. is committed to Nigeria’s economic stability, growth, says envoy

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Commitment
Abuja, Oct.6, 2016  (NAN) United States  Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria,  David Young said on Thursday that America is committed and increasingly focused on the issues of economic stability and growth of Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the information Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja quotes Young as saying this at  Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce Conference on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Financing and Franchising in Abuja.

Young said U.S. had provided more than half a billion dollars in annual assistance to Nigeria in the areas of health and security.

He said that America was committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s goals for a prosperous economy is achieved.

“We recognise that our shared health and security goals depend on a prosperous economy,” he stated.

Young recalled that at the U.S. Africa Business Forum two weeks ago in New York, President Obama said  “Wherever I’ve gone, from Senegal to South Africa, Africans insist they don’t just want aid, they want trade.

“They want partners, not patrons. They want to do business, and grow business . . . and the U.S. is determined to be that partner, for the long term”.

He also recalled former Ambassador James Entwistle’s frequent reminders to Nigeria that “the relationship between the two countries is indeed a partnership.

“One in which the U.S does not do things for Nigeria, but with Nigeria”.

Young highlighted the U.S. support for Africa’s economic prosperity under President Obama, including renewal by Congress of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act for a decade.

“Other important steps taken by the U.S. launching  Trade Africa and Power Africa, creating the Doing Business in Africa campaign, and increasing commitments from the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

“Overseas Private Investment Corporation  and the Millennium Challenge Corporation,’’ he said.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the 2016 Nigerian-American SME Financial and Franchising Conference is a bilateral trade and investment advancement initiative organised in collaboration with the Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria. (NAN)

(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)

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Relocation
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a motion authorising the relocation of the Abakaliki Rice Mill Ltd to the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Rice Mill Industry.

The relocation debacle was ignited by the immediate past government in the state which made the operators to seek redress at the National Industrial Court.

The present administration on assumption of office in May 2015 approached the millers for an amicable resolution of the impasse and this resulted in the withdrawal of the matter from the court.

The assembly made the resolution while reviewing a letter from the state governor, requesting the purchase of a three-tone per hour UNIDO Rice Mill by the Abakaliki Rice Mill Ltd.

The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Francis Nwifuru, commended the governor for approaching it for the approval, noting that it was its constitutional right to do so.

“The rice millers who were the highest bidders in the bidding process are also suitable because they have been in the business of rice milling for long.

“They should, however, realise that to make the facility viable to meet government’s aim of selling it, they should relocate to the UNIDO Rice Mill Industry in Iboko, Izzi Local Government Area.

“The relocation will ensure that the facility functions optimally to meet the government aspirations of its sale and enhance rice production in the state,” he said.

Chief Chris Usulor (PDP-Ezza South) had remarked in his contribution that the sale would enhance rice production which the state was known for.

“The UNIDO Rice Mill Industry is a state-of –the art facility and will permanently end the rift between the government and Abakaliki Rice Mill Ltd,” he said.

Mr Chike Ogiji (PDP-Ikwo South) noted that the sale was thoughtful because the government has been known to be a poor manager of business enterprises.

“I urge my colleagues to support the motion as it is an important policy of government in its bid to meet the internal and external rice needs of the state and country,” he said.

The assembly also made a resolution, suggesting to the state government to re-name the international market in Abakaliki after the late Mrs Magareth Umahi, Gov. David Umahi’s late mother.

Mr Onu Nwonye (PDP-Ohaozara West) moved the motion and noted that it would be a befitting honour for the governor’s mother who died on Oct. 6, 2015.

“Today marks the one year remembrance of her death and naming such edifice after our mother general would be befitting for a woman who contributed to the development of the state,” he said.

The speaker urged the members to accept the proposal as the late woman contributed to the peace, growth and development of the state. (NAN)
RCO/MVO
(Edited by Mbadiwe Okwor)

NAN-H-101
Fraud
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned till Nov. 3 and Nov.4 the trial of Taiwo Malumi, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo South Senatorial District charged with N40 million fraud just as both parties are opting for out-of-court settlement.

Malumi was arraigned on Aug. 10 by the Police Special Fraud Unit on a charge of fraudulently obtaining a sum of N40 million from Mr Nick Shaiyen, the Managing Director of Whitehall Management Ltd.

The defendant was said to have obtained the money on the pretext of selling a property at Unit B9, situated at Funtai Court, 3, Ruxton St., Ikoyi, to the plaintiff.

Malumi claimed that the property was free from “encumbrances”.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, Mr Ekong Sunday, contravenes the provisions of Section 1(1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act, 2016.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail by the court.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, the prosecutor, Mr Effiong Asuquo, who took over from the former prosecutor, informed the court that both parties were exploring out-of-court settlement.

He urged the court to fix a trial date if the parties failed to reach a settlement.

Similarly, Counsel to the accused, Mr A. Salami, urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable the defendant to give a substantial amount of money to the complainant.

Consequently, Justice AbdulAziz Anka, upheld the prosecution’s submission and adjourned the case to  Nov. 3 and Nov.4 for further hearing. (NAN)
UNS/MO/DA
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Controlled by Dele Akinsola & edited by Morayo Omolade

NAN-H-106
Scholarship
Asaba, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture awarded scholarship worth N6.5 billion to 15,356 young Nigerians between 2009 and 2015, Mr Deji Haastrup, Chevron General Manager, Public Affairs, has said.

Haastrup made the disclosure on Thursday in Asaba at the 11^th edition of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture National Art competition for children.

He said that the joint venture expended about N180 million for various scholarship awards to 2,406 beneficiaries in 2015.

He said that N250 million was also given to Regional Development Committees (RDCs); which signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NNPC/Chevron joint venture for scholarship scheme administered by the RDCs.

“Similarly, more than 14,000 students have benefited from the Agbami medical and engineering scholarship scheme funded by Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited, a chevron company and its co-venture in the Agbami field.

“These co-ventures have also donated laboratory complexes and hybrid libraries to various schools in the country.

“Between 2010 and 2016, 27 laboratories and 13 hybrids libraries were donated to benefiting institutions in 26 states including Delta, ‘’ he said.

Haastrup said that the National Art competition for children was an enduring investment in education and the contribution of the company to the growth and sustenance of creative art in Nigeria.

“It is an investment aimed at improving the lives of our young stars now and in future, even as we continue to inculcate in them the virtue of healthy competition.

“In this regard, we have themed this year’s edition “Waste to Wealth’’ in order to stimulate the creative and problem solving goldmine in our kid-artists,’’ he said.

The general manager commended the adjudication panel that carefully considered the several entries to pick the final winners.

He also commended the winners of the competition who were selected from both junior and senior secondary schools across the country.

Haastrup commended the teachers and parents of the winners for their contributions to the successes of the students.

In his remarks, deputy governor of Delta, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, said that any government that wished to build any nation must concentrate on its youths.

“The youths constitute the leaders of tomorrow.

“A society that does not plan for its students and youths should be prepared to reap the negative effects of its failure to plan,’’ he said.

Edith Atakere of Landmark University Secondary School, Omu-aran in Kwara, emerged winner in the junior category.

Anita Azika of Charles Dale Memorial International School, Port Harcourt in Rivers emerged the winner in the senior category. (NAN)

MOA/MO/AEA
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Edited by Morayo Omolade and Controlled by Archibong Asuquo

NAN-H-103
Lagos, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) The Police high command has warned troublemakers planning rigging or violence to stay away from Saturday’s Local Governments Election in Ogun or face the wrath of security agents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abdul-Majid Ali, Zone 2 Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), comprising Lagos and Ogun, gave the warning in Abeokuta on Thursday.
“The command is aware, through intelligence reports, of plans by some political parties to disorganise the elections.
“I advise political parties to put their houses in order, and their supporters in check; police won’t fold their arms and allow things to go wrong.
“Police and other security agencies will deal decisively with anyone caught,” the AIG told party chieftains, security agents and election officials in Abeokuta ahead of the Oct. 8 council polls.
He noted that Ogun was known as a peaceful state in the South-West Zone and warned against any form of violence.
He admonished police officers to ensure they put on their best attitude during the elections.
“Security will be tight, there will be restriction of movements, more mobile police officers will be deployed before the date and military officers will be on ground for continuous patrol.
“We are taking this election seriously,’’ the AIG said.
He urged the parties to be united to ensure a free and fair election.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Police in Ogun, Mr Ahmed Iliyasu, said the police would support the state electoral body in ensuring safe distribution of voting materials.
“Police and other security agencies will be neutral and very decisive,” the police commissioner said. (NAN)
NOD/WOJ
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(Edited and controlled by Wale Ojetimi)

Police arraign 2 informants of cattle rustlers’ in Katsina
NAN-H-96
Rustlers

By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) The police on Thursday arraigned Lawal Ibrahim and Yahuza Suleiman in a Katsina Senior Magistrates’ Court. for being informants to cattle rustlers.

Ibrahim, 35, and Suleiman, 25, of Fafara village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, were charged with giving information to cattle rustlers

Prosecutor Kabir Mohammed told the court that investigation was still being carried out on the case.

The First Information Report (FIR) said the accused persons were arrested by the joint patrol team of the military, police and vigilante group.

The FIR described the accused persons as “notorious thieves who collaborate with cattle rustlers in Dunbun Forest of Zamfara.

It stated that the accused persons furnish cattle rustlers with information on the location of cattle and assist the rustlers in selling such rustled animals.

The offence, it stated, contravened sections 306 and 317 of the Penal Code.

The Magistrate, Hajiya Fadila Dikko, said that the suspects were arraigned for cognizance.

Dikko remanded them in prison until when the legal advice on the case would be submitted by the state Ministry of Justice.

Dikko adjourned the case till Nov. 17, for mention. (NAN)
ZI/OFN