Blog

NAN-H-27

Academy
By Christian Ogbonna
Yenagoa, Oct. 2, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Bayelsa has it would continue to clampdown on drivers using fake driver’s licence in the state.

The State Sector Commander, Mr Wobin Gora, stated this on Sunday during the graduation ceremony of 40 drivers from the Chelok Academy in Yenagoa.

Gora urged drivers to uphold the value of driving by complying with the rules and regulations of the Commission on safety on the roads.

“First, you must ensure that you obtain genuine driver’s licence and ensure that your vehicle is in order before you drive.

“And always avoid the five deadly “O” which include, overloading, obstruction, over-speeding, over-confidence and overtaking.’’

The sector commander urged drivers to desist from obtaining fake licence from touts ans fake agents.

“If you are arrested with fake licence, you will not go unpunished. I therefore urge you to go to any of the FRSC’s office across the country for a genuine licence.

“You must encourage standard of driving as you have undergone this training; driving is a serious business and also like a classroom, where you learn every day.

“Be a good ambassador of this academy and always make good use of what you have been thought to ensure safer road for the citizenry,” Gora said.

Proprietress  of the academy, Miss Kenechukwu Onyekachi, commended the FRSC for ensuring that the academy was functional in the state.

Onyekachi said that her academy was among the six driving schools in Bayelsa accredited by the FRSC earlier in 2016.

“Today, we are celebrating our first graduation ceremony with 40 students who are professional drivers but two among them will be repeating some of their classes.

“I am happy with the level of standard, we deal with professional and most of our instructors are from the FRSC,” she stated.

Mr Okoko Tebekeme, one of the drivers, said he acquired enough driving skills from the academy to guarantee safety on the roads.

Tebekeme urged motorists in the state to adopt the culture of training and support the Federal Government’s campaign to ensure safer road for Nigerians. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab/ Julius Emehikhuere

NAN-H-3

Prayers

Kafanchan (Kaduna) Oct. 2, 2016 (NAN) Churches in Kafanchan, Kaduna State on Sunday offered special prayers for peace to reign in Nigeria as the country marks its 56th Independence Anniversary.

Checks conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  revealed that churches observed special prayer session for  leaders at all levels of government.

At the Goodness Power Base Church, Abuja street, the Pastor, Emmanuel Kwalbe, reminded Christians of their scriptural responsibility to pray for those in authority.

Also, Pastor Emmanule Musa of All Saints Cathedral, admonished Christians to live exemplary life as demonstrated by Christ.

The Clergy said Christians must be guided in their criticism of government’s policies, rather than engaging in uncivil utterances.

“We must not utter abusive utterances on our leaders but instead, pray for them on a daily basis,” the cleric said.

Other churches who offered same prayers were ECWA Church, Takau, Anglical Church Garaje and Living Faith Church, Takau.

NAN also reports that the churches observed thanksgiving song renditions to mark the  anniversary. (NAN)

MGK/ADA/ASH

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

NAN-H-23
Shettima
By Inuwa Ali-Baba
Damasak (Borno State), Oct. 2, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno on Sunday assured that government would reconstruct structures damaged by Boko Haram terrorists in the liberated border community of Damsak to enable residents return to their normal lives.

He made the promise while addressing some residents in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who expressed sadness over the level of destruction by the terrorists, said “it is sad that the lunatics chose to engage in wanton destruction of lives and property in the guise of religion.

“We will strive hard to ensure that all the structures destroyed are reconstructed within our limited resources.”

He said government would conduct a census of the damaged structures to determine the actual figure before embarking on the reconstruction programme.

He also promised to empower residents of the area financially to enable them to return to business.

He added that “Damasak has lots of historical and economical significance in the state because it is the lifewire of Borno North.

“We have to make sure that residents who are mainly farmers, fishermen and business merchants return to business.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the resident are eager to return home and pick up the pieces of their lives.

Malam Kyari Bukar, a resident, said the people were tired of staying as refugees in neighbouring Niger Republic.

He said “we are currently staying in Bosso in Niger Republic as refugees.

“We want to return home and continue with our economic activities; we are farmers and fishermen, we are tired of living as refugees.”

He, however, lamented that their homes had been destroyed by the terrorists, but stressed that “all the same, we want to go back since
the military has liberated the area from the terrorists.

“If government can assist us to rebuild our homes and empower us to start something, we are ready to go back.”

Gov. Shettima also visited the Commander of the 145 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Damasak, where he commended the military for liberating the area from the terrorists.

He said “we cannot thank you enough for the giant strides recorded in recapturing Damasak.

“We are here fundamentally to thank you for all the sacrifices you made for us to have peace in this part of the country.”

He prayed for soldiers who died in the course of duty.

“May the souls of all those who paid the supreme price for us to have peace rest in peace; May God give the families the fortitude to bear the
losses,” he prayed.

The governor also pledged to tackle the problem of water shortage facing the troops.

He said “we will send a team from the Ministry of Water Resources to address the problem.” (NAN)
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(Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

NAN-H-22
Prayers
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Oct. 2, 2016 (NAN) Muslims in the country have been urged to reflect on the significance of the Hijra celebration (Muslim calendar) to offer prayers for the nation’s development and economic recovery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerian Muslims on Sunday joined their counterparts globally to celebrate Hijra 1438, the beginning of the new Islamic lunar calendar.

Hijra, which means migration, symbilised the movement of 70 Muslims, together with the Holy Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah in the morning of Sept. 24, 622 CE.

They left the city of Makkah to escape incessant persecution by non-believers.

Alhaji Sodiq Afolayan, the Chief Imam of Omu-Aran Central Mosque, in an interview with NAN, described Hijra as a sacred period for prayers and devotion.

He said “it is in the light of the holiness of the Hijra period that we should not hesitate in offering prayers for guidance for our leaders.

“We as patriotic citizens should specifically offer prayers for speedy recovery of the nation’s economy said to presently in a state of recession.

“Surely, this is one sacred period where prayers of the righteous are promptly accepted and granted.’’

Alhaji Mustapha Abdulsalam, the Missioner of Nasrullahi-lifathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Omu-Aran chapter, urged leaders in the country to imbibe the exemplary leadership style of the holy Prophet Muhammad.

He said “prophet Muhammad was an epitome of humility, honesty and integrity.

“He had every opportunity to ask for Allah’s torments on the people of Makkah while being persecuted but he did not.

“Instead, in his characteristic manner, he chose to migrate to Madinah with his supporters as mark of respect for sanctity of lives, referred to as Hijra.

“This is just one of the sterling qualities that endeared prophet Muhammad to his followers during and after his sojourn on earth.’’

Abdulsalam also urged Muslims to reflect on the celebration and rededicate themselves to the service of Allah and humanity.

He added that “we have to reflect on our past mistakes and misdeeds and seek for forgiveness for us to become righteous.

“This is the only way we can be able to intercede on behalf of the leaders, through prayers, on our challenges.’’

Alhaji Issa Zallah, the Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Omu-Aran chapter, urged wealthy Muslims to extend their hands of assistance to the needy and the less privileged.

He said recent development in the country occasioned by the unimpressive economic situation required citizens to be their brothers keepers.

According to him, the present situation is not about being a Muslim, a Christian, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa, but a Nigeria citizen.

“This is the only way we can collectively tackle and alleviate the impact of the economic recession on the people,” he said.

Zallah also appealed to the Federal Government through the National Assembly to, as a matter national interest, legalise the observation of Hijra day as a public holiday. (NAN)
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(Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

NULGE commends Gov. Umahi for increasing workers salary
NAN-H-15

Salary

By Obike Ukoh

Abakaliki, Oct. 2, 2016 (NAN) Mr Leonard Nkah, the President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Ebonyi Chapter, has commended Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi for approving 5 per cent pay rise for workers.

He said that by the action, Umahi had proved to be a listening governor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalled that when Umahi addressed the people on Saturday at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, announced 5 per cent pay rise in workers’ salaries.

Nkah also said that a dedicated account would be opened where money would be paid into every month for the liquidation of over five billion naira arrears of pensions and gratuity.

He told NAN in Abakaliki on Sunday that the governor’s action was commendable.

“Gov. Umahi has proved to be a listening governor as the labour movement has been agitating for the pay rise since the current salary template was released and implemented.”

The state NULGE president expressed optimism that “ as a listening governor, Umahi would continue to adjust workers’ salaries upwards periodically.”

Nkah also appealed to the governor to direct the relevant authorities to comply with the governor’s directive by paying local government workers by the 15th of every month.

NAN recalls that Umahi directed that civil servants should be paid by the 15th of every month.

In line with the directive, workers’ in the state receive their monthly salary by the 15th of every month except local government workers.

Nkah complained that local government workers receive their salary at the end of the month or even in some cases in the first or second week of the next month.

“Primary and junior secondary school teachers who are paid from local government funds are paid on the 15th of every month since the governor gave the directive,” Nkah noted.

He, however, commended the governor for his infrastructural development.

“His infrastructural development is visible in Abakaliki, the state capital, across the 13 local government areas.

“His street lightening programme has reduced crime and increased business hours across major towns in the state.

“I appeal to the people of the state to promptly pay their taxes to enable the government sustain its development programmes,” Nkah pleaded. (NAN)

OU/EMAF/OFN

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

NAN-H-17
Victory
By Ehigimetor Igbauba
Benin, Oct. 2, 2016 (NAN) A former senator from Edo North Senatorial district, Mr Domingo Obende, has said that the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Sept. 28 governorship election was a testimony by Edo people that they love good things.

Obende, a member of the senate in the 7th Assembly, stated this while fielding questions from newsmen in Benin on Sunday.

He said “in Godwin Obaseki, Gov. Adams Oshiomhole will hand over to a worthy successor”, and expressed optimism that the Obaseki government would further enthrone good governance in the state.

According to him, Obaseki is not coming to learn on the job, he is a practical person and that he knows what the board room politics is all about and
that is what Edo needs now.

He added that “the APC agenda is about development. Oshiomhole has done a lot for the state; he is living behind a legacy that will be worth emulating.”

On the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies during the poll, the former senator said
they both performed well

“INEC did well; there were lots of improvement in the operations of the electoral umpire which we have come to know lately.

“Voting materials arrived early to polling units and voting actually commenced on scheduled across the state.

“The only snag I noticed is that some persons were disenfranchised as a result of population in their polling units. My advice is that the commission should always deploy more hands where the population is large.

“As for the security agencies, they were up in their game of ensuring peaceful elections and that was achieved perfectly, as we did not loose any life, and also did not notice any violence during the election.

“All of of these goes to show that the electoral body and security agencies can perform if only they have the people’s cooperation.”

On the outgoing governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, Obende said “he is one person the people of Edo will miss.

“We are going to miss his tenacity, ruggedness, straight forwardness in carrying people along and his zeal to confront challenges. All these, we are
going to miss.

“It is just that you cannot have a third term as a governor, we would have love to have him back. We are going to tap from his wealth of experience.”

It would be recalled that Godwin Obaseki of the APC pulled 319, 483 votes to beat Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored a total of 253,173 votes in the Sept. 28 gubernatorial election in Edo.

The PDP had, however, rejected the result of the election which it claimed was pre-determined and fabricated.

Obende described the PDP rejection of the election result as the party’s perception of what they thought happened.

He said “the party can contest it, but they must realise that it is the people that defeated them, not the APC.” (NAN)
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(Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

NAN-H-16
Achievements
By Yinusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Oct. 2, 2016 (NAN) Traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District on Sunday said the country has made substantial progress in its quest to be listed among the world’s developed nations in its 56 years of existence.

The traditional rulers made the assertion in their separate messages to mark the independence anniversary in their palaces in Omu-Aran, Ilofa and Rore.

The traditional rulers are the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, Alofa of Iloffa, Oba Niyi Dada and the Onirore of Rore, Oba Ezekiel Oyewole.

Oba Ibitoye said the nation’s achievements through sustainable democratic transition deserved a lot of commendation.

He said “five and half decades in the live of a nation can be as unique, sacrificial and full of challenges.

“It is not how far but how well the country and the citizens have been transformed socially and economically.

“We give glory to God because the 2015 general election remains a good testimony of our resolve and preference for genuine democratic rule.

“This alone has showcased our prowess and potentiality as a giant among our peers.”

On his part, Oba Dada urged Nigerians to strive to utilise the gains recorded in the sustenance of the country’s democracy system.

He also urged citizens to continue to support and offer prayers for leaders to excel in their enormous responsibilities, stressing that “I
think there is need for us to reflect on our past achievements.

“The last election was a good pointer for us to collectively find solution to the nation’s socio-economic challenges.”

The monarch, who shared the same birthday with the country, said that the nation’s exploits in the areas of sports and security deserved adequate recognition.

He expressed optimism of a better future for the nation through stakeholders’ collective efforts.

Oba Oyewole urged politicians to close ranks and put the interest of the nation above other personal gains in order to achieve the desired change.

He said “we just had an election in 2015 and our priority should be to ensure the full implementation of the promises made to the electorate.

“This should be the preoccupation of the elected leaders across the length and breath of the country.

“Nigerians deserve to enjoy the benefits of their electoral participation through better roads, health, education and improved welfare condition.

“I believe we are already on the path of socio-economic posterity; we only need to consolidate.”

Prophet Christopher Owolabi of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-Oke Irapada, Omu-Aran, also urged the citizens to imbibe peace and tolerance.

He said that the nation’s present economic difficulties was a mere temporary set-back toward achieving a developed economic status for the country.

He added that “we should be our brothers keepers, no doubt the nation’s socio-economic challenges will soon be a thing of the past.”

Prophetess Bosede Adimabua, the President, women wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Kwara chapter, urged women to live up to expectation as mothers of the nation.

She said “let us put everything into bear to show that we are good mothers to this country.

“Our support to our husbands in government at all levels really counts and meant a lot to the country’s socio-economic development.”  (NAN)
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(Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

NAN-ND-3

Rice

Asaba, Oct. 2, 2016 (NAN) , A large scale rice farmer in Asaba, Mr. Raymos Guanah, on Sunday observed that  demand for locally-produced rice was on the increase.

Guanah, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Raymond Guanah Farms, Illah, near Asaba, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba that such a positive development was heartwarming.

He said that  local rice was now well processed and cheaper than imported one, hence the increase in demand.

“Nigerians are beginning to be more aware that there is so much difference between the locally-produced rice and the imported rice. Local rice is very nutritious.

“The rice we produced last year had been bought off and we have nothing left in stock,’’ he said.

Guanah, a former Commissioner for Lands in Delta, noted that one of the reasons for the increased patronage was because the rice processed in the farm contained no stone or sand.

He said, “because of the increased patronage in 2015, we are expanding our farm this year and this will result in more harvest at the end of this farming season.

“In 2014, we cultivated 100 hectares of land and we harvested about 300 tonnes of rice while in 2015, we cultivated 300 hectares and harvested about 900 tonnes.

“This year, we are expanding our cultivation to 600 hectares and the essence of this is to have more rice to sell.

Guanah said that the multi-million Naira processing mill the State Government inaugurated in the farm in 2014 had the capacity to produce about 200 of 50 kg bags of rice per day.

NAN reports that residents of Asaba and environs now prefer local rice, which sells for N17,000 per 50 kg bag to the imported brands which is sold for between N21,500 and N23,000 per bag. (NAN)

MOA/EMO/ASH

NAN-H-12
NHIS
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Oct. 2, 2016 (NAN) The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has expressed its determination to enforce quality standard in health service delivery in hospitals across the country.

Mrs Nonye Unaegbu, Senior Manager, Head Formal Sector of the scheme stated this during a sensitisation and awareness programme organised for staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Unaegbu said the new Executive Secretary of NHIS, Prof. Usman Yusuf, was determined to ensure that NHIS worked for all Nigerians and for enrolees to enjoy quality health services in hospitals.

She said the agency had deployed members of staff to various hospitals as part of efforts to ensure compliance with required standards.

She added that “the staff members will ensure that enrolees are well treated and that their rights are not trampled upon.

“For example enrolees are supposed to pay only `10 per cent of their prescribed drugs alone and not for the entire treatment because every other cost incurred is covered by the capitation.

“We also want to eliminate out of stock syndrome in our hospitals where enrolees are told that certain drugs are not available because they have all been paid for.”

The senior manager said that the Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) have also been mandated to sensitise Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the rights and benefits of enrolees.

She warned that the scheme was set to sanction any defaulting hospital or HMO that went against the standard.

Mrs Gladys Iroegbu, the Regional Manager, Managed Health Care Services, a Health Management Organisation, said the organisation was out to sensitise enrolees on their rights and benefits.

Iroegbu said the NHIS presently covered the formal sectors which were federal government workers, while the informal sector was attended to
through voluntary contribution of N15,000 per annum.

She said “HMOs must educate the public and their enrolees about the various groups covered by NHIS, the benefit packages, as well as the exclusion packages available in the scheme.

“We are also creating awareness on what enrolees can do in times of difficulties in accessing care in hospitals; when they need clarification or during emergency situations.”

She added that some of the benefits included patient care, drugs, maternity care for up to four live births and immunisation.

Others include consultation with specialists such as physicians, dental surgeons, pediatricians and gyneacologists, among others.

Iroegbu mentioned that the exclusion packages which were not covered by the NHIS scheme comprised of partial and total exclusion.

She explained that in partial exclusion, the HMO would pay 50 per cent and the enrolee pays 50 per cent of the medical bill such as dialysis
and life threatening emergencies.

She further said that total exclusion comprised of epidemic, family planning commodities, open heart surgeries, congenital abnormalities, drug abuse, cosmetic surgeries, among others. (NAN)
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(Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

By Joy Odigie

NAN-ND-2

Waste

Benin, Oct 2, 2016 (NAN) The Edo Waste Management Board has urged residents of the state to endeavour to separate biodegradable waste from non-biodegradable type before disposal.

The General Manager of the board, Mr Sami Igodan, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Sunday.

Igodan said that separation of the two types would enhance waste recycling in the state.

Biodegradable waste can be easily broken down or decompose while non-biodegradable waste such as plastic materials, metal and bottle, cannot be broken down or decompose into the soil.

He said that the State Government had flagged off a new campaign on waste management aimed at educating the residents on how to sort waste before disposing it at dump sites.

“We want residents to have two different types of bags in their houses for refuse collection.

“Biodegradable waste should be put in a separate bag while non- biodegradable waste should be put in another bag.

“This will make for ease identification of the non biodegradable waste that can be recycled into other useful products,” he said.

The general manager told NAN that over 5, 000 tons of refuse was generated monthly in the state on any environmental sanitation day.

Igodan said that the quantity was huge and advised that residents should help reduce the tonnage by selling some of the waste to persons who needed them or recycle same.

‘’Most times, individuals who recycle waste in the state had to go to dump sites to sort out recyclable materials manually,” he said.

He added that the state government was working out modalities to procure waste-sorting machine to enhance recycling. (NAN)

OOJ/EMO/ASH