Blog

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Agriculture

By Aminu Ahmed Garko
Sokoto, Oct. 1, 2016 (NAN) Prof. Lawali Abubakar, Director Centre For Agriculture and Pastoral Research of the Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto has called for the diversification of the economy through huge investment in agriculture and mining.

Abubakar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Saturday that diversification of the economy in the two sectors could tackle poverty and the economic challenges bedevilling the county.

He said that the Federal and state governments should make available farm inputs to farmers between April and June every year at affordable rates to enable them access the commodity in time.

He emphasised that this would prepare ground for farmers to plant various crops and ensure massive production with a view to enhancing food security in the country .

He also called for provision of seeds as well as retraining of agriculture extension workers by experts to properly educate farmers on the new methods and techniques of farming .

He said that the extension workers must be close to the farmers for proper sensitisation on modalities of maintaining crops at early stage against any threat from pest.

He advised the Federal and state governments to come out with policies that would ensure that excess crops produced by farmers are purchased and stored in warehouses to ameliorate the hardship being faced by the people.  (NAN)
AAG/ACO/MTM/

Edited by Oluleye Abiodun/controlled by Tukur Muntari

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Legacy

Agenebode (Edo), Oct. 1, 2016 (NAN) Mr Philip Shaibu, Edo Deputy Governor-elect, says the incoming  Godwin Obaseki  government of Edo, would have to build on the legacy that would be left by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole .

Shaibu stated this on Saturday in Agenebode during a thank you rally to the people of Etsako West, Etsako Central and Etsako East Local Government Areas of the state.

It would be recalled that the All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki was declared winner in the Sept. 28, governorship elections in Edo.

Obaseki polled 319, 483 votes to beat Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 253,173 votes.

Shaibu assured the people, who defied a heavy down pour to listen to his message, that they would benefit a lot from Obaseki-led government.

He said that the outgoing Oshiomhole’s government had laid foundation for good governance in the state.

Shaibu said the incoming government already has a workable blue-print of what it would achieve before seeking for the people’s mandate.

“Yes, we have an outgoing government that has been generally acknowledged to have performed credibly well.

“However, while we are challenged with this record performance, we are undaunted with it.

“Our aim of seeking for your mandate is not only to chart a new map for the economic prosperity of our dear state, but to also make life easier for us all.

“To me, having been part and parcel of the Oshiomhole led government; we are well abreast of what had been done and what more is needed to be done.

“This is to let you know that we are well prepared for the job.

“As you all know, we cannot do it all alone, so, while we solicit for your support and cooperation, I want us all to know that we have a lot to be hopeful for, both as a state and as a people.

“The legacy that will be left by Oshiomhole will not be insurmountable; we will not only be working to match his achievement, but also work to surpass it,” Shaibu said.. (NAN)
ESI//DO: Edited by David Onilede/controlled by Tukur Muntari.

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Support
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Oct. 1, 2016 (NAN) The Minister of State, Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, says Nigeria is prepared to continue to support the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO’s) “No Country Left Behind” initiative.

Mr James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, said in a statement in Abuja on Saturday that Sirika made the pledge at the 39^th ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada.

Sirika called on members of the organisation to support the initiative with a view to assisting ICAO to implement its standard and recommended practices.

He said that Nigeria had prior to the initiative been collaborating with ICAO and African Civil Aviation Commission to promote safety in the West Africa sub-region.

According to him, Nigeria is doing that through hosting and subvention funding of Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation, the Aviation safety organisation with  headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

“It gladdens my heart to say that as of today, there is no state in our sub-region that is on the list of states with significant safety concern.

“Nigeria will continue to champion the advancement of civil aviation in our sub-region through the continuous hosting and sponsorship of ICAO’s comprehensive regional implementation plan of aviation safety in Africa.

“Within the last two years we have made major strides to promote safety in our airspace and this was confirmed with the success recorded by Nigeria in the ICAO audit.

“We have also successfully retained FAA category One rating.

“Presently, we are reviewing the primary aviation legislation, Civil Aviation Act 2006 to ensure that Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority continues to exercise requisite power and full autonomy to regulate aviation safety without political interference,’’ he said.

Sirika also said Nigeria had continued to record significant improvement in the area of aviation security by installing modern security equipment at its airports.

He said  the country recently carried out vulnerability analysis of its airports and put in place measures to check terrorism activities.

He said Nigeria’s excellent outing at the last ICAO security audit which took place in June, 2015, attested to its efforts in the area of safety.

“We, however,  believe that  ICAO and member states must continue to put in place proactive measures to curb ever-increasing threat to security of civil aviation.

“It is also noteworthy to mention that Nigeria continues to participate in the ICAO’s PKD and support ICAO’s effort to provide assistance to other West African states in their resolve to introduce e-passport.

“We are also in consultation with the UN to establish aviation security training schools in Nigeria and these schools  will serve, not only Nigeria but the entire sub-region,’’ he said.

The minister noted that ICAO General Assembly was meant to reflect on the developments that had occurred in the aviation industry and  new strategies of improving them.

He said that those new strategies should make air transportation safer, secure, efficient and  environmentally friendly to ensure the growth and sustainability of the aviation industry globally.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the ICAO Assembly is the organisation’s body which meets, at least, once every three years.

The 191 member states of ICAO and international organisations attend the assembly to formulate policies  for the next three years.  (NAN)
OYS/JCE
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Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

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Judges
By Martins Odeh

Abuja, Oct. 1, 2016 (NAN) The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended compulsory retirement of Justice Mohammed Tsamiya, the Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division,  and sack of two others for professional misconduct.
Those it asked to be dismissal immediately are Justice I. A. Umezulike, Chief Judge, Enugu State, and Justice Kabiru Auta of the High Court of Justice, Kano State.
The council’s Acting Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye, announced the decisions in a statement in Abuja on Fray.

The council stated that it reached the decisions at its council’s 78th meeting held on Thursday.

It directed that Auta be handed over to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 1, Kano, for prosecution.

The council said Tsamiya’s punishment followed its findings  in a petition written by Nnamdi Oji against him and Justice Husseini Muktar.

It said others named in the petition were Justices F. O. Akinbami and J. Y. Tukur, all Justices of Court of Appeal, who sat on the Election Appeal Panel in  Owerri Division of the court during the 2015 General Elections.

The council said the petition contained allegations of corruption, malice and vindictiveness; and giving perverse and conflicting decisions on the same issue in similar matters.

It listed the appeals to include CA/OW/EPT/SN/50/2015: Chief Dr David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex Vs Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa & Anor.

Others are CA/OW/EPT/SN/47/2015; Dr Orji Uzor Kalu & Anor Vs Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa & Orthers and CA/OW/EPT/HR/61/2015: Nnamdi Iro Oji Vs Nkole Uko Ndukwe & 16 Others.

The council said there was evidence that a petitioner met with Tsamiya three times in his residences in Sokoto, Gwarinpa, Abuja, and Owerri.

It said that on those occasions, the judge demanded from the petitioner the sum of N200 million to influence the Court of Appeal Panel in Owerri or risk losing the case.

The council,  however, said the allegation of giving two conflicting judgments on the same matter was not true as the two judgments were in respect of two different appeals.

It noted that one of the  appeals was in respect of a House of Representative seat, while the other involved a Senate seat.

The council also held that there was no allegation or evidence that the petitioner met or discussed with Mukhtar, Akinbami and Tukur in respect of the appeal before them and  exonerated them.

The council stated said  Umezulike should be compulsorily retirement based on the findings on allegations made against him by Mr Peter Eze, a legal practitioner.

Ii said the chief judge failed to deliver judgement in Suit No E/13/2008: Ajogwu V Nigerian Bottling Company Limited in which final addresses were adopted on Oct.23, 2014.

The council said the judgement was delivered on March 9, 2015, some 126 days after addresses were adopted, contrary to constitutional provisions that judgement should be delivered within a period of 90 days.

It also said Umezulike in Suit No E/159M/2014, Ezeuko Vs Probate Registrar, High Court of Enugu State and three others  ordered the police to arrest the petitioner after the matter was amicably resolved and judgement entered on terms of settlement.

The council further held that the chief judge in a speech he delivered at the Eastern Bar Forum on March 4 openly made uncomplimentary remarks containing vulgar language against the petitioner.

It said Umezulike’s public outburst ran contrary to Rule 1.3 of the National Judicial Council Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers,

It also said that at the time of the book launch of the chief judge, a donation of N10 million was made by Prince Arthur Eze during the pendency of two cases in his court.

The council held that the donor had vested interest in the two matters.

The council also stated that it found that there had been many instances of abuse of judicial powers by the chief judge, particularly against the two defendants in Suits Nos. E/6/2013 and E/88/2016.

It said the chief judge clung to the suits to remain in his court, in spite of all genuine efforts made by the defendants to get them transferred to another court.

According to the council, the chief judge sitting at a vantage position of Senior Judicial Officer and Head of Court should not have allowed his emotions to dictate his judicial functions.

In the case of Auta of the High Court of Justice, Kano State, the council said his dismissal and prosecution became necessary  because of the allegations against him by Alhaji Kabiru Yakassai.

It  held that the petitioner paid the sum of N125 million into an account approved by the judge.

The council also said that the petitioner further made cash payment of N72 million to Auta in several instalments through his Personal Assistant, Abdullahi Bello.

According to the council, those payments are ostensibly for the purpose of assisting a former Chief Justice of Nigeria to secure an accommodation.

It said the gesture was also aimed for the petitioner to be in turn rewarded by the award of some contracts.

It said Auta facilitated telephone communications in his house between the petitioner and the purported former chief justice of Nigeria.
The council said Auta facilitated meetings between the petitioner and a lady who introduced herself as the purported chief justice of Nigeria in a hotel in Kaduna.
The council said the petitioner suspecting foul-play went ahead to report the matter to the police.

It said Auta agreed to pay the petitioner the sum of N95 million as part of his claim while one Abubakar Mahdi was to pay the sum of N125 million to the petitioner.

The council said pursuant to the agreement, Auta made a part payment of 11, 000 dollars and N16 million respectively to the petitioner.

It held that Auta undertook to pay the balance before the commencement of the fact finding committee set up by NJC on the allegations.
It said Auta admitted accepting to pay the money as agreed in AIG’s Office in Kano in order to protect his image and the image of the judiciary.

The council quoted Auta as saying that the settlement was for him to pay N35 million and not N95 million and to that effect paid N20 million so far, including the 11,000 dollars.
It further quoted Auta as admitting that the petitioner was his friend and had always sought favours for his people who had matters before him.
The council said such  conduct  by Auta was in itself self-indicting and a serious abuse of Judicial Oath. (NAN)
OMO/JCE
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Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

Army hands over 348 cleared detainee to Gov. Shettima

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Detainees
Ali Inuwa
Maiduguri, Oct. 1, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has handed over 348 detainees to the Borno Government after they had been cleared of belonging to the Boko Haram terrorists group.

The Nigerian Army had earlier released 565 women comprising 366 breastfeeding babies, 149 mothers and 62 under-aged children evacuated by the Nigerian Army from camps operated by Boko Haram insurgents in different parts of Borno

Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army handed over the detainees to Gov.Kashim Shettima at a ceremony in Maiduguri on Saturday

Ezugwu explained that the detainees were arrested in various anti-terrorism operations of the Nigerian Army in Borno.

He said that they were being handed over after a painstaking process to ensure that they had no relationship with the terrorists group.

“The review of the cases of terrorists suspects in our custody involves a painstaking and continuous process as directed by the Chief of Army Staff who has em-placed measures to guarantee societal and individual fundamental human rights.

“The process ensures that those captured while participating actively or passively in creating sorrow and mayhem in the society are screened out for necessary judicial recourse, ” Ezugwu said.

According to him, those suspected members of the group who have been found innocent are periodically released to continue with their normal lives as law abiding citizens of Nigeria.

“The overall goal is that the just and innocent citizens of Nigeria do not suffer injustice.”

Ezugwu said that the detainees were made up of 114 adult male, 107 adult female and 127 children.

” The Nigerian Army have dully investigated all the suspects who were arrested at various camps and found 348 of them innocent of involvement in terrorism.

“They are made up of 114 cleared male suspects, 107 cleared female suspects and 127 children,” he said.

Ezugwu said that out of the 127 children 115 are under aged, while 12 are aged 11 years and above.

Receiving them Shettima thanked the Nigerian Army for the gesture and promised to rehabilitate them so they could continue with their lives.   (NAN)

Edited by Felix Nwadioha

NNS UNITY arrives Port of Klang, Malaysia

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Ship
By Yahaya Isah
Abuja, Oct. 1, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) UNITY which departed China on Sept. 21 on its maiden voyage to Nigeria had arrived the Port of Klang in Malaysia.

The Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe,  made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.

He said that NNS UNITY was able to achieve the feat after passing through the waters of the South China sea and arrived Port of Klang on Sept. 29..

“On arrival, the man of war was received by Nigeria’s Deputy High Commissioner in Malaysia, Mrs Janet Bissong Odeka, the Representative of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Samuel Paul and other senior military officers and embassy officials.

“The Commanding Officer of NNS UNITY Capt. Abolade Ogunleye was pleased to report that the voyage from China Sea to Malaysia was hitch-free.

“The ship will depart Port of Klang Malaysia, Oct. 1 in continuation of its homeward journey in which it is expected to berth at the Ports of five countries before reaching Nigeria,”he said.

As part of its diplomatic roles in Malaysia, the ship received a delegation from the Malaysian Navy headed by its Chief, Royal Malaysian Navy who was represented by Rear Adm. Datto Abdullahi.

He said that the ship would also conduct a Ceremonial Sunset on board. (NAN )
YI /OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha

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Dana

By Solomon Asowata

Lagos, Oct.1, 2016 (NAN) Dana Air on Saturday said it would explore the Customer Service Week to reward all its passengers and members of its frequent flyer program – Dana Miles.

The airline, in a statement signed by its Communications Manager, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, said this was in furtherance of its vision to be recognised and respected as Nigeria’s most reliable and customer-friendly airline.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Customer Service Week is celebrated annually in the first week of October.

It is usually a period set aside to appreciate patronage by rolling out activities to celebrate customers.

Ezenwa said all passengers flying Dana Air during the week would get instant miles and also stand a chance of getting a spot upgrade from Economy Class to Business Class, among other rewards.

He said:”The theme of this year’s celebration is ”Service Champions,” and we are more than ever committed to underscore our vision with these initiatives.

” At Dana Air, everyday is a customer service day for us, as we strive daily to always exceed the flying aspirations of our guests.’’

“We understand the role customers play in the life of any business and the week provides the ever customer –centric and professional team at Dana Air the opportunity to further excite and reward our teeming customers.”

Ezenwa advised passengers of the airline, especially Dana Miles members, to take advantage of the ‘miles-splash’ during the week and garner massive miles to fly for free whenever they desire. (NAN)

ASO/BOS
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Navy urges Niger Delta youths to shun criminal activities
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Outreach
Warri(Delta), Sept. 30, 2016 (NAN) The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Joseph Dzunve, has urged youth in the Niger Delta to shun criminal activities.
Dzunve gave the advice on Friday during the command’s ongoing medical outreach tagged: ”Rhapsody” in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta.
He assured the people the area of safety and urged them to provide the Navy with useful information that would assist it carrying out its operations.
He said the medical outreach was meant to engender good military and civil relationship.
The navy boss said that three communities had benefited from the programme since he assumed office in July.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the medical outreach is an initiative of the Nigerian Navy meant to render free medical service to communities within its areas of operation.
”The medical raphsody is one of our programmes aimed at promoting good relationship with our host communities.
”It enlightens members of the public on medical issues; we are aware that some people are not aware of their health challenges.
”It is a programme put in place by the Navy. This is about the third community we are visiting and we shall go to other communities, too,” Dzunve said.
Responding, Chairman of Ogbe-Ijoh Community, Mr Alex Akemotubo, commended the Navy for the free medical exercise.
”I thank the Nigerian Navy for fulfilling its promise of providing free medical service to our people in Ogbe-Ijoh,” Akemotubo said. (NAN)
EDI/AK/AMY
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Edited by Akin Makanjuola and Abdullahi Yusuf
 
 
 

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Chieftancy
Warri (Delta), Sept. 30, 2016 (NAN) Prof. Grace Alele-Williams and four others were on Friday conferred with chieftaincy tittles by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.
This was the first conferment of chieftaincy titles performed by the monarch since his enthronement in 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alele-Williams, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and a Professor of Mathematics, was conferred with the title: Utienyin Iwere of Warri, a.k.a Oluebeje.
Addressing the gathering at the Palace, the monarch said the five titles given out were just the beginning.
He said more titles would be given to other deserving persons in subsequent weeks till November as part of the celebrations of his one year anniversary.
“Before now, people have been coming to me and talking eagerly of chieftaincy titles.
‘“I told them I was just settling down and titles will come at the right time.
“What you are witnessing today is the result of the work that the committee set up has done.
‘“From now till end of November; every weekend, more titles will be conferred on deserving recipients,’’ NAN quotes the monarch as saying.
Ikenwoli said that conferment of chieftaincy titles in Itsekiri Kingdom was strictly on merit.
The monarch said that only credible and those who have the interest of the land at heart would benefit from it.
He urged the subjects to disregard the rumour making the round concerning the kingdom; describing the rumour as baseless.
“’From time to time, I will be addressing the people on issues concerning Itsekiri.
‘“My prayer to God is to allow ceaseless celebration and joy in my time in Itsekiri land,” NAN quotes Ikenwoli as saying.
The monarch thanked the dignitaries from Ijaw, Urhobo and other immediate neighbours, who attended the ceremony.
While calling for unity in Delta, the monarch said that he was ready to build bridges.
Others recipients of the titles included: Mr Eyitemi Diden as “Ideofene of Warri a.k.a Agboburukun Jakan’’; Pa Akoma Dimeyin as ‘“Omokun of Warri a.k.a Agbewu’’.
Mrs Mercy Olowu received the title: “Utukpa Iwere of Warri a.k.a Eriegwa’’ and Mr Omolubi Nenewumi as “Omatamudieyin of Warri a.k.a egindegereyugba’’. (NAN)
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(Controlled by Adeleye Ajayi)
 
 

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Kumuyi
By Isaac Aregbesola
Abuja, Sept. 30, 2016 (NAN) Pastor Williams Kumuyi, the General Overseer, Deeper Life Bible Church, on Friday, assured Nigerians that the country would soon come out of recession.

Kumuyi stated this in his sermon at a programme tagged ”Night of Supernatural Wonders” held at the Abuja National Stadium.

The cleric, who said that Nigeria was passing through a wilderness just as the Biblical children of Israel, assured that the country would soon get out of economic crisis

He said “the wilderness we are passing through in our country will be over and we will receive our miracles.

“As we look at our country today, we are going through the wilderness of recession, of distress and famine.

“Just as it is in every state, local government and city all around, there is loneliness, unemployment and wilderness is visible

“But I come to give you good news; there is hope for the hopeless.”

Kumuyi said Nigeria would, as Biblical Israelites, receive supernatural wonder and come out of its wilderness.

“This is the good news, there will be a change from the point of recession, there will be freedom from poverty, sicknesses
and disease,” he declared.

The pastor, who called for national repentance for the desired change to come, urged individuals and the nation to embrace
Jesus Christ as the Lord and saviour.

He said there was the need for general confession and specific decisions to come to the side of God through Jesus Christ.

“A change is coming your way and a turning around moment is coming your way.

“However, there is need to have better relationship with the Lord Jesus before a change can come.”  (NAN)
IAA/HA
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(Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)