Blog

NAN-H-73

Goodwill

Benin, Sept. 29, 2016 (NAN) Mr Anselm Ojezua, the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo, on Thursday, attributed the party’s victory in the Wednesday Edo governorship election to the goodwill of the people.

Ojezua, who was reacting to the APC victory in Benin, said Gov. Adams Oshiomhole had served the state well and the people rewarded him by voting the party in again.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the victory did not come to him as a surprise because it was earned through hard work.

The chairman said that the party would continue to build on the goodwill, adding “to God be the glory; this victory brings to the fore the need for hard work.

Also, Mr Gentleman Amegor, the Vice Chairman of the party in Edo South Senatorial District, said the party won because it had worked hard since it assumed office.

“In life, the key to success is hard work. When you work hard, success will never be far from you. That is exactly what has happened.

“Oshiomhole has laid the foundation and we pray and are hopeful that Godwin Obaseki will do better”.

Similarly, the Attorney-General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Henry Idahagbon, described the victory as ordained by God.

“The victory is sweet but the battle was tough. It is a victory for development. Edo people should get ready for  a high level development now,” he said.

NAN reports that the APC candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki, won the election by polling 319, 483 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who garnered 253, 173 votes.

NAN also reports that Oshiomhole’s second term in office ends on November 12. (NAN)

ESI/EMO/YEMI

Controlled by Yemi Idris-Aduloju

NSE moves 365.37m shares worth N2.09bn

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Shares

Lagos, Sept. 29, 2016 (NAN) Investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday traded a total of 365.37 million shares valued at N2.09 billion exchanged in 2,905 deals, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN reports that this was against the 159.05 million shares worth N1.45 billion traded in 3,237 deals on Wednesday.

The Financial Service Sector remained the toast of investors as Continsure emerged the most traded in volume terms, accounting for 195.50 million shares valued at N254.03 million.

International Breweries came second with a total of 27.31 million shares worth N546.16 million, while FCMB sold 16.55 million shares valued at N17.49 million.

Zenith Bank trailed with 14.99 million shares worth N235.55 million and investors staked N81.84 million on 14.64 million shares of Access Bank.

NAN also reports that the market indicators closed positive appreciating marginally by 0.04 per cent due to price gains recorded by some highly capitalised equities.

The market capitalisation gained N4 billion or 0.04 per cent to close at N9.703 trillion compared with N9.699 trillion recorded on Wednesday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index which opened at 28,236.23 appreciated by 11.33 points or 0.04 per cent to close at 28,247.56

Seplat led the gainers’ table, growing by N16.5 to close at N346.5 per share.

Nestle followed with a gain of N9.82 to close at N825, while Mobil Oil gained N6.48 to close at N195 per share.

Forte Oil appreciated by N1.99 to close at N161.99 and ConOil grew by N1.7 to close at N37.7 per share.

Conversel, 7UP topped the losers’ chart, dropping by N3.5 to close at N139 per share.

Nigerian Breweries trailed with a loss of N1.57 to close at N145.43, while Glaxosmith shed 90k to close at N19.6 per share.

Ashaka Cement also lost 85k to close at N16.27 and GT Bank dropped 56k to close at N24.34 per share. (NAN)

LUC/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

Obaseki: We are 100 per cent happy with the result says, Edo NUT

By Joy Odigie

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Obaseki

Benin, Sept. 29, 2016. (NAN) The Edo chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) says it is happy with Godwin Obaseki’s victory at the Wednesday governorship election.

The Chairman of the union, Mr Mike Uhumwangho, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Thursday.

Uhumwangho said the election was free and fair “ and I believe that the better candidate won”.

“We are 100 per cent happy that the candidate who the Edo NUT endorsed won the governorship race.

“I believe that he will continue the good work that Gov. Adams Oshiomhole has started and will do better,” he said.

He, however, called on the governor- elect not to renege on his electoral promises to revamp the education sector in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC had declared Mr Godwin Obaseki of the APC as winner of the election, who polled 319,483 votes to defeat Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who scored 253,173 votes.(NAN)

OOJ/KOO/AMY
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Edited Kevin Okunzuwa and Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-72
Leadership
By Usman Aliyu
Ilorin, Sept. 29, 2016 (NAN) Alhaji Mahmud Ajeigbe, the Kwara Commissioner for Information and Communications, on Thursday, called on public officers in the country to always demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities.

Ajeigbe made this call while receiving the 2016 Integrity Stewardship Award from the Centre for Save and Serve Humanity Organisation in Ilorin.

He said leadership “is about a call to service and leaders must lead by examples,” adding that every office holder must encourage the followers and canvass the unity of the country”.

The commissioner said that he was delighted to honoured, adding that he was dedicating the award to Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of the state.

He described the Kwara Government as the most accessible in the country because “the public officers in the state operate an open door policy.

“No government’s programme is hidden in this state and the government is all inclusive and thorough in its financial management,” he said.

The commissioner said that despite the prevailing economic challenges, Kwara had been up-to-date in the payment of salaries, noting that workers had already received their September salaries.

Earlier in his address, Mr Abraham Oyibo, the Executive Director of the NGO, said that the commissioner was selected based on his style of leadership.

He said the organisation was determined and sincerely committed to the ideal of democracy, good governance and servant leadership concept.

According to him, the group has members across the country, working against corruption and bad practices that are inimical to the wellbeing of the people. (NAN)
AUO/DO/YEMI

Edited by David Onilede

Controlled by Yemi Idris-Aduloju

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Fashola
Katsina, Sept. 29, 2016(NAN) The Federal Government has so far spent N73 billion on road projects across the country.

Mr Babatunde Fashola, the Minister for Power, Works and Housing, disclosed this on Thursday in Katsina at the 22^nd National
Council of Works meeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting has “Prioritisation and Optimisation of Allocated Road Infrastructure Funds” as its theme.

The minister said that the expenditure had been worth it because it would enhance the socio-economic development of the country.

He added that the amount spent was part of the N266 billion appropriated in the 2016 federal budget.

He noted that the money was used to settle contractors’ liabilities and road rehabilitation across the country.

He, however, said that the Federal Government would henceforth hold the 36 state controllers of works responsible for poor quality
job  on Federal Highways in their respective areas.

He said “state controllers of works are the representatives of the Federal Government in their respective states; we will give them all they need to carry out the job.

“They must, however, ensure that quality job is done on our roads or be held responsible.

“I am also appealing to state governments to create friendly relationship with the controllers to achieve the set goal.

“The administration considers transport infrastructure as fundamental requirement of development in any nation.

“This is because building roads is building connectivity of the Nigerian family; we will continue to put our roads in
good shape.”

Fashola then directed the controllers to identify roads that were in bad condition, restore road signs on the highways, erect kilometer indicators  and properly erect sign posts of towns and villages.

In his remarks, Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State said the state government empowered its road maintenance agency for the rehabilitation of state roads.

He said over 50 per cent of vehicles plying the roads were, however, not roadworthy.

Masari urged the relevant authorities to intensify efforts in preventing motorists from overloading their vehicles to reduce accidents. (NAN)
ZI/DO/HA
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(Edited By David Onilede/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

NAN-ELS-6

Culture

By Dapo Udom

Lagos, Sept. 29, 2016 (NAN) Mr Adedapo Adelegan, the President, Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce, says the Culture and Creative Industry (CCI) is capable of generating more than 2.2 billion dollars and creating  29.5 million jobs worldwide.

Adelegan made this known at a sensitisation workshop on “Mainstreaming Culture and Creative Industry into the Trade Policy of Nigeria’’, which held at the Lagos Resource Centre, Victoria Island.

According to him, the creative industry has grown increasingly important components of modern post-industrial knowledge based economies and accounted for higher average growth and job creation.

“Equipping and developing the creative industry is essential, because it drives the digital economy.

“It is young, inclusive and entrepreneurial, it also favours the participation of women,” he said.

The president also said that the CCI boosted the attractiveness of cities, through the building of world class infrastructure such as museums.

Adelegan noted that the building of world class cultural infrastructure was important for the enticement of foreign investors.

“Those who invest in a country first come as tourists and when they feel satisfied with the ambience and strength of cultural stability, they come back as investors,’’ he added.

He stated that one very good example of how the CCI had impacted on the Nigerian economy could be seen in the growth of Nollywood since its inception in the early 90’s.

“Nollywood has grown to a 590 million dollars industry with thousands of home videos and music records produced yearly since its inception.’’

The president, however, said that there were factors affecting the growth of CCI, which included political-economy, cultural policies, inability to compete with new levels of technology, and piracy among others.

The entrepreneur noted that in spite of the relative success of the CCI in Nigeria, it was still lagging behind in other creative industries such as architecture, advertising, gaming, books and the visual arts.

According to Adelegan, if we can improve on these other aspects of CCI which we have little technical knowledge of; there will be a significant improvement in the economy.

In his remarks, Babatunde Obalana, the President, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) said that the country could only improve economically through the exports of goods and ideas.

Obalana added that he was glad that those invited from the ministry, British Chamber of Commerce, and practitioners from Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leon and Jamaica all came for the seminar.

“We had a fantastic time discussing the importance of creative industry and ways by which we can increase its trade policies,’’ he added. (NAN)

OUU/ERO/EEE

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Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Ese E. Ekama

NAN-H-71
Anniversary
Lagos, Sept. 29, 2016 (NAN) Some politicians and rights activists in Lagos on Thursday, lauded the Federal Government for sustaining the fight against insurgency, as Nigeria marks its 56th independence anniversary.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the respondents noted that government had done well in fighting the insurgency in the country,

Dr Yunusa Tanko, the National Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), observed that there had been an appreciable improvement in the security of the country.

“In terms of security, there has been improvement, as government has been able to subdue the Boko Haram insurgents to a certain level.

“However, there is still a lot to be done, as the country is still suffering from the issues of division and religious sentiments.

“Apart from the fact that we, as a people, are determined to work together as one, I think most of our leaders,  have not been fair to the country in this respect.

“As we are now, Nigerians still lack many basic amenities, which should not be, this is why our leaders should work harder for the development and unity of the country,’’ Tanko said.

Mr Emmanuel Ayisire, the Deputy State Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Lagos State Command, also scored Nigeria high in the area of security.

“Nigeria has done well in this aspect; there was a time that security challenges were overwhelming particularly the insurgency in the Northern part of the country.

“Today, it appears the spate of insurgency has reduced. Even the Fulani herdsmen’s gruesome attack has decreased, due to the activities of the Federal Government, particularly the Nigerian Army.

“However, after taking care of the insurgency, there is the need for community policing in Nigeria including the use of vigilante groups, as part of the country’s security apparatus,’’ Ayisere said.

Also speaking, the President of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Mr Igho Akeregha, said Nigerians should  have a sober reflection in celebrating the independence anniversary.

“The hope of the people is to celebrate their successes, when many of them are no longer out of school, able to feed themselves and pay the children’s school fees,” he said.

Akeregha further expressed the hope that the Federal Government would be able to completely tackle the security challenges, so that Nigerians would have the full cause to celebrate. (NAN)
LED/YETI/YEMI

Edited by Yetunde Bada

Controlled by Yemi Idris-Aduloju

Nigeria/Niger border trade: Jigawa Govt pledges to provide infrastructure

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Trade

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Dutse, Sept. 29, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa has promised to provide all the needed infrastructure to ensure viability of the cross border trade zone between Kano-Jigawa-Katsina and Zinder state in Niger Republic.

Badaru said this during the official launching of the Kano-Jigawa-Daura-Zinder (KA.JI.DA.Z.)Trade Corridor by Nigeria/Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation (NNJC) in Dutse on Thursday.

He said that his administration would mobilise resources and ask Federal Government to extend railway line to Maigatari to facilitate the movement of agriculture produce across the border of the two countries.

“Jigawa state is ready to take the advantages of the trade zone through the Maigatari border.

“This will also support the Federal Government’s agenda of economic diversification and wealth creation.

“The people of these areas share the same socio-culturally ties. And these are ties that are not supposed to be allowed to disappear in thin air,” he said.

Also, Gov. Umar Ganduje of Kano State, expressed optimism over the existence of cross border trade between Kano-Daura and Zinder Trade corridor, pointing out it would promote the cultural heritage of the two countries.

Ganduje further explained that the cross border trade would foster unity and cooperation.

“I consider this gathering very significant as it will touch the lives of our people in one way or the other.

“It will do that by stimulating cross border trade and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Niger to move the two nations forward economically,” he said.

He explained that there was no better time for Niger and Nigeria to become very close in all aspects of human endeavor than now.

According to him, the two countries need initiatives that will ensure strong regional integration to fight hunger, poverty and insecurity.

“Certainly, the introduction of cross border trade programme is a noble idea that promotes economic integration by ensuring free movement of persons, capital, goods and services in both countries without unjustifiable barriers.

“Therefore, we have to salute the efforts of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation (NNJC) for nurturing the idea of cross border trade,” Ganduje said.

According to him, the two nations, have since established a strong foundation of bilateral cooperation through the creation of NNJC in 1971.

“Equally, the two nations had moved significantly closer through the July 1990 bilateral agreement signed in the area of road transport, agreement on crop pests control, agreement on the establishment of local bilateral committees for cross border cooperation and agreement on protocol on information sharing.

According to him, the trade agreement between Niger and Nigeria signed in January 2002 as well as the agreement on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, are clear testimonies that the two nations are working high level of integration formalities based on the realities of their history and culture.

“Consequently, what we are witnessing today is a process of galvanising and utilising the established protocol to achieve wider bilateral economic outlook and market integration,” the governor added.

However, Ganduje said that there were numerous challenges that cross border trades were confronted with.

“We hope that the programme will address the identified gaps and constraints, especially related to free movement of goods and services, road-related harassment and inaccessibility to banking services, among others,” he said.

The governor further said the Kano State Government in its modest way, had taken the issue of bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Niger to the next level.

“In 2012, we had organised Kano-Niger Republic Trade and Investment Summit, resulting in opening up modern trading activities.

“Other consequential issues that followed included the establishment of two bilingual secondary schools, one for males at Niamey and the other and Zinder for females.

“So, I wish at this juncture, to reiterate our unreserved support to cross border initiatives and the launching Kano-Jigawa-Daura-Zinder Corridor (KA.JI.DA.Z.)

“It is hoped that all the actors will work towards economic integration that will revamp our economy to reduce hardship, fight poverty, restiveness and create sustainable livelihood,” he added.

While the Governor of Zinder from the Niger Republic, Alhaji Musa Isah, commended Presidents Mohammadu Buhari and Mohammadu Yusufuou of Nigeria and Niger Republic respectively, for their commitment t the development of the cross border corridor.

Also the Governor of Katsina state, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Munir Yakub, said the Katsina-Maradi Trade Affairs had been in existence between the two states for long to tighten the cross border trade, unity and cooperation.

“Katsina State Government has provided vehicles and other logistic with befitting office accommodation at the central city of Katsina, all aimed at developing trade between the two states of Katsina and Maradi in Niger Republic,” he said. (NAN)

MNB/IA

(Edited by Idris Abdulrahman)

Buratai’s rep’s audioAudio Attached

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Sports

By Johnson Eyiangho
Abuja, Sept. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai says sport is important to the Nigerian Army personnel both in their combat and non-combat activities.

Buratai made the remark at a news conference to announce the 2016 Nigerian Army Sports Festival (NAFEST) in Abuja on Thursday.
The chief of army staff was represented by Maj.-Gen. John Malu, who is the acting Chairman of the Central Organising Committee for the festival.

Cue in audio

“On my assumption of office as Chief of Army Staff over a year ago, I immediately articulated my vision for the Nigerian Army, which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional role.

“In actualising the cardinal points of this laudable vision, the Nigerian Army has several programmes and activities that are carried out from time to time under my direction.

“One of the major activities in this regard is the Nigerian Army Sports Festival, which is biennial organised event that is aimed at enhancing the physical fitness, as well as promote espirit de corps among the Nigerian army personnel.

“These ingredients are germane in achieving vision success both in combat and non-combat roles.’’

Cue out audio

Buratai also said that the festival would afford the army the opportunity to relate with the larger society for the promotion of sporting activities.

According to him, this year’s sports festival will witness a lot of games that would attract very important personalities and dignitaries from within and outside the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of more than 50 corporate bodies, who had indicated willingness to sponsor the tournament attended the briefing.

Buratai urged them to leverage on the opportunity of the festival to exchange ideas and foster areas of partnership, collaboration and cooperation for mutual benefit and promotion of the national interest and aspirations.

NAN also reports that the tournament, slated for between Oct. 6 and Oct. 15, would feature 19 events, including badminton, basketball, football, table tennis, tennis, squash, swimming, judo, and handball.

According to Brig.-Gen. O.U Obono, the Deputy Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, the tournament will draw participants from all divisions in the army with exception of personnel involved in the fight against insurgency.

Obono said the games would take place at the National Stadium, Abuja. (NAN)
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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim
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INEC declares Obaseki winner of Edo governorship election
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Winner

Deborah Ogedemgbe

Benin, Sept. 29, 2016(NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress(APC) winner of the Edo governorship election held on Wednesday.

Obaseki polled 319,483 to defeat his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), who scored 253,173 votes.

The Returning Officer, Prof, Kayode Soremekum , who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, declared  Obaseki as winner, having scored the highest valid votes.

Soremukum said there were 1, 900, 223 registered voters, while 662,039 of the registered voters were accredited with 613, 244 voters casting their votes in the election.

He said 582, 299 of the votes cast were recorded as valid with 30, 945 as rejected votes, saying the total percentage turned out was 32.74.

“I, Prof. Kayode Soremekun,as the returning officer of the Edo governorship election held on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, hereby states that election was contested in the state.

” Godwin Obaseki, having satisfied the requirements of the law, scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared winner and is returned elected,” he said.(NAN)
DCO/KOO/AMY
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abdullahi Yusuf