Blog

NAN-H-36
Konga
By Kazeem Akande
Lagos, Sept. 28, 2016 (NAN) Mr Shola Adekoya, the Chief Executive Officer of Konga.com, an online shopping  platform, has urged the Federal Government to channel its policies toward technological advancement in enhancing economic development.

Adekoya said in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos that human and infrastructural developments were necessary for the country to make progress.

“The development of a nation is important, as it is not just about discussing the issues plaguing the country but focus should be on fixing them.

“As technology moves, we need to begin to rethink our policies and strategies to make them align with technological advancements for economic growth.

“Where we are today is not acceptable to us as a nation and as a people, the rest of the world is moving on and we are being left behind,’’ he said.

He said that Konga.com commenced business when no one believed that e-commerce could be successful in the country.

Adekoya said that the company stayed focused on its mission as the engine of commerce and trade in Africa, empowering indigenous enterprises across the nation to reach a wider market across the country.

According to him, Konga is helping both micro and medium enterprises to match with the fast changing technology by providing a platform that showcases their products to the entire world at just a click.

“As the enabler of commerce, we are providing innovative game changing products such as the KongaPay, payment and logistics solution.

“Logistics solution enables traders to move their goods all over the country as well as warehouse’s pick and pack process which is one of the most effective in the nation.

“We also need to keep in mind that there are new ways of doing things and we have to begin to leverage on them as government agencies, parastatals, and businesses to achieve desired results.”

He said that the ongoing Made in Nigeria (MaIN) Festival 2016 had the objective to create a platform for the maximum expression of the true “Nigerian Spirit” of enterprise and industry.

Adekoya said that the festival would also convey innovation and opportunities that would bring the world to explore and engage the best of Nigeria products.

The company was inaugurated in July 2012 with a mission to become the engine of commerce and trade in Africa.

The company has now evolved to become Nigeria’s most vibrant online marketplace with close to 30,000 merchants registered and selling on the platform.

It has over 200,000 products listed on the site in various categories including phones, computers, clothing, shoes among others. (NAN)
AKA/MO/GY
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Edited by Morayo Omolade/Grace Yussuf

NAN-H-6

Vendors

By Monday Ajogun

Benin, Sept. 28, 2016 (NAN) Some food vendors and shop owners in parts of Edo defied the restriction order on movement and commercial activities for Wednesday’s governorship election to make brisk businesses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in some polling stations in Benin, food sellers erected emergency booths where they sold food to voters and electoral officers as well as security operatives.

At Fabiyi Akpata Memorial Primary School, no fewer than six vendors selling a variety of prepared food were busy attending to customers.

Some of the voters said that because they left their homes very early, they needed the food to be able to “stay for as long as it will take INEC to begin the exercise”.

One of the voters, Mr Osasu Igben, told NAN that he arrived at the polling station at about 6.30 a.m. “because I really want to vote in this election and to wait for it to begin and end, I need food.

“I thank the food sellers for their thoughtfulness in coming to help us fight the hunger that would have dealt with us today.

A food vendor, Mrs Grace Aigbogun, said she started selling the food at the station as early as 7 a.m. and had made good sales as at 10 a.m.

“ I brought rice, beans and plantain. The sales have been good and I am hopeful that the food will finish before the end of election,” she said.

Another vendor, Miss Joy Emmanuel, who sold soft drinks, water and snacks, said that it was a good day for her business.

“ From the way things are going, my stock may finish before the end of the election. Voters have been patronising my drinks and snacks; business has been good and I pray it continues this way,” she said.

Mr John Akenzua, another food seller, said that his fried plantain, fried yam and moi-moi were in high demand by the voters and other people at the polling station.

“I have made good sales and I pray it continues like this,” he said.

Similarly, many shops were opened at Afuze, Uzebba in Owan East Local Government Area and in Ekpoma, Irrua and neighbouring communities.

They shop owners freely attended to customers as in normal days, appearing to interested in the election.

One of them, Mrs Comfort Inneh, told NAN that she was aware of the election and restriction on activities but that “election or the people will not feed me and my children”.

“I will go and vote later but because I know that people will need one or two things, I had to come out to serve them,’’ she added. (NAN)

AJOM/MEMO/OPI

Edited by Mike Mbonye and controlled by Olisa Ifeajika

NAN-H-22
Commendation
Rore (Kwara) Sept. 28, 2016 (NAN) Some members of Rore community in Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara have commended the state government for rehabilitating Ipetu-Rore-Arandun road.

The indigenes, who  made the commendation during their monthly inter-religious prayers held at Rore Market Square on Wednesday, said that the rehabilitation of the would enhance socio-economic development of the community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Christian prayers were led by Rev. Ogundare Sunday of ECWA Church in Rore, while Islamic aspect was led by the Chief Imam of Rore Central Mosque, Alhaji Bello Adeoye.

The religious leaders, in their separate comments, described the prompt rehabilitation of the road as a thing of joy to the people of the community.

“The rehabilitation of the roads will not only ensure the smooth flow of traffic, but will equally improve the socio-economic development of the community.

“This road project is an investment booster.

“It also has the capability of showcasing the economic potential of the community to the outside,” Adeoye said.

Sunday and Adeoye in their separate sermons urged the people to imbibe unity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence in order to move the community and the state forward.

The traditional ruler of the community, Oba Ezekiel Oyewole, the Arojojoye 11, described the gesture as “an unprecedented achievement.”

“We are very grateful to Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed and the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki, for being sensitive to our yearning and aspiration.

Mr Oyinloye Joshua, the Councilor representing Ipetu/Rore/Aran-Orin Ward, Irepodun Local Government, said the road project was just a tip of the iceberg.

He said the road rehabilitation was executed in line with the promises of the state APC-led government during the last general elections.

Mr Segun Adeoti and Mrs Alice Osasona, the Youth Leader and Women Coordinator, respectively, also lauded the rehabilitation of the road.

Prof. Joseph Ifabiyi, the Asiwaju of Rore, urged the state government to expedite action on the completion of the water project in the town.

He, however, solicited for upgrading of the traditional ruler of the community to second class status from a fourth class as a mark of recognition for his immense contributions to the development of the community. (NAN)
ISHO/DUA/TA
Edited by Dada Ahmed/controlled by Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-H-31
JIBWIS
Lafia, Sept. 28, 2016 (NAN) Ustaz Shuaibu Ismail, the Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’a Waikamatul Sunna (JIBWS), Nasarawa State chapter,
is dead, aged 67.

The deceased’s eldest son, Abdullahi Ismail, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lafia on Wednesday that his father died at about 11.30
p.m. on Tuesday at the Dalhatu Arah Specialist Hospital, Lafia, during a brief illness.

Ismail said that the late Islamic cleric returned to the country from Saudi Arabia after performing this year’s pilgrimage on Monday.

He added that the cleric complained of not being well after leading last night’s congregation prayer.

Ismail, who left four wives and 15 children, had already been buried in Lafia according to Islamic rites.

The Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko, the Emir of Kwandare,
Alhaji Ahmadu Al-makura, Islamic scholars, were among others who witnessed the burial.

Reacting to the death, Al-Makura described the deceased as man of exemplary character, humble, respectful and devoted and dedicated to the propagation of Islam.

The governor said “Ustaz Shuaibu Ismail was a highly trustworthy person who contributed immensely to Islam; the people of Nasarawa State
and the country at large will miss him.

“The decease showed love to his people, irrespective of tribe, religious inclination and was a father who had the interest of the people at heart
above any other thing.

“The death of the cleric, who was also a promoter of peace, is heart breaking, painful but God gives life and takes it at will.’’

Al-Makura called on the people of the state to pray for the family of the deceased and the Izala group.

He prayed to God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and grant his family and the Izala group the fortitude to bear the loss. (NAN) BAB/DUA/HA
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(Edited by Dada Ahmed/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

NAN-H-29
HYPPADEC
By Taiye Edeni
Abuja, Sept. 28, 2016 (NAN) Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Niger Ibrahim Ladan says the operations of Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) will alleviate the sufferings of the concerned communities.

A statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday from the SSG’s office said Ladan spoke in Minna when he received the National Youth Movement for the Creation of HYPPADEC led by its National President, Mr Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi.

He said the operations and immediate take-off of the commission would improve the standard of living in the affected five sates affected by the activities of the hydroelectric power stations.

He also said the struggle for the actualisation of HYPPADEC was a patriotic move to help the neglected communities after sacrificing their lands for the construction of hydroelectric dams.

Ladan explained that HYPADDEC members states had been brainstorming and would come up with workable solutions on how best to approach the realisation of the full take-off of the commission within a short time.

He commended the efforts of the former governors and legislators of HYPPADEC states for their zeal, commitment and follow up that led to the passage of the bill for the establishment of the commission.

Earlier in his remarks, Muregi noted that the organisation had been working towards the creation and take-off of HYPPADEC since 2008.

He commended Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger for his doggedness and commitment towards the actualisation of the establishment of the commission resulting in the recent inaugural stakeholders’ meeting of HYPPADEC in Abuja recently.

In his remarks, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Jibrin Ndace, who is also a member of the organisation, said the establishment of HYPPADEC would bring lasting solution to the menace of incessant flooding in the concerned communities.

HYPPADEC member states are Niger, Plateau, Kogi, Kebbi and Kwara.(NAN)
TY/KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

NAN-HG-3
Donation
By Yashim Katurak Rebecca
Abuja, Sept. 28, 2016 (NAN) Prof. Karniyu Gamaniel, the Director-General, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), on Wednesday, said the Institute had received two world class research equipment from Merck, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company.

Gamaniel said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the equipment would assist the Institute in a wide range of research activities in order to improve the production of drugs.

Gamaniel had said during an earlier interview that the lack of modern and world class equipment was affecting the level of research
carried out by the Institute.

He told NAN that most of the equipment in the Institute were no longer effective in carrying out research, noting that most of the equipment
were in use for 10 years and were now dilapidated and outdated.

The director-general said that with the new equipment, the Institute would be able to carry out research more efficiently and conveniently.

“The strength of any research institute is in the quality and capacity of the laboratories and equipment available to carry out research. Equipment
is the life wire of any research institution.

“Bio Ventures for Global Health, a non-profit organisation, has brokered a relationship between the Institute and Merck in the U.S. We have received two high grade and high performance equipment and they are currently being installed in the institute.

“These machines will help in research; they are very key instruments when it comes to preparation of molecules and their identification as well.

“For us in the Institute, it is a good development as the equipment will also serve us and our clients who come to the institute in need of equipment to carry out some analysis.

“These equipment and others received from the Japanese Government, will help in quality analysis and evaluation, testing the quality of drugs, analysis of drug development, plant material and analysis at the level of  medicinal chemistry and pharmacology,” Gamaniel said.

He commended international donor agencies that have assisted the institute with equipment and other materials to aid research and production of drugs.

He called for more assistance from individuals, local and international organisations. (NAN)
KRY/HS/HA
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(Edited by Halima Sheji/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

NAN-AE-6
AFAN
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), Sep. 28, 2016 (NAN) All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kaduna State has advised the Federal Government to review the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) supported Anchor-Borrower programme.

The state Chairman of AFAN, Alhaji Nuhu Aminu made the call in Zaria on Wednesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

NAN reports that under the programme, the CBN set aside N40 billion of the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund to be given to farmers at single digit interest rate of nine percent per annum.

Aminu said the call became imperative in view of the fact that the programme started very late in the state when both maize and rice had reached an advanced stage of growth.

The chairman said it was worrisome to note that farmers in the state started receiving fertilisers and chemicals from off-takers in August through September.

“The delayed implementation of the programme in the state will affect the ability of beneficiaries to settle the soft loan from proceeds of 2016 harvest as expected,” he said.

Aminu observed that for the programme to achieve the desired success, government must ensure its early take-off so that both money and materials were available before the commencement of rainy season.

“Farmers will certainly be happy if this programme is given the desired attention it deserves, let the Federal Government approach the programme holistically.

“Nigerian farmers are eager to participate and willing to redeem the loan but they cannot cope with the way it is being handled.

“However, if the programme is changed from rainy season to dry season, it will certainly yield fruitful results, hence the call for its review,” he said.

NAN reports that the CBN established the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (CBN/ABP) with a view to collaborating with anchor companies involved in the production and processing of key agricultural commodities.

According to the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, the fall in oil prices has given us a timely reminder that we have no choice but to diversify our economy away from oil, and into agriculture, manufacturing, services, and other non-oil sectors.

Emefiele said the programme was one of the CBN’s policy initiatives to pursue the creation of jobs, reduction in food imports, and diversification of the economy.

The programme aims at creating economic linkages between over 600,000 smallholder farmers and reputable large-scale processors with a view to increasing agricultural output and significantly improving capacity utilization of integrated mills. (NAN)
KLM/MNA/AFA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Felix Ajide
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NAN-S-3
Postponement
Panaji (India), Sept. 28, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) FIFA President Gianni Infantino played down the significance of Tuesday’s postponement of Asian elections for seats on the new FIFA Council.

Infantino said that it was all part of the reform process at soccer’s scandal-hit world governing body.

Upset at FIFA’s last minute disqualification of a Qatari candidate, delegates overwhelmingly voted down the agenda of an Asian Football Confederation extraordinary congress in Goa.

FIFA banned Qatari Saoud Al-Mohannadi from the election on Sunday because of an ongoing ethics investigation, leaving insufficient time for new candidates to join the six remaining in the field.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said the voting down of the agenda was “a loud and clear message’’ to FIFA.

Infantino, who was attending the congress, said the vote was all part of an ongoing reform process within the sport’s governing bodies.

“We are going through a reform process in FIFA, the confederations are going through a reform process as well,’’ Infantino told reporters after unveiling the logo for next year’s U-17 World Cup in India.

“This takes discussions, this takes time, this takes meetings, postponement of meetings as well.

“This is simply part of a process football is going through these days.’’

FIFA had set a Sept. 30 deadline for elections to the Council, which replaces the Executive Committee under reforms instituted in the wake of the corruption scandal, which has engulfed soccer’s governing body over the last 16 months. (Reuters/NAN)
ERO/PDE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Okara and Controlled by Peter Ejiofor)

NAN-H-30

Call

Lafia, Sept. 28, 2016 (NAN) Alhaji Isah Mustapha-Agwai, the Emir of Lafia, has urged herdsmen to avoid grazing on farmlands, to avert clashes between them and farmers.

Mustapha-Agwai made the call on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of Nasarawa State Fulani community in Lafia.

He said that the call became imperative to ensure peaceful co-existence between them and farmers as well as to boost food production in the state and the country at large.

“As a traditional ruler, my role is to preach peace, unity and to advise my subjects and other Nigerians to live in peace and tolerate one another, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation.

“No nation or society can develop in an atmosphere of rancour and confusion; the security challenges facing some parts of the country had affected our lives and socio-economic development of the country negatively.

“It is in view of this, I want to appeal to you and other herdsmen not to graze on farmlands so as to avert clashes between you and farmers in the interest of peace and national development.

“Without peaceful co-existence between the farmers and the herdsmen, agricultural production and the socio-economic development of the country will be affected negatively, hence the need for both of them to embrace one another,” he said.

Earlier, the leader of the Fulani community, Ardo Lawal Dano, said the visit was to inform the royal father of the communities activities, especially in the area of promotion of peace across the state.

Dano assured the Emir that Fulani leaders would do everything humanly possible to ensure the sustenance of peace among them and with their neighbours.(NAN)

BAB/ORO/IA
Edited by Razak Owolabi/Idris Abdulrahman

Osogbo residents call for urgent action against street hawking
NAN-H-19
Hawking
By Ajibola Olaniyi
Osogbo, Sep. 28, 2016(NAN) Some residents in Osogbo on Wednesday called on the state government to stop hawking along the streets in the town.

They expressed concern about the safety of hawkers, who they said, were mainly school children and urged the state government to curtail the dangerous trend.

Pastor James Ajayi, a resident who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Ola-Iya area of the town, said that the number of minors hawking in the area was worrisome.

Ajayi said that the recent strike embarked on by workers in the state aggravated the menace as public schools were closed.

He urged the state government to resolve labour issues with dispatch and decisive actions to put an end to hawking by school children.
Mrs Adejoke Afuape, a public school teacher in the town, flayed parents who allowed their children to hawk on the streets in spite of economic situation in the state.

“I make bold to say that the harsh economic condition in the state is not in any way an excuse to send a child hawking.

“I am imploring parents to be careful and not jeopardise the life of their children in the course of looking for means of livelihood,” Afuape said.

Mrs Olayinka Adisa, a child right activist, also called on the state government to make hawking along the streets a serious offence.

“In as much as I symphatise with the people of Osun over the harsh economic situation in the state, it is pertinent not to risk the life of our children in the name of making money.

“Government should give it a priority and make hawking on the highway a serious offence,” she said. (NAN)
DOO/TA
Edited/controlled by Tajudeen Atitebi