Blog

NAN-H-50
Tourism
Aisha Ahmed
Kano, Sept., 22, 2016 (NAN) The Kano State Government has inaugurated a stakeholders’ committee to review its tourism master plan, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

This was disclosed by a statement from the state Deputy Governor’s office signed by the Public Relations Officer, Malam Balarabe Abdullahi.

The statement said the effort was to sanitise the operation of the state tourism board and create more avenues for income generation.

The state Deputy Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, who inaugurated the committee on Wednesday, advised the committe to study the tourism master plan produced by K.I. Dandago and Company.

Abubakar also advised the committee on the implementation on the 10 key programmes to be pursued over a period of seven years from 2014-2020.

The deputy governor said that the formation of the committee was extremely important to the state considering the current economic recession that had undermined its sources of revenue generation.

“With outcome of its work, we will reopen a private sector that will create opportunities for our society from the tourism system which will keep a vital history in the state economy,” he said.

He expressed regret that the tourism sector in the state had been neglected for quite a long time in spite of the roles it played in improving the economy, generating employment and contributing to the overall development of the state.

Abubakar called on the committee members to dedicate them to the realisation of the committee’s objectives.

Responding, the Chairman of the committe, Alhaji Imam Zubairu, pledged the determination of members to discharge their duties effectively.

NAN reports that the nine-member committee has Alhaji Imam Zubairu as chairman, while Alhaji Salihu Talle from the Kano State tourism will serve as secretary. (NAN)
AAA/TA
Edited/controlled by Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-H-51
Petrol
Lagos, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Charged with dousing two men in petrol with intent to commit murder, a tricycle driver, Tijani Muiz, on Thursday appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court.
Muiz, 18, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful injury.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Maria Dauda had informed the court that Muiz committed the offences on Sept. 16 at Orile Iganmu, Lagos.
She said that Muiz and the complainants– Obinna Ojiogu and Tammy Ajao had gotten into a heated argument and out of anger he had doused them with a gallon of petrol.
“The duo had been doused with petrol right beside where they were cooking, hence, they were engulfed in fire,” Dauda said.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene Sections 242, 244 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The magistrate, Mrs A.O. Ajibade, admitted the accused to a bail of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.
She adjourned further hearing till Oct. 27. (NAN)
OAT/BOS (Controlled by Dele Bodunde)

NAN-H-49
Employment
By Chinyere Bassey & Chinedu Nmegwa
Lagos, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Forty five of 500 job seekers were on Thursday employed as artisans by the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), Iganmu station, presently handling the construction of the light rail.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Wednesday, the CCECC, handling the light rail project sponsored by the Lagos State Government, advertised vacancies for artisans.

The job seekers told NAN, in separate interviews, that they reported for the recruitment as early as 5:30 a.m.

An applicant, Mr Donald God’slove, said that he got to the station two hours earlier.

“I came because I have to sustain myself and my family.

“My family looked up to me and I prayed that I would be selected so that I would be able to assist my family,’’ God’slove said.

Another applicant, Mr Chuks Idighie, said that he was not selected because he came late.

“They just informed their workers about the vacancies and the workers passed the information to their own people.’’ Idighie said.

A construction worker with the company Mr Idowu Kazeem, told NAN that the vacancies were limited, adding that applicants who did not meet the requirements, were not selected.

“The managers of the company picked few applicants.

“We had earlier picked 20 welders, 10 labourers and 15 iron benders but I am not sure we can absorb more people,’’ he said.

Mr Steve Ogbo, one of the successful applicants, expressed joy that the company selected him out of the crowd that came for the interview.

“This will lift the heavy burden off me temporarily until I get a better job.

“The pay is not enough, but I can manage,’’ Ogbo said.

NAN reports that the rail line is a project of the Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA).

The first phase of the project runs from Okokomaiko in Ojo Local Government Area to Marina, Lagos Island. (NAN)
CHIN/NCJ/AIB/AJA
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(Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde and controlled by Adeleye Ajayi)

NAN-H-65
Debt
Makurdi, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi, Prof. Msugh Kembe, says the institution is owing N3.8 billion.

Kembe said this on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the retreat for Deans, Directors and Heads of Academic Departments of BSU in Makurdi.

He explained that the debt included arrears of pension, death benefits and earned allowances liabilities.

“The university is in arrears of pension in excess of N500 million; death benefits liability of the university is close to N300 million while earned allowances liability is in excess of N3 billion,” Kembe said.

He said that BSU was no longer receiving overheads from the state government, adding that capital projects were mostly funded by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and ALGON.

The vice chancellor further lamented that efforts to improve internally generated revenue of the university by increasing user charges was frustrated.

In his address, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council of BSU, Prof. Zachary Gundu, warned lecturers against sexual harassment, admission racketeering and corruption.

“There are vices we must avoid if we have to build a BSU of our dream. Lack of transparency breeds rumours and speculations.

“We must also choose to be authentic and be prepared to cut away everything that is not ours.

“ If cultism is not ours, we must stamp it out completely.

“If cheating and plagiarism is not ours, we must reject everything about it. If sexual harassment is not ours, we must stand firmly against it.

“If admission racketeering is not ours, we must stamp it out quickly and if corruption is not ours, we must do everything possible to be above board,” Gundu said.

Gundu said the council was not satisfied with the quality of work of the institution’s projects and the quality of inventories kept in offices about suppliers.

He said that the institution must explore new ways of teaching and learning experiences and give the students opportunities to experience quality thereby improving standards.

“The student who is forced to put money in his or her project in order for the supervisor to grade it is passing through an experience that will destroy our reputation.

“The student who must sleep with a teacher before passing examinations will have a very poor idea of quality in the university, same for the one who pays or sleep with another to get admission, ” Gundu said.

He said that available records from the visitation panel showed that the previous management was not truthful to both staff and students, leading to much compromises in the system. (NAN)
AEB/ORO/OJO
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(Edited by Razak Owolabi and Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-H-29

Protest

By Solomon Asowata

Lagos, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed 736-metre road project at Kalejaye Street in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of the state.

The inauguration came as some residents expressed reservation about the state of the road, saying the contractor that handled it needed to do more work.

Ambode, represented by Mr Ganiyu Johnson, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, said that the road was part of the 114 roads being constructed across the state at a total cost of N19.4 billion.

He enjoined the people of the community to take ownership of the project.

“Let me therefore appeal to our elders, the youths and indeed the entire residents to guard jealously the infrastructure provided by the government so that additional projects can come to your communities,’’ the governor said.

Ambode urged them to address the menace of cultism, kidnapping, miscreants, vandalism and hoodlums by providing timely information to security agencies.

However, some residents of the area expressed their dissatisfaction with the government for going ahead with the inauguration in spite of some issues raised.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr Akinsola Olabodun, said they had several complaints about the construction of the road.

“From day one, we have been complaining about the road. From the beginning to the end, the road is very bad.

“We have been complaining until today that the road is not due for inauguration. We want the government to call the contractor to come and repair the road,’’ he said

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the residents had earlier appealed to the government to halt the inauguration of the project due to its poor construction.

They told NAN that the road, which serves as both exit and entry point to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, was poorly constructed by the contractor that handled it. (NAN)

ASO/FF/SOA

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(Edited by Fela Fashoro/Oluwole Sogunle)

NAN-HE-15
SEC
By Lucy Nwachukwu
Abuja, Sept.22, 2016 (NAN) The Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC) plans to enact a new rule on Asset Managers’ Code of Professional Conduct and review the requirement for sub-brokers.
This is contained in a circular by the management of SEC that was made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

On the Asset Manager Code, it stated that the rule made provisions for conduct expected of Asset Managers.
It named some of the rules to include the General Principle of Conduct, obligations to clients, duties relating to investment process and actions and conduct while trading for clients.
It listed others as development of risk management compliance and support, presentation of performance information and valuation of portfolios as well as timely communication and disclosure of information to clients.
On the existing rule for trading in unlisted securities, including that of debt securities, it said slight amendment had been made on it. Some of the amendments were listed as follows:
“The words `unlisted public’ is replaced with `public unlisted’ and the proposed new rule (b)now includes securities issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria and Sub-nationals.
“ There is a new rule (c) that includes regulation of trading in foreign currency securities of Nigerian entities listed in other jurisdiction.
“A slight amendment and renumbering of existing rule (b) as new rule (d) to compel trading of securities of public companies on SEC-registered platforms only.
“Slight amendment to existing rule (c ) and renumbering of same as new rule (e),’’ it stated as part of the new rules.
On the review of capital requirement for sub-brokers, it listed the highlights, including the amendment of rule 67(1)(i) on increasing the minimum paid-up capital requirement for corporate sub-brokers to N10 million.
There is also a review of schedule 1, part B(5), to reflect N10 million as minimum paid-up capital requirement for corporate sub-brokers.
Others are amendment of rule 67 (2) (a) (ii), increasing the minimum net worth requirement for individual sub-brokers to N1million.
It said the amendment of schedule 1 part B (6) to reflect N1 million as minimum net worth requirement for individual sub-brokers was also considered.
According to the circular, details of the proposed new rule and amendments are available on the Commission’s website www.sec.gov.ng (NAN)
LCN/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Union petitions Delta Govt. over seizure of 91 motorcycles, tricycles
NAN-H-46
Petition
Warri (Delta), Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Mr Ikimi Oghenejabor, a legal practitioner, has urged on Gov.  Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta to order the state Directorate of Transport to release the over 91 motorcycles and tricycles unlawfully seized by its officials.
Oghenejabor, made the call in a petition to the governor, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Warri.
He stated in the 34-paragraph petition that the items belonging to members of the National Commercial Motorcycles and Tricycles Owners and Riders Association were confiscated for the non-payment of union dues.
Oghenejaborn said the petition was written based on the order of his client.
He explained that the properties were seized without valid court order between Sept. 5 and 6, 2016, in Warri South, Udu and Uvwie Local Government Areas of Delta.
He said that the union, in an earlier petition on Dec. 24, 2015, complained to the state Commissioner for Transport over the attitude of the consultant engaged by the ministry towards its members.
He added that in spite of the petition, the Commissioner, Mr Vincent Uduaghan, had directed the Vehicle Inspection Zonal Offices in Udu, Uvwie and Warri South to impound motorcycles and tricycles.
Oghenejabor quoted the commissioner as saying that the motorcycles and tricycles were impounded because their owners failed to remit welfare tickets (dues).
”While the Department of People’s Rights for the mediation is trying to intervene, the commissioner and members of the task forces of the consultant carried out a raid.
”They came in three Toyota Hilux vehicles with armed police personnel and stormed Udu, Uvwie and Warri.
”They forcefully seized motorcycles and tricycles belonging to my client Mr Godwin Ikolo, and his members plying the state highways without a valid court order.
”They said our client and his members had refused to purchase both the state government permit ticket and the consultant’s welfare ticket.’’
Oghenejabor urged the governor to prevail on the Directorate of Transportation to release the seized properties to his clients as most of them depended on them to fend for their families. (NAN)
EDI/EEM/NKO
Edited by Emmanuel Mogbede/Nkechi Okoronkwo
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NAN-H-26

Bail

Yola, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) A Yola high court on Thursday granted bail to the immediate past Governor of Adamawa, Mr Bala Ngilari, arraigned over alleged N167 million contract processing without due process.

Justice Nathan Musa granted Ngillari bail along with his administration’s Commissioner for Finance, Mr Sanda Lamurde.

Musa granted Ngilari bail in the sum of N100 million with a surety who must have a landed property in Yola metropolis,

The court granted Lamurde bail in the sum of N50 million with surety, who must also possess a landed property in Yola.

The court will on Friday give ruling on a bail application by Ibrahim Welye, who served as the Secretary to the state government under Ngilari.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ngilari, Welye and Lamurde were arraigned before the court on a 17-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful processing of contract.

They were charged by the Economi and FInancila Crimes Commission (EFCC), which alleged that the offence contravened Section 96 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 97 of the same code.

The EFCC accused the trio of processing contract for purchase of 25 cars worth N167 million without following due process.

The commission said that the accused allegedly committed the crime in 2015 while in office.

 The accused, however, had pleaded not guilty.

Ruling on the bail application the judge said that the prosecutor had not provided enough reason why the the former governor and commissioner should not be granted bail.

Musa noted that the crime allegedly committed by Ngilari and Lamurde was bail-able, the EFCC had already concluded investigations in the matter.

He adjourned the case to October 10 for hearing Substantive hearing. (NAN)
YMU/IGO
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(Edited and Controlled by Ijeoma Popoola)

NAN-ELS-4

Peace

By Collins Yakubu-hammer

Abuja, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Mrs Lauretta Achudume, the Chief Executive Officer, `Women of Like-minds Initiative’ and organiser of Miss Peace Beauty Pageant says the organisation will use the event to preach peace.

Achudume made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a cocktail party to celebrate the `International Day of Peace’ in Abuja.

“During our beauty pageant, we are going to talk and educate people on peace, because it is all we need; without peace, there is nothing that can strive in this society.

“We are going to empower those that will emerge winners; they will be crowned Peace ambassadors.

“Also, we are going to have projects for them that will bring about peace in the society, Achudume said.

She admonished parents to start building peace from their homes and inculcate it in their young ones.

“ Those guys that are causing unrest in the country are from a home; I believe that women have a role to play in peace building starting from their children.

“Parents should teach their young ones how to talk and respect people around them; that is basically what we are canvassing for.’’

NAN reports that the Miss Peace Beauty Pageant would hold in Abuja in November.

Speaking in same vein, Mrs Eki Agorom, the Chief Executive Officer of Katherine Parker Initiative (KPI), said there was the absolute need to create awareness on peace.

Agorom observed that the increasing rate of insurgency in the world was becoming alarming, and maintained that love and peace remained the only remedies to global threat.

She called on the youth to shun all forms of violence, as well as political thuggery.

“That is why societal influencers are expected to constantly pass the message and build the peace awareness we are creating.

“Peace has to reign in our hearts; love your neigbour as you love yourself; peace should start from the home.

“By so doing, killing other people or taking other peoples’ lives would not just be a thing that anybody can do with the snap of a finger,’’ Agorom said. (NAN)

CMY/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

Girl, 12, dies after falling into pit toilet

NAN-H-28

Girl

By David Adeoye

Ikole (Ekiti), Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) A 12-year-old girl, Blessing, reportedly died when she fell into a pit latrine at Asin-Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

A witness, Mrs Ruth Bamidele, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the deceased was running an errand for her parents on Monday evening when the incident occurred.

Bamidele said the girl mistakenly stepped on rusty and weak concrete that covered the pit latrine and fell inside with nobody around to rescue her.

She said her parents raised alarm on Monday night when she did not return home and the search for her whereabouts continued till Tuesday morning.

“One of the neighbours in search of the missing girl noticed the collapsed lid of the pit toilet in a residential building situated behind the Alasin palace.

“A lifeless body was sighted inside the pit and was later brought out; it was the missing girl and the incident threw the entire community into mourning,’’ she said.

It was learnt that the deceased was in happy mood when her parents sent her on errand on the day of the incident, unknown that it was a journey of no return.

NAN reports that many residents of the community were seen sympathising with the deceased parents, Rotimi and Helen, who were wailing uncontrollable.

Meanwhile, the Ikole Local Government Council has warned all landlords in the area with uncompleted or damaged pit latrines to, as a matter of urgency, put them in good shape.

Mr Tunde Famuyisan, Head, Environment Department in the council area, gave the warning on Thursday when reacting to the unfortunate incident that claimed the life of the innocent girl.

Famuyisan said that all sanitary inspectors in the area have been directed to move from house to house to ensure that every residential building in the council area has functional toilets, as well as demolish life-threatening pit toilets.

He appealed to residents to give useful information to the council workers, so as to detect houses with unsafe pit toilets. (NAN)

DAK/FF/BOS (Edited by Fela Fashoro, controlled by Dele Bodunde)

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