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NAN-ELS-11
Eulogy

By Oladapo Udom and Adebayo Olawunmi
Lagos, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Chief Tony Okoroji, the Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), has described King Sunny Ade as a trail-blazer in the Nigerian  music industry.

The tribute is coming as Sunny Ade clocks 70 years of age on Sept. 22.

According to Okoroji, Sunny Ade is a trail-blazer in the Nigerian music industry today because he contributed immensely to making it viable and respectable.

The COSON chairman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that even at 70 years of age, Sunny Ade remains “an icon“, whose success should spur parents to support their children interested in making a career in music.

He stated that the 70-year-old musician has inspired a lot of Nigerians to make a success of their career in music.

• Cue in audio

“Not too many parents would have encouraged their children to take to music before Sunny Ade but Sunny Ade made it viable and made it interesting for people to play music.

“And then, in a way, developed the path that a lot of people have followed.

“Sunny has performed before presidents, before kings, before queens and before royalty.

“That definitely has helped put music on a very respectable pedestal and inspired quite a lot of people.

“I am not sure there is any person who would not want to have a Sunny Ade as a relation and that is good for music.

“I wish him happy birthday and many happy returns; we will celebrate him at eighty and at ninety and at a hundred.

“Hopefully, he will still continue to flaunt his guitar.’’

• Cue out audio

The COSON chairman said that artistes and music fans would always make reference to Sunny Ade’s great contributions to the development of the nation’s music industry. (NAN)

OUU/AAO/ERO/OSA/YEE
Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Shittu Obassa/Emmanuel Yashim

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Tax the rich to provide social protection for the poor -NGO

NAN-HE-4
Tax
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Plan International, an NGO, on Thursday called on the Federal Government to tax wealthy Nigerians in order to build the economy and provide social protection for the poor.
Dr Hussaini Abdul, Country Director of Plan International, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.
He explained that it was imperative for the government to adopt a new value added tax system in view of the current economic recession.
Abdul, who spoke with NAN on the side line of the Progressive Governance Lecture Series, noted that Nigeria was among countries that still enjoyed the least value added tax in the whole world.
He identified tax increase as a way to boost revenue in times of recession by taxing luxury lifestyles.
According to him, resources for social protection can be acquired from the rich and powerful, including those who fly private jets, live in hotels and own fleets of cars.
“This is the only country where someone will own fleets of luxury cars worth up to N100 million and drive for 500km without paying a dime.
“These are hard decisions the government must take after investing so much in building roads.
‘’The rich should rather pay more, not those riding bicycles or motorcycles, but those in cars should pay to maintain the roads.
“For those driving trucks, they won’t only pay tax but the goods in the truck should be weighed and charged, that is what is done all over the world,’’ he said.
He said the state of the economy was badly affected by over-dependence on oil in the past with no investment to serve as a buffer, hence the need to generate additional revenue.
“We can’t live in denial of the state of the economy; the economy had been largely dependent on oil and the global prices of oil have badly gone down.
“When we had tremendous resources as a country we did not make the required investment, today we do not have enough resources to serve as a buffer,’’ Abdul said.
He urged government to protect the rights of the poor and vulnerable and ensure that their needs such as food, education and health were not taxed.
According to him, the poor should be protected and not exposed to tax, adding that those living in luxury should be taxed to build the economy
He called on government to create new jobs, build infrastructure and generate more revenue through agriculture to get out of recession.
“Investing in infrastructure such as roads that would enable farmers’ access their farms produce and market place.
“We can also invest in rail that would serve the people better, move goods easily and our roads will last longer,” he said.
He identified the provision of education and health services as areas that required strong protection and investment to ensure that the rights of children are protected. (NAN)
TIM/HS/WOJ
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(Edited by Halima Sheji and Controlled by Wale Ojetimi)

NAN-H-47
Samsung
By Kazeem Akande
Lagos, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (PAPDAN) Lagos chapter, has advised the users of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 to quickly return the product for replacement.

Some members of the association told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that Samsung company had called for the return of the product due to technical fault.

However, a statement from the Samsung Electronics West Africa Ltd. in Nigeria had earlier announced the postponement of the launch of the product in the country, saying the devise was isolated due to battery cell problems.

“Although the Galaxy Note7 has not been released in Nigeria, the current Galaxy Note7 users are kindly advised to visit the nearest Samsung Authorized Service Centre for immediate assistance about replacement programme,’’ Samsung said.

Mr Chibuzo Okoro, a mobile phone dealer told NAN that users had been advised to return the phone to the place of purchase for replacement.

Okoro said that the company had also advised the users not to charge the phone to avoid explosion during the process.

“Samsung company has given directive to all those who have purchased the products to return it for replacement.

“We have also called some of our members who have the products in stock to return it for replacement.

“Actually, we have not recorded any major cases of the phone explosion in the country but we are advising people with the phone to comply with the directive,” he said.

Mr Innocent Anago, a dealer of phones and accessories at the Computer Village, Lagos also said that there was no major case of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 explosion in the country presently.

Anago said that the product was new and majority of Nigerians could not afford such exorbitant phone at this present economic recession.

“We are yet to record any incident of phone explosion here this country, but we are advising the users of the product to quickly return it for safety purpose,” he said.

Samsung has announced a global recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 along with halting of sales after concerns of faulty components causing battery explosions.

The company had also recommended that the users should power down the Galaxy Note7 and return it to the place of purchase to arrange a refund.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this may have caused in the market, but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to Samsung customers.

“Samsung is completely committed to fixing this problem and ensuring the highest level of safety and satisfaction for its customers,” Samsung said.

NAN reports every Galaxy Note 7 sold before Sept. 15 was affected by the recall and must be returned for replacement.  (NAN)
AKA/GY
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Edited/Controlled by Grace Yussuf

NAN-H-25
Light
By Emmanuel Acha
Enugu, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Enugu State Government is to spend N522.39 million to provide street lights on rural roads in Enugu North Senatorial District.

The state Commissioner for Information, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, made this known while addressing journalists after the state’s Executive Council Meeting in Enugu on Thursday.

Udeuhele said that the measure would go a long way to reduce rural-urban drift in the state.

He said that the contract was awarded to Vee Tek Nig. Ltd., adding that no fewer than five communities would benefit from the project.

According to him, the communities include  Ihe/Owerre, Nru Nsukka, Orba town, Nkpunano and Nsukka among others.

Udeuhele said that the development would reduce activities of criminals in the dark.

The commissioner said that the government also approved N49.53 million for purchase of dialysis machines for the state government diagnostic centre under construction.

“Additional N265.51 million was approved for the completion of the Enugu State Medical Diagnostic Centre,” Udeuhele said.

Also, the state Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Greg Nnaji, said that the council approved the constitution and inauguration of the Enugu State Science and Technology and Information Council.

Nnaji said that the move was to build a sustainable science and technology culture in the state.

“We want to align our science and technology policies with that of the Federal Government and in line with best practices.

“This is one of the requirements that will enable us align with the national policy.

“The council will provide leadership and direction for science and technology, and promote science education in the state,” he said.

Nnaji said that Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi would be the Chairman of the council, while ministries such as agriculture, health, environment, education, commerce and industry, finance and gender affairs would be represented.

According to the commissioner, other stakeholders that will have representation are the state House of Assembly, organised private sector and relevant professional bodies. (NAN)
EOA/MO/IGO
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(Edited by Morayo Omolade and controlled by Ijeoma Popoola)

NAN-HG-1
Polio
Lafia, Sept. 22, 2016. (NAN) The Nasarawa Government on Thursday decried the apathy among some parents to the current polio immunisation exercise.

Speaking during a visit to the Emir of Lafia, Dr Isa Mustapha, the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Daniel Iya, lamented that some parents refused to bring out their children for immunisation.

Iya said there were reported cases of non-compliance from parents in some communities in Ciroma, Adogi and Gayam wards, all in Lafia Local Government Area.

The development, he said, informed the visit in order to promote a change of attitude.

Iya said the state government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of the ongoing exercise.

He appealed to the emir to assist in ensuring that all cases of non-compliance were immediately addressed.

“We need to make sure that the communities key into the response effort of the state government.

“I believe it is a case of ignorance; that is why we are here to seek the emir’s assistance in enlightening the people on the importance of polio immunisation,” Iya said.

He added that the polio vaccination exercise was not harmful, adding that parents must cooperate with vaccinators to eradicate the disease in the state.

The commissioner called for collective efforts among Nigerians to eradicate the deadly disease in the country.

Responding, the traditional ruler pledged to do everything possible to ensure that all communities in the state capital complied with the state government’s directive.

Mustapha directed traditional rulers in his domain to ensure that all affected communities complied.(NAN)
BAB/ORO/OJO
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(Edited by Razak Owolabi and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-H-44

Crimes

Abuja, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has expressed its readiness to engage the National Assembly towards enacting and amending laws to tackle the challenges of  border crimes.

The Country Representatives of UNODC, Cristina Albertin made this known at a three-day “Sub-Regional Training of Law Enforcement Officers on Joint Border Control and Management’’ on Thursday in Abuja.

The workshop with the theme, “Strengthening National Response to Security threats through Enhanced Border Control in Nigeria, ’’ was sponsored by the Government of Japan.

Albertin said that there was the need for continuous review of obsolete laws, particularly in view of emerging dynamics in organised crimes like insurgency, human trafficking, arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and cross border robbery, among others.

She added that the UNODC would also map out plans to engage with the legislature on the review or enactment of laws critical to other areas of governance.

“The National Assembly is definitely a critical stakeholder. When it comes to laws, we will engage the National Assembly to advocate and to explain why certain laws are necessary.

“When we have an initiative that aims at laws reforms, we will engage with them,’’ she said.

According to her, the workshop, which is first of its kind with major stakeholders from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Republic of Benin as well as Cameroon, is critical to confronting security challenges in the region.

“Effective prevention and control of transnational organised crime, terrorism and other security threats in addition to proper legislation for strengthening of cross-border cooperation goes beyond the checking of passports and immigration controls.

“You are all aware of the security threats for Nigeria and its neighbours emanating from the presence and action of Boko Haram and related criminal activities.

“Porous borders and weak controls and management present opportunities for criminal and terrorist organisations which they will most certainly exploit unscrupulously,’’ she said.

The country representatives further said that the workshop would help to provide knowledge and good practice to law enforcement officers in order to enhance  control and better manage activities at the border.

She also said that the workshop would promote joint border patrol and co-operation across border to secure the border points of Nigeria and its neighbours. (NAN)

CJM/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

Dutse Micro-finance bank disburses N75m loan to farmers

NAN-HE-3

Loan

Dutse, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Dutse Micro-Finance Bank (DMFB) has disbursed N75 million loan to farmers in Dutse Emirate Council.

Alhaji Safiyanu Sulaiman, Managing Director of the bank, disclosed this at the disbursement ceremony on Thursday in Dutse.

Sulaiman said that the loan was given to farmers working under the council and others in the area.

He explained that the gesture was part of the bank’s effort to assist farmers in the area.

The managing director added that it was also to encourage and enhance agricultural activities among people.

He explained that the beneficiaries included district, village and ward heads.

Safiyanu said salary earners among the beneficiaries would pay back the loan between 10 to 12 months, while others would pay between five to seven months after the sale of their farm produce.

“Those who earn salary among the beneficiaries would pay back the loan through deduction from source, while those who are mainly farmers will pay after they sell their farm produce at the end of the season,’’ Safiyanu said.

The managing director said the bank had supported farmers with loan in the area for the past 12 years, adding that “we started with N30 million in 2004’’.

Safiyanu, however, lamented that people did not have the habit of taking their money to banks.

“Monies are just circulating among individuals instead of banks because people decided to keep their money at home,’’ Safiyanu said.

The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Sunusi, urged beneficiaries to make good use of the money to improve their socio-economic well-being.

Sunusi, represented by the Galadiman Dutse, Alhaji Basiru Muhammad, said that both Jigawa and Federal Governments were committed to developing agriculture.

Sanusi therefore urged the people, particularly the youth, to take advantage of the state and Federal Government commitment to develop agriculture as a matter of priority.

The emir, however, commended the management of the bank for facilitating the loan.

He added that the gesture would complement state government`s effort to enhance food security. (NAN)

MNB/FF/IA

Edited by Fela Fashoro/Idris Abdulrahman

NAN-H-43
Offices
By Muntari Turkur
Kano, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to establish additional zonal offices across the country as part of effort to enhance its operations.

The Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr Abdullahi MaiKano disclosed this at the 78th edition of Consumer Outreach Programme (COP) in Kano on Thursday.

He said that establishing the offices would give the commission the opportunity to decentralised its operations for the benefit of consumers and service providers as well as the industry as a whole.

The Director, who was represented by a Deputy Director, Dr Femi Atoyebi, said that the commission had also developed a number of initiatives aimed at protecting customers’ rights and their choices provide them with value for money.

“The NCC recognises the fact that the rights of every telecoms consumer must be protected as one of their fundamental rights is the right to be informed and educated,” he said.

He said that the reason behind initiating the consumer outreach programme was in line with the commission’s effort to ensure protection of telecom consumers from market exploitation.

“This will also empower them to make rational and informed decision when making their choices of service,” he said.

He assured consumers that the commission would continue to do its best to ensure that consumers were protected from exploitation and against fraud.

He said that the theme of the forum “Education and Information as Catalyst for Consumer Protection’’ was carefully chosen to reflect one of the objectives of the NCC of ensuring protection of the rights of consumers and effective service delivery.

NAN reports that the programme was attended by telecom consumers and heads of various service providers in the state. (NAN)
MTM/GY
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Edited/Controlled by Grace Yussuf

NAN-H-41
Workers
By Emmanuel Acha
Enugu, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Workers in Enugu State Civil Service not captured in the recently concluded biometric verification will cease to receive salaries, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, has said.

Addressing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting held on Wednesday night, Udeuhele said  the decision was taken to end the ghost-worker syndrome in the service.

He said that the current administration on assumption of office observed leakages of state funds and moved to block the loopholes.

“As a result, the biometric verification was introduced at the inception of the Bank Verification Number which makes it impossible for somebody to earn salaries in more than one point.

“Before today, some people were in the local government system and state government receiving salaries from three points when they were actually not working in any of those places.

“The dead were even collecting salaries. I’m surprised to see that the dead will go to the bank to collect salaries but you don’t see them at their work places,” he said.

Udeuhele said that the decision was long overdue following the successful completion of the exercise and submission of the inter-ministerial committee report.

He said that the state governor in his magnanimity extended the implementation window by three months to listen to complaints arising from the exercise, adding that such grace ended in September.

“Different days were given for the verification of members of staff of all the ministries and agencies, including mop-up days for those who may have missed their days.

“So only the workers and pensioners that successfully completed that biometric system will be receiving salaries starting from September,” he said.

Udeuhele said those who  did not present themselves for the verification were confirmed ghost workers and pensioners unless they proved otherwise. (NAN)

EOA/JCE
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(Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie)

Peace Corp wants Nigerians to ensure peace, harmony
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Peace
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Sept. 22, 2016 (NAN) Mr Dickson Akoh, the National Commandant, Nigerian Peace Corp, on Thursday advised Nigerians to continually intensify efforts to end conflict of all kinds and promote peace and harmony.

Akoh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that peace was absolute for youth’s development, undeniable for survival and a prerequisite for humanity.
“Only in a peaceful environment will young people realise their full potential and young people have the potential to start building that peaceful world today.

“Peace, as a concept, is not simply the absence of war, neither is it a term that applies only to the relationship between nations, peace is possible in all relationships.

“A relationship of peace is one where there is harmony, order, purpose and fulfillment.

“In effect, peace is a term that has wide universal applications to all relationships and may be defined as a state of harmony, happiness and cooperation among all people,’’ he said.

Akoh advised Nigerians to contribute in no small measures for the attainment of peace and urged individuals, communities and nations to ensure peace.

He said the end of the cold war was celebrated in many circles to have effectively removed ideological barriers.
“It is unfortunate that youths are those directly affected in violent conflicts.

“Oftentimes the youths were sponsored and manipulated by the so-called big boys, politicians and ethnic warlords in the society.

“These are people who are supposed to present themselves as role models to the youths of this country, but have over the years neglected their responsibilities, leaving the youths to bear the brunt in the aftermath,’’ Akoh said.

Akoh said prolonged years of military rule and the proliferation of arms in the society had made our youths susceptible to the culture of violence and banditry.

He lauded the efforts of President Buhari in ensuring peace at all the tiers of governments, saying that he deserved to be emulated by leaders.
NAN reports that the Nigerian Peace Corps, an NGO, said it was committed to national creativity, peace and youths development. (NAN)
OEO/TA
Edited/controlled by Tajudeen Atitebi