Blog

Katsina Govt approves recruitment of 1, 900 teachers

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Teachers

By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, Sept. 15, 2016(NAN) The Katsina State Government has approved the recruitment of 1,900 teachers for its secondary schools, as part of efforts to address shortage of manpower in the schools.

Prof. Halimatu Idris, Commissioner for Education, made the disclosure in Katsina on Thursday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

The commissioner explained that the teachers to be recruited were those already doing part-time or voluntary work in public schools across the state.

Idris said that ministry, the state Science and Technical Education Board, and that of Basic Education would be involved in the exercise.

The commissioner disclosed that the meeting also approved new projects amounting to N198.75 million for the education sector.

According to her, the projects include the construction of additional storey buildings for classrooms, Sick-bay and hostels at Science Secondary School, Batagarawa at the sum of N80.4 million.

She added that the meeting also approved the release of N118.3 million for the construction of additional structures in Ajiwa Science Secondary School.

The commissioner revealed that the meeting had approved the change of name for one of Northern Nigeria’s oldest schools, Government College, Katsina, to Dikko College.

Muhammadu Dikko was the Emir of Katsina when western education was brought to the emirate.

Meanwhile, the government has agreed to purchase a new pump for Ajiwa Water Scheme at N86 million, and spend N171 million on chemicals for water treatment.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Salisu Gambo, said rehabilitation work on Ajiwa water scheme, awarded at N2 billion, was in progress.

He also said that the meeting had approved the release of N500 million for the rehabilitation of street lights and provision of road crossing signs for pedestrians.(NAN)
ZI/GOM/MZA

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[Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam and Controlled by Maharazu Ahmed]

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Arrest

By Shedrach Kabruk
Jos, Sept. 15, 2016 (NAN) The Commander of the Plateau Special Task Force (STF), Maj.- Gen. Nicholas Rajer, said the team had arrested more than 300 suspects within three months of his assumption of office.
Rajer disclosed this on Thursday in Jos during a consultative Dialogue Conference on Youths, Security and Governance, organised by Centre for Youths Participation and Advocacy (CYPA).

According to him, most of the offences the suspects committed bordered on illegal possession of weapons, selling and consumption of hard drugs.
“It is these drugs that embolden youths to indulge in all manner of crime,’’ he said.
He said most of the suspects were youths that engaged in illegal possession of weapons and hard drugs.

Rager appealed to the general public to give maximum cooperation to the team to enable it to restore peace in the state.
In his remarks, Mr Chris Iyama, Director ,CYPA), advised youths to shun all forms of criminal activities and engage in developmental programmes. (NAN)
SBK/AMY

Edited and controlled by Abdullahi Yusuf

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FRSC

Lagos, Sept. 15, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Thursday said two persons lost their lives in seven road crashes during the Salah holiday in Lagos.

Mr Hyginus Omeje, FRSC’s Lagos Sector Commander, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the crashes were caused by excessive speed, alcohol violation, and dangerous driving.

According to him, the crashes involved 49 persons, with two fatalities and two were serious, while four were minor.

NAN reports that the FRSC in Lagos had embarked on a Salah Special Patrol from Sept. 8 to Sept. 13.

Omeje said: “One of the accidents occurred at Agege, involving four persons in which one person was killed and two were injured as a result of alcohol violation.

“It involved a yellow-painted commercial bus with license number plate EPE-986-XL.

“Another happened on Saturday on the Ibeku-Lekki long bridge involving three persons; two people were injured while one live was lost. It involved two trucks and one private vehicle.’’

He also said the command recorded a lone accident involving two persons, in which one died and the other injured.

The sector commander added that 593 motorists were apprehended for 660 traffic offences.

“One hundred and forty-eight vehicles were impounded while 17 motorists were convicted by the mobile court,’’ he said.

On his part, Mr Chris Olakpe, the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, told NAN that the agency did not record any obstruction in the Lagos Metropolis during the celebration. (NAN)

IYI/ANU/OPI

(Edited by Olisa Ifeajika)

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Communities
By Mercy Obojeghren

Asaba, Sept. 15, 2016 (NAAN)   Mrs Omatsola Williams, the Delta Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development,  has called on the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria (IHVN) to pay attention to coastal communities for better impact.

Williams made the call in Asaba on Thursday when the Regional Manager of IHVN, Dr Chike Ezeanya, and his team paid her a courtesy visit.

She stressed the need for the institute to give adequate attention to rural communities, especially those in coastal areas.

The commissioner said populations in such communities were prone to diseases but hardly received support from development agencies.

“I must commend your contribution in saving and bettering the lives of our people but there is need for you to extend the kind gesture to rural communities, especially the riverside areas where your services are mostly needed.

“These people in the creeks, riverside communities, need your support and services,’’ she said.

The commissioner also called for public private Partnership as the government could not do everything.

Earlier, Eeanya said that the essence of their visit was to intimate the commissioner on the overview of the activities of the institute in the state.

He said since the institute commenced activities in the state in 2014,  it had partnered some Non-Governmental organisations in reaching persons living with HIV/AIDs by helping them send their children to school.

“Before now, we used to give them books but recently we decided to introduce grants to the various households.

“We also provide support for them to send their children to school,’’ he said. (NAN)
MOA/JCE
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(Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie)

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Crashes
By Suleiman Shehu
Ibadan, Sept. 15, 2016 (NAN) The Oyo state sector command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), said that six persons lost their lives from road crashes during the eld-el-kabir celebration in the state.

The sector commander, Mr Yusuf Salami, made the disclosure on Thursday in Ibadan in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said that 24 persons were injured in seven crashes that occurred during the celebration.

Salami attributed the cause of the crashes to excessive speed.

He said that 148 traffic offenders were arrested

“The state recorded low traffic gridlock during the celebration compared to previous years; this was as a result of sensitisation of motorists undertaken by the corps.

“We are going to build on this achievement and we expect the situation to be better especially during this ember months,’’ he said.

The sector commander advised motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations to prevent avoidable crashes. (NAN)

SYS/AEA/AEA
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Edited and controlled by Archibong Asuquo

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Rape
Kano, Sept.15,2016 (NAN) A Kano Magistrates’ Court sitting at Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano, on Thursday remanded a 27-year-old Labourer, Muhammad Sani, in prison custody for allegedly defiling a nine-year-old girl.

Sani was charged for rape, an offence that is contrary to Section 283 of the Penal Code.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Suleiman Danladi, had told the court that the complainant (Name Withheld) of Gidan Kara Brigade Quarters, Kano, reported the case to Gwagwarwa Police Division, Kano, on July 2.

Danladi said that on June 27, at about 2 a.m. when the complainant was sleeping in front of her room with her children, the accused, who is a co-tenant to the complainant, forcefully had unlawful sexual intercourse with her 9-year-old daughter, which caused her harm.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty after the one-count charge was read to him.

The Chief Magistrate, Muhammad Jibrin, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to Oct. 4 for mention.(NAN)
RG/MTM/AMY
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(Edited by Tukur Masanawa and controlled by Abdullahi Yusuf)

Kano Govt. to partner foreign investors to boost economy

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Partnership
Kano, Sept.15, 2016(NAN) The Kano State Government on Thursday said it would work with genuine foreign investors to boost the economy of the state.

Alhaji Rabi’u Ahmad, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism, made the commitment in a statement issued in Kano on Thursday.

The statement signed by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Shehu Sani, said the commissioner was addressing delegation of Nigeria-London Business Forum that visited his office.

Ahmad said that that the administration under Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, had evolved viable policies that had improved businesses and attracted investments.

“Kano being the nerve centre of commerce in the country, also in Sub- Sahara African, is blessed with both human and natural resources coupled with reliable economic policies of Ganduje administration”, he added.

The commissioner assured the delegation that the government would support any investment initiative in the state.

Earlier, the forum’s Director, Dr Chris Onalo, said that the visit was to intimate the commissioner on the activities of the group, and invited the government and businessmen in the state to participate in the upcoming London special trade fare.

He gave the assurance that the forum would mobilise credible investors in Britain to explore Kano state investment potentials.

The forum’s director advised the ministry to meet with businessmen in the state, to map out strategies to woo British investors ahead of the London fare.(NAN)

BO/GOM/MZA

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[Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam and Controlled by Maharazu Ahmed]

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Women

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Abuja, Sept. 15, 2016 (NAN) The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal, on Thursday said the Federal Government would soon begin the disbursement of soft loans to market women.

Lawal made this known when the President, National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), Mrs Gloria Shoda, visited him in his office in Abuja.

He said that the government would support the council’s programmes that would add values, morals and aspirations to the country.

According to him, government targets on women and youths includes 500,000 youths in agriculture, school and guaranteed internship scheme.

Lawal advised women to use their position to instil good moral values in young persons, saying that morals began at the homes.

“Women play a prominent role to the government, youths and children as they are better in doing that; they should take the baton and help their various communities.

“The moral values begin from home and for the `Change Begins with Me’ campaign by the President Muhammadu Buhari to work, the women cannot be left out; the government demands a lot from you as mothers of the nation,’’ he said.

The SGF said that collective energies of women as key contributors to nation building were a globally recognised phenomenon.

He said that women in key positions in the country had proven competent, and were doing a good job.

Earlier, Shoda had observed that the government had adopted a gender-friendly approach in key areas of governance.

She, however, appealed to the government that issues concerning women should continue to be at the front burner of the nation’s development agenda, especially in the areas of education, health and economic empowerment.

Shoda called for increase in number of slots for women to attend the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), saying that the training would broaden opportunities for women.

“Nigerian as a growing democracy needs the input of all her citizens in the continuous enhancement of her status on the international stage.

“We believe women should be wholesomely equipped to actively participate in this vision. The process of public service and nation building is one in which women are very keen to participate in, as equal partners,’’ she said.

She appealed to government to appoint women in board of government parastatals and agencies, saying that women would be able to contribute to the country’s growth and sustainable development.

She said the launch of the “Change Begins with Me’’ campaign by the president would change hearts, homes and communities.

“It is part of our duties as teachers, counsellors and mentors of the society to educate on behaviour and how we should all conduct ourselves within the larger society.

“We assure you of our willingness to work in tandem with you, to promote the values towards achieving the goals of the noble orientation campaign,’’ Shoda said. (NAN)

OEO/HS/OPI

Edited by Halima Sheji and Olisa Ifeajika

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Landlord

Lagos, Sept. 15, 2016(NAN) For allegedly stabbing his tenant to death, Gbade Metibemu is to be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Metibemu, 34, was presented to face trial on a charge of murder before Magistrate Mrs K.A. Ariyo of an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Thursday, but his plea was not taken.

The prosecutor, Insp. Cpl. Hafsat Ajibodu said that the accused committed the offence on July 21 at No. 10, Apollo St., Makoko, Lagos.

She said that the accused and the deceased, Bright Chineme, had an argument over where the deceased’s wife should dispose off her used water in the compound.

In the course of the argument, Metibemu picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed the deceased to death, the prosecutor told the court.

The offence contravenes Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, and can not be tried in lower courts, including magistrates’ courts.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that section 221 prescribes a death sentence for offenders.

The magistrate adjourned to Oct. 25. (NAN)

OAT/BOS (Edited and controlled by Dele Bodunde)

Flood: Environmentalist urges communal efforts to clear drains in Warri
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Drainage
Warri (Delta), Sept. 15, 2016 (NAN) The National Secretary, Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Mr Paul Akporowho, has urged residents in Warri and environs to adopt community help to clear drains in their areas as downpour persists.
 
Akporowho made the call on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Warri.
 
The environmentalist said that the economy was weak, adding that the government did not have sufficient fund to clear water drains and channels.
 
“Government has a lot of challenges to confront with and it will be better for people to also come together as a community to clear their drains.
 
“The issue of flooding in Warri is not unexpected, it has been on the front burner for some times and unfortunately government does not have enough capital to address drainage system..
 
“The Local Government which is closer to the people are also weak in terms of funds.
 
“So people should see what they can do to avert the situation while communities should resort to self-help to evacuate the drains in the meantime,’’ he said.
 
The Warri-based environmentalist appealed to residents to desist from erecting buildings and dumping refuse into the channel to avoid blockages of the water ways.
 
NAN reports that many buildings in Warri had been submerged following the downpour that persisted since Sept. 12.
 
Some of the areas where buildings are submerged include, the Okere, Iyara communities, Marine Quarters, Okumagba Avenue and others.
 
The development had also affected business activities in metropolis.
 
The perimeter fence of the Rehobot Christian Church in Ajamimogha, Warri South was pull down by the rain.
 
 
The Pastor of the Church, Rev. Babine Ereku thanked God that no life was lost on the incident.
 
A resident, Mr Festus George said most of the landlords had catch-in on the development to channel their sock away into the gutters thereby messing up the environment.
 
 Another resident, Mrs Juliet Oyibo said she had caught about 15 cat fish in her compound since the commencement of the downpour. (NAN)
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Felix Ajide
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