Blog

Clinton cancels US west coast travel plans due to health challenge

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Clinton

Washington, Sept. 12, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has called off plans to visit the US west coast after a health challenge at an event commemorating the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in New York.

A local media reported that Clinton had been scheduled to travel to California on Monday and Tuesday but her campaign office said she had cancelled it.

Clinton was said to have cancelled the plan because she had been suffering from pneumonia since Friday.

The former secretary of state made an early exit from the memorial event with a video shared widely on social media appearing to show her stumbling and requiring assistance as she got into a van.

An initial statement from spokesman Nick Merrill said that Clinton had “felt overheated” after spending 90 minutes at the 9/11 ceremony.

Clinton’s doctor, Lisa Bardack, later issued a statement, saying the former first lady had become overheated and was suffering from dehydration after having been diagnosed with pneumonia on Friday.

“Secretary Clinton has been experiencing a cough related to allergies. On Friday, during follow up evaluation of her prolonged cough, she was diagnosed with pneumonia.

“She was put on antibiotics, and advised to rest and modify her schedule,” Bardack said.

After the incident Clinton was taken to her daughter Chelsea’s residence, from which she later emerged and said: “I’m feeling great, it’s a beautiful day in New York,” a local media reported.
The episode comes amid recent speculation about the state of Clinton’s health by supporters of Republican candidate Donald Trump, which Clinton’s camp has dismissed as conspiracy mongering.

Neither 68-year-old Clinton nor 70-year-old Trump has released their official medical records.(dpa/NAN)
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Felix Ajide
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Muslim pilgrims begin stone-throwing ritual amid tightened security

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Pilgrimage

Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Sept.12, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Hundreds of thousands of Muslims started on Monday a stone-throwing ritual as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage just outside Mecca, where hundreds were killed in a stampede at last year’s event.

A local media reports that Saudi security forces were deployed in large numbers in the Jamarat Bridge, a multi-level structure in the desert valley of Mina where the ritual is being carried out.

The ritual is expected to be carried out over three days beginning from Monday.

The pilgrims are performing the ritual, which symbolizes the stoning of the devil, smoothly and without overcrowding inside the Jamarat Bridge, the official Saudi news agency SPA reported.

“Security forces are regulating the pilgrims’ movement into and out of the building,” the agency added.

The pilgrims are setting off to the ritual in groups according to schedules to avoid a repeat of last year’s tragedy.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some 769 Muslim pilgrims died in a stampede during the ritual in last year’s Hajj, according to Saudi official figures.

Agency tally and other independent reports, however, indicated that around 2,000 pilgrims died in the crush.

NAN also reports that more than 1.8 million Muslims are attending this year’s Hajj, according to Saudi officials.

Muslims are expected to perform the Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, at least once in their lifetime provided they are fit enough and have the financial means to do so.(dpa/NAN)
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Felix Ajide
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President Buhari observes Eid-prayer in Daura, Katsina

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Prayer

Zubiru Idris
Daura (Katsina State), Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday joined Muslim faithful at Kofar-Arewa Eid-ground, Daura in Katsina to observe the Eid-el kabir prayer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports prayer, which started at about 9:45 a.m. was led by the Daura Emirate Chief Imam, Sheikh Safiyanu Yusuf.

In his sermon, Yusuf stressed the importance of sacrifice in Islam, adding that it could be done with ram, sheep, goats, cattle and camel.

Yusuf said that the sacrifice could not be done with animal with one eye, ear, broken horn, cut tail, cripple, sick and malnourished, adding that no part of the sacrifice should be sold.

The Imam revealed that sacrifice should be done only with the intention of getting closer to the Almighty Allah.

“One should mention the name of Allah while slaughtering the animal,’’ he said.

Yusuf also explained that sacrifice could also be performed two days after the Eid-el kabir day, and the  meat given to the poor and needy.

President Buhari and the Emir of Daura slaughtered their rams after the prayer at the ground.

The prayer was attended, by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouq, Director-General, Department of State Services, Alhaji Lawal Musa Daura, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Alhaji Garba Shehu, traditional rulers in the Emirate, among others.

Eid-el kabir prayer is perform on 10th day of Zulhajj, the twelve month of Islamic calendar.(NAN)
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edited by Felix Nwadioha

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Agriculture
Kano, Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, has urged the Federal, state and Local governments to focus on agriculture to boost food production in the country.
Sanusi made the call when he delivered his traditional Eid-el Kabir message shortly after the Eid prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid praying ground in Kano metropolis on Monday.

He said agriculture would provide job opportunities for the unemployed youths and ensure food security in the country.

According to him, there is also the need for the Federal Government to construct additional dams across the country to enhance dry season farming for massive production of cash and food crops.

He said constructing more dams was necessary in view of the fact that most of the developed countries had for long stopped depending on wet season farming.

Sanusi urged wealthy Muslims to support the less privileged persons in the society in order to alleviate their sufferings, especially during the current economic recession in the country.

He, however, called on Nigerians irrespective of their religious beliefs and political inclination to continue to pray for economic growth and development in the country.

He also called for continuous prayers for economic growth and prosperity in the country.

NAN reports that the Eid prayer which was led by Sanusi was attended by the Acting Governor, Prof Hafiz Abubakar, members of the state executive council and other traditional rulers from the 44 local government areas.

The Eid prayer was conducted peacefully across the various Eid grounds in the state. (NAN)
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(Edited by Felix Nwadioha)

Eid-el Kabir: Wike, others want Muslims to pray for sustained peace

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Eid-el Kabir

By Azubuike Okeh/ By Polycarp Auta/ Victor Adeoti/ Aminu Ahmed Garko

Abuja, Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) Nigerian leaders have felicitated with Moslems and urged them to pray for sustained peace in the country as they mark Eid-el Kabir.

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of love and sacrifice as preached by the holy Prophet, Mohammed.

Wike also urged Muslims to use the festive period to pray for sustained unity and peace in Nigeria.

He advised Nigerians of all religions to be tolerant with the religious beliefs of others and support acts that would trigger sustainable development.

“The unity and peace of this nation should form a major prayer point this period; we need to all play-up the things that bind us as a nation.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters should use the festival to pray for better days for the country and the citizenry,’’ Wike stated.

He said that his administration would remain steadfast in tackling security challenges.

In Plateau, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Yusuf Gagdi, has donated food items worth three million naira to the less privilege in his constituency.

Gadi, who presented the items in Kanama on Monday,  said the gesture was to make the poor in his constituency have something to celebrate the festival.

The items included 120 bags of rice, 105 rams and cartons of beverages.

He said the items were distributed across board, devoid of political inclinations.

“This is not period of politicking and what I am doing for my people today is far from politics; it’s an act of worship.

“I am rendering this gesture for humanity because Eid-el kabir emphasis more on sharing with the have not.

 “This is not a party affair, therefore, once you are from my constituency, you can benefit from this gesture.

Meanwhile, the Osun House of Assembly has urged Muslim faithful to use the Eid-el Kabir and pray to God for the total turnaround of the nation’s economy.

This is contained in a Sallah statement signed by Mr Bosun Oyintiloye, House Committee Chairman on Information and Strategy, in Osogbo on Moday.

Oyintiloye said that government at this period needed the support and prayers of all Nigerians for it to overcome the current harsh economic situation Nigeria was going through.

According to him, great individuals and nations have stories of bumpy roads in their journey to greatness.

He said that the resilient and indomitable spirit of Nigerians, and sacrifice by all, would pave the way for possibilities.

The lawmaker said that “it is understandable that the economic situation in the country has taken tolls on virtually every Nigerian.’’

He commended Nigerians for their perseverance and patience in the face of economic crunch, adding that more patience and sacrifice were required by all.

It urged Muslims to exhibit highest ideal of kindness, generosity and love, especially to the underprivileged as they celebrate the Eid-el Kabir.

In Sokoto, Sen Aliyu Wamakko,  (APC Sokoto-Central has called on Nigerians to be patience and support President Buhari administration.

Wamakko spoke shortly after the two Rakat prayers at Wamakko town the headquarters of Wamakko Local Government Area.

He expressed confidence that the administration would meet the desire objectives of Nigerians with its laudable policies already in place.

He said that the tasks ahead were for Nigerians to be prayerful, support and leave in peace with one another for smooth policies implementation.

He also advised the Federal Government to ensure that Nigerians with the necessary intellectual discipline were engaged in the implementation of its policies and programmes.

He appealed to Nigerians to support the present administration in its efforts to address the challenges confronting the country, adding that complaints and criticism would only compound the problems.

“Everybody irrespective of political differences should support this administration to succeed and stop complaining because we are in a critical situation” he said.

He said that it was only by so doing that the change mantra will be a reality for peace, progress and political stability in the country.

He also called on Nigerians to support the efforts of security agencies by coming out with vital information that could assist in providing peaceful environment for socioeconomic and political growth. (NAN)
Reporters/JEY/GOM/AIB/OFN

(Edited by Felix Nwadioha)

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Security
By Mamman Mohammed
Damaturu, Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) Residents of Damaturu, the capital of Yobe have expressed satisfaction with the tight security in the state as Muslims observe the Eid prayers.

They told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that `we felt secured with the presence of the security operatives.

NAN reports that security was beefed up on Monday in Damaturu with operatives deployed in strategic locations, while vehicular movement were also restricted.

NAN observed that men, women and children, who trooped out in large numbers for the prayers were screened before being allowed into the prayer grounds.

Alhaji Musa Buba said: “it is better to trek and be secured than to allow free movement of vehicles and live in fear.’’

Dr Mohammed Fari, Commandant Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state, said a special surveillance square was deployed to check movements of persons.

“The corps has deployed 1,538 personnel across the state for the Sallah event,’’ he said. (NAN)
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(Edited by Johnson Eyiangho//Felix Nwadioha)

Another earth tremor rocks Jaba LG in Kaduna

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Tremor

by Moses Kolo
Kafanchan (Kaduna) Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN)

Residents of Sambang Dagi in Jaba Local Government of Kaduna State witnessed another earth tremor in the early hours of Monday.

The incident occurred barely 24-hours after a  tremor was reported at Nok village about 20km away from Sambang.

The residents were thrown into panic when they suddenly felt the tremor  around 4 a.m.

Details of damages or any loss of lives were still sketchy as at the time of filing this report.

The Kaduna State government  in a press statement, urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm.

Government said a formal report has been made to the appropriate authorities to investigate the development. (Edited by Felix Nwadioha)

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By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of togetherness, peaceful co-existence and love as exemplified by Prophet Muhammed.

This was contained in a Eid-el-Kabir message issued in Ibadan by Mr Yomi Layinka, his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy.

Ajimobi said that the country needed these attributes to achieve the desired greatness.

He said that it was only in an atmosphere of peace and love that people could thrive and attain their potentials.

“I enjoin you to continue to exhibit love toward your fellow human beings and re-dedicate yourselves to the service of Almighty Allah and humanity as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) during his earthly sojourn,” he said.

He commended the people of the state for their understanding and continued support for his administration in its quest to redefine governance and take the state to greater heights.

“I want to assure the citizenry that this administration will continue to introduce people-friendly policies and explore other avenues that will bail the state out of its current economic doldrums.

“Let us use the period of this festival to pray for the peace, progress and economic emancipation of our dear country,” he said.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of living in peace and harmony.

The union, in a statement signed by its Vice Chairman, Mr Segun Adeyemo, urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism in their conduct.

“We convey our greetings and best wishes to our Muslim brethrens on this symbolic occasion of Eid-el-Kabir festival.

“We also congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, lawmakers at the federal and state levels; likewise those at the local government level on the occasion,” it said.

It urged journalists to avoid hate-speech reportage while praying God to renew their strength and capacity to discharge their social responsibilities. (NAN)
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(Edited by Moses Solanke and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)

NiMet predicts thunderstorms, rainy weather for Monday

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Weather

By Taiye Edeni

Abuja, Sept.11, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted morning cloudiness with prospects of localised thunderstorms over Ibi, Yola and Mambila axis on Monday.

The predictions are contained in the Weather Outlook issued by NiMet’s Central Forecast Office (CFO) in Abuja on Sunday.

The agency predicted possibilities of localised thunderstorms over some parts of the central cities including Abuja, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Lokoja and Bida in the afternoon and evening with day time temperatures of 26 to 31 degree Celsius.

NiMet predicted that the Northern states would experience cloudy conditions over Sokoto, Gusau, Kano, Katsina and Yelwa in the morning.

It, however, said there would be chances of localised thunderstorms over Kano, Nguru and Maiduguri in the afternoon and evening with day time temperatures of 28 to 31 degrees Celsius.

According to the prediction, there would be increased cloudiness with chances of weather systems affecting most parts of the central and southern cities in the next 24 hours.

The agency also predicted that the Southern States would experience chances of localised rain showers over the coastal cities of southwest and southeast in the morning.

It said that there would be possibilities of localised thunderstorms over Calabar, Port-Harcourt and Lagos including Oshogbo, Akure, Ibadan, Enugu and Awka in the afternoon and evening hours with day time temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. (NAN)
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Edited by Felix Ajide
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Guinea Bissau agrees to deal aimed at ending crisis
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Deal
Guinea Bissau, Sept 11, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Guinea Bissau political rivals have agreed to a road map that includes the formation of a new government.

A statement from regional mediators seeking to end a year-long political crisis in the West African country said.

President Jose Mario Vaz dismissed Prime Minister Domingo Simoes Pereira in August 2015 and the country’s political institutions have been paralyzed by infighting since then.

Observers hoped the appointment of Baciro Dja as prime minister in May would ease the deadlock but he has failed to win the support of a key faction within the ruling PAIGC party.

The United Nations has warned that the crisis might benefit drug traffickers and attract “extremist terrorist groups” seeking to gain a foothold in the region.

The former Portuguese colony is notoriously unstable and had seen nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.

The turbulence had helped it become a major transit point for cocaine trafficked from South America to Europe.

A team of mediators from regional bloc ECOWAS, led by neighboring Guinea’s President Alpha Conde and Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai Koroma, spent Saturday in talks with stakeholders in the capital Bissau.

“The parties consulted have all shown their support for the plan proposed by mediators,” said Guinea’s government late on Saturday, after meetings with the president, prime minister, PAIGC as well as the main opposition party PRS.

“The signals being sent are reassuring that the crisis in Guinea Bissau is beginning to ease,” the statement said.

The six-point plan includes a preliminary agreement to form a consensus government, an agreement to reform the constitution and the defense sector, it said.

It gave no timeframe for the new government.

Previous internal and external efforts to resolve the political deadlock have failed.

The crisis has prevented parliament from agreeing to budgets and has blocked international aid on which the poor, cashew-exporting country of 1.7 million depends.

The country faces a budget shortfall after the IMF said it would withhold future payments unless the government backtracks on loan bailouts for two private banks.(Reuters/NAN)
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Felix Ajide
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