Blog

Strike
By Olayinka Owolewa
Ilorin, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Workers of  Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Kwara, on Thursday continued their strike, insisting that government must sack their Sole Administrator, Dr Muideen Akorede.

The workers had embarked on the strike on Wednesday over lack of operational equipment and poor staff welfare.

A  correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),  who visited the radio station on Thursday,  reports that the premises located on Police Road in Ilorin metropolis were still under lock and key.

NAN also reports that the workers  used their vehicles to block the main entrance of the station, completely preventing access to the premises.

The workers also denied the General Manager of the station, Alhaji Adedeji Adebowale, entrance into the premises as he remained inside his official vehicle when NAN visited the radio station.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Chairman of  Radio Kwara chapel of Radio Television Theatre and Art Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Rasaq Aremu, said the strike would continue as long as Akorede remained in office.

“Our main agitation, for now, is for the Sole Administrator to be removed.

” If he is removed right now as I speak with you, we will resume and continue further deliberations with the government.

“His removal will bring peace and sanity back to the station because he is running his administration all alone without consultation with our management and staff.

“He knows little about broadcasting, what is the point if we are not being carried along?

“There has been no improvement since he came.

” Anyone can just come and see our premises,  we want Akorede to go, ” Aremu said.

He further said that the agitation was not about salary alone, insisting that the workers were also protesting the lack of operational equipment in the media outfit.

Aremu questioned the propriety of workers collecting salaries without justifying it due to no fault of theirs.

He urged the workers to remain resolute until Akorede, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, was removed.

But Akorede had in a statement on Wednesday confirmed the release of N5million as part of the subvention for the radio station.

He said that he had always engaged the management of the station and its union leaders on issues regarding their operational expenses.

Akorede added that the delay in releasing funds to the station was due to the economic challenges the country was facing.

He said the monthly allocation to the state was received on Monday while salaries and overheads of parastatal agencies, including Radio Kwara, were expected to be paid before the end of the week.

Akorede stressed that like other parastatal agencies, subventions to media houses were being paid regularly.

Subvention, he said, was always released directly to the station and disbursed based on the budget and operational needs as approved.

He said the state government had prioritised payment of salaries as first line charge followed by operational expenses of parastatal agencies. (NAN)
OOH/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Assault
By Deborah Akpede
Ikeja, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) A member of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Abiodun Akibo, 36, who allegedly assaulted a man with iron rod and nail was on Thursday in Lagos brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
According to the Prosecutor, Insp. Aondohemba Koti, the accused committed the offence on Aug 13 at Baale Street, Ishagatedo, Isolo, Lagos.
He said that the accused and other six persons, still at large, conspired to assault Mr Abiodun Idowu with intent to kill him over alleged theft.
“The accused tortured the complainant over alleged missing of a motorcycle,” he said.
Koti said that the complainant was going home when the accused captured him and took him to their masquerader’s den to torture him.
“The accused apprehended the complainant, took him to their masquerader’s home where they used a plank nail to punch his mouth.
“The complainant was beaten several times with planks and iron rods all over his body which caused severe fracture to his left leg among other injuries to his body.
“The complainant was released after the alleged stolen motorcycle was later found in the accused’s house,” he said.
The prosecutor said that when the complainant reported the case, the accused was arrested while others escaped.
The offences contravened Sections 245 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 245 carries seven years jail term for grievous harm, while section 411 attracts two years for conspiracy.
Akibo, who resides at Ishagatedo, Isolo, Lagos, however, pleaded innocence of the offences.
Magistrate Mrs M.O Tanimola granted the accused bail of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Tanimola said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government (LASG).
The case was adjourned until Sept. 24 for mention. (NAN)
DOA/NNO/TA
Edited by Nick Nicholas/Tajudeen Atitebi

Deposits

By Uchenna Ugwu
Abakaliki, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) The BUA Group Ltd on Wednesday says its plans to exploit the natural resources in Ebony beginning with the setting up a cement plant.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the group, Mr Kabiru Rabiu, made the disclosure during a visit with his team to the Government House, Abakaliki on Wednesday.

Rabiu said that the drive for its plan was due to the huge deposit of limestone which was high in quality and coal for necessary energy in cement production, which the state is blessed with.

He said that it was also important for all value chain created in cement industry such as block making, employment generation, housing and infrastructure.

He noted that NigerCerm plant was the first host cement plant in the country but regretted that the plant had not been in operation to bring more development to the entire South- Eastern states and the country.

“Cement is a lucrative business and the huge deposit of limestone which is high in quality and coal, necessary energy needed for cement production are strategically located and positioned among neigbouring states which take advantage of many markets.

“Ebonyi naturally is a market of itself to exploit and a large consumption is going to be taken by the zone.

“We want to set up a cement plant here so that the South-Eastern markets will benefit ,” Rabiu said.

He said that the BUA cement investment in Okpella in Edo for South-South region and in Sokoto State for the North-West among other developmental activities would benefit the country immensely.

Rabiu, who was encouraged by the state government in its plans, expressed satisfaction by its location, quality and volume of limestone for cement production in the state.

Governor David Umahi, who cited some coal deposit located at Ohaukwu and Afikpo Local Government Areas of the state, told the team that enough energy from the deposit were on ground to harvest and start with.

Umahi said the country could change its narrative on road construction and bridges among other construction, if it thinks through using concrete in building in the country.

He added that that the state would develop with more cement plants.(Editing by Peter Ejiofor

“The cement plant will be a huge market in the country when it is established.

“Building with concrete is the answer to quality and good road. It is capital intensive but will be achievable,” Umahi said.

The governor promised that he would fast-track the process to ease their plans. (NAN)
UVU/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

Appointment
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has appointed Mr Abdulrasak Salinsile as his new Chief of Staff.

Mr Sola Fasure, the Media aide to Gov. Aregbesola, made this known on Thursday in Osogbo.

Fasure said that the appointment was approved during the State Executive Council meeting, adding that that the new chief of staff was sworn-in immediately.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Salinsile replaced Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, who is now the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Sept. 22 governorship election in the state.

Oyetola scored 127,017 votes during the APC primary held on July 20, to defeat 16 other aspirants.

Fasure said in a statement that the State Executive Council also approved the appointment of Mr Tunde Adedeji as the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission.

Adedeji is to replace Mr Peter Babalola, who resigned his appointment on Aug. 23.

Babalola, who was one of the 17 aspirants that contested the APC primary, defected to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Aug. 24. (NAN)
VE/KOLE/AJA
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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Adeleye Ajayi

Sanctions
By Kate Obande-Okewu
Abuja, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Mr Chile Igawua, Chief Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has vowed to be more strict in enforcement of sanctions on people who contravene its establishment Act.

Igbawua, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the strict enforcement would enable them deliver justice effectively.

He noted that many members of the public were not aware that the commission had the power to bring the full weight of the law on a person or organisation that impedes on the authority of the commission.

“We intend to be stricter in the applications of sanctions that are provided for in the act, because people believe that we don’t have the power to do anything to the person who did wrong.

“We will apply fully, the provisions of the sanctions both on direct and incidental actions; because the act provides that the work of the commission shall not be impeded.

“Built in that provision is that, if the commission makes a determination and you refuse to implement you are impeding our work because it is not finished, our work is finished when we have delivered the justice.

“We will proceed against you for contravening the PCC act, once we do that in a couple of cases and people become aware that we offer justice for free, they will begin to come to us for justice.’’

He noted that many agencies take the commission for granted by sending personnel that cannot conclude on cases, urging them to henceforth send competent partners.

He explained that the police would be used to compel people to panels if they refused to appear when summoned by the commission.

“We are not going to take lightly intransigency on the parts of respondents. We will bring down the full weight of the law on such persons.’’

He said that the commission was faced with the challenge of funding as paucity of funds hindered effective investigation of cases.

He noted that the work of PCC was movement intensive because officers needed to go to areas where complains come from as often as necessary for proper investigation and resolution.

According to him, ideally, there is need for a large fleet of vehicles and it includes all forms of vehicles that will easily take people to where clients are located.

He told NAN that the commission was currently working on a comprehensive welfare package to boost the morale of its staff.

“It is an agency that you may not be too high in rank but you are going with authority because the commissioners and investigation officers carry the full weight of the law and go out with immunity.

`’Therefore, they shouldn’t be seen moving in rickety vehicles, we need to put dignity into our staff. In an environment in which you have people doing this kind of jobs they have to be presentable.

“If it becomes necessary that there should be wardrobe allowance then why not, because we expect our staff to appear decent so that they will be respected.

“And we want our officers to work with the feeling that they have an organisation they can be proud of.’’(NAN)
KTE/IS
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2019: Lawmaker calls politicians to seek power from God

Lawmaker
By Sunday John
Lafia, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of 2019 general elections, Ogoshi Onawo, Member representing Awe/Doma/Keana Federal Constituency in National Assembly, has called on politicians to rely on God as the giver of power.
Onawo made the plea in Lafia on Thursday while submitting his nomination form to contest for Nasarawa South Senatorial seat.
According to him, if every politician will realise that power comes from God, all fracas due to seeking for the same seat will not happen.
Onawo, who is seeking the Peoples Democratic Party’s ticket for Nasarawa South Senatorial seat, will challenge Sen. Suleiman Adokwe, who is seeking a fourth term at the Senate.
The lawmaker said that he was Adokwe’s brother, but the beauty of democracy is for people to choose their leader.
‘‘To me, the contest will not make us enemies, this is democracy in action and we need each other after the primaries to ensure that our party retains the seat.
‘‘Whatever is the outcome of the primaries, I will work for the success of my party, irrespective of whether I win or not and I expect same from my brother,’’ he said.
Onawo expressed gratitude to the leaders of the party at various levels for their efforts towards reconciling them even though all of them are still in the contest.
‘‘That is what is expected of a good father to do when his children are clashing over one thing,’’ Onawo said.
He assured the zone of quality representation if elected.
Mr Francis Orugu, the Nasarawa State PDP Chairman, assured all aspirants of level playing field to realise their ambitions.
He, however, advised them against character assassination, saying the opposition would use it against them. (NAN)
SDJ/MOL/TA
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Tajudeen Atitebi

Rescue
By Bosede Olufunmi
Kano, Sept.6, 2018 (NAN) Firemen have rescued six persons trapped in a building which collapsed on Wednesday evening at Gwammaja in Dala Local Government area in Kano.
The Spokesman for Kano State Fire Service, Saidu Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kano that among those rescued was a 10- year-old boy.
“We received a distress call from Kabiru Yusuf, who lives in the neighbourhood, at about 8:14 p.m. that a building had collapsed.
“On receiving the information, we quickly sent our rescue team and a vehicle to the scene at about 8:30 p.m.,’’ he said.
The official, however, said two of those rescued died later after they were rushed unconscious to Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, while the other four victims were in critical condition at the hospital.
He gave the names of the victims as: Mohammed Malami, 10, Abba Malami, 12, Salim Malami, 1, Asmau Malami, 16, Mariam Malami, 16, and Zainab Malami 50.
According to him, the cause of the incident is still under investigation.
He said that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had predicted that there would be heavy rains this year and so people who live in old houses with cracks should renovate their buildings to prevent building collapse.(NAN)
BO/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

Damage
By Deborah Akpede
Ikeja, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) For allegedly damaging the front, back windscreens and all the side windows of a vehicle, a 21 -year-old student, Ogechukwu Okafor, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Okafor, residing on Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos, is being tried for conspiracy and damage.

The accused committed the offences on Aug. 30 at Alade Close, Ikeja, the Police Prosecutor, Sgt Godwin Awase, told the court.

He said that the accused and one other person, still at large, conspired to damage the vehicle of Mr Stanley Ajiboye.

Awase said that the complainant’s bus was destroyed because he was unable to give the accused N200.

“The complainant parked his commercial bus in a street, the accused approached him, demanding for N200 for parking his vehicle on their street.

“The complainant quickly moved his vehicle out of the street to the express road, but the accused still followed him insisting they must collect the money.

“The accused wanted to deflate his tyres; he tried to stop them from doing such, as a result, a scuffle ensued between both parties.

“The complainant was beaten, vehicle damaged and his phone stolen.

“Police stormed the scene, the accused was arrested, while his accomplice escaped.”

The prosecutor said that the estimate of the property stolen and destroyed was N113, 000.

The offences contravened Sections 350 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 350 prescribes two-year jail term for damage, while Section 411 attracts two-year jail term for conspiracy.

Following his plea of not guilty, Magistrate Mrs F.F George, granted him bail of N50, 000 with two sureties who should be gainfully employed and show evidences of two years tax payment to Lagos State Government.

Further hearing has been fixed for Sept. 27. (NAN)
DOA/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

Osun communities commend EU, UNICEF for provision of potable water

Commendation

By Victor Adeoti

Osogbo, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Some residents of Oke-Ila and Ora, Ifedayo Local Government Area, Osun, have commended the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) for providing potable water in the communities.

The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, said the hardship they experienced in getting drinkable water had vanished since the solar boreholes were provided.

They also said that they had been using it for their domestic chores like cooking, drinking and bathing.

Mr James Odedeji, Chairman, Water Consumer Association in the community, said the provision of the solar boreholes had decreased incidents of typhoid fever and cholera in the community.

Odedeji said the dearth of potable water, which was the major problem in the community, had become history since the solar boreholes were sunk by the EU and UNICEF.

Also, Mrs Moradeke Adeniyi, a housewife, said before the boreholes were provided, life was almost unbearable for the people.

Adeniyi said, “Water scarcity was our major problem in this community before the solar boreholes were provided.

“In the past, we had to trek a long distance to the stream to fetch water but now the story is different.

‘‘We now get clean water from the boreholes for cooking, drinking and bathing.’’

Mrs Deborah Adeshina, a health assistant in the community primary health centre, said that the provision of borehole in the centre had helped it to maintain a clean environment.

Also, Mr Adediran Adedayo, the Vice-Chairman of the council, said the boreholes had helped the rural communities to overcome the challenges of water shortage in the community.

Adedayo noted that lack of potable water was a major problem in the community but the people now no longer suffer the impact.

While commending EU and UNICEF for the construction of the boreholes, he gave assurance that the local government would ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.

Adiatu Olaposi, the General Manager, Osun Rural Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency (RUWESA), spoke in a similar manner.

The general manager explained that the EU/UNICEF Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme II involved provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in communities, schools, health centres and public places.

RUWESA’s boss said 480 hand pumps and solar boreholes had also been provided to Odo-Otin, Ifedayo and Ayedaade Local Government Areas in the state.

The official said that EU/UNICEF contributed 70 percent of the cost of the projects, while the state government contributed 15 per cent.

Adiatu added that the local government contributed 10 per cent while the host communities also contributed five percent of the funding. (NAN)
VE/MOL/EMO
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ejike Obeta

Technology Contest: Air Peace rewards victorious Anambra students with free tickets
Students
By Adekunle Williams
Lagos, Sept. 6, 2018 (NAN) Nigerian carrier, Air Peace has given the five Anambra students and their teachers who won the recent “Technology Challenge” in the United States return tickets from Owerri to facilitate their visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah, said this on Thursday in Lagos.
Iwarah said air peace was proud of the school girls’ rare feat, saying it was proof that the airline’s effort to develop engineering capacity in Nigeria’s aviation industry was not misplaced.
“We are very proud of the feat of these young girls from Nigeria. At air peace, we believe that given the right environment and encouragement, Nigerians will excel in all their undertakings.
“These girls have proved beyond a doubt that Nigerians possess everything it takes to rank among the best in the world.
“This is the motivation for the huge investment air peace has continued to make in the training of young Nigerians in aviation engineering. We will continue to recognise, encourage and reward excellence,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five Anambra students from Regina Pacies Secondary School, Onitsha, represented Nigeria and Africa at the World Technovation Challenge in the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, United States.
The students defeated Spain, USA, Turkey, Uzbekistan and China to lift the gold medal in the contest.
They were billed for a reception by the Federal Government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday accompanied by Miracle Igboke, their mentor and Chief Executive Officer of Edufun Technik STEM, Mr Uchenna Ugwu and principal, Rev. Fr Vincent Ezeaka.
The girls won the technology contest with the mobile application innovation, FD-Detector they developed to assist in checking fake pharmaceutical products in Nigeria. (NAN)
WAC/MO/SA
Edited by Omolade Michael/Salif Atojoko
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