Blog

Diaspora
By Ahmed Ubandoma
Beijing, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian community in China has commended the wife of Nigerian President Mrs Aisha Buhari, for her worthy causes in supporting Nigerian women and vulnerable children.

Mrs Yaccilla Baba-Jidda, the wife of Nigerian Ambassador to China, stated this on Monday in a reception to welcome the wife of the President Mrs Aisha Buhari, at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, China.

Baba-Jidda said, the Nigerian women in China were delighted with the achievements of the Future Assured initiatives of Buhari for improving the maternal and child health as well as women and youths empowerments in Nigeria.
The reception was organised as part of the side event of the Forum of China – Africa Corporations (FOCAC) holding in Beijing, China.

She informed the gathering that Nigerian women in China were committed to ensuring the success of President Muhammadu Buhari`s Administration, especially in the area of the fight against corruption.

She also expressed the commitment of Nigerian women in Beijing to add value to the humanitarian services of the wife of President.

Speaking on behalf the wife of the President, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration Dr Hajo Sani, informed the gathering that Buhari was passionate on uplifting the lives of vulnerable children in Nigeria.

She said, the wife of the President`s Future Assured initiative has invested in the education of the less privilege families through her Youths Educational Empowerment Programme, Support for the victims of insurgency as well as support for the less privilege families in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baba-Jidda was supported by the spouses of Nigerian Ambassador to South Korea Mrs Yasmin Wali.

NAN also reports that the event was attended by the wife of the Nigerian Ambassador to United Arab Emirate, Mrs Aishatu Rimi and the wife of Secretary General of Organisation Petroleum Exporting Countries Mrs Hadiza Barkindo.

The event also featured Traditional dance from Chinese and Nigerian community to foster unity and cordial relationship in areas of Culture, Tourism, Education and Trade between Nigeria and China (NAN).
AMU/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Flights

By Adekunle Williams
Lagos, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) Nigerian carrier Air Peace has boosted its regional operations with the introduction of night flights out of Lagos to Accra, Banjul and Dakar.

The airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, who made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos, said the new flights were part of the airline’s strategy to make air travel on the West Coast of Africa seamless and more beneficial.

She the night flights, which commenced from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Sunday was a relief for business and leisure travellers on the West Coast looking to utilise their trips to transact their business unrushed.

“We keep reviewing our regional operations in line with our promise to provide seamless, on-time and comfortable flight services. Whatever the travel needs of our esteemed guests, we want to be able to provide a service that fits their plans.

“We have been operating on the West Coast of Africa for more than a year and a half. One thing we have come to realise is that a lot of persons like to travel at night and get to their destinations on time to do their transactions in a calm, unhurried and fruitful manner.

“This is the interest we are catering for with the introduction of night flights. We want our valued guests to arrive at their destinations, go about their business as they wish and still have enough time to prepare for their return trips.

“This is just the beginning of the innovations and win-win travel options we are bringing to air travel on the West Coast of Africa,” she said in a statement.

Olajide said Air Peace valued its guests and was always ready to make its flight schedules and timings as comfortable as possible for them. (NAN)
WAC/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

Children
By Kola Adeyemi
Lokoja, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) The Kogi Government is determined to curb all forms of violence and child abuse in all parts of the state.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Bolanle Ampitan, made this known during  a news conference in Lokoja on Monday.

The commissioner also formally launched a campaign to eradicate violence against children below 18 years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioner had earlier led children and other stakeholders on a peaceful walk through major routes in the city.

Ampitan said that a situation where over 60 per cent of children were daily being subjected to violence and other forms of abuses was no longer acceptable.

“Six out of every 10 children are being subjected to some forms of violence every year.

“The launching of the campaign to end violence against children in the state has become necessary to safeguard the lives and future of our children in Kogi State,” the commissioner stated.

According to Ampitan, my ministry in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria and Sustainable Mechanisms for Improving Livelihood and Household Empowerment (SMILE) had formed a technical working group on the malaise.

She explained that the group, made up of experts, would among other things, help in developing a multi-sectoral approach and priority response plan that would curb abuses and violence against children.

Ampitan said that the state would enlist the support of development agencies, religious and traditional leaders in the crusade.

“The state shall launch its first multi-sectoral response plan to end violence against children on Sept. 4.

“The launch of the policy document in Kogi State is a demonstration of the resolve of Gov. Yahaya Bello’s administration to improve the welfare of citizens and all residents.

“Most importantly to protect our children from all forms of violence and abuses,” Ampitan said.

She commended ActionAid Nigeria and Catholic Relief Services for developing a clear, short and long term strategies to be implemented in the state.

Ampitan said that the effort would effectively prevent violence against children.

Mrs Maryann Obidike, Organisational Development Director, ActionAid Nigeria, said that the collaboration with the state government was informed by the outcome of a survey conducted in the state in 2015.

Obidike said the survey revealed that one out of four girls and one out of 10 boys experienced violence by parents and adult relatives.

She explained that the campaign had been designed in such a way that violence and abuses against children in the state would be drastically reduced within the next two years.

Obidike said that ActionAid Nigeria was one of the organisations on the SMILE Consortium, working to achieve the objective.

She said that the campaign was meant to fast track the adoption and implementation of laws that would end violence against children in the state by 2022.

The Deputy Speaker, Kogi State Children’s Parliament, Miss Ocheja Enechojo, advised parents and government not to deny children their rights to quality education.

She stressed the need to provide security, safety and a conducive environment for children to grow and develop, saying that children should be loved and not to be violated. (NAN)
KKA /AJA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

India announces plan to increase embassies in Africa from 18 to 47

India

By Victor Asije
Lagos, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) In a bid to expand its diplomatic presence across Africa, the Indian Government on Monday announced
plans to increase its missions on the continent from 18 to 47 resident embassies.

The High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Amb.  Nagabhushana Reddy, made the announcement in Lagos at the Nigerian
Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Ambassadorial Briefing.

The theme of the briefing is, “India-Nigeria Relations on the Eve of Sixty Years of Diplomatic Engagement, and Ten Principles of
India-Africa Engagement”.

Reddy said India as Africa’s development partner would deepen her engagements with Nigeria and other African countries
after the past sixty years of their diplomatic relations.

The high commissioner said his home government had evolved new “Connects” for advancing result-oriented relations
with Nigeria and other African countries in the years ahead.

“Indian enjoys time-tested relations with Africa. India is the development partner of Africa and is currently the fifth largest
investor in Africa. To us India-African partnership stands out.

“At the cusp of these past 60 years of engagement between Nigeria and India is the development of a `Connect’.

“There are plans to soon embark on the expansion of India’s diplomatic presence in Africa from 18 resident embassies
to 47,’’ he told newsmen.

Reddy said the Indian government would soon engage African countries in development partnership,
trade and investment, digital revolution,agriculture,climate change, combating terrorism and extremism and exploring
opportunities in global institutions.

The high commissioner described India and Nigeria as good trade partners in 2017 and this year, adding that there
are 135 Indian companies operating across Nigeria.

According to him, ‘Unique Connect’ has been developed for promoting mutually beneficial relations with Nigeria in the
areas of trade, diversity, development, defence, democracy, and energy.

Other are agriculture, medical and educational connects with India.

Reddy said: “Today we have about 500 training programmes per annum for Nigerians under the Indian Technical and
Economic Cooperation (ITEC).

“We also want Nigerians to take advantage of our 25 scholarship and fellowships offer for them.

“We strongly believe that through these connects, we can make each of the two countries stronger,’’ he said. (NAN)
AVU/DA

Edited by Dele Akinsola

TCN rolls out 99,781.9 mw in August – Official

Electricity

By Yunus Yusuf

Lagos, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), on Monday, said it rolled out 99,781.9 megawatts in the August 2018.

The daily statistics of TCN operations obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Nigerian Electricity System Operator (SO), a section of the TCN, indicated that 52,075.8 megawatts was generated between Aug. 1 and Aug. 15.

This was against the 47,706.1 megawatts generated between Aug. 16 and Aug. 31.

The statistics indicated that power generation dropped by 4,369.7 megawatts between the two periods.

The daily power generated from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15 were 3,812.5mw, 3,627.3mw, 3,109.9mw, 3,278.8mw, 3,570mw, 3,123.7mw, 3,275.4mw, 3,389mw and 3,509mw.

Also in the same period, it recorded 3,396.2mw, 3,324.9mw, 3,412.1, 3, 937.7mw, 3,911 and 3,378.8.

It report also showed that the daily power generated from Aug. 16 to Aug. 31 stood at 4,425.4mw, 329.6mw, 3,560.3mw, 3,439.3mw, 3,273.1mw, 3,081.5mw, 3,118mw and 3,348.8mw.

It also said 2,944.2mw, 2,975.3mw, 3,318.7mw, 3,094.8mw, 3,453.9mw, 3,591.2mw, 3,416.4 and 3,458.50 within the period.

According to the report, the power generated were wheeled to 11 distribution companies (Discos).

The TCN said the national peak demand forecast stood at 19,100.00mw, while the installed available capacity was 11,165.40mw.

It said the current transmission capacity and network operational capacity was 7,000 mw and 5,500.00mw respectively.

The report stated that the peak generation ever attained in Nigeria was 5,222.3mw, while the maximum energy ever attained stood at 109,372.01mwh.

Dr Joy Ogaji, the Executive Secretary, Association of Power Generation Companies, recently said there had been an improved power supply.

This, she said, was due to increased output by hydro power plants and reduced gas pipeline vandalism.

Ogaji said the hydro power plants were made to produce more during the festive periods to boost supply.

According to her, the hydro power plants had to abandon their water management plan set for January to December to achieve this target.

She said power production from the hydro plants was planned in such a way that outputs were higher during rainy season when water levels were high and lower during dry season.

She said the hydro plants had to produce more this time even when they didn’t have enough water.

“This is to show the commitment of power generation companies to ensuring stable power supply.

Ogaji, however, expressed fear that the current improvement in power supply may not be sustainable because the hydro plants were overshooting their production limit, which may not persist for long.

She noted that the thermal plants were also over-stretching their capacities to ensure that output was substantial.

But the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, recently assured that Nigerians would continue to enjoyed constant power supply under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Fashola said Nigerians had been spending less money on alternative power sources, such as fuel for generators because the country’s power situation had improved.

According Fashola, well-meaning Nigerians were aware of the improvement, noting that the government was doing its best for them to improve service delivery.

He said, “We are on a journey to a destination of promise and eventual prosperity and I use this occasion to salute the efforts and contributions of all those who have brought us this far.

“Even if those who were most vocal in condemnation when the situation appeared very dire is now uttering some muted acknowledgment that it has improved.

“We must continue to draw inspiration from well-meaning and right thinking Nigerians who were gracious enough to publicly acknowledge that they are saving some money from diesel they used to spend for generators.

“They are running their generators for fewer hours; and they are getting comparably more power than before,’’ Fashola said.

However, the Director, Research and Advocacy (ANED), Mr Sunday Oduntan, said recently in Lagos, that “the sector is bleeding,” which is why the country cannot have stable power.

Oduntan maintained that the recurring debt crisis in the sector was a major issue, and there was a need to tackle it without sentiments.

He suggested that Nigeria’s national budget should contain a certain amount consistently dedicated to transmission for the expansion of the grid, and also create a robust environment to increase distribution network and capacity.

Oduntun attributed the perceived inefficiency of the power distribution companies to infrastructural challenges, and the need for heavy investment and cooperation of customers, especially in the area of energy theft. (NAN)

YO/SA

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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APC

Yola, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) Adamawa Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday adopted the Indirect Primaries for the election of its candidates for the 2019 General Elections.

A communiqué issued at the end of the State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting of the party in Yola said indirect primary was the best option for the state.

It said that the SEC consulted widely and resolved to adopt the indirect primaries for the Governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly Primaries for the elections.

Motion for the adoption of the party decision at the meeting was moved by Mr Ahmed Gulak and seconded by former Adamawa House of Assembly Speaker and Acting Governor, Mr James Barka.

Addressing the SEC members, the State Party Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Bilal represented by his deputy, Mr Samaila Tadawus said the decision to choose the option was in line with Article 12.8 of the party constitution.

Bilal said it was also in compliance with the directive of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to all states to decide on the mode of conducting their primaries.

In his remarks, Gov. Muhammadu Bindow represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Martins Babale said he was also in support of indirect primaries and urged party members to join hands and ensure free and fair primaries.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustafa said the most important thing was that whatever decision taken should be in line with the party constitution which provided for direct, indirect or consensus.

Mustafa who called for free and fair contest, urged members of the party to always show maturity in their conduct as members of the ruling party.

“We should always conduct ourselves in the most decent manners,” he said.

Sen. Binta Masi and Rep. Ibrahim Dasin who spoke on behalf of members of the National Assemblyfrom the state also endorsed the indirect primaries and cited some challenges including insecurity in some areas of the state.

Similarly, the Adamawa House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, Deputy Speaker, Mr Emmanuel Tsamdu and the House Majority Leader, Mr Hassan Barguma who spoke on behalf of APC members in the assembly also endorsed indirect primaries.

“Another reason why we don’t support direct primaries is that the state has no authentic party member register, while we learnt that there are about two million fake party membership cards in circulation,” Mijinyawa said. (NAN)
YMU/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

5 men arraigned for allegedly assaulting commuter, stealing N110, 000 valuables

Assault
By Deborah Akpede
Ikeja, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) Five men were on Monday charged with assaulting a commuter and dispossessing him of N110, 000
valuables at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

The accused — Sefianu Isa, 25; Ahmed Umoru, 25; Yakubu Sefianu, 22; Haruna Useni, 27; and Abudullahi Isa, 25 — are standing trial
on a four-count charge of conspiracy, breach of trust, assault and stealing.

The accused, all residents of Mushin, Lagos, pleaded not guilty before the Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Tanimola.

Police Prosecutor Aondohemba Koti told the court that the accused committed the offences on Aug. 22 at Lord Bus Stop,
Ago, Lagos.

He said the accused conspired and assaulted a man, Mr Chukwumanjo Okonkwo, and also stole his phone and other valuables
worth N110, 000.

“The complainant was driving home at night when the accused blocked him with their motorcycles, dragged him out of his car and
started beating him.

“The accused injured his left eye and also tore his clothes before they dispossessed him of his N55,000 phone, wristwatch valued
at N33, 000 and a pair of scandals worth N22, 000, totaling N110, 000.”

Koti said a good Samaritan, who was at the scene, called the police and the accused were arrested.

The offences violated Sections 168, 173, 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Section 173 stipulates three years’ imprisonment for assault occasioning harm while
Section 287 prescribes three years for stealing.

In her ruling, the magistrate granted bail to the accused in the sum of N80, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

Tanimola said the sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State
Government.

The case was adjourned until Sept. 26 for mention. (NAN)
DOA/ESAN/DA
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Edited by Abiodun Esan/Dele Akinsola

Yobe donates relief materials to 595 flood victims

By Mohammed Mamman
Damaturu, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) The Yobe government on Monday distributed building materials, clothes, blankets and household items worth N120 million to 595 flood victims in Damaturu.

Alhaji Musa Jidawa, Permanent Secretary in the state’s Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), while distributing the materials, said the gesture was to mitigate victims’ losses.

According to Jidawa, a committee made of representatives of SEMA, Damaturu Local Government Council and the Damaturu Emirate Council carried out the screening to determine the actual victims.

“The committee identified that 445 people lost one or two rooms in their houses, 140 others lost two to three rooms while 10 people lost five rooms and above to the July 24th, floods,” he said.

Jidawa appealed to the committee to ensure judicious distribution of the materials, urging beneficiaries to make good use of the items.

He said that government procured 1,975 bundles of zinc, 1,975 bags of cement, 12,700 pieces of roofing wood, 5,390 ceiling sheets, 601 bags of nails and 3,775 gallons of paints.

The permanent secretary named other items procured as 1,190 pieces of blankets, 1,190 mats, 1,190 buckets, 1,190 wrappers for women, 1,190 pieces of brocade for men and 1,190 pieces of tarpaulins.

The Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi El-Kanemi, lauded the state government for the gesture.

The emir, who was represented by the Waziri of Damaturu, Alhaji Maisanda Lawan, said the gesture had brought succour to the victims.

The Chairman of the Damaturu Local Government Council, Alhaji Bulama Modu, charged the beneficiaries not to sell the materials but to use them to rebuild their homes.

He also cautioned residents against building structures on waterways to prevent future occurrence of the flooding. (NAN)
MM/JI/SN
Editing by Joseph Idika

Funding

By Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja, Sept.3, 2018 (NAN)The European Union on Monday announced new funding of 138 million euros funding for humanitarian assistance and development in Lake Chad Region.

According to a statement on Monday in Abuja, by the Press Officer to Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides made the announcement speaking at the High Level Conference on the Lake Chad Region in Berlin.

This is part of an overall EU aid package for the region worth 232 million euros.

Stylianides said that the new funding would help vulnerable communities in the four countries of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon caught up in the insurgency.

“The humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad basin, affecting parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, continues to worsen due to prolonged violence, insecurity and environmental degradation.

“To help the most vulnerable communities, the Commission has today announced new funding of 138 million euros combining humanitarian and development assistance.

“This is part of an overall EU aid package for the region worth 232 million euros.

“The disastrous effects of armed conflict and violence in the Lake Chad basin have had a serious impact in an area already plagued by poverty and the extreme effects of climate change,” Stylianides said.

According to him, the EU is committed to continue to help the most vulnerable and that EU is stepping up its humanitarian and development assistance.

He said that the crucial thing was for all parties to the conflict to ensure full access throughout the region so our aid can reach those in need.

The statement also quoted EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, as saying that the EU is determined to move the region from conflict to peace.

“As the humanitarian situation remains pressing, we also need to help prepare the region to move from conflict to peace – and from fragility to resilience.

“Our new funding will invest in social services and tackle poverty, environmental degradation and the effects of climate change.

“We will also boost some of our existing programmes in North East Nigeria by strengthening girls’ education and reintegration efforts, as well as health and nutrition services,” Mimica said.

He said that the Monday’s package was part of the EU’s strategy to better link its humanitarian and development support, with Nigeria and Chad being both pilot countries in this effort.

He said that between 2014 and 2017, the EU provided close to 700 million euros in humanitarian aid and development assistance to the region.

Mimica described the humanitarian situation in the Lake Chad basin s extremely fragile.

“Over 2.4 million people have been forcibly displaced including 1.2 million children, while violence and insecurity have also had a negative impact on the lives and livelihoods of more than 17 million people.

“Around 3.6 million people are in need of emergency food assistance and 440, 000 severely malnourished children across the region need life-saving assistance. The resulting humanitarian crisis is among the largest in the world.

“EU development support in the region includes the creation of appropriate security conditions for the return and sustainable reintegration of internally displaced people and refugees,” he said. (NAN)

IAA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza