Blog

Volleyball

By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Musa Nimrod, President, Nigeria Volleyball Federation, on Thursday commended the national women’s team as they beat Tanzania 3-1 to book their semi-final ticket in the ongoing CAVB Africa U-20 Championships in Kenya.

They stepped up their pursuit for glory at the competition as they overcame the east Africans with 25-22, 25-16, 18-25, 25-16 win.

Prior to this stage, the West Africans finished as runners up at the group stages behind Cameroon in their participation in the continental championships for the first time in 15 years.

To advance from the group phase, the Nigerian girls lost 1-3 to Cameroon and bounced back to beat host country, Kenya and Tanzania 3-1 respectively.

Reacting, Nimrod applauded the girls for their determination in spite of their shaky start.

He said the U-20 girls deserved commendations for the way they fought hard to qualify for the semi-finals.

 “The Nigeria U-20 girls deserve a lot of commendation for their impressive performance and the way they fought all the way to the end and got the important victory against Tanzania.

“The Nigeria Volleyball Federation is proud of their dedication, discipline and commitment, and we believe they have what it takes to win the trophy,” Nimrod said.

The competition which served off on Aug. 26 will end on Sept. 2.

Egypt won the last edition in 2017 after beating Tunisia in the play-offs 3-0 and 3-1 after Algeria won the first edition in 2002 hosted by Tunisia.

The Egyptian team have so far swept the title for seven consecutive times.

The competition is also a qualifier for the FIVB World Championships in this age category. (NAN)
BAO/KOLE/PDE
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(Edited by Remi Koleoso/Peter Ejiofor)

Donation

By Yakubu Uba

Yola, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Muhammadu Bindow of Adamawa on Thursday donated five cows and 50 bags of rice to support the feeding of Corps Members undergoing orientation at the Damare Camp in the state.

Bindow announced the donation in Yola while declaring open, the 2018 Batch “B” (stream 11) orientation course for corps members posted to the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Umar Bindir, Bindow assured the corps members of adequate security throughout the service year in the state.

“My administration, in collaboration with all security agencies in the state, has mapped out strategies that will nip in the bud, any attempt by any person or group of persons, to cause disharmony in any part of the state.

“I am also pleased to announce to you that we have taken peculiar measures to ensure your safety by beefing security around lodges of corps members and work places all over the state.

“While I wish you a wonderful time in Damare camp, I hereby announce to you, our modest donations of five cows and 50 bags of rice, as part of the usual hospitality of the government and good people of Adamawa state,” Bindow said.

In his speech, the Chairman, NYSC Governing Board in Adamawa, Mr Suleiman Sambo, who lauded the good relationship between Adamawa government and the NYSC, urged the state government to fence the camp and tar the road leading to the NYSC camp.

In his address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Malam Abubakar Mohammed, lauded the state government for its commitment to the security and welfare of corps members, adding that the development had given them the confidence to stay and serve in the state.

Mohammed tasked corps members to live up to expectation as life in the camp was highly regimented.

About 2000 corps members posted to Adamawa and Taraba state are having their orientation in Yola. (NAN)
YMU/ASH

Arrest

By Mustapha Sumaila

Abuja, August 30, 2018 (NAN) The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has arrested a 43-year-old pastor and two others for allegedly raping minors in Abuja.

The NAPTIP Director of Investigation and Monitoring, Mr Josiah Emerole, disclosed this while addressing a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Emerole explained that the pastor, (name withheld), hailed from Ondo state and resided in Dutse Bupma settlement area off Bwari road in Abuja.

He said that the suspect sexually harassed his 17 year-old house help (name withheld) in victim’s room and used his hands to fondle her breasts and other sexual genitals.

The director said on one occasion, the suspect allegedly took his sexual harassment to the kitchen where the victims was busy doing dishes.

He in the kitchen, the suspect used his hands to forcefully bring out the victim’s breast, fondled them among others illicit interaction with her.

“He subsequently warned her not to utter any word about it to anyone as there would be consequences, “ he said.

 Emerole said not comfortable with the situation; the victim reported the matter to people.

“Those people reported to NAPTIP and then the agency sent in rapid response squad to apprehend the suspect and he confessed to the crime.”

The director said that the second suspect was a 31-year old man (name withheld was arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl.

He stated that the suspect allegedly raped the victim severally, impregnated.

 According to him, the suspect usually covers the girl’s mouth whenever she wanted to shout to seek for help.

 He said the suspect would ask her to keep quiet and threatened to stop giving job to her mother as his cook.

Emerole said that third case involved a 27- year-old airport taxi driver, (name withheld ) was also nabbed for allegedly raping 17 year-old girl.

According to him, the suspect camped and drugged the victim and sexually violated her for some days.

He stated that all the suspects confessed to the crime and would soon be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

When questioned by journalists, two of the suspects denied the allegation while one confessed, saying that he seduced his victim. (NAN)
MS/DUA

Edited by Dada Ahmed

Waterways

By Kazeem Akande
Lagos, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Governor of Lagos State,  Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that water transportation remained the only visible option for the ever-growing local transportation demand in the state.

Ambode made the assertion on Thursday at the inauguration of the Ferry/Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Head Office and Multi-Level Car Park AT Falomo-Ikoyi, Lagos.

Ambode, represented by Mr Kazeem Adeniji, the Attorney General of Lagos State, said the ferry terminal was a mileage into the policy of government to make movement of persons and goods less cumbersome.

The governor said the measure was also a symbol of the appreciation of the state government towards the overall development of water transport sector in the state.

“We are here today to inaugurate this Ultra-Modern Ferry terminal and the Multi-Storey Car Park.

“Both projects were conceived way back in 2011; it’s the result of the collaboration between the Lagos State Development & Property Corporation, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the concessionaire, MTN Nigeria.

“The car park is a six-storey building over a land area of 31,454 square metres.

“It comprises 139 car park slots and 42 slots for the physically challenged users’’, Ambode said.

According to him, the government remains committed to providing the entire residents of Lagos with quality, affordable water transport services, while ensuring the waterways were safe.

Ambode said that ferry operation had proven worldwide to be an effective and efficient tool in relieving road transport as had seen in advanced cities of the world.

“Water transport is an integral component of the development of Lagos multi-modal transport system.

“We have no doubt that our waterways will offer further solution for the ever-growing transport demand in the state,’’ he said.

The governor said it was for this reason the state government was massively investing in water transportation.

He said the development had witnessed the rehabilitation and construction of new jetties, free distribution of life jackets, clearing of debris, removal of wrecks and constant patrol of the waterways.

He added that the state had recently purchased two water hyacinth clearing machines with navigational equipment to tackle the challenges posed by water hyacinth and other such water threats.

He explained that there was an ongoing installation of safety signs with marker buoys for route demarcation along the five cowries creeks.

“The newly constructed ferry terminals at Ebute-Ojo, Badore in Ajah and Ipakodo Ikorodu have been given out in concession to competent investors.

“This step will ensure effective management while 10 ferry licenses have been issued to new operators in recent time.

“Our administration has completed all arrangements for the procurement of seven high capacity passenger ferries to complement the existing ones, while we also plan to assist commercial ferry operators in acquiring new standard boats.

“We have developed a comprehensive masterplan detailing our renewed focus for effective water transportation in Lagos State and this shall be made public soonest,” he said.

“This building we are unveiling today epitomises the importance of Public Private Partnership to governance.

“The PPP initiative complements government’s budget and reduces deficit in expenditures. It also allows government funds to be re-directed to other important socio-economic areas.

“We therefore, call on all stakeholders to take a cue from MTN Nigeria by investing in water transport, water tourism, sports and recreation as government is always ready to provide an enabling environment.

“Water transport opportunities in Lagos remain largely untapped, having less than one per cent of overall traffic of the state, therefore more needs to be done, especially by the private sector to maximise maritime potential of Lagos State.

“Our government shall continue to protect the interest of those navigating and using the waterways with increased compliance checking and regular patrol while enhancing the bio-diversity, heritage and landscape values of the waterways.’’

Mr Oluwadamilare Emmanuel, the LASWA Managing Director, expressed delight for the actualisation of the ultra-modern Ferry Terminal project.

Emmanuel said it was a watershed in the history of transportation in the state, adding that the state was beginning to show flashes of converting the huge water resource into revenue generating machine.

“Our profound gratitude goes to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, for his unparalleled commitment toward upgrading, re-constructing and equipping all waterways infrastructure across the state.

“MTN Nigeria has actually created an acceptable standard in the water transport sector of Lagos state and indeed set a benchmark in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), to build such an imposing edifice for public use’’, he said.

According to him, the terminal is expected to attract new investors, boost ridership and reduce vehicular traffic on Lagos roads.

He also said the terminal would complement the efforts of the government in promoting the inter-modal transport system, adding that it would increase the efficiency of government intervention in the sector.

“LASWA remains committed to delivering, an enabling environment to all waterways users.

“The agency is working effectively to deepen and broaden the capacity in this sector to surpass all expectations in this regard.

“LASWA has also put in place various structures and processes to enable them achieve their objectives.

“We therefore, solicit a conscious cooperation of all waterways users as we ask for strict compliance with all existing rules and regulations of water transportation,’’ he said.

Mr Ferdi Moolman, the MTN Chief Operating Officer, said MTN was working in conjunction with the state government for the best way to modernise water transport in the state.

“MTN and Lagos State are working to improve quality of life of Lagos residents.

“We enjoin all other private sector to join in similar gesture because Lagos deserves it and this is just the beginning of great thing to come,’’ he said. (NAN)
AKA/FAA/OMO/PDE
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(Edited by Martins Odeh/Peter Ejiofor)

Economy

By Ibukun Emiola

Ibadan, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Mrs Patience Mbagwu, the Director, Population Institute, National Population Commission (NPC), on Thursday urged the Federal Government  to exploit the opportunities in its youth population, saying that doing so would make Nigerians feel the impact of the country’s economic growth.

Mbagwu said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

She said that the institute was happy with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s inauguration of a road map that would enable the government to harness the possibilities in the country’s demographic strength.

Cue in audio (Mbagwu)

“We have to harness demographic dividend so that we can give good life to our citizenry.

“And we have to talk about investment on education, health, employment and other things, indicators that are give good quality life.

“When that is done the youthful population will be engaged and with their engagement crime rate, kidnapping and all the social vices will reduce.

“Then there will be less dependency on the few people, who are earning income, because half of the Nigeria population are youthful.

“So we have to maximize on that demographic strength which is of importance to us.’’

Cue out audio (NAN)

IBK/YEE

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Conference

By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Lagos, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The participants at a three-day Research Conference and Fair, organised by the University of Lagos rose saying there is an urgent need for the country to focus on most valuable resources, which is “leadership by developing people”.

Ther participants made the assertion in a communique issued by the institution’s Director, Academic Planning, Prof. Wale Okunuga, at the end of the conference which is the 13th edition and with the theme, “Resource Utilisation and Sustainable Development”.

According to the communique, concerted efforts should also be made on honing leadership attributes as well as building ethics and morals.

It added that as a means of maximising the uses of the country’s resources and sustaining development, attention must also be paid to the development of indigenous languages to explain the state of affairs and realities in the nation.

“No meaningful development will be attained if there is minimal or outright lack of participation of all stakeholders in every sector of the society in consultations and resolutions relating to resource utilisation and sustainable development.

“The country also needs to wean itself of the system of ‘Nigeria’s Oil Structural Disease’ for the economy to grow and be sustainable,” the communique said.

According to the communique, it has been observed that one of the country’s major challenge is governance and that the nation is endowed with enormous resources but lacks governance.

It added that it had also been observed that the high rate of out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare for instance, had led to the low rate of utilisation of healthcare facilities in Nigeria.

“The health policy in Nigeria will not meet the health needs of majority of the population.

“Just like the increase in natural disaster, health challenges and environmental issues underscores the importance of ensuring that sustainable and responsible practices are undertaken by earth’s stakeholders,” it said.

According to the communique, though the abundance of natural resources could enhance the potential for economic growth, this alone is insufficient to guarantee escape from poverty to economic prosperity.

It observed that the best hope of any nation depended largely on the education of its youths.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 544 fully registered participants from the academia within and outside Nigeria participated in the multi-disciplinary fair. (NAN)
CCN/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

NYSC
By Temitope Salami
Sagamu (Ogun), Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun has warned corps members against being used by desperate politicians during the 2019 general elections.
Amosun gave the warning on Thursday at the swearing-in of 2042 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 corps members in Sagamu, Ogun.
The governor, who was respresented by Mr Afolabi Afuape, the Ogun Commissioner for Youths and Sports, urged the corps members to serve with a desire to protect the country’s democracy.
Amosun, however, urged them to support candidates of their choice during the electioneering, where eligible.

He added that it was imperative for youths to have their say and be part of the process.
“With the recent signing into law of the “Not-too-young-to-run bill by President Muhammadu Buhari, the youths now have higher stake in the electioneering process.
“Even though corps members may not necessarily be eligible to run for office in Ogun unless those who are indigenes of the state, they can support any candidate of their choice.
“If possible, they can transfer their voter’s card to Ogun State because it is important for them to have a say and be part of the process.
“However, let me also use this opportunity to enjoin you all to be vigilant, conscious and not to be willing tools in the hands of desperate politicians who are hell bent on attaining power by all means.
“I urge you to eschew violence and other divisive tendencies before, during and after the general elections,” Amosun said.
In her remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator in Ogun, Mrs Josephine Bakare, urged corps members to be security conscious anywhere they were posted.
She also advised parents not to relent in prayers for the safety of their wards and gave assurance that the interests of corps members remained the scheme’s utmost priority.
“They should be very security conscious. They should remember that they are the best security officers of themselves, so security starts from them.
“There is synergy between the NYSC, INEC and security agencies to ensure that the corps members are safe during the election and thereafter.
“Security operatives will be with them wherever they are so our parents should be calm, we are trying but God is in control,” Bakare said.
The NYSC official said that the 2,042 corps members deployed to Ogun comprised of 1,138 males and 904 females. (NAN)
TDS/WOJ
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Edited by Wale Ojetimi

 
Transformer
Effurun (Delta) Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Mr Tega Onoyake, Chairman, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta has provided Ugborikoko and Urhumarho communities with 500KVA transformer each.
Inaugurating the projects on Thursday in Effurun, Onoyake said that they would help to galvanise economic development in the to communities that had been in without light for two years.
The chairman said that the initiative was part of his campaign promises.
“Recall that I came with the mindset of restoring the lost glory of Uvwie and heralding a new dawn in the local government area.
“I am happy that by the grace of the Almighty God, barely seven months in government, we have accomplished this great feat.
“With the installation of the transformer, life has been restored and businesses will begin to boom again.
“The inauguration commissioning has also given me the opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to pursuing my restoration agenda,” he said.
Onoyake urged the communities to ensure proper maintenance of the transformers and promised to provide more dividends of democracy to the people.
He also promised to ensure security of lives and property in his area.
Mr Willy Achubu, former Uvwie council chairman, who spoke on behalf of the Urhumarho community, assured that the transformer would be properly maintained.
He said that the transformer was estimated at cost ofN4 million.
Mrs Evelyn Oboro, member representing the people of Sapele/Okpe and Uvwie Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives,
at the ceremony, commended Onoyake for the initiative.
“The people who are here, the petty traders, the barbing saloon, tailoring shops, people who need light to refrigerate drinks will enjoy the services of this transformer,” she said. (NAN)
EDI/DUA
Edited by Dada Ahmed

FLASH — Ex-Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Dr Olawale Idris, dies at 78

Shares

By Lilian Okoro

Lagos, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Equity trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed for the second consecutive day on a downward trend with the All-Share Index dropping by 0.77 per cent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the index shed 272.27 points or 0.77 per cent on Thursday to close at 35,086.67 against 35,358.94 on Wednesday.

Also, the market capitalisation shed N99 billion or 0.77per cent to close at N12.809 trillion in contrast with N12.908 trillion achieved on Wednesday.

An analysis of the price movement chart indicated that 29 stocks recorded price depreciation, while 16 stocks posted price appreciation.

Lafarge Wapco, one of the blue chips on NSE led the losers’ table with a loss of N1.8 to close at N23.7 per share.

Forte Oil trailed with a loss of N1.7 to close at N20, while Stanbic IBTC decreased by N1.25 to close at N47.25 per share.

Guaranty Trust Bank was down by N1.05 to close at N38, while Dangote Cement dipped N1 to close at N228 per share.

On the other hand, Guinness recorded the highest gain, leading the gainers’ table with N5 to close at N95 per share.

NEM Insurance followed with a gain of 3k to close at N3.3 per share.

FBNH appreciated by one kobo to close at N9.1, while Livestock and NASCON increased by 5K each to close at 59K and N20.05 per share respectively.

United Bank for Africa emerged the investor’s delight, trading 57.12 million shares worth N452.33 million.

NEM Insurance followed with an account of 45.25 million shares valued at N131.66 million, while Access Bank traded 30.74 million shares worth N281.12 million.

Diamond Bank exchanged 17.20 million shares valued at N21.71 million, while FCMB sold 16.39 million shares worth N29.52 million.

In all, investors bought and sold 284.59 million shares valued at N3.44 billion in 3,303 deals, representing a decrease of 17.52 per cent.

This was in contrast with a total of 345.057 million shares worth N2.27 billion achieved in 3,261 deals. (NAN)
LUC/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama