Blog

‎ Skills

By Mohammed Nur Tijani

(Karaye) Kano, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has charged corps members posted to the state for the one year mandatory service, to acquire skills for self employment.

He gave the advice during the swearing-in ceremony of combined 2018 Batch ‘B’ stream II Corps members orientation course held at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Kusalla, Karaye Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.

Ganduje, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Malam Mohammad Garba, said the scheme over the years had provided a platform for Nigerian graduates to acquire and develop qualities of discipline and patriotism.

He urged then to make use of the training in the camp to become self-reliant and employers of labour, rather than job seekers at the end of the service year.

“I encourage you to take the course, the training, the skills and experiences that you will gain seriously.

“I also encourage you to give your best to embody the values of discipline, leadership, courage and resourcefulness which will serve you well during primary and secondary assignments,” he said.

He also urged them to feel free to interact with their host communities and offer solutions to the challenges in their host communities.

He added that the state government was aware of the challenges facing the scheme in the state and promised to address the issues including camp upgrade, procedures, processes and practices.

In his remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator, Alhaji Ladan Baba said the corps members have reported to camp in good time and cexhibited good conducts.

Baba said that the corps members will be trained on skills acquisition and entrepreneur development to become self-reliant and employers of labour after the service year.

He added that 2, 100 Borno and Kano Corps members comprising 1, 053 males and 1, 047 females were deployed to the state for 2018 Batch ‘B’ stream II service year.

Ladan said that Borno has 675 corps members with 339 males and 336 females while Kano has a total of 1,425 corps members with 714 males and 711 females‎.

The state coordinator called on the state government to rehabilitate the access road leading to the orientation camp and complete the ongoing general renovation of the camp. (NAN)

MNT/MTM/MTM

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Edited by Tukur Muntari.

Waconzy drops New Music, `Chewing Gum’

Song

By Jennifer kalu/Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Abuja, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Popular Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer Obinna Anyanwu Popularly known as Waconzy has released a new song titled `Chewing Gum’ featuring Jamaican Dancehall singer, N3Diartiste.

The ­­35-year-old singer took to his instagram handle @Waconzy  on Thursday to announce the release of the song .

“You all have been asking for new waconzy music so I had to record this one for y’all. Trust me you will love this one “Chewing Gun”

The graduate of Project Management, from Federal University of Technology Owerri released his debut album, `I celebrate’ in 2010.

The album’s top singles include “i Celebrate”, “too much money”, “wedding day” and “Chuku Chuku”.

The Port Harcourt born singer also collaborated with Banky W in  `Jagolova’, Faze in `Champion’, Duncan Mighty in `I Celebrate Remix’.

Following his debut album, Waconzy released his Money Back Guarantee album in 2013 which featured songs like “Amosu’’, “Club on fire’’ and “Sweet like tombo’’.

In 2015, he released the Waconzy greatest Hits compilation album which featured songs like “Na God’’, “Balling like waconzy (Ekpoh)’’ and “Ogbono’’.

Waconzy also featured Naeto C in Hallelujah Remix and Truth Hurts in Club on fire remix. (NAN)

JEN/CMY/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

FG warns corps members against hate speech, fake news
By Yashim Katurak
Swearing-in
Abuja, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has warned corps members against promoting hate speech and fake news because of their destructive effect on the society.
He also advised them to be vanguards of the change mantra “Change Begins with Me”.
The minister said this in Abuja on Thursday while addressing corps members sworn-in for the 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream II service year at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, Kubwa.
Bello was represented by Oladimeji Hassan, Secretary, Social Development and Chairman, NYSC FCT Governing Board.
The minister urged the newly sworn-in corps members to complement Federal Government’s efforts by consistently carrying messages of oneness, solidarity and indivisibility of the nation.
He also urged corps members nationwide not to flout government’s directive banning the promotion, advertisement and sale of tobacco products in all orientation camps and public spaces.
Bello said that anyone caught flouting the directive would be made to face severe sanctions and urged the corps members to ensure their acts and deeds fell within the ambit of the law.
He charged the corps members to be disciplined and be ready to make sacrifices as the task ahead of them was quite enormous.
Bello advised them to reject and denounce all forms of social vices which had been identified as the most critical impediment of the nation’s development process.
“I must warn you against hate speech and fake news. You must strive towards complementing government efforts by consistently carrying messages of oneness, solidarity and indivisibility of our great nation, Nigeria.
“Let me reiterate the extant ban on promotion and advertisement on all tobacco products in all the stadia and NYSC orientation camps nationwide by the Federal Government.
“You must not flout this directive throughout your service year in the FCT and beyond as the reverse could carry grievous consequences.
“Few weeks ago, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) honoured 72 corps members who distinguished themselves during their service year in the territory.
“I urge you to aim towards this recognition and honour by provoking your creativity towards innovative projects that will stand you out at the end of the service year,” Bello said.
The minister said that plans were underway to introduce an All-inclusive Talent Hunt in the territory to unravel the creative and innovative works of corps members.
He said that the project was part of a collective drive towards youth development and empowerment amid socio-economic development of the FCT and the nation.
Bello said that the federal government was determined to arouse the confidence of youths at all times particularly by utilising their energies and forces in a bid to improve technology in line with global best practices.
The minister said the criterion for selection would be tailored alongside the NYSC model.
He urged the corps members to take advantage of the skills acquisition initiative provided by the NYSC to equip themselves for the task of nation building.
Besides, Bello urged them to see the skills training as key to self-reliance and sustainability in this time of acute shortage of white-collar jobs.
The Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, administered the oath of service on 2,261 corps members for the 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream II service year in the FCT.
Justice Bello was represented by Justice Muawiyah Idris at the occasion.
On his part, Mr Bello Ballama, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, said the orientation course would last for three weeks after which corps members would be posted to organisations in the public and private sectors for primary assignment. (NAN)
KRY/MO/MST
Edited by Omolade Michael/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Rice

By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, Ebonyi Commissioner for Information and Orientation, has presented 100 bags of 50kg processed organic rice harvested from his farm to Gov. David Umahi.

Onwe, who did the presentation in Abakaliki told newsmen on Wednesday that the governor’s immense support fuelled his interest in embarking on massive rice production.

“I present these 100 bags of 50kg processed organic rice in recognition of the governor’s tireless efforts to make the citizens engage in agriculture, especially rice production.

“The governor in his magnanimity, requested that each member of the EXCO be given a bag of rice as the council resolved to henceforth invest significantly in organic rice production,’’ he said.

Onwe said that there were several benefits of producing organic rice which the government intended highlighting extensively when activities concerning it commence.

“The council resolved to embark seriously in its production to complement the extra-ordinary work the governor is doing and to encourage farmers in the state.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the bags of rice were also distributed to members of the state EXCO among other government functionaries. (NAN)
RCO/MOL/PDE
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(Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Peter Ejiofor)

PVC

By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Ebonyi Sports and Youth Development ministry has intensified efforts to ensure that youths meet the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Aug. 31 deadline for registration for Permanent Voters Cards (PVC).

Mr Charlse Akpuenika, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abakaliki that such efforts were yielding fruits.

Akpuenika said that putting into consideration the importance of the PVC, the ministry had ensured that over 70 per cent of youths in the state obtained their PVCs.

“We are optimistic that before the Aug. 31 deadline by INEC for the registration, the percentage will increase maximally with reports from various parts of the state on the issue indicating that participation in the exercise is encouraging.

“We intensified our enlightenment campaign through the mass media, online platforms, workshops and seminars among others, to sensitise the youth on the importance of obtaining the PVC,” he said.

The commissioner noted that youths were made to understand that their fate in the country beyond 2019, would be decided by how effective they utilise their votes.

“We pushed for a paradigm shift from using them for political thuggery, violence and other forms of electoral malpractice to those who through their votes, will ensure the election of credible leaders.

“The electorate is more enlightened and exposed presently as the period when it was deceived with phantom promises and all sorts of inducement is over,” he said.

He said that youths from the state had ample reason to fully participate in the electoral process to ensure that credible leaders were re-elected in the 2019 general elections.

“Gov. Davd Umahi for instance, has ensured the upliftment of youths’ wellbeing by ensuring they are elected and appointed into various positions of governance in the state.

“This has ensured that youths participate actively in the state’s governance and accounts for the massive transformation in the areas of infrastructure, health and education among others,” he said.

Akpuenika noted that the revitalisation of sports in the state had ensured that youths in particular, harnessed their talents to be self-sustaining and achieve their ambitions.

“The renovation of the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium for instance, has provided sportsmen the opportunity of training adequately and harnessing their skills which ultimately, has afforded the state and country, equitable representation in various regional, national and continental sporting events.

“An Ebonyi youth won a bronze medal for the country in the recently concluded African Youth Games in Algiers, Algeria, and we hope to sustain such feats.

“The sponsorship of various sporting competitions by the governor which were hitherto were in oblivion, has provided sportsmen the opportunity of showcasing their talents,” he said.

He noted that the enlightenment campaigns would continue after the deadline to ensure that those who registered for the exercise collected their PVC before the elections. (NAN)
RCO/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

Nasarawa Assembly member dumps APC for APGA

Defection

Akwanga (Nasarawa State), Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) Mr Makpa Malla, a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Malla, who represents Wamba constituency, announced his defection at a press conference on Thursday in Akwanga.

He said that he was forced to leave the party because of the inherent impunity that had, over time, characterised it.

“After going through all the vision and mission of the various political parties, I have decided to leave the APC and pitch my tent with APGA because I feel the party stands for truth.

“The face of APGA in the state is Labaran Maku. He is my role model and I feel he is a symbol of truth, fairness and Justice; these are virtues the APC lack.

“In spite of losing the governorship election in 2015, Maku has remained with the people at the grass root,” he said.

Malla said that he had formally notified the House of his defection and had obtained an interim injunction from the court restraining his colleagues from declaring his seat vacant.

He maintained that the law allows one to defect when a party is factionalised, adding that the APC had been torn into factions with one faction headed by Adams Oshiomhole, while the other is led by Buba Galadima.

“I have resigned my membership from my former party and I am and currently consulting with my constituency on my next move.

“I am already consulting with my supporters and leaders of my new party to get their support toward seeking the APGA ticket to contest the Akwanga/Wamba Federal Constituency seat,” he added.

He expressed optimism that APGA would win the Nasarawa State governorship seat in 2019.

“The people have tried both the APC and PDP but were disappointed. Now, APGA is their new song,” he said. (NAN)

SDJ/KOLE/AZA/ETS

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Polycarp Auta/ Ephraims Sheyin

Atiku

By Aminu Ahmed Garko

Minna, Aug. 30, Aug. 2018( NAN) Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday said he would not defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) anymore, even if he failed to secure the party’s presidential ticket.

Atiku stated this in Minna while addressing party supporters at the PDP headquarters.

He, however, expressed optimism of winning  the presidential ticket of the party if a level-playing ground was provided.

Abubakar called on the leadership of the party to  demonstrate high sense of political maturity  in conducting free, fair  and transparent presidential primaries.

He said that such political commitment would boost the party’s chances in the presidential election.

” I am ever ready to work towards the success of the party if level-playing ground is provided during the party primaries .

” Whether I become the presidential candidate or not, I want to assure you that I will always discharge my obligations to ensure the  success of  the polls,” he said.

He explained that all the presidential aspirants met with the National Working Committee of the party  on Wednesday where they later signed an affirmation to support whoever emerged as the party’s flag bearer.

He said he was ready to align with the decision.

He said he was in Niger to solicit the support of party members, especially delegates to the forthcoming convention to actualise his aspiration. (NAN)

AAG/IA

NAFOWA donates money, toiletries to patients

Donation
By Christian Ogbonna
Yenagoa, Aug. 30, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), Mobility Command, in Bayelsa, has donated money and toiletries to some patients at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in the state.

The Chairperson of the association, led by Mrs Julcit Bali, made the donation during a charity visit to the hospital on Thursday in Yenagoa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the delegation visited the paediatric, maternity and orthopaedic wards with over 45 patients including children and mothers benefitting from their kind gesture.

Bali said the gesture was part of the association’s humanitarian service aimed at bringing smiles to faces of the needy.

“Yes, we have visited the maternity, children and orthopaedic wards; we presented some gifts and money, especially to those that cannot paid their bills.

“We attended to special cases, that is in the settlement of their bills; we believe that this will go a long in alleviating their sufferings.”

The chairperson, however, urged the federal and state governments to step up efforts toward improving the healthcare delivery system in the country.

“Governments at all levels should step up plans to improve and ensure that hospitals are well equipped,” she said.

Dr Dennis Alagoa, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, commended the association for the kind gesture and urged them to continue partnering with the hospital, noting that it had helped to put smiles on the faces of the needy.

Similarly, Mrs Esther Amachree, the Director of Nursing in the hospital, also commended the association for its good deeds.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Faith Famous, thanked the association for the items presented to her and prayed God to continue to bless the women. (NAN)
OOC/AO/NKO
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Edited by Nkechi Okoronkwo

Meeting

By Mohammad Tijjani

Kaduna,Aug 30.2018(NAN) Commissioners of Works and Transportation from the North West on Thursday met to develop common strategies for the implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, held in Kaduna had in attendance officials responsible for transport from Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara and Jigawa.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transportation, Balaraba Aliyu-Inuwa, said the main goal is to develop strategies to halt loss of lives and properties through effective road traffic management.

Aliyu-Inuwa said the objective is in line with the vision of the United Nation’s Decade of Action to reduce road traffic accidents and fatalities by 35 percent by 2018 and 50 percent by 2020.

“This platform will provide an opportunity for us to get informed and ensure cross fertilization of ideas on the tasks, roles and responsibilities we are expected to play towards reducing accidents on our roads.

“This meeting is therefore aimed at promoting effective coordination and synergy among states in actualizing the goals, objectives and programs outlined in the NRSS.

“It is also aimed at developing a peer mechanism within our zone, to inspire each other towards NRSS implementation, what we do and get to know what and how others do in their states.

The commissioner said with the increase in population and urbanization, “safe mobility is essential to the well-being of our society and sustainable growth.

“So I therefore implore us all to partake, share ideas, experiences by outlining and harmonizing our initiatives.”

Also, the Corps Marshall, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, said the objective of NRSS is to stem road  crashes and the consequent loss of lives and properties through systematic nationally coordinated road traffic management.

Oyeyemi represented by Deputy Corps Marshal Hafis Muhammad, said it was important to have uniformed higher road safety standards, practice and tools, define roles of all stakeholders and strengthen sustainable funding.

He however said that there must be measurable indices and trustworthy platforms to attract funding among others.

Also, the Corps Marshall, Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA),  Abdulkadir Ahmad, said road safety can only be achieved when there are laid down strategies in line with national standards.

Ahmad said road safety remained key to safe and smooth transport system, adding that there was need to ensure good roads across the country.

“Since it establishment of KASTLEA, the marshals have posed a threat to criminal activities as a result of enforcement which involves identification and checking of vehicular documents.”

He said the enforcement of ban on commercial motorcycle operation on major corridors of the state has brought down the rate of crimes involving kidnapping and snatching of handbags, phone and the like. (NAN)

TJ/MZA