The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Tanker truck laden with diesel fell off Otedola bridge

    A tanker truck laden with 33,000 litres of automated gas oil (diesel) fell off while driving toward Berger shortly after the Otedola bridge and caused a lot of traffic jam around Lagos metropolis.

    The Director General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    According to him, the immediate cause of the accident was due to mechanical error (brake failure), but no casualties and no damage of vehicles was recorded.

    Read Also: Video: Tanker falls, spills fuel on Otedola bridge

    “The truck fell off at about few minutes to 5 p.m while its content was still spilling due to the impact of the accident.

    “Physical assessment is being conducted in order to avert the occurrence and fire incident.

    “All emergency responders have been activated,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

    He said that presently, the trans loading of content was on going to prevent the truck from exploding.

    Oke-Osanyintolu, however, said that the tanker truck would be removed from the road to ensure free flow of traffic.

    (NAN)

  • Why I am pursuing judicial option for my mandate — Atiku

    The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar said his recourse to the court over the 2019 presidential election was to ensure that “votes of Nigerians count.”

    Abubakar in a statement he issued on Friday in Abuja, said it was also to ensure that democracy was seen to be done in Nigeria.

    He said that “nothing good comes easy” and that hard work was needed in the task to rid Nigeria of the forces of fascism.

    Besides, he said that the route he had adopted for reclaiming his mandate was also for the full restoration of the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria.

    “I owe so much to this great land of Nigeria that took me from the streets of Jada, where I sold firewood, to the heights I have attained, by God’s benevolence, in the civil service, in corporate Nigeria, and in public service.

    “If I do not play my part in making it possible for other orphaned children, indigent youths and the less privileged, to replicate and even surpass my path to significance, I will have failed my Maker.

    Read Also: Buhari, Atiku: What next after judgement?

    “If I do not ensure that the ladder I climbed remains accessible to those at the bottom, middle and top tiers of society, I will not have fulfilled my purpose.

    “And only by ensuring that democracy is not just done, but seen to be done, can Nigeria and Nigerians have a sense that this our dear land is indeed a land where unity, faith, peace and progress reside.

    “It is for this and other patriotic reasons, that I am pursuing this judicial route: To ensure that the votes of Nigerians count and are counted,” he said.

    The former vice president said those who did not want Nigeria to be a reality, would use every trick in the book to undermine, discourage, misinform and mislead the populace.

    He, however, said that with God’s help and the support of Nigerians, he would ensure that Nigeria was on course towards genuine democracy.

    “We must return to being Africa’s bastion of democracy, where the rights to freedom of speech and freedom after the speech, are guaranteed.

    “We must stand together to pursue this just cause all the way, so that our judiciary are not afraid to do their jobs and have to be wary of blackmail, intimidation, and victimization,” he said.

    Abubakar appreciated Nigerians’ support for shared common goal and the solidarity he enjoyed from all walks of life and every strata of society, right from July 21, 2018, when he declared his intention to contest the presidential election.

    He said that the support continued to Sept 11, when the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal rendered its verdict.

    Abubakar noted the immense outpouring of goodwill from ordinary Nigerians in every nook and cranny of Nigeria and from all regions, religions and relationships.

    “I also thank the governors elected on the platform of my party, the PDP, as well as the National Executive Committee, for their unanimous and unambiguous support for the judicial phase of this struggle, especially after it was announced that we would go on to appeal,” he said.

    He urged all Nigerians to continue their support for that recourse to constitutional order via the courts.

    “Even if there is little or nothing you can do to ensure that justice is done in Nigeria, just believe that it will happen. Let us never underestimate the effect of our belief in Nigeria.

    “Finally, I say to all concerned, that we will all die and give account of our lives to our creator, “ he said.

    (NAN)

  • Senate may review security architecture, says Lawan

    The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has hinted that the upper legislative chamber might review the nation’s security architecture to address emerging security challenges across the country.

    Lawan however said, the proposed review would be carried out in collaboration with the executive arm of government, as he stressed the urgent need for improvement in the nation’s security situation.

    The Senate President, however, did not elaborate on the scope and sphere of the pending review. He spoke with journalists in Abuja on Friday shortly after his arrival from a foreign trip.

    Lawan said, “In the Eight Senate, we had an ad-hoc committee that I was privileged to chair, to review the security architecture of the country. We are going to look into that report, and of course in addition, other contemporary issues that affect security in the country.

    “We intend to do those things that would ensure that the security situation in the country improves, and this we would do with the executive arm of government, as this cannot be done alone”.

    The Senate President disclosed that the National Assembly had received the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which he said, was sent to by the executive while he was away.

    “I have been informed that the executive arm of government has sent the request for the MTEF to the Senate, and I am sure that will be the first thing that would be looked into when we resume next week.

    Read Also: Senate flays criticisms over plan to buy N5.5b vehicles

    “We hope to take on the MTEF within the first legislative week.

    Our committee on finance will be saddled with its first major responsibility; that it works expeditiously on the FSP/MTEF request of the executive arm of government, and thereafter the budget will come after that”, Lawan said.

    He also expressed the readiness of the National Assembly to receive the 2020 Appropriation Bill anytime soon, saying that the executive was working assiduously to ensure that the document is presented to the legislature by month’s end.

    “We are hopeful and optimistic, as well as hungry and thirsty, to receive the 2020 appropriations bill. I am aware that the executive arm of government is working assiduously to ensure that the appropriation bill for the year 2020 is presented to the National Assembly at the end of this month.

    “The National Assembly will work so hard to ensure that the 2020 budget is passed before we go on Christmas break.

    This is one issue that we hope to take head-on to ensure that we reverse the undesirable tend of the budget.

    “We believe this can be achieved, as doing so would make the economy better and predictable. We also think an early passage of the 2020 appropriations bill will have a desirable impact on Nigerians”, he said.

    On the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, Lawan said the Senate would look into the matter on resumption.

    “You recall that this issue was reviewed before we went on recess. The Senate felt as an institution, that our citizens’ diplomacy must be protected whereever they go in the world.

    “The government must be there for them, and I am happy that after the xenophobic crisis, the federal government was able to take a position.

    “We need to be much more resolute, whatever the situation is; our citizens must be protected. If someone runs foul of the laws of a country, there are processes and procedures on how such a person can be prosecuted.

    “Therefore, we must try to protect our citizens. I also think we must be proactive to tell our citizens that if they choose to live in any country, they must ensure they stay within the limits of the laws of that country, just as we expect of foreigners in ours”.

  • Community holds Fidau prayer in honour of late Akoka Baale

    The eighth day prayer (Fida’u) for High Chief, Olusegun Sikiru Aroyewun, Baale of Isale Akoka was held on Friday in Bariga, Lagos State, amid praises and commendations.

    Baale Aroyewun who was installed in 2008 according to congenital rights, died at the age of 71, after a brief illness.

    The late Baale’s residence was full of sympathizers who came to mourn the late chief. The Nation observed that markets and shops around the community were closed.

    The event had in attendance prominent Chiefs and Baales’, Muslim clerics, APC stalwarts, Bariga LCDA/ALGON National President, Hon. Kolade David Alabi; Akoka CDA Chairman, Segun Adesanya, resident members of Akoka and Bariga Community and other sympathizers.

    Read Also: Akoka CDA organises under-13 football competition for Ipaye

    Speaking to reporters, the Bariga LCDA Chairman, who also doubles as the ALGON National President, Hon. Kolade David Alabi, described the late Baale as a fantastic royal father who had the love of his people at heart and died serving the community selflessly.

    The Council boss who expressed displeasure with the state of the road leading to the community, promised to rehabilitate the road as a honor to the late head of the community.

    Akoka CDA chairman, Segun Adesanya in his remarks, said the community would surely miss the late baale, who had contributed immensely to the development of Akoka.

    He said “Baale was a great friend and adviser who was passionate about mankind and also played his part with respect to the progress of the community”.

    Baale Aroyewun was survived by relatives, children, wife and grandchildren.

  • Army assures Borno town of security

    The Nigerian Army has assure residents of Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai local council area in the Lake Chad area of Borno of security, urging them to continue with their normal activities.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Ado Isa, in a statement Friday, said the assurance followed reports of terrorists plan to attack and invade the town, conduct indoctrinatory preaching before observing the Friday congregational prayers on Sept. 20.

    Isa explained that many locals of Gajiram became apprehensive and reluctant to attend Jummat service in the mosque.

    He said that on receipt of the information, the Commander Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD)/Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj.-Gen. Bulama Biu, directed the Artillery Brigade to move to the town.

    Isa added that the Brigade commander, Brig.-Gen Jal Jimoh, moved to Gajiram to reassure them of army’s readiness to protect them and their property in Gajiram and its surrounding areas.

    Read Also: Boko Haram, ISWAP fleeing to North, Central Africa, says Army

    “Consequently, there was large turn-out of the residents for the Jumat prayer with the Brigade Commander and other Muslim officers and soldiers in attendance including the Commander of the Chadian troops under the MNJTF.

    “The prayers were hitch-free. Brig Gen Jimoh through a Kanuri interpreter addressed the people, reassured them of their safety.

    “He solicited for the support and cooperation of the community by providing credible information on the movements and activities of the fleeing criminals hibernating in the area.

    “At the moment, security situation in Gajiram is fully under control, while military patrols have also been intensified,” he said.

    Isa said that further plan to project the joint forces was already under way, with the troops morale and fighting spirit very high occasioned by the latest successes against the insurgents. (NAN)

  • Keystone Bank rewards verve card holders with free petrol

    Keystone Bank Limited, in partnership with Verve International, has launched a promotion to reward customers for using its Verve Card to purchase petrol at select Oando Petrol stations across Nigeria.

    According to a statement by the lender on Friday, promo tagged “Free Fuel Alert” is open to new and existing customers of the bank.

    Read Also: Keystone Bank partners Google, Facebook on digital marketing for MSMEs

    Customers of Keystone Bank Verve Card holders will receive free extra five litres of petrol each time they use their verve cards to purchase a minimum of N3,000 and above worth of petrol between 6am – 8pm every Friday from September 20-November 8.

    The selected Oando Petrol Stations where the promo will run are: Lagos (Maryland, Marina, Awolowo Falomo, Awolowo Fire Station, Lawanson, Alapere, Ajah, Agege Bye-Pass, Trade Fair, Fola Agoro, Ojodu Berger, Sangotedo, Ago Palace Way and Shiro Road Fadeyi) Abuja (Garki, Ahmadu Bello Way and Zone 6 Wuse) Enugu (Ogui Road), Imo (Assumpta Avenue) Kaduna (Junction Road by Stadium), Kano (Club Road 1), Oyo (Orita Mef and Iwo Road, Southbound) Portharcourt (Aba Road and 75 Transamadi) Delta (Effurun Junction) Edo, Benin – City (Akpakpava Road).

  • NU MI showcases best of Nigeria interior, product designs

    The best of Nigeria’s interior and product designers will exhibit their products from 21st September to 22nd September in Lagos.

    The exhibition is the initiative of NU MI Design House, the integrated interior, procurement, bespoke furniture manufacturer and homeware product designer.

    Nigerian art, according to the organisers, has captured the imagination of a global audience and introduced a new generation of world-renowned artists to an eager public. But far less known, and equally innovative, is the emerging Nigerian design sector and a range of creative collaborations between art and design are taking it to a new level.

    To showcase this unique new sector, NU MI Design House is curating the NU MI Design Exhibition, featuring a combination of leading Nigerian artists alongside established and emerging Nigerian furniture and other product designers and a unique selection of NU MI founder, Tanwa Newbold’s own work that includes a stunning collaboration with artist Polly Alakija.

    Building on 2018’s first edition hosted at the Oando Wings building, the 2019 NU MI Design Exhibition will take place at LASWA Yard, Falomo Jetty, the new headquarters of maritime Lagos.

    Read Also: Erelu to fashion designers: don’t imitate others

    It features works from product designers like Studio Lani, Tosin Oshinowo, Alaga Collections, Funferekoroye, Kelechi Odu and Oguma Adegoke alongside renowned artists Polly Alakija, Ghariokwu Lemi, Olumide Onadipe and a curated selection from the Nike Art Gallery.

    Speaking at the launch, Creative Director and Founder, Tanwa Newbold, said: “Whether you are looking for the luxury of a world-renowned furniture producer, the highest quality local design and production or African-inspired unique homeware, the NU MI Design Exhibition has something for you. We are privileged to be able to bring together so many talented designers, and I am hugely encouraged by the innovation and creativity that is coming out of Nigeria at the moment.

    “At NU MI, we combine contemporary interior design, with the ability to produce or procure unique pieces, specifically designed to suit your vision. We believe that in a world where choice and flexibility is increasingly important to consumers, we are able to offer a service that maximises your ability to achieve your vision, whether you want to source locally, or internationally.”

    The event is supported by LASWA, the owners of the Yard venue, Bank of Industry, Plascon Paints and La Connaisseur, the exclusive concept store for wine lovers.

  • We are adopting Edo-HIP to revamp Edo healthcare sector – Obaseki

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration has adopted a reformist agenda to transform the state’s healthcare sector with the Edo Primary Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP).

    Obaseki said this at an interactive session with healthcare stakeholders at Government House, Benin City, the state capital, on Friday.

    The governor, who presented the Edo State Health Improvement Programme (EDOHIP) to the stakeholders during the session, said the purpose of the interactive session was to have an honest and open discussion on how to make the state’s healthcare sector more effective and efficient.

    “Our healthcare system in Edo State must be restored. We want to make this state a destination for medical tourism. I don’t want to see any patient passing through Edo to other states. Rather, I want them to stop in Edo State for treatment.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s initiative to fix points of failure on roads kicks off

    “Our goal as a government is to ensure that by the time we finish with all the reforms in the health sector, Edo will become the healthcare hub of the nation”.

    He said he is championing a reformist administration that prioritises programmes and policies that make life better for the people of the state.

    According to him, “We are a reformist government. We try to prioritise our programmes as a government and the healthcare sector is not left out as we have a road map to guide us in developing the sector and making it more efficient and effective.

    “Healthcare is not cheap; we need a system to identify who pays for healthcare and how the payments will flow. We don’t have all the resources but we can create the enabling environment and pull in the resources. We will create the structure and bring all elements on board to ensure the sector works effectively.”

    “By the end of next year, we would have enough diagnostic centres. There will be five to seven centres with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines and Computed Tomography (CT) scan machines for basic diagnosis. We will have 10 to 12 centres for dialysis. It is not the money but the way to organise the system.”

    Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Osamwonyi Irowa, said the Governor Obaseki-led administration has done well in developing the healthcare sector and needs the support of stakeholders to move the sector to the next level with Edo-HIP.

    Uzor Okomah, of Edo-HIP, said the state government was working hard to meet objectives set for the programme in the state.

    She explained that the government’s focus is on improving the state’s primary and secondary healthcare systems; enhancing healthcare financing and revamping training institutions to produce quality health workers.

    Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Chapter, Dr. Omoifo Valentine, urged government at all levels to improve services at the healthcare centres with good facilities and trained manpower.

  • Muslims, Oro worshippers in war of words over festival

    The controversy surrounding the celebration of Oro traditional festival in Iseyin town, Oyo State, on Wednesday took a new twist, as worshippers of the deity pointed accusing fingers at the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), for allegedly instigating the government to cancel the annual festival.

    The leaders of Oro deity had directed the worshippers to go ahead with their planned 17-day festivities, in defiance of a government order, which stopped the festival.

    The traditionalists, in a statement signed by one of their leaders, Chief Oloyede Orogbensola, said there was no legal pronouncement stopping the festival.

    Orogbensola, who signed a statement on behalf of the Traditional Religions Worshippers’ Association of Nigeria, accused NSCIA, Iseyin chapter, of intolerant of other religions.

    Read Also: Nine Oro members held for ‘attacking’ Muslims in Ogun

    The NSCIA had through its officials, including the Publicity Secretary, Maruf Mustapha, warned against the 17-day set aside for this year’s festival.

    It said such celebration usually impugned on the rights of the people in the area to go about their lawful duties without hindrance and also had the tendency for adherents to resort to violence and maim its members, as witnessed in the past.

    But Orogbensola urged Governor Seyi Makinde and the public to ignore the tissue of lies and misinformation being spread by NSCIA that Oro worshippers were violent and had been disturbing the peace of the town over the years.

    He noted that contrary to the lies that Oro worshippers had been attacking Muslims and non-Muslims in Iseyin, the worshippers and other traditionalists had always been at the receiving end of violent attacks from Muslims over the years.

    itual cleansing of Iseyinland.”

    He added that despite the unprovoked attacks on Oro worshippers by the Muslim groups, the festival would go ahead as planned on September 22 because there was no legal restraint against the annual festival.

    The traditionalists said the claim by the Muslim group that the Oro festival would last 17 days was another attempt at exaggeration and blackmail, noting that it is only slated for two of those days, the seventh day and the 17th day that women are banned from seeing the masquerade.

    They said the other days were for festivities.

  • Falana warns against illegal agreement with foreign nations

    Activist lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN) has warned Nigeria against entering into what he called illegal agreements in billions of dollars with foreign countries that may be challenged and set aside.

    The lawyer addressed reporters in Abuja on the decision of Western Sahara to challenge the “illegal” importation of tonnes of phosphates and other natural resources from their country into Nigeria by Morocco.

    He advised Nigerian government to be weary of agreements and treaty it signed with Morocco as such violates the rights of the Saharawi people.

    Read Also: #RevolutionNow: Falana kicks as security takes over CDHR, Sahara Reporters

    Falana nFrom Tony Akowe, Abujaoted that none of the treaties and agreements signed between Nigeria and Morocco could be enforced in the country as the Nigerian government had not deposited same with the National Assembly to adopt and enact them into law, as required by Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution.

    The lawyer warned parties entering into such agreements to immediately cancel them and “respect the human rights of the people of Western Sahara to enjoy their natural resources, as recognised by article 20 and 21 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights”.

    He added: “We are going to start with Nigeria because currently, tonnes of phosphates are being imported into the country from Western Sahara on the basis of illegal agreements between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco as well as certain companies. We are warning such parties and we are alerting them to the decision of the people of Western Sahara to defend their rights to their resources.”