The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Akeredolu to Senate: Shun faceless group against Alasoadura’s nomination

    Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu has reinforced his support for the nomination of Senator Tayo Alasoadura as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    The charge became imperative following the purported position taken by a faceless group, APC Solidarity Stakeholders, against the nomination of the Akure born senator of the Eighth National Assembly.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary(CPS) Segun Ajiboye emphasised that the so-called group is not just faceless, but a divisive aberration unknown to all legitimate organs of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It said” To say the least, the group merely exits in the hallucinating minds of a few individuals who have surrendered themselves to ignoble self-abnegation.

    Read Also: Ondo Assembly lauds Buhari over Alasoadura’s ministerial appointment

    “Mr. Governor considers the call for the withdrawal of Alasoadura’s nomination as a contrived distraction which stands logic in the head. For the records, Alasoadura, who served meritoriously as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one of the few enviable brains behind the Petroleum Industry and Governance Bill (PIGB) which currently awaits Presidential Assent.

    “As a Chartered Accountant of over 30 years experience who doubled as chairman of the Finance Commissioners’ Forum for six years while he served as Finance Commissioner in Ondo State, Mr. Governor believes strongly that not only APC, but the entire citizenry in the State will derive maximum benefit from his stay at the Federal Executive Council.

    “There could not have been a better ministerial nominee from the APC in Ondo State than Alasoadura at the moment”, he said.

  • Oluwo writes open letter to Buhari over insecurity

    The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has written an open letter to President Mohammad Buhari over security challenges facing the nation.

    In the letter released to the press, the first class monarch said he was compelled to write Mr. President because of the fragile moment and a threat to the nation’s peace and unity.

    The Oluwo said: “I rarely write, not because of what or how but as a proactive father, I love actions. But for the purpose of Nigerians, my race and my promising subjects, I chose to communicate this solution based epistle for two things – to avert journey of no return (war)  and kill negative ambitions with alternative means.

    Read Also: Full text of Obasanjo’s open letter to president Buhari

    “The recent security threat emanating from incessant kidnapping by bad elements or alleged Fulani herdsmen most especially in the south western Nigeria is not without general knowledge. Many brainstorming sessions have been conducted by stakeholders.

    “Just three days ago, I was with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Osun State Government House, Osogbo, Osun State addressing the same burning issue. I’ve suggested both long term and short term solutions for policy makers attention. One of those suggestions was adopted by some State Assemblies recently.

    “Mr. President, I want to urge you, call every opinion leaders to order to stage a caution of their utterances at this moment. If you can’t be the peace we want, don’t be agents of chaos,” he said.

  • Be the light of the world, graduating students urged

    Graduating students of Unique group of Schools , Isheri-Magodo, Lagos, have been urged to be light of the world by contributing positively to the development of the nation.

    This was said by the guest speaker at the valedictory service organized by the school, Mr. Churchill Udoh who spoke on the topic ‘The Pressure that Comes with Life” who tasking the students that  the pressure and challenges of life have never been friendly to mankind.

    Udoh remarked that the pressure that comes with adolescent and puberty stage of a human being is so enormous that it creates a battle line for a future that will be a success or failure.

    He said inability to manage life’s pressure could lead to distraction and loss of self confidence and eventually cause emotional trauma.

    To the graduating students he urged them to be responsible, avoid negative peer influence because this will corrupt them and push them away from their purpose in life.

    Read Also: US billionaire offsets loans of graduating students

    “Strive for excellence, choose to be a leader, be the light of the world as well as sugar and salt of the earth”, he said.

    Chairman of the event, Mr Igbiti Friday warned the students not to rely on inheritance as any young man or woman that puts hope on the property of his/her parents will end up destroying his/her life.

    He tasked them to strive for excellence and not to depend on their parents’ riches.

    He said as they leave the school, they are expected to strive to be the best at what they choose to do.

    He also warned them against alcohol and drugs, wrong association,sexual immorality, laziness and oversleeping.

    On his part, the Vice Chairman Unique Group of Schools, Dr Martins Agwogie, urged the students to be good ambassadors of Unique Group of Schools and should not forget the values they have accumulated over the years while in the School.

    Chief Executive of the school, Mrs Esther Ayere-Alatishe ensured parents of continuous support and proper upbringing of the children kept in her care while charging the outgoing to contribute positively to the development of Nigeria with the values the school has inculcated in them.

  • Oshinowo distributes GCE forms to indigent students

    The local government chairman, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo has distributed hundreds of GCE forms to indigent students.

    The yearly program which has become a tradition since inauguration of the administration is geared towards solving the problems of affordability and encouraging outstanding students, whose parents are at the bottom of the financial  pyramid, to have access to the examination fees.

    The vice chairman of the LCDA, Alhaji Mufa Okusi who read out the message as a representative of the council mayor posited that the program was part of plans to fulfil its promises made to the electorate.

    Read Also: UNN electric shuttle excites students

    He noted that the quote   ‘Youths are the Leaders of Tomorrow’ can only come to fruition, if the youths strive hard to remain focused, and determined in order to achieve success  in their educational life.

    On his part, the Head of Administration, Oba Kabiru Adelaja congratulated the beneficiaries for being lucky to witness this administration, stressing that in their era, many individuals go through labor to purchase the forms.

    As a reward for the Mayor Dele Oshinowo  administration’s investment in education,  he spurred the students to go all out to do the local council proud by coming out victorious after the examination.

  • 70 Oyo, Ogun schools to benefit from group’s initiative on biology

    No fewer than 70 prominent schools drawn from Oyo and Ogun states are to benefit from the third edition of the ‘Cell is Life’ Interschool Biology Competition.

    The initiative, which will feature schools in Ibadan and Abeokuta later in the year, according to a statement signed by the Executive Director of the organisation, Miss Funmilayo Sodipo, is aimed at “promoting the interest of secondary school students in biology science and creating an atmosphere where students can learn key topics in their fundamental biology.”

    Read Also: Out of school children hits 16 million

    CELL IS LIFE, a social initiative of Supreme Pearls Corporate Services Limited, according to the statement, intends “to expand bigger and better in the 3rd edition of the interschool biology competition that will feature 70 prominent secondary schools across Ibadan, Oyo state and Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    “The competition is designed to help us further achieve our vision to be a foremost initiative dedicated to the promotion and advancement of science education in Nigerian schools. And the mission: to promote the interest of secondary school students in the sciences through competitions, regular seminars, talks and giving educational aids to students.

    “Practically, we hope to also use the competition to prepare the current crop of secondary school students for outstanding success in biology in the next WASSCE, NECO and UME examinations”, Sodipo added.

  • Lagos Speaker seeks better ties between Nigeria and China

    Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has called for more cooperation between Nigeria and the government of China.

    Obasa made the call when he received the Chinese envoy led by the country’s Consul General in Lagos, Chao Xiaoliang.

    At the meeting which held at the speaker’s office at the Lagos Assembly, Obasa commended the Chinese government for establishing and sustaining mutual cooperation between it and Nigeria.

    He also urged China to further look at ways of further boosting investments in Lagos state.

    The speaker also commended China for supporting and standing by Nigeria’s thriving democracy.

    “I know that having such cooperation between the Lagos state House of Assembly, Nigeria and the government of China and its parliament is something that would be mutually beneficial. It will particularly be beneficial to us in Lagos state,” speaker Obasa said.

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly sets up committee to tackle environmental challenges

    He urged the Chinese government to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by Lagos for such mutually beneficial goals.

    Speaking earlier, Xiaoliang commended Lagos government for supporting and protecting the country’s businesses and nationals resident in the state.

    Xiaoliang, said: “I came to Lagos at the end of May, which is a very important time between the Chinese government and other countries.”

    He recalled that in 2018, China held a symposium which was focused on what he described as the cooperating feature with other countries.

    According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari was at the summit and had discussions with the Chinese president.

    The Consular General said that at the meeting, the two presidents signed an important document focusing on strengthening business opportunities between both countries.

  • ‘Fasoranti daughter’s death, catalyst for national rebirth’

    Nigeria’s Ambassador to Togo, Barr. Sola Iji has symphatized with the elder statesman,Chief Reuben Fasoranti on the death of his daughter, late Mrs Funke Olakunri, stressing that her death would galvanise national cohesion to end insecurity in Nigeria.

    The deceased was killed penultimate Friday by suspected gunmen along Ore-Sagamu road and was buried last Monday after a funeral service at St.David’s Anglican Cathedral Church, Ijomu-Akure, the Ondo state capital.

    In a condolence letter sent to the leader of Afenifere, Iji said he received the death of the 58-year old with rude shock.

    Read Also: Tearful bye for Fasoranti’s daughter

    According to the statement ” Funke’s sudden death, no doubt, is a monumental loss to you, the family, Ondo state, and the nation, having been deprived of her valuable support and contributions. We must, however be rest assured that God Almighty rules in the affairs of men.

    “Olakunri’ exit will be a catalyst for our national rebirth in finding lasting solution to the insecurity of lives and properties and the current menace of reckless and wanton killings in the country.

  • Plateau partners GIZ on small scale business development

    Plateau state government has secured a partnership with the German international company, known as GIZ, for the development of small and medium scale businesses in the state.

    The state government says it hopes to reduce unemployment, increase business activities to boost internal revenue generation of the state through the partnership.

    Director General of the state small and medium scale development agency (PLASMIDA), Mr. Haggai Gutap, made this known while receiving entrepreneurship development advisor from GIZ, Robert Alexanderisky, in his office in Jos on Saturday.

    Read Also: SMEDAN signs MOU with MFBs

    According to Gutap, “The SME Development Advisor is to assist the agency with the technical knowledge on how to develop our SME in the state.

    “It is good to note that Plateau is the first state in the country to enjoy this technical assistance from GIZ because the state emerged first in SME development in the country.

    “So the deployment of the expert to Plateau by GIZ is particularly to provide the agency staff with the knowledge on how to package or local products for exports. In the past few years, a good numbers of youths have been trained on entrepreneurship skills, some of them are now producing one item or the other.”

    In his remarks, Alexanderisky said, “Giz is interested in the SME programme of Plateau State and this partnership will give GIZ the opportunity to offer its technical assistance for the state to become and entrepreneurship centre in the country.”

  • SMEDAN signs MOU with MFBs

    The Director-General (DG) of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, (SMEDAN), Dr Dikko Umar Radda, on Saturday, in Kano, said the agency has concluded plans to provide a suitable platform, through which small and medium enterprises can access funds, meant at developing the sector.

    Radda stated this during the official signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement between SMEDAN, microfinance banks and cooperative societies in the north-west geo-political zone under its one local government, one product (OLOP) initiative, held in Kano.

    He said one of the major challenges that threatened the development of micro and small businesses was due to stringent measures introduced by the apex bank, hence SMEDAN was working assiduously in providing an enduring solution to the challenge.

    Dikko said SMEDAN has introduced a programme titled one local government, one product, targeted at identifying a common product in a local government, aimed at guiding them to form organic clusters and enhance their capacity on how to move their businesses forward.

    Read Also: Expert to businesses: incorporate technology to boost growth

    The DG maintained that the issue of interest on loan accessed by small and medium business entrepreneurs was one of the major challenges that hampers the development of the sector.

    According to him, in order to address the challenges, SMEDAN has initiated a debt settlement policy where 30 per cent of the accessed loan would be settled by SMEDAN and the remaining 70 per cent would be settled by the small scale entrepreneurs, aimed at improving the nation’s economy.

    The zonal coordinator of SMEDAN in Kano, Alhaji Ahmad Mohammad Madaki, said the one local government, one product programme was an initiative of SMEDAN.

    He said the intervention being offered by SMEDAN includes workplace, working capital and machinery.

    Madaki, therefore, urged small and medium entrepreneurs in the country to embrace the programme, with the goal of achieving the desired objectives.

    The ceremony was graced by small and medium entrepreneurs from the north-western part of the country.

  • Kano seals up illegal pharmaceutical company, patent medicine stores

    The pharmaceutical inspection committee, under the state ministry of health, has sealed up three pharmaceutical companies and patent medicine shop for illegally operating.

    Chairman of the committee who is also the Director, Pharmaceutical Services of the ministry, Abdu Umar Madaki, led the members of the committee for the closure of the premises of the stores.

    Madaki said that they clamped down on the company for illegal operation and the exercise would be a continuous one to rid the state of illegal operators.

    Read Also: Kano cancels July environmental sanitation

    He added that any pharmaceutical company and medical store that would operate in the state must be registered with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, Kano State branch.

    The committee closed and sealed up Fedex Logistic Company dealing with pharmaceuticals, Agary Pharmaceutical Company and Hauwa’U Patent Medicine Store operating in Sheikh Jeddah General Hospital.

    He vowed that all the illegal companies will not be opened unless they comply with the laid down rules and regulations of the committee and are duly registered with the state ministry of health.