The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Protesters urge Buhari to confirm NDDC’s Brambaifa

    Protesters at the weekend called on President Muhammadu Buhari to make the acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof. Nelson Brambaifa, a substantive boss of the commission. The demonstrators trekked kilometres to the office of the NDDC condemning series of anti-Brambaifa campaigns. They said despite sponsored campaigns against the NDDC management, Brambaifa had remained focused on his mission to actualise the vision of President Buhari in the Niger Delta.

    The leader of the protest and former security adviser in Bayelsa, Chief Perekeme Kpodo told the Coordinator of the NDDC, Francis Kolokolo, that the NDDC over the years failed in its mandate to develop the Niger Delta. He said: “But today we have a son from Bayelsa , who is professor Nelson Brambaifa, four months only, he has change the tide. There are roads everywhere. We have over 100 roads in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states. The fact is that Brambaifa from Bayelsa has come to ensure that these roads are put in good and motorable conditions. There is nobody from anywhere that can stop the planned development.

    “All those gimmicks they are doing outside Bayelsa are for selfish interest not for the interest of Bayelsans or the Niger Delta. So, we say we need Brambaifa to be confirmed and to continue so we can have the dividends of democracy. This is not party issue, we are talking about our development, look at our youths, since NDDC was created there is nothing to show but it is time to take the bull by the horn, let Brambaifa continue to actualise the President Buhari dream for the region”.

    Read Also: Ondo deputy governor denies lobbying for NDDC’s MD job

    In his remarks, the President Attisa Youth Council, Richard Giani, appealed to Buhari to confirm Brambaifa following his performance in office. “My point here is very simple, for four months now that Brambaifa has been the acting MD of NDDC, we can see the giant’s strides; roads are everywhere, even the waterways are calm, he is tackling security issues. What his predecessors couldn’t do, he did it. So, we are calling on President Buhari to use his good office to make Nelson Brambaifa the substantive NDDC MD”, he said.

    On his part, a one-time Chairman of the Central Zone of the Ijaw Youths Council, Jonathan Lokpobiri, said for the interest of the peace in the region, the Ijaw should rise and support Branbaifa. He said: “We are now using this platform to send a message through the coordinator of the NDDC to the federal government that the confirmation of professor Brambaifa is in the right direction and in the best interest of our region. There is no politics in this. We do believe that Brambaifa can work with almost everybody in the Niger Delta region. So, I believe that given the opportunity for him to be confirmed as the MD of NDDC, can only improve the well-being and the life styles of the Niger Delta people and I can assure you that peace will improve”.

  • Tension in APGA over Soludo’s ambition

    There is tension in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, over an alleged plot to stop the 2021 governorship ambition of the former Central Bank of Nigeria CBN Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo. The situation is creating a fresh crisis in the party, as majority of the members have vowed to stage a protest against the plot on a yet to be announced date. There was strong indication Saturday in Awka that the party has concluded arrangements to sponsor Sir Damian Okolo from Nnewi as its preferred candidate ahead of Soludo.

    Besides, it was equally gathered that the Catholic Church hierarchy has endorsed Okolo to succeed Governor Willie Obiano in 2021 from Anambra South senatorial zone. However, speaking with The Nation on Saturday in Awka, the APGA state Chairman, Sir Norbert Obi, debunked the claim that APGA had endorsed anyone. Rather, he said what the party did was to zone the governorship position to the South senatorial zone based on equity and fairness.

    Read Also: APGA: Oye moves to save party in Anambra, Abia

    He further denied the claim that crisis was rocking the party, while waiving the threat from some party faithful to stage a protest against the state government and party over such. According to him, “people know how to fabricate issues. Those seeking for party’s ticket are respected individuals in the society and we are proud of them. But if anybody tells you that the party has decided on the position that is the greatest lie of the century.

    “APGA is focused on anything it does and we are not going to make any mistakes when the time comes. Governor Obiano has done well and has made members of APGA and the state proud. Therefore, any one coming to take over from him will have a serious challenge, “Obi said

  • ‘UNIZIK students’ grasp of Chinese language unparalleled’

    Vice-President of Xiamen University, China, Prof. Yang Bin, has expressed satisfaction over the level of understanding of Chinese language and culture by students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

    He said this in Awka, at the celebration of a decade of Confucius Institute at the university where he started teaching Chinese language and culture to the students and the public up to diploma and degree programmes.

    Bin noted that there was need to conduct research on what contributed to the fast understanding of Chinese language and culture by the students.

    He expressed optimism that the students will serve as a bridge between Nigeria and China.

    Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor, UNIZIK, Prof. Charles Esimone, said the Confucius Institute at the university had moved from a mere centre for teaching Chinese language and culture to capacity-building in diverse disciplines ten years after its establishment.

    He reiterated that the institute was established as a result of a memorandum of understanding between the Chinese Language Council International (HANBAN) and Xiamen University on one hand and Nnamdi Azikiwe University on the other hand.

    Comending the Chinese teacher, Esimone noted that they have done marvelously well in the university by blending fast with the students and staff of the institution.

    He said, “My vision is for the university to capitalise on its relationship with the institute to train people in different areas, even in manufacturing, equipment maintenance, ICT, in Engineering, and Mass Communication. The Chinese have promised to accomplish it and has asked us to come up with a proposal.

    “There is subsisting staff exchange between UNIZIK and Xiamen University and arrangements are on to deploy staff of UNIZIK to teach Igbo language and culture in Xiamen University to make the relationship truly reciprocal.”

    Read Also: 2019 Hong Kong Open: Victory over Chinese star excites Quadri

    Bin noted that there was need to conduct research on what contributed to the fast understanding of Chinese language and culture by the students.

    He expressed optimism that the students will serve as a bridge between Nigeria and China.

    Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor, UNIZIK, Prof. Charles Esimone, said the Confucius Institute at the university had moved from a mere centre for teaching Chinese language and culture to capacity-building in diverse disciplines ten years after its establishment.

    He reiterated that the institute was established as a result of a memorandum of understanding between the Chinese Language Council International (HANBAN) and Xiamen University on one hand and Nnamdi Azikiwe University on the other hand.

    Comending the Chinese teacher, Esimone noted that they have done marvelously well in the university by blending fast with the students and staff of the institution.

    He said, “My vision is for the university to capitalise on its relationship with the institute to train people in different areas, even in manufacturing, equipment maintenance, ICT, in Engineering, and Mass Communication. The Chinese have promised to accomplish it and has asked us to come up with a proposal.

    “There is subsisting staff exchange between UNIZIK and Xiamen University and arrangements are on to deploy staff of UNIZIK to teach Igbo language and culture in Xiamen University to make the relationship truly reciprocal.”

  • OML 25: Wike gives parties 7 days to resolve issues, reopen facility

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has directed all parties in the dispute relating to Oil Mining License (OML) 25 to within 7 days resolve all issues and reopen the oil facility. He also directed the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, to convene a meeting of all key stakeholders for the host communities to outline their grievances to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and for the company to address such developments.

    He spoke at a meeting with the management of the SPDC, Belemaoil Limited, host community leaders and Security Service Commanders at the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday. Traditional rulers, elected leaders, Youth leaders and Chairmen of Community Development Committees from Kula, Belema, Offoin-Ama, Opu-Kula and Ibiame of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area attended the meeting. Wike said he called the meeting because the closure of OML 25 is negatively affecting Federal, State and Local Government funds.

    “OML 25 has been shut down for one reason or the other. Some persons in the community are hauling insults at me. No matter the insult, nothing will make me not to perform my duty to the area. The Federal government, the State government and the Local government are losing funds with the continued closure of the OML 25. If Shell is behaving wrongly, tell them and if Belemaoil is behaving wrongly, tell them. It is wrong for anyone to say that the Federal Government is handling the matter.  When conflicts of this nature affect the communities, it is for the State and Local Government Area  to resolve them”.

    Read Also: Photos: Wike receives Osinbajo in Rivers

    The Governor said he has no hand in the drilling of oil or the issuance of licenses, but he is committed to peace and security in communities for the development of the state. He said that the issue is on the economic development of the host communities, Rivers State and Nigeria and should not be politicised. Speaking at the meeting, Managing Director of SPDC, Mr. Osagie Okunbor said that the company operates the OML 25, with the operating license renewed by the Federal Government for another 20 years.

    “We operated in a cordial environment until 10th August, 2017 when some community people entered the facility. The information that was given to us was that they were unhappy over issues of social amenities and employment. We listened and we were keen to address these issues. But at some point another element entered the equation, which was that we should relinquish and hand over to Belema Oil, that is from the community,” he said.

    Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Mr. Rowland Sekibo, said Belema Oil management created the impression that they bought the OML 25 from Shell Petroleum Development Company, but the company refused to transfer the operational right.  He said that a meeting with stakeholders at NNPC Abuja, it was discovered that the license of OML 25 was still under the ownership of Shell. He said though the owner of Belema Oil  is from the area, it was illegal  to shut down the oil production  facility in order to arm twist the system to sell it to Belema Oil.

  • Mide Martins, Nkechi Blessing sign contract with StarTimes

    Nigerian actors and filmmakers Mide Martins and Nkechi Blessing Sunday have signed a production deal with Nigeria’s leading pay-TV company, StarTimes.

    This is coming few months after Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, signed a production deal with the pay-TV company with his series ‘Alagbara’, which focuses on some issues concerning families and how effective the women in these families are.

    Although details of the deal of Mide Martins contract is yet to be disclosed by the actress, she shared pictures of contract deal with the company.

    Read Also: StarTimes On to reward content providers with PAOFF

    However, curvy actress Nkechi Blessing, whose new movie is out, revealed that the new work, is already bringing good tiding.

    Sharing pictures of her engagement with StarTimes and contract with Viskit, the actress captioned the picture hers thus: “UNSANE is already Bringing Good Tidings…Signed and Sealed with @startimesng @vskitofficial ….Thank You For finding me worthy of your Reputable Brand…Guys What is Coming Will Blow Your Mind…”

    UNSANE features Teddy A, Femi George, Regina Chukwu, Toyin Alausa, among others.

  • PMAN Plateau chapter gets new officers

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in a bid to get its bearings on track, has appointed Comrade Humphrey Iroegbu as the Interim PMAN governor, Plateau State chapter to pilot the affairs of the union pending when an election will be conducted.

    Those appointed include Humphrey Iroegbu (Interim Governor), Echeooja Linda Bella (1st vice Governor), Nathaniel Ndam (2nd vice Governor), Sir Chris Isibor (State Secretary), Nandi Christopher (Asst. Secretary), Deshe Christopher H. (Treasurer), Terpase Naswem (Financial Secretary), Brains Michael .I. (Welfare Officer), Gold Owen (Welfare Officer 2), IMB Kallamu (Public Relation Officer), Usman Danjuma Daniel (Public Relation Officer 2) and Chika Obioha (Provost).

    Others are Victor Daniel (Head of Projects), Sani Ibrahim Yahaya (Head of Projects 2), Paul Ondoma (Head of Production), Jerry Ejembi (Head of Task Force), Emmanuel Ekene Okoye (Head of Task Force 2), Joseph Ezekiel (Head of Discipline), Edwin James (Head of Discipline 2) and Barr. Bryne S. D. Ekara (Head, Legal team).

    In a press release, the new officers resolved to organise shows, protect the rights of artistes in case of any infringement, ensure the songs of local artistes are promoted on the airwaves and to encourage artistes’ unity in Plateau State.

    “PMAN has envisioned a future for Plateau entertainment and is determined to make sacrifice to bring it to life,” the press release signed by Comr. Humphrey Iroegbu (PMAN Governor Plateau State) and  Comr. Sir Chris Isibor (State Secretary) stated.

    “This will regulate and generate revenue for the government and guarantee a return for those who invest in entertainment, provides visible and concrete job opportunity for the teaming youths and boost the state economy.”

    Read Also: Ariya Repete 2019: Winners emerge from Lagos regional

    It also sounded a warning to brands and companies intending to work with Plateau State artistes.

    “All music brands and companies on the Plateau are to note that the official consent of the Union have to be sought and obtained before they can negotiate, endorse or sign any artiste. The performing artistes are therefore called upon to report any infringement, maltreatment or harassment faced in the course of their engagement with any music brand or company for appropriate measures to be taken.”

    The Union thanked the past administration of PMAN Plateau State Chapter under the leadership of Amb. Sahmicit Solomon (a.k.a Saksolo) who is now the PMAN Northern Coordinator. And for standing by it through trying times, the union thanked Dr. Panam Percy Paul, Dorcas Bentu, Alhaji Salis Mohammed, Late Dan Mariya Jos, Mrs Jane Okeahialam and Dan Tala Dewan. Others are  Mr. Daps, Jah Device, Mr. Simon Asemoh, Bobby Hai, Adudeme, Mr. Dan Mallum (DBMC), Amb. Chief Sigha Ebide and Mr. Lorny John.

  • Ariya Repete 2019: Winners emerge from Lagos regional

    Winners have emerged in the first regional knock-out of Ariya Repete 2019, which kicked off on June 12, with two simultaneous regional auditions held in Lagos.

    The auditions which held respectively at Stalad Hotels, Abule Egba, and Aso Rock Bar, Ikotun, at the regional knockout,  featured nine talents, with three competing in each category of Fuji, Juju, and Afro-pop.

    The regional knock-outs popularly known as selection parties featured some memorable performances.  The judges, which featured veteran afro-pop music producer – ID Cabassa, renowned OAP Adebayo Faleke as well as Juju legend, Champion Opio, faced the hard task of picking the regional qualifiers from a pool of impressive talents on display.

    At the Ikotun selection party, Abiodun Oloto, Adeniyi Temitope and Abraham Effiong qualified in the Fuji, juju, and Afro-pop categories respectively while in Abule Egba, Olayemi Kehinde, Akinlabi Johnson, and Olajide Olayiwola qualified from the Fuji, juju, and Afro-pop categories.

    Read Also: Auditions for ‘Ariya Repete’ kick off in Lagos

    Speaking after the showpiece in Ikotun, winner of the Juju category, Adeniyi Temitope, said: “I am so happy to have won today. When I entered the competition, I wasn’t sure I could make it past the audition stage but I believed in myself and I put out my best today. I am so thankful to Goldberg and I can’t wait to hit the stage at the quarter-final.”

    The Brand Manager, Goldberg Lager, Olufunmilayo Ogunbodede, thanked fans for the impressive turnout and support for the competition and showered praise on the contestants.

    “We thank our loyal consumers for coming out and supporting this competition,” Ogunbodede said.

    “Our consumers truly are the best and the performances by the contestants were quite memorable. We intend to continue to up the ante and deliver even more excellent nights like these as the competition progresses.”

  • Republic of Guinea embraces AFRIMA 2019

    The officials of African Union Commission (AUC) and members of the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) were hosted by the government and people of the Republic of Guinea during the African Union Stakeholders’ meeting which held last week in Conakry, the capital city, to propagate the idea and objectives of AFRIMA in line with the AU Agenda 2063, Charter for African Cultural Renaissance and the Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries.

    The stakeholders’ meeting was in a bid to get the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance ratified among Pan African countries, alongside promoting the AFRIMA objectives and its programme of events for the sixth edition which commenced on May 10 and culminates in a four-day event in November.

    The Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Sports, Guinea, received the delegation of AU and AFRIMA officials on behalf of the government and on hand to meet the delegation were other stakeholders from the creative and arts industry including music professionals, music executives, members of cultural group association, members of Guinea Dance Troupe and the media.

    The African Union and AFRIMA delegation included the Head of Culture, African Union, Ms. Angela Martins; the President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Director General, African World Heritage Fund, Varissou Shuaib and Director of the Observatory of Cultural policies in Africa (OCPA), Professor Lupwishi Mbuyamba, who paid a visit to the National Museum in Conakry where they were treated to a display of Guinea’s culture and heritage, with artefacts and ancient musical instrument reflecting the cultural journey of the Guineans.

    Read Also: 6th AFRIMA welcomes submission of songs and videos

    Monsieur Fodeba Isto Keira, the Secretary General/Permanent Secretary expressed happiness that the AU and AFRIMA visited the Republic of Guinea for the purpose of entrenching the values and opportunities in the culture and creative industry in Africa. He pledged the support of the government and people of Republic of Guinea to the AFRIMA initiative.

    The team also paid a courtesy visit to the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Guinea, His Excellency, Dr. Claus Kory Kondiano.

    Addressing attendees and journalists, Mr. Dada enjoined participation of African music lovers in the ongoing entry submission for the 6th edition of AFRIMA, where eventual nominees compete in the 36 various categories to win the AFRIMA 23.9 carat gold-plated trophy. He also reiterated that entry submission of songs closes on August 2, 2019.

    AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union, is a music property that recognises and rewards the work and talent of a myriad of African artists from the old to the new generation of musicians. The award show is usually broadcast to over eighty countries around the world.

  • Over 250 residents benefit from CLIY medical outreach

    Not fewer than 250 residents benefited from a free medical outreach programme organized by the Concerned Lagos Island Youths (CLIY) at Razak Okoya lane, Lagos Island, Lagos State.

    The CLIY initiative featured free blood pressure test, sugar level/diabetes test, malaria test, medical consultation, health talk as well as drugs disbursement for common illnesses. Those who took the free eye test also got medication with free eye glasses.

    Docotal Health Foundation and Nurses Got Talent Foundation, alongside volunteers from other NGO’s are those with whom the medical outreach was brought to fruition.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu campaign concludes free medical outreach in Lagos markets

    The Concerned Lagos Island Youths was impelled to to bring up such an initiative as a result of health challenges in the community which is compounded by lack of enough medical facilities in most hospitals and weak financial strength by many of the inhabitants of the community. It is however fulfilling to add that, persons from other communities beyond benefited from the free medical outreach.

    The programme witnessed a massive applaud and appreciation by members of the community who commended the group for the outreach, just as they revealed that this is the first time such intervention is coming to the community from the youths.

  • AIG Mani vows to reposition force CID Alagbon for effectiveness

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, Murtala Mani promised, on Friday, to restore the glory of the unit.

    Mani told reporters that the necessary machinery has been set in motion to achieve this objective.

    The AIG said that he had returned about 40 files of cases sent from different state police commands to Alagbon for action.

     He said the parties involved are satisfied that justice had been done in their cases.

     He said if a party to a case has no confidence in a State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), he is not sure whether the person will also have confidence or trust in the FCID Alagbon.

    Read Also: ‘How state police, NSIP can fight crime’

     He said: “We are the same police.”

     Mani also said that effort was being made to deploy as many professionals as possible to the  fingerprint section to elevate it to global standard.

     He recalled how the annex made significant breakthroughs in otherwise complicated criminal cases including the arrest of the suspected brains behind the recent killing of Igwe Stephen Nneji Obuneme Nwatu Ibe I of Ogbozine Akpugo, Enugu State.

     Sections at the annex include: General investigation, Inter Police, Central Criminal Registry namely Finger Print Unit and Latent Unit. Other departments inlude: Forensic Analysis, Police Special Fraud Unit, Homicide, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Special Enquiry Bureau, Anti-Human Trafficking, Legal for Prosecution of cases and Special Squad.