The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘Nigeria hosts over 36,000 Cameroonian refugees’

    The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has said Nigeria is currently hosting over 36,000 Cameroonian refugees in Cross River, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Taraba States.

    Head of UNHCR Sub Office in Cross River Mr. Mulugeta Zwedie spoke yesterday in Ogoja Local Government Area during a celebration of the 2019 World Refugees Day.

    Zwedie said Cross River alone hosts 75 per cent of the refugees, adding that the host communities in the state have been exemplary in their response to the refugees’ influx.

    According to him, UNHCR intervened by providing shelter, food, clean water and medicare for the comfort of the refugees.

    He explained that the World Refugees Day was to show solidarity with the refugees, appreciate the effort of host communities and the Federal Government in welcoming and assisting Cameroonian refugees.

    Read Also: Refugees travel 2b km annually to reach safety, says UNHCR

    Zwedie said: “UNHCR is troubled by an anti-foreigner, anti-refugee narrative taking root in some countries. This narrative runs counter to democratic values, social stability and peace.

    “However, there is an alternative; a positive narrative that embraces inclusion, diversity and shared values. This narrative is backed by millions of acts of solidarity. These actions help ease tension, build resilience and sustain peace.

    “In fact, we know that in thousands of communities around the world, individuals are making a difference. Global grassroots solidarity for people forced to flee is helping turn intolerance into tolerance and toxicity into positive.”

    The Acting Director-General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Princewill Ayim, said the government had provided adequate security at the refugees’ settlement in Ogoja.

    Ayim, who was represented by Andy Akpafu-Adeshi, a Director in the agency, said the government had slashed the school fees of Cameroonian students in primary and secondary schools to encourage their education.

    Vice Chairman of the Cameroonian refugees settlement camp in Adagom, Ogoja, Ako Allan, thanked the government and UNHCR for their humanitarian service and security.

    Allan, who said they had maintained peaceful co-existence since the fled Southern Cameroon, promised that they will continue to be law abiding.

  • Edo specialist hospital opens three years after

    The new Edo Five Star Benin Central Hospital, built by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and opened by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 has been opened for business.

    It was renamed the Edo Specialist Hospital.

    Over 100 patients were said to have reported at the hospital for checks.

    Read Also: Buhari commissions Edo five-star hospital

    Workers were seen attending to patients when our reporter visited the facility yesterday and on Wednesday, the hospital offered free radio diagnostics and CT scan to patients.

    Chief Executive Officer of the hospital Chukwuka Monye said the facility is specialist hospital and not a general hospital. According to him, patients who can afford it would get world best standard services.

  • Oshiomhole should intervene in Edo APC crisis, says ex-aide

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has been urged to intervene in the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His former political adviser, Charles Idahosa, belives  Oshiomhole’s silence is responsible for the crisis rocking the seventh Assembly.

    There have been calls for Governor Godwin Obaseki not to have a second term ticket, especially by the Edo Peoples Movement, which claims to be loyal to Oshiomhole.

    Idahosa, who addressed reporters yesterday, said it was tragi-comical for those who brought Obaseki to power to be unhappy with him while the voters are praising the governor.

    The former aide said it was worrisome that Oshiomhole refused to deny empowering anybody or group against Obaseki.

    According to him, Oshiomhole’s silence means he supports the opposition against Obaseki.

    He said: “We are not comfortable with what is happening in Edo State today; the political division, the confusion. A situation where we should be happy as a party, but it is now like a tragi-comedy. A situation where we have a governor that the people are happy with but his problem is with the party leadership.

    “Over two years ago, I was the first person to react to Obaseki’s relationship with the party leadership. I called leaders who are today fighting Obaseki but nobody saw what I was talking about. They turned around to present a situation that I was fighting the governor. Because of personal interest, they have turned around to fight because they want federal appointment; some want to take over from Obaseki. These people were seen to have no value for eight years.

    Read Also: Adams Oshiomole: Victim of reactionary forces

    “I find it strange that Obaseki on arrival from his vacation said he had no problem with the APC National Chairman. I have waited since for a reaction from Oshiomhole, but none is coming. Why has Oshiomhole refused to say he did not send anybody to gang up against the government? Silence means consent.

    “I make bold to say that Oshiomhole is responsible for the problem of APC in Edo State by his silence. Many of these boys are his boys.

    “Truth be told, it would not have got to this stage if Oshiomhole had spoken. We must look at the fact before us and say the truth. At what point did Obaseki insult Oshiomhole? Oshiomhole is no longer governor. Let the governor there now do his work. The public is hailing Obaseki but the people that brought him to power are angry. We must be very careful so that what happened in other states do not happen here.”

    But convener of EPM Henry Idahagbon described Idahosa as a “political jobber frolicking with Obaseki to fight Oshiomhole”.

    He said: “Oshiomhole is too big for these people, and it is sad that each time Idahosa wants to seek relevance, he sang Oshiomhole’s name so his benefactor will see he is working.

    “The crisis in Edo is between Obaseki and the leaders of APC and not Oshiomhole. Many of us are well known for the efforts we made to bring on board this governor. If they like, let them call Oshiomhole’s name to high heavens, it will not stop our genuine agitation.

    “And we will continue until we kick Obaseki out of the Government House. Idahosa is free to continue his sychophancy; that is his stock in trade. We will not be surprised to see him on the other side tomorrow.”

  • Tecno promo winners feature in conference

    Winners in the Tecno Spark light up your dream were part of the SM Jury business conference held at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The programme is meant to inspire and educate budding, youthful Nigerian entrepreneurs on how to make the most of social media and 21st century business skills in growing their start-ups.

    The new millionaire entrepreneurs present include Bolatito and Jeremiah, past winners of the Tecno Spark Light up Your Dream Competition. They were on hand to take attendees on a journey of how their lives and businesses took a turn for the better after winning N1 million in the competition some years ago.

    Read Also: Tecno empowers SMEs

    Jeremiah told the guests how his ginger farming business badly needed funds, including how he was able to more than double the size of his farm and yield with the prize money. He praised the participants for attending the conference and urged them to take that bold step in starting and growing their businesses.

    Bolatito, who owns a booming fashion design business, tipped guests on overcoming certain challenges in business. She thanked the TECNO team for believing in her and granting her the opportunity to relocate to Lagos and expand her business by gifting her N1 million cash prize.

    Distinguished entrepreneurs with decades of business experience present at the event included Chief Executive Officer of The Source Computers Victor Onyejiuwa; Mrs. Funke Soyibo, CEO, HNK Interiors and others.

  • Three teachers, student held for alleged exam malpractice

    The police, in collaboration with West African Examination Council (WAEC), have arrested three teachers and a student for alleged examination malpractice.

    The police said the arrest was carried out by the cybercrime unit of the Force in collaboration with WAEC.

    The suspects are: Ihuokanma Darlington, 36; Ernest Kelechi, 33; Godstime Onuoha, 35 and Uche Chukwuma.

    Darlington, a Political Science graduate of Anambra State University, teaches at Okon Grammar School in Anambra State.

    Kelechi, who is a graduate of Physics from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, teaches at Community Secondary School, Ogah, while Onuoha is Head of Department (HOD) Mechanical Engineering graduate from Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. He teaches at Pathway Secondary School in Ngor Okpala, Imo State.

    Chukwuma is a student at Charry Secondary School in Rivers State.

    They were arrested in Imo, Anambra and Rivers states.

    The police said the suspects were involved in the transmission of examination questions and answers of the West African Senior Certificate Examination (WASSCE) through the social media.

    Speaking on Thursday at the parade of the suspects at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Force spokesman Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), said they were found to have snapped pictures of the examination questions and their solutions on the social media.

    Read Also: Lagos campaigns against exam malpractice

    Condemning their actions, Mba said: “It is a social ill that the police are working collaboratively with relevant agencies to tackle.

    “The Nigeria Police Force has in its custody four male suspects who were arrested and investigated for the roles they played in directly facilitating examination malpractice in the just-concluded WAEC.

    “Paradoxically, of these four suspects, three are teachers. We find this very disturbing because teachers are supposed to help in nurturing the students and be the custodians of the highest level of ethics in our educational system.

    “They are supposed to protect and strengthen the integrity of the system and play leading roles at ensuring that persons who are issued with certificates are deserving of the honours that go with the certificates.

    “The suspects committed the offence using their phones. This highlights some of the challenges associated with the growing use of the social media and the revolution that comes with information technology.

    “They were transmitting the answers to various questions through the social media, using their smartphones.”

  • EFCC re-arraigns American over $1.2m ‘Green Card fraud’

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday re-arraigned an American, Marco Antonio Ramirez, before an Ikeja Special Offences Court for allegedly defrauding three Nigerians of $1,229,800 under the pretext of securing America’s Green Card for them.

    Those allegedly defrauded by the American and his companies are: Ambassador Godson Echejue, Abubakar Umar Sodiq and Olukayode Sodimu.

    The American was re-arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada on an amended 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence.

    The accused was arraigned alongside his companies, U.S.A Now LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP and U.S.A Now Capital Group.

    Ramirez and co-defendants were first arraigned on June 22, 2017 before Justice Josephine Oyefeso on a 16-count charge but pleaded not guilty to the alleged offences.

    Following his plea, he was admitted to bail for $25,000.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests seven suspected internet fraudsters in Kwara

    Midway into his trial, his case file was transferred to Justice Dada, making his trial to start de novo (afresh).

    During proceedings yesterday, Ramirez again pleaded not guilty to the amended 12-count charges brought against him by the EFCC.

    EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, N. S. Oweize, asked the court for a trial date.

    The defendant’s lawyer, Ademola Adefolaju, who did not oppose the prosecutor’s request, prayed the court to let his client continue with the bail terms earlier granted him by Justice Oyefeso when he was first arraigned.

    When the judge asked the accused if he had fully complied with the bail term, Adefolaju confirmed that his client had fully complied with the bail terms.

    The lawyer said his client had also been visiting EFCC’s office, as directed by the court.

    Following his submissions, Justice Dada granted the request of the defence.

    She held: “Since the defendant has not breached any of the bail terms granted by my brother judge, the defendant is hereby allowed to continue with the terms.”

    The judge adjourned the matter till October 7, 8, 9 and 10 for trial.

  • Lagos to integrate sexual education in curriculum

    The Lagos State Government will integrate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in the curriculum of Non-Formal Vocational Training Schools.

    This, the government said, is to improve the lives of young persons and contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal target by 2030.

    According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Dr Bola Balogun, sexuality is an important aspect of human life and the integration of CSE into the curriculum is germane to the wellbeing of human being, adding that it will aid a life-saving Sexual Reproductive Health Right (SRHR) for young people.

    Balogun said adolescents and young people are the most vulnerable in society.

    Read Also: Groups push for sex education curriculum in schools

    “There is a need to protect them from any form of violence, abuse, exploitation and most especially harmful health consequences of poor sexual and reproductive health decision or choices,” she said.

    She added that conservative social norms contribute to the lack of knowledge and awareness of puberty, sexuality, and basic human rights among the youth.

    The government, she said, would ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services to include family planning, information and education and the integration of reproductive health into strategies and programmes of the state.

    “The integration of sexuality education will greatly reduce risk and burden of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortion, sexual abuse/violence as well as contracting HIV/AIDs amongst the young people while ensuring they reach their maximum potential,” she added.

  • Monarch to Army chief: call your men to order

    The Olojo of Ojo, Oba Galib Adeniyi Rufai has called on the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, to call his men in Ojo to order.

    Oba Rufai told The Nation yesterday that the soldiers are debarring the community from accessing the land close to the Ojo barrack.

    According to him, the community has donated the land to Lagos State Government for the proposed general hospital.

    He said the administration of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode approved the proposal and included the fund for its construction in the 2019 budget.

    The monarch said he was surprised learning that the soldiers are chasing away people who went to prepare the land for the construction of the hospital.

    “The land is ours and it is not part of the areas acquired by the government for the army barrack. It is unfortunate that the soldiers are debarring our people from accessing it. We do not want trouble having live with them peacefully over the years,” he said.

    Read Also: Army begins local production of tactical vehicles

    According to the monarch, officials of the state government from ministries of Health and Works, who came for the ground-breaking last Friday, could not hold it on the land because of the soldiers’ hostility.

    “We had to change the venue to the Ojo Local Government Secretariat. Are the soldiers saying they don’t want the general hospital beside them? This is a project the community has been longing for over the years,” he said.

    Oba Rufai urged the Chief of Army Staff to wade into the matter, adding that the soldiers are also committing some other atrocities in the area.

    The Apex leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ojo Federal Constituency Alhaji Raji Olorunfunmi said the land belongs to the community.

    “The army had barricaded their barrack with fence since the 80s. The other part of the land belongs to the community. The issue on the land arose from a contractor that wanted to build a Low-Cost Housing Estate on the land. He said the former council chairman gave him the approval four years ago but we told him that we do not want an estate there. We also told the former council chairman that he should desist from giving the land out. He is not from Ojo. Why should he give out the community’s land to a contractor without carrying the owners along?

    “The matter was reported to the former Deputy Governor and we told her that we want on the land is a general hospital. She promised to discuss it with former Governor Ambode and it was approved by the state government.”

    Alhaji Olorunfunmi, who is the Lagos APC Assistant Welfare Officer, said the state government has mobilised the contractor to start work.

  • Council donates five 500 KVA transformers

    The joy of residents of Agric, Ojo Town, Mosafejo, Ilufe and Ilugbemi in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State knew no bound on Thursday as they received five 500 KVA transformers to boost power supply in their areas.

    The council Chairman, Mr Rasulu Olusola Idowu, gave them the transformers.

    The Nation learnt that some of the communities have been in darkness for months.

    Others are not enjoying regular power supply because of their obsolete transformers.

    Idowu said the essence of governance was to bring succor to the people, noting that the transformers were part of his electoral promises to the communities.

    He advised the beneficiaries to see the transformers as their personal property and protect the equipment.

    “Doing this will encourage us to extend the gesture to other communities. Though, our interventions were based on the need of each community,” he said.

    Read Also: Faulty transformers: KEDCO boss appeals to customers

    “Already, we have called the executives of the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and told them about the donation. We have equally inscribed the council’s name on the transformers to prevent extortion. Our officials will also go to the communities to monitor the transformers’ installation. We are not going to stop at this. We hope to extend the gesture to other communities in need.” he said.

    “This administration will continue to embark on cogent programmes and projects that will put smiles on the faces of our people. Already, we have recorded laudable achievements in the area of education, infrastructure, poverty alleviation, health, and sports among others,” he added.

    The Community Development Community (CDC) Chairman, Niyi Makinde appealed to the community leaders not to use the transformers to extort money from residents.

    The Baales of Ilufe Chief Hassan Yusuf, Mosafejo – Chief Lawal Okin and Ilugbemi Chief Habeeb Yusuf also thanked the council chief for the “unusual gesture.”

  • Oke-Osanyintolu, Bolowotan get Sanwo-Olu’s appointments

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed Dr Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu as the General Manager of the State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

    A statement signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, on Thursday, said the appointment was with immediate effect.

    Muri-Okunola said Oke-Osanyintolu’s vast experience in emergency management services at the state and federal level would serve as an advantage to enhance the performance of the agency.

    Read Also: Back Sanwo-Olu to succeed, Razak tells Lagosians

    According to him, Osanyintolu has served at the Presidency as Senior Technical Adviser on Disaster Risk Management since 2017.

    The governor also approved the disengagement of Mr Babatunde Bank-Anthony as the Director General of the State Sports Commission and appointed Oluwatoyin Gafar Bolowotan as the Director-General of the commission.

    Muri-Okunola said the appointment is in line with the ongoing reorganisation of the State Public Service for efficient service delivery.