The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • I’m in governorship race to transform Kogi – Audu

    Alh. Yahaya Audu, a governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi, says he is in the race to transform and better the lives of people of the state.

    Audu, younger brother to a former governor of the state, the late Abubakar Audu, said this on Tuesday shortly after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms at the APC National Secretariat on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ruling party ended the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on Aug. 20, while submission will close on Aug. 21.

    NAN also reports that the party has scheduled its primaries to select the standard bearer for Aug. 29.

    “We are starting the train of liberation and I’m calling on all ‘Kogites’ to follow this train which is going to bring a lot of transformation into the state.

    Read Also: Kogi election: Where are the dissenting judgements?

    “The obvious reason is that I spent 38 years in Europe. I was a bank manager in London.  This means that I know what it means to rule the state successfully,” Audu said.

    The aspirant promised to provide free education and healthcare, if given the opportunity to serve.

    “I can assure you that my administration will take good care of the people of Kogi, particularly women in the state,” he said.

    In a related development, Mr Hassan Abdullahi, a member of House of Representatives, has joined the list of governorship aspirants in the state by picking expression of interest and nomination forms at the party secretariat in Abuja.

    Abdullahi, who is representing Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency, said that if elected, he would ensure prudent management of public funds and deliver good governance to the people of the state. (NAN)

  • 10 most valuable currencies in Africa

    African currency was originally formed from basic items, materials, animals and even people available in the locality to create a medium of exchange.

    This started to change from the 17th century as European colonial powers introduced their own monetary system into the countries they invaded.

    Since the advent of legal tender in the form of paper or polymer notes and ditching the old trade by barter system, currencies have continued to remain a fundamental factor in analyzing the strength of the economies of nations across the globe. Here is the current list of top 10 highest currencies in Africa,

     

    1. Libyan Dinar (1 USD – 0.77 LYD)

    Libyan dinar is known for its vast deposit of crude oil, which accounts for 95% of the nation’s total export earnings and 60% of its GDP. Libya sits at the top with the most stable currency in Africa. The country was made quite famous by its late leader Muammar Gaddafi. Although ravaged by war, its standard of living is not as bad as the oil sector. Compared to Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy, One Libyan Dinar goes for about a staggering N225.

     

    2. Tunisian Dinar (1USD – 2.3 TND)

    The Tunisian comes second after the Libyan Dinar. This North African nation has a diversified economy based on phosphate, oil, car parts manufacturing, tourism, and agro-food products.  The country is an island with a 99% of inhabitants being Muslims. The average living standard here is relatively on the prime side with a high minimum wage. The economy is rock stable, thriving and with a small populace. More interestingly is its unemployment rate is stooping so low at 14%.

     

    3. Ghanaian Cedes (1USD – 4.75 CEDI)

    Ghana has a stable diversified economy rich in hydrocarbon, tourism, solid minerals, and automobiles among and many more. Its economy rose to prominence in the days of the gold boom and the cocoa era. The booming economy has steadied its currency and made it a promising nation in the globally. Ghana was ranked the fastest developing country in the world.

     

    4. Sudanese Pound (1 USD – 6.41 SDG)

    The Sudanese pound is one of the highest currency in Africa.  Sudan has gone through a series of wars and divisions but manages to maintain a stable currency exchange rate. Sudan’s economy is yet still afloat despite the split that saw South Sudan gaining their independence. Sudan is seen in at the top due to its consistency in the foreign exchange market over time. To a Nigerian a Sudanese pounds is equal to N47.63.

     

    5. Moroccan Diharm (1 USD – 16.2 Mad)

    The conservative Islamic caliphate still in North Africa has the 5th largest economy in the continent and also the 5th highest currency in Africa it. It runs a liberal and a capitalist economy gaining major control over the economy. Some of its industries include mining, tourism, automobiles, construction, and textiles. A flourishing economy that has made its GDP stand at an impressive $148.1 billion. 1 Mad equates to about N33.

     

    6. Botswana Pula (1 USD – 10.7 Pula)

    Botswana is a landlocked state in Southern Africa with a well-defined landscape defined by the Kalahari Desert. It holds a record for retaining one of the world’s longest economic boom streak. The economic growth rate of Botswana is fast-paced and fairly consistent. Its economy depends on agriculture, copper, diamonds, textiles, and livestock. This South African nation is a major key player in the economy of its sub-region and it houses the South African development community corporate headquarters.

     

    7. Zambian Kwacha (1 USD – 10.0 ZMK)   

    Zambia prides itself as the largest producer of copper in the continent before its neighbors, the Democratic Republic of Congo eyed the title with green eyes and used it. It is a landlocked of rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. Zambian’s economy has always been anchored on copper which is it’s a major source of export earnings. Although the country has been characterized by economic woes and fluctuations in it’s a price of commodities, it still finds itself on the top 10 list.

     

    8. South African Rand (1 USD – 13.4 Rand)

    It is the currency used in South Africa. It is the most developed democratic state in the African continent. South Africa has the second largest economy in Africa, trailing behind Nigeria. It has a very vibrant and competitive economy and is the only African member of the G-20 economic group. Its economy is diversified, comprising of mining (41% gold in the world and 90% platinum), automobiles assembly, textiles, agriculture, gold, fertilizer.

     

    9. Eritrean Nafka (1 USD – 15.0 ERN)

    Eritrean is an island nation in Africa, a remote country in the horn of Africa is quite small in economy, land area and population, its currency is Nafka. After parting ways with Ethiopia, it still shares the same currency with the old nation. Eritrea has a stable currency from a not too lively economy.

     

    10. Egyptian Pounds (1 USD – 17.8 EGP)

    Egypt is a famous Arab nation that as existence since the biblical times. Well known for its civilization and home to the ancient pyramids. The nation is Africa’s third largest economy and one of the most developed in the continent. Its capital Cairo is the second largest city in Africa. Cairo is an economic and industrial hub, bustling with various activities.

  • Presidential Retreat ends, Ministers designate set for inauguration – Presidency

    The two-day Presidential Retreat hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari came to an end on Tuesday, with a charge from the president to the Ministers-designate to rise to the challenging responsibilities of ministerial office.

    A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja, said that the second and final day of the retreat kicked off with a presentation on Cabinet Processes and Procedures by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha.

    He said that this was followed by a presentation by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole, on aligning government policies with the ideology, manifesto and campaign promises of the ruling party.

    “Subsequent presentations touched on Budgeting, Civil Service Reforms, Public Procurement, the Relationships among  Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, and Effective Partnerships between Executive, Legislature and State Governments,’’ Adesina further stated.

    The SGF in his remarks, announced the introduction of a new Cabinet Memorandum Review and Approval Process aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of government decision-making and policy implementation, and increasing coordination and coherence within the government.

    Read Also: Oyo-Ita shuns Presidential Retreat presentation

    The presidential aide quoted Buhari in his closing remarks at the retreat as reminding participants that the challenges ahead of the administration remained significant and urged them to work in collaboration.

    The president urged them to give their best to the task of delivering a more prosperous country for all Nigerians.

    Adesina revealed that the ministers-designate would be sworn in on Aug. 21, at the State House, after which they would be allocated portfolios by the president.

    “Following the swearing-in, each minister will be given a mandate, based on the assigned ministry, and which will spell out priorities, deliverables and timelines.

    “In addition, a robust monitoring and evaluation framework will also be put in place to track the implementation of all policies and programmes over the next four years,’’ he said.(NAN)

  • Afrobasket 2019: Buhari hails D’Tigress’ victory

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the national female basketball team, D’Tigress, for a highly impressive outing at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2019 in Dakar, Senegal, which saw them coast home to victory at the finals by beating the hosts, 60-55.

    He commended the team for the remarkably synergized play that enabled them to outpace and outplay all the teams at the tournament to retain the title they won in 2017, further consolidating their position as African champions with four titles.

    The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, praised the team for discipline, maturity and focus all through the tournament, and purpose in promoting the Nigerian flag and accompanying virtues of resilience, persistence and dogged pursuit until victory was achieved.

    He sent appreciation to all the officials and technical hands that guided the team to win the African title.

    The President urged them to remain focused on deploying such energy and talent in subsequent global tournaments.

  • Egypt sweep medals in judo

    Nigeria failed to make it to the podium in the judo event of the 2019 African Games as Egypt emerged as early leaders of the medal table after claiming four gold medals in the judo in Rabat.

    Judo is the first sport to host medal events in Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Sports Complex. The Egyptians led by 2009 World Championships bronze medallist Ramadan Darwish, dominated the men’s categories with four gold medals.

    The 31-year-old athlete earned his first-ever African Games gold in the 100-kilogram category after defeating Moroccan Mohammed Lahboub in the final.

    Egypt also beat Morocco in two other finals – Ali Abdelmouati defeated Ahmed El Meziati in the 73kg, while Abdelrahman Mohamed beat Hamza Kabdani in the 81kg division. The other Egyptian gold medal was earned by Ali Hazem, who overcame Tunisia’s Oussama Mohamed Snoussi.

    Read Also: 2019 AFRICAN GAMES: Team Nigeria goes for glory in Morocco

    Hosts Morocco also won gold in the men’s judo, Issam Bassou beating Fraj Dhouibi of Tunisia in the 60kg. In the 66kg final, home hopeful Abderrahmane Boushita lost to Algeria’s Wail Ezzine.

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    The heaviest category, the men’s over 100kg, was won by Mbagnick Ndiaye, the Senegalese fighter who beat Mohamed Sofiane Belreka from Algeria.

    In the women’s category, Tunisia’s Nihel Cheikh Rouhou won her second African Games gold medal in the over 78kg division following victory at Maputo 2011. Two-time Olympic judoka Rouhou beat Cameroun’s Hortence Atangana.

    Another Olympian, Gabon’s Rio 2016 competitor Sarah Myriam Mazouz, also won gold in Rabat as she saw off South African Unelle Snyman in the 78kg. Elsewhere, the first female gold medallist for the hosts at the Games is Chaimae Eddinari, who beat another South African, Michaela Whitebooi, in the 48kg final.

    Soumiya Iraoui, however, suffered home disappointment, beaten in the 52kg division by Algeria’s Faïza Aissahine.

    Ghofran Khrlifi won the 57kg for Tunisia, beating Yamina Halata of Algeria; Cameroon’s Hélène Wezeu Dombeu beat another Algerian, Amina Belkadi, in the 63kg; and in the 70kg, Karene Agono of Gabon beat Tunisian Nihal Landolsi.

  • Ghana dangles $3000 for gold

    To inspire its athletes competing at the 12th African Games holding in Rabat, Morocco, Ghana has promised to reward individual gold medalists with $3000 (N1.05M) for their efforts.

    Also, silver and bronze medallists are expected to smile home with $2,000 and $1,000 while team gold medallists will get $2,000.

    To compete in Morocco, Ghana has been allocated a budget of almost $1.28 million (£1.05 million/€1, 15 million), through the Government’s Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) and the National Sports Authority (NSA).

    The funding is expected to cover all expenses for the Ghanaian team and officials at the 12th African Games, which begins today in Rabat in Morocco.

    Kwame Asiamah from the MoYS approved the budget and NSA director-general and International Games and Competitions Committee (IGCC) chairman Peter Twumasi said it was important for the figure to be made public.

    “The IGCC team has done a great job since it was inaugurated to oversee to all issues relating to the upcoming African Games in Morocco,” Twumasi told the Ghana News Agency.

    Read Also: I2th African Games will be my last- Toriola

    “We presented a budget to government through the Youth and Sports Ministry and we have gotten approval, so it is important we make it available to Ghanaians.”

    Twumasi said the budgeted funds would include bonuses for all the athletes, coaches and officials.

    For team events, each member will be rewarded with $2,000, $1,500 (£1,200/€1,350) and $1,000 respectively for winning gold, silver or bronze. Ghana will send a contingent of 139 people, made up of 91 athletes, 29 coaches and 19 management members, to Rabat.

    In October 2018, Ghana was announced as the hosts of the 2023 African Games. The 2019 African Games will run through until August 31.

  • Nigerian squash now recognised, says Ogunsusi

    The Chairman of the Squash Section of the Lagos Country Club, Barrister Ayo Ogunsusi has expressed his delight with the level of professionalism exhibited at the just concluded 15th edition of the Cargolux Merchant Express International Squash Tournament.

    According to Ogunsusi; “the competition has grown in leaps and bounds over the years that the Professional Squash Association (PSA) has given it recognition.”

    He made this commendation at the closing ceremony of this year’s edition over the weekend at which hundreds of participants, including promising players contested for prizes.

    Winners included the Captain of the Squash Section, Dr. Olubunmi Apata who emerged the overall winner after defeating the reigning champion Hanniel Hadison by three sets to one.

    In the U–16 category for the girls, Favour Utukpe of Lagos State defeated Mistura Durosinolorun from Kwara State by three straight sets, while Joseph Eniafogghe beat Dominion Utupke by also by three straight sets in the Boys’ category.

    Kudirat Dahood overwhelmed Aminat Musa for the U-19 Girls by three sets to one and Usman Durosinlorun defeated Cliton Iguodala by three sets to two for the Boys of the same category.

    Read Also: Lagos country club rocks at 70

    Sibling rivalry also ensued in the PSA Women between Yemisi Olatunji and her younger sister Busayo with the former defeating Busayo by three sets to one, while for the PSA Men, Onaopemipo Adegoke beat Sodiq Taiwo by three straight sets.

    The Club Invitational Veteran produced Sahid Khan of the University of Lagos as the champion. He beat Sodi Pepple by three straight sets, while Mrs Kolawole won the Women’s category of the LCC Closed Club by defeating Mrs Hadison.

    The Chairman of Cargolux Merchant Express, Captain Sina Akinfenwa also commended the Lagos Country Club for sustaining the tournament. He said he was; “impressed by the rapid growth and acceptance by Nigerians of the squash game as a lot of participants from different parts of the country and beyond registered for the tournament.”

  • Rape: Buhari’s ex-aide advocates gender desks at police stations

    An former aide of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, has called for the introduction of gender desks in police stations across the country.

    She said such desks would be saddled with the task of handling the rising cases of rape of girls.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN reports that Ibekaku-Nwagwu is the immediate past Special Assistant to President Buhari on Justice Reform.

    She also vied to represent Enugu West Senatorial District at the National Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general election.

    The legal consultant made the call in an interview she granted NAN on incessant rape of minors across the country.
    She noted that the cases of rape involving minors were unfortunate, adding that the police need to do more in handling the menace.

    Read Also: Police nab three students for alleged rape

    Mrs Ibekaku-Nwagwu said: “The current situation is getting worse day by day, and this problem should be better handled by specialists on feminine matters because women are at the receiving end.

    “The police should set up what we call gender desks in the various police stations across the country to prosecute and handle cases of rape.

    “We do not have such desks in most of our police stations at the moment. We need people who understand that we have to prevent something from happening before it happens.”

    The former presidential aide noted that other countries have what is called the National Sex Offender Registry, which provides the public access to sex offenders’ data and prevents sex offenders from touching or coming close to children.

    “Unfortunately, we do not have such a registry in our country. Therefore, we need a re-assessment of our system because some of those things are happening within schools and in our homes.

    “We need to understand the mind-set that leads people to commit such acts and find ways to prevent them from happening again,” she said.

    Mrs Ibekaku-Nwagwu said the only way to reduce the ugly trend is to make sure that offenders are convicted and are never allowed to come close to children.

    “The victims should be severely dealt with to deter other would-be perpetrators from committing the same act in future,” she said.

    The former presidential aide urged parents, religious bodies and schools to constantly educate their children against embracing attitudes that would likely make them become victims of rape.

    “As our children are growing up, let them know that most of the people around them are not as good as they think they are.

    “There must be a way to make children understand that they should not allow themselves to be touched by elders at their age, for any reason.

    “Parents and guardians should introduce sex education to their children, especially the girl-child, and let them realise that it is for their good,” she said.

    The legal consultant advised children to always speak out whenever their uncles, neighbours or teachers begin to exhibit certain strange behaviours around them.

    Mrs Ibekaku-Nwagwu added that she was working on some anti-corruption issues as well as looking at issues of injustice against the female gender.

  • Diezani kicks as EFCC seeks final forfeiture of N14b jewellery

    A former Petroleum Resources Minister, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to refuse an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the final forfeiture of her 2,149 pieces of jewellery and a customised golden iPhone.

    The court, on July 5, ordered the temporary forfeiture of the items valued at $40 million (about N14.4 billion), which were recovered from the former minister’s home.

    Justice Nicholas Oweibo ruled on an ex parte application in which the commission said the items were suspected to be bought with illicitly acquired funds.

    But, in a counter-motion filed through her lawyer, Prof Awa Kalu (SAN), the former minister urged the court to order that the items be returned to her.

    She accused the EFCC of illegally gaining access to her apartment and taking the items without a court order.

    Read Also: Diezani poll cash: EFCC to arraign ex-INEC chair Iwu over N1.2b scam

    Besides, the former minister said seizing her jewellery was a violation of her fundamental right to own property under sections 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution and “to appropriate them at her discretion”.

    Mrs Alison-Madueke, who is said to be under investigation in the United Kingdom (UK), urged the court to reject EFCC’s prayer to permanently forfeit the jewellery and the golden iPhone to the Federal Government.

    The former minister contended that the court lacked jurisdiction to grant the interim forfeiture order.

    According to her, EFCC did not charge her with any crime or serve her with any summons.

    Mrs Alison-Madueke said the temporary forfeiture order was prejudicial to her because she was denied fair hearing.

    Hearing on the application was stalled yesterday due to Prof Kalu’s absence.

    A lawyer from his chambers, Chukwuka Obidike, said the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was handling an election petition case.

    He sought an adjournment.

    Mrs Alison-Madueke is the defendant in the application filed pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act Number 14, 2006.

    The EFCC said it found and recovered the jewellery and the customised golden iPhone “on the premises of the respondent”.

    The anti-graft agency added that it reasonably suspected that the former minister acquired them with “proceeds of unlawful activities”.

    According to a schedule attached to the application, the jewellery, categorised into 33 sets, include “419 expensive bangles and 315 expensive rings”.

    Others are: 304 expensive earrings, 267 expensive necklaces, 189 expensive wristwatches and 174 expensive necklaces and earrings.

    The rest are: 78 expensive bracelets, 77 expensive brooches and 74 expensive pendants.

    EFCC said: “The respondent’s known and provable lawful income is far less than the properties sought to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

    Justice Oweibo ordered that the 2,149 pieces of jewellery and the customised gold iPhone be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The judge ordered the anti-graft agency to publish the forfeiture order in a national newspaper.

    It is “for the respondent or anyone who is interested in the property sought to be forfeited to appear before this honourable court to show cause within 14 days why a final forfeiture order of the said property should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria”.

    Justice Oweibo adjourned till August 29 for hearing.

  • National Children’s Leadership Ideas contest starts

    The Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development (CALDEV) Initiative, the brainchild of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) aimed at identifying and developing leadership skills among African children, has called for entries into its maiden National Children’s Leadership Ideas Contest (N-CLIC) this year.

    In a statement, its Founder and a member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, said: “The idea behind this contest is to generate greater interest in leadership issues among young Nigerians and engender-inclusive dialogue on the ways out of the myriad of problems affecting us a people.

    “It will also bring out the patriotic zeal of Nigerian children and prepare them better for leadership responsibilities at a higher level.”

    The NGO, which is also involved in book publishing and youth mentoring, said the N-CLIC is a unique essay writing contest for children to bring their leadership abilities and creativity to life.

    “The contest entails writing an essay, which identifies a social, political or economic problem in Nigeria and proffering realistic and original solutions to the problem identified.

    “N-CLIC will afford Nigerian children the opportunity to contribute useful ideas that can be adapted by leaders in all strata of our socio-political and economic spheres,” the statement said.

    The competition, which targets children across Nigeria between 12 and 16 years, will receive essays that must not be more than 1,500 words and its entrants must be original and practical on the solutions to a social, economic or political problem identified.

    The essays are to be submitted at www.caldevafrica.org, beginning from August 20 (today) to September 15.

    CALDEV’s Executive Director, Dr Yemisi Obelawo, explained that the six best essays will participate in a grand final in Abuja on October 2 to mark Nigeria’s 59th independence anniversary.

    Winners, she said, will be determined by a panel of judges comprising eminent Nigerians selected from the academics, media and civil society.

    Prizes to be won include scholarships, fully paid trip to exciting locations, laptops, books and opportunity for international mentorship. Obelawo said the Kukah Centre and other leadership-focused organisations are partnering the NGO for the success of the N-CLIC.