The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FUTA seeks collaborations with U.S. varsity

    Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Vice Chancellor Professor Joseph Fuwape on Tuesday paid a working visit to George Mason University, Virginia, United States of America (USA).

    The visit is part of the ongoing efforts by the university to deepen collaboration with leading universities in the world.

    During the visit, he participated in research cohort presentation and facilitated development of partnership between George Mason University and FUTA.

    Prof. Fuwape also visited the Patriot Tech Computer/Electronic Centre, the best research intensive university in Virginia State, USA.

    Read Also: FUTA emerges best institution at national statistics competition

    The visit will consolidate FUTA’s drive for internationalisation and academic excellence as it already has an ongoing collaboration with the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, FAMU Tallahassee, Florida, USA, where selected FUTA students complete the final year of their undergraduate programme before proceeding for their master’s degree. More than 50 students have benefited from the collaboration since it began in 2014.

    Like FUTA, George Mason University is a public research university. It is located in Fairfax, Virginia. George Mason University began as a branch of the University of Virginia in 1956 and later became an independent institution in 1972. It has since grown to become the largest four-year public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

    Prof. Fuwape said with collaborations with FAMU, George Mason and other universities in their league, FUTA will sustain and advance FUTA’s cutting edge research focus, academic excellence, expose its faculty and students to global trends and deliver on its goal of technology for self-reliance for the country.

  • Makinde to inaugurate exco next week

    OYO State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed optimism that his executive council will be put in place next week, following the conclusion of the screening of the commissioner-nominees by the House of Assembly

    He also encourages parents to ensure the training and education of the girl-child.

    The governor spoke yesterday while playing host to the officials of Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce, who were in his Agodi office on a courtesy call.

    The governor was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubanwo Adeosun, the Head of Service, Mrs Amidat Agboola, the Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Abdulmojeed Mogbajubola, Chief Press Secretary Mr. Taiwo Adisa and Special Adviser (Media) Mr. Jide Ajani among others.

    Welcoming the guests, Makinde assured them that Oyo State is opened for business, adding that himself and some of his appointed top government functionaries have in-depth private sector knowledge, which would be used to deliver the goodies of governance to the people in running the affairs of the state.

    He said: “Oyo State is opened for business. I came from the private sector and our first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG) also wrapped up her career in Shell just to come and serve the state. So, we have a clear understanding of what trade and investment is all about.

    Read Also: Makinde approves N60m bursary for Law students

    “The mentality for us is that, this is a public sector space, but we want to drive it with a private sector mentality. Yes, it is just our two months here, but we have learnt a lot. We know that we have been able to deliver at the speed of trust just the way we are able to build the trust between the government and the workers and then between the government and the people of the state.

    “We have had interactions with the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce as well and we are also looking at opening up opportunities and those ones we can also tap into.

    “You mentioned trade mission. Well, I actually will be looking forward to taking the advantage of mutually beneficially business relationship that the chamber can foster, especially with the state and the chambers of Commerce.”

    Reacting to a commendations from one of the visitors on the appointment of females into his cabinet, Makinde: “We are working hard to put the cabinet in place and I am sure that hopefully the state house of Assembly should complete their screening process for the commissioner-nominees and I am sure that by next week when the cabinet is put in place, the appropriate individual will carry this forward.

    “I will like to briefly add that the ladies that you have seen here (the SSG and HoS), they didn’t get to those positions because they are females, but because they are well-qualified and they actually have shown that they are worth the salt among the CVs that we considered.

    “So I always use them to actually let our parents know that when you send our daughters to school, the glass ceiling is been broken and I won’t be surprise that Oyo State may provide the first female governor in Nigeria.”

    Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Kayode Falowo said the team was in the state to introduce the chamber to the governor and the state government as a way of building bilateral business relationships and opportunities.

    Also yesterday, no fewer than 50 youths from the state benefited from Makinde’s efforts to fight poverty, as each got tricycles as a means of economic empowerment.

    The presentation of the tricycles, which held at the premises of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ibadan, was well attended.

    The beneficiaries were said to be the first batch of recipients.

    Representing the governor at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Mrs. Adewole Eyitayo said the gesture of the governor was in fulfilment of his campaign promises during the build-up to the 2019 elections.

  • Monarch threatens to sue subjects for ‘character assassination’

    The traditional ruler of Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chris Onyekwuluje, has threatened legal action against some of his subjects for maligning his image.

    The monarch, who addressed reporters in his palace yesterday, said he would consult his lawyers to begin the legal process.

    Some residents, under the aegis of Odumodu Ebenabo Improvement Union, on Monday protested at the Government House in Awka over Onyekwuluje’s ‘high handedness’. They accused the monarch of felony, incessant brutality, destruction of property, indiscriminate, unauthorised and illegal sale of Odumodu land, among other allegations.

    But Onyekwuluje described the allegations as untrue and a deliberate attempt to malign and tarnish his image. He vowed to arrest those behind the accusations.

    Read Also: Awori monarchs seek more inclusion of subjects in govt

    He said: “I’m not a land grabber. I’m a successful businessman with offices in Lagos, Abuja and Anambra State. It is not true that I sold their lands; I never did nor got involved. Those saying this are part of those threatening to kill me since 2012 for no reason than jealousy.

    “They went and registered a group called ‘Odumodu Ebenabo Improvement Union’, and started selling the properties and lands of Odumedu people. On hearing their illegal activities, I stopped them. Those who are saying that I arrested them are liars. I have never asked the police to arrest anybody nor petitioned anyone. Instead, they are the ones petitioning against the people they think they can oppress. Mine is just to broker peace among them.

    “Some people were arrested by the vigilantes for robbery and were handed to the police. Why should I arrest or detain my subjects? I have forgiven them several times, but this time they will not go unpunished. My lawyers will soon begin legal action against them.”

    President-General of Umunya Kenneth Okafor said the community is ready to back the monarch.

  • Abia youths protest murder of kinsman over N100

    Youths of Amaise, Umuokereke Ngwa, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State marched on the streets yesterday to protest the murder of their kinsman, Chimaobi Uzoukwa, who was reportedly killed by a soldier.

    It was learnt that the soldier trailed the deceased to his father’s compound in Amaise, Umuokereke Ngwa. After attacking Chimaobi, he hopped on a waiting motorcycle driven by another soldier and left convinced Chimaobi would not live.

    Reports said the soldier, whose identity was still unknown as at last night, allegedly killed Chimaobi for refusing to pay a N100 daily toll to him.

    It was learnt that this angered the youths who stormed the Army outpost at Ohanze in Obingwa council and set it ablaze after soldiers manning the post ran away on receiving information that the mob was heading their way.

    The youths, after setting the army outpost ablaze, took Chimaobi’s body to Opobo road and set ablaze a stationary police van inscribed with Mopol 55.

    The protest caused pandemonium in the area, forcing businesses to close abruptly, while drivers and commuters  abandoned their cars and fled to safety.

    Some residents of Ogbor Hill said they trekked home as tricycle operators and commercial buses plying the route refused to leave their loading bay.

    Read Also: Abia State Gov declares curfew in Aba

    When our reporter visited the scene, there were bornfires at various points on Ikot Ekpene Road; the police van was also on fire.

    At 6.15pm, a contingent of mobile policemen reinforcement were at strategic areas of the Opobo Junction, apparently to wade off protesters from converging.

    Ebere Uzoukwa, a relative of the deceased and former Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Rochas Okorocha, confirmed Chimaobi’s death.

    He said: “That boy is married and operates as a commercial motorcyclist. He is very jovial and social. Eze, as fondly, called is calm and respectful. It is very painful after complaining about the unwholesome and criminal extortion of these soldiers mounting roadblocks at Afo Di Mkpa Ohanze and Ukpakiri, the people concerned were undecided and unperturbed to act towards protecting the lives of their own people. It is very sad.

    “The deceased was trailed by the soldier for refusing to pay N100 and shot him in his father’s compound. What is his crime? Did he kill or go into robbery. He is from the same Agalaba part of Obingwa where the governor comes from and the same Agalaba where the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Solomon Akpulonu, comes from. We will surely get to the root of this wickedness.”

    The Abia State Army Public Relations Officer, Maj. Kadiri, couldn’t be reached for comments. However, a source in the Brigade, who pleaded for anonymity, said the soldier is not attached to the Abia Command.

    According to him, the said soldier could be from a neighbouring community or a gunman in military camouflage to commit the crime. He promised that the 14 Brigade was already on the matter and would make its findings public soon.

  • Church marks 20 years power conference

    The 20th anniversary of God’s Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM) and annual power conference will hold on Lagos from August 12 to 18. The conference is themed: “Zion 2019: Awakening Giants; Releasing Dominion and Radical Destinies”.

    The conference will end with an impartation service where the General Overseer, Dr. James Akanbi, would minister. Venue is God’s Mercy Revival Centre, 25/33 Alake Lakoko Street, Ile Epo Bus stop, Idimu-Ikotun Road, Ikotun.

    The conference, which will have two sessions starting from 2pm with evening revival services by 5:30pm, will feature teachings, prophetic and apostolic ministrations, salvation and deliverance as well as ministers’ conference on each day.

    Pastors, assistant pastors, elders, deacons and deaconesses will also be ordained on August 18 by 9am.

  • Nexford stresses need to prepare graduates for workplace

    Nexford University has emphasised the need to produce graduates to match up demands of the labour market.

    The university’s officials said it would produce graduates that match requirements of the workplace.

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer Fadl Al Tarzi said lack of required skills was an impediment for youths in securing good jobs.

    He said: “With the rapid advancement of tech, skills are the only barrier between ambitious youths across the world and attractive economic opportunities. Our next-generation university focuses on precisely this. Worldwide, young people are three times more likely than their parents to be out of work. Jobless levels of 25 per cent or more are common in Europe, the Middle East, and Northern Africa. In the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, more than one in eight of all 15 to 24-year-olds are not in employment, education, or training.

    Read Also: 150 Youths converge on Nexford Training Programme

    “Around the world, the International Labour Organisation estimates that 75 million young people are unemployed; including estimates of underemployed youth would potentially triple this number. This represents not just a gigantic pool of untapped talent; it is also a source of social unrest and individual despair.

    “At Nexford, skills are the new currency. The university surveyed Fortune 500 companies and analysed millions of job vacancies to create a curriculum that delivers on the skills in highest demand. Nexford’s relevant, online educational model, therefore, addresses the systemic skill-gaps. Its students master the skills they need for day one at work, such as how to present a business strategy…”

  • Wike to youths: contribute your quota to development

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has admonished the youths to invest their mental and physical strength in the growth of the state.

    The governor reminded the youths that efforts invested in the transformation of the state will be rewarded with leadership positions to consolidate on the development process.

    A statement by his media aide, Simeon Nwakaudu, said the governor spoke yesterday when members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Presidential Honour Awardees from Rivers State visited him at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    He said: “You have showcased the stuff that Rivers State is made of. I encourage others to emulate these youths who made a mark during their compulsory one-year service to the country. It is based on how you plan your life that you can impact the society. To be a Presidential Awardee is not an easy achievement.”

    Read Also: Wike: we’ll follow due process to implement report on council audit

    Governor Wike noted that with the training received during the service year, the awardees will serve the state and country diligently.

    “Your future is bright if you continue on this path. When you go abroad for further training, remember to return home to serve the state”, he added.

    Spokesman of the awardees Otto Chimenem lauded Wike’s leadership qualities, which has led to key projects across the state. He said they applied what they learnt from the Governor Wike in their respective places of primary assignment, adding that such service led to their names making it to the Presidential Honours Awardees.

    “We put to practice the traits that we learnt from you. We did value added projects in different states where we were posted and we made Rivers proud. All the awardees made positive impact on the states where they were posted to serve,” he said.

  • Zola Electric trains technicians 

    Zola Electric, Africa’s leading solar energy solutions provider, has held a special training for 60 technicians on the installation of Zola Flex system as part of its renewed commitment to boost its after-sale delivery to customers.

    The two-day training, held in Lagos, took participants through a rigorous exercise on technical and health, safety and environment issues that are in line with global best practices. Certificates were presented to participants after the training.

    Managing Director of Zola Electric Nigeria Abdallah Khamis said the training was designed to impact requisite technical skills set to technicians on the installation of Zola Flex System, to give customers a satisfactory after-sales-services and in extension, bridge the technical gap in the country.

    Read Also: Zola Electric, Sterling Bank seal power deal

    Khamis noted that the program has not only provided the necessary foundation for participants to develop a career in renewable energy sector, but also afforded them the opportunity to be equipped with globally recognised certifications.

    “In addition to the free technical training, the trainees would also be equipped with free certified world class personal protective equipment (PPE). With this in place, it means the trainees are in compliance with global HSE best practices”, he stated.

    The Head of Technical Operations, Olumide Ajayi, explained that the curricular has been designed to cover a wide range of areas that include operations of solar energy systems, installations, troubleshooting/faults resolution and efficiency applications.

    He said: “We believe that training technicians on the installation of this product will complement our superior product quality. That is why we have taken skill enhancement as an important part of our service delivery.”

  • Foundation empowers 200 youths

    Two hundred youths from Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) were yesterday empowered through the Hammed Akande Balogun (HAB) free skill acquisition programme.

    Facilitator of the foundation, who is also the Vice Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Hammed Balogun, said the increasing unemployment in Nigeria inspired him to pull resources together and empower the youths.

    According to him, gone are the days when graduates waited for white collar jobs. He noted that unemployment is endemic among vibrant youths due to lack of skills to back up their formal education.

    Balogun, who traced the inspiration to impact people positively to the time he was president of a club, urged the youths to rise against unemployment and move Nigeria forward.

    Vice Chairman if Coker-Aguda LCDA Johnson Kalejaye, who hailed the gesture, congratulated the beneficiaries for making a great decision towards their future. He urged them to make judicious use of the knowledge.

    A beneficiary, Tijani Aminat, who also works with Leadway Assurance Plc, said she has been longing for such opportunity to learn a skill that can fetch her extra income apart from her salary. Evelyn Essiet, who trained on graphic art, said she will start practicing the skill immediately.

    Highpoint of the event was the presentation of a laptop to the best graphic art student, a camera to the best photography student and make up kit to the best in make over segment.

  • Gospel musicians seek unity among Yoruba leaders

    Gospel Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (GOMAN) National President Evangelist Funmi Aragbaiye has called on Yoruba leaders to rise up to the security challenges confronting the land.

    She said the need for the leaders to speak with one voice became imperative in view of the devastating effect of insecurity of the lives of the people.

    In an address titled: “As in the days of Jehosaphat” and delivered yesterday, the gospel musicians expressed their readiness to partner with all the relevant stakeholders, including the government to address security challenges facing the country.

    Mrs. Aragbaye said: “The rate at which insecurity in terms of insurgency, kidnapping, ritual killing , rape, and all other vices in Nigeria are spreading is alarming. We were used to hearing about all these menace in far places, but today, the Yoruba nation is already suffering from the ugly incidences. This really calls for concern and speedy action, especially for the Yoruba nation.”

    Read Also: Oyo ALGON chair alleges threat by PDP agents

    Commending some Yoruba leaders, who have stood up in the face of threats, Mrs. Aragbaiye called on leaders of thought in Yorubaland and other regions to hold a security summit with a view to ending incessant kidnapping, banditry, killer herdsmen and other vices undermining the corporate existence of the country.

    On the part of the association, Mrs. Aragbaiye disclosed that the Lord has called on GOMAN to use their talents in terms of their voices and instruments to praise Him, just as in the days of the biblical Jehoshaphat to rescue the country from the hands of evil elements.

    “This incidence, coupled with the early divine instruction, spurred us to swinging into action, to organise this congress. Psalm 122:6 says: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee”.

    “Nigeria is our Jerusalem and not all of us will have the opportunity to relocate in the name of looking for greener pasture. God never made mistake creating us and situating us in this country, flowing with milk and honey,” she stated.

    Expected at the one-day congress scheduled to hold at Molete Baptist Church, Ibadan on Sunday, are: former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Ondo and Oyo governors Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Seyi Makinde, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Akin Olujimi SAN and Juju maestro Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi amongst eminent gospel ministers across the country.

    Prayers were also expected to be offered, asking for God’s intercession in the dire security situation in the land.

    Appealing to the Federal Government to set a standard for the production of gospel music ministration, Dr. Aragbaiye, who was flanked by GOMAN  Deputy President Rev. Ekpeyong Okon Bassey and former Commissioner of Women Affairs, Pastor Kemi Jaiyeoba , urged the government to stop playing politics with security of lives, and property by ensuring justice and fair play.