The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • US varsities offer $7.5m scholarships to Nigerians

    No fewer than 303 students from 17 states have received $7.5 million in full or partial scholarships from 225 American universities and colleges to study in the United States for the 2019-2020 academic session.

    Acting United States Consul-General Osman Tat stated this in Lagos during the 2019 Education USA pre-departure orientation for students who have received offers of admission and scholarships to for US study this fall.

    Tat, who noted the US remains a top destination for international students, said the list of acceptances for Nigerian students for the upcoming academic year cuts across many of the 50 U.S. states.

    “I congratulate each one of you on your tremendous success. This is a very important step in your life. I encourage you to make the most out of your time in the United States to acquire the requisite skills and knowledge needed to support Nigeria’s development,” Tat told the group of U.S.-bound students.

    The students have been accepted for undergraduate and graduate degree programmes at top notch U.S. institutions ranging from Ivy League universities, liberal arts colleges, women’s colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to community colleges.

    Read Also: 11,710 Nigerians studying in USA, says report

    They include Stanford University, The George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, Purdue University, Tufts University, Boston University, Emory University, and Howard University, among many others.

    The pre-departure orientation is intended to assist students to prepare for their move from Nigeria to the United States.  The event included interactive sessions on topics such as travel planning, adjusting to life in America, safety on campus, and F-1 visa rules for international students.

    Participants also had the opportunity to meet with students currently studying in the United States who offered tips on how to prepare for the US academic, social, and cultural environment.

    Among the departing students are 13 Education USA Opportunity Fund grantees —10 undergraduate and three graduate students, with full scholarships — who received financial aid to cover the up-front cost of obtaining admission.

    Annually, through the Opportunity Fund Programme, the US Consulate’s EducationUSA Advising Centre assists talented low-income students who are good candidates for admission to US colleges and universities, by funding their application process.

    According to the latest Open Doors Report, published annually by the Institute of International Education, Nigeria is the 13th highest sending country of international students to the US, with about 12, 693 Nigerians currently studying in the United States.

  • Barca re-sign Cucurella from Eibar

    FC Barcelona have re-signed left-back Marc Cucurella from Eibar after the 20-year-old’s impressive first season in the Spanish top-flight.

    A statement from the La Liga champions said they had exercised a buy-back clause in the player’s contract for four million euros.

    This has come less than two months after Eibar had agreed to sign him on a permanent basis for two million euros.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Barca’s vice president resigns

    Cucurella, who can play on the left side of defence and on the left wing, came through Barca’s youth ranks.

    But he only played seven minutes of first-team football in the Copa del Rey before moving to Eibar on loan last season, playing 31 La Liga games.

    He made his name with a stunning performance in the Basque team’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid.

    The player also scored against Barca in a 2-2 draw on the final day of the season.

    (Reuters/NAN)

  • SEC commences verification of Dantata investors

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has started verifying claims of 4,160 unpaid investors of the illegal investment scheme organised by Dantata Success and Profitable Company.

    The verification exercise commenced on Monday and is expected to last till Saturday with 4,160 investors undergoing verification.

    The Commission said investors were required to go along with the original receipts evidencing their payments or bank tellers for deposit into the company’s account, valid means of identification and bank account details.

    It said the commencement of the verification exercise was sequel to the appointment of joint administrators/trustees for Dantata Success and Profitable Company and in pursuant to section 13 and 173 of the Investment and Securities Act, and consequent to an Ex parte Order granted by the Federal High Court, Kano.

    A total of 478 investors were scheduled for Monday, 780 for Tuesday, 1,272 for Wednesday and Thursday, and 1,630 for Friday and Saturday.

    Read Also: SEC shuts down Dantata ponzi scheme

    SEC said: “The verification exercise will hold in Kano from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily. All unpaid investors are necessarily advised to attend in person as attendance by proxy is not acceptable.”

    SEC had in February sealed off the premises of Dantata Success and Profitable Company in Kano for engaging in illegal capital market activities, saying its investment operations fell within fund management without registration with the commission.

    It said the company was not registered and that it was using a strategy to solicit funds from unsuspecting members of the public by enticing them with returns of monthly interest on investment of between 25 to 50 per cent, depending on the nature and type of the investment.

    The company sold forms to prospective investors according to their investment plans ranging from N1,000 to N3,000, with the minimum amount investable being N50,000 and a maximum amount of N5m.

  • Hit-and-run driver kills NAN’s Technical Director

    A hit-and-run driver has killed Mr Christian Okoro, the Head of Technical Services of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Okoro, 50, was killed around `sharp corner’ area of Mararaba, along the Keffi-Abuja Road, while trying to cross the road to pick his car.

    An eye witness account indicated that Okoro had gone to watch the Nigeria/Algeria AFCON Semi-Final encounter at a football viewing centre and was on his way home after the match when the speeding vehicle knocked him down and zoomed off.

    He was said to have earlier gone for his community meeting and was heading home when he decided to join some friends to watch the crucial match.

    “The car was speeding, so when it hit Okoro, the impact was very heavy on him. He died instantly,” the witness told NAN.

    Read Also: Over 20,000 youths jostle for Enugu State cleaning job – Coordinator

    Meanwhile, Okoro’s corpse has been deposited at the National Hospital, Abuja mortuary, while a condolence register has been opened at the NAN headquarters in Abuja.

    A senior Police officer, who confirmed the incident, described it as “saddening and unfortunate”.

    “The matter has been reported to us and is being investigated,” the officer told NAN, craving anonymity.

    Born on June 20, 1969 in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo Eze North Local Government in Enugu State, Okoro attended St. Theresa College, Nsukka, Enugu State before heading to the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, where he bagged a Bsc in Electrical/Electronics.

    He was a member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

    He joined the services of NAN on January 8, 2004 and steadily rose to become an Assistant Director, Technical Services.

    He is survived by his widow, Cordelia, and four children.

    The Acting Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ibrahim Mammaga, who led the management and staff of NAN to pay a condolence visit to his family, described Okoro’s death as “a huge loss” to the NAN family.

    “The death of Okoro has robbed NAN of a dedicated staff. Okoro was a huge asset to the agency. He has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” he said.

    He prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Alhaji Abdulhadi Khaliel, Head, Administration and Human Resources Management (A/HRM), who also reacted to Okoro’s death described it as “devastating and painful”.

    “Okoro was a peace loving officer, who was committed to duty and always ready to learn,” he said.

    Mr Julius Enehikhuere, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief, described Okoro as “a jolly good fellow and a committed staff who was always there for the editorial department”.

    “We shall miss his team spirit and deep commitment to duty. His sudden exit is shocking to all of us. We pray God to comfort the family,” he said.

    The agency’s Assistant Director A/HRM), Mr Moses Uzoagba, also described Okoro’s death as “a personal loss to me”.

    “Okoro, apart from being a colleague, was my personal friend. We have been together for years and I will greatly miss him,” he said.

    Another staff, Mr Livinus Ugochukwu, said that Okoro was a personal friend whose death had hit him like a thunderbolt.

    “The news shocked me to my marrows; I am particularly sad because his children are still very young,” he said.

    Mrs. Kemi Olumorin, who worked with Okoro in the office, described him as “a transparent boss that was always ready to listen to his subordinates”.

    “He was approachable; he had a listening ear and was a good boss. He was a very considerate leader and could feel your pains,” she said. (NAN)

  • Funke Olakunrin’s classmates want her killers fished out

    The classmates of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, who was shot dead Friday by yet to be identified assailants, have called on the government to fish out the killers of the daughter of the leader of Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

    Reacting to the news of the death of their classmate, members of the 1973/77 Set of Olivet Baptist High School, Olivet Heights, Oyo, condemned the dastardly murder of Mrs. Olakunrin and called on the Federal Government to restore confidence in the citizenry by promptly apprehending her killers, prosecuting them and putting an end to the rising spate of unchecked killings and kidnap of innocent citizens.

    According to a statement, jointly signed by the President and Secretary of the Olivet 73/77 Set Association, Mr. Tunde Sunmonu and Elder Iyimide Akinbohun, respectively, the only thing which the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration can do to restore confidence in the generality of Nigerians is to rise to the occasion of checking insecurity in the country.

    Read Also: We’ll find, prosecute killers of Funke Olakunrin, says IGP

    “The news of the brutal killing of our dear classmate, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin (Nee Fasoranti), came to us as a rude shock,” the statement says. “It is painful, terribly devastating and saddening. This is one dastardly act too many by the enemies of humanity, as well as the progress and the very existence of Nigeria.

    “As the daughter of Afenifere leader, Papa (Chief) Reverend Reuben Fasoranti, our beloved principal at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, and, by extension, our father, Funke was more than a classmate to us; she was our veritable sister.

    “We hereby call on the Federal Government, the Ondo State Government and the entire security agencies to fish out the killers of our classmate, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of the leader of Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

    “Speaking for the generality of Nigerians, we, the members of the 1973/77 Set of Olivet Baptist High School, Olivet Heights, Oyo, call on Mr. President to urgently take steps to restore confidence in the citizenry by promptly apprehending the killers of Mrs. Olakunrin, prosecuting them and putting an end to the rising spate of unchecked killings and kidnap of innocent citizens.”

    The Set Association commiserated with the family of Papa Fasoranti, the husband and children of their departed classmate and the entire Afenifere family on the unfortunate incident.

  • Katsina CJ frees 300 Prisoners, promises judicial reforms

    Katsina State Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, Tuesday in Katsina announced the release of a total number of about 300 prisoners from the State’s Prison Custody, following the visit to the various prison camps.

    Justice Abubakar who made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with The Nation in his office, said the state has decided to take the lead in judicial reforms and prison decongestion

    He said’ ’following a request letter from the Controller of Prisons in Katsina State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Gusau, we agreed to conduct prison visits by May this year, in order to decongest prison and further enhance the speedy dispensation of justice to awaiting trial inmates’’

    The Nation recalled that the Katsina Central Prisons was built to accommodate 237 inmates but it was discovered during the visits that it was accommodating 1190 inmates

    Read Also: Katsina State Govt. donates 60 bed dormitory to Police School

    Some of the cases attended to include 174 cases that were received out of which 91 were admitted on bail to a surety with an introduction letter from the District Head and supported by affidavit, while other cases were reviewed particularly that had spent 6 months and above and those awaiting trial for belonging to a gang of thieves

    Also in the course of the review of cases, the CJ also released six inmates unconditionally, referred some cases to NYSC legal aid clinic to handle and granted bail to some inmates from the second list

    Meanwhile the CJ has promised citizens of Katsina State to expect massive reforms to be carried out in the state Judiciary from October this year.

    Some of the expected legal reforms expected to take off by October this year, include: the establishment of neighborhood watch on dispute resolution mechanism, embarking on prison reforms and decongestion by introducing ‘’Remand and sentencing Guidelines’’, promoting transparency in the investigation process by the police and the introduction digital tracking of the investigation process by the Police among others.

  • PCRC lauds Obaseki’s support for security agencies

    The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Edo State Command, has commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his support to security agencies in the state, noting that the governor’s efforts are yielding results.

    In a letter to the governor signed by Chairman, PCRC, Edo State Command, Evang. Dr. Atekha Odemwingie, the committee said the governor has recorded immense developmental strides across the state, which have endeared him to the people.

    According to the PCRC, “The records of your monumental achievements in the state are visible and clear for all to see and the news of it has gone round  the state like wildfire since you assumed office. This is evident and enviable among other governors in the country.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole, Obaseki helped each other, says Idahosa

    “Apart from the developmental strides your administration has brought to Edo State, your contributions towards the security and peace in our dear state is worth mentioning. A year and some months ago you supported the Nigeria Police Force in establishing a Police Marine Base in the state. You also set up a new security architecture named ‘Wabaizigan’ to support the Police and other sister security agencies in fighting crime and criminalities and they are yielding unquantifiable results.”

    The committee encouraged the governor to continue with his good work as history will not fail to paint his name in gold.

  • Pump adjustment: DPR seals five petrol stations in Enugu

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Enugu Field Office has sealed five petrol stations in the state for adjusting their pumps to under deliver products to members of the public.

    The Operations Controller, Mr Okechukwu Okoro disclosed this on Tuesday in Enugu in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after a routine monitoring exercise.

    Okoro said that the exercise was to ensure that petroleum marketers sold the products including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the government regulated price.

    The operations controller said that they also wanted to ensure that marketers did not adjust their pumps to cheat on customers.

    He said that it was sad that some petroleum marketers were out to cheat their customers by adjusting their pumps to under dispense petrol.

    Read Also: DPR shuts 17 illegal LPG outlets in Ibadan

    Okoro said that five petrol stations were caught in the act and consequently, sealed.

    He said that it was gratifying to note that about 50 petrol stations inspected were selling at the approved government regulated price of N145. 00.

    “Our findings  was that all the petrol stations sold at the government regulated price but five of them adjusted their pumps to under deliver.

    “We sealed the five stations. They will pay the penalty and recalibrate their pumps before we unseal them,” he said.

    Okoro said that he was satisfied at the level of compliance by petrol stations in selling at the government regulated price.

    He called on members of the public to partner with DPR by providing them with the necessary information needed to clamp down on defaulting petrol stations. (NAN)

  • Ubi Franklin clears the air on affair with TBoss

    Nigerian Music entrepreneur, Ubi Franklin says there is no romance between him and BBnaija (S2) reality TV star, Tokunbo Idowu, a.k.a TBoss.

    The founder and CEO of record label Made Men Music Group (Triple MG) said that he was just friends with the T.V star and has never had anything intimate with the TBoss on Tuesday in an interview with Daddy Freeze.

    There has been speculations on the internet that Ubi was responsible for Tboss’ pregnancy.

    He said that the interview was to put to rest speculations.

    Franklin, who was married to popular Nollywood actress, Lilian Esoro, said doesn’t even know where TBoss resides in Abuja.

    He advised people to change the mindset and mentality of thinking that a man working with a woman means they have a romantic relationship going on.

    Read Also: I am not Ubi Franklin’s love interest -Tboss

    “I can tell you this, I never asked TBoss out, I have never done anything with her, you know, I don’t even know where she lives.

    “I have never in my life gone to her house…you can ask her, I don’t even know her house. And she is this kind of person that she does not like to disturb people.

    “I can be in Abuja and she will know I am in Abuja and she will not call me. Maybe if there is work that she needs to do, she will do it and then she goes.

    “We need to correct this perception that if you are working with a girl, that means you are doing something with the girl,” he said.

    When he was asked about Tboss’ pregnancy, he replied: “No, it’s not me na”.

    Franklin had been in the news after he was said to be expecting a child with a U.S based Nigerian serial entrepreneur, Sandra Iheuwa, after welcoming his third child with his South African former staff, Nicola Siyo.

    Meanwhile, TBoss has also debunk the rumours of her romantic link with Franklin.

    (NAN)

  • Man remanded for allegedly stabbing sex worker to death

    An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered that a man, Bidemi Mojuba, who allegedly stabbed a sex worker to death with a knife, be remanded in prison, pending legal advice.

    Magistrate  O.A. Olagbende who did not take the plea of the defendant, ordered that be remanded in Ikoyi Prison pending advice from the Office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    She also ordered the police to duplicate and forward the case file to the DPP.

    Olagbende adjourned the case until Sept. 24 pending advice.

    Read Also: Juvenile sex workers of downtown Yola

    Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, ASP Clara Olagbayi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on July 1, about 11 p.m., at his residence at No. 55, Corporation Estate, Amuwo Odofin.

    Read Also:

    She alleged that the defendant took some drugs on that day to enhance his performance and wen to a nearby hotel to pick up the deceased simply identified as Charity.

    Olagbayi alleged that when they got home, the deceased insisted that the defendant must pay her first,

    She said that the defendant picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed Charity multiple times during the argument over payment.

    The offence, she said, contravened the provisions of  Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 which prescribes a death sentence for offenders.

    (NAN)