The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Polio: Nigeria, three others receive global award

    Nigeria and three other countries on Thursday in New York received two global awards for their commitment to polio eradication and supporting the work of the United Nations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that India, Pakistan and Afghanistan were the other three countries that were honoured with the Global Leadership Award by the UN Foundation and the UN Association of the United States (UNA-US) during the ceremony.

    The event also celebrated the 70th Anniversary of UNA-USA that recognised the 15-year legacy of leadership of former UN Foundation President and current Board Vice Chairman, Timothy Wirth, who was honoured with the Champion for Global Change Award.

    “The event was quite significant not only because of the recognition of Nigeria’s determination and milestone achievements in the eradication of polio, but that it also coincided with Nigeria’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

    “Our membership will undoubtedly provide another opportunity to partner with other member states in advancing the course of peace and security,’’ Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, ’’ Amb. Joy Ogwu, said while accepting the award.

    She noted that the support of Nigeria’s international partners like UNICEF was instrumental to the rapid progress made in the efforts towards the eradication of polio in Nigeria.

    “We are pleased that the National Polio Emergency Plan had continued to yield the desired results. We have witnessed impressive increase in the immunisation coverage in the affected northern states.

    “It is also noteworthy that the effective implementation of the plan has curtailed the spread of polio to neighbouring West African countries,’’ the envoy stressed.

    Ogwu, however, commended the former UN Foundation President, Mr. Timothy Wirth, for his pioneering work that had enabled the organisation to attain its enviable heights.

     

     

  • Identity registration will minimize fraud – Sambo

    Identity registration will minimize fraud – Sambo

    Vice-President Namadi Sambo on Thursday said the ongoing registration of Nigerians by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will check fraudulent activities in the country.

    Sambo , who disclosed this after enrolling into the Centralised National Identity Database system at the State House, Abuja, said the registration, when completed, would assist financial institutions and other agencies in checking fraudulent activities.

    ‘‘This is very impressive and I want to seize this opportunity to say that this is one of the major achievements of Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda.

    ‘‘The exercise for every Nigerian to have an identity means the avenue for security, the avenue for economic development.

    ‘’Today, our banks cannot issue loans to Nigerians because they say Nigerians do not have address. You go to the bank, your name is Garba, after taking the loan you become Daniel and they cannot know where you are

    ‘‘I want to seize this opportunity to impress on the management of NIMC to ensure that they meet the target time for the completion of this work,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the vice president as saying during the registration.

    Sambo described the scheme as laudable and charged the leadership of the NIMC to complete the registration of all eligible Nigerians by the December 2014 deadline earlier issued to the commission.

    He gave the assurance that government would continue to assist NIMC for the successful execution of the project.

    He called on all Nigerians to cooperate with the management of NIMC for the smooth implementation of the National Identification Number (NIN) scheme.

     

     

     

  • ‘Arafat’s death unnatural’

    ‘Arafat’s death unnatural’

    Palestinian officials said scientific reports on the death of former leader Yasser Arafat revealed that he did not die from old age or ill health, nor did he die a natural death.

    At a news conference, they said their investigations would continue into his death in a Paris hospital in 2004.

    A report by Swiss scientists said Arafat’s remains contained high levels of radioactive polonium.

    Arafat’s widow, Suha, said she believes the report proves he was assassinated.

    However, she said her late husband had many enemies around the world and she could not directly accuse anyone.

    BBC reports that many Palestinians believe Israel was responsible for Arafat’s death although Israel has repeatedly denied it.

    The Swiss team found 18 times the normal level of polonium but could not confirm it had caused his death.

    Yasser Arafat died in a military hospital in Paris in 2004 after suddenly being taken ill at his presidential compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

    His remains were exhumed last year following tests on his belongings that suggested he could have been poisoned.

    About 60 samples were divided between Swiss and Russian investigators and a French team carrying out an investigation at his widow’s request.

     

  • COG Records unveils Poet Ivy

    COG Records unveils Poet Ivy

    From plying its trade in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Scandinavia, Naijaboy Entertainment and COG records has decided to tell its story at home, says its CEO, Gabriel Akunyili.
    This comes with the debut of its first commercial release on  Friday November 1 with the unveil of its main artist, Narrator aka Poet Ivy
    A Bsc and Msc holder in Literature and Poetry, Poet ivy released the single, No need to lie. Akunyili describes him as an entertainer and artist in his own caliber and lane.
    “His album, The Introduction of Poison Ivy, aims to steal and run the show like a dictator. Expect banging beats, new sound of music and lyrics as sharp as tooth of alligator from Mr. Narrator, the storyteller, the griot,” says Akunyili.

  • Family of six die in road accident

    A forensic specialist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (UBTH),  Morbid Anatomy department, Dr Omojefe Ralph, his three children, uncle and child died  in an auto  crash on Wednesday evening  by Okada junction along the Benin -Lagos expressway.
    Our reporter gathered that late Omojefe and his family members had escorted his sister who was on her way to the United States  having  won the American lottery to Lagos  and were on their way back to Benin when the accident happened.

    President, UBTH chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Kingsley Okafor who confirmed the incident on Thursday  said he had visited the family while the late Omojefe’s wife has been taken to their village in Delta state.

    He said the association has declared a seven-day mourning during which  members are to wear black armband  and a minute silence will be observed  daily  before any clinic session.

    As at the time of filing this report on Thursday, officials of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) said they were yet to get full details of the cause of the accident.

     

  • Nigeria to host Black History Month Festival in 2014

    Mrs. Margaret Fabiyi, the Project Coordinator of Black History Month Festival, on Thursday said that plans had been concluded for Nigeria to host the international festival in 2014.

    Fabiyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the festival was an initiative of the U.S. aimed at enhancing understanding of diverse history and heritage of global tragedies.

    According to her, the U.S. has concluded plans for Nigeria to host the 2014 Black History Month Festival between Feb. 26 and March 8, 2014.

    “It is the celebration of the evolution and development of the black race and the abolition of slave trade.

    “It is also an avenue to mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new dawn in the history of the black race.

    “It is a tourism package which symbolises the various stages of life that blacks in the Diaspora and their forefathers passed through.

    “It is a constellation of activities and programmes to celebrate the history of the black and remind them of their past,” she said.

    Fabiyi said that the programme of activities at the festival would include seminars, congresses and sightseeing of tourism sites in the country,

    Others are cultural dances, fashion shows, boat regatta, Nigerian cuisine and historical relics of slave trade, among others.

    Fabiyi said that the festival would bring peace to all nations through spiritual events and pilgrimages culminating in healing of wounds of conflicts through tourism.

    She listed the old Osogbo palace, Ile-Ife bronze heads, first storey building in Nigeria, the Olumo rock, Slave prison in Lokoja and Aro-Chukwu shrine as some of the historical sites to visit.

    According to her, other sites will include the National Museums and Monuments, the Idanre hills, the Ikogosi warm spring, Point of no-return and the tomb of Jaja of Opobo, among others.

    She said that the events would result into “community building, spiritual renewal, respect for nature and cultural heritage of all peoples of the world, thereby enabling a balance in the spirit of place”.

     

  • NEPAD advocates adequate development of cassava

    NEPAD advocates adequate development of cassava

    The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) has advocated adequate development of the cassava sub-sector in order to enhance the cassava value chain.

    Mr. Chris Ezeh, the Chairman NEPAD Business Group Nigeria (NBGN), said this on Thursday at the group’s first Cassava Investment Forum in Abuja.

    Ezeh, who was represented by Dr Nike Akande, the Vice Chairman of the group, stressed the need to boost cassava production in the country for it to become a major contributor to the economy.

    He said that the forum aimed to attract substantial private investors and promote the cassava value chain programme.

    He observed that cassava could contribute to the earnings of the country and food security, if well harnessed.

    “It’s a food security crop that can transform the economy with about 24 million tonnes of annual cassava production.’’

    He noted that NEPAD had recognised cassava as a major crop in Africa, adding that it would continue to promote the crop.

    Ezeh commended the present administration for reviving the country’s cassava sub-sector by inaugurating the 20 per cent cassava flour inclusion in bread baking.

    In his remarks, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the Chairman, NEPAD Business Group, Africa, urged the Federal Government to strengthen its partnership drive with the private sector, to develop the cassava value chain.

    Represented by Mr. Dotun Ajayi, the Executive Director, Africa Business Roundtable (ABR), he said that NEPAD had recognised cassava as a powerful crop and had since set up the Cassava Development Initiative.

    Tukur, however, said that to develop the cassava value chain, governments should provide the necessary technology, access to finance with single digit interest rate and access to domestic and international markets.

    Earlier, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdul, NEPAD’s Assistant Director (Partnership) at the Presidency, said that the Federal Government was committed to the development of the cassava value chain.

    He urged the forum to come up with a realistic and implementable programme so as to enhance wealth creation and accelerate the development of the cassava sub-sector.

    Also speaking, Mr. Ousmane Dore, the Country Director of the African Development Bank (AfDB), welcomed the initiative by NEPAD to promote the cassava value chain programme.

    Dore recalled that the bank had identified three crops — cassava, rice and sorghum — under its support for the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).

    He gave the assurance that the AfDB was committed to pursuing active partnership with other developmental partners to transform the agriculture sector.

  • Heineken renews UEFA Champions League sponsorship

    Heineken has announced the extension of its sponsorship with the UEFA Champions League. The new agreement means that Heineken® the leading international, premium beer brand will continue as an official partner of the world’s most prestigious club football competition up to and including the 2017 / 2018 season.

    Heineken® has been an integral partner of the UEFA Champions League since 2005. The sponsorship allows Heineken® to elevate its global status as the world’s favourite beer.

    Last year, the UEFA Champions League reached a cumulative audience of more than four billion TV viewers in 220 countries and territories, whilst also continuing to support the brand’s growth.

    The Marketing Director Nigerian Breweries Plc, Walter Drenth, in his reaction to the renewal of the contract said, “The UEFA Champions League’s unrivaled international reach and professional standards make it the perfect match for Heineken®. It is one of the brand’s main engagement pillars, and as such we strive to constantly strengthen and broaden our activation through innovative marketing and our global footprint.”

    The contract renewal sees Heineken obtaining the rights to exclusive UEFA Champions League content, such as Back Stadium Tour and UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, presented by Heineken, which will be available across the brand’s owned social media channels, as well as maintaining the rights as presenting partner for UEFA Champions League Video section on www.uefa.com The deal with UEFA provides fertile ground for Heineken®’s innovative and award winning consumer focused campaigns. It also includes increase in exclusive LED pitch boarding exposure, and the right to promote the association in key retail channels.

    As part of its on-going ‘Road to the Final’ campaign, Heineken has also announced the dates and venues for the successful UEFA Champions League Trophy tour. 2014 represents the brand’s eighth consecutive Trophy Tour with a global itinerary that covers South America, Africa and Asia – giving fans across the world the opportunity to see the Trophy first-hand, meet superstar footballers and to see a fantastic range of UEFA Champions League memorabilia.

    In the detailed programme released yesterday, Buenos Aires, Argentina will be the first point of call between February 27th and March 2nd, followed by Lagos, Nigeria between March 13th to 16th before finally proceeding to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from April 3rd to 6th. More details of the programme will be available across the brand’s owned social media channels. This will be the first time since 2009 that UEFA Champions League followers in Nigeria will have the opportunity to see and get closer to the Trophy presented by Heineken.

    “It as rare privilege to offer our consumers in Nigeria the unique experience and thrill of the UEFA Champions League and the trophy tour presentation in Lagos for four days” said Mr Drenth.

    Senior Brand Manager Heineken, Jacqueline Van Faassen said “The Champions League sponsorship is the largest activation platform for the Heineken brand. In our eight year partnership, research has shown that Heineken® awareness has grown to 60 per cent among UEFA Champions League fans.” “We will continue to enrich fans’ experience of the UEFA Champions League through innovative campaigns encompassing social media, live screening events during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase and Final, retail activations enabling thousands of fans to experience the matches first-hand and of course the UEFA Champions League Trophy tour presented by Heineken® in Nigeria for the second time since 2009.”

    “Heineken® has been an integral partner of the UEFA Champions League since 2005. The exciting matches with eight months of engaging consumers are watched in every country, including Nigeria, where an ice cold Heineken can be enjoyed.

    “This season, Heineken will be giving 10 Nigerian consumers the opportunity to win tickets to the group stage and Final match live in Europe. The brand has partnered with 100 bars pan Nigeria to activate the “Match Your Half Ticket.”

  • Uke stampede: CD urges CAN to undertake investigation

    Uke stampede: CD urges CAN to undertake investigation

    The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has urged the South-East Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to constitute a panel of inquiry into the circumstances that lead to the Uke tragedy.

    In a statement signed by the Chairman and the Secretary of the CD, Mr. Uzor Uzor and Dr Jerry Chukwuokolo, respectively in Onitsha on Wednesday, they called on the zonal Chairman of CAN, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwumah, to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate the tragedy.

    The statement noted that the state government sponsoring a panel of inquiry into the matter would bias the outcome of the incident.

    “For equity and to check any possible manipulation, Anambra Government should hands-off the panel of inquiry and investigation into the Uke Adoration Ground tragedy on Saturday.

    “A tragedy that led to the loss of more than 28 lives in a holy and safe place, which included a six-month-old pregnant woman should not be swept under the carpet.”

    The statement warned politicians to steer clear of prayer grounds when doing their political campaigns in the interest of God and humanity.

    The CD enjoined the state government to ensure free treatment of all the injured survivors of the tragedy.

    “Anambra Government should, as a matter of necessity, pay a minimum of N20 million as compensation to the families of each of the dead victims of the tragedy.

    “The state should erect a monument at the entrance of the Uke Adoration Ground and construct two roads to the adoration ground,” it said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that in the early hours of Saturday, Nov. 2, there was a stampede at the Holy Ghost Adoration Centre, Uke, in Idemili South Local Government Area, in which 28 persons reportedly lost their lives with no fewer than 50 persons sustaining various degrees of injuries.

     

  • Robbery attack forces banks to close in Akure

    Commercial banks in Akure the Ondo State capital, closed operations on Wednesday following a robbery attack on a customer.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most of the banks were locked, while heavy security was noticed at the Alagbaka Area where many of the banks are located.

    Security operatives scrutinised vehicles but this did not affect the free flow of traffic in the area.

    A source told NAN that there was no attack on any banks, but a customer of one of the new generation banks was robbed after making withdrawals from his bank.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, told NAN that there was a reported case of robbery not bank robbery.

    Ogodo said that some hoodlums attacked a bank customer and snatched an unspecified amount of money from him.

    He said that men of the command, who responded immediately, were on the trail of the robbers.

    “It was robbery, not bank robbery; the gentleman withdrew money from his bank and the hoodlums snatched the money from him outside the bank and took off.

    “Our men are on their trail and we are sure they would be arrested and brought to book,” Ogodo said.

    While urging the people to go about the lawful business, the PPRO advised them not to hesitate to report any suspected criminals to the police