The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Sanusi seeks diversification in infrastructure financing

    Sanusi seeks diversification in infrastructure financing

    The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, on Monday called on the Federal Government to consider diversification in sourcing funds for infrastructure development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Sanusi made the call at the 2nd Biennial Regional Conference of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, held in collaboration with the CBN in Lagos.

    He said the country could diversify by tapping into the international bond market, which he referred to as being “very liquid.”

    Sanusi said that many international investors were interested in financing infrastructure in African countries.

    He said that an option for the development of infrastructure was Diaspora funding, whereby funds remitted home by Nigerians abroad could be used to finance local infrastructure.

    The CBN governor said that another option was Islamic finance, which he said, was a cheaper option.

    Sanusi said the British prime minister announced last week that the government would issue 200 billion pounds bond to finance infrastructure in the United Kingdom.

    He noted that the British Government was interested in achieving this through Islamic finance.

    Sanusi said that governments in countries like South Africa, Kenya and Senegal had all tapped into the market.

     

     

  • Blame elites for our problems – Sultan

    Blame elites for our problems – Sultan

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar on Monday blamed the elite for most of the challenges facing the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abubakar said this when members of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the proposed National Dialogue paid him a courtesy visit in Sokoto.

     

    “The elites are the main problems of Nigeria and most of the woes of the nation as they are now, were brought about by them.

    “The elites are the problems and not the teeming masses of the country who are toiling daily, to put food on their tables.

    “Most of the leaders have gone astray and they forgot the Day of Judgment. On that day we will account for our deeds and leadership before God,” Abubakar said.

    The Sultan, who said he welcomed the idea of the proposed national conference, urged that all the thorny issues should be squarely addressed.

    “Blames should be apportioned where they are supposed to be apportioned. We should also remember that life is a passing phase,” the Sultan, said.

    Abubakar advised leaders to practice the teachings of their religion.

    “If we had done that, as Christians and Muslims, and as leaders and followers, this proposed conference would not have been a necessity,” the monarch said.

    He commended the committee for going round the country to collate the views and aspirations of Nigerians.

    The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Femi Okurounmu had earlier told the Sultan that the visit was to pay their respect to him as a committed leader.

     

  • Strike: ASUU, Mark in marathon meeting

    Strike: ASUU, Mark in marathon meeting

    Senate President, David Mark and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, on Monday held over three hours meeting aimed at resolving the lingering strike by the union.

    The closed door meeting was said to be at the instance of Mark.

    It was held at Mark’s National Assembly office with ASUU President, Nasir Fagge and other top officials of the union in attendance.

    Though Mark declined comment at the end of the meeting, Fagge described the intervention of the Senate President in the strike as “a welcome development.”

    The Senate in plenary had last week mandated Mark to intervene in the over four months strike with a view to getting ASUU members back to the classrooms.

    Fagge told journalists that the Senate President invited them to brief him about the issues at stake

    He noted that Mark wanted to understand what the problems are

    Fagge said, “We have used the opportunity of our meeting to inform him what the problem is to enable him take appropriate step in the matter.

    “We robbed minds and we keep saying that every intervention to get this problem resolved and allow us to go back to our classes and teach the students will be acceptable to the union.

    “So the intervention by the Senate President is a welcome development but we will await the outcome of the intervention.”

    Asked whether the strike will be called off, the ASUU boss declined comment.

     

  • Hayatou to Eaglets: Win U-17 World Cup

    Hayatou to Eaglets: Win U-17 World Cup

    The President, Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou, has charged the Golden Eaglets to set a tournament record by winning a fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

    Hayatou gave the charge during a visit to the camp of the Golden Eaglets in the UAE.

    A statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation, said that Hayatou visited the team in company of CAF’s first Vice-President, Almamy Camara, and Mohamed Raouraoua, a FIFA Executive Committee member.

    “You have displayed a high level of skills and intelligence in this tournament that we have not seen in an African team for a long time.

    “I am not surprised at your progress because I saw you at the African U-17 Championship in Morocco and I was highly impressed.

    “I am particularly excited with your performance against Uruguay, in spite of missing a number of injured players.

    “I believe you are already in the final. The African football family is fully behind you,” Hayatou was quoted in the statement as saying.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the CAF boss urged the Eaglets to forget the country’s triumphs in the past and focus on writing their own names in gold.

    He said: “Nigeria has won the competition three times before, but that was done by other players.

    “Now, it is your opportunity to write your own names in gold. I believe you have the talent, intelligence and resilience to go all the way.”

    The President of the NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, assured that the Eaglets would be fully motivated to go all out against the Swedes in Tuesday’s semi-final tie at the Rashid Stadium, Dubai.

    Eaglets Coach, Manu Garba, called his boys “great warriors of Africa”, noting that Hayatou’s visit was a massive motivation.

    Garba assured that the Eaglets cannot fail Africa at this stage.

    “We will take our remaining challenges in the tournament one at a time, starting with the semi-final game against Sweden on Tuesday evening.”

     

  • Late Speaker a politician of considerable standing – Suntai

    Late Speaker a politician of considerable standing – Suntai

    Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Danfulani Suntai, has described the death of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Tsokwa as a loss to not just to the state but Nigerian democracy as a whole.

    Tsokwa died of heart related ailments on Monday.

    The governor in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa, described the deceased as a politician of considerable standing.

    “Tsokwa represented Takum 1 constituency in the state House of Assembly since 2007 and has performed creditably well.

    “The speaker died at a time when Taraba State is confronted with mild political crisis expected in a vibrant democracy such as ours.

    “He will be remembered for his ability to stand firm by any cause he believed in and his contribution to the democratic experience in Taraba State,” the statement said.

     

     

     

  • Fire guts Great Nigeria House

    Fire guts Great Nigeria House

    … Hoodlums attack fire fighters

    There was pandemonium on Monday following an early morning inferno that razed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance Company Limited’s house in Lagos Island.

    The commercial building, which is located along Martins Street, off Balogun, Marina, Lagos Island, housed banks and other businesses.

    Although properties worth millions have been destroyed, no life was lost, as workers in the premises were yet to resume work when the fire started.

    It was learnt that occupants of the complex, who had arrived early discovered there was fire on the first floor of the edifice.

    At the time of filing this report (12pm) both Federal and State Fire Services were still battling to quench the inferno.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA); the Police; Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) are on ground to manage the situation.

    Confirming the situation, the state Fire Service Director, Raqaz Fadipe said the fire started at about 6:30am.

    He said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained at the moment, adding “we have to put out the fire first before carrying out investigation into the cause.”

    NEMA’s South West Spokesman, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the agencies were trying to ensure the fire does not get to the fourth floor of the building.

    “We are working hard to make sure it does not escalate because at the back of the building is a residential area.

    “The fire fighters are using aerial equipment and we have also solicited the assistance of the military to bring the situation under control,” he said.

    Meanwhile, fire service personnel battling Monday’s Great Nigeria House inferno were attacked by areas boys at the scene of the incident.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a yet to be identified fire service personnel was injured and taken away for medical attention, while another hoodlum got injured as a result of stampede.

     

     

  • Taraba Speaker dies of heart ailments

    Taraba Speaker dies of heart ailments

    Taraba state is in grieving mood over the death of the Speaker, Haruna Tsokwa.

    Tsokwa died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo –the state capital in the early hours of Monday.

    He was 47 years.

    The FMC’s Medical Director, Dr. Wizard Inusa, declined comment on what killed the man who, until the tragedy, was thought to be well.

    Undisclosed sources said he died of “heart-related ailments.”

    His aides said he slumped at home before he was rushed to the hospital, from where he gave up the ghost.

    This is not the first time the deceased slumped, a family source told The Nation.

    Tsokwa was nominated to lead the state Christian pilgrimage to Israel on November 3 but could not travel on health grounds when he reportedly slumped last week.

    The Taraba State House of Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Timothy Iyard, who officially confirmed the demise of the Speaker to journalists, only said the deceased died of “brief illness.”

    The Speaker’s body was moved from the FMC and deposited at a mortuary in the Specialist Hospital, Jalingo.

    The deceased was representing Takum I constituency in the state Assembly.

    He became Speaker on April 22, after former Speaker Istifanua Haruna Gbana was impeached by the House.

    Tsokwa had led 15 lawmakers, out of the 24-member Assembly, to stop Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai from resuming duty, in spite of the letter the recuperating governor transmitted to the Assembly on his readiness to resume duty.

    Instead, he transmitted power to the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, to continue to act, insisting that Suntai should return to the United States for further treatment.

    Suntai, exasperated by the affront, filed litigation against the late Speaker and majority of the lawmakers, praying the court to give judicial interpretation of Section 190(2) of the Constitution –a Provision which deals with transmission of letter and resumption of work by a governor after prolonged absence.

    The matter was referred to the Appeal Court following the inability of the parties to settle out of court.

    Tsokwa had come under attack by unknown gunmen during a trip along Akwanga-Abuja Road in which his security aide was shot and later died.

    His community in Takum had opposed his stand against the recuperating governor.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Morsi arrives for tense Egypt’s trial

    Morsi arrives for tense Egypt’s trial

    Egypt’s ousted President, Mohammed Morsi, has arrived in court in Cairo where he is due to go on trial, state media say.

    He and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood figures face charges of inciting the killing of protesters in clashes outside the presidential palace.

    BBC reports that security services are on high alert after supporters of the former president called for major protests.

    Mr. Morsi was ousted by the military in July after protests against his rule.

    According to state TV, he arrived at the courtroom, inside the Police Academy in Cairo. Other key Brotherhood figures, Essam el-Erian, Mohammed al-Beltagi and Ahmed Abdel Aati are also there.

    While Mr. Morsi was airlifted into the compound by helicopter, other defendants were said to have been brought in by armoured personnel carriers.

    The former president was seen from a distance in civilian clothes, Egyptian radio reported – his first appearance in public since he was ousted on July 3.

    The trial had been due to take place at Tora prison on the other side of Cairo but had been switched late on Sunday, apparently to deter protesters.

    Shortly after Mr. Morsi’s arrival, a small crowd arrived and began chanting outside the sprawling police compound more than one hour’s drive from the centre of the city. The crowd soon grew to number some 200.

    Although Mr. Morsi won the presidency in a democratic election, during his 13 months in power he fell out with key institutions.

    The ex-president is accused of “incitement to murder and violence” over the deaths of at least 10 people during intense clashes in December 2012 which followed a decree that gave him wide-ranging powers.

     

     

  • Haruna disappointed by ‘Eagles snub’

    Haruna disappointed by ‘Eagles snub’

    Lukman Haruna has said he was disappointed not to be picked by Nigeria for a World Cup playoff against Ethiopia.

    Dynamo Kiev midfielder Haruna has been on superlative form for his Ukrainian club and had hoped he would be recalled for a November 16 World Cup playoff return leg clash against Ethiopia in Calabar.

    Coach Stephen Keshi had even hinted on a possible recall for Haruna, Hull City winger Sone Aluko and Gabriel Reuben, but only Reuben made the list released on Sunday.

    The former U-17, U-20 and Olympic team star told MTNFootball.com: “I am sad but I am still positive that I will get my chance.

    “I was very happy when I heard the coach said he would consider me for the Italy game but now that I am not listed, it only means I should work extra hard and that is exactly what I will do. I will continue to work hard and keep my form

    “It’s been three years since I played for the Eagles and every day I put in my best in my club and my form and performance this season has been evidence of my hard work but I need to do more.”

    Haruna has scored four goals for Dynamo Kiev this season.

     

  • Keshi names Eagles team against Ethiopia, Italy

    Super Eagles’ chief coach Stephen Keshi has listed Kenneth Omeruo, Reuben Gabriel and 23 others for the team’s preparations for the Nov. 16 return leg clash with Ethiopia.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Assistant Director (Media) of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Ademola Olajire, released on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match is the reverse fixture in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Playoff, with the Eagles holding a first leg 2-1 advantage.

    NAN reports that the Eagles will host the Walyas of Ethiopia at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, after winning 2-1 on Oct. 13 in Addis Ababa.

    The statement said Omeruo, a Chelsea FC defender, and Gabriel of Scottish clubside Kilmarnock FC will report to camp alongside others at the Metropolitan Transcorp Hotel in Calabar on Nov. 11.

    It added that the 25 players will also feature for the team against Italy in a friendly match on Nov. 18 in London.

    The list has three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and six strikers.

    The team’s stand-in skipper, Vincent Enyeama, was invited alongside goalkeepers Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim, while South Africa-based defender James Okwuosa also kept his place.

    Strikers Obinna Nsofor and Uche Nwofor also kept their places in the team.

    The full list has goalkeepers Enyeama (Lille FC, France), Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel) and Agbim (Rangers International).

    It also has defenders Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal) Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC), Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland), Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars) and Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey).

    The other defenders invited to camp are Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa) and Omeruo.

    The midfielders include Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England), Victor Moses (Liverpool

    FC, England), John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal) and Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy).

    The rest midfielders are Nnamdi Oduamadi (Brescia Calcio 1911, Italy), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain), Sunday Mba (Rangers) and Gabriel.

    The strikers include Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England) and Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey).

    The other strikers are Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Uche Nwofor (SC Heerenveen, The Netherlands).(NAN)

    – See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/11/omeruo-gabriel-return-keshi-names-25-ethiopia-italy/#sthash.EAuR0aNy.dpuf