The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Edo Commissioners get portfolios

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State on Monday assigned portfolios to the 18 commissioners sworn-in in the state, last Friday, with six of them retaining their old portfolios.

    Those who retained their portfolios are Mr Louis Odion, Information;  Mr Clem Agba, Environment; Chief Lucky James, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Hon Abdul Oroh, Agriculture; Mr Ekpenisi Omorotiomwan, Education (Secondary, Tertiary and Technical) and Mr John Inegbedion, Finance.

    The other commissioners and their portfolios are: Mr Osarodion Ogie, Works; Mr Patrick Agwinede, Basic Education; Mr Chris Ebare, Water and Energy; Mr Francis Evbuomwan, Urban Development and Housing and Mr Henry Idahagbon, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

    The others are Mr Macdonald Obasuke, Commerce and Industry; Mrs Blessing Maigida, Special Duties; Mr Orobosa Omo-Ojo, Oil and Gas; Mrs Omorede Osifo, Youth and Sports; Mr Lawrence Aghedo, Economic Planning and Budget; Mr Isimeme Iriogbe, Transport and Mr Donald Osikhena-Boih, Lands and Survey.

  • Veteran actor Esiri for burial on April 12

    Veteran actor Esiri for burial on April 12

    Late veteran actor, Justus Esiri will be buried on April 12.

    There were  initially uncertainties on the actual dates for the burial programmes, as the family did not want the burial to clash with the ongoing Christian lent, traditional festivals and market days in Oria-Abraka, the deceased home town.

    George Esiri, younger brother to the deceased and spokesperson for the family told The Nation exclusively, that although dates have been fixed for the various activities that will lead to the interment of the late thespian, venues for the events are still on hold.

    Esiri said the activities will begin in Lagos with a Service of Songs slated for April 9. This, he said, will be followed by a Lying in State in his Mafoluku residence, and on April 10, a Mass at a Catholic Church, also in Lagos.

    The programme move  to Delta State where another Service of Songs will hold in Warri on April 11, and Lying in State and Interment in Abraka, on April 12.

    Late Esiri, popular for his role in the rested television series, ‘Village Headmaster’, died of Type 2 Diabetes on Tuesday February 19. He was an Officer of the Order of Niger (OON), a National Honours given to him by the Federal Government in 2012.

  • Governor, Ministers, stakeholders hold dialogue poverty

    Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, the Minister for National Planning, members of the national assembly, heads of government parastatals with mandate to address poverty and activists will on Tuesday, March 12 gather in Abuja for a high level national policy dialogue on poverty.
    The National Dialogue on Poverty, according to the orgernisers , ActionAid Nigeria,  is in response to” the obvious need for a rethink of the current response to poverty in Nigeria”.
     “The current Nigeria poverty profile, which incidentally is produced by a government agency, has shown that in spite of the many government policies and interventions on poverty, the incidence of poverty in Nigeria has worsened,” the Policy and Campaigns Manager of ActionAid Nigeria, Tunde Aremu stated.
     
    The worsening situation of poverty in the country, according to Aremu is a paradox given the fact that “in the last quarter of 2012, Nigeria’s GDP growth rate was put at 7.1 per cent.”
    “This is a feet none of the top economies in the world achieved at that time. In spite of its wealth, infant and maternal mortality index in the Nigeria is among the poorest in the world”
     
    This situation according to the anti-poverty agency though may not be as a result of lack of will on the part of government and its agencies to address the state of poverty in the nation, there is still an urgent need for a critical look at interventions currently in place.
    According to Aremu, “No doubt a lot of progress have been made in terms of development in the country, but it is important that there is an appreciation of the level of progress if the country must meet the goals of the MDGs and in a broader context achieve its Vision 20 2020.”
    The poverty dialogues according to ActionAid is therefore organised to “take a critical and result-driven look at the issue of failure of several interventions in poverty eradication and development in general.
    “It will also build consensus on what should constitute the appropriate strategy to deal with poverty in the country, while providing a platform for discourse on the challenges and realisation of the MDGs as it still presents one of the most encompassing framework for development”
    The poverty dialogue will feature a public discourse which  will  be led by an international specialist, Professor Adebayo Olukoshi, the Director of the UN African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP).
     
  • Jonathan, ministers laud Africa Magic awards

    Jonathan, ministers laud Africa Magic awards

    President Goodluck Jonathan has described the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) which held Saturday in Lagos  as  cultural liberation for Africa.

    Jonathan, who was represented at the event by Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke recalled that before the advent of Nollywood 20 years ago, Nigeria had relied on other countries for television and video dramas, but noted that the reverse is now the case.

    Two other  Ministers, Edem Duke of Culture and Tourism and Olusegun Aganga, Trade & Investment also graced the event.

    Jonathan noted that following the independence of most African countries in the 60s and 70s, the first thing on the mind of African leaders was political liberation. He said they nurtured political unity through the Organisation of African Unity, now known as African Union (AU), and on the economic side, through Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    “Africa recognised the fact that irrespective of the artificial boundaries that separate us, our needs and aspirations had no borders, ” he said adding  that celebrating African films through an awards scheme like the AMVCA was a cultural liberation of the continent from the western world.

    Aganga  who was full of praise for the award , analyzed the underlying economic potentials of the entertainment industry in the continent.

    He noted that Africa is described everywhere today as the last frontier. “Why because every of the largest and fastest growing economy are in Africa – last frontiers because when you invest in an industry like this, your minimum return is 20 to 30 percent; so Africa today, is a testimony for high growth, high return and value,” he said.

     

  • Razed hostel: Alumni alerts on plight of FGC Okigwe students

    Razed hostel: Alumni alerts on plight of FGC Okigwe students

    The National Executive Committee of the Federal Government College Okigwe Old Students Association (FEGOCOOKOSA) has alerted on the plight of the students of its alma matter who were rendered homeless by the burning of a section of their male hostel in Okigwe, Imo State.

    The Association following an on the spot assessment visit by the NEC of the Alumni on Friday, March 8,  urged the Federal Ministry of Education or its relevant agencies to initiate remedial measures to minimise the hardship on the affected students in view of the  impending rainy season.

    A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of FEGOCOOKOSA, Mazi Paul Ibe in Abuja weekend disclosed that over 100 students were affected in the inferno, which cause is yet-to-be determined.

    According to the statement, Principal of FGC Okigwe, Mrs Rose Nwachukwu and her two Vice Principals, House Master and three other teachers were on hand to receive the FEGOCOOKOSA team that also included Chairman of Owerri branch, Chief Leo Njoku.

    The school officials informed the visiting group that the fire out break occurred on March 1st, 2013, at about 9.30am while the students were attending classes in the morning.

    According to the statement a complete half wing of Charity House ( male hostel) was burnt down but was contained from affecting the second wing with the assistance of the Okigwe Fire Service. The entire roof, it’s roof carcass, ceiling, mattresses, students lockers and all their properties were completely burnt to ashes.

    The affected 112 students are now forced to squat with other students in different hostels.

    The Principal informed the alumni that the students have started their mock exams and so were not allowed to go back home to replenish their lost provisions and properties.

    Meanwhile the school authority had made interim arrangements of extra double bunks, mattresses, bed sheets and covers, basic provisions and toiletries while the Police is yet to unravel the cause of the fire out break.

  • Appiah,Ukeje,Omotoso shine at Africa Magic awards

    Appiah,Ukeje,Omotoso shine at Africa Magic awards

    The first edition of the much publicised Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held on Saturday night with popular Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah  and Nigeria’s emerging talent, OC Ukeje winning the Best Actress and Best Actor categories respectively. But the ovation was overwhelming for Nigerian filmmaker, Akin Omotoso, who did not only clinch the Best Director trophy, but also won in three other categories through his film, Man on Ground.

     Eko Hotel and Suites, venue of the event, pooled a large number of artistes from all sectors of the entertainment industry, as there was hardly any known entertainer who did not attend the show. Nigeria corpotate giants  , led by headline sponsors of the show, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through its Amstel Malta brand were also in attendance.

     Perhaps, portraying government’s solidarity for the motion picture industry was the presence of three serving Ministers: Edem Duke, Minister of Culture and Tourism; Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Trade & Investment, and Diezani Allison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum Resources, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the event.

     The award ceremony was broadcast live from Lagos to DStv and GOtv audiences in more than 50 countries across the continent of Africa.

     The AMVCAs, held in association with MultiChoice and Amstel Malta, recognised Africa’s best film and television talent in a glittering four hour ceremony, hosted by Big Brother’s IK Osakioduwa and StarGist’s Vimbai Muntinhiri.

     The pre-event red carpet captured all the glamour of the gala event with a team of on-air personalities, including Big Brother alumni Uti Nwachukwu and Nic Wang’ondu alongside Eku Edewor, Dolopo Oni, Sarah Hassan and Helen Paul.

     Big individual winners on the night included Nigeria’s Mercy Johnson (Best Actress – Comedy) for Dumebi – The Dirty Girl, Ghanaian Jackie Appiah (Best Actress – Drama) for Perfect Picture, Nigeria’s Hafiz Oyetoro (Best Actor – Comedy) for House a Part and his compatriot OC Ukeje (Best Actor – Drama) for Two Brides and a Baby.

     Category wins for Best Supporting Cast in a Drama went to Uganda’s Matthew Nabwiso for A Good Catholic Girl and Kenya’s Maureen Koech for Lies That Bind. The prestigious award for Best Director went to Akin Omotoso for Man on Ground. The Best Movie Overall and Best Television categories were the climax of the event, with Otelo Burning and The XYZ Show scooping the honours respectively.

     Rounding off an unforgettable night, veteran Nigerian actor, Olu Jacobs was named the recipient of the Industry Merit Award while AMBO girl, Ivie Okujaye, was declared the TrailBlazer of the Year.

    Organisers say that the judging panel was drawn from experienced personalities around the continent. The team was led by Nigeria’s Femi Odugbem. The jury were said to be responsible for selecting the winners in non-viewer voting categories. The panel included Antonio Katakwe, Charles Asiba, Desiree Markgraaff, Joyce Fissoo, Kole Omotoso, Linus Abrahams, Simon Ratcliffe, Steph Ogundele and Zik Zulu Okafor.

    One of the attractions on the night was a performance by Nigerian Afrobeat superstar, Femi Kuti. Other musical performances were rendered by Sauti Sol, Tiwa Savage, Banky W and Chidinma, along with Ghana’s Efya.

  • 2013 African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) Winners

    2013 African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) Winners

    Winners at the maiden edition of the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2013

    Best Costume Designer – Ngozi Obasi (The Mirror Boy)

    Best make up Artiste – Jacgui Bannermen (Otele Burning)

    Best Art Director – Anita Van Hermet & Chantel Carter (Otelo Burning)

    Best Lighting Design – Dave Howe (Otele Burning) Click read more to see the rest of the winners.

    Best Cinematography – Paul Michelson (Man on Ground)

    Best Writer in a Comedy – Tim Greene (Skeem)

    Best Local Language Swahili – Sameer Srivastava (The Ray of Hope)

    Best Local Language Hausa – A. Ali and Hafizu Bello (Faida Nura)

    Best Local Language Yoruba – Tunde Kelani (Maami)

    Best Television Series – Godfrey & Marie Lora-Mungai (The XYZ Show)

    Best writer Drama – Precious & Amaka Obi Emelonye. (The Mirror Boy)

    Best Short Film – Ngendo mukii (Yellow Fever)

    Best Actress in a Comedy – Mercy Johnson (Dumebi the Dirty Girl)

    Best Actor In A Comedy – Hafiz Oyetoro (House Apart)

    Best Supporting Actress In A Drama – Maureen Koech (Lies that Bind)

    Best Supporting Actor In A Drama – Mathew Nabwiso (A Good Catholic Girl)

    Best Actress In A Drama – Jackie Appiah (Perfect Picture)

    Best Actor In A Drama – O.C Ukeje (Two Brides And A Baby)

    Best Movie Director – Akin Omotoso (Man On Ground)

    Best Comedy Movie – Tim Greene (Skeem)

    Best Movie In A Drama – Obi Emelonye (The Mirror Boy)

    Best Movie Overall – Othelo Burning by Sara Blecher.

  • Obasanjo’s emergence in 1999 saved Nigeria- IBB

    Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on Saturday said  the emergence of  former President Olusegun Obasanjo as  President in 1999 saved the country from disintegration.
    Speaking on Kaduna based Liberty Radio Guest f the week programme monitored in Kaduna , Babangida said that the events in the country as at the time Obasanjo was elected in 1999 demanded a leader who was quiet conversant with the country and ready to war to keep the as country one.
    “We have to simplify a lot of things without going back to what happened before. The emergence of Obasanjo came about as a result of what happened in the country. The country was in a very serious crisis and we had to find solution to these problems. Therefore, we needed a leader, that leader who is known in the country.
    “We did not believe in foisting somebody who is not known. So we looked for a man who has been involved in the affairs of this country, who held position either in the military or in the cabinet who has certain believes about Nigeria.
    “For all of us that were trained in armed forces, there is the one believe that you cannot take away from us and that is the fact that we believe in this country. It is part of our training and we fought for this country.
    “So, when you have a situation like that, you need a leader that has all this attributes and quite frankly, Obasanjo quickly came to mind. Remember those days, the fight was against the north’s perpetuation. But here, we have one who knows the north, knows the south and who fought a war, who believes and he says it.
    “People with that type of connection, the people recognized you, and this is what we did in the case of Obasanjo. What he did is between him and the Nigerian people; but his emergence saves a lot of problem in Nigeria.  At least, we did not disintegrate because we believe he can go to war again, to keep this country”.
    Speaking on the formation of the All Progressive Congress (APC) he said “I am a firm believer in two party systems and I also studied the emergence of political parties in this country since after independence and it shows that this country will be heading for a 2 party system. You heard about the national alliances, parties coming from the north and aligning with those from the south, NEPU aligning with NCNC.
    “So when we came, we introduced the two party systems and democratically, you have to have a choice and you can vote without belonging to a political party. You vote for the quality of the man you want to represent you. So, it is nothing new because I believe in two parties and I see signs of the possible emergence of two party systems. So, I welcome it becuase it is good for the polity as well as the unity of this country.”

  • Kenyatta wins Kenyan presidential election.

    By a very slim margin, Uhuru Kenyatta, son of founding leader of Kenya has won the country’s presidential election.

    With 50.1% of the votes Kenyatta avoided a run off with Deputy Prime Minister, Raila Odinga who polled 43.3%

  • Nigeria to expand military cooperation with Pakistan- Ambassador

    Nigeria to expand military cooperation with Pakistan- Ambassador

    The Nigerian Ambassador to Pakistan Dauda Danladi has called for more military collaboration between Nigeria and Pakistan.

    He made the call during a meeting with President, National Defence University, Islamabad, Lt.General Nasser Khan Janjua last Monday.

    Danladi noted that the two countries enjoy very cordial military relations since 1960 and have been playing a vital role in promoting peace in the world by participating in military peace keeping under the United Nations Security resolutions.

    Over the years, many Nigerian military officers have been trained and are still undergoing training in various Pakistani military institutions while the Nigeria hope to benefit from Pakistan’s experience in the areas of training and counter-terrorism.

    Lt.  General Nasser  Janjua commended the excellent performance of the Nigerian Military Officers undergoing training at the National Defence University.

    Both leaders agreed that mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Nigeria need to go beyond training aspect and could extend to other areas for mutual benefit.

    Lt.  General Nasser  Janjua, President, National Defence University, Islamabad briefed the Nigerian Ambassador about the military training facilities at National Defence University which were lauded by the Nigerian diplomats.

    The Nigerian Ambassador Dauda Danladi delivered his lecture about the security environment in the African Continent to the foreign military participants under training at National Defence University, Islamabad.