The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Unilag: Two females emerge best graduating students

    Unilag: Two females emerge best graduating students

    The University of Lagos on Wednesday  held its golden jubilee convocation with  Miss Ibok Favour Asuquo of the department of Accounting and Miss Gabtony Flora Nkeiru of the department of Psychology emerging the  best  best graduating students.

    Miss Asuquo graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point, CGPA, of 4.89 while Miss Nkeiru followed closely graduating with a CGPA of 4.88.

    Speaking at the event, the  Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Rahhmon Bello said among the 2352 graduands from the six Faculties in the institution, an overall total of 91 graduating students graduated with First Class honours.

    He said as at the last convocation, the university has produced 147, 835 graduates many of whom he said are captains of industries and among the well to do in the society.

    He congratulated the graduating students, their parents, lecturers and other members of staff who contributed to their success.

    Also speaking at the convocation, the Pro-chancellor of the institution, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode said a convocation ceremony serves diverse purposes.

    He said, to some people, it is a period of reaping the fruits of ones labour, to others, it is a period of public recognition and commendation while some see it as a period of crowning glory during which students who have attained some skills and knowledge are formally given their licenses.

    He advised them to be good ambassadors of the university and wished them success in all their future endeavours as he pleaded with them not to join the multitude to do evil.

    “You have worked assiduously to acquire University education. You have acquired intellectual and professional skills which should be utilized for the benefit of the nation. I enjoin you to be good ambassadors in all that you do and play active roles in the Alumni association. Interaction with successful graduate of university will offer you the opportunity to contribute to your alma mater as you climb the success ladder of life.”

    He congratulated all parents, guardians and graduating students saying that they have been found worthy in learning and character for the award of various degrees of this university.

    While giving her convocation speech, Miss Asuquo expressed gratitude to God, her parents and other members of her family who supported her financially and emotionally towards her goal

    She advised other undergraduate to study hard and not forget their primary reason for coming to the university.

    She got N100, 000 for VC award for best  graduating student, N100, 000 for the UNILAG Alunmi Association award for best graduating student, N50, 000 for the Parents Forum award for best graduating student and N50, 000 for late Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Shofoluwe award also for best graduating student.

  • ‘South West regional integration should be devoid of politics’

    ‘South West regional integration should be devoid of politics’

    LEADERS of the Southwest states on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the regional Grassroots Business and Investments Forum (EXPO 2013) called on all the governments and people to join hands in building a prosperous zone.

    Prince Bola Ajibola, a former Attorney General of the Federation who was chairman at the ceremony organized by Vintage Press Limited, Publishers of The Nation held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital said political tendencies should be deemphasized in plotting the road to the future.

    The ex-Judge at the International Court of Justice, The Hague, was supported by a former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo who called on the governors to close ranks and return the region to the glorious days of the old Western Region.

    The two governors in attendance, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun and Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo toed the same lines in the thought-provoking speeches they delivered. Governor Aregbesola extended a hand of fellowship to Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State who was elected on the platform of Labour Party at a well-fought electoral battle last October. Aregbesola said: “Elections are over now and Its time for us all to come together in the interest of our people. It is about the protection and development of our territory.”

    Ajimobi said: “This is not about party politics. It is about governance. It is about the region. Each of the states has an area of strength. What we need is develop areas of comparative advantage for the overall interest of our people.” Ajimobi  listed the benefits accruable from regional integration and appealed to his Ondo state counterpart to embrace the idea for the benefit of the people of the region .
    Some of the benefits, he said, are consensus based decision making processes, elimination of conflict and unhealthy rivalry, holistic articulation and
    effective mobilisation of varieties of resources , and utilisation of community resources  to facilitate optimal delineation of development roles among
    the integrating units amongst others.
    He said the need for the South West, which used to be a hub of the defunct Western Region and her people to be united under one economic umbrella has
    been on the front burner .
    “It is on this note I want to urge my brother governor in Ondo to join in this unique effort by participating in the regional integration for the
    economic empowerment of our people. He ( governor Mimiko) should not see it as politics because it goes beyond it”, Ajimobi stressed .

    Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State who delivered the keynote address was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Ganiyu Owolabi. He also challenged all the people to brace up for a new era when the people would cooperate rather than see themselves as unhealthy competitors.

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State was represented by the Special Adviser on Agriculture, Mrs. Tinu Shopeju while Babatunde Fashola of Lagos was  represented by  his Special Adviser on Integration, Rev. Tunji Adebiyi.
    Ajibola said the achievements of governors in the zone were good enough to attract investments and  gave kudos to Aregbesola for progressive steps taken since he took  the reins of government in the state, describing him as the Omoluabi of Oodualand.

    Olunloyo said regional integration would correct many things that had been done wrong in the past, advising that politics should be de-emphasised in the agenda because “politics is a waste of valuable time.”
    Aregbesola, said the theme of the programme: “Actualising Economic Development for Regional Growth” was apt, noting that regional integration was meant to harness abundant resources within the South West to promote well being of the people and for socio-economic advancement of the people under responsive and responsible governments.

    He said: “We (new set of governments in the South West) inherited very bad situation. Because many good legacies were lacking, on assumption of office, we have to begin to work round the clock to make amends where necessary. In many situations we have to evolve strategic planning with strong involvement of the private sector and social groups.”

  • Intel Empowers NYSC Corps Members With Technology & Entrepreneurship Training.

    Intel Empowers NYSC Corps Members With Technology & Entrepreneurship Training.

  • Centenary Celebration Flag-off

    Centenary Celebration Flag-off

  • Parceled explosive for Okonjo- Iweala defused

    Parceled explosive for Okonjo- Iweala defused

    Two alleged Improvised Explosive Devices (IEAs) were Monday defused by  the police anti-bomb squad. They were planted directly in front of the post office in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

    The parcel was wrapped and addressed to the Minister of Finance.

    The Post Master General, (PMG) of the Federation, Mr. Ibrahim Mori- Baba, said the parcel was planted last Friday by a man he described as insane. He said he could not confirm if it was a bomb or otherwise.

    He said the security operative told reporters that they would do their job and determine if what exploded was a bomb.

    Mori – Baba said:

    “What happened was that on Friday, somebody just came, we couldn’t understand whether that person is a sane person or not

    “He wanted to go to the post office but unfortunately for him, the gate was closed and he couldn’t have access to our building and he left the so called parcel by the main gate. I call it so called parcel because, any parcel that could got through the process, there are processes that have to be done and these include weighing of the parcel and then determine how much the sender will pay.

    “We will also examine the parcel in the sender’s presence. We will bring out the content to see what you are about to send. In this case, this person left the parcel there and went inside and bought stamps and pasted it on it to indicate as if the thing went through our process.

    “ I want to say that it didn’t go through our process, the man just wanted to camouflage to say that he has already posted it therefore we needed to deliver it. That parcel was not processed. The police came and they were able to examine it. Eventually they found something suspicious and it was a bomb,” the post master general said.

     

  • Nigeria hits AFCON semi finals

    Nigeria hits AFCON semi finals

    …Pips Cote d’Ivoire 2-1

    Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday defeated tournament favourites Cote d’ Ivoire 2-1 in the quarter final match of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    One goal in each sent the Ivoirians, widely tipped to win the tournament packing.

    The Nigerians clearly the underdogs in this match took the game to the Elephants from the blast of the whistle and deservedly took the lead in the 41st minute through Emmanuel Emenike whose unstoppable shot from the edge of the eighteen yard box flew past Boubakar Bary in goal for the Ivoirians.

    The Elephants came out smoking in the second half in search of the equalizer which duly arrived in the 55th minute through Cheik Tiote who took advantage of a mix-up in the Nigerian defence to power a header past Vincent Enyeama.

    With score standing at 1-1 the two teams went out in search of the winning goal and Enyeama’s superb double saves prevented the Ivoirians from going in front in the 73rd minute.

    Nigeria went ahead in the 76th minute through Sunday Mba who struck an unstoppable volley past Bary.

    From then it was a ding-dong affair and the Nigerians held on to secure a famous victory over the much heralded Didier Drogba- led Ivoirians.

    Nigeria will meet Mali in one of the semi final matches on Wednesday.

     

     

     

     

  • How Nigeria can defeat Cote d’Ivoire

    How Nigeria can defeat Cote d’Ivoire

    Ahead of Sunday’s crucial match against Cote d’Ivoire, we asked our Twitter followers @thenationnews what message they have for Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi and the players.

    Here are ten responses for Keshi and the players to take seriously.

    Victory starts from d mind, dedication in all passes, just deliver by all means possible.

    Adeniba  Adesina

    Play without fear and pray without doubt.

    Alade Abiodun

    Don’t use Amhed Musa at all.

    L.A Durodola

    Park d bus, attack on the counter, takes your chance.

    Theophilus   Ilevbare

    Concentrate and be focused, avoid mistakes and gain more possession of the ball.

    Amahie Martins

    He should be serious and shouldn’t take Nigerians integrity for granted. Nigerians need GOALS on Sunday!

    Caleb Adams

    Park the bus, attack on the counter take your chance.

    Douglas Baye-Osagie

    The coach tactical discipline and the players give your very best and every chance that comes your way. The Best of success

    Oluwaseun  Raji

    Go an extra mile.

    Sylverdude

  • INDONESIAN PRESIDENT’S VISIT

    INDONESIAN PRESIDENT’S VISIT

  • Over 40% Nigerians are hungry, says expert

    Efforts by successive governments at addressing food security in the country are yet to provide the desired result as over 40 percent of Nigerians do not have sufficient food on daily bases, a University teacher, Professor Babatope Alabadan, has disclosed.

    He also said that globally, over 800 million people, including 300 million children, go to bed hungry daily due to food insecurity.

    Alabadan who made these assertions yesterday while delivering the 25th inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, titled, ”Housing and Food Security: Now and in the Future- Lessons from the Termites”, said  the three tiers of government in the country must go beyond paying lip service to food security by ensuring that the people have physcial, economic and social access to food, if Vision 20:2020 is to be accomplished.

    The professor of agricultural engineering blamed the food shortages in the country on huge food losses due to inadequate storage facilities, a development which he said has continued to affect the country’s economy and possess a threat to her national security.

    To this end he said the three tiers of government in the country should embark on mass construction of capacity Silos, especially for small scale farmers in order to reduce food losses and increase local supplies.

    He lamented that despite the favorable natural condition for food production in the country, food is still being imported into the country to meet up demand because of huge food losses at the expense of the economy of the country.

    Enumerating the dangers of food losses to the nation and the world at large, Alabadan stressed that food losses represent a significant cost to the economy and greatly impacts on the nation’s ability to feed the world, emphasizing that losses affect food quality and safety, economic development and the environment.

    He then urged the federal government to establish agricultural estates and farmsteads in every state and local governments pointing out that in addition to increasing food production, it will create jobs and reduce poverty which will be in line with the attainment of the transformation agenda and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

  • Call for participation in U.S TechWomen programme

    Call for participation in U.S TechWomen programme

    Call for participation in U.S TechWomen programme

    Alade Abiodun

    TechWomen, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has invited applications from emerging women leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM.)

    Participants will be drawn from the Middle East and Africa together with their counterparts in the United States for the professional mentorship and exchange program in the Fall of this year.

    Applicants must be women who are permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

    Deadline for interested participants in the programme scheduled for Fall of 2013 is February 22.

    The program will identify approximately 80 women who are emerging leaders and entrepreneurs working in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) from the Middle East & Africa for a five-week program  including mentorships and professional exchanges at leading companies in Silicon Valley, California, concluding with workshops, networking events and meetings in Washington, D.C.

    During the five-week program, participants engage in project-based mentorships at leading companies in Silicon Valley, participate in workshops and networking events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and travel to Washington, D.C. for targeted meetings and special events to conclude the program.

    Each Emerging Leader will be paired with a Professional Mentor who works closely with the participant to design and carry out a project at the host company. The Professional Mentor offers guidance and support throughout the mentorship. Emerging Leaders also participate in professional enrichment activities that include leadership and entrepreneurship workshops, technology seminars and networking events.

    Each TechWomen Emerging Leader will also be paired with a Cultural Mentor who facilitates activities to deepen mutual understanding and help the participant acclimate to the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley culture. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour national landmarks while in Washington, D.C.

    Past activities have included sightseeing, art exhibits, sporting events, and visits to local universities.

    Participants are women who are engaged or rising in professional careers that require significant expertise and knowledge of STEM fields and/or innovative application of these skills, and who already are —or show promise of being— role models for women and girls.

    Preference will be given to applicants Who have demonstrated themselves as emerging leaders in STEM fields;  have limited or no prior experience in the United States; have a record of voluntary or public service in their communities; have demonstrated entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation.

    While participating in the program, applicants are not permitted to apply for immigrant visa to the United States, or participated in a visa lottery in the past five years and not hold U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident.

    TechWomen, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs was launched by the outgoing Secretary of State of the United States of America, Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2011, with the vision of “smart power diplomacy” embracing the full range of diplomatic tools, including technology, to bring people together for greater understanding and to empower women and girls worldwide.

    Interested participants should visit www.techwomen.org/how-to-apply/ or send e-mail to techwomen@iie.org.