The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • PDP will bounce back in Ekiti, says chieftain

    By Emmanuel Oladesu

    EKITI State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Otunba Bisi Kolawole has said the party will bounce back in future elections.

    He enjoined members to gird their loins, saying that the future is bright.

    There was jubilation in the state by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the victory of Senator Biodun Olujimi at the Court of Appeal.

    Olujimi was declared senator-elect for Ekiti South District by the court, which ruled that Prince Dayo Adeyeye was declared winner of the March poll by the Umpire in error.

    Many party followers thronged the state party secretariat along Ikere road, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, to rejoice with the former deputy governor.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Appeal Court sacks Adeyeye, declares Olujimi winner

     

    Also, towns people stormed her residence at Omuo-Ekiti country home, singing party songs and dancing.

    PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member Kolawole, a former Environment Commissioner, said the verdict showed that the party will definitely bounce back as a formidable opposition in the state.

    Kolawole, who is a state chairmanship aspirant, congratulated Olujimi, urging her to double her efforts in playing her leadership role in her district and state.

    Former House of Assembly member Afolabi Akanni hailed Olujimi for her belief in the judiciary, adding that a stolen mandate had been retrieved.

    He said: “Those who have written off PDP in Ekiti should have a rethink. We are bouncing back. I congratulate Senator Olujimi, PDP and the people of Ekiti South.”

    A chieftain, Bobby Jeje said the verdict has rekindled hope among members that the future of the party is bright in the state.

    He urged party members to build on the foundation of success by conducting a peaceful congress for the election of state chairman and other party officers.

     

  • ‘Johnson, an incorruptible governor’

    Former Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has commiserated with the family and associates of former Lagos State military Governor Mobolaji Johnson.

    He described the deceased as a professional soldier and incorruptible administrator.

    Obanikoro said in a statement that Johnson fought the infrastructure battle, adding that he laid a good foundation for successive governments.

    He said: “It is indeed a big loss to Lagos, Nigeria and humanity. A fine soldier and gentleman. One of the founding fathers of Lagos State.

    Read Also:  Fayemi, Ambode mourn ex-Lagos gov Mobolaji Johnson

     

    “A state they fought for and created in order to give indigenous people of the state a sense of pride and ownership within the Nigerian state.

    “He set a standard of service that became a model for all his successors. A man of class and decency. He will be missed.”

    Obanikoro charged Johnson’s children to sustain his legacies of contentment, faith in Lagos State and belief in Nigeria.

    He said future generations will continue to salute his coverage and pathfinding contributions to the growth and development of Lagos.

  • Cleaning NDDC Augean stables

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to probe the finances of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), following a meeting with governors from the region, has set in motion a chain of activities. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI reports.

     

    THE move by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the finances of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has elicited reactions from many stakeholders and Nigerians in general. “With the amount of money the Federal Government has allocated to the NDDC, we‘d like to see the results on the ground; those that are responsible for that have to explain certain issues,” the President said.

    The presidency had reportedly been bombarded with petitions in the past five years over allegations of unwholesome activities at the NDDC. Some of these include the award of shoddy contracts and project abandonment.

    President Buhari ordered the probe after a meeting with governors from states in the Niger Delta region, led by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State. The governors had expressed their dissatisfaction with the operations of the commission, among other things. Such a swift response suggests that he must have been toying with the idea of sanitizing the agency before the governors’ visited him.

    The President said what was on the ground in the region does not justify the huge resources that have been made available to the organisation. A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, quoted the President as saying: “I try to follow the Act setting up these institutions, especially the NDDC. With the amount of money that the Federal Government has religiously allocated to the NDDC, we will like to see the results on the ground; those that are responsible for that have to explain certain issues. The projects said to have been done must be verifiable. You just cannot say you spent so many billions and when the place is visited, one cannot see the structures that have been done.  The consultants must also prove that they are competent.”

    The idea has generated a positive response. Many of the respondents welcomed the development, with some expressing skepticism that nothing will come out of it at the end of the day. For instance, BudgIT, a civic organisation that applies technology to make budgets and public data more engaging, says it is fully in support of the probe. It said since inception in 2000, the NDDC has received at least $40 billion (N15 trillion) for projects in oil-rich Niger Delta, yet it has failed to achieve its mandate for the people of the Niger Delta.

    Similarly, the Chairman, Niger Delta Civil Society Coalition, Mr. Anyakwee Nsirimovu, Nsirimovu said the commission has been plagued by accountability since its establishment. He said it was common for project files to suddenly disappear in a bid to cover up financial misdeeds. He said the group would sustain pressure on the President for an overhaul of the NDDC to achieve its mandate for oil-producing areas.

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has also welcomed the audit. It urged the Buhari administration to extend the audit to “other national interventionist organisations” like the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). In a statement, it urged the government to make public the names of beneficiaries of contracts over the period under review.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Omo-Agege in text war over NDDC board

     

    The statement by its National Chairman, Mr. Idongesit Nkanga, Deputy National Chairman, Chief Francis Doukpola and National Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Betty Igbeji, said PANDEF decries the poor state of critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta, particularly roads. The group wants the Federal Government and relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to give immediate and urgent attention to roads in the region.

    Aye Georgina Dakpokpo, a legal practitioner and National Chairman of the Young Democratic Party (YDP), equally said it is a good idea, but she wants the government to extend the probe to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which is widely regarded as a cesspool of corruption.

    In the wake of this development, the NDDC has accused the Southsouth governors of plotting to hijack the commission. Its spokesman, Mr. Charles Odili, said the governors who went to visit Buhari did so out of a desire to hijack the agency because they belong to the opposition party.

    Monima Daminabo, a media consultant, disagrees. He said the law that sets up the commission gives the governors a responsibility to intervene in the affairs of the commission. He said the NDDC act provides that the governors of the designated states constitute a Niger Delta Advisory Development Committee along with two nominees of the President and that the functions assigned to the committee are two-fold.

    His words: “Firstly, is to advise the NDDC board and secondly to monitor the activities of the entire commission. The dormancy of this committee had remained a sore point in the relationship between the commission and the respective state governors of the region.

    “It is significant that even the recently sacked Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Professor Nelson Brambaifa, had spiritedly canvassed the reconstitution of the advisory committee to provide a nexus between the agency and the political leadership of the zone.

    “Therefore, the governors of the zone have a statutory basis for intervening in the affairs of the commission, while their isolation from the system could also have been a contributory factor to the recorded spate of recklessness in executing its mandate in the region.”

    Daminabo who hails from the Niger Delta added: “Many Nigerians who have been in close contact with the political associates of the NDDC leadership easily attest to the sudden flight from rags to riches scenarios among such persons. Meanwhile, this is just as abandoned projects are abundant all over the place. Hence, as outlandish as it may sound, public expectation borders on a complement of restorative measures.

    “In one vein is the drastic restructuring of the agency back to its founding vision from which it derailed years ago. Secondly, is the recall of several past officials to come and render an account of their questionable stewardship, and a new operational template for the agency.”

    Former House of Representatives spokesman and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Eseme Eyiboh cannot understand why people are raising eyebrows over current developments within the NDDC. He said sovereignty belongs to the people and that there is no public officer that cannot be held accountable to the people. He said the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godswill Akpabio is interested in seeing the end of the rot in the commission.

    Eyiboh said: “When there is a gap on the issue of responsibility, there is the need for questions to be asked and explanations are expected. Now, the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godswill Akpabio is an officer in the temple of justice. He had said let us keep the field open, keep the pool clean and have a clean slate. He said the interim management is intended not to soil its hands. They should be allowed to supervise the management of the forensic audit.”

    Eyiboh said there was a forensic audit at the NNPC and that there is no reason why the NDDC should be an exception. He said: “The new executives should not inherit the burden. It is imperative to have an interim management to look at whatever they are doing at the NDDC. So, there is no reason for people to panic. Leadership is a responsibility that must be accounted for at any time. They should stop personalizing the issue with Akpabio. NDDC is supposed to be an interventionist agency and it is expected to live up to expectations. To achieve that, things must be done properly. I don’t care about the semantics, but about the process. It is a well-deserved process.”

    The former National Assembly member hailed the courage and determination of the Acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Mrs. Osato Iyasere Arenyeka to fight corruption within the agency. He said: “I read in the papers today how the acting managing director of the NDDC said a particular company receives one billion naira every month, as consultancy fee, for collecting three per cent of money from an international oil company on behalf of the NDDC. If that is true, the question you and I should ask is, why can’t the international oil company pay this three per cent into the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account of the NDDC? It goes to show that when people hear a probe, they become afraid. We must address our minds to the issues on the ground. The intention of democracy is to make a government of the people, for the people and by the people.”

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice-Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Eddy Olafeso, said over the years the NDDC has failed to meet the objectives of those who fought for its establishment, which is to champion the development of the region that sustains the whole country. He said: “I am not against any form of investigation to ensure that the nation’s resources are used aright. You have the last four years under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the subsequent years under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    ‘As part of the attempts by the Federal Government to assuage the feelings of the people of the region, the NDDC was established in 2000, to replace the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission (OMPADEC)’

    “If anything comes up that is not right and in line with the constitution of the country, you have to bring such a system to book. It is right to look at those who have taken the money and have not done the jobs.”

    The Niger Delta has been a hotbed of activities since the early 1990s, when the late Ken Saro-Wiwa tried to lead a rebellion against the Federal Government over the plight of the region and paid dearly with his life. But, there was a release of pent up feelings, following the return to civil rule in 1999, as Niger Delta militants declared full-scale war in 2004. The militants had demanded justice, on the premise that the region that lays the golden egg in the Nigerian economy was neglected over the years. The major grouse of the militants centres on lack of accountability on the part of past governments and multinational oil corporations, which merely exploited the resources of the region without ensuring a meaningful development for the people who inhabit the area.

    As part of the attempts by the Federal Government to assuage the feelings of the people of the region, the NDDC was established in 2000, to replace the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission (OMPADEC). This was complemented by the launching of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan in 2007, the establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in 2008 and the presidential amnesty programme in 2009. Earlier, the 1995 Constitutional Conference had recommended 13 per cent derivation for the development of oil-producing communities and this was enshrined in 1999 Constitution.

    The idea was to use oil money to develop other resources of revenue and develop the quality of life, by building infrastructure and building human capital in the region. But, like many other things related to politics and governance in the country, all these lofty ideas have not yielded much meaningful results for the people. For instance, it is common knowledge that the NDDC is not run like a private entrepreneurial establishment, where merit and performance is key. Rather, political affiliation and patronage determine those that get appointed into the board and management of the commission. So, it is difficult to hold them accountable.

    But President Buhari appears determined to chart a new course. How far he will go in this regard, is another matter.

  • NIMASA donates relief materials

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has restated its commitment to the well-being of disaster victims in the country.

    Its Director-General, Dr Dakuku Peterside, stated during the presentation of food items and other materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    The agency said, Dakuku, who was represented by the NIMASA’s Director, Special Duties (External Relations and Technical Cooperation), Hajia Lami Tumaka,  said: “This is part of the nation-wide donation of diverse forms of relief materials to people displaced as a result of the 2019 flood disaster that submerged some parts of the state and some other states across the country.

    “It is a continuation of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which have taken place in some states and are still on-going.”

    The Southsouth Zonal Coordinator of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Walson I. Brandon, who received the relief materials for flood disaster victims and  IDPs in Tai, Andoni, and Opobo-Nkoro local government areas of the state, appreciated NIMASA for the gesture and appealed to other corporate organisations and individuals to emulate the agency.

    Brandon said: “The agency is ever grateful for this kind gesture and it would not be forgotten in a hurry. We call on well-meaning Nigerians also and corporate institutions to emulate NIMASA.’’

     

    We assure that the items donated would be judiciously distributed to the affected persons with the aim of alleviating their suffering.”

     

    The DG told the representatives of NEMA that NIMASA would vigorously pursue the improvement of the welfare of Nigerians, and urged the coordinator to ensure judicious use of the items.

    “We are here as a corporate organisation to comply with the Federal Government’s directive to all government organisations to use their powers and resources to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians affected by flood and other disasters.

    Read Also: Adamawa IDPs protest nonpayment of benefits

     

    “We, therefore, call on other corporate bodies to partner with us in this drive in order to always support the Federal Government’s drive in advancing gestures that impact lives positively and meaningfully in the country,” Dakuku added.

    While receiving the materials at the South-South zonal store of NEMA in Port Harcourt, Brandon commended the efforts of NIMASA. He emphasised that the gesture was a significant and timely intervention in support of the Federal Government’s efforts to guarantee the welfare of the citizens.

     

    Materials donated to the victims included rice, corn, mattresses, sugar, salt, Dettol, beans, noodles, soap/detergents, sanitary pad, dippers, mats, blankets, mosquito nets, dairy foods, palm/vegetable oil, grinding machines, and pumping and sewing machines.

    “It is worthy of note that the Federal Government has consistently encouraged interested philanthropists and non-governmental organisations to partner with government in order to cater for the needs of Nigerians affected by disaster.

    ” It is in line with this that NIMASA is carrying out the CSR activities across the six geopolitical zones in the country.”

  • Iheanacho is NSC Imo patron

    From Chris Njoku, Owerri

     The Shippers Association, Imo State chapter, has appointed a shipping magnate and Chairman/CEO, Genesis Shipping, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, as its patron.

    Its President, Hon. Larry Osuagwu, disclosed this at the weekend during a visit by the executives of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Southeast zone and their Imo State chapter counterparts on Capt. Ihenacho in his Emekuku country home.

    Hon. Osuagwu explained that the choice of Capt. Iheanacho was informed by the former’s exploits and experience in the  maritime sector and the desire of the state chapter to latch on this in providing quality services to new shippers.

    Read Also: Rebuilding Imo: Methods, processes and structures

     

    Also, NSC, Southeast Zone Assistant Chief Operational Officer, Mr. Ofurum Obinna, who represented the Director, Rev. Winner Anayo, expressed the determination of his team to work with state association to ensure that those seeking shipping services in Imo were protected.

    He described Capt. Iheanacho as a pillar in the sector, whose experience and network would help the NSC deliver on its objectives.

    Accepting the nomination, Capt. Ihenacho, who joined shipping in 1970, thanked the executive and members of the Imo  chapter for the honour.

    He expressed joy that his colleagues came all the way from Lagos to see him, adding that he would remain in shipping till th end.

    He applauded the collaboration between the NSC and state chapter and promised to move the group forward.

    Others in the team were NSC Finance Officer, Southeast, Mrs Bosin Nkechi; Vice President; Dr. Vitalis Ajumbe; Secretary, Mr. Everest Ezihe, and Public Relations Officer (PRO), Linus Ibeawuchi.

     

  • Unending battle over Secure Anchorage

    Shippers and freight forwarders have urged the Federal Government to stop the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from dismantling the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA), operated by OMS Limited. The scheme, which provides security to ships coming to the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, is believed to be saving ships $225,000 on each call at the ports, reports MUYIWA LUCAS

     

    It was a gathering with one accord. Last week in Lagos, shippers and freight forwarders rose with one voice to urge the Federal Government to call to order, the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) over its plans to dismantle the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA).

    The body said contrary to claims that SAA leads to increased costs of shipping, security at the SAA platform helps international shipping lines to save about $225,000 on each trip to Lagos ports.

    SAA is an area outside the Lagos port that the Nigerian Navy and OMS defined as a secure place where vessels can anchor from pirate attacks.

    The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) National President, Uche Increase, said they were surprised that the NPA, which was part of a tripartite committee on maritime security, that created the SAA in 2014, has reneged and wants to dismantle the facility.

    Increase, who leads the largest association of international trade experts in the country, said it had become necessary for the shippers and freight forwarders, who use the services of shipping lines to resist the dissolution of the SAA.

    He said: “If we do not add our voice to clarify the facts, the government may be misled and the country will be worse off as far as maritime security is concerned. We do not want this SAA to be disrupted so as not to expose our cargoes to the risk due to hijacking of ships and kidnapping of crew. If the SAA is disrupted, ships will go to neighbouring ports of Cotonou, Togo and Ghana. We don’t want to go back to the old order. We are asking the Federal Government to look critically at this issue so that the SAA is not dismantled.

    “We understand that the SAA is a child of circumstance created after a steering committee set up in 2013, by the Nigerian Navy, NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and other agencies of government that are stakeholders in the maritime environment.

    “At that time, we knew that the committee held meetings for over five months to address the issues of security for ships the Lagos waters. There were critical issues at that time, which included illegal arms importation, piracy, and robbery at sea, which were making Nigeria waters to be given the designation of High Risk Area (HRA) by International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Those meetings led to the creation of the SAA, among other demarcation, on the water for ships who wish to anchor there while waiting to berth at the ports.’’

    Increase insisted that maintaining the SAA was a far cheaper and safer option to manage security, adding that it was costlier to ferry mercenaries to provide the security.

    He explained: “Before the establishment of the SAA, vessels coming to Lagos would carry mercenaries onboard, to provide security for them. One of such mercenaries would cost $2,500 and a ship would carry three for not less than 30 days. That costs as much as $225,000 and even more, when the mercenaries have to be onboard for more than a month.

    “As freight forwarders, we are major port users of shipping services, moving cargoes across seas to Nigeria. We are comfortable with the service and we urge the Federal Government to let the SAA be so that the multinational shipping lines can continue to patronise our seaports.

    “This issue between OMS and NPA is major; there is need to deepen capacity to see that maritime agencies continue to work in synergy. If the parties bringing the SAA have not come to dissolve it then, for one of the agencies to want to dismantle it may be seen as creating undue problems.

    “OMS should be allowed to provide its services as it does with the Navy at the SAA. The NPA should continue its security services, too, as there is also a general anchorage for vessels who wish to use it.They all mean well for the nation.

    “From our findings, the SAA is situated 10 nautical miles outward into the deep sea from the Lagos Fairway Buoy. The NPA Act gives the authority limit administration from the Fairway Buoy inward to the ports. The SAA is 10 nautical miles offshore from the Fairway Buoy and that is the area controlled by NIMASA,” Increase said.

    The NAGAFF boss, who is also a member of the Governing Council of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN), said while he was not speaking for OMS, the company was not using Nigerian Navy boats, since it provided security boats, platforms and logistics to the Navy to secure the ships waiting to berth at the SAA.

    Read Also: NPA requires over N50b to buy patrol boats, fenders

     

    He continued: “The boats are bought by the company and they are even registered with NIMASA because you can’t bring in any boat or operate them without NIMASA’s approval and paying their dues and tax. The NPA is just one of the agencies that created the SAA, so why does it want to dismantle the facility alone? We appeal to the NPA to see reasons to rescind its reported decision to dismantle the SAA.

    “We, the concerned shipping and ports services users, want to advise the government that this arrangement should be retained and all agencies of government in the maritime environment should continue to support it. Today, NIMASA, the Navy, and even the DPR and the NPA itself and other maritime stakeholders are comfortable because of the good effects of the SAA on security of ships,” Increase said.

    NPA has notified the Nigerian Navy of its decision to dismantle the SAA. It insisted that the security of the waterways was the statutory responsibility of NIMASA, Marine Police, and Nigerian Navy.

    The NPA in a statement said: “One, by virtue of Port Act (1954), an Anchorage Area is an integral part of NPA statutory responsibility while NIMASA, Marine Police and Nigerian Navy ensure a safe and secure Nigeria’s territorial waters.

    ‘’Two, the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) (Centre Point 06 17’30N/003 12’00E) established by OMSL is located within the port limit, which should be strictly under the management and control of the NPA.

    “Three, it is established that vessels are directed and regulated to this facility by OMSL, who NPA does not have contractual agreement or other with. However, the Navy has a Memorandum of Understanding with OMSL and is providing security to the anchorage.

    ‘’Four, the continued operation of this facility by a private entity could pose security threat to the nation.”

    NPA further stated that the operations of SAA added up to high cost for vessels, which pay $1,500 each daily.

     

     

  • Fighting malnutrition with egg

     Malnutrition is responsible for the stunted growth of millions of children in the country. Experts say the scourge can be combated through regular consumption of eggs. DAMIAN DURUIHEOMA reports

     

    Poultry farmers in Imo State converged on City Primary School Hall, Owerri for the conference organised by Imo State chapter of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN).

    The two-day event provided participants with the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the industry and the best way for it to move forward and contribute to the well-being of the country. One of such areas of discourse was benefits of regular egg consumption to humankind.

    According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), nearly 151 million children under the age of five in the world were still stunted in 2017. For many of these children, the poor growth which will blight their entire lives began in their mothers’ wombs. Poor quality of food is one major contributor to poor growth both in the womb and during the vulnerable first years of life.

    With the theme “Humble Egg: Good Food for All Ages”, speaker after speaker spoke on the need for more consumption of eggs among the populace to fight malnutrition and hunger.

    Imo State Commissioner for Agriculture Chief Emma Nworgu, who lamented that millions of Nigerian children are malnourished, said egg contains nutrients that are good for the body.

    The commissioner, who was represented by a director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Innocent Osuagwu, commended the association and its members for their giant strides in trying to bridge the gap in poultry and egg production.

    “Importation of poultry into the country has been banned mainly because of its health implications. As a result of this, the government and people of Nigeria are relying on you farmers to have adequate poultry and egg to feed our huge population,” he said.

    The commissioner told the farmers that the government was feeling their pains, and was packaging programmes that would help in the production of eggs in larger quantities and affordable to the ordinary man.

    He said: “That is the reason we have packaged sufficient programmes to make agriculture a worthwhile venture in the state.

    “And this also is the reason we’re embarking on biometric data capturing of various farmers to use it to assist you and make Imo agriculture-compliant state. Apart from this, the government will also assist you in training.”

    The state Chairman of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (ALFAN), Dr. Vitus Enwerem, described egg as versatile, nutritious and affordable.

    While congratulating the poultry farmers in the state on their dogged determination to provide high-quality eggs to feed the ever-growing population in spite of all adverse conditions prevailing in the state, ranging from non-availability of the market for eggs, high cost of feed, drugs and poultry equipment to egg glut, the ALFAN chairman, however, said eggs are still available on every table at an affordable price.

    He urged the poultry farmers to continue to feed the people with the egg, which he described as the best nutritious food.

    Enwerem called on the state government to come to the aid of the poultry farmers in order to help them remain in business and continue to meet the nutrients need of the people.

    The state Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Mr. Chijioke Uchegbu, said the association had positioned its members to contribute to the social welfare of the people, especially children.

    He said in an effort to make eggs available and affordable to the ordinary people, the association reactivated the moribund Poultry Farmers Multi-purpose Co-operative Society Limited in addition to the acquisition of 100 plots of land for farmers’ market.

    According to him, apart from a market where the farmers can sell their products fresh without discrimination from market unions, the farmers also need soft loans to expand their holdings as well as feed mills and hatcheries which he said the government can provide to attract more investors in the poultry sub-sector in the state.

    The provision of these, Uchegbu said, would enable people to be able to afford eggs, knowing the vital role egg plays in the lives of children and adults.

    Egg consumption, particularly the yolks, protects the eye against damage from the sun. The zeaxanthin and lutein which the egg yolk contains also reduces the risk of developing cataracts. Another benefit of egg intake is brain health and cognition development because lutein and choline are two important nutrients found in eggs that are good for early brain development during pregnancy and infancy particularly brains that are used for memory and learning

    The PAN Chairman presented some crates of eggs to the pupils of City Primary School, Owerri as part of their activities to mark this year’s World Egg Day.

    Dr. Jiddere Cyrus described egg as food that contains a lot of nutrients such as minerals, high-quality protein, good fats and various other lesser-known nutrients.

    According to him, one egg contains vitamin B12, B2 and B5 in high concentration, adding that it also contains selenium, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, magnets, vitamin E, folate and many more, with only 77 calories and six grams of quality protein and five grams of fats.

    He said almost all the above nutrients are contained in the yolk part of the egg, adding that those who discourage people from consumption of egg yolks were simply ignorant because the white or albumen part of the egg contains only water and protein.

    Dr. Cyrus said the benefits of egg consumption cannot be over-emphasised because, according to him, it enhances fertility in both men and women, adding that it as a balanced diet low in calories. It also helps in reducing weight because “eating a protein-rich breakfast increases a person’s satiety-a feeling of fullness.”

    He noted that egg consumption, particularly the yolks, protects the eye against damage from the sun, stating that the zeaxanthin and lutein which the egg yolk contains also reduces the risk of developing cataracts.

    Read Also: How to tackle malnutrition

    Another benefit of egg intake, he said, is the brain health and cognition development, because lutein and choline which are two important nutrients found in eggs are good for early brain development during pregnancy and infancy, particularly brains that are used for memory and learning.

    He lamented that despite the great benefits of egg, they are not widely consumed by many people across the country.

    He noted that there was a glut in egg production in June and July this year not because of over-production but because the product is not widely consumed.

    Debunking the argument that eggs are high in cholesterol, which made many people avoid its consumption, Dr. Cyrus said, however, that dietary cholesterol has minimal effect on the cholesterol in the blood.

    He said: “Cholesterol is produced in the liver every day. The amount produced depends on the amount consumed. The liver produces less when more is consumed and produces more when less cholesterol is consumed.

    “Following this discovery, the government of the United States of America (USA) in 2016, issued a news dietary guideline for healthy living in which it removed egg from the list of dangerous foods associated with cardiovascular heart diseases. It rather included egg in each of the three healthy eating patterns recommended by the guideline.

    “This has cleared the way for those that were afraid of eating eggs because of cholesterol. They can go ahead and continue enjoying their egg delicacies and obtain the beneficial effects it has on intelligence, vision and body weight.”

     

     

  • X-raying Navy’s use of technology

    The Nigerian Navy Engineering College (NNEC), Sapele, Delta State recently graduated new officers in the Officers’ Application Course (OAC). ELO EDREMODA x-rays the vital nature of the Navy and the value that training and retraining engenders in the services

     

    Barges, local boats, popularly referred to as Cotonou boats, and illegal refineries located inside the creeks in the Southsouth have often been destroyed by fire. Criminal activities in the deep seas are also discovered. The Navy also keeps tabs on unauthorised fishing activities.

    Sponsors of these unwholesome acts are equally arrested and prosecuted within the ambits of the law when caught. In checking the crimes, technology has come to the Navy’s rescue.

    These activities by the Nigerian Navy have ensured the survival of some Nigerians who live along the coastal lines. The level of infrastructural, economic and social developments, among other forms of progress, largely depends on how to secure the coastline areas.

    Any wonder serious countries invest heavily in their Navy. They ensure that their Navy is well equipped in order to surmount any internal or external insurrection. They also ensure that the physical, mental, academic and technical well-being of their Navy is taken proper care of.

    As new technologies evolve, the government acquires them, recruit more personnel, even as it trains the personnel in modern techniques to ensure combat readiness of the personnel and boost officers’ efficiency.

    In the circumstances, the Nigerian Navy (NN) established the Nigerian Navy Engineering College. Located in Sapele, Delta State, the college is saddled with the responsibility of producing highly trained technical officers who will provide relevant operational and maintenance services for naval platforms and onboard ships.

    Until the early 80s, Nigerian naval officers were trained in institutions abroad. But the rise in manpower, as well as the cost of sponsoring foreign trainings, necessitated the establishment of an indigenous training centre.

    Comprising eight schools, the NNEC offers 11 Courses, including the Officers’ Application Course (OAC) which is for graduate engineer officers, particularly for those that have degrees in mechanical, electrical and air engineering and also for professional or practically-oriented training on naval-related systems.

    With the first set of graduates in 1994, 35 officers recently joined the class of highly trained technical engineers. They made the 17th set of the OAC graduates. The graduating ceremony witnessed the graduates kitted in cream-coloured naval uniforms and seated with expressions in their faces that suggest “we are ready.”

    The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Stanford Enoch, was a special guest of honour at the event. He urged the graduating officers to continue to improve themselves in the use of modern technologies.

    According to him, this will ensure they are well-equipped and ready for rising security challenges. The FOC, who was represented by the Chief Staff Officer, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Idowu Yusuf, quoted famous British naval historian and Emeritus Professor of Maritime Studies, Geoffrey Till who said: “The warship is the most complex and advanced of all artefacts. To build and operate them requires a mass of technical, industrial and professional skills ashore and afloat and a sophisticated system of management to mould them into an effective whole.”

    He emphasised that the technical training is a prerequisite for effective operations of any naval force and as such, being technologically savvy will put them at an advantage against modern security weapons.

    Describing the Navy as a “sophisticated and technically-oriented force,” Enoch explained that the Nigerian Navy invests so much in technical training of its officers in order to sustain its platforms and ensure efficiency in its operations.

    “It is reassuring to state that reports indicate commendable performance by all the graduates and your graduation today attests to your hard work and commitment to your professional development.

    “Having come this far, you will now be entrusted with the responsibility of bringing what you have learnt to bear in the field. It is expected that you will continue to put your best in a manner that reflects the huge investments in training you. I must quickly remind you that learning is a continuous process and can take place even outside an academic environment.

    “Consequently, you must make a deliberate effort to improve yourselves in the job, take advantage of modern technology and tap into your superiors’ wealth of experience. It is a fact that graduates of this College bring creativity and resourcefulness to the Engineering branch and the entire Navy as well. Therefore, yours should not be an exception. I remind you of the fact that as officers of the Nigerian Navy, you are saddled with enormous responsibilities and your unswerving allegiance is to the nation.

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    “The confidence reposed in you must not be taken for granted, especially at this time that our national aspirations are being threatened by numerous challenges bothering on security, economic and social. As such, you may find yourselves being called upon at any time to serve beyond your technical capacity due to the prevailing situation in the country.

    “Such moment will call for your selfless service and limitless sacrifice. So, be prepared to give your best. Remember also that today’s battlefield is evolving, hence you are expected to make yourselves relevant in new technologies and innovations being developed to address today’s emerging threats.

    “As you make your way out of the hallowed walls of this institution into the field, know that you have huge roles to play which determine the way Nigeria turns out in the years and decades ahead. The opportunity to go down in history as the builders of the new Nigeria now beckons. I, therefore, trust that you will heed this call,” the FOC said.

    You must make a deliberate effort to improve yourselves in the job, take advantage of modern technology and tap into your superiors’ wealth of experience. Graduates of this College bring creativity and resourcefulness to the Engineering branch and the entire Navy. Yours should not be an exception. I remind you of the fact that as officers of the Nigerian Navy, you are saddled with enormous responsibilities and your unswerving allegiance is to the nation

    The support of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Abas towards the College, especially in efforts to create an enabling environment for the training was acknowledged and highly commended.

    Enoch added that the gesture “has helped the College to contribute more to the technological advancement of the Nigerian Navy and the nation at large, as well as local technical manpower development and the Nigerian Content actualisation.”

    On his part, the Commandant of the NNEC, Commodore Samuel Yahaya, urged the graduates to ensure self-development and take future tasks with all seriousness.

    “Today’s occasion is another testimony that hard work does pay. I, therefore, congratulate the graduating officers on their achievements and urge them to continue to take their future assignments seriously to justify the confidence reposed in them by the college and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Abas.

    “It is expected that they will continue to demonstrate loyalty, integrity, commitment, high discipline and willingness to learn on the job, bearing in mind that they are accountable to both superiors and subordinates. You must improve on existing knowledge through personal development and learning, as this is what will stand you out in good stead for future assignments and responsibilities,” he said.

    Highlight of the ceremony was the issuance of certificates to the graduating officers; 17 from the Marine Engineering School (MES) and 18 from the Weapon Engineering School (WES), respectively.

    As the officers marched to receive their certificates, the audience applauded the sound of the naval band playing in the background. This was shortly followed by a presentation of awards to the best graduating officers of the school. Sub-Lieutenant O. Alowoki emerged as the overall best of the OAC17 as well as that of the Weapon Engineering Class, while Sub-Lieutenant A. Adedeji emerged best graduating officer in the Marine Engineering Class.

    A female graduating officer of the WES, Sub-Lieutenant Jemimah Uzoh bagged the Commandant’s Award.

    During the training which lasted one year, the officers undertook practical and theoretical courses in Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence and Damage Control, which included firefighting. Courses in administration and leadership were not left out.

    There were visits to the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), Sapele, Life Flour Mills Limited, Fleet Support Group (FSG) Central, Fleet Support Unit (FSU), Delta and Naval Warships, all in a bid to provide industrial knowledge and sea training experience for the officers.

    It is no gainsaying that the expertise of men of the Nigerian Navy is needed in carrying out these operations. The achievements of the Nigerian Navy in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandals in recent years have given a boost to the development of the country’s oil and gas industry.

     

     

  • I administer common sense in Edo politics, says Obaseki

    By Osagie Otabor, Benin 

    Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki has admitted that many political stalwarts did not initially understand his common sense approach to politics in the state.He noted that politicians turned around and aligned with him when they started seeing the positive results of what was coming out of his approach.

    Obaseki, who spoke at an interdenominational thanksgiving service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as part of activities to mark his three years anniversary, said he learnt from his mother that everything about life was about common sense.

    The Edo Governor vowed to use every drop of his blood to work and deliver on the good of democracy to the people of the state if the need arises.

    Obaseki recalled that when he came into politics, people thought that as a neophyte, he did not understand  the workings of politics but stated what has kept him succeeding was his strict adherence to his mother’s usual saying of the application of one’s common sense in what one is doing.

    He said: “We found people, people we least expected from all corners of the states and the country coming up to stand by the truth and to speak well for us. I have no doubt that as long as His mercies endures in us, we are committed that we will continue to use every drop of our blood to work for the people of Edo State.

    “People say, is Edo worth dying for? I said yes. Edo is what dying for and if we have to die in the service of Edo State, so be it but I am sure God will not let it happen that way.

    “They said I am not a politician, I do not understand politics and I came out and I said well, everything in life, my mother always told me is about common sense.

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    “So, I use common sense to approach politics and a lot of them looked at it. Initially though some of them do not agree saying this is not how we play politics but very quickly, when they started seeing the positive results of what was coming out, they all turned around and aligned with me.

    “Truth is not difficult yet, speaking the truth some times can be difficult but I have always stood by the truth. To play politics, you do not have to be a liar. You can still be true and still play your politics.

    “Politics as they would say in Latin is tabularasa, is like a clean white sheet of paper, you come and make your own impression of politics.

    “So we are so grateful that God gave us the courage to decide that we want to make and what we believe is the right imprint in the politics of Edo and that is what we are doing.

    “We have so much to thank God for and we will continue to thank Him because all that is currently going on, I am amazed as to how God has seen us through it all. He has helped us deferred every odd. He shows us things before they occur. He shows us how to overcome them.”

    The governor thanked the APC and its leaders for standing by him through thick thin

    “I cannot be able to thank everybody but one group of people I cannot forget is the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “APC is a very unique party. These are people who are truly progressive, who in the last three years have shown me that politics is mostly about the good. Yes, we have the bad, the ugly, mostly about the good.

    “And for my party members and leaders, party chieftain, they way you have rallied around me has been amazing”, he said.

    Speaking on the topic: “His mercies endureth forever Edo Chairman CAN, Bishop Oriname Oyonnude Kure. said Edo has witnessed monumental development in the state ranging from infrastructure and in the education sector.

    Bishop Kure described Obaseki as the David sent to transform Edo state adding that CAN would continue to collaborate and support the governor, as he begins his campaign for second term.

    “You have done well in the state in the last three years as your developmental strides in the area of infrastructural development is applaudable.

    “You have created jobs, empowered the youths, revamped the education sector. The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is wearing a new look. We urge you to continue to break new grounds,” Kure said.

  • Two arrested for stealing celebrity’s Jewelry

    By Tajudeen Adebanjo

    Two domestic workers, who allegedly stole a Cuban Diamond neck chain, a Frank Muller and Rolex wristwatches worth N243 million belonging to their employer, have been arrested.

    Alex Obinyan, 39, cleaner and Ayuba Samson, 29, car washer, were nabbed on Wednesday in Borno after fleeing the Lekki, Lagos residence.

    They were arrested after selling the Cuban Diamond neck chain and Frank Muller wrist watch for N6 million and N4 million in Lagos and Abuja.

    Police declined to give the name of employer, who The Nation learnt, is a popular celebrity with vast investment in Lekki, Lagos.

    Obinyan was said to have spent eight years working and living with the celebrity in Lekki before the incident.

    His colleague, Samson started working at the celebrity’s residence two months ago after returning from Chibok, his home town. They were on N80,000 and N50,000 monthly salaries.

    The suspects and the buyers of the jewelry were brought to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) office by the decoy team of the operatives in an unbranded vehicle after eight-day investigative activities to Abuja and Borno State.

    The suspects, who were captured on the Closed Circuit (CCTV) leaving the celebrity’s residence, have confessed stealing the Cuban Diamond Chain valued at N54 million, a Frank Moller Wristwatch worth N140 million and a Rolex wristwatch worth N49 million.

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    According to Obinyan, they sold the Cuban Diamond Chain at Eti–Osa, Lagos for N6 million while the Frank Moller watch was sold in Abuja for N4 million.

    RRS quoted him as saying: “I have been working with him (celebrity) in Lekki for over eight years. I am used to moving those valuables around the house wherever I found them in his car. I have never thought of stealing them.

    “When Samson came and he saw me with the gold chain laced with diamonds, he convinced me that we could make a fortune from stealing them. He was not with us before. Within two months of his stay, we planned to steal these things.

    “Oga was in the sitting room. We stole the chain along with a Frank Moller wristwatch and a Rolex wristwatch. Before escaping, we already got a buyer for the chain. We sold the Cuban Diamond chain at Eti-Osa for N6 million.

    “The following day, we escaped to Abuja where we bought a Toyota Corolla. We sold the Frank Moller watch in Abuja for N4 million to raise more money for our escape to Borno State, where we intended to start new lives and businesses”.

    Obinyan in his letter to the celebrity informing him of his departure reads in parts, “…I know you will be shock why I write to you but the truth is that due to some quite observation I have come to a notice that you are not a person that someone can rely on. I have been patient enough to see if you can help me but you keep on promising me up to now there is no avale.

    “To cut the story short, I have decided to stop working for you, and I’m sorry to mention that but you have to bear with me. I have gone for good, because I cannot continue to work for a person that doesn’t care about me and doesn’t value me for the rest of my life”.

    RRS said the suspects were arrested in Maiduguri in their Two-Room-and-a-parlour they rented. Also arrested with them were the buyer of the Cuban diamond chain, Haruna Abdullahi and that of the Frank Moller’s wristwatch, Abubakar Buhari.

    Items found from them included a Rolex watch, two brand new Keke Napep and a Toyota Corolla and the sum of $2,200.

    The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti for further investigations.

    RRS Commander Olatunji Disu, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) urged Lagosians to always do a background check of all their workers before employing them.