The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • First Nigerian Female Science Graduate Lady Jibowu dies at 95

    Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti

    The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has commiserated with members of the immediate family of the late Lady Deborah Jibowu and the Fasanmade family of Ido-Ile Ekiti on the demise of their matriach, Lady Deborah Opeyemi Jibowu at the age of 95.

    Lady Jibowu was reputed for being the first Nigerian female science graduate, having graduated from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom in 1947 and was a recipient of Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1962 and Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) in 1965.

    The late Jibowu was a member, Local Government Service Commission, Western Region (1959-1971); Commissioner at the National Population Commission (NPC) (1981-1983) and Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Calabar (1993-1997).

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the governor described the late Lady Jibowu as an illustrious daughter of Ekiti and a patriot who served her fatherland diligently and made Ekiti proud through numerous achievements.

    He described the late Jibowu as a frontline educationist, seasoned administrator and impactful community leader who lived a life of service to God and humanity.

    Dr Fayemi, who hailed the contributions of the late Jibowu to national development, noted that as National Commissioner, Girls’ Guide (1960-1980) and later Chief Commissioner ((1991-1997), the deceased invested her time and resources in moulding the lives of many young females across the country in addition to coordinating many professional and civil society groups, including the Red Cross Society, National Council of Women Secretaries, National Youth Council and Education for All NGO Network among others.

    Read Also: Ekiti Oba dies at 62

    He said: “Despite her royal and privileged background, mama Jibowu invested her time, energy and resources on many laudable initiatives that impacted positively on the people, especially the girl child.”

    “For us in Ekiti, this is a huge loss. Mama Jibowu was an exemplar. She made great impact in almost every aspect of life after setting the record as the first Nigerian female University graduate in the sciences in 1947. She remained a source of pride and inspiration to generations after her.

    “Though we shall miss her wise counsel and positive disposition, but we are comforted by the fact this great nationalist lived a good life and left behind a legacy of honour. She remains our pride in Ekiti”.

    “Our prayer is that God will grant her eternal rest and comfort the family”, the Governor added.

    Meanwhile, the State government has opened a condolence register for the deceased at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

  • You’re no musician if you can’t play musical instruments, says Uwaifo

    By Agency Reporter

    Veteran musician Prof. Victor Uwaifo says that “good and real musicians’’ must be able to play at least three musical instruments to be classified as musicians.

    Uwaifo, a professor of arts, made the assertion when a delegation of the National Council of Arts and Culture visited his Revelation Tourists Palazzo Museum on Saturday in Benin.

    The visit was part of activities to commemorate the 2019 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture.

    Uwaifo said that a musician’s ability to play at least three musical instruments would distinguish such a musician in his music profession.

    He said that due to technological advancements, some musicians only made use of computer facilities for musical production.

    According to him, the dictionary defines a musician as someone who can play one or two musical instruments.

    “I have always said this, if a musician is not able to study and play at least three musical instruments, there is a problem somewhere.

    “I play a lot of musical instruments like guitar, xylophone, sax, keyboard and more. In fact, I make guitars. Years back, I made double-necked and revolving guitars.

    “The younger musicians want to make money the easy way and they use computers for music production. Computer music is no music, playing life is the real one.

    “When musicians with no academic background of music play music and they go off the line, they use the computer to re-align themselves. It is not proper.

    “Musicians are to study music and take it seriously, they are not supposed to be carried away with technological advancements in making music. They need to learn the rudiments of music and arts.”

    Read Also: VICTOR UWAIFO None of my children is big enough for my shoes

    Uwaifo urged Nigerians to minimise their complaints on negative musical content in as much as Nigerian youths embracing music were not constituting nuisance to the society.

    He said that Nigerian contemporary musicians must be commended for the improved musical video and sound quality, due to technological advancements.

    “The issue of negative musical content would fade away over time but musicians should be commended for working for their money and staying off the road.’’

    Uwaifo also told Nigerian musicians to imbibe the habit of investing their money wisely for future use and to aspire to be knowledgeable in their chosen careers.

    (NAN)

  • New lease of life for Abia South African returnees

    Agency Reporter

    South African returnees of Abia origin have stepped up their reintegration process through the assistance of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

    Ikpeazu had promised to support them to be reintegrated when they called on October 7 at the Government House.

    In fulfilment of his pledge, the governor has enrol them in vocational training based on their preferred interests.

    Those who chose farming have started training at Kritzenly Farm Ltd in Ntigha owned by Dr Nwagboso.

    A few are learning barbing, braiding etc in hair salons.

    Two of the returnees focusing on catering while one of them is learning 3D graphic wall paper installation.

    A few others joined family members in businesses with the capital received from the Governor.

    Read Also: Attacks on Nigerian businesses in South Africa criminal, says consulate

    “We are pleased with the assistance received from Dr Ikpeazu, indeed we are blessed to have a State Governor that cares, ” Uche Nwaocha stated on behalf of the returnees.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters and Special Duties Dr Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu praised Ikpeazu for the gestures.

    The support, she said, has not only assisted them in resettlement but also reintegration after their traumatic experiences in South Africa.

    She assured the the Diaspora office will continue to monitor the progress of the returnees and provide guidance as needed.

  • NCS Lagos receives new recruits

    Agency Reporter

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NSC), Lagos command has received over 70 new recruits to enhance it efficiency in the state.

    The NCS Lagos Command Public Relation Officer, Supt. Rotimi Oladokun, made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

    Oladokun said the new personnel were transferred to the command as a result of the recent recruitment exercise conducted nationwide.

    He said that the new recruits were drawn from across the federation and was based on Federal character principle.

    He explained that the recruit would undergo two months induction training at the command headquarters.

    “After the induction trainning, they will proceed for six months basic training in the Correctional Service training institute at Lagos Zone,” he said.

    Read Also: Correctional Service, Justice system and restructuring

    According to Oladokun, there are currently six training institutions in the country.

    “They are located in Owerri, Enugu, Lagos, two in Kaduna and Ijebu-Igbo,” he said.

    He further said the command would be sending them on Industrial Attachment during the period to get them accustomed to workings of the correctional service.

    “The new personnel will improve our efficiency and capacity to deliver on our statutory mandate as stated in the new Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019.” (NAN)

  • Obaseki congratulates new UNIBEN VC Prof. Salami

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Prof. Lilian Imuetinyan Salami on her emergence as the 10th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

    In a statement, the governor said he was confident that Prof. Salami would deploy her wealth of experience in lifting the fortunes of the great citadel of learning, describing her emergence as another great milestone in the history of the university, as she is ‘the second woman to pilot the affairs of the 49-year-old institution.’

    According to him, “I congratulate you on your emergence as the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). This is a well-deserved appointment, as your wealth of experience and commendable engagement within and outside the university community has prepared you for this enormous responsibility.

    Read Also:FG, UNICEF commend Obaseki as Edo launches open defecation-free road map

    “As a renowned academic, there is no doubt that you will bring your expertise as a scholar and manager of people to bear in your new role as the Vice-Chancellor of the University. It is also instructive that you have become the second woman to pilot the affairs of the 49-year-old institution.”

    He assured that the Edo State Government would continue to collaborate with the university in deepening the impact of the institution’s community service efforts in the state.

    Prof. Salami was announced as the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, on Friday, October 25. She is a Professor of Home Economics and Nutritional Education at the University of Benin. She was the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Education, UNIBEN.

  • Army begins operation in Bayelsa with medical outreach

    Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    The Nigerian Army at the weekend commenced the fourth edition of Operation Crocodile Smile (OCS) in Bayelsa State with a free medical outreach.

    The army emphasized that the fourth edition, which would end in December 23, was aimed at consolidating the mileage gained in previous exercises in its Area of Responsibility (AoR).

    “The purpose is essentially targeted at security challenges associated with militancy, oil theft, pipeline vandalism, kidnapping for ransom, politically induced violence among others on land, sea and rivulets in view of the fast approaching yuletide”, the Army said in a statement in Yenagoa.

    Commander, 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig- Gen. Valentine Okoro, took the free medical rhapsody, which is an integral part of the operation, to Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

    Okoro said the medical outreach and other humanitarian activities embedded in OCS were in tandem with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to have a socially and professionally responsive army.

    He said such activities were aimed at building the confidence citizens and secure their cooperation during the OCS designed to curb crimes in the state.

    Read Also: Burutai asked to account for spendings on military operations

    He said: “This medical outreach is the first in the series of activities lined to mark the commencement of Operation Crocodile IV. Other activities would be held at other communities in the state coordinating the operations to curb the state of criminality and violence.

    “In line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in its discharge of its constitutional role we would be embarking of several support programmes to enhance better understanding and deeper collaboration with our hoist communities.

    “This would be done with the overall objective of promoting confidence in Nigerian Army towards curbing violence and crimes. We hope that the collaboration we are having with the community of Otuokpoti would foster and yield positive results between it and Nigerian Army towards achieving peace and security in Otuopkoti and generally in Bayelsa State. We work towards the reduction of violence.”

    The army deployed medical experts in the community during the rhapsody, which was attended by many residents with various sicknesses.

    They also dewormed children, conducted medical tests for malaria, typhoid and administered drugs on persons, who tested positive.

  • Ondo APC aggrieved group seeks implementation of peace resolutions

    Damisi Ojo,Akure.

    Three months after the peace parley of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Ondo state was held in Akure, the state capital, its resolutions are yet to be implemented as agreed.

    The meeting was initiated by its Southwest leaders including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chiefs Bisi Akande and Segun Osoba among others to reconcile aggrieved party stalwarts with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the ‘Team Aketi’.

    A special Interest Group (SIG) within Ondo APC at its meeting yesterday in Oba-Ile, Akure North local government urged its National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Adams Oshiomhole to quickly implement the peace parley resolutions held last July.

    In a communique signed by SIG chairman, Chief Adewale Omojuwa,the group noted that it was resolved at the meeting with APC Southwest leaders that the present State Executive Committee (SEC) led by Ade Adetimehin should be dissolved.

    It lamented that up till now, the resolution has not been implemented.

    The APC stalwarts maintained that the dissolution would uphold the integrity of APC’s Constitution to deal with anti-party activities among its leaders and members.

    The communique reads” we are calling on the NWC to do the needful in Ondo APC by immediate dissolution of the executive committees of the parry in the state, local government and ward levels to be replaced with caretaker committees.

    ” We equally frown at the nomination of the current state chairman of the party, Adetimehin as a member of the Kogi state election campaign group,and must be withdrawn for involving in anti-party activities during the last Presidential/National Assembly elections in the state”.

    Read Also: Edo APC Crisis: Owan West stakeholders deny endorsing Obaseki

    The group noted the insinuation across the state on the alleged compromise of the NWC,saying it has been affirmed with nomination of Adetimehin as member, Kogi state election campaign committee.

    It emphasised that APC lost the last Presidential election two Senatorial and five House of Representatives seats in the state to the opposition due to anti-party activities of party’s Excos and other top government functionaries.

    According to the communique” the offence of anti-party activities by members is a very grievous one within APC’s constitution as openly demonstrated in the state during the last election,where APC stakeholders openly campaigned for Action Alliance(AA) against the ruling party with impunity”.

    However, APC’s Director of Media and Publicity,Steve Otaloro said there is a subsisting court verdict that validated the present Exco led by Adetimehin,stressing that any move against it would amount to illegality.

    He said the Ondo APC chairman was duly nominated as a member of Kogi election campaign committee on merit as an astute politician.

  • Nollywood: Gov. Ayade, NFVCB Boss honoured at AIFF 2019

    Agency Reporter

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers and Mr Adedayo Thomas, the Chief Executive, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) have been honoured for their contributions to the development of the Nigerian movie industry.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were given the Special Recognition Award in the non-competitive category at the 2019 Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) on Friday night at the closing ceremony and awards night of the festival.

    Mr Allen Onyema, the Managing Director of Air peace, was also honoured in the non-competitive category of the AIFF awards.

    Presenting the awards, Mr Fidelis Duker, the Founder of AIFF said the recipients were selected in recognition of their support and contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian movie industry.

    He noted that the NFVCB Chief Executive had repositioned the film and video regulatory body and provided a friendly environment for filmmakers.

    “The Censors board under his watch is doing a great job by providing a better regulatory environment for filmmakers to strive.”

    Read Also: Dino Melaye joins Nollywood hours after losing in court

    In his remark, the NFVCB chief who was present to receive the award, appreciated the organisers on behalf of other recipients.

    Thomas, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 to head the NFVCB, expressed delight that the award was an indication that the society was interested in whatever one did.

    “This recognition clearly shows that people are concerned and are watching how we do our work in building the industry.

    “I want to assure filmmakers that we are set to do more for the industry, as we sanitise the market of all uncensored and unclassified films.

    “As stakeholders, we need their cooperation and support for us to serve them better as government agency,” he said.

    NAN reports that the awards in the competitive category include Outstanding Actor and the Outstanding Actress, First Time Director Award, Outstanding Feature Film – (foreign and Nigeria), and the Outstanding Film In Directing.

    Others are Outstanding Short Film (Foreign and Nigeria), Outstanding Music Score Nominee, Outstanding Animation film and Outstanding Student Film Nominee, among others.

    Now in its 16th Edition, Abuja International Film Festival is a fiesta that showcases films, actors, producers within and outside Nigeria to foster interactions for co-production, distribution and investments.

    The 2019 edition was held from Oct. 22 to Oc. 25 at the Silverbird Galleria (NAN).

  • Safiyya Ahmad wins BBC short story completion

    By Agency Reporter

    Safiyya Ahmad has won the 2019 BBC Hausa Short Story Writing Competition, with a story titled: “Maraici” (Ophanhood) after beating 25 other contestants.

    Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, who is among the three judges, announced the winner at the Awards Night of the BBC Hausa Short Story Writing Competition held in Abuja on Friday.

    Yusuf said Safiyya’s story was picked from 25 contestants shortlisted, adding that Safiyya, who is from Zaria in Kaduna state, is married with a daughter.

    “Maraici” is the story of Karima, a girl, who was abandoned as a baby, grew up in an orphanage and was adopted by Hajiya Babba, a benefactor that puts her through primary and secondary education.

    Karima was later married off to Alhaji Tukur, who at the end divorced her, and she was rejected by Hajiya Babba.

    Safyya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she was not sure when her phone woke her from sleep and she was told that she had won the competition.

    “It was only when I looked again at my phone that I confirmed I was not dreaming but has really won.”

    Safyya, who is married with a daughter, called on those who were not able to win to try next time as they may be lucky.

    The first runner up is Jamila Abdullahi Rijiyar Lemo with a story titled: “Ba A Yi Komai Ba” (Nothing New).

    Jamila showed how women were being abused by men for not having male children.

    In the story, Uwani faces a lot of discrimination, verbal abuse, and rejection from her husband and his relatives because of her inability to conceive a male child.

    The second runner up is “A Juri Zuwa Rafi” by Jamila Babayo. The story, “A Juri Zuwa Rafi” (It’s a matter of time) relates to one Aisha, who was raped by a wealthy man in the society.

    Being vulnerable, the community because of the man’s influence wanted her to stop the issue so that the poor girl will be protected but her mother, Laraba, vows to fight for her daughter’s rights.

    Read Also: BBC fires presenter following chimpanzee tweet about British royal baby

    Jamila Babayo, who hails from Yobe state, told NAN that she decided to participate in the completion in order to showcase her state and to show BBC that she is a fan of the station.

    She thanked God and appreciated BBC for organising the contest, saying “it exposes a lot to people to ponder upon depending upon the story line.”

    “BBC has tried especially as the contest bring about unity, supporting the Hausa culture, tradition and also the competition indicated that the Hausa language is waxing stronger,’’ she said.

    NAN reports that the contest which is fourth edition had Safiyya Jibril as the first winner in 2018.

    Among the dignitaries at the event were the Kebbi State Governor’s wife, Dr Zainab Bagudu, Niger Republic Ambassdor to Nigeria, Mandour Maman, Zarah Buhari, the Nigerian President’s daughter.

    Others include Alhaji Mansur Liman, Director-General, FRCN, and Alhaji Mannir Dan Ali, Editor-In-Chief, Daily Trust, the two were former BBC Hausa staff.

    The first position received 2,000 dollars and a plague, second position received 1,000 dollars with a plague and the third position got 500 dollars with a plague.(NAN)

  • Three women arrested for abducting kids in Anambra

    Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    Three women have been arrested for allegedly abducting two children in Nkpor in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State.

    The suspects were apprehended in Nkpor market/Tarzan junction with the stolen children and could not offer satisfactory explanation of them.

    The Nation gathered that the victims, all boys were between the ages of two and four years old respectively.

    The police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed confirmed the arrest.

    He said: “Following intelligence report, Police detectives attached to CMU Anambra State Command arrested three female suspects at Nkpor market/Tarzan junction in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State.

    Read Also:Pegi residents protest in Abuja over kidnapping

    “Suspects were arrested with two kids all males, whose ages range between 2 and 4 years respectively.

    “They could neither give satisfactory explanation about the children nor where they got them.”

    Mohammed added that the case was being investigated after which suspects would be charged.

    “The Commissioner of Police, John Abang has consequently urged parents whose children were missing and fall within the age bracket of the recovered children to report at the State Command headquarters Awka for proper identification and collection of their children,” he added.