The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FG pledges $12m for global war against HIV, TB

    By Agency Reporter

    Federal Government demonstrated its support and solidarity with the international community by making a financial pledge of 12 million Dollars to the Global Fund toward tackling HIV and Tuberculosis.

    Information about the pledge is in a statement by Mrs Toyin Aderibigbe, the Media Officer, National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    She noted that the pledge was made by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, at the Sixth Replenishment Conference of Global Fund to fight AIDS,
    Tuberculosis and Malaria held in Lyon, France on Oct. 9 and Oct. 10.

    She quoted the minister as saying “every Nigerian has a right to good health. We have a responsibility to ensure that this basic right is available to all Nigerians.

    “Government is committed to enhancing ownership and sustainability of the HIV/AIDS response.”

    He stressed that the pledge was in accordance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment at the UN General Assembly (UNGA)
    in 2017 to make government resources (approximately N3.5 billion) available to enable an additional 50,000 Nigerians be
    on life-saving Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy every year.

    Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, who spoke on “Building on the Concept of Shared Responsibility” at the conference,
    said “with the incredible support of partners and donors around the world, we succeeded in reaching over 14 billion Dollars
    to help save 16 million lives.”

    Mr Gunilla Carlsson, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, said “Nigeria bears a huge burden of the global TB, malaria and HIV
    epidemics, so it is imperative that both domestic and international investments are urgently scaled up.”

    Dr Gambo Aliyu, the Director General, National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), described the increase in Nigeria’s pledge to the
    Global Fund as a strong signal of the country’s readiness and commitment to end tuberculosis, malaria and HIV epidemics.

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    He said “continued government funding for National Treatment and Prevention Programmes is vital for the sustainability of the AIDS
    response.”

    The director general, however, appealed to state governors to equally show commitment in investing to end AIDS in Nigeria as a public health threat by 2030.

    Mr Abdulkadiri Ibrahim, the President of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), urged
    government to own up to the HIV and AIDS response by putting money into the national response, which according to him is an investment in humanity.

    Ibrahim said “our continuous access to medication and our right to healthcare are fundamental rights. Government should make it happen.”

    The Sixth Global Fund Replenishment Conference was aimed at raising fund to fight HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that HIV, TB and malaria are preventable and treatable diseases, yet globally kill millions of people each year,
    which the world has committed through the Sustainable Development Goals to end by 2030.

    However, the Global Fund investment case projected that the fund would help to save 16 million lives by 2030 through health system strengthening,
    reinforcing health security via disease surveillance and tackling health inequities, including human rights and gender barriers. (NAN)

  • NIPC rates Edo high on investment reforms

    By Agency Reporter

    The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has applauded the Edo State Government on the impact of the reforms implemented through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), aimed at making the state the preferred destination for investors.

    Director, State Coordination of the NIPC, Mr. Aminu Takum, disclosed this when he led a delegation to Edo State for the review of Nigeria Investment Certification Programme (NICP).

    The NICPS is involved in the processing of data collection, which quickens investors’ decision to locate their investments in specific region of interest.

    According to him: “with what I am seeing, you have done well. I can already see Edo State positioning itself very well. With the indices available, Edo State has the potentials of attracting quality investors into the state”.

    He said the ESIPO and the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the project have made a lot of progress in efforts to attract investment, urging the team to provide additional information required to fast track the certification process.

    Head of the ESIPO, Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, expressed appreciation to the team from NIPC, assuring them that within the next few weeks, all that is required will be put together to have the state certified.

    Mr. Kelvin thanked the various MDAs for their diligence and input in the certification process, urging all stakeholders to continue to support the ESIPO to actualize the dreams of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

    Read Also: Edo indigenes in Italy back Obaseki’s second term bid

    According to him: “I wish to thank you all for your time. I also acknowledge and appreciate the support from the Honorable Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries of the various MDAs. We are all committed to this course. We must change the narrative.”

    The certification process commenced nine months ago with the visitation of the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Yewande Sadiku.

    The final stage is the review meeting, which has revealed a lot of progress made so far by the state.

    Some of the reforms include setting up of the ESIPO, establishing the Edo Geographical Information System (EDO-GIS), which has made land acquisition and certificate of occupancy (C of O) seamless in the state; ongoing Benin River Port project, ongoing Industrial Park located at Obayanto community at Sapele Road, and the Production Centre also in Sapele Road.

  • Nicki Minaj, Kenneth Petty are officially married

    By Agency Reporter

    Trinidad and Tobago born rapper and singer, Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty a.k.a Nicki Minaj and music industry professional, Kenneth Petty are officially married.

    The rap star made this announcement via her Instagram page @ nickiminaj on Tuesday, Oct. 22, where she shared a video captioned,“I do” to Kenneth Petty.

    The singer captioned the video with her new name, Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty ”.

    She also shared a video on her instagram page with mugs on which was inscribed “Mrs” and “Mr” respectively and two hats with “Bride” written on one and “Groom” on the other.

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    Thirty Mile Zone (TMZ), an online tabloid news website, reports that while Nicki and Kenneth were at the marriage registry back in August 2019, she agreed to change her name from Onika Tanya Maraj to Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty.

    Apparently, Nicki Minaj got married to Petty on Monday, Oct. 21, in a secret ceremony because the media was kept in the dark.

    The singer’s trip to the altar has been in speculation for some time now but was recently spotted at a marriage registry with Kenneth Petty, where she went to change her name.

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the 36 year old singer and the 41 year old music professional, started dating in December 2018.

    (NAN)

  • Border closure: Enugu urges people to embrace rice farming, promises land availability

    By Agency Reporter

    The Enugu State Government has urged the people to embrace rice farming, promising to make available farmland for cultivation to improve production.

    The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Matthew Idu, gave the advice while speaking with newsmen on border closure on Tuesday in Enugu.

    Idu said that the border closure would boost local rice production, especially in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    “Since the state joined the FADAMA project, government has found out that about six, out of the 17 LGAs in the state, have arable land for rice cultivation in large quantity.

    “The state government is, therefore, calling on residents to engage in rice farming in those areas with arable land and consultants, who are into training on how to cultivate rice, are available,’’ he said.

    He listed the LGAs with arable land for growing rice as Uzo-Uwani, Aninri, Awgu, Nsukka, Nkanu and Orji River.

    According to him, the border closure is not new as many countries did the same to help their citizens produce what they needed, thereby engaging the masses positively.

    Read Also: Farmers begin dry season rice farming

    “Nigerians may find it difficult at the beginning of the border closure, but it is to the benefit of the people.

    “It will make Nigerians to go into farming and begin to produce their food by themselves rather than importing everything.The foreign rice that is being imported into the country, sometimes can be expired.

    “This is because nobody knows when it was produced and how long it has been kept before importing them into Nigeria.

    “I believe that at the end, there will be much food produced by Nigerians and there will be lesser importation of food items into the country,’’ Idu said. (NAN)

  • Housewife seeks dissolution of 12-yr-old marriage over lack of care

    By Agency Reporter

    A 40-year-old housewife, Motunrayo Ajayi, on Tuesday asked an Ado-Ekiti Customary Court to dissolve her 12-year-old marriage to her husband, Taiwo Ajayi, over lack of care.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Motunrayo, a mother of two, accused Ajayi of incessant beating, destruction of properties and not caring for her and the children.

    Motunrayo, 40, a resident of 10, Omisanjana in Ado-Ekiti, told the court that she stopped living with her husband two years ago, because he chased her out.

    “He beats me mainly when I ask for school fees of the children and their feeding allowance.

    “He does not care about his family, particularly the children.

    “I left his house when I could no longer bear it, but he still continues to beat me where I reside,” she said.

    Motunrayo, therefore, prayed the court to separate them, saying she was not ready to die.

    She also asked for the custody of the children.

    The petitioner also asked the court to order her husband to take responsibility of school fees of the children, including their feeding allowance.

    Read Also: Wife docked for allegedly photographing husband without permission

    The respondent, Ajayi, a 48-year-old resident of Omisanjana, said he stopped living with his wife about a year ago.

    He denied ever beating her.

    He said there was a time their landlord reported his wife to him, but when he confronted her about the matter, she cursed and fought him.

    He, however, urged the court to beg his wife to come back to him for the sake of their children.

    The President of the court, Mrs Olayinka Akomolede, after hearing from both parties, adjourned the case until Oct. 31 for judgment. (NAN)

  • Edo 2020: Two councillors suspended in Owan West

    By Osagie Otabor, Benin

    The legislative arm of Owan West local council has suspended two Councillors for breaching certain aspects of the Legislative Rules and Proceedings.

    Those suspended were Hon Samuel Ohimai from Ward three and Hon Kelvin Omo Esemuze from Ward six.

    They were suspended indefinitely without pay at Tuesday’s plenary.

    The motion for their suspension was moved by the Chief Whip, Hon Monday Ifidon.

    Leader of the House, Hon Augustine Ohiolere, denied that the two Councillors were suspended because they were not in support of Obaseki’s second term.

    Read Also:  Edo APC suspends Secretary

    Hon Ohiolere said both Councillors breached Order 4 Rules 2 and 3 of the local government laws.

    Sources closed to the suspended Councillors described the action as a nullity as both men could not be reached for comments.

  • Edo NURTW in leadership crisis

    By Osagie Otabor, Benin

    Leadership crisis has hit the Edo State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) as two persons; Comrade Odion Olaye and Mr. Saturday Oamen are laying claims to be state chairman of the union.

    Comrade Olaye is however recognised by the national leadership of NURTW.

    Mr. Oamen in a petition addressed to stakeholders in the union said Comrade Olaye has refused to hand over power to him following ruling by the National Industrial Court

    Oamen stated that the Akure division of the Industrial Court had on March 13th, 2018 removed Comrade Olaye with an order not to parade himself as the state chairman of Edo state council of the Union.

    Read Also: NURTW crisis: MC Oluomo, predecessor settle rift

    He said the union’s constitution allows for a maximum of two terms of four years each for all elective officers of the union.

    According to him, “Olaye was elected in the year 2003 and this implies that he should have naturally finished his eight year tenure in 2011. It is therefore worrisome for him to be occupying the said office inspite of a competent court’s ruling sacking him.

    “On the strength of the said judgment, with suit no NICN/BEN/12/2017, we are by this letter directing him to immediately vacate office as the state chairman of the union in strict obedience to the court order.”

    National President of NURTW, Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, said Comrade Olaye would continue in office pending the determination of the suit before the Court of Appeal.

  • Minimum wage: Association begs traders not to increase prices of goods

    By Agency Reporter

    Mrs Hadiza Sabo, the Nasarawa State Chairperson of Market Women Association (MWA), has implored traders not to increase the prices of their goods following approved minimum wage for workers.

    Sabo made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lafia.

    She said that the traders should not take advantage of the increase in salaries to cause hardship on the poor masses, who are always at the receiving end.

    “The minimum wage would go a long way in ensuring a boom in businesses, as there would be more money in circulation.

    “If workers have more money, it would enhance their purchasing power and they would in turn buy goods and services from us, thereby bettering our lives as well,” she added.

    According to her, beliefs in some quarters that traders always increase prices of their products whenever there is increase in minimum wage are not true.

    Read Also: Mixed reactions from states over minimum wage deal

    She explained that price increase by traders had to do with price increase by manufacturers and farmers among others in the production and service chain.

    Sabo congratulated workers for the increase in their salaries, and called on the state governors to begin the implementation in their respective states.

    She also lauded Gov. Abdullahi Sule of the state for his developmental strides so far.

    Sabo implored the governor to empower more women, especialy widows and rural women, to enable them contribute more to the development of the state.

    The chairman also urged women in public offices to give back to their constituencies by empowering women to be self-reliant.

    (NAN)

  • Alleged $9.5m FIFA Grant : Court fixes Dec. 16 for AGF report

    By Agency Reporter

    An FCT High Court, Maitama, on Tuesday fixed Dec. 16 for the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to report on the harmonisation of the cases against some NFF officials in the alleged misappropriation of 9.5 million dollars FIFA grant.

    Justice Peter Affen had earlier fixed Oct. 22 for ruling in the application filed by the EFCC , to join the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick and Secretary-General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi

    EFCC dragged three officials of Federation before the court in an alleged 9.5 million dollars FIFA grant misappropriation before applying on April 30 to join both Pinnick and Sanusi in the matter as co-defendants.

    Those being tried earlier were Christopher Andekin, NFF Director of Administration and Finance; Reagan Zaka, Cashier and Fadanari Mamza, Head, Finance and Account Department.

    The EFCC charged the defendants with five counts bordering on criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation.

    The EFCC alleged that they conspired between January 8 and 26, 2015 to commit the offence, contrary to Section 97 of Penal Code.

    Andekin was alleged to have been entrusted with money meant for the development of football in Nigeria, a grant from world football body, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

    He was alleged to have fraudulently diverted 1.3 million dollars from the NFF domiciliary account with Zenith Bank, an act that is contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code.

    Zaka, on his part, was said to have fraudulently diverted 7.2 million dollars rom the FIFA grant, while Mamza was alleged of diverting 2. 3 million dollars.

    The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charge On June 27, while adopting processes filed in support of the application for joinder the prosecuting counsel, Mr Steve Odiase, urged the court to grant the application.

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    According to him, the charge filed by the government against the first, second defendants and both Pinnick and Sanusi at the Federal High Court in Abuja was different from the one at the FCT High Court.

    On his part, counsel for the defendants, Festus Ukpe, while adopting affidavits opposing the joinder, urged the court to refuse the application.

    At the resumed hearing, Mr Abubakar Musa, senior state counsel, Federation Ministry of Justice told the court that the Attorney General of the Federation want all the matters against the defendants pending in different courts to be harmonised .

    Musa prayed the court that in the interest of justice and to avoid abuse of Court processes that time should be given to them to harmonise the cases.

    EFCC counsel Mr Makinde Olufemi, told the court that they are left with no option than to go with the possible date given .

    Justice Affen then adjourned until Dec. 16 for the AGF to report on the outcome of the harmonisation.

    (NAN)

  • Shell spends N1.2bn on 84 Bayelsa projects

    By Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has disclosed that it spent over N1.2bn on 84 developmental projects at its clusters in Tarakiri and Oporoma in Sagbama and Southern Ijaw local government areas.

    The General Manager, SPDC, Mr. Igo Weli, in separate speeches in Yenagoa during the inaugurations of some of the competed projects said the company invested N496. 9m to execute 24 projects in the Tarakiri clusters.

    Weli, who said Shell was prioritising development of its host communities using the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) template added that the company spent N737.4million to develop 60 projects in its Oporoma clusters.

    Weli, who was represented by Shell’s External Relations Manager, West Asset, Mr Evans Krukrubo listed Ayamasa, Agbere, Isampou, Ofoni, Agbialama and Egbema in Ekeremo and Sagbama LGAs as the benefiting communities in its Tarakiri clan.

    He said: “Where the environment supports our business and we run our operations without disruptions, SPDC is committed to increasing the Social Investment that we make to host communities and to Nigeria.

    “A peaceful and enabling environment allows SPDC Joint Venture to put more funding to social investment that benefits all our people.

    “SPDC has disbursed about N41.1 billion to the 37 active clusters from 2006 till date for community development under the GMoU template”.

    He said the projects cut across infrastructure, economic empowerment transportation intervention and scholarships.

    He added: “The handover of these completed projects highlights the support SPDC gives to people in our areas of operation when there is a conducive environment for interaction and when we all take up the opportunities available to engage on matters that affect all of us. We encourage other communities to emulate the Oporomor GMoU Cluster and and progressive schemes to develop our communities”.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of Tarakiri Cluster Development Board, Dr. Jude Ebibokefie, commended SPDC for promptly meeting its funding obligations which facilitated the completion of the projects.

    He explained that the projects cut across infrastructure, skills acquisition and human capacity empowerment as well as scholarships executed and implemented by the established organs in the GMoU agreement spanning about five years.

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    Also about 25 women, who successfully completed skill acquisition trainings received a startup grant of N41.1 million at the occasion.

    Also speaking for Southern Ijaw clusters, Speaker of Bayelsa state House of Assembly, Monday Obolo, said the state government had concluded plans to establish an Oil Communities Development Commission to accelerate development of oil-bearing communities within the state.

    He noted that an executive bill sent to the Assembly by Governor Seriake Dickson had passed first hearing and would receive expeditious passage.

    Obolo said the bill recommended that 13 per cent Derivation Funds should be channeled to development of oil communities to complement the social obligation gestures of oil firms operating in the state.

    He said: “It is my view that the development funding currently being provided by Shell under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) is grossly inadequate compared to the level of contribution to oil output.

    “The environment in our communities in Southern Ijaw has been so degraded and nothing is too much for the communities and that is why the Gov Seriake Dickson administration has taken steps to establish an Oil Producing Areas Commission to complement the GMoU”.