The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ex Senate President tasks alumni associations to develop infrastructure

    By Agency Reporter

    Former Senate president Ken Nnamani has urged old students associations to support their alma maters in the area of infrastructure development and maintenance of facilities.

    Nnamani gave the advice at the 8th National Annual Dinner of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA) in Abuja.

    He said that with the success stories recorded from the school’s past students in their various endeavours, it was important for them to help restore the glory of the institution.

    The former senate president, who was also the chairman of the occasion, said that it would be unfair if they forget the school that contributed to their individual successes.

    “A stream that does not forget its source, never runs dry. I urge you, all, to support your alma mater in the best way that you can,” he said.

    In her keynote address, Prof. Joy Ogwu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged Nigerians to preserve the education sector and ensure that proper morals are imbibed among students.

    Ogwu, who spoke on the topic ‘Exam Malpractice: Curtailing the Epidemic in the National Interest’, called on parents and teachers to work together to end the menace.

    She said that undue emphasis on certification led many students and parents to get involved in examination malpractice.

    She noted that the development had resulted in raising ill- equipped students, lack of proper supervision, poor teaching and learning environment as well as parental pressure.

    “We now have a society where people want to pay and bribe their way to get a certificate.

    “Some people attribute it to economic factor, but I believe that we have no excuse.

    “We will not have proper education until the authority of our teachers, principals, supervisors is questioned,” she said.

    Read Also: Govt should create jobs, fix infrastructure, says NLC

    Mr Charles Majoroh, President General Worldwide of the association, said that the occasion was meant to discuss contemporary issues in the management of public schools and social values.

    “As a public school, it becomes clear that government alone can not adequately maintain or repair the school’s facilities.

    “That is why the association, with assistance from corporate bodies interested in the development of the mind of the youths at the teen years, is raising funds to fix one facility or the other in the school.

    “This will be our contribution to the success of the institution that contributed to our success, “he said.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Government College, Ughelli was founded in 1945 and has produced distinguished alumni that include Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amb. B.A Clark, Prof J.P Clark and Prof Olu Akinyanju.

    Others are Mr. Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Guy Otobo, Prof. Itse Sagay, Prof. Oyewale Tomori and Prof. Omagbemi Omatete. (NAN)

  • NIMC DG suggests adoption of NIN to curb exam malpractice

    By Agency Reporter

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says the adoption of the National Identification Number (NIN) as criteria for all examinations in the country will tackle malpractices such as impersonation and promote transparency.

    Hadiza Dagabana, NIMC Acting-Director-General, Hadiza Dagabana made the suggestion in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    She said although registration for NIN has already started at the Primary School level of education across the country, it should be encouraged to further enhance confidence in the nation’s examination system.

    According to her, doing so will help to stop impersonation, adding that registration processes for NIN should become mandatory before enrollment for public examinations.

    So, in the case of JAMB there are issues, there are impersonation and they were looking at way to remedy those issues and mitigate those issues.

    “The only way you can identify a person sitting for JAMB examination, is with his identification number issued by JAMB.

    “The communication is before you go and register for JAMB make sure you have your national identification number (NIN) because that is what will identify you.

    “And you know the beauty of that is the moment JAMB and all other educational stakeholders meet and decide to use NIN that means from that period up to the time you get your any certificate in your life that NIN will be attached to you

    “So, if you get your ID that is what will tie you to all the things you do in your life.

    “For those categories of persons under 16 we tie their enrollment because their biometrics is not yet fully formed with the identity of their parent or guardian.

    Read Also: ‘Exam malpractices’: Prosecution raises charges against Adeleke, others

    “It is only that when you fully reach 16 years, you come back and your finger prints are taken.

    “But any Identity card you get from day one if you are going today and you are taken to register, we register you it is that ID for life.”

    According to her, your NIN must be attached to whatever certificate you get; then if you have your ID-card, it will to be tied to everything you do as Nigerian.

    Dagabana decried inadequate investment in the operations of the Commission, and therefore, urged the Federal Government to prioritise identity management to achieve the desired goals (NAN)

  • Group accuses Sen Abbo threatens with legal action

    By Onimisi Alao, Yola

    A group, Adamawa Peace Defenders, has threatened to sue Senator Elisha Abbo (Adamawa North) for alleged breach of peace.

    The senator, according to the group, made inflammatory comments capable of breaching the peace in Adamawa.

    Abbo is currently in court for allegedly assaulting a woman in a sex toy shop in Abuja.

    Coordinator of the group, Pwanabeshi Alson, alleged in statement Friday that Sen Abbo referred to the state Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, as one playing politics of religion.

    Read Also: Photos: Senator Elisha Abbo arraigned in Abuja

    “These are reckless words capable of pitching the people of one faith against the other, and we cannot tolerate leaders talking like this at a time when peace is very fragile,” the group coordinator stated.

    The group gave Abbo five-day ultimatum to, among other things, retract “all his fallacious and derogatory utterances against the Governor,” and to write an apology to Adamawa people “for his derogatory comments capable of causing unrest, especially in the political arena and among religious and ethnic groups across the state.”

    Senator Elisha Abbo has been at loggerheads with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri whom he has accused of trying to impose candidates for the local council elections due next month.

  • Edo promises to pay minimum wage

    By Osagie Otabor, Benin

    Edo State Government declared its readiness to pay the minimum wage and percentage of increment as agreed between the Federal Government and Labour unions.

    Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said Edo State was already paying above the N18,000 minimum wage.

    Read Also: Just let Godwin Obaseki be

    Osagie said labour leaders in the state are working with the state government on full implementation of the minimum wage.

    “We have always said we will pay. Any agreed template will be paid,” he assured.

  • Police again disperse Shi’ites with tear gas, gun shots in Abuja

    By Gbenga Omokhunu and Jennifer Obasuke, Abuja

    The procession of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), on Friday was dispersed by the police around Wuse Market, in Abuja.

    Eyewitnesses told The Nation that the policemen reportedly fired tear gas canisters and gunshots in the air forcing the Shi’ites, passers-by and motorists to scamper for safety.

    Though no life was lost several Shi’ite members were injured during the incident that lasted for 30 minutes.

    The IMN procession, which started at Wuse Zone 3, Mosque abruptly ended after the series of gun shots and fired tear gas canisters at Wuse Market.

    The Shi’ites planned to hold a nationwide procession on Saturday in commemoration of their annual Arbaeen trek sparking fears of another confrontation with security operatives.

    Arbaeen is a Shiite annual religious practice usually conducted on 20th Safar of Islamic calendar to mark the 40th day of the murder of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad who was killed on 10th Muharram.

    A top member of the IMN, Yahaya Soji, said: “We started the trek at the Wuse zone 3 Mosque and as we were about getting to Wuse Market the police open fire on us but no one died. The trek was meant to be peaceful.”

    Following the development, the Academic Forum of the Islamic Movement expressed sadness over the incident.

    A statement issued by the Academic Forum of the Islamic movement and signed by Abdullahi Musa said: “We trek, mourning Imam Husain’s Arbaeen. By extension, the fortieth day from the tragic Ashura is termed as the Arbaeen, a commemorating period for humanity. Imam Hussain ibn Ali (AS), his immediate family and his companions were brutally killed in the plain of Karbala on 10th October, 680 by Yazid bn Muawiyyah.

    “As the only ray of hope, shining with excellent brightness, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) stood against oppression and injustice, the result of which is sacrifice non-such. One needs not be Muslim to acknowledge this tragedy, just as one needs not have any religious affinity to to lend a voice of support to oppressed people, anywhere in the world. Thus, as tragic and mournful as the day is, it is equally symbolically significant, and the Imam is for all and humanity.

    “This year Arabaeen symbolic trek here in Abuja had been scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, 19 October, 2019. However, another evil plan, of which we were reliably informed, has made it a near impossibility, for safety of the populace and public properties.

    “We discovered that the Police and other security agents have schemed to cause mayhem and violence to enable them put the blame on Sheikh Zakzaky’s followers so as to accuse them of being responsible for it, like they did on the 22nd July, 2019 at Federal Secretariat, where they killed a senior Police officer and a journalist.

    Read Also: Police, Shi’ites clash again in Abuja

    “Having observed that in the weekend some journalists may not be available to monitor and cover the happenings, an alternative was sought. Public safety together with properties is really prime, and we decided against tomorrow for today Friday, 18 October, 2019. In spite of the rescheduling, police attacked the peacefully solemn match, tear-gassing, arresting and molesting the trekkers.

    “The general public could recall the grave atrocities committed by the Nigerian Army in Zaria in December, 2015 where more than a thousand followers of Sheikh Zakzaky were killed. Ever since then, the Sheikh, his wife and numerous others are under illegal detention.

    “In like manner, last year the army killed more than 50 trekkers in Abuja during Arbaeen trek. We condemned all forms of tyranny and urged the public to unite and challenge oppression, the way Imam Hussain did during Yazid, as tyranny and humanity are mutually exclusive”.

    While mourning the Arbaeen of Imam Hussain (AS), demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife.

  • Clear backlog of passport applications, NIS boss orders Alausa office

    By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

    Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mohammed Babandede has sent a special task force to the Alausa Passport Lagos to clear the backlog of passport applications.

    Assistant Comptroller General ACG in charge of Zone ‘A’ Mohammed Alfa who made this known in Lagos, stated that the task force, which is already in the Alausa office, has commenced operations.
    He assured applicants that all applications will be cleared in a few days.

    Read Also: New e-passport valid for all countries – NIS

    The ACG also disclosed that the Service as directed by the Comptroller General was determined to ensure that applicants get their passports as notification messages have already been sent to applicants whose passports were ready.

  • Police arrest suspected serial killer in Osun

    By Agency Reporter

    The Osun Police Command has arrested one Teslim Raji, also known as Akerele, and his accomplice, Femi Bamidele for alleged serial killings, kidnappings and gun running, within the Ikire axis of the state.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mrs Abiodun Ige, while parading the suspects in Osogbo, said the main suspect, Raji, was arrested after series of complaints by residents.

    She said Raji, who is being investigated for the crime, was arrested last year, charged to court and granted bail but later jumped bail.

    She said after jumping bail, the suspect still went ahead to kill someone and that since then the police had been on his trail.

    “His conspirator was arrested earlier when our officer went to his house and one of his boys tried to escape,” she said.

    Read Also: I killed 15 women in seven states – Rivers serial killer

    Ige said the command also raided a shrine in Osogbo allegedly being used by fraudsters to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    The commissioner said during the raid a suspected fraudster, Fatai Olanrewaju, was arrested.

    She said the raid on the shrine followed a complaint from a woman that she was duped by the suspect.

    “The woman said the suspect had been collecting money under the guise that he was helping her.

    “You can imagine the number of people who would have fell victims of his activities and the money rituals that would have been done here,” she said

    The police boss, however, said all the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation. (NAN)
    ID/IS

  • Kogi 2019: Transport unions promise Bello 50,000 votes

    By James Azania, Lokoja

    Members of the various transport unions on Friday locked down the state capital, Lokoja for a solidarity rally for Governor Yahaya Bello’s second term bid.

    The rally, across the capital, was led by the Director General, APC governorship campaign organisation for Bello/Onoja, Senator Smart Adeyemi.

    It ended at the party secretariat along the Murtala Mohammed way.

    Chairman of one of the transport unions, Jimoh Ibrahim, said that they decided to embark on the solidarity rally in view of the governor’s performance, that make him merit a second term.

    He said: “The gathering here comprises of all the six units of transport union; Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, (TOAN), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Nigerian Motorcycle Union of Nigeria (NMUN), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and others.

    “Our union boast of over 48,000 members and we have all pledged our support for Governor Bello.

    “Kogi State does not belong to one single family alone, it belongs to all of us, and so, we will work massively for Bello’s reelection.

    Read Also: I’ll return as governor, says Yahaya Bello

    “We shall deliver for second term. Mark our face, we don’t belong to any political parties, but all the union votes belong to Governor Bello come November 16 governorship election.”

    Adeyemi said the union was powerful and important to the socio economic development of the state.

    “Without you, the state will collapse and so we acknowledged your importance and thank you for your faith in Governor Yahaya Bello, the state and APC.

    “You remain a critical partners. Having your endorsement and assurance of over 48,000 votes, it is as good as winning the election,” he said.

    He added that the governor will not forget the union, assuring that their support will not be in vain.

    State chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Bello commended the unions for making their ranks crime- free.

    He said that unlike other climes, members in the state have no records of engaging in social vices.

    He said the party has no rival in the state, noting that the APC boasts of a formidable structure that can win election anytime.

    He thanked them for their endorsement, saying that he believed they have seen the good work of the governor, to throw their weight behind him for the poll.

  • FG, Russian government to partner in reviving Ajaokuta Coy- Minister

    By Agency Reporter

    The Federal Government says it is partnering the Russian government to revive Ajaokuta Steel Company.

    Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, disclosed this at an interactive session with Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Mines, Steel Development and Metallurgy in Abuja on Friday.

    He further said that the main feature of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Russia next week is to discuss the reviving of the steel company.

    According to the minister, the Russians have shown interest to help Nigeria revive Ajaokuta with their own money.

    “They want to put Ajaokuta back and we are looking at different methods to engage them.
    “Because it is almost completed, they bring in some money to finish what is there and operate it for a while; realise their investment, profit and transfer it back to Nigeria.

    Read Also: Nigeria, China to collaborate on production of Nigerian-made transformers by 2020

    “I think this is the best path to revive Ajaokuta and I believe within the tenure of our time, we will achieve this,” Adegbite said.

    The minister said that Ajaokuta Company was never vandalised contrary to reports but it was concessioned to a particular firm.

    Adegbite, however, noted that invasion of the mining industry by foreign nationals was being encouraged by some state governments.

    “A lot of effort is going on to check illegal mining in the country,” he said.
    Chairman of the committee Sen. Tanko Almakura, said that efforts must be made structurally and legally to encourage states and local governments not to participate in illegal mining activities.

    “If you look at the mining, it is in the exclusive list.

    “There is the need for us to come together; the Senate, House of Representatives, ministry and stakeholders.
    “Let’s get down and unbundle this to give every tier of government some level of participation without usurping the exclusive legislative right.

    “We can have the concurrent with the exclusive running side by side,” Almakura said.
    Almakura who is the immediate past governor of Nasarawa State urged the ministry to identify very important and lucrative solid minerals wherever they are in the country to help in diversifying the economy.

    “Unless we take the approach that was used in the ministry of agriculture in diversification, we may not be in a position to fast track development and diversification in the solid mineral sector.

    “With the support of the Senate, we can cause the Presidency to bring about a presidential committee dedicated to the different kinds of solid minerals varieties.

    “They include limestone, tin, columbite etc to boost the economic development of the country,” the lawmaker said.

  • Oyo govt. to spend N8bn on Iwo Road interchange expansion – Makinde

    By Agency Reporter

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disclosed that about N8 billion will be spent on the expansion of the popular Iwo-Road interchange in Ibadan, the state capital.

    Makinde, who made this known on Friday, when he visited Adogba Central Mosque at Iwo-Road, said that the project would be completed between nine and 11months.

    The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the governor was accompanied by his deputy, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan, to the Jumat service, said he was there to solicit support from the congregation over government’s decision to demolish the mosque.

    He said the decision to demolish the mosque to pave way for the construction of an interchange was part of his administration’s plan to make Ibadan a befitting state capital, adding that a church around the interchange area would also be demolished.

    Read Also: Seyi Makinde: A child of circumstance

    He dismissed the insinuations that the demolition had religion undertone, saying four out of the first six persons in government hierarchy in the state are Muslims.

    He said his administration was committed to the infrastructural development of the state, especially the state capital, so as to restore the old glory when Ibadan was the capital of the old Western Region.

    Makinde said government had provided another land for the building of a befitting mosque for the congregation and promised to personally spearhead the construction of the new mosque.

    He appealed to Muslim faithful to support the decision for the overall development of the state.