The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ekiti seeks collaboration to end open defecation

    By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado Ekiti

    Ekiti State Government has called for a collaborative efforts among all stakeholders in order to achieve the year 2022 target of open defecation free state.

    The government restated its commitment to banish the menace before 2022, by taking the campaign to all the nooks and crannies of the state including institutions of learning and public places.

    Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Thursday at an occasion marking the 2019 edition of WASH, the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Hon.Bamidele Faparusi said the government will not rest on its oars until Ekiti attain open defecation free status.

    Faparusi said the present administration has established a task Force across all the State Ministries, Departments and agencies of government and also spreading the campaign to schools on the need to implement rules guiding Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to halt open defecation.

    He said the present administration would step up efforts by paying advocacy visits to local governments and market places establish WASH committee across MDAs and develop an action plan, as part of the strategies to achieving the target.

    He added WASH programme is an initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) targeted at promoting hygiene in the society, which he said Ekiti has keyed into.

    Faparusi commended the State Universal Basic Education Board for its diligence, and proactive efforts at stemming the tide of open defecation across primary schools in the state.

    Stressing the importance of hand washing and sanitation in the society, the Commissioner explained that; “the programme is part of the advocacy and awareness exercise aimed at protecting the state especially pupils from primary schools across the state.

    Read Also: Minister seeks collaboration to end Open Defecation

    “Governor Kayode Fayemi is committed to the welfare of the people of the state and we are determined to continue to provide enabling environment that would enhance good health and hygiene.

    “The WASH day was introduced by the global body , WHO in an attempt at addressing environmental issues such as global warming, pollution, open defecation, deforestation, famine among others, capable of having negative effects on human existence.

    “The fight against open defecation has become necessary, in order to safeguard lives of human beings, which is currently being threatened by human activities such as mineral exploration, deforestation, environmental pollution and technological advancement,” he said.

    He equally tasked public institutions, organisations and bodies charged with the provision, treatment and distribution of water, to always ensure that they carry out effective monitoring of pipes conveying it to different homes, hospitals and industries, in order to ensure that only safe and clean water is provided for human consumptions.

  • Court jails wanted FBI internet suspect for one year

    By Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

    Kwara state High Court sitting in Ilorin, the state capital has sentenced internet fraudster Joseph Oyediran to one year imprisonment.

    The convict had been indicted by the United States (US) Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for internet fraud.

    The Ilorin zone of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFDC) had earlier arraigned the convict on five count charge and he pleaded not guilty but later approached the EFCC for a plea bargain agreement.

    After the agreement was made, the prosecution amended the charge and Joseph pleaded “guilty” to the one count amended charge.

    The charge reads: “That you, Joseph Oyediran (alias Joe MG Graves) between April,  2015 to June 2015, in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court did cheat by impersonation when you pretended to be one Joe MG a white Male with gmail account gravesmjoe@gmail.com and fraudulently deceived one Andrea Smith,  an American citizen to send N2,392, 105.00 ( Two million,  three hundred and ninety two thousand,  one hundred and five) after you made her believe you were in love with her and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 321of the penal code and punishable under section 324of the same penal code ”

    Read Also: ‘Beware of fraudulent job information’

    While reviewing the facts of the case, the prosecution called the head of Advance Fee Fraud section of the commission in Ilorin, Olamide Sadiq who gave account of investigations carried out by his team in the matter.

    Sadiq told the court that “on the 24th of July 2019, the commission received a petition from the Federal Bureau of Investigations against the defendant, the FBI alleged that Oyediran was involved in business email compromise, romance scam and other fraud related offences, based on investigations, the suspect was arrested and confessed to the crime.

    Delivering Judgment, Justice Mahmod Abdulgafar said the testimonies of the prosecution witness, the pleas of the defendant and documents presented were enough to conclude that the prosecution was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Justice Abdulgafar added that “the convict is hereby sentenced to one year imprisonment while his one plot of land located at Wara, behind Ilorin West local government secretariat and the sum of N800, 000 recovered from him should be forfeited to the Federal Government.”

  • Gov. Bello greets Ooni of Ife, Ogunwusi, at 45

    By Agency Reporter

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Thursday felicitated with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on the occasion his 45th birthday anniversary.

    In a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Muhammed Onogwu, in Lokoja, Bello also felicitated with the Government and people of Osun on the occasion.

    He described the Ooni as a true royalty who had since his coronation brought great value to the traditional institution.

    Read Also: You are a pride to the royal institution, Oyetola to Ooni as he clocks 45

    He said the Royal father as a frontier for peace and harmony in the country, is preaching and practicing peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups.

    The governor said that Oba Adeyeye’s unbiased and unperturbed leadership had clearly shown that young people had the capacity to lead rightly in whatever sphere of life when provided with the opportunity.

    He prayed for more wisdom and good health that would enable the Imperial Majesty and the Ile- Ife traditional ruler to continue to discharge his responsibilities and longer years on the throne of his ancestors. (NAN)

  • You are a pride to the royal institution, Oyetola to Ooni as he clocks 45

    By Agency Reporter

    Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has described Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as a pride to the royal institution as he clocks 45.

    The governor said this in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ismail Omipidan, on the Ooni’s birthday on Thursday in Osogbo.

    Oyetola described Ooni as a versatile source of intervention in the nation’s contemporary challenges.

    He said the consistency of the monarch in analysing issues of contemporary importance in the nation since ascending the throne “is commendable’’.

    “On this auspicious occasion of your birthday anniversary, I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank almighty God for your life which has been marked by outstanding accomplishments and enduring contributions to national discourse.

    Read Also: Oba Ogunwusi is Ooni of our dream, says Afe Babalola’s wife

    “Your royal interventions are notable in entrepreneurship, youth engagement, scholarships and agriculture where you have regularly deployed your means and influence to impact the people on an annual basis.

    “You are a pride to the Royal Institution and the State of Osun. We cannot thank you enough.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of the State of Osun, I congratulate you and pray that the almighty God will give you wisdom, peace and happiness.

    “Enjoy this day to the fullest. Happy birthday to you,” the governor said.

  • Court of Appeal reserves judgment in appeal by Ajimobi challenging Balogun’s election victory

    By Agency Reporter

    The Court of Appeal in Ibadan on Thursday reserved judgement in an appeal by Sen. Abiola Ajimobi challenging the verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal on the Feb. 23 National Assembly Election for Oyo South.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Election Petition Tribunal had upheld the victory of Sen. Kola Balogun (Oyo South) in the Feb. 23 National Assembly election.

    The Justice Haruna Samani led three man panel, which has Justices Okoronkwo and Ojo as members, told counsel for both the appellants and respondents that judgment would be communicated to them at a later date.

    The panel of justices reserved judgment after adoption of the written addresses of the appellants; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ajimobi whose legal team was led by Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN), and respondents: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Sen. Kola Balogun and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Olujimi in his submission had challenged the qualification of Balogun to participate in the Feb. 23 election on the ground that he did not participate in the PDP primary election but was selected.

    He further argued that the National Assembly Election Tribunal did not properly evaluate the evidence brought before it before delivering judgment in the petition.

    Read Also: We’ll step on toes to make Oyo better, says Makinde

    However, counsel to the INEC, Balogun and PDP respectively refuted the claim by the appellants stressing that the tribunal through due diligence examined all evidence tendered before it.

    The respondents lawyers were led by Messrs Ademola Osuolale, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Oluwasesan Dada.

    They added that the issue raised on the primary election of PDP lacked merit as being proposed by the appellant as the basis for nullifying the candidature of Balogun, the second respondent.

    NAN recalls that the result of the Feb. 23 election as declared by INEC indicated that Balogun won his closest rival, Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressive Congress with a vote difference of 13,502.

    The PDP candidate ended the contest with a total of 105,720 votes while the candidate of the APC had 92,217 votes. (NAN)

  • Baptist youths celebrate King of Glory

    The Triumphant Youth of First Baptist Church, 12 Oremerin Street, Itire, Lagos will on Friday hold Alade Ogo (King of Glory) 3.0.

    The spiritual programme, an annual event, is packaged to celebrate Jesus Christ.

    Spokespersons for the youth, Kunle Babalola and Kehinde Obatola, said: “Alade Ogo (King of Glory) is worthy to be praised.
    “We are celebrating Jesus Christ. He deserves our praises and adoration because of the signs and wonders he is performing in our midst.

    Read Also: Jewish, Christian communities celebrate in Lagos

    “Gospel musicians like Ronke Chantified, Easy Sax and Kakaki Jesu have been invited to perform at this third edition of Alade Ogo, which will begin from 9pm till 5am.”

    The minister-in-charge of First Baptist Church, Itire, Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Afolabi, will preside over the programme tagged: ‘Ceaseless Praise’ (2 Chronicles 20:27) during which souls will be won for Jesus Christ.

  • Manchester United will reinforce squad in January, says Solskjaer

    By Agency Reporter

    Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four, but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

    United are 12th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s home game against league leaders Liverpool after a poor start to the season that has been further disrupted by injuries to key players.

    Solskjaer sanctioned the departures of forwards Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the close season without reinforcing United’s attack and the Norwegian also has goalkeeper David De Gea and midfielder Paul Pogba out injured.

    “We’re looking at one or two new signings. We’re one or two players light.
    “If the right ones are available in January then we might do something. If not, these players will give everything (for a top four finish).

    “I’m not going to go down the route of bringing players in on big contracts and fees if they’re not the right ones for the whole group and for the future.

    “The money is there to strengthen in January and in the summer,” Solskjaer said.

    Read Also: Free-scoring Liverpool make Premier League history

    United started the season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea but have scored five goals in seven league matches since and Solskjaer said an injury to forward Anthony Martial, who has not played since August, was a factor in their struggles.

    “There are many reasons, but one of them is injuries to Anthony. Creating chances has been a challenge for us with teams dropping deep.

    “But we’re practising patterns every single week. When we get the players fit.

    “I’m going to make Marcus and Anthony score those scruffy goals, as that’s what I did,” the 46-year-old former United player said.

  • Attackers of POS banking operators arrested in Jos

    By Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

    No fewer than 17 members of an armed robbery syndicate that specialised in attacking shop owners offering POS banking services in Jos have been arrested.

    Commissioner of Police Isaac Akinmoyede said the arrests were carried out by troops of Operation Puff Adder.

    Akimoyede said: “A five-man gang who specialised in snatching cars and robbing POS operators in Jos and its environs were rounded up.

    ” Search conducted at the residents of the suspects led to the recovery of two foreign made pistols, one lavally made revolver pistol, eleven 9MM live ammunition and one Peugeot 406.

    “During interrogation, the suspects confessed they robbed POS operators in Kufang, Dadinkowa and Zaranaganda all in Jos south local government of Plateau state.

    “They also confessed to killing some of their victims during robbery operations.””

    In another robbery operation in Jos City, three suspects were arrested in a tricycle with which they operated.

    The suspects, Ebuka Martins and Joseph Achigak, both of Busa-Buji of Jos North local government were arrested in possession of locally made pistol with one live cartridge.”

    Read Also: ‘Oil theft proceeds used to finance insurgency, crimes’

    The Command also stated it arrested some notorious kidnappers terrorising residents of Shendam local government of Plateau state in the last four week.

    “After kidnapping a victim and collecting of ransom of about N2 million, the suspects, Ibrahim Kuru of Lere village of Bogoro local government of Bauchi state, was arrested while seven other members of his gangs are at large,” the police chief stated.

    Akinmoyede assured that the command will not relax in pursuit of criminals that are making life difficult for residents.

  • Chidoka commiserates with victims of Onitsha tanker fire accident

    By Agency Reporter

    A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has commiserated with the victims of Wednesday’s tanker fire accident in Onitsha, Anambra.

    Chidoka said on Thursday in Awka described the accident as painful and regrettable.

    “It was indeed a black Wednesday in Onitsha, Anambra. The loss of lives, property and businesses as a result of the accident is both painful and regrettable.

    “I want to express deep condolences to the families that lost their loved ones in the accident, including that of a mother and her baby and the people that lost properties and businesses.

    “I identify with them at this moment of grief and pray that the almighty God will console them,” he said in a in statement by Mr Ikechukwu Okafor, his Special Adviser on Media Relations.

    Read Also: Buhari sympathizes with victims of Onitsha tanker explosion

    Chidoka, however, observed that casualties resulting from such accidents in Onitsha were always high because of the poor planning of the area.

    Chidoka, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in the state, called for more government’s attention and citizen engagement in the area of urban planning and public safety.

    “Onitsha is an ungoverned space; divided by artificial boundaries of local governments and unattended to by a visionless state.

    “It lacks coherent development plan and is not loved by residents who lack a sense of community.

    “The fire on Wednesday is symptomatic of deep seated urban challenges,” he said.

    “As markets shutdown for prayers and sanitation, they should also shutdown for an hour or two every week for fire drills.

    “The people can arrange for a fire survey from Federal Fire Service and modify their markets to enhance emergency response.

    “There is need for government to engage citizens and market leadership on issues of safety,” he said.

  • Emulate FG, slash traveling expenses — expert urges govs

    By Agency Reporter

    Mr Momoh Aliyu, a financial expert has urged state governors to emulate the Federal Government by cutting down their travelling expenses and utilise it for development projects.

    Aliyu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

    The expert was reacting to directive by the Federal Government that henceforth there would be slash in travelling expenses of its officials.

    NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved additional cost saving measures for immediate implementation.

    This was in a bid to curb leakages and ensure efficiency in the management of resources of government.

    In a statement issued by Mr Willie Bassey, Director Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the president said the decision was aimed at instilling financial discipline and prudence, particularly, in the area of official travels.

    “Henceforth, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are required to submit their Yearly Travel Plans for statutory meetings and engagements to the office of the SGF.

    “Or the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation for express clearance within the first quarter of the fiscal year before implementation.’’

    Read Also: Unease as NASS slashes legislative aides’ salaries

    Aliyu who is also the Managing Director of Cyber1 Systems Network International, explained that the development was a wakeup call to governors and indeed all other governments’ agencies in the country.

    He said overhead cost of traveling in the budget was alarming and taking chunks of the vote heads.

    “The action by the president is an act of setting the pace to other parastatals, ministries and states governments,’’ he said.

    The expert said that Nigerian Government had over the years been criticised of wasting and mismanaging the scarce resources.

    He described the development as the right step in the right direction.

    “The ministers and other government functionaries should understand the need to be on seat to attend to pressing issues.’’

    Aliyu also acknowledged the efforts of the ministry of technology in ensuring e. government systems.