The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Obaseki to govt officials: don’t respond to comments credited to Oshiomhole

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has maintained his position that government officials in the state should not join issues with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, whose media aides are spreading extremely hostile, malicious and incorrect statements in the media.

    In a statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor warned those intent on disrupting public peace that he is determined to maintain law and order and protect lives and property as the Chief Security Officer of the state.

    The statement reads: “The Edo State Government has again taken notice of extremely hostile, malicious and incorrect statements attributed to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, by his media aides in various newspapers and media outfits.

    Read Also: Ex-Edo Speaker attacks Oshiomhole

    “This continuous spewing of invectives and purposely distorted accounts is aimed at creating a sense of tension and crisis in and around the state and the country when none actually exists.”

    It continued: “Governor Godwin Obaseki has therefore restated that on no account should any government official in Edo State join issues on the continuous unwarranted vitriolic comments on the person of the governor and the government by Oshiomhole’s media aides purportedly acting at his behest.

    “The position of government is to pursue the path of peace in dealing with ensuing issues for the good of all Edo people.

    “As Governor and leader, Governor Obaseki is in firm control of the APC in Edo State and there is no reason whatsoever to even moot the idea of leaving the party where he enjoys tremendous support and goodwill both at the state and the national levels.

    “The governor, however, warned those intent on disrupting public peace that he is determined in his resolve to continuously carry out his primary responsibility of maintaining order and protecting lives and property as the Chief Security Officer of the state.”

  • Abiodun gives automatic employment to Ilaro Poly best graduating student

    By Agency Reporter

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, on Wednesday, gave automatic employment to the best graduating student of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Modupe Akintola, in the state civil service.

    The governor announced the automatic employment, while speaking at the 40th Founder’s Day and 19th convocation ceremony of the institution, in Ilaro.

    Abiodun said that the employment would take effect after the completion of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme by Akintola.

    He explained that the establishment of the polytechnic had contributed, in no small measure, to the socio-economic development of Ilaro town and the state as a whole.

    The governor added that the 40th Founder’s Day of the polytechnic could also be said to be the celebration of the history of tertiary education in Ogun.

    He congratulated the graduating students, saying that the education they had acquired was not just for them to receive certificate, but to get them prepared for the future.

    Abiodun also added that it would make them better individuals as well as complete and enlightened Nigerians who would be able to contribute to the development of the nation.

    He said that his administration would continue to give education the priority that it deserved and remain committed to providing qualitative education in the state at all levels.

    In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, noted that the federal government recognised the importance of technology in providing the necessary platform for the development of the country.

    The minister, represented by Joel Ojo, Director, Tertiary Education in the ministry, explained that government was committed to growing the education sector by providing necessary support through funding and infrastructure.

    Read Also: Abiodun sets up business council

    “Government will continue to encourage, support and sustain research and development in all areas relevant to the socio-economic development of the nation,” he said.

    Dr Olusegun Aluko, the Rector of the institution, noted that the polytechnic remained one of those fully prepared to change the narrative of the country.

    The rector explained that the polytechnic had not been lagging behind in its primary mandate, which was research and development.

    Aluko explained that 2,321 Ordinary National Diploma and 1,453 Higher National Diploma (HND) students graduated, while 179 bagged distinctions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the overall best graduating student from the Department of Office Management Technology scored 3.90 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

  • Edo to begin demolition of illegal structures on govt property, public schools, others

     

    The Edo State Government has commenced demolition of illegal structures erected on government property, including public schools and waterways as well as roof eave-extensions and structures erected on the right of way of roads/streets, moats, river banks, TCN high tension lines, among others in Benin City and other major settlements in the state.

    In a statement, Commissioner of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Erimona Oye Edorodion said the ministries of Environment and Sustainability and Physical Planning and Urban Development will be embarking on a joint demolition exercise in Benin City and other major settlements in the state.

    He said the joint exercise became necessary to address the challenge of poor living and working environment and incessant cases of flooding in urban centres, adding, “The exercise will involve development control activities to ensure that illegal structures which are poorly constructed and wrongly sited are demolished.

    “It will also ensure that developments that are involved in the unlawful discharge of sewage, and industrial wastes into our environment are sanctioned. This is in accordance with the provisions of the State’s Extant Town Planning and Environmental Laws and Regulations and to ensure that our living and working environment is safe, healthy, convenient and aesthetically pleasing.”

    The commissioner said “Illegal structures, which would be affected in the demolition exercise include: building structures on government acquisitions, public schools and water ways, roof eave-extensions, structures erected on the right of way of roads/streets, moats, river banks, TCN high tension lines, all attachments on wall fence, caravans, kiosks and wooden sheds.”

    Read Also: Illegal migration from Edo State declines on Obaseki’s effort, says EU

    Edorodion urged illegal developers to, in their own interest, demolish or remove their illegal structures and reinstate the land to its original status prior to the illegal construction, warning property owners and developers involved in the violation of the state’s environmental laws to desist from such practice.

    He maintained that “the relevant ministry shall enforce the provisions of the Extant Environmental and Town Planning Laws of the State, to control illegal development.

    “The cost of such action shall be recovered from the violators in a law court of competent jurisdiction and they shall be prosecuted accordingly,” he added.

  • Buhari signs 5 bills passed by 8th Assembly

    By Agency Reporter

    President Muhammadu Buhari has signed five bills passed by the 8th National Assembly into law, Mr Umar Yakubu, his Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives) has said.

    Yakubu who made the announcement at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the Acts were to ensure good governance in the country.

    The bills include the Obafemi Awolowo University Transitional Amendment Act, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi Amendment Act, the University of Maiduguri Amendment Act, the National Fertiliser Quality Control Act and the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology Establishment Act.

    He said that the University Acts specified minimum qualifications for the Chairmen of the Governing Councils which is university degree or its equivalent.

    Read Also: FG begins audit of construction sites to enforce Executive Order 5 – Fashola

    Yakubu said that the Acts stipulated that the persons must be physically fit and be able to chair activities of the councils.

    He said that the Acts also provided for the regulations of the use of intellectual properties for universities.

    Yakubu said that the law stated that any staff or student that sought to sue the university must give a notice of one month to the institution concerned.

    He said that the National Fertiliser Quality Control Act sought to protect farmers’ interest and address the issue of nutrient deficiency in the composition of fertiliser, branding and weight loss among others.

     

  • Five ways to avoid contributing to traffic congestion

    By Oloko Omobolanle

    Lagos has been on a lock down lately owing to traffic congestion. Most often than not, it is due to drivers not knowing how to ride well. Being a safe driver can help speed up the flow of traffic but you can also take alternative transportation, such as buses or bikes.

    You can even plan your route and trips strategically to reduce the time you are on the road, helping to relieve the burden on other drivers.

    Here are five ways to avoid contributing traffic in Lagos and other mega cities in Nigeria.

    * Maintain gap between cars: Every time you tap your brakes, the cars behind you will do the same. This can cause a ripple effect for miles down the road. Try to keep a gap between you and the car ahead of you. If another car slows down or tries to merge, you should have enough room to slow down without braking suddenly.

    * Stay at a consistent speed: Try to stay at the speed limit, or go at the speed of traffic. If you need to slow down, take your foot off the gas and do not brake unless you need to. In many cases, if you keep a gap between cars, you may be able to slow down without braking. Cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed on the highway.

    Read Also: Lagos traffic radio: Blazing the trail in public communication

    * Avoid changing lanes too often: The more you change lanes, the more other cars may have to slow down to accommodate you. While you may sometimes need to move over, try changing lanes only when necessary.

    * Pay attention to the road conditions: Stay alert by scanning ahead as far as you can. Remain aware of what is happening around you. Watch for road hazards, accidents, bottlenecks, or other problems along the road.

    Many highways have signs that will alert you of delays or traffic jams. You can either prepare to slow down or find an alternate route.

    *Avoid taking your eyes off the road: Do not text, read the news, check your social media page, or take your eyes off of traffic, even if traffic has stopped dead. Always watch what is happening in front of you.

    You never know when traffic will start moving again. If you are on the side of a busy highway, you should remain in your car. If you must exit, exit on the passenger’s side to avoid getting hit by a car.

  • Kogi guber election : INEC recruits 81 physically challenged persons as ad hoc staff

    By Agency Reporter

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that 81 persons with disabilities were among ad hoc staff it had recruited for the Nov. 16 governorship election in Kogi State.

    Alhaji Ahmed Biambo, Director, Voter Education and Publicity, INEC office, Lokoja, disclosed this on Wednesday on the sideline of a one- day sensitisation forum organised by the commission for persons living with disabilities.

    Biambo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the 81 physically challenged persons were recruited to work as Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers.

    He said that the recruited adhoc staff will be deployed to polling units across the 21 local government areas of the state.

    The official, however, said that the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) had ordered that they be posted to non-volatile areas , saying that they will be trained on the use of braille ballot guide among others.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the state Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons Living with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Mr Solomon Yahaya , confirmed the recruitment of his members as ad hoc staff by INEC .

    He thanked the commission for the inclusion of physically challenged people in the electoral process, saying that it has given them a sense of belonging.

    Yahaya, charged members of the association to come out on election day to vote for a candidate of their choice and advised those recruited as ad hoc staff to give a good account of themselves.

    Earlier, while declaring the forum open, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner , Prof. James Apam, said that the commission was determined to ensure that all persons living with disabilities exercise their franchise on election day.

    Apam, said that persons with disabilities will be given access to polling unit unhindered saying that they will also be accorded priority to vote first before others.

    The REC , further explained that security agents had been properly briefed on how to treat person with disabilities on election day, urging all of them to come out and vote.

    Read Also: Buhari seeks Senate’s nod to refund N10.069b to Kogi

    The Deputy Director, Civil Society Organisations Division at the INEC headquarters, Mrs Dorothy Bello, said that the forum was organised to intimate members of JONAPWD on the preparations towards ensuring a free, fair and credible election.

    Bello, said that the INEC had taken steps to make the election all inclusive by organising roundtable meetings to mainstream persons living with disabilities in the political party structures, activities and leadership positions.

    According to her, INEC has also procured and deployed magnifying glasses to aid the albinos in making informed choices during voting.

    She also stated that the visually impaired/blind among them will be given transcribed voter education materials in braille to further enhance their participation in the election.

  • Olokun diety instrumental to Lagos sudden wealth- Gani Adams

    By Adegunle Olugbamila

    Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Otunba Gani Adams, has attributed the surge in the wealth of Lagos in recent years to the reverence and worship of Olokun festival.

    This is the reason why the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), organiser of the annual Olokun festival, considers it the second most celebrated afte the annual Eledumare festival, Adam’s added.

    Adams spoke in Lagos as OFF began a week long activities of Olokun festival with interdenominational prayers.

    “Olokun is a deity that brings wealth to any society or state that adores it,” Adam’s began.

    “Not only wealth alone, but also peace and tranquility. The relevance of Olokun deity cuts across every religion. The concept is deep, spiritual and beyond human comprehension. For instance, Psalm 24 of the Holy Bible attests to the spiritual and esoteric relevance of Olokun deity.

    “For each year we hold the annual Olokun festival, the wealth of Lagos has suddenly ontinued to increase. Today, Lagos makes over N40 billion IGR monthly. This is aside federal allocation, grants and taxes.

    “Also recently, the Federal Government discovered crude oil in about four stations in Badagry. That is what you get when you reverence the goddess of wealth.”

    Adams noted that because of the wealth it attracts, OFF has via the festival has been contributing its quota in engendering positive image for the country.

    Read Also: Behold new Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice

    Adam’s continued: “Its unfortunate that when Nigeria is mentioned, what comes to outsiders’ mind is Boko Haram and other forms of insecurity but which is just in the Northeast alone.

    “However, through cultural festivals such as this, we can gradually begin to change the narrative and project a positive image of our country.”

    Adams lamented inadequate handshake with Lagos State, which according to him, naturally owns the festival.

    “When we started, we used to enjoy some form of support from Lagos State government though it came in bits. Over the last six editions, the support has not been coming. This initiative is supposed to be a partnership between OFF and Lagos State government, but the response we received from the state has not been encouraging at all.”

    Gani who is also the National Coordinator of Yoruba socio cultural body Odua Peoples Congress(OPC), urged his members within and outside Lagos to be law abiding during the celebration which climaxed at Suntan beach, Badagry, Lagos on Thursday next week.

    The high point of the event was the intercessory prayers rendered by Christian, Muslim and traditional clerics.

  • Ebonyi partners Indian Government to establish Electric Cars Assembly Plant

    By Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

    Ebonyi State government is seeking to partner with Indian government to establish an Electric Automobile Assembly plant in the state .

    To this end, Governor David Umahi, paid a visit to the Indian High Commission in Abuja on Wednesday where he was received by the High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Abhay Thakur.

    The Governor, according to a statement by his Special Assistannt on Media, Francis Nwaze was there to seek for partnership on importation and establishment of an assembling plant of Electric Mode Automobiles.

    Speaking during the visit, Mr Umahi noted that Electric Mode Automobile is not only a technology of tomorrow but a technology that cuts cost.

    He further revealed that his key interest in the partnership includes importation of the sample electric powered Tricycles, Buses, Motorcycles and Cars while establishment of assembly plant for same will follow.

    The governor enumerated other areas which he equally wants partnership.

    The areas include, Agriculture with Poultry, piggery and food processing equipment top on his request.

    He also solicited for partnership in the area of hospital management of the brand new State University Teaching Hospital which is presently under speedy construction.

    Governor Umahi who described the hospital as ‘a center of excellence’ noted that his interest in establishing the hospital is not on making money with the hospital but for the betterment of the State and the country in general.

    He also called on the international communities and other well meaning Nigerians to partner with Ebonyi state in establishing industries, factories and other businesses while assuring them of the readiness of Ebonyi State to provide conducive environment and incentives to make their establishments thrive.

    The statement quoted the the High Commissioner, Mr. Abhay Thakur as expressing excitement with the governor’s visit and presentation.

    The High Commissioner assured him of his readiness of the Government of India to work with the state.

  • Lagos-Ibadan: LASTMA announces road closure at Yaba level crossing

    By Agency Reporter

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Wednesday announced the closure of railway level crossing at Yaba following the ongoing construction of Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line.

    According to a travel advisory made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos by Spokesman for LASTMA, Mr Olumide Filade, the level crossing will be closed from 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday to 1: 00 a.m on Thursday.

    The authority advised motorists to use alternative routes.

    “As a result of the ongoing track laying for the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project, there will be road closure of Railway Level Crossing at Yaba from 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday (16/10/2019) to 1:00a.m on Thursday (17/10/2019).

    “Consequently, motorists are advised to make use of the alternative routes during the exercise,” the statement said.

    Read Also: LASTMA gets new General Manager

     

    According to it, motorists from Herbert Macauley Way to Tejuosho Road through Yaba can use Jibowu to Empire to Moshalasi to Ojuelegba to Tejuosho Road.

    It added that motorists from Ikorodu Road to Tejuosho should use take Fadeyi to Dormanlong Bridge to Ojuelegba to Tejuosho Road.

    The travel advisory added that motorists could also take Fadeyi to Jibowu to Empire to Moshalasi to Ojuelegba to Tejuosho Road and connect their destinations appropriately.

    It promised that LASTMA personnel will be on ground to manage the traffic.

    LASTMA expressed regret for any inconvenience road blockage may cause the motoring public. (NAN).

  • APC files appeal on tribunal judgment in Sokoto state

    By Agency Reporter

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), has filed a notice of appeal on the tribunal judgment affirming the election of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal in the 2019 governorship poll in Sokoto state.

    A member of the APC legal team in the state, Mr Bashir Jodi, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Sokoto on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, in the state had on Oct. 2, affirmed the election of Tambuwal.

    The three-man tribunal dismissed the petition of the APC and its governorship candidate Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, for lacking in merit.

    Read Also: APC rejects tribunal’s ruling on Tambuwal

    Delivering the judgment, tribunal chairman, Justice Abbas Bawale said the petitioners had failed to establish their claims of non -compliance with the Electoral Act and the issue of over voting.

    Jodi, however, said Aliyu and the party would contest the Judgment of the lower court at the Court of Appeal, Sokoto.