The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Former VP Sambo denies ownership of KAEDCO

    By Agency Reporter

    Former Vice President, Namadi Sambo has described as “total falsehood and fallacy’’ story linking him to the ownership of Kaduna Electric Power Distribution Company of Nigeria (KAEDCO).

    Sambo stated in a statement he personally signed on Friday in Kaduna.

    He said that his attention had been drawn to an online publication on a query issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to Power Distribution Companies.

    “The story alleged that l own KAEDCO through a proxy.

    “l wish to state unequivocally that the story is totally untrue, malicious and unfounded.

    Read Also: Buhari, Namadi Sambo meet in Aso Rock

    “The story is aimed at bringing my reputation to disrepute.

    “For the records, I do not own a single share in the company or any of the public privatised companies under my watch either directly or through a proxy,’’ he said.

    Sambo added:”As the chairman of the Privatisation Council and indeed as public servant, l discharged my duties responsibly in accordance to laid down rules and procedures and in the interest of the nation.”
    He demanded rebuttal of the story and a public apology by the authors within one week and urged the media to desist from propagating fake news.
    He also advised journalists to uphold the principles and ethics of the noble profession at all times.

  • Army de-radicalises 15 ex-Boko Haram fighters in Gombe

    By Agency Reporter

    No fewer than 15 ex-Boko Haram fighters have been rehabilitated under the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme in Gombe State.

    Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of a rehabilitation programme for the ex-insurgents in Gombe on Friday.

    Olanisakin, represented by Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Shafa, the Coordinator, Operations Safe Corridor (OPSC), said those graduating were the DRR special batch of the programme, adding that others would soon be admitted.

    He stated that since the inception of the programme, OPSC had admitted 287 clients into the camp and out of which 253, including two Chadians, had been successfully transferred to their state and national authorities for re-integration.

    According to him, these groups of persons are doing well in their various communities as there had been no report of hostility against them or any recorded case of recidivism.

    “The clients graduating today were tried and convicted by court of competent jurisdiction and transferred to OPSC for rehabilitation to prepare them for integration after serving their jail terms.

    “OPSC has also facilitated the release of cleared 1,789 associated persons to their state authorities for rehabilitation and reintegration.

    “I wish to appreciate the invaluable support of the governments of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.
    “In a couple of days, another set of clients already cleared by Operation Lafiya Dole will be admitted into the camp for the DRR programme,’’ he said.

    The CDS commended the government and good people of Gombe state for providing the facility for the programme.

    According to him, “this feat will not have been achieved without the support and cooperation of the host who graciously provided the facility being used for the programme’’.

    He also commended Federal Government’s enormous sacrifices in ensuring that the fight against insurgency got the needed support.

    Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state, who was represented by Mr Shuaibu Danlami, the Director of Special Services and Political Bureau, commended the army in the fight against insurgents.

    Read Also: ‘Hungry’ Boko Haram fighters surrender to Nigerian Army

    He called on the graduates to imbibe the trainings they had been given to impact positively on the society for the benefit of humanity, adding that they owe the society a duty to behave rightly.

    A graduate of the programme, Mr Ibrahim Mamman, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the governor for their support to make them better members of the society through the programme, while pledging to contribute positively to better the society.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the OPSC appreciation to Malam-Sidi Community, the army donated 120 mattresses, 60 bunks and sunk a bore hole at the Government Senior Secondary School in the community.

    Also, free medical treatment was provided for 1,500 persons in Malam-Sidi and drugs were also given to them according to the result from the examination carried out on them by health personnel of the army.

  • Buhari condoles with family of late Emmanuel Edozien

    By Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with family of Professor Emmanuel C. Edozien, Economic Adviser to former President Shehu Aliyu Shagari, who passed on at 82.

    President Buhari, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, joined friends and associates in mourning the renowned economist, businessman and boardroom guru.

    He said his contributions to nation building, both in the private and public sector, will always be remembered.

    As an academic, the President saluted Prof. Edozien’s commitment to a studious life and many years of research on issues that directly impact on lives.

    Read Also: Buhari congratulates Ethiopian Prime Minister for winning 2019 Nobel Peace prize

    He prayed that his invaluable investments in humanity will continue to resonate.

    President Buhari also prayed for peaceful rest for the soul of the departed, and God’s comfort for the family.

  • Buhari congratulates Ethiopian Prime Minister for winning 2019 Nobel Peace prize

    By Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who was declared winner of 2019 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in Oslo, Norway.

    He said it portends a good sign for the peace processes within countries, and across borders on African continent.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, felicitated with the Prime Minister, his cabinet and all Ethiopians on the remarkable global recognition of winning the 100th peace prize, which was attributed to a decision to end 20-year conflict between two African countries, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

    Read Also: Aisha Buhari to declare COWLSO’s national women conference open

    The President reiterated his belief that African development is strongly tied to peaceful co-existence, and deliberate efforts by governments and people to sustain harmony within and between countries.

    He urged for more concerted and collective partnership on peace in the continent.

    President Buhari prayed that the global recognition will spur more interest on issues of peace in Africa, and drive home the immeasurable benefits.

  • Adamawa girls demand law against early marriage

    By Agency Reporter

    Girls in Adamawa have urged the governor’s wife, Hajiya Lami Fintiri, to sponsor an early marriage prohibition bill to stop parents from marrying out their young daughters.
    The girls made the call on Friday in a communique they presented to the governor’s wife after a rally to mark this year’s United Nation’s International Day of the Girl.

    Reading the letter on behalf of the girls at Government House, Yola, Ms Fatima Ismaila, said the bill became necessary for the girls to have equal opportunity to acquire education.

    “We need you to sponsor an early marriage prohibition bill through the state House of Assembly that will stop our parents from giving us out for marriage at least until after completing our secondary education.
    “We need equal opportunity to access basic and quality education, please tell our parents to send us to schools,” she said.

    The girls also called for the recruitment of more female teachers and the need for separate toilets in schools.
    They also seek protection against rape and other forms of child abuse in the state.
    “We are confident in you and his Excellency’s ability to address our concerns and we promised you today ma, we will try our best in studies and character to become role models like you and make Adamawa state a girls friendly state,” she said.

    Responding, the state Mrs Fintiri, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Social Development, Mrs Justina Patrick, assured the girls of the administration’s commitment to education, particularly that of the girl child.

    While noting the many challenges facing the girl child, Mrs Fintiri said that providing the needed education to the girl child is the major way out of the challenges.

    Read Also: Armed men abduct four cattle breeders in Adamawa

    “When you are educated you will know your right and be in a better position to protect it,” she said.
    She urged for the review of some cultures that suppressed women from contributing more effectively in building the society, adding that the society must speak loud against rape and other violence against women and other vulnerable people in the society.

    The Adamawa UNICEF Education Consultant, Mr Joel Jutum, lauded Adamawa government for its collaboration with the fund in various sectors, particularly education.

    Jutum, who reiterated the sustained support of UNICEF to Adamawa, said that the international day for the girl child was meant to promote girls’ human right; highlights gender inequalities and address the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by girls.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that women groups, particularly from Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), join the girls in a solidarity rally on streets of Yola.

  • INEC considers Nov. 16 for Kogi West Senate election

    By Agency Reporter

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will explore the possibility of using the Nov. 16 governorship election to conduct a fresh election for the Kogi West Senatorial district.
    The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Kogi, Nasarawa and Kwara States, Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, dropped the hint in Lokoja on Friday.
    Fielding questions from newsmen on the Court Appeal judgment nullifying the election of Sen. Dino Melaye, Haruna said that since the governorship election was still 34 days away, there was possibility for the election to hold same day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified the election of PDP’s Melaye and ordered INEC to conduct fresh election within 90 days of its judgment.
    The judgment was on the petition filed by Sen. Smart Adeyemi, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 26 election.

    The INEC national commissioner was in Lokoja for a workshop on fake news organised for media executives, journalists and bloggers by the International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) in collaboration with INEC.
    Haruna told the participants to be wary of fake news and its implications, saying that unverified news should not be allowed space.

    Read Also: Kogi 2019: INEC denies recruiting APC members as returning officers

    He also enjoined them to support INEC to institute credible electoral process in the country.
    On concern in some quarters on the possible manipulation of the card reading machine by unscrupulous politicians, the national commissioner dismissed it as “practically impossible’’.

    He also assured that the commission would allow a level playing ground for all candidates in the election, but appealed to them to play the game according to rules.

    The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Adeiza Jimoh, assured that journalists would be professional in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the election.

    He commended the IFES and INEC for organising the refresher for his members, saying that the workshop is timely.

  • Fire Service calls for vigilance as dry season approaches

    By Agency Reporter

    With another dry season approaching, the FCT Fire Service has urged residents to take precaution against associated high risk of fire incidents.

    Assistant Controller-General of the agency, Mr Julius Opetunsin, who made the call in Abuja on Friday, also solicited the co-operation and support of residents in its 2019 annual door-to-door sensitisation campaign.

    He stated that prevention remained the best measure against fire disasters, adding that everybody should be concerned about it.

    Opetunsi said the service recorded no fewer than 465 fire incidents in 2018, resulting in the loss of property running into hundreds of millions of Naira.

    “From January to September this year, we responded to 255 fire cases and carried out 19 rescue operations.

    “During the period, we were able to save 43 lives and properties worth N1.3 billion.

    “However, we lost 13 lives and properties valued at N791 million, but the joy is that we were able to protect the lives and properties of FCT residents,” he said.

    Opetunsin said the number of fire incidents so far recorded this year was less than the figure captured in the same period of 2018.

    Read Also: The dry season is not a curse!

    He said the aim of the Service was to guard against any further incident through the door-to-door campaign.

    “There is this programme we normally undertake every year to sensitise residents of the FCT against the high risk of fire disasters during the Harmattan period.

    “Towards the end of October, we intend to start the programme. We will take the campaign to our traditional institutions starting with the Etsu of Karu.

    “We will inaugurate this programme in every area council for wider reach and impact,” Opetunsi said

  • Edo APC raises c’ttee to investigate, sanction activities of EPM members

    By Agency Reporter

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State has set up a committee to investigate and sanction actions of members of the rogue group, Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), whose activities have been described as ‘divisive and unconstitutional.’

    The state party chapter drew the battle line against the Edo People Movement (EPM) and its members, after an emergency meeting of its Executive Committee.

    In a statement by its Assistant State Secretary, Anthony Ikuenobe, the party also passed an implicit vote of confidence on the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his government.

    Ikuenobe said the decision was reached at an emergency meeting of the party’s State Executive Committee held at the APC Secretariat in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    The State APC, however, congratulated the governor for the coveted award of “The Best Performing Governor in Education in Nigeria” by the National Union of Teachers (NUT).

    The statement reads, “At the emergency meeting of the State Executive Committee of the APC, Edo State, held at the Party Secretariat, and upon a motion by Hon. Timothy Osadolor, State Auditor and duly seconded by Alhaji Abubakar Akokia, Etsako West LGA Party Chairman, the following resolutions were unanimously passed: that the group known as the Edo People Movement (EPM), is a divisive and unconstitutional contraption being a factional or parallel group within the APC which offends Article 21 of the Constitution of the Party.”

    Read Also: Obaseki remains leader of Edo APC, says Aide

    They also resolved “That a Committee be set up immediately to deal with cases related to the activities of the said group and make appropriate recommendations to the State Working Committee for necessary action.”

    The statement further adds: “ A note of implicit confidence is passed on the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and his Government for the good work they have been doing in the State, while also congratulating him for the coveted award of “The Best Performing Governor in Education in Nigeria” by the National Union of Teachers (NUT).

    “A vote of confidence in the ward, Local Government and State Executive Committees of All Progressives Congress in the State.”

  • Armed Forces Day: FG to review Nigerian Legion Act

    By Okodili Ndidi, Abuja

     

    The Ministry of Defence on Friday said it has forwarded a bill for the review of the Nigerian Legion Act to a Veterans Federation of Nigeria Act to improve the welfare of Veterans.

    According to the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi, the bill has provision for institutionalizing the provision for welfare needs of the Veterans in line with International best practices.

    Magashi who made the disclosure during the Ministerial press briefing on the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the National Defence College Abuja, urged the 9th National Assembly to assist in the expeditious passage of the Bill.

    The Minister also disclosed that the Pension Administration of the Armed Forces has been strengthened for optimal performance.

    According to him, “at the root of catering for the welfare of our veterans is the payment of monthly pensions. To this end, the Military Pensions Board continues to deliver on regular pensions. Periodic Verification Exercises are carried out by the Board to ensure that sharp practices are reduced to the barest minimum”.

    He continued that, “the Defence Health Maintenance Limited has continued to provide health insurance service for veterans, widows and eligible dependants of our fallen heroes. The Ministry of Defence will continue to empower the company for the effective discharge of her responsibilities. Zonal offices are being established in all the zones of the Federation to increase access to the Company’s services”.

    Further highlighting steps taken to prioritize the welfare of the Veterans, Magashi hinted that, “In 2016, a collaboration between the Nigerian Legion and a private sector driven National Personal Asset Acquisition Scheme was endorsed. The scheme was to afford the Legionnaires (veterans) the ability to purchase both household and agricultural commodities at affordable, discounted prices within a flexible and structured repayment plan across the country.

    “I am happy to announce that the programme has taken off with the distribution at Jos in July 2018 of 400 motorcycles to the Legionnaires and food items to widows of fallen heroes. The gesture was replicated with the distribution of 2,000 motorcycles and 10,000 bags of rice in Abuja in October 2018.

    “The collaboration has programmes in housing, agriculture, provision of free medical services, skill acquisition, transportation, education and humanitarian services. All these are in a bid to improve upon the welfare and living conditions of our veterans and their families”.

    Stating the timeline for the 2020 edition, the Minister stated that “Emblem Launch by Mr. President. The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, will Launch the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem on Wednesday 16 October 2019. The event will take place at the

    Council Chambers, State House, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

    Read Also: Federal Government eyes 45million tax net

    “The Nigerian Legion Humanitarian Day is scheduled to hold on Friday 18 October 2019 at the Legion House, Area 3 Garki Abuja and Legion offices in all States of the Federation. The event will involve community service by the

    Veterans, as well as empowerment of widows and orphans of fallen heroes.

    “The Jumma’at Service will hold on Friday 10 January 2020 at the National Mosque. This will be followed by Interdenominational Service at the National

    Christian Centre, Abuja on Sunday 12 January 2020. These events will take place simultaneously in all the States of the Federation. All Nigerians and visitors are invited to attend and pray for the departed, injured veterans and their families.

    “The peak of the celebration will be the laying of wreath by Mr. President and other dignitaries at the National Cenotaph Abuja on Wednesday 15

    January 2020. This is carried out simultaneously by Governors in their respective States”.

  • Aisha Buhari to declare COWLSO’s national women conference open

    By: Oziegbe Okoeki

    Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, will be the ‘Mother of the day’ and declare open the 2019 National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) on Tuesday.

    Over 3,000 participants are expected at the conference as against the 2,500 drawn last year.

    Wife of Lagos state Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, disclosed these in a pre-conference press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho press centre at Alausa, Ikeja on Friday.

    Other dignitaries expected at the event are: Kwara Governor AbdulRahmon AbdulRazaq as special guest of honour at the opening ceremony and Governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule as special guest of honour at the closing ceremony.

    The theme of this year’s conference is: ‘Unlearn, learn and relearn: 21st century women’s T.H.E.M.E.S perspectives/approach’.

    Dr. Sanwo-Olu said: “As it is the tradition of the conference to strategically empower women to contribute positively to the development of the state and Nigeria at large, this year’s theme was carefully selected in line with the vision and aspiration of the present administration in Lagos state to bring about greater Lagos of our dreams”.

    The governor’s wife said the theme is designed to re-orientate the people to do away with wrong habits, to begin to do the right thing by learning some new ideas “we are talking of totally overhauling of the people, to keep on teaching and re-orientating the people”.

    Read Also: Aisha Buhari calls for urgent action to protect girl-child against abuse

    She said eminent Nigerians and outstanding professionals have been lined up “to help our women come to terms with how best they can key into the emerging opportunities being provided by the government of the day in Lagos”.

    Although the conference is slated for 22nd – 24th October, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said activities marking the yearly event which commenced with the press briefing will include: environmental sanitation of some streets in Ikeja after the press briefing yesterday.

    Other activities are: a visit by the COWLSO team to the children and post natal wards of the Lagos State University Teaching hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja and awareness walk on Saturday.

    The conference as usual will feature lectures, dinner/gala night, inspirational woman of the year award, certificate of appreciation etc.
    Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android