The Nation Newspaper

Category: Uncategorized

UNN sweeps 2020 ARSO competition

By Charles Okonji

The 2020 edition of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) annual essay competition in Nigeria has been swept by three students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka who emerged National winners.

According to the statement from the office of the Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mallam Farouk Salim, the winners are James Ibe-Akunna who topped the chat with 66.31percent, Eze Harrison Ebuka, 65.50percent and Eze Samson Somtochukwu 65.47percent.

Salim noted that two other essays from Evan-Ibe S. Sobechi and Offor O. Christopher completed the five entries presented by Nigeria to ARSO for the continental competition.

The DG said, “The theme for this year’s edition is “The Role of Standardisation in Resolving and Addressing the Socio-Economic Issues for the Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons and Creating Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa.”

He congratulated the winners of the essay competition, expressing hope that some of the five entries from Nigeria would be among the final winners at the continental version of the competition.

He called on all undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Nigeria to participate in future editions of the competition to further spread the gospel of standardisation and deepen the understanding of its potential for value addition to lives, the economy, and the environment.

READ ALSO: Obi launches N5b fund for UNN

The SON Chief Executive expressed appreciation to the inter-ministerial screening committee responsible for the collation, assessment, and scoring of the essays.

“A total of forty-three essays were received from eleven government-approved tertiary institutions out of which forty-one met the requirement for assessment, the statement said.

“Members of the inter-ministerial screening committee, according to the SON statement include representatives of the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Women Affairs, and Social Development as well as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

“Others were the National Universities Commission; Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria providing the Secretariat and coordination,” he expressed.

October 26, 2020
‘Wizkid, Davido more talented than European stars…,’ says IKSTARR

By Opeyemi Samuel

Nigerian-British singer, Bennie ‘Ike’ Opene aka IKSTARR has claimed that Nigerian artistes are more gifted than many European musicians.

IKStarr says with the right investment from the government and private investors Nigerian artistes can potentially be head and shoulders above even their European and American counterparts.

“Nigerian artistes are the cream of the crop in my opinion. Not only regarding talent, production values and sheer hustle but also in content and raw energy,” he opined.

Continuing, IKStarr said, “I have dual citizenship but Nigeria has always been my first love. And, I respect what artists like Wizkid, Fela, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy and a host of others too numerous to mention have achieved.”

While narrating his unforgettable experience as a budding artiste in the U.K, he said, “When my lead single, Willemina came out it was quite unforgettable seeing Europeans mouthing the lyrics at a show I performed in London.

READ ALSO: Working with Wizkid, Davido was my most prominent accomplishment – Blaisebeatz

“They didn’t even know what most of the vernacular meant but seeing how music can unite people of different races and creed is always an unforgettable experience for any artiste.”

IKStarr also used the opportunity to speak about his new project, Afroasmy saying, “My second album ‘Afroasmy’ is out now on all platforms. So if you love great music support it. We are also working on new videos to support the album. The music video leads single ‘Willemina’ is also currently enjoying airplay. In addition to the music, we are working on a new reality show called ‘Ugly Duckling’.”

October 24, 2020
JUST IN: Hoodlums loot COVID-19 palliatives in Cross River

By Nsa Gill, Calabar

Hoodlums on Friday evening stormed an uncompleted building owned by the Cross River State government and looted some food items believed to be part of the COVID-19 palliatives stored there.

The building, housing the proposed West African Fabrication Academy, was where Governor Ben Ayade last April held a symbolic flag-off exercise for distribution of COVID-19 palliatives.

It was a free- for- all exercise as the hoodlums carted away bags of rice, beans, cartons of noodles and other food items believed to be transferred from the warehouse to the uncompleted building.

Video of the looting on social media showed some of youths shouting: “This is wickedness. This is what they were supposed to give us, they did not. Somebody when and kept it in uncompleted building. Let security come, we don’t care.”

Earlier on Friday, hoodlums had also stormed Calabar South Local Government Secretariat where office of the local government chairman was vandalised.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman, Hon Esther Bassey, said: “Hoodlums attacked the political block in the secretariat premises looting items and destroying structures.

“They started burning tyres in the premises, destroying windows and other property. Staff and limited security that were in the secretariat had to leave for safety before calling for re-enforcement.

Read Also: JUST IN: Hoodlums loot mall in Delta

“It was when re-enforcement of security arrived and they started hearing the siren sound, then they escaped through the nearby creeks.

“What we are telling our people is that there is no sense in destruction of public properties. People should go stay at home and parents should advice their wards to maintain peace in the community.”

As at the time of this report, youths were reportedly heading to the SEMA warehouse.

In a swift response, Ayade announced a 24-hour curfew from 6pm.

A statement Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor Christian Ita, said: “Following the hijacking of the peaceful protest against police brutality in the state by hoodlums, the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade has imposed a 24hr curfew in the state starting from 6pm on Friday, October 23, 2020.”

“Residents of the state are advised to observe the curfew as security agents have been mandated to arrest anybody who flouts it.”

October 23, 2020
Kwara raises alarm over planned attacks

Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

The Kwara State government Friday alleged plots by those it branded anarchists to attack public properties in the state.

The planned attacks are parts of the alleged design to destabilise the country to achieve sinister objectives, Communications Commissioner Harriet Afolabi-Oshatimehin said in Ilorin.

The government, according to the commissioner is “aware of the evil plan to attack the facilities where the palliatives recently donated by the Federal Government are being kept for further distribution to victims of the recent rainstorm.”

She said:“It is important to state that the disbursements of the federal government’s palliatives to the victims began since Monday October 19. It is still ongoing as of today, October 23rd.

READ ALSO: Labour suspends strike in Kwara

“The State Government has alerted the security agencies to the evil plots to attack public properties. Even so, this serves to inform members of the public of the plots of some unpatriotic elements who have hijacked the peaceful protests nationwide to impose anarchy and advance their own political cause.

“The government therefore urges members of the public to be vigilant and not let down their own guards while every effort is being made to secure the lives and properties of every citizen.”

October 23, 2020
JUST IN: Federal Polytechnic Mubi postpones resumption

Agency Reporter

Management of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, has postponed the reopening of the institution scheduled for Oct. 26 till further notice.

This is contained in a statement issued by Medan Ndodi, a Deputy Registrar, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Yola.

Read Also: Polytechnic lecturers want FG to resolve issues around IPPIS

Ndodi said that the postponement was because of the insecurity posed by the #EndSARS protests.

“The commencement of the academic activities is hereby postponed and a new date for resumption will be announced.

“The Academic Board of the polytechnic regrets the inconveniences the new decision might have on staff and students,’’ Ndodi said.

He said that the decision was necessary to ensure the safety of the students who might likely move from different parts of the country to the polytechnic. (NAN)

October 23, 2020
Panic as youths go on rampage in Delta

By Elo Edremoda, Warri

Youths reportedly brandishing cutlasses and tyres are on the rampage across the twin cities of Warri and Effurun in Delta state.

Feelers have it that the youths who drove recklessly in tricycles, chanted “Okere” as they zoomed towards Okumagba Estate in Warri South council area, from Airport Road in Uvwie council area.

The Warri Correctional Centre, located in Okere community, is less than five minutes drive from the Estate Roundabout.

Officers of the Nigerian prison had since Monday, beefed up security around the centre, following the incident in Benin.

READ ALSO: Okowa imposes curfew in Delta

While residents, as well as businessmen and women, are still going about their lawful duties, the Warri metropolis, especially Okere, Ajamimogha and Airport Road axis are said to be rowdy.

Major routes in the cities such as Garage Junction, Hausa Quarters, PTI Junction, DSC and Effurun Roundabouts have remained blocked by protesting youths.

October 22, 2020
Working with Wizkid, Davido was my most prominent accomplishment – Blaisebeatz

Our Reporter

Nigeria Conceived Marcel Akunwata prevalently called Blaisebeatz, from Anambra state and experienced adolescence in Niger state. An alum of Insights from the Government College of Innovation, Minna.

He started as “Larryblaise” playing instruments in church and in a live band fundamentally in the northern bit of Nigeria in 2004 going before he meandered into creation in 2006 going before changing his picture name to “Blaisebeatz” scarcely any years after.

He went totally into the creation and set up his own studio during his school days in FUT Minna, where he won different distinctions and got a lot of creation credits for specialists.

The beat creators’ upward direction vows to proceed in 2020 as he previously delivered a lot of melodies yet to be delivered with significant acts like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Dj, Remiss, Davido, C Kay and Blackbonez

”in his promise” working for Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage and numerous others was my most noteworthy accomplishment and a lot more to come.

October 22, 2020
Nigerian Economic Summit postpones its 26th Summit

Chinyere Okoroafor

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning as co-hosts of the Nigerian Economic Summit, have postponed the #NES26 Summit due to the current #EndSARS protest across the nation.

According to the group’s statement, a new date would be announced in due course.

The statements read: ”We regret the inconveniences to resource persons, participants, sponsors, the media, vendors, and the public. We believe that this is the right thing to do at this time.

”The Board, Management and Members of NESG share the pain and anguish of the whole nation during these trying and difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the recent violence and killings perpetrated against peaceful protesters as well as to their families and loved ones.

”We implore that persons responsible for the dastardly act of killing innocent people as well as those that are committing arson and looting must be identified and prosecuted in line with the laws and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We also urge the Federal and State Governments to immediately kickstart the deep and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security institutions because it is central to the development of our economy.

”The NESG will deploy its convening and engagement capabilities to serve as a platform for driving issues affecting the Nigerian youth and ensure improved collaboration between our stakeholders,” it said.

READ ALSO: Group urges CBN, NESG to salvage dwindling economy

Also, a new theme for the 26th Summit will also take into cognizance of the recent developments across the country to amplify the voices of Nigerian youth for the reform of the nation’s institutions, and the improvement of governance against its former theme which was “Building Partnerships for Resilience” and was focused on the conversation on key national issues especially as the nation continues to manage the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on its economy.

The group said that strong and transparent institutions determine the resilience of Nigeria’s economy and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s social justice system, adding that participation and effective engagement of Nigerian youth is crucial to the development and operation of our institutions. This is the only way to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.

October 22, 2020
Hoodlums burn police station in Agege, Lagos

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Hoodlums on Wednesday afternoon set Isokoko Police station in the Isale Oja area of Agege on fire.

A source said the police tried unsuccessfully to deter the hoodlums that laid siege on the station located around the sprawling Agege market by firing continually until they were overpowered.

The source, who has family around the area, said: “The police must have fired up to 50 bullets but the tours were not moved. Those that had jerry cans of petrol must have been up to 100. They succeeded in setting the station on fire.”

Smokes from the fire could be seen many streets away.

READ ALSO: Protest: Hoodlums set police station on fire in Imo

About the same time on Wednesday, some residents of Fagba and environs located some kilometers away from Agege on Iju Road had to flee their homes following claims some groups were attacking homes.

An affected resident (names withheld) said she had to flee with her children with the help of a neighbor.

“As we speak, I and my family have run away from the house. I was sleeping when I heard a noise coming from outside only to see my neighbours running. They said the Hausas are burning houses and that they are coming to our street.

“The whole area is shattered running everywhere. I have been sick and I don’t even have the strength to run but I was lucky my neighbour helped my children and I to escape. We were up to 15 inside one car,” she said.

October 21, 2020
PHOTOS: Hoodlums raze vehicles in Jos

October 20, 2020