The Nation Newspaper

Category: Uncategorized

  • Careers, leadership counselling for pupils

    Pupils schooling in public secondary schools in Agege, Lagos will learn a lot about careers, leadership development and project management this session, courtesy of an initiative by a youth corps member, Olufunbi Falayi, tagged Project 4.

    To this end, Falayi organised a three-day capacity-building training for 20 volunteers, including 10 corps members on career guidance, leadership development and project management between the September 17 and 19 at Agege Local Government Secretariat, in preparation for the launch of the initiative next month.

    Speaking on the project, Falayi said: “Project 4 is an intervention project targeted at public secondary schools in Agege local government, which tends to invest and engage the minds of these students by leveraging on four key components namely: mentoring, leadership development, career guidance/skill acquisition and project management.

    “The aim of the project is to equip them with leadership capabilities, human capacity and entrepreneurship skills, therefore preparing them as change agents, future leaders, potential business owners and reducing the prevalent unemployment rate in the country.”

    The volunteers were trained by seasoned guidance counselors and professionals from Leap Africa, Pro-training centre.

    They will pass on their knowledge to the pupils who have been recruited for Project 4 for a period of six months.

  • Ekwueme leads cooperation meeting with ACF

    Ekwueme leads cooperation meeting with ACF

    Leaders of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have agreed to work for Nigeria’s unity based on equity, justice and cooperation among the various ethnic nationalities.

    At the end of their meeting yesterday in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, they jointly issued a terse communiqué, which said both sides agreed that the channel of communication opened by the meeting should be maintained.

    The two regional groups could not reach a consensus because the Ohanaeze Ndigbo was said to have requested time to study and respond to the issues the ACF raised on a future meeting.

    ACF, through its chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed, spoke on inter-regional dialogue, temporary challenges of development, tackling challenges with courage, national/sovereign conference, federal structures and revenue allocation formula.

    The ACF said it was not opposed to any talks that could engender a better and united Nigeria.

    It, however, frowned at the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) because “it amounts to vote of no confidence on our democracy and its institutions”.

    It added: “Moreover, most of the issues, which agitate the minds of proponents of the SNC, or National Conference, have now been listed for review with the Constitution underway by the National Assembly.”

    The ACF did not accept the call for a “people’s Constitution”, which is said to have the potential to enhance “true federalism” or “fiscal federalism” through which each ethnic nationality can develop at its pace.

    It said: “This school of thought feigns ignorance of the fact that the 250 ethnic nationalities cannot reasonably be expected to be the federating units of the envisaged true federalism.”

    The ACF said the North was not also opposed to derivation as a basis for revenue sharing as long as it is designed to reward efforts and compensate environmental degradation.

    “We have made the distinction that in the case of off-shore exploration, no efforts are expended by litoral states nor does any appreciable degradation of environment of any host communities occur,” it said.

    The group regretted that Ndigbo has been the target of ethnic fury in the North.

    ACF said: “We have frequent outbreaks of conflicts accompanied by violence. At times, the brunt of such violence has been borne by relatively well-off members of the community which, unfortunately, in many urban centres of the North, include your members, Ndigbo.

    “As a result, allegations have been made suggesting that Southerners, especially Igbo, are deliberately marked out for attacks. Even more distressing is the damning propaganda that the violence that has taken place in the North was masterminded by Northern leaders, supposedly for political reasons.”

    Praising the Igbo for promoting national unity through their settlement in larger numbers across Nigeria, the ACF said it was “under pains to reassure Nigerians, especially our brothers, the Igbo, that leaders of the North do not, and will never condone violence, let alone those targeted at specific groups of Nigerians.”

    The meeting was jointly presided over by the chairmen of the two groups, Ralph Uwaechue and Mohammed. It was attended by leaders of both groups.

    Ohanaeze had former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme; former President-General of Ohanaeze, Justice Eze Ozobu; Prof. Joe Irukwu, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi, former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu; Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, Prof. Obiorah Ike, Chief Nduka Eya and Senator Offia Nwali.

    Others include Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Chief Kalu U. Kalu, Col. Victor Ozodinobi (rtd), Chief Onyenso Nwachukwu, Dr. Emmanuel Omeh and O. A. U. Onyema.

    The ACF delegation had Alhaji Mohamed and the Secretary-General Col. Musa Shehu (rtd).

    Others were Deputy Chairman Saidu Barda; Assistant Chairman Joseph Kennedy Waku; Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd.); Ambassador Adamu Mohamed; Hajia Halima Alfa; Amina Ladan Baki, Ambassador Ibrahim Mai Sule and Alhaji Ladan Shinnu.

    The Legal Adviser, Mr. Bitrus Gada; the Publicity Secretary, Mr Anthony Sani; the Treasurer, Ismaila Zarma; Amina Ladan Baike and Col. Mohamed Abdu, also attended the meeting.

  • Eight suspects arrested for killing two policemen in Kano

    The Kano State Police Command yesterday said it has arrested eight suspected gunmen for killing two policemen on Tuesday.

    Police Commissioner Ibrahim Idris confirmed the arrest to our correspondent on phone.

    He said the suspects were arrested in an uncompleted building at Kofar Dawanau Quarters in Dala Local Government Area.

    The police chief said three AK-47 rifles were recovered from the suspects, adding that two of the rifles belonged to the two policemen who were killed on Tuesday.

    Idris said: “The area was cordoned off by the security operatives and we succeeded in arresting eight suspects. Three AK 47 rifles were recovered from the uncompleted building where the suspects were arrested.”

    He promised that any innocent person among the suspects would be released after interrogation.

    The police chief assured that the command would ensure the protection of life and property.

    Idris urged the residents to cooperate with security agents to enable them perform their constitutional duty more effectively.

    He said: “The cooperation of the public assisted in the arrest of the suspects.”

    The police chief also urged the public to report any suspicious movement to law enforcement agents for prompt action.

  • 14 killed as gunmen invade Plateau communities

    Unidentified gunmen on Tuesday night killed 14 residents of three villages in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The attacks were said to have been carried out simultaneously between 7pm and 9pm.

    The Riyom attack came barely 12 hours after that of Barkin Ladi, where three people were killed.

    As security agencies were examining the killings in Barkin Ladi, where the local government has imposed a curfew to avert a clash between Berom and Fulani youths, the Riyom killings occurred.

    Both communities are neighbours.

    The casualty figure in Plateau North, a predominantly Berom community, has risen to 18 within 24 hours.

    The police command, however, said six people were killed in the raid on three villages.

    The Chairman of Riyom Local Government Area, Sam Gyang Audu, was reportedly having an emergency meeting with Police Commissioner Emmanuel Ayeni in Jos, the state capital, over the killings.

    Police spokesman Emmanuel Abuh, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), confirmed the attacks.

    He said: “We counted six bodies when we visited the scene. At about 7pm on October 9, Dalyop Mancho and Gyang Mancho, of the same parents, were ambushed on Jos Road and shot dead by the gunmen.

    “Shortly after a woman, Thueung Manpang, and her three children in their home at Sara village, Ganawuri, were also attacked by unknown gunmen. All of them were killed.”

    Besides, the casualty figure from the police, residents of the affected villages told The Nation that 14 people were killed.

    A source said: “In Sop village, Riyom Local Government Area, another attack was carried out about the same time, where eight people were killed in the Berom village.”

    Abuh said no arrests have been made over the attacks.

    “But Police Commissioner Ayeni has deployed armed policemen to the affected areas to forestall reprisals. Besides, investigations have begun into the killings.”

    The police commissioner recently warned Berom and Fulani that he would wield the big stick against anyone who attacks another.

    Following the renewed attacks on Berom villages, many villagers, mostly women and children, have been fleeing their homes.

    Some residents said the military and police operations in the areas have failed.

    The Special Task Force (STF) claimed to have combed the areas following the death of two Plateau lawmakers, the late Senator Dantong and Gyang Fulani.

  • Parents’ day in class

    Parents sat in the classrooms of Scholastic Hall School, Opebi, Lagos last Friday learning what the average school day is like for their wards.

    At the sound of the bell, they moved from class to class interacting with teachers of various subjects who informed them about topics, policies, home work, projects and rules and regulations. They also had time to ask questions.

    Before they moved to the classrooms, Mrs Scholar Onyekwere, a director of the school, coordinated a sort of assembly for the parents at the school hall during which she gave them an overview of what to expect from the class sessions.

    “This is a time for you to know your children’s teachers, what they teach, how they teach and the grading policies they use. Apart from learning your child’s schedule, you also learn their methods, what the pupils do during recess,” she said, urging the parents to ask as many questions as they liked.”

    In an interview with The Nation, Mrs Onyekwere added that the school employs a differentiated approach to teaching its pupils so that none lags behind.

    She said: “We use differentiated delivery in our classrooms. A child may be good in maths and another good in English. When its time for English, the child that is good in English will sit at the Independence table; while the one that is weak, will sit at the ‘I need help’ table. The average pupil will sit on the average table. When its time for Maths, the child that was poor in English may be good in maths so she will move to the Independence table. That way, we don’t let children that are slow drag others down or otherwise.”

    In the Head Start Class for two-year olds, Ms Mercy Nwani told the parents of her 14 pupils how the routine for each day before they settle to the task of numeracy, literacy, and sensorial.

    “School resumes at 8am. We teach the pupils to push their chairs under the table when they stand up; line up in a straight file for assembly. It teaches them orderliness and how to take turns. During assembly, they meet others and learn to be social.”

    Our circle time helps the pupils to lighten up before the day starts. We recite rhymes and sing songs. We teach one concept in Numeracy or Literacy in two days so they do not become overwhelmed,” she said.

    Mrs Eno Akpan, Value Education and Science teacher for Grades one, two, four and five, told parents that she uses dramatisation and active story telling to each the first subject; and pictures for the second.

  • Reps praise Amaechi on security, development

    The House of Representatives has praised Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi for promoting the security of oil firms, lives and property in the state.

    The Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Hon. Dakuku Peterside, made the remark when he led a delegation of the committee to a courtesy visit at Government House Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

    Peterside said companies in Rivers State had testified to the resilience of the Amaechi administration to restore and maintain peace.

    “Rivers State is host to two refineries and other multi-nationals which are strategic to our economy, we visited the refineries and they told us that your administration has restored peace and increased our economy, and they have also asked us to commend you,” he said.

    He expressed dismay over the continued vandalisation of pipelines and said the committee is taking concrete steps to eradicate the menace as well as ensure that the Petroleum downstream sector achieve its desired objective to improve the nation’s economy.

    “One of the problems this committee has observed is vandalization of pipelines which caused the refinery to shut down for three months, and this has greatly affected the economy.”

    Amaechi urged the Committee to seek ways of addressing the problem of bunkering in the nation’s waterways.

    The governor called for the prosecution of all those involved in the oil subsidy scandal, adding that subsidy must be removed to enable leaders work within the provisions of the budget.

    “The National Assembly must rise and remove oil subsidy so that we can have money to fund projects for our people and give them the good things of life. “, Amaechi said.

    He explained that if the nation’s funds are properly managed, there would be economic growth which in turn creates employment opportunities and eliminates the tendency of pipeline vandalism.

    His words: “If we grow the economy and people get employed there will be no vandalism of oil pipeline.”

    The committee was in the state as part of its oversight function on some key sectors of the petroleum downstream economy, including the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the annual budget.

    Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has urged the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation to prevail on the Federal Government to speedily complete the ongoing reconstruction work at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

    Chairperson of the committee Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said the committee was in the state to inspect some capital projects especially the Port Harcourt International Airport and commend the governor for his laudable achievements.

    “We have come to inspect some capital projects in your state especially the international airport. All that you are doing in Rivers State is well known to us, you are doing well, keep it up, we are proud of you,” she said.

  • Sokoto Poly expels 77 for malpractice

    At least 77 students have been expelled by the authorities of the Sokoto State Polytechnic following their involvement in examination malpractice.

    Also, 44 students had their examination papers cancelled.

    The disciplinary step taken was contained in a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Rector, Prof Bashir Garba.

    Garba said the Academic Board of the institution approved the decision and warned that the institution will not condone exam malpractice of any kind.

    “Henceforth, the management of Sokoto Polytechnic will not take the issue of examination malpractice lightly,” he said.

    However, he noted that at least 23 students were cleared of any examination malpractice offence.

    Some of the offences the students were penalised for included: entering the exam hall with note books, copying answers from fellow students and exchange of exam booklets, and the inability of the affected students to appear before the Examination Malpractice Committee.

     

  • UBA Foundation flags off essay competition

    Senior Secondary school pupils in Nigeria have an opportunity to win university educational grants if they win the National Essay Competition being organised by UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of UBA Plc.

    The call for entries for the topic: “As an African president, what would your plans be for the educational sector?” will end on November 2.

    Applicants are expected to send in handwritten essay entries of not more than 750 words on the topic, with their complete contact information (name of school and address, residential address, phone number and e-mail) to UBA Foundation in Lagos.

    The top three finalists, who will be selected by a panel of three Nigerian professors, will get educational grants to study in African universities of their choices.

    A statement from the foundation quoted Ms Ijeoma Aso, chief executive officer, UBA Foundation, as saying: “We are excited at hosting this competition again. As with most of our programmes and initiatives, the National Essay Competition is an annual event, and we hope to use this opportunity to again touch the lives of some Nigerian children.”

    A total of N2, 250,000 will be doled out as cash prizes by the Foundation. Apart from laptop gifts, the overall winner, first and second runners up will get N1,000,000, N750,000, N500,000. Last year, Miss Enitan Amodu of International School, University of Lagos, Akoka, emerged the overall winner, with an educational grant of N1 million.

    The essay competition is running concurrently with the Read Africa project of the Foundation, which was flagged off recently by the Kenyan Author Ngugi wa Thiong’o.

  • Fed Govt to build houses for teachers, says Wike

    THE Federal Government plans to build houses for teachers. A technical committee to work out the details for the implementation of the Housing for Teachers Scheme, (HATS) has been inaugurated.

    Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike, who announced this in Abuja on Tuesday after a meeting with officials of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and management of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, stated that the technical committee will draw out the details for the building of houses for teachers.

    He said the Jonathan administration remains committed to the welfare of Nigerian teachers because they form the foundation for the transformation of the nation.

    The minister noted that the housing programme for the teachers would succeed because the Nigerian Union of Teachers and the Mortgage bankers have been carried along from the onset.

    “The Jonathan administration is committed to ensuring that teachers who are critical to national development have access to affordable and decent houses”, he said.

    The Secretary General of NUT, Comrade Ikpe Johnny Obong commended Wike for taking proactive measures to ensure that teachers have their own houses.

    He said the NUT supports the housing scheme, noting that the union will cooperate with the bank and the Federal Ministry of Education to actualise the programme.

    The acting Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Newman Odia assured the teachers that the bank was committed to the scheme.

  • 28,000 retake JSS1 placement tests in Lagos

    Insufficient writing materials and OMR sheet, and overpopulation delayed the re-sit examination for pupils who scored below 50 per cent in the Primary Six pupil’s placement test of July 14 at Eva Adelaja Junior Girls School, Bariga, Lagos on Wednesday last week.

    For over three hours, candidates at the centre had to wait to write the examination while officials of the Lagos State Examination Board, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and teachers of the school sorted out the issues.

    The re-sit examination conducted by Lagos State Examination Board for about 28,000 out of 100,000 pupils who wrote on July 14. The number comprised of those who failed the exam at first, those who missed it and those that were prevented from writing before as a result of negligence of their school.

    Lagos SUBEB chairman, Mrs Gbolahan Daodu said by next year, the examination board would have overcome the challenge of conducting the examination.

    She said: ” There are still many challenges we face during the conduct of the exam but it shows there will be great improvement this time around. Though some faults were not from the pupils but the school which refuse to register them and those who missed the exam at first.

    “Some of the challenges are some centres that were not informed of the examination and some were not informed of the population which caused overpopulation and inadequacy of OMR sheet and this will make some students to write their answer on a photocopied OMR sheet.”