The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abuja

  • IDPs to feature in reality show

    IDPs to feature in reality show

    A movie production company,Virtues and Noble Touch Nigeria (VNT) has concluded plans to feature Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in its forthcoming Television Reality Show.

    The Executive Producer, Mr Emmanuel Eyaba, who visited some IDPs camps in Abuja on Wednesday for auditions, said that the aim was to give them a new identity.

    The audition was done in collaboration with the African Union (AU).

    The talent programme tagged; “Unleash Your Creativity’’ also known as “UUC Nigeria’’, is aimed at creating a platform for young adults interested in the movie industry to showcase their abilities.

    The zonal auditions which successfully held in Kano, Kaduna, Adamawa, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Lagos.

    Eyaba said that he decided to include the youth among the IDPs in the programme to give them a sense of belonging.

    “I see the term ‘IDPs’ to be stigmatising and I do not like how that comes about.

    “We all are victims of circumstances in various ways, but we are all given different opportunities to succeed so they need this to reprogramme their thinking and approach to life.

    “Instead of distributing items, rice and foodstuff, I think it is better for us to develop their skills and develop their passion in acting,’’ he said.

    According to him, we decided to include them in this talent hunt so that they can develop their skills in script writing, acting, singing, directing, producing or makeup.

    “These developed skills will give them the ability to make a name in Nollywood and give them the ability to care for themselves and family members as well.

    “We are looking for 60 contestants and a minimum of 10 are to be picked from the IDPs camps.

    “The lucky ones will be taken to our camp in Abuja for  two-weeks training where they will be trained by Nigerian celebrities like Desmond Elliot, Segun Arinze, Uche Jombo and more,’’ Eyaba said.

    Also speaking, Mr Anu Fame, the Head of Productions, said those selected would be moved to the company’s camp in December where they would be exposed to special training.

    “They are expected to produce short films while in the camp which will run for 14 days and the films will later be premiered in Genesis Cinema and critique by professionals.

    “The emerging winner will work with AU on a project they are currently preparing aimed at encouraging peace in Africa.

    “So far, the auditions have been good and we are really impressed with those we have seen,’’ Fame said.

  • Air Force personnel contribute N7m for IDPs

    Air Force personnel contribute N7m for IDPs

    Officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force have contributed the sum of N7million towards the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northeast.

    The cash donation and other relief materials were recently voluntarily contributed by the officers and handed over to the National President, Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Hjiya Hafsat Abubakar for onward delivery to the victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

    The  Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar had earlier encouraged Air Force commanders to make voluntary contributions to the IDPs a core value of service to support the  Federal Government to alleviate the plights of the IDPs.

    Receiving the items, Abubakar expressed deep appreciations to officers and men of the NAF for their genuine concern towards the IDPs and for taking concrete steps to put smiles on their faces.

    She promised that the Association would be fair and transparent in handling the donations, even as she stated that the items would be transported immediately to Maiduguri to enable the association to commence immediate distribution in Bama IDP Camp.

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  • Do not panic, Police tells Abuja residents

    The FCT Police Command has urged Abuja residents to disregard rumours that some persons have been arrested in some parts of Abuja with explosives.

    The message circulated on most social media platform stated ; “I just got this, don’t know how true but it’s worth the share and caution: Please if you know any body around Mararaba/Nyanya tell them not to go close to themarket or park for today. Soldiers just arrested some suicide bombers along keffi road now now including children with bombs on their body and they confessed some has already passed earlier before them”.

    The FCT Command in a statement by its spokesman, Anjuguri Manzah, described the rumour as handiwork of those who are bent on causing panic.

    The Command has also warned residents living around Nyanya, Jikwoyi and Karshi of the FCT that as part of the training routine of the Nigeria Police Force, the Force will hold its shooting range practice at the Police Range Ground, Karshi.
    According to the statement: “The FCT Police Command wishes to enjoin the law abiding residents of the Federal Capital Territory to discard the rumours making the rounds on the social media that some persons have been arrested at the FCT-Nasarawa Boundary with IEDs.”
    “This is the handiwork of distractors who are hell-bent on instilling fear and unnecessary panic on the minds of peace loving residents.
    The statement also noted that the CP, Muhammad Mustafa has put in place adequate security measures to protect lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory.
    The Commissioner of Police also charged social media handlers to always verify information before circulating it through their respective platforms.
    On the shooting range exercise, “we wish to notify residents of the Federal Capital Territory especially those living around Nyanya, Jikwoyi and Karshi axis that as part of the training routine of the Nigeria Police Force, the Force will hold its shooting range practice at the Police Range Ground, Karshi.”
    The police said that the range practice exercise will hold (today) Saturday, 26th November, 2016 from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
    The police urged members of the public are not to panic.
    “Sequel to above, members of the public are enjoined not to panic as a result of the gunshots that will emanate from the range exercise.
    “Residents are also advised to stay away from the area for the duration of the exercise as live ammunitions will be applied”.

  • Buhari, Amosun meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met with Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Amosun arrived the Presidential Villa around 4 p.m.

    Journalists waiting to know the purpose of the visit dispersed when many staff in the President’s office closed for the day.

    The governor was believed to have followed the President to his official residence.

    As at the time of filing this report, Amosun did not pass through the main entrance on his way out of the President’s office.

  • Ondo: Appeal Court withholds judgment in Jegede’s appeal

    Ondo: Appeal Court withholds judgment in Jegede’s appeal

    …To await Supreme Court’s directive

     

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has withheld its judgment in the appeal filed by the substituted governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).

    Jegede had appealed the decision of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to substitute his name (Jegede’s) for Jimoh Ibrahim as the party’s candidate for the election scheduled for November 26.

    The Justice Ibrahim Saulawa led three-man special appeal panel, which heard the appeal marked: CA/A/551C/2016 and other appeals relating to the Ondo PDP dispute, had scheduled judgment for 12noon Friday (today) in the Jegede appeal.

    Parties and all in court were however surprised when, upon resumption of proceedings, Justice Saulawa said the judgement and all other issues would be suspended until the Supreme Court decides a motion for stay of proceedings pending before it.

    Justice Saulawa, who cited a fresh motion filed Thursday before the Supreme Court by nine individuals led by the factional Chairman of PDP in Ondo, Biyi Poroye challenging the refusal of the appeal panel to stay proceedings, said his panel will await the decision of the Supreme Court on the pending application for stay of proceedings.

    Jegede and all his supporters, who formed the majority of the court’s audience, were unhappy about the court’s pronouncement.

    ‎Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has fixed next Tuesday for the hearing of the motion for stay of proceedings filed by the nine respondents led by Poroye.

    They are by the motion, seeking the stay of further proceedings by the appeal ‎panel pending the determination by the Supreme Court, of an appeal by the Poroye group against the panel’s ruling granting leave to Jegede, Ahmed Makarfi and Ben Obi to appeal the June 29 judgement and October 14 ruling by Justice Abang.

  • Dasuki’s lawyer fault claim on permission to visit late father

    Dasuki’s lawyer fault claim on permission to visit late father

    Lawyer to former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, Ahmed Raji (SAN) has faulted claim that his client was given permission to visit his late father, Ibrahim Dasuki, in an Abuja hospital.
    Raji, while speaking after proceedings in the case involving Dasuki on Wednesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, Abuja, said it was doubtful that such permission was extended to his client by the state.
    Raji said the purported offer was doubtful because none of his client’s lawyers was contacted on the issue.
    He said: “As his counsel, we are not aware of that offer. Our client has not told us anything of that nature. We would have expected that if such a gesture was going to be made to him we as his counsel should have been involved so that we can advise him properly.
    “As I am speaking to you, I am hearing of this for the first time,” Raji said.
    The lawyer faulted the continued detention of his client after bail had been granted to him by courts, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court.
    Meanwhile, proceedings were put off yesterday in the $2.2B  fraud charge brought against Dasuki and others by the Federal Government.
    The decision to adjourn proceedings was informed by agreement by lawyers in the case that hearing be shifted to another date in view of the death of Dasuki’s father.
    Trial judge, Justice Huseini Baba-Yusuf adjourned to December 7.
    The court on October 21 agreed to request by parties in the case that the two charges involving Dasuki, marked: FCT/HC/CR/43/2015 and FCT/HC/CR/42/2015 be heard Justice Baba Yusuf.
    The first case involved Dasuki, a former Director of Finance, Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu; a former Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa and his two companies –  Acacia Holding Limited, and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.
    They are accused, in the case currently before Justice Baba-Yusuf, of diverting about N13.6 billion, property of the office of the NSA.
    The second case (that was before Justice Affen), involves Dasuki, ex-Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, a former Director of Finance at the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former governor of Sokoto state, Attahiru Bafarawa, his son, Sagir Bafarawa and their company, Dalhatu Investment Limited.
    They are accused, in the second case, of diverting about N9.2billion from the office of the NSA.
  • Ex-Sultan, Dasuki was a voice for peace – Buhari

    Ex-Sultan, Dasuki was a voice for peace – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has extended condolences to the Dasuki family, the government and people of Sokoto State on the death of the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari also commiserated with the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs over the demise of the remarkable traditional ruler that devoted his life, tenure of office to the promotion of peaceful coexistence and tolerance among diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria.

    The President joined them in mourning the passing of one of Nigeria’s most powerful voices for peace and unity in diversity, who diligently kept faith with the virtues of the Sardauna whom he had served as a public servant.

    Apart from modernising the traditional institution to bring it in tune with changing times, President Buhari believed that the late Ibrahim Dasuki, who died on Monday at the age of 93, will be long remembered for his role in the creation of the present local government system in the country.

    He paid tribute to his contribution to national peace and development, particularly his significant role in producing the report that gave birth to the current local government councils.

    President Buhari also prayed that Almighty Allah will comfort the family of his Eminence, grant the deceased eternal rest and reward his good virtues with Paradise.

  • Osinbajo, Saraki, governors meet in Aso Rock

    Osinbajo, Saraki, governors meet in Aso Rock

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday met with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and some state governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara was also part of the meeting.

    The governors at the closed-door meeting included Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello and Adamawa State Governor, Jubrilla Bindow.

    President Muhammadu Buhari left Abuja on Monday for Morocco to attend the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also known as COP-22, in Marrakech.

    Before Buhari’s trip out of the country, Saraki had met with him three different times within one week over his request for approval to get $29.9 billion loan.

    The Senate had recently rejected Buhari’s approval request for the loan.

    It also described the 2017 to 2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) forwarded by President Buhari for approval as “empty.”

    The MTEF is yet to be approved by the Senate.

    At the end of the meeting with Osinbajo on Monday, Saraki simply told State House correspondents: “Am sure the VP will issue a statement. But nothing of great alarm. It’s all for good governance, inclusion and collaboration with all arms. The states are here, national assembly executives just came up with ideas on how to make things work even better, that’s all.”

    No official statement on the meeting has been issued at the time of filing this report.

  • Buhari, Saraki meet third time in Aso Rock

    Buhari, Saraki meet third time in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met for the third time within one week with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    They met first last week Friday while the second meeting was on Wednesday after the President met with members of the South East Caucus in the Senate led by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and Eyinnaya Abaribe.

    The third meeting on Friday was held after the Jumaat prayer in the President’s office.

    Just like Wednesday’s meeting, this Friday’s meeting was termed private as State House correspondents were not allowed to cover the meeting.

    The Senate had recently rejected Buhari’s approval request for $29.9 billion loan.

    It also described the 2017 to 2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) forwarded by President Buhari for approval as “empty.”

    The MTEF is yet to be approved by the Senate.

    The Senate President, at the end of last week Friday’s meeting, had told State House correspondents that the issue of the $29.9 billion loan was work in progress.

    Bukola during the encounter also warned Nigerians not to politicise the issue of the loan request.

  • Buhari, Saraki meet over $29.9 billion loan in Aso Rock

    Buhari, Saraki meet over $29.9 billion loan in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday met for the second time within one week with the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    They met first last Friday after the Senate on Tuesday rejected Buhari’s approval request for $29.9 billion loan.

    The Senate, the following Thursday also rejected Buhari’s request for approval for the 2017 to 2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

    It described the MTEF as “empty.”

    Saraki arrived Aso Rock Villa for the meeting on Wednesday few minutes past 3pm when the President was meeting with members of the South East Caucus in the Senate led by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and Eyinnaya Abaribe.

    Saraki, unlike Friday, was accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang.

    After Ekweremadu and his delegation left, Saraki joined Buhari to pray in the Villa mosque before returning together to the office for their meeting, just like it happened last Friday.

    The meeting was termed private as State House correspondents were not allowed to cover the meeting on Wednesday.

    The Senate President, at the end of Friday meeting, had told State House correspondents that the issue of the $29.9 billion loan was work in progress.

    Bukola during the encounter also warned Nigerians not to politicise the issue of the loan request.