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  • APC primaries: Buhari against automatic tickets – El-Rufai

    *Says APC may lose Kaduna to other parties due to automatic ticket to Sani

     

    Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai on Friday said that President Muhammadu Buhari is against giving out automatic tickets to aspirants.

    According to him, the President has promised to wade into the various issues of automatic tickets granted to some politicians among other problems experienced in some states during the primary elections.

    He spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said “Many contestants that have been screened by the committee, were removed from the list unilaterally by some elements in the party, there are rumors that some people have been granted automatic tickets. But by yesterday when the representatives of the progressive governors forum met with Mr President and National chairman, we thought that this rumour of automatic ticket which has no place in our constitution and any enlighten democracy have been resolved.

    “But up to the time I left Kaduna this morning and came to see the President, we did not receive the list of those that will contest the legislative elections.

    “On my way I received a list of our state party structure but it seems to me there are still exclusions. As you know exclusion are one of the many reasons elections are lost at the tribunal level.

    “We are being careful in Kaduna state, we do not practice imposition, force people to step down for anyone, we believe in elections and we like people to subject themselves to full democratic process.

    “In some states, you have one list from the governor, we don’t have any list. We gave everyone a level playing ground as subject to meeting the requirements of the party, everyone is allowed to contest and may the best man win.” he said

    On the President’s response, he said “The President restated his position that he is a democrat, product of elections and he has never encouraged non-election.

    “He has never supported imposition and he has never asked anyone to grant anybody automatic tickets.

    “The position was restated yesterday to the progressive governors forum and he told me this and said he will take necessary steps to communicate this very clearly to the party leadership.” he said

    On the prospects of the candidates for Kaduna State governorship seat, he said “It is not me, I only have one vote as the governor of the state, it’s up to the delegates in the Kaduna state APC to vote for Shehu Sani or vote for other candidates.

    “But what democracy said is that every person should be given a chance to contest. Shehu Sani has done things against the interest of the people of Kaduna state and it is time for him to explain why he did what he did and ask the delegates to vote for him but to avoid facing the consequences of your actions by getting what is called automatic ticket is a recipe to losing the election to other parties.” he stated

    Reminded that there is deadline for the primary elections, he said “There is time, we have three elections, do two elections the same day and three contest, the House of reps is 16, the house of assembly is the more difficult one because there are 34.

    “But I believe we can meet the deadline provided that we have a list that does not reasonably and capriciously excludes the contestants.” he said.

    Read Also: Jimi Agbaje wins Lagos PDP guber primary

    El-Rufai went on ” I have been elected as the candidate of the party but it is up to the party at the headquarters to do the right thing and allow the constitution of the APC to be complied with which is to do primaries.”

    He alleged that Shehu Sani was largely responsible for Kaduna state losing N100 billion loan from the World Bank at 1 percent interest payable over 50 years invested in building schools, hospitals and other infrastructure.

    He said “Everyone in Kaduna knows this and many people are predictably angry. It’s an act of sabotage. It’s time for him to go and explain why he did what he did, if his actions are justified I am sure the delegates will vote for him.

    “The state apparatus is a very small component of Kaduna state. There are 10 million people in Kaduna state and the apparatus is only 80 thousand people but what can we do.

    “But Shehu Sani cannot even campaign in the market square in Kaduna central market. I challenge him let’s go to Kaduna central market and let’s see who will come out unscathed.

    “It is a well known fact that he had done this and many people are angry. Like I said he has his reasons which he can justify to those voting in the election. All we ask for is a free and fair contest. We are not going to manipulate any process. Lets have all those that are qualified to contest for democratic competition.” he said.

     

  • Buhari to teachers: Be agents of positive change

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday charged teachers to be positive change agents in the growth and development of the country.

    The president, who said that Nigerian children were pillars of strength as well as drivers of economic growth, charged teachers to be positive influence to students.

    Buhari stated these at this year’s World Teachers Day in Abuja with theme “The right to education means the right to qualified teacher.”

    Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, the president stated that despite the teaching profession was faced with various challenges such as low wages, low self esteem and lack of professional and in-service training, government was committed to the course of teaching profession.

    He said frantic efforts were being made by the Federal Government to improve teacher education for skills acquisition, through teachers continued professional development.

    Buhari said: “Having ascertained that education is a right, teachers have important role to play to adequately prepare the young for their roles in the society, in order to achieve the set national objectives.

    “You will agree with me that a qualified teacher is crucial in the educational system, that is why it is important to ensure every teacher is academically and professionally qualified.

    “In many countries, the quality of education has been eroded due to acute shortage of trained and qualified teachers.”

    Read Also: Teachers’ Day: NUT holds special prayers for end to Plateau killings

    He said that to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 4 (SDG4) by 2030, the Federal Ministry of Education had developed a Ministerial Strategic Plan (MSP) Education for Change (2016 to 2019).

    The plan, the president explained, was a roadmap to guide its efforts toward effective implementation and the achievement of the SDG4 and other related education targets of the SDG agenda.

    He called for the professionalisation of teachers while urging teachers to obtain their professional license from the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) as the deadline is December 2019.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, said that research findings had consistently shown that the most important factor that influenced students’ learning outcomes was the presence of the teacher.

    Adamu said the effectiveness of the teacher in their commitment to the teaching profession was key to the development of a child.

    He said the ministry had developed the strategy with respect to teacher education, capacity building and professional development.

    The minister also said that the ministry was also working toward improving the capacity of teachers, attracting the best brains to the profession and providing the nation with the required skilled human capital.

    Adamu called on all teachers to work with the government at all levels to move education forward.

    Also, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Sonny Echono, said the present administration had been encouraging and reward good behaviour and contributions to nation building in the teaching profession.

    He said school administrators and schools, at basic and secondary levels under the President’s Teachers and School Excellence Award, had been recognised for their effective performances.

    Mr Adaramola Femi- Patrick of Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro, Ogun, was presented with the overall best teacher award. He went home with a Sonata car.

    Also, the overall best school administrator went to Mrs Grace Ezenwa of Anambra, while Doherty Memorial Grammar School, Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti state got a bus as the overall best school.

  • FG committed to promoting Social Security — Ngige

    The Federal Government is committed to promoting social security in order to eradicate poverty, ensure inclusion and address contemporary socio-economic challenges in the country.

    Sen. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, gave the assurance during the Induction/Award of Fellows Ceremony of the Institute for Social Security Development (ISSDEV) in Abuja.

    Ngige was represented by Mrs Dorcas Ajiboye, Director, Social Security and Occupational Safety and Health, and Cooperative Development Department in the ministry.

    The minister said that the event provided the opportunity to highlight the importance of social security in enhancing socio-economic stability in the country.

    According to him, the promotion of social security “emphatically proves the commitment of the government to its change agenda in ensuring the welfare of all citizens”.

    “With the emergence of various ongoing programmes in the Social Security, Social Protection and Social Safety net, different groups of vulnerable persons, unemployed and employed Nigerians have benefited, thereby ensuring and advancing good governance.

    “Social Security is generally considered as the panacea to poverty eradication, social inclusion, peace and other contemporary socio-economic challenges.”

    Noting that social security in Nigeria is fragmented, Ngige underscored the need to sufficiently prioritise the premise on which social security is built and called for more efforts to address the noticeable gaps.

    He gave assurance of the ministry’s commitment to work with all Social Security stakeholders for greater achievements.

    “More than ever, we all need to work closely in addressing this variance.

    “It is pertinent that deliberate and dedicated support from all sides be given to achieve comprehensive social security coverage in all strata of the society,” Ngige said.

    Read Also: Teachers’ Day: NUT holds special prayers for end to Plateau killings

    Also speaking, Mr Issa Aremu, General Secretary, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), noted that Nigeria was one of the few countries lagging behind on the issue of social security.

    According to Aremu, who is also the Labour Party Governorship Candidate in Kwara, described social security as a set of policies and programmes designed to reduce poverty in any country.

    “I am happy that an institute is being formed to really raise awareness towards the improvement of social security in the country.

    “We can absolutely agree that social security is a human right; it is the right of every one.”

    Aremu said that the ongoing negotiation of the new National Minimum Wage should be used to also factor in the minimum pay for pensioners.

    “It is not just minimum wage for those who are working, I think there should be minimum pay for pensioners.”

    The Labour leader charged the institute to revisit the 2014 National Conference Report on the issue of Social Security as well as champion the cause for the creation of a Social Security Development Fund that would cater for the aged and vulnerable in the society.

    Earlier, Sen. Chris Adighije, President of the institute, said it was envisioned to assist the government, employers and workers towards building social protection floors and comprehensive social security system in the country.

    Adighije, who is also the institute’s Council Chairman, charged the new inductees on absolute diligence, commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their various assignments.

    He added that this is with a view to attracting more members so that the institute would grow to enviable heights.

    In a remark, the Registrar, Mr Johnny Okoronkwo, said the institute’s mission included enhancing the knowledge base on social security issues through capacity building and strategic partnership with relevant stakeholders, to ensure the development of a comprehensive social security system in the country.

    Okoronkwo said the institute would also promote public awareness on social security services and administration.

    “We will promote and support all social security interventions and ensure their adherence to national and international standards,” Okoronkwo said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has played a major role in developing an internationally defined normative framework guiding the establishment, development and maintenance of social security systems across the world.

    It has become the world’s leading point of reference as stated in Convention No. 102, which is the flagship of the up-to-date social security Conventions since it is deemed to embody the internationally accepted definition of the principle of social security.

    The UN agency defines social security as the protection that a society provides to individuals and households to ensure access to health care and to guarantee income security, particularly in cases of old age, unemployment, sickness, invalidity, work injury, maternity or loss of a breadwinner.

    Nigeria is a signatory to the ILO Convention 102.

  • Buhari meets Anyim, Uduaghan, Marafa in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, former Governor of Delta State and senatorial candidate in the 2019 election, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan at the State House Abuja.

    Also meeting with the President after the Friday jumat service at the State House mosque is Senator Kabiru Marafa who is a governorship aspirant in Zamfara State.

    The three came separately and were still at the President’s office at the time of filing this report.

     

    Details Later…

  • Nigeria needs young people to consolidate its democracy – Group

    A civic technology organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, has called for engagement with young Nigerians in order to consolidate Nigeria’s democracy and good governance.
     
    The organisation, which is pushing for accountability and transparency in governance, stated that creative engagement with young people was the only way for Nigeria’s democracy to thrive.
     
    Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, stated this at the official unveiling of the organisation’s Voice2Rep – Raise your voice project, on Thursday, Abuja.
     
    Odeh said that for the country’s democracy to move forward, young people should be given greater participation in the political process.
     
    This, he explained, would help to create a unified voice for an inclusive and fair society.
     
    Odeh said citizens continued to suffer from resulting from lack of accountability and representation.
     
    He explained that this has forced ordinary citizens to remain political spectators while quietly suffering the agony of poor governance and its consequences.
     
    The country director explained that the project will give opportunities and representation to young musical artists without access in the music industry.
     
    He said: “The consolidation of democracy and good governance in Nigeria calls for creative engagement with young people, greater participation in the political process and a unified voice for an inclusive and fair society.

    Read Also: Democracy and pro-poor development in Nigeria

     
    “Nigerians continues to suffer from entrenched challenges around accountability and lack of representation. Ordinary citizens in most cases remain political spectators quietly suffering the agony of poor governance and its consequences.
     
    “Politicians come and promise you a lot during election. After four years they come back again. There is need to hold them accountable. Don’t wait for them to come back in the next four years before you hold them accountable.
     
    “With Voice2Rep, through lyrics, our artists can hold politicians accountable. One of the things we look to address is engaging renowned musicians and development experts in this area.
     
    “We will mentor first time artists to make songs on elections, women’s rights and accountability. In this way, the music becomes the gateway towards large changes in behaviours and knowledge will be appreciated.
     
    “It will address key challenges that include the low level of knowledge among Nigerians about their lives and their responsibilities and the importance of elections, the need to vote for candidates with policies rather than simply based on their personalities.
     
    Speaking on the new project, he said: “Voice to Represent (Voice2Rep) is a first of its kind music competition searching for top first-time WaZoBia-Pigin English music artists who support greater representation, participation and accountability across Nigeria.
     
    “It gives these rising stars a platform to make their voices heard, connect with socially-conscious leaders in the music industry and build the skills they need to shape the future of the country through music.
     
    “Voice2Rep is run by Accountability Lab Nigeria in partnership with the Dutch Embassy Chocolate City- one of the largest music platforms and entertainment companies on the African continent.”

  • Comedy show to kick off nationwide auditions

    The 9ja Got Comedy show, organized by My Events International, announced on Friday that it is set to kick off nationwide auditions for its comedy show in Abuja on November 19th and end in Lagos on December 3rd.

    The auditions are to take place in six states/cities: Abuja, Kano, Jos, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, and Lagos, the finalists  will slug it out at the grand finale in Abuja on the 18th-20th January 2019.

    The group said this at a media conference which held at Abuja on Friday September 28.

    The group also urged aspiring comedians to come out and take place in the movement, which they guaranteed will be a stepping stone to fame and recognition.

    Read Also:Why we’re organising mainland Family Comedy Show

    The Head of 9ja Got Comedy project, Tony Loudvoice, described the comedy event as “an edutainment project designed to educate, entertain, and discover people through the instrument of comedy.”

    He also explained the importance of the event and the entertainment industry to the GDP of the nation.

    “Comedy is one of the strong pillars of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, which has exponentially made the industry the second largest contributor to our GDP.

    “The introduction of 9ja got comedy is going to add another landmark to this blossoming industry through its untapped strategy.

    “This platform will undoubtedly change the narratives in the comedy business and create greater platforms for the upcoming youngsters in a very entertaining way.

    “We want to impact the nation by creating jobs, unifying diverse people, making quality talent discoveries, and creating media content for the big screens.”

    The Managing Director, My Events Intl. Africa, Miebaka Adoki, implored the leaders in the entertainment industry and Nigerians to support the comedy industry.

    “One of the major things Nigeria is known for in the international community is entertainment. It makes us thrive in the Intl community. We need to work on entertainment.

    “We want to bring new people into the arena of comedy. Comedy is so impactful and therapeutic.

    “We want to bring about the new AYs, the new Basketmouths, and the new Alibabas. We have the talent in this country.

    “Cities of Dubai have set up a Ministry of happiness. Happiness is not a commodity. You cannot purchase it. They know the importance of such a virtue.”

  • Police dock two scavengers over alleged generator theft

    The Police on Tuesday docked two scavengers, Abdulahi Saidu, 28, and Abdul Mohammed, 32, before a Kuje Upper Area Court, Abuja, over alleged theft of a generator valued at N80, 000.

    Saidu and Mohammed are facing charges of joint act and theft, offences punishable under Sections 79 and 287 of the Penal Code.

    The prosecutor, Doris Okoroba, told the court that one Musa Haruna of Anguwan Gade area, Kuje, reported the matter at the Kuje Police Station on Sept. 28.

    Okoroba said that the scavengers, who reside at Tipper Garage area of Kuje, allegedly entered into Haruna’s house and stole a generator.

    Read Also: Police warn against violence

    The prosecutor added that the scavengers were about selling the generator at Gudaba area, Kuje, when they were caught and handed over to the police.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The judge, Alhaji Abdulahi Abdulkareem, granted bail to the accused persons in the sum of N10,000 each, with one surety each in like sum and adjourned the case until Oct. 18 for hearing.

    NAN

     

  • Buhari, Gowon, observe Independence Day parade at Eagle Square

    Saraki, Dogara absent 

     

    Against all odds, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday observed the 58th Independence Day parade at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

    The last time the ceremony held at the Eagles Square was in 2010 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    That parade in 2010 was marred by bomb blasts.

    Since that year, subsequent independence anniversary parade were held in low key at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Buhari, who already made national broadcast marking the 58th independence anniversary at 7am, on Monday broke the jinx and arrived the Eagles Square venue of the parade around 9.30am.

    But the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara were conspicuously absent at the Eagle Square.

    According to the programme circulated to guests, they were listed to arrive the venue by 9.10a.m for the event.

    Saraki and Dogara have recently dumped the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Others who attended the ceremony included Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar.

    Former military leader, Oladipo Diya and cabinet members also attended the parade.

    There was inspection of guards by President Buhari, which was followed by march past in slow and quick time.

    There was also march past by para-military organisations, agencies and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) mounted troops.

    Also on display were military equipment march past on low loaders

    Police dogs displaying the trainings they had acquired also thrilled the guests while outriders also displayed their skills.

    There was also aerial show by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Recalled that while training for the aerial show, there was two jets crash on Friday, which claimed the life of one pilot and leaving two wounded survivors.

    Rounding off the ceremony at the Eagles Square, there were firing of volleys and 21 gun salute by the military personnel.

    Before departing the venue, President Buhari signed the 58th Independence anniversary register.

    Speaking to journalists at the end of the ceremony, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said “You have seen what we displayed today, we are capable of defending this nation.”

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, noted that the last time independence anniversary was celebrated in full was in 2010.

    Read Also: Full text: Muhammadu Buhari’s 58th Independence Day address

    According to him, a child born seven years would not have idea of how independence anniversary is celebrated in Nigeria.

    He said that there is relative calm in the north east and checkmating of banditry in the North West and north central as a result of acquisition of more military equipment under the present administration.

    He urged Nigerians to be patient and trust the leadership of President Buhari.

    Shortly after Buhari and the dignitaries left the venue, some APC youths wearing black T-shirt took over the arena.

    In a procession with the APC flag, they started moving around, singing songs in support of President Buhari towards the 2019 Presidential election.

    Trouble however started when somebody, who infiltrated the group, stole the telephone set of one of the youth.

    Rather than submit the telephone set when he was caught, he drew out dagger to scare away those who tried to get the telephone set from him.

    With the thief’s supporters at the venue backing him, it almost turned to free for all fight.

    They ran, pushed and pursued one another around the venue for over 15 minutes.

    It got bloody when some of the thief’s gang started throwing stones, which made the youths to run helter skelter around the venue for safety.

    One young boy of about 15 years was not too lucky as one of the stones landed on his head.

    The boy, who was bleeding profusely, was given first aid treatment by some members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps at the venue.

     

     

  • Customs apprehend three trailers with smuggled goods

    The Federal Operation Unit Zone ‘B’, of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized three trucks loaded with contraband foreign pasta and rice with Duty Paid Value of N74million.

    The trucks which were loaded with 1,800 cartons of smuggled pasta were said to have been apprehended along Jibiya katsina axis last Monday.

    Parading the the seized contraband goods at the FOU headquarters in Kaduna on Wednesday, the Area Controller of the zone, Mohammed Mustapha, vowed that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in its efforts to track down smugglers and bring them to book.

    According to him, “the command seized three trucks including Dangote truck along zaria Kaduna road with 120 bags of 50kg per boiled rice and another Boa truck along same axis with 55 bags of 50kg of Smuggled rice.”

    He said that, as soon as documentation is finalised the seized items would be transferred to the service headquarters in Abuja for necessary action.

    Read Also:Review age limit on FRSC recruitment, Applicants urge FG

    According to him, that suspected smugglers were arrested in the course of the seizure and are in detention for proper prosecution.

    He however advised smugglers to embrace other legitimate business than the illegal means

    ”We are going to continue with the seizure and they are going to lose ,they should embraced good business. Rice is being produce in all states of the country and Federal Government is trying to diversify and make our economy better and to avoid foreign exchange wasted on imported rice.

    “While on health ground it has been establish that most of the rice brought in through the land boarders have already expired which they usually rebag them in neighbouring countries.” He said.

  • Stress, not necessarily bad – Doctor

    Dr Gregory Mowete, a medical officer in Abuja, says stress is not necessarily a bad health challenge as it has its positive side.

    Mowete made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He defined stress as a normal biological reaction to a potentially dangerous situation, or as a physical, mental or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension.

    “There are two stress hormones; one of them is called Adrenaline which is the ‘fight or flight’ response and another stress hormone is known as Cortisol,’’ he said.

    According to him, once the body undergoes some form of stress, these hormones are released and they begin to perform various functions in the body.

    “Cortisol does a lot of good work; increasing glucose in the bloodstream, helping the brain use glucose more effectively, helping the brain control fear and stimulates perspiration.

    “All these are good because it helps you survive but being under stress for a prolonged period of time is mentally and physically harmful.

    “Long term stress causes weight gain, high blood pressure, insomnia, lack of energy, depression, diabetes and hypertension which can later lead to damage of blood vessels, headaches, strokes or a heart attack, anxiety and weak bones,” Mowete said.

    According to him, there are various symptoms that can help individuals look out for stress both in your immediate environment and out there.

    “Emotional symptoms like frustration and moodiness; having difficulty in relaxing, low self-esteem and depression, emotional unbalanced.

    Read Also:Doctors, UCH settle 12 indigent patients’ bills

    “Behavioral symptoms like changes in appetite which can lead to peptic ulcer and ulcer would not heal if the person is under constant stress because the hormones prevent the healing process.

    “Cognitive symptoms like constant worrying, forgetfulness, disorganisation and racing thoughts are the other signs,’’ the medical expert said.

    According to the physician, if someone is going to manage stress, the person must identify what is causing the stress and once it is identified, solutions on how to cope with it can be found.

    He however advised Nigerians to maintain healthy diet as a very important way to healthy life

    “You should aim to sleep for about seven to eight hours every night, exercising regularly, coffee, caffeine or alcohol should be minimised or stopped totally.

    “Caffeine increases adrenaline and alcohol does a lot worse because alcohol worsen the situation of hypertension caused by stressed resulting in cardiomyopathy, liver and heart problems.

    “One has to stay socially connected so that you can get and give good support; keeping good company, basic self-care and self-meditation techniques like breathing in and out,” he said.

    According to reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA, 110 million people die every year or seven people every two seconds as a direct result of stress.