The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abuja

  • Ramadan: Atiku urges Muslims to pray for Nigeria’s unity

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar  has urged Muslims to use the Ramadan period to pray for unity in the country.

    He made the call in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, as Muslims the world over commenced fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

     

    The former vice president, who decribed Ramadan as period of recompense, piety and separation from sin, said Muslims must be ready to sacrifice and pray to Almighty Allah who made Ramadan a blessing for them.

    He added that the holy month of Ramadan was an avenue for every Muslim to reflect on the past, with a view to seeking forgiveness from Allah.

    He admonished Muslims to manifest the spirit of love, oneness, charity, reflection, obedience and other tenets of Islam during and after the Ramadan.

    He noted that “the 29 or 30 days of fasting should be dedicated to moving closer to Almighty Allah.

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     “As a Muslim, I believe so much in prayers, especially the ones offered during Ramadan because this is a period of purification when a Muslim is expected to, more than ever before, show piety in all areas of life.

    “So, any prayer offered at such period is always acceptable as the Almighty Allah is merciful and benevolent.”

    Atiku wished Nigerian Muslims a fruitful Ramadan and appealed to them to imbibe honesty, love and peace during the period and beyond.

  • NiMet predicts cloudy skies, rainy activities on Wednesday

    Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy morning conditions over the central states of the country on Wednesday, with chances of localised rain showers over Kaduna and Abuja.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Monday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 25 to 33 and 18 to 25 degrees celsius.

    It added that places like Jos, Abuja, Mambilla plateau and Makurdi axis were expected to have localised thunderstorms later in the day.

    The agency predicted that the southern states would experience increased cloudiness over most parts with chances of rains over Port-Harcourt, Eket and Calabar axis during the morning hours.

    It also predicted prospects of isolated rains/showers over the inland cities like Oshogbo, Ado-ekiti, Enugu and Awka, including the coastal cities like Port-Harcourt, Yenagoa, Warri, and environs during the evening period.

    NiMet further predicted that southern cities would have day and night temperatures in the range of 30 to 34 and 21 to 24 degrees celsius.

    According to NiMet, northern states will experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions over most parts during the forecast period with day and night temperatures in the ranges of 33 to 39 and 21 to 28 degrees celsius.

    “There are chances of isolated thunderstorms over Maiduguri, Potiskum, Yola, Gombe and its environs during the afternoon and evening hours.

    “Increased cloudiness is anticipated over most parts of the country with prospects of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon within the next 24 hours,” NiMet added.

  • Onu task schools to expose students to international competitions

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu on Tuesday urged secondary and tertiary institutions in the country to expose their students to more international competitions.

    Onu made the call when the management of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) and the winner of the World Mathematics Team Championship, Mr Oluwafemi Adedairo visited him in Abuja.

    NTIC won the World Mathematics Team Challenge after defeating renowned schools across the globe.

    Onu emphasised the need to have well trained students in science in order to convert the enormous raw materials in the country.

    According to him, a mixture of knowledge and development of raw materials will not only create jobs but reduce importation and advertently grow our economy.

    “We are determined to make sure that Nigeria does not remain where people should rely on importing everything.

    “We need to move towards a new direction by producing and exporting.

    “Our economy should be based on knowledge and innovation that is what this victory represents.

    “We need to give young ones good education and expose them to more of such competitions,’’ Onu said.

    While commending the school for its quality of education and exposing the kids to international competitions, the Minister tasked the institution to sustain the feat.

    “The ministry is proud and will like to support the school in any way possible.

    “I am always happy anytime a Nigerian excels in international competition, it is a thing of joy and more importantly if it is younger ones.

    “It is more important when it is science or mathematics because he have the biggest economy in Africa and to make Nigeria the great nation, the younger ones must utilise mathematics and science.

    “No nation has become truly great without emphasising scientific innovations and mathematics.

    “Young people must prevail themselves in that direction so that we can stop importation and create jobs.

    “Let them become entrepreneurs by using their skills to convert the raw materials as well as create additional wealth for the country, we are the biggest economy but we want to go beyond that,’’ Onu said.

    Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director of NTIC, Mr Feuzullah Filbin, said that the feat wouldl serve as a source of inspiration to other students in the country.

    He said that the school also won 81 other medals in competitions within and outside the country.

    Adedairo said that winning the competition demonstrated that his efforts during preparations were not in vein.

    “It was difficult during preparations but now I know that my training was not in vein,’’ he said.

    The 14 year old Senior Secondary one (SSI) student said that he intends to study Petrochemical Engineering.

  • Labourer to spend 8 months in jail for stealing

    Karmo Grade 1 Area Court,  Abuja, on Tuesday sentenced a labourer, Tarnisu Ibrahim, to eight months imprisonment for stealing water heater and two toilet seats.

    Ibrahim, a resident of 62 Road, Galadima Estate, Abuja, had pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of joint act and theft and begged for leniency

    The judge, Abubakar Sadiq, in a summary trial, sentenced the convict to eight months imprisonment.

    The prosecutor, Mr Dalhatu Zannah, had told the court that one Lazarus Yakubu, reported the matter at Utako Police Station on May 9.

    Zannah said that the convict and two others now at large, formed a common intention and stole the complainant’s two toilet seats and water heater.

    He said the convict also stole other valuable items but was caught, while his accomplices ran away.

     

    He said that the convict during police investigation made a confessional statement that he committed the crime.

    The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 79 and 288 of the Penal Code.

  • Man docked over alleged impersonation, abduction

    The Police on Tuesday arraigned a 22-year-old man, Bright Solomon, in a Kubwa Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, for alleged impersonation and abduction.

    The defendant was docked on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, impersonation, abduction and being in possession of ATM cards suspected to be stolen, offences he denied committing.

    The prosecutor, Babajide Olanipekun, told the court that the defendant and two others now at large, paraded themselves as clergymen and abducted one Onyinye Asawalam,‎ on May 5.

    He said that the defendant took Asawalam to Keystone Bank, Kubwa, without her parents’ consent.

    The prosecutor said that the defendant attempted to withdrew money with Asawalam’s ATM card, but was caught.

    He said that during police investigation, 14 different ATM cards were found in the possession of the defendant.

    The offences contravened Sections 97, 179, 272, 95 and 319 of the Penal Code.

    The judge, Mohammed Marafa, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000, with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case until July 13 for hearing

  • Omo-Agege: Security beef-up at NASS

     Security was on Monday beefed up at the National Assembly, Abuja, ahead of expected resumption of Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege following Thursday’s Abuja High Court nullification of his suspension by the Senate.

     Strengthening of security arrangement at the complex, especially around the Senate Chambers is to forestall likely security breach as recorded on April 18, when some hoodlums stormed the chambers and made away with the Mace.

    The incident which occurred while plenary was ongoing in the chambers was linked to Omo-Agege, who defied the suspension order on him and attended the proceedings, accompanied by some strange fellows into the chamber.

    Apart from full security detail in the chamber of the red chamber on Monday, police officers were seen at the lobby leading into the chamber, a development that is unusual on a non-sitting day.

    Sergeants-at-Arms were also seen in clusters discussing in hush tones, and apparently perfecting the security beef-up. 

    Some staff of the assembly, who pleaded anonymity, told our reporter that the development was not unconnected with the expected return of Omo-Agege to the chamber on Tuesday after the court judgment in his favour.

    They confirmed that the move to check likely break down of law and order as experienced when the mace was forcefully taken away.

    Omo-Agege had gone to court to challenge his 90 legislative days suspension by the Senate and the court in its ruling declared the action unconstitutional, saying that the Senate could not suspend a member beyond 12 days .

    His suspension was based on is comment that amendment to section 25 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), bordering on reordering of elections sequence was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

  • Bauchi residents paid N144 per litre of petrol in April

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says residents of Bauchi State bought a litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, at an average of N144.17 in April.
    The Bureau stated this in its PMS Price Watch for April 2018, released on Monday in Abuja.
    “Bauchi residents bought the product less than the approved price of N145 per litre in the month, while residents of Plateau bought the commodity at the approved price of N145,” the report said.
    It added that Abuja residents bought petrol at 144.95 per litre in the month under review.
    According to the report, states with the lowest average price of petrol were Plateau (N145.00), Abuja (N144.95) and Bauchi (N144.17) in the month.
    It named Kebbi, Kogi and Jigawa where petrol was sold at N163.71, N160.79 and N160.46 per litre, respectively, as states with the highest average price of the commodity.
    The report, however, stated that the average price paid by petrol consumers increased by 1.0 per cent year-on-year and -7.3 per cent month-on-month to N151.4 in April from the N163.4 recorded in March.
    Meanwhile, the National Household Kerosene Price Watch for April also revealed that the average price per litre paid by consumers for National Household Kerosene increased by 3.53 per cent month-on-month.
    The report, however, stated that the product’s price decreased by -0.82 per cent year-on-year from N268.99 in March to N278.49 in April.
    It stated that states with the highest average price per litre of kerosene were Abuja (N316.67), Cross River (N315.56) and Nassarawa (N309.52).
    The bureau stated that states with the lowest average price per litre of kerosene were Akwa Ibom (N247.22), Abia (N245.25) and Katsina (N244.87).
    Similarly, it stated that average price per gallon paid by consumers for Kerosene increased by 3.45 per cent month-on-month and decreased by -15.38 per cent year-on-year from N943.27 in March to N975.82 in April.
    It stated that states with the highest average price per gallon of kerosene were Jigawa (N1140.00), Yobe (N1100.00) and Kano (N1068.24).
    The bureau also added that states with the lowest average price per litre of kerosene were Abia, N900.00; Delta, N875.00 and Rivers, N844.74

  • Principal seeks support for vocational centre

    Mr Bala Tsoho, Principal, FCT Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre, Bwari, on Monday called on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), as well as individuals to support the training centre to achieve its goals.

    Tsoho, who spoke in an interview with the newsmen in Abuja, said that the call was necessary because the government alone cannot provide all the necessary facilities.

    According to him, the government has so many other pressing responsibilities to attend to and so, may delay the needs of the centre, which may also cause a setback to the centre’s set goals.

    ”It is not the responsibility of the government alone but that of every Nigerian to take care of their own because, if we don’t, they may come back and terrorise us.

    ”Government cannot do this alone; they have other responsibilities, it should not be left for the government alone.

    “Yes, we get support from local NGOs once a while but we are calling for more support from other bodies and even individuals, who are capable, to please support the centres.”

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    The principal said the centre, which has approximately 70 students at the moment, is committed to training especially, people living with disability to become professionals in various skills.

    He noted that other students comprised of apprehended prostitutes, hawkers and some times, those suffering from insanity.

    He also said that although the centre has an age limit of 14 to 35 years old trainees, it can, however, accommodate severe or special cases.

    ” This is because the whole idea is to rehabilitate and also train people to become better citizens by standing on their own, that is to be self-reliant and contribute to the economy.

    ” As such, in rare cases such as abandoned children or orphans whom might be below the required age, we still admit or else, letting them go would make no sense.

    “What makes this centre different from other similar centres is that, we trained graduate as a professional, we do not just train for the sake of training.

    “That is why, immediately you graduate, it is expected that you invest in yourselves.”

    Tsoho explained that it was the duty of the FCT administration to provide and award the graduates with N100, 000 and a starter pack to help the them begin and sustain their profession.

    This, he noted, was irrespective of the skill one has acquired.

    The principal also added that the centre, since inception, graduated over 100 students every year, while also noting that the period of graduation differs, depending on availability of funds.

    He, however, said that the centre was not able to graduate its 2017 students because of the delay in the release of funds from the government.

    In spite of this challenge, Tsoho said that some of the graduating students have located and joined with those who have since established their profession outside the school and are doing well.

    NAN

  • “Okrika”dealers in Nasarawa express worries over quit notice

    Fairly Used Clothes a.k.a Òkrika traders Association, in Mararaba, a commercial hub along Abuja-Keffi road, have expressed worries over the quit notice issued by the Nasarawa State Government.

    Mr Stanley Buba, Chairman of the Task Force on relocation, issued the notification on April 30 in Karu, during a meeting with officials of the Traders and Marketers Association and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

    Mr Suleiman Hassan, Chairman of the Association, told the News men on Monday that the state government through a special task force had directed that they vacate the area before May 15.

    He added that the directive was hinged on government’s efforts to free the road of the usual traffic gridlock on that axis, partly caused by trading activities along the busy road.

    He, however, noted that many of the traders, who sell their wares along the road-side market, were not happy with the directive, alleging that it was sudden and without a proper alternative.

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    “They have asked us to relocate to the newly commissioned Muhammdu Buhari International Market, Karu, Nasarawa; but the areas assigned to us is not properly developed the way it ought to be for convenient trading.

    “The allocated place is an opened ground without structures, no shops or packing stores where we can keep our goods and will not be accessible by customers, meaning we cannot make sales there.

    “The raining season is here, and when it starts raining we do not have a place to take refuge and keep our goods for safety since they are clothing,”he said.

    Hassan appealed to the state government to extend the ultimatum to allow relevant authorities in charge of the management of the new market to make it suitable for the traders.

    The affected traders are to be relocated to the Muhammadu Buhari International Market, Karu.

    NAN

  • Man in court for allegedly threatening police officer

    The Police on Friday arraigned a 51-year-old man, Nasiru Abdullahi, in a Karu Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly threatening a police officer on duty.

    The defendant, who resides at Mararaba, Nasarawa State, was arraigned on a two-count charge, bordering on intentional insult and threat to public servant, offences he denied committing.

    The prosecutor, Edwin Ochayi, said that the defendant committed the offences on April 16.

    “The defendant was invited for interrogation by the Area Commander, Karu, Abuja, FCT Command, through O/C Surveillance, Asp. Daniel Kwaji for threatening the life of one Mr Gabriel Amu.

    “Instead of honouring the invitation, the defendant intentionally insulted, threatened and warned the officer never to come to his house again.

    “The defendant also added that the officer should have himself to blame should anything happen to him if he dares step foot into his house again,” Ochayi said.

    According to the prosecutor, the offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 155 and 153 of the Penal Code.

    The judge, Hassan Ishaq, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50, 000, with one surety each in like sum, and adjourned the case until June 11 for hearing.