The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abuja

  • FG to recruit NYSC members as anti-malaria taskforce

    FG to recruit NYSC members as anti-malaria taskforce

    The Federal Government is to engage the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as advocates against malaria infection.

    Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril, at the launch of National Mosquito Control and Liquid Waste Management Programme, yesterday in Abuja said that the recruited members will serve in the capacity of the defunct War Against Indiscipline (WAI).

    He disclosed in Abuja that the ministry may partner with State governments to also register community health officers in Public Health Departments in the 774 local governments, to eliminate the breeding places of mosquitoes and reducing incidences of malaria parasites across the country.

    The Minister condemned increasing rate of malaria infection as a result of poor environmental sanitation, stressing that it was becoming worrisome as it contributed to high child and maternal mortality.

    Jubril said: “I remember in my days as a youth corper, we were in the WAI brigade and now I can see people (NYSC) that we can recruit for the anti-malaria brigade. This is worth commending because it is of serious health concern.

    “In the 1960s, 70s, we had the privilege of having the wole-woles… so the federal ministry of environment in partnership andelsta limited has decided to re-launch this programme with the sole objective of achieving a clean and green environment, free of mosquitoes and other diseases in the country.

    “We know of the menace of malaria vectors causing diseases in the country as well as poor management of the environment in rural, semi-rural and urban areas that constitute serious threat to human health.”

    However, he said the responsibility to maintain a healthy environment should be collective and participatory as the ministry cannot solely perform the public sanitary functions.

    According to him, there was the need for partnership with the public and private sector in the campaign against malaria infection.

    In his remark, the Managing Director, Andelsta Limited, Engr. Fintan Ibeshi called for the abolition of monthly sanitation stressing that sanitations should be daily activity rather than monthly exercise.

    He said the firm in partnership with the ministry will roll out campaigns, seminars, trainings for volunteer corps in order to promote sanitation advocacy in schools, health centers and other public places.

    Ibeshi noted that the success in the war against mosquito, access to clean water and sanitation for everyone cannot be achieved by the public sector alone without the involvement and strong participation of private sector.

    He explained that through its Decentralised Waste Water Treatment System (DEWATS), waste water in densely populated areas, villages and slums would be treated.

    “The DEWATS solution constitutes primary, secondary and tertiary treatment for waste water and also provides biogas for cooking, lighting and power generation,” he added.

  • Wheelbarrow: Jealous opponents blackmailing me – Ortom 

    Wheelbarrow: Jealous opponents blackmailing me – Ortom 

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Thursday said that his political opponents jealous of his achievements are blackmailing him towards 2019 elections over wheelbarrow distribution in the state.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ortom said that such opponents are latching on rumour in attempt to diminish his rising profile.

    He said that it was regrettable that deliberate lies were being told against him by people scheming to gain advantage in the run up to 2019 general election.

    On the accusations of disturbing wheelbarrows for empowerment, he said: “That is outright falsehood. There is no iota of truth. It is meant to scandalize, blackmail and to reduce my rising profile in Benue because of achievements we have recorded during these two years.

    “When you hear the likes of David Mark, who are supposed to be an elder statesman, go to make false propaganda against people who are supposed to be his subjects, I used to regard him as an elder, but it’s unfortunate he is telling lies.

    “Those wheelbarrows were brought to us by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to be distributed to displaced people who need them.

    “They actually need those wheelbarrows and they were given to the state emergency relief body for onward distribution to the victims. And for whatever reasons, the agency wrote my name that I was distributing it.

    “But as soon as that was drawn to my attention, I refuted it and I said this is not my property.

    “In empowerment, I have several programmes for the youth and this one is not meant for the youths. It was distributed to displaced people.

    “So, it was just meant to blackmail me because PDP in Benue are still dreaming, including David Mark, that I am governor and I won election.

    “I left them (PDP) because of the injustice they did to me and I came to APC and found a platform. The people accepted me and I won. They are out to blackmail me and it will not work because there is no iota of truth.”

    On the jealous opponents, he said “Of course, they have been propagating that they want to take over the leadership in 2019 but I think they are just dreaming because even when it was pepper, I was able to finish the food, how much more now that it’s with chicken and sesame seed.  You know it’s easier to eat and the people we are working with, we have gotten more support.

    “More people have decamped from the PDP to the APC. So, where will they go? The local government elections is coming up on June 3. I want them to come up and compete.

    “It’s unfortunate that even to present candidates, there are factions and up till today.

    “I am told that they have six candidates out of the 23 local governments. It is their problem. They should go and sort out their own problem. All I am concerned is to bring development to my people.” he said

    Ortom said that he has invited former Senate President, David Mark, to a meeting where he presented his administration’s second year scorecard but he declined, adding that other Benue citizens however applauded his effort.

    He said: “On the 22 May, I invited all Benue stakeholders, David Mark was invited and I was given standing ovation. That alone is an indication that Benue people are pleased with me in all sectors despite all the challenges especially in funding.

    “I have cleared arrears of salaries. These people are just jealous, David Mark is jealous and all his cohorts are jealous. They have left Benue State and went to Rivers and met and came and disturb us in Benue State. Let them come to Benue State.” he added

    He maintained that his problem with Mark was not about a quarrel but spreading of falsehood, adding however that he would take any opportunity to discuss the issue over with the former Senate president.

    He said “I don’t think it’s about quarrel. For a very senior citizen of that level to spread falsehood and tell lies against his governor when I invited them to stakeholders meeting where my two year scorecard was delivered to my people and they accepted it and appreciated what we are doing and he refused to come only to go to Rivers and be telling lies against me, It’s unfortunate.

    “Anytime I have the opportunity I think we will discuss things over,” he stated.

    It would be recalled that while commissioning some projects executed by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state recently, Mark had alluded to the fact that while Wike was commissioning roads, some state governors were busy distributing wheelbarrows to their citizens.

     

  • Ekweremadu seeks removal of age limit for political offices

    Ekweremadu seeks removal of age limit for political offices

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Thursday canvassed the total removal of age as a criterion for holding political offices in the country.

    He instead called for a situation where the electorate are allowed to make their choices based on their assessment of the competence of those who present themselves for elections.

    A statement by the Special Adviser, (Media) to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu, said that Ekweremadu made the call when he received in audience the “Not Too Young to Run (#NotTooYoungToRun) Campaign championed by the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) in his office at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    Ekweremadu said, “We have just acknowledged the young man, Emmanuel Macron, who is now the President of France. We believe it can also happen here in our country; and we believe that with education and exposure, people can achieve a lot at a very young age.

    “Therefore, while many Nigerians are calling for a reduction in the age barrier, it is actually my strong and personal opinion that there should be no age barrier in terms of running for political offices or holding executive positions. I know, and I believe too, that sovereignty belongs to the people, and they exercise this sovereignty through the ballot box. If they desire to vote in a very young person, so be it. That is their choice, and that is what sovereignty is all about.

    “For many years now, we have said that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow. If we continue to sideline them with age barrier, then that tomorrow may never come. But as far as I am concerned, that tomorrow has come and people should be judged by their competence, integrity, and capacity, not their biological age. That is the global trend and we cannot be an exception.”

    Ekweremadu, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review said that the nation’s greatest resource remained the youth.

    He commended YIAGA, noting that the nation’s democracy was nevertheless making progress as more youth are now participating actively in the political process.

    He said that although the Senate Committee on Constitution Review had submitted its final report to the Senate, constitution amendment was a continuous process and issues not covered could always be accommodated in subsequent amendments even in the same Assembly.

    Leader of the delegation and Programme Director of YIAGA, Miss Cynthia Mbamalu, solicited the Senate’s support for the constitution amendment bill sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, Senator Abdul Aziz Nyako, seeking to align the voting age of 18 years with eligibility to contest for political offices in Nigeria.

    Citing the recent election of 39-year old Emmanuel Macron as the President of France, she called for more political space for the Nigerian youth.

     

  • Ex-militants hail Buhari, score administration high

    Ex-militants hail Buhari, score administration high

    Some beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), have urged Niger Delta ex-agitators and youths to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s programmes and policies for the region, saying the president meant well.

    The ex-agitators, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said they would remain grateful to Buhari’s administration for empowering them in various skills.

    Mr Reuben Wilson, an ex-militant leader, said that PAP, under the leadership of Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh had engaged ex-agitators in various empowerment programmes and had also facilitated employment for some of them who graduated recently.

    According to Wilson, PAP has also assisted in rehabilitating more than 200 persons from his camp who have all shunned violence and embraced peace.

    He commended the Federal Government for initiating the programme which he said had empowered many youths in the region and scaled down crime rate.

    Mr Jerry Fiberesima, a native of Okrika, Rivers State, said the programme helped him become a better man after living a life of violence.

    Fiberesima said he is now a successful farmer with 28 persons from his community working under him and earning a living.

    “I now have a farm where I plant corn, plantain and other vegetables; and which is being managed by my 28 employees.”

    He urged those yet to be empowered to exercise patience as it would be their turn.

    Mr Emmanuel Onoyo-Akorhe, a fish farmer in Delta, said PAP had given them the opportunity to boost their fishing business and created a ladder out of poverty and food insecurity for the region.

    Mr Reuben Opuobori, who also owns a fish farm, said that the vocation had offered him and other ex-agitators a chance to make a difference by growing enough food to feed the nation.

    Opuobori said though there were many challenges, young people should be trained and encouraged to live on their own and contribute to making Nigeria self-sufficient and peaceful.

    “As we look to find solutions to feeding a world of nine billion people by 2050; it is this new generation that will work together to achieve that set goal,’’ he said.

    Uche Ogburia, from Elele, Rivers state, said poultry farming had become very lucrative due to the high demand for the products.

    “Little investment is required to start up the business and losses are minimal,” Ogburia said.

    He also encouraged those with the challenge of acquiring land for the business to consider family land as an option, so that gradually they would be able to acquire theirs when the business becomes lucrative.

     

     

  • Abuja Housing Show: Foundation to intensify advocacy for empowering disabled

    Abuja Housing Show: Foundation to intensify advocacy for empowering disabled

    The Kpakpando Foundation for Physically Challenged Persons (KFPCP), says it will intensify advocacy for empowering disabled people at the forthcoming 11th Abuja Housing Show.

    Mr Festus Adebayo, Managing Director, FESADEB Communications Limited, convener of the Abuja Housing Show, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

    KFPCP is a Non Governmental Organisation established in 2005 by Sen. Osita Izunaso to take care of people with disabilities through empowerment and scholarship programmes and provisions of suitable houses.

    The foundation advocates for the equal rights of people with disabilities including their accessibility in public places.

    Adebayo, however, expressed worry on the way most houses were being built in the country without putting into consideration the pace and mobility of the disabled.

    On this note, the expert called for the designing of Ramps (mobile staircase) in buildings, especially in public places for accessibility of the disabled.

    “The foundation will be in the housing show to champion the course of people living with disabilities.

    “We want government to look into the provision of ramps in public buildings for disabled people to utilise.

    “Apart from this advocacy, a bill to that effect at the National Assembly is being followed up.

    He, however, noted that ramps are designs included in building plans before approval by Development Control Agency.

    The show which is the largest expo in Africa is scheduled to hold in July with the theme: “Solving Nigerians Housing Challenge through innovative finance and infrastructure solution”.

     

  • Jaiz balance with CBN hits N21.5b

    Jaiz balance with CBN hits N21.5b

    Jaiz Bank on Wednesday said that its cash and balance with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was N21.5billion.

    The money, according to the bank’s annual report and 2016 accounts that were presented to its investors in Abuja, in the year under review, hit N2.58billion cash the at hand, the current account of  N6.3billion and deposit of N12.6billion, totalling N21.5billion.

    It was an improvement over the previous year when the bank recorded total of N18billion cash and balance with the apex bank.

    In the year under review, the bank recorded N5.2billion assets, which was an increase from the N4.1billion in 2015.

    In terms of taxation, the bank noted posted a total of N77million, stressing that its balance brought forward was N43.8million, prior year tax adjustment N11.2million, and charge for the year N11.7million.
    The bank explained that it “operates the unrestricted type of Mudaraba Investment in which the Mudarib (the bank)is authorised by the providers of funds (Rabbul Mal) to invest their fund in the manner which the Mudarib deems appropriate.

    “Profits are shared as a common percentage rate rather than a fixed amount. The investments were jointly funded by the bank and the equity of investment account-holders. The account of N1.18billion paid by the bank to the Mudaraba account holders for 2016 financial year.”

    According to the report, the bank’s profit for the period under review was N343million in 2016 as it declined from N794million in 2015.

    The report said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria represented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (FMA&WR) established the Commercial Agricultural Credit Schemes (CACS).

    But during the year, it did not receive any amount for on-lending to customers as specified by the guidelines.

    The report said that financing granted under the scheme is for a seven year period at an interest rate of 9% per annum.

  • Mrs Buhari condoles with Wazirin Adamawa family

    Mrs Buhari condoles with Wazirin Adamawa family

    The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, on Tuesday, condoled with the family of late Wazirin Adamawa, Alhaji Mohammadu Abba.

    The condolence message was in a statement made available to newsmen by Mrs Buhari’s Director of Information, Mr Suleiman Haruna in Abuja.

    The wife of the President noted the immense contributions of the deceased to humanity and prayed Allah to forgive him and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The deceased was the second in command in Adamawa Emirate council after the Lamido.

    Mrs Buhari also condoled with the family of late Muhammadu Malabu in Yola.

    The deceased were both buried according to Islamic injunctions.

     

  • Bauchi, UNESCO sign MoU to train 50,000 girls, women

    Bauchi, UNESCO sign MoU to train 50,000 girls, women

    Bauchi state government and UNESCO on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train 50, 000 girls and women in basic education through the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

    Mr. Macaulay Olushola, National Professional Officer, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO Abuja, said this in a statement.

    Olushola said that the MoU was signed during the courtesy visit of some UNESCO officials to Bauchi State Governor, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the empowerment programme would be the second phase of the project by UNESCO and product of Procter and Gamble, a Consumer Product company.

    The project in its first phase empowered 60,000 girls and women in the state.

    The statement quoted the governor as saying, “we must give the opportunity for those who lost the opportunity of education during their childhood.

    “This will enable the 50,000 girls and women have a second chance so that citizens of the state will enjoy basic education, which in turn will lead to better life for them.

    “Education opens all doors, health care delivery improves, when you have that, other social ills are attacked and settled,” the governor said.

    Also, Mr. Yao Ydo, the Director, Multi-Sectorial Regional office, Abuja, said the project would empower the girls and women in skills development through Information Communication Technology.

    According to Ydo, “School Meet the Learners Approach” would be deployed to implement the project that would last for two years.

    “The School Meet the Learners Approach project, is for the empowerment of girls and women in literacy and skills development through the use of ICT.

    “It is expected to improve the performance of the low performing Junior Secondary School Two (JSS 2) girls who have difficulties in some specific subjects in school.

    “It will also empower women on literacy and skills development through the use of ICT.

    “The signing of the MoU opens another window of opportunity in Bauchi State, prepares us to move together to empower 50,000 girls and women in the next two years of the project,” he said.

     

  • Scavenger to get six strokes of cane for mischief, theft

    A scavenger, Ibrahim Amimu, is to get six strokes of cane for cutting and stealing transformer copper wires.

    A Karmo Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja gave the sentence on Tuesday following a guilty plea by 34-year-old Amimu, who resides at Jabi Park, Abuja.

    He was charged on two counts of mischief and theft.

    The Presiding Judge, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq, said that the light punishment was because Amimu saved the court from prolonged trial.

    He hoped that the punishment would serve as a deterrent to others. Sadiq warned Amimu to shun crime.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr. Dalhatu Zannah, told the court that Amimu committed the offences on May 14 at 12 a.m.

    Zannah submitted that the case was lodged at the Utako Police Station, Abuja, by Mr. Gregory Etim of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Garki, (AEDC) Regional Office.

    He said that Amimu cut and stole AEDC transformer copper wires.

    Zannah said that an180mm copper wires was recovered from the scavenger during a police investigation.

    The prosecutor said that the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 327 and 287 of the Penal Code.
    Zanna had prayed the court to try the defendant summarily under Section 347 of the Administration of Criminal Justices Act, 2015, because of his admission of guilt.