The Nation Newspaper

Tag: double

  • Concept Nova launches ‘Double Protection Promo’

    •Firm slashes car tracking, C-Protect anti-glass break film prices

    Nigeria’s leading innovative IT solutions company, Concept Nova has launched a reward scheme to boost access to its car tracking solution, Ti-kon and the anti-glass break solution, C-Protect.

    Tagged: the Double Protection Promo, the scheme will see the prices of Ti-kon and C-Protect slashed by 25 per cent for each unit ordered from concept nova’s e-commerce store – concept-nova.com/shop

    The offer which has started since 22nd of March will end on the 31st of March, 2016.

    The promo also takes care of wholesalers who will get five to ten packages of window films free upon purchases of 50 to 100 units and above.

    Concept Nova, one of Nigeria’s fastest growing information technology service and software development companies, has pioneered several technological solutions including the Ti-kon and C-Protect.

    The car tracking solution, the Ti-kon, is a basic tracking solution that gets timely information on the state and location of vehicles directly through the mobile phone. It is a self-service car monitoring device that uses GPS as well as GSM technology to monitor the location of vehicles at all times and can be viewed from an Internet enabled device like a smart phones, a tablet or a computer. It is for everyone who values the safety of their car and desires to be able to monitor the activities of their vehicle especially when in use by a third party which could be drivers, mechanics or even your wards. The technology also allows users to discover potential misuse, optimise route as well as secure against theft.

    The C-Protect on the other hand is Concept Nova’s premium anti-glass break solution that protects vehicles against vandalism. It is an invincible coat of film which could be installed on car window glasses and vents to prevent the glass from shattering in an event of accidental glass break, theft or vandalism. It also drastically reduces the ease of break-in during robbery by over 80 per cent as it is nearly impossible to break the glass even upon multiple hits.

    Speaking on the double protection promo, Head, Strategy and Marketing, Concept Nova, Chidimma Onyeokoro said: “As a customer oriented company, we have over the past few years developed various innovative solutions for the consumer and corporate market. And with the overwhelming show of support and encouragement and also to further ensure seamless access to these products, we introduce the Concept Nova Double Protection promotion to reward our loyal customers and drive easier access to these our safety solutions.”

    She is also disclosed that Concept Nova is seeking franchise partners to increase distribution nationwide and boost access to the company’s array of IT solutions.

  • More than double jeopardy

    •Rescued Boko Haram wives and daughters should not be rejected, but reintegrated with love

    Nothing could be more distressing for the hundreds of girls and women freed from the Boko Haram insurgents by gallant Nigerian soldiers than the rejection by their very own; the people that should have gladly received and congratulated them for surviving their ordeals in captivity.

    A United Nations report released by the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, International Alert and other non-governmental groups, published last week, examined the perceptions of children and women exposed to sexual violence and Boko Haram attacks in north eastern Nigeria. The report, aptly titled “Bad blood” says: “As they (freed captives) return, many face marginalisation, discrimination and rejection by family and community members due to social and cultural norms related to sexual violence. There is also the growing fear that some of these girls and women were radicalised in captivity”.

    The children who are products of the sexual violence are, according to the report, worse off because they “…are at an even greater risk of rejection, abandonment and violence.”

    To worsen matters, many of the women survivors had been divorced by their husbands. “Victims’ husbands and fathers whose views and feelings carry more weight in highly patriarchal societies such as the one in Borno – also have mixed feelings about their wives and daughters … Some husbands are not willing to take their wives back and have divorced their wives on their return”, the report added.

    We know that stigmatisation is virtually everywhere. People are discriminated against on account of being victims of certain diseases. This is common among people living with HIV/AIDS and rape victims, among others. For the latter category, most victims refuse to report simply due to fears of being stigmatised.

    Whilst discrimination is generally bad, it is particularly troubling for people who are recovering from the trauma of terrorism. Indeed, this is more than double jeopardy. These were people that were forcibly taken away from their homes by complete strangers with whom they had been forced to live for various periods until help came their way. All through their days in captivity, the only thing on their minds would be to have a reunion with members of their families, a dream that looked rather far-fetched, considering what they had suffered in the hands of the terrorists and the experiences of many of their co-captives who were not as lucky as they are. Some of them were mercilessly killed by the terrorists; some died in various cross-fires between the Boko Haram members and soldiers, many have died of various ailments due to lack of good medical care.

    The least that those of them who were lucky to return home to their relations alive expect is to be warmly received. They need to be shown love by their own who should have so missed them that rejection should not have been an option. In the first place, it was not their making that they became captives in the terrorists’ camps.

    However, now that they are facing rejection even by their families, the government must come to their rescue. The only ground that could warrant some hesitation, particularly on the part of the husbands, is on health grounds; for instance, fears that the returnees might have contracted some serious diseases. Even at that, it is still the duty of the government to allay such fears after taking necessary measures to diagnose and treat the victims.

    As advised by the researchers, the Federal Government should do more by way of psychological counselling for the survivors. For the victim communities, the government should implement a conscious, deliberate and sustained mass enlightenment programme, to reorient them on how to reintegrate traumatised terror-returnees.  It should also expand its facilities for them, in view of the researchers’ observation that these are grossly inadequate, even for those that have returned, given that more people are expected to join them.

    The local populace too must also be enlightened that anyone could have been victim of the Boko Haram insurgents and stigmatisation would not help their cause. It would be a disincentive to those making a case for some of the missing victims like the Chibok girls if the likelihood of their being rejected is this rife. Or, of what use is the campaign for government to find and bring them back if they are not sure of having the desired reception at home?

  • Double jeopardy

    Double jeopardy

    •Internally-displaced Nigerians suffer needlessly in Taraba State

    The tragic news that some 4,723 internally-displaced persons (IDPs) have been virtually abandoned in camps in Taraba State contradicts the Federal Government’s efforts to ameliorate the predicament of IDPs and calls into question the capacity of its agencies to deal with the situation.

    The revelations were made by Professor Bem Angwe, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), after an official visit to the state as part of an ongoing tour of IDP camps in north-eastern Nigeria.

    The living conditions of the Taraba IDPs, who are mostly from Borno and Adamawa states, discredit Nigeria. Shamefully left to their own devices, allegedly for over a year, by the Federal, state and local governments, they are scattered across some 11 camps in various parts of the state.

    The Taraba IDPs are bereft of food, mattresses, toiletries and even security, to say nothing of medical, counselling and educational facilities. The camp in Gullong, which serves 259 people, is an abandoned dispensary that was not rehabilitated in any way. Their water supply comes from streams where animals drink. They have no money and no jobs.

    The only assistance they receive comes from the periodic interventions of bodies like the T.Y. Danjuma Foundation, the Taraba secretariat of the National Youth Service Corps, and faith-based organisations.

    In a world where European nations are taking in hundreds of thousands of refugees from Africa and the Middle East, Nigeria has absolutely no justification for the disgraceful abandonment of its own citizens who are at the mercy of circumstances they are in no way responsible for.

    A major problem appears to be that of determining which level of government has statutory responsibility for the upkeep of the IDPs. Due to their location in Taraba State, it appears that the state government has primary responsibility for their welfare. However, the permanent secretary in the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Nugalga Dan-Habu, claims that the state government was unaware of the existence of the IDPs whom he said had integrated themselves into their host communities.

    It is difficult to accept Dan-Habu’s excuses. The Taraba State government cannot say it was unaware of when the IDP camps were set up, or that it did not know when thousands of IDPs came into the state from Adamawa and Borno states. Indeed, this ludicrous denial simply underlines the outrageous negligence that the state government has demonstrated in regard to the IDPs located within its borders.

    The Federal Government must also accept its share of the blame. The accommodation and upkeep of IDPs is clearly within its remit: that is why it has agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which routinely works with other stakeholders to formulate National Contingency Plans aimed at assisting IDPs. Why was there so little coordination with the Taraba SEMA on the welfare of the IDPs located in that state?

    There can be no more excuses for this appalling situation. The Taraba SEMA must carry out an urgent needs-assessment survey of all the IDP camps in the state to determine their immediate, short and long-term needs, and liaise with NEMA in ensuring that they are met. Logistics for the distribution of food, medicine and other requirements must be worked out and put into action as quickly as possible. There should be formal agreements with NGOs to ensure the provision of medical, educational and recreational facilities for the IDPs.

    The Presidential Initiatives on IDPs must begin to accelerate the process of rehabilitating the homes of the country’s IDPs before facilitating their return. Since Boko Haram has been pushed out of most of the territories they had hitherto occupied, there can be no excuse for further delay in repatriating IDPs. The Federal Government would also do well to officially adopt the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons which has been ready since 2011.

  • Double celebration for a lawmaker

    Double celebration for a lawmaker

    House of Representatives member  (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Ondo State) Hon. Bode Ayorinde marked his 55th birthday and the 30th remembrance anniversary of his mother. He also inaugurated his constituency office, reports LEKE AKEREDOLU.

    Bode Ayorinde, the Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, has celebrated his 55th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the death of his mother, Mama Alago Ijanrensola Ayorinde.

    The day also featured the grand opening of his constituency office  on Aruwajoye Street, Owo.

    The simplicity  of the birthday ‘boy’ was the  major attraction, pulling politicians from across parties to the  two-day event.

    Though Ayorinde’s birthday was on June 22, it was held the weekend after.

    The events began with members of the Governing Council led by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tunji Ibiyemi, who visited the School of the Blind in Owo to donate to the less-privileged.

    Then they proceeded to the expansive hall of Achievers’ University for Ayorinde’s birthday lecture. Students of the university ushered him in with loud chants and praise.

    The lecture titled: Politics and economic development in Nigeria:The change phenomenon,was delivered by  Dr James Oladunjoye of the Department of English,   Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. It was well attended by tradition rulers, and academicians.

    Dr. Oladunjoye is one of Ayorinde’s old students, he  described him as one from whose milk of knowledge he benefitted tremendously.

    A Professor of Law, Demola Popoola, who  taught Ayorinde at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) chaired the event.

    The event was attended by  the Ondo State Chairman of All Progressives Congress(APC), Mr. Isaac Kekemeke;Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN);  Senator Titus Olupitan; Chief Olusola Oke, Chief Alaba Isijola, the Owo Local Government Women leader, Mrs. Akinrogbe, among others.

    Kekemeke, who inaugurated the constituency office, praised Ayorinde for not diverting from the ideology of the party, which is to make government responsible to the masses noting that the office will serve as link between the people and the lawmaker.

    The celebration continued at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Igboroko-Nla Street, Owo.

    Ayorinde decked in ofi attire was ushered into the church with his wife, by members of the Man O’war in a parade.

    The expansive church hall could not contain all the guests who graced the occasion, so additional canopies were erected.

  • Double Celebration for Ayiri Emami

    Double Celebration for Ayiri Emami

    It was double celebration for Warri billionaire Ayiri Emami and his wife, Asba, this yuletide season as they also celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary last weekend. The couple got married in a star-studded wedding in 2009 and are blessed with two kids. He came into social reckoning in 2011 when his carnival-like wedding was beamed on Bisi Olatilo Show. It was widely reported he spent N150 million in which 2face was one of his groomsmen. The wedding also had on bandstand 2face, Dbanj, Yinka Ayefele, PSquare and many other notable Nigerian artists. He is reputed to be a big time businessman in Delta State – he owns the 911 Beach & Resort Ugborodo and A& E Petroleum.

  • Double standard

    Double standard

    We are still at a loss as to why Ali Modu Sheriff has to be guarded by many soldiers

    Ali Modu Sheriff, former Borno State governor is one man that never ceases to be in the news; albeit for the wrong reasons. At various times, he was alleged to be Boko Haram sponsor and sometimes pointedly accused of playing politics without principles. Since he decamped from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the patronage he enjoys from the centre government has been unsettling.

    Recently, Sheriff in his usual controversial manner reportedly held Maiduguri spell-bound during a visit to the ancient town. Even before his arrival, the airport was purportedly cordoned off by security operatives in armoured personnel carriers (APCs), a privilege that even the sitting governor of the state does not enjoy. In June, the Federal Government opened the airport after several months of closure for security reasons when Sheriff newly decamped to PDP. This was done specifically to allow him use the facility.

    The drama of his visit is unnecessary. For, hours after he left the airport in a motorcade this time around, he moved about Maiduguri metropolis with several soldiers, policemen and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) who followed his convoy while other soldiers stood at various locations just to ensure ample safety for him. In his company were Mala Sheriff, his brother and PDP governorship aspirant; Kashim Imam, Gambo Lawan and Umara Kumalia. With these men, Sheriff underscored the contempt that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration has for the suffering inhabitants of that state who have been under Boko Haram siege for years.

    What is special about Sheriff that the government is according him such preferential treatment? May be the government needs to be reminded that the Nigerian Army is not for Ali Modu Sheriff but for all Nigerians and the institution exists to ward off internal and external aggressions against the country.

    Again, why does Sheriff need so much security if he is not scared of his past or afraid of his shadow? Even Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima does not command such large retinue of police and other security personnel, not to talk of soldiers, in conducting his daily routine, yet, someone whose alleged contributions to the fragile security situation in the state is legendary is being unnecessarily given undue state protection.

    It is the ordinary people in all parts  of Borno State that need police and effective military protection against rampaging Boko Haram onslaughts, not an individual. We call on the authorities to henceforth stop the abuse of the military and even the police, through wrongful deployment. Soldiers in sane societies are meant to protect the country’s territorial sovereignty; they are not to be used to guard and massage the ego and pride of the privileged.

    Once again, we deprecate the private use to which even the police personnel are wantonly put and call for equal treatment of all indigenes and inhabitants of Borno State, of which Sheriff is just a number. The double standard of the Federal Government against the people and government of the beleaguered state must stop in the name of equity and fairness. The people, more than anything else, not Sheriff and his surrogates, obviously need security fortification because the present security arrangement in the state put together by the centre government is suspect.

  • EFUGH TARGETS DOUBLE ON RANGERS

    EFUGH TARGETS DOUBLE ON RANGERS

    HEARTLAND captain and centre-back, Chinedu Efugh has said doing the double over their oriental neighbours, Enugu Rangers is quite possible.

    The Naze Millionaires will be the guests of the Coal City side in the Glo Premier League match day 33 encounter today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The Owerri-based outfit won 2-0 against Rangers in the first fixture in Owerri.

    Efugh said the oriental derby is certain to be difficult but insisted that his side has the key to unsettle Rangers.

    “Of course, (doing the) double is quite possible at Enugu Rangers, we won 2-0 the first fixture in Owerri and are heading to Enugu for a repeat performance.

    “The encounter is  not going to be easy as expected of any local derby. In fact, no encounter between both sides has ever been easy irrespective of where the game is played.

    “We’ve prepared adequately to confront Rangers head long for the maximum points at stake.

    “There is nothing quite special for me about the game but same as any other game which we always aspire to win. We performed very well in our last game against Sunshine Stars with a 3-0 score line, we hope to confront Rangers with same winning mentality.

    “We need all the points we can get at the moment to help improve our position on the league log,” said Efugh to supersport.com.

    Heartland are ninth on the league log on 47 points from a possible 96 in the 32-week-old Nigerian top flight.

  • Double contract: Abwo faces ban in Poland

    Double contract: Abwo faces ban in Poland

    Former Flying  Eagles midfielder David Abwo is in hot water with his Polish fourth division club, LZS Piotrówka, who have threatened to take him to court for not honoring contractual obligations.

    Despite having an existing contract with LZS Piotrówka, Abwo sensationally turned up in Turkey this week to pen a two – year deal with I Lig newcomers Giresunspor.

    Przegladsportowy.pl is reporting that Abwo had no choice but to sign for the Polish basement side as he wanted to extend and legalize his stay in the Eastern European country after his contract with Zaglebie Lubin was not extended following their demotion.

    Now, without telling his new employer, he suddenly flew to Turkey to pen a deal with 2 Lig champions Giresunspor.

    “We managed to get all the papers allowing Abwo remain in Poland. The player signed an agreement with Piotrówka.

    “He then flew to Turkey without our permission. If necessary, we do not rule out legal consequences,” Ireneusz Strychacz, the president of LZS Piotrówka, said.

    Abwo was rated among the top ten players in Poland in the early part of the second half of the season, after scoring four goals in three consecutive games between February and March.

  • Abutu set for double with Enyimba

    Abutu set for double with Enyimba

    Enyimba midfielder Jonah Abutu is itching for the second round of the 2014 Glo Premier League season to kick off so that he can help his team wrestle the top position from current leaders, Kano Pillars.

    The combative midfielder feels Pillars will not be a stumbling block to his title dreams with the People’s Elephant because that dream was what precipitated his move to the two-time Caf Champions League winners.

    There is the little issue of Nembe City in the round of 16 of the Federation Cup to contend with, but Abutu feels Nembe cannot stop their quest to retain the crown they won in the 2013 edition of the competition.

    “Nembe City cannot stop our double dreams. We respect them but we are going to be at our best to make sure our objectives for this season remain intact,” he told supersport.com from Akure, where Enyimba will tackle Nembe City in the Federation Cup.

    “This is why I came to Enyimba. I came to win titles and I believe we can achieve that with this team.

    “Enyimba are the current champions of the Federation Cup and we hope to defend the title. The game against Nembe who also play in the Glo Premier League will be tough, but we have enough within our ranks to win the match,” he said.

    The former Sharks player also revealed that Kadiri Ikhana’s return to Aba is a good omen for the team as they aim to win on both domestic fronts.

    The former Falcons and Kano Pillars coach made a mid-season move to Enyimba from Giwa FC and Abutu reckons this will only motivate the players more because they have one of the most experienced coach in the land.

  • Online shopping to more than double by 2016

    Online shopping to more than double by 2016

    Online shopping by urban consumers will more than double over the next two years in the country to 14 per cent from six per cent last year, says a Boston Consultancy Group report.

    According to the BCG digital influence study 2013-14, online shopping is expected to rise to 14 percent by 2016 from six per cent last year. It also said already 25 per cent of travel and tourism-related sales are digitally driven in the country currently.

    Digital influence is rapidly expanding to small urban towns and rural areas, as the number of mobile users have increased. More than 34 per cent of total Internet users in the country are from small towns, while 25 per cent are from rural areas.

    Of the total urban Internet users, around 57 per cent are of 25 and above, and 45 per cent use only their mobile devices to access the Internet.

    The study also said by 2016, the urban Internet user base would rise to 47 per cent from 28 per cent last year.

    According to the report, discounts are not the only driving force for people to switch to online shopping, as was previously thought, but factors like convenience and access to wider assortment is also largely influencing shopping decisions.

    Giving a snapshot of the key sectors driving online shopping, the report said the airline ticketing led the chart with 25 percent of sales being completed online last year, while the same stood at six per cent in regard to cars, though 32 per cent searched online before buying. However, only eight per cent of the mobile/PC sales were online during the same period.