The Nation Newspaper

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  • EFCC gets $3million technical support

    EFCC gets $3million technical support

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, yesterday said the fight against corruption is not solely the business of the agency.

    He said there are other institutions connected with the conviction of suspects being arraigned for corruption.

    Lamorde made the clarifications at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of a $3 million Technical Support with Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa(GIABA) in Abuja .

    A statement agency’s spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said although Lamorde acknowledged the high number of convictions secured by the commission, it needs other institutions to assist it.

    Lamorde was quoted as saying: “ The fight against economic crime and corruption is not entirely on EFCC especially as it concerns conviction because this is dependent on other institutions. All we can promise is to increase on the numbers of cases while improving on their prosecution.

    “This technical support is a milestone and EFCC is the first institution in Nigeria to get such a backing. We will ensure the success of the technical support.

    “I assure you of the judicious use of the funds by tracking it through an audit trail.”

    He expressed appreciation to GIABA’s Director-General Dr. Abdullahi Shehu, who before his appointment, was the pioneer Director of the EFCC Academy for being a good ambassador of the commission.

  • Niger gets new exco next week

    Niger State Government is set to reshuffle its executive council (exco) as soon as the House of Assembly screens and approves the nine nominees sent to it by Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.

    A source close to the governor said the new exco would be constituted next Wednesday, as Governor Aliyu has directed his commissioners to prepare their hand over notes.

    The nominees are the current Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Daniel Clifford Shashere, Head of Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Matane and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mohammed Kuta Yahaya.

    Others are former Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Umar Nasko, Director- General of the Directorate of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Dr. Joshua Bawa, Moh’d Bashar Nuhu and Abdullahi Mamman.

    Two serving permanent secretaries, Abbas Bello and Mahmoud Kpako Bello, also made the list of nominees.

    At plenary yesterday, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adamu Usman, read a two-page letter dated February 12, 2013 and signed by Governor Aliyu. It was directed to members, requesting the screening and confirmation of the nine nominees.

    The governor also requested the approval of the House to enable him appoint six special advisers in accordance with the provisions of Section 196 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    Appealing to the House to expedite action on the requests, Aliyu said this would enable him fulfil Section 14 of the Constitution as it affects the composition of the State Executive Council.

    Assuring the governor of prompt attention, the Speaker said the Assembly would begin screening today and conclude it next Tuesday.

    The approval and confirmation of the nominees will put to rest the anxiety that has gripped the state since this year.

    Governor Aliyu dropped the hint of his intention to reshuffle his exco last December.

  • Supporters club gets N5m gift from Fed Govt

    Supporters club gets N5m gift from Fed Govt

    For playing a key role in the Super Eagles’ victory and

    winning of the trophy at the just concluded African Cup of Nations in South Africa, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday announced a N5m gift to the national team’s Supporters’ Club.

    Jonathan made the announcement at a special opening session of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja. The President had on Tuesday night announced national honors, cash and plots of land for the players and technical crew.

    Jonathan Tuesday said that he would have announced the donation during the dinner he organised in honor of the players.

    According to him, since the Super Eagles have gone this far, they must ensure that they did not only qualify for the next World Cup but also ensure that they qualify for the final match of the tournament.

    The President said: “I want to thank the Minister of Sports and of course the NFF which has always been associated with a lot of stories for this feat. If you had lost, you would have been humiliated. I know that it is challenging to manage a team. We will continue to praise and encourage the boys and charge them to ensure they qualify for the World Cup and get to the final.”

    He continued: “We also commend the supporters’ club. This really escaped me yesterday (on Tuesday) when we were announcing gifts for the players. Government will give the club N5m to encourage them. It is not easy supporting a team, be singing and dancing even when it seems the team is not winning. We need to encourage them.”

    Recalling making request for prayers when he made a presentation to FEC on the team’s preparation about three weeks ago, the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi noted that President Jonathan gladly obliged.

    He said: “We can conveniently say that God has answered our prayers after 19 years of waiting. With the winning, the mood of the country has changed. God rewarded the President’s passion and commitment because before now, past administrations tried without success. God ordained it that this will happen during your (Jonathan’s) time.”

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, said that Nigeria has been re-branded among comity of nations with the Super Eagles’ victory.

    According to him, Nigeria does not need to spend money on external publicity since the match was watched worldwide.

    “With this victory, Nigeria has been rebranded. For the next six months, we do not need to spend money on external publicity because that match was watched all over the world,” he stated.

    On his part, Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku while stressing that football is very crucial to national development, noted that the nation stood still for the final match.

    He said: “When the match was being played, we were here and we watched it. The whole country stood still for the match. Even Boko Haram and kidnappers suspended actions during the match. Football has always been crucial to national development,”

    Agitation for the actualisation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and the civil war, he said, were stopped for a period of time because of football matches.

    The Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: “It is a fantastic win. It signalled an opening up of the sports sector under your (the President’s) leadership where we can create jobs though it. For our young people, the spirit of negativisim that tends to prevail has been turned around. This is just the beginning,”

    Minister of Interior, Aba Moro, said that prayers and hardwork were responsible for the nation’s victory at the tournament.

    “A combination of patience as exemplified by the First Lady (Mrs. Patience Jonathan) and the resilience of the President gave us the goodluck we are celebrating. Those were the things that saw Nigeria through this crystal moment. Prayers and hardwork saw us through. The lesson for us is that if we are patient, committed and work hard, Nigeria will go places. We will continue to assist you to achieve greater things for the country,” he added.

  • Kunle Afolayan’s Isedale gets viewers’ nod

    PROFILED on the Yoruba channel of AfricaMagic on DsTV, Kunle Afolayan, has been described by audience as a visionary young Nigerian filmmaker following his new documentary series entitled ‘Isedale Yoruba’ (Yoruba Heritage).

    The series, by this award-winning young filmmaker, which focuses on the Yoruba kingdom and culture, made a debut on AfricaMagic Yoruba on January 1, 2013. As a proof of its success, the channel has now moved the series to prime-time for the benefit of its DStv subscribers.

    ‘Isedale’ is an expedition that took the filmmaker round the South Western states where for several weeks he was the guest of Obas, High Chiefs and Ifa Priests, and other custodians of culture, tradition and religion within the Oduduwa kingdom. The said 26-episode documentary features these Royal Fathers of Yoruba land, Ifa Priests, shrines, cultural festivals, traditional games and the general lifestyle of the descendants of Oduduwa.

    Trust M-Net to cash on the success of any programme in its bouquet: Biola Alabi, Managing Director of M-Net recalls that; “as soon as ‘Isedale’ launched, we started getting calls. Viewers were saying that they loved the show, and wanted to know when they could watch it, when we would rescreen it, and so on. We soon recognized that there’s a special appeal to this series and have decided to re-screen the entire series, starting from episode 1, in prime time.”

    Alabi added that, “there is no doubt that Kunle Afolayan is extremely talented. But what is really remarkable is that despite his relative youth, he instinctively understands the value of culture, tradition and legacy. I’m confident that through his work on the insightful ‘Isedale’ he plays a vital role in keeping Yoruba culture alive for a new generation.”

    Afolayan himself is excited about the outcome of the documentary. He said that he has always been interested in spotlighting Yoruba heritage, traditions and language and that when the opportunity arrived to do so, it sparked his interest again. Troubled by the erosion of culture and tradition in this modern day, Afolayan believes that one of the ways to sustain a people’s culture is by documenting events and showcasing same for people to see. According to the filmmaker, “If care is not taken, the generation after us will not speak a word of Yoruba. Through ‘Isedale’, I want to bring back the lost glory of our heritage.”

  • TASUED gets VC

    Professor Oluyemisi Oluremi Obilade has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun in Ogun State.

    The appointment takes immediate effect.

    A seasoned educationist and Professor of Education in the Department of Continuing Education, Faculty of Education of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Mrs. Obilade has a Doctorate in Education from OAU.

    She has Executive Business Education certificates from the Havard Business School, Havard University in the United States and the Judge Business School, Cambridge University, United Kingdom.

    Prof. Obilade, who has over 30 years teaching experience, was a Commissioner for Education and Acting Commissioner for Health in Osun State.

    She belongs to various professional bodies, including the Nigerian National Council for Adult Education (NNCAE), the Nigeria Society of Educators (NSE) and the Adult Education and Poverty Reduction Network, among others.

    Prof. Obilade is a fellow of the HERS Academy, Cape Town, South Africa and the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation, Washington DC in America.

    She is married to Professor T.O. Obilade and they have four children.

  • Best NECO, SSCE pupil gets Obi’s N2m reward

    Anambra State Governor Peter Obi yesterday gave Miss Sandra Anazor N2.22million for emerging the best pupil in Nigeria during the National Examination Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Councils (WAEC) examinations.

    The governor presented the cheque to Anazor at the Government House, Awka.

    He also announced a scholarship for her.

    The amount, Obi said, would cover the six years she would spend at the University of Ibadan (UI), where she has been offered admission to read Medicine.

    The governor said he was proud of Anazor’s accomplishments.

    He added that pupils who performed well like Anazor encouraged him to visit secondary schools so that the pupils would be more serious with their studies.

    Obi promised to extend such visits to primary schools.

    Miss Anazor had her secondary education in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    This signified the success of the many investments Obi made in the education sector.

    It was learnt that Sandra has won many academic competitions and awards.

    Obi said he was proud of her accomplishments and that performances such as hers encouraged him to keep visiting secondary schools in the State to encourage pupils to take their studies seriously, saying he would soon extend it to primary schools.

    Giving the names of Anambra indigenes who are champions in various fields, Obi said the state would continuously search for them and present them as role models to the younger ones.

    The governor gave the example of the heart centre his administration is building at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu. The facility is named after a foremost Anambra State-born cardiologist, Dr. Joe Nwiloh.

    He said other Anambra indigenes, who have achieved various feats, would also be honoured.

    Obi urged the people to see education as the most portent instrument for competition.

    Quoting Aristotle, the governor said the differences between the educated and the uneducated is like the living and the dead.

    Sandra’s former head teacher at Queen of the Rosary, College, Onitsha), where she had her junior secondary (JSS 1-3), Sister Maria Nwankwo, and the head teacher of Federal Government College, Onitsha, where she did her senior secondary (SS1-3), Dr. Mrs Chinyere Nzerem, hailed Obi for the gesture.

    They noted that the governor has proved that he loves education and successful children.

    Sandra’s father, Mr Azubike Anazor, who was accompanied by his wife, Chinwe, noted that the outstanding performance of Anambra State indigenes was because of the governor’s interest in all sectors.

    He recalled when Obi provided boreholes, generators, Internet, laboratories as well as buses to schools.

    The lawyer said the gesture enabled Sandra and her colleagues at Queen of the Rosary College as well as pupils of other schools to live in comfort in boarding schools.

    The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Uju Okeke, hailed the governor for his love for education and the welfare of the residents.

  • STRIKER’S ROLE: Musa gets ‘green light’ at CSKA

    STRIKER’S ROLE: Musa gets ‘green light’ at CSKA

    CSKA Moscow head coach, Leonid Slutsky has backed Musa to continue in the main striker’s role in the absence of injured front men, Tomas Necid and Seydou Doumbia.

    The CSKA Moscow manager wants the 20-year-old attacking winger to keep the goals coming in order to help the Armeytsy win their 11th Russian league title. But Slutsky made it clear that the former Kano Pillars’ man is not a finished product yet.

    “I want to give credit to all players and Musa in particular. The player justified when used as a striker. We gave him a tough role and he proved that he can fit in any role. It is no science why he is the second best player in the (Russian) championship with respect to (his) goals and assists, if we look at the stats.

    “Though he has a lot of shortcomings, he can improve for sure as he is young and energetic. I think Musa can continue to play in that role even if we buy a striker this January,” Slutsky was quoted as saying in the Russian media.

    Musa has scored eight goals in 18 Russian Premier League matches and is currently in Nigeria’s camp for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

  • Ogunjobi gets CAF appointment

    Ogunjobi gets CAF appointment

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) scribe, Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, to appraise sports facilities in Liberia.

    The inspection visit includes stadiums and hotels that will be used for the 2013 CAF Champions Leaague and CAF Confederation Cup in Liberia.

    According to the continent football body, he will inspect all Stadiums and hotels which will be used by clubs from different countries partaking in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup in 2013.

    Liberia International Shipping and Corporate Registry Club (LISCR) FC and Barrack Young Controllers (BYC) II FC both plying their trade in the Liberia top division will participate in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation cup respectively.

    Ogunjobi, the Osun State Football Association Chairman, was informed of his appointment by Alphonso Armah, Acting General Secretary of Liberia Football Association (LFA) and has been asked to communicate his date of arrival so as to prepare the inspection itinerary.

    The astute football administrator and season FIFA and CAF match commissioner is expected to depart the country next week for the inspection.

  • Air Force gets more helicopters

    The Air Force has ordered for nine helicopters from Russia to strengthen air surveillance, Air Marshall Alexander Badeh has said.

    Badeh, who spoke at the NAF Public Relations and Information Workshop in Abuja yesterday, said the Air Force is fixing three C-30 aircraft in its fleet.

    According to him, the three aircraft would be ready by February and added to the ones on the ground for enhanced performance.

    The Air Chief said the NAF is training over 130 personnel in counter terrorism.

    Badeh, who emphasised the advantage of air surveillance in the fight against terrorism, added that there are plans by the Air Force to assume total control of the nation’s border.

    He pleaded with the public to alert security agencies to information that could lead to the arrest of terrorists.

    Badeh said without information from the citizenry, it would be difficult for security agencies to win the fight.

  • Ajilore gets three-minute action

    Ajilore gets three-minute action

    Nigerian midfielder Femi Ajilore made a brief appearance for Groningen in their 1-1 draw with Waalwijk in an Eredivisie Round match.

    Ajilore, who is believed to be on his way out of the Dutch club, was introduced into the game in the 93rd minute in a tactical move which was to wind down the clock by the visitors.

    Ajilore’s team had silenced the home team with a goal by Kwakman in the 43rd minute but Van Peppen’s 78th minute goal for Waalwijk ensured a tense closing period.

    Groningen boss was able to wind down the clock by introducing the former Nigeria U20 and U 23 player to the game to reduce the barrage of pressure from the hosts who desperately searched for the winning goal.

    Ajilore last played for Nigeria during the reign of Samson Siasia who had Ajilore on his silver medal-winning teams to the FIFA U 20 World Cup in 2005 as well as the final of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.