The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Jos

  • NUGA: Unilag steps up bid with N54m to upgrade sports centre

    Authorities of the University of Lagos have released N54 million for the upgrading of the institution’s sports centre in preparation for the Nigeria University  Games Association ( NUGA ) bidding.

    The university’s Director of Sports, Dr Olayinka Awoyinfa, told the News men in Lagos on Tuesday that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, had approved the money in aid of the bidding for the games.

    NUGA is a triennial university-level sports events in Nigeria with 15 games approved for the event.

    They include track and field, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, handball, hockey, judo, soccer, squash, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis and volleyball.

    Awoyinfa, who is also the Head, Management and Human Kinetic, said the university was working round the clock in ensuring that the ivory tower got the nod ahead of its competitor, University of Jos.

    “Our university is noted for excellence and we are ready to host again after about 20 years we hosted it last. We hosted the games in 1989.

    “The contest is between Unilag and University of Jos. But on our part, we are on the threshold of adequate preparations toward getting the nod ahead of our competitor for the 2018 edition.

    “There are lots of activities going on to upgrade the University of Lagos Sport Centre and the vice-chancellor has just released N54 million for its overhaul,” Awoyinfa said.

    Awoyinfa said apart from securing the bid to host the 26th NUGA tournament, the university would also aim at winning the game.

    “This money released speaks volume about our readiness to host. When I became the director of the centre, I marveled at the level of the dilapidated structure I met on ground.

    “Having met with the VC, he has assured me of his support to revitalise the university’s sports centre in order to get the hosting nod.

    Read Also: Unilag bids for 2018 NUGA Games

    “We have been lagging behind when it comes to sports; Unilag is known to be ahead of others, but things started to change some years ago.

    “In the light of this, the department is also trying to train the athletes to win the tournament, we will return to our pride of place when the tournament begins,’’ he said.

    Awoyinfa said the rehabilitation of the sports centre would afford their athletes opportunity to access international standard complex.

    The director said: “Our sports centre will be given a face-lift to the best international standard; therefore, our athletes will have the opportunity to train with the best facilities.

    “Currently, our athletes are preparing for the Federation of University Athletes Games competition coming up in Hong Kong in June.

    “Also, we are billed to represent Nigeria in China for the squash and tennis tournament coming up later in the year.”

    The News men reports that Unilag came fourth at the last edition of the NUGA with 20 medals — nine gold, four silver and seven bronze.

    NAN

  • Security in Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara collaborate to tackle crime

    Security agencies in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states say they are collaborating to tackle criminality in their areas of operation.

    The formations that include; Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) and NDLEA, told the News men that they were conducting joint security operations and sharing intelligence information on criminals to enable them to effectively combat crime.

    The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Mr Murtala Mani, said his command had effective collaboration with all security agencies in the state.

    Mani said through the command’s Spokesman, Cordelia Nwawe, that although the state was largely peaceful, it was working with other agencies on crime mapping and surveillance.

    “We have working synergy with Army, NSCDC, NDLEA, DSS and vigilance groups on tackling incidences of cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes.’’

    He said armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnappings occurred mostly in Raba, Goronyo, Isa and Illela local government areas of the state.

    He, however, said that the cases were being effectively curtailed with combined efforts of other security agencies and communities.

    Also, Mr Babangida Dutsinma, State Commandant of NSDC in the state, said four security agencies were jointly conducting a special operation code-named ‘Operation Harmony’, in areas with high crime records in the state.

    Dutsinma said the NSCDC enjoyed massive support from the Army, Police, the Prisons Service and Immigration Service, using their facilities and officers for the training of its personnel.

    On its part, the police said a joint operation between security agencies in the state had resulted in dismantling many criminal gangs.

    The Spokesman of  the Police Command in the state, DSP Mohammed Shehu, said all the security agencies in the area were partnering to curtail crime.

    Mr David Abi, Commandant of NSCDC in the state, told the News men that the inter agency cooperation shared in the state was “marvellous,’’ adding that they ran “joint patrols with strong sense of patriotism, understanding, discipline and respect for one another.”

    Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Kaduna State,Mr Orndiir Terzengwe, said collaboration between the various security agencies had helped to tackle incidences of kidnapping and armed robbery along Kaduna – Abuja Express way, Kaduna- Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna-Zaria and Kaduna – Jos Road, and within some urban centres across the state.

    “Continuous joint raids of suspected black spots by NDLEA, NSCDC, Police and others, are gradually reducing consumption of hard drugs among youths, which is believed to be largely responsible for youth indulging in different crimes.

    Read Also: USAID partners Sokoto, Bauchi on primary health care

    “In situations where conventional security operatives are not available, vigilance groups’ effect arrest or assist security agencies with information on the whereabouts of suspected criminals, they render intelligence assistance.

    “The Espirit de Corps is commendable but there is need to improve on what is obtainable,’’ Terzengwe.

    Muhktar Aliyu, spokesman of the state Police Command, identified some security breaches in the state to include kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, activities of thugs and bandits.

    Aliyu said such crimes were being handled through effective joint patrols and operations.

    In Katsina State, the security agencies said they were holding regular meetings under the chairmanship of the Police Commissioner where they were appraising security issues and adopting strategies to confront them.

    Isah Gambo, spokesman of the state police command in the state, said they were conducting joint security patrols and operations, and sharing intelligence information to safeguard lives and property.

    Gambo disclosed that the command had set up a community policing unit to coordinate and set guidelines for communities engaged in providing security for their localities.

    According to him, a community policing committee has been going round the 34 local governments areas and discussing with community leaders on their security challenges with a view to addressing them.

    Sanusi Muazu, the Comptroller, Nigeria Prisons Service in the state, also said that the service had developed a strong synergy with all the security agencies operating in the state.

    Muazu said that they were working with the military, police and other security agencies, sharing intelligence information to ensure full protection of lives and property.

    NAN

  • PLSG embarks on completion of road projects

    Plateau state government says it has embarked on the completion of various road projects in its works sector to boost infrastructure development in the state.

    Mr Pam Botman, Commissioner for Works said this on Tuesday in Jos during the inauguration of the state’s board of Road Maintenance Agency.

    He disclosed that most of the ongoing road projects in the state had been completed and inaugurated, adding that those yet to be completed were near completion.

    Botman called on members of the board to work as a team and avoid interfering with the day to day activities of the agency.

    Read Also: PLSG decries increase of women in child trafficking

    He also called on them to use their wealth of experience and be proactive in the discharge their duties.

    Mr Amos Dickson, the Chairman of the board, thanked the governor and the commissioner for counting them worthy of being members of the board.

    He assured the governor and the commissioner of members of the board would discharge their duties proactively.

    NAN

  • Thugs assault, abduct sports presenter over report on Plateau Utd FC

    Thugs on Saturday invaded the premises of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos and abducted Ferdinand Mbum, a sports presenter, for allegedly criticising the management of the Plateau Utd FC of Jos.
    According to Mr Mangna Wamyil, the radio outfit’s Station Manager, the incident took place around 6:25 p.m., shortly after a magazine sports show called “Sports Extra”. The sports programme runs from 4-6 p.m. daily.
    “The thugs, who were led by the Chairman of Plateau Utd Supporters Club, Mallam Audu, claimed to have been ordered by the General Manager of the football club, Mr Pius Henwan, to assault the presenter and abduct him.
     “They invaded our premises in a black Honda Accord, and a Peugeot 406 Wagon, and took Mbum to an unknown destination.
    “It was a scary scenario that appeared like a movie. When we recovered from our shock, we rushed to the MTD Police Station, Anglo Jos, around 8 p.m.
    “Eventually, our lawyers found the presenter at the `A’ Division of the Nigeria Police Force, Jos where he was bundled to, by the thugs.
    “The lawyers were told that a complaint of defamation of character had been lodged against the presenter by the General Manager of the football outfit,” Wamyil told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday.
    Wamyil explained that Mbum, while presenting the programme, had quoted a source from the accounts department of the club as saying that the cash reward promised the players by Gov Simon Lalong, after they won the 2016/2017 professional league, had not been redeemed.
    The governor had promised a cash reward of more than N1 million for each player, while the officials were also promised various sums.
    “Mbum also reported that match allowances for the 1-0 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League victory against Etoile Du Sahel, ranging between N75,000 and N150,000, were not paid to the players.
    “The presenter quoted the source as saying that the players were not paid the allowance because they failed to qualify for the next round of the competition, having lost first leg in Tunisia by 3-1.
    “In the programme, the presenter said that such attitude was not good for the morale of the players, and promised to dig deeper to ascertain what actually transpired.
     “Sadly, about 25 minutes after the programme, the thugs invaded the station and attacked the presenter,” he fumed.
    He commended the lawyers for the efforts that ensured the release of Mbum just before midnight, adding that the lawyers were ordered to return the accused to the police station on Monday, March 26.
    Wamyil expressed shock that the management of Plateau Utd FC could take the law into its hands “in such a crude manner”, saying that Mbum was merely doing his job as a journalist and watchdog of the society.
    “Certainly, such crass impunity should have no place in an enlightened society like ours.
    “The Jay 101.9 FM has been a major supporter of Plateau Utd FC, giving them free publicity. It is very painful that we should be paid this way,” he said.
    He opined that the incident had shown that Henwan was not suitable to manage a football club like Plateau Utd, and vowed to pursue the case to its logical conclusion.
    Contacted, Henwan denied ordering thugs to assault Mbum.
    “I was called to the police station yesterday to write my statement on the matter. I did that and left.
    “I explained to the Police what I know about the whole development in my statement.
    “I want to put it on record that I did not order or instruct anybody to do what they did,” he claimed.
    The General Manager, however, said that it was not the first that Mbum had gone on air to criticise Plateau Utd FC without verifying his facts with the management.
    “Responsible journalists have a duty to balance stories before going on air,” he declared. (NAN)
  • Photos: Buhari in Plateau

    Photos: Buhari in Plateau

     President Buhari commissioning the fly over bridge in Jos during his 2-day working visit to Plateau State.

    Plateau State traditional ruler, Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty, Da Jacob Gyang Baba receiving President Muhammadu Buhari on his arrival at Yakubu Gowon Airport Jos for a 2-day working visit to to Plateau state.

  • Buhari’s visit unites Plateau politicians

    Buhari’s visit unites Plateau politicians

    The visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Jos, the Plateau state capital on Thursday for a 2-day official working visit has brought together politicians from various political parties together for the first time.

    The reception of President Buhari at the Yakubu Gowon Airport Jos witness the presence of members of the opposition parties and that of the ruling party who trooped to the airport to receive President Buhari.

    Prominent among Plateau citizens at the airport includes immediate past governor of the state Senator Jonah Jang who is leader of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Also at the airport is a PDP Chieftain Hon Istifanus Gyang, member representing Riyom/Barkin Ladi federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

    Senator Joshua Dariye who was elected as senator in 2015 and later decamped to APC was also at the airport to receive Mr. President as well as the state Chairman of Action Democratic Congress (ADP) Chief Nanyak Enoch Damian alongside his state executive members.

    The coming together of these crops of politicians at the reception of Mr. President kept citizens of the state wandering due to thx fact that, these politicians remained far from one another since the 2015 election. Senator Jang for instance has never been seen in any government function since he handed over to the incumbent Governor Simon Lalong in 2015.

    Governor Lalong and Senator Jang has became sworn enemy in the last two and a half years due to the insistence of Gov Lalong that his predecessor Senator Jang must be probe for fraud and financial crime by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

    Though Senator Jang and Hon Gyang are National Assembly members from Plateau North Senatorial zone of the state but never come together due mutual political interests of the two PDP stalwarts.

    Senator Joshua Dariye who was elected on the platform of PDP before cross carpeting to the ruling APC has became a common enemy of all PDP stalwarts in the state and if not for the coming of President Buhari, these politicians never met but all of them came together to receive President Buhari at Yakubu Gowon Airport.

    The state commissioner for Information and Communication, Yakubu Dati has said, “The coming together of these politicians irrespective of their political differences is a clear demonstration of the hospitality of people of the state. It is a,so the demonstration of the maturity of an average plateau politicians, they knew quite well that President Buhari is their president irrespective of the political parties and they felt they owe it a duty to give Mr. President a resounding welcome. You can never find this kind of rare hospitality anywhere in Nigeria”

  • Tight security in Jos as Buhari visits Plateau

    Tight security in Jos as Buhari visits Plateau

    Security has been tightened up in most parts of Jos, Plateau State, ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-day working visit to the North-Central State.

    Correspondents of our reporter, who went round the city, observed heavy security presence with fierce-looking armed personnel in areas considered as flash points.

    Our reporter, also observed that armoured tanks were positioned around many roundabouts in the city centre, while various teams of security personnel in siren-blaring vehicles were seen patrolling the city.

    Read Also: State police, challenges and security reality

    Mr Terna Tyopev, the Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO ), who spoke to our reporter, said that the strategy was to ensure “visibility policing” and facilitate quick response to distress calls.

    “The heavy presence of the security personnel is deterrent in nature; it will create fear among members of the public, particularly those with evil intention,” he said.

    Our reporter,  reports that Buhari, who is visiting Plateau for the first time since he became President in 2015, is expected to inaugurate some road projects and also launch the state’s tractor ownership scheme.

    NAN

  • Gunmen kill herdsman, 15 cows in Plateau-PPRO

    Gunmen kill herdsman, 15 cows in Plateau-PPRO

    The Police on Tuesday confirmed that unknown gunmen killed a Fulani herdsman and 15 cows at Rafin-Bauna community of Iregwe land in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.

    Terna Tyopev, the spokesman of the Police Command in the state told our reporter in Jos that the incident happened at about 5:30 p.m on Monday.

    Tyopev said that two Iregwe youths were on Monday also attacked and severely injured at about 6 pm while returning from a mining site at Gyero community

    “At about 17:30hrs we received information that a Fulani man was killed and 15 of his cows slaughtered by gunmen suspected to be Iregwe people at Rafin-Bauna village of Bassa Local Government.

    “We are yet to ascertain the name and address of the slain victim.

    Read Also: Cows cause accident on Ibadan highway

    “Similarly, two Iregwe youths while returning from a mining site at Gyero were attacked by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, and as a result sustained various degree of injuries,” he said.

    The spokesman said the two injured youths were receiving treatment at Enos Hospital, Miango.

    Tyopev said investigation was ongoing to unravel those behind the acts.

  • Tricycle riders burn FRSC vehicle, injure six in Jos

    Tricycle riders burn FRSC vehicle, injure six in Jos

    Tricycle riders on Monday allegedly burnt down a patrol vehicle and injured six personnel of the Plateau command of the Federal Road Safety Commission ( FRSC ) in Jos.

    Mr Andrew Bala, the command’s Public Education Officer, confirmed the incident to our reporter in Jos.

    The tricycle riders had occupied major streets of Jos protesting alleged extortion by officers and men of the commission and state Vehicle Inspection Office.

    According to Bala, the protesters visited the Bauchi ring road unit command where they beat up officers on duty and vandalised the  building.

    “They burnt one of our patrol vehicles, vandalised another and destroyed a lot of valuables at our office premises on Bauchi ring road.

    “They also vandalised eight other vehicles in the office premises and some at a mechanic workshop close to the office.

    “In our bid to resist the act, six of our personnel were badly injured,”  Bala said.

    NAN

  • Police dismiss rumour of bomb scare in Jos

    Police dismiss rumour of bomb scare in Jos

    The Police Command in Plateau on Thursday dismissed rumour of a bomb scare at the terminus area of Jos township.

    The command’s Spokesman, ASP Terna Tyopev, made the denial in a statement made available to newsmen in Jos.

    He assured that the police would continue to secure lives and property in the state.

    ‘‘On Feb. 14 at about 5.30 p.m., a distress call was received from the officer in charge of our Terminus outstation that a nine-year-old boy, simply known as Hashiru, was seen with a parcel suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device ( IED ).

    ‘‘On receipt of the information, our Explosive Ordinance Disposal ( EOD ) Operatives were mobilised to the scene.

    ‘‘They professionally carried out EOD rendering safe procedure on the suspected parcel which was later found to be a hair clipper and a pair of scissors without trace of explosive,’’ he said.

    Tyopev said the situation created panic among members of the public within the vicinity, but for the timely response of police team who restored public confidence.

    The spokesperson advised residents of the area to go about their lawful businesses, saying there was nothing like bomb scare.

    He, however, urged residents of the state to be security conscious and report any suspected movements in and around their vicinity to the security agencies.

    NAN