The Nation Newspaper

Tag: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

  • 50,000 Nigerians visit South Africa annually- Envoy

    50,000 Nigerians visit South Africa annually- Envoy

    The South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Lulu Mnguni, on Wednesday said that about 50,000 Nigerians visited South Africa for tourism annually.

    Mnguni told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Nigerians constituted about 50,000 of the recorded annual average of about 10 million foreign tourists.

    “South Africa has really been able to harness her tourism potentialto continue to attract internal and external tourists.

    “South Africa receives an average of about 10 million foreign tourists yearly, including about 50,000 Nigerian visitors,” he
    said.

    The high commissioner, who said that his government was ready to share its tourism development expertise with Nigeria, noted that Nigeria was endowed with potential that needed to be harnessed.

    According to him, Nigeria is blessed with a large population and rich tourism potential in favour its tourism development.

    Mnguni, who restated his government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in making the sector viable, also enjoined Nigeria to encourage Public Private Partnership in the sector’s development.

    “We have always believed that when Nigeria is strong, South Africa also becomes strong.

    “Nigeria has all the attributes of becoming an enviable tourism destination. We will therefore, like to see Nigeria build her potential into a very strong economic pillar.

    “As South Africa, we do not want to be an island of prosperity in a sea of poverty. We really want to develop alongside with our strategic partners like Nigeria,’’ he said.

    Mnguni also expressed his government’s readiness to support Nigeria in addressing problems of poverty, unemployment, homelessness and marginalisation.

    He also said that his government would continue to sustain a mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria as well as promote cordial relationship between the citizens of both countries.

  • Police recruitment: Five applicants arrested for forgery

    Police recruitment: Five applicants arrested for forgery

    The police in Nasarawa have confirmed the arrest of five applicants during the ongoing police recruitment exercise in Lafia over forgery of certificates and theft.

    The Commissioner of Police in charge of the exercise in the state, Alhassan Mamoda, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lafia.

    According to him, four of the applicants were discovered to have forged their certificates in order to gain employment while the fifth was arrested for stealing a cell phone.

    “Imagine someone who wants to join the police to protect lives and properties now stealing a handset at the venue of the screening exercise.

    “He stole the handset and hid it in his pants and was discovered and apprehended in the cause of investigation.

    “They were all handed over to the appropriate department of the force for further investigation,” he said.

    Mamoda also advised other applicants with criminal tendencies to desist as they would face the wrath of the law if caught.

    The commissioner also disclosed that 5, 200 applicants of the 9,627 that applied from the state had so far been screened.

  • Naira appreciates against dollar

    Naira appreciates against dollar

    The Naira, on Friday, appreciated against the dollar at the parallel market, trading at N352, from N370 traded on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian currency gained N18 between Wednesday and Friday.

    The currency, however, weakened further against the Pound Sterling and the Euro as it exchanged for N515 and N405 respectively.

    Meanwhile, the official exchange rate remained at N197 to a dollar at the apex bank window.

    Traders at the market told NAN that the market got a boost due to the availability of the greenback for trading.

  • Single currency on course by 2020- ECOWAS

    Single currency on course by 2020- ECOWAS

    ECOWAS on Friday said notable progress has been made in its plan to establish a single currency by 2020 and the adoption of a single biometric identity card for member states.

    The Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria, Prof. Al-Hassan Conteh, stated this in Abuja, while speaking on behalf of the Permanent Representatives of Member States to ECOWAS at the 41st Anniversary of the Commission.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ECOWAS had fixed January 2015 for the implementation of the common currency project in West Africa but was later shifted to 2020 because member states were not able to satisfy criteria for it.

    Conteh who was not categorical on the progress, expressed satisfaction on the the level of achievement made so far by the Commission on the common currency for the region.

    He however said that the Commission had also achieved notable feats in other areas of strategic planning and cooperation.

    “Since ECOWAS launched vision 2020 to transform ECOWAS from ECOWAS of States to ECOWAS of people, our Community has accomplished meaningful targets and objectives in strategic planning.

    “Among these is the adoption of a common passport for the movement for the free movement of community citizens in member states.

    “Progress has also been made in trade liberalisation, customs union, favourable industrial policy, mines development, agriculture and environment, infrastructure-transport, telecommunications and energy,” he said.

    According to him, the organisation has put in place a coordinated capacity for organising efficient regional response against epidemiological challenges, including the Ebola Virus disease.

    He said that the Commission was working relentlessly on the implementation of its vision 2020, to create a borderless, peaceful, prosperous and cohesive region.

    He said that the Commission was also poised to build on governance where people have the capacity to access and harness its enormous resources through the creation of opportunities for sustainable development and environmental preservation.

    He assured that the permanent representatives of members states were ready to play their part in moving the community’s agenda forward.

    The envoy commended Nigeria and other development partners for providing support for the commission to meet its development objectives.
    Professor Amadu Sesay, from University of Ilorin who presented a paper entitled “ECOWAS and peace support operations in West Africa: opportunities, challenges and threats” urged the leaders to rise up to the task.

    The professor of International relations said that creation of ECOWAS had brought about some opportunities, but the leaders should work towards exploring them for the development of the region.

    Sesay, said that the peace enjoyed in the region was part of the achievement of the Commission and the leaders should leverage on it for the benefit of the citizens.

    Dr Tony Elumelu, who represented ECOWAS staff at the event, said that the staff were determined to form a formidable workforce that will weather all storm and remain strong.

    Elumelu , while appreciating the financial predicament that confronted the Commission, called on member states to assist in providing necessary funds to achieve its mandate.

  • Telecommunication companies to enjoy wider access -NCC

    Telecommunication companies to enjoy wider access -NCC

    Telecommunication companies are to enjoy wider access berth in the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) new regulation strategy’s Over-the-Top (OTT) services.

    The NCC quarterly magazine made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that the OTT’s regulation strategy was contained in a report issued by the commission’s Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department.

    The report was titled: “An Overview of Provision of the Over-The- Top (OTT) Services’’.

    According to the report, the insurance of guidelines on international Gateway Access and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for the Nigerian Telecommunication Industry is in line with one of the mandates of NCC of issuing communication licenses for the operation and provision of communication services.

    The report said it was the duty of the commission to determine the eligibility criteria and other general terms and conditions of licenses.

    “It is the expectation of the commission that the networks of licensees operating under full Gateway and International Data Access (IDA) licenses may convey data, voice and video signals either in their natural forms or in digitised formats.

    “Operators of these gateways may also inter-work and exchange information by using appropriate protocol and signaling conversion devices.

    “The IDA license is issued as a standalone license and is not to be tied to any specific transmission medium for the purpose of conveying out-bound or in-bound traffic hence grants automatic authorisation.

    The report further stated that while the license was meant to cover provision of VolP services, it did explicitly address the current challenges and threats pose by the growth and uptake of these services over the traditional telephone networks.

    The commission in providing recommendations on the provision of OTT services across the country stated that:

    “The commission should conduct a stakeholder forum on the provision of OTT services in Nigeria to determine if regulation is required for such services and its impact on the growth of Nigeria telecoms industry.

    “Following the consultations, the commission should review its guidelines on the provision of International Gateway and Voice over Internet Service and also consider an appropriate Framework for Provision and Regulation for OTT services in the Nigerian Telecom market.

    “The commission must ensure that it does not stifle innovation since internet penetration is still evolving, access speeds are still low and there is limited coverage of high speed broadband in Nigeria.

    “The commission should encourage network providers in the Nigeria to innovate and explore more efficient business models that will enable them compete favourably with OTT service providers.

    “Network providers can also take advantage of the internet protocol technology in the design of their network upgrades,” it said.

  • Nigeria will always be in my heart – Envoy

    Nigeria will always be in my heart – Envoy

    The outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie, on Thursday in Abuja said that Nigeria will always be in his heart even as he leaves the country.

    Gu, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), maintained that his stay in Nigeria was eventful and fruitful.

    According to him, Nigeria will remain a strategic partner to China and the relationship has grown bigger and better than he met it.

    The ambassador had told the gathering at a reception in his honour that since 2014 when he came, “the bilateral tie between Nigeria and China has grown bigger and better.”

    He expressed optimism that the tie will still get bigger and better in years to come.

    The Ambassador also lauded the democratic process that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to Power, describing it as very satisfactory.

    While thanking President Buhari for his support, he urged Nigerians to continue to support government’s developmental agenda.

  • FG names Chief Executives for NAN, NTA, FRCN, others

    FG names Chief Executives for NAN, NTA, FRCN, others

    The Federal Government has appointed the Chief Executives of six information-related parastatals under the Ministry of Information and Culture.

    The appointments were announced in Abuja on Wednesday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

    The new Chief Executives are:

    1. Mr. Ishaq Modibo Kawu – Director-General, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC)
    2. Mr. Mansur Liman – Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)
    3. Mr. Yakubu Mohammed – Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
    4. Dr. Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA)
    5. Mr. Bayo Onanuga – Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
    6. Mr. Osita Okechukwu – Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON)

    The new appointees are to replace the Chief Executives of the parastatals, who were disengaged on February 15th, 2016

    The appointments take immediate effect.

  • Educationist urges e-learning

    Mr Ishan Abeywardena, an Open Educational Resources Adviser with the Commonwealth of Learning based in Canada, on Wednesday urged Nigerian youths to embrace online-open-distance -learning institutions.

    Abeywardena told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that these learning institutions have the same credibility as the conventional institutions.
    He said that the open distance learning was a very essential tool to educate the masses and increase access to western education.

    The adviser said that the world had moved from `a stage- on- a stage to a guide on the side,’ adding that online learning was the future of higher institutions of learning.
    According to him, usually in a conventional institution, lecturers or professors stand in front of their classes, dictate notes and assignments.

    They also direct their students on whatever topics they wanted their students to learn, he said.

    “However, in the open-and-distance learning, students are giving self-directed materials, which they can goggle from the internet, and study at their own pace.
    “The accuracy of the materials given out to students in the open-and- distance learning situation is better than what a lecturer or professor is teaching in a conventional institution.
    “Also in countries like Nigeria and India, with large population waiting to gain admissions into higher institutions of learning and universities, online learning is a quick solution.
    “It is not a very visible proposition for developing countries like Nigeria for its government to establish tertiary institutions of learning that can accommodate all those seeking admissions,’’ he said.

    Abeywardena urged government to provide platforms and policies that would support and encourage admission seekers to embrace online education.

    He said if policies were not formulated, discrimination and common interests would impede the growth and development of distance learning.

    The education expert urged youths, especially admission seekers, to consider working and learning simultaneously.

    He said youths could seek employment while schooling to save time and resources.

    “Why not work while you learn; nowadays, employers prefer to employ workers who are studying on part-time basis because they are more adaptable to workplace and serious situations,’’ he said.
    Abeywardena said that flexible and open distance learning would encourage youths to work while studying as part-time students.

    “Online students can adapt to different situations, they are good workers because they can hit the ground running, they come with a burden level which are secured, especially, for communication skills.

    “Open-distance learning is a very positive step; the Open University of UK is constantly ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK.

    “There is no discrimination between accredited universities and the open universities in developed countries anymore because most universities are also embracing online.

    “Very soon, there will be no line between open distance learning and the conventional learning,” he said.

  • Adamawa to partner PCRC on peace

    Adamawa to partner PCRC on peace

    Gov. Muhammadu Jibrilla of Adamawa said his administration is committed to partnering with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in the state to ensure sustainable peace.

    Jibrilla stated this in Yola on Wednesday while receiving members of the state PCRC who paid him a courtesy call.

    The governor explained that his administration required the support of the group to encourage communities in the state safeguard public infrastructure within their domains.

    Jibrilla then directed the Secretary to the State Government to involve the committee in all government programmes in the state and also promised to construct a befitting office complex for the committee.

    “My government is concerned about impacting positive change on the people.

    “We must ensure that the `change mantra’ which is the slogan for this dispensation, is experienced by the people, rather than making it just a slogan.

    “The anticipated change must include change of attitudes as well as having renewed mind towards sustained development,’’ he said.

    Earlier, the state chairman of PCRC, Alhaji Sahabo Magaji, said that the group was collaborating with the police in the state to reduce crime and ensure peace and order.

    Magaji explained that the committee, established under the former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Etim Iyang since 1984, had been in existence and operational at the state, area commands and divisional levels.

    He said the group had embarked on projects such as fencing, renovating and equipping of police offices as well as construction of toilets in some police stations across the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee conferred on the state governor, the title of ‘Life Grand Patron’ of PCRC in the state.

  • Herbal expert cautions against eating apples at night

    Herbal expert cautions against eating apples at night

    Mrs Opeoluwa Olufeko, the Managing Director of Pino Degrees Nigeria Ltd, a herbal medicine outfit based in the UK, has cautioned the public against eating of apples at nights.

    Olufeko told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that it could cause heartburns.

    She also said that it was wrong to eat apples at any time of the day.

    “Most people do not know that the best time to eat apples is early in the mornings and in the afternoons because at night, it can cause heartburns.

    “Eating of apples is really not good at nights because you wake up in the morning feeling very lazy; and probably feeling like you did not really have any sleep throughout the night.

    “What I am saying in essence is that nature has a way of dealing with our body and we should know what to eat and at what time, “ she said.

    Olufeko, who is advocating for a stronger regulation of traditional medicine practice in Nigeria, said there were a lot of remedies in herbs and fruits we eat but depending on when we take and eat them.

    According to the expert, Nigerians should appreciate what nature has given to them in terms of herbs and fruits.

    Olufeko said, “There is what is called nymph powder. It is got from the `dogoyaro’ tree and it can be used to treat any kinds of ailments.

    “Get the `dogoyaro’ leaf, dry it and grind it into a powdery substance and add coconut oil to it, then apply it on your body or any skin irritation for some days and you will see the results.

    “We do not have a stable body that covers us, because of this, there is a lot of constraint on us, and people do not really regard herbs because they feel it is herbal medicine.

    “Notwithstanding, we are pushing ahead and Nigeria is getting there hoping that the present administration will look into this aspect,” she said.