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Tag: Nigeria News

  • Imo Assembly confirms 28 Commissioner nominees

    Imo Assembly confirms 28 Commissioner nominees

    The Imo House of Assembly on Thursday confirmed the 28 Commissioner nominees sent to it by Gov. Rochas Okorocha.

    The nominees who were selected from across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, had earlier been screened by a committee headed by Mr Ikechukwu Amuka (APC Ideato South).

    The Speaker, Mr Acho Ihim (APC Okigwe) while announcing the confirmation of the nominees on the floor of the house, said they had been screened and found eligible.

    The nominees included Dr Jones Uzoka, Mr Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro, Mr Obinna Mbata, Prof. Chizoba Emebalo, Mr Maduabuchi Ibediro and Dr Cyril Okafor.

    Others were Mr Gerald Okolie, Mrs Josephine Udoji, Lady Joy Mbawuike, Mr Ihuaku Njoku and Gertrude Olukku, among others.

    NAN

  • Gov. Dankwambo calls on stakeholders to support NYSC scheme

    Gov. Dankwambo calls on stakeholders to support NYSC scheme

    Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has called on all stakeholders to support the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to ensure the realisation of its objectives for national development.

    Dankwambo made the call at the swearing-in ceremony of 2017 batch ‘B’ stream one orientation course at temporary orientation camp, Amada in Akko Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.

    He said the scheme has assisted greatly in moulding the nation into a united entity for rapid socio-economic development.

    According to him, the scheme has done so much toward eliminating ethnic bigotry, sectionalism and tribalism.

    He commended the effort of the Federal Government and the management of NYSC for sustaining the programme.

    Dankwambo assured the corps members posted to the state of their safety, welfare and wellbeing during their stay in the state.

    He urged them to participate fully in all the activities as a way of contributing to the development of state and the country at large.

    Mr David Markson, NYSC State Coordinator said they were able to register a total of 1, 514 corps members comprising 767 males and 747 females.

    He urged them to be of good behaviour and shun all forms of evil acts for a successful service year stressing any person caught would be punished in accordance to the provision of NYSC byelaw.

    He called on the corps members to uphold the core values of the NYSC by putting the nation first in all what they do.

    Alhaji Adamu Abubkar, Head of Service, Gombe State and the NYSC governing board chairman advised the crops members to take Skill Acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes serious irrespective of their academic discipline.

    He said that these would help them to be self-reliant during and after the service year.

    Abubakar appealed to camp officials to see the corps members as their brothers and sisters by giving them listening ears and accord them the necessary assistance when the need arises.

    NAN

  • Court jails labourer 30 days for mischief

    Court jails labourer 30 days for mischief

    A Masaka Chief Magistrates’ Court in Nasarawa State, on Thursday, sentenced a 28-year-old labourer, Abdullahi Ibrahim, to 30 days imprisonment for mischief.

    Ibrahim, a resident of Kauchikau in the state, faced a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, assault and mischief.

    However, the accused pleaded guilty and begged for leniency.

    The Prosecutor, Mr Ibrahim Salisu, had told the court that one Harrison Adejo of Masaka in Nasarawa State, reported the matter at the Divisional Police Station, Masaka on Nov. 16.

    Salisu said that on the same day, the complainant received a call from an unknown person, asking him to meet him at the Road Safety Junction, Kauchikau.

    He said that the caller told Adejo that he was calling him in respect of his friend’s phone that was in his possession.

    Salisu stated that when Adejo arrived at the place, he met the accused and three others now at large, who beat him up and made away with the items in his possession.

    According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Sections 97, 266 and 327 of the Penal Code.

    The Magistrate, Mr Victor Manga, sentenced Ibrahim to 30 days imprisonment with an option of N2,000 fine.

    Manga warned the accused to desist from committing crime and urged him to be of good behaviour.

    NAN

  • Ondo sacks illegal structure owners from market vicinity

    Ondo sacks illegal structure owners from market vicinity

    The Ondo State Government has warned and directed owners of illegal structures in market vicinity to vacate the areas, to pave the way for modern and unhindered trading activities in the state.

    Chief Timehin Adelegbe, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Cooperative Societies, gave the directive on Wednesday while inspecting Igbokoda International market in Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

    Adelegbe said that the state government would soon clamp down on illegal structures impeding sanity of economic transactions.

    “What prompted our visit is the complaints we received from market women, the traditional rulers that the market is not properly managed; dirty and people are not properly occupying the stalls.

    “We have discovered that illegal shops are causing gridlock and other problems and we have agreed that they must be demolished after proper approval from the state governor.

    “The market is our pride and I tell you that we will destroy all attachments causing gridlock and all debris will be evacuated.

    “Anyone’s shop demolished will not receive any palliatives because there are many stalls in the market meant to be occupied with anyone who has paid his dues,’’ he said.

    The commissioner added that collection of rate would only be done by officials of the ministry and that marketers would be encouraged to move in.

    According to him, the tripartite agreement by the ministry, the Local Government and the traditional rulers will definitely prompt the market to achieve its targeted goals.

    “I urge traders to hearken to this agreement reached because it is for their benefits as the state is considering it a big market that could make a lot of investment for the government.

    Also, Mr Fayowole Aworetan, the Caretaker Chairman of the council, said that the market was surrounded with a lot of issues, saying the commissioner’s visit had been able to resolve them.

    Aworetan noted that the Local Government was ready to partner with the state government and the market women, hoping that the market would soon be in its good glory.

    The commissioner reported that Oba Afolabi Oladimeji, the traditional ruler of Igbokoda, decried the unwholesome activities taking place in the market but promised that the community would cooperate with the government to restore sanity.

    Oba Oladimeji said that he wanted functional market and called for proper allocation of the stalls in the market.

    He commended the government, saying that the visit would give the government proper information for good ideas to be implemented.

    “It will help the government to come up with good policy making mechanisms because of cross fertilisation of ideas.’’

    NAN

  • FRSC warns drivers against use of worn-out tyres

    FRSC warns drivers against use of worn-out tyres

    The Ogun Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), Mr Clement Oladele, has warned drivers to desist from using worn-out tyres when driving to save lives and property.

    Oladele gave the warning in Ota on Thursday at the 2017 Ember Months Safety Campaign organised by the Sango-Ota Command in collaboration with Shell Nigeria Gas.

    The campaign had as its theme: Right to Life on the highway: Not Negotiable.

    Represented by Mrs Bridget Asekhuno, Ogun Head of Administration and Human Resources of FRSC, he said the use of exhausted tyres had been a major contributor to road crashes in the country.

    The sector commander noted that safety on our highways during the ember months was a collective responsibility of all road users.

    ‘‘Safety on our roads required our collective responsibilities and we all have one role and the other to play in reducing crashes,’’ he said.

    The sector commander implored all road users to be cautious as there would be increase of vehicular movements during the ember months.

    Oladele, however, warned drivers to desist from overloading and speeding to ensure safety of passengers to their various destinations.

    He advised road users to watch carefully before entering main and minor roads to minimise accidents.

    Mr Kunle Oguntoyinbo, Sango-Ota Unit Commander of FRSC, urged drivers to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles before embarking on any journey.

    Oguntoyinbo also warned vehicle owners to desist from driving under the influence of alcohol and avoid speeding to stay alive.

    ‘’The higher the speed the higher will be the crash which will also increase the number of causalities,’’ he said.

    The unit commander, however, advised drivers to install speed limiting devices in their vehicles to reduce speeding and crashes.

    He also urged drivers to constantly use their seat belts and desist from receiving calls on their cell phones while driving.

    NAN

  • Court remands three men over alleged cheating

    Court remands three men over alleged cheating

    An Upper Area Court sitting in Masaka, Nasarawa State, on Thursday ordered the remand of three men, David Boyi, Bulus Dio, and Ibrahim Sure for alleged cheating.

    The defendants are facing a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and cheating.

    The Prosecutor, Frank Swem, told the court that on Nov. 15, one Ehis Erabhahilemen, of Jeun Masaka reported the case at the Masaka Divisional Police Station.

    Swem said on October 26, the first defendant Boyi, conspired with the other two and one Emmanuel Sure, now at large to commit the crime.

    Read Also: Drama: Judge compels accused to lead own defence witness

    He alleged that the defendants sold a piece of land measuring 50 by 100 ft, located at the same address to the complainant, at the rate of N1 million

    The prosecutor added that it was later discovered that the said piece of land did not belong to any of them.

    He said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 97, 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

    The plea of the defendants was not taken by the presiding court judge.

    The Judge, Yakubu Ishaku, ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison to serve as deterrent to others and adjourned the case until December 17 for hearing.

    NAN

  • NFVCB confiscates pirated materials worth N150m at Alaba Market

    NFVCB confiscates pirated materials worth N150m at Alaba Market

    The National Film and Video Censors Board ( NFVCB ) has seized pirated materials worth N150 million at Alaba International Market in Lagos and arrested five suspects.

    Mr Adedayo Thomas, the Director-General (DG) of the board in Lagos on Thursday revealed that the seizure was made between May and October.

    He said that the pirated materials seized include: CDs, Videos CDs and literary works.

    He also added that the seizure followed the information the board gathered from some people at the market regarded as the hub for piracy.

    “We have our informants that spy the market on a regular basis, once they notice any form of piracy operations going on there, they inform the board.

    “The seizure of the N150 million worth of materials is a result of the information giving to the board on the mass productions of some films that are yet to be made public.

    “When our anti-piracy squad assisted by some police men got to the market, we saw pirated copies of films yet to be produced littering the whole environment and were being sold it at cheaper prices.

    “By Nov. 30, the board will start the court proceedings of those arrested for piracy,’’ he said.

    Thomas likened piracy to a murder case, robbery or economy sabotage where the suspect wanted to reap where he or she did not sow.

    He said that the legitimate owners were usually subjected to huge debts and loss.

    “The board is going hard on piracy. We are working seriously to reduce piracy to its barest minimum in our environment.

    “The board will go on street campaigns and to secondary schools to enlighten them not to patronise pirated materials and explain the implications of doing so on the rightful owners,’’ he said.

    The DG said that the board also frowned at nude movies adding that it was not part of its culture.

    He said that nude movies always had negative impacts on the lives of the masses and an abuse on the society.

    “We are not going to accept that as we had not done in the past. We are going hard in banning such movies from being shown on air,’’ he said.

    Thomas said that the board was also looking at reviewing some of its policies and laws to suit contemporary situations.

    He advised Nigerians not to buy pirated materials on the streets or from any unlicensed people selling such works.

    The DG said that the industry was worth billions of naira, and urged government and stakeholders to utilise the opportunity in the sector judiciously.

    “The industry is generating billions but losing more to piracy.

    “Actors, actresses, producers, marketers and other stakeholders are not happy with the loss to piracy.

    “The board is doing all it can to sanitise the industry for producers, film makers and other relevant stakeholders to enjoy the fruits of their labour,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • NIPC to partner Niger on development of Tourism, Agriculture

    NIPC to partner Niger on development of Tourism, Agriculture

    The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission ( NIPC ) on Thursday said it would partner the Niger State Government to attract investors into tourism and agricultural sectors of the state

    Ms Yewande Sadiku, the Chief Executive Officer of NIPC, said this when Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger visited the commission in Abuja.

    Sadiku said that the commission would support the state government in profiling investment opportunities that would attract foreign investors to the state.

    According to her, the commission was building a platform for capacity building and profiling investment opportunities; starting with a tool that would help in profiling small and medium scale enterprises (SMES).

    “We are profiling investment opportunities in a way that will be easy to market.

    “By doing this, such profiling will help investors identify specific opportunities. We are happy to work with whatever team you designated first to profile.

    “We have adequate information on different types of profiling that can be used as teasers for our engagement with investors,” she said.

    She noted that the platform would help states with investment projects to market their products.

    Sadiku said that Niger had the potential to feed Nigeria and West Africa if attention were given to key sectors such as infrastructure development in agriculture and tourism.

    She said that the development of infrastructure would help the state close some of the challenges it might face in terms of competitiveness of manufactured goods.

    “Nigeria has three hydro-electric dams located in Niger and power is the foundation for industrial development.

    “Niger is one of the 36 states that is unique due to its proximity to Abuja, this means that the state is already close to the market.
    .
    “We are delighted to work with you in terms of marketing projects and profiling,” she said.

    Earlier, Gov. Bello had solicited the support of the commission in profiling and carrying out feasibility studies on agriculture and tourism sectors in the state to attract global investors.

    He said that the state had structures such as the Baro Port, tourist sites and agriculture potential that had not been adequately harnessed due to lack of proper profiling and feasibility studies.

    “We have tourist sites and agriculture potentials which many investors have shown interest to develop; but we need profiling on these key sectors for foreign investors to know what Niger State can offer them,” he said.

    Bello, however, noted that such potential if properly harnessed would have more impact and generate more revenue and jobs for the people of the state and the country at large.

    NAN

  • Four ships arrive Lagos ports with petrol

    Four ships arrive Lagos ports with petrol

    No fewer than four ships laden with various products, including petrol, are at the Lagos ports waiting to berth, the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA ) said on Thursday.

    The NPA disclosed in its daily “Shipping Position” made available  in Lagos, that four vessels were waiting to berth with petrol.

    It added that 33 other ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods were expected at Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports between Nov. 23 and Dec. 23.

    “The expected ships are carrying buck wheat, containers, general cargoes, empty container, diesel and aviation fuel,’’ it said.

    NAN

    Read Also: Navy uncovers hotel where fuel is siphoned in Lagos

  • Unhealthy competition; it’s ills and ilks

    Unhealthy competition; it’s ills and ilks

    Competition is often considered to be the opposite of cooperation, however in the real world, the mixture of both is the norms.

    It can have both beneficial and detrimental effects.

    The human mind is wired for competition. Each individual is a champion on his/her own.

    Competition in itself can be a motivation condiment of achievement for any individual or group, however, extreme expressions of competition brings with it heinous and grotesque consequences.

    Like a line in a famous poem says “…there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that the next person do not feel insecure.”  This lays credence to the fact that sometimes you have to be bold, decisive and have some modicum of competition in order to succeed.

    It exists in many aspects of life, from sports, school, jobs, and also amidst friends

    Competition, just like a coin has clear dichotomies; it can either be constructive or destructive.

    An overtly competitive environment is a breeding ground for resentment, envy and little or no accomplishment; because everyone is an island.

    In academics for instance, competition hampers the free flow of information and sharing of ideas amongst students. Study and healthy revision groups will definitely not be in existence in such environments.

    On the flip side, we have the congenial and accommodating arms of cooperation. With cooperation issues of differences and clear diversities become null and void because each individual or group of people are appreciated and utilized especially because of their sundry “diversities”.

    There is no limit to the aspiration of the human spirit if only we learn to tolerate and cooperate with one another. In truth, we all share a common destiny; our differences in character, skills, likes and dislikes are all wools used to weave the very fabric of our humanity.

    Making friends with peers is easy in a cooperative environment as it creates a support structure for students to reach out and help one another.

    Finally, regardless of the part of the divide of competition or cooperation you find yourself, it is important to apply moderation in all that you do.