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Tag: Nigeria News

Court dissolves 14-year-old marriage for lack of care

An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court on Tuesday dissolved the 14-year-old marriage between Funke and her husband, Samson Darmola of lack of care.

The President of the Court, Mr Joseph Ogunsemi, dissolved the marriage following the petitioner’s testimony‎ and the refusal of the respondent to appear in court to defend himself.

He awarded the custody of the three children, namely, Ayomide,14, Lekan, 8, and Timi Daramola,4, to the petitioner, while Adesola Daramola,11, was awarded to the respondent‎.

Ogunsemi said that the respondent shall be paying N2,500 as monthly upkeep allowance for each of the three children awarded to the petitioner.

He further ordered that payment of the money shall commence from Oct. 31 through the registry of the court.

The court president also granted unrestricted access to both parties to visit the children in their custody.

Funke Daramola, 39, a foodstuff trader and a resident of No. 23, Dalimore St. Ado-Ekiti, had earlier prayed the court to dissolve the marriage on grounds of desertion, lack of love and care for her and the children.

The petitioner testified that she deliberately left the respondent’s house in April 2017 because she was suffering.

She said that whenever the respondent had money, he would abandon her and her ‎four children for six months and at times one year without considering their welfare.

Funke explained that ‎she has been the only one responsible for the education and feeding of the children.

The mother of four children said the ‎respondent did not give her peace of mind and often maltreated her.

The petitioner prayed the court to dissolve his marriage with the respondent ‎because she no longer love him.

She further prayed the court to award the custody of his four children to her for proper care.

Funke requested that the petitioner should be paying N2,500 as monthly feeding allowance for each of the children.

The mother of four children agreed that she and the respondent would be responsible for the education of the children.

The respondent, Mr Samson Daramola, ‎a carpenter, refused to honour the court’s summons thrice to defend himself .

NAN

October 31, 2017
Obaseki to meet Edo pensioners over unpaid pensions

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo will meet members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Edo Chapter, with a view to amicably resolving all pension payments-related issues, an official has said.

Mr Osagiator Ojo, the Head of Administration, Oredo Local Government Council, made the disclosure when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of the Joint Account and Allocation Committee meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Obaseki at Government House in Benin on Tuesday.

Ojo said the meeting, which would be attended by representatives of local government and state government pensioners, was necessary to correct the misinformation about pension payments by the present administration.

“Government has observed with dismay the gross misinformation that has characterised the payment of pensions in the state.

“The governor, therefore, would wish to engage the union leadership or the pensioners both at the local and state levels to ensure that this gross misinformation is dispelled and all issues arising to the controversies bothering on pension payments are amicably resolved,” he said.

Ojo said that the 18 local governments in the state jointly contributed N212. 88 million in August for the payment of pensions and contributed N244. 09 million in September for the same purpose.

He said that total allocation accrued to the 18 local governments in September and shared in October was N2.55 billion out of which N1. 46 billion was mandatory expenditure.

Ojo said that there was significant increase in internal generated revenue by the local governments from N85. 03 million in September to N115.54 million in October.

He said the governor had directed that a seven-man committee be set up to keep the state government abreast of the crime situation in the different parts of the state.

NAN

October 31, 2017
Court jails man three years for car theft

An Evbuoriaria Magistrates’ Court in Benin, on Tuesday, sentenced a 68-year-old man, Abdullahi Ashiru, to three years imprisonment for car theft.

The Magistrate Mrs C. E Oghuma, who did not give the convict an option of fine, said the jail term was with hard labour.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Olatoye Oluwaseun, had told the court that the convict committed the crime on June 3, at No. 11, Idahosa Street, Benin.

Oluwaseun said the stolen Toyota Camry car with registration number BEN 263 JR, property of one Edward Idahosa, was worth N1.2 million.

The convict had however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

NAN

October 31, 2017
Senate celebrate sack of former SGF

The Senate says sack of former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, has vindicated its position on investigation carried out by its Ad hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East.

It urged other committees charged with the responsibility of investigating other alleged corrupt matters in the country to expedite action and report to the Senate for further action.

This followed a Point of Order by the Deputy Leader of the Senate, Sen. Bala Na’Allah, at plenary on Tuesday.

Quoting Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rule, 2015 as amended, Na’ Allah said efforts by some disgruntled Nigerians to drag the name of the Senate in the mud had been defeated.

He said: “As a leader, I am proud of this Senate and I believe in the integrity of every senator in this assembly.

“We cannot claim not to know that between yesterday and today there has been official confirmation of a new SGF and termination of appointment of the former SGF.

“If we religiously keep to the oath of office taken, those who try to bring down the image of the Senate will continue to watch God vindicate us.

“The issue surrounding the termination of the appointment of the former SGF emanated from this 8th Senate and today we have been vindicated.

Also, the issue of Maina emanated from this Senate. Can we now not have the authority to shout a sound of vindication,’’ he said.

The leader of the Senate said the resolve of the red chamber of the National Assembly to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption and in defence of the constitution would continue no matter the distraction.

“Section 80 sub-sections 2b, says the powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are exercisable only for the purpose of enabling it to make laws within its legislative competence.

“The powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are also exercisable to correct any defects in existing laws and expose corruption or inefficiency.

“When we started this crusade, the same Nigerians we were fighting for, became gullible and were sponsored to close the gate of the National Assembly in the name of ‘Occupy NASS’.

“Every conceivable thing was done to bring down the name of this assembly, individually and collectively. In fact, some of us were called names in the social media,’’ he said.

The lawmaker urged his colleagues to bear in mind that the task before them in the protection of constitution and the laws of the federation was a huge one.

He expressed his unfettered commitment to the Senate.

He, however, called for expedited action on other investigations pending before committees of the Senate.

He urged Nigerians not to fall for any form of manipulation by some unpatriotic Nigerians, adding that “it does them no good to embark on degradation of institutions, especially the national assembly.

“Those who found wisdom in spending money to spread falsehood to demean the national assembly should know that they are doing no good to the over 170 million Nigerians we represent.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for heeding to the call of the Senate.

He said though it was difficult for Nigerians to believe the position of the Senate in the investigation, he was elated that its position was vindicated by the sack of the former SGF.

“It was a very tough journey ensuring that we continued to defend the integrity of this institution.

“I want to commend the president for doing what is right.

“When we started it was more of blackmail but the right thing has been done and we will continue to adhere to our commitment to non-selective fight against corruption.

“I want to say to Nigerians that as part of our constitutional responsibility to expose corruption, cases and evidences should be brought before us and we assure that we will investigate and expose them.

“We are not afraid of anyone in doing our job and we have made that clear over time,’’ he said.

Saraki also called on committees whose investigation in alleged corrupt practices by agencies and individuals were pending to complete investigation and submit their reports.

Besides, he called on Nigerian youths not to fall gullible to the antics of some corrupt Nigerians, who were bent on using them for their selfish interests.

The Senate had following investigation by its Ad Hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East, headed by Sen. Shehu Sani, called for the resignation and prosecution of the dismissed SGF.

This followed his alleged complicity in diversion of North-East humanitarian funds.

Babachir was alleged to have contravened the provisions of Public Procurement Act and the Federal Government Financial Rules and Regulations pertaining to award of contracts.

NAN

October 31, 2017
Nurse abducted in Gombe

The Police in Gombe has confirmed the abduction of Mr Epraim Ajuji, a nurse with Cottage Hospital Dadin-Kowa, by suspected hoodlums.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Shina Olukolu, told newsmen in Gombe on Tuesday that Ajuji was taken away at about 3.30 a.m on Oct. 31.

Olukolu said the incident occurred at Dadin-Kowa community of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the hoodlums were seen with locally manufactured guns and about seven of them in number stormed the residence of the victim.

He said that already the State Intelligence Bureau ( SIB ) in collaboration with agents from the Department of State Security as well as members of a vigilante group operating in the area have entered into the surrounding bush in search of the criminals.

“They are now tracking the criminals. It is our belief that they will eventually be arrested and the man released,” he said.

NAN

October 31, 2017
FG plans to train 800,000 youths, women in Plateau

The Federal Government on Monday said it planned to train 800,000 youths and women on vocational and Skill acquisition in Plateau State.

Mr Lawrence Kyuka, National Coordinator, Basic Skill Acquisition Training Programme in Nigeria, disclosed this during a three-day training programme for youths and women in Pankshin Local Government of Plateau.

Kyuka disclosed that nine local governments had been selected for the programme, being anchored by the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Youths and students Affairs, Mr Nasir Adhama.

He gave the names of the areas as Shendam, Langtang North, Langtang South, Pankshin, Mangu, Bokkos, Jos North, Jos South and Riyom.

“The Federal Government is out to ensure that the teeming youths and women are empowered with skills to be self-employed and become employers of labour to boost the nation’s economy.

“There is provision of a soft loan for participants in the training on skills like farming, catering, soap and detergent production, photography, video production, new media and e-business.

“Each participant is entitled to a loan ranging from N100,000 to one million Naira to start his or her business, which we believe will reduce the rate of unemployment in the country,’’ the Coordinator said.

Kyuka disclosed that after training the 700 trainees in Pankshin, “we shall move to Mangu LGA to kick start another one until we go through all the nine designated areas in the state’’.

Mrs Naomi Golmwen, Chairman, Pankshin Local Government, while declaring the training programme opened, commended the Federal Government for the “well -thought’’ initiative.

Gollmwen described the programme as a blessing and relief to idle youths and women in the area, which believed would be given a sense of belonging in the society.

“Youths are the vanguard of every society and if they have nothing doing they can’t contribute to the development of their communities and the nation at large.

“Such a laudable programme designed by President Buhari-led APC administration will go a along way in checkmating crime and indolence in our youths and women,’’ She noted.

They charged the participants to maximise the opportunity to learn skills of their choice and be prudent in repaying the loans “so that you don’t put to shame this local government’’.

NAN

October 31, 2017
Forum declares support for President Buhari

The national Forum for the Patriotic Members of APC (FOPMAPC) has declared its unconditional support and commitment to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Alhaji Lawal Garba, the National Chairman of the forum, made the declaration in Daura on Tuesday when he received Jigawa members of the forum.

He called on members of the forum to redoubled their commitment and determination to change Nigeria, stressing we expect our members to continue to educate Nigerians on good policies and programmes of the Buhari administration.

Lawal also urged the members to shun expectation for immediate benefits and place national interest at heart, adding “we will support every positive move aimed at reforming this country’’.

He said the two years of Buhari administration has brought significant changes in key areas including agriculture, security, corruption and the development of infrastructure.

The chairman admonished members of the forum not to relent on their efforts at projecting and promoting the policies and programmes of the present administration.

He described the relationship between Katsina and Jigawa states as exceptionally cordial, adding “we are very lucky that both governors are very busy replicating what the president is doing in their respective states’’.

Earlier, Alhaji Sale Bayi, the Jigawa Chairman of the forum, described the visit as home coming.

He said the forum was dutifully working in collaboration with the Jigawa government towards the success of the APC in future elections.

He commended the Buhari administration for its resilience, commitment and determination towards transforming the nation in spite of the inherent challenges on ground.

The national chairman of the forum, Alhaji Lawal Garba, is the current chairman of Katsina State Transport Authority and a former member of the House of Representatives.

NAN

October 31, 2017
Muslim bags PhD in christian studies

A Muslim, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh-Ijaodola, has bagged a doctorate degree ( PhD ) in Christian studies at the University of Ilorin.

Jimoh-Ijaodola is a Professor of Law and Dean, Oba Erediauwa College of Law of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo.

A statement signed by Mr Obajide Ilugbo, Head, Public & External Relations Unit, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, made this known in Benin on Tuesday.

Ilugbo said that Jimoh-Ijaodola’s thesis examined biblical prophesies and other prophesies, including prophesies of the late Sage and Prophet, Nostradamus.

He further said that the Don’s research focused on the end time and the role of humans in the fulfilment of those prophesies.

Jimoh-Ijaodola, according to him, is a faithful and practicing Muslim, who bagged his first Ph.D. In Electoral Law from the University of Jos, while his second Ph.D. was in Property law from the University of Ibadan.

In the third Ph.D Thesis, he posited “the end is now and that humans should be careful so that the end will not come upon us as the biblical thief that came unexpectedly.

“He pleaded that the world should embrace peace and live in harmony for the sake of the earth and humanity.

“Nations should be careful of war and proliferation of weapon of mass destruction”, Ilugbo said.

Ilugbo said that Jimoh-Ijaodola in his thesis stressed the need to take care of “our environment” very well so that it was not endangered.

“The end time scenario is a picture of man eating man and that the problem will most likely start on the claim on ownership of Jerusalem.”

He quoted Jimoh-Ijaodola as saying that the earth was throttling fast toward a certain end and that the survival of the earth depends on mans will to embrace God totally.

NAN

October 31, 2017
Nigeria National Parks Service arrests wildlife trafficker

Alhaji Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General, Nigeria National Parks Service ( NPS ), says the service has arrested an international trafficker of endangered species of wildlife.

The Conservator-General, who said this in an interview in Abuja, gave the trafficker’s name as Zakari Yau.

Goni said that Yau was arrested at a spot near the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

He said that the service rangers had embarked on aggressive patrols of parks, with the aid of the military and other agencies, to check illegal activities in all the national parks.

“The exercise led to the arrest of Zakari Yau from Cameroon, who was in possession of a pair of elephant tusk, contrary to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild Fauna and Flora Act ( CITES ).

“The suspect had since been handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency ( NESREA ) for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

NAN recalls that the NPS said that it had arrested 325 wildlife offenders at seven parks across the country in the first half of 2017.

Goni said that the offenders had since been taken to court, adding that some of them were fined, while compensations were paid to the NPS.

The conservator-general, however, said that in the first half of 2017, more than 5,356 tourists visited national parks across the country.

“The service is making frantic efforts to improve and maintain international global standards and services; we want to give our parks a facelift to attract more tourists, both local and international,” he said.

Goni said that the service had developed a network of national parks that could compete favourably with other national parks in the world.

“To this end, the park service is making efforts to put in place operational management plans for each park and a systems plan for the entire country.

“We want a national park system that meets the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians, and indeed the whole world, in preserving and protecting our natural heritage and the cultural relics that enliven them for generations to come.’’

Besides, Goni said that 1,986 students, who were on industrial attachment, were trained in national parks across the country.

“The national parks are not only for revenue generation but they are also for research and training,’’ he said.

He thanked the Federal Ministry of Environment, the media, military and paramilitary agencies for their support for the service.

NAN

October 31, 2017
Greenhouse gas emissions set to bust Paris deal by 30% – UN

Greenhouse gas emissions are on course to be about 30 per cent above the level needed to keep global warming to an internationally agreed target in 2030, UN said on Tuesday.

“Without enhanced ambition the likely global average temperature increase will be in the range of 3.0 to 3.2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century,” UN Environment Programme said as it issued its annual audit of emissions reductions.

The agency said by 2030, annual emissions are likely to be 53.0 to 55.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, far above the 42 billion tonnes threshold for averting a temperature rise of more than two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) this century.

The latest projection, which assumes all countries meet their commitments, is slightly lower than the gap of 12-14 billion tonnes foreseen a year ago, reflecting new data on national emission reduction programmes.

The report said there was increasing evidence that carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels, cement production and other industrial processes remained stable for the past three years, largely due to slower growth in coal use in China and the United States.

The agency said the trend could be reversed, and 80-90 percent of coal reserves must remain in the ground.

In 2015, 195 countries signed the Paris climate accord, pledging to limit global warming to “well below” two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times.

Ministers will meet in Bonn in Novembers to work on guidelines for the agreement.

A harder target of keeping warming to within 1.5 degrees would mean a further reduction of about five billion tonnes of emissions.

The UN said on Monday that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere grew at record rate in 2016 to a level not seen for millions of years, potentially fuelling a 20-metre rise in sea levels and adding three degrees Celsius to temperatures.

The Paris agreement is already under pressure because U.S. President Donald Trump has said he plans to pull the United States out of the deal unless there is a renegotiation more favorable to Washington.

NAN

October 31, 2017