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Tag: Nigeria News

  • Buhari felicitates with Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land at 80

    Buhari felicitates with Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land at 80

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja felicitated with the Owa-Obokun of Ijesa-land, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran 11, on his 80th birthday.

    Buhari, in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina also saluted the majestic Ijesa Kingdom, renowned for its historic military and entrepreneurial prowess.

    He extolled the maturity and wisdom of the royal father in administering his domain, consistently ensuring peace and development.

    The president also lauded the Owa-Obokun for promoting a strong appetite for education and commerce among his people.

    Buhari said the octogenarian had over the years successfully sustained the heritage of patience, tolerance and good neighbourliness  bequeathed to him by his ancestors.

    He also commended the traditional ruler for taking his people to new heights of integration into the global trade community.

    Buhari joined the other family members and close associates of the royal father, “who joins the club of octogenarians with 35 years on his fathers’ throne in celebrating with the royal father.’’

    He prayed God Almighty to would grant the Owa-Obokun good health and long life to continue serving his people and the country.

    NAN

  • I am proud to be a girl

    I am proud to be a girl

    A girl is a female human; she goes through stages of life from childhood, adolescence until she becomes a woman.

    Well, as a girl child I am a proud lover, wife, daughter, mother, sister and of course a proud citizen.

    I am that girl, because I believe that I deserve to feel proud of my achievements and not deliberately reduce my light and shine because someone else feels insecure.

    I have a brilliant mind and a beautiful heart. I am me…yes perfectly flawed but beautyFULL work in progress.

    There are a lot of things only a girl can do that will make everyone around so so proud!

    Most people (especially in this part of the world) consistently undermine the value and relevance of the female child; they would prefer a male child who is capable of “preserving” the family name.

    In this century, ladies still choose to use their father’s name combine with their husband’s name which makes it a compound name.  For instance, Mrs Bimpe Adekoya-Moses.

    The ‘Adekoya’ is the father’s name while the ‘Moses’ is the husband’s name.

    Let’s not get it twisted, we know the saying that “what a man can do, a woman can do better”, this is a FACT!

    We are fragile, we are a jealous, we get hurt very easily, however, in all our seeming weaknesses, we are stronger than you think.

    We are very creative, innovative and persistent especially when we want something; even if sometimes we hardly get what we want.

    Being a girl isn’t easy, especially in this time and age. We are sensitive to pain, we get heartbroken easily.

    As we celebrate the international day of the girl child, we recognize the importance and strength that she portrays and expresses. This celebration isn’t just about fundraising and raising awareness, it is about collection of data to learn as much as we can.

    Forget that boring song “This is a man’s world”, it’s time we started to dance and sing to more interesting songs like “who runs the world…girls!!!”.

    We are in a world where adolescent girls have unfettered access to sexual and reproductive health information and services; they possess the knowledge and confidence they need to make the right choices for a healthy life.

    I am a girl and I am proud of myself.

    I am pretty, cool, soft-hearted.

    We are all beautiful and are the masterpiece of the greatest sculptor ever – God! Little wonder he made us from a finished product (that is, from the man), and not directly from dust.

  • Nadal and Federer ease through in Shanghai

    Nadal and Federer ease through in Shanghai

    Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer resumed their battle for the year-end number one ranking, with imperious victories to reach the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday.

    Top seed Nadal extended his winning streak to 13 matches with a 6-2 6-1 defeat of America’s Jared Donaldson in the Qi Zhong Stadium.

    Shortly after the brilliant display by Nadal, world number two Federer, got the better of Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman 7-6(4) 6-4.

    Nadal, who leads Federer by 2,370 points going into the home straight of a season in which the two old rivals have shared out the game’s biggest prizes, was unstoppable against Donaldson and needed only 54 minutes to prevail.

    “It was a very quick match in all aspects.

    “If the year-end ranking happens, it will be, I think, a very important achievement for me.

    “With so many years of difference, I think it is something very difficult, but there remains work to do,’’ Nadal, bidding to end a year on top for the fourth time in his career, said.

    He last finished the year as world number one in 2013.

    Federer shows no sign of giving up the chase, but had to battle hard against Schwartzman – letting slip a break in the first set to get dragged into a tiebreak.

    The 36-year-old Swiss always had an extra shot in his locker though and, having taken the opener, broke serve straight away in the second set to move toward victory.

    He finished the contest with his 14th ace, setting up a third round clash against Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov.
    “It was a good win.

    “I knew he was dangerous. I could have closed the first set out earlier, but I started the second set very well,” Federer said.

    Spaniard, Nadal, who like Federer has won the Shanghai title once, will face Italy’s Fabio Fognini next.

    Eighth seed David Goffin’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals suffered a blow when he lost 7-6(4) 6-3 to Gilles Simon, while sixth seed Grigor Dimitrov had to save match points on the way to beating Ryan Harrison 3-6 6-3 7-6(6).

    Seventh seed Pablo Carreno Busta also went out, losing 7-5 7-5 to fellow Spaniard, Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

    NAN

  • Over 3,112 visual impaired patients get free surgery in Kebbi

    Over 3,112 visual impaired patients get free surgery in Kebbi

    “The Sight Savers”, an International Non-Governmental Organisation, has so far treated 3,112 patients diagnosed with trachoma in Kebbi state.

    Mr Ezra Yarima, a facilitator from the organisation, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, shortly after the inauguration of an advisory committee on neglected tropical diseases set up by the Kebbi Government.

    Trachoma is an eye infection that causes blindness.

    “The NGO, in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Health, had provided ‘trachomatous trichiasis’ surgery to 3,112 patients suffering from the disease from 2015 to date,’’ he said.

    He described the state as endemic to five tropical neglected diseases such as Onchocerciasis (river blindness), Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis), Trachoma (Blinding disease).

    Others include, Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis) and soil transmitted helminths (Intestinal worms).

    According to him, river blindness, one of the neglected tropical diseases is found in 14 local government areas of the state.

    “The disease is caused by bacteria in places that are arid with poor hygiene; poor sanitation and poor access to water, which if not treated can cause blindness.

    “For those who live in endemic areas, we have provided mass administration of medicine free of charge to significant number of people,” he said.

    Yarima expressed confidence that composition of the newly inaugurated advisory committee, which comprised officials from different government ministries and agencies in the state, would make the NGO work effectively in line with its mandate.

    He commended the commitment of the state government in providing the right leadership and financial commitment to overcome the identified neglected tropical diseases in the state.

    NAN

  • FCTA director says no confirmed case of monkey pox in Abuja

    FCTA director says no confirmed case of monkey pox in Abuja

    Dr Humpherey Okoroukwu, Acting Director, Public Health of the Federal Capital Territory Administration said there is no confirmed case of monkey pox in Abuja.

    Okoroukwu in an interview in Abuja on Thursday said that though there  were two suspected cases reported at Gwarimpa General Hospital in Abuja.

    He explained that he was called by the Medical Director of the hospital that cases suspected to be monkey pox were  reported and he led a team of health workers to investigate them.

    According to him, the sample of the suspected cases of a man and a woman had been taken to a reference laboratory for a test and they were waiting for the result.

    “I can tell you authoritatively that there is no confirmed case of monkey pox in the territory.

    “Nobody should panic because we have not confirmed any case and do not hope to confirm any and there is nothing wrong for people to report any suspected case” he said

    The Director urged people to imbibe culture of cleanliness to ,imi,ise chances of contracting the disease.

    He added that rodents and monkey of Africa specie are the vectors of monkey pox and urged the residents  to avoid direct contact with such animals, dead or alive, as well as the people suspected to be infected.

    Okoroukwu enjoined health workers to take universal precautions prescribed while discharging their duties.

    NAN

  • Alleged fraud: Ex-governor Nyame justifies extra-budgetary expenditure

    Alleged fraud: Ex-governor Nyame justifies extra-budgetary expenditure

    Former governor of Taraba State, Jolly Nyame said extra-budgetary expenditure is normal when executing government projects as there is always room for supplementary budget.

    Nyame who testified in an FCT High Court, Gudu in a N1.64 billion fraud case filed against him, said he was prudent in spending state funds during his tenure.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ), slammed a 21-count charge on Nyame, bordering on misappropriation of Taraba funds to the tune of N1.64billion during his tenure as governor.

    Nyame, who was cross examined by EFCC’s prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs ( SAN ), was responding to a question on whether he regarded spending state funds outside budgetary provision as prudent.

    The prosecution served the former governor with exhibit 001, which was money budgeted for the Governor’s Office during his tenure in 2005.

    The Governor’s Office made an excess expenditure of N982million.
    In his response, Nyame said, “budgets are only estimates,’’ adding that he considered himself being prudent with state funds though he exceeded budgetary provisions “because I performed.’’

    Jacobs also made available exhibit 002, being overhead cost for 2006 for the Governor’s Office.

    The House of Assembly approved N40 million, while N713million was spent, with an excess expenditure of N673million.

    When asked by Jacobs if he regarded that as being prudent too, Nyame replied, “My Lord, I was prudent and it could have been the House of Assembly that could have proved otherwise.’’

    In 2007, N100million was budgeted for the Governor’s Office as overhead, while N2.1billion was spent, with N2billion as excess expenditure.

    When asked by the prosecution if he knew that it was an offence to exceed the budget estimate, the former governor replied that he knew, but only if there was no supplementary budget.

    Nyame said that exceeding budget estimates was normal when executing government projects and that “there is room for supplementary budget.’’

    Justice Adebukola Banjoko adjourned the case until Oct. 12 for continuation of cross examination.

    NAN

  • NSCDC to sanitise strip clubs and hotels in Kwara

    NSCDC to sanitise strip clubs and hotels in Kwara

    Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps ( NSCDC ) in Kwara has pledged to sanitise hotels and clubs engaged in strip dancing and other vices in the state.

    The Commandant, Mr Adeyinka Ayinla, made the pledge on Thursday in Ilorin when he paid courtesy visit to the state’s Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Mahmud Ajeigbe.

    The commandant said he was newly posted to the state and decided that it was important to partner with the Ministry of Information in promoting peace and stability.

    He explained that the NSCDC would commence investigation into issues deliberated on during courtesy visits to stakeholders.

    The issues, he added, included strip-dancing in hotels, cultism, kidnappings, ritual killings, oil diversion in Baruten Local Government and Nigerian refugees crisis in the Mediterranean.

    Ayinla told the commissioner that they were saddled with responsibility of partnering with many security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the country.

    Earlier, Ajeigbe had pledged the ministry’s readiness to partner with the corps.

    He, however, said “everybody should be security conscious and the society needs to assist security operatives in the area of intelligence.”

    NAN

  • ‘Turkish, U.S. Officials decide to meet to resolve dispute’

    ‘Turkish, U.S. Officials decide to meet to resolve dispute’

    Turkish and U.S. Officials decided to meet to work on resolving a diplomatic crisis between the two NATO allies, Deputy Prime Minister, Bekir Bozdag, said on Thursday.

    The dispute was triggered by the arrest of local U.S staff in Turkey, prompting the United States on Sunday to suspend non-immigrant visa services there.

    Hours later, Ankara issued a similar suspension on visas for U.S. citizens.

    U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, on Wednesday and expressed his “profound concern’’ about the arrests, the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

    “Talks between the foreign minister and (U.S. Secretary of State) Tillerson were very constructive.

    Representatives from both sides decided to meet and work together,” Bozdag said in an interview with broadcaster Haberturk.

    He also said a U.S. consulate employee arrested in Turkey had not demanded lawyer access and the U.S. mission could apply to send a lawyer to see him.

    U.S.-Turkish relations were already strained over U.S. military support for Kurdish fighters in Syria and the United States’ unwillingness to extradite Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.

    Gulen is a former Erdogan ally whom Ankara views as the mastermind behind 2016’s failed military coup.

    NAN

  • Ogun boasts of 11,636 cooperative societies

    Ogun boasts of 11,636 cooperative societies

    About  11, 636 cooperative societies have so far registered in Ogun to promote commerce and investment, according to an official.

    Mr Gbenga Adenmosun, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, disclosed this during an oversight visit to his ministry by the State House of Assembly Committee on Community Development and Cooperatives in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

    He said out of the figure, 221 of the cooperative societies were registered by the government between January and August this year.

    The Ogun commissioner said additional 449 Community Development Associations ( CDAs ) and 19 Community Development Councils were also registered during the period to facilitate grassroots mobilisation and development.

    As an impetus, he said grants-in-aid would soon be given to the CDAs across the state.

    According to him, eight trade associations have been registered as part of efforts to boost trade.

    The Chairman of the House Committee, Mr Jimi Otukoya, lauded the ministry for its efforts aimed at ensuring grassroots development.

    Otukoya urged the ministry to ensure equitable distribution of grants among the CDAs in the state to encourage them to continue to complement the efforts of the state administration in grassroots development.

    NAN

  • Liverpool out to halt United’s charge in Anfield clash

    Liverpool out to halt United’s charge in Anfield clash

    Liverpool and Manchester United’s globe-trotting squads must shake off the effects of international duty for one of English football’s most eagerly-anticipated clashes on Saturday.

    According to Sky Sports their players clocked up 139,000 miles taking part in World Cup qualifiers since the last Premier League action.

    But all roads will lead to Anfield this weekend as the English top flight resumes after a two-week break with a potential cracker.

    The stoppage was badly-timed for United who won their last three Premier League games with nine goals scored and none conceded, albeit against sides in the lower half of the table.

    Jose Mourinho’s side, joint leaders on 19 points from seven games with Manchester City, will hope to continue that momentum in what will be their biggest test of the season to date.

    Liverpool’s form has been less impressive and Juergen Klopp’s side, beset by defensive problems, are seven points off the searing pace being set by the two Manchester rivals.

    They are also without a Premier League victory over bitter adversaries United in their last six meetings, but Mourinho says recent history will have no bearing on Saturday.

    “These kind of matches, every single moment plays a part,” Mourinho told Sky Sports. “We are playing against a good team with very good players.

    “Form doesn’t matter, the moment doesn’t matter. It’s a match of three points.”

    United will be missing midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who hurt his knee playing for Belgium against Bosnia, while Paul Pogba is still absent with an injury.

    Liverpool have a potentially more significant absentee, however, with forward Sadio Mane facing a six-week layoff after injuring his hamstring representing Senegal.

    Meanwhile, City who have built up a goal difference of plus 20 during a stunning start to the campaign, will host Stoke City.

    Prolific striker, Sergio Aguero may possibly be in contention for a squad place after recovering from injuring his ribs in a car accident last month.

    Tottenham Hotspur, in third place, will attempt to lay their Wemble jinx in the league at the fourth time of asking as they host Bournemouth.

    While fourth-placed champions Chelsea, beaten by City before the international break, visit Crystal Palace.

    Toothless Palace are the first top-flight side to lose their opening seven games since Portsmouth in 2009, and the first in 129 years of the Football League to do so without scoring.

    Fifth-placed Arsenal are at Watford, while Burnley, the surprise package so far in sixth, will fancy their chances when they tackle West Ham United at Turf Moor.

    West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has leapfrogged Everton’s Ronald Koeman as favourite to be the next managerial casualty after his side’s woeful start.

    Koeman’s side travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday hoping to avoid only a second loss in 20 against newly-promoted teams in the Premier League.

    NAN