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Tag: Nigeria News

  • Abia to partner FG on rural electrification

    Abia to partner FG on rural electrification

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of  has expressed the willingness of the state government  to support  the Federal Government to actualise its  proposed electricity project in Ariaria market.

    Ikpeazu made this known on Tuesday when officials of  Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria paid him a visit in Abia Government Lodge in Aba.

    The governor said that the decision of the Federal Government project aimed at providing steady power supply in Ariaria market was commendable.

    According to him, steady power supply is an important resource required to drive economic growth in the state and the nation.

    He said that the state government would support the Federal Government’s efforts to  ensure that the project was a huge success.

    Ikpeazu said that the entire Ariaria market community would be happy with the project if it was eventually realised.

    Earlier, Mrs. Camilla Ogunbiyi, the Managing Director of the Agency, said that the agency was in Aba to provide energy solution to the power challengs of Ariaria market.

    Ogunbiyi said that the agency had identified the energy needs of Ariaria market, and disclosed that the power supply project would be run with sustainable  natural gas solution,

    She said that a few thousands of shops in Ariaria market would be used for a test run of the steady electric power supply  project.

    NAN

  • LAUTECH: Lectures to resume on Monday – VC

    LAUTECH: Lectures to resume on Monday – VC

    The Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University ( LAUTECH ) Prof. A.S. Gbadegesin has assured that lectures will resume on Monday, October 16.

    He gave the assurance on Tuesday when he and other staff of the university held an interactive session with agitated students on the progress being made to ensure the resumption of academic activities.

    The school management had originally announced that lectures were going to begin on Monday, October 3. However, the striking academic staff union refuted this claim stating that they were not going to resume until the school management showed full commitment.

    At the meeting he assured the students that “the end of the struggle is here,” adding that “of all stakeholders in LAUTECH, the students are the most important.”

    One of the management staff appealed to the agitated students to exercise patience, promising that “LAUTECH will bounce back in the next few hours.”

    “By the grace of God, lectures will start on Monday. This type of thing will never happen again,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

  • NAICOM, others to lead discussions at NAIPCO 2017 conference

    NAICOM, others to lead discussions at NAIPCO 2017 conference

    The National Insurance Commission ( NAICOM ), National Pension Commission ( PenCom ) and Lagos State Government are to lead discussions on burning industry issues at the Insurance and Pension Correspondents 2017 Conference on Oct. 25.

    The National Association of Insurance and Pension Correspondents ( NAIPCO ), which disclosed this in a statement signed by its President, Mrs Omobola Tolu-Kusimo, said the conference would be held in Lagos.

    Tolu-Kusimo said that the theme of the conference would be “Legislation of Pensions, Intrigues, Interest, Governance and the People”.

    She said that the keynote address at the conference would be delivered by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The NAIPCO president said that solutions would be proffered to challenges facing the sector to enhance its contributions to economic growth.

    “The stakeholders will discuss legislations in the sectors and impact on Nigerians at large.

    “An investor and Industrialist, Chief Dele Fajemirokun, will chair the occasion, while the Iyaloja of Lagos, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, is expected to lead the market women and traders to the conference.

    “The 3-in-1 event will also accommodate the launch of the Association’s Quarterly Journal named “NAIPCO Trumpet”, and awards for deserving legendaries in the insurance and pension sectors.

    “At the event, 21 individuals and companies have been slated for awards for their outstanding services and performance,” Tolu-Kusimo said.

    She said that the lead paper of the conference on  “Insurance Legislation: Beyond Lawmaking” would be delivered by the Managing Director, Leadway Assurance Ltd., Mr Oye Hassan-Odukale.

    “Another paper on ‘Insurance Consumption: The Apathy and Unknown Secret,’ will be delivered by the Deputy Commissioner, NAICOM, Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas.

    “The Director General, Lagos State Pensions Commission (LASPEC), Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, will speak on ‘Boosting Customer Service Relations between Insurance and Pension Operators’.

    “A paper titled: ‘An Overview of Pension Administration in Nigeria’, is expected to be delivered by the Chairman, Pension Funds Operators’ Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Mr Lounge Eguarekhide,” the NAIPCO president said.

    NAN

  • Udom urges youths to remain patriotic

    Udom urges youths to remain patriotic

    Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has called on NYSC members and other Nigerian youths to remain patriotic, especially in this period some sections were clamouring for restructuring.

    Emmanuel made the call while he declared open the NYSC Pre-Mobilisation Workshop for 2017 Batch “B” Corps members in Uyo on Tuesday.

    The theme of the workshop is “Consolidating the Gains of the NYSC Online Integrated System through Best Practices in Mobilisation Process.”

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, said that NYSC had played tremendous role in the evolution of the country.

    He said that the scheme was established to restore the robust belief in one united Nigeria, which he said was fatally shattered by the 36-month civil war.

    “I wish to acknowledge that NYSC has indeed played a tremendous role in the evolution of our nation as a stabilising factor.

    “All Nigerians must ensure that the National Youth Service Corps, which is a signpost of our unity and progress, remains one of the binding chords which keep us together as a nation.

    “This is the time to hearken to the clarion call for patriotism and let it resonate in your minds,” Emmanuel said.

    Udom noted that the workshop would serve as a clearing house for all critical stakeholders in the mobilisation process for corps members, nationwide.

    The governor stressed the need for harmonious working relationship between the NYSC Coordinators in the state and their host ministries.

    He said that the state government would continue to support the scheme and ensure adequate protection of corps members posted to the state.

    Earlier in his address of welcome, the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, said that the scheme would continue to provide platform to aggregate and accommodate suggestions for better outcome.

    Kazaure said that the workshop was usually held at the commencement of every new mobilisation cycle to introduce to stakeholders, new measures and guidelines put in place for hitch-free mobilisation.

    He assured that NYSC would leave no stone unturned in training and re-training of its members of staff on handling of mobilisation process, both within and outside the country.

    “Let me therefore implore all participants at this workshop to see their invitation as an opportunity to contribute to the proceedings, acquire requisite information and knowledge for better performance.

    “Your role is not only critical but also germane to the success of the 2017 Batch “B” mobilisation process,” he said.

    The director-general commended Akwa Ibom Government and the people for the support and cooperation the scheme had enjoyed in the state.

    NAN

  • INEC deploys 6,000 card readers in Anambra

    INEC deploys 6,000 card readers in Anambra

    Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) said on Tuesday that it had deployed over 6, 000 card reader machines to ensure smooth conduct of the Nov. 18,  Anambra governorship election.

    Mr Charles Mbanaja, INEC Administrative Secretary in Anambra, made this known in an interview  in Awka.

    Mbanaja said that out of the machines provided 5,000 had been tested and found to be in good working condition.

    The secretary assured stakeholders of the readiness of the commission to provide a level playing ground to in all candidates participating in the election and urged politicians to play by the rules.

    He said INEC had embarked on public enlightenment to sensitise the people on the electoral processes, especially the voting system to address re-occurring cases of invalid votes and other related electoral shortcomings during the election.

    Mbanaja said that the commission had also organised a voters’ education forum, which was attended by stakeholders in the electoral process in a bid to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

    He called on the people of the state to cooperate with the INEC to ensure that the election was hitch free, free, fair and acceptable.

    NAN

  • Sokoto Assembly suspends two members

    Sokoto Assembly suspends two members

    The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Tuesday suspended two of its members, Sani Yakubu (APC- Gudu) and Malami Galadanchi (APC- Sokoto North I).

    The two lawmakers were suspended for unethical conduct.

    The assembly had set up a special committee to investigate the conduct of the two members during the recent impeachment of the Deputy House Leader, Kabiru Ibrahim.

    The Committee, headed by Habibu Modachi (APC- Isa), in its report, said the two members had pleaded guilty to the charges against them.

    According to the report, the conduct of the members on Aug. 15 in the legislative chamber was “unethical” and contravened the house standing rules.

    Subsequently, the assembly accepted the report and suspended Yakubu for 40 legislative days while Galadanchi was suspended for 30 legislative days.

    The two were also told to submit separate letters of apology to the Assembly.

    The Speaker, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, presided over the House sitting.

    NAN

  • Wearing of Hijab: The travails of the contemporary Muslim woman

    Wearing of Hijab: The travails of the contemporary Muslim woman

    For a lot of Muslim women, the wearing of Hijab is definitely a priority. In simple terms, it is a cloth worn by Muslim women to cover their heads and bodies.

    In spite of the many benefits of wearing Hijab, the Muslim woman sometimes feel out of place and outcast in the Nigeria society.

    For instance, there are some organisations where the wearing of Hijab is prohibited especially in some corporate organisations like banks and also in some schools. This prohibition placed on it by such organisations is mostly interpreted by the Muslim woman as an overt display of sentiment.

    Also, for those who bicker that the wearing of Hijab does not really portray who you are or your sense of decency, yes I agree, however, it is sometimes is a litmus that indicates how decent and religious you are.

    It helps the Muslim woman to identify herself especially with her religion and where she belongs to. Till date a lot of Muslim women still get insulted and discriminated against for no just cause for wearing their Hijab.

    No thanks to those who have in the past smeared and wrongly brandished the sacred culture of Hijab wearing on the canvass of debauchery, malpractices, indecency and other social vices.

    Also, the wearing of Hijab has received a corrosive publicity especially in the wake of Boko Haram insurgency. Quite a number of suicide bombers (females) have been reported to have worn it to conceal their nefarious intentions.

    Thus, all “Hijab wearers” are now being perceived of threats to our nation’s security owing to the above explanations. However, it should never be a basis for generalization.

    To set the records straight, it is pertinent that the writer explains the persona of the Hijab-wearing Muslim woman. She is:

    1. Honest
    2. Has integrity
    3. Loyal
    4. Decent
    5. Religious
    6. Congenial
    7. Peace loving
    8. Law abiding

    Please note that the above qualities are in no way exhaustive.

    Now, a piece of advice to our lawmakers: There should be a law in the constitution of our beloved county that protects the Muslim woman to freely express herself especially when it pertains the wearing of Hijab both in corporate, secular, government and non-governmental organisations.

    This will go a long way to creating and maintaining a peaceful and convivial environment for us all.

    God bless Nigeria!

  • I’m happy working with Super Eagles – Rohr

    I’m happy working with Super Eagles – Rohr

    A Franco-German tactician, Gernot Rohr, has expressed pleasure working with the Super Eagles, following the three-time African champions qualification for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

    Nigeria became the first African country to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after defeating Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday in Uyo.

    The current Super Eagles re-enacted the feat of the Super Eagles’ class of 1997 that qualified for the France’98 World Cup with a match to spare.

    Rohr, in a statement by Ademola Olajire, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s spokesman on Tuesday, said that he was happy working with the team.

    Rohr said, “I am very excited to be working with this team, a blend of the experienced and the young and ambitious ones.

    “They are a delight to be with at all times, and I believe we are on to great things.

    “At the beginning of the qualifying series, many people said we were going to be chased out.

    “We sat down together and we promised ourselves that we would go all out and get the ticket.”

    The 64-year-old coach, who was employed 15 months ago, led the team to a 1- 0 defeat of Tanzania in Uyo in September 2016; 2-1 defeat of Zambia in Ndola in October, 2016.

    Also, at the start of the 2018 World Cup race, the coach led the team to a 3-1 defeat of Algeria in Uyo in November 2016; a 3-0 defeat of Togo in a friendly match in Paris in June 2017.

    His victories also include a 4-0 bashing of Cameroon in Uyo in September 2017 and a 1- 0 defeat of Zambia in Uyo in October 2017, which guaranteed the World Cup ticket.

    The only loss was against the South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Uyo, at the start of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June 2017.

    Rohr said, “The match was a big wake-up call for us. Now that we have the World Cup ticket, we will go all out for the AFCON ticket and get it.

    “When you have a team that has so much self-belief, a lot of things are possible.

    “Age is, but a number. I feel young and able and willing to go on working with this group.’’

    NAN

  • Osun tasks school N-Power volunteers to be dedicated to duty

    Osun tasks school N-Power volunteers to be dedicated to duty

    The Osun Commissioner for Education, Mr Kola Omotunde-Young, has advised  members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) serving in public schools in the state to be dedicated to their duties.

    He also urged the Federal Government Youth Empowerment Programme ( N-Power ), service in such institutions to do same.

    The commissioner gave the advice during an inspection visit to the Africa Church Middle School in Osogbo on Tuesday.

    Omotunde-Young said by passionately dedicated to their duties, the corps members and the N-Power volunteers would be seen to be contributing their quota to the development of education in the state.

    He, however, warned that any act of indolence, from them,would not be accepted.

    The commissioner said that they were posted to schools to teach and assist government as part of the effort by government
    the move to create a decent future for the students.

    He reminded them of their role in the quest to creating and nurturing responsible leaders for the future, saying that they should be good examples to their students.

    Omotunde-Young also advised principals to lead by example in character worthy of emulation and to discourage indiscipline among the teachers.

    NAN

  • CAF Emergency Committee to meet in Lagos

    CAF Emergency Committee to meet in Lagos

    The Emergency Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) which is about the most powerful panel in African football, will hold a meeting in Lagos on Saturday, Oct. 14

    The Nigeria Football Federation’s ( NFF ) Director of Media, Ademola Olajire, said in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos that the meeting of the CAF Emergency Committee would be held in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    It said that the Confederation of African Football executive members would discuss its competitions and other important events ahead of the organisation, including the withdrawal of African Nations Championship given to Kenya.

    “CAF top guns confirmed to the NFF that the meeting, which will hold in Ikoyi, will deliberate on recent happenings in the game in Africa.

    “It will as well have discussion on competitions coming up next year, including the African Nations Championship, which hosting right has been withdrawn from Kenya.

    “The CAF Emergency Committee, which is chaired by CAF President, Ahmad, also has the three Vice-Presidents of CAF as Members, as well as NFF President, Amaju Pinnick.

    “Others include Liberia’s FA President, Hassan Musa Bility and CAF Referees Committee head, Souleiman Hassan Waberi. All are also members of the Confederation of African Football Executive Committee.

    “CAF’s three Vice-Presidents are Ghana’s Kwesi Nyantakyi (1st Vice-President), Democratic Republic of Congo’s Omari Constant Selemani (2nd Vice-President) and Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa (3rd Vice-President),’’ it said.

    It also said that “the meeting comes up on the eve of the grand finale of the AITEO Cup competition, taking place at the Agege Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 15, and to which all the members of the CAF Emergency Committee have been invited.

    “Sources have also confirmed that Egypt’s Hani Abo Rida, who is a member of the FIFA Council, will be part of CAF President Ahmad’s entourage to Lagos.

    “Pinnick will personally receive the CAF boss Ahmad at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Oct. 13 – the same day other members of the Emergency Committee will arrive in Nigeria.

    “It was further gathered that there will be ‘An Evening with Ahmad,’ which is a dinner on Saturday night, it said adding that members of the diplomatic community and NFF’s sponsors and partners had been invited.

    NAN