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Tag: Nigeria News

  • Elumelu to host 1,300 African Entrepreneurs from 54 countries

    Elumelu to host 1,300 African Entrepreneurs from 54 countries

    The Tony Elumelu Foundation ( TEF ), Africa’s leading philanthropy, on Friday announced plan to host 1,300 African Entrepreneurs, Business leaders and Policymakers from 54 countries in Lagos.

    Mrs Parminder Obe, the TEF’s Chief Executive Officer, who made this known at a briefing in Lagos, said the 3rd Annual TEF Entrepreneurship Forum was slated for Oct. 13.

    She said the 2017 invitation had been extended beyond the usual 1,000 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs to include selected SMEs, media, hubs, incubators, academia and investors from across Africa.

    “Assembled SMEs will build networks, share knowledge, connect with investors and link with corporate supply chains.

    “Since launching the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme and committing $100 million to empowering 10,000 African entrepreneurs in a decade, we have unleashed our continent’s most potent development force, its entrepreneurs.

    “In just three years, our first 3,000 entrepreneurs have created tens of thousands of jobs and generated considerable wealth.

    “On Oct. 13 and 14, the global entrepreneurship community will gather in Lagos to build a New Africa, a thriving, self-reliant continent capable of replicating the results of our ground-breaking programme.

    “The two-day forum will feature plenary panels, master classes, sector specific networking opportunities and policy-led forums focused on enabling African business growth.

    “This is the first year we have opened the forum up to include the full pan-African entrepreneurship ecosystem.

    “In doing so, we are enabling African SME communities to come together and expand the possibilities for intra-African partnerships.

    “I am looking forward to welcoming our invited policy-makers and investors to join us at the forum, as we empower the next generation of African business leaders,’’ she said.

    Also speaking, Mrs Owen Omogiafo, the TEF’s Chief Operating Officer, said speakers at the forum would include Wale Ayeni of International Finance Corporation, Stephen Kauma, Afrexim Bank and Andre Hue, African Development Bank.

    “Others are Stephen M. Haykin, USAID Nigeria, Heikke Reugger, European Investment Bank and Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, United Nations Development Programme,’’ she said.

    Omogiafo said TEF’s long-term investment in empowering African entrepreneurs was emblematic of Tony Elumelu’s philosophy of Africa Capitalism, which positions Africa’s private sector, as catalysts for social and economic development.

    She said the foundation, which was founded in 2010 by Tony Elumelu, was aimed at empowering a generation of successful pro-profit entrepreneurs who drive Africa’s economic and social transformation.

    According to her, the foundation received 20,000 applications in 2015 from residents of 53 African countries out of which 1,000 applicants were selected, with Nigeria contributing 64 per cent.

    “In 2016, 45,000 applications were received with Nigeria contributing 30 per cent with 1000 selected applicants.

    “Agriculture leads the sectors represented with 26.67 per cent: a great number are into poultry and fish farming.

    “Fashion and ICT followed in second and third with 10 and 8.8 per cent respectively.

    “This year, we received 93,246 applications out of which 1,300 applicants had been selected in 52 African countries with 57.1 per cent from Nigeria for the forum.

    “Entrepreneurs are coming from Kenya. Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Rwanda, Botswana and Cote d’Ivoire,’’ she said

    NAN

  • Sodangi wants Nasarawa North to produce governor in 2019

    Sodangi wants Nasarawa North to produce governor in 2019

    Sen. Abubakar Sodangi on Thursday threw his weight behind the calls to zone the Nasarawa State governorship seat to the north senatorial district in 2019.

    “Nasarawa North is the only senatorial district yet to produce a governor. The first civilian governor, Abdullahi Adamu, was from the West senatorial district, while his successor, Akwe Doma, and the incumbent, Tanko Al-makura, are from the south.

    “It is only fair that the north be given a chance as well. We must consider their request for justice and the need for oneness,” Sodangi told reporters in Nasarawa.

    Sodangi, a three-term senator, who represented Nasarawa West in the Senate from 1999 to 2011, under the platform of PDP, defected to the APC last year.

    “I have told the people of Nasarawa North to put their house in order; I have told them to unite so that we can beg other zones to support them.

    “It is not anyone’s right to insist on the governorship, but we need to listen to each so as to build a strong and united state with equal opportunities.

    “I understand that my former political party, the PDP, has already zoned the seat to Nasarawa North. If my  present political party, the APC, equally zones it to the north, I shall be happy,” he said.

    NAN

  • Police arraign man for breach of trust

    Police arraign man for breach of trust

    The police on Friday arraigned one Kabiru Garba of no fixed address in a Minna Magistrates’ Court for alleged breach of trust.

    Garba is standing trial on a two-count charge of criminal breach of trust and cheating, offences that contravened the provisions of Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Danladi, had told the court that one Iliya Musa of Sardauna Motors, Minna, reported the matter at the police station on Sept. 8.
    Danladi quoted the complainant as alleging that the defendant deceitfully collected his car valued at N650, 000 on the pretext that he had a buyer.

    The complainant said Garba remitted only N230, 000 to him after he sold the car and kept the balance.

    The defendant denied committing the offences, while the prosecutor asked for an adjournment to enable the police conclude investigation.

    Magistrate Maryam King granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200, 000 and a surety in like sum.

    King said the surety must be a civil servant, not below grade level 14, who resides within the court’s jurisdiction

    NAN

  • Odegbami urges Nigerians to support Eagles against Zambia

    Odegbami urges Nigerians to support Eagles against Zambia

    An ex-international, Segun Odegbami, has appealed to Nigerians to support the Super Eagles in their match against the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday in Uyo.

    Odegbami on Friday in Ota, Ogun state said that this would qualify them for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    Super Eagles, topping the Group B with 10 points, had earlier beat Chipolopolo of Zambia at home by 2-1 in the first leg.

    According to him, Nigerians should support Super Eagles through vocal and their prayers, because it is a game that Nigeria must win.

    ”We must do everything possible to win the match so that we can qualify for Russia 2018 World Cup,” he said.

     Odegbami, however, implored Nigerians to turn out massively at the Godwin Akpabio Stadium in Uyo to lift up the Super Eagles’ spirits.

    The ex-international also urged Nigerians to leave the technical aspect to the coaching crews to decide.

    NAN

  • U.S. Republican lawmaker resigns after sex scandal

    U.S. Republican lawmaker resigns after sex scandal

    U.S. Republican Congressman Tim Murphy has announced his resignation after his affair with a young woman came to light, official statement said on Friday.

    “Upon further discussion with my family, I have made the decision to resign my position,’’ Murphy, an eight-term member of the House of Representatives, serving since 2003, said.

    The statement came one day after the 65-year-old said he would not seek re-election to Congress at the end of his current term, which would terminate in 15 months.

    The shifting position was the result of the House Republican leadership urging Murphy, who represents Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district, to step down, considering him a distraction as the party fights for a major tax reform.

    “I’ve spoken with Tim quite a bit the last couple of days.

    “I think it’s appropriate that he moves on to the next chapter of his life,’’ House Speaker Paul Ryan told a press conference prior to Murphy’s resignation.

    In September Murphy admitted to an affair with a woman half his age.

    The couple’s text message exchanges reported by the U.S. media showed Murphy had asked the woman to abort their unborn child.

    It came as a devastating political blow as Murphy had been an active advocate of anti-abortion laws.

    “I’ve never written them, staffers do them, I read them and winced.

    “I told staff not to write anymore,’’ Murphy said of the anti-abortion statements released in his name after the woman complained of his inconsistent stance.

    NAN

  • NUT urges KDSG to pay backlog of salary arrears

    NUT urges KDSG to pay backlog of salary arrears

    As teachers celebrate World Teachers’ Day, the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers ( NUT ), has urged the state government to pay salary arrears owed its members.

    “Some teachers in Kaduna State are owed up to 11 months salary arrears; we think this is unfair,” Mr Audu Amba, the NUT chairman in the state, said on Thursday in Kaduna, at an event organised to mark the day.

    Amba equally decried the consistent delay in the payment of local government teachers’ salaries.

    “Sometimes, teachers are paid two or three weeks after other workers have received their salaries. We find this disappointing,” he said.

    The chairman also urged government to pay teachers the balance of 2015 leave grant, as well as the 2016 leave grant that was still being awaited.

    “Ten per cent of teachers’ salary is deducted monthly and paid to them as their leave grant at the end of the year; paying the grant should actually be a right and not a privilege,” he said.

    Amba called for more training and re-training of teachers, especially those in primary schools, so as to boost the quality of service delivery.

    He said that the theme of the 2017 teachers day, “Teaching in Freedom: Empowering Teachers”, was to emphasise the need for a free teaching atmosphere.

    “Teaching in freedom will encourage teachers to discharge their primary responsibilities of imparting knowledge, skills and character on the younger generation,” he explained.

    Amba, nonetheless, commended the state government for the the massive rehabilitation and furnishing of public schools, and also lauded the unprecedented budgetary allocation of more than 33 per cent to the education sector.

    “That huge budgetary allocation far exceeds the UNESCO recommendation of 26 percent,” he noted.

    NAN

  • 38 classrooms, 22 health centres constructed in Plateau in 2016

    38 classrooms, 22 health centres constructed in Plateau in 2016

    The Plateau office of Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ), constructed and furnished 38 classrooms and 22 primary health centres in 2016, Mr Samuel Damla, the Coordinator, has said.

    Damla told newsmen on Thursday in Jos that it also constructed 17 boreholes and seven VIP toilets.

    According to him, the projects are spread across various communities in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Shendam, Kanke and Jos North Local Government Areas.

    “The projects are mostly in the rural ares because our mandate is to alleviate the sufferings of the people in the rural communities, especially in the areas of education, health, water and sanitation.

    “We have also constructed boreholes and VIP toilets to promote personal hygiene in some of the communities,” he said.

    He said that the SDGs office trained 2,000 youths on Google digital production and programming this year, and explained that the training would empower the youths with the requisite knowledge to harness the potential of the digital world.

    “The digital world has lots of opportunities and could create many employment opportunities,” he said.

    He said that funds would soon be made available to the SDGs office following the payment of N600 million counterpart funds by the state government.

    “We intend to pay more attention to addressing the menace of erosion and deforestation and support people venturing into agriculture in 2018,” he stated.

  • Don’t participate in the d**k or p*ss* challenge

    Don’t participate in the d**k or p*ss* challenge

    The latest social phenomenon taking over 2017 is none other than the “for that d**k/p*ss*” challenge.

    This challenge was inspired by New Orleans rapper, GameOva Reedy’s freestyle in April 2017. It became an online sensation took off last week and has been trending non-stop.

    The #ForTheD**k or #ForTheP*ss* challenge, depending on your gender/sexual orientation, has been going increasingly viral. You know that’s the case when celebrities of all kinds begin to take a stab at it.

    This challenge might seem all cheeky and rosy, but if you’re not careful, you might get into trouble.

    Here you find everyone talking about what they can do for the opposite genitals and sacrifices they’ve made for it.

    But then, what exactly do we derive from this challenge? How does it add to our lives?

    Here are a few reasons you shouldn’t engage in the d**k/p*ss* challenge:

    1. It adds nothing to your life

    The challenge does not make you better, greater or more knowledgeable. It just gives off the wrong impression and makes you appear indecent.

    People begin to see and perceive you in a certain light that might not be societally acceptable.

    It does not put food on your table, it does not make you a better person,so why engage in it?

    2. It promotes Immorality

    The use of vulgar words in the challenge is highly unacceptable.

    Mentioning sensitive parts of the human body in a ribald and jocular manner promotes immorality especially among the youth.

    In a way, It could embolden people (especially teenagers) to begin to attempt (sexually) things they have never done just because it was mentioned in the d**k/p***y challenge.

    3. It could Implicate you

    Imagine a scenario where you apply for a job and you’re asked for your social media IDs.

    The company digs into your Instagram or Facebook account, only to have their already primed buds turned sour by your sultry, explicit and overwhelmingly grotesque demonstration of bestial tendencies all in the name of an online trend.

    The writer do not intend to put on the garb of a seer, but your guess is almost as good as the writer’s – You will not get the Job!

    4. It adds nothing to your Résumé

    As clichéd as this might sound, the challenge is not something you get to win an award for, or becomes an important condiment in the overall aesthetics of your résumé.

    Will it make you trend on social media? Yes! Will it make you go viral for a while? Absolutely Yes! The question now is – what next?

    5. It’s makes you just like everyone

    What happened to being different? Must you do what everyone is doing?

    Just because everyone is doing the challenge does not mean you should join them…dare to be different.

    Be original.

    6. It’s just vulgar

    It is too vulgar and dirty for the masses.

    You can’t try that challenge in a formal environment…it’s just gross!

    You’ll be shy and embarrassed if a video of yourself trying out the challenge is brought up in a formal environment or in front of your boss.

    So, why do you engage in the challenge? It’s unnecessary!

    7. It corrupts the minds of the innocent

    The challenge just makes things worse for the youths morally.

    When our young unsuspecting, innocent and vulnerable ones are exposed to it, they might be pressured into engaging in all sorts of sexually acts, even the ones who have not been defiled begin to see this as a way of life, and try to imitate the rest of the world in this gross misconduct!

    8. The challenge marks you off as indecent!

    Once people watch videos of you participating in it, they just dismiss you as an unserious person and a freak for the d**k or p***y.

    Maybe you lied about the lengths you could go for the d**k or p***y, my brother and sister, it’s really none of our business!!!

    For all we care, that is WHO YOU ARE.

    We simply see you as one who has no self-control or shame

    Well, The d**k/p***y challenge has not made anyone better…please don’t engage in it!

  • Heynckes to take over at Bayern Munich

    Heynckes to take over at Bayern Munich

     Treble-winning coach Jupp Heynckes is set to take over at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for a fourth time, succeeding sacked Carlo Ancelotti, German media reported on Thursday.

    The 72-year-old Heynckes led Bayern to the domestic league and Cup double and the Champions League title in 2013, but then had to make way for Spaniard Pep Guardiola.

    According to the Bild newspaper, Heynckes, who also led Real Madrid to the Champions League title and coached Benfica, Athletic Bilbao and a string of Bundesliga clubs, will take over until the end of the season.

    The club could not be immediately reached for a comment.

    Italian Ancelotti took over last season, but was fired last week after the German champions slipped to second place in the league after twice squandering a two-goal lead in consecutive games.

    They had also been beaten 3-0 at Paris St Germain in the Champions League.

    Heynckes, who has not worked since 2013, had also coached Bayern from 1987 to 1991 and briefly took over at the end of the 2008/2009 season before becoming head coach from 2011 to 2013.

    NAN

  • Court to resume trial of Amosu, others Nov. 7

    Court to resume trial of Amosu, others Nov. 7

    The trial of a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Adesola Amosu and 10 others charged with N22.8 billion fraud, was on Thursday in Lagos adjourned until Nov. 7 and Nov. 8.

    A Federal High Court gave the ruling following the absence of the counsel to the EFCC, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo.

    He was, however, represented by Mr A. Emeka.

    Amosu was on June 29, 2016, arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC ) alongside Air Vice Marshal Jacob Adigun, Air Commodore Gbadebo Olugbenga and eight companies.

    The companies are Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil And Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites BIC, Fonds and Pricey Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd and Solomon HealthCare.

    The case which was earlier adjourned for continuation of trial on Thursday was shifted to Nov. 7.

    When the case came up for hearing, a counsel, Mr A. Emeka, announced appearance as standing in for the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, who, he said, was at the Court of Appeal for another case.

    He informed the court that he was not fully abreast of the case but that he sought to handle the case until Oyedepo was available to continue with the trial.

    He, however, agreed to an adjournment.

    The prosecution’s witness (name withheld) and the defence counsel were in court.

    The accused are standing trial on charges bordering on conspiracy, stealing and money laundering before Justice Mohammed Idris.

    They all pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bails.

    The accused were alleged to have indirectly converted N3.6 billion belonging to the Nigerian Air Force.

    The EFCC also alleged that Amosu and the others stole over N323 million from the accounts of the Nigerian Air Force between March 21, 2014 and March 12, 2015.

    The commission said the money was utilised for the purpose of purchasing for themselves a property situated at No.1, River St., Wuse II, Abuja.

    The offences, according to the EFCC, contravene Sections 18(a) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition ) ( Amendment ) Act, 2012.

    NAN