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  • AU unveils plaque inaugurating single African air transport market

    AU unveils plaque inaugurating single African air transport market

    The African Union ( AU ) on Monday inaugurated the Single African Air Transport Market ( SAATM ) in the framework of the ongoing 30th AU summit in Ethiopia’s Capital Addis Ababa.

    President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who is the current chair of the 55-member African bloc, and Moussa Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, unveiled the plaque on the premises of the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, marking the inauguration of the SAATM.

    The SAATM is a flagship project of AU Agenda 2063, which aspires to create a single unified air transport market in Africa, the liberalisation of civil aviation in Africa and as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda.

    According to the AU, the launch of SAATM is expected to spur more opportunities to promote trade, cross-border investments in the production and service industries including tourism, resulting in the creation of an additional 300,000 direct and two million indirect jobs.

    READ ALSO: ISGPP to host seminar on economy

    In order to move the continent forward towards the concrete implementation of the AU Agenda 2063, the 24th Assembly of Head of States and Government, which took place between Jan. 30 and Jan. 31, 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, adopted the Declaration on the Establishment of a SAATM.

    Eleven African Member States championed the Declaration by signing the Solemn Commitment to actualise the Yamoussoukro Decision creating the single market.

    These Member States were constituted as a Ministerial Working Group with the responsibility to follow-up implementation progress, provide guidance, and spearhead the advocacy campaign to urge more Member States to join the single market.

    In May 2016, the AUC wrote to those States that have signed the Solemn Commitment to highlight a number of concrete measures for them to undertake to initiate operationalisation of the single air transport market in the continent as soon as possible.

    Among these measures, each State is required to officially publish in accordance with its national regulations or gazette that they are committed to the immediate implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision under the terms of the Declaration of Solemn Commitment in line with the AU Agenda 2063.

    NAN

  • Suspected cultists remanded for smashing teenager’s head

    Suspected cultists remanded for smashing teenager’s head

    Two suspected cultists – Sikiru Ajibade and Gafar Isah – who allegedly smashed the head of a teenager, are to cool their heels at Kirikiri Prisons on the orders of an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    Ajibade, 34, a.k.a. Farakin and Isah, 25, a.k.a. Eti, who allegedly belong to O-Strong and Ijikenji Confraternity, were brought before the court on a charge of murder.

    Their pleas were not taken by the magistrate, who said the court lacked the jurisdiction to try murder case.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr M.O. Olajuwon, said the accused should be kept behind bars pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions ( DPP ).

    Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Insp. Babatope Julius, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in October 2016 on Lagos Island.

    Also Read: Army raids cultists ’ hideout, kills ring leader

    He alleged that the accused, suspected cultists, had unlawfully killed a 19-year-old, Charles Igbinovia, by smashing his head with a stone.

    The offence violates Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    The case was adjourned until February 28 pending the DPP’s advice.

    NAN

  • ‘America First not America alone’, Trump to World Leaders

    ‘America First not America alone’, Trump to World Leaders

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday told global business elite at the World Economic Forum in Davoc, Switzerland, that he would always put America first when it concerned trade.

    “As President of the U.S., I will always put America first but America first does not mean America alone just like the leaders of other countries should put their countries first.

    “When the U.S. grows, so does the world,” Trump told the business group.

    He pledged to promote a fair and reciprocal trade system by negotiating for mutually-beneficial trade agreements.

    “We cannot have free and open trade if some countries exploit the system at the expense of others; we support free trade but it needs to be fair and it needs to be reciprocal.

    “The world is experiencing the resurgence of a strong and prosperous America.

    “America is open for business and we are competitive once again,” Trump said.

    Read Also: Trump to undergo physical examination early 2018

    (Xinhua/NAN)

  • INEC debunks rumours of deadline for CVR

    INEC debunks rumours of deadline for CVR

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has debunked the rumour that ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) would end on January 31, 2018.

    Head of Publicity of the commission in Lagos State, Mr Femi Akinbiyi, said in a statement on Friday “it has come to the notice of the Commission in Lagos State the rumours going round that the CVR would end on January 31, 2018.

    “We, therefore, wish to inform the people that the Continuous Voter Registration is still on.

    “In line with the provision of section 9 (5) of the Electoral Act (as amended), Continuous Voter Registration will be temporarily suspended 60 days to the commencement of the General Elections scheduled for February, 2019”.

    According to him, all eligible voters in the state, who has not registered before are encouraged to register at all INEC offices in the 20 local government areas in the state.

    Also Read: 2019: INEC fixes presidential, National Assembly polls for Feb 16

    Akinbiyi said that concerned residents could also go to other officially designated areas within the state between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday every week, excluding public holidays, for registration.

    “In response to the citizens’ plea to have centres closer to their domain, the Commission in the State has rotation plan for some Registration Centres within the Registration Areas (Ward) in each of the local government areas.

    “Also, the names of those who registered in the first and second quarters have been uploaded in the Commission’s website.’’

    Meanwhile, said on telephone that the rumour had made eligible persons to besiege registration centres daily, to register.

    NAN

  • Buhari departs for Addis Ababa to attend AU Summit

    Buhari departs for Addis Ababa to attend AU Summit

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate at the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

    The president left the Presidential Villa, Abuja, via the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for Addis Ababa two hours after observing the weekly Friday’s Juma’at prayer.

    The President alongside with hundreds of other Muslim faithful performed the two Raka’at Juma’at prayer at the Aso Rock Mosque.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, had on January 25, in a statement disclosed that the highlight of the President’s engagements during the visit would be his statements under the historic theme for the AU Summit, namely: “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.”

    “This is the first time in the 54-year history of the AU that anti-corruption will be made a theme of the gathering of the regional leaders,’’ the statement said.

    It would be recalled that, on July 4, 2017, during the 29th Session of the AU, African leaders unanimously endorsed President Buhari to champion the fight against corruption on the continent.

    The endorsement was in recognition of his personal commitment and widely acclaimed anti-graft drive at the domestic level.

    On July 25, 2017, the President, in a letter to President Alpha Conde of Guinea, who is also the out-going AU Chairperson, formally accepted his nomination to lead members of the AU on this crucial crusade against a veritable socio-economic vice that is anti-development.

    While thanking his colleagues for the honour, Buhari reiterated his “commitment to contribute towards our collective efforts to strengthen good governance and development on the continent.’’

    Adesina said that apart from anti-corruption, other issues lined for consideration by African leaders and their delegations would include peace and security (transnational terrorism). institutional reforms of the continental body and free movement of persons.

    Also Read: Buhari signs eight bills into law

    Others are climate change, trade; aviation, education, gender and development.

    He said President Buhari would also hold bilateral meetings with some of his colleagues on issues of common interests.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazau and the Minister of State (Aviation), Hadi Sirika, are in the President’s delegation to the summit.

    Others are the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and the  Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ), Mr Ibrahim Magu.

    NAN

  • Ambode to deliver UNILAG convocation lecture

    Ambode to deliver UNILAG convocation lecture

    The Lagos State Governor,  Mr Akinwumi Ambode, is to deliver the University of Lagos  ( UNILAG )convocation lecture for the 2016/2017 academic session.
    Dr Taiwo Ipaye , the Registrar, University of Lagos, said in a statement on Friday in Lagos that the lecture, slated for February 19, has the theme `Inclusion: The Path to a New Nation`.
    The lecture is part of programmes lined up for the convocation ceremony proper.
    According to Ipaye, a pre-convocation  news conference to kick start the ceremony has already been  slated for February 14.
    She said that an opening exhibition and the inauguration of the 12th Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe would precede the lecture.
    Ipaye  said the convocation ceremony proper had been scheduled for February 20  to February 22.
    According to her, Day 1 of the ceremony will feature the congregation for the award of first degrees, diplomas, certificates and the announcement of prize winners for graduating students of the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences for the morning session.

    Also Read: Beware: Only UNILAG has full accreditation for Law

    She said graduating students for the Faculties of Arts, Environmental Sciences and Sciences would be attended to during the afternoon session on the same day.
    The Registrar said on February 21, there would be award of first degrees, diplomas, certificates and the announcement of prize winners for graduating students of the Faculties of Engineering, Law and Management Sciences for the morning session.
    She said that graduating students from the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Pharmacy and the Distance Learning Institute would be conferred later on the same day (afternoon session).
    Ipaye said that on February 22, the final day of the ceremony, there would be the congregation for the award of Higher degrees of the School of Post graduate Studies.
    She said there would also be the ‘Best Researcher Award’ and the conferment of the title of ‘Distinguished  and Emeritus Professors’  on the same day.
  • Ebonyi contains spread of Lassa fever

    Ebonyi contains spread of Lassa fever

    The Ebonyi State Government on Friday said that it has contained further outbreak of lassa fever reported in the state since January 14th

    Dr Daniel Umezurike, the state Commissioner for Health disclosed this in Abakaliki during a sensitization program on the disease.

    Newsmen reports that the program was organised for health personnel and members of the public on ways of preventing the deadly disease.

    Umezurike said that the quick intervention of the state and federal governments in the provision of logistics and manpower, with collaboration of stakeholders helped in containing the disease.

    “The successful treatment and discharge of three suspected patients from the hospital on Jan. 25 signified the conclusion of our damage control in containing the disease.

    “We are presently focusing on intensive enlightenment of the populace to prevent a resurgence of the disease and ensure that they are abreast with its preventive measures.

    “We had six suspected cases of the disease in the state with four deaths, as nine suspected patients were admitted in hospitals over the disease,” he said.

    He commended the state governor,c for releasing N5million for equipping of the Virology Centre in the state.

    The commissioner added that the centre would be fully operational next week.

    “The admission wards at the Specialist Hospital Irrua, Edo are filled with suspected patients, as the Federal Ministry of Health provided tents at the hospital to contain more patients.

    “We intend to ameliorate the situation with experts working assiduously to ensure that all units in the virology centre become fully operational.

    “The dialysis machine has been test-run and is operating perfectly, while the experts are working to ensure that the laboratory section becomes operational soon.

    READ ALSO:No confirmed case of Lassa fever in Abuja – Director 

    “Lassa-fever tests are biologically-molecular in nature and relevant technicians undergo higher, intensive training due to the disease’s complex nature,” he said.

    He urged the people to stop embalming corpses at home, engaging in traditional throat surgery, and bush burning to ensure that Lassa-fever is totally controlled.

    “I urge traditional rulers, opinion leaders, Local Government Areas to relay this information at the grassroots and ensure that the people comply with it,” he said.

    Dr Chamberlain Nwele, state Head of Service, also commended organizers of the program and urged the people to ensure that the disease was permanently checked.

    “The people should realise that the increased rate of bush burning in our communities makes rats, the disease’s primary vector to relocate to homes.

    “We should, therefore, take suspected victims to nearest hospitals and ensure that our surroundings are generally kept clean,” he said.

    Dr Nnenna Ajayi, a physician at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, in her lecture entitled, “Lassa fever and the Community’’ remarked that the disease was preventable and curable.

    According to him, the disease does not have minor or severe level because once it is treated; the person is free and should not be discriminated against.

    NAN

  • Brothers docked for stealing Christmas chickens

    Brothers docked for stealing Christmas chickens

    Two brothers, Sunday Ikuedowo, 35, and Olumide Ikuedowo, 25, were on Friday arraigned in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State  for allegedly stealing Christmas chickens valued at N25,000.

    The first defendant, a barber,  and the second, a bricklayer, all of no fixed address, were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, felony and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Sgt. Ayodeji Omoyeigha, told the court that the defendants on Dec. 23, 2017 at about  4.00 a.m. at No. 21, Lareda St., Okitipupa, conspired to commit felony and stealing.

    He said that the first defendant stole three chickens valued at N15,000 in a cage belonging to Olabisi Mathew.

    Omoyeigha said that the second defendant also stole two chickens in another cage valued at N10,000 belonging to one Mayowa Taiwo.

    READ ALSO:Judge orders trial-within-trial in illegal arms importation case

    The prosecutor said that the defendants committed offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 516, 412 and 390 (9), Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State,  2006.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges  levelled against them.

    The Magistrate, Mr Chris Ojuola, granted the accused bail in the sum of N30,000  and a surety each  in like sum.

    He said that the suretie, s who must be resident  within the court’s jurisdiction,  must also present evidence of a year tax clearance as part of  the bail condition.

    The magistrate adjourned the case till  Feb. 2 for further hearing.

    NAN

  • Chinese firm set to develop Inland Container Depot in Edo

    Chinese firm set to develop Inland Container Depot in Edo

    A Chinese firm, China Harbour Engineering Company (Nig.) Ltd, has indicated its readiness to go into partnership with Atlantique Marine Engineering Services, Edo Inland Container Depot,  known as AMES-Edo ICD on export.

    Mr Jason Wang, who led a seven-man delegation of the firm to the state on the invitation of Edo Government, dropped the hint on Friday in Benin.

    Wang and his team also visited the Gelegele seaport, the operational base of the AMES-Edo Inland Container Depot to assess the work done so far.

    Wang said he was impressed and that his firm would look at possible ways of collaborating and partnering with AMES-Edo to drive the project to its earliest conclusion and begin full operation.

    “We are impressed with the work done here so far. China Harbour Engineerng Company ( Nig.) Ltd will look at possible ways of collaboration to drive the project to its earliest conclusion,” he said.

    He said the team was in the state as a follow up to  Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s business visit to the company in China about three weeks ago where an MOU was signed by the state government and the company to develop the Gelegele Seaport.

    READ ALSO: Gelegele Seaport: China Harbour arrives Benin, commences work on project

    Dr Charles Akhigbe, Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of Atlantique Marine and Engineering Services, AMES, the promoters of the AMES-Edo inland container depot, said the organisation was confident that the proposed inland container depot would reduce the cost of export of agricultural produce and increase government’s GDP.

    Akhigbe disclosed that the port was just three steps from final approval for full operations to commence.

    He said  the project would create not less than 3,000 jobs for youths and provide the platform for exchange of knowledge between government and foreign investors.

    He also said that the container depot would emerge as the pioneer full-fledged inland container depot in Southern Nigeria to commence operation and would immediately serve the need of haulage services.

    According to Wang, the company has already commenced negotiation with the Federal Government to build modern railway lines as a primary mode for long distance haulage of cargo, noting that 75 per cent of Nigeria’s total export passed through Edo.

    “Discussion is ongoing with the Nigeria Railway Corporation to use BOT PPP mode to construct 110km short spur line from Agbor to Edo inland container depot.

    “For now the inland container depot will operate 100 per cent by road but in the next 6-10 years, 40 per cent will go by road while 60 per cent will be by rail.

    “The phases one and two of the inland container depot would accommodate 12, 000 units of 40ft TEUs and 8,000 units of 40ft TEUs with a maximum of 25,000 TEUs at any given time,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo Governor on Business Bureau, Mr. Edward Osayande, said the governor was committed to industrialising the state by encouraging public private partnership.

    He said the inland container depot was the central plank of the state government’s effort at creating jobs through industrialisation.

    He also stressed the need to bring the Gelegele Seaport, AMES-Edo inland container depot and Edo Industrial Park together to drive development in the state.

    NAN

  • Nigerian businessmen intrested in Pakistan surgical equipment industry

    Nigerian businessmen intrested in Pakistan surgical equipment industry

    Nigerian businessmen have indicated interest in collaborating with Pakistani industrialists in surgical equipment manufacturing, according to Pakistan Head of Chancery, Asim Khan.

    Khan told the newsmen in a meeting held on Friday in Abuja that other areas of partnership being explored by the businessmen included textile, shoe making and agricultural equipment and facilities.

    “The increasing interaction between Nigerian and Pakistani businessmen will open more areas of investment, create opportunities for joint ventures and further promote cordial relationship,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Air Force gets five Super Mushsak aircraft from Pakistan

    He disclosed that application for business visa from Nigerians visiting Pakistan had increased, assuring that the relationship between the two countries would further improve with the cooperation in the area of military material and training support.

    Pakistan has also in recent past provided logistic assistance to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism with donations of military aircraft to the West African nation’s military.

    NAN