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  • Kano to propose compulsory HIV Testing bill

    Kano to propose compulsory HIV Testing bill

    The Kano State Government said on Friday that it had been working to propose a bill on compulsory HIV/AIDS testing for all new couples in the state.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Kabiru Getso, disclosed this at a news conference to commemorate the World HIV/AIDS day in Kano.

    He said that the Ganduje administration had taken health as a priority and was working tirelessly to ensure quality healthcare delivery services in the state.
    Dr Getso explained that the state government, in collaboration with the state Hisbah Board, had proposed the bill, which was awaiting passage at the state house of assembly.

    According to him, “The state government had demonstrated concern about the care and control of HIV/AIDS by giving the scourge all the necessary attention it required’’.

    Read also: Kaduna: Ganduje spends N1billion on PHC delivery

    He stressed that the state government established the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), in order to record the progress and achievements so far witnessed in the control of AIDS in the state.

    “The state has, however, approved the sum of over N443 million to carry out many interventions and outreach services, as well as to create awareness across the state,’’ Getso said.

    The Commissioner said the government would continue to support people living with HIV/AIDS and would continue to create awareness on the prevention of the disease.

    The World Health Organization has declared every December 1st to be World HIV/AIDS Day, to give succour to people living with HIV/AIDS in the state

    NAN

  • Not Playing with Ronaldo the only Regret – Totti

    Not Playing with Ronaldo the only Regret – Totti

    Former Roma Captain, Francesco Totti has revealed that not playing together with Ronaldo De Lima remains the only regret of his career.

    The 41-year-old hung up his boots in May – putting an end to 25-year playing career with boy hood club, Roma.

    Totti, who hold some tinge of sadness for not playing with the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker believes that he would have made Ronaldo a better player.

    According to the former Roma Captain, Ronaldo Delima would have scored more goals if they had played together.

    Totti, as quoted by as.com: “That would have been a dream for both of us. He scored a lot of goals but with me playing just behind him, I’m sure he would have scored a lot more”,

    “I’ve always said it – the only thing I regret about my career was not having got to play with Ronaldo.

    The former Italy international also described Italy, who are four time Champions of the World Cup absence from the next year’s mundial as a ‘Shock’ to the footballing world and said to watch the mundial next year would be strange.

    He added, “Like every other Italian, I never thought for a second that we might not get through the qualifying rounds.

    “It was a big shock to the world of football. Watching the World Cup on television is going to be very strange.”

    Totti on Ronaldo, Messi and Federeer

    Totti said that out of current stars he prefers Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo, and singled out tennis champion Roger Federer as his sporting hero, who “does not even sweat when he plays.”

     

  • Bayelsa owes only five months salary – Commissioner

    Bayelsa owes only five months salary – Commissioner

    The Bayelsa government on Thursday described the impression that it was owing workers between 10 and 16 months salary backlog as inaccurate and insisted that outstanding obligation to its workfore was four-and-a-half months.

    The state government clarified the status of indebtedness to labour in a statement issued by Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Bayelsa Commissioner for Information.

    According to Iworiso-Markson, the arrears of four and half months accumulated in 2016 due to a sharp drop in the revenue profile of the state adding that following improvements in receipts from the federation account the state has no outstanding salary in 2017 fiscal year.

    Bayelsa Deputy Governor Rear Admiral John Jonah had on November 7 announced that the state government withheld the October 2017 salary of some 4, 200 workers in the local government system accused of involvement in payroll fraud.

    Messrs John Ndiomu and Tari Dounana, Chairmen of Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress respectively had challenged the state government to provide evidence for its action and prosecute those indicted as the unions would not support illegality.

    The Bayelsa government further said that it had nothing to do with the salary backlog in the councils as the local governments in Bayelsa enjoyed financial autonomy.

    Read also: How much does Dickson owe civil servants in Bayelsa?

    “As a matter of state policy, the Seriake Dickson’s administration does not tamper with local government allocations. This fact must be stressed because of the falsehood being peddled in some quarters that the state is owing local government workers.

    “It is public knowledge that government is waging a war against an endemic payroll fraud in the civil service in Bayelsa.

    “Last week, the state government in a bid to ensure a holistic implementation of the reforms introduced by the governor, withheld the salaries of 4,200 personnel suspected to be involved in the systemic fraud in the state.

    “Also, intensified efforts are being made to sanitize the system that has left the eight local government areas of the state with an unimaginable size of wage bill. The motive of the reforms is to have a wage bill with only genuine workers.

    “However, state owes salary arrears of four and a half months from last year when the economic recession was at its peak.

    “The government was compelled to pay half salaries at the time for six months because of the issue of paucity of funds caused by the recession. Even some of the outstanding arrears have been paid thereby reducing the figure to four and half months,” the statement read in part.

    NAN

  • NLC condemns sack of 5000 workers in Kaduna

    NLC condemns sack of 5000 workers in Kaduna

    The Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) has condemned the sack of 5,000 local government workers by the Kaduna State Government.

    In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, President of NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba, said the action of the state government was illegal.

    According to him, the Nigeria Labour Congress strongly condemns the mass sacking of 5,000 local government workers by the Kaduna State Government.

    “The purported sack violates the provisions of all labour laws, industrial relations practice as well as processes.

    “The reasons adduced by the government are spurious and unfounded. Aside from this, the process is patently faulty and unlawful, and redundancy cannot be carried out without following the provisions of the Labour Act.

    “When Kaduna Government announced the plan to lay off about 25,000 teachers for failing a competency test for Primary Four Class, we expressed our misgivings.

    “We said that the so-called competency test was a subterfuge and part of a premeditated plan to drastically cut down the workforce.

    “This is in furtherance to dangerous neo-liberal policies. The latest illegal mass sack of workers lends credence to our assertions or fears.

    “We would want to warn of the consequences of the reckless actions of the government of Kaduna State and will call for caution and restraint on the part of the government,’’ he said.

    The labour leader said it was evident that the state government did not give sufficient consideration to the social consequences of dropping off 5,000 workers.

    He deplored reports that the governor boasted that no one or nothing could stop him from carrying out his agenda of mass retrenchment of workers.

    “This is most unfortunate and a direct fulfilment of the exact opposite of his campaign promise and APC’s manifesto to create jobs.

    “He often says as Governor, he has the right, power, means and will to do as he likes, but this is undemocratic and anti-workers.

    “We are worried by these emotional outbursts, and their infectious effects on his peers and the polity as a whole.

    “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress expected more maturity and flexibility.

    Read also: Rescuing Kaduna’s troubled education sector

    “We accordingly advise the government to rescind its decision on the mass sack. We call on President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the APC, to call the governor to order,’’ he said.

    Wabba also noted that the President’s support for a reform in the education sector was not synonymous with “mindless and conscienceless retrenchment’’.

    He said that some states in the federation had carried out far-reaching reforms in the education sector with impressive results without causing social violence.

    He, therefore, called on the state government to heed to wise counsel given in good faith, adding that the statement should be considered as a served notice.

    The congress president said that workers would use all lawful means available to contest the wave of the mass sack.

    He said that NLC would mobilize workers and pensioners across the nation and its civil society allies in solidarity with workers in Kaduna

    NAN

  • I almost lost sanity after retirement – Totti

    I almost lost sanity after retirement – Totti

    Former Italy striker Francesco Totti on Thursday said accepting the end of a legendary footballing career was tough.

    He told newsmen that “at the beginning, I was talking to myself like a madman, I’m injured, I’m suspended, I’ll be back in a kit soon, though I’ve got used to it now.”

    Totti said he struggled with switching off from a routine of “waking up early, having breakfast and then going to training, like a machine.

    “Now I have to plan my days. The impact has not been easy, though I still train every day to let off a bit of steam and to stay fit.

    “If I let myself go, I’ll go up to 300 kilogrammes, for now, I’ve put on at most a couple.”

    The 41-year-old hung up his boots in May, breaking down in tears after a 3-2 home win against Genoa that sealed his 25-year playing career with Roma, his boyhood club.

    Read also:  Pallotta – Totti to be technical director

    He has no regrets at turning down offers from Real Madrid, the Emirates and the United States.

    “I would have made lots of money, but I would have ruined a 25-year-old love affair with Roma,’’ he said.

    Totti said that out of current stars he prefers Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo, and singled out tennis champion Roger Federer as his sporting hero, who “does not even sweat when he plays.”

    If Roma, currently in fourth position, do not win the league this season, Totti said he fancied Serie A leaders Napoli, because he liked the idea of the Scudetto going to a southern Italian club.

    He also said that starting out a new career as a coach was not a “priority now,” aside from following the football career of his 12-year-old son, Cristian.

    “I let him do his thing and I don’t say anything to him. In about three or four years, I’ll see what he’s truly made of,’’ Totti said.

    NAN

  • FG slashes import, export documentation requirements

    FG slashes import, export documentation requirements

    The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun says the Federal Government has reduced documentation requirements for import and export, to facilitate trade.

    Adeosun made this known on Thursday in Lagos at a Sensitisation Workshop with the theme: “Understanding Nigeria’s Revised Import and Export Guidelines, Procedures and Documentation Requirements for Ease of Doing Business’’.

    According to the minister, the measures include the reduction of documentation requirements from 10 to seven, for exports and from 14 to eight, for imports.

    Adeosun, who was represented by the Director, Home Finance, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Olubunmi Siyanbola, said that additional responsibilities had been given to the Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS ), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the shipping lines/other carriers.

    Reports say that government’s attention is principally focused on measures to ensure reduction in time spent on processing of export and also to ensure 24-hour clearance of cargo imported into the country.

    The minister announced that the NCS shall coordinate the mandatory joint examination and Sign-Off Form, within the official working hours, including Saturdays.

    “NCS shall make available the shipping manifests to other examination agencies as soon as they are received, to enable enough time for Risk Assessment.

    “Nigeria Integrated Customs Information Systems (NICIS) should be strengthened to accommodate more agencies.

    “Shipping lines shall transmit to the NCS and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the cargo manifest, before leaving the last Ports of Call to Nigeria.

    “Shipping lines shall ensure that Nigeria-bound containerised cargo are palletised,’’ Adeosun said.

    The minister said that a new section had been introduced, which stated that the NPA shall receive cargo manifests from shipping lines before the ship leaves the last Port of Call and circulate to other regulatory agencies for Risk Assessment and Profiling.

    Adeosun said that NPA shall be responsible for traffic management of vessels and shall ensure pilotage of vessels.
    The minister commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari toward ensuring the Ease of Doing business, which had started yielding dividends in some areas.

    According to her, in the recent World Bank report, Nigeria had moved up 24 points from 169th position on the 2017 ranking and also 170th position on the 2016 ranking to 145th position in the World Bank’s 2018 report.

    “That is, Nigeria is now in 145th position out of 190 countries in the Ease of Doing Business Index for 2018,’’ she said.
    Adeosun said that government was working relentlessly to quickly put in order the scanning system, so as to eliminate manual examination of goods and other associated delays.

    She said that the Export and Import Guidelines would be fully implemented with effect from January 1, 2018.

    “The Guidelines may not be perfect to address all concerns but government will monitor its implementation closely, to address emerging and unforeseen situations,’’ the minister said.

    In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr Mamoud Isa-Dutse, urged business entities involved in both import and export trading to abide by the provisions of the guidelines.

    The permanent secretary was represented by the Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Salisu Nainna.

    “Let our efforts in striving to create a lucrative business environment in Nigeria be mutually-reinforcing, to enable us as a country make significant progress.

    “We are duty-bound to foster formal trade not only to block loopholes for leakages of government revenue but also to promote the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, so as to enhance the competitiveness of the economy for our business to continue to prosper.

    “The present government is taking steps toward ensuring 24-hour clearance of cargo using cutting-edge technology.

    “In this direction, efforts are ongoing to revive and upgrade the scanning system as a short-term measure, pending the acquisition of modern High Definition Scanners,’’ Isa-Dutse said.

    He said that the Ease of Doing Business had improved Nigeria’s performance in terms of trading across borders, with the introduction of Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

    The permanent secretary said that the guidelines had taken into account the directives of the Vice President and there was that inherent potency to facilitate trade without compromising the interest of the national economy.

    Isa-Dutse said that the objective of the workshop could be achieved if stakeholders were properly informed about procedures, rules and regulations, as well as modalities for their implementation and enforcement.

    Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade & Investment, urged the private sector to cooperate with the Federal Government in the reform initiatives.

    “We ask that stakeholders should refrain from circumventing policies, as we strive to implement initiatives and reforms needed to scale up the efficiency and transparency of the public sector, ’’ Oduwole said.

    “We invite you all to give us your candid feedback on how our reforms are working in practice, as we collectively strive to make Nigeria an easier place in which to do business,’’ she said.

    Oduwole was represented by Mr Jude Oboh, Reform Leader at the Enabling Business Environment secretariat.

    Mr Tony Ayalogu, a Deputy Controller of Customs, stressed the importance of palletisation of cargo, saying that it protected goods from any form of damage.

    Ayalogu said that a standard palletised cargo could carry a maximum cargo of 100 kg.

    He urged Nigerians to ensure compliance with policy on palletisation of containerised cargo coming into the country, to make the Customs work seamlessly and to reduce the time of doing business.

    NAN

  • Emulate exemplary lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad – Imam tells Nigerians

    Emulate exemplary lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad – Imam tells Nigerians

    The Chief Imam of Islamic Centre, Enugu, Alhaji Abdul Isola, on Thursday, urged Nigerians to use the Eid-El-Maulud period to emulate the exemplary lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad  in the interest of peace.

    Muslims over the world , observe the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ Al-Awwal.

    Muhammad was born in Mecca, a city in Saudi Arabia in the year 570 of the Gregorian calendar.

    Muslims celebrate Eid-El-Maulud by donating food and other goods for charity throughout the month and listen or read out poems about events that occurred in the Prophet Muhammad’s life.

    The cleric urged Nigerians to follow the servant-leadership exemplified by the prophet during his life time.

    He noted that the prophet’s lifestyle made Islam a religion of peace and good neighbourliness it is today throughout the world.

    “Nigerians should learn to live in peace and shun all forms of in-fighting and unnecessary trouble-making in any form.

    “We must shun all forms of evil we engage in today that give the country a negative image.

    “Nigerians will do better if each one of us emulate the exemplary lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) by being good citizens, living in peace with one another, especially our neighbours,’’ he said.

    The cleric, who is also the Chief Scholar of the centre, called on Nigerians to fear God and move closer to Him.

    “It is only when we seek the face of almighty Allah ( God ) that His mercies will shower on the country to give us the needed peace to make rapid progress,’’ he said.

    The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Interior, had declared Friday, Dec. 1, as a public holiday to commemorate Eid-El-Maulud.

    NAN

  • NDLEA intercepts 200kg of suspected Cannabis in Edo

    NDLEA intercepts 200kg of suspected Cannabis in Edo

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ) in Edo says it has intercepted a shipment of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa at Ehor in the state.

    Mr Buba Wakawa, State Commander of the agency in the state, disclosed this in Benin on Thursday.

    According to Wakawa, the suspected substance was packed in 20 bags weighing about 200 kilogrammes and concealed in a false compartment.

    He said the stuff was lined on the inner wall of a dark blue Volkswagen Bus with Anambra registration number: ACA 711 XT.

    He said the driver of the bus had been arrested in connection with the suspected substance.

    The commander also said that preliminary investigation revealed that the illicit drugs were being conveyed from Iruekpen in Edo to Uko-Orji in Imo.

    He said that the driver of the bus was presently assisting the command in its investigation.

    He also said that the suspect was married with four children and hailed from Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta.

    Wakawa said the suspect in his statement, disclosed that he had been driving for fifteen years but recently began to smuggle cannabis because of lack of a stable job.

    “I have been driving for the past fifteen years. However, in the past two years, I have been out of a stable employment.

    “It was in the process of looking for food for my family that l accepted to smuggle cannabis.

    “Shortly after l took off, my bus was stopped at Ehor by NDLEA officers on patrol; the drug was well hidden but l was surprised when the officers detected it in a false compartment,” the suspect said.

    NAN

  • Gov. Ayade presents N1.3trn budget for 2018

    Gov. Ayade presents N1.3trn budget for 2018

    Gov.Ben Ayade of Cross River has presented a budget of N1.3 trillion for the 2018 fiscal year to the Cross River House of Assembly for deliberation and passage.

    Ayade, who presented the budget on Thursday in Calabar, said that the proposal was designed to add value to the socio-economic development and well being of the people of the state.

    Ayade, who tagged the budget as “Budget of Kinetic Crystallisation’’, said it was meant to crystallise what the state had achieved in the past two years of his administration.

    He said that the priority of the budget was to develop the state’s deep sea port and the super highway which he said were his two marked projects.

    The governor said that 70 per cent of the budget was for capital expenditure and 30 per cent,re-current expenditure.

    According to him, the size of the budget is expected to create room for potential investors, now that the annual construction of the state deep sea port and superhighway has commenced.

    He added that the budget was for actualisation and implementation of the state deep sea port, super highway and other laudable projects earmarked for completion.

    “The 2018 budget of N13.trillion, tagged `Kinetic Crystallisations’, is meant to drive the economy of the state to an enviable height.

    “The sum of N126billion was budgeted for the Ministry of Infrastructure. This is to help us develop critical assets in the state.

    “N7 billion was also budgeted for the state job centre with a view to helping us train our unemployed youths with marketable job skills.

    “Also, we have budgeted N2billion for our school feeding programme. In addition to that, we also budgeted N52billion for social welfare to care for the aged.

    “My administration is human friendly and my desire is to ensure that every family has what to eat before going to bed,’’ he said.

    The governor further said that the garment factory, with 1,000 workers, would be increased to 3,000 in 2018 as part of his administration’s drive to engage the unemployed in the state.

    The 2018 budget is far higher than the 2017 budget of N301billion.

    Responding, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr John Gaul-Lebo, commended the governor for commencing work on the deep sea port and the super highway.

    Gaul-Lebo said that the two projects, when completed, would attract more investors to the state and improve its revenue profile.

    He assured the governor of the assembly’s continued support for the economic and political growth of the state.

    NAN

  • Jonathan, Ben Bruce applaud Wizkid over best win at MOBO Awards

    Jonathan, Ben Bruce applaud Wizkid over best win at MOBO Awards

    Former President, Goodluck Jonathan and Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, have applauded Nigerian music superstar Ayo Balogun, a.k.a Wizkid, for winning the ‘Best International Act’ at the 2017 MOBO awards.

    The 22nd edition of the iconic Music of Black Origin ( MOBO ) Awards was held on Wednesday night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, United Kingdom.

    The ‘Star boy’ defeated American rapper Jay-Z, Drake, SZA, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar and other famous international artistes to clinch the highly coveted trophy.

    Jonathan in a post on his Facebook wall congratulated Wizkid for making Nigeria proud.

    He wrote:“When Nigeria does well, I cannot help but feel well.

    “My happiness is tied to the happiness of Nigeria, and when Nigerians break records and take the name of Nigeria to greater heights it exhilarates me.

    “Thank you Wizkid for raising Nigeria’s flag high for the positive, not the negative.

    “Your emergence as the Best International Act at the #MOBOAwards is a proud moment for Nigeria, and the fact that you emerged over JAY-Z and Drake makes it even more celebratory. WELL DONE.”

    Also, Ben Murray- Bruce eulogized Wizkid on his Twitter handle- @ benmurraybruce,describing the feat as ‘one of the proudest moments of his life.’

    He wrote: “Dear @wizkidayo, I‘ve been in the entertainment business as an investor since 1980.

    “One of my proudest moments for Nigerian music is the day you defeated both Jayz and @Drake, two of the biggest stars in the world, to win the Best international Act at the #MOBOAwards, well done.”

    NAN reports that ace singer David Adeleke, a.k.a Davido, also won big at the MOBO Awards.

    He edged out Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Maleek Berry and others to pitch the “Best African Act” award.

    The MOBO Awards, which started in 1996, is held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or nationality performing black music.

    NAN