The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspaper

  • FG to invest more in entertainment infrastructure – Lai Mohammed

    FG to invest more in entertainment infrastructure – Lai Mohammed

     The Federal Government( FG ) says it will provide the needed facilities for the entertainment industry to thrive in the country.

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said this in an interview on the sideline of the 4th All African Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2017 in Lagos.

    He said that the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari, would continue to support the entertainment industry by providing infrastructural facilities.

    On the significance of the AFRIMA to Nigeria’s economy and entertainment industry, Mohammed said that in order to encourage the entertainment industry, government would partner with private investors to invest more in the entertainment facilities.

    “The entertainment industry is overwhelming in the world right now and in Nigeria we need to do more in providing right atmosphere which is infrastructural facilities for the industry.

    “We are not just talking about power sector or water, we are talking about entertainment. We need to be on purpose, build halls that will encourage our artists and musicians.

    “We are talking about domestic tourism, domestic market where we can really expose our artists, so this will not only be about government but also private sector to provide the infrastructure.

    “On the part of government, we will encourage more private sector and philanthropists all over the world because it is not something we leave to government alone,’’ he said.

    Mohammed said that hosting of event such as AFRIMA was another way of generating income for the government because of the tourism factor which could bring more earnings.

    “Nigeria is having this event now, AFRIMA 2017, and we are talking about bringing another way of improving our economy through other income.

    “We must not forget that Nigeria hosted same award last year and we have to make another positive request for this year so that it can remain in Nigeria.

    “We thank the African Union (AU) for this opportunity for accepting Nigeria to host it again this year. We are also grateful to Lagos State government for the support of this award.

    “The positive thing about the award is that we have been able to move the music industry from the back corner to the front burner,’’ he said.
    Mohammed said that the concentration would not be placed only on agriculture or oil and gas, but also on creative industry as a means of diversifying the economy.

    “This means when we are talking about economy, we are not just talking about agriculture, solid mineral or construction but actually more in the creative industry.

    “Nigeria already has a very high advantage, and we can see that recently with the awards Nigerian are getting in the industry and most recent of the Wizkid award in U.K.

    “This shows the kind of influence we can have in the creative industry which can be positive to our economy,’’ he said.

    The minister was the Special Guest of Honour at the Awards Ceremony.

    NAN

  • DG, NYSC lauds Kogi for renovating camp

    DG, NYSC lauds Kogi for renovating camp

    The Director-General of National Youths Service Corps,Brig.-Gen. Sulaiman Kazaure, has commended the Kogi Government for renovating the NYSC orientation camp, Kabba in the state.

    Kazaure gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Mr Arome Adoji, in Lokoja on Monday.

    He said the renovation had proved the commitment of the government toward enhancing NYSC  scheme, especially with the increased population of corps members in the state.

    Kazaure, represented by the State  Coordinator, Mrs Oludolapo Ahile, also commended the state government for providing adequate security and welfare to serving corps members in the state.

    Responding, Adoji who is also the State Chairman, NYSC Governing Board, thanked the director-general for the visit.
    He described Gov. Yahaya Bello “as a youth friendly leader’’, who had always show interest in the scheme since he assumed duty in 2016’’.

    Read Also:  Soldiers arrest NYSC members in Ondo

  • AFAN lauds Buhari for increased allocation to agric sector in 2018 Budget

    AFAN lauds Buhari for increased allocation to agric sector in 2018 Budget

    The Kaduna State chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria ( AFAN ) on Monday applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the increased allocation to agriculture in the 2018 budget proposal.

    The state AFAN Chairman, Alhaji Nuhu Aminu, conveyed the commendation in an interview  in Zaria.

    “As a farmers’ association, we ought to appreciate President Buhari for increasing budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector in 2018; the figure is more than what was allocated to the sector this year.

    “However, we plead with the Buhari-administration to sustain its efforts to ensure the country’s food security and accomplish its economic diversification derive.

    “If the government really wants to diversify the economy; then, there is every need to prioritise agriculture in terms of increased funding,’’ he said.

    He said that adequate allocation of resources to the sector would facilitate plans to diversify the national economy via agriculture.

    The Federal Government allocated N118.98 billion to agriculture in the proposed 2018 budget, as against the N92 billion it allocated to the sector in 2017.

    Aminu said: “This indicates an increase of about N26.98 billion; this is of course commendable and we pray for consistent increase annually.

    “We hope all the necessary farm inputs will be supplied to farmers before the onset of the next rainy season to further boost the farmers’ morale.’’

    The AFAN chairman, however, urged the government to develop the solid minerals and tourism sectors so as to boost its efforts to diversify the country’s economy.

    “Almost all the states of the federation have one mineral resource or the other in commercial quantities that have yet to be exploited.

    “In view of this, we want to appeal to the government to collaborate with foreign firms in its plans to exploit these minerals to facilitate national development,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • INEC chairman warns Anambra staff against electoral fraud

    INEC chairman warns Anambra staff against electoral fraud

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday warned the Anambra staff of the commission against involvement in electoral fraud.

    Yakubu gave the warning when he addressed the staff of the commission at the INEC state headquarters Awka ahead of Nov.18 governorship election.

    The INEC boss said that anybody caught in electoral malpractice would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

    “Every INEC worker must ensure that we all achieve our set goal of making Anambra Nov.18 governorship election flawless and historic,’’ he said.

    Yakubu said that Nigerians and indeed people outside are watching INEC in its resolve to make Anambra governorship election the best in the history of the commission.

    “INEC will be holding two elections in Anambra on Nov. 18, the governorship election and the state assembly election for Idemili North state constituency you must discharge your duties diligently.

    “There are many people out there working seriously to see that the commission fails in its commitment to record free, fair and credible election and you must have this in mind.

    “INEC will get rid of you if you do the wrong thing, and you are aware that those caught in the web of such negative act during the conduct of 2015 election are still facing the music’’, he said.

    He said that he had about one month ago provided money and other logistics needed for the smooth conduct of the  election and advised unit heads to work closely with their subordinates.

    “The deployment of materials to local governments will commence on Wednesday this week while the sensitive materials would be shared a day before the election.

    “You must make sure you get to the polling units by 8am on the election to make sure that things work according to plan’’, he said.

    Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, assured the national chairman that staff of the commission  were committed to ensuring a hitch-free election.

    NAN

  • Tottenham’s Dembele eyes start against Arsenal

    Tottenham’s Dembele eyes start against Arsenal

    Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele is confident he can make his first Premier League start for the club in two months, in the weekend’s clash at Arsenal after fully recovering from a foot injury.

    Dembele, whose progress has also been stalled by a hip issue, has featured just six times in the Premier League this season.

    And he played the full 45 minutes after coming on at half time in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace earlier this month.

    The Belgian international is targeting a full time return to first team action.

    “My injury is much better, “Dembele told Sky Sports.”I played 45 minutes in the last game so it is good. Of course.

    “I want to be playing for the team and adding my value but right now I am very optimistic and feel good.

    “For us every game is important, but we know there is some extra vibe for this kind of game, it’s important for us.”

    Tottenham are third in the table, eight points behind runaway leaders Manchester City, and Dembele stressed the importance of a win on Saturday.

    “Also, like the fans, we have the same goal, we want to achieve something as a club and any team that we play we want to beat, we want to win,” he said.

    “That is the same with this game, we are aware of the importance of this derby.”

    Arsenal, who were beaten 3-1 at City in their last league outing are sixth in the standings with 19 points from 11 games.

    NAN

  • Liverpool’s Mane suffers injury scare on Senegal duty

    Liverpool’s Mane suffers injury scare on Senegal duty

    Liverpool and Senegal forward Sadio Mane has returned to the English Premier League club earlier than scheduled after tweaking his hamstring on international duty, the Senegal Football Federation has said.

    The 25-year-old made crucial contributions for Senegal as they sealed a berth in the 2018 World Cup finals with a 2-0 win over South Africa on Friday.

    “Following the match between South Africa and Senegal on Friday, Sadio Mane slightly felt his old injury,” the Senegal Football Federation said in a statement on Monday.

    “After consultations between the medical staff of the national team of Senegal and Liverpool it was decided by mutual agreement to make him available to his club to continue treatment until full recovery.”

    Mane missed five games for Liverpool after sustaining the hamstring injury on Senegal duty in September and returned in the Merseyside club’s league win over West Ham United earlier this month.

    Liverpool are fifth in the league and host Mane’s former club Southampton, who are 13th, on Saturday.

    NAN

  • Why we chose Agege Stadium for continental matches – MFM Director

    Why we chose Agege Stadium for continental matches – MFM Director

    The Director of MFM FC of Lagos, Emmanuel Adeyemi on Monday said that the club chose to play its continental matches at Agege Stadium because it has a “fortress” of fans  no team will survive.

    Adeyemi said in an interview  that though the club could play its matches anywhere in Lagos, it remained in Agege to maintain its affinity with their supporters.

    “MFM FC can play anywhere in Lagos, it’s just that this is our home ground and this is where we have our fans and we are also used to the facility here.

    “Agege fans have been of great support to the team, we want them to enjoy our playing in the continent here, but that does not mean we cannot play anywhere else.

    “We are thankful to the Lagos State government for their tremendous support in making this place ready. The support has been so great; Agege remains a fortress,’’ he said.

    Adeyemi expressed optimism that CAF would certify the stadium for the continental campaign.

    “ I am confident that Agege will get CAF’s approval for our continental campaign, the Lagos State government has committed large sum for its remodelling.

    “ With the kind of passion shown to MFM by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, we are left with little to do, just to get our players ready.

    “For this competition, we are not only representing Lagos State, but we will be flying the national flag.

    “The state government has done everything possible in making sure that Agege Stadium gets CAF approval by December, and we will take it up from there,” he said.

    Adeyemi reporterd that the team would begin close camping as soon as it completes ongoing recruitment of new players.

    “Immediately after we must have done with getting new signings, we will go into closed camping. The coaches and the technical crew have submitted their list and we are looking into it.

    “We will strengthen all the departments from defence to the midfield and strikers; we want to add to our pool of talented players.

    “For us in MFM, we believe in excellence and we want to effectively represent Lagos and Nigeria at the CAF Champions League, so all hands are on deck.

    “We aim to make MFM the toast of many as far as football club is concerned.

    “So we are ready to surpass the targets of people with the level of support we have received from the Lagos State Governor,’’the director added.

    In the same vein, Sola Coker, a board member of the Lagos State Football Association, (LSFA) said that MFM would get all the support needed from the body.

    “We are ready to support MFM to any length. We are happy that Lagos is back on the continent after 16 years in the doldrums.

    “We are glad that Ambode gave his support for Agege Stadium to meet CAF’s standard, it’s such a huge investment and a positive development.

    “We have worked hard for this since about six years ago during the emergence of MFM till now and we can only hope for the better,’’ the LSFA board member said.

    NAN

  • NOA begins nationwide campaign on ‘Building People of Peace’

    NOA begins nationwide campaign on ‘Building People of Peace’

    The National Orientation Agency ( NOA ) has commenced a nationwide campaign tagged “Building a People of Peace’’ to foster harmonious relationship among Nigerians.

    The Kwara State Coordinator of NOA, Mr Olusegun Adeyemi, made the disclosure on Monday while delivering his speech at the flag off of the programme in Ilorin.

    He said the campaign was to foster peace in homes, workplaces and religious organisations.

    “Let me reiterate the fact that peace and harmonious living are the sine quo non for development, economic growth and well being of all and sundry.

    “Peace is an issue that cannot be over emphasised because without it, the society will experience crisis and be in chaos without achieving any developmental goals,’’ Adeyemi said.

    The NOA coordinator called on all stakeholders to play vital role in building peace, especially at a time when hate speeches and separatist agitations were being fuelled by selfish Nigerians.

    Kwara State Head of Service, Mrs Susan Oluwole, who spoke at the event, said equity and tolerance were necessary for peace and harmonious relationship and in building heterogeneous society.

    “To achieve cordial and peaceful relationship in the society, we should shun tribalism, favouritism, injustice and other vices,” she said.

    Oluwole called on civil servants to be committed to their duties and adhere to laid down rules and regulations governing their jobs.

    She urged NOA not to relent in the sensitisation of the public on issues that would promote peace in the society.

    The Guest Speaker, Prof. Isaac Albert, Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, said Nigerians must respect their socio-cultural and religious differences in order to build a strong and peaceful nation.

    He said: “we are not created to think and act the same way, therefore we must recognise the contributions and opinions of every citizen in Nigeria.

    “The country is diversified with different cultural and socio-political settings which tolerance and respect for one another must be factor of consideration to achieve peace.”

    NAN

  • Buhari’s visit to Turkey attracts 23 companies

    Buhari’s visit to Turkey attracts 23 companies

    Following President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent visit to Turkey to boost bilateral trade, 23 Turkish electrical manufacturing  companies will  visit Nigeria this week to meet buyers and distributors.

    The Managing Director of Naijalink Ltd., Mrs Thessa Bagu, said this in Lagos that the visit would strengthen trade and economic relations between Nigeria and Turkey.

    Naijalinks, a local firm, connected foreign companies willing to do business in Nigeria to local buyers or sellers.

    “Following renewed Turkish-Nigerian commitments to boost bilateral trade, a Turkish electronics and electrical goods trade mission will, this week, be visiting Nigeria for meetings with local buyers and distributors.

    “This trade mission is coming only weeks after President Buhari visited Turkey to strengthen trade and economic relations between Nigeria and Turkey.

    “Under the ambit of the Turkish Electro Technology Exporters’ Association ( TET ) – a professional body representing over 7,500 companies – the trade mission will showcase advanced Turkish white goods, electronics, cables and electrical production and distribution equipment,’’ she said.

    Bagu said that the mission would comprise Turkish manufacturers, representing companies across consumer electronics and appliances, lighting, cables, electrical transmission and distribution equipment, industrial automation products and specialised cables.

    She said that the mission, to be led by the Vice Chairman of TET Board, Mr Mehmet Kavaklioglu, would hold pre-scheduled meetings with Nigerian business operators at Eko Hotel and suites, Lagos, on Thursday.

    According to her, Turkey’s fast-growing electronics, white goods and electrical components sector annually exports over 10 billion dollars in goods to the global market.

    Buhari went on a four-day working visit to Turkey on Oct. 18.

    The president participated in the ninth D-8 Summit in Istanbul on Oct. 20 and held bilateral meetings with some member-countries.

    NAN

  • Wizkid defeats Davido, sweeps AFRIMA 2017 award

    Wizkid defeats Davido, sweeps AFRIMA 2017 award

    Wizkid, a.k.a Star boy, has defeated his arch-rival Davido, to become the best African male artiste at the 2017 All African Music Award ( AFRIMA ) held in Lagos on Sunday.

    Wizkid’s award included, Artiste of the Year, for his song “Come Closer’’, Song of the Year for the same song and Best Male artiste in Western Africa.

    This win has once again renewed the battle of supremacy between the two popular artistes and is coming shortly after Davido edged Wizkid out at the 2017 MTV EMA by winning the “Best African Act”.

    Wizkid got a rare international recognition in 2016 after he had a collaboration effort with American international Drake with their Collabo song “One Dance sold in 15 countries including U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia.

    Earlier this year, Wizkid became the first Afrobeat artist to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to Drake’s hit song “One Dance’’.

    In his acceptance speech, the Ojuelegba crooner thanked 2baba and DJ Jimmy Jatt for their contributions to the African music landscape.

    Wizkid, born on July 16, 1990, a song writer and a solo artiste started his foray into music at the tender age of 11 with his band “Glorious Five’’ a group formed from a church choir.

    He however took the music world by storm with his all-time hit track “Holla at your Boy’’ in 2010 and another hit track “Ayo’’ in 2014.

    NAN