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  • 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

  • Bagudu inaugurates 5-year advocacy forum on child survival

    Bagudu inaugurates 5-year advocacy forum on child survival

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, on Thursday inaugurated the state Advocacy and Community Engagement Forum to raise the level of enrolment of children in school over the next five years.

    The forum would develop a five-year plan covering 2018-2022, for use by UNICEF and the government to address issues of school enrolment, child health and survival.

    The plan is expected to upscale access to routine immunization, antenatal care, exclusive breast feeding, net school enrolment, hygiene and provision of safe drinking water, among others, in the state.

    Bagudu said the forum should work closely with traditional and religious leaders across the state to mobilise residents against practices that result in cholera outbreaks and other preventable diseases.

    “I want UNICEF to value our local practices; in all our villages and communities, you will find Muslims and Christians going about their lives according to their religious teachings and providing education to their people in their own ways.

    “Even if they are doing it wrongly, you should work with them so as to succeed in the advocacy and achieve the aim by the specific period,” he said.

    He commended UNICEF for its successful interventions in the state, and advised all stakeholders to work together in addressing the challenges.

    Earlier, UNICEF Chief, Sokoto Field Office, Muhammad Muhiuddin, said handbooks had been developed with inputs from Muslims and Christian clerics as well as experts addressing various issues from the religious perspective.

    He said the handbooks cover such areas as nutrition, hand washing, sanitation and hygiene, education and child protection.

    “Verses from the Qur’an and Hadith and the Bible related to maternal and child survival, development and protection are carefully selected and compiled, providing the spiritual basis for promoting the big impact interventions,” he said.

    According to him, community and religious leaders will lead the campaign of providing new opportunities to ensure that children in the state get the best options in life for their survival, development and growth to full potentials.

    NAN

  • Varsity celebrates with prisoners as Oyedepo clocks 63

    Varsity celebrates with prisoners as Oyedepo clocks 63

    The Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Thursday donated food items and drugs to inmates of  Omu-Aran Medium Prison to celebrate 63 years’ birthday of the institution’s  Chancellor, Bishop David Oyedepo.

    Oyedepo, born on Sept. 27, 1954, is the Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel.

    Pastor Abiodun Okunola said at the occasion that the donation was in line with the corporate social responsibility of the university.

    He noted that the items were carefully selected to improve the inmates’ welfare.

    The pastor praised the management of the prison for efficient use of welding equipment earlier donated to it by the institution.

    The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Olayanju, said that university would pursue policies and programmes that would add value to the overall wellbeing of the community.

    Olayanju, represented by Dr Agaptus Nworzor, the university’s Dean of College of Business and Social Sciences, urged the inmates not to lose hope.

    “God has used Dr. David Oyedepo, the Chancellor of Landmark University, to touch many lives; that is why we came here today to celebrate his birthday with you.

    “God can turn any situation around; yours will not be an exception,” he said.

    Receiving the gifts, Mr Tolomoleke Ezekiel, a Superintendent of Prison, thanked the university for the donation.

    He promised that the gifts would be well used.

    That the university also made a similar donation to the Oke-Igbala Leprosarium also in Omu-Aran.

    Dr Adegoke Oluwajoba, Medical Officer, Oke-Igbala Leprosarium, expressed gratitude to the institution for the gesture, and promised that the gifts would be well used.

    Other activities carried out by Landmark University to celebrate the anniversary included inauguration of a 3.5KVA solar power inverter for electrification of a section of the university’s medical centre.

    NAN

  • Edo plans alternative sources to power street lights

    Edo plans alternative sources to power street lights

    Edo state Government says it plans to use many sources of energy to power street lights in the state.

    Mr Cruse Osagie, the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Communication and Strategy, disclosed this in an interview with a reporter.

    He said that this would ensure that the streets were well lit all the night.

    Osagie said the current sources of keeping the streets illuminated at night were no longer sustainable, stressing that the epileptic public power supply was not helping the matter.

    Edo State depends on the public power supply and electricity generating sets to power the street lights.

    Osagie said the government would maximize the use of resources at Azure power plant, Siemens and Osiomon power plants to boost power supply in the state.

    Osage said these plants would power critical public assets in the state, including street lights, and help to keep the streets lit for longer hours at night.

    A top government official, who pleaded anonymity, said that the state had entered into a partnership with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company ( BEDC ) to help power the street lights.

    The source also said that there was another plan to outsource the street lights to private firms for efficiency.

    “Yes, this has been concluded.

    “The firm will be responsible for the maintenance of the street lights such as changing the dead bulbs and ensuring the they are all in perfect working condition all the time.”

    The source said most of the street lights were provided by the state government with council areas and Niger Delta Development Company ( NDDC ) providing some.

    He said Benin metropolis, Ekpoma, Uromi and Auchi were the major towns where the state government was providing street lights.

    An official of the BEDC confirmed the company’s partnership with the state government on the street light project.

    Mr Fidelis Obishai, an official of BEDC, said the partnership was effective in places like Airport Road, Akpakpava and Sapele Road in Benin City.

    “We have connected these areas to the double circuit lines to ensure that they remain lit for 24 hours.

    “We did all this at no cost to the government.

    “We are hoping this partnership will help improve life for the commoners as well as for better governance,” he said.

    NAN

  • No need for too much talk – Mikel Obi

    No need for too much talk – Mikel Obi

     Super Eagles’ captain Mikel Obi said on Wednesday that the Nigerian national team players have no need to say too much before Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

    The second leg game of Group B between Nigeria and Zambia for the 2018 World Cup qualifier is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    The outcome of the match would determine the chances of both teams towards qualification for the world cup in Russia.

    Obi, said in Uyo at a reception held for the team by Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, that the players know what is at stake and ready to give their best.

    “We know how important the match is; that is enough motivation to go all out and give our very best.

    “There are several players in this team who have not played at the FIFA World Cup, they want to be there in Russia next year.

    “The talking will be done on the pitch. I have no doubt we have the quality to achieve victory, but we will not make the mistake of under rating the Zambians,’’ he said.

    Obi said that the team’s good performance in previous matches was achieved due to the focus, determination and massive support of all Nigerians.

    “We believe the same indices are in place for Saturday against Zambia; we have played four matches in the campaign so far, but this one is the match.

    “We are fully focused and ready. All we want is the usual support and encouragement by everyone involved, including the fans that will turn out at the match venue,’’ he said.

    Nigeria top Group B with 10 points from three wins and one draw.

    Table-toppers Nigeria will qualify for a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with the minimum victory on Saturday.

    The match kicks off at 5pm.

    Meanwhile, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF Communication Director, President of the federation, President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has tasked the Super Eagles to be calm but clinical against their opponent.

    “The tendency is for teams to get uptight and tensed for this kind of match.

    “I have spoken to them and the approach should be to take full control from the beginning and take the chances that come without being too anxious.

    “We defeated the African champions, Cameroon, by maintaining focus and with the team imposing its game and taking the chances that came their way.

    “That should be the approach for Saturday.”

    Zambia last victory against Nigeria in a competitive football match at senior level was 32 years ago.

    The two teams have played 18 matches in all, with the Eagles winning seven and Zambia winning five, with six draws.

    This is only the second FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the two teams.

    The first leg of the 2018 world cup qualifiers was won by the Eagles 2-1 in Ndola last year.

    NAN

  • Katsina invests over N7.5 bn on roads construction

    Katsina invests over N7.5 bn on roads construction

    The Katsina State Government on Thursday said that it has invested over N7.5 billion on the construction of 200 kilometers of roads across the state.

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina disclosed this in Daura during an inspection of completed road projects in Daura senatorial zone of the state.

    He said that the roads construction was ongoing in all the three senatorial zones of the state to assist rural dwellers to transport their farm produce to markets.

    The governor revealed that works had been completed on the Fago, Sandamu, Baure, Zango and Babban Mutum road projects, adding that the 75 kilometres roads were done at the cost of N2.9 billion.

    “The immediate past administration in Katsina state paid 30 per cent of the N2.9bn for the project while the current APC government paid for 70 per cent of the total amount.

    “The government also awarded the 35Km Dandume—Kadisau—Daudawa—Sheme Road Project which has been completed at the cost of N1.5 billion.

    “The government awarded the 3.3 km Nagogo Road dualisation project and the 90km Tsanni—Tsauri road project at the cost of N3 billion and both have been completed.

    “Other road projects by this administration are the N1.5 billion 24kms Mararaba – Sayaya—Sayaya—Mazoji—Tasha roads, Eka—Kadandani—Kuraye—Yargamji road and the construction of Dutsin-ma—Tsaskiya—Babban Duhu—Kukar Samu road.

    “Also the construction of Gora—Makaurachi—Gamzago-Mallamawa Road and construction of Sukuntumi to Babban-Kogo road in Katsina Senatorial Zone.” he said

    The governor said that the massive investment on roads was in fulfillment of campaign promises to the people to improve their living condition.

    Earlier, a representative of the contractor handling the projects, Mr John Brown commended the governor for prompt releases of funds for the completion of the projects.

    Brown said that the governor had kept his promise of providing the necessary assistance in getting the job done.

    NAN

  • Price of rice to fall despite World food prices increase

    Price of rice to fall despite World food prices increase

    World food prices rose slightly in September from the month before, buoyed by higher valuations in the vegetable oil and dairy sectors, the UN agency said on Thursday.

    The price index released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 178.4 points in September, up 0.8 percent from August.

    Prices on international markets were 4.3 percent higher than their values last September.

    FAO raised its forecast for global cereals output in the 2017-18 season to 2.612 billion tonnes, slightly above last year’s record harvest.

    The agency also raised its forecast for global wheat production to 750.1 million tonnes.

    NAN

  • Court docks man for dangerous driving

    Court docks man for dangerous driving

    The police on Thursday arraigned a 30-year-old driver, Daniel Onuh in a Karmo Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, over dangerous driving.

    Onuh, who resides at Daki-Biyu, Abuja, is facing two-count charge.

    The prosecutor, Florence Avhioboh, told the court that the defendant allegedly drove a Toyota Camry car in a dangerous manner along Obafemi Awolowo Express Way Abuja on Sept. 10.

    Avhioboh said Onuh drove from speed lane to service lane and run into Joshua Abotal of University of Abuja and damaged his car and it would cost N300,000 to fix it.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 18 and 29 and of the Road Traffic Act.

    However, the defendant denied committing the offences and the judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 and a surety in like sum.

    Sadiq ordered that the defendant’s car be kept in police station.

    He said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must present utility bill carrying his name as he adjourned the case until Oct. 30 for further hearing.

    NAN

  • Udom redeems 50,000 dollars pledge to Super Eagles – NFF

    Udom redeems 50,000 dollars pledge to Super Eagles – NFF

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom, has redeemed his pledge of 10,000 dollars per goal for the matches against Cameroon to the Super Eagles.

    The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja.

    Gov. Udom had promised the players 10,000 dollars for every goal, two days before their clash with the reigning African champions, whom the Super Eagles walloped 4-0 in Uyo on Sept.1.

    They went on to earn a 1-1 draw with the Lions in Yaounde on Sept. 4.

    “Gov. Udom has redeemed the pledge on Wednesday, while calling on the Super Eagles to go for the broke on Saturday and expect ‘a handsome reward’ from him.

    “There will be more incentives for the Eagles if the team could earn a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance by winning on Saturday,’’ NFF’s spokesman, Ademola Olajire said in a statement.

    “I know you have the quality to overcome in this important match, but I don’t want you to underrate your opponents.

    “I love the professionalism and dedication to cause that you have shown since the beginning of this qualifying campaign. Those efforts have put Nigeria at the top of the table.

    “I want to commend the NFF, your coaches and the support staff for the great job they have all done in support of your efforts to get to this position.

    “You are just one win away from achieving your goal. The Zambians are taking this game as a do-or-die affair, so we need to be totally focused and play like soldiers,’’ it quoted the governor as saying.

    The statement said Super Eagles’ Captain, Mikel John Obi, thanked the governor and pledged to him and indeed Nigerians everywhere that the team would not disappoint on Saturday.

    “We very much appreciate the role Your Excellency, the Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State, the NFF and Nigerians from all walks of life have played to get us to this position in this campaign.

    “We know how much this match means and we will go out there and do the job,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Turkey orders detention of 133 workers in post-coup probe

    Turkey orders detention of 133 workers in post-coup probe

    Turkish authorities have issued detention warrants for 133 people working in the finance and labour ministries, the state-run Anadolu news agency said on Thursday.

    The detention, according to Anadolu, was part of a widening crackdown  by the government following the 2016 failed coup attempt.

    The suspects were detained for allegedly using ByLock, an encrypted messaging app which the government said was used by the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed by Ankara of orchestrating July abortive coup.

    Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, denies involvement.

    Anadolu said that 101 of the suspects were from the Finance Ministry and 32 from the Labour Ministry.

    It said that two of the suspects from each ministry were active workers.

    Since then, more than 50,000 people have been jailed pending trial over links to Gulen, while 150,000 people have been sacked or suspended from jobs in the public and private sectors.

    Rights groups and some of Turkey’s Western allies have voiced concern about the crackdown, fearing the government is using the coup as a pretext to quash dissent.

    The government says only such a purge could neutralise the threat represented by Gulen’s network, which it says deeply infiltrated institutions such as the army, schools and courts.

    In a latest development, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted by media as saying that Turkey, Iran and Iraq will jointly decide on closing the flow of oil from northern Iraq.

    That was a retaliatory move after the Kurdish region voted for independence.

    Erdogan while speaking to Anadolu and other media including broadcasters NTV and CNN Turk on his return flight from a one-day trip to Iran, criticised the inclusion of the city of Kirkuk in the referendum.

    He said that Kurds had no legitimacy there.

    Iran and Turkey have already threatened to join Baghdad in imposing economic sanctions on Iraqi Kurdistan and have launched joint military exercises with Iraqi troops on their borders after northern Iraq’s independence referendum last month.

    In September, Russian oil major Rosneft had clinched a gas pipeline deal in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan to help it become a major exporter of gas to Turkey and Europe.

    The pipeline will be constructed in 2019 and exports will begin in 2020.

    NAN