The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspaper

  • Yusuf says Super Eagles in victory mood

    Yusuf says Super Eagles in victory mood

    Super Eagles’ Assistant Coach, Salisu Yusuf, on Thursday said the players were in good mood and ready to conquer Zambia on Saturday in their World Cup qualifier.

    Yusuf said this in an interview that the Super Eagles were mentally and physically fit to overcome the Chipopolo of Zambia in Uyo.

    The coach said that he had absolute confidence in not just his players but their management because they were on top of the cracker between the two countries.

    “The Super Eagles are in very positive mood for the game against Zambia on Saturday,’’ Yusuf said.

    He appealed for the support of Nigerians, saying it was necessary for the team to be victorious in the match to be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

    The Super Eagles are ahead of other teams in Group B with 10 points and are followed by Zambia with seven points.

    Nigeria started the World Cup qualification campaign in what many soccer pundits predicted to be the group of death in a blistering form with a defeat 2-1 defeat of Zambia in Ndola to pick their first away win.

    Nigeria is on the brink of qualifying for the 2018 Mundial in Russia with an emphatic 4-0 win over the African champions, Cameroon in Uyo and the reverse fixture in Yaoundé which ended1-1.

    A home victory over Zambia – a side they beat away at the start of the group phase – will be enough to see Nigeria return to the finals after reaching the second round in Brazil in 2014.

    Other countries that could all book their spots at next year’s World Cup in the penultimate round of African qualifiers at the weekend are Egypt and Tunisia.

    That will leave the other two slots to be decided next month.

    NAN

  • Jigawa inaugurates health coordinating units in 27 LGAs

    Jigawa inaugurates health coordinating units in 27 LGAs

    Jigawa Ministry of Health has inaugurated Logistics Management Coordinating Units in 27 local government areas of the state.

    The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Abba Zakari, disclosed this in an interview in Dutse on Thursday.

    Zakari said the idea was to ensure close monitoring and utilisation of health commodities in health facilities in the 27 local government areas in appropriate manner.

    He explained that the units would ensure that the management do the right thing in a right manner in terms of drug storage, distribution, data collection, validation, analysis and to report to authority any problem for necessary action.

    The commissioner also said that the establishment of the units was in line with the directive from Federal Ministry of Health to ensure accountability and transparency in public health sector.

    He urged members of the units to be proactive and cooperate with one another toward achieving the desired results.

    He assured the members and management of heath facilities of the ministry’s support in the discharge of their duties.

    NAN

  • Oyo urges landowners to release lands for farming

    Oyo urges landowners to release lands for farming

    The Oyo State Government has called on landowners to release their idle lands to investors for cultivation so as to boost the state’s agricultural development.

    Prince Oyewole Oyewunmi, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, made the call a news conference in Ibadan on Wednesday.

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi has repeatedly claimed that the major thrust of his administration’s economic policy was the exploitation of the potential of the agriculture sector to boost the state’s economy.

    “The state government places a high premium on agriculture, which has now become a national issue nowadays as a result of the fall in the price of crude oil.

    “As a result of the intensive engagement of our communities, we have realised that agriculture is the bedrock and foundation of the state’s economy,’’ he once said.

    Oyewunmi said that the state had over 2.5 million hectares of arable land that were suitable for agriculture, adding the state also grew a variety of crops that could be cultivated in all vegetational belts within the tropics.

    He, however, said that the state had been having some difficulties in making land available for farmers, entrepreneurs and investors who were willing to invest in agriculture on a commercial basis.

    The commissioner said that the government has launched an agenda tagged “Zero Tolerance for Idle Agricultural Land’’, having discovered that there were lots of idle lands in the rural areas across the state.

    “The state government is not interested in taking over the idle lands across the state but wishes to encourage landowners in the state to willingly release such lands to investors.

    “Releasing idle lands to investors who are ready to invest in mechanised agriculture on a large-scale basis would help boost the state’s economy.

    “We are not saying that the landowners should release their lands for free, they should release the lands on agreed terms, while government will serve as the facilitator,’’ he said.

    Oyewunmi proposed that the landowners could release the lands on partnership agreements with the potential investors, adding that they could let, lease and collect royalties on the lands or opt for outright sales.

    He reiterated that increased investments in agriculture would boost the state’s economy and create employment for its citizens.

    He urged the landowners to engage in outgrower schemes, adding that they could do this via partnership agreements with farmers and off-takers.

    Oyewunmi said that the farmers would be able to produce crops that would be bought by off-takers at prevailing market prices.

    He, however, said that the proposals were some of the recommendations made in the report of a committee set up by governor to look into the issue.

    NAN

  • LG primaries: PDP in Ekiti adopts Option A4

    LG primaries: PDP in Ekiti adopts Option A4

    Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has said that the PDP in the state adopted Option A4 in its primaries for candidates for the Dec. 23 council poll to ensure transparency.

  • Nigerians united to defeat Boko Haram – FG

    Nigerians united to defeat Boko Haram – FG

    The Federal Government says Nigerians from are united in their resolve to defeat the Boko Haram terrorist group.

    Amb. Hussein Abdullahi, former Under-Secretary, Regions and International Organisations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated this while delivering Nigeria’s statement on ‘Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism’ at the UN headquarters, New York.

    Abdullahi regretted that Nigeria was confronted with the challenge of terrorism as manifested in the brutality of Boko Haram activities against the population.

    He said, however, the Nigerian Government introduced many measures to fight the terrorist group from different fronts and in compliance with human rights obligations in the fight against terrorism.

    “In August, 2016 President Muhammadu Buhari launched the revised National Counter Terrorism Strategy ( NACTEST ) and urged Nigerians to team up to win the psychological battle against terrorism.

    “The President called for multi-sectoral collaboration and urged all government establishments to cue into NACTEST for maximum achievements.

    “The revised strategy was meant to confront the dynamism of the perpetrators and involve all stakeholders in the battle by encouraging Nigerians to unite against terror in spite of their religious, tribal and political leanings.

    “Since the president’s launch of this revised National Counter Terrorism Strategy, Nigerians have equipped themselves psychologically to win the war against the terrorist group.

    “The strategy succeeded in uniting Nigerians from all walks of life towards defeating Boko Haram.

    “It also encourages religious leaders to use their various places of worship to enlighten their followers through change of mindset to embrace morality and love of God,” he said.

    Abdullahi said with the measures taken by Nigerians and the Federal Government in confronting the Boko Haram terrorist organisation head-on, their activities had been completely degraded.

    “Nigerian forces have been able to clear Boko Haram out of many areas in the northeast by reclaiming territories captured by the organisation and restoring peace and stability in the affected states.

    “Today, residents in the North-Eastern states now move about their daily businesses in relative safety,” he said.

    According to him, Nigeria has trained and equipped the military forces in counterterrorism and counter-insurgency on subjects ranging from urban patrol to unarmed combat and humanitarian law.

    He said the Special Forces of the Nigerian military had been training a mobile strike team of some officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps and the Nigerian Police.

    “As additional measure, Nigeria has developed huge capacity for the prompt and timely prosecution of Boko Haram suspects.

    “This has been made possible by the establishment of a Complex Case Group to specifically address all terrorist-related matters.

    “The Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force of the UN has successfully trained many government officials in the areas of human rights, rule of law and counter-terrorism,” he said.

    The Nigerian official also said that there was a programme for de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, reorientation and re-integration for repentant Boko Haram suspects.

    “In order to assist the victims of Boko Haram, government initiated a Victims Support Fund and the Presidential Initiative for the North East as well as the Safe Schools Initiative.

    “These initiatives have facilitated the provision of humanitarian relief, socio-economic stabilisation and resettlement of persons displaced by the terror organization.

    “It is remarkable to note that Nigeria has indeed recorded significant progress in the fight against terrorism through international cooperation from some friendly countries around the world,” Abdullahi said.

    He pointed out the closer cooperation Nigeria enjoyed with its neighbours,  Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic and Benin Republic, within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to form a Multinational Joint Task Force ( MNJTF ).

    “Consistent with our faith in the need for a collective fight against terrorism, I like to re-affirm Nigeria’s commitment to work closely with all UN counter-terrorism entities.

    “These include the United Nations Centre for Counter Terrorism as well as the Centre and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force,” Abdullahi said.

    NAN

  • NDLEA destroys 16 hectares of hemp farm in Osun

    NDLEA destroys 16 hectares of hemp farm in Osun

    The Osun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ) on Wednesday announced that 16.8 hectares of Indian hemp ( Cannabis Sativa ) farm located in Ikoyi community in the state had been destroyed.

    The Commandant, Mr Samuel Egbeola, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo on the achievements of the agency in Osun.

    He said that the farm was destroyed on Sept. 26.

    The commandant said that the farm was discovered and destroyed by the NDLEA, following a tip-off by an intelligence source.

    He said that during the operation, 25 kilogrammes of already harvested hemp were found on the farm.

    The NDLEA chief said, however, that no arrest was made during the operation because nobody was found on the farm.

    Egbeola re-assured people of the state that the agency would not rest on its oars until those involved in illicit drug operations were apprehended.

    He called on members of the public to cooperate with the agency by always giving useful information that would lead to the arrest of anyone involved in India hemp plantations.

    “We are appealing to the people of the state to always relate information on plantations, especially cannabis plantations to the NDLEA.

    “Our office is always open, so people with useful information are always welcome at anytime so we can all work together in ensuring a drug free state.

    “It is our mandate to rid the state of illicit drugs and this can only be made possible with the support and cooperation of the people.

    “We also use this medium to solicit for the support of the press”, he said.

    NAN

  • Court docks man for alleged theft

    Court docks man for alleged theft

    A 20-year-old, Akeem Alhassan, who allegedly stole his girlfriend’s mobile tablet valued at N45,000 and sold it, on Wednesday appeared in a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.

    The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of stealing to which he pleaded not guilty.

    According to Police Prosecutor Akpan Ikem, the accused committed the offence on Sept. 18 at J5 area of Seme border between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

    Ikem said the accused’s girlfriend, Beatrice Agbor, gave him the tablet for safekeeping when she was travelling.

    “The accused sold off the tablet and used the money to buy some cartons of biscuits.”

    Ikem said the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The section provides three years imprisonment for offenders.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Magistrate Jimoh Adefioye granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 with a surety in like sum and adjourned the case until Oct. 25 for mention.

    NAN

  • Stakeholders drum support for Umahi ahead of 2019

    Stakeholders drum support for Umahi ahead of 2019

    Stakeholders in Ebonyi have pledged their support for Gov. David Umahi, ahead of 2019 for the governor to continue his transformation agenda in the state.

    The stakeholders, comprising women, made this known on Wednesday at the inauguration of “Rachael Umahi’s Women for Akubaraoha 2019’’ at Afikpo, Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.

    The Chairman of Afikpo North Local Government, Mr Ogbonnia Enyim, commended the Governor’s Wife, Rachael, for her transformation programmes in uplifting women and children in the state.

    He said that through the first lady’s pet project, “Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation’’, there had been abolition of harmful cultural practices against widows.

    According to the chairman, women have been empowered and poverty reduced through her skills acquisition programme, among others.

    Enyim said that more women from the local government were occupying strategic positions in government.

    “You can count on 100 per cent support from the entire people of Afikpo North come 2019, ‘’ he said.

    A member representing Afikpo North/South Federal Constituency, Rep. Idu Igariwey, said that the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) in the area was one strong family that would vote enmasse in the 2019 general elections.

    The lawmaker commended the first lady for carrying everyone along in the state.

    He said that the quality of leadership displayed by the present administration would attract its return.

    “PDP is one family in Afikpo and our votes are going to be larger, come 2019, ‘’ Igariwey said.

    The Director-General, Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation ( EBBC ), Mr Timothy Nwachi said that the number of youths, women and men at the occasion showed the level support for the governor come 2019.

    “Afikpo North is one and will support the present administration, ‘’ Nwachi said.

    The governor’s wife advised women to encourage and promote one another other rather than creating hatred.

    The governor’s wife urged women to carry out door-to-door campaign for the governor to attract more women into politics; more positions in government and empowerment.

    Top government officials and officials of local governments attended the occasion.

     The event also featured inauguration of some facilities for the down-trodden and indigent persons in the area.

    NAN

  • Sen. Sodangi backs Nasarawa on sale of assets

    Sen. Sodangi backs Nasarawa on sale of assets

    A three- term senator, Abubakar Sodangi, on Wednesday backed the decision of the Nasarawa State Government to sale some of its assets.

    Criticisms had trailed the approval by the state Assembly, on Sept.25, allowing Gov.Tanko Almakura to dispose some of the government assets in Lagos, Jos and Kaduna.

    Sodangi, who represented Nasarawa West in the Senate from 1999 to 2011, said that the decision to sell off the properties was in the best interest of the state.

    He however said that the proceeds should be invested in areas that would have positive impact on the lives of the people.

    “I want to start by saying that whatever you see a governor or government of a state is planning on doing, they must have reasons for them.

    “From what I heard, the reason for the sale of these assets was due to total wastage, dilapidation and deteriorating condition of these properties.

    “If keeping and maintaining these properties is waste and the best thing a government think is to sell the properties and reinvest the money in prosperous and viable venture to better the lives of the people of the state, so it be.

    “Some other people may have their own different views. If you are running any business at a loss, I believe that the best thing is to do away with it; that is my own personal thinking,” he said.

    Sodangi urged people of the state to support the government, so as to succeed.

    He urged Nigerians especially the youths to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities and engage in meaningful ventures that would make them self reliant.

    NAN

  • Dijkhoff named Netherlands defense minister

    Dijkhoff named Netherlands defense minister

    Klaas Dijkhoff was named the Netherlands’ new minister of defense on Wednesday, following the resignation of his party colleague Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert over the deaths of two Dutch soldiers.

    Dijkhoff was previously a state secretary in the ministry of justice.

    His predecessor Hennis-Plasschaert resigned on Tuesday, having accepted the ministry’s responsibility for the death of two Dutch soldiers in Mali in 2016.

    The two soldiers were killed and another seriously injured when grenades exploded unexpectedly during a military exercise in the West African country.

    A resulting investigation commission found the ministry responsible for the accident.

    According to the experts’ findings, the ammunition had been damaged, had not been tested and had not been properly stored.

    Dijkhoff would likely only hold the post of defense minister for a few weeks, since a new coalition government is set to take power at the end of October.

    Coalition talks between prospective governing partners have dragged on for months following parliamentary elections in March.

    NAN