The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • Lagos commended for hosting successful carnivals

    Lagos commended for hosting successful carnivals

    The Lagos State Government ( LASG ) has been commended for hosting  successful carnivals  in 2017 which were devoid of violence and vices.

    Benedict Afagwu, popularly known as ‘DJ Humility’, told newsmen in Lagos that the success was due to the provision of security agents at strategic locations where the events took place.

    “The Lagos State Government carnivals held in 2017 were successful and glamorous.

    “The carnivals attracted lots of people and provided avenues for revellers to relax and cool off in preparation for harder work in 2018,” he added.

    DJ Humility also said that the carnivals provided opportunities for petty traders to make an income which alleviated the harmful effects of unemployment in the country.

    “Lots of traders were seen around carnival grounds making sales and increasing their incomes as they engage with fun seekers in an atmosphere of merriment.’’

    Read also: Wazobia FM pledges more carnivals

    DJ Humility started making waves when he emerged the overall winner in the Benson & Hedges DJ Championship in Year 2000.

    He has won several awards and worked with several popular music artistes to create beats for melodious songs.

    Some of his hit songs include, “All Over Me” featuring Ice Prince, “DJ’s Anthem” featuring Kevino, “Conga” featuring Timaya, and “Badman”, featuring Sugarboiz, among others.

    DJ Humility is currently a radio DJ in one of the radio stations in Lagos State.

    NAN

  • Man jailed 14 months for stabbing woman

    Man jailed 14 months for stabbing woman

    A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State, on Thursday jailed a 22-year-old tailor, Sabiu Musa to 14 months imprisonment for stabbing a fellow tailor with scissors.

    The Judge, Ibrahim Shekarau said he based his judgment on the evidence before the court and the guilty plea of the convict.

    “Musa is hereby sentenced to six months imprisonment or an option of N6, 000 fine for the offence of criminal trespass.

    “For the offence of causing grievous hurt, the accused is sentenced to eight months imprisonment without an option of fine,” the judge ruled.

    The convict, who resides at Orange Market, Mararaba, was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on criminal trespass, causing grievous hurt and attempt to commit theft.

    He admitted to the crime and pleaded for mercy before he was jailed.

    Read also: Man jailed five months for cheating

    The Prosecutor, Cpl. Hamen Donald, had told the court that Hussaina Ibrahim of Aso Pada, Mararaba, reported the matter at `A’ Police Division, Mararaba on January 2, at about 1.30 p.m.

    “The complainant alleged that the convict trespassed with the intention of stealing her sewing machine.

    “When the complainant raised alarm, the convict removed scissors from his waist and stabbed her on the breast, stomach, knee and back.

    “He left her in the pool of her blood and while trying to run away, he was caught by the mob,” Donald said.

    The prosecutor also said that the offences contravened Sections 352, 245 and 95 of the Penal Code.

    NAN

  • Bauchi to spend N42m on medical store projects

    Bauchi to spend N42m on medical store projects

    The Bauchi State Drugs Management and Medical Consumables Agency ( DMMA ), has commenced the construction of two zonal medical stores at the cost of N42 million.

    The projects are sited in Katagum and Ningi local government areas of the state.

    The Managing Director of the Agency, Mr Abdulkadir Ahmed disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Bauchi after inspecting the ongoing projects in the areas.

    He said that the project when completed, would ease the collection of medical sundries by health facilities across the state.

    “The one in Katagum local government will serve the Northern zone while that of Ningi local government will be for the Central zone.

    “The two projects are worth N42 million and I am pleased that work is going on steadily.

    Read also: Bauchi passes private partnership law

    “That of Ningi is at 90 per cent completion stage while that of Katagum is at 75 per cent completion stage,” Ahmed said.

    Speaking on their activities in 2017, Ahmed said that the agency had enrolled 15 Primary Healthcare facilities on the agency’s drugs revolving fund scheme. .

    According to him, all the facilities in Dass local government area are benefiting from the National Health Insurance Scheme ( NHIS ).

    He explained that all the 26 General Hospitals and Specialist Hospitals were enrolled in the agency’s drug revolving fund programme.

    NAN

  • Ex-Gov. Lawal Kaita buried in Katsina

    Ex-Gov. Lawal Kaita buried in Katsina

    The remains of the former governor of the defunct Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, has been buried in Katsina.

    Kaita died on Tuesday in a hospital in Abuja after a protracted illness at the age 85.

    The funeral prayer of the deceased was led by Imam Mustapha Liman at the palace of the Emir of Katsina at 2.30 p.m.

    Prominent personalities that attended the rite included a Federal Government delegation comprising the Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd); Minister of State for Aviation, Alhaji Hadi Sirika, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Alhaji Garba Shehu.

    Others were the deputy governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu; Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouq, and the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha.

    Read also: Katsina at 30: The Masari midas touch

    The Director-General SMEDAN, Dr Dikko Umar Radda, member House of Representatives representing Kankia/Kusada/Ingawa, Alhaji Ahmad Babba, traditional rulers and religious leaders from across the country also attended the burial.

    Kaita was buried at the old Danmarna cemetery in Katsina metropolis.

    He left behind a wife, children and grandchildren.

    The deceased was the elected governor of old Kaduna State under the National Party of Nigeria ( NPN ) between October and December 1983.

    NAN

  • Consumers must get value for money – Ambode

    Consumers must get value for money – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday in Lagos inaugurated a 12-member board of the state’s Consumer Protection Agency charging them to hit the ground running and end sharp practices among retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers.

    Ambode said the establishment of the agency became imperative in view of the fact that the state, with its huge population, provides the largest commercial market in Africa with the highest reported cases of daily infractions on consumers’ rights.

    “I resolve to ensure that consumers get value for money spent on goods and services.

    “The agency is therefore meant to complement our reform on the ease of doing business, especially as it affects the development of the industrial, commercial and consumer satisfaction value chain,” he said.

    Ambode said that his administration had taken another giant stride toward guaranteeing the welfare of residents on a sustainable basis with the inauguration of the board.

    “It is a strong demonstration of our commitment to the protection of the rights of consumers and the promotion of consumers’ satisfaction in the state,” he said.

    The governor said that the agency would be an effective service centre for the protection of the interest of consumers, settlement of consumer disputes and for other connected purposes as enshrined in the state’s consumer law.

    Read also: Pen Cinema flyover will be ready November, says Ambode

    He charged the board to be dutiful and nurture the agency to become an institution that would guarantee timely delivery of effective services to aggrieved consumers in the state.

    Ambode said that members were carefully selected both from the private and public sector based on their impeccable character and experience in the subject matter.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Rotimi Ogunleye, commended the governor for the standardisation and quality of products and services in the state.

    He listed the functions of the agency to include speedy redress of consumers’ complaints through negotiation, mediation and conciliation.

    Ogunleye said it shall advise the government on the means and ways of eliminating hazardous products.

    He said it shall also publish lists of products, the consumption and sale of which had been banned, restricted or not approved by the appropriate relevant government agencies, among others.

    The Chairman of the board, Mrs Olufunmilola Falana, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the board.

    “We will take the bull by the horn and ensure that we do not only impress the governor, but the teeming consumers in the state,” Falana said.

    NAN

  • NSCDC records 29 cases of kidnapping in 2017

    NSCDC records 29 cases of kidnapping in 2017

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Niger Command, on Wednesday said it recorded 29 cases of kidnapping and 12 cases of cattle rustling in the state in 2017.

    The Commandant of the corps, Mr Philip Ayuba, disclosed this in Minna in an interview with newsmen.

    Ayuba said that 40 alleged murder cases, 17 armed robbery cases and 30 cases of fraud, job scam and breach of trust were also recorded during the year.

    He added that 25 cases of theft and 13 rape, abortion and human trafficking cases were similarly recorded during the period.

    ‘‘We also recorded 12 cases of illegal mining; 18 cases of road accident, 14 fire incidents, flood, nine rainstorm and boat mishap and 10 cases of vandalism and related matters were recorded, ” he said.

    Others, the commandant said, included 10 conflict-related cases and four cases of quarry blasting.

    ‘‘We have successfully prosecuted 22 of the suspects while investigation is going on the remaining cases,” he added.

    Ayuba also said that the command had introduced tight security measures through which to tackle any threat to peace in the state.

    Read also: NSCDC seizes 1000 litres of petrol from Boko Haram suppliers

    He said that effective operational order had been issued to officers in charge in the 25 local government areas of the state for implementation.

    He said that the rate of crime had, therefore, been reduced in the state during the year under review.

    The commandant called on residents to assist the field officers with intelligence information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminals.

    NAN

  • Nigeria will be prosperous, says Osun lawmaker

    Nigeria will be prosperous, says Osun lawmaker

    A member of the Osun House of Assembly, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on Nigerians to renew their hope and trust in the imperative of  a prosperous nation.

    Oyintiloye ( APC-Obokun ) also said on Wednesday in Osogbo that there was the need to re-awaken the consciousness of nation building and self-esteem among Nigerians.

    The lawmaker, who spoke against the backdrops of gross abuse and maltreatment of  Nigerians in Libya, said the creation of a  conducive environment, transparency and good governance  would fast-track restoration of hope and inspire a sense of nationhood in the country.

    Oyintiloye, who noted that the dehumanisation of Nigerians outside the country was  unfortunate, said lack of trust and faith in the system had led to  forced immigration.

    Read also: ‘Osun is second wealthiest state in Nigeria’

    The lawmaker, who is the House  Committee Chairman on Information and Strategy, urged Nigerians, especially the youths, to “ resist the temptation of squandering their future for a morsel of bread.’’

    He said there were  enormous potentials and vast opportunities in the country  if properly harnessed.

    While calling on Nigerians  to take advantage of  the numerous government programmes, Oyintiloye enjoined government at all levels to intensify efforts on initiatives  that would lead to job creation and improved  productivity  in the country.

    NAN

  • Low turnout of workers as work resumes in Abuja

    Low turnout of workers as work resumes in Abuja

    Only a few workers resumed duty on Tuesday at the various ministries of the Federal Secretariat, Abuja after the New Year holiday.

    Official activities were still at a low ebb due to the poor turnout of workers at their duty posts.

    It will be recalled that the Federal Government declared Monday, December 25, Tuesday, December 26 and Monday, January 1 as public holidays for Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year.

    The commercial activities at the secretariat were equally low, as many traders around the complex had yet to report for business.

    Some of the workers, who spoke with NAN, however, expressed optimism that the country would experience a better turnaround in the New Year.

    Mr Tony Ihuoha, a civil servant said that it was time for Nigerian workers to rededicate themselves to work for greater productivity.

    “If we can work harder to improve on our contributions to national development, Nigeria will be better for it.

    He, however, argued that the low turnout of workers could be because many of them who travelled for the holidays had yet to return.

    At the phase 3 of the secretariat, including the Ministry of Education, some civil servants were seen treating files and attending to people.

    Mrs Dorcas Babatunde, a civil servant, said the holidays had come and gone and it was necessary for workers to be at their duty posts.

    Babatunde said that though, work had resumed, full activities had yet to pick up in the offices.

    “The year has started on a good note; some workers have resumed work while others are yet to return to office.

    “I believe that by Monday, activities would have taken shape at the secretariat.

    Miss Chinenye Eze, a recharge card seller said that business was dull as many of her customers had not resumed work.

    Read also: ‘24 trucks meant for Abuja diverted to South East’

    Eze, who was hopeful that things would get better as soon as many of the workers return, said sales were very low on resumption of work.

    Also Mrs Iyabo Agbaje, a food vendor, said it was a normal thing on the resumption of work to experience low sales.

    “I have learnt from experience that there would always be a low turnout of workers the first day of work.

    “What I did was to cook little food that I know I can finish selling before the close of work, as I have had the experiences of having to throw food away due to low patronage,” she added.

    The ever busy car park at the Eagles Square was empty, as few vehicles were parked there.

    A car park attendant, Mr Abdul Ilori, described as unimpressive, the resumption of work by civil servants after the New Year holiday.

    Ilori admitted that patronage was also low, blaming the situation on the fact that most civil servants had yet to resume.

    NAN

  • NSCDC arrests 26 suspects for various offences

    NSCDC arrests 26 suspects for various offences

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Nasarawa State Command, says it has arrested 26 suspects for various offences committed between December 28, 2017 and January 1, 2018.

    The Corps Commandant, Muhammad Mahmoud-Fari, told newsmen while parading the suspects on Tuesday in Lafia, that they were apprehended for cultism, theft, defilement, breach of trust and assault.

    Mahmoud-Fari said that seven of them were arrested for theft, four arrested for assault, 13 for cultism, one caught for defilement and another suspect for breach of trust.

    He said they were apprehended from various locations in the state.

    “Eleven suspected cultists, belonging to a group known as ‘Assist Group’ were arrested, while two others belong to another group known as “Touch and See’’.

    Read also: NSCDC deploys personnel to filling stations

    The suspected cultists were arrested at the polytechnic in Lafia.

    “After completion of our investigations, the suspects will be charged to court and prosecuted accordingly to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

    Mahmoud-Fari said that the arrest of the suspects was done in collaboration with the officers of Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Scheme ( NAYES ) and members of the public who shared information with NSCDC.

    “That is why I always appeal to the public to assist us.

    “We need their understanding and co-operation, because when you fight collectively, you succeed.

    “We are not calling civilians to go and fight, but to be our informants,” he added.

    NAN

  • Workers resume in Anambra after holidays

    Workers resume in Anambra after holidays

    Federal and state offices in Awka, Anambra, opened for business on Tuesday after the Yuletide and New Year holidays.

    Some of the workers ( in Anambra) told newsmen that they were thankful to God for making them to come this far.

    Others said they were hopeful that government would listen to them on their plight by increasing their salaries.

    Jerry Obodo, the Personal Assistant to the Chairman of Anambra Christians Pilgrims Board, said that it was a thing of joy to be back to work, while calling on fellow workers to be productive.

    “It is a welcome development and thanks to God that we are back in our respective places of work.

    “Workers should adopt punctuality, increase in productivity by being efficient and effective in service delivery to the general public.

    “Workers should be properly remunerated by their employers for embezzlement, looting and lukewarm attitude to work to be a thing of the past,” he said.

    Read also: Anambra Central: Has a Daniel come to judgement?

    Mrs. Nkoli Okoye, a civil servant, said that workers were happy with the performance of the governor for keeping to his words to give a bag of rice to workers after paying their salaries.

    “Gov. Willie Obiano gave us ( workers ) a bag of rice each to celebrate the Yuletide as promised, while promising to look into our salaries as soon as the state internally generated revenue improves.

    “Based on these, we workers have no option than to put in our best in supporting the government to make the economy of the state grow,” she said.

    Mr. Emma Ibe, a civil servant, called on workers in the state to work hard and pray for their colleagues in other states who were owed salaries.

    “We are lucky here that our governor has managed our resources efficiently that our salaries are paid as at when due.

    “But in some states, It is not the same for workers there are not finding it easy all I am asking fellow workers to pray for them so that God will touch the heart of their governors to pay them,” he said.

    NAN