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Tag: Nigerian news

NBTE wants FG to establish more technical colleges to boost technical skills

Dr Mas’udu Kazaure, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education ( NBTE ) has called on the Federal Government to establish more technical colleges across the country.

Kazaure told newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday, that the country was supposed to have at least one technical college in each of the 774 Local Government Areas.

He said the measure was necessary in order to check Nigeria’s skilled labour deficit.

“Based on the nation policy on education, we are supposed to have 774 technical colleges across the country, but we only have 110; 17 federal colleges, 90 state colleges and three owned by private.

“This means that we still have deficit of 664 technical colleges that needs to be established.

“We need to establish more technical and technological institutions to improve access to technical education and boost our technical, innovative and inventive skills that will meet our industrial needs, “he said.

According to him, there was also the need to focus on building skills for key economic sectors that will support the country’s socio-economic transformation for sustainable development.

Kazaure said that the board has 523 technical institutions under its purview comprising 112 polytechnics, 35 colleges of agriculture, 29 colleges of health sciences, and 26 specialised institutions.

Others are 138 innovation enterprises institutions, 110 technical colleges, and 73 vocational enterprise institutions.

He identified some challenges affecting the technical education system to include delay in the review of Federal Polytechnic Act, in release of funds and nonpayment of salaries in many state’s polytechnics.

“There is also security challenges resulting from non release of enough funds to settle the out-source services, shortfall of personnel allocation to polytechnics and responsibility allowances.” he added.

NAN

November 29, 2017
Chinese, African parties meet to promote unity

The Communist Party of China ( CPC ) on Wednesday held a seminar with African political parties to explore the mission and role of parties in building a China-Africa community with a shared future.

Song Tao, director of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the opening ceremony of the seminar, which was held ahead of an upcoming dialogue between the CPC and other political parties from across the globe.

Song briefed the attendees on the new thoughts and development strategies decided at the 19th CPC National Congress, including the concept of building a community with a shared future of mankind.

Song said in the process of exploring paths towards modernisation, China and Africa shall further deepen communication of ideas, draw on each other’s strengths, and continuously promote the development of their respective undertakings.

He said that acknowledging that political parties exert great influence in the development of countries and their engagement with other countries.

Song said that the CPC is willing to maintain close relations with African political parties and join efforts to build a China-Africa community with a shared future.

Over 60 representatives of political parties from some 20 African countries are attending the seminar.

NAN

November 29, 2017
U.S. threatens action against S. Sudan if it does not end violence

The U.S. threatened to take further action against the South Sudan government if it does not end violence and allow United Nation ( UN ) peacekeepers to do their job.

A month after U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley visited South Sudan and met with President Salva Kiir in the capital Juba, she told the Security Council: “Words are no longer sufficient.”

“The U.S. is prepared to pursue additional measures against the government – or any party, for that matter – if they do not act to end the violence and ease the suffering in South Sudan,” said Haley, who was the most senior member of President Donald Trump’s administration to visit South Sudan.

The Trump administration imposed sanctions in September on two senior South Sudanese officials and the former army chief for their role in the civil war and attacks against civilians.

However, any U.S. push for the UN Security Council to take further action against South Sudan is likely to be resisted by veto power Russia.

The council sanctioned several senior South Sudanese officials on both sides of the conflict in 2015, but a U.S. bid to impose an arms embargo in December 2016 failed.

“It is counterproductive to impose targeted sanctions, counterproductive to impose an arms embargo, such measures will not help to break this deadlock and will only further exacerbate the crisis,” Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador Petr Iliichev.

South Sudan spiraled into civil war in late 2013, two years after gaining independence from Sudan, and a third of the 12 million population has fled their homes.

The conflict was sparked by a feud between Kiir, a Dinka, and his former deputy Riek Machar, a Nuer, who is being held in South Africa.

A fragile peace deal in South Sudan broke down last year and East African bloc IGAD has been trying to revive it.

“We view as unjust the ongoing attempts to place all blame for the persistent unabated violence on Juba alone, it has done its role, now the opposition must reciprocate,” Iliichev said.

UN sanctions monitors reported earlier this month that inspite of the catastrophic conditions across South Sudan, armed forces, groups and militias, particularly those affiliated with Kiir and Vice President Taban Gai, continued to “actively impede both humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.”

Reuters/NAN

November 29, 2017
Gov. Bello redeploys commissioners

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has redeployed some of his commissioners.

Some of the affected commissioners include affected, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya who is to move from environment to education, science and technology. She replaces Dr Sunday Tolorunleke, who has been moved to ministry of commerce and industry.

Others are: Arome Adoji, from Sports and Youth Development to Culture and Tourism. He is to replace, Mohammed Awwal who is to deploy to the transport ministry.

The decision taken yesterday at the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Lokoja and presided over by the governor, is to take effect from January 1, 2018.

By the powers vested in me as the Executive Governor of Kogi State, I hereby announce a redeployment of Cabinet as follows:

MRS. ROSEMARY OSIKOYA is redeployed as COMMISSIONER from The Kogi State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Kogi State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. She replaces MR. JACOB TOLORUNLEKE.

JACOB TOLORUNLEKE is redeployed as COMMISSIONER from the Kogi State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to the Kogi State Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He replaces ALHAJI SANUSI USMAN YAHAYA.

ALHAJI SANUSI USMAN YAHAYA is redeployed as COMMISSIONER from the Kogi State Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the Kogi State Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources. He replaces MRS. ROSEMARY OSIKOYA.

GABRIEL AROME ADOJI is redeployed as COMMISSIONER from the Kogi State Ministry of Youths and Sports to the Kogi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism. He replaces ALHAJI MOHAMMED AWWAL.

ALHAJI MOHAMMED AWWAL is redeployed as COMMISSIONER from the Kogi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to the Kogi State Ministry of Transport. He replaces PRINCE SANI OGU SALISU.

PRINCE SANI OGU SALISU is redeployed as COMMISSIONER from the Kogi State Ministry of Transport to the Kogi State Ministry of Youths and Sports. He replaces MR. GABRIEL AROME ADOJI.

A new Kogi State LANDS AND HOUSING SERVICES BUREAU headed by a Director-General (to be appointed in due course) is hereby created out of the current Kogi State Ministry of Works, Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

The former Kogi State Ministry of Works, Lands, Housing and Urban Development is hereby renamed the KOGI STATE MINISTRY OF WORKS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT with ENGR. SADIQ ABDULMUMINI still COMMISSIONER.

All changes become effective on the 1st day of January, 2018.

Redeployed officials are to brief their replacements fully in writing and conduct formal handover on or before close of work on the effective date.

The Secretary to the Kogi State Government is to formalise appropriate records without delay.

After about 18 months in office, all Cabinet members must know where they stand in terms of productivity. This Administration requires excellence at all times. Mere good performance can never be good enough, and some have even fallen below that.

Those who have not added significant value to Kogites through their offices MUST start now to post superlative results. In the next 90 days, if they are still average, they will leave me no choice but to find those who will keep pace with our governance aspirations.

November 29, 2017
Football enthusiasts express confidence in Super Eagles ahead of World Cup draw

Some football enthusiasts, on Wednesday expressed confidence ahead of the World Cup draw, that the Super Eagles would be capable to face any team drawn with it in the same group on Friday.

The fans and pundits expressed optimism while speaking in Abuja, that Nigeria would also get a favourable draw.

Tunde Popoola, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee ( NOC ), said that the present crop of players in the Super Eagles were good enough to take on any team in the world.

“I’m not one to really think about trying to avoid teams. I believe if you want to win a big tournament such as the World Cup, you’re going to have to play the best teams sooner or later.

“Having said that, I am confident that the Super Eagles will be prepared to take on any country or group they are drawn into when the World Cup proper begins.

“I have no doubt in my mind in the ability of the crop of young talents we have in the squad right now to cause an upset and go ahead to shock the world in Russia,” he said.

Godwin Bamigboye, Chairman, Nigeria Football Coaches Association, FCT Chapter, advised the team to focus more on their abilities, rather than on the strength of the teams they would be drawn against.

“The draw is essential and a key moment for any country, the team and the coaching crew as it will lay out our path to the World Cup finals.

“It is one of those moments in which the whole world of football holds its breath.

“However, my advice to the team and the coaching crew is not to focus on the strength or weakness of their opponents but rather on their own strength and abilities.

“We can only hope for the best draw possible, but even if we are drawn against the ‘almighty Brazil’, so be it.

“The truth is, names don’t play football these days, but people do. It’s all about the team spirit and in a World Cup as little things can decide matches.

“What we need in a tournament such as this is to be mentally strong and physically robust.

“I believe we are more than capable to beat any team in the world with a very good preparation and hard work,” he said.

Jonathan Akpoborie, an ex-international said: “Let’s forget about the permutations. We’re positive, but we must also not get too ahead of ourselves.

“We know we’ve still got a lot of work to do and we’ve got to play more quality friendly games between now and the finals to fine tune the team.

“Having said that, it will be a great feeling to know who the Super Eagles will be facing at the group stage of the World Cup and I really can’t wait to know our opponents.

“For now, it’s just about focusing on the games ahead and looking forward to the finals,” he said.

Excitement will be high when coaches of the 32 qualified nations gather at the State Kremlin Palace in Russia for the Dec. 1 draw.

The gala event will be televised live around the world.

Teams have been seeded in four pots based on the October edition of the world rankings issued by ruling body FIFA.

Russia, being the tournament host, was exempted from the seeding, but was placed in pot 1 and atop group A.

No more than two European teams can be in one group, and teams from other regions cannot be pitted against sides from the same confederations.

The teams’ fates are now down to the luck or ill fortune of the draw, with the seeding throwing up some intriguing permutations.

World champions Germany will avoid South American giants Brazil and Argentina, and highly-fancied France.

Germany could come up against 2010 champions Spain (pot 2) or strong African and Asian teams such as Senegal (3) or South Korea (4) .

Another difficult constellation for Joachim Loew’s squad could be a South American opponent such as Uruguay or Colombia from pot 2, along with on-form neighbours Denmark (3) and much-improved African qualifiers Nigeria (4).

An easier draw on paper would be a group with Peru, Iran and Panama.

Russia will be hoping to avoid the fate of 2010 hosts South Africa, who failed to reach the knock-out stage, as they bank on home support to help them outperform their 65th ranking.

From the top pot, Poland may be the most favoured opponents for the lower-seeded sides despite a strong qualifying phase, with Bayern Munich striker, Robert Lewandowski, scoring 16 goals to lead the scoring charts.

Also, Germany bidding to become the first country to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, will be a team most outside pot 1 will be looking to avoid.

Of some of the other big names, England, under Gareth Southgate, will be hoping to get out of the group stage, after exiting early in 2014.

Brazil will also be a team to avoid and so will third-seeded Iceland, who dumped the Three Lions out of Euro 2016.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 14 and lat till July 15

NAN

November 29, 2017
Buhari administration, investors’ friendly – Olajiga

The Chief Executive Officer of the largest locally owned cashew processing company in Nigeria, FoodPro Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ayo Olajiga, has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as investors friendly.

Olajiga said this on Wednesday in Ilorin in an interview.

Olajiga explained that the support he has received from the Bank of Industry ( BOI ), is huge hence the backing from the Federal Government for the institution ( BOI ) to function well.

He said the fact that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, came to commission the extension of the factory recently was a testimony that this administration encourage the Private sector.

He said the company has contributed to the unemployment situation of the country with its employment of over 400 people.

“Through domestic processing of raw cashew nuts, we have created more than 400 direct jobs and several thousand indirect jobs for farmers, vendors, suppliers and artisans who form the heartbeat of FoodPro’s value chain.

“With 90% of FoodPro’s employees being women, we are humbled by the role we play in impacting communities and improving economic and social development conditions in our host community.” Olajiga said.

He explained that the company has been in operation since 2013 and recently ramped up its capacity from 1,000 to 5,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts per annum making it the largest locally owned cashew processing company in Nigeria.

Olajiga added that FoodPro factory is the only factory certified by the African Cashew Alliance for Food Safety and Quality.

He said the company’s plans is double its operating capacity further to 10,000 tonnes, commence export of packaged and branded goods, including existing brands – Lion Cashew & Go Nutz as well as a range of additional products that are currently in the development phase.

Olajiga explained that most of the company’s outputs are exported to the United States of America ( USA ) with other retain brands across local store in the country.

He said the choice of Kwara State as where the factory was located was because of its strategic location to where the company source for its materials from, coupled with the state government’s friendly business policies.

He commended the Bank of Industry ( BOI ), for its support to the company and the Kwara State government.

NAN

November 29, 2017
FG reiterates commitment to reward, protect whistleblowers

The Federal Government on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to reward and protect whistleblowers who provided information that led to recovery of stolen funds or assets.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this during a visit to the head office of Leadership newspaper in Abuja.

Mohammed, who was responding to a question on the stash of money recovered from an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos, said the whistleblowers would get the due reward.

He clarified the compensation modality as contained in the framework, saying any whistle-blower whose information led to recovery of up to N1 billion would receive five per cent of the amount.

He said the reward for any amount between N1 billion and N5 billion was 5 per cent for the first N1 billion and four per cent of the remaining N4 billion.

The minister added that any amount above N5 billion would attract 2.5 per cent reward.

Mohammed noted that the policy of government was to keep the identity of whistle blowers secret.

He described as unfortunate the situation where more than one person came out as whistle blowers for the Ikoyi recovery.

He disclosed that Federal Government had come up with comprehensive strategy to tackle violent extremism across the country.

He said the strategy was contained in a document entitled “Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism” launched by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mohammed said the document was developed after consultations with agencies of government, civil society organisations, the media and academia, as well as the international community.

He also spoke on the various policies and programmes of government at revamping the economy, building infrastructure and creating jobs.

On the fight against corruption, Mohammed said government was winning the war, having succeeded in driving corruption under the table.

He hailed Leadership newspaper for carrying out its duties professionally.

NAN

November 29, 2017
No leadership crisis in Nigeria Football Supporters Club – Ikpea

Samuel Ikpea, President, Nigeria Football Supporters Club ( NFSC ), has debunked the statement credited to the Media Officer of Super Eagles, Toyin Ibitoye, that the club was enmeshed in leadership crisis.

Ikpea said this on Wednesday in Lagos while reacting to Ibitoye’s allegation on the leadership of the supporters club.

The Eagles spokesman had on Monday in a private newspaper interview allegedly said that the Nigeria Football Federation was mindful of the situation with the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, which is a private body.

He also said that hence, there were plans to ensure that the crisis did not affect the Eagles in Russia.

Ikpea quoted him as saying: “The Nigerian Football Supporters Club has split into two factions with Rev. Ikpea and Vincent Okumagba laying claims to the leadership of the body.

“The Ikpea faction is backed by majority of the members, including Rafiu Ladipo, who is the President-General of the body.

“While Okumagba is supported by the younger elements, who want change in leadership from Ladipo’s over 20 years of controlling the body.

“The club could not travel with the Super Eagles to Ndola where Zambia hosted Nigeria in the opening game of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

“The Ikpea-led group arrived in Cameroun by road on match day when the Indomitable Lions hosted the Super Eagles in Yaoundé.

On the position of NFF over the issue, Ikpea said that it was unfortunate that the football house was feigning ignorance about the status of the association.

“There is no truth in a statement by Super Eagles Spokesman, Ibitoye, over their imaginary crisis. We had a legitimate election last year which has the NFF representative in attendance.

“There is no faction or crisis at all, I was duly and democratically elected at the July 10, 2016 election at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, so why the denial of the authenticity of headship of NFSC.

“What I expect from NFF is a role of bridge builder and not fanning the embers of disunity. The fact remains that the supporters club is a one body with no known faction,’’ he said.

Ikpea said that if NFF truly wanted to send a contingent to Russia 2018 World Cup, they knew who and who to contact.

“If the NFF truly want to sponsor some of us to Russia, they know who to contact there are no two ways to that. They are well aware of the status of our association.

“Maybe, this is another ploy to sponsor some of their cronies to the Mundial on government payroll by claiming that we are divided or did not know the faction to deal with.

“We want to appeal to NFF not to divide the house with undue interference and speeches that could set the association on the brink.

“The election which they failed to acknowledge was witnessed by the body’s council of Elders, Representatives from the NFF and Ministry of Sports,’’ he said.

On the issues around Okumagba, Ikpea said he has been officially dismissed from the club in 2015, adding that the club had been part and parcel of the Super Eagles qualifiers.

“We have been part of Eagles matches both home and away, where we spent our personal resources and even our lives to travel to Cameroon by road.

“About Okumagba, he and some members were officially dismissed from the club for anti-club activities and disrespect to the club.

“Their letters were forwarded to the NFF, Nigeria Police, Ministry of Sports and House of Assembly which they acknowledged, copies of the letters were documented,’’ he said.

NAN

November 29, 2017
Give more women govt positions to minimise corruption, says Ezekwesili

A former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, on Tuesday said more women should occupy government positions where decisions on the collective good of the society are taken, to minimize corruption.

She gave the advice at a lecture organised by HID Awolowo Foundation in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The lecture had as its theme: “Ethical Politics, Development and Security in Nigeria: The Critical importance of Women’s Leadership’’.

According to her, research has shown that when women are represented in leadership, there is better performance in measurable numbers.

“Research shows that in Africa, only five per cent of women are CEOs, 22 per cent are cabinet members, 25 per cent are parliamentarians, 29 per cent are managers, 36 per cent are promoted, and some 44 per cent of senior women hold line roles.

“With Nigeria in the lead, this tells that women have been marginalised and this is evident in the poor governance that the continent has produced.

“So, men must take full responsibility for the state of affairs of Nigeria and the continent.

“What this is saying to us is that we need to improve on the participation of women in our political system.

“We need to have many more women in the local government, state government and centre of authority as well as in the judiciary,” Ezekwesili said.

She said that a wise society will know that empowering its women is smart economy.

Ezekwesili stressed that no one is doing a favour to the Nigerian or African woman by involving her in the process of governance on the basis of evidence that data has shown.

She described barriers militating against women coming into the political space as being cultural, religious, economic, social as well as self-imposed.

The ex-minister urged women to rise up and disrupt the existing paradigm that says that women must be held down.

According to her, women are incredible human resources that must not be put on hold.

Lady Maiden Ibru, one of the discussants and chairperson of the occasion, urged women to stand up and get out of their comfort zone, for them to be heard.

“Women have always fought for equality; time has come for women to come to the forefront and say enough is enough.

“What makes a woman is character, accountability, honesty and these we must bring to governance.

A former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, said the best way to empower a community is to empower the woman.

He said: “In a family, if a woman is empowered, you will see the difference in the house, you will see the difference in the children, even the man will see the difference from the dining table.

“But the other way round, if a man is empowered, his pocket suddenly increases.

“The empowerment of a woman is very important for the nation to move forward.

“I have no doubt about that, although it is not always automatic that a woman is necessarily not more corrupt than a man.

“There is no universal application that a woman is necessarily less corrupt than a man because there are some cultural contexts to it.’’

NAN

November 29, 2017
Obaseki restates commitment to fight human trafficking

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo says his administration is willing to support any initiative that will curb human trafficking.

Obaseki, represented by his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, stated this on Tuesday when he hosted the executives of the African Youth Commission at Government House, Benin.

He said the way youths travel out of the country to be used as slaves in their host countries is unacceptable.

Obaseki, who described human trafficking as “modern day slavery’’, noted that one of the goals of his administration was to build the capacity of youths to enable them to compete favourable with their counterparts across the world.

“For us as a government, we believe we should reduce unemployment and also help to reduce illegal migration.

“For us, human trafficking is not acceptable, that is why we are trying to gather not only national, but international support to check this menace,” he said.

Obaseki said the government was investing massively in technical vocation and skills acquisition to ensure that the younger generation are adequately empowered to provide for themselves.

Earlier, the Secretary of the African Youth Commission, Dr Carl Oshodin, said the aim of the commission was to fight against illegal migration.

Oshodin said that the motive was to support government at all levels and make poverty history in Edo.

NAN

November 29, 2017