The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • Ekiti promises continual on-the-job training for teachers

    Ekiti promises continual on-the-job training for teachers

    Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti promised on Friday to sustain the current on-the-job training for teachers in the state, to enhance the teaching of science subjects.

    Fayose, represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, made the promise while addressing participants at the Capacity Building Training Workshop for Science Teachers at Egbeoba High School, Ikole-Ekiti.

    The theme of the training workshop was: “Pragmatic Approach To Teaching Science Subjects.”

    The governor promised to continue to put in place policies that would enhance teaching and learning in public schools in the state.

    “Every profession needs continuous training, especially on-the-job training. We will continue to sustain whatever policy that will ensure improvement of our educational sector,” the governor said.

    He urged the participants to transfer the knowledge acquired at the training to other teachers..

    The governor said that teachers must continually ensure that they acquainted themselves with new teaching techniques and technologies at all times.

    He commended them for their contributions to the feat recorded by the state in external examinations.

    “Very soon, Operation Visit All Schools will commence in order for us to identify some of the challenges the teachers are facing, so as to proffer solutions to them,” he added.

    Two of the participants, Mr Bola Ojo and Mrs Bibire Olumuyiwa, thanked government for the training and promised to impact the knowledge gained to their students.

    No fewer than 1,000 science teachers in the state have so far benefited from the training programme.

    NAN

  • JAMB begins construction of 500-seat CBT centre in Benin

    JAMB begins construction of 500-seat CBT centre in Benin

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Friday laid the foundation stone for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB ) 500-seat Computer-Based Test ( CBT ) Centre in Benin.

    The governor said at the event that centre would add to the state’s education industry.

    He said that the state had been known for hosting Federal Government institutions and, thus, its decision to partner with JAMB to have the centre in the state.

    “We saw it as our responsibility to our people and the Federal Government to have a South-South Zonal Office and a CBT Centre in the state and we had to do all within our means to get a land for the project,” he said.

    The governor gave assurance of power supply to the centre and construction of access roads to the centre in 2018.

    He commended the Federal Government for releasing funds for the project, and hailed JAMB for introducing CBT which, he said, had helped to reduce examination malpractice.

    Responding, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, commended Obaseki for promptly securing a parcel of land for the centre.

    Oloyede said that JAMB decided to have a CBT centre in Benin in view of the growing number of candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in the state capital.

    “Benin is the seventh in terms of JAMB examination enrolment and 22nd in terms of facilities available for candidates to sit for the examination.

    “To solve the facilities need in the state, the Federal Government, is building this CBT Centre in the state,” he said.

    The registrar gave assurance of more working ties with the governor who, he said, had much zeal to meet the education needs of Edo people.

    Other dignitaries at the event include the Registrar of NABTEB, Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of the University of Benin, Prof, Pius Iribhogbe, and the state Commissioner for Education, Dr Christopher Adesotu.

    NAN

  • I’m under pressure to perform-Rangers coach

    I’m under pressure to perform-Rangers coach

    Gbenga Ogunbote, coach of Rangers International FC of Enugu has said that he was under pressure to transform Rangers International of Enugu, considering the peoples attachment to the team

    Ogunbote said this while speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Friday, adding that he was also under pressure to perform.

    He noted the pressure was due to Rangers’ nightmares in 2016/2017 season in which they finished on 13th position with 53 points.

    This he said the development  led him to take up the mantle of coaching of the team from Coach Silvanus Okpala.

    “There is pressure already in Rangers, considering peoples’ attachment to the club.

    “Rangers did not finish in a respectable position last season and the supporters want the club to always feature in Confederation of African Football competition.

    “There is pressure already but it is normal, I will not allow it to throw me off-balance.

    “I have been in this system and pressure is part of the game, so this one is not different.

    “Last season, Rangers did not get it right and the supporters are patient enough, but this season they may not be that patient.

    He said that the technical staff needed to be up and doing to ensure that the club starts well and finishes well.

    According to him, the club cannot run away from its responsibility, which is doing well in the league,” he said.

    “With the support of everybody, Rangers will surpass all odds to the zenith of Nigeria professional Football league in 2017/2018 season.

  • Ajimobi’s adviser urges students of striking institutions to remain calm

    Ajimobi’s adviser urges students of striking institutions to remain calm

    The Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Youth Affairs, Bolaji Repete has urged the students of striking institutions in oyo state to remain calm as the state government is doing all within her capacity to ensure that issues are resolved amicably.
    Mr Bolaji while commenting on the strike action embarked upon by institutions in oyo state noted that while the strike action is not that which has made the Government happy, their are concerted efforts to ensure that striking lecturers return to classes, he noted that the ‘disagreement’ would not last for a period too long.
    “I urge the students of the affected institutions to remain calm while the Government looks into resolving all disputes and lingering disagreements that may have led to the strike, while the Government will continue to priotise the welfare of students and youths, we would also continue to put in the front burner, resolving conflicts”
    He further said “what we seek from the students is their continued collaboration with the Governor Ajimobi led Government so we can reopen the Varsities and get things moving on, we appreciate their peaceful nature and hope to see more of it including suggestions on issues affecting the institutions as students are also stakeholders “.
    It would be recalled that some institutions in the state had downed their tools over alleged non-payment  of Salaries by the state government, although Commissioner of Education, Adeniyi Olowofela said the government is already making efforts to meet with the aggrieved staff Union members with a meeting reportedly scheduled for today, Adeniyi noted that the Government is already subsidizing the tuition fee for students in the institution but would do more to promote Education in the state.
    Some of the affected institutions that started their strike action today (Friday) include; The Polytechnic, Ibadan;
    Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology; The Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa; The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki and College of Education, Lanlate.
  • Keystone bank supports educational development in Lagos school

    Keystone bank supports educational development in Lagos school

    In keeping with its commitment to promote qualitative education and sustainable development in Nigeria, Keystone Bank Limited, has handed over a renovated and fully equipped Sick Bay to Dodan Barracks Primary School, Obalende, Lagos to manage remote health challenges of the students.
    Speaking on the lender’s passion for investment in the education sector at the commissioning ceremony, the Divisional Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications of Keystone Bank, Mrs. Omobolanle Osotule said that the intervention is aimed at supporting the school to further improve the learning and teaching environment, thereby raising the standard of education in the country.
    Osotule said: “As a bank that is committed to the development of Nigerian youths, Keystone Bank recognises education as the bedrock of sustainable development, which is why education is one of our core CSR pillars.”
    “As much as education is an essential aspect of the development of any society, it is also important that children have easy access to first level healthcare while at school”.
    “The initiative is part of the bank’s overall strategy to create a sustainable impact around healthcare, education, youth/women empowerment and employee volunteering. We shall continue to do more in this regard.” Osotule stressed.
    In his response, the head teacher of the school, Mr Kayode Edun, thanked the Bank for the kind gesture. “We truly appreciate the efforts of Keystone Bank in giving the school’s sick bay a new lease of life. It is our prayer that the bank will continue to grow from strength to strength; and as progress is made, more initiatives like this will be implemented”, Edun said.
    Keystone Bank, a technology and service-driven commercial bank offering convenient and reliable solutions to its customers has been at the forefront of various educational and Women/Youth empowerment initiatives in recent times.
    The lender recently partnered with the Junior Achievers Nigeria ( JAN ), spearheading efforts in the furtherance of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial literacy drive by teaching children across the country on financial education/Independence.
  • 2019: APGA factional governorship candidate predicts victory for PDP

    2019: APGA factional governorship candidate predicts victory for PDP

     

    The 2015 factional governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ), Chief Regan Ufomba has predicted a landslide victory for the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) in 2019 general election. This is even as he vowed to resign from politics if APGA, his former party scores half of the votes they scored in 2015 come 2019.

    Ufomba claimed that APGA lacks the capacity in terms of exposure, experience, wisdom, spread, numbers, men, material, and therefore the required strength to play national politics in defense of the Igbo cause and redefine the naked social inequality in our polity

    Ufomba last week decamped to the PDP with his supporters in a rally held at Isiala Ngwa Mini Stadium and was received by Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu and other PDP stakeholders in the state.

    Ufomba while explaining on his Facebook wall why he rejoined PDP revealed some of the things Ikpeazu told him he (Ikpeazu) would do to improve and better the lots of Abians which includes prioritization, capacity building, intellectual and financial re-engineering, regular payment of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities, subject to availability of funds.

    The post on Ufomba’s Facebook timeline read “Great Friends, characteristically, I did carry you along sufficiently all through the process of our mass resignation from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), to the point of rejoining the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    “Yesterday, I promised to inform you of my awesome discussion with Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, that would translate into infrastructural and economic revolution in a couple of months. I am happy that contractors are mobilizing back to site already.

    “Of interest is our understanding that prioritization, capacity building, intellectual and financial re-engineering is required in this era of dwindling resources.

    “Going forward, emphasis will shift to capacity building, regular payment of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities, subject to availability of funds.

    “Ongoing road projects scattered all over the state will be completed, and on time too, especially those in Aba. Mechanized Agriculture, storage and processing of agro-products, youth employment and restructuring of the polity was amply discussed.

    “I must admit that APGA, which operates only from a tiny town of Agulu lacks the capacity in terms of exposure, experience, wisdom, spread, numbers, men, material, and therefore the required strength to play national politics in defense of the Igbo cause and redefine the naked social inequality in our polity. Only the PDP can!

    “So much is at stake nationally that requires time-tested men like us and time-tested party like the PDP to salvage. It is therefore no time to be selfish in one’s political pursuit or senseless in wisdom or tongue in cheek in our utterances.

    “I have read some silly comments and press releases from drowning political nitwits. I must state with emphasis that Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba will not jump into the mud with scavengers. It is their entitlement to mourn over their lost jewel, and cry irresponsibly like the animalistic cock they are, but not insanely mimic the owl or bark like a toothless bulldog as they’re doing right now. I do not envy them either.

    “Politics is a game of numbers and not a contestation of madness or beauty or media hype or even ugliness. I am very confident that, even if they were, we shall trash them silly at the polls considering the physical dwarfs, intellectual Lilliput’s and very ugly nauseating half creatures that populate that band of ‘cultural organization’ by whatever name called.

    “Take it from me, PDP will win landslide in the 2019 governorship election. I will resign from politics if APGA scores half the vote we scored in 2015 again.”

  • S/African prosecutors: Pistorius sentence shockingly lenient

    South Africa’s state prosecutors on Friday describes as `shockingly lenient’, the six-years sentence for murder given to paralympic gold medalist, Oscar Pistorius.

    The prosecutors are asking the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) for right to launch an appeal against the judgment.

    Pistorius was imprisoned in July last year after being found guilty on appeal of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s Day in 2013. The case has attracted worldwide interest.

    He was not in court for Friday’s hearing.

    Women’s rights groups in the country, beset by high levels of violent crime against women, say Pistorius has received preferential treatment compared to non-whites and those without his wealth or international celebrity status.

    The athlete was originally convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in jail.

    That conviction was increased to murder by the SCA in December 2015, and his sentence increased to six years by trial judge, Thokozile Masipa.

    The state prosecutors, led by advocate Andrea Johnson, said that the sentence by Masipa was too lenient as the jail term was less than half the minimum 15-year sentence prescribed for murder in South Africa.

    Johnson said that the high court did not list substantial and compelling factors for deviating from the 15-year sentence, and that Pistorius had not shown remorse for the murder.

    “There is no true, gut-wrenching remorse,” Johnson said.

    “It is shockingly lenient and has accordingly resulted in injustice,” she said.

    However, counsel to Pistorius, known as the “Blade Runner” for his carbon-fibre prosthetics, said that he did not deliberately kill model and law graduate Steenkamp.

    Barry Roux, lead defence lawyer for Pistorius, said that the athlete was suffering from severe and worsening post-traumatic stress disorder over the case.

    Roux said that Masipa had addressed the misperception that Pistorius deliberately killed Steenkamp.

    “Leave to appeal should really not be granted,” he said.

    The court did not set a date for when it will rule on whether the appeal can be heard or not.

  • No automatic ticket for Ikpeazu, others in Abia – PDP

    No automatic ticket for Ikpeazu, others in Abia – PDP

    The Abia State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ) has said that it won’t give automatic ticket to its members aspiring for any elective position for the 2019 general election in the state.

    The party stated that it will provide a level playing ground for all aspirants irrespective of the position involved.

    The State Chairman of the party, Chief Johnson Onuigbo made the decision of the party known at the end of the State working Committee meeting held in Umuahia the State capital.

    He pointed out that the state PDP has resolved to do away with all manners of impositions and impunity in the party.

    Onuigbo noted that party also passed a vote of explicit confidence on Governor Okezie Ikpeazu based on his performance during the last two years and six months in office.

    He said, “The party has declared that all offices for 2019 general election are open and contestable in line with the Abia charter of equity and PDP zoning formula.

    “We urge all our party faithful to remain loyal, steadfast and continue to have confidence in party leadership”.

    Onuigbo also added that the SWC also passed a vote of explicit confidence on the state leadership of the party for transparence and effective leadership.

  • Boko Haram: Gujba returnees record bumper harvests

    Boko Haram: Gujba returnees record bumper harvests

    The Chairman, Gujba Local Government Council in Yobe, Alhaji Kyari Batarama, said displaced persons who returned to their communities in the area had recorded bumper harvest this cropping season.

    They had earlier fled the area in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Batarama disclosed this on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of  Nigeria (NAN) in Buni Yadi.

    “The communities had after their return re-engaged in agricultural production, and the harvests are very good.

    ”They cultivated sorghum, groundnuts, sesame seeds and millet, among other crops,” he said.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the North-East Development Commission bill.

    “This will facilitate the resettlement, reconstruction and rehabilitation of people and communities affected by the insurgency,” the chairman said.

  • Gombe executive to back GOE bill passage

    Gombe executive to back GOE bill passage

    The Gombe State Executive Council has vowed commitment to support the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities ( GEO ) Bill by the state House of Assembly with a promise to ensure full implementation after passage.

    This position is contained in a communiqué issued after a two-day sensitisation workshop organised for them by the European Union (EU) Women under its programmed tagged “Promoting Women Engagement in Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.”

    The document signed the state Commissioner for Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Mal. Yusuf Manu Swa and Ishiaku Mohammed, Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Women Affairs also saw participants committing to active engagement of women and youths i peace-building process.

    Participants condemned in strong terms violence against women, girls, children and all vulnerable persons.

    It therefore resolved to speak against all forms of violence against all persons

    The workshop drew 40 members, which include commissioners, permanent secretaries, UN Peace and Security Project team and representatives of the gender committee.

    It was basically aimed at deepening the knowledge of the members of Gombe state executive on contents of Gombe State GEO Bill and to collate input from them on the content of the Bill.

    The workshop also provided a platform for direct advocacy for the passage of the Bill, while enhancing participants understanding of the United Nations Security Council Resolution ( UNSCR ) 1325.

    The meeting was funded by European Union ( EU )  and implemented by UN women in partnership with UNICEF and the state ministry of women Affairs and Social development.