The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

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

October 4, 2017
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

October 4, 2017
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

October 4, 2017
‘Super Eagles going for outright win against Zambia’

The Super Eagles spokesman, Toyin Ibitoye, on Wednesday debunked the news that the team would be satisfied with a draw against Zambia, saying instead that the team would be going for an outright win.

Ibitoye said this in Lagos that the team would be aiming at defeating the Chipolopolo of Zambia in the crucial encounter in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

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

Nigeria will play Zambia on Saturday at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Nigeria got the first goal in Yaoundé after 30 minutes play through Moses Simon while Cameroun got their equaliser 15 minutes to go through a Vincent Aboubakar penalty.

The super eagles had started the campaign in what many soccer pundits predicted to be the group of death in a blistering form with a defeat 2-1of Zambia in Ndola to pick their first ever away win.

Goals from the premier league hotshots, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho in the 33rd and 43rd minutes, ensured the much needed bright start, while Zambia’s Mbesuma scored in the 70th minute.

Nigeria maintained the record when they defeated the highest ranked team in Africa, the Desert Warriors of Algeria in Uyo 3-1, courtesy of a brace from Victor Moses and a goal from Mikel Obi.

However, the Gernot Rohr’s men can take a watertight lead on the summit of the Group B if they defeat Zambia on Sunday.

A win means they will be on 13 points as against Zambia who will be rooted with seven points.

On the importance of the match against the Wedson Nyirenda-tutored team from the Southern part of Africa, Ibitoye said the team’s management was leaving no stone unturned.

He said that the Super Eagles Camp at the Le Meriden Hotel, was complete save the absence of Victor Moses who is been expected on Wednesday morning.

“The camp is bubbling with the influx of the players, they all arrived early enough and they are training well. We are expecting the last person, Moses, who will arrive this ( Wednesday ) morning.

“It is not true that we are contented with a draw according to some stories circulating around and which was attributed to the coach. All we want is an outright win.

“At present, there is no injury concern in the team, Iwobi trained with others and he is 100 per cent fit as well as other players. The fitness level is perfect.

“What we are saying is that the match against Zambia may not necessarily be a whitewash as we did against Cameroun.’’

“The scoreline may or may not be the same but the points are what we need. Three full points will make us qualify in style,’’ he said.

NAN

October 4, 2017
‘FADAMA has gone beyond a project, it is a movement’

Mr Tayo Adewumi, the National Coordinator, FADAMA III Additional Financing (AF) programme, says the programme has now transformed into a movement.

He said this in Abuja on Wednesday while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the two-day FADAMA technical meeting on farm inputs distribution mechanism and produce marketing.

Adewumi noted that in all the participating states, the beneficiaries were involved in all the value chain processes – crop processing, packaging and off-taking.

“That is the best way a project should be run and sustained.

“This is what we call value addition; value addition is very vital and it should involve processes like production, capacity building, processing and packaging,’’ he said.

The coordinator said that the participants of the technical meeting– agro-dealers, off-takers and FADAMA officials in states – were mobilised to boost the country’s agricultural production.

He added that they would also strive to implement President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda on food security by enhancing food production for local consumption and exports.

“We are targeting not only the regional markets but also international markets. The Green Alternative programme of the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, is on course; we gather representatives from all states because they are all important in this gathering.

“We want to use the two days to rub minds, exchange our professional ideas and later articulate the lessons we have learnt at the end of the programme.

“We cannot assume that all is well in all the states but we want to say we have left the train station; the train is moving towards our final destination,’’ he said.

Adewumi said that in the course of programme implementation, there had been successes and challenges, adding, however, that by the end of the technical meeting, pragmatic solutions would have been proffered to all the perceptible challenges.

“We have not only invited off-takers and agro-dealers but we have invited the state FADAMA officers, so when they go back they would be able to re-echo all the decisions we have made at this forum.

“ We always appreciate agro-dealers for their wonderful job because seed security is food security.

“Our farmers are smiling because they now know the value of the programme and appreciate the seeds they are planting, they now see agriculture as a way of life and business; and they now have bargaining power,’’ he said.

Adewumi said that the timing of the meeting was apt because in 2014 when the FADAMA programme started, most of the participants did not know how to make project document work.

“Under the project management or donor project, our project document is referred to as a living document; at any point in time, whenever we want to implement a clause and we are facing certain challenges, we always go back to consult it and see the way out.

“The essence is for us to achieve the Project Development Objective ( PDO ) of the programme and be able to know that all the items listed in the project which have been implemented or achieved.

“We are doing all these to promote Nigeria’s agricultural development to serve as a tool for job creation, food sufficiency and engagement of the youth,’’ he said.

Adewumi described FADAMA as one of the Community Development Projects in Africa, saying that it had been very successful.

“It would not have happened if not for the zeal, commitment and efforts of all partners and Nigerians as a whole.

“Many youths have been trained from different states and the FADAMA collaboration has been excellent, it was not there before, we started in hard way; it is getting smoother and it will last longer.

“We want the relationship we have built to last longer and be sustained; we promise to continue to support our poor farmers and put smiles on their faces,’’ he said.

October 4, 2017
Ogun state sacks Mapoly Rector

Following the protest embarked upon by the student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, the Ogun State Government has sacked the Rector of varsity Prof Oludele Itiola.

This was shown in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa which reads ; “Professor Itiola is expected to proceed on his terminal leave with immediate effect, while the new Acting Rector is expected to take over the administration of the institution”.

The government has also appointed Mr. Ayodeji Salimon Tella as the Acting Rector of the institution.

October 4, 2017
Boroh, others for World Habitat Award

The World Habitat Ambassadors Foundation ( WHAF ) says it will honour Brig- Gen Paul Boroh ( Rtd ), Special Adviser on Niger Delta to President Muhammad Buhari for his humanitarian and philanthropic endeavours.

Amb. Hillary Emoh, Principal Consultant of WHAF in an interview with on Wednesday in Abuja, said other notable individuals would also be honoured on Oct. 8 in Abuja.

Emoh explained that the essence of the award was to honour and celebrate effort by outstanding individuals, organisations and government parastatal that had contributed to the growth and development of the society.

“Each year, WHAF in partnership with other international organisations organises the World Habitat Humanitarian and Philanthropic Award for Excellence and the Miss UN-World Habitat contest.

“The 2017 edition will honour Boro, Evangelist Michael Diden (Ejele), High Chief (Amb) Gabriel Oyibode Foundation; President/Founder, Gabriel Oyibode Foundation, the Deputy Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Hassan Abdullahi Baiwa.

“Others are Director-General, NOSDRA, Sir Peter Idabor, Hon Godwin Ebosa; Chairman, Board of the Delta Oil Producing Area Development Commission ( DESOPADEC ).

“Georgia State Representative, Hon James Beverly from the U.S., Lady Charity Nwakolam Ohadiugha, President of ‘Creative Minds’, Martine Maignan, Founder, Prince Osisioma Foundation, Prince Onyeka Eze among others.” Emoh said.

WHAF is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to achieving the set-goals for urban development, sustainable shelter, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

“WHAF is working to help people access decent healthy and secured housing through identifying innovative housing policy and practice, promoting these ideas, and supporting the exchange and transfer of good practices.

“WHAF has over the years been working in collaboration with other agencies, organisations, and institutions in Africa, Canada and the United States of America,” he said.

NAN

October 4, 2017
Edo Police Command arrests 207 suspects in three months

The Edo Command of the Nigerian Police Force says it arrested no fewer than 207 suspects for various criminal activities between July and September.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Haliru Gwandu made this known on Wednesday in Benin in an interview.

Gwandu said that 12 vehicles, 35 assorted arms with 143 live cartridges were recovered from the suspects within the period under review.

The police commissioner explained that the command had received 38 reports on armed robbery and arrested 90 suspects.

He said that so far, 22 of the armed robbery cases were in court while nine were under investigation.

The police chief also said 31 suspected kidnappers allegedly involved in 17 abductions were arrested during the period.

Gwandu further said that 57 suspected cultists were nabbed during the period, out of which 31 were charged to court and 26 cases still under investigation.

“In the case of murder, we have 26 reported cases, 16 suspects arrested, nine charged to court, 22 victims and 26 cases under investigation”, he said.

The police commissioner said the command had also arrested three suspects in a case of human trafficking involving a victim.

He stressed that the command was committed to fighting crime and bringing it to the barest minimum in the state.

Gwandu attributed the achievements recorded by the command in the last three months to the determination of the personnel to tackle all forms of criminal activities in the state.

Meanwhile, two prominent people in the state, Mr Andy Ehanire, a brother to the Minister of state for Health, and Chief Osayomore Joseph, a social crusader and musician, are still being held by kidnappers.

Ehanire was kidnapped a fortnight ago, while Joseph was abducted this Wednesday from his residence in Benin.

October 4, 2017
Court jails man for defiling minor

A 40-year-old security guard, Mr Francis Gyang, was on Wednesday sentenced to four years imprisonment by a Jos Upper Area Court for defiling a minor.

The Judge, Mr Yahaya Mohammed, convicted Gyang for defiling the six-year-old girl without an option of a fine.

According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Ibrahim Gukwat, the convict, on Sept. 21, lured the girl to his room and forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her.

The prosecutor said that the offence was contrary to Section 282 of the Penal Code.

The accused had pleaded guilty to the charge and begged the court for mercy.

The judge said that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others.

NAN

October 4, 2017
UN launches $9 million food security project

The United Nations ( UN ) on Tuesday launched a nine million-dollar food security project in Kaduna State to improve the livelihood of farmers in the state.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said that the project known as “Food Africa’’ was to ensure improved nutrition and food sufficiency in the country.

Kallon said the project was an innovative approach aimed at revamping the food sector to create new jobs for young people, increase farmers’ revenue, improve productivity, enhance nutrition and reduce food loss through the adoption of more sustainable production practices.

He said that the project would be implemented in partnership with various UN agencies, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund ( UN SDG-F ) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO ).

He said that the other facilitators of the project included the Sahara Group, the International Labour Organisation ( ILO ), the Roca Brothers and the Kaduna State government, among others.

According to him, Nigeria is currently facing food insufficiency due to factors such as reliance on rain-fed agriculture, increase in food prices and climate change.

Kallon said that the private sector was the engine room for actualising the SDGs, adding that collaborations between the government, private sector and UN agencies would facilitate efforts to achieve the targets of the project.

“A growing population comes with a growing demand for food. To feed this expanded population nutritiously and sustainably, much more efforts and innovation are needed to make substantial improvements to the food system,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Ms Paloma Duran, the Director of UN-SDGF, said that the project would target, train and involve no fewer than 4,000 farmers in Kaduna State.

Duran noted that the project commenced with the training of 50 farmers, including young women and men in agriculture, using a train-the-trainer approach.

“Some of the priorities of this project are food security and nutrition as well as inclusive economic growth; and it will last for three years,’’ she said.

Mr Suffyan Koroma, the FAO Country Representative, said that the project would target food preservation techniques, especially in the tomato value chain.

He said that the project would help to promote sustainability and replicable integrated solutions to agro-food value chain development, youth employment and poverty alleviation issues.

Dr Abdukadir Kassim, the Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, commended the UN agencies for choosing the Kaduna as the pilot state for the project.

He said that the training of the 50 farmers was apt, adding that the state government was interested in improving the livelihood of its citizens to ensure increased food production.

He said that the state government’s agricultural schemes had impacted significantly on about 70 per cent of its farming population because of the fact that there was no better security than food security.

Kassim said that the state government would support agencies and partners whose target was to promote the agricultural potential of the state.

“The training of the farmers in Kaduna has confirmed the fact that the UN is supporting agricultural programmes in the country.

“Any programme aimed at improving the livelihood of the people will be welcomed by the government,’’ he added.

Mr Tonye Cole, the Executive Director of the Sahara Group, said that the project would be replicated in other states of the country and across Africa to achieve food security.

Food Africa project focuses on identifying and testing a replicable model in Kaduna State, with a view to scaling up the programme in other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

NAN

October 4, 2017