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Tag: Nigerian news

  • ‘FG to revitalise ALSCON, Ajaokuta coy soon’

    ‘FG to revitalise ALSCON, Ajaokuta coy soon’

    The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Kayode Fayemi on Tuesday updated President Muhammadu Buhari on state of Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi and the Aluminium Smelting Company ( ALSCON ) in Ikot Abasi.

    Nigeria’s only aluminium smelting plant, ALSCON, was shut down in 2014 following crippling protests embarked upon by the company’s staff against poor working conditions, dwindling productivity and spiralling debts.

    The management of ALSCON, Russian aluminium giant, United Company RUSAL PLC, dismissed almost all local personnel of its workforce.

    Fayemi told State House correspondents that the meeting with Buhari was to update him on the companies level of development towards bringing them back to life.

    He revealed that a definitive solution to the sale of Aluminium Smelting Company was being canvassed through the efforts of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Cue in audio – Fayemi

    “The president asked for an update on Ajaokuta and the Aluminum Smelting Company in Ikot Abasi. I came to brief Mr. President on the development to ensure these companies are back to life.

    “I told him about the efforts that Mr. Vice President was leading, on ensuring that we have a definitive solution to the sale of Aluminium Smelting Company in Ikot Abasi, and that we also move forward in the resolution and agreement reached on Ajaokuta Steel so that we get ready for the second concessioning.

    “We have appointed an Adviser; we have appointed a new leadership there because the term of the last leadership has expired. Those were the things we updated Mr. President on.’’

    Cue out audio – Fayemi

    The minister stated that the government was emphasizing solid minerals development as a vehicle for diversification of the nation’s economy.

    He added that mineral resources had contributed significantly to the GDP and revenue.

    “This year alone we have exceeded the target given to us. If you look at the Bureau of Statistics report you will see that the two sectors that have contributed immensely to the GDP is agriculture and solid minerals.

    NAN

  • FG to release proceeds of N100bn Sukuk bond to Ministry

    FG to release proceeds of N100bn Sukuk bond to Ministry

    The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has disclosed that proceeds of the N100 billion Islamic bond, Sukuk, will be released to the Ministry of Works on Thursday.

    Adeosun made this known when she appeared before the Joint Committee on Finance and Appropriation of the Senate on Tuesday in Abuja to brief it on level of implementation of the 2017 budget.

    She said that the Federal Government ( FG ) successfully completed the Sukuk bond last week and raised N100 billion, which would be released on Thursday.

    “The Sukuk funds are earmarked for roads and will be released on Thursday this week.

    “We have kept the capital spending going to ensure that efforts to improve the economy are continuous and seamless.

    ”There was no interruption in the activities of Ministries, Department and Agencies to ensure that they continued with their projects.

    ”The N100 billion Sovereign Sukuk, which debuted last month, has a tenor of seven years, and has been certified as ethically compliant by the Financial Regulation Advisory Council of experts of the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ),” she said.

    The minister noted that of the N2.18 trillion 2017 budget for capital expenditure, N341billion had so far been released.

    She said that the cumulative releases on current expenditure so far was N1.5 trillion, adding that N129 billion had been released for statutory transfers and N38 billion for pensions.

    She added that N92 billion had been released for overhead cost while Service Wide Votes was N224 billion.

    The 2017 Budget of N7.44 trillion has Statutory Transfers provision of N434 billion, N1.8 trillion for Debt Servicing, N177.5 billion for Sinking Fund for Maturity Bonds and N2.99 trillion for Recurrent Non-Debt Expenditure.

    NAN

  • Moses, Iwobi absent as Eagles hold first training

    Moses, Iwobi absent as Eagles hold first training

    Super Eagles’ forwards Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi were among players conspicuously absent as the team held their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

    The Super Eagles are preparing to face the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday in Uyo in an all-important 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

    According to the official twitter handle of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Eagles’ first training session saw a total of 19 players taking part.

    The two-hour training session began at about 4.30 p.m. and ended at 6.30 p.m.

    The players who took part in the training include Dele Ajiboye, Elderson Echiejile, John Ogu, Anthony Nwakaeme, Oghenekaro Etebo and Ikechukwu Ezenwa who arrived at the team’s camp on Monday afternoon.

    Also around were team captain Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ahmed Musa, Abdullahi Shehu, Wilfred Ndidi and birthday boy Kelechi Iheanacho who arrived late on Monday.

    Trabzonspor FC of Turkey midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, Olaoluwa Aina and Chidozie Awaziem who arrived on Tuesday also participated in the training.

    Two players on the team’s standby list, home-based Afeez Aremu and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, were also part of the training.

    Among those missing from the training session were Iwobi and Moses Simon who arrived at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

    Chelsea winger Moses was yet to arrive at the team’s camp at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort as at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

    The Eagles are expected to hold another open training session on Wednesday, including two more closed sessions on Thursday and Friday.

    A pre-match press parley is also scheduled to hold at Le Meridien on Thursday by 11.30 a.m. ahead of the match on Saturday.

    Meanwhile, Onazi was quoted on the NFF twitter handle as saying the team would give its all to ensure victory against the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday

    “We will give it all it takes as far as football is concerned” -@OnaziOgenyi #NGAZAM #SoarSuperEagles.

    The NFF also took time to congratulate Iheanacho on the occasion of his birthday on Tuesday.

    “Happy birthday @NGSuperEagles forward @67Kelechi. Keep shining!’’, the Federation wrote.

    NAN

  • INEC awaits Court of Appeal decision on recall of Melaye

    INEC awaits Court of Appeal decision on recall of Melaye

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) said it would await Court of Appeal’s decision on latest suit on the recall of Sen. Dino Melaye before taking further steps on it.

    The commission disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday night in Abuja by Mr Solomon Soyebi, a National Commissioner and its Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.

    INEC had in its amended timetable and schedule of activities on the recall of Melaye, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District at the Senate, planned to issue the notice for signatures verification on Tuesday.

    The amendment of the timetable was made pursuant to the order of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    In its judgment in a suit filed by Melaye to stop the recall process, the court dismissed the action and ordered INEC to serve him personally with his constituents’ petition for his recall and all accompanying documents.

    The court directed that the documents must be served on Melaye at least two weeks to the commencement of the exercise to enable him to prepare adequately for the verification.

    Meanwhile, the commission stated that all attempts to serve the senator had been futile as he had made himself unavailable.

    It stated that the Bailiff of the High Court accompanied by INEC officials had visited the office of the Senator at the National Assembly and his residence on six occasions but to no avail.

    The senator’s office was found locked, and the officials were also not able to gain access to him at his residence.

    It added that on resumption of the Senate after its recess, the senator refused to accept service of the documents.

    “The Commission approached the court for substituted service but was directed to make another attempt to serve the senator.

    “When this failed again, the commission returned to the court to pursue the request for substituted service but the court declined jurisdiction as the appeal by the senator had been entered at the Court of Appeal.”

    The commission added that as a result of Melaye’s refusal to accept service of the petition, it had not been able to proceed with the process as earlier scheduled.

    According to it, service of the documents on Melaye has become a condition precedent to continuing the exercise.

    “INEC has therefore decided that in line with its usual practice and in deference to the rule of law, it will await the outcome of the decision of the Appeal filed by the Senator,” it said.

    The commission reiterated determination to faithfully discharge all its constitutional and statutory duties and responsibilities.

    It added that in doing so, it was not only guided by the Constitutional and statutory provisions, but also by the interpretations given by the courts.

    “INEC does not have any interest whatsoever in the outcome of the Kogi West petition for recall.

    “Its interest is limited to ensuring that all electoral activities are undertaken in line with due process and without fear or favour.

    “The commission owes this duty to all Nigerians and is prepared to proceed in earnest once all legal issues are resolved.”

  • FCT CJ discharges 8 prisoners, commissions High Court

    FCT CJ discharges 8 prisoners, commissions High Court

    Justice Ishaq Bello, the FCT Chief Judge on Tuesday discharged eight inmates in the Kuje prison during his prison visitation.

    The inmates were discharged based on various grounds including age and lack of diligent prosecution.

    Mr. Nicholas Ike 82, who was discharged on the ground of age, had been in prison with his junior brother for five years for criminal breach of trust.

    “By the reason of age and having served five years conviction and the proceeds returned, you are hereby discharged.

    “I will also refer the case of the second accused to the prerogative of mercy to look into,“ CJ said.

    Three under age boys were also discharged, they are Ali Musa, 17, Abubakar Ismaila, 13, and Suleiman Dauda, 16.

    “Under age persons should not be in prison, preliminary founding should be done to ascertain the age before sentencing,“ he warned.

    Also discharged were 10 inmates whose fines were paid by some NGOs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prison’s capacity is 560, now housing 818, with 238 convicted, while a total of 573 are awaiting trial.

    Earlier, the chief judge formally commissioned Kuje High Court as head of Criminal Trial Division.

    He said that this was because of its proximity to the prison, and that it could help to cushion the problem of logistics arising from distance.

    He said that henceforth, the FCT courts would introduce the innovation of effective time management being practiced globally.

    “Time will be allotted to cases to enhance justice delivery.

    “We must get out of the box, out of 40s and 50s; no judge has the court to himself and most of the criminal cases which can go for bail, henceforth will be taken here,“ he said.

    He therefore implored the cooperation of other judges and all stakeholders, saying that with the setting up of the court, it would help in decongesting the prisons.

  • Osinbajo hails creative industry

    Osinbajo hails creative industry

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has hailed the creativity and ingenuity of Nigerian artistes which they have deployed to project the image of the country.

    He made the commendation after watching a grand performance of the cultural troupe, Wakaa the Musical, on Monday night at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

    Osinbajo, his wife, Dolapo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Information Minister Lai Mohammed were part of the dignitaries that watched the cultural fiesta.

    Osinbajo, who described the event as trilling said: “I have never seen anything like this before; it is absolutely incredible; this is wonderful.’’

    The producer of the theatre group and Chief Executive of Terra Culture, Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters, while welcoming guests to the occasion said it was the group’s way of promoting creativity in the industry among Nigerian youths.

    “Art is still taking the back stage in the country but we are prepared to boost it greatly due to the diversification drive of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    “This industry is not what to be ashamed of and the youths  can really make a living out it in spite of what one studied in school.

    “We need to look at the kind of education that we give to our young people so that they can be self- employed and increase their financial status,’’ the lawyer-turned artiste added.

    On the message of Wakaa, Austen-Peters said it was a satire and a message of hope, depicting the triumph of good over evil, also of love.

    She thanked the sponsors of the event and stressed the need for the country’s industrialists and philanthropists to “put their money where the message is’’.

    Austen-Peters said that the measure was to encourage more artistes and those in the creative industry to produce higher quality of products to be displayed outside the country.

    NAN

  • Court sentence man for stealing church property

    Court sentence man for stealing church property

    A 27-year-old driver, Ishaq Bala, who broke into a church and stole drums and iron rods, was on Tuesday sent to jail for  two years.

    A Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court in Nasarawa said Bala, who resides at Mararaba, was found guilty of all the three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking and theft brought against hyim.

    The Judge, Mr Albert Maga, held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the defendant was guilty of the offence.

    “He is hereby sentenced to two years imprisonment for the three-count charge,” he said.

    Maga, however, gave Bala an option of N10,000 fine, warning him to desist from committing crime.

    The accused was first arraigned on Aug. 18 on the three-count charge to which he pleaded not guilty.

    Earlier, the Police Prosecutor Agabi Auta told the court that Pastor Habila Dasat of Cocin Church, Base 4, Aku Village, Mararaba, had lodged a complaint against the accused  on Aug. 15 at`A’ Divisional Police Station.

    Auta said the accused and three others, now at large, broke into the church through the fence and stole a set of drums and some iron rods.

    “The security guard was able to get hold of the accused, while others ran away but the stolen items were recovered from him.”

    The offences contravened Sections 97, 288 and 347 of the Penal Code.

    NAN

  • Ondo assures traditional rulers of rural development

    Ondo assures traditional rulers of rural development

    The Ondo State Government has signed Memoranda of Understanding ( MoU ) with some foreigners to establish industries in rural areas in the state.

    Chief Timehin Adelegbe, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives, said this on Wednesday in Ifon, headquarters of Ose Local Government while on a courtesy visit to traditional rulers in the council area.

    He said that the industries would bring development to rural areas.

    10 towns that make up the council area are: Okeluse, Imoru, Ijagba, Ikaro, Idogun, Ifon, Idoani, Imeri, Ute and Afo.

    He said that one of the aims of the current administration of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu was to check unemployment by establishing industries.

    According to him, efforts are ongoing to tap the state’s resources to create wealth and make the state a hub of commercial activities.

    “This two-day visit to this local government area is to appreciate our people, to make government familiar with the area and inform our people about our development plans for this place.

    “Ose Dam is being considered to be used as hydro electric dam and this will create opportunities for employment.

    “We equally plan to establish a sugarcane processing factory in Ikaro.

    “Similarly, an oil company, packaging ethanol production programme, is scheduled to kick off in this local government and it will make cassava to be more lucrative.

    “There is also discovery of kaolin in this local government area which has attracted a private firm’s interest to establish a ceramic firm here,” he said.

    The commissioner said that the local government area had potential for development that would benefit the state government, stressing that as an indigene of the area, he would pursue such benefits to logical conclusions.

    “This government will not joke with its people because it is people oriented.

    “Apart from all these firms coming to our local government area, rural infrastructure such as road rehabilitation to be funded by World Bank will also be benefited,” he said.

    Responding, Oba Israel Adeusi, the Olufon of Ifon, said that the state governor was already doing well and making positive impacts.

    Adeusi admonished the government to continue with its momentum of performance as well as ensure that dividends of democracy went round, saying that he knew that the state would witness all-round transformation at the end of the administration.

    Similarly, Oba Adeyegba Owasunloye, the Arujale of Okeluse, said he was glad for the visit and advised the government to be focused and rule with fear of God.

    The traditional ruler said that the government must ensure that dividends of democracy promised the electorate went round all parts of the state.

    Those on the entourage of the commissioner included the Chairman of All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in the local government area, a member representing the local government area in Ondo State House of Assembly and caretaker chairman of the local government.

    NAN

  • Another PDP stalwart defects to APC in Lagos

    Another PDP stalwart defects to APC in Lagos

     A Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) stalwart in Agege area of Lagos, Mr Raheem Oyeniyi, on Tuesday defected to All Progressives Congress ( APC ), citing Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s sterling performance as reason.

    Oyeniyi gave notice of his defection in a letter to the APC ward chairman in Orile-Agege area on Tuesday.

     Oyeniyi was PDP House of Representatives candidate for Agege constituency in the 2015 general elections.

    In the letter titled “Letter of Intention to Return to All Progressives Congress’’, Oyeniyi said that he considered APC as a platform to actualise his dreams for the people.

    “I write to inform you of my intention to return to APC henceforth.

    “My intention to return is borne out of the belief that the APC today is by far more democratic inclined.

    “APC offers the forum of which I can actualise my desire and the aspirations of my people for a better Nigeria,’’ he said.

    Oyeniyi said he was a founding member of APC in 2013 but left the party due to internal wrangling and defected to PDP.

    “I have always been a progressive since the days of Alliance for Democracy ( AD ), Action Congress ( AC ) and Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN ).

    “I have contributed in no small measure to the progress of these parties and invariably of my constituency, financially, morally and otherwise.

    “I hope that you will use your good office in facilitating the necessary documentation to the effect,’’ Oyeniyi said.

    the defector copied the Chairmen of APC in Orile-Agege, Agege, Lagos, National Headquarters, and all stakeholders including Sen. Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the Party.

    Several PDP stalwarts, including seven out of eight Lagos State lawmakers elected under the platform of PDP in 2015, have defected to APC.

    NAN

  • Kebbi promises provision of skills,equipment to prisons

    Kebbi promises provision of skills,equipment to prisons

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi has promised to provide skills acquisition equipment and other materials to inmates of the two prisons in the state with a view to properly rehabilitate them.

    Bagudu made the promise on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi while donating tailoring machines to the inmates of the two prison inmates in the state.

    The governor urged the inmates to consider their incarceration as an act of God meant to reform them and not to abuse their personality.

    He called on them to change their attitudes, before and after the expiration of their prison terms.

    The governor also promised that government would revisit the cases of some of the inmates for possible pardon.

    “Government will look at some of your cases and some of you on awaiting trial.

    ‘’This is with a view to paying fines and possible pardon after consultation with security agencies, courts and prison authorities,” he assured.

    In his remarks, the Controller of Prisons in the state, Alhaji Sani Potiskum, commended the governor for his continued assistance to the two prisons.

    “We also thank you for the renovation of toilets, provision of 100 mattresses, repairs of boreholes and provision of drugs and insecticides to the inmates, he said.

    NAN