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  • ENADEP to subsidize fertilisers in 2018 farming season

    ENADEP to subsidize fertilisers in 2018 farming season

    The Enugu State Agricultural Development Programme ( ENADEP ) says it is subsidising fertilisers to cushion the effects of high prices of agricultural inputs to farmers.

    The ENADEP Programme Manager, Mr Onyema Nwodo, said this in an interview with our reporter in Enugu on Tuesday.

    According to him, ADP will ensure that all farmers in the state get fertilisers in time in the 2018 farming season.

    He explained that the programme also provided yam seedlings, improved cassava stems and maize to farmers to enhance bumper harvest.

    Nwodo said the aim was to make seeds available to farmers to boost food production in line with the four-point agenda of the state government.

    “We are collaborating with all the farmers’ associations and all the stakeholders in the agricultural sector to distribute herbicides to farmers in the state.

    “This has gone a long way in improving the efficiency of this year’s harvest.

    “The issue of removing weeds in our farms is no longer productive in modern agricultural practices.

    “To conform to the acceptable global practices in agricultural production, ENADEP is committed to ensuring that herbicides are at the doorstep of every farmer in the state.

    “My office has equally made a very serious effort in line with the present international accepted practice to distribute pesticides to all the farmers in the state.

    “You can believe me that the quality and quantity of any agricultural produce is directly proportional to the necessary control measures put in place in protecting our farm seeds,” Nwodo said.

    He said the programme had responded to the yearnings of all the farmers in the state by providing herbicides to guarantee a bumper harvest.

    NAN

  • FG donates 70 mining kits to artisans, small-scale miners

    FG donates 70 mining kits to artisans, small-scale miners

    The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has donated 70 mining dressing kits to artisanal and small-scale miners in the South-East and South-South to facilitate safety in mining.

    Mr Patrick Ojeka, Director of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Department in the ministry, made the donation on Tuesday in Enugu, at a three-day workshop for artisans and small-scale miners in the two zones.

    Ojeka said that the ministry had been organising workshops, lectures and on-the-spot extension services to artisans and small-scale miners across the federation to enhance their activities.

    He explained that the trainings were aimed at improving the mining sector to create jobs and wealth for youth as well as diversifying the economy.

    “The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development is translating policies, statements and visions into practical actions that have direct impact on miners especially the artisanal and small-scale miners.

    “Today, we are not only teaching them through workshops, lectures and on-the-spot extension services free-of-charge, we have gone ahead to give them large number of free samples of what we want them to do,’’ he said.

    Read Also: FG set to get vaccine to tackle Lassa fever

    The director encouraged the participants to ensure safety of the environments and people in mining areas.

    Ojeka, who did not give the cost of the kits, urged the beneficiaries to utilize the kits and also provide same for their workers.

    A beneficiary, Mr Mike Nweke, who is a sand dredger in Ebonyi State, thanked the ministry for its good intention for miners.

    Nweke noted that the Federal Government had shown in words and deeds its commitment to help them grow, expand and employ more people while ensuring that the environment and people within and around the mining sites were safe.

    Our reporters, reports that the dress kits include crash helmet, protective eye glasses, nose and mouth gear, ear muffler, mining jacket, mining shoes as well as rain coats and rain boots.

    NAN

     

  • Serena ready for long-awaited return at Indian Wells

    Serena ready for long-awaited return at Indian Wells

    Serena Williams believes now is the “perfect time” to return to the WTA Tour in order to gauge her progress ahead of the year’s remaining Grand Slam Tournaments.

    Williams claimed a 23rd grand slam title at last year’s Australian Open before hanging up her racket for the season upon discovering she was pregnant with her first child.

    The American also skipped this year’s tournament in Melbourne.

    After using the time to work on her fitness, Williams featured in a Fed Cup doubles match for the United States last month.

    She is now scheduled to play at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells which starts this week.

    “My expectations, I don’t know what they are,” the 36-year-old American told the BBC.

    “I can’t go and say I expect to lose because that is something I will never say. It’s just a little different. I’m just expecting to see where I am more than anything.

    “This is a good time to start for the summer. If I want to play in those grand slams and play well, I think now is the perfect time to start.”

    The 2018 French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open are yet to be decided and Williams remains motivated to chase down Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam singles titles.

    She is also hoping to give her now six-month-old daughter a chance to have some memories of watching her mother in action.

    “I’ve always been an extremely motivated person,” said.

    “But my main thing is that I would love for my daughter to be around with me doing great, and playing amazing, so that definitely gives me some motivation,” she added.

    “I would have thought I would have retired six years ago, but I’m still here and I’m playing great, and I think I’ll still be playing good.”

    Unseeded Williams is scheduled to open her Indian Wells campaign with a first round tie against Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan on Thursday.

    Reuters/NAN

  • NUT urges FG to end strike in varsities

    NUT urges FG to end strike in varsities

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers ( NUT ) has pleaded with the Federal government to intervene in the on-going strike by non-teaching staff in universities nationwide.

    The National President of the union, Comrade Michael Olukoya, made the appeal in an interview with our reporter on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Labour unions, comprising Senior Staff Association of Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union and the National Association of Academic Technologists have been on strike since Dec. 4, 2017 over allowances.

    The unions, under the aegis of the Joint Actions Committee, are protesting none implementation of the 2009 agreement it entered into with the federal government.

    They are also protesting against the sharing of the N23 billion earned allowance released to the universities by the government.

    “I want to plead with the federal government and the striking university labour unions to come to a negotiating table and dialogue.

    “This is because, in all of this, the most hit at the end will be the Nigerian child and the country’s education system.

    “The federal government, being the employers of these people, must be sincere in every one of its dealings, especially when it concerns negotiations and agreements.

    “I want to see the federal government bring about a lasting solution to the crisis so that we can move forward,’’ the unionist said.

    According to him, the Ministers of Labour and that of Education should meet with the unions in the overall interest of the nation.

    He advised all parties involved “to exhibit undiluted patriotism in the interest of the Nigerian child.”

    NAN

  • FRSC seeks media collaboration in enforcing traffic regulations

    FRSC seeks media collaboration in enforcing traffic regulations

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for a strong tie between it and the media in enforcing traffic rules and regulations in the country.

    Mr Peter Kino, the Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Jos zone, made the call at a press briefing on Tuesday in Jos.

    Kibo, who just assumed duty as the new zonal commanding officer, urged media organisations in the zone to support its course.

    Read Also: FRSC to embark on “Operation Show Your Driver’s Licence’’ in Lagos

    He said enlightenment was a cardinal function of the corps hence the need for the media to key into its mandate of public education for safer highways across the country.

    “Public education is key to our bid to ensure safer highways in the country. As an organisation, we can’t do it alone; so, we need stronger partnership with the media to achieve our goals.

    “So, I am calling on all media organisations, particularly those in the states under my control to support and collaborate with us to succeed in making our highways safe,” he said.

    Our reporters,  reports that the Jos zonal command comprises Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau.

    NAN

     

  • Driver in court over alleged indecent assault of 5-year-old girl

    Driver in court over alleged indecent assault of 5-year-old girl

    A commercial driver, Jude Ugwu, 50, was on Tuesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly inserting an unidentified substance inside the private part of his neighbour’s daughter.

    Ugwu, who resides at 20, Wilmer St., Ilupeju, Lagos, is facing a charge of indecent sexual assault and causing the breach of peace.

    Prosecutor Clifford Ogu told the court that the offences were committed on Feb. 19 at the accused residence.
    Insp. Ogu explained that the accused called the five-year -old girl into his room when she was preparing for schooll in the morning.

    “The accused, thereafter, inserted a yellow substance that looks like a charm into the private part of the girl and told her not to remove it.

    Read Also:  Driver dies as he rams bus into truck on expressway

    “The girl could not walk properly as a result of the substance and needed to tell her mother,” Ogu said.

    According to the prosecutor, when the complainant, Mrs Akume Iruviere, confronted the accused, he denied it and so the case was reported at the police station.

    The offences, he said, violated Sections 187 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Chief Magistrate Taiwo Akanni granted the accused bail of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Mrs Akanni adjourned the case until April 16 for mention.

    NAN

  • Niger bridge collapse: I make N500,000 profit monthly – food vendor

    Niger bridge collapse: I make N500,000 profit monthly – food vendor

    Hajiya Aisha Yakubu, a food vendor at the construction site of Tatabu Bridge in Mokwa Local Area of Niger, says she makes N500,000 as profit from food vending monthly.

    Yakubu made the revelation during the inspection of Tatabu Bridge by officials from the Federal Ministry of Works in Mokwa, Niger state.

    “I have made a living for myself through the sales of food since the construction work at the bridge started in July 2017.

    “I have cordial relationship with the workers at the site; they don’t pay me for the food they buy on daily basis.

    “They pay me on monthly basis and every month, I realise nothing less than N500, 000,” she claimed.

    The food vendor said that she would use the profit to sponsor herself to 2018 hajj, build a house and expand her business.

    Also, Amina Isah, a pure water seller, said that she made N10, 000 on a daily basis, adding that activities at the bridge had helped increased her business.

    “I will use the money I made in my Sachet water sales to buy my wedding accessories because I plan to get married soon.

    “I want to thank the Federal Government for mobilising the contractors to the site because their presence here had helped in empowering me and making me self-employed,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Mr Iheancho Umeh, Federal Controller of Works in Niger, said that the contract for the construction of the bridge was awarded at N2.5 billion.

    He said that the bridge was at 75 per cent completion, adding that the project would be ready for use in April.

    “A temporary diversion had been constructed for motorists to ease traffic.

    “On the main bridge, the foundations and the sub-structure have been completed. The casting has been done and the only thing left now is the soft structure and the bim.

    “I have seen that the contractor had speed up work and in one month time, the bridge will be ready,” Umeh said.

    Also, Mr Liu Bin, Project Manager, CGC Nigeria Limited, said that the rains delayed the completion of the bridge.

    He gave assurance that the bridge would be completed in April, as the Federal government had released adequate fund for the project.

    NAN

  • Unilorin VC advises spending much on social media

    Unilorin VC advises spending much on social media

     The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, has advised new students of the institution to spend less time on Facebook and other social media platforms.

    Abdulkareem gave the advice on Tuesday in Ilorin while declaring open a week-long orientation programme for the 2017/2018 fresh students.

    The VC told the students that spending too much time on social media platforms was capable of distracting them and derailing their academic pursuit.

    He urged them to be serious with their studies and shun all negative tendencies that could jeopardise their academic pursuit.

    He said the students were lucky for being chosen out of numerous candidates that applied for admission into the university, and advised them to make judicious use of their time on campus.

    Abdulkareem also warned them to shun such colleagues that could be bad influence on them, unregistered associations, examination malpractice, indecent dressings and other anti-social behaviors.

    Read Also: UNILORIN VC seeks pact with foreign bodies

    The VC said that the university authority would not hesitate to deal decisively with any violator of the school’s regulations.

    He assured the fresh students of the university’s support at all times in order for them to actualise their set goals and graduate on time.

    Earlier in his address entitled “Remember the Children of Whom You are,” the Registrar of the university, Mr Emmanuel Obafemi, urged them to be decent and moderate in their approach to issues.

    Obafemi said that any form of uncivilized conduct by them would be visited with sanctions.

    “You are enjoined to manage your time very well by ensuring that you attend lectures, tutorials, and practical classes regularly as well as carry out all your assignments,” he said.

    NAN

     

  • Zimbabwe, Malawi ban South African meat products

    Zimbabwe, Malawi ban South African meat products

    Zimbabwe and Malawi on Tuesday banned South African meat products following the outbreak of the listeria disease that has since been linked to meet products from a South African company.

    Malawi Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) stated this in a statement in Lilongwe.

    CFTC has called all retailers, wholesalers and distributors to get rid of all meat products from the South African company, Tiger Brands Unit of Enterprise Food and RCL Foods.

    The statement further adds that the CFTC will inspect all business places to ensure that the banned meat products have totally been removed from the shelves of all shops.

    Read Also:  Zimbabwe arrests university chief over Grace Mugabe’s degree

    Since the government of South Africa linked the outbreak to one of its own meat production companies and instituted a recall of all the meat products involved, many southern Africa countries, have banned meat import from South Africa.

    The countries are Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi.

    Also, Zimbabwe had joined other countries in banning imports of processed meat products from South Africa after a deadly listeria outbreak there, Zimbabwe’s ministry of health said in a statement on Tuesday.

    South Africa on Monday said cold meat products were to blame for delays in tracing the cause of the world’s worst listeria outbreak, which has killed 180 people in the past year.

    NAN

  • 2019: APGA promises fair, transparent primaries

    2019: APGA promises fair, transparent primaries

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said its primaries for aspirants seeking to contest in the 2019 general elections would be free, fair, credible and transparent.

    Dr Victor Oye, National Chairman of APGA, made the commitment in an interview with our Reporter in Awka on Tuesday.

    Oye said while reacting to insinuations that some aspirants had been promised automatic tickets, that all nominations would be strictly in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

    The APGA national chairman advised those aspiring for the party’s ticket for any elective position to embark on wooing support for themselves and the party in their various constituencies.

    Read Also: Ekiti Guber: APGA tasks INEC on sensitisation of corps members

    He also stressed that good stewardship and loyalty to the party remained major criteria for those seeking re-election under the party.

    “APGA will hold transparent, credible primary for every elective office to be contested for in 2019 general election,” he said.

    Oye also spoke on Anambra politics, advising party members to allow Gov. Willie Obiano face the task of governance without distraction.

    “Leave the governor alone to concentrate on the avowed task of effective governance which is his primary focus for now,’’ he said.

    NAN