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  • Police arrest man for stealing Oscar Best Actress winner’s “golden man”

    Police arrest man for stealing Oscar Best Actress winner’s “golden man”

    A man was arrested on suspicion of stealing the Oscar of Frances McDormand – winner of best actress prize at the 90th Academy Awards, just after the ceremony on Sunday, the Los Angeles police said.

    The police confirmed that Terry Bryant, 47, had been arrested for grand theft, after the statuette was gone at the Governor’s Ball, which is the official formal dinner after the ceremony.

    The statuette has since been returned to the best actress winner.

    Witnesses said Bryant, dressed in tuxedo, strutted around at the party, claiming that McDormand’s Oscar was his.

    “Sup babies, look, my team got this tonight. Who wants to tell me congratulations?” Bryant said in a video posted on Facebook. “This is mine. We got it tonight, baby!”

    Read Also:  Two remanded for allegedly stealing policeman’s gun

    Onlookers asked to touch the statue and offered congratulations, apparently unaware the Oscar belonged to McDormand.

    The 60-year-old actress was celebrating her win of the award for best actress for her role in “Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri.”

    Her Oscar was awarded for playing an angry and bitter mother who is seeking vengeance after her daughter is raped and murdered.

    McDormand received a rousing reception for her acceptance speech, as she extorted all the women nominees and winners to stand up from their seats to get the recognition they deserved.

    NAN

     

  • NCAC to partner diplomatic missions on culture, art to promote relations

    NCAC to partner diplomatic missions on culture, art to promote relations

    The National Council for Art and Culture (NCAC) has reiterated its commitment to partner with all diplomatic missions in Nigeria to promote cultural and artistic relationship.

    Chief Segun Runsewe, Director-General of the council, said this in an address of welcome at the opening of a two-day “Callio-Painting Exhibition and Training’’ in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The event was put together by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in collaboration with NCAC.

    According to Runsewe, we will continue to build strong relationships with all the diplomatic missions in Nigeria to boost cultural and artistic relationship.

    “Iran has opened a door that will remain strong for other missions to join.

    “ This two-day programme is a window that has just been opened between Nigeria and Iran.

    “This programme will also involve some training, capacity building and some synergy between the two countries.

    “Today is a day of showcasing the strength of the two countries speaking one language of culture.

    “Any country in the world that wants to be strong must be serious with education and culture.

    Read Also:NCAC tasks Nigerians on national unit

    Runsewe expressed delight that the two countries are partnering in these two sectors adding, “we are ready to partner other diplomatic missions in the country on culture and art.’’

    Earlier, the Ambassador of Iran, Mr Morteza Zarchi, said culture played an important role in uniting countries and nations.

    Zarchi noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran had thousands of calligraphy and callio-arts and paintings which were thousands of years old.

    According to him, Callio-painting started in Medina and Mecca and was the type use in writing the Holy Quran, Iran had played a major role in terms of development in callio.

    “On behalf of the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the cultural sector of the embassy, I want to say that this is the first time we are holding this event in Nigeria.

    “Iran has played important roles in terms of international and regional activities in promotion of different kind of arts.

    “This mission we have taken here today will further boost the relationship between the arts of Nigeria and Iran.

    “I want to use this platform to urge Nigerian artists to pay visits to Iran and have exhibitions of their artistic works,’’ Zarchi said.

    Also, in his key note address, Mr Vinod Kumar, Cultural Attaché at the Indian High Commission said art was one of the most powerful tools that could bring people together.

    “Let us spread the word to others for people to know what is happening, so that they can come here to celebrate,’’ Kumar said.

    An artist, Madhi Razi, whose over 25 art works were displayed at the event, said Nigeria was blessed with talented artists.

    Razi stressed that his works of art may have different meaning for different people, adding that praises to God was prominent in his works.

    The Ambassador of Algeria, other diplomatic corps and management team of NCAC were present at the occasion.

    NAN

  • Emir of Suleja seeks proper funding of education

    Emir of Suleja seeks proper funding of education

    The Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim, has called for proper funding of education to arrest the deplorable state of the sector in the country.

    A statement issued by Mrs Lydia Legbo, spokesman of the Federal University of Technology Minna, said the emir made the call when the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace.

    The monarch noted that the deplorable standard of education in the country should be of utmost concern to government and all stakeholders in the country.

    He said that even though education remains the bedrock of development in any nation, it has not received the desired attention in the country, thereby, churning out half baked youths who have become nuisance to the society.

    Ibrahim assured the vice chancellor of the full support of Suleja Emirate Council to make the university one of the best in the country.

    The emir advised it to get involved in efforts to sanitise the society and  requested the university to organize a dialogue in Suleja to address the problem of examination malpractice and other social vices in the community.

    Read Also: Adeleke VC calls for urgent intervention in education

    He also urged the institution to fast track the take-off of its Suleja Study Centre, to offer more opportunities to students especially from the emirate.

    Earlier, the vice chancellor said the visit was to seek for prayers, advice and royal blessings in the task of piloting the institution.

    Bala said the university remains grateful to the emir for his support since its establishment in 1983.

    He pledged to do more to the university’s host communities in the area of community service.

    The vice chancellor said the Suleja Study Centre would soon become operational, adding that it would run Pre-degree, IJMB, Diploma and Certificate programmes.

    Bala however said that the delay in the take off of the centre was due to absence of an administrative block and hostel accommodation for students.

    He therefore called on philanthropists and private individuals in the area to build students hostels while university completes the construction of the administrative block.

    NAN

     

  • EU plants 634,132 trees in Katsina

    EU plants 634,132 trees in Katsina

    The European Union ( EU ) says it planted 634,132 variety of trees in Maiadua Local Government Area of Katsina State to prevent desertification and promote the concept of green house in the last five years.

    Dr Chris Udokang, EU Project Manager, announced this in an interview with our reporter in Maiadua on Tuesday.

    Udokang said 538,994 of the trees, representing 87.3 per cent survived.

    He noted that the project was executed under the EU Fuel Wood Balance Programme ( FUWOBA ) and implemented by the Oxfam and the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development, in collaboration with the National Planning Commission.

    Udokang added that no fewer than 1,000 farmers were provided with agricultural implements which included fertilisers, insecticides and modernised cooking stove free of charge, to promote farming in the area.

    He urged the people to continue to maintain the trees as well as make judicious use of the farming implements for a better environment and a secured future free from desertification and lack of food.

    The EU FUWOBA projects commenced in October 2014 across some seven selected local government areas in Katsina State to promote agriculture and prevent desertification.

    NAN

  • 2019: INEC inaugurates teams to drive elections’ projects plan in Ebonyi

    2019: INEC inaugurates teams to drive elections’ projects plan in Ebonyi

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) in Ebonyi, on Tuesday inaugurated 19 different committees to drive the commission ‘s Elections’ Projects Plan (EPP), ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    The committees are: Inventory Committee, Election Monitoring and Support Centre Committee, Electronic Dashboard Committee, Security Committee, Domestication of EPP Committee, among others.

    The Ebonyi INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Godswill Obioma, inaugurated the committees at the commission’s state headquarters in Abakaliki.

    He said that the action was in line with directive from the national headquarters of the commission.

    According to him, the committees known as Elections’ Projects Plan task teams will carry out various responsibilities preparatory to 2019 general elections.

    He said that each of the committees has specific activities, team leader, team members, time line and terms of references.

    The resident commissioner described the inauguration as a ‘defining’ moment for the commission as it moved closer to the 2019 general elections.

    He said: “The Elections’ Projects Plan is a document developed by INEC to drive the implementation of transparent elections for 2019.

    “Therefore, the inauguration of the 19 Elections’ Projects Plan task teams is a defining moment for the commission in Ebonyi because they are going to drive transparent conduct of 2019 elections.

    “INEC has developed a five-year strategic plan covering 2017 and 2021 and what this means is that whatever INEC does in terms of election and other activities are captured in the strategic plan.

    “You have a daunting task to make the commission to succeed in the 2019 general elections and you must work hard within your committees to enable the commission achieve better result”.

    The resident commissioner said that a monitoring team would be set up to ensure that various committees worked within the time line.

    The INEC’s Administrative Secretary, Mr Charles Ezema, who responded on behalf of other heads of the committees, assured that the committees would carry out the assignments diligently and in accordance with terms of reference.

    “The committees will not disappoint the commission on this very important assignment and we must work within the time line.

    “What we have done today has helped our understanding to know that election is a process which can be reduced into strategic planning for efficient and effective result.

    “It is important that we take our responsibilities seriously, especially now that we have 68 registered political parties to contend with, ” Ezema said.

    Activities expected to be performed by the task teams include: to domesticate the 2019 Elections Projects Plan in order to design a state-based 2019 EPP for Ebonyi, adopt final report of the inventory committee.

    Other activities also include to set up state Election Monitoring Centre (EMSC), create Electronic Dashboard for state EMSC, reactivate periodic data – gathering for base line data, among others.

    The task teams are expected to conclude all their assignments by April 4.

    NAN

  • PenCom approved N8.26bn as death benefits in third quarter of 2017

    PenCom approved N8.26bn as death benefits in third quarter of 2017

    The National Pension Commission ( PenCom ) has approved N8.26 billion as death benefits to beneficiaries of 2,391 deceased employees during the third quarter of 2017.

    PenCom in its 2017 third quarter report posted on its website indicated that the approval in the quarter moved the cumulative death benefits payments to a total of N129.70 billion..

    PenCom said that the payment comprised of life insurance of 42,851 deceased employees from both private and public sector of the economy.

    The report also showed that the total number of retirees currently receiving their pensions under the Programmed Withdrawal (PW) increased from 158,409 in the previous quarter to 165,740 in the third quarter, 2017.

    This, it said represents 4.63 per cent (7,331) increase from the total retirement recorded through the PW.

    A sectorial breakdown of those that retired under the PW during the quarter shows that, the public sector had 50.81 per cent (3,725) of total retirees while the private sector was 49.19 per cent (3,606).

    During the quarter under review, the document revealed that 7,331 retirees were paid the sum of N17.91 billion as lump sum and N0.27 billion as monthly programmed withdrawals.

    The report shows that from inception to date, a total of 165,740 retirees have been paid the sum of N427.16 billion as lump sum and N5.63 billion as monthly programmed withdrawals.

    On retirement by annuity, the Commission approved a total of 5,243 applications for annuity retirement plan during the quarter, bringing the total number of retirees receiving their retirement benefits through the annuity plan to 41,688.

    It indicates that 5,243 retirees received N4.30 billion as lump sum payment and paid annuity premium of N27.74 billion to Insurance companies, totaling N53.98 billion and N205.85 billion as lump sum payments and annuity premium.

    It said that the retirees were receiving average monthly annuity of N1.85 billion as at the end of September 2017.

    On withdrawal of 25 per cent of Retirement Saving Account (RSA) balances, it said approval was granted for payment of N5.00 billion to 16,165 RSA holders.

    According to the report, the RSA holders were those under the age of 50 years and were disengaged from work and unable to secure another job within 4 months of disengagement.

    It said the cumulative total number of disengaged RSA holders who were paid 25 per cent was 221,777 and were paid N76.03 billion from inception to date.

    A further analysis on the payment of disengaged RSA holder, according to the report, showed that the private sector accounted for 95.40 per cent (221,777) while the public sector accounted for 4.60 per cent (10,687).

    NAN

  • N650bn debt: DAPPMAN calls off 14-day ultimatum

    N650bn debt: DAPPMAN calls off 14-day ultimatum

    The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria ( DAPPMAN ) has called off its 14-day ultimatum earlier given to the Federal Government over N650 billion debt owed its members.

    The Executive Secretary of the Association, Mr Olufemi Adewole, called the 14-day ultimatum off in a statement in Lagos on Monday.

    On Feb. 20 DAPPMAN gave the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to settle a N650 billion debt owed its members or disengaged its workers.

    According to Adewole, following the 14-day ultimatum to commence staff disengagement given to government by DAPPMAN in the light of over N650 billion owed to petroleum marketers.

    “A series of constructive engagements and meetings were held with NNPC, Ministry of Labour, the Presidency and DAPPMAN/MOMAN.

    “Marketers have been reassured about the FGN’s commitment to make payment as evidenced by the request for approval for appropriation of same to the National Assembly.

    “It is our hope that this approval will be given promptly and these long overdue payments made subsequently,’’ he said.

    Adewole said that consequently, DAPPMAN/MOMAN hereby suspend the issued 14 days ultimatum and use this medium to plead with all our staff under the various umbrella unions.

    He urged NARTO, PENGASSAN, NUPENG/PTD to please bear with them whilst the approval for appropriation by the NASS is being deliberated on and processed.

    The statement expressed the belief that it would not exceed two weeks in view of the adverse implications of any delays.
    It, however, said that all marketers were to ensure there was no disruption in the supply and distribution of petrol nationwide.

    “We thank all Nigerians for their understanding and support in many forms as always,’’ the statement said.

    NAN

  • UN to investigate new sex-for-food allegations in CAR

    UN to investigate new sex-for-food allegations in CAR

    The UN is taking new allegations of sexual abuse by its troops in Central African Republic ( CAR ) “very seriously’’ and promises to investigate them.

    The pledge comes after the bishop of Bangassou, a town in south-eastern CAR, told Spanish newspaper ABC that women were forced to sell sex for food in a dire humanitarian situation caused by years of civil conflict.

    “They are desperate, they are dying of hunger and they often insist on selling their bodies to be able to eat,” bishop Juan Aguirre was quoted as saying.

    Aguirre also alleged young girls had been sexually abused by peacekeepers and fallen pregnant.

    “The UN had already heard about these rumours for several months and carried out thorough investigations with the help of local sources,” the UN peacekeeping mission in CAR said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Although “there is no tangible evidence to support these allegations,’’ the mission would continue its investigations.

    The accusations are the latest in a long list sexual abuse and misconduct allegations by UN staff that stretch back more than a decade, to operations in Congo, Burundi, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

    Several reports by the UN and human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, suggest that peacekeepers and aid workers abuse the power they hold over vulnerable people by creating a predatory sexual culture.

    dpa/NAN

                                                                                              

  • 12m girls become child brides yearly – UNICEF

    12m girls become child brides yearly – UNICEF

    An estimated 12 million girls under 18 are getting married every year globally, according to new data from UNICEF released on Tuesday.

    The newly collated figures signal a 15 per cent drop in the last decade, from one in four to approximately one in five girls.

    UNICEF warned that if child marriage continues at the current rate, more than 150 million girls across the world will marry before their 18th birthdays by 2030.

    “When a girl is forced to marry as a child, she faces immediate and lifelong consequences.

    “Her odds of finishing school decrease while her odds of being abused by her husband and suffering complications during pregnancy increase,” Anju Malhotra, UNICEF’s principal gender adviser, said in a statement.

    In South Asia, there has been a decrease in the prevalence of child brides from 50 per cent ten years ago to 30 per cent today.

    In sub-Saharan Africa there has also been a decline, with 43 per cent of women married in childhood ten years ago compared to 38 per cent today.

    UNICEF said there has also been a shift in where the highest number of child brides are located, with close to one-third of all the most recently married child brides globally now in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to one in five a decade ago.

    According to UNICEF, an estimated 650 million women alive today were married as children.

    The UN Sustainable Development Goals sets out plans to end child marriage by 2030.

    dpa/NAN

  • #BBNaija: Ceelo, Tolex, Lifu, Mito up for eviction

    #BBNaija: Ceelo, Tolex, Lifu, Mito up for eviction

    …as Bambam wins Head of House

    Four pairs are up for evictions in the Big Brother Naija show, with at least one pair leaving the house this Sunday.

    They include the pair of Ceelo, Tolex (Tobi and Alex), Mito (Miracle and Anto) and Lifu (Leo and Ifu-Enada).

    Tobi is facing evictions for the first time, and with the pair Lifu facing evictions for the second week running.

    The voting lines are open for viewers to vote for their preferred housemate, and it will be closed on Thursday night.

    Earlier on Monday, Bambam won the head of house after winning the challenge defeating Alex, Leo and Tobi, granting her and her partner immunity from evictions.

    Speaking to Big Brother at the Diary session, she said “I did not see it coming, and I feel blessed to be the head of house.”

    She becomes the second female housemate to win the title, after disqualified housemate Khloe became the first female head of house in the early weeks of the show.

    The evictions on Sunday will be the last time pairs will be evicted, as it will be an individual race to the ultimate prize from this Sunday on.