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AfDB appoints five senior management staff

The President of African Development Bank AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina has announced the appointment of five senior management staff as part of efforts to enhance the bank’s service delivery.

Adesina announced this in a statement signed by the bank’s Principal Communications Officer, Mrs Olivia Obiang on Monday in Abuja.

Adesina said that Dr. Hanan Morsy as was appointed as the Director, Macroeconomic Forecasting and Research, with effect from March 12.

According to him, Morsy is a citizen of Egypt, and a renowned Macro-economic and Public Policy expert with vast experience in international financial institutions and the private sector.

The AfDB president said that Stella Kilonzo, was appointed as the Senior Director, Africa Investment Forum, with effect from March 1.

He said that Kilonzo, is Kenyan national and had been the Division Manager, Capital Markets Division since Dec. 2013, when she joined the bank.

Adesina said that Olivier Eweck was also appointed as Director, Syndication and Technical Services Department, effective from February 1.

Read Also: AfDB strengthens regional collaboration on research

According to him, Eweck is a citizen of Cameroon and until his appointment the Manager, Financial Technical Services Division, for the bank since 2009.

Adesina said that Moono Mupotola, was appointed as Director, Regional Integration, effective from March 1, while Wambui Gilchrist, was appointed Director, Water Development and Sanitation, with effect from March 15.

He said that Mupotola is a Zambian national and until his appointment, was the Director in charge of the Regional Integration and Trade Department of the bank.

He said that Gichuri is a Kenyan national, and has served the bank as Water Practice Manager, Africa Region since July 2016.

March 5, 2018
Whirlwind hits Aba, puts parts of the city in darkness

A whirlwind on Sunday afternoon swept through the commercial heartbeat of Abia State, leaving in its trail destruction of monumental proportion and throwing the city into darkness as several electric poles were brought down by the fierce wind. This is even as many house roofs were blown off.

Also high tension cables and heavy billboard stanchions were not left out as the hurricane pulled them down along major roads in the city thereby making residents to be enveloped with fear.

The hurricane which started late on Sunday with slight rain that did not last up to 15 minutes, however, left major areas of the city, especially Umungasi, Brass and Asa Road in total destruction and fear as transporters and commuters scampered for safety while those in their houses were rattled by the banging of the ramping hurricane on their doors and windows.

When our reporter went round the city on Monday to ascertain the level of damage caused by the hurricane, it was discovered that not less than eight high tension poles with cables were pulled down along Aba-Owerri Road, Ajiwe Avenue, Nwogu Street and Brass Street all within the Umungasi axis in Aba North and Osisioma Local government areas respectively.

Almost all the roofs at the popular Umungasi mini market were carried away while most of the zincs at the Okigwe road primary school being rehabilitated by the state government were also affected.

A trader at the market, Mrs. Juliana Ike said that they have God to thank as no life was lost. “I was in the market when this thing happened. It was a miracle, when the dangerous wind started; we had to leave the area before the high tension fell. You can see how the roof of the market was damaged by the wind. I thank God that there was no electric light when this happened, then if not, my two children I, who came to help me here would have been electrocuted.”

Also at Asa Road by Jubilee Junction, the hurricane pulled a heavy billboard and smashed it on a while Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) packed nearby, although no life was lost.

According to an eyewitness, “We were here when the owner of the SUV parked it to repair his generator here. The rain came with a heavy wind which made everyone to run in for safety.”

Power was yet to be restored to the city as at the time of filing the report as many people were still busy trying to replace their blown off roofs.

Some residents speaking in an interview urged the Enugu Electrical Distribution Company (EEDC) to not only restore power to the city but also ensure speedy removal of pulled down electric poles and cables.

Speaking on the incident, Head, Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Eze with residents of the city to exercise patience as EEDC was on top of the situation and would restore light to the area in a short time.

March 5, 2018
World cup: FG to build 3m support team

The Federal Government is set to build a three million support group for the Nigerian Super Eagles team for the World cup in Russia.

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has began the registration for the team which it says will be dressed in traditional attires and waving the Nigerian flag from all over the world.

Director General, NCAC Otunba Segun Runsewe revealed that the country is thinking out of the box in trying to make money from the country’s artsand culture.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of the Embassy of Iran in collaboration with the NCAC two day Training Callio Painting Exhibition.

Runsewe stated that Nigeria is collaborating with different countries to celebrate its different cultural point of view.

He lamented on how Nigerians have unknowingly been missing out on the scholarship opportunities provided by Iran for Nigerians.

His words, “The history of Nigeria and Iran has a lot of similarities and this particular type of calligraphy is about 3000 years old, it makes us understand that we have to understand the culture of other people, the two countries today are all coming together to celebrate their cultural point of view.

“They are inviting us to come to Iran and we are very happy that we are building up some artists, the artists from Iran is going to doing some capacity training for Nigerians at no cost.

“We are open to collaborating with all countries, this door has been closes before, we are here to open it. For instance, the Iranian Ambassador said they have scholarships for about six people yearly to their country, nobody has been going, we need to think outside the box most countries are making money right now from arts.

“NCAC is building three million support team all over the world to support our national team for tge world cup in Russia. We will be opening a window on our website for people to register, so that the day Nigeria is playing all the supporters will be dressed in traditional attires and hold the Nigerian flag, it will be a cultural support for the super eagles.”

March 5, 2018
$2.1b armsgate: Lawyer seeks prosecution of more people

Says Dansuki didn’t act alone

President Muuhammadu Buhari has been urged to direct the expansion of the scope of the ongoing prosecution of individuals, including former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki over their alleged complicity in $2.1billion armsgate.

Dasuki and some other prominent individuals are current being tried in various court over their alleged involvement in the diversion of the $2.1b said to have been allocated by the Goodluck Jonathan administration for the purchase of arms.

A lawyer, Sahabi Sami, who made the request while speaking in Abuja, argued that Dasuki did not act alone, but that there were other key players in the disbursement of the money, who are currently walking freely.

Sami, who is the spokesman of a group, Progressive Supporters (PS), identified some individuals he felt should also be prosecuted, and said his group has written to President Buhari and key figures in government on the issue.

He said: stated, “It is our desire not only to put Your Excellency (Buhari) on notice so that your eyes will see beyond the veil cast by some individuals that are vindictive to your programmes within the government, but we are also fully prepared to provide details of those individuals.”

Sami said his group’s letter was copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN); and National Security Adviser (NSA), Ali Monguno and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen;

Also copied, he added, are the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa; Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello; Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu; Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura; and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Oyegun.

March 5, 2018
Court orders monarch to vacate

The Kogi State High Court sitting in Isanlu, Yagba East Local government Area has sacked the Baake of Egbe, Abiodun Agbana.

The court which gave the ruling on an interlocutory injunction brought by Folunrunsho Aremu, a retired Army captain, ruled that Agbana’s ascension to the throne was lacking in constitutional power.

Aremu instituted the case against the monarch and three others, challenging the selection and appointment of Agbana as the paramount ruler of Egbe.

Delivering judgment in the cases with number: KGS/IHC/10/2016 and KGS/EHC/5/2016, Justice Obayomi invalidated the appointment and asked parties to return to status quo.

He barred the state government, the state ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs and the Yagba traditional council from going ahead with the planned coronation, just as he granted an order of mandatory injunction setting aside the recognition of Abiodun Agbana by the Kogi State government.

He further granted an order of injunction setting aside the issuance and acceptance of the certificate of recognition earlier issued the traditional ruler by the state government, “and any act or acts made in furtherance of the said acceptance by the defendant”.

The judge set aside the proposed coronation of Agbana, on grounds that he resorted to self-help while the case was still pending before the court.

“The 1st defendant is hereby restrained from parading, holding himself out and or in any manner whatsoever acting as the traditional ruler, pending the hearing and determination of this suit.

“An order restraining the defendants, especially the traditional institutions from setting in motion any process for rhe appointment of the Baale of Egbe during the pendency of the consolidated suit,” Justice Obayomi ruled.

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March 5, 2018
Dapchi girls: Presidential committee visits Yobe

Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe has called on the Federal Government to intensify aerial survelliance to rescue the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls and enhance general security of the state.

Gaidam made the call on Monday when the Presidential Committee to unravel circumstances surrounding the abduction of the students of Government Girls Science Technical School, Dapchi, visited the state.

He commended the Buhari Administration for its committed zeal in fighting insurgency in the North-East.

He said the visit by four different delegations sent by the federal government underscored the commitment of government to rescue the schoolgirls.

The governor also commended to the Nigerian Army for acting with dispatch and realigning the check points in Ngelzarma and Damagum to beef up security.

“I am optimistic that with the kind of inspiring concern exhibited by the federal government, other patriotic Nigerians and indeed, the international community, we will intensify our efforts until all the girls are found.”

He lauded the efforts of security organisations, which he said, had recorded unprecedented success to the admiration of all.

According to the governor, the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed their personnel to schools across the state to build more confidence in the parents and students.

Gaidam solicited for comprehensive strategy to mop up the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

The Chairman of the committee, Rear Admiral Victor Adedipe, said they were in the state to dialogue with stakeholders to uncover circumstances surrounding the abduction.

He said that the committee had interacted with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and other senior military officers engaged in the operation.

He listed the committee’s terms of reference to include: to ascertain the circumstance of the abduction, determine the exact number of persons abducted, confirm presence and disposition of security operatives and communication facilities in Dapchi.

Others are: to suggest to government, measures to locate and rescue the students, measures to forestall future occurrence and recommend any other measures that can assist the government.

Meanwhile, the Dapchi Youth Development Association has declared total support for the ongoing efforts by government to rescue the schoolgirls.

A communique signed by Alhaji Baba Shehu, Secretary of the association, called for engagement of all parents of the schoolgirls by government committees.

“While rescue efforts are ongoing, we urge Yobe Government to decide in earnest the fate of the over 800 girls that escaped the abduction and returned home following closure of the school, “it said.

NAN

March 5, 2018
Three feared dead in Ondo road crash

Three persons were reportedly feared dead on Monday afternoon at Biochem area along Ondo-Ore Ring Road near the main gate of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo by an unmarked Toyota Camry car.

The accident was said to have occurred when the over-speeding car overtook two vehicles, facing an articulated vehicle.

It consequently lost control and rammed into a computer shop, and allegedly killed one and injuring two persons believed to be apprentices in the shop.

The three apprentices were believed to have been killed instantly and the development was said to have raised emotions.

This was said to have prompted enraged passers-by to set the reckless vehicle ablaze, before students arrived at the scene, while the driver of the car joined in rushing the victims to the hospital.

However, it was learnt that only one of those crushed was confirmed dead at the scene, while two others were rushed to the Trauma Centre along Laje Road in Ondo.

According to the Student Union President, Comrade Abidemi Zubair, none of the students of the College was involved in the accident.

However, many students trooped to the scene of the crash to assist the victims of the accident in getting to the hospital.

Speaking on the development, the Deputy Provost, Dr. Samuel Akintunde urged the students sympathizing with those involved in the disaster to return to the College, adding that God would grant the families of the bereaved the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He enjoined motorists plying the Ondo-Ore Ring Road to drive carefully, particularly as they know that heavy human traffic including students and staff of the College ply the highway.

Akintunde debunked rumours making the rounds that students went on rampage because three students of the College were killed in the tragic incident.

March 5, 2018
Army spreading footprints to deal with security challenges – Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, has said the Army is spreading its tentacles to have firm grips of all parts of the country to enable it deal with rising security challenges in conjunction with other security agencies.

The army has been at the forefront of containing menaces of Boko Haram, herdsmen attacks, militancy and other security challenges threatening the unity and peaceful co-existence of the country.

The COAS spoke at the groundbreaking of the Nigerian Army Barracks, Camp Buratai at Elebele in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Buratai explained that following the challenges, President Muhammadu Buhari desired a balanced and widespread footprints of the Nigerian Army to confront the threats in partnership with sister security agencies.

He said the 6th Division and 6th Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State were part of the expansionist project.

He said the 16th Brigade in Yenagoa, was also made operational on February 28, 2018 adding that he was in Katsina 10 days ago to operationalise the 17th Brigade under the new 8th Division with headquarters in Operation Lafia Dole in Monguno.

But he said the headquarters in Monguno would be relocated to Sokoto as soon as the menace of insurgency had been fully contained.

The groundbreaking which will lead to construction of massive infrastructures, was attended by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson and his key cabinet members as well as the Founder/President, Belema Oil Producing Ltd, Mr. Jack-Rich Pein (Jnr) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Azikel Refinery, Dr. Azibapu Erani.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. M.S. Yusuf; Commander 16th Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe and other security commanders; traditional rulers and host communities attended the ceremony.

Buratai said: “The establishment of 6th Brigade in Port Harcourt, 6th Division in Port Harcourt and the 16th Brigade in Yenagoa forms an important part of Mr. President’s desire to have a balanced and widespread footprints of the Nigerian Army to deal with the myriads of security challenges facing the country in conjunction with other security agencies.

“As you may be aware, I was in Katsina about 10 days ago to operationalise the 17th Brigade under the new 8 Division whose headquarters is currently in Operation Lafia Dole, the theatre of operation specifically in Monguno but will soon relocate to Sokoto after the menace of the insurgency has been fully contained.

“Our current national security realities have compelled the armed forces and other government security agencies to act together in operations in many parts of the country to stem the tides of criminalities and other untoward behaviour that hurts us as a nation.

“To achieve this, we leaders and instruments of fate must, therefore, put in place necessary measures to look after the wellbeing of officers of soldiers saddled with the responsibility of keeping Nigeria safe”.

He said the groundbreaking of the barracks in Yenagoa marked the commencement of construction activities planned for the 16th Brigade.

The COAS said the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari placed premium on the welfare of soldiers fighting to keep the country safe.

“It is for this reason that the government continue to provide decent living and working environment for troops, their families and dependents while they are away in far-flung and isolated locations at the mercies of adverse weather conditions and sometimes enemies of the state.

“Thus this barracks that we are about to commence its construction underscores the importance the government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari places on troops’ welfare”, he said.

He said the groundbreaking was made possible following Governor Seriake Dickson’s fulfillment of his promise to allocate and approve the parcel of land acquired by the Army.

He said: “The Army has acquired the property and today Dickson has kept his promise. From what we have observed, of the preparation of this new site, so much efforts and resources have been efficiently deployed. Today’s ceremony is a testimony that with determination and sincerity of officers and soldiers, we can build institutions and regenerate society.

“The brigade has demonstrated and achieved so much in infrastructural development and enhancement of troops’ wellbeing within one year of its establishment as well as meeting its trainings, operational and regimental responsibility.

“I commend the commander, officers and men of the 16th Brigade for their innovation, determination and professionalism as well as the clear interpretation of my vision for the Nigerian Army which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles”.

He also commended the GOC, 16th Brigade for providing the guidance and galvanizing resources to keep the Niger Delta region safe and peaceful in collaboration with other stakeholders in each state.
He further thanked the founder of the Belema Oil for donating a block of 30 mini flats for the accommodation of soldiers’ families.
“The project will go a long way in addressing part of the immediate accommodation needs for the brigade.

“From the headquarters we shall continue to look the way of this brigade to ensure it is set up properly given the very difficult nature of the terrain in this part of the country.

“The construction parity of the brigade has been noted and will receive deserve attention immediately the 2018 Budget is passed with cash backing for implementation”, he said.

While receiving Buratai in Government House, Dickson commended him for the establishment of 16 Brigade as well as the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Engineering Corps at the Agge Deep Sea port, which he noted, would enhance security and investments.

“I am pleased with what the Nigerian Army is doing in terms of security in the state and its development efforts at the Agge Deep sea port, which we are building to enhance our economic and tourist potentials.

“Going forward, we will like to work with the Nigerian Army to undertake the building of low cost houses, bridges and other developmental projects”, he said.

He also said his government’s heavy investments in education had helped to drastically reduce militancy and insecurity in Bayelsa State.

He said: “We fight insecurity in vain if we don’t first educate our people, particularly our youths to be empowered enough to reason beyond their nose, to properly know and situate the evil of crime, criminality and insecurity in the society.

Also, Aligbe in his opening remarks thanked the COAS for supporting the activities of the brigade adding that the last one year of the brigade witnessed the beginning of the construction of Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Agge Deep Seaport site.

He said the past year also witnessed the construction of the 16th Field Engineer Regiment Base at Toru-Orua and the establishment of a command secondary school at Bedebiri.

He said: “More resources will be invested in future by the Federal Government to build this permanent site of the brigade and affiliated units across the state.

“We are determined to justify the huge investment in this fighting formation as a catalyst against ciminality in Bayelsa state and criminality in Niger Delta region”.

March 5, 2018
We are prepared to build better future using science, technology – Osinbajo

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has assured that the administration will build a better future for the country using innovations in science and technology.

Osinbajo, who gave the assurance at the Science and Technology Expo 2018 in Abuja on Monday, announced that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved a science and technology roadmap 2017 to 2030 to drive the initiative.

According to him, the Federal Government plans to strengthen the technology and innovation ecosystem by supporting the development of innovation hubs in partnership with the private sector.

“This is well on course; we have recently completed a competitive selection process for the private sector entities which will implement and manage the hubs.

“Each of these hubs will focus on solving the market challenges peculiar to the region of the country in which it is located.

“Perhaps more importantly is that we are collaborating with the Bank of Industry with a civic hub, a private hub, and other private sector entities to run a presidential technology innovation challenge in all Nigerian universities, public and private and some polytechnics in April.’’

He said that each university winner would be invited to an awards event to be hosted by Buhari at the presidential villa

Osinbajo said that the administration would also create technology hubs in universities in the six geo-political zones.

Read Also: Era of undermining states’ economy is gone – Osinbajo

He said there was the need to celebrate the achievements on Nigerians at home and abroad in the science and technology sphere as well as the creativity of the nation’s military.

He recalled the Air Force had demonstrated the drive to innovate by launching the very advanced Un-manned Arial Vehicles (UAV) to add to an earlier production of a revolutionary version diaphragms used in fighter gets.

“They are now in the process of commercialising the products and we are told that several countries have already expressed an interest in buying the diaphragms from the Nigerian Air Force,’’ he said.

He recalled the fifth executive order signed by Buhari aimed at boosting programmes that had science, engineering and technology components.

He said that the order outlawed the use of foreign contents where the local counterparts were available and urged ministries, departments and agencies to align with the order to achieve its lofty objectives.

He said science and tech remained a major input in the economic growth plan aimed at moving the country away from a resource-based to knowledge-based model.

The vice president commended those who emerged the best from all the 774 local government areas of the country in the young Nigerian scientists’ competition.

He consequently announced that the first three winners had been granted full scholarships up to Phd level in any science-related discipline of their choice in Nigerian universities.

“The future of our country belongs to young people; it is our duty to create the enabling environment for them to be nurtured and grow to the fullest potential,’’ he said.

He commended the ministry of Science and Technology for initiating the technology and innovation expo, adding that Nigerians had always demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and inventiveness at home and abroad.

According to him, with the right environment and support there is no limit to how far Nigerians can go, especially in innovation, science and technology.

NAN

March 5, 2018
Street Lights: Lagos Govt, UK firm sign N2.52bn MoU

The Lagos State Government and a United Kingdom firm, Low Energy Designs (LED) Ltd., on Monday signed a N2.52 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the construction of 10,000 LED street lights.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode said that the development was a major milestone and a positive paradigm shift in the provision of street lighting for the state.

Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Olawale Oluwo, said that successful commencement of the partnership signals a positive progress to the Light-Up Lagos Project.

He said that this was a special initiative of his administration comprising street lighting, community electrification and embedded power programme.

“With this agreement we are signing today, we are setting a new chart for the future of what street lighting, installation, management and control will be like in Lagos. It is a major paradigm shift.

“We have about 33,000 street lights in Lagos under the Lagos State Electricity Board. Now, the LED UK, based on this 300 kilometres, will give us about 10,000 street lights.

“So, technically, they are going to be having about 31 per cent of our entire street light infrastructure and this is a major significant development,” he said.

Ambode said that with the partnership, there would no longer be any fixed costs with regards to management of street light installations across the state.

He said that all challenges hitherto associated with street lighting would now be a thing of the past.

Read Also: BRT kills pupil in Lagos

“As a government, what we are doing is that we are not installing poles; we are not providing security; we are not bothering ourselves with diesel.

“We are not worried on Fridays and Saturdays about people coming back from clubs knocking down our poles.

“All those have been outsourced now. We are not going to be worried about that. We just buy light from investment of this LED UK with all their installations.

“They manage it, they provide the security, they power it and as long as we see the light, we pay; that is what has changed today,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Alan Parker, the Chief Executive Officer of LED UK Ltd., said that his firm was greatly honored to partner the state government to deliver the project.

Parker said that over the next 12 months, a British and Nigerian consortium would work to retrofit major roads in the state with urban regeneration project in Ikoyi, Ikeja and Victoria Island.

“As part of this project, we will be employing over 500 local people here in Lagos and investing seven million dollars in the construction and setup of a LED lighting and Hybrid Energy Power Assembly Plant in Epe.

“This facility will offer ground breaking testing, training and education programmes on renewable technologies, while providing the future for all lighting and hybrid energy power systems in Nigeria.

“These high quality products will be built by Nigerians with the support, experience, knowledge and technology supplied by LED UK for all commercial indoor and outdoor applications for the African market,” Parker said.

NAN

March 5, 2018