The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Newspaper

  • US to give 600,000 Africans access to power, others – USAID

    US to give 600,000 Africans access to power, others – USAID

    The United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ) has announced that more than 600,000 people would have  access to affordable power and the internet under the U.S. Power Africa Initiative.

    USAID’s Administrator, Mr Mark Green, who disclosed this at the ongoing Fourth Annual Powering Africa Summit in Washington DC, said that the Power Africa project had so far benefited many African communities.

    “Power Africa is helping our private sector partners to set up micro-grids, which will bring reliable and affordable power to these camps for the first time.

    “Once the camps are electrified, USAID’s innovation team and other coalition members will work to connect them to the Internet.

    “We are creating digital tools that tap into residents’ mobile phones to track health records, to provide digital identities, and to enable pay-as-you-go power, school fees, and other digital vouchers for services.

    “In total, we expect to give more than 600,000 people access to affordable power, internet, and these digital tools,’’ he said.

    According to him, Power Africa has so far helped 58 million people across Africa to gain access to electricity using market forces and enterprise principles.

    Green said that to make Power Africa a success, the agency was
    releasing the Administration’s strategy for Power Africa 2.0.

    The USAID Administrator said that the new strategy would ensure that Power Africa could continue to bring innovative ideas and enterprise-driven approaches to bear to help meet Africa’s power needs.

    “Under Power Africa 2.0, we will be expanding beyond our previous targets of increased energy generation and access and looking to make gains in the areas of distribution and transmission.

    “And perhaps most importantly, we will be taking on the enabling environments that allow private enterprise to grow and thoroughly flourish,’’ he said.

    Power Africa is a U.S. Government initiative that addresses one of the most pressing challenges to sustainable economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa — access to electrical power.

    NAN

  • NSE moves 403.14m shares worth N9.14bn

    NSE moves 403.14m shares worth N9.14bn

    Investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange ( NSE ) on Friday traded 403.14 million shares valued at N9.14 billion exchanged in 4,570 deals.

    This was against a turnover of 371.25 million shares worth N4.87 billion achieved in 4,570 deals on Thursday, an increase of 8.6 per cent.

    United Bank for Africa ( UBA ) drove the activity chart accounting for 74.17 million shares valued at N977.38 million.

    It was followed by Zenith Bank, which traded 44.33 million shares worth N1.39 billion, while GT Bank sold 38 million shares valued at N1.84 billion.

    Transcorp exchanged 24.09 million shares worth N47.82 million and FBN Holdings achieved a turnover of 21. 98 million shares valued at N247.96 million.

    Seplat for the second day running recorded the highest price gain to lead the gainers’ table growing by N25.10 to close at N700.10 per share.

    Total followed with a gain of N11.50 to close at N242.50, while Presco grew by N2.75 to N72.75 per share.

    Lafarge Africa garnered 90k to close at N51, while NASCON improved by 85k to close at N23.80 per share.

    As a result, the All-Share Index rose by 32.85 points or 0.08 per cent to close at 42,876.23 compared to 42,843.38 posted on Thursday.

    Also, the market capitalisation which opened at N15.374 trillion inched N29 billion to close at N15.403 billion.

    On the other hand, Nestle Nigeria topped the losers’ chart dropping by N42 to close at N1, 400 per share.

    Mobil Nigeria Plc trailed with a loss of N7 to close at N177, while Guinness was down by N5.20 to close at N99.70 per share.

    PZ Industries shed 85k to close at N23.30, while International Breweries depreciated by 65k to close at N57 per share.

    NAN

  • FG, Edo synergise to boost youth empowerment

    FG, Edo synergise to boost youth empowerment

    The Federal Government has revealed plans to partner with Edo state to boost youth empowerment in the South-South and South-East geo-political zones, as not less than 121 youths graduated from a capacity building workshop organised for youths in the zones.

    Minister of Youths and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, who addressed the beneficiaries trained under the National Youth Empowerment Programme (NYEP) at Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo state, said the programme is intended to encourage entrepreneurship.

    The youths were trained on cosmetology, bead making, aquaculture, piggery, cassava processing and value addition, as well as interior decoration and event management.

    According to Dalung, “The objective of the NYEP is to encourage entrepreneurship among youths as well as provide avenue for youths from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds to bond and collaborate in proffering solutions to issues affecting the country.”

    He added that the NYEP was initiated by the Ministry of Youths and Sports in 2015 to serve as capacity building programme for youths on agro-allied, vocational skills and entrepreneurial skills.

    “The empowerment programme is designed to solve the problem of unemployment among youths as it intends to expose youths to skills and knowledge that will make them entrepreneurs. An empowered youth with a sustainable means of livelihood will not only create jobs but also contribute to peace and security in the country.”

    Edo State Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties, Hon. Mike Amanokha, commended the Federal Government for the empowerment programme, noting “The state looks forward to collaborating with the Federal Government to empower more youths in the state.”

    Amanokha charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired as they have displayed commitment during the course of the programme. “I believe you will put to good use the knowledge and skills acquired,” he added.

  • $2.8m will be ready for Eagles World Cup campaign by April – Pinnick

    $2.8m will be ready for Eagles World Cup campaign by April – Pinnick

    The President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, on Friday revealed that the sum of $2.8 million needed for the Super Eagles for their World Cup campaign in Russia will be available by end of April.

    He disclosed this at the inauguration of Odu’a Football Leagues at the Western Nigeria Football Forum office, Cocoa House, Ibadan.

    Pinnick said his team has been working round the clock to get the money ready, pointing out that it was necessary to ensure that there is no human error on the part of the federation in its preparation for the tournament.

    According to him, availability of the fund and other things will boost the morale of the players, coaches, technical staff, supporters and other stakeholders in the tournament.

    Pinnick explained that his team was working tirelessly behind the scene to ensure Nigerian professional footballers playing in foreign clubs are given good roles and featured regularly in their matches.

    He lauded promoters of the Western Nigeria Football Forum who include Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Mr Seyi Akinwumi, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde and other known football stakeholders in Southwest.

    Expressing happiness with the establishment of the forum and the idea of a regional league, Pinnick said the region proved once again to be the pace setter in Nigeria. He added that the fact that the forum’s office is in Cocoa House is symbolic of the pace setting position of Western Nigeria because the high rise building was the first in Nigeria.

    Twelve clubs in the six states in Southwest will participate in the football league.

    The NFF boss said there will be no more scarcity of players for every position on the field in the national team when talents are identified, nurtured and grown at regional levels.

    Read Also: FIFA Sanction: Pinnick apologises to Nigerians

    Earlier, the Acting Director General (DG), the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye, said the commission was working with the forum to put the region on the map as a flourishing sports community.

    He pledged to revive Principals’ Cup, introduce Governors’ Cup and Tertiary Institution’s’ Cup tournaments in the region.

    He said: “It is part of our mandate at the Commission to put the Southwest Region on the map as a flourishing sport community

    It is part of our role to use sport as a critical tool to create huge impact on the well-being of our people as well as eliciting means of encouraging an entire community to participate and see the benefits of physical activity.

    “The economic benefits of Sports is also extremely important  inour desire to intervene, we Sports in general as a tool to curb massive unemployment among our youth; think of the entire value chain of Sports and the knock-on effect on the economic well-being of our Region. This explains why we count Sports as a critical pillar of our development trajectory as a people.

    The Commission is committed to developing sports and recreational activities within the Southwest Region. This commitment derives from the conviction that sports can serve as a significant tool to improve the overall health standard in the Region – but sports is also so much more. Sport can also serve as nation-building and peace preserving instrument not only for the Southwest Region, but for the entire country Nigeria. Sport also teaches us teamwork – which every person counts, it teaches us the importance of fair play and observing code of rules. It sets aside our personal aspirations for the benefit of the collectiveand it teaches us that winning or losing can be done with honour– knowing that one did the very best of one’s ability.

    “Our vision is to see a sports movement in the Southwest Region open to all. Unfortunately today’s reality is far from that vision as many groups still stand in the periphery, for example girls and women, schools sports, persons with physical and mental disabilities and socially deprived youth. It must be made clear that every citizen constitutes a crucial component of our regional progress.”

    Pinnick also disclosed that the Federation has envisioned that two stadiums would be built in every state within the next five years with the support of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) and private sector sponsors as they will be owned by football associations of each state.

    At the event were sports commissioners of states in the region, chairmen and secretaries of football associations of states in the region, referees, coaches and former Nigerian international footballers.

  • Boko Haram attack Rann, kill UNICEF doctor, eight others

    Boko Haram attack Rann, kill UNICEF doctor, eight others

    Not fewer than eight security personal were killed Friday after a deadly Boko Haram attack on a military and police location in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government of Borno State.

    Though there is no confirmation yet from the military and police authorities in Borno state, a senior security official told our correspondent that a doctor working with the UNICEF clinic, including other aid workers could have been killed in the attack.

    The attack which was carried out by heavily armed Boko Haram terrorists also carted away with some military gun trucks.

    In Yobe State, Police have confirmed a suicide attack at a mosque at fulatari area  in Buni-Yadi, Gujba Local government area.

    The Nation gathered that the bomber, female killed herself and injured two others at  5:30am muslim prayers.

    Commissioner of Police Abdulmalik Sunmonu confirmed the attack, saying his men have reported the incident to him, “One person who tried to block the suicide bomber is injured but receiving treatment “, he said.

    Buni Yadi has not witnessed any serious attack since its liberation in 2015.

    A local source disclosed that the teenage bomber attempted to enter the mosque when a worshiper tried to stop her.

    Read Also:Nigeria, Cameroon troops kill 35 Boko Haram insurgents

  • Dasuki loses bid for freedom

    Dasuki loses bid for freedom

    Detained former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki Friday lost his bid for freedom as the Supreme Court rejected his request to that effect.

    Dasuki had filed two appeals at the apex court, challenging his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) and prayed for the suspension of his trial pending his release by the government,

    In it unanimous judgments Friday, a five-man panel of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Dattijo Muhammad,  dismissed Dasuki’s appeals for lacking in merit.

    The court described the appeals as an abuse of court process and a ploy by the appellant to delay his trial.

    It noted that the trial initiated in 2015, has been frustrated by various interlocutory applications and appeals.

    Justice Ejembi Eko, who read the lead judgment, said Dasuki’s continued detention was not a violation of any order for bail granted the ex-NSA by both the Federal High Court and High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before which he is standing trial for separate criminal charges.

    The court said Dasuki’s detention was not at the instance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that put him on trial.

    It further said the bails granted Dasuki in respect of criminal charges brought against him by EFCC have been obeyed having been implemented by the Controller of Prison Kuje on December 29, 2015.

    The court affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which earlier upheld the FCT High Court, where it said the EFCC was not liable for the detention of Dasuki by DSS.

    Justice Eko, who upheld the argument by respondent’s lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), noted that Dasuki merely used fair hearing as his “weeping principle to filibuster all the way to this court”.

    The judge said: “I have considered all the issues in the appeal. It is my view that the central issue, both at the trial court and the Court of Appeal, is whether the first respondent (the prosecution) did in fact, disobey, the order made on December 18, 2015, admitting the appellant (Dasuki) to bail pending his trial.

    “That central issue was the substance of the three issues formulated by the appellant and the sole issue formulated by the first respondent at the Court of Appeal.

    “The central or the core issue was not missed by the Court of Appeal. It was, in fact, firmly considered that the appellant in this interlocutory appeal has merely made fair hearing a weeping principle to filibuster all the way to this court.

    “The appellant’s diatribe on the Court of Appeal for expeditious determination of his own appeal is clearly symptomatic of malafide or the type ulterior purpose of this appeal.

    “An appeal brought not bona fide but merely to delay a pending action or to gag other prospective actions is clearly an abuse process. Regarding so, it is clearly an abuse of court process.

    “The appeal lacking in merit, being clearly an abuse of court process is hereby dismissed in its entirety.

    “The case is remitted to the learned trial judge, Honourable Justice H.B Yusuf of the FCT High Court for hearing with further directive that it shall be given accelerated hearing.”

    Justices Dattijo Muhammad (presiding), John Okoro; Centus Nweze and Amina Augie, who were also on the panel, agreed with the lead judgment.

    In one of the charges against Dasuki at the High Court of the FCT, he is being tried with former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, his son, Sagir Bafarawa, a former Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda an Sagir’s firm – Dalhatu Investment.

    They are accused, in the 22-count charge of, among others, diverting about N13bn allegedly meant for the purchase of arms.

    In the second charge of 19 counts, Dasuki, Salisu, Aminu Baba-Kusa and his (Baba-Kusa’s) firms – Acacia Holdings Ltd and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited – are accused of diverting N32bn meant for purchase of arms.

    Dasuki is being tried alone before the Federal High Court, Abuja on charges of money laundering and illegal possession of firearms.

    Read Also: Dasuki’s aide under probe over diversion of N36.4b

  • Lagos to phase out plastic bottles in 5 years

    Lagos to phase out plastic bottles in 5 years

    The Lagos State Government said on Friday that it would phase out the use of plastic bottles in the state by 2023.

    Mr Adebola Shabi, the Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI), made the disclosure in an interview in Lagos.

    Shabi said that plastic bottles, also known as pet bottles, needed to be phased out because they could hardly degrade in the environment.

    He said that it could take over 500 years for the bottles to degrade, thereby causing environmental (plastic) pollution.

    ”In the world now, it is called plastic pollution because they end up in the ocean and affect aquatic lives; they also affect water transportation,” he said.

    “The official said that one of the aspects of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative was recycling.

    ”In the past, 97 per cent of our waste were buried in the landfill; only three per cent were recycled; but we want a different ball game.

    “”We want to encourage our youth, investors, to go into recycling because some of what we called waste are not really waste, there are things/products we still get from them.

    “”we want to encourage less waste to the landfills; that is why we are calling for recycling of pet bottles, papers, used phones and a lot of things.

    “We are working seriously on a project to see if we can come up with core starch and polymers to see how those ones can degrade in the environment easily,” he said.

    Shabi called on local investors to come up with proposals, adding that the government would encourage them on the technology to use.

    “We mean technology that will work with the  environment,” he said.

    He said that there were plans to ensure that by  2020, only 30 per cent of waste in the state would end up in the landfills, while 70 per cent would be recycled.

    According to him, by year 2025, Lagos wants three per cent of its waste to go to the landfills and 97 per cent be recycled and reused.

    “That is why we have been working to educate people on how they can make money through waste-to-wealth.

    “In the past, we were exporting the recyclable materials to China; it got to a stage by mid last year, China stopped the import of the recyclable materials, but we can also recycle them here.

    “Pet bottles, when recycled, can be added to asphalt to solidify road construction; it can also be used in making textiles.”

    “The official told our reporters that pet bottles could  also be recycled to make diesel, while cardboard papers could be used and recycled to make tissue paper.

    “”Look at the issue of electrical/electronic waste that have lived out their lifespans; when we are not using them any longer, they end up in the garbage.

    “When you recycle some of these telephone sets, you will get precious metals like gold, palladium, copper and silver; so, why do we call them waste, when they can be recycled?” he asked.

    The governor’s aide said that the wood waste, also known as sawdust, could turn to energy after going through synthesation and gasification.

    He said that the benefit of biogas was to reduce dependence on the fossil fuel.

    Shabi said that the government also desired to recycle waste from animals and poultry, noting that more than 6,000 animals and 100,000 poultry were slaughtered in the state daily.

    According to him, the government has thrown it open to intetested members of the public to come up with ideas on recycling.

    “”We have been encouraging the youth to come out. We have a lot of used tyres around the streets.

    “When you have these tyres, the metals from them are taken out and can be used for fencing, and the rubber will be shredded and be added to asphalt or bitumen for road construction.

    “It solidifies road construction.

    “We have been bringing all these things to Lagosians; so, they should be looking at a way of partnering with the government, and government is providing the enabling environment for everyone who wants to come into the business,” he said.

    NAN

  • Obaseki reassures of Economic Expansion, urges social, political harmony

    Obaseki reassures of Economic Expansion, urges social, political harmony

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured Edo people that a major focus of his administration is to expand the economy of the state and improve the socio-economic status of the people.

    Obaseki said this while receiving members of Great Benin Vanguard, who paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Benin City.

    He added that his administration was also committed to consolidating on the political and social stability of the state.

    “As a governor, I have the responsibility to protect everybody who lives in Edo State and their properties,” he said, and appealed to the various ethnic groups in the state to give peace a chance for the overall progress and development of the state.

    He stressed that he would never be a party to any decision that will lead to anarchy or detrimental to the wellbeing of Edo people, who he swore to protect.

    He said his administration was laying the foundation for a greater Edo State and urged his guests not to be distracted by trivialities, noting that his government has been engaging stakeholders at various levels to ensure that there is harmony among the various ethnic groups in the state.

    The governor said one of such engagements was his recent trip to Bayelsa State where he had audience with Governor Seriake Dickson, of the state, over the issue.

    He noted that his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu has equally been visiting some neighbouring states like Kogi and Ondo, where there are disputes and assured that those issues will soon be resolved in line with the provisions of the law.

    Earlier, chairman of the Great Benin Vanguard, Professor Ovenseri  Aibueku, expressed displeasure over what he called an attempt to distort history by some people.

    “Our kingdom is known for its hospitality, which has been attracting settlers to our much cherished Benin Kingdom. However, it is dismaying to read newspaper publications where some Ijaws gave conditions for peace in the state.”

    Prof. Aibueku told the governor that some boundary communities in Benin Kingdom were under the threat of losing their lands and called on him to reinvigorate the state boundary commission to address the issue. He assured the governor of the continued support of the Benin Vanguard to the government of Edo State.

    Read Also: Obaseki reveals plans to reposition state-owned media

  • ASUP urges FG to appoint substantive rector for Yabatech

    ASUP urges FG to appoint substantive rector for Yabatech

    The Academic Staff Union Polytechnics (ASUP), Yaba College of Technology branch, has urged the Federal Government to appoint a substantive rector for the college without further delay.

    Mr Nureni Yekini, the new Chairman of the union, gave the advice in the interview with our reporter on Friday in Lagos.

    Yekini said the absence of a substantive rector had stagnated progress of the college for about three months now.

    He frowned at a situation where the three most senior positions in the college were all being occupied in the acting capacity.

    “We have met with the acting management team and we let them know that it is not palatable that the three pillars holding this great school are in the acting capacity.

    “The rector, bursar, registrar are all in the acting capacity.

    “We believe there is no way the college can move forward because they may not have the power to do one or two things that are supposed to be done.

    “The union is appealing to the federal government to do the needful by filling the positions with substantive officers.

    Read Also: YABATECH gets Ag Rector

    “We want our institution to move forward.

    “We appeal to the federal government, through the Ministry of Education, to do the needful so that the college can move forward,’’ the ASUP chairman said.

    He recalled that the governing council and management team had conducted the interview for interested candidates in 2017 to fill the vacant positions.

    According to him, the council has done what it is supposed to do.

    “This is unlike in the university where the Senate conduct election for vice chancellor; everything starts from the school and ends there.

    “Here in polytechnic, it is the presidency that appoints a substantive rector.

    “After the interview and screening, names of three successful candidates were shortlisted and sent to the Federal Ministry of Education.

    “So, they too can forward it to the Presidency for final selection.

    “After the interview in August last year, three people were shortlisted and they were all from the college.’’

    Yekini said the condition of the college was deteriorating as there was no electricity supply.

    He said the new leadership of the union had many good ideas for the would-be rector, so the college could retain its pride of place among polytechnics.

    NAN

  • Decongestion of courts: Lagos judiciary to refer 376 old cases to ADR

    Decongestion of courts: Lagos judiciary to refer 376 old cases to ADR

    Lagos state judiciary has commenced the process of decongesting the high courts of old cases.

    About 376 of such cases, most of which dated back over 20 years, have been identified for review in the state high courts and may be referred to Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR).

    The Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke disclosed this yesterday at a news conference held to announce the commencement of the court decongestion process.

    Justice Oke said the move, was not just to decongest the courts, but also to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in the state.

    She said the fact that the Lagos judiciary has the highest number of pending old cases was not heart warming.

    “It is on record that the Lagos State Judiciary has cases that date back to 20 years and beyond and this image, if it persists, is hazardous to the economic wellbeing of the State and Nigeria ultimately.

    “In fact, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, while declaring open the Bi-Annual Conference of All Nigeria Judges of the Superior Courts held between 20thand 24thof November, 2017 and organized by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja noted the fact that Lagos State Judiciary has the highest number of pending old cases. This situation apparently damages the brand of a “Global Lagos” and one which I do not intend to see continue. Global Lagos requires and truly deserves a world class judicial system”.

    To correct the situation, she said the state judiciary will be undertaking a review of all pending matters on a case-by-case basis for the purpose of determining the suitability of each case for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

    The Chief Judge said a review of the 376 cases which commenced  January 22 revealed the probable causes of delay and classified into three.

    According to her, ” Inefficient Case Management by Counsel accounts for 45per cent; Court Indisposition and Interlocutory Appeals account for 20 per cent whilst the cause of delay of the outstanding 35 per cent

    has been ascribed to other factors which include numerous indulgent interlocutory applications, Courts going on national assignments in Election Tribunals and official assignments for conferences and trainings for months, protracted Case Management Conference, Multiplicity of interlocutory applications, Long adjournments, Trial having to commence de novo when a Judge is elevated or retires, amongst others”

    She disclosed that certain remedies have been put in place to eradicate the delays impeding the progress of the cases.

    She stated for instance that trials need not commence de novo again as options shall be included in  new rules to allow judges to rely on certified transcript of trial proceedings already commenced or completed before an elevated or retired judge.

    She said new practice directions are in draft stage to guide and regulate the court decongestion process.

    “Also, since the Civil Justice System involves conducts and activities both inside and outside the Court, a Practice Direction on Pre-Action Protocols to provide a Code of Practice outside the court will issue, just as there exists Rules of Court to provide a Code of Practice inside the Court.

    “The Pre-Action Practice Directions will be expected to guide conduct prior to the commencement, as a last resort, of legal proceedings in Court.

    “The failure of parties or their counsel to comply with Pre-Action Protocol obligations elaborated under the Practice Direction, prior to commencing litigation, would attract significant or punitive cost penalties, inside the court, where such non-compliance is determined to be unreasonable or disproportionate especially in respect to refusals to accept or participate in offers or attempts at ADR or amicable settlement, even where the Party eventually wins the case”, she stated.

    Justice Oke said an ad-hoc task force committee on old cases led by Justice S.B.A Candide-Johnson, has been constituted in furtherance of the backlog elimination programme (BEP).

    She added that a good number of law firms have also volunteered to participate in the forensic screening of the old cases.