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Buffon says will accept offer to play again for Italy

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is prepared to go back on his decision to retire from international football if he is picked for the friendlies against England and Argentina next month.

Buffon had called it a day in November immediately after Italy’s astonishing failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup, ending a 20-year international career in which he made 175 appearances.

However, on Monday, Italy’s interim coach Luigi Di Biagio said that it was not right that the 40-year-old’s international career should end with the infamous 0-0 draw against Sweden.

The draw had condemned them to a first World Cup absence for 60 years.

“I had thought about going on holiday for a few days with my family, but when the national team needs you, you must be present and not desert them,” replied Buffon.

Read Also: Buffon to retire from football after Russia 2018

“There’s nothing to add to Di Biagio’s words other than I feel a sense of responsibility and loyalty which I must give to the national team in this transitional moment,” added the 2006 World Cup winner.

“I repeat, it’s a way of showing loyalty and a sense of responsibility towards Italy. A new national team is being born and the first games are not comfortable ones because we will face Argentina and England.

“I think that any experienced player can be useful at the start, even if it’s just to give advice to the young ones.”

NAN

February 27, 2018
Ekiti Afenifere hails Buhari over APC reconciliation move

The Ekiti State Chapter of Afenifere has backed President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to reconcile the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The Afenifere expressed delight with the President’s directive that there should be no imposition of candidates in the run-up to the 2019 polls.

The group also hailed the appointment of party leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the head of the reconciliation panel describing the choice as “wise and timely.”

In a statement on Tuesday by its Chairman, Elder Yemi Alade, Ekiti Afenifere praised Tinubu for taking up the appointment “which every discerning mind knows how herculean it is.”

The body also hailed the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led National Working Committee (NWC) “for being realistic about the state of the party and its readiness to cooperate with the Tinubu panel to bring peace and reconciliation to the party.”

Read Also: Afenifere insists on restructuring, resource control

It urged Odigie-Oyegun not to regard the Tinubu committee as an indictment of the party leadership but as part of measures to build confidence in the rank and file of its membership.

On the issue of security, the organization is of the opinion that all security agents should not relax at any time as the insurgents are never asleep.

The statement added: “Accordingly, the army should brace up and never to allow such mindless account of students kidnap to rear its ugly head again.

“What we need is peace across the nation and we know government can make it happen.”

February 27, 2018
PDP pressure group endorse Okowa for Second Term

A pressure group in the Delta PDP, Delta Mandate have endorsed the candidature of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as its sole candidate in 2019 Delta governorship election.

The Delta Mandate comprises PDP faithful from the three senatorial districts.

Mr. Solomon Funkekeme who spoke in Warri said Governor Okowa has been adopted and endorsed as the sole candidate in view of his performance and achievements in infrastructural development, youth empowerment, wealth creation, his capacity in carrying all along, faithfulness to the PDP manifesto, and adherence to the zoning formula.

Arthur Akpowowo stated that in accordance with the zoning formula existing in the state, PDP is morally bond to adhere to its zoning formula and the actualization of Okowa as Governor for second term in 2019.

The National President of the group, Mr. Isaac Anwuzia, who described the association as a strong voice in the political equation of the state, stated that Governor Okowa has been endorsed for second term by the group.

Read Also: Delta 2019: Hurdles before Okowa

His words, “Without fear of contradiction, I wish to state that after a critical but objective analysis of the performance of our able Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, we make bold to say that he be given a second chance to enable him perfect and bring to completion his vision and development blueprint as encapsulated in the SMART agenda of the PDP led administration”.

Its Delta Central Coordinator, Akpowowo said the rally was to sensitize all Deltans that the Governor has performed creditably well and should be supported for re-election come 2019.

He said, “We are proud of his immense feats and ability to carry every part of the state along in infrastructural development despite the downturn “.

He urged everyone present at the rally to carry out massive sensitization in their respective Local Government Areas and communities of the Governor’s achievements by campaigning and canvassing adequately to make his return in 2019 as Governor a smooth ride.

The group’s Delta North Coordinator, Moses Iduh, urged all to take the message from door to door and house to house for Governor Okowa 2019 saying that there is no other Governor for 2019 in Delta State than Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Chairman, PDP Delta South Senatorial District, Emmanuel Amgbaduba, assured that Delta South people are very faithful and committed to their words, adding that they will do their best to deliver Okowa as Governor in 2019 election.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, advised all adults living in the state who do not have their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to go to the nearest Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office and register to be qualified to vote for Governor Okowa in 2019.

February 27, 2018
Runway incursions : FAAN to capture airport perimeter fence in 2019 budget

Begins fixing of Akure Airport collapsed perimeter fence

Worried over the rising spate of runway incursions at airports nationwide, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said on Tuesday that it is set to address the challenge by factoring construction of airports’ perimeter fences in 2019 budget.

The general manager public affairs FAAN, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu disclosed this in Lagos saying the authority is increasingly becoming worried over issues bordering on security at airports.

Yakubu said the incident at Akure Airport, where a herd of cows invaded the runway when an aircraft was getting ready to land is being addressed .

She said though, Akure Airport has perimeter fence, but the cows gained access to the runway through sections of the fence that had collapsed.

According to her, FAAN civil engineers were already at the Akure airport to fix the collapsed section of the fence.
As part of measures to strengthen the security of the airports across the country, Yakubu said FAAN has stopped the renewal of On Duty Cards (ODCs) for former airline and FAAN workers to ensure strict personnel monitoring.

According to her, cards renewal will be thoroughly scrutinized by the authority.

Yakubu said security measures have been reviewed while 10 vehicles have been added to the ones on ground to enhance runway patrol in order to minimize aircraft runway attacks.

While grass cutting has been stepped up Yakubu said abandoned aircraft on the air side have been moved to the ‘mortuary ‘ , adding that those in Kano, Jos and Benin airports will be moved out soon in order to create space.

She said aviation security personnel AVSEC have been working hard to ensure that the activities of touts and touting is curtailed.

February 27, 2018
PDP aspirant tackles Fayose over failure to pay bursary

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Otunba Segun Adewale, has criticized Governor Ayo Fayose for failing to pay bursar to students of Ekiti State origin for the past four years.

Adewale promised to make skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development a cardinal policy of his administration to reduce unemployment among graduates.

He spoke on Tuesday at a public lecture organized by the Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) chapter.

In his lecture titled: “Entrepreneurship, A Sustainability to the Economy of Ekiti,” Adewale charged the students to discover their purpose and not to be deterred by challenges.

Read Also: Fayose expresses fear over Ekiti poll

At the event which attended by students of Ekiti origin from other states, they complained to Adewale that the Fayose government had abandoned them by not paying their bursary since coming to power.

Moved by the students’ plight, Adewale announced a donation of N1 million to ease their financial hardship.

Adewale said: “On the immediate, I have made available N1 million to ameliorate your financial burdens occasioned by the poor state of Nigerian economy, especially as our government in Ekiti has continually shied away from its responsibilities to its workforce and youth.

“Non-payment of bursary is an injustice to the future of Ekiti State. These students are the future of our state.

“It is the responsibility of those in government to give them hope. How can you not pay bursary to students whose parents you owed several months of salary arrears?”

Urging the students to embrace skills acquisition, “The Nigerian economy has changed from the consideration of certificates acquired to what you can deliver.

“Employers today are more interested in your skills and how it affects your profitability of their businesses than your course of study. Your certificate is a means to an end and not an end itself.”

February 27, 2018
Court remands man for allegedly shooting brother to death

A Kano Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, remanded 33-year-old Musa Shu’aibu in prison, for allegedly shooting his brother, Adamu Shu’aibu to death.

Musa, who lives at Jigawar Alhaji Ado village, Dawakin Kudu Local Government area of Kano State, is facing a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide.

The Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Fatima Adamu, ordered the remand of the accused till March 29.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Anthony Edward, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Jan. 30 at about 10 p.m. in Dawakin Kudu local government area of the state.

Read Also: Court dissolves 25 years marriage

“The accused conspired with nine of his friends, who are now at large, while armed with a gun, shot his brother to death,” the prosecutor told the court.

Edward said two locally made revolvers and one pistol were recovered from the accused.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 97 and 221 of the Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act, 2004.

Musa, however, pleaded guilty to the charges.

NAN

February 27, 2018
Kebbi constructs roads linking Benin, Niger Republic

The Kebbi State Government says it is constructing roads linking Benin and Niger Republics to boost international trade and enhance relations with border communities.

A statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi by Abubakar Dakingari, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Atiku Bagudu, said the governor made the disclosure when he visited Yeldu, Gandu Wala and Mai Kali communities in the state.

He said that work on one of the roads is being undertaken by Shinco Nigeria Limited.

”We are going to link places like Niamey, Bachaka, Madanfara, Kare, Dadin Kowa, all border villages between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

“We are in the area to inspect the project, which when completed would link Nigeria with Benin, Niger and other West African countries, creating immense economic benefits to the people,” the governor said.

The governor also interacted with dry season farmers in Makera on how to assist them maximize their output.

Bagudu who also spoke with Fulani women in the area, assured that the state government would enter into franchise on dairy production, so as to bring immense benefit to those engaged in livestock farming.

February 27, 2018
Police confirm abduction of pro-APC Leader in Bayelsa

The Police Command in Bayelsa on Tuesday confirmed the kidnapping of Mr Robert Desmond, Chief Executive Officer of a pro-All Progressive Congress (APC) campaign group known as the “New Face.”

The Spokesman of the command, DSP Asimin Butswat, who confirmed the abduction, said in Yenagoa that the police had commenced investigation to arrest the perpetrators of the crime.

A witness, Mike Perekiye, told newsmen that the victim, who was also an APC supporter in the state, was abducted on Saturday after a social event in Nembe Local Government Area.

Read Also: Army, police in big row over 110 girls abduction

Mr Victor Isaiah, Caretaker Chairman, Brass Local Council, condemned the act, describing it as wickedness to humanity.

Isaiah called on security operatives to do everything possible to secure the release of the victim unharmed.

He also urged anyone with information that could lead to his release to report to the authorities for prompt action.

NAN

February 27, 2018
FG to develop National Reporting on elimination of Child Labour

The Federal Government says it will develop a National Reporting Template for proper monitoring, evaluation and data collection toward elimination of child labour in the country.

Mr Bolaji Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, disclosed this in a statement signed by Mr Samuel Olowookere, Deputy Director, Press in the ministry.

Adebiyi, who was represented by Mr Solomon Ajibola, Director Inspectorate, was quoted while declaring open a 2-day zonal workshop for state controllers and child labour desk officers in the North-West.

The workshop, which was organised by the ministry, was on National Reporting Template on the Elimination of Child Labour in Nigeria.

According to him, prior to this time, there had not been any National Reporting Template for proper monitoring, evaluation and data collection on child labour in the country.

“Today, we are at the threshold of history as I present to you a National Reporting Template on Child Labour in Nigeria as validated by all the stakeholders,‘’ he said.

He said the template would be used to generate data that would serve as valuation mechanism to facilitate the identification of gaps in the implementation of multi-sectoral strategies in the eliminating child labour in Nigeria.

He said that the National Reporting Template for combating child labour remains one of the most pragmatic ways of harnessing the potentials and make meaningful progress in the elimination of Child Labour in Nigeria

Adebiyi, however, said that child labour presents a serious challenge at global and national levels and requires concerted efforts by all stakeholders to overcome the menace.

He added that towards this end, the ministry over the years had worked assiduously in collaboration with development partners and other stakeholders in developing a robust National Policy on Child Labour.

Read Also: Federal government so detached from reality

“This which also include the National Action Plan on the Elimination of Child Labour and list of other hazardous Child Labour in Nigeria.

“The precise implementation of the template will facilitate the efficient and effective monitoring and evaluation of the various interventions aimed at eliminating child labour in the country.

“This, I believe is the roadmap for the eventual elimination of the worst forms of child labour in Nigeria,” he said.

In his welcome address, Mr Salau Abubakar, North West Zonal Director, affirmed the commitment of the State Controllers to the effective implementation of the National Reporting Template on the Elimination of Child Labour in Nigeria.

Also, Mr Hassan Anka, Assistant General Secretary, Trade Union Congress (TUC), said the workshop was a positive way forward in the drive at curbing the menace of child labour in the country.

Anka called on other stakeholders to take a cue from the concerted efforts of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

He affirmed the continued support of the Nigerian Trade Union Movement to the collaborative efforts at eliminating child labour in the country.

NAN

February 27, 2018
Court remands man for allegedly shooting brother to death

A Kano Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, remanded 33-year-old Musa Shu’aibu in prison, for allegedly shooting his brother, Adamu Shu’aibu to death.

Musa, who lives at Jigawar Alhaji Ado village, Dawakin Kudu Local Government area of Kano State, is facing a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and culpable homicide.

The Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Fatima Adamu, ordered the remand of the accused till March 29.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Anthony Edward, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Jan. 30 at about 10 p.m. in Dawakin Kudu local government area of the state.

“The accused conspired with nine of his friends, who are now at large, while armed with a gun, shot his brother to death,” the prosecutor told the court.

Edward said two locally made revolvers and one pistol were recovered from the accused.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 97 and 221 of the Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act, 2004.

Musa, however, pleaded guilty to the charges.

NAN

February 27, 2018