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  • Digitization: Gov Ugwuanyi offers free 10,000 setup boxes

    Digitization: Gov Ugwuanyi offers free 10,000 setup boxes

    Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has offered to distribute 10,000 setup boxes valued N15 million free to low income households in rural areas to enable them access digital television.

    Ugwuanyi made the disclosure in Enugu on Monday at the launch of Digital Switchover in the state by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

    The governor described the launch as a ‘landmark’ in television broadcasting in Nigeria.

    He said that the gesture was to ensure that low income households were not denied opportunities of accessing digital television contents.

    Ugwuanyi said that the setup boxes which were the major accessory that would, henceforth, enable television viewers in the state watch more channels would be distributed immediately.

    The governor said that the state government was fully conscious of the possible discomfort economically challenged families would face as a result of disruption in accessing free to air television contents.

    “This, in our judgment, is the major reason the Federal Government has committed to subsidise 10 million setup boxes for distribution to poor households in Nigeria,” he said.

    Ugwuanyi said that Enugu had the distinction of being the first state in Southern Nigeria to be switched on to the digital terrestrial television broadcast.

    “As a government, we have intervened on behalf of our people by purchasing 10,000 setup boxes which will be distributed free to low income households identified in our rural areas.

    “Our goal is to enable less economically endowed families to continue to receive even more television channels after this ceremony.

    “The boxes will be distributed after this ceremony in such a manner that it will reach all the 475 autonomous communities in the state,” he said.

    The governor said that local government councils would also cease the opportunity offered by the process to increase the internally generated revenue.

    Ugwuanyi thanked the Information Minister for donating 100 setup boxes to the state government, adding that the boxes would in turn be distributed to security agencies in the state.

    He said that it was gratifying to bid farewell to analogue broadcasting in the state.

    “This underscores the pragmatism the government and leadership of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission ( NBC ) have brought to bear in broadcasting industry,” Ugwuanyi said.

    Earlier, the Director General of the NBC, Mr Is’haq Kawu said that the digital switchover would enhance the broadcast value chain and open up jobs for Nigerians.

    Kawu said that the switchover would afford television viewers watch new generation of Nigerian contents.

    The DG said that it would also address poor reception of television signals especially in rural areas.

    The highlight of the event was the official switchover from analogue to digital television broadcasting at the Nigerian Television Authority ( NTA ) in Enugu by Ugwuanyi in company of the minister and NBC DG.

    Nigeria as a member of International Telecommunication Union ( ITU ) had in 2006 signed the agreement for member states to switch over from analogue to digital broadcasting.

    NAN

  • PLASU set for NUC accreditation of 15 additional programmes – VC

    PLASU set for NUC accreditation of 15 additional programmes – VC

    Prof. Doknan Sheni, the Vice Chancellor, Plateau State University ( PLASU ), Bokkos, on Monday, said the university was set for accreditation of its additional 15 programmes by National Universities Commission ( NUC ).

    The vice chancellor made the disclosure at a news conference at the university’s Senate Chambers.

    He said “all is now set for yet another round of accreditation of 15 additional programmes by NUC come May this year.

    “A total of 17 programmes were accredited by the commission two years ago; we are now prepared for NUC with additional 15 programmes.”

    Sheni, whose tenure would expire by February ending, expressed gratitude to God for achievements during his two tenures, which he said stabilised the university system.

    He identified some of the achievements to include accreditation of 17 programmes 12 years after the establishment of the institution and successful holding of its first convocation last year.

    He added that “we have been able to complete the Library Complex, build road networks, did landscaping, fencing, established several laboratories including that of languages, Internet/web site, power from NESCO and built more students hostels.

    “People, especially parents and students, have developed interest in PLASU such that we are now admitting about 1, 500 students at a time.”

    The vice chancellor noted that the success story of the university would not be complete without appreciating TETfund and the Plateau Government, which he said did not fail the management.

    He, however, listed some of the institution’s challenges to include the lack of water, staff accommodation, street lights, pension scheme for staff and inadequate funding.

    He solicited support from well meaning citizens of the state and corporate organisations to transform the university to world class in no distant time.

    NAN

  • NBC cautions broadcast stations on political programmes

    NBC cautions broadcast stations on political programmes

    The National Broadcasting Commission ( NBC ), has called on all broadcasting stations in the country to be fair, balanced and ensure equity in the presentation of political programmes.

    The Commission’s Zonal Director, Mrs Francisca Aiyetan made the call on Monday during a sensitisation visit to the Management of the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation.

    She said that the broadcast stations have the power to air political programmes.

    According to her, broadcast stations cannot be stopped from carrying political programmes, saying that broadcasters are agents of the society, not politicians, but must tread with caution.

    Adesanya, however cautioned broadcasters, especially presenters against inflammatory and provocative words or statements, urging them to rise above subjective mind-sets.

    The NBC Zonal Director said as the fourth estate of realm, the broadcasting stations must play their roles in the society by holding public office holders accountable to the people.

    She stressed the need for them to pay attention to issues affecting the society and be guided by the code of conduct of the commission in carrying out the social responsibility.

    Responding, the General Manager of the station, Alhaji Abdullateef Adedeji, said the station would continue in its drive in broadcasting responsibly and fairly balanced in its reportage.

    Adedeji also assured the commission that the management of the station, staff and all broadcasters of the station would continue to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    NAN

  • Court docks trader for killing co-tenant by smashing head against wall

    Court docks trader for killing co-tenant by smashing head against wall

    A trader, Ugochukwu Chukwuekezie, who allegedly killed his neighbour by heating his head against the wall, was on Monday remanded in Ikoyi Prisons on the orders of an Igbosere High Court on Lagos Island.

    Justice M. A. Okikiolu gave the order when the accused was re-arraigned.

    Chukwuekezie, whose residential address was not provided, is standing trial on a charge of manslaughter.

    The accused allegedly committed the offence at No. 10, Okoluwa St., Ebute Meta, Lagos Mainland, on Dec. 5, 2015, the Prosecutor, Ms. A. Oshinusi, the Deputy Director for Public Prosecutions ( DDPP ), told the court.

    She said the accused killed his neighbour, Mr Comdavies Okeke, by heating his head against the wall during a brawl.

    The offence contravened Section 227 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Counsel to the accused, Mr R. Asuquo, told the court that he had an application dated Dec. 12, 2017 which had been served on the prosecuting counsel.

    The prosecutor, however, said they were not aware of the application.

    “The application we are aware of is the one dated Dec. 9, 2016.”

    Asuquo explained that the application being referred to by the prosecutor was refused by Justice Sybil Nwaka when the case was first brought to court.

    The case was partly heard by Justice Nwaka before she was transferred.

    The case was adjourned until March 19 for what the court called“proper directions.”

    NAN

  • Kogi gets 717 slots for 2018 Hajj

    Kogi gets 717 slots for 2018 Hajj

    The Kogi Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board says 717 slots had been allocated to the state for this year’s hajj by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

    The Executive Chairman of the board, Sheikh Lukman Abdullah, who disclosed this on Monday in Lokoja, said that the figure was far less than the 838 slots allocated to the state in 2017.

    Abdullah spoke during  a courtesy call on the Chairman of the state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ), Mr Adeiza Momoh Jimoh.

    He, however,  said that the board was making efforts to get additional slots, adding that  preparations for the 2018 hajj had commenced.

    Abdallah, who said  that the greatest challenge facing the board and intending pilgrims was time, noted  that all intending pilgrims had been given March 31 deadline to complete the payment of N1.5 million hajj fare.

    The Chairman reiterated that the green color e-passport, national identity card and medical report are compulsory  for all intending pilgrims.

    He said that accommodation  had been secured near the sacred mosques in Mecca and Medinah, adding that efforts were in the pipeline to enhance the welfare of pilgrims before, during and after the hajj.

    In his remarks,  Jimoh assured the board of support,  especially in the area of sensitisation of  pilgrims and members of the public.

    He urged  the board to always carry along the media in all its activities, adding that  more slots should  be allocated  to Muslim journalists.

    NAN

  • Mixed feeling trends Twitter over 2017 Mo Ibrahim prize

    Mixed feeling trends Twitter over 2017 Mo Ibrahim prize

    Twitter users on Monday expressed mixed feelings over the emergence of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, as the winner of the 2017 Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.

    Johnson-Sirleaf, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, won a five million dollars Mo Ibrahim award, designed to improve the quality of African political leadership.

    Jonson-Sirleaf became the first woman to win the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, in recognition of her efforts to rebuild her country following two devastating civil wars.

    The Ibrahim Prize is awarded to former Executive Head of State or Government by an independent Committee composed of eminent figures, including two Nobel Peace Prize Laureates.

    The views featured series of tweets on thoughts about the award conferred on Johnson-Sirleaf as the prize winner since 2007 the award was been organised.

    Below are some of the tweets by the social media users:

    @Omar_Ramadhan wrote: “Mo Ibrahim Foundation should stop its madness.

    “You give an individual five million dollars in five years plus 200,000 dollars yearly until she dies? For what sort of magic did she do in her country?

    @AICPowerAction  wrote: “congratulations to ex-President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for winning the Mo Ibrahim Foundation African Leadership Price.

    @gibbysaine wrote: “I learnt with great pride and sense of direction that Liberia’s ex-president has won the Mo Ibrahim Foundation prize.

    “It is a five million dollar prize fulfilling certain democracy indicators.”

    @Tendaijoe wrote: “the Ibrahim Prize is a US$5 million award paid over 10 yrs and US$200,000 annually for life thereafter.

    We recalle that on six occasions, no leader was considered worthy of the Prize.

    In 2007, Mozambique’s former President Joaquim Chissano, in 2008, Botswana’s former President Festus Mogae.

    In 2009 and 2010, no award was given while in 2011, Cape Verde’s former President Pedro Pires won the prize.

    Meanwhile, 2012: No award given, 2013: No award given, 2014: Namibia’s former President Hifikipunye Pohamba, 2015: No award given, 2016: No award given and 2017: former Liberian president, Johnson-Sirleaf.

    The Prize seeks to change perceptions of African leadership by showcasing exceptional role models from the continent.

    The Prize recognise African leaders who, under challenging circumstances, strengthened democracy and human rights for the shared benefit of their people and paving the way for sustainable and equitable prosperity.

    NAN

  • FG, South Korea to train 22,000 public servants on e-government

    FG, South Korea to train 22,000 public servants on e-government

    The Federal Government says it is partnering with the government of South Korea to train no fewer than 22, 000 public servants on e-government.

    Mr Abdulaziz Abdullahi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications was quoted as making this known in a statement issued by Mrs Pauline Sule, the Deputy Director, Press, on Monday in Abuja.

    Abdullahi disclosed this at the end of the In-Country e-Government Capacity Building Training in Abuja.

    He said the Federal Government through the ministry was collaborating with South Korea through Korean International Corporation Agency ( KOICA ) on project for capacity building on e-government.

    He said the collaboration would build the capacity of workers by providing short and long term training courses in Nigeria in different levels to successfully drive the e-government programme by the government.

    He said the e-government had been captured in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) by Federal Government.

    He added that the recently launched 2017 to 2020 Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan was also to reposition the service for better performance through key e-government projects.

    Abdullahi said the training involved all in the public service and had been categorised into segments to accommodate all.

    “The Executive Course I is for heads of government establishments; Executive Course II is for directors in public service; Professional Course for middle level officers; e-Security for ICT technical staff and Train-the-Trainer for future potential trainers on the capacity building programme,’’ he said.

    According to him, Project Planning and Development has been added to the curriculum to manage balanced e-government system in terms of procurement, grievance settlement and preparation in readiness for the implementation of the e-government master-plan that is awaiting Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval.

    He thanked KOICA for their commitment in actualising the training as scheduled and assured that the goal of using e-government as a tool to impact and improve the socio-economic growth would be achieved.

    The Charge d’Affaires of the Korean Embassy, Mr Song Yong-Min expressed gratitude and readiness to partner with Nigeria.

    He said the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Korea started since 1980 and was delighted on how fast the pace of the amicable relationships had thrived in various areas such as culture, trade and development cooperation, especially in the e-government project.

    Yong-Min said the effort would bring about a lot of achievements and would create millions of jobs, especially for the young generations.

    NAN

  • Police arraign 3 for alleged car theft

    Police arraign 3 for alleged car theft

    The FCT Police Command on Monday arraigned three men in an Abuja High Court sitting in Jabi for allegedly stealing a car belonging to one Mr Bello Oludele of Kuje area in the FCT.

    The defendants who were named as Saaor Liam, Michael Joseph and Babangida Maidaki, were apprehended by police officers in Kaduna when they were about to sell the car.

    The Prosecutor Mr Patrick Ogele, from the command told the court that the complainant had earlier reported the issue at the Kuje Police station on Aug. 23, 2017 the day the car was stolen.

    Ogele told the court that the defendants also stole all the document inside the car such as the owner higher school certificate, identity card and complimentary cards.

    Read Also: Police arrest pastor, one other for robbery

    According to Ogele, the defendants were arrested and interrogated on the process of selling the car but they could not defend themselves as who is the rightful owner of the car.

    The prosecutor told the court that when the defendants could not defend their ownership of the car, the police who arrested them called one of the numbers found on the document that was seen inside the car and the owner picked the call in Abuja.

    Ogele said that following the call which came to the owner from Kaduna, the complainant went back to Kuje police station to inform them about the call and they followed him down to Kaduna to arrest the defendants.

    According to the prosecutor, the defendants were being charged on the crime of armed robbery and criminal conspiracy contrary to sections 6 and 1 of the Robbery and Firearms Act.

    The defendants, however, denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Justice Yusuf Halliru ordered the suspects to be remanded in Kuje prison and adjourned the matter until Feb. 28, for commencement of hearing.

    NAN

  • FIFA 2018 W/C: Rohr did not reject friendly games says NFF President

    FIFA 2018 W/C: Rohr did not reject friendly games says NFF President

    The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick on Monday said that the allegation that the Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr rejected friendly games with Chile and Morocco was false.
    Our Reporters recalls that speculations were rife that the Super Eagles Technical Adviser cum Manager refused to accept friendly games for the team from Chile and Morocco.
    The NFF President told Newsmen in a chat in Lagos that the decision of the coach on friendly games for the team was agreed on based on tactical and technical reasons and that the team had already sealed the friendly games it would play.
    “Most countries are playing three games before the world cup but the super eagles are playing five and care must be taken not to tire out the players before the world cup kicks off.
    “We are taking on Poland and Serbia on March 23 and 27 respectively, Congo on May 28, England on June 2 and Czech Republic on June 6.

    Read Also: NFF ensuring coaches succeed — Sanusi

    “There are so many considerations before a team can take on friendly matches. The NFF did not interfere and will not interfere in issues of selections and matches by the coach.
    “The coach wanted a typical African traditional style of pay. Morocco and Chile has never been in the picture for the friendly games ‘’ he added.
    On the appointment of new coaches by the NFF, Pinnick said that the federation followed due diligence and that the coaches were appointed based on antecedents and not sentiments.
    “I am particularly impressed with the present administration for not interfering in the decisions of the NFF. It is commendable and it enables the federation to ensure that the best hands are picked without influence.
    “Nigeria is having global recognition again in sports and we want to ensure that by 2022, Nigeria will have the best football team in the World.
    “We have plans to build football houses across the federation for trainings. There will be two standard pitches in each state to catch them young and restore the 1994 glory to Nigeria’’ he further said.
    With the NFF new tenure approaching, Picnnick however declined comments on a second term bid.
    The next NFF election is billed for Sept. 30, 2017.

    NAN

  • Female banker, 27, bolts with employer’s N690,000

    Female banker, 27, bolts with employer’s N690,000

    For allegedly pilfering depositors’ money, a 27-year-old female banker, Ogunumoye Oluwaseun, was on Monday brought before an Abeokuta Chief Magistrates’ Court.

    To date, the accused had allegedly stolen N691,050, belonging to Astra Polaris Micro Finance Bank ( APMFB ), Abeokuta.

    The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of stealing.

    She denied the charge, but the Police Prosecutor Sunday Eigbejiale insisted that the accused committed the offence from May 2016 to August 2017 at Astra Polaris Micro Finance Bank, Onikolobo Branch, Abeokuta, Ogun capital.

    Eigbejiale said the accused,as a marketer, she collected money from customers and failed to remit same to the bank.

    READ ALSO: Forex: CBN intervenes in retail SMIS with $325.64m

    “The accused collected N691,050 from some customers at different times and failed to remit the money into the coffers of her employer.

    “When the theft was discovered by the bank, the accused absconded from work from Oct. 4, 2017 and all efforts to recover the money from her proved abortive,’’ the inspector said.

    The offence contravened Section 390 ( 9 ) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

    In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Adeola Adelaja granted her bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    She adjourned the case until March 21 for hearing.

    NAN