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  • France invests N150 billion in Nigeria

    France invests N150 billion in Nigeria

    The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to France, Dr. Modupe Irele, on Tuesday announced that France
    invested about N150 billion ( 350 million euros ) in Nigeria in 2017.

    Irele told newsmen in Lagos that the amount was disbursed as soft loans to the Federal and State Governments,
    as well as the private sector.

    “It is estimated that in 2017 alone, France invested around 350 million Euros (about N150 billion) in Nigeria, mostly through soft
    loans to both the Federal and State governments and the private sector.

    “Available records also state that at the end of the first quarter of 2017, the trade volume between France and Nigeria stood at N668 .75
    billion ( 1.9 billion euros ).

    “And in 2016, the volume of trade transacted between Nigeria and France was ₦339.77 billion,’’ she said.

    Irele said that France and Nigeria’s economic relations had over the past 100 years been dominated by businesses in oil and gas,
    construction and other enterprises.

    Read also: France convicts Equatorial Guinea vice president of money laundering

    According to her, Nigeria remains France’s first trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.

    The Ambassador said that more French companies and businesses were prepared to take advantage of the nation’s ongoing initiatives at enhancing the Ease of Doing business in Nigeria, for foreign investors.

    “The French, like many other business people, are showing interest in the drive to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria and welcome the policies as positive developments.

    “The over 100 years plus of Franco/Nigeria economic relations, have largely been dominated by big businesses in oil and gas,
    construction and others.

    “However, we are witnessing a significant shift of interest to areas, including the agro-allied industry, SMEs, renewable energy, technology and start-ups, among others,’’ she said.

    Irele said that she was currently working at increasing socio-cultural exchanges between France and Nigeria, as well as expanding mutually beneficial economic ties between both countries.

    The Nigerian Representative in France added that her embassy would also exploit unexplored investment and export opportunities between both countries.

    “We are also encouraging cooperation in the areas of technology, research and development, given the critical role technology is
    playing in defining our today and tomorrow,’’ she added.

    The trade volume between France and Nigeria hit 1.9 billion euros ( about N668 .75 billion ) in the first quarter of 2017.

    NAN

  • Work resumes in Osun as Labour Unions suspend strike

    Work resumes in Osun as Labour Unions suspend strike

    Workers in Osun on Tuesday returned to work after the Joint Labour Unions in the state called off the indefinite strike embarked on last week Wednesday.

    The leadership of the labour unions in the state had called for indefinite strike, which commenced on December 27  to demand for outstanding salaries and promotion of workers.

    The Industrial action was, however, called off on Saturday after the state government acceded to their demands.

    A visit to the state secretariat at Abere, Osogbo, indicated that workers are back to their duty posts after the holidays as the secretariat gates, which were shut during the strike, are now open to workers.

    A staff in the secretariat, Mr. Akeem Ajagbe, said: “workers are like sheep being led by the labour unions, and whatever their decision they make must be complied with.

    “As long as the welfare of workers, which includes our full salary payment and promotion is assured, we are glad to return to work.” he said.

    He said that although he celebrated the New Year with mixed feelings as they were yet to receive full salary for December as promised by the government, he was happy to see the beginning of a new year with the hope that things would be better in 2018.

    At the two local government secretariats of Olorunda and Osogbo, both in Osogbo, workers were equally back to their duty posts.

    Some workers were, however, seen in groups discussing, while some were seen cleaning their offices to start the day’s work.

    Read also: Labour union rejects bill on hate speeches

    Workers at state health institutions (state hospital, Asubiaoro, and Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital, LAUTECH ) in Osogbo were also seen attending to patients.

    An elderly patient, Mrs. Oloyode Awoniyi, who was at the eye clinic department of LAUTECH, told newsmen that she was scheduled for appointment with doctors on Thursday, but because of the strike, she had to return today to reschedule and if possible be attended to by a doctor.

    Awoniyi said the strike caused her so much stress, coming from a distance as it had caused so many others too.

    She said that the crowd at the eye clinic had doubled due to patients missing out previous appointments because of the strike.

    Mrs. Ayoka Lawal said: “I am a patient on health insurance ( NHIS ) and I register with LAUTECH. I was unable to get treatment on Saturday due to the strike.

    “Thank God, my condition is not life threatening. Only God knows what would have happened to me.”

    Other private businesses and federal establishments in the state were back to full operation from the Yuletide and New Year holidays.

    NAN

  • 2017: 143 die, 843 injured in Edo auto crashes

    2017: 143 die, 843 injured in Edo auto crashes

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) in Edo says a total of 143 persons died and 843 others were injured in various auto crashes across the state in 2017.

    Mr. Samuel Odukoya, the FRSC Sector Commander, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Benin on Tuesday.

    Odukoya said 226 auto crashes were recorded in the state during the period involving 2,285 persons comprising 1,539 males, 598 females and 148 children.

    The sector commander in Edo disclosed that during the yuletide alone, 21 cases of traffic crashes were recorded with 101 casualties of which 11 were killed and 90 persons injured.

    Read also: Obaseki: Gains of transformational leadership in Edo

    According to him, a greater percentage of the accidents were due to over speeding, followed by mechanical deficiencies in the vehicles with brake failure alone accounting for about 10 per cent.

    Odukoya added that two per cent of the accidents were due to tyre burst, while road traffic violations and wrong overtaking also accounted for two per cent each.

    NAN

  • Nigeria hosts first int’l shooting coaching course

    Nigeria hosts first int’l shooting coaching course

    Brig.-Gen. Oladeji Adeoye (rtd), President, Nigeria Shooting Federation ( NSF ) says the International Shooting Sport Federation ( ISSF ) Grade D Coaching Course will begin in Abuja from January 21 – 26.

    Adeoye told newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday that the global event was the first to be hosted by the federation since its establishment in 1986.

    He urged the nation’s coaches to register for the course so as to become ISSF certified coaches instead going abroad to acquire the certificate.

    “I am very happy to see our board’s efforts yielding significant fruits since it was inaugurated on July 21, 2017.

    “Applicants for ISSF Grade D coaching certificate in pistol and riffle from around the world will participate in the course.

    “We assure participants of wonderful time because of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development’s support for the event,” he said.

    Read also: IPC seeks probe of reporter’s shooting

    Adeoye called on corporate organizations and philanthropists to support the federation in its bid to make the nation the hub of shooting sport in Africa.

    The  ISSF Grade A tutors and ex-world shooting champions will serve as resource persons during the course.

    NAN

  • U.S. to withhold $255m military aid to Pakistan

    U.S. to withhold $255m military aid to Pakistan

    The U.S. authorities decided to withhold 255 million dollars in military aid to Pakistan after President Donald Trump’s critical remarks about the south Asian country, local media reported.

    On Monday, Trump wrote on his Twitter page that the U.S. had allocated millions of dollars in aid to Pakistan, while the latter had not contributed to countering terrorism and provided safe harbor to terrorists from Afghanistan.

    The U.S. president vowed to stop providing financial aid for Pakistan.

    “The U.S. does not plan to spend the 255 million dollars in ( Fiscal Year ) 2016 Foreign Military Financing for Pakistan at this time…

    “The president has made clear that the U.S. expects Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorists and militants on its soil, and that Pakistan’s actions in support of the South Asia Strategy will ultimately determine the trajectory of our relationship, including future security assistance,” a national security official told the Fox News broadcaster on Monday.

    Read also: Pakistan finance minister denies corruption charges

    The official added that Trump would continue to review Pakistan’s level of cooperation.

    Pakistan is a U.S. partner in southern Asia but the Afghan Islamist movement of Taliban, outlawed in Russia, uses territories in northern Pakistan for its bases.

    Moreover, Osama bin Laden, the former leader of al-Qaeda terrorist organisation ( also banned in Russia ), who was responsible for the 9/11 attacks, was found and killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan in 2011.

    NAN

  • Court jails two for stealing yam

    Court jails two for stealing yam

    A Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada in Nasarawa State, on Friday sentenced two labourers to six months imprisonment each for stealing 50 tubers of yam.

    The judge, Upside Yaqub, however, gave the convicts, Habibu Kabiru, 25; and Salisu Hamidu, 22, both residents of Old Orange Market Mararaba, an option of N5, 000 fine each.

    Yaqub warned them to desist from committing crimes and ordered that the tubers of yam be returned to the owner.

    The convicts had pleaded guilty to a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, trespass, mischief and theft.

    Following the guilty plea, the Prosecutor, Agabi Auta, urged the court to try them summarily under Section 347 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

    Earlier, Auta had told the court that the complainant, Utume Clement of Kudu village, Mararaba, reported the incident at the ‘A’ Division Police Station, Mararaba, on Dec. 22.

    He said that the convicts and one Musa Iliya, now at large, went to the complainant’s farm at Kudu village, Mararaba, and harvested 50 tubers of yam.

    The prosecutor said the convicts were apprehended while trying to put the yam in a sack and were handed over to the police immediately.

    He said the offences contravened Sections 79, 347, 348 and 287 of the Penal Code.

    NAN

     

  • Court remands Mother for pouring hot water that led to son death

    Court remands Mother for pouring hot water that led to son death

    An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ court on Friday remanded  Mary Eze, in Ikoyi prison for allegedly pouring hot water on her seven-year-old son for misplacing N200 which led to his death.

    The accused, 40, a petty trader appeared before Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, on a charge for murder, but her plea was not taken by the court.

    The Investigating Police Officer, (IPO) Insp. Chris Akpanomo, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec. 8,  at No. 670, Ikorodu Road, Owode Elede in Ikorodu.

    He alleged that the accused had sent the deceased with the last N200 she had, to buy food for her, but he returned to tell her that he had misplaced the money.

    According to Akpanomo, out of annoyance she poured hot water on him, locked him in the house and went about her daily routine.

    He added that it was his persistent shouts that attracted neighbours, who rushed him to the hospital where he later died.

    The offence contravened section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 which stipulates a death sentence for convicts.

    The Chief Magistrate ordered that the accused be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons pending the outcome of legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP’s).

    She, however, adjourned the case until January 24, 2018 for legal advice.

    NAN

  • Unemployed woman absconds with church property

    Unemployed woman absconds with church property

    A 45-year-old unemployed woman, Olabisi Usman, who allegedly stole church property valued at N154,000, was on Friday hauled up before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    The accused was arraigned before a Magistrate, Mrs. Y.O Ekogbulu, on a charge of stealing.

    Usman, who resides at Meiran area of Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty and was admitted to a bail of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Ekogbulu said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Clement Okuoimose, said that the accused committed the offence on November 26, at Olagoke Street, Meiran, Lagos.

    He said that the accused unlawfully entered into Foursquare Gospel Church and stole some property.

    “The accused stole one musical speaker, one tiger generator, a standing fan, a ceiling fan and four plastic chairs. Total value of items stolen was N154,000,” he said.

    Read also: Man ‘dupes’ church of N1m

    Okuoimose said that the accused was a tenant in the church premises and entered through the window to steal.

    “The accused, who just packed into the compound two months earlier, was later found out to be behind the theft.

    “When she was arrested and questioned, she confessed that she stole the items and sold it to one Malam.

    “But the buyer could not be located,” he said.

    The offences contravened Sections 287 and 308 (2)of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).

    The accused may be jailed for three years if found guilty of stealing according to the provisions of Section 287.

    The case was adjourned until January 17 for mention.

    NAN

  • Court remands man for murder of friend’s wife

    Court remands man for murder of friend’s wife

    An Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, has remanded 27-year-old Opeyemi Zachaeus, for alleged conspiracy and murder of his friend’s wife, Adejoke Kalejaiye, 25.

    Zacheaus is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.

    The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Dec. 14 at about 2.00 p.m. at Agemuwo in Badagry area of Lagos State.

    Olatunde alleged that the accused had helped the husband of the deceased, Mr Kalejaiye, to conceal her remains and to dispose of her phone and other valuables.

    Read also: Court remands Mother for pouring hot water on son

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The plea of the accused was denied.

    The Chief Magistrate, Kofo Ariyo, ordered the remand of the accused at the Ikoyi Prisons, pending legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP’s).

    The case was adjourned until February 7, 2018 for legal advice.

    NAN

  • Zimbabwe President appoints VP as defence minister

    Zimbabwe President appoints VP as defence minister

    Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Vice President, Retired Gen. Constantino Chiwenga as the country’s defence minister.

    Acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Justin Mupamhanga, said in a statement on Friday that Mnangagwa had also put Co-Vice President, Kembo Mohadi in charge of National Peace and Reconciliation portfolio.

    The two vice presidents were sworn in on Thursday by Chief Justice Luke Malaba.

    Mupamhanga noted that “in terms of Section 99 of the Constitution, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe may assign functions to vice presidents to assist him/her in the discharge of his/her functions.

    Read also: Ex army boss sworn in as Zimbabwe VP

    “The president may also assign functions to vice residents including the administration of any ministry of department or Act of Parliament.”

    President Mnangagwa took over from former president Robert Mugabe in November after Mugabe resigned following military and public pressure.

    (Xinhua/NAN)