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  • Ganduje seeks collaboration with private sector to strengthen economy

    Ganduje seeks collaboration with private sector to strengthen economy

    Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has called on the private sector to collaborate with the state government for the development of Nigeria’s economy.

    Ganduje made the call in Kano on Saturday at the opening of the 38th Kano International Trade Fair.

    Th fair is organised by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture ( KACCIMA ) as part of efforts to ensure economic growth and development in the country.

    He said the state government was committed to providing an environment conducive for private investors to engage in viable ventures in the various sectors of the economy.

    He said it was in line with the decision that the state government embarked on the transformation of State capital into a mega city.

    “The city is being transformed into a mega city by de-congesting it through the construction of flyovers and underpass.

    “The provision of flyovers and underpass will make human and vehicular movement in and around the city easy,” he said.

    He commended KACCIMA for organising the fair, which he said would go along way toward promoting socio-economic activities in the state.

    In his remarks, the President of KACCIMA, Alhaji Dalhatu Abubakar, praised the Federal Government for its efforts at diversifying the nation’s economy to tackle the over-dependence on oil.

    “Micro, small and medium enterprises have proven to be the key drivers in boosting the economy of several countries.

    “There is the need for Nigeria to reinvigorate the sector in order to diversity and develop the nation’s economy.

    “The task of this nature requires committed synergy, motivated by patriotism, high level of sacrifice as well as total commitment to responsibilities,” he said.

    The theme of the fair is: “Reinvigoration of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Key for Effective Economic Development of Nigerian Economy.”

    NAN

  • Dokpesi pledges fairness for presidential aspirants, if elected national chairman

    Dokpesi pledges fairness for presidential aspirants, if elected national chairman

    Founder of Daar Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, says his leadership will provide level-playing ground for all Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) presidential aspirants, if elected national chairman of the party.

    Dokpesi made the pledge while addressing zonal and state executive committee members and other members of the PDP during his campaign visit to Kano state on Saturday.

    He said that he was aware that the goal of PDP was to win presidency in 2019, and assured that as national chairman of the party, he would not allow manipulation of the process.

    “I am very conscious of the fact that our illustrious sons from Kano are looking forward to contesting for the presidency in the 2019 elections.

    “First of all, we must have a party and the first step is to create a National Working Committee that I can work along with to ensure that there is justice, fairness and equity.

    “I want to pledge firmly that there shall be a level-playing ground for all the presidential aspirants from the 19 northern states willing to vie for the office of the president.

    “We shall not manipulate any regulation. We will be transparent, and whoever God has chosen may He allow him to lead us to victory in 2019.

    “So, our choice of presidential candidate in 2019 will not be on the basis of wealth or accumulated money, but the human person that he is.

    “I want to plead with you that it is the same criteria that we will use for the election of the chairman, we must use for the election of the president,” he said.

    Dokpesi said his visit to Kano was to remind them of his plea for their support for his aspiration, for the state’s executive of the party and delegates to the Dec. 9 national convention to vote for him.

    He urged the delegates to vote on merit, not on sentiment.

    “I want to appeal to you to look at and chose anyone who you believe is ready to sacrifice for the party.

    “Vote for anyone you know has been consistent with this party when it was raining and when we needed umbrella over our head.

    “I want you to look at all the candidates and ask yourselves who among these candidates has been a bridge-builder and helped to reunite Nigeria. I am interested in Nigeria unity,” Dokpesi said.

    He advised PDP members not to allow themselves to be used by the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any PDP member to destroy the party, especially those planning to hold parallel convention.

    In his reaction, Mr Jinjiri Dutse, Zonal Auditor, who represented the National Deputy Chairman (North-West), said that the zone was preparing for the December convention.

    He expressed Kano state’s support for Dokpesi, adding that the state would also canvas for votes from other states
    in the Zone for Dokpesi.

    Sen. Baraka Sani, who is vying for National Women Leader, said that Dokpesi had shown verifiable support to the party in many ways, at different times.

    “This is what is expected from leaders. Tell us what we can verify, not to tell us something in the air. Let us see it, something we can touch or feel.”

    NAN

  • Buhari not interested in automatic ticket in 2019 – Kalu

    Buhari not interested in automatic ticket in 2019 – Kalu

    Former Abia governor, Dr Orji Kalu, said on Saturday that President Muhammadu Buhari might not be interested in getting an automatic ticket to re -contest.

    Kalu told newsmen at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, that the president would prefer a situation where other candidates would explore the democratic process to test their popularity.

    “Buhari himself is not even looking for automatic ticket.

    “He is a man that is very fair and free in what he does.

    “And his feeling is that if any candidate is willing to contest against him, he should come out.

    “So President Buhari is also feeling that an automatic ticket for him is not right.

    “He believes that the political space should be opened up for other people who also want to contest and he wants an open primary (elections) to take place,” he said.

    He said he would support Buhari should he indicate interest to run for a second term.

    “I have said it times without number, that the president needs to consolidate on his achievements because he is very popular.

    “He is still the only person carrying 15 million votes in his back despite his tenure being besieged by illness.

    “So the president genuinely deserves a second tenure,’’ Kalu said.

    He also ruled out the chances of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) coming back in 2019.

    Kalu said Buhari was under restraint not to expose the gargantuan corruption that took place at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    He said if Nigerians knew what happened at NNPC, they would not allow any of the looters to run away from the country.

    Kalu wished former Vice President Atiku Abubakar well on his future endeavours following his decision to leave APC.

    NAN

  • Adamawa killings: Force headquarters to dispatch five mobile police units – IG

    Adamawa killings: Force headquarters to dispatch five mobile police units – IG

    The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said on Saturday that the force would deploy five mobile police units to Adamawa to prevent future clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

    Idris made this known in Yola when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Mohammed Bindow to commiserate with him and the people of the state.

    About 20 people were feared killed and several others injured following a clash between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    The attack occurred on Monday night following the killing of a farmer by suspected Fulani herdsmen resulting in a reprisal attack by the farming communities of Shaforon, Kodomti and Kikan all in Numan local government area of the state.

    The IG said that the five units would reinvigorate security operations to prevent further bloody clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

    He also promised to deploy tracking units of the force for the investigation of previous incidents.

    He assured the people of the state that the incidents would be thoroughly investigated to prevent a repeat.

    Idris commended the traditional institution and other stakeholders in the state for wading into the crisis with a view to ending it.

    He said he was in the state to commiserate with the people over the unfortunate bombing in Mubi and killings in Numan Local Government Area of the state.

    Responding, Bindow urged the IG to deploy his men to investigate the incident in Numan.

    He assured that the perpetrators would be brought to book upon investigation.

    He thanked the IG for the visit, saying that it was a demonstration  of his concern for the people.

    NAN

  • It will be injustice not to implement 2014 Confab report – Ike Nwachukwu

    It will be injustice not to implement 2014 Confab report – Ike Nwachukwu

    Retired Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu on Saturday re-echoed the need for the Federal Government to implement the 2014 National Conference report, saying it addressed issues of restructuring in the country.

    He made this known at the retreat of Southern Senators’ Forum in Calabar on Saturday.

    Nwachukwu said it would be injustice to Nigeria not to have recommendations of the report implemented in view of its relevance to the call for restructuring.

    “I had the privilege in 2005 of serving as a member of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Political Reform Conference and it rolled into 2014 National Conference.

    “I will dare to say that the amount of work put into the 2014 conference, of course, building on the outcome of the 2005 conference, produced a fantastic report.

    “It will be total injustice to Nigeria if the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference are jettisoned.

    “Most of what we are talking about today were raised there, and after several weeks of grinding discussions, the report was drafted.

    “I recommend it to the Nigerian legislature to take a look at and use in finding solution to our present problems,’’

    Nwachukwu urged President Muhammadu Buhari to make history by heeding to the call of the people to implement the report.

    “I want to say to my senior colleague, President Muhammadu Buhari, that he has a fantastic opportunity in history.

    “He has the privilege to call a meeting of well-meaning Nigerians to take a look at the report to be able to set our country on a new path of unity, trust and better understanding.

    “We have a country with less ethnicism, less religiousity and we can build a country we all will want to live in.

    “I often wonder that if I get called by God, what I would say that I have bequeathed to Nigeria.

    “Here is the opportunity to bequeath to the generation coming after us a country on the path of unity, better understanding and love for one another,’’ he said.

    While recalling the contributions of the military to the unity of country, the elder statesman said the narrative had changed and there was a need to address some issues.

    He said that the military did what it did believing that that was the right thing to do to keep the country from falling apart.

    Nwachukwu, a member of the 2014 confab, stressed that while decrees were put in place and a new constitution written in the quest to building one united country, it had been a long time and things had changed.

    He pointed out that events had proven that though those intentions had kept our country united, it could no longer sustain the yearnings of the people.

    He said that unless “we set a new path that we will work to ensuring that we are truly our brothers’ keepers, no amount of military or writing of constitution will make us a one united country’’.

    NAN

  • Army repel insurgents’ attack in Magumeri, Borno

    Army repel insurgents’ attack in Magumeri, Borno

    Nigerian Army on Saturday repelled an attack by Boko Haram insurgents at Magumeri town, headquarters of Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno.

    A competent security source told our correspondent that the insurgents attacked a military formation at Magumeri, about 32 km from Maiduguri the state capital.

    The source said that the insurgents attacked the area at about 6 p.m. and shot sporadically in an attempt to infiltrate the town.

    The source revealed that the troops and other security personnel engaged the insurgents and successfully repelled the attack.

    “The insurgents could not infiltrate the town and they were forced to flee after hours of gun battle.

    “No one can ascertain the level of casualties at this time,” he said.

    However, Kaka Audu, a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force ( CJTF ) in the area, said that the insurgents attacked the town from the military check point and Bengel area of the town.

    Audu disclosed that some of the insurgents that attacked from the Bengel axis managed to enter the town and torched some buildings before they were finally pushed back.

    “We came back from a joint patrol with the military around 6 p.m. because intelligence report showed that the insurgents were gathering at the outskirt of the town.

    “Few minutes later, the insurgents attacked with full force from two directions. There was reinforcement from the military and the attack was repelled.”

    Audu noted that powerful echoes of gun shots and explosive devices prompted residents to flee to nearby forest.

    The local militia added that most of the residents, who had earlier run to the bush, returned to their homes later.

    The military authorities are yet to comment on the incident.

    Boko Haram insurgents had in July attacked an oil prospecting team on exploration exercise in the area.

    The insurgents killed several members of the team and abducted five staff of University of Maiduguri.

    NAN

  • Vivacious atmosphere at ABU convocation in Zaria

    Vivacious atmosphere at ABU convocation in Zaria

    There was a spirited, energetic atmosphere at the 40th convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University ( ABU ) Zaria on Saturday.

    Although the school was on break, hordes of students were seen streaming through the gates of the school as early as 8:00 a.m.

    It was pomp and pageantry ad graduands, their family and friends were seen full of joy at the occasion, which doubled as the 50th anniversary of the institution.

    Speaking to our correspondent, a Public Administration graduate, Hauwa Musa, could not stop smiling as she said “I cannot just explain how I feel.

    “I sought this admission for years and today is the crown to all my efforts. My father and mother and siblings too are overjoyed,’’ she said, pointing to a group of people nearby.

    Also, Abubakar Yahaya, who studied Arabic and was taking pictures in his gown, said “Alhamdulillah! Today, I leave ABU but the school will never leave me.

    “This is a great institution and what I have learnt here will remain with me for the rest of my life.’’

    Another graduating student, Bello Abdulkareem, said: “I am graduating as a medical doctor; the first in my family; I am joyous; I am happy and I give thanks to God.’’

    NAN also spoke to Simon Caleb, who graduated from the Department of Social Studies and Civic Education.

    He said said: “I hope to impart what I have learnt to the upcoming generation.

    “I know that with what we have been taught, the nation will be great again if the upcoming generation can imbibe it because it will stop a lot of ills.’’

    This year, 8,260 undergraduates got their first degrees, while 50 made first class.

    Aside that, 3,600 were awarded postgraduate degrees, 256 Ph.Ds, 2,300 masters degrees across 13 faculties, including Administration, Agriculture, Engineering, Life Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences.

    NAN

  • Ikpeazu calls for increased allocation to federal universities of agriculture

    Ikpeazu calls for increased allocation to federal universities of agriculture

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has appealled to the Federal Government to increase its allocation to federal universities of agriculture in the country.

    Ikpeazu made the call on Saturday at the eighth convocation and silver jubilee celebration of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), near Umuahia.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari “for refocusing on agriculture as a way of finding ourselves out of the economic duldrome in Nigeria.”

    He described the decision to revive the nation’s agricultural sector as lofty but noted that it ought to have come earlier.

    He further spoke on the Federal Government’s directive to critical federal tertiary institutions, including MOUAU, to revert to their core mandate.

    “As Abia citizens, our desire would have been for this university to continue to train our children in different areas of academics, irrespective of their inclinations.

    “This is because we do not have any other federal institution that can fill the gap except this great institution,” the governor said.

    He further said that the global challenges of survival faced by graduates of such institutions would require the dynamics of training in all fields of human endeavour in a comprehensive curriculum, to enable them to perform better.

    He said that Nigeria should emulate other world renowned universities, established for specific disciplines but also taught courses that were ancillary to their core mandate and helped to produce all-round graduates.

    According to him, “You cannot be a proper graduate if you do not know a bit of everything.”

    Okezie commended Federal Government’s “extra attention to agriculture.”

    He, however, said that the efforts would amount to lip service, if they were not marched with proper funding of the universities of agriculture.

    He expressed the hope that agriculture would be made a serious business, capable of producing millionaires, to be able to attract Nigerian youths.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, restated Federal Government’s commitment to transform agriculture and make it the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

    Ogbe, represented by the Abia Director in the ministry, Mr Eziri Ebere, said that the present administration had introduced a number of programmes to resuscitate agriculture.

    Some of them, he said, included the creation of 10,000 jobs in the agricultural sector for youths in each state of the federation and Anchor Borrower for rice production.

    Also, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Francis Otunta, listed some achievements as the accreditation of 20 out of the 21 programmes in 2016, plus eight out of nine additional programmes in May/June.

    Otunta also spoke on developmental projects in the university, saying that the institution received over N2.1 billion, representing 40 per cent of the 2013/2014 NEEDS Assessment Fund, to resume work on abandoned projects.

    He said that his administration revived 25 uncompleted projects out of the 45 under the fund.

    He said that over N684 million was utilised to pay old debt to 31 contractors, to enable them to return to site.

    He said, “Work is now in progress on some projects, while some are still suffering setback due to an upward variance in costs resulting from the fall in the value of the naira.”

    On Tertiary Education Trust Fund for the university, Otunta said that three of the six projects for the 2012/2013 fund were completed but only four out of the 20 for the 2013/2014 intervention had so far been completed.

    He regretted that projects, which were hitherto funded with internally generated revenue, had suffered setback due to “too many irregularities”.

    Otunta further said that the university could not pay full salaries to its workers since the past one year due to the drastic decline in the Federal Government’s subsection.

    “The university receives subvention of N325 million instead of the much-needed N451 million

    “For this reason, therefore, it has been impossible to meet our commitment of paying full salaries.

    4,958 students graduated, including 98 First Class, 1,437 Second Class Upper, 2,111 Second Class Lower as well as 1,276 Third Class and 36 Pass.

    Highpoint of the ceremony was the conferment of a posthumous honorary Doctor of Science on the late Premier of the defunct Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Michael Okpara, and honorary Doctor of Science on the former President of Ohaneze, Prof. Joe Irukwu.

    The ceremony, which was scheduled to start by midday, started at about 1.45 pm, due to the monthly sanitation in the state.

    NAN

  • Obanikoro finally joins APC, says ‘I’m on a mission’

    Obanikoro finally joins APC, says ‘I’m on a mission’

    A former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, on Saturday in Lagos finally dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Obanikoro’s defection at his Lagos Island constituency ended months of speculations about the status of his political allegiance.

    There were earlier reports that he had settled his differences with the national leader of APC, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a step to joining the ruling party.

    Though Obanikoro acknowledged reconciliation with Tinubu, he had neither denied nor confirmed plans to join his political mentor in APC.

    He, however, finally gave the hint of his defection during a television interview on Thursday.

    Obanikoro defected to the APC along with other PDP bigwigs in the state, including a former aide of former president Good luck Jonathan, Mrs Modupe Sasore.

    Others are a national officer of the PDP, Mr Jide Damazio, and another PDP chieftain, Chief Kola Balogun.

    They were received by chieftains of APC, including the state chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale; Alhaji Kashim Imam, Chief James Odunbaku as well as the Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Adeniji Kazeem who represented Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Past and serving members of the National Assembly including Sen. Ganiyu Solomon, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa and Rep. Jide Jimoh were among APC bigwigs present.

    Presenting the APC flag to Obanikoro and others, Ajomale said the coming of the former minister and others meant the opposition was totally dead in the state.

    He described Obanikoro as politically experienced and sagacious, and said his joining the party would no doubt add to the electoral fortune of the party in the state.

    “We are happy to receive Obanikoro back in our fold. He was with us when we started the Alliance for Democracy (AD) but he decided to go the other way.

    “Thank God he has realised his mistake and he is back. We are indeed happy to get back this big fish, along with others.

    “Obanikoro is an asset and he will no doubt add value to our party,” he said.

    Obanikoro, in his speech, said he was happy to return to the fold of his age-long political associates after his long sojourn in the PDP.

    He said he defected because he couldn’t find fulfillment in the PDP and he joined the ruling party because he had a mission to render service on its platform.

    The ex-minister said his former party could not offer him the platform for the kind of service he wanted to render.

    “Today, I and others are not just joining the APC for joining sake, we are joining because we are on a mission.

    “I had joined the PDP a few years ago with the hope that certain things would be done right to enable me make the desired impact. That did not happen.

    “And now, Asiwaju Tinubu has taken leadership to another level, not only in the state, but at the national level.

    “So, my joining the APC is not by accident. It is to return to my people and seek a platform on which I can render service to my people, because leadership is about service and co-ordination of talents to achieve results.

    “We have looked everywhere, and the only party that offers that platform for service delivery is the APC.

    “For me, this is not really a defection; it is a home-coming, because in a way, this is my root. I am happy to return to my people; no place like home,” he said.

    Obanikoro praised the leadership style of Tinubu, which he said had ensured the development of the state.

    He thanked Tinubu for being magnanimous to accept him back in the fold after years of altercations between them.

    “I thank Tinubu for his magnanimity. I am here because he is generous and has a forgiving heart. If it were other leaders, they will say ‘God forbid’.

    “He has accepted me back despite all the issues between us, I am grateful to him,” Obanikoro said.

    The former minister said he we would do his best to add value to his new party.

    Also, Sasore and Balogun took turns to thank the party for allowing them into the fold.

    They said they could not find fulfillment in PDP hence, the decision to join APC.

    The duo promised to do their best to ensure APC progresses in the state.

    Imam, in his remark, said the party was happy to receive Obanikoro and others.

    He said the defection meant the party was the only party in the state, as it marked the end of PDP.

    The National Vice-Chairman of the APC (South West), Chief Puis Akinyelure, who represented Tinubu, said the party was glad with the home-coming of Obanikoro and others

    He said the defection meant the PDP was dead as Obanikoro was one of its pillars in the state.

    It was a carnival-like ceremony as party faithful danced and sang to receive Obanikoro and the others.

    A popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, was on hand to thrill those present.

    NAN

  • Oba of Benin appeals to South Africa to end hostility toward Nigerians

    Oba of Benin appeals to South Africa to end hostility toward Nigerians

    His Royal Highness, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, has appealed to South African Government to take measures to end hostility toward Nigerians in that country.

    The Oba of Benin made the call at a reception and Cultural display held in his honour by Edo indigenes residing in Abuja on Saturday.

    He said that Nigeria contributed a lot for South Africa to be freed from Apartheid, as well as helped Angola.

    According to him, we are sad that Nigerians are constantly being bombarded with hostility and aggression.

    “We appeal to South African Government to do its best to stamp out hostility toward Nigerians as the country played a great role in the fight against apartheid, so that Nigerians can live in peace in their country.

    “This will enable Nigerians to reap what they sowed in other African countries.’’

    The Oba also emphasised the need to uphold the Edo culture and value system.

    “I want you to please uphold your culture very high, hold our value system seriously and do not let anybody destroy it because that is the identity we have.

    “Anywhere you go, their culture is very important to them, so let us not import other people’s culture from foreign land to supersede our own. That is why I try to encourage the use of indigenous language in the home.

    “That is why I also want to encourage the re-introduction of Edo language in schools and it is worrisome that history is not taught in our schools.’’

    He urged Edo indigenes in Abuja to do their best to uphold the unity of the country.

    “I want to plead with all indigenes of Edo in Abuja to do their best to keep operate within the law, abide by the rules and regulation of the country and try not to find a way to use shortcut to breach established regulations in whatever you are doing.

    “We will be praying that you succeed in whatever legitimate activities you lay your hands on.’’

    The Edo monarch also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for receiving him at the Vila and also for the support he accorded him during and after his coronation.

    The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki said that the position of the Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II was sacrosanct.
    According to him, the Oba’s responsibility is not only to preserve the tradition and culture of the people of great Benin Kingdom, but to also ensure that peace, harmony, and justice prevail among his subjects.

    The governor, who was represented by Mr Festus Osaigbovo, the Director-General, Edo Liaison Office, Abuja, said that the Oba upon ascending the throne, ensured that there was peace and justice in the land.

    “Permit me to mention that in the past one year of my administration, the state has been relatively peaceful.

    “A lot has been achieved owing much to the tremendous support and cordial relationship with the Oba’s palace.’’

    Alslo speaking, the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole expressed delight that the Oba had built on the enviable foundation laid by his forefathers.

    “Those of us who have watched your actions, your pronouncement, your styles and your carriage are proud to have you as our paramount traditional ruler.

    “By your title, you are the Oba of Benin but in truth you are the Royal Father of Edo.

    “We are proud of our father, we are respected because of our intelligence, creativity and because of our resourcefulness, Edo man will never take second.

    “This is why our Oba is number one.’’

    Mr Dickson Omoregie, the Chairman of Edo community in Abuja, solicited the permission of the Oba of Benin to erect a Bini House for the display of artefacts of the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom.

    According to him, this will accommodate the Benin Cultural artefacts for local and international viewership, to be unveiled by the President and witnessed by other Heads of State.

    NAN