The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Newspaper

  • The International day for tolerance

    The International day for tolerance

    “Law alone cannot secure freedom of expression, in order that every man presents his views without penalty, there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire society.” – Anonymous.

    The International day for tolerance is a time for people to learn about recognizing and respecting the rights and beliefs of others. It is also a time of reflection and debates on the negative effects of intolerance globally.

    Live discussions and debates take place across the world focusing on how various forms of injustice, oppression, racism and unfair discrimination have negative impacts on the society.

    Many educators use the theme of today to help students understand issues centered on tolerance, human rights and nonviolence.

    This day can be traced back to the 50th anniversary of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) on November 16 1995. Member States adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance.

    The Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.

    Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.

    Driving home the essential values and condiments of the International day for tolerance, it is pertinent that as a people we see the strength in our diversity regardless of the upheaval in various parts of the country; the agitations of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ), the Niger Delta militants or even the devilish sect – Boko Haram in the North.

    We share a collective destiny as a people, therefore, let us join hand together and create a congenial country that posterity will be proud of.

    People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe.

    This day is an opportunity to speak out on human rights, laws, especially with regard to banning and punishing crimes and discrimination among minorities.

    Finally, today is committed to strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and people and this is more important than ever in this era of rising and violent extremism and widening conflicts that are characterized by a fundamental disregard for human life.

  • I recruited Dickson for PDP, and there is no rift between us – Jonathan

    I recruited Dickson for PDP, and there is no rift between us – Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that there is no rift between him and Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa contrary to perceptions held by some.

    According to a statement issued by Francis Agbo, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Dickson on Friday in Yenagoa, Jonathan attributed the false news on a political rivalry between the duo to handiwork of mischief makers.

    The statement quoted Jonathan to have gone down memory lane, and recalled how he persuaded Dickson to join the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) while he was the governor of the state between Dec.9, 2005 and May 29, 2007.

    Jonathan in the statement wondered why some people were using politics to create crisis where none existed.

    According to the statement, Jonathan made the clarification in his Otuoke home, during a condolence visit by Dickson to commiserate with him on the death of the Paramount Ruler of Otuoke Community, King Lot Justin Ogiasa.

    Jonathan said, “Let me on behalf of the community thank you for making the visit, because of the relationship we have.

    “You wanted to come immediately, but said it would be a  waste of time for the governor to come when the date for the burial had not been announced.

    “For me politics is a very useless business; when I see the kind of things people write about me on the social media, I just laugh.

    “For Bayelsa State, I feel sad because we are not many and we are not heterogeneous. It is a state that we also know ourselves.

    “I have no reasons to say that I am competing with the governor; by the grace of God, I became Deputy Governor, and later on Governor of Bayelsa  and President of Nigeria.

    “There is no way I can sit anywhere and plan evil against Bayelsa or the governor.

    “When I was dreaming of becoming a governor, Dickson was amongst the very few in the meetings we were holding. Though; he was not in PDP then, but he opted to help.

    “He said he didn’t want to be in the PDP, but I virtually forced him to join PDP.

    “When I became governor, I appointed Dickson the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General and that was how he joined PDP, and later became a member of House of Representatives and so on.

    “There is no way I will break my relationship with the governor.” Jonathan said.

    NAN

  • AFRIMA, Nigeria / Argentina match dominate Google search

    AFRIMA, Nigeria / Argentina match dominate Google search

    Sunday’s All African Music Award ( AFRIMA ) and the Nigeria/Argentina football match dominated searches on the internet search engine, Google, this week.

    Google’s Spokesman, Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, made this known in a dispatch on Thursday in Lagos.

    “Fans celebrated Nigeria’s  4-2 win against Argentina at the FIFA 2018 World Cup grade one friendly match held in Krasnodar, Russia, on Tuesday.

    “The win takes Super Eagle’s Senior Coach, Gernot Rohr’s impressive record to seven wins, three draws and a defeat since he took charge of the team in September 2016.

    “Excited fans raced to Google to search for more details about the match,’’ he said.

    The Google manager noted that, in the world of entertainment, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly called Wizkid, won three awards at the 2017 AFRIMA held in Lagos.

    He added that the pop star took home the awards for Artiste of the Year for his song “Come Closer’’, Song of the Year for the same song, and Best Male Artiste in Western Africa.

    He said that excited fans raced to Google to get more information about the awards.

    Kola-Ogunlade added that Nigerian singing sensation, Augustine Miles Kelechi, popularly known with his stage name, Tekno, had released a new single entitled “Mama”.

    “The Afro-pop singer featured Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (Wizkid) in the single.

    “The two, who were reportedly at loggerheads over some social media comments, have put aside their differences to make good music.

    “Fans of both singers went on Google to get more information about the new single,’’ he said.

    He said that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics ( ASUP ) planned nationwide strike due to the Federal Government’s inability to fulfill an outstanding agreement with the union, also got attention online.

    “Concerned students raced to Google to read more about the impending strike,’’ he said.

    Kola-Ogunlade said that the reported removal of the Zimbabwean Leader, Robert Mugabe, from office in what was called a “bloodless transition,” got people’s attention online.

    “This brings an end to President Mugabe’s 37-year rule of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Concerned Africans raced to Google to get updates about the situation,’’ he said.

    Google Trends launched in May, 2006, allows one to see how popular search terms and their demography have been overtime on Google.

    NAN

  • …of friends and friendships on campus

    …of friends and friendships on campus

    “I don’t really miss people.”

    “Are you joking? What about those times you say, especially to the female friends of yours that you miss them.”

    “I only said that to keep the conversation going. I don’t really mean them, not that I deceive them though.”

    That’s a candid expression by Tunji, a six-month old graduate of the University of Ibadan when he was asked about his friends back in school and if he missed them.

    That brings to mind the true worth or value of campus friendship. Is it just meant to stop in the campus or probably after some days after the whole campus thing?

    So many people are friends simply because of a circumstance or situation. Oh, she has a material and I need it, so let me ensure that we are on talking terms before I ask her about it. Then afterwards what happens, nothing!

    “I see now that most of the friends I made then were just because of the situation at hand. Now I can’t say I have friends, though I thought I had some in school. It’s as if I will always make friends and dump them. If possible, I wouldn’t even make any at all, ” Tunji said.

    You may not have seen any sense in what am saying. Just take a hike and think about your friends now, definitely something brought you together, what then happens when what brought you together elapses? Chasm?

    Don’t you think you can feel the same way Tunji is feeling now? Or you are the real culprit of the menace.

    Someone thoughtfully said that no one goes to the opposite direction of where his or her friends are headed. What happens when you don’t even have friends, when you are alone as Tunji perceived himself to be, what direction would you go?

    “I know I need friends but am just tired of momentary friends, especially the female friends. They never reach out to one first, I don’t know if they thought I would take them for granted if they do.” Tunji continued.

    I know the number of times I have complained about my friends not doing anything to keep our friendship, especially the females. Even the guys too sometimes are the same. Some would even say they are busy and I will be like, so I’m the jobless one.

    No friendship can last if only one party contributes to its survival. We all need friends, and we mostly need them under some circumstances, but what about when the circumstance is off, no more friendship?

    “What even makes me angry at myself sometimes and makes me feel I’m selling myself cheap is when I have no rest of mind if I haven’t called someone I remember I have spoken to for a long time. I don’t have peace until I call the person and that to me is a punishment for a crime I didn’t commit. I wonder if they ever felt that way too.” He lamented.

    Friendship is so important that we can’t overemphasize it. It is the fabric that holds this world together. No two true friends will ever act in order to make the other fall. Assume that Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump are friends, no one will ever abuse the other. There wouldn’t be an old or a short and fat person.

    If making friends is easy but keeping them a bit hard, then it’s time we focused on keeping, not just making to meet our immediate need.

    Take out time to reach out to friends, you may be hurting someone if you don’t. Never say you are busy to call, it costs nothing to take out one minute to say Hi. Start today!

  • Anambra: REC assures on credible polls

    Anambra: REC assures on credible polls

    Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, the Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC ) in Anambra, on Thursday assured that the governorship election slated for Nov. 18 in the state would be fair and credible.

    The REC, who gave the assurance in an interview in Awka, said that the commission had finalised all arrangements for the election.

    Orji said the commission had provided better welfare packages to its staff and admonished them “ to give citizens the best election in Nigeria’s history.’’

    He urged voters to report any Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) staff found compromising the process during and after the election, for appropriate disciplinary action.

    Orji stressed that any INEC staff proven to have engaged in electoral fraud would face the full wrath of the law.

    He said that the commission had distributed all non-sensitive materials for the election while all sensitive materials were intact and would be distributed at the appropriate time.

    According to him, the commission will not accord undue treatment to any of the candidates and urged all stakeholders to abide by the rules governing the election.

    He admonished voters to be civil while discharging their civic responsibilities so as to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

    NAN

  • Ghana budgets $13.9bn in 2018

    Ghana budgets $13.9bn in 2018

    The Ghanaian government plans to spend 13.9 billion dollars (62 billion Ghana cedis) in the 2018 fiscal year, the country’s finance minister said on Wednesday.

    Presenting the government’s fiscal policy to parliament, Kenneth Ofori-Atta, said the budget, with the theme “Putting Ghana Back to Work”, would continue and expand programmes that began in 2017 and initiate new strategic programmes in 2018.

    This expenditure, the minister said, would be financed from revenue and grants expected to reach 51 billion cedis in the 2018 fiscal year.

    Domestic revenue for 2018 is estimated at 50.5 billion cedis, representing an annual growth of 26.9 per cent, while non-tax revenue is estimated at 8 billion cedis, equivalent to 3.3 per cent of GDP.

    From development partners, the government expects to receive 586.8 million cedis.

    The West African cocoa, gold and oil exporter experienced lower revenue performance in the first half of 2017.

    During the period, domestic revenue fell short of the target by 13.8 per cent, driven mainly by a sharp drop in tax revenue.

    Tax revenue fell short of target and accounted for 75.8 per cent of the drop in total revenue, caused mainly by shortfalls in income taxes and import duties.

    One of the programmes to maximise tax revenue, according to the minister, will be the employment of tertiary graduates in a “Revenue Ghana” programme aimed at employing 100,000 tertiary graduates into various sectors.

    The 2018 budget is expected to result in an overall budget deficit of 10.9 billion cedis or 4.5 per cent of GDP to be financed from both domestic and foreign sources.

    Razia Khan, Chief Economist and Managing Director for Africa and Global Research at Standard Chartered Bank, said it “is a consolidation budget largely as had been expected, given the International Monetary Fund ( IMF )’s likely input into the process”.

    She added that Ghana was favoured by the rise in hydrocarbons production “which provides a boost to nominal growth, although our expectation is for a pick-up in non-oil GDP as well.”

    “The 23 per cent projected rise in total revenue and grants in 2018 will nonetheless still be scrutinised closely, as will the ability of the authorities to keep spending and arrears clearance within the limits outlined.

    “The plan is for a reduction in the budget deficit (on an overall basis) to 4.5 per cent of GDP, from a projected 6.3 per cent of GDP this year,” she stated.

    Given the revenue disappointment to date, Khan pointed out that there might be a case for Ghana to control spending much more stringently in order to achieve a primary surplus in 2018 of the 1.6 per cent magnitude suggested.

    While Ghana has made significant improvements in debt management, the economist maintained that it was still going to require years of primary surpluses to reduce debt ratios meaningfully.

    Khan added that the key test would be the political will to do what was needed, even when the IMF programme came to an end.

    NAN

  • AU calls for calm in Zimbabwe

    AU calls for calm in Zimbabwe

    The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Wednesday urged Zimbabweans  to address the current situation in the country in accordance with the country’s Constitution.

    He also urged them to use the  relevant instruments of the African Union ( AU ), including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance in arriving at an amicable resolution of the crisis.

    In a statement in Addis Ababa, Mahmat said he was following closely the developments in the country.

    Soldiers had earlier on Wednesday morning announced on state radio what appeared to be a coup against  President Robert Mugabe who has been ruling the country since its independence in 1980.

    However, a military spokesperson later denied staging a coup saying it was only acting against “criminals” surrounding the 93-year-old ruler.

    Mahmat, in the statement, stressed  that it is crucial that the crisis is resolved “in a manner that promotes democracy and human rights, as well as the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe”.

    “The Chairperson of the Commission expresses the commitment of the African Union to working closely with the Southern African Development Community ( SADC ) and the leaders of the region, and to support their efforts.”

    NAN

  • Delta approves N7.04bn for construction of Ayakoromo bridge

    Delta approves N7.04bn for construction of Ayakoromo bridge

    The Delta State Executive Council has approved N7.04bn (about 22.7 million dollars) for the implementation of two major projects, the establishment of an Agro-Industrial Park at Aboh Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area.

    The money is also to be spent on the construction of Ayakoromo Bridge across River Forcados in Burutu Local Government Area.

    The Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, who made the disclosure on Wednesday said that the approvals were part of the decisions taken at the state Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Ukah said that the Agro-Industrial Park would provide common dedicated infrastructure and facilities for agro-processing, value addition and agribusiness as a means to improving the ease-of-doing business.

    It will also promote economic diversification and growth of the state, including creating more than 5,000 jobs along the agricultural value chain.

    According to the commissioner, the park will be executed through Public-Private Partnership between the state government, Mirai Group in Israel and Norsworthy Investments Ltd.

    On the Ayakoromo Bridge, Ukah said the approval was in line with the determination of the government to link the riverine and upland communities in the state to bring about economic and social integration.

    Ukah said that with the construction of the bridge, Burutu Town, which hitherto had not been accessible by road, would become a beehive of social and economic activities with vehicular movements witnessed for the very first time.

    He said that the bridge would also connect other riverine communities to other parts of the state.

    The Executive Council further approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Market and Crudas Roads, construction of Kings Street, reconstruction of Apollo/Palm Avenue and the construction of Low Cost Housing Estate Road, off Shell Road, Sapele, Sapele Local Government Council Area.

    Also approved for implementation is the rehabilitation of Issele-Uku/Issele-Mkpitime/Onicha-Olona Road in Aniocha Local Government Council, Ukah said.

    NAN

  • Ajimobi seeks CBN support for Oyo agricultural development

    Ajimobi seeks CBN support for Oyo agricultural development

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has sought the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ) for the agricultural development of the state, particularly in cassava and maize production.

    The governor made the call on Wednesday in Ibadan during the inauguration of the State Project Monitoring Team and State Technical Advisory team of the Federal Government’s Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme ( AADS ).

    The Federal Government launched AADS, as part of its efforts to diversify the nation’s economy, boost food security and transform agricultural production.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo, said that Oyo State could develop to become the richest state in the country if its agricultural potential was fully harnessed and utilised.

    He urged the CBN, a principal partner in the scheme, to increase funding for the production of cassava and maize, in which the state had a comparative advantage.

    He also charged the committee members to put in their best in efforts to eradicate hunger in the country and create job opportunities for the youth.

    “The purpose of this inauguration is to quickly heed the call of President Muhammadu Buhari on the diversification of the nation’s economy from oil towards agriculture.

    “The president has made it clear to all that agriculture is our surest alternative to oil.

    “Our state is leading in the production of maize and cassava and with the support of the CBN; we can be the best producer of these and other crops in the country.

    “We want to call on the CBN to look into how to increase its budget for this scheme, especially in the South West (geopolitical zone) as the vegetation here is quite different.

    “Our farmers will have to clear thick bushes and trees to cultivate their crops,’’ he said.

    Mrs Tolulope Sadipe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects and Bureau of Investments Promotion ( BIP ), said that maize and cassava were picked for Oyo State because the state had in comparative advantage in the cultivation of the two crops.

    “The targeted commodities under the scheme include rice, maize, cassava, cotton, soy beans, wheat, cocoa, oil palm, fishery, poultry and dairy production, as well as tomatoes and piggery.

    “Each state is expected to identify a maximum of two commodities where it enjoys a comparative advantage.

    “Our state has identified maize and cassava as the two commodities of preference,’’ she added.

    Sadipe said that the newly inaugurated committee would ensure the sustainability of the state’s efforts to empower farmers and provide employment for the youth in the state.

    The special adviser commended the CBN for the visit and the inauguration of AADS Project Monitoring Team.

    Members of the State Monitoring Team include Sadipe, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Oyewumi Oyewole and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Victor Atilola,.

    Others are Mr Musibau Olatinwo, the Branch Controller of CBN, Mrs Fadekemi Akande, Mr Adegoke Adenrele, Mr Emmanuel Akinola and Mrs Titilayo Folorunso.

    Members of the State Technical Advisory Committee of AADS include the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prof. Segun Adekunle.

    Others are Mr Sikirullahi Fajimi, Ms Ganiyat Olawoore and Dr Morounkola Thomas.

    NAN

  • Volkswagen earmarks $11.8b to develop, build China electric cars

    Volkswagen earmarks $11.8b to develop, build China electric cars

    Volkswagen Group said on Thursday it plans to spend 10 billion Euros (11.8 billion dollars) by 2025 to develop and manufacture all-electric-and-plug-in hybrid-vehicles as it seeks to comply with upcoming stringent rules in China.

    “The group, which includes Volkswagen AG and Audi AG, intends to inaugurate 15 of the so-called new energy vehicles (NEV) models over the next two to three year.

    “The firms will inaugurate an additional 25 vehicles after 2025, China Chief Jochem Heizmann told Media on Thursday.

    China’s NEV production and sales quotas, which must be met by 2019, had prompted a flurry of electric car deals.

    Also it has encouraged new inauguration as automakers in China race to ensure they do not fall short. Automakers that do fall short will be required to buy credits.

    Volkswagen presently has around 10 NEVs already in China market, although all are imported models with limited sales volumes, according to a company spokeswoman.

    Heizmann, speaking ahead of the Guangzhou auto show, added that the group is aiming to sell 400,000 new energy vehicles per year in China by 2020 and 1.5 million per year by 2025.

    NEVs refer to all-electric battery cars and heavily electrified plug-in hybrids.

    Heizmann said some of those models will have between 400 and 600km driving range on a single full charge.

    By comparison, Tesla’s (TSLA.O) model S has a range of 490km and as much as 632km depending on battery capacity, according to the company.

    The Volkswagen Group is also confident that its group companies and their local China joint venture partners will be able to generate enough NEV sales volume to account for NEV quotas by 2019, Heizmann said, adding that there will be no need to buy credits.

    “We need high volumes of new energy vehicles, we are working on full speed on that.’’

    Last week, General Motors Co’s China chief Matt Tsien told reporters GM’s China joint ventures would be able to generate enough NEV sales volume to account for NEV quotas by 2019.

    There will be no need to buy credits.

    Tsien said both GM (GM.N) and its China joint-venture partners “are working to at least meet, if not exceed, those credit mandate requirements.”

    The Guangzhou auto show starts on Friday.

    NAN