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  • 826 Nigerians voluntarily returned from Libya in one month – NEMA

    826 Nigerians voluntarily returned from Libya in one month – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ) says a total of 826 Nigerians stranded in Libya, enroute Europe, voluntarily returned from the North African country in October.

    The Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Maihajja, made the disclosure while receiving a fresh batch of 270 Nigerians who arrived the country on Tuesday.

    Maihajja, represented by the South West Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu, said the returnees were assisted back to Nigeria by the International Organisation for Migration ( IOM ) and the European Union ( EU ).

    He said that the fresh batch added to 138 Nigerians earlier brought back on Oct. 3; 257 on Oct. 24 and 161 on Oct. 26 made the total number of returnees in October 826.

    The NEMA boss urged the returnees to contribute their quota to national development, stressing that the quest to build Nigeria required the support of all and sundry.

    NAN reports that the new set of returnees arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 7.30pm aboard a Libyan Airline aircraft with registration number 5A-LAU.

    They comprised 216 female adults, 13 teenage girls and five infants, while the male adults were 27, 18 were teenage boys and nine, baby boys.

    Other agencies which received the returnees were the Nigerian Immigration Service ( NIS ), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons ( NAPTIP ), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN ) and the Police.

    NAN

  • Police confirm release of abducted nurse in Gombe

    Police confirm release of abducted nurse in Gombe

    Mr Shina Olukolu, Gombe state Commissioner of Police on Wednesday confirmed the release of Mr Ephraim Ajuji, a nurse  who was abducted by hoodlums in the early hours of Tuesday in Dadin-Kowa  town of Gombe.

    Olukolu said in a telephone conversation that the victim was released in the early hours of Wednesday.

    “Due to persistent pressure from security agencies, led by police operatives, the victim was released very early this morning (Wednesday),” he said.

    It can be recalled that the abductors of Mr Ephraim Ajuji, a nurse with Cottage Hospital in Dadin-Kowa town of Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe, had demanded for N10 million ransom.

    Daughter of the victim, Miss Mary Ephraim, had told newsmen that the kidnappers called around 7am Tuesday and stated their demand.

    The daughter, who sustained a machete cut on her head during the attack, said the kidnappers threatened to kill her father if the ransom was not paid.

    NAN

  • Model demands N75m from Wema Bank for alleged copyright infringement

    Model demands N75m from Wema Bank for alleged copyright infringement

    An American-based Nigerian model, Nneoma Anosike, has sued Wema Bank plc at a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged infringement of her  intellectual property.

    The plaintiff, who is a 2014 brand Ambassador of Pepsi Cola Nigeria, sued through her father, Mr Frank Anosike, as lawful attorney, claiming N75 million against the bank as general damages for passing off her services.

    She is also claiming N20 million as damages for breach of her privacy by the bank advertising her photograph without her consent.

    Nneoma is also seeking a public apology from the defendant to be advertised in national dailies which circulate in the U.S and Nigeria.

    The plaintiff is further claiming two million naira as special damages of cost of action.

    Besides, she is seeking the court’s declaration that she is entitled to her privacy and those of her correspondences, under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, the sole witness for the plaintiff, Anosike, continued his examination in chief.

    Led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr Gideon Okebu, the witness told the court that his daughter entered into a three-year management contract with an international firm, Ford Model Incorporated, New York, in 2014.

    He said that the plaintiff was granted a U.S. Visa through the instrumentality of Ford, following which she travelled from Nigeria to the U.S. to continue her career solely under Ford.

    According to the witness, on April 11, 2016, his daughter was requisitioned to attend a meeting with the board of Ford where she was presented with photographic advert of her picture from Instagram, which was photo-edited by Wema Bank and further advertised on its  website.

    He said that his daughter’s picture was used for the advert with the bank’s corporate logo beside her face and the words, “Be yourself, Everyone else is taken”.

    According to him, this projection of Nneoma by the bank was with the aim of projecting the bank’s value and goodwill using her fame and popularity.

    He told the court that the defendant’s action constituted a breach of Nneoma’s agreement with Ford Model, as it had caused her a retraction of contract extension by the firm.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba adjourned the case until Nov. 20 for cross examination of the witness.

    NAN

  • Kwara polytechnic debunks rumours of fee hike

    Kwara polytechnic debunks rumours of fee hike

    Authorities of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, yesterday denied allegations of hike in the tuition fee of the school.

    The rumors have generated a serious tension in the state, as some members of the public were reportedly asking the students to resist the hike while many students were reportedly preparing for a showdown with the management of the institution.

    The rumour had it that a new tuition fee of N75, 000 as against N58, 000 charged the students last session has been pasted on the  portal of the school.

    Both the state government and management of the institution condemned the brain behind the rumour and those allegedly inciting students to cause crisis over the matter.

    The state commissioner for Information and Communications, Babatunde Ajeigbe, alongside Registrar of the Polytechnic, M.O Salami briefed briefed on the matter as representatives of students at the briefing corroborated the explanation of the authorities.

    Ajeigbe who said that a government delegation led by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Amina Mohammed met with management of the institution over the matter explained that their findings showed that it was just a rumour spread by social media and about  which some people in the state were making mischief.

    He said that there was no increase of fee for the returning students who are now either HND 2 or ND 2 students and this was corroborated by an HND 2 students at the meeting who said he paid the same N58,000 he paid last session when he was an HND 1 student.

    Ajeigbe however explained that the institution has not yet determined what tuition fee of students with fresh admission for ND 1and HND 1 would be saying this would be determined by realities on ground.

    The institution Registrar who expatiated on this said though the school has spent more money on accreditation of its courses this year it would not allow that to be a major influence on  the amount to be paid by fresh students.

  • ‘Polytechnics now offer more arts courses’

    ‘Polytechnics now offer more arts courses’

    Polytechnics in Nigeria have deviated from their original concept of focusing on technical education, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Dr. Lateef Olatunji has said.
    He added that polytechnics in the country now do more of arts courses than science and technical oriented courses.
    Dr Olatunji canvassed reorientation of the polytechnic education to revitalise nation’s economy development.
    The rector told reporters in Offa, Offa local area of Kwara state as part of activities for ninth convocation and 25th anniversary of the institution.
    The rector, who said that the development would not help production of engineers and technicians by polytechnics, added that government should attract more funds to polytechnics
    “The reason for establishing universities is different from why the polytechnics were set up in the first instance. But unfortunately we’ve mixed the two together in this country. Population of non science students are now more than science students in our polytechnics when you talk about engineering, technical studies and the like. We should change our orientation towards science education.
    Most polytechnic institutions have derailed in their educational curriculum as they now do more of art courses rather than core science and technical  oriented courses. We should change our orientation to be able to produce more engineers towards revitalising nation’s socio economic development, instead of encouraging people in arts subjects.
    “Federal Government can do more to assist and encourage science and technical oriented courses by pumping more money in the area of science education. For instance, tetfund would do more by giving more financial opportunities to polytechnics rather than the universities as the case is right now. Federal government should attract more funds to technical education”, he said.
    He also said that science and technical education would encourage entrepreneurship among youth in the country, adding that entrepreneurship was the key to self reliance and poverty alleviation.
    Dr. Olatunji, who said that a total of 6,000 students would graduate during the ninth convocation of the institution, added that his administration had succeeded to block  leakages in financial operations among workers by discouraging frivolous vouchers.
    He said that necessary control was being injected by the present administration without a recourse to witch hunting.
    The rector identified funding, upgrading of sport facilities and equipment, problems of transportation to and fro its main campus, and uncompleted road construction projects as part of challenges facing the institution.
  • FUNAAB: New Vice Chancellor resumes

    FUNAAB: New Vice Chancellor resumes

    The substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ( FUNAAB ), Professor Felix kolawole Salako, on Tuesday received his instruments of office from the Acting Vice – Chancellor, Professor Ololade Enikuomehin.

    Salako who is the sixth Vice – Chancellor of the institution, assured that he would “be fair to all.”

    He gave the assurance shortly after Enikuomehin handed-over to him in the presence of Principal Officers and other top members of staff, according to a statement by Kola Adepoju, Acting Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ( FUNAAB ).

    Salako noted  that God has been with the University inspite of the recent crisis, that rocked it, noting that the Governing Council should be commended for mustering courage to appoint three Principal Officers in a flawless process within same period.

    The Soil Physicist, said that his approach to administration would revolve around his core values of justice and fairness.

    According to him, the productivity of staff would be of paramount interest to him while diligence and efficiency among staff  would also be rewarded.

    “I have the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor to protect the interest of the University. I have the responsibility to ensure that staff are comfortable. That staff have what is due to them, that students have what is due to them too,” he said.

    Professor Salako who was the pioneer Director of the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS) at FUNAAB,  would officially assume duty tomorrow, November 1.

  • NOA boss expresses concern over drug abuse among youths

    NOA boss expresses concern over drug abuse among youths

    Alhaji Mato Yakubu, State Director, National Orientation Agency ( NOA ) has decried the high level of indiscipline and drug abuse among youths, especially secondary school students.

    Yakubu expressed his concern during a sensitisation programme on drug abuse among primary school and secondary school students organised at Central Primary School Gombe on Tuesday.

    He said that the agency embarked on the exercise because of the menace of drug abuse and addiction among the youths in the state.

    Yakubu noted that youths were an important segment of society describing them as leaders of tomorrow.

    He advised the youths to shun people with questionable character, avoid all forms of social vices and be at peace with one another.

    The state director said youths should be disciplined, skilled and self-reliant so as to reduce over-dependence on parents and government.

    Also, the state Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ), Aliyu Adole said the abuse of drugs had negative effects on the brain and other systems of the body.

    Adole, who was represented by Mohammed Alkali, an officer in the agency, said that students were not supposed to be exposed to hard drugs because it could damage their brains.

    He advised them not accept substances from politicians to commit any crime.

    The commandant also advised students to make sure that they kept good friends and stopped associating with bad friends.

    Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar, the Senior District Head of Gombe, also advised students to focus on their studies and develop interest in positive things that would be of benefit to them in future.

    NOA had organised the programme at Community Secondary School, Dukku; Central Primary School, Dukku; and Government Comprehensive, Bojude, Hassan, among others.

    NAN

  • Court jails man three years for car theft

    Court jails man three years for car theft

    An Evbuoriaria Magistrates’ Court in Benin, on Tuesday, sentenced a 68-year-old man, Abdullahi Ashiru, to three years imprisonment for car theft.

    The Magistrate Mrs C. E Oghuma, who did not give the convict an option of fine, said the jail term was with hard labour.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Olatoye Oluwaseun, had told the court that the convict committed the crime on June 3, at No. 11, Idahosa Street, Benin.

    Oluwaseun said the stolen Toyota Camry car with registration number BEN 263 JR, property of one Edward Idahosa, was worth N1.2 million.

    The convict had however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    NAN

  • Senate celebrate sack of former SGF

    Senate celebrate sack of former SGF

    The Senate says sack of former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, has vindicated its position on investigation carried out by its Ad hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East.

    It urged other committees charged with the responsibility of investigating other alleged corrupt matters in the country to expedite action and report to the Senate for further action.

    This followed a Point of Order by the Deputy Leader of the Senate, Sen. Bala Na’Allah, at plenary on Tuesday.

    Quoting Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rule, 2015 as amended, Na’ Allah said efforts by some disgruntled Nigerians to drag the name of the Senate in the mud had been defeated.

    He said: “As a leader, I am proud of this Senate and I believe in the integrity of every senator in this assembly.

    “We cannot claim not to know that between yesterday and today there has been official confirmation of a new SGF and termination of appointment of the former SGF.

    “If we religiously keep to the oath of office taken, those who try to bring down the image of the Senate will continue to watch God vindicate us.

    “The issue surrounding the termination of the appointment of the former SGF emanated from this 8th Senate and today we have been vindicated.

    Also, the issue of Maina emanated from this Senate. Can we now not have the authority to shout a sound of vindication,’’ he said.

    The leader of the Senate said the resolve of the red chamber of the National Assembly to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption and in defence of the constitution would continue no matter the distraction.

    “Section 80 sub-sections 2b, says the powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are exercisable only for the purpose of enabling it to make laws within its legislative competence.

    “The powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are also exercisable to correct any defects in existing laws and expose corruption or inefficiency.

    “When we started this crusade, the same Nigerians we were fighting for, became gullible and were sponsored to close the gate of the National Assembly in the name of ‘Occupy NASS’.

    “Every conceivable thing was done to bring down the name of this assembly, individually and collectively. In fact, some of us were called names in the social media,’’ he said.

    The lawmaker urged his colleagues to bear in mind that the task before them in the protection of constitution and the laws of the federation was a huge one.

    He expressed his unfettered commitment to the Senate.

    He, however, called for expedited action on other investigations pending before committees of the Senate.

    He urged Nigerians not to fall for any form of manipulation by some unpatriotic Nigerians, adding that “it does them no good to embark on degradation of institutions, especially the national assembly.

    “Those who found wisdom in spending money to spread falsehood to demean the national assembly should know that they are doing no good to the over 170 million Nigerians we represent.

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for heeding to the call of the Senate.

    He said though it was difficult for Nigerians to believe the position of the Senate in the investigation, he was elated that its position was vindicated by the sack of the former SGF.

    “It was a very tough journey ensuring that we continued to defend the integrity of this institution.

    “I want to commend the president for doing what is right.

    “When we started it was more of blackmail but the right thing has been done and we will continue to adhere to our commitment to non-selective fight against corruption.

    “I want to say to Nigerians that as part of our constitutional responsibility to expose corruption, cases and evidences should be brought before us and we assure that we will investigate and expose them.

    “We are not afraid of anyone in doing our job and we have made that clear over time,’’ he said.

    Saraki also called on committees whose investigation in alleged corrupt practices by agencies and individuals were pending to complete investigation and submit their reports.

    Besides, he called on Nigerian youths not to fall gullible to the antics of some corrupt Nigerians, who were bent on using them for their selfish interests.

    The Senate had following investigation by its Ad Hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East, headed by Sen. Shehu Sani, called for the resignation and prosecution of the dismissed SGF.

    This followed his alleged complicity in diversion of North-East humanitarian funds.

    Babachir was alleged to have contravened the provisions of Public Procurement Act and the Federal Government Financial Rules and Regulations pertaining to award of contracts.

    NAN

  • Nurse abducted in Gombe

    Nurse abducted in Gombe

    The Police in Gombe has confirmed the abduction of Mr Epraim Ajuji, a nurse with Cottage Hospital Dadin-Kowa, by suspected hoodlums.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Shina Olukolu, told newsmen in Gombe on Tuesday that Ajuji was taken away at about 3.30 a.m on Oct. 31.

    Olukolu said the incident occurred at Dadin-Kowa community of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of the state.

    According to him, the hoodlums were seen with locally manufactured guns and about seven of them in number stormed the residence of the victim.

    He said that already the State Intelligence Bureau ( SIB ) in collaboration with agents from the Department of State Security as well as members of a vigilante group operating in the area have entered into the surrounding bush in search of the criminals.

    “They are now tracking the criminals. It is our belief that they will eventually be arrested and the man released,” he said.

    NAN