The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Niger Assembly minority whip defects to APC

    Niger Assembly minority whip defects to APC

    Alhaji Shuaibu Iyah (PDP-Suleja state constituency) on Tuesday announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a letter read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Alhaji Ahmed Marafa, the lawmaker said “he was joining the APC following his resignation from the PDP on whose platform he was elected in February 2016’’.

    The News men reports that the announcement of Iyah’s defection was greeted with wild jubilation by other APC lawmakers in the House.

    Speaking to newsmen shortly after plenary, Iyah noted that he decided to move to the mainstream party to attract development to his constituency as it had suffered neglect for long.

    “It is the interest of my followers from my constituency I am trying to protect.

    “And looking at the trend of events at this material time we can’t afford to continue to be in the minority as far as representation in the state assembly is concerned.

    “In as much as I would like to attract development to my constituency, I cannot have it so easy without being in the mainstream party.

    Read Also: Tinubu gets Presidential mandate to reconcile APC members

    “And this is what principally informed my decision after due consultation with my constituents,” he added.

    On whether he was prepared for possible repercussions of his defection, the lawmaker maintained that politics was all about taking risks.

    “Well, politics is all about taking risks but I think it’s your destiny that will determine where you will fall into.

    “Many a times I always say my future depends on the decision of the almighty God and I do not have any fear.

    “My major concern is the interest of my people. So many things would have been coming the way of my people but because I am in the minority I cannot get it the way I want.

    “So even if it is for the purpose of this 2018 alone that I am able to attract some development in my constituency; then fine,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the member representing Suleja is the minority whip as well as the House Committee Chairman on Information.

    In a swift reaction, the State Chairman of the PDP, Tanko Beji, stated that Iyah defected alone as no supporter showed up at the assembly in solidarity.

    NAN

  • JAMB extends registration for 2018 UTME till Feb. 11

    JAMB extends registration for 2018 UTME till Feb. 11

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have extended the registration for 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UMTE), until Feb. 11.

    The Board disclosed this in a statement signed by its Head of Media, Dr Fabian Benjamin, and made available to the News men in Abuja, on Tuesday.

    According to him, the extension came after the Board made a “decision albeit with great hesitation to accommodate candidates who failed to register between the two months window period.’’

    He said that the decision was arrived at after the window period ended at midnight of Tuesday, February 6.

    Read Also:  JAMB extends registration by five days

    “The failure of these candidates to register is unfortunate and the Board hastens to add that this culture of impunity would not be tolerated henceforth.

    “Indeed penalty will be imposed for late registration from next session.

    “UTME candidates are therefore strongly advised to take advantage of the extension to register as request for further extension would not be entertained,” he said.

    The Board, however, noted that registration for Direct Entry (DE) candidates continues as earlier scheduled.

    NAN

  • Woman docked for stealing 11 kegs of Palm Oil

    Woman docked for stealing 11 kegs of Palm Oil

    An Ekiti based  woman, Dele Gbadura, on Thursday appeared before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing of eleven kegs of palm oil.

    Police prosecutor, Sgt.Oriyomi Akinwale, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 20, 2017 at Taye Fasuba Street, in Odo Ado Quarters, Ado-Ekiti.

    He alleged that the accused, on the said date, unlawfully stole the commodity valued at the rate of N110, 000, property of one Tairu Motunrayo.

    According to him, the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap C 16, Vol.1, Laws of Ekiti State 2012.

    The accused pleaded not guilty while her counsel, Mrs. Adunni Olanipekun prayed the court to grant bail to her client in liberal terms, promising that she would not jump bail.

    Magistrate, Mrs. Modupe Afeniforo consequently granted bail to the accused in the sum of  the N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    She adjourned the case to March 9 for further hearing.

  • FG, others urged to find solution to Benue killings to avert famine

    FG, others urged to find solution to Benue killings to avert famine

    Federal Government and other stakeholders have been urged to find lasting solution to the incessant killings and destruction in Benue State to avert famine in the area and the country as a whole.

    Dr Obadiah Mailafia, former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, made the call in a keynote lecture delivered at the presentation of three books by Amb. Joy Ogwu, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Mailafia in a lecture titled; “The Crisis of Leadership and World Order” tasked the leadership of the country on the need to ensure peace and harmony to accelerate nation’s development.

    The former special adviser to the president on Economic and Policy Matters, said that killings in Middle Belt were taking on a genocidal proportion and might undermine national food security.

    The economist and international development specialist, however, commended the present administration for the efforts made so far in addressing security challenge in the country

    He noted that: “without peace and harmony, nothing good will come. But without justice, there can be no peace to speak of.

    `We are encouraged by the enormous efforts our military, through the leadership of the current administration to break the back of the Boko Haram insurgency.

    “However, there are still many more rivers to cross. We need to finish the job and build a framework for a just and lasting peace in the northeast and the rest of the country.”

    According to him, there is the problem of the so-called marauding herdsmen who are waging a de facto war in the Middle Belt, which is the bread basket of our country.

    “These killings are taking on a genocidal proportion, and if care is not taken, may not only undermine national food security but also, ultimately, the future of our federation.

    “The task fall on our generation to re-imagine Nigeria as a land of peace, a land of justice, a land of progress…a land based on the precepts of democracy, the rule of law, enlightenment and civilized value.

    “We need a coalition of Nigerians who believe in our manifest as the leader of our glorious continent,” he said.

    Mailafia said Nigeria had a world historic destiny and manifest destiny of the leader of Africa and the black race as a whole.

    According to him, country’s vocation is to build a first class technological industrial democracy and to safeguard the integrity and honour of the continent.

    Read also: Benue attacks: Shot livestock guard loses 4 wives, 18 children

    “We are meant to be a city set on a hill- alight unto nations. But we can only fulfill that destiny if we reinvent our nation as country anchored on positive science, peace, the rule of law, social justice and humane values.

    “In so doing we must remain open to the world, to Europe, Asia and the Americas- building partnerships that promote trade, investments and a rules-based international system that guarantees the security of all nations.”

    According to him this requires nothing less than a new ethos of leadership. We would not only rebuild our world; we will be the salt of the earth-the pillars of world order and civilization itself

    Prof. Jerry Gana, who was the Chairman of the occasion said there was need to pay adequate attention to leadership development adding that nothing could happen without good leadership

    The former minister of information and culture, also stressed on the need for Nigerians to see themselves as one and stop all wanton killings and destruction in the country.

    He expressed concern that “instead of being our brother’s keeper we have become our brother’s killers, which is very disturbing’”

    Ogwu, who in her remarks called on all to be a good citizen wherever they found themselves said that was the prerequisite of leadership.

    The author of the three books, stressed on the need for everyone to be loyal to the country stressing that it was the only way the nation could be forge ahead.

    The former Nigeria Permanent Representative at the UN, urged Nigerians to be involved in politics as they are involved in all other sphere of their daily lives.

    She said politics should not be left only for politicians stressing that, the basic qualification required for politics was to be a good citizen.

    NAN

  • FG gives reason for proposing cattle colonies

    FG gives reason for proposing cattle colonies

    The Federal Government has explained the reason for its planned establishment of cattle colonies, saying it is a measure to quickly curb the incessant bloody clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

    Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said this when Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau visited him in Abuja.

    Mr Tolu Makinde, the Director, Information, said this on Thursday in a statement by Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa.

    The minister noted that the policy would not transfer communal land ownership to herdsmen wherever it was established.

    Ogbeh was reacting to fears by some citizens that the policy was an attempt by the Federal Government to forcibly collect land from citizens and hand them over to herdsmen.

    He noted that there was no truth in speculations that the government was conspiring to grant supremacy over communal land to herdsmen.

    The minister commended the Plateau Government for its interests in developing agriculture.

    “Cattle colony is not using herdsmen to colonise any state. It is going to be done in partnership with state governments that will like to volunteer land for it.

    “The Federal Government will fund the project and those wishing to benefit from it will pay some fees.

    “While ranching is more of an individual venture for the herdsmen and those wishing to invest in the livestock sector, cattle colonies is a larger project where up to 40 ranchers can share same facility that will be provided by the government at a reduced rate.

    “Already, 16 states have volunteered land,’’ he said.

    Read also: 16 governors offer five hectares each for cattle colonies

    The minister said the Federal Government would soon hold a stakeholders’ forum with the herdsmen and other stakeholders on the implementation of the new policy.

    Earlier, Lalong said that he was at the ministry to understand the new policy.

    He said that the state would key into the policy to maintain peace in the state.

    “I happen to be one of the persons that keyed into the ranching policy when it was introduced.

    ‘‘We saw some lands in Plateau and we provided them for the implementation of the policy.

    “The introduction of this policy is of interest to us, that is why we are always here.

    “We also heard about the introduction of another one, that is the cattle colony and I said let me still come back again. We will also key into this policy,’’ he said.

    Recall that Ogbeh had on January 8, disclosed the Federal Government’s plan to establish cattle colonies in the country.

    NAN

  • Equities maintain price rally on NSE, Index hits 43,041.54

    Equities maintain price rally on NSE, Index hits 43,041.54

    Trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange ( NSE ) on Thursday maintained a bullish run with the All-Share Index hitting all-time high of 43,041.54, while market capitalisation crossed over to N15.317 trillion.

    The index rose by 1,225.43 points or 2.93 per cent to close higher at 43,041.54 against 41,816.11 recorded on Wednesday.

    Similarly, the market capitalisation which opened at N14.880 trillion inched N437 billion or 2.94 per cent to close at N15.317 trillion following price growth in anticipation of 2017 audited results.

    Mr Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd., attributed the market rally to investors’ anticipation of improved 2017 audited results that would start hitting the market very soon.

    Omordion said investors were positioning in stocks with good fundamentals ahead of earnings release.

    Seplat led the gainers’ table with a gain of N15.01 to close at N675.01 per share.

    Nigerian Breweries came second with N6.68 to close at N152.68, while Guinness appreciated by N5.01 to close at N105.21 per share.

    Dangote Cement also gained N5 to close at N252, while Okomu Oil Palm added N4.46 to close at N72.15 per share.

    Read also: NSE market capitalisation rises by N29bn

    Conversely, Flour Mills recorded the highest price loss, declining by 40k to close at N33 per share.

    Dangote Sugar Refinery trailed with a loss of 30k to close at N21.50, while Berger Paint dipped 25k to close at N9.10 per share.

    Cadbury lost 20k to close at N16.80, while UPl declined by 13k to close at N2.63 per share.

    Also, the volume of shares traded appreciated by 43.63 per cent with an exchange of 1.62 billion shares worth N17.38 billion transacted in 8,968 deals.

    This was in contrast with 1.09 billion shares valued at N13.29 billion traded in 8,025 deals on Wednesday.

    Transcorp was investors delight, accounting for 208.78 million shares worth N439.19 million.

    Diamond Bank trailed an account of 149.70 million shares valued at N368. 33 million, while Zenith International Bank traded 129.43 million shares worth N4.40 billion.

    FBN Holding traded 93.16 million shares valued at N1.06 billion, while Access Bank sold 89.46 million shares worth N1.08 billion.

    NAN

  • VC’s 2 years: LASU has been transformed, staff, students say

    VC’s 2 years: LASU has been transformed, staff, students say

    Members of staff and students of the Lagos State University ( LASU ) said on Thursday that the institution had experienced positive changes in the first two years of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, in office.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State appointed Fagbohun as eighth substantive Vice-Chancellor of LASU on January 6, 2016 and inaugurated him on January 11, 2016.

    Fagbohun, a professor of Environmental Law, was appointed following Ambode’s approval of five-year single-term tenure for all helmsmen of the state-owned tertiary institutions.

    Fagbohun’s appointment also followed the expiration of the tenure of Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution on October 31, 2015, after which Prof. Fidelis Njokanma, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) held office as Acting Vice-Chancellor.

    Mr Saheed Oseni, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU Chapter, told NAN that several segments of the institution had to a large extent, experienced transformation within the last two years.

    Oseni said although there were ups and downs which were humanly inevitable, the incumbent vice-chancellor’s administration was quite commendable .

    He, however, urged Fagbohun not to rest on his oars, but to initiate policies that would bring more smiles to the workers’ faces because the end justifies the means .

    “To a large extent, things have been transformed in LASU within the last two years; but the vice-chancellor must endeavour to do more because it is not the beginning that matters, but the end.

    “He must also ensure that all pending contentious issues are resolved amicably, while the rule of law must be upheld to the letter while making sure that no party within the system is unjustly treated, ” he said.

    Mr Samuel Olalere, President of LASU Students Union (LASUSU) said the university was not what it used to be, because it had seen a lot of progress.

    Olalere said the students community was pleased with the current administration and its system because the atmosphere in the campus had been relatively serene.

    “This is my fourth year in LASU and I would not have been involved in students unionism if it was the LASU of then.

    “But because things have really changed under Prof. Fagbohun, and we are enjoying peace, that is why I am now a student union leader,” he said.

    Read also: LASU undergoing internal cleansing – Spokesman

    Olalere, however, urged Fagbohun to continue to maintain the peace enjoyed within the university community and to ensure that the LASU brand was incomparable globally.

    Mr Adekoya Martins, the University Spokesman, said that LASU had witnessed tremendous improvement in all facets within the last two years, compared to its 35 years of existence.

    Martins said that Fagbohun’s achievements so far hinged on the Lagos State Government’s support and funding, to ensure that all roads in the institution are in good shape and to ensure the community was well lit.

    “Other infrastructure being put in place, aside beautifying the entire university environment, include installation of a new generator at the Faculty of Arts, renovation of some classrooms and the university’s Iba road entrance,” he said.

    According to him, the restoration of peace in the university has ensured uninterrupted academic calendar within the period.

    “Staff, within the two years administration, got their outstanding and due promotion; and no staff duly qualified was denied promotion, while the end of the year package was improved upon,” he said.

    Martins said the Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute (ODLRI) established to replace the LASU External system which was recently phased out was recently approved by National Universities Commission.

    NAN

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo to promote Yoruba unity, cultural values- Chairman

    Aare Ona Kakanfo to promote Yoruba unity, cultural values- Chairman

    Chief Ayo Ladigbolu, the Chairman, Aare Ona Kakanfo Installation Central Planning Committee says the Aare Ona Kakanfo is expected to promote Yoruba unity and cultural values.

    He made this known in Ibadan on Thursday at a news briefing to herald the installation of Chief Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had on October 15, 2017 proclaimed Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

    He said the title was also expected to protect the Yoruba nation from incursion and to guide its value from erosion or extinction.

    “Aare Ona Kakanfo today must believe in the cause of the Yoruba and must be loyal to the Alaafin as well as all Yoruba Obas.

    “The position has changed from that of a warrior to one of leadership since the reign of the late Premier of Western region, Ladoke Akintola.

    “The Aare Ona Kakanfo position is a functional title and not ceremonial. The occupant is expected to protect Yoruba nation from incursion and values from erosion or extinction,’’ he said.

    He described as a fallacy, the mystical believe by many that occupants of the position do not live long and die mysteriously.

    Ladigbolu said the position was sought by many prominent Yoruba sons but Alaafin, reserved the power to appoint the occupant picked Adams.

    Read also: Between Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland

    “The choice of Adams was acceptable to the world. The position is not for the highest bidder.

    “It is one that comes with sound might and spiritual profundity reserved only for a person of substance who has fought for the interest of Yoruba race,’’ he said.

    He said the title was established in the 16th century by the then Alaafin Ajagbo, who appointed his war friend to direct the standing Oyo Army.

    Ladigbolu said Adams would be secluded on Friday morning after which he would return to the Alaafin’s palace at  4p.m. to undergo three stages of induction.

    Mr Bimbo Kolade, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters said the installation was an opportunity to celebrate the culture and values of Yoruba race.

    Kolade, who is the chairman of the State Installation Committee, described the title as a unified one across the Yoruba race.

    Prince Femi Davies, representative of Aare Ona Kakanfo said that efforts were on top gear to host a befitting installation ceremony starting from Friday.

    Davies said there would be cultural display at the Atiba Hall on Friday and a musical jamboree at Methodist Primary School, Oyo town.

    Adams will on Saturday become the new Aare Ona Kakanfo, 20 years after the demise of the last occupant, late Chief MKO Abiola, who died on July 7, 1998.

    Adams, who is presently in seclusion, will be installed on Saturday in the ancient town of Oyo where no fewer than 10,000 dignitaries across the globe are expected.

    The conference will be attended by High Chief Akinade Yusuf, Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, Agbaakin of Oyo and High Chief Rasheed Adewale, Alapini of Oyo.

    Others are Mr Toye Arulogun, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Ismaila Oluranmisi, Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Mr Bisi Odewunmi, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters from Osun State.

    NAN

  • 2019 polls: No rift with Amosun, says Deputy Speaker

    2019 polls: No rift with Amosun, says Deputy Speaker

    The purported rift between Ogun lawmakers and Gov. Ibikunle Amosun ahead of the 2019 polls should be disregarded, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, said on Thursday.

    “The report is untrue, it is total lies; we are in a political `perilous’ times, so you should expect a lot of things,” he said while reacting to a social media report which alleged that the governor and the lawmakers are now at loggerheads after a botched meeting of APC lawmakers called by Amosun on Monday.

    The social media was awash with reports that the meeting which was also attended by National Assembly members was “unsuccessful” as the attendees and the governor disagreed over second term tickets in 2019.

    Read also: 2018: Amosun assures of accelerated development in Ogun

    Oluomo, who featured on an interview forum of the Correspondents Chapel of Ogun Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), said the face-off is a rumour and a lie.

    He said the relationship between the governor and the lawmakers elected on the platform of APC was “cordial”.

    “The governor also enjoys cordial relationship with lawmakers representing the state at the National Assembly.

    “The governor has a policy at the beginning of every year to call all members of the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly for an interaction on his programmes.

    “The legislators had a `fruitful’ meeting with the governor.

    “So, the same thing happened on Monday and in fact, only the principal officers of the State House of Assembly were at the meeting because the House is on recess,’’ the deputy speaker said.

    NAN

  • UNHCR registers 12,100 Cameroonian refugees in 2 states

    UNHCR registers 12,100 Cameroonian refugees in 2 states

    The UN High Commissioner for Refugees ( UNHCR ) has registered 12,100 Cameroonian refugees in Benue and Cross River.

    Antonio Canhandula, UNHCR Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, gave the figure during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said 4,000 of the Cameroonians were registered in Benue while 8,100 others were registered in Cross River.

    According to the UN official, there are Cameroonian refugees in some other parts of the country, but they are more in Benue and Cross River, which need urgent intervention by government and humanitarian partners.

    “What are the figures today? When talking about figures, our organisation, UNHCR, talks about figures that have been verified, and the people who have been registered.

    “So far in Cross River State, we have registered 8,100 refugees; certainly, they are more and that is why the team is still on ground. So, we can’t state how many more.

    “But what we can state is that they are still coming, and they are coming daily. In Benue, we have a total of 4,000 refugees; 2,310 in Abande and 1,690 in Abasse; these are figures that we can vouch for.”

    Read also: Crisis as Cameroonian refugees swell Cross River communities

    He further noted that the 40,000 figure that was earlier stated was for contingency plan and not the actual figure of registered Cameroonian refugees in the country.

    “We have worked with our partners since this crisis started; we have prepared a contingency plan and the contingency plan has a figure.

    “That figure in the plan should not be used as the figure of refugees that are in the country already. With the contingency plan, it means that we are preparing the resources.

    “In case we reach that number, the contingency figure is 40,000 so far, which can be reversed, ” the UNHCR representative said.

    According to him, the UN body is trying to accelerate the registration process, to get the actual figures of Cameroonian in those states.

    Sadiya Farouq, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displayed Persons (NCFRMI) said on the occasion that Federal Government had started giving out relief materials to refugees in the affected states.

    She said that government was working with other partners to address the situation, by putting them in camps and ensuring that those camps were secured.

    Farouq, however, said that discussion was ongoing with the Cameroonian government to ensure that the political crisis being faced at the moment was resolved.

    Mr Tamuno Jaja, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service noted that not all the Cameroonians came through the borders.

    He said that some of them came into the country through community close to them, stating that the most affected states were Taraba, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

    Jaja said that all efforts were geared toward resuscitating them in the interim, noting that the peace of Cameroon is the peace of Nigeria.

    NAN