The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerians

  • ‘Nigerians do not believe in Nigeria’

    Nigeria is in anundesirable state because its citizens do not exhibit the intangible identifiers of nationhood,”  university don Dr. Chukwuedozie Ajaero  has said.

    He said the hindrance to the country’s development was not the demographic burden, but the palpable lack of trust, believe in, and commitment to the Nigerian concept.

    Ajaero, a senior lecturer at the Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, spoke at a roundtable organised by the Centre for Public Policy Alternatives (CPPA), a non-partisan public policy think-tank based in Lagos.

    “None of our structural, political and economic challenges is peculiar. What we lack is a sound conscience, moral leadership, commitment and the will to implement good policies. All of these are not quantifiable,” he noted.

    The event was convened by CPPA to proffer workable solutions to Nigeria’s demographic challenges, and convert what could be a liability to an asset. Nigeria’s population is projected to reach 400 million by year 2050.

    Head/Specialist UNFPA (Lagos Liaison office), Dr. Omolaso Omosehin said the bane of development in Nigeria is the lack of capacity to plan and prepare for the future.

    According to him, “an increasing population is not necessarily a problem; what makes the difference is planning.”Also present at the event were Prof. Victor Okoruwa, Dr. SalisuIshiaku, Funmi Ayeni, Olusegun Sotola, and Olayinka Ogidie.

    Parish Priest, St. Philip and James Catholic Church, Lekki, Monsignor Francis Ogunmodede  stated that unlike the misconceptions, the Catholic Church does not promote unregulated procreation. Rather, the church advocates natural planning methods, reasonable procreation according to capacity to care and respect for human dignity.

    Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan Dr. Senawon Olaoluwa noted that the area now called Nigeria has always been densely populated; this is nothing new.

    The main concern should be what to do with the population. Is Nigeria becoming a nuisance to other societies? How do we manage our resources?

    He stressed the need to move beyond extractive activities (mineral resources) to harness our productive, inventive capacities (human resources).

    Research &Programmes Director (CPPA), Ms. Mojisola Akpojiyovbi, stressed the importance of education, advocacy and human capacity development as effectual tools that can manage population growth, and also enable optimal use of Nigeria’s physical and human resources.

  • Buhari commissions $150m poultry, feed mill in Kaduna

    Buhari commissions $150m poultry, feed mill in Kaduna

    ….says, Nigeria must feed itself

     

    President Muhammad Buhari has said that, Nigeria must be able to feed itself on what local farmers grow, just as the country must also grow what Nigerians eat.

    The President stated this, while commissioning the 150 million dollars Olam poultry and feed mill in Kaduna on Tuesday.

    He said, the massive edifice put in place by Olam is one of the largest agricultural firms in the country. “I am told that this is one of the biggest investments in poultry industry in Nigeria.

    “We are particularly pleased to participate in this event because it is clear evidence that in spite of all odds, economic growth is taking place especially in the agricultural sector.

    “This was our promise at the inception of our administration when we came in to deal with challenges in the economy which was almost appearing insurmountable.

    “It is our article of faith and our Ernest believes that agriculture offers the most viable and all-encompassing options in our attempt to diversify our national economy.

    “It is in this connection that we must first be able to say to ourselves that we must be able to feed ourselves on what we grow and grow what we eat before we can comfortably turn our attention to many of the other key concerns of our daily lives.

    “The commissioning of this massive facility is a living testimony to our claim that growth, serious and lasting growth is taking place in our economy and that growth can only last if it begins at the grassroots.

    “About six months ago, we announced to the world that we are in a recession. We announced the recession ourselves. We were bold enough to admit it and we were honest about it.

    He also said, “When the national Bureau of Statistics presented a green picture of this state of affairs, we accepted the reality and confronted it headlong with courage and perseverance.

    “Now a few months down the road, the Bureau of statistic has released the cheering news that we are getting out of the fit of recession.

    “Even though the statistics are still fragile and we have no illusion that we need to even work harder to get to that economic level that is satisfactory, we are happy to note and we believe that the majority of Nigerians are also happy that we are getting out of possibly the worse economic scenario in our country’s history.

    “Giving this positive development and with the gradual recovery of our economy, we think the great signs of growth and prosperity for this country are at hand.

    “We are also aware that the pessimistic ones  in our midst may be reluctant to admit that positive development is occurring in economic space for obvious reasons, evidently, the undeniable reality is that we are getting out of the wood”, he said.

    Earlier in his address, Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai told the visiting president that the state government has given Olam free land in which they built the plant,adding that ‘we spent over N500m as compensation to the land owners.

    According to him, the commissioning of the project was not by chance as it was based on a careful investment study and interaction with the leadership of the company.

    This was a company that had invested in Nigeria in the early 80’s and had to migrate to Singapore. Your Excellency may wish to recall that when you invited me to be part of your delegation around 2015 for the United Nations General Assembly and I told you that I have an investment trip, you gave me the full support and approval to go.

    “This was the outcome of the trip as on 8th April, 2016 the ground breaking foundation laying ceremony was held and after seventeen months it has become a reality.

    “The plant will be producing 1.6m chicks weekly while, it has so far created about 50,000 jobs

  • Council tackles hate speech

    The chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abdullahi Candido has set up a 21-man committee on national unity. The development, Candido said, is to stop the increasing level of hate speech, which is causing a lot of disaffection among Nigerians.

    Members of the committee, drawn from various ethnic, religious and political groups in the council, are to work out modalities for the intensive sensitisation and engagement of residents on promotion of peace and unity, in the interest of inclusive development.

    Speaking while inaugurating the committee, the AMAC chairman lamented the growing hate utterances in the land, thereby causing untold disaffection amongst the populace.

    This, he said, informed the decision to constitute the 21-man committee, to help foster peace and unity building process, without which no proper development can be attained within the council, being a heterogeneous capital city.

    He noted that the terms of reference for the committee include engaging major stakeholders in each of the 12 political wards on the importance of unity.

    Others are campaign against politics of division, hate across religious, tribal and regional lines as well as preach the values of oneness, peace and unity as panacea for our growth/ development

    Also, organisation of lectures driving home the importance of peaceful coexistence at least twice a year.

    Furthermore, the committee is expected to submit quarterly report high lighting successes or challenges of its mandate.

    “In the last couple of months there seems to be some mistrust among the persons that make up this country and there seems to be a kind of bad relationship among the good people of this country.

    “Without peace and harmony we can’t leave as people not to think of providing infrastructure,” Candido stressed.

    In his response, on behalf of the committee members, the chairman of the committee, John Bawa assured the commitment of the members to ensuring a peaceful atmosphere.

    He said, “We will go to all ethnic groups, tribal associations and political classes to ensure that we install peace in the area council.”

  • Avon HMO launches ‘health plans for unserved Nigerians’

    A Leading Health Management Company, AVON HMO, has introduced new bouquet of health subscription plans to ensure quality and affordable healthcare coverage for Nigerians hitherto unserved by existing health insurance models

    Managing Director /Chief Executive Officers of Avon HMO Adesimbo Ukiri, during the launch, said introduction of the new health plan was informed by the absence of products tailored to meet the needs of Nigerians, who do not fit into the traditional HMO target market of large companies and multinationals.

    She said: “Since Avon HMO commenced operations about four years ago, we have been at the forefront of offering innovative packages that provide Nigerians with access to quality healthcare services. Our new plans provide options which address the needs of previously unserved consumers such as entrepreneurs, young adults, students, domestic staff, couples and families.”

    The plans include ‘Life Starter’, ‘Couples’ Plan’, ‘Life Plus’, ‘Premium Life’ and ‘The Boss Life’.

    She added: “Avon HMO is synonymous with many firsts; and what we have done this time is to design a range of health plans that are specific in meeting healthcare needs at different phases of life. So, whether you are the parent of a young adult going off to the university or to NYSC, or a couple planning to get married and start a family, or even a homemaker looking for health plans for your domestic staff, Avon HMO has a plan just for you. There are also more exclusive health plans, which cover extensive benefits and give access to select hospitals.”

    Adesimbo added that “having a health plan with Avon HMO ensures that whenever you fall ill, suffer an accident or are diagnosed with a health condition, the HMO steps in to co-ordinate your care and pay the bills; ensuring and overseeing the delivery of quality healthcare services that will enable you to get better.”

    Avon HMO is the first HMO in Nigeria to enter into the retail market segment, offering Nigerians the opportunity to subscribe and pay for a health plan on their phones. It is also the HMO with the largest following on social media and uses this as an active tool for enrollee engagement and feedback.

    Added benefits on some of the new health plans include: travel immunisation, pre-marital medical tests, fertility investigations and more.

  • ‘Help save my sight and dreams’

    ‘Help save my sight and dreams’

    Losing both eyes to the deadly paws of cataract just five years ago, Master Holy Ogene, a talented musician is appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to save his sight and dreams

     

    At the first encounter, his visual handicap is not obvious, considering  the way he carries himself with little or no assistance at all. It is astonishing to find him deriving strength and courage from his inability to see. It is true that even in his physically challenged state, Master Holy Ogene has managed to craft a worthy name for himself, struggling to make ends meet and  living without his parents help.

    Christened Master Holy Ogene by his parents, he lost his sight in highly unfortunate circumstances just five years ago when he was still a student at Baba Fafunwa Millennia Senior Secondary School, Ojota, a Government school where both eyes were infected by cataract.

    In an interview with  our correspondent, he recalled the genesis of his present situation.

    “When I was born, I had short sight. I was asked to use glasses but my father refused to let me use them as he believed I was too young to use recommended lens.”

    Tragedy  actually struck when he was admitted to Baba Fafunwa Senior Secondary School at Ojodu Berger where the inability to cope due to large groups of students finally coerced his father to let him use recommended lenses. However, the damage had already been done at the ripe age of 14.

    “It was after I started using glasses upon admission that I got cataract on my left eye and it got serious. My Dad had to take me to Eye foundation and they advocated surgery as the only solution. I was about 14 at the time and the implications of an eye surgery was much which included an operation via my brain and the risk being my Dad signing a form if anything happened to me.”

    The delayed decision in undergoing a surgery led to the complete closure of the right eye after cataract covered the second eye.

    The 22 year old who is an upcoming musician and politician witnessed the loss of both eyes after the unfortunate incident. Not willing to concede to defeat, he picked up a singing career due to his current condition.

    “Singing comes from emotions, how I feel and the society around me. How I feel being depressed and just hearing people around me. At times, when I eat I don’t see what I eat,” Holy said.

    He described his foray into politics by the nature of his unique singing talent. He was able to attract the attention of politicians and majorly the political presence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “Due to my knowledge, and my brain, I operate phones and create technology. I created caller tunes and the current one for my phone was created by me. I created caller tunes and ways to advertise politicians which instantly peaked their interest in me, especially the PDP, though I would not want to say much over that.” He however attested to creating his own caller tune himself.

    The event which happened in his heydays in secondary school hampered him from acquiring higher education but did not stop him from developing his mind.

    “I wasn’t able to go to university but I went for some lessons to take my knowledge to another level.”

    When asked if he used braille as means to communicate or express himself; he stated that he did not believe in the use of braille phones, he attested to the capability of using any phone no matter the complexity in functionality in less than three days.

    “I use a normal phone and there is no phone I can’t use. Right now, I can send you a text message as fast as possible,” he demonstrated using his Nokia phone. Even the caller tune I created, you can hear it yourself; I did it in less than 3 minutes.” He reaffirmed: “I create caller tunes for myself and can operate any phone in 3 days.”

    “I require #340 000 for the operation which is the specific operation price but the total is #360 000 drugs inclusive. Eye foundation gave me a bigger bill of #750 000 which is much. The Federal Medical Centre Asaba is cheaper and I have the doctors report with me here offering me #360 000.”

    Ogene appealed  to well-meaning individuals, Churches, NGOs, and most importantly government officials and political parties. “I think this is a medium where parties can use my knowledge instead of making me a nuisance in the society to create an avenue where I can get my sight back.”

    Ogene isn’t new to donations, he claimed that he had been given donations in the past but they had been very meagre to pay the bills for the drugs prescribed. “I got only #10 000 to #15 000 with little assistance from people but you know drugs and it has been almost two years and nothing else came. I don’t stay with my parents in Delta State, I have been feeding alone and life has been a little bit terrible and horrific.”

    Holy who was accompanied by his distraught mother solicited the help of well-meaning Nigerians to save his sight by not letting the light of his dreams die a premature death, at the very tender age of 22.

    His phone numbers are 08104974780 and 08142556716 while his account details is Ecobank, Ogene Holy 3823067769.

     

  • Aminu pays homage to Buhari in Daura

    Aminu pays homage to Buhari in Daura

    Gov. Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has expressed gratitude to God and Nigerians for the sustained prayers for the unity of Nigeria and the wellbeing of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Masari said this in Daura on Saturday when he paid Sallah homage on President Muhammadu Buhari at his GRA residence in the metropolis.

    He said to God be the glory that the President was back hale and hearty, stressing that Nigerians would continue their prayers and enlightenment campaign on the importance of peace and unity.

    He said he was in Daura to felicitate and rejoice with the President on his return from medical vacation.

    In addition, “to assure the president of our support in his effort to unite the country,” he said.

    Masari called on Nigerians to place the interest of the nation at heart by giving it the priority it deserves, adding “we will  continue to give our unconditional support to the President for him to achieve his  agenda for the country.

    “We will not relent in promoting our unity in diversity for a prosperous Nigeria, “he said.

    He said the Katsina State Government under his leadership  had introduced a series of reforms in agriculture, education, infrastructure, health and empowerment programmes.

    Buhari thanked the governor for the visit and wish all Nigerians happy Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    NAN reports that Gov. Masari was accompanied during the visit by  the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, the governor’s commissioners, politicians and other well wishers.

  • Ganduje sues for peace, understanding among Nigerians

    Ganduje sues for peace, understanding among Nigerians

    Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, has called on Nigerians to use the Eid- El Kabir to promote unity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence irrespective of tribe, religion political affiliations.

    The governor made the appeal on Saturday in Daura when he paid Sallah homage to the emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk.

    He urged Nigerians to appreciate the importance of peaceful co-existence, adding that peace was paramount to the country’s existence.

    He described those who were in the habit of formulating troubles through divisive statements and uncomplimentary comments as “greedy and unpatriotic citizens.’’

    The governor said he was in Daura to pay homage to President Muhammadu Buhari and the emir, adding that Kano and Daura have similar traditions, customs and values.

    He said that since the inception of his administration in 2015, has created thousands of jobs and executed hundreds of projects that were beneficial to the people.

    Ganduje commended the administration of President Buhari, especially in its drive to free the nation from corruption, insurgency and other social vices which retards the socio-economic development of the nation.

    The governor was accompanied on the visit by his commissioners, friends and other top government functionaries and party stalwarts.

  • Pray for peace, progress, Senator Adeola urges Nigerians

    As Muslims the world over celebrate the Eid el Kabir, the Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Adeola, has enjoined Nigerians to keep praying  for peace and progress in the country.

    He is confident that Nigeria will overcome the current economic recession with its attendant hardship.

    Adeola, in a Sallah message, said strict adherence to the teachings of Islam in the areas of love, brotherliness, piety, peaceful co-existence as well as tolerance will greatly help the Buhari administration to achieve its progressive agenda for the nation.

    He described the present down turn of the economy as a passing phase that will soon be over with correct government policies and peoples’ cooperation in implementing the policies.

    The senator said he will continue to represent his constituents by ensuring that they continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy from the government as well as from his programmes in the area of health, education, provision of social amenities like boreholes and transformers, among others constituency empowerment programmes all aimed at complementing efforts of government at all levels.

    He urged Muslims to shun social vices as contained in the Koran as such are not only detrimental to individuals’ wellbeing on the long run but also harmful to the fabric of the society in various ways that may not be immediately seen.

  • Nigerians in S/Africa hail Super Eagles’ defeat of Cameroon

    Nigerians in S/Africa hail Super Eagles’ defeat of Cameroon

    Some Nigerians in South Africa have hailed the Super Eagles for their 4-0 win against Cameroon in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with the victory, Nigeria still leads its group with nine points having won all three matches played.

    Adetola Olubajo, Secretary-General of Nigeria Union South Africa, said the Eagles had done Nigerians in South Africa proud.

    “ With this victory, I can smell Russia. They still need to work harder to win out remaining matches.

    “ The team should remain focused and I am optimistic that with hard work and dedication, the Eagles will qualify,” he said.

    Ifeyinwa Obi-Emedo, Secretary of Nigerian Women Association, South Africa, said she was overwhelmed with joy with the win.

    “Each time the Eagles play so well, its like another decade has been added to my life.

    “ The Eagles should keep it up, forward ever, backward never,” she said.

    Collins  Mgbo, Secretary of the Union in Limpopo Province, said the win had rekindled the hope and aspiration of Nigerians in the team.

    “We urge them to continue this way up to the finals in Russia in 2018. I am optimistic Nigeria will qualify,” he said.

    Ale Olorunfemi Joseph, a Nigerian resident in Pretoria, expressed joy with the Eagles victory over the defending African champions, Cameroon.

    “ I also commend the President of Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF), Amaju Pinnick for working hard to ensure the victory of the team and eventual qualification for the World Cup.

    Michael Evah, who lives in Johannesburg, praised the Eagles for giving Nigerians joy and hope with the victory.

    “The Super Eagles have shown zeal and purpose with this victory. I urge them to continue and qualify for the World Cup. I wish the team good luck in their subsequent engagements in the qualifiers.

    Ikele Odefa, a Johannesburg based businessman, said the Eagles had rekindled hope and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, especially those living in South Africa.

    “I believe that we have the team to qualify for the World Cup. The team should remain focused and continue with same determination,” he said.

  • Over 22 politically exposed persons, businessmen in Dubai under surveillance

    Over 22 politically exposed persons, businessmen in Dubai under surveillance

    Fresh facts emerged yesterday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received a database of Nigerians with assets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    On the list are assets suspected to have been acquired with looted funds by some former governors, ex- ministers, bankers, oil chiefs,  government functionaries and other Politically Exposed Persons(PEPs).

    The EFCC is analysing the database in line with its list of PEPs who are being investigated.

    The anti-graft agency has placed over 22 politically exposed persons and businessmen in Dubai under surveillance.

    Funds linked with some of those under probe may be seized.

    A source in the commission, who spoke in confidence, said: “In line with its Beneficial Ownership laws, we have already a database of Nigerians with assets in the United Arab Emirates, including properties of some high-profile Nigerians under investigation.

    “We are already studying the database in line with our ongoing investigation and profiling. We have a long list of some politically exposed persons and businessmen under probe.

    “The signing of the agreements between Nigeria and the UAE by President Muhammadu Buhari last week has opened a robust vista which will hasten our identification and attachment of the suspicious assets.

    “It is time to set out for work. You will recall that over N1.34 trillion was stolen by public officers in seven years. We will trace some of these funds and the assets acquired with them in UAE.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “We will not release the list now but already we have initiated action on some suspects.

    “Actually, there is no hiding place for any looter from Nigeria in UAE again. In May 2016 at the Anti-corruption Summit in London, the UAE joined the league of 29 nations which will share where lists of beneficial owners.

    “The UAE has also strengthened its anti-money laundering (‘AML’) regulations. Therefore, the environment is conducive now to track the suspects on our radar.

    “The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) also operates a commercial register where you can easily identify companies and investors in UAE.”

    Following a state visit to the UAE by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 19, last year, the Federal Government entered into  six agreements with the Emirates.

    The agreements, which were signed by Buhari last week, are:

    • Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.
    • Agreement on Trade Promotion and Protection
    • Judicial Agreements on Extradition
    • Transfer of Sentenced Persons
    • Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters
    • Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters(recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth)

    Sections 7 of 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 mandate the agency to seize suspicious assets.

    Section 7 says: “The commission has power to (a) cause any investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes.

    “(b) Cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.”

    Sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13(1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004 empower the anti-graft agency to invoke Interim Assets Forfeiture Clause.

    “Section 28 of the EFCC Act reads: ‘Where a person is arrested for an offence under this Act, the Commission shall immediately trace and attach all the assets and properties of the person acquired as a result of such economic or financial crime and shall thereafter cause to be obtained an interim attachment order from the Court.’

    Section 13 of the Federal High Court Act reads in part: “The Court may grant an injunction or appoint a receiver by an interlocutory order in all cases in which it appears to the Court to be just or convenient so to do.

    (2)          Any such order may be made either unconditionally or on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks just.”

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debts, Senator Shehu Sani said over $200 billion had been hidden in the UAE.

    He said: “Over $200 billion is stashed away from Nigeria to Dubai alone. This may be the monies stolen since in the past 20 years. I am not talking about estates and bonds and other securities bought with Nigeria stolen money.”

    The anti-money laundering policy of UAE Central Bank reads in part: “Any person who commits, or attempts to commit, a Money Laundering offence shall be punished by imprisonment of up to 10 years and or a fine of between AED 100,000 and AED 500,000.

    ”In cases of multiple perpetrators, the Court subject to its discretion, may exempt a perpetrator from the imprisonment penalty if he takes the initiative and reports the crime to the competent authorities prior to the knowledge of such authorities and if his actions lead to the arrest of the other perpetrators or seizure of the laundered money.

    ”Any establishment that commits an offence of money laundering, financing of terrorism or financing of any unlawful organizations, shall be punished by a fine of AED 300,000 and AED 1,000,000.

    ”Failure to report a suspicious transaction shall be punishable by imprisonment and /or a fine of between AED 50,000 and AED 300,000.

    ”Tipping off a person being investigated regarding a suspicious transaction shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and/ or a fine of between AED10,000 and AED 100,000.

    ”Violation of the requirements of Airport Declarations shall be punishable by imprisonment and or a fine.”