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  • FG renames Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki after late Ekwueme

    The Federal Government (FG) has approved the renaming of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) to Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

    Alhaji Ahmed Ramalan, Chairman of the hospital’s board, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abakaliki at a press conference.

    He said the renaming was with immediate effect.

    Ramalan said Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, gave the approval on behalf of the government as it is important to bring the action to the notice of the people of Ebonyi and Nigerians.

    “We hope that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will unveil the hospital’s new logo when he visits before the May 29 swearing-in of elected leaders in the country.

    “This is a big achievement in the “next level” mantra of the present administration and it is hoped that the renaming will make the hospital attain greater heights,” he said.

    He said the request for the renaming was made by the University and the Federal Ministry of Health graciously approved it.

    “The university requested to have FETHA as its teaching hospital as the development will bring lots of benefits to it.

    “It will receive funding of infrastructural development from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and manpower capacity building of staff from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF),” he said.

    Ramalan said the board had a successful year in the saddle haven been inaugurated in March 2018.

    “We have recorded successes within the period which include; completion of the construction and furnishing of a 500-seater auditorium and that of a lecture hall.

    “The medical ward complex has undergone 70 per cent completion while we have completed the renovation of the Resident Doctors’ quarters.

    “We have purchased and installed a 5000 KVA generating set and an Echo scan, blood gas analyser, embedding machine, among others,” he said.

    Dr Emeka Ogah, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, noted that the renaming has elevated the hospital to a teaching hospital status.

    “We are presently more equipped to execute our core mandate,” he said.

  • Breaking: Ibadan Poly orders immediate suspension of student union

    The management of The Polytechnic Ibadan at the early hours of Thursday announced the suspension of activities of the Student Union Government of the institution.

    Announcing the management decision, the Institutions spokesperson, Mr Adewole Soladoye said the suspension became necessary as the student union body had failed to obey and follow the rules guiding its activities on campus.

    Read Also: Ibadan Poly gets new rector, registrar

    According to him, the management directed the immediate suspension because of the ongoing football competition which had been disturbing the peace of the institution ahead of next week’s examination.

    He urged the students, in general, to stay committed to their examination which begins shortly.

    He added that the management will not hesitate to punish anyone who flouts the rules guiding the institution.

  • ‘How Buhari lost in Ondo’

    Stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state regarded as ‘estranged’ member on Wednesday met in Akure, the Ondo state capital under the leadership of the former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi.

    At a well-attended meeting, the runner-up of the APC 2016 primary election, Segun Abraham was in attendance with other stakeholders including the lawmaker representing Akure North/South federal constituency, Afe Olowookere, pioneer APC chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, Chiefs Felix Ayegbusi, M.A Akeju, Adewale Omojuwa and Gboyega Adedipe.

    Others were Pius Omolola, Mrs Yetunde Ogundipe, Mrs Kehinde Adeniran, Kunle Eko-Davies, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya, Gani Muhammed and other party elders from across the state.

    Olanusi, who is a member, APC Board of Trustees (BOT) of mandated each representative from the 18 local government areas to appraise the last Presidential/National Assembly in their respective areas,in which their major complaints were anti-party activities and lack of funds to mobilise voters.

    The former deputy governor decried the level of anti-party activities of some members of the party in the state which according to him caused the failure of President Muhammadu Buhari in the state with some Senatorial and House of Representatives candidates in the state.

    Olanusi said prior to the election, the group had adequately alerted the national leadership of the party on the alleged compromise of the party leadership in the state.

    He alleged that the APC leadership worked against the party because their anointed candidates failed to clinch the party tickets for the National Assembly elections.

    Olanusi alleged that leadership of the party in the state directed many APC supporters especially top government officials to mobilise for the candidates of the opposition Action Alliance (AA).

    He however enthused that If Buhari had won the presidential election in Ondo state, the ‘anti-APC forces’ would have claimed the credit despite working against the party in the state.

    The BoT member said” We had envisaged this problem in Ondo state, and that is why we cried to the National leadership of the party on the anti-party activities of some leaders of the party before the election.

    Read Also: Buhari condemns killing of Kolade Johnson by SARS

    “But they failed to listen to us, and didn’t recognise our voice then, for me, I am for the growth and unity of the party. We shall progress, we will not allow those enemies of the party who have no fear of God and respect for elders to come back and rule us again.

    The APC former chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, noted that funds disbursed to Ondo state by National leadership of the party for 2019 general elections were diverted.

    Kekemeke, insisted that APC leadership in the state financed the AA in the state, urging its national leadership to intervene on the affairs of the party in the state ahead of next year governorship election.

    The 2016 runner-up, Abraham who came to the state for the first time after the controversial primary election said his ‘stolen mandate’ was retrievable.

    According to him,” I am not desperate to become governor, but my interest is to salvage the state from inept governance and move it to the desired level for future sake”.

    Abraham said since his case was still pending in court, he would not comment, but however appreciated the leaders of concerned APC group in the state and their numerous supporters for their steadfastness and love for him.

    He predicted victory at the end of the day, urging them to remain resolute and resilient for the development of the sunshine state.

  • Three Nigerian students die of tramadol, codeine overdose

    Three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) were found dead in a hotel after allegedly taking a mixture of tramadol, codeine and vodka.

    One other student was still unconscious as at the time of filling this report.

    The bodies were found at the Sunshine Castle Hostel, Umuchima ihiagwa, one of the state lite communities close to the University.

    Two of them, according to an eyewitness account, died instantly while the only lady amongst them and another male student were found unconscious.

    They were immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Owerri where they were admitted at the Intensive Care Unit.

    Read Also: Renewed cult clash claims three lives in Calabar

    The male student later died at the hospital, after efforts to revive him by a team of medical personnel failed.

    At as the time of filling this report, students have vacated the hostel while the caretaker has been arrested by the Police.

    However when contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mrs. Uche Nwaelue, said that the institution cannot yet confirm if the victims were its students.

    Confirming the incident, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed two of the students died in the hospital after they were found unconscious.

    According to him: “The caretaker reported the matter and our men visited the scene and found the four of them stark naked and unconscious.

    “They were rushed to the hospital where two of them gave up the ghost. Substances suspected to be tramadol and Indian hemp were found with them”.

  • Speakership: North-West group endorses Gbajabiamila

    The North-West Democratic Front has openly endorsed the bid by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly.

    Making the endorsement known in a statement signed by its Chairman, Abubakar Ainu, a former Sokoto state chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the Group observed however said that, Mr. Gbajabiamila would need the support of a strong deputy.

    He said, in line with the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to rewarding loyalty and integrity, Mr. Gbajabiamila would make a great Speaker and the House would be dynamic if he is backed by an equally loyal, strong and experienced member such as Alhaji Musa Sarkin Adar.

    According to the statement, “On behalf of the people of the North-west, we hereby endorse the declaration of Femi Gbajabiamila to run for office of the Speaker of the 9th Assembly.

    “Our endorsement is in line with the spirit of members of the House which was displayed when Gbajabiamila, the House Leader and five time legislator, (APC-Lagos), made his formal declaration on the 31st of March and was accompanied during his official press release by returning and new members, who were over 100 in number.

    “We are also convinced by Gbajabiamila’s pledge to mentor the next generation and unite the nation which informs our recommendation for Sarkin Adar, another strong nationalist to be made Deputy Speaker,” The group said.

    While commending the stand of the APC on rewarding loyalty, the Group said Gbajabiamila and Sarkin Adar are not only core party loyalists but competent, tested representatives of proven integrity, honesty and experience as well.

    Shedding light on their choice for Sarkin Adar as deputy, the Group said he is one of the rarest unapologetic believers in the grand ideals of President Buhari who has not for once contemplated any distrustful act nor played against party principles, objectives and standpoint on any issue.

    The Group noted that Musa Sarkin Adar who represents Goronyo/Gada Federal Constituency of Sokoto state would make a competent deputy for Mr. Gbajabiamila who is eminently favoured by the APC for the speakership.

    Read Also: ‘Gbajabiamila best choice for Speaker’

    Recounting some of the qualities that inform their preference for Sarkin Adar, the Group said, prior to his becoming a member of the federal legislature, he has made commendable mark as Director in the Governor’s Office, Sokoto state and at the Nigerian Ports Authority where he was Personnel Manager.

    “In the 2007 elections, he contested for the House of Representatives seat and won and got re-elected in 2011,” the Group said and pointed out that he spearheaded the historic move against the imposition of a Speaker in 2011 by the then ruling party.

    “He also made the nomination for Emeka Ihedioha as the deputy speaker on the floor of the house and the nomination was seconded by Hon Kumo.

    “In the 2015 elections, he re-contested on the platform of the APC and won,” the Group said, adding that he was Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters in the 6th Assembly and Chairman House Committee on Land Transport in the 7th Assembly.

  • NSA vows to ensure safety of nuclear materials

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has expressed commitment to promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy, nuclear security culture as well as ensure security of nuclear and other radioactive materials out of regulatory control within Nigeria.

    The NSA Major General Mohammed Monguno (retired), who was represented by the Director, Policy and Strategy (ONSA), Aminu Lawal, made this promise in his goodwill message in Abuja during the national workshop to raise awareness on nuclear security for decision makers in Nigeria.

    He recalled that the Office of the NSA in 2015, after the Nuclear Security Summit, was tasked to set up Nigeria’s Nuclear Security Support Centre (NSSC).

    According to him: “A four-man committee was constituted from representatives of ONSA, NNRA, NAEC and the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT).

    ONSA, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) successfully carried out this task.

    “The NSSC was eventually set up and is domiciled in the NNRA. However, ONSA remains a member of the Board. The Centre is tasked to strengthen local capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to nuclear security and related threats, develop National Competences in nuclear security, as well as collaborate with international organizations in the implementation of the country’s nuclear security training and educational programmes.”

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    He submitted that from “the few above examples, and other policies and actions yet to be implemented, it is evident that ONSA, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is committed to promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, nuclear security culture as well as ensure security of nuclear and other radioactive materials out of regulatory control within Nigeria.”

    These measures, he said, will guarantee an effective and efficient nuclear security regime within Nigeria in line with international best practices.

    The NSA said as coordinator of all security related matters in the country and considering the current security challenges facing the country, the workshop was apt.

    He expressed fears “the challenges of terrorism and criminality confronting Nigeria would be aggravated if nuclear materials fall in the hands of non-state actors, especially terror groups.”

    He urged the stakeholders to ensure that nuclear materials and radioactive sources remain secure and in safe hands within the country.

    The NSA noted that as a member state of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Nigeria’s responsibility is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.

    According to him, the Office of the NSA in raising awareness of the importance of security nuclear materials and radioactive sources in Nigeria included nuclear security into the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2014.

    He recalled that in February 2019, ONSA coordinated relevant Agencies to develop a national policy on Nuclear Security Detection Architecture (NSDA).

  • FEC okays N5.5 billion to create 60,000 jobs

    The Federal Executive Council ( FEC ) on Wednesday approved N5.5 billion towards creating 60,000 jobs in the country.

    The contract, under the N-Power Knowledge Multipack project, target to train 12,000 youths between 18 and 25 years old.

    The 12,000 youths will in turn be empowered to train additional youths, bringing the total beneficiaries to 60,000.

    The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, briefed State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Read Also: FEC approves N1.4b for DPR building design

    According to him, the contract, which was awarded under the Social Investment Programmes, will make provision of N259, 000 each for training the youths and N207, 000 each for their tools.

    The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed disclosed that $6.8 million loan was approved for rebuilding of school in the North East.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that 20 new ecological projects have been completed across the country.

     

     

  • 22-year-old commits suicide in Anambra

    A 22-year-old Chika Alex-Chukwuezie has committed suicide in Ubaekwem community in Ihiala Local government area of Anambra state.

    The deceased of Umuanasa clan, reportedly hung on a family mango tree for yet- to- be ascertained reason.

    The Nation gathered the deceased until his death was an active youth in the Umuezekwe political ward of Ihiala LGA.

    A family member, who preferred anonymity, said the act might not be unconnected to spiritual liberation defect due to the reoccurring suicide incidents that plague the family.

    He said: “He was a single unemployed young man who had completed his SSS exams, with the hope to excel in business after schooling.

    “One of his uncles also committed suicide at youthful age decades ago.

    Read Also: Our members never burnt police station in Anambra – IPOB

    “The family had to subject itself to spiritual cleansing to avert recurrence of the unfortunate incident.”

    The Nation further learnt the body of the deceased has been thrown into the thick forest in accordance with Igbo traditional rites.

    “Efforts are ongoing to bring in traditionalists who will cutoff the orange tree and sanctify the compound,” a source added.

    Police Public Relation officer in the state, Harunna Muhammed, confirmed the incident.

    He said investigation was on to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

  • Alleged exam fraud: only Adeleke’s brother sat for 2017 NECO exams – witnesses

    *Court asks prosecution to be diligent

    Proceedings resumed on Wednesday in the trial of Senator Ademola Adeleke and four others before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in examination malpractices.

    The prosecution called two witnesses – Emmanuel Odesola and Adigun Akintayo – who said they acted as supervisor and invigilator during the June/July 2017 National Examination Council (NECO) examination in Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Ojo-Aro, Osun State.

    Odesola (a teacher, who was a supervisor during the examination) and Akintayo (a teacher and invigilator during the exam) said they only saw Sirkiru Adeleke (the Senator’s brother), who is listed as the 2nd respondent, in the examination hall.

    The witnesses also said they did not experience any incident of examination malpractices.

    They said, of the five defendants, they only saw the second defendant (Sikiru Adeleke), the principal and registrar of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School during the examination.

    Senator Adeleke, Sikiru Adeleke (who is said to be the senator’s relative), Alhaji Aregbesola Mufutau (the school principal), Gbadamosi Thomas Ojo (registrar) and Dare Samuel Olutope (teacher) were arraigned in November last year

    The five were arraigned on a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/156/2018, filed in the name of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    Ademola and Sikiru were accused of fraudulently, through personation, registering as students of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Ojo-Aro, Osun State to enable them sit for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination of June/July 2017.

    The other three defendants were accused of aiding the commission of the alleged offence.

    Testifying on Wednesday, as the third prosecution witness, Odesola said he teaches at Akode Middle High School, Akoda, Ede, but served as supervisor during the 2017 examination.

    He admitted knowing the Adeleke and three other defendants, except Olutope, who

  • Updated: Lagos brings fresh DNA evidence against Danish murder suspect

    A Lagos High Court in Igbosere on Wednesday adjourned till May 10 to allow a Danish murder suspect, Peter Nielsen, time to examine new DNA evidence brought against him by the Lagos State Government.

    Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile fixed the date following an application by Nielsen’s counsel, Olasupo Shasore SAN.

    Shasore, a former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, accused the state of swamping the defence with “a bundle of papers” and a flash drive containing “almost 100 pages of scientific analysis” only a day before today’s court date.

    Nielsen, 54, is standing trial for the last April 5 death of his Nigerian singer wife, Zainab and their three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Petra.

    The government accused the Dane of smothering Zainab and Petra to death at about 3:45am at No. 4, Flat 17, Bella Vista Tower, Banana Island Ikoyi.

    Five people were said to be in the apartment on the night of the incident: Nielsen, Zainab, Petra, Gift and Favour Madaki, both of whom are Zainab’s step-sisters.

    Nielsen was arraigned last June 13, on two counts of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    He denied the charge.

    At the last hearing on March 25, the state obtained an adjournment to enable it secure its final witness, a forensic expert, and serve other “information that is very essential” to the defence.

    But at the resumption of proceedings on Wednesday, Shasore informed the court that the state had not kept its word about the date it promised to serve the new information.

    Shashore said: “We were served, contrary to the undertaking, on Friday, 25th of March, at 3:35pm, with a bundle of papers containing two new documents, and, crucially, my lord, a brand new DNA report. A new report containing DNA analysis.

    Read Also: Murder trial of Danish: Defence counsel seeks thorough investigation

    “The report is styled ‘Forensic DNA superceeding report’. It concerns matters that occurred almost a year ago. The defendant was arraigned in this court in June 2018, a period of almost nine months.

    “The state has prepared two DNA forensic reports, from which we prepared our defence. My lord, we are greatly prejudiced, that on the eve of the testimony of a forensic expert, the state will introduce new evidence without availing us of the opportunity to consider expert advice on this. A report that seeks to discountence all we’ve done for the last nine months.

    “We are disappointed at the conduct of the state, for putting us in this state. We are hereby applying for an adjournment, based on these, and we are at great pains to do so.

    “To compound this, the state served us yesterday (Tuesday), a flash drive containing detailed DNA analysis, almost 100 pages of scientific analysis.

    “We are at great pains to seek this adjournment because we are anxious that the