The Nation Newspaper

Tag: South Africa

  • IMF: Nigeria’s economy overtakes South Africa’s, Egypt’s

    IMF: Nigeria’s economy overtakes South Africa’s, Egypt’s

    A new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Nigeria as Africa’s biggest economy, in spite of its current challenges.

    Nigeria is placed ahead of South Africa and Egypt which are second and third respectively.

    In August, Nigeria was reported to have lost its position as Africa’s biggest economy to South Africa, following the recalculation of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    But the IMF’s World Economic Outlook for October, puts Nigeria’s GDP at 415.08 billion dollars, from 493.83 billion dollars in 2015, while South Africa’s GDP was put at 280.36 billion dollars, from 314.73 billion dollars in 2015.

    According to the report, Egypt’s 2016 data is not available, but its 2015 size remained at 330.159 dollars while that of Algeria, one of the largest economies on the continent, is put at 168.318 billion dollars.

    The United States, China and Japan maintain their spots as the largest economies in the world, ahead of Germany, United Kingdom and France.

    According to a review in September, the current economic recession will outlast 2016, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contraction of 1.7 per cent.

    The IMF had predicted that Nigeria’s economy would grow away from a recession in 2017.

    The country last witnessed a recession, for less than a year, in 1991, and experienced a prolonged one that started in 1982 and lasted until 1984.

  • Two Nigerians killed in South Africa

    Two Nigerians killed in South Africa

    THE Nigeria Union in Pretoria has confirmed that two of its members residing in South Africa have been killed this month.

    Its Secretary, Mr. Adetola Olubajo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Pretoria yesterday that the first victim, one Adeniyi Olumoko, a petty trader, was stabbed to death on October 7.

    Olubajo said Olumoko, 37, an indigene of Ogun, was killed at Marabastard in Pretoria by a South African, who forcefully took the victim’s goods without paying.

    He cited witnesses as saying that Olumoko was left bleeding for up to five hours because para-medics could not show up to attend to him.

    Olubajo added that another Nigerian, Christian Onwukaike, was also shot dead by assailants at Empangeni in the North Coast area of Kwazulu Natal on October 16.

    He said reports from the union’s chapter in the province indicated that the assailants shot the victim from a moving car.

    The scribe explained that Onwukaike, a native of Awgbu in the Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra, drove himself to the hospital after the shooting and eventually collapsed and died.

    “Nigeria Union is calling on the Nigerian Mission to demand results of investigations of all murder cases involving Nigerian victims from the South African authority,’’ he pleaded.

    Olubajo added that the union was not happy that all murder cases involving Nigerians in South Africa were never resolved.

    “We recommend that the consulate officials visit the area immediately in company of some members of the national and provincial executives of the Nigeria Union to speak with the police and the Nigerian community,” he said.

    A source close to the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa told NAN that the report of the incidents had been received at the consulate.

     

  • South Africa PDP urges leaders to resolve crisis

    South Africa PDP urges leaders to resolve crisis

    The South Africa chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  has called on  aggrieved chieftains to put aside their differences and work towards  reconciliation.

    Speaking at its recent meeting  in Johannesburg, South Africa’s capital, its Chairman, Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen, said the rift should be quickly settled so that the party can effectively play the role of the opposition.

    He said the current economic hardship in Nigeria has made it compelling for the PDP to canvass an alternative route to national recovery.

    Akpokabayen said  it is very clear that Nigerians should now reflect on last year’s election to realise the mistake they made by rejecting the PDP at the poll.

    He said that the South Africa chapter condemned in strong terms the crisis in the mother party, adding that it was caused bthe  of lack of understanding and the push for personal interests by some persons and groups in the party.

    Akpokabayen said: “We as a party must begin to put our house in shape and begin an early and most urgent sensitisation.

    “Nigerians are now agonising under the present administration. They are now at the receiving end of the bad economy.

    “We must reorganise, restrategise  and recover as quickly as possible and begin to expose the many lies and propaganda of this present administration. The PDP should lead the push for change and reforms.”

    Akpokabayen urged party leaders to close ranks and elevate party interest above personal agenda.

    He also called for the restoration of party supremacy and discipline.

    The party chieftain said: “It is unnecessary for anyone to sit on the fence and be working for the total collapse of a party, which a lot of heroes have scarifiedto build in the interest of the government of the people, by the people and for the people.

    “The PDP is what is needed by Nigerians. The call to salvage the country is now much louder than ever and we cannot afford to disappoint them.”

    Akpokabayen said the ruling party has failed Nigerians because it has not fulfilled its promise of change and revatalisation.

    He said what Nigerians expected are dividends of democracy and not a blame game.

    He added: “Nigerians are now in the best position to understand that a person who emerges a champion after the death of all his spectators will definitely have no one to clap for him.”

  • South Africa group urges PDP to resolve crises

    The South Africa Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)  has called on all aggrieved members of the party to put aside their differences and work towards peaceful reconciliation and fast recovery.

    Speaking at recent meeting  in Johannesburg South Africa, the Chairman, PDP South Africa chapter, Hon Ekos Akpokabayen stated that with the current economic hardship in Nigeria, it is very clear that Nigerians have now learnt to keep dates with history, especially on what transpired in the 2015 general elections.

    He said that the PDP South Africa chapter condemns in strong terms the ongoing crisis in the mother party back home, stating it is as results of lack of understanding and hard push for personal interests by some persons and groups in the party who tend to place themselves above and more important than the party and the country.

    “We as a party must begin right away to put our house in shape and begin an early and most urgent sensitization of groaning asses about the fulfilled hopes,”he said.

    “We know Nigerians have been watching and also records, as a well nursed democracy which the PDP left a few months ago have suddenly been turned into autocracy and the once vibrant and loud speaking citizens have also suddenly turned into silent proof because they are now at the receiving end.

    “We must reorganized, restrategize  and recover as quickly as possible so as to begin to expose much earlier, the many lies and propaganda of this present administration against us the PDP as a party, we cannot allow this lies to gain strong foundations.”

    Akpokabayen advised that any party member who is no longer comfortable with his personal confidence in the party should either join to reform and return her past glories or bow out.

    “It is unnecessary for anyone to sit on the fence and be working for the total collapse of a party which a lot of heroes have scarified so much to see that a government of the people, by the people and for the people took a strong root in our country.

    He added “PDP our great party, Nigerians needs you, the call is now much louder than ever and we cannot afford to disappoint them”.

    He noted that Nigerians have been watching the present government and their urgent need for a more spelt out change is better felt than seen, again we must not fail or disappoint them especially after they have tested what lies and propaganda can offer.

    “Nigerians are now in the best position to understand that a person who emerges a champion after the death of all his spectators will definitely have no one to clap for him”, he said.

  • NDLEA arrests man with methamphetamine

    NDLEA arrests man with methamphetamine

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has arrested a man with parcels of methamphetamine (an addictive stimulant) valued at N31 million at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said the suspect was arrested during outward screening of passengers on a South African Airline flight to Johannesburg.

    “The parcels of drug tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 3.435 kg with a street value of N31 million,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the agency as saying in the statement.

    “The drug was detected during a routine check on a passenger on South African Airline flight to South Africa.

    “Two bags belonging to a man (names withheld) a 45-year-old, were found to contain parcels of methamphetamine.

    “Inside the bags were food items, ingredients and clothes, but underneath were a thin parcel of narcotics carefully concealed.

    “He was immediately arrested, investigation is ongoing,’’ the agency said.

    NDLEA said the suspect, who resides in South Africa, claimed that the bags were given to him by a friend.

    Meanwhile, the NDLEA Chairman, Mr Muhammad Abdallah, has warned members of the public to beware of new tricks employed by drug trafficking cartels.

    “Drug traffickers recruit mules by enticing them with money.

    “They are very clever in concealing drugs, the agency now detects drugs in bags, electronics, foodstuff and clothes among others.

    “We strongly advise that all passengers should endeavour to pack their bags themselves and avoid taking bags for others.

    “Ignorance is no excuse in drug trafficking. The suspect will be charged with  unlawful exportation of narcotics,’’ Abdallah said.

  • South Africa ready to partner Lagos on 50th anniversary, says envoy

    South Africa ready to partner Lagos on 50th anniversary, says envoy

    South Africa’s Consul-General in Lagos Darkey Africa has expressed his country’s readiness to partner with Lagos State on its 50th year anniversary.

    The Consul-General stated this yesterday while speaking with reporters when he visited the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, in his office at Alausa, Ikeja.

    The diplomat explained that Nigeria and Africa shared so many things in common, adding that the relationship would have to be strengthened.

    He said: “We partner for the benefit of the two cities. We know that Lagos is celebrating its 50 years anniversary. We wish all the people of Lagos the best as they celebrate; we will be there to support the city.

    Sharing his experience in Lagos, Africa said: “It is wonderful. As Africans, we enhance people to people in interaction so that the two countries can benefit. But, we can also build more collaboration between the people of the two countries.”

    The Consul-General added: “We thought it is necessary to come and make a visit to the Speaker as we do with the governor and because we are hosted here by Lagos State.

    “We also want the people to know why we are here and what we can do together within the context of our bilateral relationship. We are here to say to the Speaker, South Africa is ready to do business in Lagos State and to share experience in relation to government matters.”

    Obasa said South Africa and Nigeria needs to chart a common path to portray the good image of Africa.

    The Speaker said: “We are big brothers in Africa. We need to chart a path to improve our GDPs; a path of peace to end insecurity. We should take advantage of our relationship to work on the interest of Africa. We also need to collaborate on legislative business. It is a relationship that we must cherish”.

    Obasa assured the diplomat and interested investors from South Africa of a better security in Lagos, saying the Neighbourhood Safety Agency law that was signed by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was aimed at guaranteeing security of lives and property.

     

  • U.S. envoy to press Nigeria, South Africa, others on climate change

    A United States (U.S) Special Envoy for Climate Change, Dr. Jonathan Pershing   will on Sept. 4 begin a five-day mission to Senegal, Nigeria and South Africa to hold talks on climate change.

    A statement from the U.S state Department yesterday, said the mission would serve as an important opportunity to discuss implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

    It said that the visit would advance climate and clean energy efforts with leaders across Africa ahead of 2016 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) annual climate conference, COP-22, in Marrakesh, Morocco, which would from Nov. 7 to Nov. 18.

    It said that the American Special Envoy would visit Dakar, Senegal, on Sept.4 for meetings with government officials and the civil society “to highlight our strong partnership”.

    According to the statement, it will address climate change and how it impacts coastal communities, food security, power production and inclusive economic growth.

    The statement also said that on Sept. 6, Pershing will travel to Abuja, Nigeria, for meetings with government officials and civil society to discuss climate finance and investment.

    In Nigeria, he would equally discuss youth engagement on climate change, and the importance of joining and implementing the Paris Agreement.

    It noted that the envoy would travel to Johannesburg and Pretoria on Sept. 8 for meetings with South African government officials, the private sector and the civil society.

    In South Africa, the statement said, he would discuss climate negotiations, leadership on renewable energy and priorities going into COP-22 in Marrakesh.

    The U.S and China on Saturday in Hangzhou, China, deposited their official instruments to formally join the Paris Agreement, which demonstrated their continued and shared commitment to climate leadership.

    The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon recently invited leaders from all countries to attend a special event on Sept. 21 at the UN headquarters to deposit their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

  • ITTF World Juniors: Fight for shirts hots up

    ITTF World Juniors: Fight for shirts hots up

    The fight for places in the Team Nigeria contingent to the 2016 ITTF World Junior Championship in South Africa hots up at the National Training Centre of Lagos National Stadium.

    According to the coordinator of the camping exercise, Segun Toriola, the players are given their best in order to be part of the team, adding that the final list would be made known by next week.

    “I am impressed with the response of the players because every one of them wants to make the team to South Africa. For now we will still be watching them because we intend to organise a trial where the best will be selected for the world championship in Cape Town, South Africa by end of the year,” he said.

    However, the duo of Abayomi Animasahun and Azeez Solanke believe they would make the team having been part of the team to Algiers where the team picked a spot to the global tournament.

    The invited players were part of the team that featured at the ITTF African Junior Championship in Algiers where they qualified for the World Juniors, while outstanding players from the National U-16 tournament also made it to the camp.

    For the President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi, the camp becomes necessary as some of the players would tutor on the latest rudiment of the sport. “The selected players will later go into close camping before the championship in November and they will continue to train in readiness for the competition. Segun Toriola will surely depart to his base after the camping and we hope the coaches around can continue to sharpen the skills of the players before the tournament which has Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria and Tunisia representing Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.”

    NTTF will cater for the players’ feeding and accommodation while their states are expected to offset their transport fare.

  • Mayowa loses cancer battle in South Africa

    Mayowa loses cancer battle in South Africa

    Twenty-nine-year-old Mayowa Ahmed yesterday died in a South African hospital about 10 days after her admission.

    The late Mayowa left Nigeria on August 11 to treat Stage IV Ovarian cancer after her family was cleared of fundraising scam allegations by the police.

    When contacted, her elder sister, Mrs Tope Adeniran, told our reporter on phone that Mayowa died early yesterday.

    She expressed sadness that her sister died despite all the efforts to save her through the Whatsapp Social messaging platform.

    Mrs Adeniran, in tears, said: “I could not talk or text that was why I did not inform you. This is not fair; after everything.”

    She said the family had hopes that the late Mayowa would survive as she was said to be responding to treatment.

    “I really don’t know what went wrong.  But she was a bit better yesterday (Saturday),” she said.

    A family friend, Saheed Badmus, said Mayowa’s death came as a shock because initial report was that she was responding to treatment.

    “Tope called me this (yesterday) morning; she was crying.  She told me Mayowa was dead.  Yesterday (Saturday), we heard she was responding to treatment only for her to die today (Sunday).  She was in South Africa with her eldest brother,” he said.

    The late Mayowa’s brother tweeted news of her death on the social media yesterday.  Using his Twitter handle, @Asiwaju_Foye, he posted two tweets: “After a tough battle with Ovarian Cancer, Mayowa Ahmed of #SaveMayowa campaign has passed on; and “She tried, we tried but God’s will prevailed #RipMayowa”.

    Last week, the late Mayowa’s family released a statement, thanking Nigerians for raising funds (about N32 million – apart from the $100,000 raised online via gofundme) for her treatment abroad.

    This followed the police exoneration of the family of allegations of raising the funds without plans to treat her abroad.  The allegations were raised by Nollywood actress Toyin Aimakhu, Aramide Kasamu of Life Stake Foundation and a  blogger, Linda Ikeji.  The police cleared all parties of wrongdoing and attributed the allegations to miscommunication.

    The family had considered hospitals in the U.S., India and United Arab Emirates but settled for South Africa when other plans failed.

    The family sought treatment abroad after finding it difficult to get accurate diagnosis about the late Mayowa’s ailment. The situation was compounded by her sickle cell anaemia, which made the hospitals to attribute her symptoms to Sickle cell crisis most of last year.

    She was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in June before the family started making moves to take her abroad.

     

  • ITTF World: Animasahun, Oribamise lead others tocamp

    ITTF World: Animasahun, Oribamise lead others tocamp

    National junior sensations – Abayomi Animasahun and Tosin Oribamise will lead 18 others to the National Training Centre of the Lagos National Stadium for the camping ahead of the International Table Tennis Federation {ITTF} World Junior Championships in Cape Town, South Africa.

    Under the tutelage of seven-time Olympian, Segun Toriola, the players will be groomed in readiness for the world championship while the 10-man team will also be selected at the end of the camping on September 3.

    Some of the invited players were part of the team that featured at the ITTF African Junior Championship in Algiers where they qualified for the World Juniors, while outstanding players from the National U-16 tournament also made it to the camp.

    According to the President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi, the camping is necessary as some of the players would gain from the experience of Toriola, who has been celebrated globally for his consistency and discipline in the sport.

    “We are blessed with talents just like Aruna Quadri and we don’t want to lose the momentum by ensuring that we come through with our programmes. This camping becomes necessary as we want to select the best hands among the junior players so that they can also test might with their foreign counterparts at the world juniors. With the experience of Toriola and Michael Oyebode, who were both in Rio Olympic Games, I am confident that camping would have impart on the players and prepare them for the championship,” Oshodi said.

    He added: “The selected players will later go into close camping before the championship in November and they will continue to train in readiness for the competition. Toriola will surely depart to his base after the camping and we hope the coaches around can continue to sharpen the skills of the players before the tournament which has Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria and Tunisia representing Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.”

    The invited players are Abayomi Animasahun, Azeez Solanke, Amadi Umeh, Michael Abayomi, Augustine Emmanuel, Jamiu Ayanwale, Ololade Oyenekan, Tobi Falana, Etim Orok, Babafemi Babatunde and Umar Ibrahim for boys and the girls include Tosin Oribamise Agnes Onoja, Ajoke Ojomu, Alimot Ayinla, Rofiat Jimoh, Iyanuoluwa Falana, Vivian Akpan and Sukurat Aiyelabegan.

    NTTF will cater for the players’ feeding and accommodation while their states are expected to offset their transport fare.