The Nation Newspaper

Tag: The Nation newspaper

  • Wizkid to headline BBC Radio 1Xtra Live

    Nigerian international music superstar, Wizkid, has been announced as the headline act for this year’s BBC Radio 1Xtra Live music event scheduled to hold on October 5 at Arena Birmingham.

    BBC announced the name of the Nigerian singer alongside other international acts such as French Montana, Ms Banks, Aitch and DaniLeigh.

    Other performing at the event include Headie One, Miraa May, Stylo G, and Lil Tecca.

    1Xtra’s DJ Target says: “1Xtra Live is our flagship night where we really get to let our hair down and showcase some of the cream of artists we love and support on the network.

    “This year, we head to Birmingham, a city we’ve always had an amazing relationship with, and we bring another incredible line up with us.

    “Aitch is undoubtedly next up when it comes to UK rap and he’s going to kill it; Ms Banks has had a fierce year too and is brilliant live.”

    READ ALSO: Wizkid condemns xenophobic attacks in South Africa

    The 1Xtra Live will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Asian Network from 7pm on October 5.

    ThE feat is coming while Wizkid is still basking in the euphoria of the release of his new single ‘Ghetto Love,’ which has reportedly hit one million streams on Audiomack.

    The ‘Fever’ crooner is also set to storm Europe with his upcoming Starboy Fest beginning on October 19, with the London leg of the concert slated for the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena.

    The Paris leg of the fest will hold on October 18 at Les Docks Pullman and the Manchester’s show will hold on October 26 at O2 Victoria Warehouse

    (NAN)

  • JUST IN: Boko Haram kills abducted aide worker

    One of the six workers of Action Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organisation, who was abducted by Boko Haram two months ago, has been killed.

    The insurgents uploaded a video online showing how the humanitarian worker was beheaded.

    Nigerian journalist Ahmad Salkida, via his verified Twitter handle, said the aid worker, a male was executed at a close range.

    Salkida said that he saw the video of the execution.

    Salkida added that ISWAP said it took the action because ‘the government deceived them’ following months of what is now known as secret negotiations between a team of intermediaries and unnamed officials.

    “#ISWAP has executed one of the six aid workers, working with the Action Against Hunger that was abducted two months ago in Borno,” Mr Salkida’s tweet reads.

    Read Also: Matawalle alerts on presence of Boko Haram elements in Zamfara

    “One of the male aid workers was executed at close range in a short video clip seen by this reporter.

    The group said it took the action because “the government deceived them” following months of what is now known as secret negotiations between a team of intermediaries and unnamed officials.

    “ISWAP has also threatened to execute the other remaining staff of the International Non Governmental organization (ACF/AAH).

  • My step-father raped me, sexually abused my younger sister – Woman tells court

    An Ibadan-based fashion designer, Esther Isaiah, on Wednesday accused her step-father, John Dickson, of raping her and sexually abusing her younger sister.

    Testifying in a Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan, Isaiah, 20, also alleged that her step-father was responsible for her childlessness.

    “Our step-father, started molesting me at age 12 and my younger sister, whenever we visit our mother in her matrimonial home.

    “Whenever my mother is not at home, my step-father will threaten that he will kill me if I don’t allow him sleep with me. So, I allowed him in order to live.

    “He raped me so many times. I never told my mother because I didn’t know what will happen, but, I told my friends.

    “He also raped my younger sister. She told me that our step-father comes into the room where she sleeps with a mask and rapes her,” she said.

    Earlier, Dickson who spoke through an interpreter said that he filed the divorce suit on grounds of abandonment.

    He alleged that his wife, Mary, abandoned him for three years without any reason.

    READ ALSO: Step-father defiles 7-month-old baby in Katsina

    However, Mary countered her husband’s submission of abandonment when she described him as evil and an animal in human skin.

    “It is true that I left Dickson’s home. He raped my daughter, one of the two children I had before I married him.

    “The girl was afraid to tell me what my husband did to her and she stopped visiting me.

    “In Cross River, where I am from, it is a taboo for a man to sleep with a step-daughter and her mother.

    “Except a certain sacrifice is performed, the step-daughter might never conceive and the mother will die.

    ”I am currently sick and need urgent spiritual deliverance,” Mary said.

    After listening to the testimonies, Chief Ademola Odunade, the court’s President, ordered all the parties concerned to ensure that they did the needful since it was a matter of life and death.

    He held that Dickson might be charged for a felony.

    The arbitrator adjourned the case till Oct. 15 for judgment.

    (NAN)

  • Finance minister appoints Tanko Abdullahi Special Adviser

    The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning has appointed Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi as Special Adviser on Media and Communications.

    Abdullahi whose appointment took effect from 1st September 2019 is a civil servant, journalist, photographer with specialisation in media and communications management in both private and public sectors.

    Yunusa Abdullahi, a graduate of English from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria holds a Master’s in English from the University of Lagos. He began his civil service career as Producer on NTA -2 Ch 5, Lagos. Producing NTA -2 flagship programmes ‘Morning Ride’ and ‘Mastersports’.

    Abdullahi also produced the documentary that won Nigeria the right to host the All African Games in 2003 and the Lamido of Adamawa 50th Anniversary on the throne.

    Between 2004-2006, Abdullahi reported for Deustche Welle English service, Cologne Germany. Abdullahi left NTA-2 CH 5 in 2006 to head the Corporate Affairs department of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). He also served as the Zonal Coordinator North West of NFVCB, with office in Kano State, with the responsibility to expand the organisation’s profile in the North West of Nigeria.

    He was appointed deputy director News and Special Assistant to the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in November, 2013. He was later transferred to the Kaduna zonal office as Head of News and Current Affairs in May 2017.

    Until his appointment, Abdullahi who has more than 27 years of experience in Project Management was Director, Academic Planning at the National Broadcast Academy, FRCN- Lagos. He was the first Nigerian to coordinate the American International Emmy Award Semi Final event in Abuja in July, 2011.

    Abdullahi was a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Elections Monitoring Team to Mali, 2013, and also served as one of the Chief Strategists for NFVCB Roadshow to promote Nollywood around the World. He was Chief Photographer, Nigeria/Morocco Businesswomen Forum, Marrakech.

    Morocco. Abdullahi was Editor at large at www.thecable.ng and Chief Photographer for the French Institute, Nigeria for the project ‘Et En plus Jena Parle Francais’ meaning ‘I speak French too.

    READ ALSO: Buhari gives Budget Office marching order on Budget 2020

    Abdullahi has Certificate in Corporate Affairs Management from Lagos Business School (LBS) and Certificate in Computer Appreciation from Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON). He is Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Abdullahi has Certificate in Public Relations from Nigerian Institute of management, and he is a Member of Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), London. He has Certificate in Writing for the Press and Certificate in Brand Marketing in Public Relations Campaigns both from the CIPR, London.

    Abdullahi has Certificate in Photography from the London School of Photography; Certificate in Digital Photography from the Photo Opportunity Studio, Camden Town, and a Diploma in Photojournalism from the London Academy of Media and Television all in the United Kingdom (UK). He also has Certificates in Government, Image and Information, The UK Experience; and a Certificate in Consultancy in the Public Sector: A foundation in Essential Consultancy Skills all from the Public Administration International, London.

    Abdullahi has attended various seminars and festivals within and outside of the country. He was at the World Cup in France in 1998 as a producer for NTA-2 Channel 5; at the Nation’s Cup, Ghana/Nigeria in 2000; at the West African Executive Elections in Togo; at the Sithengi Film Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2006; at the Launch of Nigeria in the Movies in London in 2007; at the World Public Relations Conference And Festival in London in 2008; at the MIPTV programmes and content market in Cannes, France in 2009; at the Cannes International Film Festival, France in 2011, and at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Scotland in 2012. And also at the Toronto International Film Festival, Canada in 2013,

    He is to report to the Honourable Minister and also serve as a member of the senior management team in the ministry with the responsibility for among others strategically managing the Ministry’s media and communications for both internal and external publics.

  • Osinbajo presides over FEC as Buhari continues with foreign engagements at UNGA

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday in Abuja presided over the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) following President Muhammadu Buhari’s foreign engagements at the 74th session of UN General Assembly in New York.

    President Buhari had on Tuesday addressed the UN General Assembly in New York where he alerted the world on attempts to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.

    The Nigerian leader said: “We are giving notice to international criminal groups by the vigorous prosecution of the P&ID scam attempting to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those in attendance of the FEC meeting included the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari and acting Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan.

    Read Also: Finance minister appoints Tanko Abdullahi Special Adviser

    NAN observed that over 30 cabinet Ministers were also in attendance of the meeting in which the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund, Hajiya Habiba Lawal.

    NAN reports that the ministers absent at the meeting was because he was with the president at the 74th UNGA and also representing the country in the P&ID 9.6billion dollars verdict in London.

    The Ministries of Science and Technology; Transportation and the Bureau for Public Procurement are among the Ministries, Departments and Agencies expected to make presentations at the meeting.(

  • Gates foundation honours 16-year-old activist who refused child marriage

    Miss Payal Jangid, a 16-year-old from India was on Tuesday honoured for her commitment towards advocating for education and abolition of child marriage after refusing to marry at the age of 12.

    Jangid was presented with the Change Maker award by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs Amina Mohammed at the 2019 Global Goals Award organised by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in New York.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a 28-year-old, Miss Aya Chebbi from Tunisia also received the Campaign Award for her work on youth empowerment throughout Africa.

    Also Mr Gregory Rockson, the founder of mPharma, who is from Ghana, received the Progress Award for his work in providing primary healthcare services across Africa.

    Similarly, the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi received the Global Goalkeepers Award, which recognised the progress India had made in providing safe sanitation to over 500 million people through the Swachh Bharat Mission.

    While receiving the award, Jangid spoke about her commitment to ensure that girls were treated properly and equal to men and also that it was important for girls to receive proper education.

    “I want every kid in the world without education to be given a chance to progress in the society especially girls who are more likely to drop out because of gender bias or poverty,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Co-founder, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates charged world leaders to take a cue from the Indian government and priotise the SDG Goal 6, which deals with water and sanitation.

    “Sanitation is something that government do not like to talk about because the solutions are not that easy.

    “We feel a lot about malaria because it is devastating but sanitation related illnesses kills more kids every year than malaria yet progress in achieving the SDGs 6 on water and sanitation is leading far behind,” he said.

    READ ALSO: My wish for Nigeria, by Bill Gates

    Also, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs Amina Mohammed said that courage was what it would take to address global inequality and achieve the SDGs by year 2030.

    “It will take courage to achieve the SDGs. I mean tons and tons of it. Courage to stand up for human rights and to stand against those who oppose gender equality.

    “Courage to push for financial inclusion and say that universal access to basic services are not charity but a right.

    “Courage to engage the sceptic and challenge the political interests that are hindering inclusive and sustainable development,” she said.

    The United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on ending poverty, fighting climate change, illicit financial flows, hunger, improving health and education, sustaining economic growth and reducing inequality within countries by 2030.

    The Bill and Melinda Gates’ annual Global Goals Awards honours remarkable individuals inspiring local and global audiences to help achieve the 17 SGDs by 2030.

    (NAN)

  • 2020 UTME: JAMB asks candidates to get NIN

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB) has called on all prospective candidates for its 2020 UTME to acquire the National Identification Number(NIN).

    The board’s Spokesman, Dr Fabian Benjamin said on Tuesday that the aim was to ensure the biometric and other necessary details of a candidate were captured, to check examination malpractice.

    Benjamin said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the call was necessary now that registration for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) had begun.

    “The JAMB will, during the 2020 registration exercise, use the National Identity Number (NIN) generated after successful registration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    “This includes the capturing of biometric and other necessary details for the registration of all prospective candidates.

    “Candidates are enjoined to register as the board will no longer be responsible for the capturing of candidates’ biometrics ahead of the examination, as all information required will be uploaded from the data captured by the NIMC.

    READ ALSO: No NIN, no UTME in 2020, JAMB tells candidates

    “Henceforth, the NIN will be compulsory for the UTME registration,” Benjamin said.

    According to Benjamin, the board has made adequate arrangement with the NIMC for prospective candidates to be registered at the examination centres or with its licensed agents.

    He said that for such candidates who had registered and had acquired the NIN before attaining the age of 16, they would be required to update their NIN registration status before registering for the UTME.

    “In case a candidate lost or misplaced his NIN, the candidate can retrieve it by either going to the NIMC office; its licensed agent or dial *346# (USSD code on the SIM card number earlier used to register for the NIN).

    “Candidate’s name as stated on the NIMC data base will be the same as the one on JAMB’s data registration form,” he said.

    (NAN)

     

  • Prince Harry, Meghan visit oldest mosque in South Africa

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are keeping busy on their royal trip to South Africa.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to the country’s oldest mosque, the Auwal Mosque, in the Bo-Kaap section of Cape Town. It was built in 1794.

    For the visit, Meghan ditched the denim jacket she wore earlier in the day and donned a cream-coloured headscarf. Harry changed out of his casual-collar shirt to a light-grey suit with no tie.

    Earlier in the day, the couple paid a visit to Monwabisi Beach on behalf of Waves For Change, a nonprofit that promotes surfing and also provides mental health services.

    Read Also; Why Prince Harry is being accused of ‘cheating’

    “Their Royal Highnesses were able to hear how the sessions are building trust, confidence, and belonging,” read a caption describing the meeting on the Sussex Royal Instagram page, with a gorgeous photo of Meghan smiling.

    “And they also got to join in as children took part in ‘power hand’, which teaches them how to keep calm down [and] reflect on strengths.”

    During the outing, the two royals complemented each other’s parenting skills, though little Archie was nowhere to be seen on the second day of the family’s trip (as he may have been resting up and recovering from a little jet lag).

  • BREAKING: Buhari submits MTEF to Senate

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday submitted the 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) to the Senate.

    This followed Buhari’s letter to the Senate which was read at plenary by the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan.

    Details Shortly…

  • Labour, govt to meet on new minimum wage

    Labour leaders and Federal Government officials will meet between tomorrow and Friday to unlock the stalemate over the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage.

    Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige said the government had commenced payment of the new wage from Levels 1 to 6 workers.

    But Labour leaders accused the government of insincerity. A source described the payments of the new wage to junior workers as “divide and rule tactics”.

    The President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye, chided the Federal Government for insincerity, adding that its representatives in the negotiation had not shifted ground.

    Olaleye said:  ”Up till now , we are still waiting for the representatives of the Federal Government. They promised to consult with the Presidency and get back to us. But we have not heard anything from them. It shows insincerity on their part and we can’t wait further.”

    Read Also: Workers now getting N30,000 wage, says Ngige

    Olaleye said Labour will meet with the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC) on Friday, adding that, if nothing is done by then, labour will take a decision.

    He said:  ”You all know the body language already. So, by Friday, we will meet with the JPSNC and a decision will be taken. I want to assure you that, once a decision is taken, there is no going back.”

    The JPSNC warned that workers could go on strike over the delayed implementation of the new wage as the meeting between the Federal Government and the council was stalled.

    Both parties failed to reach an agreement, despite minor adjustments in their separate positions.

    During the meeting, which was chaired by the thenHead of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, government shifted from its earlier position of 9.5 per cent to 11 per cent for grade levels seven to 14 and 6.5 per cent from 5.5 per cent for levels 15 to 17.

    But, workers have insisted that government should adjust the salaries of workers on grade levels 07 to 14 by 30 per cent and those on levels 15 to 17 by 25 per cent, having stepped down to 29 per cent from 30 per cent for grade levels 7 to 14 and 24 to 25 per cent for levels 15 to 17.

    Expressing dismay over the failed negotiation, the chairman of JPSNC and National Auditor of the NLC, Simon Anchaver,  accused the government team of toying with workers’ interest.

    He said the JPSNC had resolved to write to the NLC,  and the TUC for their advice on a possible industrial action.

    A member of the JNPSNC, who confirmed the proposed Friday meeting said that the labour team would be led by the NLC President Ayuba Wabba.

    He said labour would use the opportunity to discuss the need for the Federal Government to fast track action on the new minimum wage.

    The source kicked against the payment of N30, 000 minimum wage to junior workers on levels 1- 6 employed by the Federal Government, describing it as a “divide and rule tactics”.

    The source said: “We are meeting the minister on Thursday. The issue of minimum wage will definitely come up. Even the minister will talk about it.

    “We want the government to fast track the process. We are not happy over the decision of the government to pay workers on levels 01-6. It is divide and rule tactics by the government.

    “We will mobilise against it. In fact, we have already started mobilising our members but we have not fixed a date yet for it.”