The Nation Newspaper

Tag: unveiled

  • New sorghum variety unveiled

    The release of two new nutritionally high sorghum varieties, will be a boost for farmers and the malnourished population, especially children,  Scientist, Sorghum Breeding International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)-Nigeria, Dr Ignatius Angarawai, has said. One of them is three times higher in iron content

    Both varieties have yields that double local ones and have short duration, allowing farmers to adapt better to climate change.

    One of the new varieties, according to Angarawai, has iron content three times higher at 128.99 part/million (ppm)compared to 40 ppm.

    The improved varieties yield 2.4-2.8 tonnes per hectares, compared to yields of less than one tonne per hectare from local varieties. Initial screenings were encouraging as they showed that the new varieties were resistant to Striga compared to other varieties in the trial.

    “Sorghum has been recommended for infants, the elderly, pregnant and lactating mothers because of its high caloric and nutritional value. There are cases of ‘hidden hunger’ (deficit of iron and zinc) among low income farmers, who sell most of their produce. Sorghum is naturally high in iron and zinc,” said Angarawai.

    He said: “The newly released varieties can help overcome periods of drought, especially terminal drought problems prevalent in the Sahel and Sudan savannah agro-ecologies of Nigeria because they are early maturing, with 50 per cent  flowering in 67 days against the average 90 days for other varieties.”

    The improved open pollinated varieties were developed by a team of scientists in the Nigerian national agricultural research system and ICRISAT. The new varieties involved crossing local Nigerian germplasm with improved lines from ICRISAT’s collection in Mali.

  • Nigerian Idol 5 unveiled

    Nigerian Idol 5 unveiled

    Optima Media Group and Etisalat Nigeria have unveiled the season five television reality, Nigerian Idol.

    The Executive Director of Optima Media Group (OMG), Nigerian Idol franchise owners, Mrs. Ugochi Pedro, said the reality show has established its mark as a leading talent hunt platform that provides  opportunities for budding music stars to be discovered and nurtured for stardom.

    “For five years, we have been on this interesting journey of changing lives and helping people achieve life dreams. The key thing for us is to see these discovered talents become the real stars they are designed to be. We are taking this commitment to a new level this season. Nigerians can expect many exciting moments ahead,” she said.

    Also, Etisalat Director, Brands and Experience, Mr. Enitan Denloye, described this edition of the Nigerian Idol show as “a season of differentiation” that will raise the bar in the show.

    Meanwhile, three judges have been appointed for the season. They include Afrobeat star, Dede Mabiaku; vocalist Yinka Davies and R’n’ B crooner, Dare ‘Art’ Alade.

    The winner will get N7.5 million, a brand new car, a recording deal worth N7.5 million and some electronic devices.

  • Security plan for June 21 poll unveiled

    NO fewer than 25 sniffer dogs and horses would be deployed to provide security during the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State.

    The Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Mike Zuokoumor, announced this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, at an interactive session with police officers to assess the Command’s preparedness for the poll.

    The police chief said 200 counter-terrorism specialists and 200 crime prevention officers would be deployed during the election.

    Zuokoumor said he would lead the police team that would provide security during the poll.

    The DIG said some Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police would also be deployed.

    Zuokoumor, who did not give the number of policemen that would be deployed, said the state would be “heavily policed before, during and after the election.”

    He said enough personnel and equipment would be deployed by the police to prevent electoral malpractice and other criminal offences.

    “We shall be in Ekiti in full force to ensure security of lives and property. I can assure Nigerians and indeed Ekiti people that this election will come and go without a hitch. I stand firm on this.

    “Therefore, anybody trying to constitute evil or any form of disturbance is advised to steer clear before it is too late,” he said.

  • COSON Song Awards plaque unveiled

    COSON Song Awards plaque unveiled

    A host of icons in the music industry gathered at the premises of the Protea Hotel, GRA Ikeja on Tuesday, May 7 as the Board of Trustees of the much talked about COSON Music Foundation was inaugurated. The 8-member Board which will be responsible for the prudent management of the funds of the big foundation consists of distinguished music industry personalities.

    The Board has juju music maestro Evangelist (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi MFR as Chairman. Other members of the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees include Prof. (Sir) Victor Uwaifo MON, JP, Erelu Keji Okunowo, Mr. Edi Lawani, Mr. Toju Ejueyitchie, Dr. Ben Ofoeze, Chief Osita Okeke and a representative of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).

    Speaking at the event attended by the likes of Ras Kimono, KSB, Sunny Neji, Queen Ure, Kween Onakala, Azeezat and other music industry personalities, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, explained that the setting up of the COSON Music Foundation is the focus of the COSON Week. He said: “Each of the seven big events of the forth coming COSON Week is in support of the COSON Music Foundation, the big non-profit trust being set up for Nigerian music and musicians in a profession where there is no pension, gratuity or an insurance scheme. The foundation will provide support for artistes in distress and also provide funding for music education.”

    Chief Okoroji also called on all lovers of music and people with interest in Nigerian music to support the foundation.

    Speaking at the event, Evangelist (Dr.) Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi MFR said, “The idea of the music foundation itself is no doubt a novel one and a right step in the right direction. The music foundation will provide necessary resources and leadership to trigger a new economic and cultural revolution as well as provide much needed resources to intensify the battle against piracy and other forms of abuse of the rights of musicians in Nigeria, as this will improve the income of musicians through their recorded works. With the calibre and integrity of people that will serve with me as trustees of the foundation, I like to assure you all of our openness, fairness and equitable administration of the fund that will accrue to the foundation to the general good of the music industry and welfare of musicians.”

    Also inaugurated at the big event at Protea Hotel was the recently appointed COSON Advisory Council. The 11-member Advisory Council appointed by the COSON Board of Directors to be an important think tank for the society consists of distinguished music industry personalities and others who have special experiences or skills to offer useful advice to the society.

    Unveiling the plaque for the COSON Song Awards, Chief Okoroji said, “It has taken us months of brain-storming to come to a consensus on the insignia, plaque or trophy that represents the COSON Song Awards. As we searched far and wide, we picked out a bird which has been given the special talent by the Almighty to sing – the nightingale. In our minds, we perched the nightingale on the cone of the metal gong, the scintillating musical instrument common among the peoples of Nigeria. The basic concept was discussed with a young Nigerian artiste and sculptor, Dare Adenuga. We believe that Adenuga, a product of Yaba College of Technology, has come up with a masterpiece which from now on we will call Awoko. Awoko is the master singing bird celebrated in many songs of Yoruba master songwriters. Reputed to have out-of- this-world lyrics and singing talent, when Awoko shows up, every other bird bows. On May 25, only the very gifted will go home with the Awoko.”

    Speaking on the state of preparedness for the COSON Week, COSON Chair, Chief Tony Okoroji, assured Nigerians that COSON Week “will be like nothing they have seen before.”

    All hands are on deck to make the COSON Song Awards scheduled for Saturday, May 25 a truly defining event in the history of Nigerian entertainment. The COSON Song Awards will now be staged at the New Ball Room of Lagos Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island instead of the previously advertised Expo Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites.

  • New Haval 5, Wingle unveiled

    New Haval 5, Wingle unveiled

    CFAO CICA Nigeria Limited, distributor of Great Wall range of vehicles has unveiled two new models – the Haval H5 SUV and the upgraded Wingle Pick Up. These vehicles are already on display at CFAO CICA showrooms nationwide.

    Mastering urban fashion trend, enjoying dynamic passion life, Haval H5 is a new developed city SUV based on the mature Haval SUV platform. The exterior design is smart and the sharp headlights. The H5 adopts a design of streamline and muscular appearance with exquisite beauty of curves. The radiator grille gels well with the lower air dam and on the lower part of the bumper are round fog lamps. From the side, the SUV looks great with a high waist line and the oversized wheel arches which cover the big 17inch rims. The hood flows seamlessly into the waistline while the prominent contour line under the door handle extends from the front wheel arches to the rear of the vehicle. Encompassed with high reliability, high security, low fuel consumption and high emission standard, everything looks well put together and the H5’s strong proportions disguise its origins.

    Equipped with a Mitsubishi sourced 2.4-litre petrol engine which develops 200/2500-3000 Nm/rpm of torque, the SUV is available with a five speed manual transmission. There is also a low range gearbox which proves useful for off road use.

    CFAO CICA Nigeria Commercial Manager Idris Siyaka, described the Haval H5 as Great Wall’s “icing on the cake.”

    “It is trendy and would definitely change people’s perception of SUV’s in Nigeria,” he said.

    Continuing, Siyaka said, there is a prevailing sense of ruggedness coming from its chassis, and the amazing pliancy of its suspension makes it extremely suitable to be used as a workhorse that one can punish without remorse.

    On the upgraded Wingle Pick Up, Siyaka explained that Great Wall has raised the quality of its vehicles to highest standard in their segments with array of quality materials.

    “Great Wall wants to be recognised as a premium brand, hence it has improved in quality with the brand Philosophy of focus, dedication and specialization. Drivers with high taste for details are also expected to fall in love with the Wingle admirable interior materials as well as intuitive controls and extensive number of standard and optional features that distinguishes the new pickup,” he said.