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Politics

Buhari promises sound security, economic programmes

Buhari promises sound security, economic programmes

 

Buhari

By Rabiu Sani

Maiduguri, Jan. 21, 2019 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday promised to adopt sound security and economic transformation programmes to address the nagging social and economic challenges facing the country, if re-elected.

 

Buhari, who spoke in Hausa language at the inauguration of his re-election campaign in Maiduguri, also promised to take the fight against corruption to a logical conclusion.

 

He said his administration had achieved significant progress in the campaign against corruption, economic diversification and improvement of security.

 

The President said his administration had adopted practical measures to reduce poverty, provide employment opportunities to the teeming unemployed youths and enhance farmers’ access to fertiliser and inputs.

 

“In 2015; I promised three things namely: security, economy and corruption.

 

“We reinvigorated agricultural sector; provide fertiliser and other support to farmers. I am happy that we recorded bumper harvest in the past two seasons.

 

“The high yields recorded boost crop production and we no longer spend money on the importation of rice.

 

“On security, our achievements are glaring and I remain committed to the protection of lives and property of the people as well as safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity.

 

“I always sleep with you in mind on security, economy and fight against corruption,” Buhar said.

 

The President also said that his administration would auction houses and other property seized from corrupt officials and transfer the funds to national treasury for execution of viable projects.

 

He called on the electorate to vote for APC and all its candidates to enable them continue with their policies and programmes.

 

Buhari further sympathised with party supporters who sustained injuries in the collapse of a pavilion at the venue of the rally.

 

Gov. Kashim Shettima, his his speech, commended Buhari for the successes recorded in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, and effective response to address the humanitarian crisis in the state.

 

Shettima said the President had demonstrated love and concern to plight of the people of the state, which assisted to address social, economic and security challenges bedeviling the state.

 

He assured Buhari of support of the people in the state, adding voters in the would give the president about 95 per cent block votes.

 

“To reciprocate your love, goodwill and what the you did to us, we shall give 2.3 million votes,” he said.

 

Also, Sen. Bola Tinubu, APC co-Chairman, Presidential Campaign Council, called on Nigerians to disregard calls by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and vote for Buhari for the second time.

 

Other speakers at the event include Dr Rotimi Amaechi, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Adams Oshiomole, APC National Chairman and Borno APC Chairman, Alhaji Ali Dalori.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari formally handed over APC’s flag to Borno Governorship candidate, Prof. Babagan Zulum.

 

Some prominent members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who defected to the APC were also received to the party at the event.

 

They include former Gov. Muhammad Goni, Alhaji Kaka Bolori, the Director-General, PDP Campaign Council, Musa Abubakar, Baba Shehu, Masta Lawan, Ali GNPP and Grema Terab.

NAN also reports that Buhari and his campaign team left Maiduguri to Damaturu in continuation of his campaign. (NAN)

RSA/MOL/IM
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ibrahim Mammaga

General news

CP destroys drugs worth N400m in Lagos

Drugs

By Moses Omorogieva and Mateen Badru
Lagos, Jan. 9, 2019 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Imohimi Edgal, on Wednesday destroyed over N400 million worth of hard drugs in a renewed war against narcotics in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Imohimi destroyed the drugs at Elegbe dump site, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

He noted that there was connection between drugs and crime, and gave assurance that the police would partner with other security agencies to rid the society of drugs.

“You will recall that when I took over as Lagos Commissioner of Police, I stated that I will fight crime with available resources.

‘‘The substances we are destroying here were recovered during the course of raids on criminal hideouts.

“The substances contained Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine, Indian Hemp and other dangerous drugs worth over N400 million.

“We know there is a nexus between drugs and crime. Perhaps the availability of drugs and arms are the reasons why we have crimes.

“This is why we have decided to fight illegal use and sale of drugs and we have been receiving assistance through partnership with security agencies and the Lagos State Government.

“These drugs were seized between January 2018 and now.

‘‘Since our store had become filled beyond capacity, we decided to approach the court for order to destroy them,” he said.

Edgal thanked the public for their useful information to the police and urged them to say something whenever they see something.

“I will advise everyone to partner with us so that we can protect our children from illegal use of drugs.

“I want to assure Lagosians that this partnership will be strengthened as we will go from community to community to get the drugs off the streets.” he added. (NAN)
BOM/MIO/MOL/WOJ
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Wale Ojetimi
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Economy

Customers in Omu-Aran rejoice over bank’s re-opening

Customers
By Yinusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara), June 11, 2018 (NAN) Some bank customers in Omu-Aran, Kwara, have heaved a sigh of relief as a commercial bank in the town re-opened three months after shutting down.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports on Wednesday that the bank had remained closed since April, following an armed robbery attack on some commercial banks in Offa.

The bank which only began skeletal services in January 2017, three years after a similar attack on banks in Omu-Aran community, had since the last robbery in Offa remained closed.

The bank’s closure had forced bank customers to engage the services of local money transfer operators in the community.

NAN recalls that some armed bandits had in May 2013, attacked three commercial banks in Omu-Aran, killing three persons and carted away undisclosed amount of money.

One of the banks had to reopen in January 2017, after persistent pressure and appeals from the people of the community.

The community had also donated two Hilux vehicles to the police to aid in combating crime in the area, and to encourage the banks to commence business activities.

Some bank customers told NAN on Wednesday that they had no choice but to travel about 75 kilometres to Ilorin to carry out bank transactions while the closure lasted.

NAN also reports that another bank affected by the May 2013 attack in the community, had embarked on a massive renovation of its building toward commencing banking transactions before the Offa incident.

The bank had since jettisoned the plan of re-opening its branch in the town and remained closed to customers.

The latest re-opening of a bank’s branch in Omu-Aran NAN gathered, may  not be unconnected with the recent massive deployment of detachment of a mobile police unit in the community.

All efforts to speak with the bank officials on the development proved abortive as none of them was ready to volunteer any information.

Mr Dotun Adeyeye, a businessman, described the development as heart-warming and a pleasant development.

“I am very happy that one of the banks has opened its doors to customers, our prayer is for the other banks to follow in that order.

“The bank’s refusal to reopen for business since the Offa attack has dealt a big blow to our business activities,” he said.

Mrs Roseline Adebayo, a civil servant praised members of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) and the Olomu-in-Council for ensuring the re-opening of the bank.

Chief Bisi Adeyemi, the ODA President, expressed the association’s appreciation to the bank management for yielding to the request of the community in that regard.

He pledged the association’s readiness to continue to partner with security agents and other stakeholders in ensuring a safe banking environment. (NAN)
ISHO/MOL/EEE
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ese E. Ekama

 

Environment

Be proud of your country’s values – US Ambassador advises Nigerians

Be proud of your country’s values – US Ambassador advises Nigerians

Proud
By Ebere Agozie
Abuja, May 25, 2018 (NAN) The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr William Symington, has called on Nigerians to be proud of their values, heritage and culture to propel the country to greater height.

Symington made the call in Abuja on Friday during his courtesy visit to Alhaji Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General of the National Parks Service (PKS).

He said Nigerians should love their country and everything it stood for, stressing that if they failed to preserve the nation, no one would call himself or herself a Nigerian.

“Although there is great trouble, and it has affected many, but if you like being a Nigerian, you must protect its symbols and resources.

“These symbols include your values, culture, water; trees, animals, natural heritage etc because in these symbols, you will find point of reference, point of pride as well as of common interest.

“As you think about the country it is nice not just to have an appreciation of the people of the country, it is also nice to have an appreciation of the country itself.’’

He said that the idea of the National Parks was a very welcome development that would add to the economic development of the country.

“Think of ways people can make a living from things that are beautiful in your parks.

“There are people around the world who will pay thousands of dollars a day to go to places like your parks, stay overnight and be guided to look at the natures at the park.

“What I have seen here is extraordinary, it is like a stream that never runs out, it is like a farm you farm in a way that it can continue to regenerate forever.’’

According to Symington,any Nigerianu can talk about what he has but, most importantly, must  talk about what he must have as Nigerian.

“It is your job to protect the values and what you have as a nation. It is not about the past but the future and the preservation of both the present and its future.

“Give people reasons to be proud of their natural endowments by God at your parks without destroying them.

“Preservation of nature is like working in an incredible factory, producing extraordinary goods and saying I am not going to destroy the factory I am going to add value to it and leave it for generations to come.’’

He advised the parks service to share its experience with the people of Nigeria to understand and appreciate what they have to offer.

“I think that the future of Nigeria depends not just on Nigerians being proud of being Nigerian, but of Nigerians being proud of where they are, what they have and what you preserve.

“They cannot be proud of what they do not know, so bringing them to the Parks is the key,’’ he said.

Responding, Goni thanked the Ambassador for the visit and for the approval granted to three officers of the service to attend an investigative wildlife trafficking course in Botswana.

He also solicited for more patronage and partnership with the US to elevate the parks to  international standard and improve revenue generation.

Some of the highlights of the visit were the planting of a tree by the envoy to commemorate his visit, sightseeing of the mini-park and an inspection of guard of honour. (NAN)
EPA/MOL/YAZ
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi
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08067760912

 

Environment

UNESCO official seeks establishment of laboratories to monitor emergent pollutants in Nigerian waters

Pollutants
By Mustapha Lamidi
Abuja, May 22, 2018 (NAN) Dr Enang Moma, the Bureau Regional Officer of UNESCO in Abuja, has called for the establishment of strong laboratories to monitor emergent pollutants in the country’s rivers and streams.

Moma made the call in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening of a two-day meeting on the “Revitalisation and Strengthening of the National Core Group on Water Quality’’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR) in collaboration with the Water Aid organisation.

The bureau regional officer noted that non-monitoring of pollutants was causing more harm to the quality of water being consumed by Nigerians.

She attributed the low awareness of Nigerians to the problem which could cause health hazard to the citizenry.

Moma said UNESCO had started to build the capacity of experts to address lack of monitoring of pollutants in the country’s rivers and streams.

“We are trying to build the capacity of experts to address this problem. We are going to build one laboratory in Nigeria to tackle the problem of pollutants in the nation’s rivers,’’ she said.

Moma urged all tiers of government and other stakeholders to inaugurate research centres across the country to embark on how to solve the problem of pollutants in the nation’s water system.

“There is the need for the government to work with other stakeholders to get results, and to generate data that can be used to tackle this problem,’’ she said.

NAN reports that FMWR had in 2009 constituted a National Core Group on Water Quality made up of Federal Ministries of Health, Environment and Water, and others.

The rest are the National Water Research Institute (NWRI), Kaduna, UNICEF and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

The Chairman and secretariat of the group are domiciled in the Department of Water Quality Control and Sanitation.

The National Core Group which was formed to be a driving force for water quality management in Nigeria has been seen not to be carrying out its coordination role effectively.

However, the advent of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 precipitated the need to have an effective platform which will be coordinating water quality in Nigeria.

This thus brought about the need to strengthen the National Core Group for optimal performance.(NAN)
MOL/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Environment

FAO praises Nigeria’s strides in reducing emission from deforestation

FAO praises Nigeria’s strides in reducing emission from deforestation
NAN-AE-11
Praise
Abuja, March, 5, 2018 (NAN) Officials of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have commended Nigeria for its strides toward becoming a full-fledged ‘‘Reduced Emissions from Deforestation’’ (REED) and forest project nation.

Marieke Sandker, FAO Forest Officer and Forest Reference Level (FRL) Technical Officer in Rome, gave the commendation at a workshop on ‘‘Reference Emission Level, Methodology and Submission’’ in Abuja on Monday.

She said participation in REED+Forest Reference Emission Level and/or Forest Reference Level was one of the elements countries needed to develop to partake in REDD+.

‘‘Nigeria and 34 other countries, which include Tanzania, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guyana, Mexico, Nepal, Mozambique and Ghana, have complied with the dynamic process.’’

Sandker lauded government and non-governmental stakeholders for reviewing the document, which she said had been submitted to the UN-REDD Policy Board (UPB) for further action.

She stated that the document was being examined to determine what inputs to generate the needed level of emission.

The officer noted that the review of the document had become imperative because it would be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for further deliberation.

Sandker stated that UNFCCC had defined the FREL/FRLs as benchmarks for assessing each country’s performance in implementing REDD+ activities.

The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty adopted on May 9, 1992 and opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from June 3 to 14, 1992.

Mr Jonathan Robberts, Forest Expert, FAO, Roam, noted that Nigeria had been pro-active in meeting the country’s obligations to the UNFCCC.

He recalled that the United Nations adopted the Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992 “With the realisation of the potential dangers of global warming and the consequent socio-economic implications to the whole world.

‘‘The objective of the Convention is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with climate system.’’

He said due to the implications of the convention’s decisions, REDD+ had enumerated five eligible activities that developing countries must implement to reduce emissions and enhance removals of greenhouse gases.

The activities include reducing emissions from deforestation, reducing emissions from forest degradation, conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

Roberts explained that the workshop was working toward submitting a clean note to the UNFCCC.

Mr John Fonweban, FAO Forest officer REED+ Programme, said that FAO was determined to develop a National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) capable of measuring the status and evolution of forest resources in compliance with the requirements of the UNFCCC for Nigeria.

He said that the goal of FAO on the programme was to enable Nigeria to contribute to climate change mitigation through improved forest conservation and enhancing sustainable community livelihoods.

Fonweban said the organisation had embarked on this by using Cross River as a demonstration model with the building of a REDD+ mechanism in the state.

‘‘The programme is structured in four outcomes; two at the federal level and two focusing on Cross River State,’’ he said.

He said the workshop was designed to improve the institutional and technical capacity at the national level.

He said that FAO had supported the Federal Government to develop its REDD+ readiness process by expanding the process initiated at Cross River through a UN REDO Programme to Nassarawa and Ondo states.

Fonweban disclosed that parts of the readiness funds had been allocated to undertake forest land cover/land use mapping and change detection for the entire country.

He gave assurance that FAO would continue to support the implementation of the activity through a Technical Assistance Agreement signed with the Federal Government.

Stakeholders across the country are expected to generate activity data and create national mosaic for Nigeria. (NAN)
FHO/MOL/IA
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Idris Abdulrahman
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Agriculture

122 awaiting trial inmates in Edo receive training in agriculture

NAN-AE-3
Training
By Imelda Osayande
Benin, Feb. 7, 2018 (NAN) More than 122 awaiting trial inmates in Oko Medium Security Prison in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo have received training in general principles of agriculture.

 

Mr Aminu Suleman, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Edo Command of the Nigerian Prisons Service, made this known via a statement in Benin on Wednesday.

 

Suleman said that the inmates — 19 females and 103 males — were trained on benefits of farming, fish farming, crop handling and produce marketing, among other agricultural activities.

 

He said that the training was organised in partnership with Christ Embassy’s Benin Zone 1 Foundation School Programme and an entertainment agency, “Laughter International’’.

 

“The highpoint of the graduation ceremony, which was held after practical and written examinations, was the cutting of the graduation cake.

 

“Certificates were also distributed to the122 participating inmates.

 

“Drama sketch, music, jokes and dance also featured in the ceremony which was anchored by Pastor Chikason of Laughter International,’’ he said.

 

Suleman said that awards were presented to the officer-in-charge of Oko Prison, Mr Godwin Evboruan and the Assistant Comptroller, Welfare Unit, Mr Julius Osemwingie.

 

He said that Evboruan and Osemwingie were honoured for their efforts, support and contributions to the several training programmes that were organised for the inmates.

 

He said that the Comptroller of Edo Command of Nigeria Prisons, Mr Amadin Osayande, who was represented by Evboruan, thanked the two organisations for their commitment to supporting efforts of the prisons service to better the lives of the inmates.

 

He said that Osayande assured the organisations of the resolve of the prisons service to improve its service delivery and the lives of all prison inmates. (NAN)
IMEL/MOL/OOK
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi and Dayo Komolafe

General news

Ekwueme’s burial; Enugu township wears new look

NAN-H-55

Burial

By Stanley Nwanosike

Enugu, Jan. 29, 2018 (NAN) Enugu township is presently wearing a new look following clean-up and arrangements for visitors and friends coming into the town to pay last respects to the late former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ekwueme died on Nov.19, 2017 at a London Hospital in the United Kingdom after a brief illness.

NAN reports that the Presidential Committee for the burial of the late Vice-President had fixed a service of songs for late Ekwueme at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Independent Layout, Enugu, on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m.

According to the burial arrangements, there will be South-East Zonal Commendation ceremony at Okpara Square, Enugu at 10 a.m on Wednesday.

A correspondent of NAN, who monitored development in the state capital on Monday, observed that the grasses in green verge areas of the metropolis had been pruned.

Trees with outgrown trucks and branches in the town had been trimmed as well.

At Okpara Square, which would be venue for South-East Commendation Ceremony, the square had been re-painted, its grass pruned and its lighting systems had also been fixed and re-tested for efficiency.

The compound of the Good Shepherd Cathedral Church, Independent Layout, Enugu, had been given proper cleaning ahead of the service of songs for the late political icon.

Meanwhile, the Enugu country home of the late former Vice-President is already wearing a new look as the facilities had been cleaned up.

The water system had also been fixed, while the building was wearing a new glossy paint, revealing the beauty of the edifice which was more than 25 years old.

Buildings within the vicinity of his residence had all been repainted, especially houses No. 8, 10 and 12 on the same street, which were directly opposite the late political icon’s house.

When NAN correspondent went through the condolence register at the residence, more 391 Nigerians had signed it so far. (NAN)
KSN/MOL/EEE
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ese E. Ekama

 

 

Defence/Security

Man, 50, in Police custody over death of wife in Jigawa

Man, 50, in Police custody over death of wife in Jigawa

NAN-DS-
Death
By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
Dutse, Jan. 16, 2018 (NAN) The Police in Jigawa have arrested a 50-year-old man for allegedly causing the death of his 40-year-old wife, Ai’sha Musa, in Birninkudu Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Jinjiri Abdu, confirmed the arrest in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Tuesday.

Jinjiri said that the suspect, allegedly beat the deceased when they quarreled on Jan. 14, in their matrimonial home in Daurawa village at about 6.30 a.m.

‘‘According to reports, on January 14, the suspect allegedly beat the deceased while quarreling around 6.30 a.m. at their matrimonial home in Daurawa village of Birninkudu Local Government Area.

‘‘It was gathered that the suspect had returned from a journey and proceeded straight to the house of his recently wedded second wife.

‘‘And when the deceased heard about it, she followed him there and protested that he was supposed to be with her, and not the new wife.

‘‘The reports also further indicated that before the suspect travelled, he was with the deceased and was supposed to be with the new wife after returning from his journey.

‘‘But the new wife permitted the suspect to go with the senior wife so that he will come back to her after the journey, so that peace can reign.

‘‘But unfortunately, the quarrel continued between the suspect and the deceased, and in the process, he beat her severally which led her to collapse.

‘‘It was at this juncture that the suspect rushed the deceased to the hospital where she died before medical personnel could attend to her,’’ Jinjiri said.

He said the corpse of the deceased had been handed over to her family for burial.

The police spokesman stated that investigation had commenced into the case after which the suspect would be charged to court. (NAN)
MNB/MOL/MZA
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Maharazu Ahmed

Environment

Katsina govt. spends N2bn to construct standard drainage system in Katsina

NAN-AE-5
Drainage
By Shehu Danjuma
Katsina, Dec.18, 2017 (NAN) The Katsina State Government has spent over N2 billlion in the last two years for the construction of a standard drainage system in the state capital and its environs.

 

Gov. Aminu Masari said this on Monday, while receiving stakeholders and political leaders from Katsina who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Katsina.

 

“The present administration has expended over N2 billion to construct drainages in the Katsina metropolis within the last two years.

 

“When this administration came on board, it met several wards that had been experiencing flood disasters every.

 

“This government constructed a long drainage of five-kilometres from Sabuwar-Unguwa to Adeleke Bridge to Tudun-Natsira and Kofar-Sauri area.

 

“The government also constructed a drainage from Kofar-Kwaya to Kofar-Kaura and joined it to Adeleke Bridge in the Katsina metropolis.

 

“Another drainage from the Emir’s palace to General Hospital Road to Katsina Teachers College and outside the city wall was constructed.

 

“The government also reclaimed some ponds that were becoming a threat to the people of the metropolis.

 

“A two-kilometre-drainage was constructed from Yammawa to the outskirts of the town to avert flood disaster in the area,’’ Masari added.

 

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, said that they were at the Government House to pledge their loyalty and support for the Masari-administration.

 

Yakubu, who is also the state Deputy Governor, commended Masari for the renovation and rehabilitation of selected educational institutions across Katsina city.

 

“We are, indeed, very grateful that the governor has upgraded all the facilities in the General Hospital, Katsina,” he added. (NAN)
SUD/MOL/OOK
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi and Dayo Komolafe