Global Naija Info

Ambode The Lagos State Government on Wednesday terminated the monthly environmental sanitation exercise which hitherto held for three hours on the last Saturday of every month. An Appeal Court had earlier this month declared the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos as illegal and an infringement on the fundamental human rights of the populace. The State Government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the decision to cancel the monthly exercise followed a resolution arrived at Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting which approved the need for a robust review of the environmental laws and procedures in the state in order to meet the present day challenges and to promote a clean and healthy environment. The government noted that considering the present economic situation in the country, it was no longer appropriate to restrict movement of people for three hours in a mega city like Lagos at a time they should be pursui

NSCDC operatives The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 15,000 personnel for the Nov. 26, governorship election in Ondo State. The Public Relations Officer of the corps, Mr Emmanuel Okeh, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. Okeh said that the Commander General (CG) of the corps, Abdullahi Muhammadu, gave the directive on Wednesday. Muhammadu also directed the Acting Deputy Commandant-General (Operations), Hillary Madu, to relocate to the state to personally coordinate the operations. Madu will be assisted by two Assistant Commandants-General in Charge of Zone A, Lagos, and Zone G, Abeokuta, along with the Commandants from neighbouring states. “Personnel are to be redeployed from Kogi, Edo, Osun, Kwara, Ekiti and Ogun state Commands to complement the Ondo State Command for adequate coverage of the state,” Muhammadu said. The CG also approved the deployment of sniffer dogs and specialized units such as the SWAT, CBRN, CTU, undercover a

NSCDC operatives The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 15,000 personnel for the Nov. 26, governorship election in Ondo State. The Public Relations Officer of the corps, Mr Emmanuel Okeh, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. Okeh said that the Commander General (CG) of the corps, Abdullahi Muhammadu, gave the directive on Wednesday. Muhammadu also directed the Acting Deputy Commandant-General (Operations), Hillary Madu, to relocate to the state to personally coordinate the operations. Madu will be assisted by two Assistant Commandants-General in Charge of Zone A, Lagos, and Zone G, Abeokuta, along with the Commandants from neighbouring states. “Personnel are to be redeployed from Kogi, Edo, Osun, Kwara, Ekiti and Ogun state Commands to complement the Ondo State Command for adequate coverage of the state,” Muhammadu said. The CG also approved the deployment of sniffer dogs and specialized units such as the SWAT, CBRN, CTU, undercover a

The gavel of justice A Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Wednesday remanded a 23-year-old housekeeper, Henry Iruma-Egana, who allegedly stole his employer’s credit card to purchase goods online. The Magistrate, Mrs. F.O. Ikobayo, remanded the housekeeper pending ruling his bail application. She adjourned the case to Nov. 30 for the ruling. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused, who is facing a count charge, had pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Insp. Richard Odigie had told the court that the accused cloned Mr. Godwin Okoh’s credit card on Nov. 16 and used it to buy goods worth N 328,000. He said that the accused used the credit card to pay for a home theatre, laptop and cell phone he purchased on Konga.com. “Okoh received the alert of withdrawal of N187,500, N68,000 and N73,000 respectively on Nov. 16 and 17, and then went to his bank to report the withdrawals. “The theft was traced to the accused,” Odigie told the court. The prosecutor said that t

Nigeria-police The Akwa Ibom Police Command has refuted claims that its personnel deployed to quell the communal clash between Ikot Akpan Udo and Amazaba communities suffered casualties. “No policeman sustained an injury during the crisis,” the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Cordelia Nwawe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. “None of the personnel was injured. All our personnel performed their duties professionally. There is high police visibility and peace has returned to the area”. Nwawe noted that the policemen were professional in quelling the crisis that resurfaced on Nov 21 after some respite. Rumours were rife that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ikot Abasi Division, SP Inyang Abia and seven others were wounded as a result of the sporadic gunshots fired during the crisis. The people of Amazaba in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and Ikot Akpan Udo in Ikot Abasi LG a neighbouring community had been feuding intermitten

Didier Drogba Striker Didier Drogba has indicated he will not return to Montreal Impact next season with Major League Soccer club releasing a video on Wednesday Twitter thanking him for service. The 38-year-old former Chelsea striker played his last home game for the club after he came on as a second-half substitute in Impact’s 3-2 win over Toronto FC in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday. “Everyone knows that it was my last game here,” Drogba said when asked after the match if he would be back next season. “There is still one, maybe two games to go. Let’s think about next week’s game. I think that is more important than if it’s finished or not.” Montreal travel to Toronto for the second leg on Nov. 30, knowing either a win or a draw will see them advance to the MLS Cup final in either Seattle or Colorado on Dec. 10. Drogba joined Montreal in July 2015 and has scored 21 regular season goals in 33 appearances across two seasons. Injuries resulted in h

court-of-law[/caption A former banker, who allegedly defrauded 26 different people to the tune of N435 million, on Wednesday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The accused, Adebayo Ogunusi, 41, whose address was not given, is standing trial on a 26-count charge. The prosecutor, DSP Raymond Akhaine, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offences in Lagos from May to August. He said that the accused obtained the sum from his victims under false pretences of giving them the dollar equivalent. Akhaine said that the accused knew that the representation he made was false, adding that the offences contravened Section 312 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts. His counsel, Mr. Ayo Durojaiye, prayed the court to admit him to bail on liberal terms. The Magistrate, Mrs. A. O. Awogboro granted the accused bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum. She ordered, amo

Lagos State University Lecturers at the Lagos State University (LASU) resumed work on Wednesday after the expiration of the one-week nationwide warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). ‎Dr Isaac Oyewunmi, the Chairman, LASU chapter of ASUU, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ‎in Lagos that the resumption of work followed the directives of the ASUU national body. “We have all resumed today (Wednesday) as directed by the national body because the one week strike elapsed on Tuesday by 11.59 p.m.‎’’ ‎ According to him,‎ academic activities have returned and will continue until there is a contrary directive from the national body. The chairman said the next line of action would be determined by the union’s national body ‎after it meets to review the outcome of the warning strike. ‎Oyewunmi said following the warning strike, negotiation would continue between the union and the Federal Government. “It is either the government is ready to meet ou

EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Olusola Oyewole. A source at the commission revealed on Wednesday in Abuja that Oyewole was arrested for alleged financial fraud. According to the source, the Vice Chancellor will be arraigned in court on Friday. When contacted, the spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, declined comment on the issue. “I don’t have that information yet,’’ he said. Oyewole was invited by the commission about two months ago following allegations of financial fraud in a petition by the university’s branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities.

Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal, (FRSC) Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says it will submit a proposal to the Joint Task Board of the commission for a review of the drivers license fees due to exchange rate. Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal made this known on Wednesday at the capacity building workshop for Sector Heads of Drivers License Centres in Abuja. Oyeyemi said that the review was necessitated by the prevailing foreign exchange and capacity; hence the corps was considering forwarding a submission for the price review because the system could not continue running this way. He said that since the introduction of the national drivers license, it had undergone different metamorphosis. “It went from the national drivers’ license to enhanced drivers license to customised drivers license to what we have today,’’ he said. The corps marshal said that the road task made it compulsory for all drivers to either renew their licenses or go for the fresh ones. He said that wit

Mohammed-Goni-college-of-legal-and-islamic-studies About 2000 graduates of Mohammed Goni College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Maiduguri will receive their certificates, 20 years after graduation, the Registrar of the college, Alhaji Ahmadu Abdulfatah, said on Wednesday. Abdulfatah made the disclosure in Maiduguri. The registrar said that the decision to release the certificates was reached after the college and the University of Maiduguri recently sorted out all those affected. He said that about 1, 444 students currently undergoing NCE programmes in Civil and Sharia Law, would also be given the certificates after graduation. “Graduates of this college had remained without their certificates for about two decades now. “Initially the college does not issue certificate after graduation because proper arrangement was not set up with the affiliate university – which is the University of Maiduguri [UNIMAID]. “We formed a committee to address the issue, but after concluding all the

Keke Marwa The Borno Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Wednesday said it had trained about 400 tricycle operators to reduce the rate of road accidents in the state capital. The state Commandant of the FRSC, Mr Shehu, stated this in Maiduguri. Shehu vowed to arrest underage tricycle operators and commercial vehicles drivers, saying such persons were constituting a lot of nuisance on the roads. He also decried consumption of illicit drugs by tricycle operators,saying the trend was posing danger to passengers and the drivers themselves. “The greatest challenges of the command since I came on board in February 2016 are the lawlessness and nonchalant attitude of tricycle operators. A lot of them are not even fit to ply the roads. “The town is overstretched and everybody wants to ride “Keke” ,that is why about 98 per cent of its operators do not have driver’s licence. “Most of them just join the business because they want to start doing something. “Our concern rema

south-carolina-gov-Nikki-Harley President-elect Donald Trump has picked South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to be the US ambassador to the United Nations, according to multiple sources familiar with the decision. An official Trump transition announcement is expected later Wednesday. Haley, who is the daughter of Indian immigrants, has already carved out a legacy for herself, serving as her home state’s first female and first minority governor. Haley was also among those being considered by Trump for secretary of state. Her pick leaves former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and a handful of others among those still in the running for the top diplomat position. While on the stump during the campaign, Haley vocally disavowed Trump, appearing publicly on behalf of Marco Rubio and endorsing Sen. Ted Cruz after the Florida senator dropped out of the GOP primary race. Relations between Haley and Trump have been far from cordial, with both vaulting

Alleged-7-year-old-boy-burnt for stealing garri An Ilorin based legal practitioner, Mr Adeoye Are has called on the National Assembly to facilitate a bill against jungle justice to serve as deterrent to perpetrators. He said in Ilorin on Wednesday that it was important due to the increased cases of such crimes in the country. He said it was high time people got punished for taking laws into their hands. “The rising cases of jungle justice are becoming worrisome and it is better our lawmakers move a bill against such. “People have to be punished for taking laws into their hands because we are in a sane society but people are behaving like animals. “So, I think it is until it is formally made illegal and perpetrators get punished for it before they take the campaign against it seriously,’’ Are said. The legal practitioner described the act as purely man’s inhumanity to fellow man which should be discouraged. “No matter the kind of grievous act anybody might have done, no one de

The Appeal Court Abuja has declared Mr Eyitayo Jegede as the PDP governorship candidate for Ondo State in next Saturday’s governorship election. The appealte court ordered INEC to put Jegede’s name on the ballot and remove that of Jmoh Ibrahim as the PDP Governorship candidate for Ondo State. Details later.

The Special Panel of the Appeal Court in Abuja this afternoon ruled that Justice Okon Abang of the Abuja High Court was wrong to have ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace Mr Eyitayo Jegede’s name with that of Jimoh Ibrahim as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State. Justice Saulawa is still delivering his ruling. More to come.

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on Wednesday presented a 2017 budget proposal of more than 209.8 billion naira to the state House of Assembly. Ganduje said the 2017 budget, christened `Budget of Sustainable Self-Reliance’, would focus more on developmental projects in the state. According to him, more than 130.4 billion naira has been proposed for Capital Expenditure, while more than 79.3 billion naira has been set aside for Recurrent Expenditure. The governor said more than 143.7 billion naira would be generated from recurrent revenue, just as more than 47.7 billion naira would be sourced as internally generated revenue. “More than 96.9 billion naira will be generated from the Federation Accounts Allocation”, he said. He stated that the budget is coming at a turbulent period in the life of the state. He, however, assured that his administration would continue to execute developmental projects in the state through the proper use of a

IDPs The Presidential Initiative for North East (PINE), on Wednesday, presented relief materials to more than 250,000 returnee Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, said during presentation in Gulak, headquarters of Madagali, that the gesture was to bring succour to the returnee IDPs affected by insurgency in the area. Lawal, who was represented by Sen. Binta Garba (Adamawa Northern Senatorial District), said the Federal Government would do her best to rebuild destroyed infrastructure and restore confidence among affected communities. Alhaji Yusuf Muhammed, the Chairman, Madagali Local Government Council, who received the materials on behalf of the returnees, thanked government for the gesture. Muhammed thanked President Muhammadu Buhari in particular for his unalloyed support for the North East and the country as a whole. He urged the people of the area to make use

Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Ekpo Abasi-Otu V. The Obong of Calabar, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Ekpo Okon, has expressed confidence in the Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and commended its composition by the Federal Government. The commendation came through a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications Team of NIMASA, Hajia Lami Tumaka on Wednesday. According to the statement, the Obong said the calibre of personalities in the Board gave a lot of confidence and hope that the Nigerian maritime industry was set to experience renewed development. The monarch spoke while receiving the Board of NIMASA in his palace. He described the maritime industry as a great facilitator of trade and called on the Board to develop a master plan for the advancement of the Nigerian maritime industry. The Obong also urged NIMASA to establish a Zonal office in Calabar to engender greater maritime activities in the area and to support the development of th

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State Ondo State Government has promoted 2, 212 civil servants in 2016, Chairman of the state Civil Service Commission, Dr Afolabi Adewakun, has said. Adewakun made the disclosure in Akure on Wednesday while briefing workers on the promotion exercise carried out during the year. “Governor Olusegun Mimiko has always prioritised the welfare of workers. “It is in this light that he graciously approved the promotion of all deserving officers in the civil service for 2016, despite the difficult times. “The promotion list was forwarded to the commission by the Office of Head of Service as prepared by the Senior Management Committee for eligible officers.” He said that the list also contained those forwarded by the Office of Establishments and Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The chairman added that the commission had also successfully carried out the conversion of 479 officers from various cadres between 2015 and 2016. Adewaku challenged the pr

dancers A dance instructor, Tony Offiong, on Wednesday said that practical training in dance through formal education would sharpen the skills of youths and adults in the profession to become self-reliant. Offiong, the Chief Executive Officer, JIIMBAY Dance Company said in Lagos that skilled dancers would also fetch them good revenue from the vocation. “Nigeria is endowed with different genres of dance and we have to start developing them to encourage the would-be practitioners become professionals,” the stakeholder in the dance industry said. He said that dancers participating in various dance competitions organised by different dance companies and groups would acquire a variety of experiences. They would also be able to compete with their peers from other countries, he said. “With competitions organized, governments and private sector can come in to help promote the act and we can have a thriving artistic community. “ They can achieve this by sponsoring dancing competitions

A cattle rustler Farmers and community leaders in Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa have decried the destruction of their crops by uncontrolled cattle. The farmers on Wednesday in Yenagoa appealed to the relevant authorities to wade into the matter to save their farms and prevent the breakdown of law and order. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ekpetiama Kingdom comprises seven towns situated on the banks of the River Nun and several tributaries connecting the River Niger and the Atlantic Ocean. These towns are Gbarantoru, Tombia, Agudama, Akaibiri, Boumondi, Gbene and Ikibiri. The communities engage in dry season planting of cassava, water yam, potato and plantain, among others. Members of the community allege that herdsmen leading cattle to graze in the area are not in total control of the animals, causing ravaging of their crops by the cattle. The Monarch of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubraye Dakolo, urged the state government and securi

police-rescue-41-kidnapped victims The police in Zamfara have announced the rescue of 41 persons kidnapped last week by armed bandits in Maru local government area of the state. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Shaba Alkali, made the announcement on Wednesday in Gusau while addressing newsmen. He said that the 41 kidnapped victims including a police inspector from the state command were returned in good condition of health, adding that no ransom was paid to facilitate their release. He explained that `security strategic measures’ employed by joint security personnel who mounted pressure on the hoodlums facilitated the safe return of the victims. Alkali warned armed bandits operating in the state to relocate or surrender, saying “very soon we are going to come out in full force to fight them.” The abductors had earlier told Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara to release 400 cows recovered from them by the joint security patrol before they would release the 41 victims.

SON Shoe manufacturers in Aba, Abia, have urged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to ensure thorough scrutiny of raw materials imported into the country. Mr. Goodluck Mmeri, President, Powerline Shoe Manufacturers Association, Aba, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba on Wednesday, said such action would ensure quality production of goods. He said that the call had become necessary now that the State Government was working hard to ensure high standard and recognition of leather products from the Abia. According to Mmeri, the impact of SON is not being felt by shoe manufacturers in the state. Mmeri urged the organization to support the effort Abia government in enhancing the shoe manufacturing sector in the state. He said that the association had put some measures in place to check production of poor quality materials in the sector. He listed the measures to include giving importers quality specifications for raw materials, en

dancers A dance instructor, Tony Offiong, on Wednesday said that practical training in dance through formal education would sharpen the skills of youths and adults in the profession to become self-reliant. Offiong, the Chief Executive Officer, JIIMBAY Dance Company said in Lagos that skilled dancers would also fetch them good revenue from the vocation. “Nigeria is endowed with different genres of dance and we have to start developing them to encourage the would-be practitioners become professionals,” the stakeholder in the dance industry said. He said that dancers participating in various dance competitions organised by different dance companies and groups would acquire a variety of experiences. They would also be able to compete with their peers from other countries, he said. “With competitions organized, governments and private sector can come in to help promote the act and we can have a thriving artistic community. “ They can achieve this by sponsoring dancing competitions

Ondo APC governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu The absence of Justice Nnamdi Dimgba has stalled hearing in a suit challenging the candidature of Rotimi Akeredolu, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Nov. 26 Ondo State Governorship Election. Dr. Olusegun Abraham, a stalwart of the APC in Ondo, filed the suit at the Federal High Court Abuja, on the ground that the process that produced Akeredolu was illegal. Abraham alleged that the process that produced the defendant as the governorship candidate was not in conformity with the law. He also joined the APC National Chairman, Mr. John Oyegun and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. The suit is also seeking an interim order to restrain the APC from parading Akeredolu as its governorship candidate and restrain Akeredolu from parading himself as such pending the determination of the motion. At the resumed sitting on Wednesday, officials of the court informed parties to the suit tha

Ondo APC governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu The absence of Justice Nnamdi Dimgba has stalled hearing in a suit challenging the candidature of Rotimi Akeredolu, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Nov. 26 Ondo State Governorship Election. Dr. Olusegun Abraham, a stalwart of the APC in Ondo, filed the suit at the Federal High Court Abuja, on the ground that the process that produced Akeredolu was illegal. Abraham alleged that the process that produced the defendant as the governorship candidate was not in conformity with the law. He also joined the APC National Chairman, Mr. John Oyegun and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. The suit is also seeking an interim order to restrain the APC from parading Akeredolu as its governorship candidate and restrain Akeredolu from parading himself as such pending the determination of the motion. At the resumed sitting on Wednesday, officials of the court informed parties to the suit tha

The 2016 Abuja Carnival will hold from Dec. 3 to 6, the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Wednesday. Grace Gekpe, Director, Entertainment and Creative Services in the ministry, said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that the annual event would commence with a street carnival from Eagles Square to Area 1. She said that the event would also be followed by the traditional circus and an opening ceremony on the first day, while Durbar, children fiesta and a cultural night would hold on Dec. 4. According to her, a masquerade fiesta, boat regatta and various exhibition of Nigeria’s artifacts would also feature during the annual carnival.

Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, has resumed lectures at the expiration of the union’s one-week warning strike. A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited the university on Wednesday reports that lecturers had resumed academic activities at the two campuses of the institution. NAN reports that the warning strike called by ASUU was for the resumption of negotiation on the 2009 agreement between the union and the Federal Government. Dr Suleiman Ndanista, ASUU Branch Chairman in the university, told NAN that the lecturers have returned to their duty posts in line with the union’s directive. “We have resumed full academic activities as instructed while waiting for the next directive from the national headquarters of our great union,” the ASUU Branch Chairman told NAN in Minna. He commended the members for complying with the union’s directive which, he said, was geared towards providing a conducive teaching and lea

The 2016 Abuja Carnival will hold from Dec. 3 to 6, the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Wednesday. Grace Gekpe, Director, Entertainment and Creative Services in the ministry, said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that the annual event would commence with a street carnival from Eagles Square to Area 1. She said that the event would also be followed by the traditional circus and an opening ceremony on the first day, while Durbar, children fiesta and a cultural night would hold on Dec. 4. According to her, a masquerade fiesta, boat regatta and various exhibition of Nigeria’s artifacts would also feature during the annual carnival. from Entertainment – P.M. NEWS Nigeria http://bit.ly/2f6czds via IFTTT

The University of Ilorin (Unilorin) The monarch of Ganmo in Kwara, Alhaji Anafi Zubair, has lauded the University of Ilorin for its Faculty of Agriculture’s Community Based Experience and Service (COBES) programme. Anafi gave this commendation in his palace on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the university during a tour of the COBES centers across the state. He told the delegation, led by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Kola Joseph, that the students at the centers had been relating well with the people. “Your students are good ambassadors of the university. They relate well and assist our farmers and children in their farming and in teaching our young ones. “We even feel that they should not go back. We are really enjoying their presence in our community,” he said. The Oniganmo of Ganmo said that the programme was a bridge between education and community service. He added that it would stand the test of time and inculcate in the students, the ability to practice wh

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, Inspector General of Police The Inspector-General of Police, (I-G), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, said 128 policemen had lost their lives to activities of criminals in various parts of the country in the past three months. Idris said this in a statement issued by the Force Spokesman, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Don Awunah, in Abuja on Wednesday. “In the past three months, the Force has lost 128 personnel in various parts of the country due to activities of undesirable elements in our communities. “These line of duty resultant deaths, occasioned by unwarranted attacks by religious bigots, bandits, hoodlums and militants must be reversed and the trend halted,”he said. Awunah said also disturbing was the wanton destruction of Police infrastructure and public assets. “The recent cases in Dankamoji village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara, Abagana in Anambra, and in Okrika waterways in Rivers where personnel were killed, arms carted away, structures and

Mr Suleiman Adamu, Minister of Water Resources. The Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu, has inaugurated the Graduate Youth Empowerment Scheme in Doma, Nasarawa State, to train young graduates in agricultural entrepreneurial skills. Adamu, while inaugurating the scheme on Wednesday at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority project site in Doma, Nasarawa State, said it was a pilot initiative aimed at revitalizing the river basins. He said that the scheme, already being inaugurated in seven out of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities in the country, was aimed at boosting agricultural production through all year round farming. He explained that through the scheme, graduates would be trained in various agricultural activities including horticulture, aquaculture, animal husbandry, vegetable and cereal cultivation, food processing, packaging and marketing and extension services. The minister added that the training, which would be in batches of 50 each, wo

Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) The Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) says it will create two million jobs between 2016 and 2020. Its National President, Mr. Ezekiel Essien, made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said that the NASSI 2016-2020 Integrated Industrialisation Revolution plan would be carried out through a national agro-cluster chain that would involve production, process, value addition and distribution. “NASSI is ready for full implementation of its project plan for productive engagement of 2,000,000 unemployed Nigerians and capacity building of NASSI membership for higher output toward a self-reliant economy. “The project scope includes interstate cluster agro- production, interstate cluster processing, packaging zones, interstate fabrication, innovation, technology cluster and interstate distribution network export zone. “NASSI will collaborate with Ba

University of Uyo (UniUyo) The University of Uyo (UniUyo) and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik), Awka, have emerged the two most outstanding universities at the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities(AVCNU) awards night on Tuesday in Abuja. The awards night was part of the three-day 2016 Nigerian Higher Education Summit organized by AVCNU, Committee of Vice-Chancellors (CVC) and Trust Africa, Dakar, Senegal. UniUyo and UniZik emerged first and second overall winners, respectively, in the Research Excellence Award category, while Federal University of Technology, Minna, came third. UniUyo also bagged the Science and Technology award while UniZik won the Arts and Humanities award. Covenant University, Otta, took the Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine award as Redeemers’ University, Ede, Osun State, won the Life Science and Medicine award. University of Ilorin and Kogi State University also received Innovation Excellence awards. TY Danjuma Foundation won t

Oba Semiu Kasali The paramount ruler of Igbogbo town in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Oba Semiu Kasali, on Wednesday advocated the provision of constitutional roles to traditional rulers in the country. Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, revealed ahead of activities to officially crown him as the paramount ruler of the ancient town of Ikorodu. There had been discussions for and against granting constitutional recognition to traditional institution within the country’s democratic framework. According to Kasali, who is a lawyer by profession, the traditional institutions have come of age and should have statutory roles to fast track desired changes in their communities. He said: “I believe that the traditional institution should be accorded more opportunities in the present democratic setting that we have now. “Whatever becomes of the traditional ruler anywhere would be determined by the way and manner that person comports himself in that capacity. “As a traditional ruler you are the fat

inmates The Kwara Prisons Command said on Wednesday that its officials did not beat six inmates of Oke Kura Prison, Ilorin, to death as alleged in some quarters. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Philip Adegbulugbe, made the clarification in Ilorin while speaking with journalists. Adegbulugbe said that 54 condemned inmates of the prison had protested on November 15, requesting an audience with the Comptroller, Mr. Adetoyi Oluwole. He said that the inmates had complained that the quality of food served them was very poor. The PRO said that when the comptroller met with them, they requested to be served a full plate of food with four pieces of meat or fish at every meal. He said the inmates also demanded to be allowed to walk around the prison yard from 8 am to 8 pm. According to him, the inmates also demanded that they be provided with CD players and allowed to use telephones. The prisons spokesman said that after listening to them, the comptroller appealed to the in

NAFDAC on Wednesday donated gift items to six winners of the 2015/2016 NAFDAC Consumer Safety Clubs (quiz competition) in secondary schools in Imo. Donating the gift items at a ceremony in Owerri, the Imo State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr. Mmamel Victor, said NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club was established by the agency to further extend its public enlightenment and sensitization activities to Nigerians. Winners of the competition emerged from Logos International Secondary School, Awo-omma; Federal Government College, Okigwe; and Owerri Girls Secondary School. The other schools where the winners of the competition emerged include Alavana Model Secondary School, Owerri; Federal Government Girls College, Owerri; and Holy Ghost College Owerri. Victor said the duties of members of the club was to inform, educate and enlighten the people in a bid to promote a healthy culture and proper usage of drugs with a view to preventing drugs misuse and abuse. He said members of the clubs helped to ci

cows The Nigerian Army on Wednesday handed over 316 cows suspected to have been rustled by the Boko Haram terrorists to the Borno Government for upkeep. Col. Mustapha Anka, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations Department, handed over the cows to Alhaji Kakashehu Lawan, the Commissioner for Justice at a ceremony in Maiduguri. Anka explained that the cows were arrested as part of investigation into alleged large scale rustling by the Boko Haram terrorists. He said that the hand over followed a directive from the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 division of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu. He added that Ezugwu was concerned about the condition of the cows and asked that they should be handed over to government for proper upkeep. He said “on behalf of the 7 division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, I hereby hand over the cows to you for proper upkeep. “The 316 cows were arrested in collaboration with some individuals in the society as part of an ongoing investi

samsung South Korean prosecutors on Wednesday raided the offices of Samsung and a state-run pension fund in connection with the current corruption scandal involving President Park Geun Hye and her friend Choi Soon Sil. The media report said that prosecutors were investigating whether Park pressured the National Pension Service (NPS) to support Samsung in return for favours given to Choi. It noted that the NPS, which held stakes in Samsung’s construction arm and its de facto holding firm Cheil Industries Inc, played a key role in the two companies’ merger. The country’s largest opposition party said on Monday that it would take steps to begin impeachment proceedings against Park over the widening scandal that had rocked the nation. The move came a day after prosecutors said Park likely played a role in an influence-peddling case involving her close friend and confidante Choi. Choi was indicted on a string of charges, including abuse of authority and attempted fraud. The prosecu

FRSC The Plateau Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced night patrols of highways in the state. Mr Andrew Bala, the Public Education Officer of the command, said on Wednesday in Jos that the patrols were in compliance with the directives of the Corps High Command. Bala said the patrols were being conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies to further reduce reckless driving by motorists who plied the highways at night, and to provide prompt response to accident victims. ”Few weeks ago we received directives from our headquarters to begin night patrols, the Jos Sector Command and some of our Unit Commands immediately swung into action in that regard. ”The rationale behind the night patrols is to curb recklessness on our highways and to provide timely assistance to accident victims at night,” he said. He urged motorists to cooperate with the command in its efforts at making the highways safer at night.

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State The Yobe Livestock Pilot Development Programme said it had introduced new species of exotic grasses for cultivation to boost animal feeds in the state. Dr Mustapha Gaidam, the Programme Manager, disclosed this in Damaturu on Wednesday. “We have introduced Nappier, Centrosema and Stylothensis grasses as well as Lablab and Mucuna beans. “The Programme has established demonstration farms to identify favourable areas for mass production of these grasses,” Gaidam said. He said the grasses which were rich in nutrition but not common in the state, would be planted to improve animal feeds across the state. “Livestock farmers will also be trained on cultivation of the grasses,” he said. The manager expressed optimism that the cultivation of the grasses would check migration by livestock farmers in search of pastures. “This will improve the production of rich and healthy beef and dairy in the state and boost economic prosperity,” he said.

trucks Some residents of Apapa, Lagos, have renewed calls on the Federal and Lagos state governments, to instruct articulated and truck drivers in the area to allow them have access to their homes. They made the call on Wednesday in Lagos. The residents said the drivers have blocked access to Apapa permanently and made it difficult for them to move to and from their homes. One of the residents, Shaibu Saleh, a businessman, said that the attitude of these drivers was no longer tolerable. “It has become permanent thing now to see articulated vehicles and trucks blocking the road from Tin Can up to Mile 2, thereby preventing resident’s access to their houses. “In a country where there is law and order, this kind of thing cannot be happening. “We, therefore, call on the Federal and Lagos state governments to come to our aid,” he said. Another resident, Mrs Lola Badamosi, also decried the situation. She said, “In the past, we used to have some access, though it was difficult, but

lufthansa-pilots Lufthansa pilots on Wednesday commenced a two-day strike to demand 22 per cent pay increase, the airline confirmed to newsmen. On Wednesday alone, 876 flights were expected to be cancelled, while emergency flight plan was still to be drawn up for Thursday’s annulled flights. The airline expected 100,000 passengers to be affected by the strike, which is the 14th by pilots since pay negotiations stalled in 2014. The pilot organisation Vereinigung Cockpit, announced the strike on Monday as Lufthansa did not succeed in stopping the action at a court in Frankfurt on Tuesday. Germany’s airport association ADV said that it expected damages as a result of the strike to run into the millions of dollars. “This development is not acceptable and disproportionate,’’ Ralph Beisel of ADV told newsmen. On Tuesday, flight attendants from Lufthansa’s subsidiary Eurowings also stopped work at Hamburg and Dusseldorf airports. Over 4,100 passengers were affected by that action.

space-fm The Oyo State Government has commiserated with the management and staff of an Ibadan-based radio station, Space FM, on the demise of its General Manager, Bunmi Atekoja. Mr Toye Arulogun, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, described Atekoja as an amiable person whose zeal for creativity and innovations would be greatly missed. Arulogun, who visited the radio station, extolled the virtues of the late Atekoja, saying she lived a fulfilled and impactful life. He said that her death came as a rude shock to the state government, adding that she would be remembered for her dedication to duty and unflinching support of the state government. Arulogun condoled with the station, her family members, colleagues and friends, praying God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss. from Entertainment – P.M. NEWS Nigeria http://bit.ly/2gl5XFE via IFTTT

Chido Onumah Two weeks ago, while the world faced the frightening prospect of a Trump presidency in the US, an equally tragic event took place thousands of kilometres away in Nigeria. Except that in the case of Nigeria, the people did not elect—pardon the pun—to foist on themselves the cataclysm that may yet consume the nation. Both events—the emergence of Trump as president-elect and the “not guilty” verdict pronounced by the judiciary, and by extension the Nigerian state, on some vermin in human skin posing as God’s arbiters, bear uncanny similarities. I don’t know if it is our proclivity for the gory and the absurd or the excitement of the US presidential election; but whatever the reason, that bizarre incident in Nigeria went unnoticed. Few people—certainly, not the mainstream media, the tribe of Internet trolls, our effete civil society or women’s organisations—raised their voice or queried that infernal judgement. Now that the US election is over, perhaps Americans can return