011207

Peter Obi order contractors to complete job

Contractors in Anambra State have been directed to work twenty-four hours with the aid of floodlights to enable them complete all major road projects on schedule.
Governor Peter Obi who gave the directive said the gesture was to ensure that no contractor would have reason not to complete its project on schedule.
Some of the contractors blamed the inability to source manpower locally, for their failure to deliver projects on schedule.
The Governor had promised the people that all township roads would be motorable before the Yuletide period.

NHRC: Police exercise restraint

The National Human Rights Commission wants the police to exercise restraint while carrying out arrest in order not to infringe on the rights of the people.
The Head of Legal Department of the Commission, Mr. Zaccheaus Senbanjo, stated this on Know Your Rights, the Radio Nigeria Human Right Programme.
Mr. Senbanjo explained that as a suspect surrenders to arrest; such should be treated with dignity.
On arbitrary arrest by the police, Mr. Senbanjo urged the force to take urgent step to correct the excessiveness among some of its officers.

He Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Agborebe Akpoebi said the Inspector- General of Police had directed all commissioners of police to appoint an officer to man the police human rights desk to entertain all complaints from the public.

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301107

Police to arrest fake registration plates

The police will soon impound all vehicles plying the roads without clear registration number plates.
The nation’s Chief Cop. Mike Okiro made this known at a meeting of the police hierarchy in Abuja.

Mr. Okiro said the move was necessary to check indiscriminate use of plate numbers by some motorists who commit offence on the highways. He specially cautioned those who use plate numbers written “Pilot” one and Escort one. He also directed the withdrawal of some police orderlies to personalities which he described as unnecessary.

He urged commissioners of police to beef up security in their states as the festive period approaches. Newsmen quote the police boss as saying that its Anti-terrorism squad has commenced training and will be deployed to Abuja, Kano, Lagos and Port-Harcourt after completion.

Bamidele warns Nigerians to travel safe

An expert in transportation, Mr. Bamidele safe has advised road transport outfits to see security and convenience as major factors to consider before investing in the sector.

Mr. Bamidele who said this at a seminar on effective transportation in the FCT, told newsmen that though investors should expect profit in business, but they should see satisfaction of their passengers as a priority.

He also cautioned travellers not to play with their lives in order to save money.
He noted that many passengers had suffered various forms of mishap due to unreliable means of transportation.

Mr. Safe said the organisation had lunched a new transport outfit known as “wise ride” aimed at satisfying travellers at the shortest notice with world class service.

He noted that the concept of wise ride was not the conventional park mode of transportation but was a one-on-one basis through modern communication.   

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281107

US establishes AIDS centres

United State based Military Research Programme is to establish four additional centres in the country to enhance its operations to achieve strong military response to the HIV\AIDS pandemic in Nigeria.

The centres will be located in Calabar, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Owerri.

The leader of the team, Mr.Nelson Michael said when he led a delegation to the Office of the Minister of the State for Defence, Mrs.Fidelia Akubata Njeze in Abuja.

He said the new centres would complement the existing sites in the campaign.

Responding, the Minister, Mrs.Njeze said supply of drugs, kits and other consumables by the programme to the already established sites had been consistent.

She appealed for more training programmes to empower staff of the Ministry.

Musharaf steps down as Army Chief

President Musharaf of Pakistan has stepped down as a military leader of Pakistan and handed over the command of the Army to General Ifsraqkhan.

This effectively ends his eight years of military rule and Chief of Army Staff, which is regarded as the most powerful position in the country, but on Thursday will be sworn in a civilian President.
Pakistan has been under emergency rule in the past weeks amidst request by oppositions for the resignation of President Musharaf.
Top on the list of the opposition candidates are the former Prime Ministers and Benaizer Bhutto and Wawaz Sheriff.
Just few days ago, Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth as a result of the political crises in that country.

Sudanese obstacle to Darfur Peace – Jean-Marie

The Head of UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Marie Guehenno has said the Sudanese obstacles could mean the UN mission in Darfur is not viable.
He told the UN Security Council that excessive demand from Khartoum would make it impossible for the mission to operate.
Among other demands, Sudan wants advance notice of troop movements and to be able to shut down communications.
Mr. Guehenno said the UN would have to consider whether a deployment would be worthwhile under such conditions.
The twenty – six thousand strong UN and AU Peacemaking Force, Unamid is due to take over protecting the people of Darfur in a month’s time.

Relief as Prisons get depopulated

Prison inmates in the country will now heave a sigh of relief as the ministries of Interior and Justice are putting heads together to make the population of the jail houses lighter.
This is because a National Committee on Decongestion Prisons is in the offing.
Minister of State for Interior Alhassan Haruna, dropped the hint when he visited the Kuje Prison in Abuja.

Alhaji Alhassan said the Committee would work out ways to ensure speedy dispensation of justice on the back log of awaiting trials across the nation’s prisons.
He noted that the problem of prison congestion was a cause for concern. The inmates had appealed to the government to come to their aid.
Earlier, the controller of Prisons, FCT Command, Abdulrahaman Ashafa stressed the need for the provision of a female wing in the prison as female convicts are being taken to Nasarawa or Niger States.
Our man reports that Kuje Prison has capacity of about three hundred inmates but is presently occupied by eight hundred and twenty-nine inmates, including those awaiting trial.

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271107

Commuters must avoid night journeys’

Commuters must avoid transport companies that undertake night journeys, if the rate of road accidents is to be reduced.
This is because about eight percent of road traffic accidents in the nation’s highways, occur at night.
President, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Gidado Hamman, said this in Abuja.
According to Hamman, until commuters refuse to undertake night travels, the transport companies would continue to engage in such risky ventures.
Gidado Hamman is also not happy with the delay, in the implementation of the Road safety standardisation scheme.

Reverse VAT on Newspaper – NUJ

Nigerian Union of Journalist wants Government to reverse its decisions to collect VAT, on News papers cover prices.
It gave reasons that newspaper was a very important educational material, for the people.
The National Executive Council of the Union made the request, at the end of its meeting in Yenagoa Bayelsa State.
In a communiqué the Council has called for a new method in the sharing of the Federal Government Revenue to the Component States.
According to union, if properly done, Youths restiveness in the country would be greatly reduced.
It also urged the Federal Government to use the funds for security operations in the Niger Delta Region, for infrastructural development and job creation.

Commonwealth leaders ask for institutional reforms

There is need to reform the lopsided structure of the International Institutions, such as U.N.
This was part of the resolution at the end of the three day meeting, of the heads of Commonwealth in Kampala, Uganda.
The leaders said the current structure of structure of such institutions, did not reflect the challenges of the twenty first century.
The noted that the progress made in implementing debt relief, under the heavily indebted countries initiative, and multilateral Debt relief initiative, was a welcome Development.
The leaders however expressed concern that many countries were still facing large and unsustainable debt burdens and stressed the need to address the debt problems of middle income countries, by considering their debt sustainability and financial gaps.
On education, the leaders urged member countries to increase public spending on education at all levels to realize the millennium Development goals (MDGS).

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261107

The quality of instructors is very  integral in the determination of a Nation’s standard of education .This is why a member of the senate committee on eduction, Senator Ahmed Muhammed is  unhappy with the quality  of teachers in the nation’s public primary and secondary schools.

Muhammed who attributed the upsurge in the number of private schools in the country to lack of confidence on the public schools in an interview to Kapital FM said there was an urgent need for government to take steps to reverse the trend.
“The trend ha denied the less privileged the access to quality education “Ahmed stated”. He noted that only those who have the wherewithal that patronize these private schools where you can be sure of having the right quality of instruction”.

Ahmed said for the future of Nigerian children to be guaranteed there was need for government to give priority to administration of public schools in the country.
The law maker who also described the infrastructure and the instructional materials in the public schools ass poor advocated for a complete overhaul in the entire system.

Disables set to partner with Govt. on vision 2020

The National Civil Service Association of persons with disabilities is set to promote all ideas that will enhance the actualisation of the vision twenty – twenty economic agenda of the Yar’Adua administration.
Part of the programme of the association is to map out strategies on how to position the members properly in capacity building to attain the goal.
The National President of the association Mr. Dan Modozie stated this ahead of a two seminar of the group in Abuja.
The theme of the workshop is Integration of Civil Servants with Disabilities and Vision “twenty-twenty”.

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241107

Brazil: Authorities investigate reports on “cell sexual harassment”

Authorities in Brazil are investigating reports that a young woman was left in a police cell with twenty men for a month and repeatedly sexually abused.
The Governor of the State of Para, Ana Carepa, said a woman herself, she was shocked by the report.
She promised that those responsible would face exemplary punishment and that such an incident would not be allowed to happen again.
Governor Carepa argued that age of the woman, put variously at fifteen and twenty, was irrelevant as she should not have been jailed with male prisoners.

Women’s rights group in Brazil say it is not an isolated case, observing that the girl was not formally charged to court.   

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211107

Farmers in FCT benefit from ADP training

A comprehensive programme to ensure that farmers are trained on the latest techniques in farming is in progress in the Federal Capital Territory Agriculture Development Project, ADP.
The man in charge of the ADP, Doctor Mike Uwazie said there was need to have at least one extension worker, to carter for every one thousand farmer in the territory.

According to Doctor Uwazie such standard was in agreement with international standard, championed by the food and agricultural organisation of the United Nations.

The FCT ADP Boss maintained that the FCT administration through its Agriculture Secretariat was committed to achieve the expected food security.

Gbola decries poor level of Health care

A Medical Consultant and Chief Executive of Health Management Organisation Doctor Gbola Olagbegi feels that the nation has reasonable number of medical institutions to deliver quality health services.
According to Doctor Olagbegi what the nation requires was the formation of policies that would ensure that medical services were easily accessible to Nigerians at the point of their need.
Doctor Olagbegi told Kapital FM that the Federal Capital Territory has over one hundred medical institutions with about thirteen general hospitals.

He is however not happy with the treatment of patients during emergency situations.
The consultant therefore advocated for a well articulated pre-paid health system for the nation.

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201107

Customs relocate ECOWAS House - Controller Abdullahi Dikko

The Nigerian Customs has called on the Federal Government to relocate the ECOWAS House Situated at the Seme Border in the Republic of Benin.

The Controller in charge of the border, Mr. Abdullahi Dikko who made the call during a visit by the Senate Committee of industry and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria said the authority conferred on the customs service was not effective because the ECOWAS house was located on the soil of Benin Republic where goods banned in Nigeria were accepted.

Gwagwalada: Police arrest ritualists

Two suspected ritualists, believed to be responsible for the rampant cases of exhuming bodies at Anguwan-Dodo in Gwagwalada Area Council, of the Federal Capital Territory have been arrested.

The suspects, Abdulmumini Isyaka and Tijjani Hambali, were caught by members of Anguwan-Dodo Community Vigilante Group, while trying to exhume one of the bodies.

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191107

Zimbabwe warns GB against invasion

The Zimbabwe Government has warned Great Britain against carrying out what it termed, ‘planned invasion of the country’.

Government spokesman, Godfrey Sharana, told reporters in Harare that the administration of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, wants to go ahead with plans, earlier put in motion by former Prime Ministe, Tony Blair.

Sharana said the Briton’s target, is the country’s resources and removal of President Robert Mugabe, who has been at logger heads with the west since his land redistribution programme ceded white-owned farms to blacks.

The spokesman warned that any attack on Zimbabwe would be doomed to fail, as the armed forces were capable of repelling any invader.

Zimbabwe is grappling with huge inflation rates, occasioned by harsh sanctions from the Western world, to remove Mugabe from power.

Church to fight corruption – Rev Ini Ukpuho

The fight against corruption in the country has received a boost, as the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, First, Abuja; Wuse says it will assist government to fight the scourge through moral education.

The man in charge of the Abuja Parish, Wuse, Reverend Ini Ukpuho gave this information at this year’s Harvest Thanksgiving Service of the Church.

He observed that the church as agent of change was in a better position to lead the nation to the path of righteousness.

Reverend Ini Ukpuho also spoke on the spiritual benefit of the event and the need for Christians to the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.
Some of the members expressed gratitude to God. Doctor Eniang Nkang, Convener of the Harvest Committee said the event would build the people up spiritually.

Dozens die from attack – ONLF Rebels

Separatist rebels in North-eastern Ethiopia say dozens of people have been killed in attacks by government forces on their positions.
The Ogaden National Liberation Front, ONLF released a statement saying that bombings by Ethiopian military helicopter gun ships have laid waste to several villages in the large nomadic region.

According to the ONLF release, about twenty-five people were killed in the latest attacks last Friday, but the statement could not confirm whether the casualties were civilian or soldiers.

The Ethiopia government has fighting to control the Ogaden region in the horn of Africa but the disputed area is populated mostly by ethnic Somails who are demanding autonomy from Addis Ababa.

Lack of Nat’ identity, puts pressure on Nigeria Passport

The unavailability of a widely acceptable nation identity card, is putting a lot of pressure in the Nigeria passport, so says Ayetunde Oredipe, comptroller of the Nigeria immigration service.
Oredipe, who is in charge of the passport office in Alagbon, Lagos, explained that the rush for the newly introduced e-passport, had shown that many of those applying for it, had no intention of travelling with it at least for now.

According to him the passport is being used mostly for the purpose of identification while, collecting wired money from the banks.

He added that Nigerian banks generally doubt the genuineness of most forms of identification, except the Nigerian passport.

E-passport applicants should desist from going through third parties, especially toust’’Oredipe warned.

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161107

Sierra Leonians witness civilian transfer

History was made in Freetown, Sierra Leone on Thursday as the country witnessed its first transfer of power from one civilian to another-civilian Administration.
Newsmen gathered that the ceremony was witnessed by thousands of Sierra Leonians, with dignitaries from all walks of life including Nigerian’s President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Peer review. 7m copies out soon

Seventy million copies of the countries self assessment report for the African Peer Review Mechanism are to be printed and circulated to ensure that more Nigerians have access to it.
Seventy million copies of this document will be published in English; while ten million each will in Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo languages.
The special adviser to the President on NEPAD, Ambassador Tunji Olagunju, made this known in a message to the first meeting of the APRM National Working Group in Abuja.
In the message delivered by the Director, Administration and Finance, Alhaji Wali Korawa, Ambassador Olagunju, threw more light on the country Self Assessment Report.
Ambassador Olagunju said State Governments were required to assist the Federal Government in translating the document into additional local languages in their areas.

Influx of Arms: Uduagan pleads for assistance
 
Governor Emmanuel Uduagan of Delta State has enjoined Ex-military officers to assist in checking the inflow of arms into the country, especially the Niger Delta areas.
Governor Uduagan made the appeal while playing host to retired Army, Navy and Air-Force officers, who paid him a courtesy visit.
He observed that it was the acquisition of arms by whatever means that influenced youths to engage in criminal acts.
The Governor promised to support the body in achieving its aim of organising welfare programmes for its members.

Earlier, the National President of the Army, Navy and Air-Force officers club, Lt. Colonel Yakubu Anifose, said the body was organised twenty years ago.

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121107

Abdulraman Ahmed counsels Anasarudeen to lead by example

Leadership by example is a sure way of making followers become good citizens. This was the thinking of Sheikh Abdulraman Ahmed, the National Missioner of the Anasarudeen Society of Nigeria, during the inauguration of the Gwagwalada Branch and turbaning of Imam Jamal Bakare in Abuja.

Sheikh Ahmed was of the opinion that if religious leaders practise what they preach, the Society would be a better place.

He advised the new Imam to always stand for things that would bring together Muslims and non Muslims.

In a remark, the Head of the Society in Gwagwalada, Yakubu Yusuf said inline with its objectives; the Society was joining hands with other religious organisation to set up Poverty Alleviation Programmes, to reduce unemployment.

Abuja: Anambra Indigenes roll out drums to celebrate day

Anambra indigenes resident in Abuja rolled out their drums in a very colourful way as they marked the second Anambra Day celebration in Abuja.

Children, Youths, Men and Women all gorgeously dressed, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state, came out in large numbers to grace the occasion.

In a message, the President of Anambra State, Town People Association in the FCT, James Agubalu said man, culture and tradition were inseparable bed-fellows.

He was of the view that any attempt to separate the trio would be seen as a crime against creation. Mr. Agubalu asked the people to appreciate their rich ancestral heritage.

Mr.  Agubalu said the cultural fiesta was organised to show the public the rich culture of the people and celebrate the achievement of Anambra indigenes.

In a remark, Former Minister of Health, Professor ABC Nwosu described the cultural festival as a medium of uniting the people.

Nwosu asked the people of the state to come together and be part of the government of the day.
Newsmen report that over fifty towns from the state took part in the fiesta.

Akwa-Ibom indigenes celebrate in Abuja

Cultural heritage of Akwa-Ibom State was recently showcased at a carnival atmosphere in Abuja.

The occasion was also an opportunity for a sober assessment of the level of development in the state and the swearing- in of the newly elected exco members in Abuja.

In a speech, the newly sworn in President Mr. Sunny Inyang urged the new administration under the leadership of Godwin Akpabio to pay more attention to the provision of water, Road, Hospitals and other people Oriented projects in the state.

Inyang also asked the government to ensure that Akwa Ibom Transport Company acquire a permanent base in Abuja.

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 091107

Kano State: NGO distributes materials to schools

In Kano State, an NGO Kano-forum has distributed infrastructural and building materials worth over eleven million Naira to twenty two Tertiary, secondary and primary schools in the State as part of efforts to raise the standard of education.
While flagging off the programme, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the forum Alhaji Magaji Danbatta called on other NGOs and wealthy individuals to complement Government effort in the provision of basic amenities.
           

 Nigeria loses heavily through piracy

Nigeria loses five billion Naira for video rental series annually through piracy. The Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, Mr Adebambo Adewopo, announced this while addressing a joint News conference by the United States and NCC in Abuja.
Mr. Adewopo who was speaking on the US partnership with Nigeria to combat transnational crime and piracy highlighted what the Commission was doing to reduce piracy through video rental services.
On his part, an official of the US Copyright Office on Policy and International Affairs, Mr. Oliver Matzer said the US funding of intellectual property training programme in the country was part of its effort in protecting intellectual property rights worldwide.
Correspondent reports that about six million Naira has been earmarked by the US Government to strengthen the capacity of enforcement officers in the country next year.

INEC: Registration of voters commences Jan 2008

 INEC is to commence further registration of voters throughout the country by January next year. At a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja, the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Maurice Iwu, said the Commission was working out modalities for the distribution of a permanent voter card from the same month. He said the card would be used to identify the electoral at the following units.
Professor Iwu charged the Resident Electoral Commissioners to work out suitable ways of distributing the voter cards to all the registered voters.

Pakistan to hold Parliamentary elections next year

Pakistan is to hold its Parliamentary elections on the 15th of February next year.
Pakistani leader, General Pervez Musharraf announced this after coming under pressure from US President, George Bush.
President Bush had earlier called on Musharraf to call off the State of emergency declared and stand down as head of the army.
Meanwhile, Pakistan opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto has been served a thirty day detention notice.
The notice came as she tried to leave her Islamabad home, which has been cordoned by Police, thus stopping her from joining a planned rally in nearby Rawalpindi.

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081107

Solid Mineral: key to industrialisation – Ahmed Gusau

Attention must be given to maximum exploration and exploitation of Solid Mineral Resources, if the country is to be rated among industrialised nations come twenty-twenty.

So says the second in command at the Mines and Steel Ministry, Ahmed Gusau, when he hosted members of the Northern Network for Justice and Development in Abuja.

Gusau who was of the opinion that Nigeria cannot depend on oil and gas alone, hinted that the government at the centre plans to joins hands with the private sector to develop the Mining and steel Sector.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Northern Network for Justice and development, Abdullahi Ali-Kano said organisation would work together with government to explore the solid mineral resources in the country.

Budget 2008: Yar’Adua presents 1.89 trillion to NASS        

The Government at the centre is to spend about one point eight – nine trillion Naira for its operations next year.
If you are wondering where this huge amount will come from, be informed that it would be generated from sale of government facilities, revenue from oil, and internal revenue generation as well as other sources.

The Nation’s Servant Leader, Umar Musa Yar’Adua told the National Assembly that the budget is guided by the desire to catapult the status of the country to be one of the fastest developing economics in the next thirteen years.

He explained that the seven point agenda of his administration would be vigorously pursued in the next fiscal year.
Know that this administration will not compromise in its determination to enhance the economic and social welfare of the people, areas that will receive closer government attentions are Niger Delta region, Energy, Agric, Transport, health and Security, Yar’Adua emphasized.

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071107

Poverty: Can it be eradicated?

Do you believe that poverty can be eradicated in Nigeria? If you don’t an international Non-Governmental Organisation “Action Aid Nigeria” says there is enough resources in the World that can be used to bid farewell to poverty.

Speaking at the public presentation of public finance analysis manual in Abuja, the Country Director of the Organisation, Otive Igbuzor said with honesty and transparency in the implementation of budget by Governments at all level, poverty would no longer have a place to stay in the society.

Igbuzor said good political will would make life worth living for the poor. On his part, a Don from the Political Science Department, University of Jos, Professor Sam Egwu called for effective Civil Society Organization partnership with the Government in the task of ending poverty in the country.

Our man, Mathew Ayoola says that Action Aid is an Organisation working with people and communities. While partnering with forty seven countries in Africa to eradicate poverty and injustice.
  
Anambra indigens in Abuja celebrate

A Society without culture is a lost society.  Similarly, a society that can not uphold its culture and tradition has no right to exist.

These are the issues at the back of the minds of Anambra State People resident in Abuja, as they role out the drums to showcase the best of their tradition and cultural heritage.

The Leader of Anambra people in Abuja, Chief James Abugalu is excited that they will wet the appetite of the people of the territory ahead of the Abuja Carnival.

According to Abugalu, the celebration of the Anambra people day would also bring into focus the peculiar infrastructural problems facing communities in the State.

 “The people of Abuja will enjoy the best of Anambra culture that is not comparable to other festivals witnessed in Abuja in recent times” Abugalu stressed.

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061107

Group urges policy makers to identify with the people

In order to make Government Programmes acceptable to the people, a group known as the Coalition for change has an advice for policy makers. Involve the people in budget planning and execution.

Coordinator of the group, Hajiya Amina Ibrahim brought this message to Radio Nigeria on Tuesday when she led a delegation to the Corporations Chief Executive, Ben Egbuna at the Radio House, Abuja.According to her, unless the people are carried along, the Millennium Development Goals may be far from achieving its objective.

Hajiya Amina Ibrahim, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals, particularly wants Radio Nigeria to take the message to the people.

The FRCN Chief Executive, Ben Egbuna, agreed with the Organization and did not hesitate to pledge his assistance in propagation the message.Please be aware that the coalition for change has its memberships drawn from the business, academic, civil society and other advocacy group.

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051107

Govt. offices connect to information super highway soon.
Communication in Government offices and departments in the country in the country is to be made easy.
This is because plans are on the way to link the offices to the information super Highway for enhanced operation.
The government is therefore collaborating with relevant organisations to ensure the realization of the plan.

The man in charge of the information and Communications Ministry Mr. John Odey told a Microsoft delegation which paid him a courtesy visit that the greatest challenge facing Nigeria was that of weak public institutions.

Mr. John Odey said government was prepared to work out operational guidelines with Microsoft to ensure the success of the project.
Eariler, the Vice President of the Organization, Mr Michael Rawding had expressed its commitment to launch governance to another Level through the Information Super Highway.

Professor Iwu Calls for Judicial Over -Haul
Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is interested in seeing that the entire judicial system is over hauled.
The man at the helm of INEC Affairs, Professor Maurice Iwu told lawmakers at all levels not to levels not to leave any stone unturned in carrying out the idea of the Commission.

Professor Iwu gave the indication when speakers of the South East and South-South geo-political zones paid him solidarity visit.
The chief electoral officer said the contributions of the lawmakers would help in sustaining the rule of law and instill democratic ideas in the people.

Professor Iwu said it was unfortunate that some people could trivialize the outcome of the April elections.
The INEC Boss, however, maintained that the commission would continue to do their best in spite of all odds.

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021107

Pipeline vandals: NSCDC arrests 40
Forty suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested in Abiji, Ogun State by men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Items recovered from the suspects included thirty tankers with fifteen of them fully loaded with petroleum products.
A statement in Abuja by the headquarters of the Civil Defence Corps said 5,000,000 Naira cash was also recovered from the vandals.

Police arrest criminals
Thirteen members of three criminal gangs that have been terriorising the Northern parts of the country are now in police net.
One of the gangs confessed to have murdered the son of the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State.
The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro who paraded the suspects expressed appreciation to members of the public who supplied information that led to the arrest of the robbers.

Imo State Election: Tribunal begins hearing
The Imo State Election Tribunal has commenced hearing of the petition brought by Senator Ifeanyi Ararume against the election of the state governor Chief Ikedi Ohakim.
The Tribunal headed by Mr Justice Ibrahim Mairiga received documentary evidence as presented by Senator Ararume which covered eleven local Governments in which he claimed he had won in the April 28th governorship poll.
The tribunal adjourned till November 12th for accelerated hearing and to take documentary evidence from governor Ohakim’s lawyers as well as from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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011107

NIPRD to partner with Florida University to fight cancer in Africa
The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development is to partner with Florida University, to fight prostrate cancer in Africa.
NIPRD Director, Dr. Uford Inyang told a delegation from the American Institution that the production of effective cancer fighting drugs would be enhanced if traditional methods of treating the disease can be proven scientifically.
The leader of the Florida University delegation, Professor Folakemi Odedina, said further collaboration was required to better understand cancer and its particularly deadly effect on Black African men.
This visit also coincided with a seminar during which Papers on cancer cell immortality, and active cancer projects at Florida University were presented.

APRM creates awareness on benefits in democratic governance
The Major Challenge in the implementation of African Peer Review Mechanism, APRM is out to make Nigerians aware of the goodies in democratic governance.
APRM is designed to ensure good governance in Africa under the banner of democracy.
At a Tete-a-tete with Electronic Media Executive on the NEPA/APRM in Abuja, the Co-odinator, Ambassador Tunji Olagunju said, Nigerians must see the NEPAD Agenda as theirs, and not just the Government.
Ambassador Olagunju particularly wants the media to create awareness on the importance of APRM, especially at the grassroots.
Newsmen report that APRM is a self-monitoring mechanism that is voluntarily acceded to by member states of the African Union to foster sustainable good governance.

Banks to procure bullion vans before February next year
Banks in the country now have up to February next year within which to procure Armored Bullion Vans.
The Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro had given them a deadline of October this year, to make the Bullion Vans available or lose the services of his men.
Mike Okiro gave the change of date at a meeting with his top officers in Abuja.
The number one Police Officer said the change of date became necessary due to plea from some banks that have not yet procured their vans.

African Journalists meet in Abuja to chart a new course

African Journalists are to converge in Abuja to chart a new course for their profession.
As will be expected, their Nigerian colleagues under their umbrella Union ,NUJ, has concluded arrangement to make their stay in Nigerian a worth-while experience.
Chairman Organizing Committee for the Conference, Gbenga Onayiga was at Kapital FM, where he solicited its support in the area of publicity.
Gbenga Onayiga who is also a Vice President of NUJ, said pen pushers from about fifty African Countries would be in Nigeria for the unique meeting.
He was accompanied by other members of the Organizing Committee.
The General Manager Kapital FM, Mohammed Bello was represented by the Head of News, Adamu Umar.

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291007

NDE set to provide practical insight into self employment
                                          

If the promise of the National Directorate of Employment is anything to go by, unemployment will soon be a thing of the past. This is because the Directorate is set to provide practical insight into self employment.

To achieve this, over three thousand youth corps members posted to FCT will converge today for sensitization programme on the possibility of entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and self reliance.

This according to a statement from the NDE will bring to end the search for white collars job s after the service year.

The occasion which will hold at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, FCT will feature exhibition of products by successful entrepreneurs.

Abuja Tourism Development Board embarks on training of personnel

Tourism can boost the economy of any nation and without it, no country can develop meaningfully. It is against this backdrop that the Abuja Tourism Development Board is bent on embarking on the training of personnel to make Abuja a tourist friendly city.

The training will address lack of knowledge by tourism officers which has created a gap between the public and practitioners.

At a parley with newsmen in Abuja, the helmsman of the Board, Abdullahi Idris said the training would entail participation in international exhibition, tourism, travel and hospitality fairs by the officers.

The training will include drivers, tour operators, food vendors and travel agents whose activities are crucial to the success of the tourism industry.

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261007

Uchendu seeks for total change in Nigerian Prisons

Under feeding, poor quality of foods, high handedness and official’s indifference to inmate’s welfare are some of the reasons for jail breaks.

This was made Known to news hunters in a statement by the national Co-ordinator of Prisoner and Right project (PARP} Mr.Kassidy Uchendu in Enugu.

Mr. Uchendu asked the Judiciary to join hands with Prison authorities to ensure total changed in Nigerian Prisons.
Our Prisons are grossly overcrowded inmates sleep on bare floor in turns in Juxtaposition, while others keep vigil throughout the night, squatting for lack of space, Mr.Uchendu alleged.

CHAD: Rebel Groups seal peace agreement with Govt.

Four Chadian Rebel Groups have sealed a peace agreement with the Government.

Libyan strongman Muammar Gadafi hosted the talks alongside the President of Chad and Sudan.

The Insurgent Group have waged an on – off rebellion against Chadian President Idris Derby for years.

The fighting was linked to the conflict in the neighbouring Sudanese Region of Darfur.

An estimated two hundred and forty thousand refugees from Sudan are in Easter Chard.

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241007

NYSC Legal Aid Community development Group emphasises citizens’ rights

Many citizens in the country do not seem to know their basic human rights. Mostly affected in this group include the uneducated, the very poor and the less privileged members of the society.

This class of people in the society suffer all manner of inhuman or degrading treatment, deprivation and out-right abuse of their in-alienable rights.

To address the situation, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Legal Aid Community development Group takes the bull by the horn.

NICEGA games comes to an end in Obudu

Four events were concluded on Tuesday, October 23, at the fifteenth NICEGA Games at the Federal College of Education Obudu.

In Langa Federal College of Education Kano took gold, Zuba College of Education took silver while Oyo State College of Education won the bronze medal.

In the Women’s javelin, Federal College of Education of Yola took gold and silver while College of Education Akwanga won the bronze medal.

Shot-put event saw Yola College of Education emerging victorious with the gold and silver while Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe picked the bronze medal.

In Tennis, Oyo State College of Education won three gold medals; the second position went to Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Ijaniki with two gold and one bronze while the third spot went to Saabatu Rimi of College of Education Kumboso after winning one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

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231007

Storm Hits Abuja

It was a tale of pain and sorrow for some residents of the Federal Capital Territory as they were on Monday night battered by violent wind storm.

The area worst hit was Area Three, Garki where the roof tops of some blocks of houses in the Aba Close were blown-off.

The storm which occurred at about 5:30 pm also pulled down some trees, thereby obstructing traffic flow.

Hygienus Amadi, a resident of one of the affected buildings and a Retiree urged NEMA to come to their rescue. No injury was recorded.

NUJ organises press week in Kaduna

The Nigerian Union of Journalists has been advised to put in place a regulatory framework that will enable only qualified members to practice the profession.

The Kaduna State Governor, Namadi Sambo gave this advice in Kaduna while declaring open the 2007 Press Week organized by the state council of the NUJ.

Governor Sambo, who regretted that most Nigerian Journalists no longer keep to the ethics of the profession, stressed the need for the practitioners to sanitize the profession.

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191007

Researchers call more funds

The Committee of Directors of Research Institutes has called for the injection of more funds into Research and Development to ensure that Nigeria meets its target of being among the twenty biggest economies by 2020.
Leading the committee on a visit to the Minister of Science and Technology, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Lami Lombin said that the increment in funding would lead to the establishment of more factories in the country.
On the issue of productivity in service, Dr. Lombin noted that the non-payment of severance benefits to retrenched staff was affecting the institutes.
In her reaction, the minister; Mrs. Ekpiwhre noted that effort would be made to settle all outstanding entitlements of such staff.
Another issue discussed was the first biennial Research Institutes Games which would be hosted by Raw Materials Research and Development Council.

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181007

Lagos State: NDLEA commences anti-drug abuse awareness

The NDLEA in Lagos has commenced an anti-drug abuse awareness campaign for public secondary schools in the country.
The campaign was flagged off at the Falomo High School and Ireti Grammar School in Ikoyi.
The NDLEA chairman who was represented by the Director, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, Alhaji Hassan Zungeru said the campaign was to sensitise students to the ills of drug addiction and to enable children to develop skills to live a drug-free life.
He advised the students not to fall into the temptation of drug abuse, and urged them, as future leaders, to serve as co-crusaders in the enlightenment campaign.
The talk also focused on how to identify symptoms of drug abuse.
Enugu State: Election Tribunal rejects result sheet tendered by AC candidate

Enugu State Election Petition Tribunal has rejected the result sheet tendered by AC candidate for Enugu West Senatorial district, Mr. Uzoamaka Onyeama, as exhibit.
Counsel to Mr. Onyeama, Mr. Andrew Anyamele, SAN, has urged the tribunal to admit the result sheet issued to the petitioner by INEC, following the tribunal’s order, as an exhibit.
However, counsel to defendant, Mr. Peter Eze objected to the document’s admission as exhibit, saying that it was not listed in the petition as a document to be tendered during the tribunal’s proceedings.
Mr. Eze said that the document was no longer a certified copy of the result sheet since the petitioner had altered it by writing on it.
In his ruling, the tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Samuel Otta, said that the document would not be admitted as an exhibit, since it was not pleaded in the petition.  
The judge also said that none of the ten witnesses that testified for the petitioner made mention of it.

Kogi State: 300 Communities benefit from State Poverty reduction Project
In Kogi State about three hundred Communities are said to have benefited from the State Poverty Reduction Project valued at over one point three billion Naira.
The General Manager of the State Agency for Poverty reduction Mr. James Odiba said at a workshop marking the world poverty day, that the projects initiated by the communities include schools, health centres and rural roads.
Mr. Odiba advocates legislation that would compel States and Local governments to allocate certain percentage of their revenues to alleviate the suffering of the poor. He suggested that such funds should be managed by an agency with proven integrity to ensure transparency.

NYSC pin-points problems in mobilization of Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps has attributed the initial problems in the mobilization of Corps Members to the inclusion of unqualified students in the list sent to the NYSC by institutions of Higher learning in the country.
Swearing-in the Batch ‘B’ of the 2007 Corps Members in the orientation Camp in Kubwa Abuja, the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yusuf Bomoi said that the problem had been resolved.

Council of Governorship candidates visits FRCN

The Council of Governorship candidates of Nigeria has advised the legislature to shun political and selfish considerations and resolve issues based on National interest.
On a visit to the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, the Interim National Chairman of the Council, Dr Gambo Iggi, said a patriotic and result oriented legislature would guarantee sustainable democracy.
Dr Iggi in his assessment of the present administration scored President Umaru Yar’adua very high.
In his response the Director General, Mr Ben Egbuna who was represented by Director News, Mr Reginald Okochi urged the Council to play politics based on love and accommodation.
Mr Egbuna advised the members to rally round their respective State Governors by offering useful advice that would engender even development.
The Council of Governorship candidate comprise mainly candidates who contested and lost elections from different parts of the country.

Weights and Measures Department seals fuel station
Three pumps of the Conoil Station situated along Herbert Macauley Way has been sealed by the weights and measures division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The pumps were sealed during a Special Inspection of retail outlets of petroleum products within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the Deputy Superintendent of the division, Mr Vincent Ahuekwe, the Station was found to be short-changing the public.

Radio Nigeria also spoke with a customer who complained of being cheated at the station.
The Head of Weights and Measures Department in the Ministry, Mr Joseph Adejuwon pleaded with the Federal Government to assist the division in upgrading its equipment.

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161007

FCT:  original inhabitants to relocate

Good News for original inhabitants of the FCT, as arrangements to relocate them to Galuwyi Shere and Apo resettlement sites is in top gear.
Briefing news hunters after a tour of the site, the number two man of the FCT, James Akpanudodedehe said funds had already been provided for the project, would be completed in the next three months.
Akpanudodedehe was however not happy on the way the project was being handled by contractors at Galuwyi Shere resettlement site.
The man in charge of resettlement and compensation, Mr. Festus Esekhile observed that the delay at Galuwyi Shere site was due to the non-challant attitude of the contractors.

Inhabitants to be relocated to Galuwyi Shere include Utako, Maje, Jabi Samuel, Kpaduma and Jabi Yakub as well as Zilo, while inhabitants of Garki, Apo and Akpanjanya villages are to be relocated to Apo village.

Nigeria to ensure food security

Nigeria today joins the rest of the World in emphasising the right to Food.
The Apex World body, Food and Agricultural Organisation, set aside the sixteenth of October every year to create awareness on the importance of food production.

Going by the theme of this year’s “World Food Day” “The Right to food” it is the right of all citizens to have sufficient and nationally adequate food.

Our man Chikezie Chinkata reports that Nigeria is currently the largest producer of cassava in the World.

In its efforts to ensure that all Nigerians are well fed, in the past eight years there have been various initiatives to boot production in the country towards ensuring food security.

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151007

BWARI: Parents of hawkers to face prosecution

Parents who prefer sending their children to hawk instead of enrolling them in Schools are to face hard time in Bwari Area Council of the FCT.

To check the activities of these Parents, the Area Council Administration has inaugurated a committee that will ensure the enrolment of pupils in Primary Schools.

Inauguration the Committee, the number one man of the Bwari Area Council, Mr.Isa Dara warned that henceforth, any child of School Age found hawking during school Hours would be arrested and their parents prosecuted.

The Chairman urged the Committee to liase with Traditional and Religious Leaders as well as other stakeholders to fashion out ways of developing education in the area.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Supervisory Councilor for Education, Danjuma Kawu advised Parents to be committed to the education of their children as it was the only legacy they can bequeath on them.

Ekiti State: Govt to pay mobilisation to contractors

Hardworking contractors in Ekiti State, especially those handling road projects have every cause to rejoice.

This is because the State Government will henceforth pay mobilization fees after contractors complete thirty percent of such projects.
                                                                                                                                  
The number two man in the Stated, Dr Sikiru Lawal said this at Public Forum in Ado Ekiti.
That is not all; Dr Lawal warned that Government would not accept shoddy jobs from such contractors.

He emphasized that the era of abandoned projects had gone in the State.
 

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101007

Council for Legal Education applaud the Minister of Justice

The Council of Legal Education is happy with government‘s commitment to the rule of law.
Chairman, Board of the Council of Legal Education, Justice Morenike Onalaja dropped the hint when he visited  the Attorney General of the Federation,  the man in charge of the justice Ministry, Chief Michael Aondoakaa in his office.

Justice Onalaja said the rule of law is the corner stone for the development of the country and the survival of democracy.
                                               
On his part, the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Aondoakaa said it was important to ensure that the current effort to instil the rule of law was sustained.

Federal Ministry officials in ICPC custody

An Assistant Director and his partner in crime working with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Urban Development Abuja are now cooling their heels in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Alhaji Khalid Gaya who is in charge of the Pension Section of the Ministry and his subordinate, Mr.Eshiet Imeh were nabbed for demanding and collecting bribe before endorsing, as well as processing the papers of a Pensioner.

Their arrest was in response to a petition by one Pastor Ojo Fatoye who alleged that the officers requested payment of the sum of forty thousand naira before the endorsement and processing of his late father’s pension entitlements.

The long arm of the law caught up with the Assistant Director when operatives of the ICPC gave the petitioner marked money for payment to endorse the pension forms.

The suspects will soon visit the court after authentication of the photocopies of the marked money received as bribe.

NIPOST marks World Post Day

All things being equal, the nation’s Postal Service will soon wear a new look.
This is because plans are underway to establish an independent regulator for the sector.
This hint was dropped by the Man in charge of the Information and Communication Ministry, Mr. John Odey at the commemoration of this year’s World Post Day in Abuja.

“The Government is determined to effectively tap the huge potentials of the postal service” Mr. Odey emphasised.

In a speech, the Chief Executive of NIPOST, Mallam Ibrahim Mori-Baba said fraudulent activities were being effectively tackled in the sector.

The occasion did not only feature speeches as NIPOST launched twenty five new vehicles and presented prizes to winners of its annual essay writing competition.
The theme of this year’s World Post Day is “The Global Postal Network”.

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091007

Senate to revisit Dike’s report

It appears that the report of the Air Marshall Paul Dike’s report on the Aviation Industry has not been swept under the carpet.

This is because the Senate Committee on Aviation says it will revisit the report to ensure that the recommendations are implemented to enhance safety in the industry.

Senator Anyim Ude, who is the Chairman of the Committee, gave the information during an inspection tour of the Lagos Airport.

He told officials of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA and the Nigerian Metrological Agency to ensure that navigational aids and communication equipment were effective.
Managing Director, NAMA Captain Ado Sanusi used the occasion to appeal for special consideration in next year’s budget for safer skies in the country.

Kogi State: Police investigates the killing of two students

The police says it is looking into the alleged killing of two students of the Kogi State University, Anyangba by security men on the convoy of the Enugu State Governor.
The Police boss in Kogi, Mr. Ibezimako Aghanya who gave the hint in Lokoja said an interim report on the incident would soon be submitted to the force headquarters in Abuja.

According to Aghanya, the Command has also concluded investigation into the killing of one of the University student by a trailer driver on the day of the incident.

The University has been shut as a result as a result of students’ protest against the killing of their colleagues.
The call was made at a joint news conference in Lokoja by the National Association of Kogi State Students, the National Youth Council as well as the Senate President of NANS.

Ministry of Justice to expose corrupt persons

The Ministry of Justice is to assist the government in the fight against corruption.
To this, the Ministry says it will not provide a cover-up for anyone accused of corrupt practices.

The helmsman of the Ministry, Chief Michael Aondoakaa made this known while reacting to a letter from the British Director of Public prosecution, Mr. Ken Macdonald exonerating the Attorney General of any complicity in the ruling vacating the order that restraint former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori by the South-wark crown court.

Mr. Ken Macdonald said the reason for vacating the order was the length of time the investigation had taken and the lack of progress towards a decision whether or not to charge chief Ibori.

The British Director of Public Prosecution told his Nigerian Counterpart of the intension to appeal the decision to charge the restraint order and an application to stay the decision pending determination of the appeal.

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081007

Dabo wants Nigerians to be committed to task of Nation building

The Deputy National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Dr. Godwin Dabo wants all Nigerians to be committed to the task of Nation building and be positive minded about the affairs of the country.
Dr. Dabo told newsmen in Abuja that with patriotism, honesty and collective support for the Government, Nigeria would be a country to be reckoned with among comity of nations.

The PDP Chieftain stressed the need for politicians to shun utterances capable of over heating the polity.

He also urged Government at all levels to be responsive to the yearning and aspiration of the people.

Gorizato Guillen flee the country after being criticised by Colombian President

A foreign Correspondent in Colombia, Gorizato Guillen has fled the country after being criticised by Colombian President, Alvaro Uribe.

The President accused Guillen of the Miami-Based El-Nuero Herald News paper for being a Professional Slanderer.

Colombia is one of the hottest places for a journalist to operate. Drug Cartels, Marxist guerrillas and right wing Paramilitaries all seek to avoid being reported by the Media.

Guillen received death threats after the Colombian President accused him of being behind a book which revealed that the President has close ties to the head of the Medellin Drug Cartel.
More that forty Journalists have been killed in Colombia over the last fifteen years.

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051007

Money Laundering: Group commends Nigeria

The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa has given Nigeria a pat on the back for the progress made so far in its anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing framework.

The Man in charge of the Group in Nigeria, Dr.Abdullahi Shehu gave the commendation on a visit to the Minister of Interior in Abuja.

 Dr. Shehu explained that the aim of the Group’s visit was to evaluate Nigeria’s compliance with acceptable international standard in the fight against money laundering.
Responding, the Interior Minister, Retired Major General Godwin Abbe said all Security Agencies under the Ministry had been sensitized on the need to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to effectively combat the menace of money laundering, terrorism financing, and human trafficking.

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041007

David Mark frowns at lack of portable water

Senate President David Mark is not happy that many Nigerians still have no access to portable water after forty seven years of Independence.

The Senate President was speaking at the Inauguration of the Senate Committee on water resources in Abuja.
Senator Mark therefore gave an assurance that the Senate would give approval to any budgetary allocation appropriated to the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources for optimal utilization.
He urged the Committee to work closely with the ministry and other agencies of government to pursue the policy objectives of the Present administration.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bassey Ewa-Henshaw said, the Committee would be transparent, fair and always be guided by the constitution.

National Assembly Correspondent reports that the Senate Committee on Water Resources is one of the standing committee of Senate established in accordance with Senate standing rule, and give jurisdiction for oversight purpose over all matters relating to water.

Sudanese Govt. pledges to rebuild Darfur

In the meantime, the Sudanese government has announced a pledge of three hundred million Dollars to help rebuild and repair Darfur.
Former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter told newsmen in Khartoum, shortly after talks with President Omar Al-Bashir, that the Sudanese government was also willing to have international observers during the elections planned for two thousand and nine.
Mr. Carter is among a group of four elder statesmen in Sudan trying to find solutions to the conflict.

He explained that one hundred million Dollars of the pledge would come from the Sudanese government while the balance of two hundred million Dollars would be a loan from China.

The Commander of the African Union Force in Darfur, General Martin Luther Agwai said he did not expect improvement in the situation on the ground, until the twenty-six thousand joint AU-UN force is deployed on the first of January two thousand and eight.

Private security to support NSCDC to achieve its mandate

Private security outfits in the country have been urged to support the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp NSCDC, to achieve its mandate of ridding the country of vandals.

The Boss of a private security outfits, Mr. Emmanuel Okpara made the call at the on going trade fair at the old parade ground in Abuja.

He gave the NSCDC a pat on the back for effectively checking the activities of vandals in the country despite inadequate materials to work with.

Mr. Okpara also commended the present administration for making security one of its priorities in the seven point’s agenda.

He advised residents’ f the Federal Capital Territory to be more security conscious especially in these ember months.

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270907

UN: Secretary General sends special envoy to Myanmar

United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon has sent his special envoy on political matters, Nigeria’s Ibrahim Gambari to Myanmar to assist in the process of national reconciliation.
The mission was in response to what Ban Ki-moon described as the crumbling situation in Myanmar.

The people of Myanmar protested the current economic hardship and embarked on demonstration early last week against a military group.

The protesters were monks who embarked on prayers and demonstration which brought the country to a halt.

The Burmese Security forces raided two monasteries early today beating up and detaining more than ten marks after a day of violent protest.

FG reviews committee on Tax Waivers

The Federal Government has inaugurated a team of Auditors and review committee on waivers, concessions and incentives.

Inaugurating the Committee, the Minister of Finance, Doctor Shamsudeen Usman clarified that government only suspended granting of new waivers.

He pointed out the objective of granting tax waivers and concessions first place was a deliberate policy by government to attract investors against back drop of high cost of doing business in the country.
Doctor Usman explained that the committee would also look into the reforms in customs as it relates to clearing of gods in the port.
The Minister said the over all target was to ensure that goods that enter the ports are cleared within forty-eight hours.

Notable personalities that graced the occasion include the Accountant General of the Federation, Committee on Finance and Appropriate, Director General of Dept Management Office and NDIC and host others.
Correspondent reports that the committees are made up of seventeen members and seven Auditing Firms.
 

In honour of the former Senate President, Chief Evan Enwerem the National Assembly on Thursday held a valedictory session. The body of late Chief Enwerem laid in state for Members of the National Assembly to pay their last respect to the first President of Senate in the Fourth Republic.

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250907

Taraba State: Governor pledges support for poverty eradication

The Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntail, has pledged the sum of Five hundred million naira as counterpart fund in the poverty eradication programmes, of the National Poverty Eradication Programme NAPEP.The governor made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the National Coordinator of NAPEP, Dr. Magnus Kpakol, in his office.

Alhaji Sutai said that, the purpose of his visit was to let the National coordinator know that a new chapter had been opened in the history of Taraba State.He said his administration would work closely with NAPEP, to ensure that the people of Taraba benefits from all the poverty alleviation measures of the agency.

Responding Dr. Magus Kpakol said that the basis of NAPEP was to work with people at the grassroots.Mr. Kpakol noted that NAPEP was looking forward, to provide technical support to states and work with the governors to tackle poverty.The National Coordinator commended the Governor for his passion, vision and decision to partner with NAPEP, to bring his people out of the clinches of poverty.

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210907

Africa: Aid agencies appeal for funds to assist people hit by floods

Some aid agencies are worried about floods in Africa. To this end the agencies have started appealing for funds to assist people hit by floods in several African countries.
Also United Nations Agencies are seeking extra funds for Uganda where the government has declared an emergency.

The United Nation says one point five million people are affected by the flood, which have hit a several countries from the east to the west of the continent.
Northern Ghana was badly affected where the White Volta River burst its banks following day’s torrential rain and large areas of farmland were flooded.

The Floods is reported to be the worst in many countries for decades, with two hundred and fifty killed and more than six hundred thousand displaced.

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190907

Environment and Ecology Committee to review existing laws

The Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, is to review existing laws on Environment as while as ensure domestication of international regulation.

The Chairman, Senator Grace Bent stated this in an interview with newsmen after the inauguration of the committee in Abuja.

Senator Bent noted that there was need for a holistic environmental policy that would clearly define the role of all tiers of Government in the management of the environment.

She advocated for stiffer penalties on individuals or companies that violate environmental laws.

Senator Bent said the committee would soon embark on a nationwide campaign to states and local governments to sensitise the people on the need to maintain clean environment.

The Chairman Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology said plans was also on the way for the re-introduction of National Environmental Day in the country.

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Agriculture Development: Borno State seeks support from the United State

Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno has solicited the assistance of the United States Government towards enhancing Agriculture Development in the State.

Governor Sheriff made the call when the U.S Charge D’Affairs, Mr. Robert Gribbin visited him in Maiduguri.

He said developing the Agricultural sector was top on his priority list because it was the major occupation of more than seventy percent of the people in the state.

The Governor commended the U.S embassy for assisting the state in the provision of potable water and educational materials.

Earlier the U.S Charge D’Affairs Mr. Robert Gribbin said he was in the state to inaugurate the American corner at the University of Maiduguri as well as donate the books to eight secondary schools.

Bwari: Chairman calls on community leaders brace up to their responsibility

In line with the directive of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to rid the territory of crime, Bwari Area Council has urged community leaders to be alive to their responsibilities of monitoring the activities of suspicious characters in the area.

The Chairman Mr. Isa Dara made the call at a meeting with opinion leaders in Bwari.

Mr. Dara said steps have been taken to make the area uncomfortable for criminals.

These include provision of vehicles to the police and monthly grants to the Divisional Police Officers as well as recognized vigilante groups to enhance the performance.

Mr. Dara noted that the fight against crime was a collective responsibility.

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170907

Nigeria Aviation authorities to present country’s profile in the Industry
Nigeria’s Aviation authorities will present the country’s profile in the Industry to an emergency Meeting called by International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, toward safer Aviation in Africa.
The Emergency Meeting was called by the ICAO ahead of the thirty Fifth Convention in Montreal, Canada, to find ways of funding the safety plan for Africa.
The Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Harold Demuren, is already in Canada for the meeting.
ICAO is worried about the high rate of accidents in Africa and is working out ways to improve safety in the sector.
The Organisation has developed a comprehensive Regional Implementation plan for Aviation Safety in Africa aimed at safety improvements on the continent.
The Plan was developed following a visit to Africa last year by members of the Air Navigation Commission of ICAO.

NYCN: Inauguration of Seven- Member Caretaker Committee to conduct election
A Seven- Member Caretaker Committee has been inaugurated to conduct election into the Executive Committee of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN.
At a Media Briefing in Abuja, the Chairman of the Committee, Emmanuel Dashe explained that the setting up of the Committee became necessary following the dissolution of the immediate past Executive Committee of the Congress in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.
He gave an assurance that the Committee would do its best to usher in credible officials that would run the affairs of the body in the next three years.
Mr. Dashe said the Committee would collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for the smooth conduct of the election.
Members of the Committee are drawn from the six geo-political zones.

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130907

House of Reps:  Leadership to appear before the Committee next week

The Leadership of the House of Representatives is to appear before the Committee Investigating the allegation of contract award against the Speaker on Monday next week.
Also to appear are the Clerk of the National Assembly and House of Representatives, Directors of Finance, Legal Works and Estate as well as Director planning of the Assembly.

In a statement today in Abuja the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Mr. David Idoko explained that the measure was to enable the committee ascertain the level of their involvement.
National Assembly Correspondent, Mohammed Gbedus Abdullahi reports that officials of the FCDA and the contractors handling the project were also summoned to appear before the panel.

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120907

NBC plans to go digital

The Director General of National Broadcasting Commission NBC, Mr. Bolarinwa says the available broadcast frequencies cannot accommodate the number of companies seeking license.

Mr. Bolarinwa made this known at the inauguration and induction of Abuja chapter of Nigeria institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

He said the commission was planning to go digital so as to accommodate more licenses.

The Director General called on regulators in the Broadcast industry to brace up to the challenges of the digital trend in the industry.

Mr. Bolarinwa corrected the notion that broadcast license fee in the country was too high adding that licenses were categorized into commercial license.

Odey stresses the need for Security in the Plateau State

The Government Spokesman, Mr. John Odey has harped on the need for State Government to take the issue of Security seriously to attract foreign investment.

Mr. Odey stated this when he played host to the Deputy Governor of Plateau state, Mrs. Pauline Tallen.

He emphasized that security of lives and property would facilitate the implementation of the economic agenda of this administration.

Mr. Odey advised the Government and people of Plateau State to make maximum use of the proposed information Resource Center to be established by the Minister to project the activities of the state.

Congratulating the Minister on his appointment, Mrs. Pauline Tallen promised that Plateau State would support him in the task of national rebirth.

Also speaking, the Minister of state for information and Communication, Alhaji Ibrahim Makande disclosed that Highland FM, the new FM Stations of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, in Jos would soon commence transmission.

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100907

NURTW Boss enjoins commuters to boycott night journeys
The President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Alhaji Gidado Hamman says 85 percent of road traffic in the nation’s highways occurs at night.
Alhaji Hamman made this known in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the general misconception about “Ember Months” and circumstances that often lead to road accidents in the country.
He said night traveling could only be discouraged when commuters boycott night journey.
The NURTW Boss urged the authorities of the Federal Road Safety Corps to ensure effective implementation of the Road Transport Safety Standardization scheme.  

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070907

Members of the House react on panel set up

Some members of the Lower Legislative Chamber have bared their mind on the panel constituted to investigate the allegation of the contract award against the speaker Mrs. Patricia Etteh.
In an Interview with national assembly correspondent Mohammed Gbedus Abdullahi in Abuja, a member of the House from Edo State Mr. Friday ltullah said he was confident in the ability of the member to carry out the assignment. Mr Friday ltullah showered encomiums on members of the House for the high sense of maturity exhibited in handling the matter.
The man overseeing the house Committee on Rules and business, Mr.ita Enang assured Nigerians that the Committee’s investigative hearing would be made public.

The leader of the integrity group of the house Alhaji Farouk lawan expressed satisfaction with the composition of the committee.
In case you have forgotten, the House of Representatives has been in deep water over award of contract for the renovation of the Residences of its principle Officers

Public Health Department to realise Health MDG.

The Federal Ministry of Health says Public Department is achieving the Health Millennium Development Goal.

Director Public Health, Doctor Ngozi Njepuome stated this at a two-day workshop organised for the newly deployed staff of the Ministry in Abuja.

Doctor Njepuome expressed happiness that Public Health in the country was receiving more attention form the Government and other stakeholders.

She emphasised the f need for stakeholders to come together to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Earlier in a message, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mallam Ibrahim Talba noted that the meeting would provide a forum for the orientation of re-deployed officers.

FG to support the development of women economic empowerment

The Federal Government will not relent in its efforts to support the development of women economic empowerment, and will continue to ensure the development of small and medium scale Enterprises as a foundation for meaningful economic growth and development in the country.

This remark was made by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Saudatu Usman Bungudu at a parley with the target of the 7-point Agenda of President Yar’Adua on wealth Creation and Poverty Reduction.

She emphasised the need for partnership among various stakeholders in pursing women issues, considering their numerical strength, potentials and critical place in the development process.
Hajiya Bungudu pointed out that, until poverty was diminished, gender issues streamlined and women adequately empowered, the chances of Nigeria meeting the Millennium Development Goals target of eradicating extreme poverty by two thousand and fifteen may not materialise.

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060907

Private Guards to cooperate with Civil Defence Corps

The Federal Government wants Private Guard Operators in the country to cooperate with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to discourage incursion of quacks in the profession.

The Minister of State for Interior, Alhaji Hassan Haruna made the call to day at the presentation of Private Guard operational licenses to prospective private security service providers in Abuja.

Alhaji Haruna pledged the ministry’s readiness to support the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in ensuring sanity in the operations of the Private Guard Industry.

Earlier, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Doctor Ade Abodurin called on the operators to conform to government policies on the payment of their staff salaries.

Responding on behalf of the Private Guard Operators, Retired Air Vice Marshal   Akin Odesola promised that they would obey the rules guiding the Private Guard companies.

Eleven Private Guard Companies were given operational licenses by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Yar’Adua calls for cooperation between NDE and National Council in Agriculture

President Umaru Yar’Adua has called on the National Council in Agriculture to collaborate with the NDE towards exploiting the abundant opportunities in the Culture Industry for job creation and youth Empowerment.

President Yar’Adua stated this in a message to the 2007 National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), in Benue State.

He promised to give attention to activities in the sector to improve its viability. He commended the theme of the festival, tagged Culture, Job Creation and Youth Empowerment.

President Yar’Adua maintained that NAFEST has promoted National and International Unity and Consciousness. He expressed the determination of his administration to tap the abundant potentials in the Culture and Tourism Industry of the National Economy in order to rank among the largest economies of the world by 2020.

Earlier, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation who was represented by the Minister of State Doctor Idi Hong said the Federal Government will develop the culture Industry to tackle the problem of youth restiveness.

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050907

Jonathan opposes the separation of joint account
 The nation’s number two helmsman, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan has disagreed with those calling for the separation of the joint Account of states and local government councils.
He said instead, such people should offer valuable suggestions on how best to manage the accounts.
The Vice President who was represented by his senior Assistant on Development Cooperation, Mr Femi Ajjeri, at a four –day National Workshop on the operations, disbursements and management of State and Local Governments joint Account in Abuja, explained that, the joint Account was instituted to ensure even development and check embezzlement.
He said those in charge of Accounts would be required from time to time to give stewardship of the operation of the Account.

FCT: Minister urges companies to observe their corporate responsibilities
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Aliyu Modibbo has urged multi-national companies operating in the territory to observe their corporate responsibilities.
Modibbo made the call during the inauguration of the Abuja plant of the Nigerian Bottling Company.
He urged them to display corporate responsibilities by building schools, roads, clinics, provision of potable water and sundry facilities to their host communities.
On his part, Chief Operation Officer of the Company, Muktar Kent said his Organization was deeply committed to the country and its citizens.

 
Okeke calls on state governments to tackle the plight of pensioners
The Head of Civil Service of The Federation, Ebele Okeke wants state governments to address the plight of pensioners.
Okeke made the assertion when she hosted heads of service from the South-East Zone in Abuja.
In a statement, Okeke decried the situation where retired civil servants ended up as paupers.
She urged those in leadership position to address the problem. The Head of Civil Service was optimistic that with the introduction of reforms the Civil Service would greatly improve.
Responding, the Abia State Head of Service, Uchenna Eznezue described Okeke’s appointment as historic and promised to partner with her to boost the service morale.

Delta State: Government sets up Ministry of Science and Technology
In response to the call by the Ministry of Science And Technology, the Delta State Government has established a Ministry of Science and Technology.
Hosting the new Delta State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Doctor Ronald Eyime in his office, the Minister, Mrs. Grace Ekpiwhere pledged to avail the state of its repertoire of expertise in Science that would assist the state in capacity building and Human Resource Development.
Mrs. Ekpiwhere who gave kudos to Delta State for their initiative, promised to help the state realize its scientific dreams.
Mrs. Ekpiwhere said her Ministry has a viable structure which the state would adopt to suit its peculiarities.
Responding, the Delta State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Ronald Eyime said his state needed to develop science in order to productively engage its youths in Nation building.
Newsmen reports that the Minister on assumption in office urged state governments to establish a State Ministry of Science and Technology to contribute to the nation’s economy maximally.

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040907

Niger:  Governor warns civil servants against corruption and poor service delivery.

The Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu has warned civil servants in the state against corruption and poor service delivery.

Governor Aliyu handed down the warning at the opening of a seven-day retreat for top civil servants and politicians in Minna, the state capital.

He described the civil service as the bedrock of any successful administration and urges the participants to rise to the challenges of reforming the system from the evils of corruptions.

Aliyu said He would bequeath to the state the best civil service in the country in terms of professionalism and good service delivery.

On his part, Mr. Tunde Fagbemi, Managing Director, Spring Fountain Consortium, organizers of the Retreat, said the workshop was to keep the participants abreast of new trends in the civil service.

Police to tackle accommodation problem

Accommodation problem for members of the Nigeria Police Force will soon become a thing of the past.
The Police Equipment Fund Foundation has donated fifty blocks of flats to the Nigerian Police.

The mouthpiece of the Nigerian Police and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Haz Iwendi announced this on a Police Diary, a Radio Nigeria Live Network Programme.

He said the gesture was in-line with the priority of the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, which is "housing for all members of the force".

Mr. Iwendi stated that community whose police station was destroyed through any act of violence would have the responsibility to rebuild the station.

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310807

IN and Around Abuja

Kwali Area Council opts to support Fadama Two Projects
Kwali Area Council Administration in the federal Capital Territory has pledged to support Fadama Two Projects in the area for the benefit of the community.
The Council Chairman, Mr. Samuel Mari- Gwamna stated this in a message to a stakeholders meeting of Fadama Two in Kwali, Abuja.
Mr. Mari-Gwamna, represented by the Vice Chairman, Mallam Saidu Adamu Ashara said residents in the area who were mostly agrarian would benefit from the Programme.
Mr. Mari Gwamna said Council has paid its counterpart funding of two million naira for optimum job satisfaction.
Earlier, the Desk Officer in charge of the project in the area, Mallam Ibrahim Bawalagi commended the Council’s administration for its support to the Fadama Two Project.

Dickson calls on government to create job opportunities for the youths
The National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Chief Dickson Akoh has called on Government at all levels to give priority on job creation for the youths to reduce youth restiveness.
Chief Akoh made the call at call at a media briefing in Abuja.
The Peace Corps National Commandant hinted that the Organization has forwarded a proposal to the Federal Government on how it wish to assist Government address youth unemployment situation in the country.
Chief Akoh who condemned the recent mayhem in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital however criticized the call for State of Emergency in the State, pointing out that it was not in the best interest of the Nations.
Chief Akoh also advised Government to begin the process of moping up arms used by those involved in the mayhem to solve the insecurity situation in the State.

Police Command partners with Kapital FM to ensure crime control in Abuja
FCT Police Command and your darling dial Kapital FM have resolved to work together in ensuring a crime free Capital City.
During a courtesy visit to the Management of Kapital FM, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Haruna John said the partnership would be in the area of informing and educating residents on the need to always be security conscious.
Mr. John, who attributed the crime rate in the Territory to the demolition exercise and influx of people on a basis into the Territory, noted that security was the responsibility of all.
The FCT Police Commissioner said the Command had raided some identified black spots around the Territory and would continue to give criminal elements hard times until they were flushed out.
Responding, the General Manager Kapital FM, Alhaji Mohammed Bello noted that despite inadequate working facility and little incentives, the Nigeria Police had performed creditably.
Alhaji Bello advised the Command to organize a forum for Radio Presenters on tit bits about security.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of an award by the FCT Police Command to the General Manager Kapital FM.

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290807

Adenike calls for partnership to prevent HIV/AIDS in Nigeria
Health minister, Professor Adenike Grange has called for strong collaboration and partnership between the public and private sectors in the areas of prevention, treatment, care and support services for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
Professor Grange made the call at a forum in Lagos. She said the collaboration became necessary as situation analysis conducted in 2005 showed that more than fifty percent of Nigerians living with the virus access to care from private sector providers.
The Minister noted that the Health Sector strategic plan for HIV/AIDS, 2005-2009 had clearly articulated such collaboration and partnership.
Professor Grange explained that child survival indicators rate may be worsened by the HIV/AIDS epidemic if stakeholders do not work together to implement efficient prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission.

Minister advocates for continued research and development of Traditional Medicine
The Minister of State for Health, Mr. Gabriel Aduku has called for continued research and development of Traditional Medicine-Practice in the country.
Mr. Aduku made the call in Abuja while launching the Nigerian Traditional Medicine policy on the occasion of the Fifth African Traditional Medicine Day. The Minister said research was important to provide further insight to the immense potential of African Traditional Medicine and break the myth surrounding it.
Mr. Aduku said that if well-harnessed, Traditional Medicine was capable of generating revenue for the West African sub-region. Mr. Aduku noted that the launching of the Nigerian Traditional Medicine policy would promote the interest of various stakeholders in the practice as well as create conducive environment for Nigerians to benefit from it.

Envoy believes Nigeria will become economic power in 2020
The outgoing Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dirk-van Ecckhout is optimistic that if the level of economic activities already going in the country is sustained, Nigeria will be among the world leader in 2020.
To this end, Ambassador Ecckhout said a mutual protection agreement had been signed to enable both countries benefit from each other.
Ambassador Ecckhout dropped the hint at a reception organised in his honour by the Nigerian-Belgium Business Forum in Abuja. He said Belgium and Nigeria joint venture in the palm oil industry had also recorded a boost in the last three years.
Ambassador Ecckhout urged the media to guide the nation’s democracy jealously and called on them to be objective in their reportage.
Earlier, the convener of the reception and President, Nigeria-Belgium Business Forum, Doctor Obiora Okonkwo said both for the first time had signed an economy investment and trade protection agreement.
Foreign Affairs Correspondent reports that the reception by top shots of the society, including the Director General of FRCN, Mr. Ben Egbuna.

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270807

Professor Utomi states the need to promote locally made product
A renowned Economist, Professor Pat Utomi says the problem of inflation in the country is not that of Currency denomination but the issue of production.
Professor Pat Utomi stated this on Channel’s Television. He said there was need to introduce programmes that would encourage production to ensure that most of the items consumed in the country were produced locally.
The Professor maintained that even in the Oil Sector, the extent of local content in production was very minimal.
He said it was only through such policies that would encourage production, that the rate of inflation would be contained.

Benue State Government to monitor project contracts
 Benue State Government is to monitor contractors handling government projects in the state.
The Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Mr. Nena Shija stated this in Makurdi when members of the State House of Assembly Committee on Projects Monitoring and Implementation paid him a courtesy call.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Iyorkase Toor, the Commissioner urged the Committee to also monitor the performance of the Contractors.
Mr. Shija said the era when contractors jostled for Government contracts with the hope of abandoning them was over.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Innocent Anune, said the Assembly had evolved measures to ensure that it’s Committee carried out their oversight functions.
 

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240807

FRSC proffers reason for road hazards
The Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC says lack of political will on the part of those concerned at the various levels of Government is responsible for the persistent road hazards in the country.
The man overseeing the affairs of the Commission, Mr Osita Chidoka gave the hint at the meeting of the African Regional Group of International Road Safety Organisation in Abuja.
Mr Chidoka said about five thousand persons died while seventeen thousands were in injured in more than nine thousand road traffic accidents, last year in the country.
Presenting a paper, the ECOWAS Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambers, said statistics had shown that over one million people die every year globally from road accidents and million injured.

Minister calls for simplified tax structure
Doctor Shamsudeen called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service to make the tax structure less complicated to enable people comply with the payment.
The Minister also use the opportunity to announce the present administration’s Economic Management Team, EMT, which comprises the Finance Minister as Chairman, Minister of National Planning, as Vice Chairman, Minister of State, Finance,, Minister of State, Petroleum, and Honorary Strategic Adviser to the President on Energy.
Other members of the team include Economic Adviser to the President, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Special Assistant to the President, Petroleum and Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Service.
The Present also approved the inclusion of the private sector like the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and the Nigeria Economic Society.
Minister vows to partner with States in industrial development
 The Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry says it will join hands with State Governments, in the area of industrial development.
The man in-charge of the Ministry, Chief Charles Ugwu said when he received the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi in Abuja, that the collaboration would promote Industry Initiatives in the country.
Chief Ugwu noted that for Nigeria to realize the vision 2020 Initiative, there was the need for diversification of productive ventures.
Earlier, Governor Peter Obi appealed for the support of the Ministry in creating a free trade zone in Anambra State, to be financed by the State Government.

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230807

Australian Govt. to strengthen ties with Nigeria in Steel Development
The minister of Mines and Steel Development, Chief Sarafa Tunji lsola says, the present administration is doing everything possible to make the country a mining destination for international investors.
Chief Tunji Isola stated this, when the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jeffery Hart, paid him a visit. He said the federal government was working on a mining policy that would usher development in the country.
The Minister called on the Australian Government to partner with the local investors, especially in area of technical know-how.
Chief Isola said Australian, being a mining country, with extensive minerals and mining exploration, could be of immense relevance to the country, in the effort to open up the sector.
Earlier, the Australian High Commissioner, Jeffery Hart told Chief Isola that he was in the ministry to strengthen ties between his country and Nigeria, particularly in area of solid minerals exploration.

KUJE: village heads to maintain law and order                                                         
District and village heads in Kuje Area Council in the FCT have been urged to maintain law and order in their respective domain, for development and mutual co-existence.
The Council Chairman, Mr. Danladi Etsu Zhin, made the call while addressing traditional rulers in the area.
He said government would hesitate to depose or stop the salary of anyone of them, found encouraging violence in his domain.
Mr. Danladi Zhin commended the traditional rulers for their contribution to the socio-political development of Kuje Area Council.
He said his administration would purse a people orientated Programme as promised during electioneering campaign.

COREN expresses commitment to restore sanity in engineering practice
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering Practice Nigeria, COREN says it is committed to the restoration of sanity in practice of engineering in the country.
To this end, it has established the Engineering Regulation and Monitoring to check how companies in the construction industry conform to the standard of engineering practice.
The President of COREN, Alhaji Habu Gumel stated this while briefing journalists on preparations for the Sixteenth Engineering Assembly.
Alhaji Gumel speaks further on the mandate of COREN as it relates to the practice of the profession.
Alhaji Habu Gumel said COREN’s Tribunal would soon be inaugurated to deal with issues of quackery in the profession.

Para-millitary agencies to tackle security situations in the country
Following the upsurge of crime and criminality in some parts of the country, the need for government to beef up its security outfits has come to fore.  To address the situation, the Police and Prison Service, as well as other para-millitary agencies are to be repositioned to effectively tackle security situations in the country.
The man in charge of Ministry of Interior, Major General Godwin Abbe Retired, made this known when he received the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido in Abuja.
The Interior Minister said to effectively implement the reforms, the Ministry would put heads together with all tiers of government to achieve the desired result.
Retired General Abbe stressed the need for state and local governments to give assistance to the police and other para-millitary formations in the area to enhance performance.
Earlier, the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji sule Lamido appealed to the Interior Minister to as a matter of urgency, address inadequacies in prisons across the country.

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210807

RATTAWU wants support from FRCN

The Radio Television and Theater Arts Worker Union, RATTAWU, wants the support of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, in the area of publicity to its forthcoming national delegate’s conference scheduled for October this year in Oyo Akwa-Ibom state.
The Vice President of the Union; Comrade Sunday Jethro made the appeal today when he lead executive member of the union to brief the Director General of FRCN; Mr Ben Egbuna on the event.
Comrade Jethro said the conference would feature election of new official to run the union for the next four years.

NASARAWA STATE: Gov. solicits support towards the dev. Of the state

The Nasarawa State Government says it will give priority to Human and Rural Development.
The Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Doma stated this at a reception in honour of some elected indigenes of Nasarawa West Senatorial District of the State.
Alhaji Doma therefore urges the people of the State to engage in activities that would ensure sustainable development of the State.
He also promised to take everybody along in the administration of the State, to harness their potentials.
Spokesman for the elected indigenes of Nasarawa West Senatorial District, Senator Abubakar Sodangi, gave an assurance of their support, towards speedy development of that State.

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200807 

IN and around Abuja
FCTA: Security is our priority
The federal Capital Territory Administration says security is the priority of the present administration.
To this end all security outfits operating in the territory are to be registered for effective monitoring.
The Landlord of the FCT, Alhaji Aliyu Modibbo made this known during a jaw-jaw with newsmen in Abuja.
He explained that the registration was also necessary to evolve a working relationship between government agencies, private outfits and residents in tackling the issue of security.
Alhaji Modibbo described security as a task that required the cooperation of all resident and called for support.

ABAJI enjoys free Medical Service
Residents of Abaji Area Council of the FCT are shouting Hurray as they enjoy a week long free Medical Service courtesy, the Area Council Administration.
At the commencement of the exercise, the Chairman, Alhaji Musa Yahaya Mohammed said plans were under way to recruit health personnel who will manage healthcare centres in the area to meet the health needs of the people.
Alhaji Yahaya appealed to the Administration to expedite action in providing medical facilities and drugs in hospitals for rural communities.
On the Television Booster Station in the Area, the Chairman appealed to the Authorities of FCDA to assist in its maintenance the Area Council cannot afford to shoulder such responsibility alone.
NERC to reduce arbitrary bills
The body controlling Electricity Consumption, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission says it has perfected plans to reduce arbitrary billing of consumers.
To this end, it says it will soon release twelve million pre-paid metres in the next twelve months.
The man in charge of the Commission, Doctor Ransome Owan said in Abuja that these pre-paid metres would instill discipline in bills payment among consumers.
He also drew the ears of those consumers attempting to by pass metres to desist or face the wrath of the law.

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170807

NIPOST aims to upgrade its facilities nationwide

The Nigeria Service, NIPOST, says the current drive to upgrade its facilities nationwide was aimed at keeping peace with emerging global realities.
Chairman, NIPOST Governing Board, Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi stated this when the board met with the NIPOST Service Management in Abuja.
Alhaji Ashorobi said NIPOST was prepared to borrow ideas from the management of postal services in other parts of the world, where efficiency and productivity were publicly acknowledged.
He urged the Management to look inward on how best to benefit from the current wave of liberalisation of the economy where the private sector is a key player.

NAFDAC Boss appeals to Pakistani Govt to fight against counterfeit drugs

The Director General of the National agency for food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Professor Dora Akunyili has called on Pakistani Government not just to import drugs to Nigeria but to establish drug manufacturing companies to held fight the issue of counterfeit drugs.
Professor Akunyili made the appeal when the Pakistani High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Khalid Durrani paid her a courtesy call at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
She said Nigeria had already established an economic relation with Pakistani and over one hundred different importers from that country had been registered by the agency.
Responding, Mr. Khalid Durrani noted that Pakistan was ready to partner with Nigeria.
He said free drugs worth five hundred thousand dollars had been donated to Nigeria to strengthen the tie between the two countries.
Mr Durrani said he was in NAFDAC to learn more about the activities of the agency.

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160807

Executive Director Radio Nigeria ANS advises parents

The Executive Director, Radio Nigeria Abuja National Station, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi says, the greatest legacy parents could bequeath to their children, is good education.
He stated this while receiving the Management of Madrasat Nurul Islam, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Mallam Abudullahi who said that, he attaches great importance to issues of education noted no society can progress without impacting knowledge on its youths.
Mallam Abdullahi praised efforts of the Management, Staff and pupils of the School, which he said had accounted for the successes recorded so far.
Earlier, the Leader of delegation, Mallam Musa Abdullahi said, they were in Station to intimate the Management and Staff of Radio Nigeria Abuja National Station of the School’s first graduation ceremony to be held later this month.
Mallam Musa solicited moral and financial assistance for the Station to ensure the success of the ceremony.

Police promises to stop hostage taking in Niger-Delta

The issue of hostage taking will soon be a thing of the past, in the Niger-Delta Region.
This is because a police joint task force has been set in motion to curb the menace in those areas.
Force spokesman Haz Iwendi, dropped the hint today in Abuja, on police diary a Radio Nigeria Audience Participation Programme.
He said the task force would patrol the state and its environs.
Mr. Iwendi said, police operatives in Kogi State have also recorded tremendous success in smashing car-snatching gangs in the state.
  He said the task force in the state had arrested five of the car snatchers recently.
The Commissioner explained that during an interrogation, the suspects confessed that they carry out their operation along Lokoja Abuja road, at illegal police check points.
While in Delta State, seventeen student cultist, were arrested by the state command.

Five million naira fraud uncovered

The Anti- Corruption Committee set up by the Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, has uncovered a five million naira contract fraud.
Council Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed set up the Committee, to probe contracts awarded by his predecessor, Alhaji Mohammed Loko.
Alhaji Mohammed told newsmen that the former administration awarded a contract for purchase of thirty five generators at an inflated cost.
He said the Committee discovered that, only fifteen generators were supplied, despite the fact that full payment was made.
The Chairman stated that the Committee was not set up to witch-hunt anybody, but to minimize mismanagement and institute transparency.

150807

NBA commends AG for observing Due Process

The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, has commended the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mike Aondoaka, SAN, in his efforts to follow the Due Process in the administration of Criminal Justice in the country. The President of the NBA, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, in a letter also commended the streaming of activities of all enforcement agencies in the Criminal Justice sector with a view to ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.
The Association expressed happiness at the vigorous application of the forty-eight hours rule for arraignment as guaranteed under the constitution.
The NBA suggested the convening of a stakeholder’s dialogue on the administration of criminal justice in the country.

News in and round Abuja
KUJE
Farmers in Kuje Area Council of the FCT have been urged to judiciously use farming inputs provided by the council for increased food production in this year’s farming season. The Council Chairman Mr. Danlandi Zhin made the call while flagging off the sale of fertilizer in Kuje.
Mr. Zhin said the Council decided to subsidize the sale of each bag by four hundred naira
He said new tractors and other modern farming implements would be purchased by the Council to aid farmers in mechanised farming system for bumper harvest.
Mr. Zhin also urged the farmers not to divert the fertilizer and warned that anybody caught would face the wrath.

Bwari Area Council

All Quack Doctors operating in Bwari Area Council are to be arrested and prosecuted.
The Helmesman of the Coucil, Isa Dara Bwari dropped the hint at a meeting with Health Officials in Bwari.
He noted with concern the activities of unqualified medical personnel which he said had resulted in the death of innocent people.

Mr. Isa Dara stated that a committee would be constituted to examine all the private hospitals in Bwari Arae Council with a view to closing down the unregistered clinics.
In a remark, the Head of Health Department, Dr Veronica Yamma thanked the council for approving the renovations of some Health centers and providing them with drugs.

Drug Peddler in NDLEA Net

A total of  one hundred wraps Cocaine weighing one point one zero none kilograms have been excreted by a drug courier, Mohammed Babatunde arrested by the NDLEA, while attempting to traffic the substance out of the country.

Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchell, the Agency’s Public Affairs Officer told News Agency of Nigeria that the suspect made four separate excretions of one hundred wraps weighing one point one zero nine kilograms so far.

Mr. Mitchell said the suspect was still under observation, while investigation continued.
Mohammed Babatunde was arrested on Sunday night as he was about to board a virgin Nigeria flight to London at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
Report says the suspect started excreting the substance on Monday with the first set of about sixty wraps.

The suspect confession had led to the manhunt of Lagos Socialite, Alhaja Toyin Igbria who the suspect had alleged as the brain behind the illict act.

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300707       
NMA expresses appreciation for the new appointment
The Nigeria Medical Association NMA has expressed appreciation to President Umar Musa Yar’Adua for appointing a Member of the Association as the Minister of Health.
A statement from the office of the Secretary General of the Association describes the appointment of Professor Adenike Grange as the Minister of Health as very positive practical and innovative step to improve the healthcare delivery system in the country.
The statement also commends the President for his painstaking efforts to put round pecks in round holes and his respect for the rule of law.
It expresses the commitment and support of NMA, to the President in the task of building a viable, sustainable and accessible to health care delivery system in the country.

FCT Minister visits some parts of the Territory

The Federal Capital Minister, Dr. Modibo Umar says his administration will give priority to security and environmental cleanliness in the territory.
The Minister was speaking in Abuja after going round some parts of the territory to assess the problems on the ground and ascertain the level of compliance with environmental standards.
Places visited by the Minister include Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki districts and Area 1 Shopping Centre as well as AYA interchange under construction.Dr. Modibo was accompanied on the visit by the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Alhaji Mohammed Alhassan, his Chief staff, Adamu Ismaila, and the Managing Director, Abuja metropolitan Management Agency, Miss Jumai Kwanashie.

An institute for Africa culture to be established in Osun State:

An institute for Africa culture and international understanding is to be established in Osogbo, Osun State.
The institute which is to be funded by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation will integrate collections and materials of relevance for cultural heritage in the African region and Diaspora. The Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola announced in Osogbo at the inauguration of the State new Ministry of Culture and Tourism that the new Ministry would enable the State to harness the Tourism potential of the State.
The Governor called for private partnership in the quest to tap tourism resources as government would provide necessary incentives for would-be investors.

Monseignour Gabriel Osu admires Yar’Adua’s leadership

The Director of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Lagos, Monseignour Gabriel Osu, has commended President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for his leadership style since assumption of office.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria in Lagos, Monseignour Osu described the manner President Yar’Adua handle the Labour and ASUU crisis, as a quality of exceptional receptiveness and patriotism.
Monseignour Osu  urged the President to urgently improve on the nation’s security as well as modify the National Housing Policy to enable all Nigerians have safe and decent accommodation.

Restriction of commercial motorcycles in Kwara State
In Kwara State, operation of commercial motorcycles will soon be restricted to between the hours of six o’clock in the morning and nine o’clock in the evening.
The restriction followed the passing of the Bill regulating the operational time for commercial motor cyclists in the state.
Offenders of the law will be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand naira or six months in jail.

Zamfara State: DPR closes eleven filling stations
The Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Kaduna Office, has closed eleven filling stations in Zamfara State for selling the products above the approved pump prices.
The Chief Technical Officer of DPR, Alhaji Mohammed Makera said in Gusau that some of the filling stations were also closed for non-display of prices on bill board, operating with sub-standard dispensing pumps and poor safety measures.
He said the Department would not relent in its efforts until filling stations sell at the approved pump prices.
Alhaji Makera warned marketers to desist from selling petrol in Jerry cans or other continues as the practice contravenes the laws.

The Ilorin Ultra Modern market is to be completed before the end of this year.
The State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative and Industries, Dr. Felicia Ojeleye told newsmen in Ilorin that the project was part of measures to enhance business activities in the area.
She expressed the commitment of the Government towards improving the well-being of the masses.
The Commissioner appealed to the public to protect the project from vandal.
The market has over six hundred shops, a police post, a clinic, and parking spaces for vehicles among others.
The project is estimated to cost about nine hundred million naira.

Lagos State Govt conclude plans to upgrade road networks
The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to upgrade two road networks in Ikorodu Local Government Area and the four point five kilometre Ago Palace road in Okota, Oshodi -Isolo Local Government Area of the State.
This is to further improve the free flow of traffic as well as open the access roads to and from the State.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ganiyu Johnson told newsmen in Lagos, that the upgrade of roads was to ensure rapid soico-economic development of the State.
         
Election Petition in Uyo in Akwa Ibom State
The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, has struck out the Petition filed by Emmanuel Obot, challenging the election of Elder Bassey Etim as the member representing Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The Tribunal Chairman, Justice Nasir Ajana, before dismissing the petition by Counsel to the Petitioner, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, said the petitioner was not qualified in the first instance, since he was not a candidate in the April twenty-eight National Assembly election.
Justice Ajana said the petition lacked merit based on its locus standing with rules governing the Tribunal, just as the Petitioner Emmanuel Obot, lacked a party platform to continue with the case.
His political Party the PDP has since expelled him from the Party.
The Tribunal therefore upheld the election of Elder Bassey Etim as the winner of the election into the Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Dariye's bailed facing a forty-one count charge
 An Abuja High Court in Gudu District has granted bail to the former Governor of Plateau State, Chief Joshua Dariye facing a forty-one count charge f