Land clash claims 12 people in Kenya

At least twelve people have been killed in land clashed in Western Kenya.
Reports say ten houses were razed to the ground and some people burnt to death, while others were shot dead.
It is not certain if the overnight clashes are linked to election violence which killed about one thousand five hundred people this year.
The land dispute between the rival Sabaot and Soi Kalenjiri communities has lasted for more than a year.
Land disputes are one of the issues to be tackled as talks between the government and opposition were to resume in the capital, Nairobi.

NBC calls on Nigeria’s neighbours to embrace dialogue in resolving disputes

The National Boundary Commission has called on Nigeria’s neighbours to embrace dialogue in resolving their disputes with Nigeria.

The Director General of the Commission, Alhaji Sadiq Marafa Diggi in interview with Radio Nigeria in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State commended Niger Republic for her brotherly approach to the boundary dispute between her and Nigeria.
           
Alhaji Diggi said negotiations for the resolution of the dispute which started in 1994 had so far been very cordial.
He also commended the Kebbi State Government for the rapid development being experienced in the State.
           
Alhaji Diggi urged State Governors to extend the dividends of democracy to their subjects.

PDP: Alh.  Adamu assures credible leaders emerge at party’s convention

The Secretary Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu says all measures have been put in place to ensure that credible leaders emerge at the party’s convention.

He stated this in Keffi, Nasarawa State while speaking with newsmen on the political situation in the country.

Alhaji Adamu acknowledged that the party had made some mistakes in the past but promised to address them.
           
On the cancellation of some elections in PDP controlled states by some election tribunals, Alhaji Adamu expressed the belief that the party will in back the people’s mandate.
           
Alhaji Adamu reiterated the party’s commitment to always abide by the judgement of the election tribunals and enjoined other political parties to follow suit.

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020208

Umez-Eronini expresses concern over unemployed graduates in Imo /Abia States

The Commissioner representing Imo and Abia States in the Federal Civil Service Commission, Chief Ijeoma Umez-Eronini wants the two states to give priority to the acquisition of practical skills for self employment, to tackle the high rate of graduate unemployment.

Chief Umez-Eronini made the call when she paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Abia state Chief Theodore Orji in Umuahia.

She said employment into the Federal Civil Service was distributed equitably among all the states but said the problem with Abia and Imo states was the high turnout of qualified graduates.

Responding Chief Orji urged the Commissioner to assist the two States by giving information promptly on the available vacancies in the Federal Civil Service.
Chief Orji, the readiness of the administration to support the commissioner in her assignment.

President NSE wants coal to be included in National Energy Masterplan

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Alhaji Kashimi Ali wants coal to be included in the National Energy Masterplan.

Alhaji Ali made the call in Abuja when the FRSC Central Business District Commander paid him a courtesy visit.

The NSE President, said coal had played a key role not only in the provision of electricity but also as an essential fuel for steel and cement production and other industrial activities.

Alhaji Ali, who also the Director FCT Water Board assured the FRSC, of the readiness of NSE to assist in the maintenance of the nations roads.
Responding, the FRSC Unit Commander, Mr Sunny Oghene-Karo commended the effort of the NSE to sanitise the engineering profession.

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310108

Onaiyekan calls for Govt support in education of Nigerian children

The Arch Bishop of Abuja, Most Reverend John Onaiyekan has appealed to governments at all levels to support efforts of the Church in educating Nigerian children.

Bishop Onaiyekan was speaking at a funding raising dinner for the building of secondary schools in Abuja to mark the Episcopal silver Jubilee.

The Cleric stressed that for Nigeria to attain required national Development; more efforts must be put in transforming the education sector.
           
Also speaking, the deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs Pauline Tallen, described education as the key to national development and urged Nigerians to support the project.

Among those who attended the dinner were the Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, representatives of Governors of Nassarawa and Kaduna States as well as the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Dora Akunyili.

An NGO raises alarm over threat of autism

A  Non-governmental Organisation, OLG Health Foundation and Autism Centre has drawn National attention to the threat of autism and other related childhood disabilities in the Country.

To this end, the Organisation is to launch what it called a Defeat Autism in Nigeria project in collaboration with other Autism Advocacy Groups.     

The Chief Executive Officer of the body, Dr. Doris Izuwah, told Ngwuoke in Abuja that the project would raise public awareness on Autism and highlight the benefits of its early intervention.

Dr Izuwah described autism as a disability that affects a child in the areas of communication, language, social interaction, imitative play and behavioural problems.

She advised parents whose children present the symptoms to seek early medical intervention instead of attributing them to spiritual problems.

FCT: Minister of state bans street trading

Street trading around major markets in the Federal Capital Territory has been banned.

The FCT Minister of State, Mr James Akpanudoedehe announced this at the commencement of construction work on an administrative block worth four hundred million naira at Utako Market.

According to Mr Akpanudoedehe additional shops will be provided to accommodate traders in various markets.

 In an address on the occasion, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, Mr Bitrus Jisalo said the project was part of efforts to sanitize markets in the area.
The administrative block will on completion have four hundred locked-up shops and other facilities.

PLATEAU: Civil servants suspend one month strike

Civil Servants in Plateau State have suspended their one month old strike.
After an all-night meeting between the state government and the NLC leadership, the two parties agreed that all labour leaders whose were sacked as a result of the strike would be recalled.

In addition, the fifteen per cent salary increase which was the bone of contention would be implemented within four weeks.

Ethiopian Prime Minister calls for commitment to NEPAD

Funding of NEPAD Secretariat and programmes was topmost on the discussions by heads of state and govt of NEPAD implementation committee yesterday in Addis Ababa. 

Statistics show that only 3.9 million dollars was contributed by Africa as against an average of 6-million dollars required annually for effective running of the secretariat. 
South Africa made the highest donation of one mullion dollars to the fund. 

Failure of many African countries to contribute a minimum of 100,000 dollars yearly to NEPAD has adversely affected the running of the organisation.
 The chairperson of the NEPAD implementation committee and prime Minster of Ethiopia Melez Zenawi appealed to member nations to make available their contributions to make the organisation effective.

Israel pledges support to Nigeria on Agriculture / water dev

Israel had pledged more support to Nigeria in the area of Agriculture and Water resources development.

The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Moshe Ram said in Abuja when he visited the Director-General of Nigeria Meteorological Agency, Dr Anthony Anuforom that it was important for his country to use its technical knowledge in assisting Nigeria.
                  
Earlier, the Director-General of Nigeria Meteorological Agency, Dr Anuforom said the Agency had benefited immensely from Israel especially in the area of training.
Dr Anuforom however called for assistance in the area of Hydrometeorology.
           
That was the Director-General, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, Dr Anthony Anuforom when he received the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Moshe Ram.

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300108

KWARA: Autonomy of LG will discourage FG’s interference - Mohammed Sanusi
Full autonomy of Local Government System will discourage unnecessary political interference from State and Federal Government.

So says the Boss of Ilorin West Local Government area of Kwara State, Mohammed Sanusi.
He made the call while presenting a paper at a two day workshop organized by the Campaign for democracy at Ilorin West Local Government Secretariat.

The Chairman said the measure would make it more efficient and productive.
He expressed the hope that the workshop would assist local government staff in budget preparation and implementation.

Earlier the president, campaign for Democracy, Joe Odumakin said the workshop was organized to sensitize council leaders on the need to always consider the interest of the people in their activities.

Luka expresses peaceful resolution of the N/Delta crisis  

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Luka Yusuf has expressed confidence that, the Niger Delta crisis would soon be resolved peacefully.

Lt. General Yusuf gave the assurance, when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state, at Government house Port Harcourt. General Yusuf, who described the Niger Delta crisis as an ordinary conflict, said the entire problem would soon be over.

He assured the Governor of the Nigerian Army s commitments to continue to support his efforts of ensuring a lasting peace in the state.

Responding, Governor ROTIMI Amaechi, thank the Nigerian ARMY in restoring peace to the state.
 The Governor expressed confidence that, with the present level by the joint task force, JTF, before June, lasting, peace would be restored in the state.
Correspondent in Port Harcourt, report that , the Chief of Army staff who is on tour of Army formations, under 82 Division Enugu, later addressed a detachment of troops at the BORI CAMP Port Harcourt.

FCT: Police commences investigation into Gwamna’s assassination   

The FCT Police Command has commenced investigations into the assassination of the Kwali Area Council Chairman in the FCT, Mr Samuel Gwamna.

Mr Samuel Gwamna was killed by unknown gunmen on Tuesday on his way home from the office.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Haruna John told newsmen in Abuja that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad had been deployed to the area.

Mr John said the Police would ensure that the culprits were arrested.

At the time of this report, the driver and the orderly to the Late Chairman who were also shot by the assassins are in critical condition and are receiving medical attention.

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260108

Nigerian Journalists to focus on issues of good governance in the country

Nigerian Journalists have been advised to focus more on issues that will promote good governance in the country.

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Andy Ezeani, denied that the INEC boss admitted that the Commission was found wanting in the conduct of the 2007 election in Enugu State.

The statement emphasised that the INEC Chairman did not directly or by proxy speak with any journalist on the 2007 polls in Enugu State.

According to the statement INEC, should not be held responsible for internal political party disputes which threatened to hamper the polls in some states.

Lagelu-Akinyele Federal Constituency seat election comes up today

In Oyo State, all is now set for today’s bye-election for the Lagelu-Akinyele Federal Constituency seat.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Chief Stephen Manya told newsmen in Ibadan that adhoc staff were not recruited for the exercise.

He explained that about six hundred INEC staff from Lagos, Osun and Ogun states had been deployed for the conduct of the bye-election.

Chief Manya noted that security agents had been mobilised to monitor the exercise to prevent any threat to peace and order.

The Akinyele-Lagelu Federal Constituency seat became vacant following the assassination of Chief Olusegun Oladimeji of PDP in September 2007.

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250108

BPE fulfils operating law in the payment of proceeds from privatization exercise

The Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, is confident to say that it has always fulfilled the requirements of its operating law in the payment of proceeds from privatization exercise.

In a Statement, the BPE said it had paid the total of one hundred and fourteen billion, five hundred and fifty million, three hundred and forty eight thousand naira as proceeds into designated Accounts between 2000 and 2007.

The designated Accounts were the privatization proceeds Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria or any other Account as directed by the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Finance.

It adds that where the money was moved to and how it was channelled was at the instance of the Federal Government.

FCT: Immunisation begins in Bwari on Saturday

As the Immunization against Childhood Killer Diseases begins on Saturday, Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Isa Dara Bwari has called on those involved in the exercise not to fail the nation.
                    
Speaking at the flag –off of the exercise in Dakwa village, the Chairman said the Council had provided logistics and other materials needed for a successful exercise.

He urged parents to protect their children from untimely death by making them available for the immunization exercise.

 In a remark, the Head of Department, Health Services, Dr .Veronica Yamma said the Council had been divided into six zones for effective coverage.

Dr Yamma stated that apart from Children, pregnant women would also be immunized against tetanus.

NCC to establish Emergency Communication Centres in 36 states

Emergency Communication Centres are to be established in the thirty- six States of the Federation.

The Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Mr. Steven Bello stated this in Lagos at a Stakeholders forum with Telecommunication Operators on Emergency Communication System.

Correspondent reports that the meeting provided a platform for the NCC and Service providers to discuss the technical implications and requirements for the project.
           

Minister charges Nigerians to suggest best options for running Unity Colleges

Nigerians are to be given the opportunity to suggest the best options for running Unity Colleges.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu at a meeting with Principals of the Unity Colleges in Abuja explained that the decision to collate the views of Nigerians on the matter necessitated Governments decision to suspend the private public partnership Management of the Colleges.

Dr. Aja-Nwachukwu also said that Government would restore the Junior Secondary component of the Federal Government Colleges.

The separation of the Junior Secondary School began component from main Secondary schools with the last Administration.

Correspondent reports that the removal of the Junior Secondary School made it impossible for students to gain admission into the Unity colleges

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240108

FCT: Police commissioner bans kabukabu from operating  

Unregistered Commercial Vehicles known as Kabukabu have been banned from operating with the Federal Capital Territory with immediate effect.

The FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Haruna John, told newsmen in Abuja after an Emergency Security Council meeting that his was to stem the increasing wave of armed robbery, car snatching and missing persons.

He said operators of such Vehicles had one week to either register their Vehicles in the relevant category as Taxis or stop operations completely.

The Police Commissioner explained that a task force comprising the Police, the FRSC and Road Traffic Officers had been constituted to enforce the ban with effect from next Tuesday.

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230108

Health Ministry to spend over 11m to tackle diseases

About fifty thousand children are said to have been affected by measles and cerebral meningitis in the country.
The Director Special Duties in the Ministry of Health, Mr Abiodun Nasidi stated this when the management of the Ministry appeared before the House Committee on Health.
Mr Nasidi said the Ministry would spend over eleven million dollars to tackle the diseases.
The Chairman, House committee on Health, Mr Aaba Ojomo said the meeting was necessitated by reports from some members on the outbreak of German measles in Kano and Jigawa States.
Mr Ojomo gave an assurance that the National Assembly would work closely with the Ministry to address the matter.

KWARA: Police arrests three armed robbery suspects
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three persons suspected to be members of an armed robbery gang that specialises in robbing petrol stations and eateries in Ilorin metropolis.
Correspondent reports that the three persons were among seventeen suspects arrested for various offences in Ilorin and its environs since the beginning of the year.
Parading the suspects at the Police Headquarters, Ilorin, the Commissioner of Police Mr Abu Abubakar stated that two members of the gang were arrested following a tip given to the Police at Adewole Estate, Ilorin.

Mr Abubakar said one of the suspects confessed to being a member of a gang that robbed a petrol station at Adewole Estate of the sum of two hundred and twenty three thousand Naira on 2nd of this month.

FCT: Cassava farmers request Govt to create market for product

Some Cassava farmers in the Country want government at all levels to create opportunities for farmers to market their produce.

According to them, the measure will facilitate massive production and processing of cassava thereby increasing foreign exchange earnings.

The farmers made the call at the disbursement of Federal Government and International Fund for the Agricultural Development Counterpart Fund to eligible beneficiaries participating in “Root and Tuber Expansion Programme” in the FCT.

Kano: Video Censorship Board destroys Pornographic/Indecent films

In Kano State pornographic and indecent films with thousands of Naira confiscated by the State Film and Video Censorship Board have been destroyed.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Ibrahim Shekarau said the board was set up to ensure sanity and protect moral values of the people of the state.

He explained that the measure was necessary in view of the recent development in the film industry in the state which contravenes the norms, culture and religion of the people.
Governor Shekarau said no responsible government would fold its arms and watch some few individuals mortgaged the culture and religious values of the people in the state.

Taraba: FG to establish sugar plants in all states

The Federal Government ha concluded arrangement to establish a Brown Sugar Plants all States of the Federal.
This would further create employment opportunities in the country.
Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Alhassan Bako-Zaku, Stated this when he received the Governnor of Taraba State, Mr Danbaba Suntai.
                                                                                                                             
The Minister said the Federal Government had concluded plans to set up Technology incubation centre in Taraba State to encourage small scale industries in the State.

Earlier, the Governor, Mr Danbaba Suntai had expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for planning to establish the centre, which according to him would encourage entreneurship in the State.

FCT: 150 buses soon to be introduced- Modibbo

One hundred and fifty additional large capacity Buses will soon be introduced in Federal Capital Territory.

The FCT Minister, Dr Modibbo Umar, told newsmen in Abuja that the Buses were procured through a Public Private Sector Initiative.

Dr Umar who was represented by FCT Transportation Secretary, Mr Christopher Chigbo, explained that the Buses would assist in reducing the plight of commuters in the Territory.

He explained that when operational, members of the Public would be allowed to park their Vehicles and join the Buses to decongest traffic in the City Centre.

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220108

Beijing:  Tough times for celebrities, who violate one child rule

Reports say Beijing will impose higher fines on celebrities, who violate the One Child rule.
A senior Family Planning Official, Deng Zingshou said celebrities and wealthy people would be heavily fined for giving birth to more than one child.

He told a Beijing Municipal meeting that the Beijing Municipal Commission on Family Planning was still deliberating on the fine to be imposed on offenders.

In recent years, celebrities such as Film and Sports Stars have faced media criticism over the size of their families.

Lack of collaborative effort denies good health care - Chief Aduku

Lack of collaborative efforts between the Federal, State and Local governments to fast track health care delivery in the country has denied majority of Nigerians access to good health care.

Minister of State for Health, Chief Gabriel Aduku made the observation during his unscheduled visit to the model Health Center at Uchi in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.

 Chief Aduku called on Local Government Administrations across the country to ensure the optimum use of the model health Centres, built in their respective localities to ensure that people in the rural areas enjoy maximum and adequate primary health care services.

The minister who expressed concern about the prevalence of deadly diseases ravaging the rural areas said the government was doing everything possible to eradicate the diseases.

FCT: Bwari Youths to collaborate with council

Gbagyi Youths in Bwari Area Council of the FCT are to collaborate with the council for the success of the monthly sanitation exercise.

To this end, the Youths under the umbrella of Gbagyi Youth Movement Association of Bwari are to begin a house to house Sensitization of residents of the area on the important of a clean environment.

The Head of the Association, Musa Dikko told Kapital FM that the youths have a role to play in the protection of the environment.

Mr. Musa Dikko appealed for the support of the Area Council and other stakeholders for the success of the programme.

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180108

NUGA to partner with Radio Nigeria

Radio Nigeria is the official Radio Broadcaster of the two thousand and eight Nigeria Universities Games, NUGA.

The game would be hosted by the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Coordinator of the NUGA Games Professor Benthos Okolo dropped this hint when he visited the FRCN, Boss Ben Egbuna in Abuja.

Professor Okolo explained that the partnership would offer immense economic benefit to the corporation and also help to sell the positive aspect of sports to Nigerians.

The director General of the FRCN, represented by the Director Marketing Mr Bola Agboola, said the corporation had all it would take to give the Games necessary publicity.

He advised the NUGA two thousand and eight organisers to come up with a work plan to enable the collaboration.

Correspondent reports that the funding of the games has been put at eight billion naira and about hundred participants from seventy nine Nigerian Universities will be gathering in Nsukka on November 2008 for the Games which has its theme as “Building the total man”.

ECOWAS adopts framework for prevention of conflicts

The ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council have adopted a framework for the prevention of conflicts in the sub-region.

The council made of Ministers’ of Foreign Affairs of the 15 member states of ECOWAS also approved the creation of emergency response team.

At the end of its one-day meeting in Ouagaduoguo, the council said the frame work would provide a common tool for a proactive prevention of causes of conflicts.
It stated that the creation of the agency was informed by the existence of refugees and displaced persons, and natural disasters which affected the region.

Traditional rulers necessary for success of Immunization Programme

The participation of traditional rulers in the National Immunization Programme is necessary boost to the success of the programme.

The Manager, National Programme on Immunization in the FCT, Doctor Obanewa Olayinka said this in a chat with Kapital FM ahead of the National Immunisation plus Days.

Obanewa stated that community leaders also owed it a duty to sensitise their people on Government Policies and Programmes, to avoid misconception about the exercise.

He said Health Facilitators ha been trained and deployed to the six Area Councils of Abuja, to organise orientation for immunization officials.

According to Dr. Obanewa, every child with the first year of life must be immunised against killer diseases, at least five times.

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170108

Better days for CIPS retirees

Better days await all retired staff of the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Service.
This is because the Federal Government has inaugurated issues of the effected Parastatals.

 Inaugurating the Committee in Gwagwalada, Abuja, the Director, Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office, Hassan Saleh said the Task Force was specially set-up to review all the activities of his office.

He said the Committee would make a concerted effort to clear all outstanding matters as it relates to payment of Pension Benefits to retired officers men in the Customer, Immigration and Pension services.

Alhaji Saleh expressed dismay over series of complains about long delay in processing and payment of gratuity and Death Benefits of deceased

Pipeline vandals to face hard times

Hard time awaits pipeline vandals in Abaji Area Council as the Council has taken serious measures to discourage the criminal act.
The Council Boss, Alhaji Musa Yahaya gave the warning at a stakeholders meeting in Abaji.

The Chairman described pipeline vandals as enemies of development which should be fought.
Alhaji Musa Yahaya urged Security Agencies to be alive to their responsibilities of protecting Government property from vandalism.

In a message, the Ona of Abaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, called on Government to provide adequate working materials to be Police and Civil Defence Corps to enable them function effectively.

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160108

HIV: Nigeria records high rate of mother to child transmission

The joy of a pregnant woman is the birth of a healthy baby. But in Nigeria, it is a projection that about eighty thousand infants and children will be HIV positive by the end of the year.

This makes Nigeria one of the countries with the highest incidence of mother to child transmission of the virus.

Health workers however say with the programme on prevention of mother to child transmission or PMTCT, pregnant women who are HIV are now being assisted to have HIV negative children.

Lafia: Property worth millions lost to fire

Property worth millions of Naira has been destroyed in a fire out break at the Lafia main market in Nasarawa State, in the wee hour’s of today.

Kapital FM gathers that the owners of the shops affected by the inferno were helpless while watching their goods go up in flames.
The states fire fighting outfit worked desperately to bring the fire under control.
Security men were also at hand, to ensure protection of properties from hoodlums.

The state’s Chief fire fighter Mallam Dogara Dalhatu and one other officer are presently receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital Lafia, following injuries they sustained while battling the inferno.
Correspondent reports that the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
 

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150108

Over 8,200 Pilgrims return home from Saudi Arabia

About eight thousand, two hundred out of thirteen thousand, nine hundred pilgrims who travelled through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport have been airlifted back to the country from Saudi Arabia.

The Zonal Co-ordinator of the National Hajj Commission in charge of Kano, Jigawa and Bauchi States, Alhaji Baffa Chinade, stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Kano from Jeddah.

According to him, Kabo Air has so far completed the airlift of all the pilgrims from Bauchi State, and three thousand Kano State pilgrims allocated to it.

He further explained that the remaining five thousand, four hundred pilgrims from Kano and Jigawa States would be airlifted back to the country in the next few days.

Kenya Govt. rejects Int’l efforts to peace

The Kenyan government has again turned down international efforts to broker a solution to the crisis triggered by disputed elections.

Government, Minister John Michuki said in Nairobi that there was no need for former Un Chief, Kofi Annan to visit Kenya to lead fresh mediation efforts.

An initiative led by Ghanaian President John Kufor failed. More than six hundred people have been killed and two hundred and fifty thousand displaced in violence that followed elections on 27th December 2007.

Schools around Kenya belatedly reopened on Monday after holidays were extended.
Tension remains high as the Opposition Orange Democratic Movement, ODM, prepares to begin three days of anti-government demonstrations on Wednesday.

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140108

Kwara: Defaulting Farmers to pay back loans with farm produce

Farmers in Kwara state who cannot repay agricultural loans provided by government may now pay back with their farm produce.

Prince Suleiman Fagbemi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture told News Agency of Nigeria in Ilorin that the initiative was to boost food production.

He said the initiative was also to encourage farmers with alternative means of repaying their loans to enable them boost their agriculture production.

Fagbemi said government had assured farmers that whenever there was glut in the production of certain strategic farm produce, it would buy off the excess loans.  

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110108

Civil Societies /Non-Govt.Org collaborate to fight corruption

Some Civil Societies and Non-Governmental Organisations have underlined the need for collaboration with the government in the fight against corruption.

They made the call in Abuja at a conference on the performance of government in the fight against corruption so far.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Victor Oluwafemi from an NGO, Transparency and Anti- Corruption Campaign in Africa, TRACA, stressed the need to broaden the war against corruption to broaden the war against corruption to State and Local Government levels.

Mr. Oluwafemi also urged the Federal the Federal Government not to merge the EFCC and the ICPC.

Speaking on the occasion, the coordinator of Transparency in Nigeria, a Civil Society Organisation, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu emphasised the need for Nigerians to be actively involved in the fight.

Also, the Executive Director of Centre for Advocacy against Corruption Practices, CASORP, Mr. Simeon Charles said the setting up of EFCC and ICPC had instilled fears in Nigerians not to involve themselves in corrupt practices.
Mr. Charles further stated that to address corruption, leaders must give account of their stewardship.
The leader of Civil Society legislative Advocacy Centre, Mr Fatima Umar, called on religious leaders to join in the fight to minimise corruption in the country.

Health Minister urges: Extend Health Insurance scheme to other parts

The Minister of Health, Professor Adenike Grange has implored the Kwara State Government to extend the Dutch Government Sponsored Community Health Insurance scheme at Shonga, in E’du Local Government Area to other parts of the State.

Professor Grange made the call during a courtesy on Governor Bukola Saraki.
According to her, such an Insurance Health Scheme was one of the best ways those at the grass root could get easy and cheap access to quality health care.

She called on the State Governments to provide at least four more General Hospitals in their areas this year.
The Governor assured that his administration would do its best in expanding the community Health Insurance Scheme to other Local Government Areas of the State.

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090108

Kogi: Kogi: Low turn out at voters’ registration

In Kogi State, there has been a general apathy towards the continuous voters registration by citizens who have attained eighteen years of age as well as adults could NOT register in the previous exercise.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent, who monitored the exercise in Lokoja and Kotonkarfe Local Government areas of the State, said the exercise progressed.
Our correspondent also observed that there was low turn out of people at most ward headquarters in the state for the collection of the permanent voters card in exchange for the temporary one.

When contacted, the Head of Public affairs of INEC in the state, Mallam Ahmed Bagudu, expressed optimism that more people would go for the exercise as it progressed.
Mallam Ahmed reiterated the call on people to participate in the exercise.

Jigawa:  Fire Service spends over 9m for rescue operations

The Jigawa State Fire Service spent over nine hundred million for various rescue operations in the state.

The Acting Director, Mallam Nasiru Yusuf, told Radio Nigeria in Dutse that properties worth fifty-eight million Naira were also spent within the same by men of the fire service in the state.

Mallam Nasiru noted that a total of one thousand, two hundred and ninety lives were also saved from different rescue operations in parts of the sate.

He however said that more than nine hundred lives were lost through out the state due to fire outbreaks, road accidents and other related problems.

Kenya: President Mwai Kibaki appoints new Ministers

Kenya’s President, Mwai Kibaki has appointed new Ministers, just before Ghana’s leader arrived as part of mediation efforts following disputed elections.

Mr. Kibaki named Kalonzo Musyoka, who came third in last month’s election, as Vice President but no-one from the main opposition party was appointed.
A BBC correspondent says the move could derail the efforts of Ghana’s President John Kufor, who heads the African Union.

Violence broke out in opposition strongholds following the announcement.
Some 600 people have died in a wave of clashes across the country, after the opposition said the election had been rigged.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Raila Odinga, who claims that fraud robbed him of victory, says he will not attend talks with Mr. Kibaki on Friday, unless they are led by Mr. Kufuor.
He says Mr Kibaki should step down and new polls be conducted.

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040108

ABYF for positive change in Army barracks

The Nigerian Army is to establish an Army Barrack Youth Foundation this Month to positively re-direct the vision of children in the barracks.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Solomon Giwa-Amu, made this known in Abuja while on visit to the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mr Ben Egbuna.

He solicited for the support of the Corporation in the area of publicity and reiterated the Army’s support for democracy and the rule of law.

Responding, the representative of the Director General, who is also the Secretary to the Corporation, Alhaji Mustapha Kurama, said the FRCN was ready to support the Army.

Alhaji Kurama however called on the Army to take advantage of FRCN’s wide reach to publicize its activities and enlighten the officers and men on the demands of democracy.

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030108

Bwari: Isa urges traditional heads to sustain heritage

Traditional Rulers in Bwari Area Council have been urged to sustain the rich Cultural and Traditional heritage of their people.

Chief Executive of Bwari Area Council, Isa Dara made the call on the occasion of Bwaya Traditional Day in Bwari.

Isa Dara explained that Traditional Rulers in the country were known for promoting peaceful co-existence and good governance. He urged the Gbagyi community in Bwari to be tolerant and accommodating of other tribes in the area.

The Chairman also advised residents and staff of the council against petition writing for rapid development of the Area.
           
Earlier, the Etsu of Bwari, Dimas Isuwa Zamayi said, Bwaya Day was to remind the people of Bwari chiefdom of the significance of their rich culture and tradition.

Dobi assures Kuje, others of development

The Residents of Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali in the FCT have cause to be hopeful this New Year.

This is because their representative in the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly, Isa Dobi, says the areas will witness a facelift in the New Year.

He wants the people to pray for the country and its leaders. Isa Dobi pledged his determination to work for the welfare of the people.

Etsu asks politicians to focus on the society
           
Beneficiaries of programmes aimed at changing the lives of the less privileged in Kuje Area Council have turned Oliver twist.

This is because, they want political office holders to focus their attention on the condition of the down trodden on the society.

Although very grateful to the Kuje Area Council, they noted that the society would be a better place if the affluent pay attention to the welfare of the less privileged especially to make them self reliant.

In a remark at the occasion, the Chairman of the Council, Danladi Etsu Zhin stressed the need for people with disability in the area to look beyond their problem and explore the potential in them.

Food items, clothing materials and cash, were some of the largesse distributed to widows, people with disability, orphans and the aged at the occasion.

Mpape cries out for amenities

Residents of Mpape in Bwari Area Council of the FCT have sent an SOS to the council’s administration for urgent provision of portable water to the area.

The residents expressed dismay that despite being close to the city, the area could not boast of a single borehole constructed by the government.      
           
On his part, the Deputy District Head of Mpape Umaru Wakili appealed to the council and the FCT administration to come to their aid to avoid possible outbreak of any epidemic due to lack of portable water.

According to him, a gallon of water is sold at between 35 to 40 naira, which a lot of the residents can not afford.

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020108

Modibbo assures all of equal opportunities

The Federal Capital Territory Administration says it will give equal opportunity to all Nigerians and Foreigners resident in the territory irrespective of gender, religion or political affiliations.

FCT Minister, Dr Aliyu Modibbo, stated this in Abuja in his New Year message to the residents of the territory. He said the administration would work with the private sector to bring the much needed development in Abuja.

Dr Modibbo also appealed to residents to pray for continued unity of the country and its leadership.

PH: 20 houses burnt as tanker loses control

Property worth millions of Naira were destroyed when a tanker loaded with petrol lost control at Rumueme Mile four and burst into flames.

About twenty houses were burnt down but no life was lost in the accident.

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281207

Accident claims 23 lives at Nassarawa Eggon

Twenty-three people have been confirmed dead in an accident involving an eighteen seater bus and a tipper at Nassarawa Eggon, Lafia-Keffi Road on Thursday.
The eighteen seater bus which was coming from Makurdi axis collided with the tipper while trying to over take a trailer.

An eye witness account said there were thirteen males and five females as well as five children in the bus. News men reports that the corpses have been deposited at the General Hospital Makurdi.

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191807

Zuma wins leadership of the country’s ruling ANC

Jacob Zuma has defeated South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki to win the leadership of the country’s ruling ANC.
Mr. Zuma won the votes of more than sixty percent of the delegates at the first ANC leadership conference in fifty eight years to emerge victorious.

By this Jacob Zuma will now become the front runner to take over as President when Mr Mbeki steps down in 2009.
Although Mr. Zuma is likely to become the next National President he could still face corruption charges in connection with a multi-million Dollar arms deal.

Friendship between President Mbeki and Jacob Zuma ended publicly in 2005 when Mr Zuma was sacked as Deputy President over corruption allegations.
Former President Nelson Mandela says he is saddened by the nature of the differences currently in the organisation.

Growing unpopularity with Mr. Mbeki’s style of leadership made Mr Zuma favourite of the people who believe that Zuma would reduce poverty in South Africa.

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181207

ANC Set to elect new Leader

The ruling African National Congress, ANC, of South Africa is electing its new Leader.
The contest is between President Thabo Mbeki and his former Deputy, Jacob Zuma.

They are the only nominees for the position when the party congress commenced on Monday.

Reports say if elected, Jacob Zuma may likely emerge the new President of South Africa during the Country’s Presidential election in Nineteen ninety-nine.

Mbeki is constitutionally bared from seeking a third term. 

Bassey seeks for collective fight against corruption.

The National Coordinator of Anti-Corruption Youth Movement of Nigeria, Uwem Bassey, said all hands must be on deck if we must get rid of corruption.

Mr Bassey told Kapital FM that corruption had been a serious hindrance confronting the progress of the nation.

According to him, the organization was putting in place a sensitization programme on corruption for the para-military as part of its efforts to ensure effective check.

“Stakeholders must come together to wash the society of corruption and build a better tomorrow for the generation yet unborn,” Mr Bassey stressed.

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171207

Iron-Ore gets boost, as company receives equipment

There is now hope for the commencement of the production of iron-ore super concentrate, at the National Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, Kogi State.
Do you know why? It is because the government at the centre has just taken delivery of over forty billion naira worth equipment for the full blast operation.
Receiving the items, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Gusau, said the equipment were ordered and paid for in the past seven years.
He said the items were delivered in seventy-two trucks containing machinery, spare parts and consumables.
According to the Minster, after installation of the equipment, there is hope that the company would be producing two point-five million metric tones of Iron-ore concentrate per annum.

Faruk tasks movie makers to reposition Nigeria

Nigeria movie makers have an additional task of repositioning the nation’s image through, the promotion of our values and national symbols.
The Chief Executive, National Orientation Agency, Idi Faruk stated this at a workshop for movie writers in Kaduna.
Idi Faruk said as the most effective tool for promoting the nation’s culture, the movie producer must celebrate their achievements of Nigeria and Nigerians in all fields of human endeavour.
“Avoid ritualistic and voodoo contents which portray Nigerians life style in bad lights,” Idi Faruk advised.
The workshop attracted the crème of movie                                writers in Nigeria and was used as a platform to appeal for the removal of all bottlenecks in their attempts to use the national symbol and monuments in the production of movies.

AMAC budgets 2billion for 2008

Next year budget in Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC will focus more on rural electrification and road rehabilitation.
To this end, the Council is to spend over two billion naira for the year.
Presenting the budget to the Council’s lawmakers, the man in charge of the Area Council, Mr. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo Assured the people of AMAC to expect better things come two thousand and eight.
Mr. Jisalo said through the Council had achieved much in education and health, attention would now be shifted to other areas.
On his part, the Speaker of the Legislative Arm, Mr. Yohanna Panayi said accelerated passage would be given to the budget.

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151207

ONDO: Electoral Commission despatches all materials for LG election

In Ondo State all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for Local Government election have been despatched by the Electoral Commission.

The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Jones Ogunmusere told a news conference in Akure that seven political parties would participate in the election.

He urged all aggrieved political parties to seek redress through legitimate means.
On security arrangements, the State Police PRO, Mr. Adeniran Aremu said policemen had been deployed to various poling booths.

Correspondent reports that movement within the State would be restricted between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. to ensure smooth conduct of the exercise.

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121207

New salaries for FCT Health Workers

Good news for health workers in the Federal Capital Terrority.
The FCT Health and human services secretariat says the health workers in the Terrority will now receive uniform salary with their counterparts in the federal service. The secretary, Danlami Arabsrukuyei dropped the hint at a workshop on excellence in customer service delivery for health care providers in General Hospitals within the FCT.
Dr. Arabsrukuyei explained that that payment of the new salary would take effect as soon as the 2008 budget was approved.
“Henceforth, patients will no longer be allowed to purchase drugs and other medical supplies outside the hospital premises” Arabsrukeyis stressed.

Cross River collects $55.44 ADF assisted loan

Cross River State government will now have enough money to maintain its rural transportation, courtesy ADF Assisted loan, of 55.44million US dollars.
At the signing ceremony in Abuja, the finance minister, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman said, the loan became necessary in order to find a lasting solution to the Poor State of the rural road networks.

NPC gets new DG
Dr. Donald Wokoma is now the Director General of the National Population Commission. The appointment takes effect from September, 2007. This is contained in a statement by the Federation, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe.
Until this appointment Dr. Wokoma, was the acting Director General, following the retirement of the former DG, Mr Osamwoyin Osagie.

SPLM joins coalition govt.

Sudan’s former southern rebels say Shey will rejoin a National coalition government in an apparent end to the political crisis.
The Sudan people’s Liberation Movement SPLM withdrew from the government in October, risking a 2005 peace deal.
But the SPLM agreed to end its boycott after its leader Salva Kiir met Sudan’s president Omar Hassan Al-Bashir.
They agreed funding for a census and a timetable to pullout troop either side of Sudan’s North South border.
Reports say many people would slide back into civil conflict, if the two side did not resolve their differences.

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111207

Gwagwalada: NUT denies can collation of loan scheme

The Gwagwalada Area Council Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, says there is no iota of truth in speculations that the proposed loan scheme for its members has been can cancelled.

A Statement by the Chairman of the Union, Mallam Yakubu Mohammed says the rumour is the handiwork of those trying to distract the Union Executive.

He said the delay being experienced in the disbursement of the loan was as a result of administration processes which had been sorted out.

Mallam Yakubu Mohammed stresses that the disbursement will soon commence, and commended the support of members of the Union of the Area Council.

 NYSC: Olasunkanmi promises master plan on sports

The National Youth Service Crop, NYSC, is to restrengthen its sporting activities with a view to attaining higher performance and effective management.

Ministers of Youth Development, Chief Akinlabi Olasunkanmi Stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2007 NYSC Sports festival in Abuja.

Chief Olasunkanmi said for the NYSC to achieve its sporting targets, there must be a framework for detailed sports master plan involving multiple sporting activities.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yusuf Bomoi described the NYSC Scheme as a melting pot for the nation’s labour needs while instilling discipline in the Youth.

He therefore charged participating corps members to present a healthy and friendly atmosphere through out the period of the completion.

Kaduna: seventy four vocational and skills centers to be established
Meanwhile seventy four Vocational and skills equisitum Centers are to be established in the Country.

The Executive secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Doctor Nuhu Yakubu Made this known in Kaduna at a technical and Vocational Entrepreneurship skills acquisition workshop for woman groups in the North West zone.

Doctor Yakubu said that the Centers are to offer Vocational, technical and professional training at the post basic and post secondary levels  to equip Youths and adults with skills and knowledge to meet the demands for technical manpower in Nigeria.

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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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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