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vendors nationwide.
The National President of Food Safety Service, a Non Governmental Organisation, Dr Boniface Ihesiulo announced this at the end of a weeklong workshop for Food Safety Workers in Abuja. The training was attended by participants from the six geo-political zones.
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NIGER DELTA: Proclamation of Amnesty ends 7hrs ago
The Amnesty proclamation by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua ended about seven hours ago.
The proclamation came into effect on the 6th of August as part of deliberate steps by the administration to resolve the lingering Niger Delta crisis.
Government was desirous of checking the long yeas of neglect of the region and promoting environmental reclamation.
According to President Yar’Adua, Government’s action is also to check the recurring militant activities in the region which had hindered efforts to develop the area.
To ensure the realization of the objective, a Presidential Committee on Amnesty was immediately set up with the Minister of Defence, General Godwin Abbe as Chairman.
Since then, many militants have taken the opportunity with the handover of their arms and ammunition in core Niger Delta States of Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa.
The Amnesty itself came with many dimensions on the road map to peace in the region. The impact of the disarmament process so far.
# # #
HEALTH: IPAS presents framework for the reduction of Maternal Mortality
A survey on the remote causes of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria has been presented in Abuja.
The survey titled “Social Strategic Implementation Framework for the reduction of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria” was conducted by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with IPAS, and Healthwatch Resource.
At the presentation, the Country Director of IPAS – a Non - Governmental Organization, Dr Ejike Orji said the study identified ignorance and other social factors as the main causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria.
The National President of Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Dr Mma Nwokodia said that the cause of deaths among Women as shown by the study were preventable.
Mrs. Funke Oladipo who represented the Ministry of Women Affairs at the presentation explained that the Government engaged IPAS for the study to identify the major causes of maternal deaths in the Country. Mrs. Oladipo, said the survey would be used for advocacy purposes in rural areas.
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AMNESTY: Yar’Adua receives repentant militant, Tom Ateke
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua says the Amnesty to militants is designed to bring peace stability and security to the Niger Delta.He stated this when he received one of the leaders of the Militant Groups, Tom Ateke in Abuja.
The President said the amnesty was also part of efforts by the government to ensure that the youths in the region were adequately rehabilitated to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the nation.
President Yar’Adua explained that the Federal Government would look into their problems with a view to finding lasting solutions.
Tom Ateke promised to surrender his arms under the amnesty programme of the government.
Tom Ateke also thanked President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for the gesture and gave an assurance of his commitment to the amnesty programme.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Defence, General Godwin Abbe and other top government functionaries.
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TRADE & INVESTMENT: Chinese Trade Mission to be in Nigeria soon
A Chinese Trade Mission comprising about one hundred companies is scheduled to be in Nigeria in November this year.
The visit is to reciprocate a similar one by a Nigerian trade delegation to China last month.
The Chairman of the publicity committee of the first Nigeria-China Trade and Investment Forum, Mr. Samson Akiga stated this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja.
Various Memoranda of Understanding were signed with Chinese Investors during the Nigerian delegation’s visit to the country.
# # #
FRCN partners with NTDC to promote tourism
The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation have entered into a partnership to promote tourism in the country.
The Director General of the Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Segun Rinsewe, during a visit to the Corporate Headquarters of Radio Nigeria, said the collaboration would give better mileage to the message of using tourism as a viable source of revenue generation for the country.
Otunba Rinsewe commended Radio Nigeria for the effective coverage of NTDC.
The Chairman of the FRCN Board of Directors, Chief Boyalefa Debekeme acknowledged the role of tourism in the development of other economies and noted that Nigeria had the potential to equally do well in tourism.
The FRCN Director-General, Mallam Yusuf Nuhu, said Radio Nigeria devoted adequate airtime to tourism with a programme on its Network Service adding that the new collaboration would further enhance the scope of the programme.
Mallam Yusuf described Otunba Rinsewe’s leadership at the NTDC as exemplary and expressed optimism that tourism development in the country is on the right track.
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RAIL TRANSIT SERVICE: FCT signs N17b contract with Chinese firm
A contract worth seventeen billion Naira for the construction of light rail transit service for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has been signed with a Chinese company.
The FCT Minister, Alhaji Adamu Aliero, who spoke about arrangements for the city rail transit at an Urban Transportation Conference, stressed that transport sector, was being given utmost attention.
The FCT Minister said his administration had embarked on several transport-related projects like concession of the Urban Bus Transit to three companies with an average of three hundred buses operating daily.
The Secretary for Transport in the Territory, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, said strategy for transportation in Abuja was geared towards achieving a seamless movement for all residents and visitors.
The conference, he added was to work out new strategies for a mini-bus-taxi programme, enhanced transportation route in the city and the introduction of a multi-purpose digital identity card for commercial drivers in Abuja.
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ELECTORAL REFORMS: Former AGF calls for adoption of Uwais’s panel
A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim has called for a full adoption of the recommendation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais panel on electoral reforms.
Alhaji Abdullahi made the call while receiving an award of Super Icon of Justice conferred on him by the Rotary Club of Ankpa Central district 9125 in Kogi State.
He described the report of the panel as a perfect document that would help to guarantee peace and credible elections in the country if adopted.
The ex-minister condemned the use of youths for thuggery and the imposition of candidates by political parties during elections.
He remarked that electoral violence had scared away many credible Nigerians from politics.
# # #
MIDWIVES: NPHCDA releases posting of successful candidates
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency has released the posting of successful candidates in the Midwives Service Scheme in all the States and the Federal Capital Territory.
Candidates are advised to check their names in the office of all Commissioners of Health in the thirty-six States of the Federation and the F.C.T as well as the National Primary Health Care Zonal officers in Minna, Bauchi, Kano, Enugu, Benin and Ibadan.
The list of successful candidates is also available at the National Primary Health Care Headquarters, Area II Abuja and the headquarters of Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The Midwives Service Scheme is a Federal Government Intervention Programme funded by MDGs-DRF to reduce the current high rate of maternal mortality in the country.
# # #
GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES: PDP tightens Security in Awka
Security has been beefed up in Awka the Anambra State capital for PDP governorship primaries.
The Chairman of the committee and governor of Benue State, Mr. Gabriel Suswan promised free, credible and transparent primaries in the state.
Governor Suswan described insinuations of a preferred candidate by the President as baseless.
He advised all candidates to observe the rules governing the primaries as violators would be disqualified. About forty-seven candidates are contesting in the primaries.
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SOMALI: Nigeria calls for support on the on-going efforts by AU
Nigeria has called on the International Community to support the on-going efforts of the African Union in Somali.
Addressing United Nations Correspondents Association, at the UN Headquarters in New York, Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe said that the problem in Somali should not be viewed as that of Africa but rather a global challenge.
Chief Maduekwe described the participation of African countries in peace keeping operations all over the world as a way of restoring peace.
Chief Maduekwe pledged Nigeria’s continued commitment to active participation in the restoration of Regional and Continental peace and security.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed optimism on Nigeria's chances of securing a seat in the UN Security Council.
The Debate of the 64th General Assembly continues at the UN Headquarters just as the separate meeting of the Security Council is in progress.
# # #
PDP: NEC passes vote of Confidence on National Chairman
The National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has
passed a Vote of Confidence on the National Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor and for discharging his duties diligently.
Also commended is the National Working Committee for steering the ship of the Party to greater heights.
These were some of the resolutions at the Party’s 48th meeting of the National Executive Committee in Abuja.
NEC also endorsed the guidelines for the conduct of Governorship Primaries in Anambra State and ratified the six Committees set up by the NWC to handle the exercise.
The meeting however frowned at the unwarranted criticism of the Party and its elected officials by some of its members.
Henceforth, the National Executive Committee has mandated the NWC and the Disciplinary Committee to discipline any Party member who brings the Party to disrepute.
# # #
HEALTH: FG approves Medical Service Scale for Doctors
The Federal Government has approved Medical Service Scale for Medical Doctors in its employment.
A statement from the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja says the approval is the outcome of extensive deliberation between the government and the Nigerian Medical Association NMA on salary structure.
The deliberation also focused on allowances of medical and dental practitioners, call duty and teaching allowances.
Although the statement is silent on details of the new scale for doctors, it however explains that dialogue is on-going between the government and representatives of other professionals in the health sector for a similar package.
The statement expresses the hope that concrete agreement will be reached soon when details on specific areas are addressed by both parties.
The Minister of Health Professor Babatunde Osotimehin guarantees government’s commitment to ensuring a conducive environment and good welfare package for medical personnel.
# # #
GLOBAL CRISIS: Ban Ki-moon enjoins international community to unite
The United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the international
community to be united in purpose and in action in tackling global problems.
In his address to the opening of the United Nations General Assembly’s annual high-level meeting in New York, Ban Ki-moon said it was time to find solutions to the challenges posed by food, energy, recession and pandemic flu.
Mr. Ban Ki-moon described the threat posed by climate change as the greatest challenge faced by humanity and he called for solution to the problem ahead of the December conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Contributing to the General Debate, AU Chairman Muammar Al-Qadhafi of Libya called for the reconstitution of the Security Council to reflect democracy and equal representation of each continent.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda in his contribution stressed the need for the strengthening of institutional capacities to avoid a recurrence of the global economic crisis.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ojo Madueukwe who is leading the country’s delegation to the 64th United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to deliver President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s address to the general debate later in the week.
# # #
HEALTH: African Leaders endorse partnership with UNP on HIV/AIDS
Two African leaders have endorsed partnership with the United Nations Programme on
HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS, to eliminate the transmission of HIV from Mothers to children in the Continent.
They are Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Abdullahi Wade of Senegal.
The agreement was reached at a ceremony held in Manhattan which was attended by leading figures from the business and entertainment World as well as prominent Africans responsible for the Millennium Villages Project.
The partnership is targeted at helping Local Governments create “Mother to Child transmission-free zones” in 14 “Millennium Villages” across nine African Countries.
# # #
SUMMIT: Ban Ki-moon tasks Heads of Govt to tackle climate change
Meanwhile the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the support of Heads
of State and Government is critical to tackling the challenges of climate change.
At the opening of a day-long High-Level Summit on Climate Change held in New York, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon stressed the need for the proposed agreement to include ambitious emission reduction targets from industrialized countries by 2020.
The Summit provided an opportunity for the leadership of the industrialized countries, Small Island and coastal states, civil societies as well as youths to speak extensively on the challenges posed by climate Change.
# # #
ANAMBRA: APGA releases guidelines for gubernatorial election
The Chief Victor Umeh led faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance; APGA has
released guidelines for prospective candidates in next year’s governorship election in Anambra State.
The faction has also constituted panels for ward and State congresses as well as appeal.
According to a statement, congresses for the selection of candidates will take place in October.
The statement signed by Chief Umeh and Dr. Sani Shinkafi adds that INEC has been notified of the scheduled congresses.
Mr. Ferguson Ogbonnaya’s appointment as the Acting National Youth Leader has been approved by the National Working Committee of the faction.
# # #
VISION 20:2020: FG shifts date for launch of blue print
The Federal Government has shifted the date for launching the blue print of Vision 20:2020 by two weeks.
The Minister of National planning Dr Shamsudeen Usman told newsmen at the end of the meeting of the National Vision Council of the Vision 20:2020 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that the date had been shifted from 1st of October to 15th October, 2009.
According to Dr Usman, series of workshops were held for states and ministries for them to articulate their vision.
He gave an insight into key aspects that distinguished the Vision 20:2020 from previous efforts by past administrations towards actualizing the country’s development goals.
# # #
COTE D’ IVOIRE: Oil Company to pay damages for dumping toxic waste
An oil trading company, Trafigura has offered to pay damages in a case of dumping of toxic waste in Cote d’ Ivoire.
The case was brought on behalf of thirty thousand Africans who said they were injured by the hazardous substance.
The United Nations said there was strong evidence that death and injuries reported in Cote D’Ivoire were related to the incident.
The waste was reportedly generated by a multi-national oil company with bases in London, Amsterdam and Geneva.
The company had persistently denied that the waste was dangerous to human health.
# # #
TRAINING ACADEMY: Singapore Investors to collaborate with Nigeria
Investors from Singapore seek to collaborate with Nigeria in setting up a Training Academy for workers in the construction industry.
The President, Contractors Association of Singapore, Mr. Andrew Khan who led a delegation on a fact finding mission to the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, in Abuja said that Nigeria was a country in transition that needed expertise to grow.
Mr. Khan explained that both middle management and project managers would be involved in the training.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, represented by the Director, Administration and Supply, Mr. Steve Amase told the delegation that enabling environment would be created for them to invest in the country.
Mr. Amase said there was a need for exchange of ideas and expertise if the country must overcome its challenges.
# # #
BANKING SECTOR: Court grants bail to 8 bank executives
A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail to the remaining eight bank executives arraigned before it by the EFCC.
They include Okey Nwosu of Fin Bank and the Chairman of Intercontinental Bank, Raymond Obieri as well as six Directors of the same bank.
Each of them was granted bail in the sum of one hundred million naira and two sureties in like sum.
The Court presided over by Justice Abutu had earlier granted bail to three bank executives.
Justice Abutu announced that the trial of the first three persons granted bail would come up on the 25th of November this year.
This trial of the others will commence on the first of December this year.
# # #
FRCN Board applauds rule of law
The current rule of law in Nigeria has been described as a revolutionary trend where the oppressed could go to the Court to seek redress.
The Chairman Board of Directors of FRCN Chief Oyelayefa Debekeme stated this during a working visit to Paramount FM Abeokuta.
Chief Debekeme said for the first time in the political history of Nigeria, opposition could go to Court and get justice.
The Chairman gave an assurance that all the equipment of Radio Nigeria Stations would be digitalized in accordance with world standards.
The FRCN Training school would be repositioned to a degree awarding institution to meet the modern training and retraining of the staff.
The Chairman said the Board would soon come up with series of staff motivation policies without compromising discipline.
Chief Debekeme stated that every step was being taken to ensure the completion of yet to take off FM Stations nationwide.
# # #
NDE: DG calls on Govt to embark on solar energy training
The Director General of the National Directorate of Employment NDE, Mallam
Abubakar Muhammed has called on government at all levels and other stakeholders to embark on Solar energy training for youths as part of effort to generate employment and to meet the power needs of the country.
Mallam Muhammed made the call in Asaba at the start of the maiden solar energy training scheme for unemployed graduates.
The Director General who was represented by one of the Directors in his Organisation, Mr. James Omotayo said that the scheme was designed to explore the nation’s untapped potential to generate employment for national development.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan commended the efforts saying it would not only generate employment, but also boost the nation’s economy.
# # #
TRIBUTE: Ondo State hosts dignitaries as Gani is laid to rest
The ancient town of Ondo in Ondo State will play host to hundreds of dignitaries from all walks of life as the remains of legal luminary and Human Rights Activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi is being laid to rest.
Reports say more than one thousand security operatives have been deployed to compliment the strength of the State Police Command to ensure orderliness.
The body of the patriot was lying-in-state at the State Capital, Akure during which glowing tributes were paid to his memory by many eminent Nigerians.
In one of such tributes, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu extolled the virtues of Gani Fawehinmi which he said included consistency and passion for the welfare of the masses.
A former Secretary to the Federal Government, and one time Presidential Candidate, Chief Olu Falae, described the late Gani as an embodiment of truth and an advocate of the war against corruption.
In his tribute, the leader of the movement for the survival of Ogoni people, Mr. Ledum Mitee praised Gani’s patriotism and consistency.
A representative of the Senate President, Senator Bode Olajumoke described the late Gani as a man of immeasurable courage.
Meanwhile, a World Class Diagnostic Center is to be established by the Ondo State government in honour of the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
Governor Olusegun Mimiko announced this at the lying-in-state ceremony.
# # #
POVERTY REDUCTION: Sokoto Govt distributes buses to individuals
One hundred and fifty buses have been distributed to individuals and private organisations on loan basis under the Sokoto State Poverty Reduction Programme.
Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako on the occasion at the Government House, Sokoto explained that the measure was to intensify the fight against poverty, unemployment and boost transportation in the state.
Each of the buses is given out at three million naira as against the market price of four million naira.
# # #
POWER: Satisfy consumers, NERC directs stakeholders
All Organizations involved in electricity generation, transmission and distribution havebeen directed to comply immediately with safety and health regulations in the Industry.
The Head of Legal, Licensing and Enforcement of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Olufunke Dinneh, gave the directive at a Stakeholders Forum in Abuja.
She observed that some of the affected Organizations were yet to fully comply with the safety Codes despite series of warning.
Mrs. Dinneh pledged Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that consumers were not exposed to exorbitant tariffs. She also explained that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission would continue to ensure that consumers derive maximum satisfaction from electricity providers.
# # #
COMMUNICATIONS: FG to ensure GSM operators improve services
The Federal Government says steps are being taken to ensure that GSM operator improve their services.
The Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili stated this in her office during a meeting with the Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union, I.T.U, Dr. Hamadoun Toure.
The Secretary of the I.T.U was accompanied to the meeting by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe.
# # #
REFORM: Minster explains increase in inland charges within FCT
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Adamu Aliero, says the increase in land charges within the FCT was approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of measures to generate more revenue for the provision of infrastructure.
Addressing National Assembly newsmen, after a meeting with the Senate Committee on the FCT, Alhaji Adamu expressed his readiness to implement all approved policies in the development of the nation’s capital.
The FCT Minister also explained what the Capital Territory Administration was doing to check the perennial traffic jam along Abuja/Keffi Expressway.
The Senate has urged the management of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to revert to the old rates on land premium.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Abubakar Sondangi, told the FCT Minister that the increase in land rates did not comply with the nation’s Land Use Act as the National Assembly was not consulted as stipulated by law.
# # #
APGA: Court restrains INEC
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral
Commission, INEC, from giving effect to the decisions taken at the convention of the All Progressives Grand Alliance convened by Chief Chekwas Okorie.
At the convention held on the second of this month, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Chief Victor Umeh and Alhaji Sani Shinkafi were said to have been sacked from APGA.
The court, presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole ordered INEC not to act on the resolutions reached at the convention until the suit seeking to establish the authentic leader of APGA was determined by the court.
The ruling followed a motion brought by Chief Victor Umeh informing the court that its order of first September, 2009, suspending the Chief Okorie led convention was disobeyed.
However, counsel to Chief Okorie, Mr. Godwin Uche told the court that they were not served with the order restraining them from holding the convention.
Chief Umeh expressed satisfaction with the ruling. Hearing in the substantive suit was adjourned to the 29th of this month.
# # #
COMMUNICATION: FRCN & Eriksson to explore possible areas of mutual benefits
Radio Nigeria and Electronic giant, the Eriksson Group began talks in Abuja to explore
possible areas of mutual benefits.
The chairman of the FRCN Board of Directors, Chief Bolayefa Debekeme, said the collaboration would be of great benefit to Radio Nigeria especially in the area of clean signals.
Chief Debekeme said despite the numerous challenges being faced by the Corporation, it had embarked on the upgrade of its equipment nationwide.
The Managing Director of the Eriksson Group, Mr. Leif Edwall, proposed a follow-up meeting between the two parties to discuss further on specific areas of co-operation.
The Nigeria Ambassador to Spain, Mr. Bola Igali, who was also part of the talks, expressed the hope that the visit would further enhance broadcasting in the country.
The Director-General of FRCN, Mallam Yusuf Nuhu presented to the guests some vital documents about the Corporation.
# # #
OSOPADEC: Chairman suggests establishment of Agency
The Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission,
OSOPADEC, Prince Debo Ajimuda, has suggested the establishment of an Agency that will ensure that oil companies comply with environmental laws.
Prince Ajimuda made the suggestion during an inspection visit to some oil producing communities in Ondo State.
He said the enforcement of the law would minimize cases of oil spillage which had remained a major cause of environmental hazards to the people in the Niger Delta region.
The OSOPADEC Chairman urged the Federal Government to sanction any oil company that failed to address oil spillage in the region.
Prince Ajimuda urged the militants in Ondo State to embrace the amnesty offer by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to enhance the development of the State.
# # #
ANAMBRA: Governorship election holds February 2010
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has fixed the Anambra State
Governorship election for Saturday sixth February, 2010.
A statement by Abdullahi Kaugama, the Secretary of INEC, indicates that all registered political parties are entitled to participate and sponsor candidates for the election.
According to the statement, the tenure of Governor Peter Obi expires on the seventeenth of March 2010.
The Commission said it would strictly apply the provisions of all relevant laws governing the election to ensure a credible exercise.
The statement urged the public, particularly the registered political parties to abide by section 221 of the 1999 Constitution which prohibits associations other than political parties from canvassing for votes for any candidate or contributing to the funds of any political party or election expenses of any candidate.
# # #
UATH: Dr Alabi calls for the development of Intensive Care Units
The Chief Medical Director of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Dr. Peter Alabi has
called for Public-Private Partnership in the development of the Intensive Care Units in all the Teaching Hospitals nationwide.
This is to reduce the high rate of premature deaths in the country.
Dr. Alabi said at the opening of a four week training for Nurses in the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital that lack of Modern equipment was contributing to the Low Performance of Health Care Workers.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Millennium Development goals, Hajia Sa’adatu Sani, suggested the upgrading of equipment in Intensive Care Units in all Government Hospitals to address the High rate of infant and maternal mortality.
# # #
HUMAN RIGHT: Minster calls for implementation of policies on women & youths
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Salamatu Sulaiman, has called
for the implementation of existing policies on women, youths and physically challenged persons.
The Minister said available records indicated that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development was not receiving enough budgetary allocations.
Mrs. Sulaiman made the request during an advocacy visit to the Minister of finance, Mr. Mansur Muktar.
The Minister of Finance said that it was important to allocate adequate resources to women and youths since they constitute more than seventy percent of the county’s population.
Dr. Muktar noted that issues concerning women and youths should not be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development but should be spread across all sectors.
# # #
Goje commends FG for completion of the Kano-Maiduguri road
Governor Danjuma Goje of Gombe State says the completion of the dualisation of
the Kano-Maiduguri road will ensure improved socio economic activities and reduce accidents in the North East zone.
Addressing a cross-session of people in the State Capital the Governor commended the Federal Government for embarking on the project and for awarding contract for the rehabilitation of the Gombe –Numan –Yola road, describing it as a former death trap.
Governor Goje appealed to the Federal Government to award another contract for the rehabilitation of the Gombe – Biu road because of its deplorable condition.
He noted that the Gombe Bye pass and the Nafada Gombe Abba roads had been included in this year’s Federal Government budget but was yet to be awarded.
The Governor expressed the hope that the two roads would not suffer the fate of the Gombe Bye pass which he said had appeared five consecutive times in the Federal Government budget but was yet to be awarded.
The call, he said, had become necessary because of the importance of the roads to the people.
# # #
REBRANDING: Ogbulafor calls on religious leaders to educate their followers
The National Chairman of PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor has called on religious
leaders to educate their followers on the rebranding project of the Federal Government.
Prince Ogbulafor made the call during the inauguration of Knights of St. John International of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Wuse, Abuja.
He said spiritual leaders were in the best position to inculcate the tenets of the rebranding in their followers for the envisaged change in the country.
The Reverend Father Ralph Madu urged Christians to respect every human being irrespective of their tribe and tongue.
Reverend Father Madu stressed that the gap between the poor and the rich in the society was too wide for the nation to realize the goal of becoming one of the twentieth economies in the world.
# # #
Yar’Adua directs MDGs Office to set up C’ttee on effective implementation
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has directed the Millennium Development Goals
Office to set up a committee to work out strategies that will ensure effective implementation of eight MDGS
The committee to be chaired by Governor Bukola Saraki has the Ministers of Finance and National Planning, a member of the National Assembly and a representative of the World Bank as members.
At a meeting with key stakeholders on the Millennium Development Goals held in Abuja, President Yar’Adua gave the committee four weeks to complete the Assignment.
The end of the meeting, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Hajiya Amina Ibrahim said three hundred and twenty-one billion has been disbursed from two thousand and six to two thousand and eight with health, water, and agriculture receiving a substantial share of the money.
Hajiya Amina said the conditional grants to states for two thousand and eight are almost concluded, while the grant for two thousand and nine will go out in October.
In the meantime there are plans to focus on one hundred and eleven local governments to build on health and Education.
# # #
GOMBE: Nigeria & Japan sign agreement for Vocational Training Centre
Nigeria and Japan in Abuja signed an agreement for the construction of Vocational
Training and Literacy Centre for Girls in Lafiyawo Community in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State. It will cost over eighty million dollars.
The Minister of State Education, Hajiya Aishatu Jibril Dukku, said the grant would go a long way to enhance the psychological wellbeing of Women and Children for the attainment of self actualization.
The Charge d’Affaire Japanese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Shigeru Hamana who signed on behalf of the Japanese Government re-affirmed his Country’s commitment towards helping the developing nations.
# # #
Union solicits support of stakeholders in Agric sector
The Agriculture and Allied Employees Union has solicited the support of
stakeholders in the Agricultural sector towards policies and programmes of government at repositioning the sector for an improved productivity.
The National Vice President of the Union, North Central Zone, Comrade Simon Anchaver, made the call at the first delegate’s conference of the Abuja Chapter of the union.
# # #
MONEY: CBN defends N420b bail out for the five banks
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN says the four hundred and twenty billion Naira
recently injected into five banks was from government’s consolidated revenue fund.
The Governor of the Apex Bank, Mallam Sanusi Lamido at an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and currency explained that CBN took the action to save the institution and protect both depositors as well as creditors.
# # #
ENERGY: Minister underlines the need for increase in power generation
The Minister of Power, Dr. Rilwanu Babalola says the nation requires twenty-five
thousand megawatts of electricity to attain the status of one of the leading nations of the world by the year twenty-twenty.
He gave this indication in Abuja at a workshop to roll-out the programmes of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria and inauguration of the institute.
Dr. Babalola noted that the nation required well-trained manpower in the power sector to achieve the objective.
He said the Yar’Adua administration took the initiative to establish the institute to realise that objective in the power sector.
Dr. Babalola emphasised that the Federal Government would henceforth ensure that cadres of personnel in the power sector were adequately trained to promote efficiency among the workforce.
The Chief Executive of the National Power Training Institute, Mr. Reuben Okeke explained that the body would ensure standardization and promote safety in the power sector.
To achieve the vision, Mr. Okeke said a structure had been developed for a comprehensive nationwide training and skills upgrade to improve the skills of utility managers and workers.
He explained that the programme would provide, managerial and technical training to over seven thousand utility personnel over the next five years.
# # #
PARTY: Court stops APGA Convention
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued a Motion Exparte restraining Chief
Chekwas Okorie from holding a National Convention in the name of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
The Motion Exparte issued by Justice Gabriel Kolawole also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC from participating in the convention organised by Chief Okorie in the name of APGA pending the determination of the motion on notice before the court.
Justice Kolawole said the respondents were at liberty within seven days to apply to the court to have the motion varied or discharged as the case may be.
The case has been adjourned till the ninth of this month for determination of the motion on notice.
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: Minister commends WIPO for assistance
The National Office for Technology Acquisition, NOTAP says twenty three Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices have been established in some tertiary institutions in the country.
Science and Technology Minister Dr. Alhasan Bako Zaku told the visiting President of the World Intellectual Property Organisation that the measure was to support innovation, and enhance the creation of intellectual property.
Dr. Bako Zaku commended the World Intellectual Property Organisation, for assisting NOTAP in equipping the offices.
The World Intellectual Property Organisation President, Dr. Francis Gurry said the organisation would embark on a programme to reduce the knowledge gap in the world.
Dr. Gurry also visited the headquarters of the Nigerian Copyright Commission where the Director-General, Dr. Adebambo Adewopo highlighted the benefits of his visit to Nigeria.
He is billed to deliver a lecture on “Intellectual Property and Development” at the Anniversary of the Nigerian Copyright Commission.
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PIRACY: NBC calls for reversal of “No Music Day”
Meanwhile the National Broadcasting Commission has called for the reversal of the
“No Music Day” as declared by the Nigeria Music Industry Coalition, in protest of piracy.
The Commission notes that the declaration will affect the operations of broadcast stations since music is very important in their programmes.
The statement pledges the support of the Commission for the music industry and called on broadcast stations to intensify the fight against piracy by discouraging the use of pirated materials.
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