By Usman Aliyu

Dr Joan Osa-Oviawe, Edo Commissioner for Education says the basic education reform in the state has improved the literacy and numeracy of pupils in public schools.

Osa-Oviawe made this claim on Thursday in Benin while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The commissioner said that the reform tagged Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) 1.0, which was launched in 2018 by Gov. Godwin Obaseki administration, was very holistic in its process.

Osa-Oviawe said the reform covered all areas of management of education system; building the capacity of the non-teaching staff that managed the education system.

According to her, over 11,000 teachers in the state were trained on pedagogy and provided with tablets for effective teaching.

Osa-Oviawe said that in Edo today, kids in Early Child Care Development Education (ECCD) III through the primary 1-3 classes could read effectively.

The commissioner said this was a sharp contrast to the situation at the inception of the reform, where pupils in primary 6 could hardly read.

Before we started EdoBEST, we did pupils diagnosis, and discovered that time, that a lot of our kids were behind grade level.

Some were in primary 6 and did not know how to read, Osa-Oviawe said.

She said that the reform had resulted in positive impacts on literacy as a result of the huge investment.

We have also standardised the lesson plan.

Prior to the EdoBEST 1.0, every teacher in our primary school system wrote his/her lesson plan and it was never clear whether those lesson plans conformed with the dictate of the national curriculum.

So, by centrally designing lesson plan for every class level, it became clear that we are able to standardise quality and ensure that the curriculum is covered, she said.

According to her, by introducing technology, we are able to track teachers attendance, track their preview; how much time they spent previewing.

This is because a teacher who is not prepared cannot teach effectively and that helps a great deal to sanitise our system.

Technology also removed the human factors to a large extent.

With the introduction of this technology, I can put on the dashboard in my office and see school by school, teacher by teacher, who is in school and who is not, she said.

She said that the decision about sanctioning of a teacher is no longer reliant on the report of the head of the school; it comes from my office, and the governor also has access to the dashboard.

The governor used that to summon me in the past to ask some specific questions about a school.

Because teachers are now more in schools, they are now teaching more; pupils are also now coming to schools because school is becoming more exciting.

Teachers were taught new classroom management techniques; new method of pedagogy; delivery method at emboldening, empowering and transforming the learners, Osa-Oviawe said.

The commissioner, who is a former Executive Chairman of the state Basic Education Board (SUBEB) stated that the reform had been expanded to junior secondary education due to its success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Deborah Coker

The National Agency for the Prohibition in Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued no fewer than 17,443 survivors of human trafficking since its inception in 2003.

The Zonal Commander, Benin Zonal Command comprising Edo, Delta and Bayelsa, Mr Nduka Nwanwenne, disclosed this on Thursday at a sensitisation programme in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo.

Nwannwenne also said that the agency had secured no fewer than 502 convictions since it came into existence.

He said that the sensitisation programme was to seek the collaboration of traditional institutions in combating the menace of human trafficking.

The zonal commander said that the sensitisation programme would be carried out in two other communities in the state.

He said the programme was organised in collaboration with the lawmaker representing Bekwara/Ogbudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency in Cross River, Mr Legor Idagbo.

He told the people that the traffickers always came under the guise of helping their victims seek better opportunities abroad.

Nwanwenne said that the victims, mostly transported abroad through illegal and dangerous means, were often left traumatised.

Some others even die before they get to their destination, he added.

He lamented that some parents even forced their children to embark on such journies not knowing the inherent danger involved.

The reason for this advocacy is to create awareness of the danger of illegal migration and human trafficking because most victims have come to say they never knew before embarking on the journey.

They come to the victims with the notion that Europe or their destination is where you pick money on the streets only to end up using them as slaves, prostitutes or drug peddlers.

It will interest you to know that the victims do not benefit from this menace as much as the traffickers.

This is why we have come to you, our traditional rulers and parents, to let you know that we must all come together to stop this menace.

Lets spread the news against human trafficking in our communities, he said.

The zonal commander further disclosed that 20 states including Edo have set up task forces against human trafficking and illegal migration, and urged the remaining states to do so.

Responding on behalf of the chiefs, the Aigbedion of Benin Kingdom, Chief Godspower Irorere, said that the advocacy was an eye opener to most of them.

He urged the agency to carry ou the programme in more communities across the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sylvester Thompson

Dr Yemisi Asagbra, the Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, Lagos, says indigenous technology offers significant opportunities for Nigerias economic transformation.

Asagbra, who said this at the ongoing 2022 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) expo on Thursday in Abuja added that it could to some extent create opportunities for global competitiveness.

She said that indigenous technologies could offers significant opportunities for transformation if those technologies were improved and standardised through the deployment of STI.

She noted that as a developing economy, Nigeria was better positioned in growing its economy and compete globally if the country looked inwards to develop science, technology and innovation (STI) in specific areas of comparative advantage.

According to her, with a focus on small and medium term enterprises, businesses could be developed around these technologies which will foster national innovativeness, create employment and generate wealth.

The FIIRO director-general said that FIIRO was home to Nigerias indigenous technology and the readiness to industralise the nation was its mission.

Asagbra said researchers of the institute were all about value addition with an increasing urge to contribute to national growth and excellence.

She enumerated various investment opportunities available in FIIRO via mechanised cassava processing technologies, cereals and legumes, fish and meat processing technology among others.

Asagbra said training programmes were also available in cassava flour production, instant pounded yam flour production, bread and confectionery baking among others. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Maureen Okon

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for humanitarian no fly-zone to stop Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns.

Zelensky made the call while addressing U.S. Congress on Wednesday via webinar from Ukraine amid Russian attack on Ukraine on multiple fronts.

He said that when he sees the war in Ukraine he remembered Sept. 11, adding that the war declared on Ukraine is a terror that Europe has not seen in 80 years.

Zelensky also called for aircraft and anti-aircraft weapons from the U.S., saying right now the destiny of our country is being decided.

U.S. should sanction all Russian politicians and all companies must leave Russian markets flooded with our blood, he urged.

He said that for the U.S. to be the leader of the world was also to be the leader of peace.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while Zelensky was addressing the U.S. congress he showed a graphic video on the current situation in Ukraine that war has ruined.

NAN also reports that many Nigerians and other nationals have fled Ukraine into nearby countries since Russia launched a full-scale war on Ukraine.

The Nigerian Government approved the release of 8.5 million dollars for the immediate evacuation of at at least 5,000 Nigerians fleeing the Russian-Ukrainian conflict zone to Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Abubakar Ahmed

Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe on Wednesday visited President Muhammadu Buhari in London, where he is currently on a medical checkup.

This is contained in a release by the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to Buni, Malam Mohammed Mamman in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mamman said that Buni, also the Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) had been in Dubai, UAE on a medical trip before he flew to London to meet with Buhari.

Buni had a brief stop over in London after a medical trip to Dubai the United Arab Emirates.

Their Excellencies, Buhari and Buni held brief and fruitful discussions on measures to move APC forward preparatory to the March 26 National Convention and the 2023 General Elections.

Buni is expected back in Nigeria on Thursday, to resume office as the Chairman APC CECPC, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Governors of the All progressives Congress (APC) to stop further utterances that lead to disunity ahead of the National Convention.

A statement by the Presidents spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Wednesday in Abuja, quoted a letter personally signed by the president, addressed to Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State.

Bagudu is also the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum.

The letter was also copied to the Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), the Acting Chairman of the CECC, Gov. Sani Bello, the Director General of the DSS as well as the Inspector General of Police.

In the letter, the president said the multiplicity of cases currently rocking the party had the prospect of invalidating the activities and actions of the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The president said that since the party could not change the leadership of the CECC without infringing on the time limit set by INEC, and the fact that the current uncertainties and controversies pose a real threat to the party, he has therefore directed as follows:

The issue of the leadership of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC) should immediately return to status quo ante;

All members of the Governors Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunityin the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeorpadise the transition to the convention;

The Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee should accordingly be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned- unfailingly onMarch 26, 2022.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidency also announced the meeting between the president and the Chairman of the CECC, Buni, in London via pictorial reports. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Omeire

A Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square on Wednesday sentenced a 34-year oldcleric, Fatai Afobaje, to death for killing his friend and mutilating his body.

Justice Modupe Nicol-Clay sentenced the cleric to death after finding him guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.

The judge held that Lagos State Government, prosecuting the case, proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Nicol-Clay said that prosecution was able to prove that the convict caused the death of his friend, Rafiu Sulaiman, aged 44.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convict has been remanded since his arraignment in 2017, during which he pleaded not guilty.

Prosecution team, led by Mrs Adesola Adekunle-Bello, called six witnesses and tendered 12 exhibits during trial.

Prosecution had told the court that the convict murdered Sulaiman and mutilated his body by cutting off his head, intestines, lungs, scrotum and hands.

It said the incident happened on Feb.13, 2015, at Itire Village Magbon, Badagry, Lagos State.

The offences contravened Sections 221 and 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu has sought for the support of the APC Senate Caucus towards actualising his 2023 presidential ambition.

Tinubu said this when he met with the APC Senate Caucus at the Senate Presidents Conference Room on Wednesday in Abuja, adding that he was at the Senate for counsel, partnership and support.

Nigerians have come to that stage where we need a change of baton. President Muhammadu Buhari is about to serve his second term in full.

Election is coming up in February. I cant do it by myself and I cant do it by sitting at home expecting that many friends I have here will do it for me.

I believe jointly we can do it. You can back me successfully for the nomination of my lifetime ambition to become the president.

My ambition is not blind to the extent I will step on the toes of the President. I just want to step into his shoe and not on his toe, Tinubu said.

He said that if the counsel of wise men was anything to go by, Im asking for that teammanship here today to get me over the hump of the nomination process.

And from that hump, to get me to the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Look at my capacity. I am an unusual candidate. Perhaps the only one who had been in the Senate, who had been a governor and aspiring to become president.

He said that Nigeria will remain united if he was elected president and we will use that unity, the symbol of our party to cleanse Nigeria of unrealisable potential.

The national leader also commended the Senate for the passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill.

I Thank you for sustaining our democracy. I ran into a little ambush of women protesters because I went to the other gate.

Interestingly, you have been very careful on affirmative action, and you are been very careful not to jeopardise the Constitution.

Yes the interests of women are necessary but for APC, we are doing our best and we will continue to do our best to accommodate the interest of our women, he said.

President of the Senate Ahmad Lawan said that the APC Senate Caucus was a fundamental pillar of the party.

This caucus has remained committed to the party, shown resolve to our manifesto to work within us and the Executive. We have achieved so much because of the APC caucus.

From 2019 that this caucus showed loyalty, commitment, and purposeful orientation to ensure that our victory from 2015 and 2019 as a political party is fully utilised for the benefits of Nigerians.

This party needs the kind of commitment that APC members have shown in the country. APC must continue to be progressive in our actions. 2023 is going to be a year for APC again.

By Feb. 25 when the Presidential Election will take place, by the grace of God, APC will have the victory that is required, Lawan said.

Lawan added:Recently we had some difficulties because of misunderstanding between some of our members and the party was thrown into temporary confusion.

I thank God it is over now. It is very clear that our party is back on track, that in the next two weeks, our national convention will hold and a new set of leaders will emerge. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Yetunde Fatungase

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing says it constructed internal road networks in 46 federal tertiary institutions across the country in 2021.

The Minister of Work, Babatunde Fashola, made this known on Wednesday in Abeokuta at the handover of the Federal Government intervention of internal roads at Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the 1.3km internal road was rehabilitated by the federal ministry of works and housing on behalf of the Federal Government.

Represented by Umar Bakare, the Federal Controller of Works in Ogun, Fashola said another 17 roads were ready to be handed over, while attending to 30 other roads in various institutions across the country.

He noted that the infrastructure gap which was being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways was also being replicated in schools and federal institutions.

It is undebatable that quality of health care delivery will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from staff in the hospitals where this type of intervention has taken place.

The students are expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes, because some defective roads have been restored to good condition.

This is consistent with our progressive ideal of improving the human condition and that process continues here today as we hand over this one in Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta as a critical intervention to support education, he said.

Fashola submitted that no fewer than 50 persons were employed and in the process, contributing to the job creation initiatives of the government.

He expressed the hope that the hospital management would ensure proper usage of the asset while shielding it from being abused.

In his remarks, Provost of the Hospital, Dr Paul Agboola, thanked the Federal Government through the ministry for the intervention.

He noted that since the establishment of the hospital decades ago, this is the first time in recent years where internal road network rehabilitation will be carried out by the ministry of works.

He added that the act had put smiles on the faces of the staff, students and patients at the institution.

Agboola said that the institution eagerly expect the commencement of the second phase of the 5km road initially requested from the ministry.

Like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. We await the second phase of the project as we asked for 5km, out of which 1.35km has been done. Were believing God that the remaining 3.65km will be done, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ramatu Garba

A Kano State Chief Magistrates Court on Wednesday, sentenced 18-year-old man, Aminu Rabiu, to 14 days community service for stealing two hens.

Rabiu, who lives at Kwanan Bariki Quarters, Kano, was convicted on two-count charge bordering on theft and cruelty to animal.

The prosecutor, Miss Asmau Ado, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Jan. 9 at Kwanan Bariki Quarters in Kano.

She said that on the same date at about 9:00 a.m the defendant stole two hens and in the process used his hand to break their neck.

The Presiding Chief Magistrate, Mustapha Saad-Datti, sentenced the defendant to 14 days community service.

He also ordered him to desist from committing crimes and to be of good behaviour. (NAN)(www.nanmews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By George Odok

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed relief materials to 151 households that were affected by windstorm in Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in Cross River.

The Director General of NEMA, Mr Mustapha Ahmed, began the distribution exercise in Ikom local government area.

Ahmed, who was represented by the Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, South South, Mr Godwin Tepikor, sympathised with the victims over the disaster that affected their buildings in 2021.

He informed them that the items were not for compensation for their losses, but the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari through NEMA to identify with Nigerians in distress.

He advised them to make good use of the items in their home

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise was carried out in collaboration with officials of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency.

The items include, 300 bags of rice, 300 bags of beans, 300 bags of garri, 100 kegs of vegetable oil, 300 bags of cement, 300 pieces of ceiling boards, 200 bundles of roofing sheets, bags of nails, packets of zinc nails, among other.

Also speaking at the event, Rep. Chris Agibe, (Ikom/Boki), thanked the Federal Government for identifying with his constituents at their moment of need.

Agibe said that the items would go a long way in cushioning the impact of the disaster on his constituents

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Diwa Mary, expressed joy and thanks to the Federal Government and NEMA for coming to assist them.

She said that the items would enable them put their lives back again after the disaster.

Another beneficiary, Mr Papa Assi, thanked NEMA and the Federal Government for the gesture, which he said would go a long way to assist them in rebuilding their damaged buildings.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

The Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, has said that the current power situation in the country is caused mainly by shortage of gas.

Abubakar briefed State House correspondents after a hybrid meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The minister said that efforts were being made to address the situation, adding that Nigeria had the capacity of 8,000Mw on the grid, embedded and captive.

The issue we are currently facing now was not only as a result of the level of water, which most of you captured in your reports; that is part of it; but it is not much from that angle.

The more reason we are facing the situation now is as a result of the shortage of gas and some of the generators have to go into maintenance.

It is a scheduled maintenance and it is supposed to be scheduled outage but we had not envisaged that we will have issues around vandalism of pipelines.

Which the NNPC has addressed as you can see evidently everywhere, aviation fuel, and petrol in the filling stations; it is a combination of many factors.

That compounded the problem we are having on the grid.

The generators are not supplying because of lack of gas; so, I know some of you are aware; just two days ago, I summoned an emergency meeting which was unprecedented, the minister said.

He said that for the first time, he brought in all the sector playersfrom NNPC, Agip, Shell to the regulator, NERC, the GENCOS like the Niger-Delta Power Company, the TCN and the ministry.

Abubakar said that the meeting, which involved the adviser to the president on infrastructure, lasted for the whole day trying to proffer a solution.

I challenged all of them; I said this is like a war situation; we need to find solutions; we need to come out with answersquick ones, emergency solutions because the power on the grid has dropped due to those things that affected itlack of gas, the maintenance that some of the generators are undergoing.

So, you know technology, it is not up to you, that drop in the supply; the collapse of the grid, it triggered some response; some started to trip down and also caused the whole system to go down.

We had the day before yesterday, we recovered it, we are on top of it; we have recovered it now; the grid is back; we are trying to get more megawatts to push on to the grid through the aforementioned meeting; everybody now is contributing to that meeting.

Those things you have mentioned about bickering is no longer the cause because I have told them that we are one; nobody should blame anybody; because if you go on the blame game, how do you solve the problem?

Abubakar said that committees had been set up all geared towards getting more mega watts to put on the grid as basically, the problem was around gas.

According to him, there is need to have gas contract between generating companies and gas supplies some are form contracts, some are not.

He said that all the variables were being looked into and some solutions had been proffered which would come into fruition soon.

We have capacity of 8,000 mega watts the one on the grid, embedded and captive.

If you combine all of them, what is happening now is as a result of all these problems that we are encountering and we are on top of it; very soon, we will come out of it.

The minister said that his ministry had received an approval of N5 billion from FEC for compensation to project affected persons in the expansion of the Lagos/Ogun line with six sub-stations.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ibukun Emiola

Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has urged the Federal Government to ensure predictable market by controlling prices in the rice value chain.

The Oyo State Chairman RIFAN, Mr Samuel Akinade, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, on Monday.

Akinade noted that the cost of rice, if regulated by the government, will ensure the predictability of the market and check the unjustified increase in the price of what consumers buy due to the activities of middlemen.

If we plant rice because rain is good and we harvest it, and we sell it to the millers at a moderate price, the millers will add their cost to it.

But as soon as it leaves the milling centres, what will happen between then and when it gets to the table of the consumers is unknown.

There are middlemen who will sell the commodity and they can decide to sell for anything.

Also, the force of demand and supply will take its course, especially when people now begin to shift to local rice because of its nutritional value, he said.

According to him, the price will be going up because more people are going for it and that is why our market in Nigeria is unpredictable, everybody does whatever they like with the market.

If there is control from the government, it can regulate the price at different stages of production and stipulate price for the marketers, which will be okay.

If the government says the paddy rice is at this cost to the millers, the millers should release it at this price and then the marketer should sell at the market at this price that will be okay.

But in a case where the farmers release rice at a moderate price, the millers who produced added something, what of the marketers? Who is controlling the marketers? Nobody!

That is why we cant predict the price of rice. Besides, when people say the paddy is costly, it is because the chemicals we use are very expensive now, even the high cost of tractors is part of why rice is expensive, he said.

Akinade, a beneficiary of Anchors Borrowers programme of the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria said the cost of farming input had skyrocketed.

The farmer will add the cost of input on the land to determine the cost of production and then add his own profit and services to determine the price of rice.

The input starts from tree felling and uprooting. If the state or federal government wants to assist, that is the area they can come, on land preparation for planting to take place.

But up till now, for rice farming, they have not shown interest, he said.

Akinade said now that rain had started to fall, land preparation continues, adding; at this level, the stability of the rain cannot be relied upon for now.

We dont know what God wants to do, maybe it will continue like this. But rain needs to continue like this because we are expecting it to rain for three to four weeks before the rain stabilises.

And for rice, we need regular water. May be by around the end of April people can be planting.

Where the land is like Fadama, Akuro land, that is irrigable, low-lying plains underlain by shallow aquifers found along major river systems, people can begin to plant around this time.

Land preparation is the major operation now. For now, we can be clearing the land and plough.

If the land is soft enough for the tractor to plough, one can begin to plow now, first round. Then you plough the second and plant immediately, he added. (NAN) ()

Source: NAN News

By Suleiman Shehu
The new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll, has pledged to ensure security of lives and property in Ibadanland in particular and Oyo State in general, during his reign.

Balogun made the pledge on Tuesday, in Ibadan while playing host to the Heads of Security Agencies in the state when they jointly paid him visit.

The traditional ruler assured them that he would not use his position to impede their duties in whatever manner or form.

According to him, this is because of my firm belief that the fulcrum of societal development is squarely placed on security of such society.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko, led the team, comprising Mr M. A. Alex, Department of State Security (DSS), Mrs Uche Chukwura, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Mike Adaraniwa, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC).

Others were B.A. Jayeoba, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); Ailewon Nuel, Nigeria Correctional Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) led by I. A. Dansuleiman.

Balogun, while appreciating the heads of security agencies in the state for the visit, said he had been in closed relationship with successive heads of the security agencies in the state.

Anything I can contribute to support and uphold the security of the state will be done.

We are aware of security threat in Ibadanland in particular and all my Chiefs have been adequately briefed to work closely with you people toward ensuring that peace and security in the state is not ruptured.

Im aware of my position and responsibility and I will not use it to impede your jobs in any manner or form.

You can count on my support at all times, I assure you that I will not let you down, the Olubadan said.

Earlier, Onadeko said: We are here to felicitate the new Olubadan, not minding the fact that we were all at the coronation ceremony.

We felt duty bound to formally come round and pay homage to our revered father, Dr Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll and pray for him to live long in sound health and to get wisdom to direct the affairs of his people.

As security personnel, heading different security agencies, providing security for lives and property in the entire state, we will continue to do everything within our power to ensure safety and security across the state which is our primary responsibility.

The Commissioner of Police urged the new Olubadan to listen to good counsel, especially his Oloris as they offer him good advice toward making his reign peaceful and progressive.

She equally urged the Oloris, comprising Olayinka, Olufunmilayo and Khalimat Balogun to ensure that the traditional ruler does not derail as a visionary and forward-looking oba. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

Atletico Madrid dumped Manchester United out of the Champions League round of 16 after edging to a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Renan Lodi scored the only goal just before half-time as Diego Simeones side won 2-1 on aggregate after a late draw in the first leg last month.

Tuesdays result means Uniteds trophy drought will now almost certainly stretch to five years, with Ralf Rangnicks side already eliminated from the FA Cup and 20 points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League.

I think we played a very good first half exactly the way we wanted to play with a high energy level but we couldnt convert that into one or two goals, Rangnick said after the match.

Conceding that counter-attacking goal just before halftime didnt make life any easier. It was hard in the second half and always interrupted. There was always somebody lying on the floor.

United named three changes from Saturdays victory over Tottenham Hotspur, with Bruno Fernandes coming in to start and Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford dropping to the bench.

Teenage United forward Anthony Elanga, who turned hero to score a last-minute equaliser in the first-leg, went close to opening the scoring on Tuesday.

This was when his run toward the near post in the 12th minute was rewarded with a low cross from Fernandes, but he saw his shot stopped by goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

United goalkeeper David de Gea then produced an outstanding diving save to push wide a long range effort from Rodrigo De Paul.

Atletico had the ball in the back of the net midway through the first half when Joao Felix tapped in to an empty net at the back post, but Marcos Llorente, who supplied the assist, was ruled offside.

It was a typical display of the kind of gritty defending and swift counter-attacking for which Simeones side have been known.

United, for all their pressure, were unable to create enough quality opportunities to get themselves the goal they needed.

The visitors did eventually take the lead in the 41st minute through Lodi as he scored a jumping header at the back post following a floated cross from Antoine Griezmann.

The move came after Atletico won back possession from Elanga, who looked to have been fouled but saw protests waved away by referee Slavko Vincic.

On Vincics calls, Rangnick adeed: I would also say some curious refereeing decisions. I wouldnt say they were decisive but at least he fell too often for those time-wasting antics.

United pushed for an equaliser in the second half but were unable to find a way back into the match, resulting in their sixth elimination in their past eight Champions League knockout ties.

In the second half it was a brilliant collective effort from the team, one of the best this year, Simeone said in a postmatch news conference.

Im happy, thats why I celebrated it in the dressing room.

Elsewhere in the Champions League also played on Tuesday, Darwin Nunezs 80th minute goal proved enough as Benfica shocked hosts Ajax 1-0 (3-2 on aggregate) to progress to the last eight. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Victor Nwachukwu

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), has called on its consumers to remain calm and patient as it addresses a case of system collapse.

The call was made by EEDCs Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri on Tuesday.

Ezeh thanked the Companys customers for their understanding as it worked to restore supply after a system collapse on March 14.

He, however, said that despite the restoration of supply, the system collapsed again on March 15.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC) wishes to inform its esteemed customers of another system collapse which occurred at 5.10 pm this evening, Tuesday, 15th March, 2022.

This is coming barely 24 hours after the grid collapse was experienced in the early hours of Monday, March 14, 2022.

As a result of this unfortunate development, all our outgoing feeders are out and supply to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States has been affected, he said.

He reassured customers that the company is already on standby, awaiting further directives from the National Control Centre (NCC) for restoration of supply. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

National Mathematical Centre (NMC) has reiterated its commitment to promoting activities that will improve the research, teaching and learning of mathematics and mathematical sciences in the country.

Director/Chief Executive of the centre, Prof. Promise Mebine, expressed the commitment at the 2021/2022 Mathematics Day and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the girl-child in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is celebrated on March 14 of every year in honour of the beauty, relevance, importance, benefits and applicability of the subject in real life.

NAN also reports that the theme for the 2022 IDM is: Mathematics Unites, with the celebration featuring the crowning of 2021 Nigeria Maths Queen, Miss Marcel Onyebuchi of FGGC, Owerri, Imo.

Onyebuchi also emerged the overall best in the 2021 Mathematics competition for girls in Junior Secondary School nationwide, organised by National Mathematical Centre under its SDGs programme.

Mebine described mathematics as the bedrock of science, technology and engineering, saying that without it, there wouldnot be any meaningful development.

According to him, NMC is poised to develop appropriate initiatives and resources of international standard for reawakening and sustaining interest in the mathematical sciences and their applications at all levels of education system.

This will, in the end, lead us to the UNESCO vision of popularisation of the subject.

I, therefore, urge our dear country to scale up investments in education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to change the narrative.

We are here to celebrate a discipline described as boundless because its applications are seen in everything around us; a discipline defined as an intelligencer that unravels the hidden truths of everyday living; a discipline described as a queen.

It is a worldwide celebration that brings together various participants through activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums, libraries and other spaces.

It is important to state that no nation grows and develops without appropriate knowledge and application of Mathematics, he said.

In her lecture, Dr Mary Durojaiye, of University of Abuja, said that for students to learn better, teachers should go beyond the textbooks, adding that the children should be made to understand that what they were learning would help them in future.

We need mathematics in every area of our lives: in the kitchen, roads, shops and others.

Every human being calculates speed and counting has a vital role in our daily life, Durojaiye said.

While commending the centre for the initiative, she called for encouragement of teachers through various incentives to aid their efficiency.

Also speaking, Dr Uche Anaduaka, of the same institution, stressed the importance of educating the girl-child, as she is the future mother of the nation.

Anaduaka said that mathematical knowledge usually equipped the girl-child to excel in life.

On the selection of the contestants for the mathematics competition, the Desk Officer of SDGs in NMC, Dr Sylvester Orobosa, said that the first, second and third stages of the contest were done at the state level.

Orobosa said that the best of all the contestants across the 36 states and FCT were selected and assembled at the centre for the final stage where the Mathematics Queen emerged. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Yinusa Ishola

Dr Esther Adeniran, a dermatologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti, has advised women to always clean up their make-up before going to bed in order to stay healthy.

Adeniran gave the advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, saying sleeping with make-up becomes more problematic especially for women with sensitive skin.

According to her, most makeup has artificial colours and fragrances, and when these stay on the skin overnight, it can cause an allergic reaction or irritate dermatitis on sensitive skin.

Adeniran said make-up physically blocks the pores, preventing oil from leaving the skin and leading to breakouts.

The skin expert said makeup is also known to trap pollutants inside the skin, saying this type of environmental stress can result in increased free radicals that cause skin inflammation, redness, and irritation.

Chronic inflammation can contribute to premature aging, including increased pigment production and collagen degradation.

Adeniran particularly recommended prompt removal of make-up in parts of the eyes before going to sleep so as to guide against eye infections.

Since our eye skin is thinner than tissue paper and represents the thinnest skin on the face, youve got to prioritise getting your mascara and other eye make-up off.

This skin is prone to infection and irritation, and the most likely to be damaged by sleeping in your makeup (even for one night).

Sleeping in eye make-up may increase your risk of developing a stye (blocked oil gland in the eyelid).

You also run the risk of developing eyelid dermatitis, or irritation from mascara rubbing against the eyelids while you sleep.

Worse case scenario, make-up gets into the eye itself, which can lead to conjunctivitis, she said.

Adeniran advised women to imbibe a nighttime skincare routine so as to free the skin of unwanted particles that could cause unnecessary damage.

The easiest way to become a faithful face-washer is to really commit to a nighttimeskincare routine.

This doesnt mean you need to spend upwards of 30 minutes a night with a multi-products system, but cleansing your face and applying a solid moisturiser can go a long way in promoting the quicker rates of cellular regeneration that happen during sleep, she said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Desmond Ejibas

The Nigerian Navy has arrested five suspected illegal crude oil refiners caught towing an expansive metallic barge, loaded with several million litres of adulterated diesel.

Cdr. Umar Sidi, the Base Operations Officer, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, made this known while handing over the five suspects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday.

Sidi said troops made the arrest and seizures during its ongoing Operation River Dominance, which began in January to support Rivers government campaign against illegal refineries in the state.

According to him, troops also apprehended a tanker truck transporting suspected adulterated diesel for distribution to unsuspecting users in the state.

Troops arrested a tug boat, MV Bonny River, towing a large barge, Kanye, at Kilometre five

Our patrol team also arrested a tanker truck laden with suspected adulterated diesel at Makoba area during the operation.

A total of five male suspects were arrested in connection with the crime, he said.

Sidi said that, apart from the recent arrest, about 35 rogue vessels and wooden boats carrying various quantities of petroleum products had also been seized since commencement of the operation.

He attributed the successes of the exercise to the collaboration of security agencies, government and residents of the state.

Our tactical Riverine Assault Squadron will continue to conduct missions to deter criminals from sabotaging national assets and the economy.

Illegal bunkers are very resilient, in such that immediately operation is conducted and their illegal refining sites destroyed, the criminals come back later and resuscitate it or open another site.

But we will remain determined and resolute in ensuring that we continue to maintain an aggressive presence at sea and in the waterways to stop them, he said.

The officer assured that the exercise would continue until the state was rid of illegal refiners of crude oil partly responsible for the soot pollution in the state.

He said that Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed had shown commitment to stop all forms of crime and criminality in the maritime environment under the base.

Receiving the suspects and items, Mr Arasha Shaka of EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Command, assured that the anti-graft agency would investigate the matter.

He also assured that the suspects would be charged to court if found guilty of the allegations.

Source: NAN News

By Usman Aliyu

The Management of the University of Benin has directed the closure of the institution until further notice following the two months extension of the Industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),.

The university, which announced the closure on Tuesday via a statement issued in Benin by its Registrar, Ademola Bobola, directedstudents to vacate their hostels within 48 hours of the notice.

Bobola explained that the decision was reached after due consultation involving the institutions management and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami, on behalf of the Senate.

The action has become expedient as there is no justifiable reason for students to continue to stay on campus when lectures and other academic activities are not going on.

Consequently, students are to vacate the hostels within 48 hours of this notice.

They are enjoined to monitor the situation closely in order to be abreast of the schools eventual re-opening.

Management wishes the students safe journey to their respective destinations, the statement read in part.

Source: NAN News