Olamide George, the Acting President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has assured that Team Nigeria were on course in seeking qualification for the relay races of the Tokyo Olympics.

George, who is in Texas in the U.S. with the team, said on Friday that the team would qualify for not just the mixed relay event.

We will also qualify for the mens and womens 4x100m and 4x400m events, he said.

George expressed his delight with the team following their performance at the PVAMU meet in Texas.

We are happy. But I also believe we can do much better in our next race.

We now know what we need to do to secure one of the four available slots on offer, he said.

Nigerias 4x400m mixed relay team got off to a good start at the PVAMU meet on Wednesday, running a new three minutes 18.53 seconds Nigerian record to win the event.

The win has now put Team Nigeria within five places of sealing a spot in the event at the Tokyo Olympics.

The quartet of Imaobong Nse, Patience Okon-George, Nathaniel Samson and Sikiru Adeyemi made history as the first quartet to dorn the countrys colours in the event.

The team, according to the latest World Athletics ranking, are now 21st.

They are behind Germany, who presently occupy the 16th qualifying spot, Kenya, France, Czech Republic and Colombia respectively.

But Team Nigeria will need to better the time ran by Germany (3:16.85) to become one of the 16 finalists for the event in Tokyo.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

An NGO, Caleb Danladi Foundation has distributed food items to widows and less privileged persons in Zaria, Kaduna State in celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the food items include rice, noodles, groundnut oil, pasta, wrappers, among others.

Malam Bala Babayaro, the Zaria Coordinator of the Foundation, while delivering the items, said the efforts would bring succor to the beneficiaries and put smiles on their faces.

This is targeted at putting smiles on faces of the less privileged persons among us, which will go a long way towards relieving them of purchasing food stuff, he said.

On his part, the President of the Foundation, Capt. Caleb Danladi, assured that he would continue to continue support the less privileged in the society.

Danladi also used the opportunity to call on the beneficiaries and well-meaning Nigerians to continue to pray for peace and unity in the country.

He also reiterated his commitment towards supporting women, orphans and less privileged with skills acquisition, finance and educational scholarship to uplift them to a higher position than they were.

Malama Halima Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the recipients, expressed appreciation to the organisation for their continuous humanitarian support to the women in the area.

She also called on other philanthropists and stakeholders to emulate the gesture as it would reduce the hardship in view of the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the people.

I thank this foundation for their continuous support to us and I implore other leaders to emulate this gesture of reaching out to the poor, nothing is too small and nothing is too big, she said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ebere Agozie

The Federal Government will soon resuscitate Special Terrorism Prosecution Courts, theMinister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has said.

Malami made this known in a statement by Dr Umar Gwandu his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations on Thursday in Abuja.

The move, Malami said is geared towards the Federal Governments commitment to end insecurity in the country.

The federal government is committed to ending insecurity in the country, and added that the courts are to bring to book all those found guilty in connection with terrorism so as to serve as deterrence to others.

In addition to the prosecution of 400 suspected Boko Haram financiers, the measures taken by the government will counter the twin trouble of insurgency and insecurity in the country.

Malami also, while felicitating with Muslim faithful all over the world on the occasion of the years Eid Al-Fitr, noted that Ramadan fast comes with numerous lessons.

The lessons include sincerity, honesty, commitment, sacrifice, selflessness, introspection and empathy, among others.

He therefore urged Muslims, as they celebrate, to continue to be law-abiding, have sober reflections and exhibit the imbibed lessons learnt during the period of Ramadan fast.

The Minister saluted the commitment of clerics in enlightening their followers on various issues during the month of fast, urging them to maintain the tempo, even beyond the period of Ramadan. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rita Iliya

Gov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger has advocated for peaceful coexistence as Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-el Fitir marking the end of Ramadan Fast.

A statement by Mary Noel-Berje, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said Sani-Bello disclosed this after prayers with other Muslim faithful at the Kontagora Eid praying Ground.

While congratulating Muslims for their perseverance during the Ramadan period, the governor admonished them to be cautious of their environment.

The governor urged them to report any suspicious and uncomfortable movements within their neighbourhoods.

He reiterated the need for the people to intensify prayers so that peace is restored to Nigeria and Niger.

In recent times we have experienced a lot of security challenges, this calls for fervent prayers, he said.

He added that the security agencies were doing their best believing that peace will soon return to the country.

In his sermon, Chief Imam of the Emirs Palace Kontagora, Malam Shehu Rimaye, expressed gratitude to Allah for guiding them through the Ramadan period amid security challenges.

He commended the efforts of the security agencies in fighting criminal elements in the country.

Rimaye called on Muslims to continue with prayers, admonishing them to desist from criticizing leaders unnecessarily

The Imam cautioned parents to give their children good training to be better citizens and contribute to national development.

The Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Saidu Namaska, was represented by the Madawaki of Kontagora, Alhaji Aminu Mohammed at the prayers.

The governor later paid a visit to the Emir of Kontagora in his palace after the Eid Prayer.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Leonard Okachie

An Anglican Archbishop, Most Rev. Isaac Nwobia, has urged the Federal Government to convene a national dialogue to address issues of security in the country.

Nwobia, who is the Archbishop/Bishop of Diocese of Isiala Ngwa South (Aba Province), made the call during the 4th Synod of the diocese at St. Peters Cathedral Owerrinta, Abia on Thursday.

The theme of the 2021 Synod is Discipleship : An Imperative for Churchmanship.

The archbishop, while speaking with newsmen during the opening session of the Synod, said that national dialogue was important , as communication gap could be responsible for some of the present challenges being experienced.

The president should summon us, either as a meeting or a confab, so that people can say why they are annoyed.

The solution should be that we need to sit down, dialogue and sort things out, he said.

He condemned the destructions of some of the nations security facilities.

If we destroy the things that guard us, what will be our gain?? What will be the future of this country?, he queried.

The cleric said that the church would use the four-day Synod to deliberate on the security and pray for peace and unity of the nation.

Also, the Bishop of Umuahia Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, said that people in leadership were disconnected from the upcoming generations.

Ibeabuchi, during his sermon on discipleship , advised leaders to serve and lead.

According to him, that way, they youth will emulate them for the good of the nation.

He called on Christians to embark on adequate discipleship as a means of fulfilling Christs great commission. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Olayinka Olawale

Lagos State Government says its World Bank-assisted Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement, Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project will construct 13.16km Farm Access Roads (FARs) in four cluster areas.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said this on Thursday during the activities to commemorate the second year of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olus administration.

Olusanya noted that the four farm cluster areas were Igbodu in Epe, Araga also in Epe, Erinkorodo in Ikorodu and Afowo in Badagry.

She said the access roads when completed would ensure smooth movement to and fro the farms.

Olusanya added that it would reduce losses encountered by egg farmers as a result of the bad road.

The commissioner said it would also improve productivity of the concerned farmers.

She said the evaluation and engineering design for the four roads had since been finalised and construction would commence immediately.

APPEALS Project is a World Bank-assisted project aimed at enhancing the productivity of small scale farmers in the three identified value chains of poultry, aquaculture and rice through capacity building, provision of infrastructure and empowerment.

The project will be rehabilitating and constructing 13.16Km farm access roads already identified in four different clusters across the state.

The design of the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation for the four FARs is at final report stage.

The advertisement for potential contractors and subsequent implementation will be carried out once the work plan is approved by the governor, she said.

According to Olusanya, 1,621 regular beneficiaries under the Projects Women and Youth Empowerment Programme (WYEP) has been trained in agribusiness management and other soft skills within the last two years.

Of the number, 462 have received No Objections on their Business Investment Plans and are presently implementing their projects.

Other beneficiaries will equally be supported before the end of the year, she said.

Olusanya added that the APPEALS project had equally identified and verified 9,942 farmers and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, while 8,156 of them had received at least one form of training in relevant areas of agribusiness.

She said this was with a view to enhancing their agricultural productivity and improving value addition.

Olusanya noted that no fewer than 460 beneficiaries were sponsored for training, workshop and conferences out of which 425 of them were farmers.

A cluster of fish farmers at Badagry have adopted the production of fish crackers and fish cakes.

Over 1,000 packs (696 Kg) of fish fillet and crackers had been produced and sold during the period under review.

Use of nets for the control of birds in rice farming had since been adopted by our farmers.

Over 100 rice farmers in Ganyingbo, Badagry are presently trying this technology with other agronomic practices learnt through the state collaboration with AfricaRice, IITA, Ibadan, Olusanya said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ibrahim Bello

The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar, has urged parents to monitor their children and inculcate good societal values in them to maintain peace and security in the country.

The emir, who is also the Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, stated this in his Sallah speech shortly after the completion of two rakaat prayers at Eid prayer ground in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

He said that most of the criminalities being perpetrated in the society could be traced to indiscipline and bad societal values.

Bashar, who advised Muslims to imbibe lessons learnt in the holy month of Ramadan, identified the absence of discipline in children and greed as factors responsible for rising cases of insecurity.

Parents should always look after their children; the discipline of our children should always be our watchword, he advised.

The royal father also expressed dismay at the high level of idleness in the society and advised the populace to engage in skill acquisitions to reduce overdependence on government jobs.

The emir prayed for the restoration of peace and unity in the country and enjoined the public to always observe COVID-19 protocols during and after the sallah period. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano has granted freedom to 123 prison inmates across the state.

Ganduje, who witnessed the release of the inmates from Goron Dutse Prison on Thursday, said the gesture was in the spirit of the Eid-El Fitr celebration.

He said the beneficiaries were selected based on the gravity of offences and signs of reformation while in prison.

The governor said that the decision to visit the prison was to show the inmates that the state government was aware of their existence and that they were also regarded as citizens of the state.

Ganduje said that the gesture was to complement the Federal Governments efforts to further reduce congestion in the nations prisons.

He advised the ex-inmates to change their attitudes to life and pray for peace and stability in Nigeria.

The governor also gave each of the freed inmates N5,000 as transport fare to their various destination.

Earlier, the Comptroller of Prisons in Kano, Suleiman Suleiman, thanked the governor for freeing thousands of inmates since his coming into office.

Suleiman advised the freed inmates to stay off crime to avoid going back to prison.

Ganduje also visited remand homes and Kano childrens home in the metropolis as part Sallah celebration. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Aisha Cole

Sheikh Nurudeen Kadiri, the Chief Imam, Sideeqot Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, has urged Nigerians to extend the unity and tolerance learnt during the Ramadan period to avoid ethnic attack in the country.

Kadiri made the appeal after the Eid-el-Fitri prayer in Ikorodu, Lagos on Thursday.

He advised Nigerians to always remember God (Allah) in all their decisions, which, he said, would go a long way in bringing an end to ethnic discrimination.

We should love our neighbours as we love ourselves. If we try to imbibe all the good virtues we exhibited in the Ramadan, all the ethnic attacks will stop.

If we try to imbibe the virtue of Ramadan that you see your fellow human being as your brother, I hope and pray that Nigeria will be better for it.

Those who are advancing ethnicity should fear God and they should remember that we are from the same parents, Adam and Hawa (Eve).

Remember the people of Bosnia and Rwanda; up till this present time, they are still counting their losses, Kadiri said.

According to him, Nigerian leaders should uphold the virtue of justice and when there is justice, there will be peace in Nigeria.

The chief imam, however, urged Muslims to continue to carry over all the virtues learnt during Ramadan to all levels of government.

A Retired Civil Servant, Alhaja Risikat Adesina in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), appreciated God for seeing her through the 30-day fasting and prayed for peace to reign in the country.

Also, a Businessman, Mr Abdul-Lateef Lawal, urged the government to look into the high cost of living and to improve on security in the country.

Meanwhile, a student, Aliyah Cole, advised government to look into the issue of power supply to enable students read at night. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The Nigeria Diaspora Voting Council (NDVC) says passage of the Diaspora Voting Bill into law will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute significantly to Nigerias governance and economic development.

The councils Secretary, Mr Tolu Oluwatuyi, gave the assurance while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He noted that the bill had passed the second reading at the National Assembly.

If there exists any wish by the over 17 million Nigerians outside the shores of the country for their fatherland, it is the long-awaited franchise to be granted by Nigeria National Assembly that will enable them participate in the countrys electioneering process without being physically present.

The yearnings are age-long, the advocacy has been running for over a decade, he said.

Oluwatuyi said that much commitment, resources, time and energy had been deployed for the actualisation of the dream in the past three years.

According to him, this renewed zeal and vigour to see that the bill is passed into law is being championed by the councils leadership which left no stone unturned.

He said the council under the chairmanship of Mr Ade Omole had recorded tremendous progress on the matter.

He said that the council would not relent until full ralisation of the goal, adding that engagements regarding the bill were still ongoing.

Oluwatuyi said the efforts were to ensure that millions of Nigerians resident in different countries could participate in electioneering processes of their fatherland.

The secretary called for more support and cooperation in ensuring passage of the bill in the interest of the country.

He said that the passage into law, by the National Assembly, would improve Nigerias political architecture.

The task has been herculean and faced with many bottlenecks, but all of these are not insurmountable with determination.

Many hurdles have been crossed and many limits broken, what we have ahead may not be as daunting as what we already sailed through.

It is our sincere hope that the Red Sea will be crossed because the council remains firm and resolute to give its all.

For the council, it is no retreat, no surrender, Oluwatuyi stressed. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of the former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Lt. Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro.

The president made his feelings known in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Thursday.

He described the demise of Dogonyaro as a great loss not only to the Nigerian military, but also to the country because of his patriotic sacrifices in defence of its unity and territorial integrity.

He said: The death of Dogonyaro comes as a great shock to me because as a soldier, I know what it means to lose such an officer and a gentleman who gave his best in the service of the country, he said.

The president further described Dogonyaro as a thoroughbred soldier who had professionally distinguished himself in the course of his military career.

Laying down ones life for the country is one of the greatest sacrifices any citizen can make to his country.

Gen. Dogonyaros incalculable contributions will be remembered for years to come.

Buhari also extended deepest condolences to the Government and people of Plateau State on the passing of this legendary general.

He prayed almighty God to bless the soul of the departed and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports thatGen. Dogonyaro, a soldier and an administrator, was born on Sept. 12, 1940, in Vom, Plateau State, though a native of Taroh in Langtang North Local Government Area.

Dogonyaro had his early education at Boys Secondary School, Gindiri, and thereafter was enlisted in the Nigerian Army, 1964.

He was commissioned Second-Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, 1967; Officer Commanding, 1 Recce Squadron, NA, 1967-69; Quartermaster General, I Infantry Division (Main), N, 1969 to 1970.

The late general became Chief Instructor and Adjutant, Rece Training School, NA, 1970 to 1972; Commanding Officer, I Recce Regiment, NA., 1972 to 1976.

He was appointed Principal Staff Officer, Headquarters, Nigerian Army Armoured Corp, 1976 to 1977; Commanding Officer, 24 Armoured Brigade, NA., 1977-79.

Between 1984 and 1985, he was made the Task Force Commanding Officer, 203 Armoured Battalion on the Peace-keeping Force in Chad; Director of Manning (Army), Army Headquarters, A Branch, N.A and Director of Armoury, 1985.

He was also the General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division, N.A, Jos, 1985 to 1987; mm: Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), 1985; General Officer Commanding 2nd Mechanised Division, N.A, Ibadan, 1987; promoted Major-General, 1988; Promoted Lt. General; former ECOMOG Commander; retired in 1993;

Dogonyaro attended also the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos and obtained National Institute (mni) in addition to the Staff College (Psc) and Forces Service Star (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Stanley Nwanosike

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Tuesday, provided solar-powered boreholes to two Enugu communities after 11 years of fetching water from locally constructed wells.

Ugwuanyi inaugurated the two solar-powered boreholes and 20,000-litre capacity storage tanks at Nduno-Uwani Akpugo autonomous community and Ndiagu-Uwani Akpugo autonomous community in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Manfred Nzekwe, said that the projects were a direct and quick intervention to alleviate the age-long suffering of the people.

According to him, this is a way the government demonstrates its concern for development and well being of rural areas especially for the benefits of the downtrodden in both communities.

I want to thank both communities for their unrelenting effort in supporting my administration.

My administration acknowledges your massive and en-block vote to the PDP and your continuous prayer for the success of my administration.

I have heard other requests of the communities and I am assuring that it will be given due attention according to available financial resources, he said.

The governor did not state the amount involved in the projects.

What is necessary is the thousands of people in the eight villages in both communities the projects will benefit, he said.

Speaking, Mr Johnpaul Anih, Special Assistant to Gov. Ugwuanyi on Youth Affair, appreciated Ugwuanyi for approving and directing the immediate construction of the projects within few weeks.

Anih, who is an indigene of one of the communities, thanked the people of both communities for cooperating with the government and contractor to finish the projects in record time.

He, however, appealed to the state government to assist in the construction of rural roads in the communities, adding that the residents were yearning for ring road that would connect all the villages.

The governor should consider converting one of our primary schools into a secondary school to save our children from trekking long distance (or exorbitant daily transport fare) to secondary schools in neighbouring big towns, he appealed.

Responding, Igwe Innocent Ogbodo, the Traditional Ruler of Ndiagu-Uwani Akpugo autonomous community, appreciated Ugwuanyi and their son, Anih, for alleviating the age-long suffering of the people.

Ogbodo, who spoke on behalf of both autonomous communities, assured that the projects would be protected from vandals and criminals.

We will use our local vigilantes, hunters and even the forest guards to ensure no one vandalises these projects, the traditional ruler said after the projects were handled over to the communities.

A resident of Nduno-Uwani autonomous community, Ma Patience Okenwa, thanked the governor for making life easy for her and her entire household with the provision of the solar-powered bore-hole. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc shareholders have approved the groups 2020 annual accounts and commended the board and management for sustained profitability in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shareholders gave the commendation at the companys 2020 Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday by proxy in Lagos due to coronavirus.

The shareholders at the meeting also approved the recommended dividend of 25k per 50k ordinary share declared by the company for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2020.

They applauded the nanks resilience in these times and its focus on sustaining shareholder value.

Addressing the shareholders at the meeting, Mrs Hamza Bassey, the banks Chairman, highlighted key achievements of the bank in 2020.

Bassey said the bank during the period focused on digital innovation for high-quality service delivery across touch points.

Our commitment to delivering high quality earnings remains unwavering.

I am pleased to announce that the bank delivered a resilient set of results in 2020 notwithstanding the challenging macroeconomic operating environment.

Our overall performance demonstrates our resilience and ability to adapt to the constantly changing business environment to maximise shareholder returns.

We remain committed to delivering value to our shareholders as we continue to drive growth and protability of our business, she said.

Also speaking, the banks Chief Executive Officer, Mr Emeka Okonkwo, said that the company delivered strong performance in spite of the headwinds caused by the pandemic.

In 2020, despite the headwinds caused by the pandemic, Union Bank continued to deliver a strong performance that has enabled the Board of Directors propose a dividend payment for the second consecutive year.

This indicates resilience and affirms the strong foundation that was rebuilt over the past eight years.

As we begin a new chapter, we will continue the journey to becoming a leading financial institution in Nigeria.

Sustaining value to our shareholders remains at the core of our continuous drive and we remain committed to delivering improved profitability and higher returns in 2021 and beyond, Okonkwo said.

He added that the bank would continue to execute its strategy to achieve the vision of being Nigerias most reliable and trusted partner.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the banks profit before tax grew by 2.8 per cent to N25.4 billion from N24.7 billion posted in the comparative period of 2019.

Customer deposits also increased by 27.6 per cent to N1.13 trillion compared with N886.3 billion in 2019.

The increase in customer deposits reflects the banks agility in delivering a compelling range of products to its customers during the pandemic and increased adoption of digital channels.

Similarly, non-performing loans ratio reduced to four per cent from 5.8 per cent in 2019, driven by a disciplined recoveries strategy, robust loan book and key restructurings to support customers during the pandemic. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Moji Eniola

The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has advised that Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James (alias Baba Ijesha), should be charged with child molestation.

According to a statement signed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, a prima-facie case has been established against the actor.

After due consideration of the facts in the case file, the DPP issued legal advice on the 4th of May, 2021, to the effect that a prima-facie case has been disclosed against Mr Olanrewaju James, and recommended he be charged under the following provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015:

Section 135 Indecent Treatment of a Child punishable by seven years imprisonment; Section 137 Defilement of a Child punishable with life imprisonment.

Section 261 Sexual Assault by Penetration punishable by life imprisonment; Section 262 Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration punishable by 14 years imprisonment, and Section 263 Sexual Assault punishable by three years imprisonment, the attorney-general said.

He said that the state would ensure that James rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution would be upheld.

Onigbanjo said that Lagos State Ministry of Justice would not relent in efforts to ensure that sexual abuse of any resident of the state would be punished.

It is instructive to note that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has been consistent in its efforts in protecting the vulnerable in our society.

Since the establishment of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team in 2014, it has, till date, prosecuted over 800 cases of sexual and domestic offences.

The attorney-general hereby assures Lagosians and indeed Nigerians that, in accordance with the DPPs advice, charges would be filed accordingly, he said.

NAN reports that the police arrested James for alleged sexual abuse of a minor.

On April 30, the police forwarded the case file to the DPP for legal advice. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joy Akinsanya

The Ogun government says it has cleared 1,000 hectares of land in preparation for modern farming technology and climate smart agriculture in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina, made this known on Tuesday, when he led the state agric team toinspectthelandat Apojula in Odeda Local Government Area of the state.

Hesaid that the land preparation was a major drive towards ensuring adequate food supply, jobcreation and industrialisation.

Odedina noted that theGov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration hadpromised to engage the youth and train them to realise its agricultural agenda for the state.

Odedina disclosed that 600 hectares of the land were cleared by the state government, while the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, assisted in clearing 400 hectares.

According to him, the land will be allocated to minimum of 1,000 interested youths in the area.

He added that the governor had earlier in the year mandated the ministry to engage in Climate Smart Agriculture.

The commissioner said that this informed the ministrys plan to take advantage of Oyan dam, close to the farmland, for irrigation.

In Ogun, we are concentrating on our strength. We are into cassava, rice and vegetables. We want to include facilities for irrigation here so that the young farmers will not only depend on rain.

We want young people to come here and farm, and demonstrate profitably, he said.

Odedina, while meeting the Baale of Apojula, Chief Jelili Ogundiya, appreciated the people for accepting governments agricultural programme in the area.

He assured that there would be provision of more potable water, as plan was underway to erect a borehole for the inhabitants of the village.

ThePermanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Dotun Sorunke, described the people of the area as accommodating.

Also, Mr Yekeen Razaq, Deputy Director, Land Management, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that federal governments collaboration with the state on agriculture was meant to provide sufficient food for the country and create jobs.

Responding, Ogundiya commended government for the project in the community and prayed for its successful implementation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday commenced a nationwide verification exercise for centres proposed for voting units to be converted to polling units across the country,

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this when he visited some of the proposed centres and existing polling units in FCT and Nasarawa State.

Yakubu spoke with newsmen at the exercise at the INECs office in Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State.

The chairman said that the purpose of the verification exercise was to ensure that the right thing was done in the conversion of the voting points to polling units.

All the National Commissioners are out, visiting the states of the Federation to verify the work of converting the voting points to polling units.
So, we decided from the headquarters to visit some of the polling units and voting points in the FCT and also in the Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State.

We have done that of FCT, we are now in Karu.

You will recall that as part of our engagement with stakeholders, we show images of one of the congested polling units in the country from Karu in Nasarawa State.

So, I have to verify that the right thing is being done in converting those voting points to polling units and relocating them in line with the Commissions guidelines.

So far, it is a work in progress. At the end of the exercise will address the media, he said.

The INEC Chairman said he had been informed that 395 voting points were being converted to polling units in Karu Local Government.

Yakubu said that with the conversion of voting points to polling units, there would be expanded access to polling units for voters, while congestion of polling units would be eliminated in future elections.

What we have done, basically, is to build on what we did in 2019. Recall that we are converting the voting points used for the 2019 elections into autonomous polling units and relocating them.

This is going to be a continuous process. One exercise will not solve the problem.

But we hope we have established the mechanism that going forward, the commission will be adjusting the number of polling units as the number of registered voters increases, he said.

He gave assurance that the Continuous Voters Registration exercise would commence on June 28 after the PUs conversion.

He added that voters would be given the opportunity to choose the location they wish to be their new polling units.

He urged stakeholders and community leaders to support the commission and sensitise the people on the ongoing exercise for the conversion of polling units.

Some of the centers visited by Yakubu include PUs located in Government Secondary School Life Camp, Apo Legislative Quarters, and Zone-D entrance gate Apo, in the FCT.

Others include the commissions office in Mararaba, Karu Local Government office and Karu International market in Nasarawa State.

Also speaking with newsmen, National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, said that the visit was to ensure the fieldwork carried out by the officers of the commission for conversion exercise was okay.

Haruna said that at the end of the verification exercise, INEC would hold a stakeholders meeting to inform stakeholders what the commission had done as well as to get their inputs.

He said that the process of the PUs conversion was in three stages namely the fieldwork, which was undertaken by INEC Electoral officers.

The next stage is a verification and that is what we have embarked on from Monday, which was a public holiday, from May 3 to May 7 and from May 8, we will do stakeholders meeting, he said.

He said that when that was concluded the CVR would commence by June 28.

Some of the PUs visited in Abuja included PU001 located at Ministers Gate, Life Camp; Government Secondary School Life Camp which also served as a collation center.

INEC Electoral Officer, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mrs Falimatu Bakare, explaining work done so far to Yakubu at the minister gate said before now, the PU had one polling unit and six voting points.

Bakare said that four of the voting points were being moved to other public and open spaces including Stella Maris School, Paradise Caffee Garden and others for easy access to voters around the area.

Also conducting the chairmans team to the visited location in Nasarawa, INEC Electoral officer in Karu Local Government, Mr Idris Maikazua, said the voting points were moved out to public places to accommodate areas far from the existing polling units.

These areas according to him, including Aso, Karu e-library, Karu abattoir, City College of Education, Ruga Market, Mararaba International Market and other public and open spaces. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By EricJames Ochigbo

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to develop effective mechanism towards halting massive capital flight in Nigeria.

This followed the adoption of motion by Rep. Afolabi Olalekan (APC-Osun) at plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.

Moving the motion, Olalekan said that capital flight has been one of the unresolved and persistent macroeconomic problems plaguing the nation for over four decades.

Ironically, Nigeria is ranked among the highest producers of crude oil in the world and earns a huge amount of foreign exchange from its exports but still falls short of capital to develop, maintain and upgrade its infrastructure, he said.

He said that the countrys under development was due to high capital flight compared to accumulated domestic investments.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimated that about 88.6billion dollars per year leaves the continent through money laundry, tax evasion, diverted revenues, offshore investments and other forms of capital flights, with Nigeria accounting for an estimated 46 per cent of the total capital flight or 40.7billion dollars per year.

Aware of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Bulletin in 2015 which shows that the net flow of capital flight from Nigeria from 1986 to 2015 was quite worrisome, with Nigeria losing a colossal sum of over 8.8 trillion dollars.

The alarming rate of foreign medical services being sought by Nigerians, both private individuals and government officials, which amounts to more than 6.5 billion dollars based on the statistics released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2015, while expenses on foreign education amount to more than 3billion dollars based on estimates released by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in its 2014 annual report, he said.

Olalekan said that there have been pleas by successive governments to foreign banks and other international financial institutions to release and repatriate stolen and diverted funds stockpiled abroad by corrupt leaders.

Capital flight exerts detrimental effects on both short and long term growth of the economy by reducing domestically available investible capital as it represents a foregone investment in manufacturing plants, infrastructure, social welfare, reduction of a countrys tax base and a contribution to the high debt profile, among others, he said.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Leonard Okachie

The Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, says the party will no longer issue tickets to political party gamblers.

Ehiemere gave the hint in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Umuahia.

According to him, political office seekers, who fail to pick tickets in their original parties during primaries will no longer take refuge in APGA.

That era is over in APGA. These party gamblers, who will run to APGA because they could not get tickets in their original parties, will no longer be accommodated here.

They have proved to be unserious party people. They only become APGA when they lose tickets in other parties.

And after contesting on APGA platform, they defect to their original parties, Ehiemere said.

He, therefore, urged politicians with interest in APGA to join now without further delay.

The party chairman described the party as the only credible platform that could salvage the state from decades of misrule and plundering.

The party had in a statement issued on Tuesday assured that it would provide a credible alternative for the Abia electorate to elect candidates that would liberate the state from poverty and maladministration.

The statement which was issued by the party at the end of its Leadership and Strategic meeting in Umuahia, was entitled: Abia APGA Still Waxing Strong, Preparatory to 2023 General Elections.

It stated that the partys resolve and preparedness to redeem Abia people from the shackles of poverty, insecurity and economic strangulation was non negotiable.

Abia has suffered serious economic setback, which has affected every facet of the economy, including civil servants, artisans, pensioners and business men.

Abia people are tired of misrule in the state and Nigeria in general, the statement added.

The statement said that Ehiemere was said to have charged stakeholders at the meeting to remain resolute and focused and to work assiduously to woo more members ahead of the 2023 polls.

It noted that he further urged the people to take advantage of the upcoming registration of new voters by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arm themselves to be able vote out bad government.

The statement stated that the party used the meeting to draw up a roadmap on how to take over the Government House in 2023.

The meeting was attended by its 17 Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen and Women leaders.

Speaking with newsmen at the end of the meeting, the partys Woman Leader in Aba North LGA, Mrs Nene Michael, commended the Ehiemere-led executive for its focused and visionary leadership.

Also, the Chairmen of Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa South LGAs, Mr Joshua Chidiebere and Chief Mike Eze, respectively, extolled Ehiemeres sterling leadership quality.

They all pledged their commitment to ensure the partys victory in 2023. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismail Abdulaziz
Nigerias Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) is expected to pay N40.39 billion in taxation to the nations treasury from its operational result in the first quarter of 2021.

According to the financial result published by the countrys largest cement manufacturer on, the amount is due from corporate tax for the period ended March 31, 2021.

The amount of corporate tax due from Dangote Cement in the first three months of this year is higher by 47.3 per cent compared with the N27.42 billion paid in the corresponding period of 2020 financial year.

In addition, the company currently pays over N240 million Value Added Tax (VAT) daily to the government, making DCP one of the biggest private sector tax payers in the country.

In line with the governments quest to boost infrastructural development in the country, DCP opted to provide funding for the constructions of major roads in Lagos and Kogi States.

The roads are the critical Lagos Apapa Port road leading to the old toll gate and the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road between Kogi and Kwara states.

Further analysis of the financial report showed that the company ramped up production capacity in the Obajana Line 5 and resumed production at the Gboko plant to meet increased demand for its products.

Dangote Cement also increased total volume of cement sold in the first three months of the year from its Nigerian operations to 4.9Mt compared to the 4.0Mt sold in the first quarter of 2020.

Pan-African operations sold 2.6Mt of cement in the period under review compared to 2.3Mt sold in the corresponding period in 2020.

The cement maker said it is making efforts to start the Okpella Plant before the end of June in order to meet the increasing demand for cement in the country and help to moderate prices in the market.

Commenting on the financial result, DCP GMD/Chief Executive Officer, Michel Puchercos, said that the company started the first quarter of 2021 on a positive note and recorded increase in revenue and profitability.

He stated that the cement company posted a profit after tax of N89.7 billion.

We took the strategic decision to pause our clinker exports to ensure we meet the rapid volume growth in the Nigerian domestic market. We are improving the output of our existing and new assets and aim to recommence clinker exports in the second quarter.

Our Pan-Africa operations have reached new heights, with an EBITDA margin of 25.5 per cent and volume growth of 12.8 per cent reported during the quarter.

One of our priorities in 2021 is to strengthen our alternative fuel initiative. It focuses on leveraging the circular economy business model, optimising costs and reducing exposure of our cost base to foreign currency fluctuations.

As ever, we are committed to keeping our staff and communities safe by being fully compliant with health and safety measures in all our territories of operation.

DCP is sub-Saharan Africas largest cement producer with an installed capacity of 48.6Mta across 10 African countries and operates a fully integrated quarry-to-customer business with activities covering manufacturing, sales and distribution of cement.

It has a long-term credit rating of AAA by GCR and Aa2.ng by Moodys due to its market leading position, significant operational scale and strong financial profile.

This is evidenced by the companys robust operating and net profit margins relative to regional and global peers, adequate working capital, satisfactory cash flow and low leverage.

It is a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, a diversified and fully integrated conglomerate as well as a leading brand across Africa in businesses such as cement, sugar, salt, beverages, and real estate, with new multi-billion dollar projects underway in the oil and gas, petrochemical, fertiliser and agricultural sectors.(NAN)
PR

Source: NAN News

By Folasade Akpan

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve data collection and analytics on port related activities.

The MoU was signed on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr Yemi Kale, Statistician-General of the Federation and Hadiza Usman, Managing-Director, NPA.

Kale said that the ports were major channels through which cargo entered and exited the country and that they were critical to the development of the transportation and storage sector of the economy.

According to him, with the recent signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the prospects for increased trading and storage activities were huge and expected to grow significantly in the coming years, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Therefore, generating and disseminating more granular information on these activities will be useful in ensuring that policymakers and managers within the sector are fully equipped with the right tools and evidence to do their work.

Also, it will further provide a sound basis for operators and potential investors in the sector to make informed decisions on how to participate and take advantage of opportunities available within the sector.

The output from this effort will contribute to the growing array of statistics produced by the statistical system in Nigeria and also shed more light on the important work that you do in administering port activities in Nigeria.

On her part, Usman said that the collaboration would result in the development of inter-agency link.

This, she said bridged identifiable gaps by collaborating in streamlining the process of data exchange, gathering, q cleansing, analysis, storage, retrieval and dissemination.

She added that the NPA would also require joint capacity building in the era of data analytics and management of such data.

Also, the creation of joint data verification and mechanism in order to have feedback on data and output among the items of collaboration between the two agencies.

In addition, I would like to specifically request the collaboration of automation of data collection.

This is an area that we would really require support towards automation in our data collection, which would eliminate errors and also have live and up-to-date information when required.

So I would like to specifically ask for that area of support to guide the NPA in the deployment of automation as it relates to data gathering.

She added that the NBS would, by the collaboration, get up to date trade information on port operations.

She added that it would also update its data heads specific to port operations and broaden the scope of maritime data to be collected.

Usman said that this would ensure timely access to data exchange for planning, research, monitoring, projections reporting and sustainable synergy for capacity building across the port industry.(NAN)

Source: NAN News