By Folasade Akpan
Mr David Ibidapo, a Senior Research Analyst at AFEX Commodities Exchange has attributed rise in food inflation in Nigeria to low levels of agricultural produce.

He said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja on the continuous rise of food inflation in the country.

NAN reports that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for March said composite food index stood at 22.95 per cent compared to 21.79 per cent recorded in February.

It added that the rise in the food index was caused by increase of prices in bread, cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, meat, vegetables, fish, oil and fats and fruits.

Ibidapo said that the quantity of food produced locally was not commensurate with the demand for the food items.

He added that land border closure in 2019 also contributed to the inflationary pressure on food.

Ibidapo said that over the years before the closure of the land borders, there had always been imported commodities like rice and some others which helped to meet the nations supply shortfall.

He added that insecurity in the major food producing states caused supply disruptions as farmers were not able to go to their farms, causing low production and further inflationary pressure on food prices.

The issue of increase in fuel price which caused an increase in transportation prices also impacted on the increase in inflation of food.

We also have other issues around the agricultural value chain such as the cost of production of food items which is currently high.

This is due to the fact that we have huge infrastructural gap and logistics challenges, storage challenges and food loss while the commodities are moved to the market.

Ibidapo, however said that the outlook for food inflation was still bleak as further pressure on food prices was still expected.

He said that the way forward was by enacting policies and actions to ramp up or increase production of food that would meet required standard.

He added that the only way to drive down food prices was to meet with demand levels.

He also said efforts should be intensified to unlock finance for small holder farmers, drive down cost of purchasing fertilisers and ensure improved use of machineries to make their work easier and better.

He added that institutions like AFEX was looking at ways that would aid farming and boost productivity.

We are looking at how we can replace buildings with other collaterals.

In traditional banking, those factors that they would have to consider before extending credit facilities, most of the small holder farmers which account for above 80 per cent of total production of food cannot meet up with them.

Some actually live on or below the poverty line and it is a major challenge for them, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chukwuekema Opara

Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi has directed all native doctors and traditional medicine dealers in the state to register with the state government and the police within seven days.

Umahi gave the directive on Wednesday after the weekly state security council meeting in Abakaliki.

There would be an executive order to this effect and anyone caught doing otherwise would be arrested and prosecuted, he said.

He also directed that all wake-keeps and other social activities in the state must end by 6 p.m., charging council chairmen and relevant security outfits to enforce the order.

Anyone who defies this directive would pay a fine of N1 million as criminal activities are perpetrated through these wake-keeps which last through the night, he said.

He called for a cessation to the killings of security personnel, civilians and destruction of public facilities, noting that they are purely criminal activities.

The perpetrators post such killings and destruction on the social media, claiming that they are members of the Indigenous People of Biafra or the Eastern Security Network.

I am not standing for either groups but they continued to deny that they are not into violence.

I direct security agencies to crack down on all criminal activities in the state and prosecute all culprits, he said.

Umahi regretted the rampant circulation of fake news in the state and warned that the government would no longer tolerate such.

Someone posted on Wednesday that herders attacked a school in Abakaliki and schools began to close and people running in panic.

Anyone who circulates fake news whether from the opposition or in agreement with me would be arrested and prosecuted, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Source: NAN News

By Suleiman Shehu

Operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, have arrested 11 suspected bandits terrorising residents of the state.

Amotekum Commandant in the state, retired Col. Olayinka Olayanju, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Ibadan.

Olayanju said that the suspects were arrested during joint routine patrol with members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and other vigilance groups in the early hours of Thursday.

Olayanju said that the suspects were arrested at two illegal check points in different locations.

The commandant said that while five of them were arrested in Saki East Local Government Area, six others were arrested at Kajola council area of the state.

The commandant said that the suspects had been handed over to the police.

The bandits whose modus operandi is to pretend as herdsmen in the day and violently rob innocent passengers on the highways at night were caught with 183 cows, weapons and a total sum of N268, 470.00.

They have been handed over to the police along with the 183 herds, weapons and money found in their possession for further investigation.

Those with necessary information that could help the law enforcement agencies in their investigation are enjoined to report to the nearest police authority, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Philomina Attah

ICPC does not spend recovered funds, but pays them into Federal Governments coffers, it chairman, Prof.Bolaji Owasanoye, has said.

Owasanoye told the Senate Committee on Finance investigating activities of revenue generating agencies of the Federal Government that ICPC had no retention powers over funds or assets recovered from corrupt people.

ICPC spokesperson, Mrs Azuka Ogugua, said in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday that Owasanoye told the committee that ICPC had a dedicated account for the recovery of proceeds of crime.

All recovered funds are paid into the dedicated account called ICPC Recovery Account for onward payment into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federal Government once there were no encumbrances, he explained.

ICPC is not contemplated as a revenue generating agency. In the course of our work, we do recover funds. However,ICPC does not spend recovered assets. We do not use part of it for our work, he stressed.

He also told the committee that apart from recovering proceeds of crime, ICPC had also helped to boost tax revenue by bringing defaulters to book.

He said ICPC had been able to bring defaulters into the tax net while investigating tax components of some transactions and that recovered funds were paid to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

Committee Chairman, Sen. Solomon Adeola, had earlier expressed concern that the countrys budget was becoming too dependent on loans, partly due to non-compliance to financial regulations by revenue generating agencies of government.

He said the investigative hearing aimed to ensure that all revenue generating agencies compliedwith the Fiscal Responsibility Act which stipulatedthat 80 per cent of operational surplus be paid into the CRF.

Revenue generating agencies of government have taken solace and pleasure in diverting governments money; taking care of frivolous expenditure and making provisions for them in audited accounts that are fictitious in nature.

The 2021 budget has a deficit of N6 trillion; government cannot continue this way, Solomon said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

Mr Anthony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of States says investing in youths, especially the African young generations is the best deal for the U.S, Nigerian and other governments.

Blinken made this known during a virtual interview with newsmen as part of his activities of virtual visit to Africa on Tuesday, an initiative of the Biden-[ed administration to strengthen relations with Africa.

Hinged of the fact that the wealth of a nation rest greatly on its human resources, Blinken said the African youth population of 1.3 billion will not just make profound impact in the future Africa but on the entire world.

Blinken however noted that the U.S is committed to strengthening African youths through different programmes including the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) which was started by former President Barack Obama and then-Vice President Biden.

Just starting with the continent 1.3 billion people, median age 19 there is, I think, no part of the planet we see such an extraordinary young population.

That is going to have a profound impact not just on the future of Nigeria not just on the future of the continent, but actually on the future of the entire world.

Because if that extraordinary human resource can be supported and developed and given the opportunities necessary, its hard to think of anything more that will contribute more to human progress in the years ahead.

On this virtual visit, I had the opportunity to talk to about a dozen alumni from the YALI program, something that President Obama and then-Vice President Biden started, which we are committed to carrying forward and to strengthening.

There are already 24,000 alumni of that program in one way or another, and as you know, the connections that they build with the United States.

But as important or maybe more important, the connections they build with one another are going to be a foundation for the future going forward.

But I think what it really says to me is that our government, the Nigerian Government, other governments, as well, of course, as other sectors of our society, including the business community, including our educational facilities across the board.

The single best investment we can make now is in our young people, and especially in Africas young people.

Countries that have the ability to allow those human resources to reach their full potential are going to do very well in the future, almost irrespective of whether they have an abundance of those other measures of wealth, he said.

He said that underscores the importance of finding ways together to allow human resources and especially the young people to really meet their potential.

The U.S Secretary of States however noted that if the human/youth resources are not properly harnessed, it could turn into bigger challenges.

On the other hand, if we dont find ways to do that, we are all going to have a bigger challenge and a bigger problem. So we are very focused on this.

We are very focused on some of the programs that have been put in place, including YALI, and strengthening them and growing them.

We are looking at other ways to build connectivity with support for young people, and to work with our partners to do that.

So stay tuned. I think that there is going to be more to come, but it is something that I am very focused on and also excited about, Blinken said. (NAN)8

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Federal Government is to develop a Geographical Indications (GI), System for the country, as part of ongoing efforts to review the nations Intellectual Property policy and laws.

Amb. Mariam Katagum, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment made this known on Thursday in a statement after a GI capacity building workshop in Abuja.

The workshop with the theme Understanding policy support for GIs in Nigeria was organised as part of efforts between the Federal Government and the European Union to build capacity for the evolution of GI Sui Generis system for Nigeria.

Geographical Indications identify products by their place of origin, where the place of origin confers some unique qualities, reputation and characteristic on the product, be it agricultural or non-agricultural products.

Such unique qualities, she said, could be attributable to natural or human factors such as soil, climate, local expertise and traditions of a people in a geographical location.

Katagum noted that poor knowledge of GIs and the absence of specific legal framework on the GIs render the unique products more vulnerable to misappropriation.

This is a starting conversation towards the creation of a legal framework to provide legal protection to Nigerian GIs which will in turn boost exports and promote economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in Nigeria.

It is therefore gladdening that the workshop is specifically designed to train Public Sector and Policy Makers in Nigeria, with a view to examining the possibilities of adopting GIs Legislation and Policy into Nigerias Industrial Property and agricultural landscape.

It is imperative to also highlight the coming into effect of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Agreement, which puts a responsibility on decision makers, to begin the discourse of updating Industrial Property legislation (where necessary).

This includes the identification of unique products with cultural heritage through GIs; this will enable the country to benefit maximally from the implementation of the AfCFTA, Katagum said.

Katagum added that her Ministry was fully committed to forward the legislative aspect of the process to the National Assembly as quickly as possible to get things right.

The statement also quoted the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Nanono, noted that the Geographical Indications system would assist government in commercialising the production of food culture and other aspects of our culture.

Nanono who was represented by Mrs Sugra Mahmood, Deputy Director, Irrigation, Agriculture and Crop Development, said the application of GIs would enable the value chain actors to benefit.

He noted that GIs can be catalytic in reviving the rural economy as we have seen in the case of some products that have been properly branded such as Ofada Rice, Kilishi, Dudu Osun, and so on.

The current administration stands ready to partner with all the relevant stakeholders, both local and foreign, in its bid to preserve the natural and bio-cultural diversity endowment in the country.

The administration is also ready to exploit GIs and strengthen the resilience of the economy so as to provide a decent livelihood for all Nigerians.

We are ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, and its partners to enable our people and nation to benefit maximally from our GIs, he said.

Also speaking, Mr Sand Kalu, Executive Director, Africa International Trade and Commerce Research (AITCR) said the workshop was one in a series of programmes designed to facilitate the development of Nigerias GI system.

Kalu noted that subsequent programmes would focus on individual stakeholder groups, including governors, legislators, and Trade Associations of products with GI potential.

Prof. Jummai Audi, Chairman, Nigeria Law Reform Commission pledged the support of the Commission towards facilitating the legislative aspect of the process for the development of GTs system for Nigeria.

Other collaborating stakeholders for the event include the European Union Intellectual Property Office, Africa Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation (AfrIPI) project, the African International Trade and Commerce Research (AITCR) and the IP First Group of Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Uwadileke

A farmer, Mr Taiye Sasona on Thursday in Abuja, called for concerted efforts to address the challenges of insecurity confronting the country.

Sasona, Executive Secretary, Abundance of Hope Initiatives told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that food security would be impossible if the insecurity that pervaded farming communities was not resolved.

He said efforts made by the Federal Government to reposition the agricultural sector to boost productive capacity and make it competitive could only be successful in a safe environment.

Sasona said the thrust of Nigerias agricultural renaissance was to diversify its economy by making agriculture the hub of economic growth while achieving a hunger-free country.

But the insecurity is causing a serious disruption in agricultural activities in the country.

While millions of farmers have been displaced from their ancestral farming communities, others are perpetually afraid for their lives, as such cannot optimally engage in farming activities.

The direct implication is declining productivity with attendant shortfalls as we can see in the increase in the cost of food items.

What the Federal Government must do to succeed in its plan to reposition the agricultural sector is to urgently deal with the insecurity that characterises the farming community, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By AbfulFatai Beki

A 17-year-old girl, on Thursday, reportedly drowned in Asa river at Harmony Holdings Estate, Kulende area of Ilorin, the Kwara capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some personnel of the state Fire Service discovered the drowned girl, whose identity was unknown, and removed her dead body from the river.

A NAN correspondent, who visited the scene, reports that none of the residents of the area could explain how the incident happened.

Head of Media and Publicity of the fire service, Mr Hakeem Adekunle, while speaking with NAN on the incident, described it as unfortunate.

He said that the identity of the victim had yet to be known, adding, however, that her corpse had been handed over to the divisional police station, D division, Kulende, Ilorin.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Mr Ajayi Okasanmi, told NAN that he was not yet aware of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Director of the fire service, Mr John Olumuyiwa, has sent his condolences to the family of the victim over the incident. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Rukayat Adeyemi

The Lagos State Government says it has credited the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of 358 retirees with more than N1 billion for the month of April.

Mr Babalola Obilana, Director -General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC ) announced this at the Retirement Bond Certificates Presentation to the 84th batch of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) retirees held in Lagos on Thursday.

Obilana stated that the fund had been transferred by the state to the retirees various Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) who have confirmed receipt and would begin disbursement within a couple of days.

He said the state has been consistent with its leadership role in the implementation of the CPS in line with the provision of the State Pension Reform Law of March 19, 2007, now amended.

He explained that the event was organised to celebrate the elder statesmen who had laboured in the states public service and also to present them their retirement benefit bond certificates.

According to him, the bond certificates shows the accrued rights due to the retirees for the years spent in the service of Lagos State under the discontinued Defined Benefit Scheme.

You have worked for 35 years and by Gods grace ,you will not spend your money on illness.

Please take very good care of yourself, as health is wealth and the Coronavirus is still very much around.

Desist also from unimportant spending and beware of pension fraudsters, Obilana advised.

The director-general hinted that the state government was also working on modalities for the implementation of the Health Insurance for the pensioners which is expected to tentatively kick-start before the end of the year.

Obilana commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to the efficient and effective administration of the CPS in the state.

He explained that the effort of the governor had culminated in the regular issuance of the retirement benefit bond certificates to the retirees.

He appreciated the unflinching support of the commissioner for establishment, training and pension, the states approved PFAs and the insurance companies for their efforts at ensuring that all retirees have unrestrained access to their benefits.

Mr Olumuyiwa Oshin, Executive Director, Finance and Investment, LASPEC, lauded Gov. Sanwo-Olu on his effort to clear the outstanding backlog of the accrued pension benefits and improve the welfare of the pensioners.

Oshin prays that God grant the retirees good health, long life and wisdom to use their lump sum judiciously.

Mr Olufemi Ogunlaye, a retiree from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), on behalf of other retirees, thanked the governor for his good work and prayed that God grant him the grace to better the lot of the pensioners.

Ogunlaye also commended Obilana for supporting the government and its policies to improve the life of the pensioners and prayed for his fellow retirees that they will enjoy the benefit of their labour and service years. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Uchenna Ugwu

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has trained 286 persons on Basic and Advanced National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (B-NOAS and A-NOAS) in Ebonyi.

The acting Director-General of NDE, Mr Abubakar Fikpo, said that the training was aimed at equipping the participants and making themto become employable and self-reliant.

Fikpo, who was represented by NDE Coordinator in the state, Mr Marcel Igboanude, made the remarks on Thursday during the inauguration and orientation of the scheme in Abakaliki.

According to him, 260 out of the 286 beneficiaries will be receiving B-NOSA, while the other 26 willbe trained on A-NOAS.

The training will be conducted in 15 vocational skills, such as computer operation, fashion designing, generator maintenance, catering andhair-dressing, among others.

The training scheme has a three-month duration. Now, the 286 unemployed youth and women are receiving necessary orientation, he said.

Fikpo urged the participants to take the training seriously and make the best of the opportunity.

NDEs Head of Department, Vocational Skill Development in the state, Mr Ananaba Obioha, urged the trainees to remain focused and show more zeal to acquire the skills.

One of the participants, Chinaza Ezeonaga, who spoke on behalf of other trainees, commended the Federal Government for what he called the life-changing programme.

Ezeonaga, who is training in fashion designing, promised that they would abide by the rules and regulations of the training and support efforts towards improving the nationseconomy.

Another trainee in computer, Mr John Usulor, said with theexperience he had already acquired, he could design banners, posters and calendars, among other items.

I am appealing for a set of computer to enable me establish a business of my own and increase production on designs.

I decided to venture into computer operations and applications after several years of futile attempts to gain admission into the university. This training will further help me to learn the skill more, Usulor said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Uwadileke

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Globalcom (Glo), Otunba Micheal Adenuga on his 68th birthday anniversary.

Kalu, in his goodwill message issued on Thursday in Abuja, commended Adenuga and described him as an age-long friend.

The former governor of Abia acknowledged Adenugas contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

While appreciating Adenugas entrepreneurship, Kalu stressed that the business mogul, through hardwork, perseverance and consistency built a robust business empire.

I am delighted to convey my warm greetings to the founder of Globacom Ltd as he clocks 68.

The celebrant is a household name beyond the shores of Africa, in view of his outstanding and robust contributions to sustainable development across Africa.

Adenuga has carved a niche for himself in all facets of life.

He deserves to be celebrated today and always as a successful business mogul and philanthropist of repute, Kalu said.

Kalu urged Adenuga to sustain his good works in all endeavours and prayed God to grant him longer life. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to name Akure Airport after the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the called was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep Mayowa Akinfolarinwa (APC-Ondo) and eight others on the floor of the House, on Thursday in Abuja.

Moving the motion,Akinfolarinwa said thatas a former Minister of Aviation, Agagu ensured that the six-year ban placed on flights to and fro Nigeria by the American Government because of poor aviation security was lifted.

He added that the training of pilots started at the College of Aviation Technology, Zaria after seven years hiatus, occasioned by lack of trainer aircraft.

The lawmaker noted that the late Agagu served in various capacities and demonstrated quality leadership to encourage others to dedicate their lives to service of the nation.

The House thereafter urged the federal government to recognise Agagus selfless service to the nation, especially in the aviation industry, and name Akure airport after him.

The House also urged the federal government to provide financial support to Ondo State government for

optimum maintenance of the airport, while mandating the Committee on Aviation to ensure compliance.

Meanwhile, the House has called on National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to resuscitate the Agricultural VocationalTraining Centre, Awo in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun.

While moving the motion, Rep Bamidele Salam (PDP-Osun), said that NDE had the mandate to use agricultural

programmes as one of the means of combating poverty and unemployment among Nigerians.

He said that NDE had established an Agricultural Skill Acquisition Centre in Awo in 2006 to create jobs for the unemployed youth in the area.

Salami stated that the project was abandoned after several millions of naira had been expended on it, adding that it had remained so despite several demands and requests for its completion.

He said that the present rate of unemployment in Nigeria demanded the deployment of all available means to tackle the menace.

He stated that, if completed, the project would solve the problem of joblessness among youths in the area and thus contribute in reducing the level of insecurity in the state and the country at large.

The houseurged NDE to resuscitate, equip and put the centre in the area to use, while mandating the Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity to ensure compliance. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Edith Ike-Eboh

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has postponed its 60anniversary which had been planned to hold in the second half of May to September, 2021.

OPEC made the disclosure in a letter on Wednesday by Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismaael, the Minister of Oil, Baghda-Iraq, the host country, which was sent to the Secretary General of OPEC, Dr Mohammed Barkindo.

I am writing to your Excellency regarding the 60OPEC Anniversary which was planned to take place at Al-Shaab Hall in Baghdad, Iraq in the second half of May 2021.

Together, we are still facing the continued status of COVID-19 pandemic. The number of Coronavirus cases is climbing in Iraq and globally despite rolling out of vaccine.

Both vaccine hesitancy and its efficacy could pose serious concerns in near future. It is too early to say that the pandemic hit the peak and the cases have been heading to the end.

Large number of people is still vulnerable across the world which could lead to resort again to or extend quarantine and lockdowns to curb spread of coronavirus .

While we are eager that all Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) countries would attend this auspicious event in Baghdad next month, safety of the participants is our highest priority.

To this end, we regretfully have to postpone the celebration to the second half of September 2021, hoping by then that we will celebrate not only the OPECs 60Anniversary but also the end of this Straining Pandemic.

We express our gratitude and appreciation for your understanding and support. It would be highly appreciated if this letter could be circulated to the esteemed head of delegation, the letter said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC), says the number of active COVID-19 cases in Nigeria increased to 9,972, with 81 additional cases confirmed on Wednesday.

The NCDC made this known via its verified website on Wednesday.

The public health agency noted that the new figure raised the total number of infections in the country to 164,993.

The agency said that the 81 new COVID-19 infections were registered in 11 states across the country.

The 81 new cases were reported from 11 states: Lagos-26, Enugu-13, Ogun-8, Rivers-6, Kano-6, Kaduna-5, Plateau-5, Akwa Ibom-4, Delta-3, FCT-3 and Edo-2.

Lagos had the highest figure on Wednesday with 26 new cases followed by Enugu and Ogun with 13 and 8 new cases respectively, it stated .

It noted that no one patient succumbed to the virus in the past 24 hours, that had already claimed 2,063 lives in the country.

According to it, the number of deaths recorded from the virus has declined with only two deaths recorded in the last 15 days.

The public health institute said that nine people were discharged on Wednesday after testing negative to the virus, adding that this brings the total number of discharged persons after successful treatment to 155,021.

The NCDC stated that since the pandemic broke out in the country in February 2020, the nation had carried out 1,912,628 million tests in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

It said that a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, has continued to coordinate the national response activities. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Hon. Justice Salisu Abdullahi, as the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The confirmation of Abdullahis nomination followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters during plenary.

In the presentation of the committee Chairman, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, Abdullahi was found to have demonstrated sufficient knowledge and full grasp of the law, in response to questions put to him on the independence of the judiciary.

He said that the appointment of the nominee satisfied the requirements of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, as amended.

Hon. Justice Salisu Abdullahi has a wide range of experience, comportment, exposure and possesses the requisite leadership qualities of a Judicial Officer, to effectively superintend over a court of such magnitude and complexity.

He can exercise restraint and uphold the dignity of the High Court of the FCT, Abuja, and the litigants in the discharge of his official functions, he said.

He added that there was no petition or adverse report against the nomination of the nominee, as the chief judge of the high court of the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had, on April 20, requested the senate to confirm the nominee as the substantive Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.

According to the president, the request was made pursuant to Section 256(1) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

NAN reports that Abdullahi was appointed the acting Chief Judge of the FCT High Court on Jan. 6, a position he held until his appointment by Buhari in a substantive capacity. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Olawale Alabi

Enyimba International Football Club of Aba advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2020/2021 CAF Confederation Cup alongside visiting Orlando Pirates of South Africa on Wednesday.

Cyril Olisemas goal in added time of second half gave Enyimba a 1-0 win at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

The win ensured Enyimba upstaged the South African side at the top of Group A table to advance as group winners on head-to-head advantage.

Enyimba had lost 1-2 to Orlando Pirates when they met on Match Day 2 of the competition, but Wednesdays 1-0 win was enough advantage for the Aba side.

Both sides had finished on nine points each after six matches, but head-to-head calculation came in to separate both sides.

They both go into Fridays quarter-finals draw to know their next opponents.

In the other Group A encounter, ES-Setif of Algeria seen as the underdogs, surprisingly defeated Al-Ahly of Libya, 1-0 but could not progress further having secured only eight points from six matches, while the Libyan side ended up with seven points.

Both teams however, did not progress to the quarter-finals stage.

The other qualifiers for the quarter-finals are Raja Casablanca of Morocco, Coton Sport of Cameroon, JS Kabylie of Algeria, ASC Jaraaf of Senegal, CS Sfaxien of Tunisia and Pyramids of Egypt. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Manchester City took a big step towards qualifying for their first UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday with a 2-1 win at Paris St. Germain (PSG).

Goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez earned them the comeback win in the semi-final first leg match.

PSG went ahead courtesy of a Marquinhos header in the first half, but Mauricio Pochettinos side lost control after the break.

De Bruyne and Mahrez found the back of the net respectively in the space of eight minutes to secure Manchester Citys 18th consecutive away win in all competitions.

Last years runners-up PSG then found themselves with a higher mountain to climb as they were reduced to 10 men.

Midfielder Idrissa Gueye picked up a straight red card in the 77th minute for a reckless challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.

The French champions will need to show next Tuesday the same away form which enabled them to succeed in earlier rounds, if they are to progress.

They beat FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou and Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in previous rounds.

Manchester City dominated the early possession but PSG were the more dangerous side with Brazilian forward Neymar testing goalkeeper Ederson twice.

Marquinhos, returning to the team from an injury suffered in the quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich, put the hosts in front.

That was when he headed home Angel Di Marias whipped corner-kick in the 15th minute.

Manchester City, overly cautious for fear of being punished on the break, were again exposed on a set-piece when Leandro Paredes headed Neymars corner-kick just wide.

Pep Guardiolas side lacked their usual composure, with Joao Cancelo picking up a yellow card for a woeful challenge on Kylian Mbappe.

Manchester Citys first real chance came in the 42nd minute when Phil Foden, played infield by Bernardo Silva, shot too close to PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

The visitors were more attack-minded in the second half and they equalised after 64 minutes.

This was when De Bruyne, from a corner-kick by Oleksandr Zinchenko, who had just replaced Cancelo, sent in a cross.

Navas failed to react as it curled into the far corner of the net.

The goalkeeper was beaten again seven minutes later when Mahrezs free-kick flew through an inadequate PSG wall.

Gueyes dismissal for a wild tackle on Gundogan made Manchester Citys task easier and they will take a big advantage into the second leg in Manchester. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Mixed sentiments persisted on the nations bourse on Wednesday with the market capitalisation dropping N274 billion in six hours of trading due to sell-off of blue chips.

Specifically, the market capitalisation dipped N274 billion or 1.33 per cent to close at N20.296 trillion from N20.570 trillion achieved on Tuesday.

Also, the All-Share Index which opened at 39,305.48 points lost 524 points or 1.33 per cent to close at 38,781.48.

The market loss was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks, amongst which were; Guinness Nigeria, International Breweries, Ardova Plc, PZ Cussons and UACN.

The market sentiment remained negative with 23 laggards against 20 gainers.

FTN Cocoa Processors led the losers chart in percentage terms with 10 per cent to close at 36k per share.

Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals followed with 8.95 per cent to close at N1.73, while International Breweries lost 8.77 per cent to close at N5.20 per share.

PZ Cussons dropped 7.41 per cent to close at N5, while Cornerstone Insurance shed 7.02 per cent to close at 53k per share.

On the other hand, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance drove the gainers chart in percentage terms with 10 per cent to close at 33k per share.

Portland Paints

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Dr Stephen Akintayo, the Chief Executive Officer, Gtext Homes, has called for a state of emergency on infrastructure development to boost employment, wealth redistribution and security in the country.

Akintayo made the call during a news conference announcing the forthcoming 2021 Global Property Brokers conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said that declaring a state of emergency on infrastructure development would create opportunities that would spur economic activities and assist to curb issues of insecurity.

Akintayo noted that unemployment was a factor contributing to the increasing rate of insecurity in the country.

He added that investing in ammunition without addressing unemployment issues would not have the much needed impact.

According to him, the three tiers of government must explore the dimension of improving the countrys infrastructure development in health, road networks and mass housing, among others.

Akintayo said that the private sector should take a more active role to assist the government in securing the country.

He stressed that insecurity was inimical to business and investment growth.

Akintayo said that the forthcoming Global Property Brokers conference organised by Gtext Homes was to proffer ideas and solutions that would create employment opportunities and wealth creation through the real estate industry.

According to him, the event slated for May 1 at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, will converge global experts in business, real estate, leadership and investment sectors.

Akintayo said the conference would expose participants to real estate investment opportunities, coaching and mentorship, networking and digital marketing tools.

He added that the conference would expose participants to untapped opportunities in the real estate industry.

The conference will provide an opportunity for many youths to learn strategies that would assist them leverage social media to sell real estates in Nigeria, Dubai, US and UK markets.

This will generate incomes that would make them financially independent and contribute to the countrys Gross Domestic Product growth, he said.

Akintayo said that the conference would have about 12,000 participants in attendance virtually and physically from various countries.

Akintayo noted that the conference was targeted at achieving the companys goal of creating 100,000 jobs before the end of 2021. (NAN)

Source: NAN News