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    NDLEA to intensify war against illicit substances in Nigeria- Marwa
    By Akeem Abas

    The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retiredBrig.-Gen Buba Marwa,says the agency will continue to crackdown on all sources of illicit substances in Nigeria.

    Marwa disclosed this on Friday during the inauguration of a Behavioural Action Care Foundation Centre in Ogbomodo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Behavioural Centre was built by the Ogbomoso First Group, under its community initiative.

    We, in the NDLEA, will continue to crackdown on all sources of illicit substances in the country. We will deny their exportation, we will seize them when we find them and will destroy them, he said.

    Marwa lamented the prevalence in use of illicit substances, saying the war against it must be a collective effort.

    There is no community in this country that has not suffered from this debilitating disease of drug use, drug abuse and addiction.

    We have 14.4 percent of Nigerians between the ages of 16 to 64 who are using drugs, this is three times the global average. Zonally, the South-West has the worst prevalence.

    The prevalence in the South-West geo-political zone is 22.4 per cent. Oyo State in particular is 23 per cent. This is followed by the South-South with the prevalence of 16.6 per cent and the South-East 14.8 per cent.

    This is followed by the North-East with 18.6 per cent, North-West 12 per cent and North-Central 10 per cent. Kano has a prevalence of 16 per cent. This rate is very high considering its population, he said.

    The NDLEA chairman called on parents and other stakeholders to always demand drug-free certificate as a requisite for marriage as well as other important programmes.

    He commended the Ogbomoso group and traditional rulers for their support.

    NAN reports that Marwa in company with Ogbomoso First Group members, had earlier paid homage to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewole and Onpetu of Ijeruland, Oba Sunday Oladapo.

    Oyewole thanked Marwa and the Ogbomoso group for their contributions to the town, saying they would also do all within their capability to support them in thewar against the menace.

    He called on people to ensure the fight against illicit drugs begins from their homes.

    Oladapo, on his part, called on the NDLEA boss to take the war against illicit drugs to a new dimension, for the benefit of the society.

    A drug-free society is a prosperous society and that is why we will do all within our ability to support your effort to fight the menace.

    As we are doing that, I want to implore you to look ahead and see how we can move forward from the way weve been operating. The way weve been fighting this war.

    Let us look for a new dimension to improve the system and what good can be brought out of these so called rot, he said.

    Former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala and Sen. Ayoade Adeseun, in their separate goodwill messages, lauded Marwa for transforming the NDLEA.

    They also commended the Ogbomoso First Group for the laudable initiative and its contributions to the development of the area.

    Mr Olusegun Adekunle, the President, Ogbomoso First Group, bemoaned the alarming rate of drug abuse and addiction among the youth.

    He said that the centre, which was part of the groups community initiative, was aimed at rehabilitating those who might be suffering from drug abuse or addiction.(NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    35th National Quranic recitation competition opens in Kano
    By Abbas Bamalli

    The 35the National Quranic recitation competition has begun in Kano, on Friday, with 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, participating.

    Declaring the competition open, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar II, noted that Nigeria had participated severally and won the international version of the Quranic competition.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sultan was represented at the opening ceremony by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero.

    According to him, the previous successes recorded were due to the hard work and dedication of relevant stakeholders, before and during the competitions from the Local Government up to the national level.

    He called on the participants to be calm so that they could record more success, urging the officials of the competition to also discharge their duties without favour.

    The Sultan commended the state government for establishing an agency to cater for Almajirai and Islamiyya schools, to achieve the desired objectives.

    The Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje disclosed that his administration was committed to the provision of free and compulsory education, as well as reforming the almajiri system.

    Ganduje explained that the almajiri system had been modified with a new curriculum, and enhanced with the establishment of three new mega almajiri schools.

    According to Ganduje, the state government had hosted the national Quranic recitation event three times, and had emerged winner several times, saying that the government had accorded Islamic education great importance.

    Each of the almajiri schools in the state has a population of at least 1,000 students, as the state will provide technological innovations into the recitation of the Holy Quran. He said.

    The Chairman of the Organising committee, the Vice Chancellor, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Usman Lawal, said the competition was a forum for selecting gifted and talented Muslim youths, who would represent Nigeria at the International Quranic recitation competition.

    He added that the competition was also aimed at discovering brilliant Muslim youths for scholarship awards, by state governments, philanthropists, national and international organisations, to pursue higher education.

    This would be in addition to fostering unity, peaceful coexistence among Muslim youths, based on the teaching of the Glorious Quran and Hadith for which we all gathered here for. He said.

    In view of this, I appeal to the participants, state Coordinators and our distinguished and impartial judges for fair play throughout the programme.

    Certainly there are prizes to be won, but we should remember that there are more than prizes at stake; our honour, integrity, and above all, the image of Islam is what we are projecting.

    We must, therefore, show by our words and actions that Islam has been, and indeed an embodiment of peace and peaceful co-existence in our nation and beyond. He said. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Retrial of wrongfully convicted Nigeria in Cote divoire set to begin  NiDCOM

    By Maureen Okon

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says the retrial of Nigerian, Itunu Babalola, wrongfully incarcerated in Cote Dlvoire, is to commence under a new, unbiased prosecutor.

    This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Gabriel Odu, the commissions Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit officer, and made available to the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN), in Abuja, on Friday.

    According to him, following painstaking investigations by the commission and the Nigeria Mission in Abidjan, Cote Divoire, it had now been confirmed that Babalola, a Nigerian living in Abidjan, was wrongfully charged and incarcerated for a crime she did not commit.

    Also, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the Charge DAffaires of the Nigerian Mission in Cte DIvoire, Mr Mohammed Gana, had sent officials of the mission to Bondoukou, a city eight hours away from Abidjan, when the case was first brought to his attention.

    Gana was quoted as saying that plans were underway to engage the services of a lawyer, to prove the innocence of Babalola at the Court of Appeal, after the accused had spent two out of the 10-year jail term passed on her, for an offense she did not commit.

    Reports indicate that the new prosecutor, assigned to the case, has given assurances of a fair and unbiased review and retrial of the case, to secure the release of Babalola.

    The reports also indicate that the former prosecutor, in collaboration with the police, allegedly twisted the case and accused Babalola of human trafficking hence her conviction for 20 years , although the sentence was reduced to 10 years from which she has served 2 years so far.

    Babalola, whose family is from Oyo state, Nigeria, has been living in Bondoukou, Cote divoire, for a long time but got entangled in a legal battle, when she reported the burglary of her house to the police.

    On efforts made to secure her bail, the prosecutor said it is only the court that can grant her bail, as she has already been convicted, we will continue to monitor the case as it unfolds, he said. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    NJC recommends appointment of 18 Appeal Court Justices
    By Ebere Agozie

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended 18 candidates to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal.

    This is contained in a statement by the spokesperson of NJC, Soji Oye, on Friday in Abuja.

    The council said the decision to recommend the Judges for the various appointments was taken at the 94th Meeting of NJC held on Dec.17 to Dec. 18, 2020 under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

    The Council further recommended the appointment of eight heads of court, even as it constituted a panel to probe allegations that were brought against a serving judge.

    It gave the list of the successful 18 candidates it recommended for elevation to the Court of Appeal bench as Justices Bature Gafai, Muhammad Sirajo, Waziri Abdul-Azeez, Yusuf Bashir, Usman A. Musale, Jauro Wakili and Abba Mohammed, Others are Grand Khadi Mohammed Danjuma, Danlami Senchi, Mohammed Abubakar, Hassan Sule, Amadi Ikechukwu, Peter Affen, Sybil Gbagi and Olasumbo O Goodluck.

    The NJC listed Justices Banjoko Ibironke, Hon. Olabode Adegbehingbe and Hon. Bola Ademola.

    Others are Justices Aisha Aliyu as Chief Judge of Nassarawa State, Sunday Omeiza Otu as Chief Judge of Kogi, Umar Sadiq as Chief Judge of Jigawa, Ngene Elvis as Chief Judge of Ebonyi, and Theresa T. Diai as Chief Judge of Delta.

    It further recommended the appointment of Justice a Elumeze as President of Customary Court of Appeal, Delta .

    The council also recommended the appointment of Justice Salisu Garba as Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi as Chief Judge of Rivers.

    It further recommended the appointment of Hon. Justice Patience Onuwa Elumeze as President of Customary Court of Appeal, Delta State.

    All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after approval by the President, Muhammadu Buhari and their respective state overnors as well as confirmation by the National Assembly and the respective State Houses of Assembly, the statement added.

    The NJC said it had also at the meeting, deliberated on the Reports on 24 petitions written against 29 Judges.

    The reports were presented by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee.

    The Council said it decided to empanel an investigation committee against one Judge and issued two strong warning letters against two Judges of the Federal and State High Courts.

    It also resolved to set up a Medical Board to ascertain the health status of one Judge.

    More so, the NJC said it had also at the meeting, deliberated on the Reports on 24 petitions written against 29 Judges.

    Council said Justice Olokoba was also put on the watch list of the Council for his failure to deliver judgment within the constitutional period of 90 days and Hon. Justice Savage was reprimanded for not being in charge of his Court.

    The remaining petitions were summarily dismissed for obvious and manifest lack of merit, being subjudice, overtaken by events or that such petitions were matters for appeal.

    The dismissed petitions were against Hon. Justices Rita Pemu, Ita G. Mbaba and Theresa Orji-Abadua all of Owerri Division of the Court of Appeal; Justices O. O. Oguntoyinbo and A. Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Anslem A. Nwaigwe, Chief Judge of Ebonyi , Justices M. A. Abubakar, Binta Rijau of Niger State High Court, Maurice Eneji of Cross River and Kulu Aliyu, Chief Judge, Zamfara. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    #EndSARS: NHRC panel enters judgment of N575.8m against police
    By Edith Nwapi

    The panel investigating alleged human rights violations committed by police personnel has entered judgment in the sum of N575.8 million against the police.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the panel, constituted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), is investigating alleged violations by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other Units of the Nigeria Police.

    Mrs Fatimah Mohammed, the deputy director public affairs in the NHRC, in a statement on Friday, said that the panel led by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Suleiman Galadima, considered 20 of the petitions at its executive session on Thursday.

    The executive session considered 20 out of the 44 petitions on non-adherence by the police of court judgments awarding compensations to victims of human rights violations, and decisions were made on each of the petitions otherwise known as judgment debts.

    The petitions on judgment debts of about N575.8million were considered ranging from the award of N200 million to 120,000 of cases bordering on extra-judicial killing, unlawful arrest and detention.

    Others are cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and torture, alleged enforce disappearance , confiscation of property etc, the commission said.

    The NHRC said the panel agreed that the victims of human rights who got court judgments should be paid.

    On how the judgment debts would be paid, the secretary to the panel, Hillary Ogbonna, said the police would have to make a commitment to respect court orders while part of the money will be paid from the human rights compensation funds which are expected to be paid for such purposes.

    Apart from assisting the victims of human rights violations to get their compensation paid, Ogbonna said the panel has also taken a decision to order the police authority to issue apologies to some of the petitioners who have issuance of apology as part of their compensation. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    CRiver begins statewide COVID-19 vaccination
    By Benson Ezugwu

    Dr Janet Ekpenyong, the Director-General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), says the state has started official administration of AstraZeneca vaccine to the public across its 28 Local Government Areas.

    She stated this in Calabar while speaking to newsmen at the end of the stakeholders meeting on the COVID-19 roll out in the state on Friday.

    Ekpenyong said that 53,840 doses of vaccine were meant for the state.

    According to her, 19 persons, including frontline workers, had on March 11, taken the vaccine.

    This was to convince people that it is safe and not poisoned as speculated by people in certain quarters, she said.

    She added that the vaccination would last for 10 days, from March 19, until March 29.

    The first group, targeted for vaccination are health and frontline workers, people from 50 years and above, then 18 years and above.

    We are hoping that the state will by next year attain 70 per cent coverage, she said.

    Also, speaking the Director, Disease Surveillance in the state, Mrs Joy Chabo, said that 95 sites spread across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state were designated for the exercise.

    Chabo said that her office had successfully trained Vaccine Accountability Officers (VAOs) as well as installed Solar-Driven Device for the potency of the vaccines.

    We have also trained Chief Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) at the Local Government levels to sustain sensitisation and orientation of people at the grassroots to the importance of taking the vaccine, she said.

    She said that the Monitoring and Evaluation Department was in charge of electronic registration and data collection and for the recording of adverse conditions, if any, during the exercise.

    Health workers are already well trained to write a report every day.

    The COVID-19 state team will be holding meetings every evening, starting from 5p.m. to ensure that everything moves smoothly until the end of the exercise, Chabo said. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    ASUP threatens strike over unresolved issues with FG, States
    By Zubairu Idris

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), has threatened to embark on strike from April 6, over what it described as unresolved issues with the Federal Government and some states.

    ASUP gave the notice in a communique at the end of its 99th National Executive Council meeting on Friday, in Katsina.

    In the communique, signed by its President, Mr Anderson Ezeibe, ASUP said the decision was to draw governments attention to the need to release the 10 months arrears of the new minimum wage, owed its members in federal polytechnics.

    The association also demanded that some state governments should pay up arrears of the new minimum wage owed state polytechnic lecturers.

    There is the need to implement the contents of the NEEDS Assessment report of 2014 in public polytechnics and similar institutions.

    Another issue also is the reconstitution of Governing Councils in all federal polytechnics and some state-owned polytechnics where such is yet to be constituted.

    Others are the full implementation of the provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act, as well as its domestication in Adamawa, Kano, Sokoto, Abia, Niger and other affected states, it said.

    ASUP further called for the release of salaries owed staff in Abia, Ogun, Osun, Benue, Plateau, Edo and Cross River, as well as the implementation of full salary payments in Sokoto, Kaduna, Adamawa and others.

    It appealed to the government to withdraw the letter containing unsubstantiated claims of PAYE tax liabilities in 19 federal polytechnics.

    The communique also urged Kano and Kaduna governments, to implement the 65 years retirement age for academic staff in their tertiary institutions.

    The association, in the communique, concluded that; By this resolution, ASUP members are requested to prepare for a full scale showdown until the unions demands are met. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Liverpool, Real Madrid to clash in UCL quarter-finals
    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    Liverpool have been drawn against Real Madrid in the European Champions League quarter-finals, a repeat of the 2018 final, with Chelsea facing surprise package FC Porto.

    In the draws held on Friday at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, Holders Bayern Munich face last years losing finalists Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

    While Premier League leaders Manchester City will battle Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

    The first legs of this seasons quarter-final clashes will take place on April 6 and 7, with the return dates being staged a week later.

    Semi-final encounters are slated for April 27 and 28, with the second legs a week later.

    The Champions League final will take place on May 29 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.

    European Champions League Quarter Finals Draw

    1. Manchester City (England) vs Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

    2. FC Porto (Portugal) vs Chelsea (England)

    3. Bayern Munich (Germany) vs PSG (France)

    4. Real Madrid (Spain) vs Liverpool (England)

    Source: NAN News

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    Jenkins Alumona named chairman, Lagos Boxing association
    By Bayo Olawunmi

    Jenkins Alumona, Chief Executive Officer of Flykite Promotions has been named as Chairman of the Lagos State Boxing Association (LSBA).

    Alumona was sworn-in at the inauguration ceremony of the board members of the various Lagos State Sports associations conducted by the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC)at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, on Friday.

    Also inaugurated on the LSBA board were Anthony Adeyinka as Vice-Chairman, boxing legend and Coach, Joe Mensah; Damilola James, Koye Sowemimo and Oluwadare Afolayan as members.

    Sola Aiyepeku, Executive Chairman of the Lagos state sports commission, said the new board members were appointed following their keen interest and contributions to sports development, as well as their service to humanity.

    Aiyepeku charged the new appointees to transform their associations in line with the commissions aimof building a sustainable, vibrant sports industry.

    He also urged them to organise at least two events every quarter to drive the discovery and development of talents at all levels, including students and youths.

    The chairman also directed all associations to hold their inaugural meetings before the end of the month and chart a new course forLagos state sports.

    Alumona in his reactionsaid it wastime for the state boxing board to harness the great potentials represented via the over 750 boxing clubs across Lagos with 22,000 registered members.

    This, he said, included young boxers from the age of 10 upwards.

    Flykite Promotions is the promoter and organiser of GOtv Boxing Night, the biggest boxing event in Nigeria.

    Other chairmen inaugurated included, Adebiyi Fetuga for Golf, Yemi Adeyeye for Volleyball, Biodun Ogidan for Baseball, Lekan Thomas for Chess, Tokunbor Agoro for Lawn Tennis and Frank Ozomah for Cycling. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    U.S.-Mexico land border restrictions extended through April
    Non-essential travel restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico landborder will remain in place until at least April 21, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Friday.

    The travel restrictions also apply to the U.S.-Canada border.

    To prevent the further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and in coordination with our partners in Canada and Mexico, the U.S. is extending the restrictions on non-essential travel at our land borders through April 21, while ensuring continued flows of essential trade and travel.

    Sunday will mark one year since this measure was first put in place and it has been extended every month.

    Informed by science and public health guidance, we will work with our counterparts to identify an approach to easing restrictions when conditions permits.

    Also, with the protection of our citizens from COVID-19 at the forefront of our minds, the DHS said on its Twitter.

    Edgar Ramirez, the DHS attach at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, said in another statement although vaccination campaigns give us hope that COVID-19 could begin to be controlled, we cannot let our guard down yet.

    The Mexican government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed through its Twitter account what was said by its U.S. counterparts.

    Mexico also will impose restrictions on all land traffic for non-essential activities on its northern and southern borders starting Friday.

    This week, Foreign Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, indicated that a reopening could be considered once Mexicos border states move into the least restrictive green tier.

    Until on Thursday, Sonora was the only state at the north border that had reached that level, according to Mexican health authorities.

    In a recent visit to San Diego, Roberto Velasco, Mexicos Foreign Ministry officer for the North America region, said Mexico and the U.S. were working on a plan for a safe and gradual reopening of the common border.

    It is something that depends on the pandemic and how it develops on both sides of the border. We hope to at least have news soon of what the route to achieving this will be.

    The border will continue to stay open for essential travel, which includes U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, individuals traveling to attend educational institutions.

    Also, for emergency response and public health purposes, lawful cross-border trade, and individuals traveling for essential work, among other reasons deemed essential, Velasco said in an interview in late February. (dpa/NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    CBN rewards Plateau farmers for paying loans on time
    By Peter Amine

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has rewarded some farmers in Plateau for repaying as at when due the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) facility they collected.

    This was through the 2020 best farmers award, with Mr Dabu Haji (fish farmer) emerging the overall winner, while the first runner up was Mr Samson Gariwani (poultry farmer).

    Rev. Iliya Mapal was the second runner up, and Rev. Iliya Mapal (potato farmer) emerged the second runner up.

    Mr Yusuf Duniya, the CBN Controller, Jos Branchsaid that the Best Farmers of the Year Award under ACGSF was introduced in the 1980s to encourage farmers that borrowed under the scheme kept good records and repaid the loans as and when due.

    Daniya said that the awards was in recognition of selected farmers that borrowed under the scheme, who adopted best agronomic practices to achieve good yield, kept good records and repaid their loans as supposed.

    The branch controller, however, said that ACGSF awards stopped for a time.

    Following the ACGSF Board resolution to resuscitate the ACGSF Farmers Award Programme, approval was granted to re-commence it in 2020 at both the state and national levels.

    The award encourages competition and also motivates borrowers to repay their loans on or before the due date.

    This years best farmers of the year award are in two categories: The State Farmers of the Year for loans of N1 million and below and the National Farmers of the Year for loans above N1 million.

    The Plateau selection committee comprising key stakeholders was set up to select the best farmers under the scheme in the state and nominations were received from all the Participating Financial Institutions (PFls).

    At the end of the exercise, three awardees were selected.

    The criteria for the selection of the best farmers award includes: agricultural production, number of employees, loans history, loan amount, loan duration and loan utilisation.

    Others are loan repayment, record keeping, change in output, and change in revenue among others, he explained.

    Mrs Helen Temtsen, the Head of Development Finance, CBN Jos, said that the event was to honour three farmers out of the 2,187 farmers that borrowed under the scheme in 2020.

    The winner will be presented with a Plague, a certificate and a cash award of N100,000, while the 1st and 2nd runners up will be presented with a certificate and a cash award of N75,000.00 and N50,000.00 respectively.

    The sole objective of todays ceremony is not just to celebrate these winners, but to encourage the general public to get involved in the programme.

    We urge other banks, especially microfinance banks to key in and provide opportunities to our rural farmers to benefit from the scheme.

    It is disheartening to note that out of the 13 deposit money banks operating on the Plateau, only three participated in the ACGSF in the past, and now even those three are no longer participating.

    Also, out of the 14 microfinance banks operating on the Plateau, only six have participated in the scheme.

    This is not good enough, considering the benefits that accrue to the banks, to the farmers and the economy at large, she said.

    Dr Hosea Finangwai, the Plateau Commissioner for Agriculture in a goodwill message, lauded CBN for its efforts to motivate farmers to go into agriculture business.

    Finangwai said that Gov. Simon Lalong was passionate about agriculture and tasked him (commissioner) to ensure that agriculture thrived in the state.

    Mr Dabu Haji, the winner of the 2020 awards, a fish farmer from Bassa Local Government commended the bank for giving them the loans to invest in their farms.

    Haji urged the CBN to sustain the efforts to enable more farmers access the facility to expand their farms and boost production. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Institute identifies major source of wealth for women
    By Oluwabukola Akanni

    The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), says new seed production techniques could be a major source of wealth and livelihood for women.

    Prof. Lateef Sanni, BASICS-II Project Manager, IITA, stated this at a three-day Oyo State Women Entrepreneurship Summit, tagged; Women Rise Up, in Ibadan.

    Sanni said that with seed production, women could earn money without necessarily owning a farm or going to one.

    Women can make seed production and cultivation of seeds an economic opportunity.

    For example, with the high yielding cassava seed varieties, if you invest between N150,000 to N200,000 per hectare, you need about 20 tons of the seed per hectare, it is possible to make up to N800,000 from your investment, he said.

    According to him, IITA is willing to train the women, help them to produce, market and give them access to quality seeds.

    He further said IITA was seeking to promote the cultivation of improved seed varieties, to address growing demand, and for economically sustainable agriculture.

    At the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), we are trying to encourage quality seed production.

    How we are planting in the country at present is not sustainable, sustainable seed production has become imperative to meet the demand for certified seed varieties; and this is an economic opportunity for our women.

    From new seed production techniques, we can get new clones of cassava varieties, yam, maize and soybeans. These seeds are yielding varieties and also disease-free.

    This is how we can increase our productivity, our productivity for maize is currently revolving around two to three tons per hectare, while cassava keeps on moving around eight to 11 tons per hectare.

    Whereas with new varieties, you can have up to 20 to 30 tons per hectare for cassava; and maize from five to 15 tons per hectare, he said.

    Princess Aderonke Adedoja, convener of the summit, said that if women were financially self-sufficient, they would not only improve their household incomes, but also contribute meaningfully to the countrys economic growth. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    FG identifies potentials of AMES-Edo Inland Container Dry Port
    By Deborah Coker
    The Federal Government says it has identified the Atlantique Marine Engineering Services, Edo Inland Container Dry Port (AMES-Edo Inland Container Dry Port) as a potential Domestic Export Warehouse (DEW).

    Mr Segun Awolowo, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), disclosed this on Thursday after inspecting the AMES-Edo Inland Container Dry Port facility at Agbonmoba community near Benin.

    Represented by Mr Afolabi Bello, an Assistant Director in the council, Awolowo said that the Federal Government Agencies concerned with Agro export and other exports were at the facility to do some inspection and verify the potentialities that exists in the dry port.

    It might not be 100 per cent ready, but if the gaps that requires intervention are not enough to stop it as DEW, then it will become qualified.

    Because of the strategic position and location of AMES-Edo to the South South and South East, we will also be looking at how we can intervene in filling any gap identified.

    We believe that with commitment from the operators and other partners in filling any gap identified, AMES-Edo Inland Container Dry Port can qualify for DEW within the second quarter, he said.

    He also explained that DEW was birthed to address and mitigate the constraints and challenges, especially in the area of logistics experienced by Nigerian exporters.

    He also said it was to remove the constraints hindering quick delivery of export produce to buyers outside the country.

    Earlier, Dr Charles Akhigbe, MD/CEO AMES-Edo, promoters of the Inland Container Dry Port, said that the facility was positioned as both a cluster-based centre, as well as geographical location-based centre.

    Akhigbe disclosed that there were 478 catchment local government areas across 23 states for the facility.

    He noted that the state was already connected to the trans Sahelian and the ECOWAS trade route, adding every economic index favoured the facility.

    He disclosed that the Inland Container Dry Port implementation committee had started work, noting that it showed that the project was one step away from the Federal Executive Council approval.

    Akhigbe further said that the desired model for the dry port was the Public, Private, Associate Partnership (PPAP).

    He added that the process in the port would be technology driven.

    Meanwhile, Mr Kelvin Uwaibi, Head Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), who represented the state government said that the government was anxious to see the dry port commence operations.

    He noted that the country could not remain input dependent especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    He added that the state was an agrarian state with lots of produce for export, noting also that the state was lucky as its produce were been sort after globally.

    We must get export right; we must begin to think of the future of our kids. We need to start export formally using guided rules, just as we need a rethink to make things work.

    We will use AMES-Edo as a pilot to make export work. Export is a business that must be sustained, he said.

    Mr Goke Badmus, Head Export Seat, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Edo/Delta gave assurance that the NCS would ensure that the port comes into functioning.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other Federal Government Agencies present at the inspection include the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Shippers Council.

    Source: NAN News

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    Defence Chief seeks more legislative support for armed forces
    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has solicited the support and trust of the National Assembly for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies in their task of defending the nation against adversaries.

    The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Friday, said that Irabor made the appeal when the House Committee on Defence paid an oversight visit to the Defence Headquarters on Thursday.

    Irabor urged members of the House of Representatives, particularly, the House Committee on Defence to continue to show understanding and trust to the armed forces and other security agencies, who are burdened with the responsibility of keeping the country safe.

    He commended the committee members for their zeal towards ensuring the AFN executes its operational mandates and other engagements.

    The CDS assured the legislators of the commitment of the military in actualising the directive of the Commander-in-Chief towards ensuring the country is safe and secured for its citizens.

    He pledged to continue to work tirelessly in ensuring the needed security was provided for Nigerians.

    According to him, in recent times, the troops have been recording tremendous successes in the various theatres across the country.

    The AFN under my watch, will continue to build the combat readiness of its personnel to optimally perform their constitutional role as professional men and women, he said.

    The Chairman, House Committee, Mr Babajimi Benson, pledged the readiness of the committee to provide the requisite support for the AFN to succeed in tackling the security challenges bedeviling the nation.

    Benson expressed hope that the visit would yield the desired goal of improving security of lives and property, as well as service delivery in the military. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Troops kill scores of bandits in Zamfara, rescue victims in Kaduna
    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadarin Daji successfully thwarted a kidnap activity of bandits, by killing scores at Kabasa village in Magami Local Government of Zamfara on Tuesday.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, announced this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Yerima said that troops of Sector 3 stormed the village following a credible tip-off about the bandits attack on the local residents.

    He said the timely arrival of troops forestalled a deadly kidnap and plundering operations by the bandits.

    Yerima added that the bandits were swiftly engaged by troops who successfully neutralised scores while others escaped into the forest with bullet wounds.

    According to him, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice while three others who sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter are receiving medical treatment.

    Yerima said that the troops had dominated the general area with aggressive patrols as well as further exploitation and pursuit of the bandits into the forest.

    The spokesperson disclosed that troops also responded to a distress call that bandits were attacking Gidan Goga village in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the bandits with superior fire power, killing three while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    Yerima disclosed that troops conducting fighting patrol in Birnin Gwari area rescued two female victims kidnapped 22 days ago from Kuyallo village, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    According to him, the victims have been given medical treatment while waiting to be reunited with their families.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, has already congratulated the gallant troops.

    He also charged them to keep up the momentum until the entire North West zone is rid of armed bandits, cattle rustlers, kidnappers and sundry violent crimes.

    He thanked the villagers for the credible and timely information they provided the troops which made their operations successful.

    The COAS said the patriotic action of the villagers who saw something and reported to the troops should be emulated by others so that the activities of bandits will be nipped in the bud, Yerima said. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    AU, ECOWAS urge stakeholders for more inclusion of persons with disabilities
    By Lizzy Okoji

    The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have urged stakeholders to implement policies and action plans to ensure more inclusion of Persons with Disabilities for more effective participation in the society.

    They advocated for this on Thursday, during the virtual commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, organized by the ECOWAS Commission.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this years commemoration is titled: From COVID-19 Towards a Sustainable and Resilient ECOWAS for All Persons with Disabilities; Leave No One Behind.

    Dr Siga Jagne, ECOWAS Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender, said that ECOWAS Commission urged stakeholders to ensure that all areas of their works consider the inclusion of persons with disabilities for their effective participation in communicating.

    Jagne said that stakeholders works should also reflect institutional and personal commitments of Persons with Disabilities and further coordinate to guarantee their dignity and rights which are fundamental.

    The ECOWAS Commission plays a strategic goal in promoting social inclusion in the region.

    It is worth mentioning that the Commission has initiated a Regional Study on disability inclusion in the ECOWAS region which will culminate in the formulation of a Regional Action Plan on Disability.

    The rights of persons with disabilities have gained more recognition than ever before in recent times, and especially within the ECOWAS space, particularly in the areas of education and sports, she said.

    She also said that the commemoration of Disability Day is one of the platforms the Commission is utilizing to ensure that action is taken to mainstream disability into development planning in the region.

    There are areas which need more improvement, such as public transport, public health services and other accessibility services to enable persons with different disabilities to enjoy their human rights the same way as persons without disabilities.

    Some of the critical areas of improvement include physical accessibility, usability, personal communication and access to information, Jagne said.

    She noted that the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is deepening pre-existing inequalities, exposing the extent of exclusion and highlighting that work on disability inclusion is overbearing.

    She explained that Physical distancing and movement restrictions implemented, including lock downs, gathering restrictions and night-time curfews, meant that different arrangements have to be made for persons living with disabilities.

    This, she said, is very necessary, as Persons with Disabilities rely on personal assistants services to continue living their daily lives with the support they need.

    Mr Lefhoko Kesamang, Representative of the African Union Commission, said that there will be no sustainable development in ECOWAS unless Persons with disabilities are taken on board.

    Kesamang said the African Union, realizing the importance of inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the society, would developed the Africa disability architecture.

    He said the framework was developed to drive the issues of disability; Disability rights in Africa and welfare of persons with disability in Africa to the Africa we want and to the ECOWAS of the People.

    The African Union developed policies which we have shared with ECOWAS and we are looking forward to ensure that we support ECOWAS to develop their own policies.

    The first policy, the African Union Disability Strategic Framework which was adopted in 2019, is the overacting policy of the African Union on how to deal with disability rights and inclusion across the continent.

    Almost equivalent of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and we also have the protocol which has been signed in only seven countries and we are looking forward for it to be ratified.

    And we are looking forward to the support and collaboration of ECOWAS to ensure that all Member States ratify this protocol so that it comes to force, Kesamang said.

    Mrs Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, President, Deaf Women Association of Nigeria, said that the disability community is faced with a lot of challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic and protocols have even made things more difficult for them.

    Beyioku-Alase, however, urged for legislation that would ensure more inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society.

    Source: NAN News

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    Minister seeks synergy on advancement of rural women
    By Justina Auta

    The Minister of Women Affairs Mrs Pauline Tallen, has urged stakeholders to mobilise resources and establish partnership that will promote gender equality and develop rural women in Nigeria.

    Tallen, made the call in Abuja, while engaging with rural women in Karshi community, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), FCT as part of events to commemorate the International Women Month.

    Inequality rate in the society has greatly impacted on the development and advancement of rural women thus the need to bridge the gap through intense advocacies and sensitisations.

    I urge all stakeholders present to continue to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure that gender equality is achieved in Nigeria.

    Especially in the area of creating synergy, strategies of mobilizing resources and establishing good partnership to overcoming challenges of rural women in Nigeria, she said.

    The minister also stressed the need for all stakeholders to carry out advocacies on the need for girl-child education, antenatal care and child immunisation and effects of harmful traditional practices.

    We want to engage wives of our traditional rulers for our advocacy to talk to women to make sure the girl child education is properly addressed, female genital mutilation is properly addressed and making sure they take their children for antenatal care she said

    Tallen, also, advised women to ensure a peaceful and healthy society by inculcating sound moral instruction into their children, which will be reflected in the society.

    Also speaking, Mrs Halima Mohammed, wife of the Chief of Karshi, assured the government that the council will sustain the advocacies on the importance of girl-child education, as it was fundamental in realising gender equality.

    We have been reechoing what the minister said on the girl child education. You cannot quantify it because once you educate a girl you have no problem she said.

    Also contributing, Mrs Grace Sauka, President, Affordable Housing Estate Women Association Karishi said insecurity and low income had affected the number of girls attending school in the community.

    Sauka said,because this issues are on ground, this insecurity, some cannot afford to train their children especially the girl child, they prefer the boy child to go school than the girl child.

    But with her words encouragement here we will go back home and tell our husbands and children to let them go back to school. she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the event were the distribution of food items including vegetable oil, bags of rice, Pasta and some fabric to vulnerable women to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Former Tanzanian President Magufuli to be buried on March 25
    Former Tanzanian President, John Magufuli who died from a heart condition on Wednesday, will be buried on March 25 in his native town Chato in the Geita region.

    President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced the burial date on Friday in Dar Es Salaam.

    Speaking for the first time after she was sworn in as President on Friday at State House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, Hassan said the body of former President Magufuli will lie in state for the weekend at the national stadium where people in the commercial capital can pay their last respects.

    On March 22, the body of Magufuli will lie in the capital Dodoma to allow the general public to pay their last respects, said President Hassan.

    Hassan appealed to Tanzanians to be patient during this difficult period of losing their brave, visionary, revolutionary and patriotic leader.

    We should take over from where President Magufuli has accomplished.

    We should stop pointing fingers at each other.

    We need to forge ahead as a nation, she said.

    Tanzania will remain calm as it has always been, she said before she chaired her first cabinet meeting. (Xinhua/NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Principals Cup: Sports ministry rallies support for zonal finals
    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has called on sports stakeholders to support and key into the revived National Principals Cup Competition as it enters the zonal stages.

    Dr Ademola Are, the ministrys Director of Grassroots Sports Development, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Thursday in Abuja that this was crucial to bringing back the glamour of the competition.

    He said that the zonal finals which kicked off on Thursday in the six geo-political zones of the country would end on March 22, with teams emerging for the grand finale in Abuja.

    We want more support from stakeholders as we enter the zonal stage of the competition, because this is the best of our youth in sports and education on display, he said.

    Are who is also the Chairman, Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the competition said the expanded competition which now has football, athletics and table tennis was part of efforts to develop sports at the grassroots.

    Thirty seven secondary schools are vying for honours at the zonal finals, from where we will have 24 table tennis players, 144 athletes and six football teams qualifying for the finals in Abuja, Are added.

    NAN reports that states where the zonal finals are holding include: Kaduna (North West), Bauchi (North East), Plateau (North Central), Oyo (South West), Enugu (South East) and Edo state (South South).

    He said the grand finale of the competition will hold from March 26 to March 31 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja with ex-internationals and other dignitaries in attendance.

    NAN also reports that the revived National Principals Cup is an initiative of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, aimed at grassroot sports development, especially in schools. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Fish farmer raises alarm on use of chemicals to preserve fish
    By Mercy Omoike

    Alarm

    An aqua-culturist, Mr Eteobong Amah, has raised the alarm over the penchant of some fish farmers to use chemicals to preserve fish.

    Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday, Amah warned that using chemicals to preserve fish would be dangerous to health.

    One thing we warn local farmers against is the addition of chemicals for preservation of fish. By adding chemicals to preserve fish you will be endangering human lives.

    The only thing fish farmers and processors are advised to add in fish preservation is salt.

    Amah said there was need for local fish farmers to embrace modern techniques in preserving their produce to increase value.

    The fish farmer lamented that most Nigerian fish farmers usually run into losses, owing to their inability to sell or preserve their produce.

    According to him, appropriate preservation of fish harvested in Nigeria will boost value and make the fish harvested locally to be like imported frozen variety.

    One major challenge local fish farmers face is their inability to offset or sell off their fish instantly. When they do not see instant buyers, they are forced to sell at a loss.

    However, if they can step up their preservation methods, they will improve the value-chain of the fish and get good returns.

    The worth of a preserved fish is higher than that of fresh fish. For example, a fresh catfish sells lower than the dried preserved one.

    But if our local fish varieties are well preserved, they will sell higher like their foreign counterparts that can spend up to six months to one year on the sea without getting bad.

    If our fishes are well preserved, then local farmers will have control over the market and will sell at very good prices.

    Amah advised fish farmers to try to understand market demands to maximize their profits all year round.

    Local fish farmers should consider the business aspect of fish farming through adequate preservation and improving of the value-chain.

    If the fish farmers know the market demands, they can preserve their fish to meet market requirements and increase the value of their stocks.

    There are basically two major ways of fish preservation, which is either freezing or drying the fish.

    For freezing of locally farmed fish, we usually have challenges with power supply and cannot depend on it to have our fish preserved.

    Therefore, farmers can also preserve their fish by drying them at different temperatures, depending on their market value.

    There are some markets that want hard texture fish. It simply means the farmer will have to increase the temperature of drying the fish, so that it can last longer. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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