Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

By Ismaila Chafe

The Presidency has urged Nigerians to ignore the attempts by some elder statesmen to cause divisions among well-meaning citizens as President Muhammadu Buhari continued to promote nations building and unity of the country.

The Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidential aide was reacting recent statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing the Buhari administration of allegedly refusing to take drastic measures in addressing the nations challenges.

In his most recent statement, former President Olusegun Obasanjo attempts to divide the nation while President Muhammadu Buhari continues to promote nation building and the unity of Nigeria.

The difference is clear. From the lofty heights of Commander-in-Chief, Obasanjo has descended to the lowly level of Divider-in-Chief (to adapt the coinage of Time).

Before responding further to the unfair attacks on Buhari and his administration by the former President, it is important that we categorically state that contrary to the assertions by a few analysts, the recent speech in which Buhari advised West African Presidents against tenure elongation beyond constitutional limits has been consistent with his long held views on the need to adhere to the rule of law.

Even though he tried it and failed, the recent uptick in the number of such leaders proposing to do, or actually carrying on in office beyond term limits is sufficient to cause concern among democrats in the sub-region given its prospects of destabilizing the states and the region.

Buharis advocacy is consistent with his principles and in line with the current policies of his administration and indeed that of the ECOWAS Charter which is that term limits must be respected and that the change of government is only permissible through the ballot box.

Having cleared this misperception, we hope that Obasanjo would once again sheath the sword and rest the pretentiousness about the Messiah that has (mis)led him to pronounce often wrongly, as he disastrously did in the 2019 elections, about the life and death of Nigerian governments.

The presidency also advised the former president to get involve with problems solving rather than promoting an atmosphere of ethnic and religious nationalism.

As some commentators are already suggesting, Obasanjo should, in accordance with his mantra as a statesman, get involved with problems solving, when and where they exist instead of helping the mushrooming of a poisonous atmosphere of ethnic and religious nationalism.

Surely, he must have disappointed many of his local and foreign admirers by showering commendations on a few extremist groups who have vowed to shun the invitation to the National Assembly to participate in the process of constitutional amendment.

No doubt, he must have left those admirers confused in announcing the support for the boycott of a democratic process of changing the constitution, at the same time calling for dialogue and engagement.

The fact that the process he ushered in under his administration with the dubious intention of amendments that sought tenure elongation failed-as did two other attempts by the successor administrations of the same political party- does not in any way justify his dismissal of the exercise by the 9th Assembly as a another waste of time and resources.

The presidential aide also highlighted the achievements of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to include the financial independence of local government councils, States Houses of Assembly and the countrys Judiciary through Constitutional amendments.

According to him, these changes have already been signed into laws by the president as mandated by the Constitution.

To the credit of the All Progressives Congress-led 8th Assembly, the process of Constitutional amendment was kick-started and carried through, paving the way for, among other benefits, the financial independence of local government councils, States Houses of Assembly and the countrys Judiciary, he said.

On the deregulation of the petroleum products, Shehu added:The recent decision by the administration as they relate to subsidy withdrawal, helping to plug some of the most horrendous notorious holes and release of scarce resources for the more pressing needs of the people has also not escaped the ire of the former president.

Its a known fact that the withdrawal of subsidies had been on the wish list of the Obasanjo-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They failed in achieving these measures because, one there was a shared greed. They plundered the treasury as much as anyone could in the name of either subsidy or waiver with reckless impunity.

Two, is to say it takes courage and rare statesmanship on the part of a leader to do as President Buhari to shun populism and seek the best interest of the people and the state, providing the kind of reform and development that Nigeria urgently needs.

According to Shehu, Buhari is running an administration focused on infrastructure and development.

He said already the government had repaired the nation damaged relations with neighbours and traditional allies such as the UK, U.S., China, Russia, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the others with lots of benefits to the country.

He further described the government as a pro-business administration that has used diplomacy to unlock bilateral trade and investment.

He (Buhari) leads a government that has liberalised the investment climate and market access by achieving reforms that have placed the country in the list of the worlds top reforming economies.

Nigeria, which other nations had mocked and ridiculed for so many things that were wrong is today progressing at a pace reflecting its size and potential.

With so much to show and many more coming, it is little surprise that Buhari would be the object of envy and harsh unfair challenges by politicians who failed to deliver, but continue to nurse ambitions of delighting the audience long after their curtain has been drawn, he maintained. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Airport in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will partially lift its suspension of international flights as of Sept. 15 to allow exceptional categories of citizens and residents to travel, the state news agency SPA said on Sunday.

The kingdom will scrap all travel restrictions on air, land and sea transport for citizens on Jan. 1, 2021, it said.

In March, the kingdom suspended international flights to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Exceptional categories include public and military sector employees, diplomats and their families, those working for public or non-profit private sector jobs abroad and businessmen.

Others are patients who need treatment abroad, those studying abroad as well as people with humanitarian cases and sports teams.

GCC citizens and non-Saudi residents with valid residency or visitors visas will be allowed to enter the kingdom as of Sept. 15 conditional on proving they are COVID-19 negative.

The kingdom introduced stringent measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus in March, including 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities.

The Kingdom has recorded 325,651 COVID-19 cases and 4,268 deaths. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Federal Government on Sunday advised state governments to take proactive and necessary mitigating measures in addressing forecasts on heavy rainfall and flooding.

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, gave the advice in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Nneka Anibeze, in Abuja.

Umar Farouq said that states to experience heavy rainfall and possible flooding this year include: Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Kogi, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia and Rivers.

Others are: Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Osun, Kwara, Zamfara, Sokoto, Lagos, Ondo, Bayelsa, Kaduna, Oyo, Ogun, Abia, Kano, Kebbi and the Federal Capital Territory.

Farouq urged the states to identify high grounds for use as camps, for the evacuation of possible Internally Displaced Persons and to shelter evacuated communities.

She called on them to organise Humanitarian Coordination Fora to prepare all stakeholders for mitigation and response, as well as request for relief materials for prompt response after the flood.

The minister also sympathised with the people of Kebbi, Bauchi and Jigawa following the heavy flooding in some areas of the states, which has led to the loss of lives and farmlands including the displacement of many people.

The recent flood incidences in parts of those states affirm the need for serious and urgent actions to be taken to safeguard lives and property against the predicted flood.

The 2020 Annual Flood Outlook forecasts that 102 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 28 states will have heavy rainfall, while 275 LGAs in the 36 states of the Federation including Abuja will experience moderate flooding.

The remaining 397 LGAs fall within the low probable flood risk areas. Unfortunately, the predicted floods have started to occur in many parts of the country, including Bauchi, Kebbi and Jigawa.

Therefore, it is imperative to activate all plans and measures against the prediction, as the season moves toward the peak, she said.

Umar Farouk urged State Emergency Management Agencies, frontline local government authorities and other response agencies to put in place precautionary actions, by carrying out public enlightenment and ensuring the dredging of river channels and canals.

Also, ensure the removal of all refuse and weeds from water channels, drainages and all avenues for run offs, so as to allow free flow of flood, she said.

Umar Farouq assured the states that the Federal Government through the ministry had taken note of this years flood prediction and would continue to work with stakeholders, to mitigate the possible effects of the flooding. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Voting during an election in Nigeria

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The Senate committee on Independent National Electoral Committee (INEC), on Sunday warned political actors in Edo against violence during the Sept. 19, governorship polls in the state.

Its chairman, Sen Kabiru Gaya, handed down the warning when the committee visited the commissions office in Benin.

Gaya said that the committee was in Edo on oversight functions to ascertain the INECs preparedness for the Saturdays polls.

From what we have seen, INEC is ready for the elections. We have been told that they have 14 activities lined up for the elections, of which they have successfully executed 11 and the remaining three will be ongoing until the election day.

We will give them all the needed support to ensure that the elections are conducted as scheduled, he assured.

Gaya appealed for synergy between security agencies and the state government in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of the elections.

Free and fair election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere but in the event that there is crisis, we advice that the election should be postponed.

We are in the process of amending the Electoral Act and also in the process of enacting the Electoral Offences Act which would enable perpetrators of election violence to be prosecuted.

So, we are warning all political actors to ensure that there is peace in Edo, he said.

He, therefore, charged the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in the state to work with the various security agencies to provide adequate security both during and after the elections.

Also speaking, the committees vice chairman, Sen. Sahabi Yau, advised the ICT unit of INEC to monitor the activities of its staff members to avoid possible sabotage within.

The survival of democracy depends largely on the credibility of the electoral process, Yau said.

On his part, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, a member of the committee, urged INEC to stand firm and remain neutral.

INEC is on trial right now, the whole world is watching to know what will happen. It is up to you to ensure Nigerians are satisfied with the process.
If anyone uses any of you to sabotage the process, it will be on you. You need to stand firm and be neutral.

Four years ago, we witnessed violence in this state. Some persons scattered some polling units and ballots boxes.

Yet, results still came from those places. I hope that will not happen again, Ekweremadu appealed.

Ekweremadu appealed to the REC to ensure that Card Readers were properly charged, configured and tested before deployment to polling and voting points.

Earlier, the REC, Mr Johnson Alalibo, told the Senators that the commission was fully ready for the elections, adding that 11 of 14 items listed on the schedule of activities had been completed.

Alalibo said the commission had trained security personnel, INEC staff, CSOs, Electoral Officers, youth corps members among others for the conduct of the elections.

According to him, the configuration of the smart card readers and the z-pad to be deployed for the elections is currently ongoing. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state.

By Abbas Bamalli

Kano State Government has ordered the immediate reopening of six Technical Colleges in the state to enable their students in the exit class to participate in the forthcoming National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations.

The Commissioner for Education, Malam Sanusi Kiru, gave the order in a statement issued on Sunday in Kano by the Ministrys Public Relations Officer, Mr Aliyu Yusuf.

Kiru noted that the directive was sequel to the approval granted to a Memo he recently submitted to Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje.

The commissioner said that the state government had ordered the immediate payment of the NABTEB examinations fees of all the SSS3 students in the technical schools.

He stated that the sum of N15.6 million had been earmarked for students feeding, while another N860,000 had been set aside for the upkeep of the respective colleges.

According to him, such steps are to facilitate the smooth reopening of the schools.

Kiru indicated that the government had provided all the required Personnel Protective Equipment(PPEs) to all the students to ensure strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols.

He directed the Executive Secretary of the Board to call on the directors and principals of the six affected colleges to reciprocate the gesture by doing what was expected of them. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Sadiya, daughter of Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who died on Thursday.

In a condolence statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the president said that the news shocked him.

My heart and prayers go out to Sen. Wamakko and his family members over this loss.

Though death is no respecter of age, the loss of such a young woman in her prime is particularly touching.

I share the pain and grief of Senator Wamakko; I pray to Allah to comfort him and give him the fortitude to overcome this great loss of a dear daughter.

May Allah grant her eternal bliss and reward her good deeds with paradise, he added.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Six civilians were killed on Friday by an improvised explosive device (IED) near Boura, Malis southern region of Sikasso, a local security source confirmed to Xinhua on Saturday.

According to the officer, who request condition of anonymity out of fear of being revenged, an ambulance carrying a patient from Boura hit an IED on Friday, killing six people on board, except the driver who was severely injured and evacuated to Koutiala (south).

Among the victims, there was a pregnant woman and a two-year-old kid, he said.

This is the first attack on civilians since the mutiny that led to the resignation of Malis president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

Also on Friday afternoon, about 10 kilometres away from Boura, local authorities found the bodies of the two local staff of Environment Ministry who were kidnapped by unknown armed men on Thursday night, said the officer.

The Malian army has been targeted four times, killing at least 21 soldiers with numerous injuries.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility for these attacks amid political instability in Mali.

Source: NAN News

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russians head to polls in regions throughout the country on Sunday to cast their votes in local elections set to test the dominance of United Russia, the party most closely associated with long-time President VladimirPutin.

The elections will be conducted in the course of several days as a precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The main and final day of voting comes up on Sunday, and will take place against the backdrop of months-long anti-Putin protests in the Far East and the near-fatal poisoning of dissident Alexei Navalny with the Soviet-developed nerve agent, Novichok.

A nationwide survey by Russias biggest independent pollster, Levada Centre, revealed last month that more than a quarter of Russians 29 per cent would participate in anti-government protests if held in their area.

Navalnys team urged Russians to vote for candidates from any party other than United Russia, which currently dominates the federal parliament and many regional administrations.

Any other candidate a Communist, a Liberal Democratic Party member, a Just Russia party member would be better than United Russia, Navalnys team said in a statement on Friday, referring to Russias four major political parties.

Any of them will be a better representative for you than a thieving official who has been sitting for 20 years under a portrait of Putin and appearing in front of you every five years to be re-elected, Team Navalny said.

While Putin maintains the loyalty of United Russia, he is not a current member of any political party and is thus able to distance himself from unpopular measures initiated by subordinate senior officials.

The elections, like a recently passed constitutional referendum to enable Putin to remain president for the next 16 years, will not be independently monitored by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The lack of presence by the OSCE, and the duration of the voting period being extended to several days, have raised concerns of the potential for falsifications.

Source: NAN News

GMD OF NNPC, MALAM MELE KYARI

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)says it will soon begin activation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refill stations for motorists across the country.

The corporation disclosed this in a statement by the Group General Manager Public Affairs Division, Dr Kennie Obateru, in Abuja, on Sunday.

The CNG (methane stored at high pressure) is a fuel that can be used in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and its combustion produces fewer undesirable gases than the aforementioned fuels.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deregulation of the oil downstream had triggered increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)also known as petrol in the country.

Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva had announced that the Federal Government will in the next couple of weeks inaugurate CNG Plants in all NNPC petroleum stations across the country.

This, he said would serve as alternative to petrol for motorists in the country.

He said the idea was to support the ongoing initiatives by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to provide alternate energy sources for Nigerians.

He quoted the Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Malam Mele Kyari, as saying that the National Oil Company had already keyed into the gas penetration agenda championed by Sylva.

Kyari noted that as an energy company with focus on cleaner and cheaper sources of fuel, the Corporation would continue to work with other stakeholders in the industry to provide viable alternatives to petrol.

This, he said would ultimately lead to reduction in demand for the product and eventual reduction in price.

He reiterated the commitment of the corporation towards openness and greater transparency in its operations.

Kyari said that in the months ahead NNPC would make public its 2019 Audited Financial Statements as a sequel to the 2018 AFS released in June.

On the state of the refineries, he said that the plants were deliberately shut down to allow for a robust diagnosis of the issues which have overtime made it impossible for the facilities to operate up to their ultimate capacities.

He added that the shutdown also became inevitable due to difficulties in feeding them with crude oil via the pipelines that had been completely compromised by vandals.

He said the Corporation was moving rapidly to execute complete rehabilitation of the refineries under an exercise that would guarantee restoration of the facilities to at least 90 per cent capacity utilisation.(NAN)
ENO/ABI

Source: NAN News

Nigerian flag

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

As Nigeria prepares to mark her 60th Independence Anniversary, a Lagos-based agency has put modalities in place for a virtual concert to showcase positive changes recorded in the last six decades of nationhood.

The concert tagged #UnlockNaijaAt60 will feature popular Nigerian musicians, comedians, dancers and actors performing to a global audience live via web streaming and on television.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to come up with innovative ideas and suggestions towards making the 60th anniversary a success in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the globe.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, the Managing Director of Tobems Media, organisers of the concert, Mr Tosin Obembe, said Nigerias resolute spirit deserved to be celebrated.

He explained that having survived several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic that shook the entire world, Nigeria should be celebrated for its dogged spirit.

He explained that the concert would, among other things, celebrate the evolution of Nigerian music, dance and fashion.

Nigerians have been through a lot as a people and we reckon that a typically happy people will be missing one of the things we are most known for: our social life.

That is why we have decided to celebrate this milestone independence anniversary regardless of the challenges of Covid-19, he said.

He pointed out that the pandemic was not enough to deny Nigerians the grand celebration of her diamond jubilee, adding that technology had made a lot of things possible and must be embraced.

With the global pandemic, it will take a while before the world returns to normalcy if we ever do. So, as young people, we must begin to embrace technology to help us make the best of the new normal.

You can already see how most Nigerian companies quickly switched their operations online.

At this time last year, the use of Instagram Live, Facebook Live, Zoom and the rest were not this popular but see how Nigerians have seamlessly conformed to the new normal.

If we cannot gather for the many concerts and comedy shows that would enliven our Independence Day holiday, we can as well create one that we all can join via the Internet and our television sets and still interact like we were together in one place without buying a ticket, he said.

Obembe added that the Oct. 1 #UnlockNaijaAt60 mega concert would bring millions of Nigerians at home and abroad together to party from the comfort of their homes. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

FRSC official on Duty

Ikuru Lizzy

Rivers Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has pledged to collaborate with Save a Life Foundation towards ensuring mental and overall wellbeing for drivers to curtail road accidents related deaths.

The state Sector Commander, Corps Commandant Salisu Galadunchi, made the pledge during a health enlightenment lecture organised by the foundation for staff of the command on Sunday in Port Harcourt.

In his lecture, Dr Richard Okoye, CEO/President of the foundation, revealed that most road accidents and related deaths were preventable as they were usually caused by reckless driving and use of intoxicant by drivers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Based on WHO premises, we are therefore, seeking for a collaboration with the FRSC to enhance testing and certification for drivers before allowing them to drive on Nigerian roads.

This measure would indeed boost safety on our roads, Okoye said.

Galadunchi applauded the foundation for its contributions toward promoting good health, adding that the foundations message of health would be appropriately channeled to respective authorities.

He added that the massage on health as propagated by the foundation was in accordance with the Corps 2020 strategic goal initiatives.

He said that part of the 2020 initiative was to minimise the risk of death in road traffic related occurrences.

This health enlightenment programme is clearly in line with guiding policy for the Corps Marshals where staff of 40 years and above are directed to undergo compulsory medical checks.

I urge us all to give more attention to matters of our health by keying into the mission and vision of the Save a life Foundation, he said.

Galadunchi also advised staff of the command to engage in regular medical checks to enhance healthy lifestyle.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Policemen on duty

By Deborah Coker

Security Agencies in Edo on Sunday reassured Edo residents of their commitment to ensure that the Sept. 19 governorship election was peaceful and violence free.

The reassurance was given during the day two of the inter agencies combined exercise, tagged Inter Agencies Show of Force.

SP Chidi Nwabuzor, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edo Command who spoke to newsmen, said that the reassurance was imperative in order to allay fears by the electorate.

Nwabuzor said that with just six days to the election, political tension in the state had been heightened and there was the need to give confidence to residents.

He urged residents to be rest assured that the security agencies were up in their task of protecting and securing their lives, adding that they should come out on Saturday to vote for candidate of their choice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that security agencies which participated in the exercise include the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, and the Directorate of State Services.

Others were the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Air force, Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

NAN also reports that areas monitored during the exercise include GRA, Ugbor area, Oliha/TV road axis, Ikpoba hill, Benin-Agbor-Asaba road axis.

Other areas were Sapele Road, Sokponba Road, Erediawa Road, and Murtala Mohammed way.

Ikpoba slope/Ramat park, Aduwawa Road, Upper mission extension, New Benin, New Lagos Road, Boundary road, Airport road, Akenzua road, Ekenhua road and the Uselu/Lagos Road were also covered again. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) President Adetola Olubajo

By Olanrewaju Akojede

As African countries continue to stem the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) says it plans a N6.8 million (about R300,000) relief package for Nigerians whose businesses were affected by lockdown.

The President of NUSA, Mr Adetola Olubajo, who made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone, said the decision was reached at the unions 2020 National Congress with theme: Post-COVID-19 Survival of Small Business.

Olubajo said the theme of the congress held virtually was inspired by the need to assist people, small businesses who were adversely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.

He said that the number of people who would come forward for such an assistance would determine how many would benefit within the available fund.

Olubajo said that NUSA had set up an Economic Team for the purpose, headed by Mr Matthew Okafor, an IT Security Consultant with Concept254 Digital.

We intend to raise N6.8 million (about R300,000) from private individuals within our community, mostly from our members of Board of Trustee.

The mobilisation of fund has started and from next month we will be collecting applications from members of our community who are adversely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

Petty traders are our main target as majority of them do not have access to government relief package. Some of them dont even have bank accounts, so its impossible for them to get loans from financial institutions, he told NAN.

He added that the relief programme would be spread across the nine provinces of South Africa but would be centrally coordinated by the National Secretariat of NUSA in Pretoria.

We are ready to collaborate with either government and or cooperate bodies that are willing to assist our people.

We have no collaboration for now but we are open to collaboration with any willing organisation or government, Olubajo said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Policemen

By Oladapo Udom

The Lagos State Police Command has deployed 1,000 officers to complement other security personnel drafted for the Edo governorship election scheduled for Sept. 19.

This is contained in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by the Commands Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Adejobi said that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu admonished officers from the Command to be of good conduct and exhibit professionalism in discharging their duties during the election.

He further reiterated the commitment of the IGP to sustain the core values of democracy in Nigeria via fair, free and credible elections, the police spokesman said.

Odumosu said that adequate incentives and welfare packages as approved by the IGP had been provided to encourage and boost the morale of the officers detailed for the special duty.

The CP enjoined the officers to protect themselves and avoid any acts capable of denting the image of the Force and truncating the peaceful conduct of the election in Edo State, the statement said (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Rape cases now rampant

By Usman Aliyu

The Police Command in Kwara says it has prosecuted 20 alleged rape suspects within the last six months.

Mr Ajayi Okasanmi, Police Public Relations Officer of the command, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin that the alleged rape cases happened between February and August.

SP Okasanmi, who spoke on the sideline of a round-table meeting organised by the International Women Communication Centre (IWCC) to discuss gender issues and accountability, said that the command was not handling cases of rape with levity.

The police spokesman, who presented a paper on the role of security agencies in the prevention of Gender Based Violence (SBV), told NAN that the command was rated high in the country handling of sexual offences.

I can tell you that Kwara is rated high in the country in the issue of fighting rape and other gender based violence.
In the recent time, we have charged more than 20 people to court over this issue of rape.

Before, people tend to compound the issue of rape based on the fact that we are family; he is my cousin; we are from the same community.

So, we encourage ladies who have suffered indecent assault to report it.

Ordinary touching of a lady on an improper part of the body, should be reported because from there, it can graduate to any other thing.

So we are not taking it lightly and the Commissioner of Police is strongly against such occurrences, he said.

Okasanmi said victims of gender based violence have to know that it was a criminal offence, hence the need to report to the police appropriately.

He added that the era of marital maltreatment was over as any husband found beating his wife or children would not be spared.

According to him, a unit has been created at every state police command to handle the case of gender based violence.

Initially in those days, you see people beating their wives and children mercilessly and at the end of the day, they tell you she is my wife and I paid her dowry.

But now, people are aware of the crime and the police being the law enforcers know it is a crime whether its your wife or husband, Okasanmi said.

He asserted that with the current rate of help from gender based organisations, the issues of violence against women and children would soon become a thing of the past. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

DTH

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

A Direct-To-Home (DTH) free TV broadcast satellite service provider, OurTV, has secured broadcast rights for Laliga matches beginning today.

Mr Olushola Peters, Head of Marketing of OurTV, speaking on the development, said the organisations partnership with Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in 2015 enabled the broadcast right.

According to Peters, with the securing of the broadcast rights, OurTV will now be broadcasting Laliga Santander Matches LIVE on Our Sports Channel 120.

The partnership is part of the fulfilment of one of the promises made to our esteemed OurTv users and sports lovers, who have constantly been demanding for Live Matches.

This is one major milestone for OurTv and we want to thank our esteemed users, who have always believed and supported us.

We value your input and suggestions as it is a core culture in OurTv to listen and please our viewers as much as we can.

You asked for it. You now have it. Congratulations to us all. This is the beginning and it can only get better, he added.

Peters also said that OurTV being indigenously developed, was encouraging broadcast satellite services across the country with added benefits.

OurTV do not have monthly subscription for the TV and it is targeted at every Nigerian home, offices and businesses.

OurTV is unique in so many ways, it is Nigerian, aggregated in Nigeria and transmitting on Nigerian satellite, it is being received on a decoder made in Nigeria by Nigerians.

OurTV has a Unique Value Proposition, which every Nigerian, home, family and business will be proud to associate with.

Every Nigerian home needs OurTV for entertainment, relaxation, news, education, kids, sports and for everything you value from Television, said the marketing head.

OurTV is a Direct-To-Home (DTH) TV broadcast satellite service with onetime payment of set-up boxes that offers over 18 unique and exciting channels with the use of homegrown services.

The company had entered a partnership with NigComsat in 2015, leading to the use of NigComSat facility. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of former Managing Director of Nigeria Airways, Captain Paul Mamman Thahal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Late Thahal served meritoriously as Captain of Gen. Yakubu Gowons Presidential Flight for nine years.

He also supported the former Head of State in setting up the national spiritual platform, Nigeria Prays.

The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday, commiserated with Gowon over the loss of a good friend, confidant and prayer partner.

Buhari sympathised with Thahals wife, Mrs Atsa Thahal and daughter, Dr Adzira Thahal as well as all former members of staff of Nigeria Airways and entire aviation industry.

The president believed the resonating testimonies from the life of the former Vice Chairman of Nigeria Prays Organisation had clearly shown a man dedicated to promoting the kingdom of God on earth.

He also lauded the deceased for committing himself to the virtues of practical Christianity like generosity, humility and selfless service.

He prayed that the Almighty God would remember his professional and spiritual investments in the country, and beyond, grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Edo 2020: We need peaceful election, say Edo youth

By Monday Ajogun

Hundreds of Edo youth, under the aegis of Esan central youth force, on Saturday defied the heavy rain and took to the streets of Irrua, headquarters of Esan Central Local Government Area, to demand for peaceful election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the protesters, bore placards with various inscriptions such as we dont want violence, we want peace.

They took their protest to the palace of Onojie of Irrua, His Royal Highness (HRH) Alhaji Williams Momodu II, Irrua police division as well as the Area Command in Irrua.

The Spokesman for the protesters, Mr Eigbe Osazele, told newsmen that the area in the state had been enjoying peaceful times in previous elections and that the Sept. 19, polls should not be different.

According to him, the recent attacks on the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chairman in the local government, Mr Michael Anakaso, and the Councils Boss, Prof. Waziri Edokpa, is condemnable.

He requested the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the attacks.

I want all the security agencies to wake up to the challenge and make sure that those involved in the brazen acts are brought to book within the next 48 hours.

We dont want to resort to self defence when we still have the security agencies whose primary responsibility is to protect lives and property.

We are sending this message to the Inspector-General of police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, and the Director of the State Service to rise up to their responsibilities.

We are peaceful and law abiding citizens, he said.

Addressing the protesters at his palace, the Onojie of Irrua thanked them for being law abiding and conducting their protest in a peaceful manner.

Dont take to violence, dont allow people to confuse you, vote for the person you know will give you quality leadership.

Dont allow people to buy your conscience with money.

As you can see we dont have water and road in this community, its only this election period we see them, and they will be busy later.

Those that are promoting violence should bring their children, said the traditional ruler.

Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer in Irrua, Okoro Henry, assured the protesters that the police would ensure the protection of lives and propert before, during and after the election.

Okoro called on all citizens to go about their lawful business, adding that the police have the capacity to provide security for them. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

File photo: 50 killed in DR Congo mine collapse

No fewer than 50 people were killed after a gold mine collapsed in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, local authorities said on Saturday.

The accident occurred on Friday in the town of Kamituga in South Kivu Province, following days of heavy rain.

The cause of the landslide is currently under investigation.

Provincial Governor Theo Ngwabidje Kasi confirmed in a statement on Saturday that majority of the victims were young people, including children.

Rescuers are continuing to identify the dead and provide assistance.

Local media quoted a survivor as saying that more than 50 people had been in the three shafts, which water had poured in to.

Kamituga Mayor, Alexandre Bundya, decreed a two-day mourning period and called on local residents to help rescuers extract bodies from the ground.

The South Kivu province records landslides every year due to artisanal mining activities in several communities. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Osagie Ize-Iyamu APC candidate for Edo Governorship election

By Joy Odigie

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Edo governorship election, has promised to transform Okada town to a University hub if elected.

Ize-Iyamu made the promise on Saturday at Okada town, Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state, during his ward-to-ward campaign tour of the area.

He appreciated the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, for founding a University in the locality which he said had opened up the area for economic activities.

He promised to complement the efforts of Chief Igbinedion in making life more comfortable for the residents of the area.

I will construct more roads, open up this area for more development, provide water and aid farmers to become more productive and resourceful.

Our goal is to transform the university town to a University City

On his part, former governor of Edo, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, expressed his gratitude to the people for their large turnout at the event.

He decried alleged neglect of the area in the last four years as there was no new project there since he left office as governor of the state.

Meanwhile, Mr Samson Osagie, the Director-General, APC campaign council for Edo South, said he was impressed with the support the party was getting throughout the state.

Osagie expressed optimism that APC would win the Sept. 19, governorship election in Edo.

He restated that Ize-Iyamu was the best candidate in the upcoming election in the state.

Osagie assured that the APC candidate would not disappoint the people if elected, describing him as a man with the fear of God. (NAN)

Source: NAN News