By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa

The Police Commissioner in Imo, Nassiru Mohammed, says he has activated tactical units of the command to rescue Rev. Fr. Marcel Onyeocha and arrest his kidnappers.

The police commissioner, in a statement issued on Sunday by the commands Spokesman, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, called for calm, assuring that the priest would be rescued.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onyeocha, of Mother Theresa of Goldgotha Catholic Church, World Bank, Owerri was kidnapped around Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area of the state on April 10.

The statement read: One Bissong Atugu reported that on April 10, at about 7:45 p.m., while driving from Enugu to Owerri with a NissanExterra SUV, in company of one Rev. Fr. Marcel Onyeocha, the vehicledeveloped fault aroundIhube in Okigwe LGA.

As they step down to check the vehicle, a groupof people, believed tobe Fulaniherdsmen, emerged from thebush and inflicted injuries on him, while the priest waskidnappedand taken toan unknown destination.

Sequel to the above, the CP has activatedall the tacticalteams of the command, with a view to rescuing the priest and possibly arresting the culprits.

He assured that the command would do everything possibleto ensurethe rescue ofthe priest. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Yunus Yusuf

Arik Air said on Sunday it had donated sundry items to Old Peoples Homes, Orphanages and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across the country.

Mr Adebanji Ola, its Public Relations and Communications Manager, in a statement in Lagos, said that the gesture was part of the airlines Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The items donated included rice, beans, noodles, spaghetti, beverages, detergents and bed sheets, the statement said.

It listed the beneficiaries to include Holy Family Home for the Elderly, Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Mushin, Lagos, and the Amazing Grace Foundation Old Peoples Home, Kado, Abuja.

Others are Jesus Orphanage and Widows Home, Elelenwo, Port Harcourt; Hope Motherless Babies Home, Idofian, Kwara State; Malkohi IDPs camp, Yola, and Uhogua IDPs camp, Benin City.

Ola, who personally led the airlines team on the visits to the benefitting outfits, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the gesture was the carriers little way of showing love to the less privileged when the world was celebrating the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It has become a tradition for Arik Air to render assistance to the needy, especially during festive periods, he said, urging governments at all levels and other well-meaning Nigerians to extend similar hands of fellowship to the less privileged in the society.

He said that at the Amazing Grace Foundation Old Peoples Home, the founder, Mrs Ifeyinwa Obegolu, thanked Arik Air for sowing into the lives of the elderly people, widows and traumatised victims of domestic living in the facility.

At the Jesus Orphanage Home, Port Harcourt, the children were full of excitement and prayed for the well-being of both the staff and management of Arik Air, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Participants at the Grow Nigeria Conversation (GNC) have advised the Federal Government to acquire and deploy necessary surveillance technology to tackle the menace of kidnapping in the country.

The participants gave the advice in a communique issued on Sunday in Abuja after a webinar conference, titled

Reversing the flourishing economy of kidnapping and banditry: Immediate and long-term solutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GNC is a nonpartisan, solution-driven, real-time dialogue series set up to discuss possible people-centric solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting different sectors in Nigeria.

The webinar convened by former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was organised and hosted by the Africa Politeia Institute (TAPI) and the Adopt a Goal for Development Initiative (AAGI).

The conversation, according to the communique, featured key speakers including Amb. John Campbell, Matthew Page, Tanwa Ashiru, Kabir Adamu, Nnamdi Obasi, Nabilah Usman, and Cheta Nwanze.

The speakers during the online session noted that Nigerias large ungoverned spaces were increasingly being occupied by criminal gangs as bases from which to act.

As a solution to the problem, the speakers urged the Federal Government to acquire surveillance technology such as drones, satellite imagery and the likes to allow aerial monitoring of these spaces, mobile phone tracking and tracing, and thus make it possible to follow the movements of miscreants.

The group stressed the need to promote international cooperation in terms of training, technological fit-out and back-up for Nigeria security agencies to enhance their operational efficacy against the menace.

It noted that while the problem of kidnapping and banditry were not peculiar to Nigeria, some countries including Pakistan had recorded varying degrees of success in tackling it.

The webinar discussants advised the Nigerian government to reach out to such countries for lessons and solutions to the burgeoning problem.

The communique also called on states to adopt legislation outlawing the payment of ransoms for kidnapping.

The participants stated that there is a need to disincentive kidnappers and bandits, by ensuring that the risk they face is higher than at present, and the reward is lower.

One solution discussed was to lower the maximum sum allowed in cash remittances as a means for making it impossible for cash from ransoms to be used easily.

The participants, however called for urgent reform of justice system to ensure swift administration of justice in cases of kidnapping and banditry, saying the news of quick court sentences will serve as a deterrent.

They also recommended the decentralisation of the Nigerian Police Force, and the need for the security forces to regain the trust of the Nigerian public.

The lack of public trust in the countrys various security agencies has been to the detriment of the fight against banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria, they noted.

They added that the security forces also needed better training and more boots on the ground, if they were to be effective.

The communique also called for transparency in security spending, specifically Armed Forces budgets and security votes, adding that lack of transparency encouraged corruption.

Transparency here would promote a more effective security architecture as it would allow costs to be weighed up against benefits.

Likewise better accountability would help achieve the same goal, the communique stated.

It added that curbing kidnapping always required the accurate use of local intelligence, thus communications structures between the various arms of the security forces must be improved on.

The participants, who linked the increasing insecurity in the country to high level of poverty, high unemployment rates among young people under 35 years, called for job creation for youths.

There is a clear correlation between highest unemployment rates and kidnapping/banditry hotspots.

Therefore, while the above short-term measures might mitigate the situation, solving it requires strong efforts in the form of clear-cut policies geared towards tackling poverty and unemployment in the country.

Since jobs are primarily created by the private sector, it follows that incentivizing the latter and facilitating business are key in this context.

Moreover, upskilling under-educated persons is also necessary in order to enable them to have future opportunities.

Other participans in the conversation were youth representatives: Jude Feranmi, Hadiza Shehu, Ayobami Adekojo and directors of TAPI.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Raji Rasak

Mr Joseph Agoro, a Chieftain of the All Progressive Party (APC) in Badagry, Lagos State, on Sunday urged political leaders to support Federal Government to urgently tackle the spate of insecurity in Nigeria.

Agoro gave the advice while speaking with journalists at the celebration of his 70th birthday in Badagry.

According to him, this is not Nigeria of our dreams; I am a member of the ruling APC, honestly, the country should be better than this.

The responsibility of every government is security of lives and property.

Whatever you want to become in life., security is number one. When you want a business to grow, there must be security, and if there is no security, you cant have a business.

I want to appeal to our leaders to fix all the security challenges the country is facing currently, he said.

Agoro, also a former Executive Secretary, Badagry Local Government area, recalled how he was able to secure the council in the 90s when he was in charge of the councils administration.

Our leaders have to look at the challenge of insecurity in Nigeria and put a stop to it.

All that is happening today in the country can be arrested within 72 hours, if our leaders are serious and sincere to tackle it, he said.

Agoro insisted that all leaders, from the Governor to council chairmen, Obas and traditional chiefs, were aware of insecurity challenges in the country, and should as result jointly find ways of addressing it.

On his 70th birthday celebration, the APC chieftain said he dedicated his life to God and his community.

I am happy and fulfilled, I give glory to God. God has done wonderfully well for me. He has has blessed me, my children, wife and family, he said.

In his remarks, Oba Adekanmbi Oyekan Possi III, the Alapa of Apa of Egun Awori, Apa Kingdom, described Agoro as a peaceful and loving personality.

According to the monarch, I thank God for his life, Im happy with what I see here today.

When you are nice, many people will gather round you. Today isAgoro at 70.At 70, he is looking younger than his age, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ariwodola Idowu

The Agbajowo Advocacy for Yoruba Peoples Rights (AAYPR), a Pan Yoruba socio/cultural organisation, has rejected current secession clamours by some sections of the country.

The group, which particularly condemned call for the break up of the country and secession of the Yoruba from Nigeria, made this known in a communique issued on Sunday in Ado Ekiti at the end of its monthly meeting.

The communique, jointly signed by its National President and the Director of Media and Publicity, Otunba Muyideen Olamoyegunand Oluwasola Ibukun, respectively,warned that division of the country would complicate issues.

Rather, the Yoruba group canvassed need for continued unity amongst people of Yoruba extraction and Nigerians generally.

The group explained that it was more concerned about cementing the age long bond of relationship that existed between tribes towards engendering progress and cohesion of the country.

It urged Nigerians not to be distracted by the call by some Elders among the Yoruba race for the breakaway, noting that there is no time generality of Yoruba leaders met and discussed anything about breaking away from the current Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The pan-Yoruba socio/cultural group suggested that it was better to insist on the need to restructure the country in all its ramifications instead of disintegration.

To be sincere with ourselves, the current clamouring for secession will not yield any positive result.

What the country needs to do at this time is to agitate for restructuring, tackle the current rise in crimes, the rise in prices of food commodities, unemployment among youths and the epileptic power supply in the country, among many others

It is pathetic at this point that some elders in South West are in the forefront of those championing the division, forgetting that we have five other geo-political zones in this country.

It is unwise for Yoruba people to join any clamour for the division of the country at this historical moment, the communique read in part.

It stressed the need for the Yoruba race to remain monolithic within the Nigerian nation so as not to be sidelined midway and left behind in the scheme of things.

Drawing inference from the recent quit notice allegedly issued by the Arewa youths in the northern part of the country to the people of Yoruba living in their land as another big lesson to the Yoruba, it said the time had come for Nigerians to be mindful of their utterances and actions.

The group lamented what it described as the formation of several splinter associations within the Yoruba race, as against the popular Afenifere and AAYPR groups which, according to it, were the only recognised voices of the Yoruba race during the period of the Action Group of the defunct Western region.

The AAYPPR said the formation of the groups with each claiming its own identity and drawing followership along political lines and showing allegiance to individuals rather than the collective benefits of the race could portend great danger for the Yoruba.

We think the time has come for all Yoruba leaders who have the interest of the people of the race to come together as one so as to move the people forward.

The present situation where we have several associations being formed and are seen to be divided along political and group ideology is not healthy for the progress of our people.

Since the demise of our highly revered sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Chief Adekunle Ajasin, it has become almost impossible to get another person that will command the kind of respect the duo had when they were alive.

Although, some of our leaders have attempted filling the vacuum left behind by these two leaders, the process has become almost impossible due to the influence of some politicians who infiltrated their ranks thereby truncating the vision of our past leaders.

However, since the Yoruba race cannot continue to move like a ship without a captain, it has become important for all leaders of the race who meant well for the people to come together and form a common front while jettisoning their political affiliations, the communique advised. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ginika Okoye

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is to discuss issues concerning the implementation of the financial technology roadmap in the market in its forth-coming committee meeting.

A statement by the commission in Abuja on Sunday says the 2021 Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting would also discuss the 10-year market master plan.

The commission said the virtual meeting is scheduled for April 15 and April 16.

It added participants would include Chief Executive Officers of all registered capital market firms like broker/dealers, investment advisers and custodians.

Other participants are fund/portfolio managers, receiving banks, issuing houses, rating agencies, registrars, reporting accountants, trustees, and Capital Market Consultants.

The CMC was primarily established to serve as a medium for exchange of ideas among market stakeholders.

It is also an avenue for providing feedback to the SEC on how to continuously address challenges, improve market operations and enhance the regulatory framework.

It is an industry-wide committee comprising members of the SEC, representatives of capital market operators and trade groups and other stakeholders, it said.

SEC had unveiled the 10-year plan in 2014 and had continued to implement the initiatives designed to reposition the countrys capital market as an attractive investment destination. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Martha Nyam

The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has slated the 12th Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF), from Dec. 1 to Dec. 7 in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Mr Brian Etuk in Jos on Sunday.

Etuk said thatentries would be opened to allinterested film makers from Nigeria and around the world, starting from April 2 to Oct. 30.

He said the theme for the 2021 edition was Show the Money, and would focus on showcasing the great investment opportunities in digital content creation and exhibition.

The Managing Director, NFC, Mr Chidia Maduekwe, explained that the theme for the 2021 edition was chosen to further the conversations on the yearnings of Nigerian film makers.

Maduekwe said the film festival would continue to play acritical role in galvanising the film sector of the Nigerian economy, by presenting andleveraging opportunities within the unique film industry.

He said that it would accelerate rapid economic growth and development, he said.

He saidthat the festival would provide opportunity for both physical and virtual participation, not only because of adherence to COVID -19 safety protocols, but as a means of increasing the participatory level by offshore film producers.

He directed that all entries be addressed to the Festival Director, ZUMA Film Festival and be submitted through the free film way platform via the link www.filmfreeway.com/zumafilmfestival or to ZUMA Film Festival Secretariat located in Jos.

The 2021 ZUMA Film Festival Award would feature different categories including -the best cinematography, best script, best animation, best actress, best actor, best documentary, best foreign film, best student film, best picture and best indigenous film.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Edo has emerged champion in the artistic men and best-all-round gymnastics men event at the ongoing 20National Sports Festival in Benin.

Edo pulled 122.10 points to win goldahead of Delta with 104.80 points and Ogun with 98.95 that settled for silver and bronze medals respectively.

The hosts also chased their counterparts out of the medals table in the Best All-Round men event with Etim Enobong, winning the gold medal with 41.80 points.

He is closely followed by compatriot Prosper Okosun and Osamudiamen Amanaghawon with 41.20 and 39.10 points respectively.

Micheal Ocheke, coach of the team told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) thathe was not surprised at the outcome of the event.

I feel proud, we have been preparing very well for this festival and we have been expecting this outcome.

I feel so good because if we hadnt won, it will be like a disaster as everybody expects a lot from Edo since we are hosting and we have the best athletes, he said.

On the teams chances in other events, Ocheke said that he was optimistic about the teams prowess in the sport.

More is yet to come.

We dont want to leave any stone unturned because we intend to take all available medal in artistic gymnastics and aerobic gymnastics, Ocheke added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Segun Giwa

Ondo State male volleyball team on Saturday won their fourth consecutive gold medal at the National Sport Festivals at the ongoing Edo 2020.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team had been winning the coveted gold medal since the Port Harcourts Garden City Games in 2011.

It was followed by gold at the Eko 2012 in Lagos, Abuja 2019 and now Edo 2020.

The Ondo state volleyball team defeated the host, Edo State Volleyball Team 3-1 to emerge champions for the fourth time.

The Ondo state team had defeated their counterparts from Kano State and Kwara before beating the host to the title.

The General Manager of the Ondo state Sports Council, Henry Babatunde, said the team had promised the state gold medal before the festival and was happy they delivered.

We are all happy, though we are all expecting it. They promised to deliver it and they did and they didnt disappoint, he said.

He advised other contingent to be more focused and diligent to win more gold for the state.

He also noted that the games where the state has comparative advantage were just about to begin which were; wrestling, table tennis and more. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Segun Giwa

Ondo State female boxers have picked two final spots in the boxing event at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Benin.

Kemi James of Ondo State, fighting in the featherweight category, out-punched Akinremi Azizat of Ogun state in the semi final on Saturday to book a place in the Sundays final.

Roseline Chukwu, also of Ondo state, beat Sakirat Kareem of Oyo state in the semi final of the bantamweight event to qualify for the finals; she will face Idera Monday of Akwa Ibom in the final.

James said she was happy with her performance and was hopeful of winning gold in the final.

I am hopeful that gold will be mine, I have set my eyes on the medal and I believe by the grace of God, the gold will be ours in Ondo, she said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News