Police Service Commission (PSC)

By Monday Ijeh

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of police officers during Saturdays governorship election in Ondo State.

Mr Ikechukwu Ani the Head of Press and Public Relations of the commission disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said a team from the commission that monitored the election visited 12 local government areas in the three senatorial districts of the state, covering 77 polling units.

According to him, the team received 51 telephone calls from its advertised dedicated lines with complaints basically onattempts to induce voters.

He said the election witnessed a reasonable distribution of police men at the various polling units, ranging from three to about 12 depending on the size of the unit.

Ani said the police men were complemented in the polling units by men of the Department of State Services (DSS,) Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

He said the joint task force of Mobile Policemen and the Military were seen at major highways and junctions in the state.

Ani said that a high population of police officers of the rank of inspector were mostly seen at the polling units.

The police officers were civil, polite and respectful and arrived early at the place of assignments.

The commissions team ran into an officer with f/no 454246 at one of the polling units in Okitipupa who politely rejected monetary inducement to the tune of N50,000 to allow thumb printing for voters who failed to turn up for voting.

The commission will investigate further this commendable conduct of the officer and if confirmed to be true, will consider rewarding him as it will equally visit disciplinary measure on those found wanting, he said..

Ani commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police for providing the needed security and ensuring peaceful election in Ondo State. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Chivita Juice brand

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

In preparation for the celebration of World Juice Day on Oct. 17, Nigerias foremost fruit juice brand, Chivita, has called on Nigerians to adopt everyday wellness as a habit.

A statement by Ademola Mafikuyomi, Senior Brand Manager, Chivita, advised Nigerians to always pay close attention to their health and nutrition, and get the right vitamins and minerals to ensure an effective immune system.

Mafikuyomi said A recently-published report by the World Health Organization (WHO) says that adequate fruit and vegetable intake were required to reduce nutritional deficiencies and increase resistance to infectious diseases.

Nigeria has been described as one of the lowest per capital fruit juice consumption nations in the world, consuming two litres of juice per year as compared to average of eight litres by African countries and 20 litres globally.

It is in view of this that Chivita is celebrating the second edition of its World Juice Day on Oct. 17.

The aim is to foster a juice-drinking culture among Nigerians, with a view to adopting a healthier lifestyle and building a healthy nation.

Mafikuyomi said the theme of the 2020 celebration, Fruit Juice: The Smart Secret of Boosting Your Immunity, has become more pertinent, especially now that hygiene and a strong immune system are key to staying healthy.

He added that the celebration, designed as a virtual event, will feature health experts and nutritionists who will provide insight and perspectives into how fruit juice can help strengthen the body.

He invited the general public to participate in the event through Chivitas multiple social media platforms.

The event is a public interest initiative. It was created in partnership with International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association to deepen conversation on fruit juice consumption and enable healthy living for Nigerians, he said.

World Juice Day is an international initiative launched in 2010 by the International Federation of Fruit Juice Producers (IFU).

It was created in response to a proposal of the Turkish Fruit Juice Industry Association. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Kwara United

By Olayinka Owolewa

Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin has given two of its youth team players professional contract ahead of the new season, the Clubs Media Officer, Jimoh Bashir, has confirmed.

The duo, John Emmanuel, a central defender, and AbdulMajeed Sulaiman, a right full back, were part of the team that won silver in the 2019 LMC/LaLiga Under-15 competition, after losing by a lone goal to their Katsina United FC counterparts.

The players, following their performances, were identified by Coach Abdullahi Biffo, who called for their registration, ahead of the commencement of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

According to Bashir, Biffo pledged to give more youth players the opportunity to exhibit their potential, charging them to remain disciplined and learn from the senior players.

John Emmanuel, born August 1, 2005, dazzled in some test matches as a central defender.

Emmanuel joined Kwara United FC youth team from Arsenal Kiddies Academy in 2019.

Abdulmajeed Suleiman, a right full back, was born in 1st December, 2014. He was a former player of Future Stars Football Academy, and teamed up with Kwara United youth team in 2019.

He was part of the gold winning LMC/LaLiga Under-15 Promises team with (ABS FC) in 2017, and silver winning LMC/LaLiga U-15 Promises team with Kwara United FC in 2019. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge fears that football faces big danger if games have to continue being played behind closed doors.

Should the season even have to be abandoned owing to the coronavirus, a number of clubs will not survive, he said.

Germany ended the past season behind closed doors.

But while fans are in theory allowed back in now, the final saying is with health authorities who make decisions based on local infection levels.

While Borussia Dortmund had 11,500 fans twice in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich are not allowed any spectators until at least Oct. 25.

Other clubs have only had small numbers of fans back.

If we dont have fans back in the stadiums soon, I fear that football will suffer big damage, the former Bayern Munich and Germany forward said.

We are really speaking about less income in the region of 100 million euros (118 million dollars).

All over Europe, every club is losing between 50 and up to 200 million euros in a season it has to play without fans. It is easy to see how long a club can bear this.

Rummenigge also fears losing the football fan culture and said they are completely dependent on decisions from political and health authorities.

Looking at the worst case scenario with an abandoned season, Rummenigge fears that the Bundesliga will collapse.

Several Bundesliga clubs wont survive. Several, he said.

I cant imagine the Bundesliga to continue existing in its current form in the future.

Even under the current conditions, there are rumours that some clubs are in fear of insolvency, Rummenigge said. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that the FIFA World Cup and Euro Championship be played every two years instead of four.

He added that while doing this, Europes Nations League should be done away with to make football more attractive.

We must have as few events as possible. A FIFA World Cup and Euro Championship every two years will probably be more suitable for a modern world, Wenger said.

He said in such a scenario, all qualifiers should be played over just one month because that way they would be easier to sell to broadcasters and sponsors.

Wenger suggested that this has been talked about at the ruling body FIFA where he was last year appointed director of global football development.

Personally, I believe this will be a step forward, he said, dismissing suggestions that the image of the big events would suffer by taking place more often.

I always tell people who say this that the image is not linked to the time you wait until you play again but rather to the quality of the competition.

After all, people also watch the UEFA Champions League every year, Wenger said.

FIFA and Europes UEFA have been at odds over new competitions, and Wenger criticised UEFAs Nations League of which the second edition is in the group phase at the moment.

We must get rid of the Nations League and find clearer events which everyone understands.

If you go on the street and ask people what the Nations League is about, you wont find many who can explain it, Wenger said.(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Police logo

By Kola Adeyemi

The police in Kogi State have rescued two medical doctors, kidnapped by unknown gunmen in different parts of the state on Oct. 6 and 7.

Their rescue was confirmed in a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in the state, DSP William Aya.

Aya said that Dr Ejike Mgbeahurike, who was kidnapped from his private clinic in Ayingba on Oct. 7, was rescued from a bush on Ayingba-Ankpa road in the early hours of Sunday.

He further said that the Safer Highway Patrol team of Ankpa Divisional Police Station rescued the doctor while on routine patrol duty on the Ojogobi/Ogodo axis.

He was rescued to the police station while effort is being intensified to recover his vehicle, the police spokesman said.

He added said that Dr Yahaya Ebiloma, who was kidnapped in Ankpa on Oct. 6, had also regained freedom from his captors.

Aya said that Ebiloma regained his freedom at about 11pm. on Oct. 9, when he was released by his abductors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had, on Oct. 9, cried out over the kidnap of two of its members, appealing to the police and the government to act to secure their release. ( NAN)

Source: NAN News

#ENDSARS protesters

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has called for full investigation into the killing of a youth during the EndSARS protest in Ogbomoso, Oyo State on Saturday.

Dare described the death of Isiaka Jimoh, an Ogbomoso indigene, alongside a few injured youths during the protest as sad and regrettable.

The minister, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr John Joshua-Akanji on Sunday in Abuja, stressed the need to bring to justice, all those responsible for the death of the protesting youth.

The minister, who spoke with Isiakas mother, commiserated with her and the entire family, promising that those responsible would be made to face the full wrath of the law for their despicable action.

He promised to visit the family of the deceased shortly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that one of the injured students, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, was also said to have received a call from the minister, while receiving treatment at the hospital.

The minister pledged to ensure his safety as well as the payment of his medical bill before being discharged from the hospital.

The past few days have been troubling. The demands of the youth for an end to SARS and police brutality must be taken seriously.

Protests are not, in themselves, unlawful but they must be done in a peaceful manner and not allowed to be hijacked by hoodlums.

Government is committed to a revamp of the system and must be given a chance to do this, the minister said.

Dare said that the Federal Government was working with relevant stakeholders to reform the police, in line with international best practice.

There is a renewed commitment at the highest level of government to institute far-reaching reforms that will see a better era of policing.

Our youths are our greatest resources and we must protect them, and not waste them, Dare said.

He said that plans were underway for further meetings in Abuja during the week as well as consultations with youth groups towards the start of a dialogue process.

NAN reports that Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had also condemned the shooting by the police during the protest.

NAN also reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had, on Friday, met with the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, with a pledge to ensure reforms in the police.

Thousands of protesters, mostly youths, across the country have been demanding for an end to police brutality and the scrapping of SARS, owing to alleged brutality of its men. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

IG dissolves SARS, adopts measures to protect Nigerians

By Akeem Abas

Senators Teslim Folarin (APC-Oyo Central) and Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo North) have condemned the killing of Isiaq Jimoh during a protest against the operations of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in Ogbomoso on Saturday.

The lawmakers gave the condemnation in their separate statements made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some Nigerians across the country had, in the last few days, been embarking on protests against alleged harassment, extortion and extra-judicial killings of innocent citizens by SARS operatives.

NAN also reports that the EndSARS protest, held on Saturday in Ogbomoso, had turned bloody, leaving Jimoh dead and several others injured.

Folarin, the Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content, condemned what he called the extrajudicial killing of Jimoh allegedly by a policeman during the protest.

The lawmaker, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Yekeen Olaniyi, expressed displeasure over what he described as the inhumane actions of the FSARS men.

While commiserating with the family of Jimoh, he called on the Commissioner of Police in the state to unveil the trigger-happy policeman behind the gruesome killing.

The three-term lawmaker said that the matter should be investigated with a view to prosecuting the culprit to serve as deterrent to other officers and men of SARS.

I condemn, in strongest and unmistaken term, the extrajudicial killing of one of our youths in Ogbomoso, in person of Isiaq Jimoh.

This is one death too many in the hands of the operatives of SARS, as the media is replete with reports of similar treatments and murder of other innocent Nigerians in different parts of the country.

Senseless harassment, maiming and killing of unarmed citizens are completely unacceptable. Police officers are to protect Nigerians and make lawful arrests.

I, however, appreciate the determination of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure a comprehensive reform and overhaul of the operations of the police unit.

The IGP must order the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State to unveil the officer who shot dead the young man with a view to prosecuting him.

While I commiserate with the family and friends of the late Jimoh, I pledge to join other stakeholders to seek justice for the victim, he said.

Also, Buhari described the killing of Jimoh during the EndSARS protest in Ogbomoso as shocking and disheartening.

Buhari, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, said that the nations constitution and democracy permitted freedom of speech as well as association.

The lawmaker said that it was undemocratic to assault, maim or kill citizens, while expressing their fundamental human rights.

Democratically, peaceful protests put the government on the right track to deliver the dividends of democracy to the citizens.

The situation is regrettably painful and I am sure the Commissioner Of Police, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and other relevant authorities are fully investigating the very unfortunate incident with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

I wish those receiving treatment at the Bowen Teaching Hospital soonest recovery from the various injuries they sustained and also express my deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased, Buhari said.

The lawmaker prayed Allah to grant Jimoh aljanah fridaous and his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

UNFPA

By Hadiza Aliyu
As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC), the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Natalia Kanem, has called for increased attention to the plights of girls.

She made the call in a statement on the official UNFPA twitter handle @UNFPA, on Sunday, to mark the IDGC, which has My Voice, Our Equal Future as the 2020 theme of the celebration.

Kanem, who stressed the need for countries around the globe to protect the future and uphold the rights of girls, added that every girl has the right to speak up and to be heard, now more than ever.

It is time for us to listen today as we celebrate the International Day of the Girl-Child, we have an unprecedented opportunity to uplift the adolescent girl to drive progress in our world.

As we seek to build back better and greener and bluer from the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot allow a girls dreams and aspirations to be curtailed; her lost potential costs us all.

When we invest in her health and wellbeing, she will transform her world and ours.

Today, on the International Day of the Girl, lets commit to listening to and lifting up girls voices.

She explained that the voices of girls were often silenced in households, in schools and in the public sphere.

She added that for millions of girls around the world, silence is enforced through Female Genital Mutilation, child marriage and other harmful practices.

She said that not only do these practices violate a girls bodily integrity and autonomy, they steal her confidence and ability to make informed choices about her life.

The acts happen in a moment but their consequences last a lifetime, she added.

She explained that the harmful traditional acts had continued to happen even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She noted that a study by UNFPA and partners shows that the pandemic could result in 13 million more child marriages and two million more cases of FGM between now and 2030.

She said: adolescent pregnancy is on the rise. Girls under lockdown and out of school are highly vulnerable.

With the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda as our guide, we need to do better to ensure that girls are not left behind. We cannot allow the current crisis to derail the future of an entire generation.

Lets redouble our efforts toward a gender-equal world, one where every girl has the power to make informed choices about her body and her life, equipped with the right knowledge and skills.

Surrounded by a peaceful home, safe school and a nurturing community, and protected by the law and duty-bearers, she will have the tools to thrive.

The IDGC is an international observance Day aimed at highlighting the needs and problems of girls around the globe.

It is also to recognise girls rights and the unique challenges they face all over the world and promote their empowerment.

It is used to also advocating for the attainment of their basic human rights, like education and bodily autonomy.

Source: NAN News

APC logo

By Alaba-Olusola Oke

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, who participated for the peaceful conduct of the Saturdays governorship election in Ondo State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that APC flag-bearer, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, haswon the election in nine out of the 12 local government areas as declared by the INEC.

Mr Eyitayo Jegede, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won three councils.

Comrade Mustapha Saliu, Secretary of the APCs National Campaign Council for Ondo 2020, gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Akure.

Saliu, who was the immediate past National Vice-Chairman of APC, described INEC performance as wonderful and encouraging.

INEC did wonderfully well.

You can see that materials arrived many polling units as early as 7.00 a.m.; even in the riverine area.

I want to sincerely appreciate security agents, especially the Police, Army and Navy.

They are professional in this election.

I saw the commitment they put, even under the rain, they were there to ensure safety, he said.

Saliu noted that the election was peaceful, free, fair and credible.

According to him, there was no intimidation nor financial inducement.

He added that it was one of the best elections in the country.

On alleged financial inducement from his party, Saliu described the allegation as just flimsy excuse coming from a particular political party because of its poor performance in the election.

I think it is irresponsible and petty for any political party to say that.

It is a pity that we have some bad losers that is the problem, he said.

In Edo, he said that APC congratulated the governor who won the election, which is the spirit of sportsmanship. (NAN

Source: NAN News