Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has issued a fraud alert to warn traders against filling any forms to benefit from the TraderMoni Scheme.

Osinbajo issued this fraud alert while featuring at a question and answer session at Wazobia FM, 95.1, on Tuesday in Lagos.

TraderMoni is a Federal Governments initiative aimed at providing two million petty traders across the country with collateral-free loans before the end of the year.

The vice president, who spoke in Pidgin English, said that anybody carrying forms for TraderMini was a fraudster.

No form dey for TraderMoni, we no dey give anybody form to fill at all, the people wey get TraderMoni, many of them no fit fill form at all, so we no dey give anybody form.

The way we do it be say, enumerator -like person we dey do census go market, go all the places where we get all these traders outside market the roads wey dey lead to market.

Him go see wetin dem dey sell, e go take your photo, the thing wey you dey sell, your name, put everything down on his own tablet, na for phone dem go contact you.

The first alert wey you go get na for phone, anybody wey don get TraderMoni na for phone e dey get am, anybody wey carry form come say this one na for TraderMoni, na lie, that one na 419.

Everything is electronic, you get alert, you go cash your money, he said.

Osinbajo said that by the end of the year, two million petty traders would have benefitted from the scheme as it had covered more than 1.3 million petty traders nationwide so far.

The vice president had earlier activated the scheme at Obalende, Makoko and Oyingbo markets in Lagos. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Home Grown School Feeding Programme, one of the packages under the Federal Governments Social Intervention Programme (SIP) has created wealth for over 250,000 farmers, cooks and others involved in the scheme.

According to statistics made available during a joint press briefing on the progress of the Scheme, a total of N651million is being earned on a daily basis by farmers and cooks.

The SIP is an initiative of the Buhari led administration, supervised by the office of the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Briefing newsmen on the successes of the scheme, Mr Ismaeel Ahmed, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SIP, said that a total of 9.3 million children were currently being fed in over 49,000 schools in 26 states.

Ahmed added that the government was currently engaging over 150,000 farmers across Nigeria and over 100,000 cooks in the 26 states at the cost of N70 per child every school day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at N70 every school day for 9.3 million children, the Federal Government pays the farmers and the cooks N651 million.

The Social Investment Programme consists primarily of 4 units: The N-Power Programme which is targeted at unemployed young graduates; the Home Grown School Feeding Programme which seeks to feed all Nigerian children in public primary schools; the Conditional Cash Transfer which gives out 5,000 Naira monthly in cash to the poorest of the poor Nigerians in our innermost rural communities; and the GEEP comprising of Market Moni and Trader Moni, which is giving loans of N50,000 to N 100,000 Naira to artisans, market men and women, small

Ahmed explained that the money paid to farmers in the school feeding programme had gone a long way to change the lot of thousands of farmers, cooks and others involved in the value chain for the school feeding.

The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme is helping to create wealth in the rural areas. The School Feeding Programme requires about 6.8 million eggs, 594 cattle and 83 metric tons of fish to be supplied to the cooks, every week, for the purpose of feeding 9,300,892 children in 49,837 government schools in 26 States.

Try to imagine the impact of this demand among the rural farmers in the communities hosting these schools.

People who normally focused on subsistence agriculture for the sole purpose of feeding their families, have expanded into commercialized farming to meet the needs of the School Feeding Programme.

These same farmers have their kids in these schools, so that serves as added motivation to meet our demands of foodstuff because they know it is no gimmick.

For some of them, their wives are cooks in the programme, preparing the meals for the school kids, he said.

Source: NAN

Roger Federer staved off elimination from the ATP Finals as he eased to a 6-2, 6-3 win over Dominic Thiem on Tuesday.

After losing his opening match at Londons O2 Arena against Kei Nishikori, six-time champion Federer would have crashed out if he had been beaten by Thiem.

Only once before has Federer failed to qualify from his group for the knockout rounds in his 15 previous appearances at the prestigious season-ending event.

That lone flop came 10 years ago when the Finals were held in Shanghai and Federer is still in with a chance of avoiding that ignominious fate thanks to his comfortable 66-minute dismissal of Thiem.

Bidding for a record seventh ATP Finals crown and a first in the tournament since 2011 which would be the 100th singles title of his glittering career world number three Federer must beat South Africas Kevin Anderson in his last group match to make the semi-finals.

It feels good. I am very happy that I showed a reaction after the last match, Federer said.

Against Kei, instead of seeing things positively, I thought negatively. It was disappointing but it happens.

Today I was more positive and happy on the court. I love playing in London and I had to remind myself what a privilege it is. I hope I showed it.

Since winning his 20th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, Federer has been stuck in a prolonged slump by his sky-high standards.

A quarter-final exit at Wimbledon, blowing a two-set lead against Anderson, was followed by a stunning US Open last 16 defeat to Australian journeyman John Millman.

Its never easy to play against him, especially indoors. He deserved that win at Wimbledon but hopefully Ill get my revenge, Federer said of his Anderson rematch.

The 37-year-olds defeat in his opening Finals match against Nishikori on Sunday marked the first time Federer had lost in straight sets in 46 group stage matches.

He responded to that setback by cancelling his practice session on Monday, sparking fears he was seriously hampered by a hand injury that has troubled him since the grass-court season in June and July.

Having cut a grumpy figure during his error-strewn loss to Nishikori, Federers spirits were lifted by this solid show, aided by Thiems 34 unforced errors.

After missing a break point in the opening game, Federer started to find his rhythm and he landed the first break for a 2-1 lead when the world number eight sent a forehand long.

Another break followed in the seventh game as Thiem netted a tame volley as Federer won the first set with ease.

While it wasnt vintage Federer, he was doing enough to take advantage of Thiems sloppy display as the French Open finalist double-faulted to gift a break in the opening game of the second set.

That was all the encouragement Federer needed as he cruised to the finish line.

Earlier, Anderson handed Japanese star Nishikori a humiliating 6-0, 6-1 thrashing as the South African moved to the brink of a semi-final berth.

Anderson won the first 11 games and needed only 64 minutes to demolish the woeful Nishikori.

Having also won his opening match against Thiem in his ATP Finals debut, Anderson is close to becoming the first African to qualify for the last four.

It was a landmark moment for the 32-year-old, who has set a new career-high of 47 victories in a calendar year.

He will rarely have had such an easy outing as this one throughout his memorable 2018, which saw him reach his first Wimbledon final in July.

Its amongst the best Ive played. I did a really good job constantly applying the pressure and not letting up, Anderson said.

Former US Open finalist Nishikori was at a loss to explain his performance, saying: I played one of the worst matches this year. Today was a terrible match.

Source: NAN

Indications have emerged that Alhaji Ahmed Sokoto the deputy governor of Sokoto State and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has resigned from his position.

Sources said he resigned on Tuesday night, reported.

The resignation is long expected as he had fallen out politically since governor Aminu Tambuwal dumped APC for opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Tambuwal who was sure of clinching the presidential ticket of PDP failed in his bid and also could not secure the ticket for re-election in the state.

The deputy governor, is reported to have submitted a copy of his resignation letter to the states House of Assembly.

The House decided to make it secret as it was not read on the floor during Tuesdays plenary session.

The source said the sudden resignation might not be unconnected with unforeseen circumstances that might crop up in the build-up of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The 48-year-old former Commissioner for Health in Sokoto State had his primary school education at Magajin Rafi Model Primary School Sokoto from 1977 1983.

His secondary school education was at the Government Secondary School, Yabo where he was from 1983 1989 where he obtained his West African School Leaving Certificate.

He proceeded to the College of Administration of the Polytechnic of Sokoto State. He succeeded in obtaining a clerical officers certificate (Account and Audit) in 1991.

In the same vein, Ahmed Aliyu went back to the same institution between 1991 1992 where he obtained a certificate in Accounts and Audit (CPAA).

Ahmed Aliyus thirst for knowledge galvanized him to yet to back to the same polytechnic of Sokoto State between 1992 1994 where he obtained a Professional Diploma in Public Account and Audit (DPAA).

He was at the Abdu Gusau Polytechnic Talata Marafa in Zamfara State, from 1995 1997, where he successfully studied for and obtained a Higher National Diploma in Local Government Studies.

As an enterprising individual, Ahmed Aliyu was still yearning for more education, that was why he got admitted into the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto from 2000 2001 where he obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in management (PGDM).

Ahmed Aliyu again went back to the same Ivory Tower between 2002 2003 where he successfully crowned his search for knowledge with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Source: NAN

The National President of the Ahmadiyya Youth Organization, Mr. Said Aina, has urged youths to be agents of change and development rather than agents of destruction.

Aina, the head of the Islamic sect, made the appeal when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on in Benin on the 2018 edition of the ride for peace (RFP) campaign held in 16 states of the federation.

He said the event, essentially a bicycle riding exercise, was aimed at showcasing the vibrancy of the Nigerian youth whose energies can be channeled to productive use if properly harnessed.

Against the backdrop of crime and criminality usually associated with youths, this program sought to emphasize the beneficial attributes of the dynamic force in todays youth.

Aina said that he led the leadership of the group at this years event to Auchi town in Etsako West LGA of Edo state as part of its campaign to help youths become actively engage in productive ventures rather than be allowed to be used as destructive agents.

According to him, the aim of the program is to sensitize youths that our viability and agility should be channeled towards meaningful causes and not for criminality or destruction hence the program was tagged Ride for Peace.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Ridwan Bonvis, coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), in the area, commended the Ahmadiyya youth group on its various strides and activities which he described as worthy of emulation by other youths.

He said that the goals which the Ahmadiyya youth strove to achieve through its programs, were congruent with the ideals of the NYCN and urged the group not to relent in its good work.

Over 50 youths participated in the bicycle riding exercise.

The participants commenced their ride from Warrake on a total distance of 4.9km, through AP and Uchi market road into Polytechnic road via I.C.E road onto Jattu road and culminated at the Otaru of Auchis Palace. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Martins Odeh

The Federal High Court on Wednesday in Abuja varied the bail conditions upon which the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu was admitted.

Justice Binta Nyako made the variation in a ruling on the conditions of the bail she had granted Kanu in April 2017.

Nyako therefore held that the three sureties, including Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe, were compelled to within two months, pay N100 million each for their inability to produce the missing IPOB leader.

The three sureties had been made to sign a bail bond of N100m each which was backed by their landed assets whose documents were deposited in court.

The judge said with this amendment, the sureties were now required to deposit cash of N100 million into the courts bank account.

The order directing the sureties to pay the money is an order of interim forfeiture, she said.

The sureties had argued that Kanus disappearance was not unconnected with the invasion of his home by the military and not orchestrated by them.

The military had in a special operation clashed with IPOB members in Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, in Abia State, on Sept. 14, 2017 leading to Kanus escape from the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Kanu and three others are been tried on charges of treasonable felony.

Source: NAN

By Grace Alegba

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a rights group on Wednesday commended the Lagos State Government for approving the use of Hijab for female Muslim students in all public schools.

The Director, MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, gave the commendation in Lagos while reacting to a circular released by the state government on 13th Nov, in which the approval was given.

Akintola described the step as a monumental decision, and commended the patience and steadfastness of Muslim residents and associations in Lagos State.

The wind of change is sweeping across the South-West and no state government wants to be caught within the camp of reactionaries.

We call on all government agencies and employers of labour to note this development. It is a monumental decision. The patience exhibited by Lagos Muslims has paid off.

A quiet and peaceful revolution is ongoing and it is in the best interest of all men and women of goodwill to join the train before it leaves the station so that they may not be left behind.

Reports reaching MURIC headquarters say the Tutor-General Permanent Secretary (TGPS) of District 6 has also issued a circular directing all school principals within the jurisdiction to allow female Muslim students who wish to use the Hijab to do so.

We are yet to hear anything from Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. We are therefore calling on the remaining five TGPS to follow suit. Delay will simply mean insubordination and sabotage of governments good intention.

We congratulate the Lagos State chapters of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), the Muslim Congress (TMC), the Muslim Teachers Association of Nigeria (MUTAN) and the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN).

We commend them for their steadfastness, patience and forbearance.

In conclusion, we charge all the Islamic organisations in the state to immediately set up monitoring units for the successful implementation of the state governments directive.

Muslim parents should be mobilised to visit schools for the purpose of ensuring compliance, while we warn that nobody should take the law into his or her hands.

Defaulting principals and recalcitrant teachers should be reported to the nearest office of Islamic organisations, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an appeal court in2016 overturned the judgement of a Lagos State High Court which banned the use of Hijab in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

NAN also reports that the Lagos State Government is currently at the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the appellate court.

Source: NAN

By George Odok

The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy said it would on Thursday commence Ani-Oforifori exercise in Niger Delta creeks to rid the area of bad elements

Ani-Oforifori means Chase Thief in Kalabari language in Rivers.

The command announced this in a statement by its Information Officer, Commander Thomas Otuji, on Wednesday in Calabar.

According to the statement, the objective of the exercise is to assess the operational readiness of ships, gunboats, helicopters and other platforms of the Eastern Fleet.

The statement added that the exercise was also to test the skills of personnel in tackling maritime threats within the commands Area of Responsibility.

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. David Adeniran, has announced that the Eastern Naval Command will commence exercise Ani-Oforifori meaning Chase Thief in Kalabari language.

In view of this, members of the public, particularly the good people of the Niger Delta, are advised not to panic but go about their normal businesses.

They should not panic when they see large body of war ships, gunboats, helicopters and other naval platforms in the area as the exercise is for routine purposes, the command explained.

Source: NAN

Interim Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari was appointed permanent coach on Monday after overseeing a startling upturn in the European champions fortunes since he stepped in to replace Julen Lopetegui.

Everything is in order. Real Madrid have worked out his contract and there are no problems, the Spanish football federation stated.

Solari has led Real to four wins out of four since being installed on a caretaker basis following Lopeteguis abrupt sacking last month.

And with 15 goals scored and only two conceded he has established the best ever start for a Real manager.

After thrashing Melilla in the Copa del Rey, they won 5-0 away to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, between victories over Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo in La Liga.

The upturn has left Madrid only four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona and on the brink of qualification for the last 16 in Europe.

Solari, who spent five years playing for Real, was promoted from his role in charge of Castilla, the clubs B team, after Lopetegui had overseen a miserable run that included just one victory in seven games.

The last of those, a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Barcelona, proved the final straw for club president Florentino Perez but the team have rebounded under their new coach.

Solari is Perezs 13th manager in 15 seasons across two seperate periods at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He has done excellently, Madrid club director Emilio Butragueno said on Sunday night. We are very happy with how things have gone.

Few could argue with the results, which have now earned Solari the chance to prove himself over a longer period.

Great opportunity

AFP/File / TORU YAMANAKA
Santiago Solari rejects comparisons with former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane
He indicated in his opening press conference that he was open to keeping the job full-time.

Its a great opportunity and its a great club, Solari said. I dont just say that now as coach of the first team. Ive been here with other teams, Ive played and sweated in the shirt of this club.

Madrid is bigger than all of us but it touches us all with its greatness. I want to be a part of it.

Zinedine Zidane also stepped up mid-season from coaching Castilla in 2016 and led the team to Champions League glory five months later.

Solari has played down the comparisons with Zidane, who commanded instant respect owing to his glittering playing career and long-established status at the club, enhancing his status as a Real legend by winning three consecutive Champions League crowns.

Hes one of the greatest things weve ever had at this club, Solari said last month. Hes very calm, a great coach and nobody can compare to him.

The challenge for Solari will be to manage the dressing room when results take a turn for the worse.

After the international break, Madrids generous run of games continues with league matches against Eibar, Valencia, Huesca, Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal before Christmas, none of whom currently reside in La Ligas top half.

They will also play Roma in Italy and CSKA Moscow at home in the Champions League, two games likely to settle who goes through top of Group G.

Solari was only allowed two weeks as an interim coach according to Spanish regulations, meaning Sundays trip to Celta Vigo was always likely to precede a decision on his future.

It proved an impressive final audition as Madrid struck a 4-2 victory, with Solari having to adapt to a handful of injury problems during the game.

Well go to the death with him, hes a great coach and of course we want him to continue, Madrid defender Alvaro Odriozola said afterwards.

This will be Solaris maiden job in charge of a first team.

Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Joachim Low had all been linked to the position, with fresh approaches still possible next summer.

Source: NAN

By Florence Onuegbu

Mr Aliyu Aziz, Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), says 33 million Nigerians have enrolled for the National Identification Number (NIN).

Aziz said on Monday said that the commission had stepped up its strategy to fast-track the enrolment of more citizens and provide them with legal identification.

NIMC has stepped up its operations, which has seen the enrolment figure with the unique National Identification Number (NIN) now at over 33 million, astronomically up from just seven million three years ago, he said.

The Director-General said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) hadon Sept. 12, 2018 approved the immediate commencement of the implementation of a strategic roadmap for Digital Identity Ecosystem in Nigeria.

Aziz said that the step would further boost enrolment across the country, moreso as government had set the enforcement of the mandatory use of the NIN for Jan 1, 2019.

He said that the Digital Identity Ecosystem was a framework that leveraged on the existing capabilities and infrastructure of distinct government agencies and private sector organisations.

The Director-General said that the framework was to carry out enrolment of Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database (NIDB).

Aziz said that the framework was to ensure issuance of digital identity, known as the NIN, to give Nigeria a credible and robust identity management system.

He said that the provision of digital identity to everyone in the country to be able to prove who is who was critical to accessing services physically or electronically.

According to him, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations demands that nations provide legal identity for all including birth registration by the year 2030.

From the above, it is very clear that identification plays an important role in enabling the achievement of other SDG targets, such as social protection, rights to economic resources, land and property, as well as universal health coverage, he said.

Source: NAN