A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Representative of Lagos State Governor and member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mustain Abiodun Tobun (3rd left), with Regent of Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Chief Abdulrasheed Shitta (left); Sole Administrator, Ikorodu West LCDA, Mr. Segun Anifowoshe (2nd left) and other Community Leaders during the commissioning of Taiwo Molajo Street as one of the 114 Roads in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.
Newly constructed and commissioned Taiwo Molajo Street in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as one of the 114 Local Government Roads, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.
Newly constructed and commissioned Taiwo Molajo Street in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as one of the 114 Local Government Roads, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.
Newly constructed and commissioned Ojediran Street in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as one of the 114 Local Government Roads, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.
Newly constructed and commissioned Ojediran Street in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as one of the 114 Local Government Roads, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.
Newly constructed and commissioned Ojediran Street in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as one of the 114 Local Government Roads, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.
Representative of Lagos State Governor, APC Chieftain in Ikorodu, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun (3rd right); Sole Administrator, Ikorodu West LCDA, Mr. Segun Anifowoshe (2nd right); former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye (3rd left); Regent of Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Chief Abdulrasheed Shitta (middle); with other Community Chieftains during the commissioning of Ojediran Street as one of the 114 Roads in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) distributed 1, 200, 693 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to voters in Ondo as at Aug. 11, an official said on Tuesday. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, made this known at a press conference in Akure ahead of the governorship election in the state.
The governorship election is scheduled to hold on Nov. 26. According to Agbaje, 331, 078 PVCs are yet to be collected by their owners as at Aug. 11. He said that a total of 1, 531, 771 PVCs were received in the state before the 2016 Continuous Voter Registration. Agbaje congratulated the political parties to participate in the election for the successful completion of their primary elections.
He advised politicians to have violence-free campaigns ahead of the poll. "It is my belief that a peaceful campaign is a likely harbinger to conduct of a peaceful election," he said. Agbaje said that INEC had a good relationship with all political parties in the state.
"Meanwhile, the commission has commenced aggressive, persistent and sustained voter education, mobilisation and public enlightenment campaigns to create awareness ahead of the election.
"Essentially, the voter education campaigns are geared toward preventing voter apathy.'' He said that the campaigns were equally to appeal to the citizens to shun violence before, during and after the election.
Agbaje said that the commission would make use of 3, 009 presiding officers and 9,029 assistant presiding officers I, II and III for the election. According to Agbaje, there are 3, 009 polling units, with 203 registration areas in the 18 local government areas of the state.
An official of Samsung Electronic West Africa, Mr Zain Mamudu, says the Samsung Galaxy Note7 has not been officially introduced into the Nigerian market.
Mamudu, who is Manager, Samsung Customer Service Centre in Abuja told newsmen on Tuesday that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was slated to be introduced in the country in October.
The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) issued a directive that the company should recall the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 within seven days. This development followed worldwide reports of dozens of the phone exploding while being charged due to fault in the battery.
However, a statement from the Samsung Electronics West Africa Ltd., which earlier announced the postponement of the launch said that the devise was isolated due to battery cell problems.
"Although the Galaxy Note7 has not been released in Nigeria, the current Galaxy Note7 users are kindly advised to visit the nearest Samsung Authorized Service Centre for immediate assistance about replacement programme.
"We acknowledge the inconvenience this may have caused in the market, but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to Samsung customers. "Samsung is completely committed to fixing this problem and ensuring the highest level of safety and satisfaction for its customers," Samsung said.
A Samsung distributor of Mehdi Global Ltd, who requested not to be named, told pressmen that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was not supplied to the company or any of the company's dealers. He however said that even if the phone got into the country, it was probably bought in Dubai or elsewhere because not all the units manufactured had problem.
Another phone dealer, Miss Joan okechukwu also told newsmen that her company never sold the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. "We never sold the said phone but heard of the directive by Consumer Protection Commission asking Samsung West Africa to withdraw the phones from the country," she said.
Many shops visited also said that they did not sell the phone.
Outspoken Czech President Milos Zeman announced Tuesday he is backing US Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump, pitting himself against his country’s prime minister who favours Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
“I’d vote for Donald Trump if I were a US citizen,” Zeman said, quoted by the Dnes Czech daily.
Branded a populist by his critics, the ex-communist leftist Zeman shares Trump’s staunch anti-migrant stance and a fondness for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Hungary’s anti-migrant right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban — also a Putin fan — became the first European leader to endorse Trump, calling him a “better option” for the bloc than Clinton.
But in August leftist Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka insisted Clinton was better than Trump for the NATO alliance on security issues as relations between Russia and the West reach their lowest ebb since the end of the Cold War.
Trump drew the ire of eastern NATO members including Lithuania and Estonia that were ruled by Moscow during the Soviet era by appearing to suggest that he might not protect them from Russian aggression.
Trump has also enthusiastically touted his readiness to work with Putin, at one point even describing the Russian strongman as more of a leader than US President Barack Obama.
Putin on Saturday offered what appeared to be his strongest support for Trump so far — without explicitly naming him.
“We are carefully watching what is happening in the United States and we, of course, view with sympathy those who publicly state that it is necessary to build a relationship with Russia, on the basis of equality,” he told journalists at a televised briefing.
ABUJA- AS the Federal Government intensify efforts for smooth digital switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial television a satellite operating firm, SES in collaboration with Cable Channels Nigeria Ltd, CCNL, yesterday commenced training of 100 people on conduct satellite installer.
The Chief Executive Officer, Rajiv Mekkat,CEO ,CCNL, at a media interaction explained that the partnership with SES became necessary in order to fast-track the digital switchover.
Mekkat said: "This partnership with SES will help bring digital switchover nearer to completion, which is a clear benefit to the Nigerian consumer."
Also speaking was Vice Chairman, SES, Paul Freeman, who said the training of the installers will bring TV services right to the home of customers in Nigeria, which he said the satellite has been in space serving Nigerian customers.
"The goal is to bring satellite TV services closer and at their best to more Nigerians. This satellite is in space serving Nigeria today. This Satellite is used for a digital switchover project, working with our partner CCNL. We work with them and the government for the Satellite TV channels to provide terrestrial services as well.
"The trainees are expected to do basically excellent installation, and to deliver the best picture possible. They are also expected to be ambassadors of free TV and do time to time repairs. We had already from our feedback mechanism been getting good response from the people on the quality of installation,"
"Once we conclude the process in Jos, Plateau State, we would be able to do checks and balances, and strategise towards expansion to other regions of the country. We are also planning to launch another training by June next year depending on where possibly our priorities are", Freeman stated.
It would be recalled that in May 2016, SES, and CCNL signed a multi-year agreement to provide a strategic and reliable video platform, via SES’s prime orbital position 28.2 degrees East, for the provision of digital Terrestrial Television, (DTT), and Direct to Home (DTH) broadcast platforms in Nigeria.
In his remarks the Director Corporate Communications and Government Affairs, FREETV, Kalada Wilson, said with the new regime of television, broadcasting and reception in Nigeria could only work with satellite partners.
"What we do is that we aggregate content. We are licensed to aggregate content, and in doing that for the TV households in Nigeria, you need a satellite company, not just a satellite but a reliable one. For us cable operators, SES is a tested company reliable company for this business. With a Set -top- box, you could access 15 channels. There are also plans to make it 30 channels", he added.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole, on Monday, commissioned a new 8.5-kilometre Uhen-Olumoye road in Ovia North East, in continuation of delivering people-oriented projects to the people of Edo State.
Speaking during the commissioning of the road which is in the Local Government Area of former Governor of the State, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion, Oshiomhole said the road is a reward to the people of the community for putting their trust in him.
He said: "If you had not voted for me, I wouldn't have become governor, and if I had not become governor, I wouldn't have been able to construct this road. And the money I used for constructing this road is not from me, but from you. This work is the result of your trust.
He continued, "anything that is within my power to do for you, I will like to do because that is the only way to reward you for your trust in me. This road is part of the debts I'm paying back, and by the special grace of God, it is not only this road. I have already told my people that for the electricity issue, I will give them more money. I will make sure that before the end of next week, they will install light.
Oshiomhole added: "the only thing I want to reveal is that the man our party, APC, has chosen to continue from where I will stop, to start part two is not a stranger in governance. The day we held the state executive council meeting where we took the decision to construct this road, he was there in the meeting because he is the chairman of the economic team. So, there is nothing we do that he doesn't know about. He knows where we want to go and where we are at the moment. He also knows what is remaining and he knows how to do what is remaining. That is why we say we want to consolidate on what we have done and we want to go to the next level.
"So, I want to promise you that Godwin Obaseki will even do better because he doesn't have to learn the work again. After we have worked for eight years, I will withdraw and he will take over. I have no fear about that. And I promise you that APC will do more. Even if I am sleeping, I know that Obaseki will do well."
He took a swipe at Igbinedion for collecting N5 billion for a dual-carriage Okada road, which was not done, saying the Uhen-Olumoye road is a testimony to what a focussed government can do.
In a welcome address delivered on behalf of the community, Hon. Bright Osayande, member, Edo State House of Assembly said, "In all the years of PDP governance in Edo State, Olumoye village was practically inaccessible.
The only road that links Olumoye to other villages was in such a deplorable condition that even the PDP campaign teams would constantly expunge the village from the list of her campaign targets. As expected of a government that is masses-driven, the Oshiomhole-led administration took the bull by the horn and constructed the road to modern standard. The people of Olumoye are deeply grateful."
On his part, the governorship candidate of the APC, Mr. Godwin Obaseki promised to do more for the people of Ovia North East when he emerges Governor on November 12.
He said: "My Comrade Governor, I thank you very much on behalf of our people in Ovia. Before you came, we did not know this was possible. Look at the road you have given us, and you are not from Ovia. By the grace of God and by the power of our people, when I become governor, November 12, I don't have a choice but to do more for our people.
"We still need water, and that will be my responsibility. We still need to energize our electricity more. That will be my responsibility, but above all, to empower our young people here. And that will be responsibility."
Obaseki added, "So, what we are doing this evening is to thank you on behalf of our people in Ovia and to assure you and my people from Ovia that this development we have started will not end with you. By the grace of God, we will extend what you have started. September 28th is the date; let us vote APC so that what we have started can continue."
The APC campaign team was also at Iguomon community in Ovia North East, where Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Mr. Godwin Obaseki addressed the Yoruba community, and the representative of Alhaji Rasheed Ishola, head of Yoruba community in Edo State declared their support for Godwin Obaseki ahead of the September 28th governorship election in the State.
Abuja - A former Executive Secretary of National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE, Professor Peter Lassa, on Monday, condemned the state of education in Nigeria.
He stated this in Abuja while briefing journalists; he said it is imperative for all hands to be on desk in order to address the challenges being faced in the education sector.
He said, in cases where children sit on the floor or receiving classes in a makeshift classroom or receive classes under the three, in some parts of the country, was unacceptable.
According to him, "It is worrisome that Nigeria has become a country that has the largest population of out of school children in the world. It is being reported in several international and national educational reports that approximately 10 million of Nigerian children are out of school. We as a country has not been able to implement the policy initiative to drive the implementation of the educational system.
"Those that are in school the statistics show only 64% complete primary school in 2012 and that only 43% continue into JSS1. The situation is worse 72% of primary schools age never attended school. These and other indicators are sufficient reasons to worry about the state of primary education.
In majority of primary schools particularly in rural areas, they do not have buildings. Children are sitting under the trees or open space .Even in townships where they have so called classrooms, there is no water talkless of toilets".
He said the solution to these challenges is for the three tiers of governments to join hand together to develop necessary infrastructure.
The Professor of Mathematics said there is need for the federal government to scrap Ordinary National Diploma, OND, because it is not in National policy on Education.
"Here is a law to scrap the so called OND, in the nation. OND is strange to our national policy on Education (2004). Every Tom, Dick and Harry seems to offer course with no set national standard. The OND is offered under varying circumstances and time of study. It is lowering educational standard. Those wishing to offer such courses should use certificate in Computer, in social work, in plumbing, in cooking etc.
The federal government circular of 2000 prohibiting the use of OND for employments should be enforced. Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, should not use OND for admission into universities".
He said in order to develop the education sector in the country, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, must its industrial actions.
ABUJA – The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on Tuesday, said the judiciary was determined to purge itself by weeding out corrupt and indolent judges.
The CJN, who stated this while flagging-off 2016 annual judges conference of the Federal High Court in Abuja, said it was regrettable that the judiciary is perceived as compromised owing to the misconduct of a minute minority on the bench.
According to him, such acts of misconduct “rubs off on the rest of us and creates the impression that all judicial officers have their hands soiled with the proceeds of corruption”.
“That is why the independence of the judiciary must remain unquestionable if we are to retain the trust and confidence of the people of Nigeria.Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed
“We must arrive to be apolitical, neutral and most importantly independent in matters that pertain to the business of the Court.
“We must shun the lure of corruption and the temptation to adjudicate on narrow perceived grounds, which may offend even our own rules of court. Similarly, we must ensure that unnecessary delay is not countenanced nor permitted within our Courts.
“No doubt, where we dispense justice promptly, properly and transparently, in active collaboration with all stakeholders in the administration of justice, then the reputation of our courts within the public sphere will be enhanced.
Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba, on Tuesday in Abuja urged Nigerian youths to participate actively in trade union activities.
Wabba made the call at the NLC National Youth Conference with the theme "Promoting Youth Participation in Trade Union,"
He noted that in as much as NLC is the most vibrant in Africa, leading other Africa countries in trade unionism, it was doing itself a great disservice by not allowing youth participation in its activities.
"We need to encourage youths from the local council to the national level to fully participate in trade union activities.
"NLC has ordered its affiliate bodies to set up structures that will accommodate the youth.
"The youths need to be given a chance; they need to come in and get their right of place to drive the process of change that the country is yarning for at the moment.
"I started my trade union career in 1989 when I was barely 21 years old; I passed through the rudiments and was fully involved in the activities of the union until I got to where I am today."
He said that it was high time youths replaced the aging workforce, adding that they would be able to drive the new face of labour unions, if the elders gave them the needed space.
According to him, youths remain the centre of leadership and must be supported.
He said that allowing youths to exercise their energy on unionism would help to build a lasting structure which must come with integrity and commitment to the union.
Also speaking, Mr Christopher Johnson, the Programme Director for African Solidarity Centre, said there was the need to build workers' power with the youth as the driving force.
He said that youths were technologically savvy, young people were better positioned to lead the old; hence, they must be given a chance in the trade union
"Seventy per cent of Nigerians are between the ages of 18 and 35 and if such people are not given a chance to move into labour union, then something is fundamentally wrong."
Comrade Lucy Offiong, the Chairperson, Youth Conference Planning Committee, said it was time to bring in the youth who should be trained and educated on the ideals of NLC.
He advised the youths not to allow the NLC to regret the action of bringing them into trade union activities, adding that they should feel free to ask the President any questions agitating their minds.
"We want the labour union to succeed so that when we are leaving, we can be sure we are handing over to a vibrant and committed youth."
A participant, Mayowa Abutu, and member, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), lauded the move by the NLC to give the youth a chance.
She said that this act would encourage many youths to get fully involved in trade union activities and urged youths to avail themselves of the opportunity provide by the NLC to enage in trade unionism.
By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief The lack of proper coordination between the nation’s fiscal and monetary authorities has become manifest as the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN,Tuesday refused to cut interest rate, as expressed by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun .
The Governor of the CBN, Mr.Godwin Emefiele, who briefed the press at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee ( MPC), meeting in Abuja, said that rate cuts in the past did not result in banks giving credits to the real sectors of agriculture and manufacturing, as instructed.
He said a cut in the rate at a time the inflation is rising could worsen the nation’s economic situation.
At Jumia Travel, we love young professionals and we are huge proponents of careful spending, so. if you have just graduated and are having a hard time getting your financial act together, we offer five simple ways you can effectively manage spending and excel financially as a young professional
Set savings goals
It is common for young people in Nigeria to spend everything and save nothing, either because they are making very little or they are living above their means. While living paycheck to paycheck may work out well for a while, at some point, it will become essential to create stability in your financial life. The stability can only be created by setting saving goals and actually following them through. Starting a solid savings account or scheme will not only help you weather inevitable tough periods, such as layoffs, but also move toward longer-term dreams, such as starting your own business. If you, however, are a bit unsure on how to start saving, you can start with putting away one-third of your income in a savings account. While putting N1,000 out of every N3,000 you earn into the bank might sound like a lot and it is, it’s the only way to get closer to that ultimate goal of financial security.
Opt for less expensive entertainment options
You are young. Of course, you like to hit the bars after work, go out for lunches and basically have fun. usually, the best kind of fun. While it is okay to let yourself enjoy bouts of fun time, it is important that you keep yourself in check and track your spending. If eventually you realize that you are spending the bulk of your monthly income on entertainment, it might be time to cut back a little. For instance, instead of going out to club and lounges for drinks with friends, maybe consider having happy hour at your place.
Always go for Quality rather than Quantity
When buying the things you need, whether clothes, shoes, cosmetics e.t.c, it is important you take your time to research so that you end up purchasing quality. Quality items tend to be a bit pricey; however, they are an investment rather than liability as they are built to last. Cheaper items may seem cost effective and alluring as a lot is offered for less, but they mostly tend to get ruined quicker than you imagine and you have to spend money fixing them or getting a new one. Basically, it takes discipline, patience and a practiced eye but it is a habit you can attain with time.
Don’t be stingy with career-related investments
A majority of young professionals tend to look the other way when presented with opportunities that may improve their status, advance their careers and eventually their earning power, especially when those opportunities would cost them a lot of money. While it may not seem like the shrewd thing to do, one area where it is okay to be a spendaholic is when it comes to investing in your career. Even if it is as "unnecessary" as hiring a maid service so that you can use the extra time it creates to work on your business or website, do it; you would literally be sacrificing to secure an upgraded future.
Date wisely
This may seem far-fetched, but young people love the dating game. Unfortunately, a number of young professionals crumble financially due to the wrong choices they make when choosing a partner. While passion, love and romance is important, it is important you choose someone whose values match your own and not just where money is concerned, but also ethical and moral values. If you must commit yourself financially, ensure you give only what you can let go and not something that can derail your financial goals. Basically, Learn to make decisions with your heart, along with your head.
Yaya Toure will not play again for Manchester City until the player’s camp apologises for comments made by his agent, manager Pep Guardiola vowed on Tuesday.
Dimitri Seluk accused the City manager of “humiliating” Toure, 33, by leaving him out of the club’s Champions League squad at the start of this month.
The Ivorian midfielder, who announced his retirement from international duty on Tuesday, has not figured in a single City match-day squad since then.
“The day after that, his agent spoke and in that moment, Yaya is out,” Guardiola told a press conference.
“Unless Mr Dimitri Seluk comes back to the press or to his friends in the media -- because he hasn’t the courage to call me, he goes to the media -- and apologises to Manchester City first of all, then his team-mates and afterwards the trainer.
Yaya Toure
“When that happens, Yaya will be part of the group and he will have the chance to play.”
While Guardiola said that Seluk should say sorry for his comments, the club later indicated the manager wanted an apology from Toure.
Toure has recovered from a migraine that made him unavailable for Saturday’s 4-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth, but he will not be considered for Wednesday’s League Cup tie at Swansea City.
Seluk had said: “If he (Guardiola) wins the Champions League for City this season, then I will travel to England and I will say on television that Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world.
“But if City don’t win the Champions League, then I hope that Pep has got the balls to say that he was wrong to humiliate a great player like Yaya.”
Toure, who is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, has featured just once for City since Guardiola’s arrival. – Cruyff respect –
He played the full 90 minutes of their Champions League play-off second-leg victory over Steaua Bucharest in August.
Guardiola added: “I cannot accept as a coach that every agent, when his player doesn’t play, goes to the media and speaks.
“I know how much Dimitri Seluk loves Yaya Toure. If he loves him, show me by apologising to Manchester City for what he said in the papers.”
Guardiola said that, as a player at Barcelona in the early 1990s, he would never have dared to allow his agent to speak out against Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, then the club’s manager.
“I cannot imagine in my day when a player’s agent would go to the media and speak against Johan Cruyff,” he said.
“Maybe it’s the new era, but I’m from the old generation, and an old-generation agent has to make his players his job and the coach his job.
“Today agents believe they are more than they are. If you have a problem, we can talk. Until he speaks, Yaya isn’t going to play.”
Guardiola said the decision to omit Toure from his Champions League squad had not been an easy one.
“It was so difficult for me to leave him out of the Champions League squad. So difficult,” he said.
“I know him and I know he’s a good guy. It was difficult as well for Aleix Garcia.”
Toure has been at City since 2010 and has won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup during that time.
While he will play no part at Swansea, captain Vincent Kompany could return, having not played since April after undergoing groin and thigh surgery
Abuja – The Senate has given the Federal Government guidelines to follow in putting an end to the current economic recession facing the country.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, gave the guidelines in Abuja on Tuesday in his welcome to mark the resumption of the Senate from a seven week recess.
He said that during the recess he interacted with various age groups in Kwara who pleaded that everything should be done to put an end to the suffering of Nigerians.
Saraki, therefore, advised the Federal Government to among other things put in place a pro-business leadership-level engagement platform with the private sector to boost market confidence in the economy.
The Senate also advised the government to raise money from sale of assets to shore up foreign reserves, calm investors and discourage currency speculation.
"The Federal Government should engage in meaningful dialogue with aggrieved militants in the Niger Delta and avoid an escalation of the conflict in the region.
"The National Assembly is very ready to play any role in the process.
"The Federal Government must consider tweaking the pension funds policy within international best practice safeguards to accommodate investment in infrastructure and mortgages.
"The government and the Central Bank of Nigeria must agree on a policy of monetary easing to stimulate the economy and harmonise monetary and fiscal policy until economic recovery is attained.
"The Federal Government must retool its export promotion policy scheme with export incentives such as the resumption of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and introduce export financing initiatives."
The Senate also advised the executive to consider releasing funds immediately to ensure the implementation of the budget for the near short term to inject money into the economy.
The upper legislative chamber also called for support for the agro-allied businesses to boost value addition and job creation.
Saraki said that it was pertinent that immediate, medium and long-term strategies were devised to ease the suffering of Nigerians especially those in the Internally Displaced Persons camps.
He also called on the lawmakers to play their own parts in the area of legislation to ensure that relevant laws were passed.
"We must ensure the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill as soon as possible to stimulate new investment and boost oil revenue.
"As we all know, this bill is long in waiting and is very crucial for vital investment in the oil and gas sector.
"We will immediately begin the process of accelerating bills aimed at reforming the sub-sector for growth and accessibility. We must also explore the possibility of backing certain key government policies with legislation.''
He said that Nigerians were not interested in knowing who caused the problems or which party was in government but only wanted solutions to the problems.
Saraki called for an urgent debate on the issue of recession devoid of blames or partisanship and with a view to proffering more lasting solution to the problem.
"It is clear to me that when people are desperately hungry, what they need is leadership with a clear vision; leadership whose daily actions reflect the urgency of the people's condition.
"Therefore, our response to the current challenge must be dictated by the urgency of the hardship that the people suffer on a daily basis.
"I say this to urge us that we must have an urgent debate on the way forward, but in having this debate, we must resist the temptation of drowning the debate with apportioning blames that will neither bring solutions nor reduce the cost of food in the market.
"Rather, this debate must be solution-driven. It must be people-oriented and less political," Saraki said.
Saraki said that the debate should focus more on how to end the hunger in the land, save businesses from collapse and strengthen the naira over the dollar.
He, however, acknowledged that the solution would not come overnight and therefore called on the people to be patient, and said that the situation seemed dire, but Nigeria would pull out of it.
"I bring a message of hope not despair because once again, Nigeria shall overcome. Let no one writes us off. We have done it before, we will do it again.
"The world has come to know Nigeria as a people who have formed a habit of proving naysayers wrong and turning adversity into triumph.
"Many times, experts have quipped that Nigeria is finished but we come back stronger. This occasion will not be any different, but it will not happen by a slogan! No, it will take positive leadership and unity."
The president of the Senate urged members to be committed to the debate, adding that this was the best time to show leadership and unity.
He assured that the Senate would show regular and effective oversight when working with the executive arm to steer the nation out of recession.
Saraki assured that the National Assembly would not hesitate in passing any legislation geared to stimulating the economy.
"Distinguished colleagues, let me also state clearly that we shall not hide under the cloak of partisan solidarity to abdicate our constitutional responsibility under the principles of checks and balances.
"We shall make critical interventions whenever they become necessary and undertake emergency actions whenever they are required within the confines of the constitution.
"The task at hand requires us to take tough decisions and do all that is necessary to dig our economy out of this recession.
"This imperative must take precedence over partisan loyalty. This is what the people expect of us and it is the only way we can continue to justify our presence here.
"This chamber is ready to receive and consider expeditiously additional proposals from the executive to create a new Nigerian economy and get us out of this recession as quickly as possible."
He said that the problem should not be politicised so that solutions could be easily reached.
The Senate, thereafter, adjourned plenary to Wednesday as part of its tradition to mourn a lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Rep. Adewale Oluwatayo.
Rep. Oluwatayo died on July 21, a day after the National Assembly proceeded on recess. (NAN)
A don, Dr Azeez Olaniyan, has call for legislation at state level to deal with the criminal elements that have infiltrated the herdsmen in the country, saying the Ekiti state model of tackling the herds men’s menace is the way forward.
Olaniyan, who lectures Political Science at the Ekiti State University, made the call in a paper he presented at a seminar in Enugu on Tuesday.
The seminar was organised by Africa Heritage Institution, which was former African Institute of Applied Economics, Enugu.
His paper was titled: "Everywhere as Grazing Land: The Pastoralist Question and Inter-Group Relations in Nigeria.''
Olaniyan said that the use of the legal system was the only meaningful way out of the menace of some criminal elements using the herdsmen as cover to commit crimes.
"The Ekiti State model is the way to go; states must enact laws against this menace.
"Such law will help to protect innocent herdsmen being wrongly accused," Olaniyan added.
The don identified effect of climate change as being responsible for the migration of the cattle herders between Northern and Southern parts of the country.
He noted that climate change had forced more than 5 million cattle, out of the 19.7 million, in the country, shift from the north to the south, especially during the dry season.
"The depleting Lake Chad and long years of drought in the upper part of the north had compelled cattle and the herdsmen to migrate towards the south, where the land is blessed with green grass throughout the year.
"The issue of taking advantage of the economic prospect of the south, especially in buying and consuming meat is another luring incentive for the movement.
"Lagos State alone consumes hundreds of cattle as meat, thus creating ready market and need for the herdsmen to move towards these places,'' he said.
Dr Zebulun Takwa, adviser to the UN Development Programme (UNDP) on Peace and development, has called on Nigerians to take personal responsibility to ensure a peaceful Nigeria.
Takwa told newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, that Nigeria was going through a challenging moment that require everyone to be part of the solution.
"We are commemorating the International Day of Peace at a very challenging moment; it should be a "wake-up call " and to ask if this is what Nigeria merits.
"Nigeria does not deserve what is happening on the ground. We all can be part and parcel of seeking for solution.
"We should move from "blame-game" and see how we, who are not part of the problem, can become part of the solution," he said.
Takwa challenged Nigerians to start asking what he or she could do to put the country on the path of peace and development.
"I can link it to the ongoing "Change begins with me" campaign by the present administration; the same message goes for the issue of peace and values that we all propagate.
"What am I doing to make peace happen in Nigeria? What is the role of my household in ensuring peace in Nigeria?
"I think that is the question that everybody should write and put on the walls of their homes; when we start reflecting like this, the answers will come."
He explained that peace is not a slogan or rhetoric, but a substance that everybody must invest in before it yields fruits.
According to him, peace is a process that requires to be consistently worked on before it is achieved.
"Peace is not like an equation that you have a ready-made formula for or like a medication that you just swallow and sit down, expecting it to work.
"It must be watered like a flower each day. It (peace) requires watering, pruning, putting the manure and everything before you will reap the flower in the future. If you don't do that and you miss one day, then there is a loophole in achieving it," he said.
The theme for the 2016 Day is: "The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace".
The Peace Day is commemorated every Sept. 21 in accordance with the UN General Assembly Resolution 55/282 of September 2002.
The United Nations on Tuesday in New York announced the appointment of 17 young leaders to advocate among their peers to ensure they reached set global development benchmarks by 2030.
According to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the young innovators, aged between 19 and 30, many of whom are activists or founders and chief executives of their own companies will support youth engagement for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs had an ambitious agenda with 17 goals to be met by all UN member states.
Ban said that the first class of young leaders, from 15 countries with various backgrounds including innovation in the food industry, fashion or micro-finance was selected from among 18,000 nominees.
The UN leader said that the 17 young change-makers were a testament to the ingenuity of the youth.
He also congratulated them for their exceptional leadership and demonstrated commitment to the SDGs.
The Kwara State Civil Service Commission says it will conduct the 2016 promotion examination for civil servants progressing to Grade Level 17 from all Ministries, Departments and Agencies on Friday, Sept. 23.
This is contained in a statement signed by the commission's Press Secretary, Mrs Shakirat Muritala and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ilorin.
The statement quoted the Chairman, Alhaji Salman Ibrahim, as saying that the proposed examination was aimed at uplifting deserving civil servants in the state.
Ibrahim said that the examination will take place at the Conference hall of the state Civil Service Commission by 9a.m prompt.
He enjoined all affected civil servants to be at the commission one hour before the commencement of the examination.
The chairman advised officers to come with their Staff I.D cards, examination slip, writing materials and Kwara Government Verification Number.
According to him, all affected Civil Servants are expected to report for the examination, as no make-up examination will be arranged for any absentee.
The police in Enugu, has arrested no fewer than 12 suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), the state command's spokesman, Mr Ebere Amarizu, has said.
A statement signed by Amarizu and made available to newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday said that the suspects were arrested during their 'sit-at-home' campaign at the Ogbette Main Market in Enugu.
It stated that the suspects allegedly went into the market with a public address system and ordered the traders to observe a sit-at-home directive on Sept. 23.
"Suspects were arrested by our operatives, as the alleged announcement was being carried out and 21 handsets were recovered from them.
"Also recovered, include flags suspected to be that of the group with their insignia, public address systems, one wireless microphone," the statement said.
The statement stated that the suspects would be arraigned in court after investigation.
Meanwhile, Amarizu said that the command had collaborated with other sister agencies to beef up security in parts of the state so as to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
"We advise the public not to allow themselves to be used under any guise to cause mischief, as anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law," Amarizu said.
The IPOB had earlier threatened to shut down economic and social activities in parts of the country on Sept. 23 to back up their demands from the Federal Government.
Some of their demands include the release of their leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu and other members of the group in detention, who are facing trials in the law courts.
Four-time African footballer of the year Yaya Toure of the Ivory Coast announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old Manchester City midfielder — capped 113 times — said it had been an incredibly difficult decision.
“Writing this note was probably ‘the most difficult match of my life’,” wrote Toure.
“After 14 years at the highest level, I’m sure this is the right time for me! The fact that I am 33 now, the intensity of training and the multitude of games are not the reasons why I am making this decision.
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