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As doctors employed by the Lagos State Government embarked on a 5 -Day Medical mission in Epe area of Lagos, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that early medical checks are essential to the detection and prevention of aliments in order to prevent them from becoming chronic.
MEDICAL MISSION: Chairman, Medical Guild, Dr. Salihu Oseni (right) checking the blood pressure measurement of the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Mr Wasiu Anifowose, during the Guild's 5- day Medical Mission in Epe, Lagos.
Ambode, who spoke while flagging off the medical mission said most disease conditions require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
“Medical missions are the easiest way of rendering medical services to the communities as many people do not know their health status for hypertension and diabetes. Hypertension like we all know, is a silent killer, it can start very innocently but by the time you check the blood pressure, you will realise that it is very high.”
Represented by the Special Adviser on Primary Health Care, Dr Femi Onanuga, the Governor said: “The basis of our strong commitment to provision of adequate medical services to our people is the belief that only a healthy population will be in the best position to drive the economy of a megacity state like ours.
“Our commitment has been expressed in the strengthening of the health sector through capacity building, recruitment, upgrading of infrastructure as well as construction of modern facilities.
As included in our strategic programme is the prompt attention to the issue of welfare of our medical personnel."
Ambode announced that the State government was working to upgrade Primary Healthcare Facilities to 24 hours service in addition to construction of mother and child care centre in Epe.
Seeking cooperation and support, Ambode said the medical mission would give medical care to Lagosians and compliment efforts of the State administration in ensuring quality health services.
He appealed to the doctors to make it an annual programme and urged other professionals in the state civil service to emulate the gesture of the Medical Guild.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr Saliu Oseni said the free health gesture was part of appreciation of efforts of the Governor particularly his giant strides in the health sector vis-a-vis upgrading of health facilities, the helipad at LASUTH and sustenance of industrial harmony in the health sector.
Oseni said the Guild decided to further contribute to the wellbeing of the people of Lagos State by bringing medicare closer to the people of Epe and its environs.
“While we are aware of some pending issues, we sincerely want to appreciate the state government for those issues that have been resolved in the last one and half years and sincerely appeal that you continue to apply your vast knowledge of the civil service and your sincerity to resolve issues especially with a listening ear.”
He said the free Mission will screen people for illnesses (with treatment where necessary) especially non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, screening and treatment of eye diseases with free reading glasses. he said free eye surgery, dental and general surgery will also be carried out.
The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu on Monday launched operation crime-free `ember' months in the South East geo-political zone.
The Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in the division, Col. Sagir Musa, told newsmen in Awka that the prevalent security challenges during yuletide had made the operation imperative.
He said such crimes as armed robbery, kidnapping, abduction, herdsmen/farmers clashes, communal clashes and violent secessionist attacks, among others would be targeted during the operation from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27.
Musa said that the army and other security agencies would synergise and collaborate extensively in the exercise nicknamed "EX PYTHON DANCE'' in the five eastern states to achieve the desired objective.
He said that the chief of army staff had appraised the huge security challenges and scenarios across the country.
"Consequently, he directed the conduct of both command post and field training exercises as a way of enhancing troops' preparedness across the country,'' he said.
He said an elaborate civil-military cooperation line of operation had also been earmarked for the exercise.
" Nigerian Army corps and services will conduct activities such as medical outreach, repair of roads, schools and other infrastructure across the South East region '' Musa said.
Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has commissioned the Adventist Government High School, Ede state of Osun.
The newly commissioned Adventist Government High School, Ede State of Osun. Inset is the Governor Rauf Aregbesola (Middle) front row, acknowledging cheers from the crowd while arriving at the school premises on Monday 28-11-2016.The newly commissioned Adventist Government High School, Ede State of Osun. Inset is the Governor Rauf Aregbesola (Middle) front row, acknowledging cheers from the crowd while arriving at the school premises on Monday 28-11-2016.The newly commissioned Adventist Government High School, Ede State of Osun. Inset (from left): The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal; Osun deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola ; of Osun; his wife, Sherifat; Member State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Awolola, representing the Speaker; Member of House of Representative, Alhaja Ayo Omidiran; Wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaja Oyetola Kafayat; Chairman, Osun All Progressive Congress, Prince Gboyega Famodun and others, at the commissioning of Adventist Government High School, Ede, State of Osun on Monday 28-11-2016.Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Middle front row) acknowledging cheers from the crowd on his arrival to Adventist Government High School, Ede, before the commissioning of the School on Monday 28-11-2016.Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Middle front row) acknowledging cheers from the crowd on his arrival to Adventist Government High School, Ede, before the commissioning of the School on Monday 28-11-2016.
Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has directed caretaker committee chairmen in the 27 Local Government Areas to allocate land to 1,545 corps members deployed to the state to enhance agricultural production.
Okorocha gave the directive at the opening of orientation for the 2016 Batch 'B' corps members posted to the state at Eziama Obaire in Nkwerre council on Monday.
He stressed the state`s determination to identify with the laudable agricultural policy of the Federal Government to tackle the nation`s problem of food insufficiency.
Represented by Deputy Governor Eze Madumere, the governor advised the corps members to pay serious attention to all programmes lined up for them during the orientation.
While congratulating them for their achievements, he urged them to discharge their duties diligently in their various places of assignment.
"I welcome you to Imo hospitality. Pay attention to the programmes lined up for the orientation. Interact with one another and people of the community which is the beauty and essence of the NYSC", he said.
State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Isaac Fasanu said 1,545 corps members comprising 855 males and 690 females were posted to Imo.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for the numerous supports given to the scheme and for approving the construction of two additional hostels in the camp to accommodate more corps members.
He also thanked the governor for the donation of a vehicle and asked that he continues to support the scheme by complementing their efforts in feeding and other logistics.
Fasanu urged the corps members to be law-abiding.
He said the programme would instill discipline, positive attitude, skills and broad world view in them and reposition them to stand on their own.
The NYSC state coordinator said the scheme would also equip the corps members with leadership qualities and prepare them mentally and physically to face future challenges.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the highlight of the programme was the oath taking by the corps members, administered by the representative of the Chief Judge of Imo, Justice Theresa Chikeka.
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Monday said soon, Nigerians might begin to show evidence of tax payment before obtaining their passports.
Mr Tunde Fowler said this at the 136th meeting of the Joint Tax Board which had the theme: " Increased Inter-Agency Co-operation to Enhance Tax Compliance and Optimise Revenue Collection'' in Abuja.
"We did take a position and I believe it would be implemented in the very near future that before you get any services from the immigration department: renewal of passports etc, you'd have to show that you are a tax payer.
"These things are normal all over the world, In an effort to serve Nigerians and Nigeria better.
"People believe that payment of tax is a burden and I'll repeat that you only pay tax on income and profits.
"So if you reside in Nigeria and you are benefiting from being a Nigerian resident, it is only fair that you contribute to the system that makes you enjoy that standard of living.''
He said the FIRS set a target to increase the individual taxpayer data base by 10 million by Dec. 31.
"I'm glad with our co-operation; we've been able to attain 30 per cent of that. We've been able to get three million individual taxpayers across the nation.
"I'd like to congratulate Kano State for leading the pack by increasing the database by 944,000 followed by Lagos with 306,000 then Kaduna and Plateau,'' he said.
The Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi, lamented that the FRSC was being owed N700 million for number plates production.
He also decried the high rate of fake documentation at ports, saying "if we can strengthen inter-agency collaboration, we'll get more results now that the focus is on IGR''.
The Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Udochukwu Ogbonna, urged the revenue generating agencies to co-operate digitally to ensure success and curb corruption.
Also, the Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Oseni Elamah, said "the FIRS should have a digital one-stop-shop accessible to all partners''.
Some revenue generating agencies on Monday met in Abuja to curtail loss, stop corruption and increase proceeds to government coffers in 2017.
The event brought together all states internal revenue service chairmen and the bosses of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, has drummed support for Ebonyi State government over the ban on the sale of foreign rice.
Adamu disclosed this in an interview at the end of the Nigeria's Zero Hunger Initiative meeting in Abuja on Monday.
The chairman was reacting to the ban by Governor David Umahi of the sale of foreign rice in markets and other outlets of Ebonyi State.
Adamu described the campaign against the local production and consumption of rice as a conspiracy between rice importers and some elite in the country.
Sen. Adamu also called for prompt arrest of rice smugglers.
'`I believe that the campaign against local production of rice is a campaign spear headed by rice importers.
"I do not believe we cannot produce enough rice for ourselves. We may not at this point in time be having enough for everybody but the campaign on rice is an elitist campaign.
"There is collaboration between importers and elites in the country.
"We have rice. We should eat our rice. There is no where our local rice has harmed anybody and the more we eat our rice, the more we put our farmers on business.
"I support the ban on sale of foreign rice in Ebonyi. We have to start somewhere. What we know is that local production is not enough but we should consume it and that is not an excuse for importing rice.
"We cannot afford the luxury of importation particularly in this period of recession.
The Ebonyi government had on Nov. 21 announced the ban on the sale of foreign rice in markets and other outlets in the state.
The Senate on Monday said that it never cleared Mr Okoi Obono-Obla as a nominee of President Buhari to be a non-executive commissioner of the Nigeria Communications Commission.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Aliyu Sabi, denied media reports, claiming the Senate had made a U-turn on the confirmation of Obono-Obla.
On the contrary, Sabi said the nominee was not confirmed as the votes and proceedings of the the day of his confirmation were not adopted.
He said that the senate wrongly stated that Obla was confirmed in its votes and proceedings but that the error was pointed out and corrected before the votes were adopted.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the nomination of Mr. Obla was never confirmed or voted for since no decision of the Senate is said to be approved if not adopted during the consideration of the Votes and Proceedings of the Senate at the next legislative day.
"The Senate also wishes to note that the business of the Senate can only be binding when the votes and proceedings have been adopted and approved without any objection.
"The implication of the directive by the Senate President to the Secretariat is that Senator Garbai's observation or correction was correct and therefore the votes and proceedings should be amended to reflect the true situation.
"On that fateful day, "November 22, 2016, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Baba Kaka Garbai, objected to the alleged confirmation of the nominee, saying, , "My name is Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai representing Borno Central Senatorial District. Mr, President, what is actually reported in the votes and proceedings is not a true reflection of what transpired on Thursday with regards to the confirmation of one of the commissioners under NCC, Chief Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla.
The decision then was a resounding Nay. So, because of that, it was a mistake. "
"Responding to the observation made by Senator Garbai, the Senate President said, "secretariat take note".
"The Senate hereby calls on those who are peddling these half truths to avail themselves of the proceedings of the Senate on the above stated dates to confirm if the nominee was rightly cleared by the Senate or not.
Mr Obono-Obla had incurred the wrath of the Senate earlier in 2016 when he told a Senate Committee on Judiciary that it had no right to invite the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The Senate had then invited the AGF over the case of alleged forgery of the Senate rules book.
However, the Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on National Assembly matters (Senate) had intervened and apologised to the lawmakers for Obla's 'unruly behaviour'.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps,NYSC, Brigadier General Sulaiman Kazaure, has urged Corps members to remain in their states of deployment and contribute to the promotion of national unity.
He made the call while addressing the 2016 Batch ‘B’ Corps members deployed to Kebbi State shortly after their swearing-in at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Dakingari.
Kazaure, who enjoined them to avoid seeking relocation, said their posting away from their home states and geo-political zones was deliberately aimed at promoting ties among Nigerians of diverse backgrounds.
The Director-General also stressed the need for them to imbibe the spirit of patriotism; and contribute to the development their host community and the country as a whole.
He advised the Corps members to avail themselves of the opportunity for self-employment through the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
The Director-General had earlier joined other dignitaries at the swearing-in ceremony of the Corps members at the Orientation camp parade ground with Governor Abubakar Bagudu presiding.
Justice O. O. Majekodunmi of the State High Court sitting in Abeokuta today, 28th November, 2016 granted the Bursar, Moses Olusola Ilesanmi of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta who was arraigned alongside the Pro Chancellor, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole bail in the sum of N50m (fifty million naira) with two sureties in like sum.
Sureties must be house owners within the jurisdiction and one of them must be a civil servant on grade level 15. The defendant must submit his International Passport to the court Registrar. The court ordered that he should be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
FUNAAB
The court could not entertain Moses' bail application last Friday when the trio were arraigned because his counsel, Lapite Ademola filed the application while the court was already in session and served the prosecution then in court. The prosecution therefore asked the court for an adjournment to prepare their response to the bail application. Hence the adjournment till Monday 28th November, 2016.
Justice Majekodunmi adjourned the matter to 16th, 19th and 20th of December for the commencement of trial.
Recall that Moses was fingered in the petition submitted to the EFCC by a Concerned Stakeholders of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta alleging that the Pro Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor and the Bursar were engaged in an "unbridled corruption and betrayal of public trust".
The Coordinator of IDP Camp in Uhogua, Benin, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, says more than 197 IDPs in the camp are sitting for this year's NECO, GCE and NATEC examinations.
Folorunsho told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin, that there were about 2,000 persons in the camp.
He said that in 2015, 74 IDPs enrolled for WASCE, NATEC and JAMB, adding that in JAMB, half of the enrolled IDPs scored above 200 points.
"WASCE has also come and we are expecting that they will follow suit and make this camp a centre.
" We want to enroll them for every exam. We have teachers both full time and volunteers that are teaching and we also have laboratories like physics, chemistry, agriculture and biology.
" They really have everything that they need, also few men that are here and the widows are all going to pioneer school; they also want to know how to read and write."
According to him, the former Edo Governor's wife, Mrs Lara Oshiomhole, has introduced some skills to the IDPs.
Folorunsho said that the IDPs were trained in catering, trading, tailoring, bag making, fishery, snail production and few of the IDPs undertook computer training.
"We use this medium to appeal to the current governor of the state, that he should continue from where she stopped and do even more for the IDPs.
"I am happy that the Federal Government is taking care of us (IDPs) by providing for us with food, especially rice and other items.
" I want to appeal to the Federal Government not fall back and say the IDP have everything; now we have rice mainly but we need Beans, Garri, Sugar, Beverage, Indomie noodle and things to make stew and soup.
" If we have these to complement what we have now, it will last them for a long time," Folorunsho Said.
November 27th 2016 was a special day in the life of an emancipator. Fifty-six years in the life of a soldier who is still waxing stronger and scoring the shots in the war front in the active service of his country is not just enviable, but quite admirable. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai is today celebrating the year God Almighty breathe life into him at a town called Buratai in Biu LGA area of Borno state.
Gen. Buratai comes from the lineage of soldiering. His father, the elder Yusuf Buratai who served as a non-commissioned officer of the colonial army, the Royal West African Frontier Force, equally made impressive footprints during World War II.
With an innate passion for military service, at a tender age, Buratai enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna as member of the 29 Regular Combatant Course on January 3rd, 1981. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant on December 17th, 1983 into the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army. Since then, Buratai has grown in leaps and bounds in a profession many regard as too hazardous to embrace.
Buratai rose to the pinnacle of his military career, when President Muhammedu Buhari (PMB) identified his professional charisma and appointed him as Nigeria's 20th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on July 17, 2015 to spearhead the anti-terrorism campaigns in the country. This was after PMB sighted in him rare qualities as a soldier, the undeniable fact attested by records of excellence from the numerous command positions he held in Nigeria and abroad.
He vaunts a nearly an unbeatable record as Nigeria's most decorated senior army officer, holding among others the Nigerian Army Medal, Forces Service Star; Meritorious Service Star; Distinguished Service Star; the Grand Service Star; Pass Staff Course Dagger (psc(+) National Defence College (Bangladesh), Field Command Medal, Training Support Medal and the United Nations Medal for Angolan Verification Medal II.
Tukur is versed in soldiering much as in academics, having netted the Nigerian Defence Academy's Certification of Education and a degree in History, the Army boss also boasts of two Master's degree, one in History and another in Philosophy on Security Studies.
As Buratai celebrates 56 years of life on earth and a fulfilling military career, the Army General has presented to his country and Nigerians a unique birthday gift in this year's commemoration of his day of birth. The priceless gift to his country men and women is the extrication of Nigeria, once held to ransom by Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the Northeast and other nuances of terrorism acts that plagued the country.
No doubt, Buratai has gallantly approached his assignments with an uncommon vigor which has ensured that the war against terror enters its final phase known as "Operation Rescue Finale". His record of service has enlivened fond memories in Nigerians who cast their minds back to the precarious state of peace and insecurity in the country prior to Buratai's elevation to lead the Nigerian Army. Nigerians nauseatingly remember the daily sounds of terrorists bomb blasts in Abuja, the three Northeastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, much as in other locations in the North such as Gombe, Bauchi, Kogi, Kano, Plateau, Niger or Kaduna among many other places.
The country still remember the hundreds of thousands of people displaced by Boko Haram insurgency and caged in camps; they recollect pungently the graphic portraits of wailing mothers, wives and children as well as friends and associates who lost their beloved ones to the conflagrations of terrorists.
Nigerians bear painful memories of closed schools, sealed public markets; blocked roads, 24 hours curfew imposed on towns and cities, in the desperation to curtail movement of law-abiding citizens to confront terrorists. The people have not forgotten the thousands abducted by terrorists and insurgents free raid of communities, commercial centers and banks.
Nigerians profoundly cast their minds back to when BHTs attempted unsuccessfully to bruise Buratai's gallantly by the attack on Biu, his home local government and the onslaught on security formations. They know him as an Army General who physically confronted and defeated terrorists who ambushed his path at various times. He is an Army boss, in the office, much as on the field to lead operations. Indeed, 16 months ago before the appointment of Buratai as COAS, it only recycled heart-rending tales of Nigerians in the hands of insurgents that rented the air. But Buratai has wept the tears of Nigerians by changing the face of counter-insurgency war in Nigeria, beginning with the decimation of the wild terrorists and their eventual defeat by the army he leads.
That Nigeria that enjoys a global recognition among countries of the world, which have overcome insecurity threats have combined to make up the signification of Buratai's birthday.
While the day for celebrations such as birthdays and festivities are marked with a lot of fanfare and pageantry, Buratai has chosen to be on the other side especially when duty beckons. He spent the last Sallah celebration in the battlefield with his troops. He equally spent his birthday (this year) in the field in Sokoto. This has rarely happened in Nigeria. From all indications, it appears Buratai is shrewdly encouraging Nigerians not to necessarily rejoice with him but the Nigerian soldiers in the light of the shades of freedom they (soldiers) have brought to country.
Celebrating a radiant life as a courageous and valiant soldier at 56, Buratai wants Nigerians to rejoice with him and Equally remember the Nigerian soldiers in the light of the shades of freedom they now enjoy from the grip of terrorists. The Army boss has enjoined Nigerians to seize the opportunity of his birthday to explore avenues of appreciating Nigerian soldiers in the theatre of war, dead or alive, as no birthday gift to him as a person would electrify his mood better than the resolve of Nigerians to demonstrate gratitude to soldiers, who are the incontestable heroes having brought terrorism to an abrupt halt.
It appears the birthday came at a time he would be tempted to look at it as a distraction from the call of duty.
But having come thus far, with Buratai and Nigerian soldiers' ultimate devotion to the cause of an ideal Nigerian state and peaceful existence of all citizens, excited Nigerians as the unbiased umpires, in the prosecution of the anti-terrorism campaigns, were caught unawares at knowledge of his birthday. But the exceeding joy converted to expected awe as Nigerians watched the outpouring of exaltations on the People's General within Nigeria and around the globe. Buratai's philosophy of "Excellence in everything; all the glory to God", would remain for all men of goodwill, a virtue to emulate.
So, as Buratai, crowned by Nigerians with the princely title of the "Peoples General" is graciously added another year by the creator, it is expected that, family members, well-wishers, friends and associates, will pray to the almighty God to shower him with more blessings, longer life and protection to bring back home safely the troops he has led out for the terrorism battles, with more resounding sounds of victory for Nigerians and humanity in general. Happy birthday and many more returns, The Peoples General!
By Nkechi Odoma
Odoma is Chairperson, Africa Arise for Change Network and contributed this piece from Abuja.
An Imo State High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Kemakolam Ojiako, Monday, threw out the preliminary objection raised by the state government, over the demolition and relocation of Ekeukwu Owerri market.
The State Solicitor General, SG, Mrs. A. N. Eluwa, had earlier raised a preliminary objection that largely hinged on the locus standi of the claimants in instituting the suit.
While arguing that by virtue of the Land Use Act, all lands belong to the state government, the SG also urged the court to hold that Imo State Government and the Commissioner for Lands are not juristic persons.
The court recalled that the claimants, in their statement of claim, made it clear that the Ekeukwu Owerri market is their traditional and ancestral market, and that they established the market before the advent of the colonial masters.
The court also agreed with the claimants that they own stores, open spaces in the market, as well as hold peculiar traditional rites in the market.
“By virtue of these depositions, the claimants have shown locus. The defendants have not acquired the land but have threatened to demolish the market and relocate it to Egbeada, Mbaitoli local government area. By this, the claimants have disclosed ownership and possessive interest over the market, which gives them the right to sue”, Ojiako said.
The court also agreed with Ken C. O. Njemanze, SAN, the claimants counsel that “they will suffer fundamental injury and hardship if the market is destroyed and this necessitated the court action”.
On the provision of Section 1 of the Land Use Act, as canvassed by the SG, Justice Ojiako said: “It is not sacrosanct or inviolable. Section 1 is subjected and subordinated to other sections of the Act. This position has become petinent since the claimants have asserted that they have been in undisturbed possession of the market before the Land Use Act was enacted”.
On the argument that Imo State Government and the Commissioner for Lands are not juristic persons, the court held that “by virtue of the State Proceedings Law 1994, Imo State and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, Imo State Government and the Commissioner for Lands, are juristic persons that can sue or be sued”. Continuing, Justice Ojiako said: “The preliminary objection is grossly and irredeemably unmeritorious and is accordingly dismissed”.
The court thereafter adjourned the matter to February 8, 2017, for definite hearing in the substantive
Delta State Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye says the state government has spent N32.9billion on roads and drainage projects across the state from May 29 till date.
Augoye disclosed this at the annual ministerial press briefing organised by the state Ministry of Information on Monday in Asaba.
According to him, the ministry has embarked on 71 road projects at a total cost of N32.9billion for construction between May 2015 and November 2016, covering over 282km of roads and 136km concrete-lined drains.
The commissioner said that the projects, which comprised highways, urban and rural roads were aimed at transforming the state into an investment haven for tapping diverse agricultural produce and huge mineral deposits.
According to him, these projects when completed will help to reduce post-harvest losses by allowing for quick evacuation of perishable items to markets within and outside the state.
Gov Ifeanyi Okowa
"This administration has embarked on urban renewal by working on several roads in key towns and cities across the state.
"In this regards, a number of roads have been maintained, rehabilitated, reconstructed or newly constructed.
"These include the dualisation of Nnebisi from traffic light junction to cable point, Asaba, dualisation of Sapele road from Amukpe to ATt& P and the reconstruction of old/Emede/Olomoro road in Oleh in Isoko south local government area of the state,'' he said.
Augoye said that the state Ministry of Works was also responsible for the construction of the ongoing works on the rehabilitation of the Asaba airport runway and taxi-ways.
He said that the cost of the airport project was put at about N5billion.
On the policy trust of the ministry, Augoye said that it was the target of the ministry to increase the length of all-weather roads in the state from the estimated current level of 2,550km to minimum target of functional road length of 5,000km.
He said that it was also the target of the ministry to incorporate optimal drainage system in road construction projects as well as transformation of urban centres through the provision of good road network to enhance effective flow of traffic.
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, retired Col. Hameed Ali, on Monday said the service generated more than N600 billion for the last quarter of 2016.
Ali said this while addressing newsmen on the sidelines of the 136th meeting of the Joint Tax Board in Abuja.
He said Customs contributed N903 billion to the nation's coffers in 2015.
According to him, the drop is due to the fluctuating foreign exchange rates and the ban on importation of more items by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
There are 41 items banned from importation; among them are soap and cosmetics, tomatoes/tomato pastes, plywood boards and panels, wooden doors, rice, cement, margarine and toothpicks.
Customs CG, Hameed Ali
Ali said "the service made more than N600 billion in the last quarter of 2016.
"I will not say it regrets but the CBN should have liaised with the Service before placing ban on some of the items.''
Ali said the collaboration between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigeria Immigration Service would boost income and shift the nation's view from oil.
"With the declining revenue from the oil industry, our economy is dangerously exposed to the uncertainties in the oil sector.
"We must therefore look beyond oil and focus attention on tax which is internally generated.
"As revenue generating agencies, working together will put us squarely on the driving seat of Nigeria's vehicle towards an economic model that is inward looking and self sustaining.
He said the application of modern tools to check corruption among the agencies would minimise leakages.
Ali said a review and expansion of excise duties were being looked into for locally manufactured items, to expand government's tax base to generate more revenue.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Monday, said that the army was restrategising to track and eliminate the remaining Boko Haram elements from the battle field.
Buratai said this while speaking with journalists at the media workshop, organised by the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) at 81 Division Officers' Mess, Lagos.
Buratai, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Peter Boje, assured that the elements would finally be eliminated finally from the battlefield in no time. Buratai, who was also the special guest of honour and speaker, delivered a lecture entitled, ''The Utilisation of New Generation Warfare Tactics: Gains and Successes in the North-East Operations''.
"We are degrading their activities. Most of the areas that were initially occupied by the insurgents have been captured and a lot of them have dispersed. "But again, there are elements of this Boko Haram that are scattered all over the North- East and if you know their characteristics, you will know they operate in small cells.
"So they come out and carry out small attacks and disappear. So, we are making efforts to restrategise, track and finally eliminate them from the battlefield," he said.
He expressed delight that the military and the media had excellent working relationship, adding that the military at all times would continue to collaborate and exchange information with the media, as required.
"We have been very open with the media. ''We do not make any negative statement about the Nigerian media and the media are doing very well to the best of my knowledge.''
Buratai, whose lecture talked about the concept of new generation warfare, challenges and way forward, identified information, psychological and cyber operation as some of the new generation warfare tactics.
He said that the way forward was for every Nigerian to cooperate with the military in providing it with timely information on suspicious activities of individuals or groups in his or her community or locality.
Mr Femi Adeshina, Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, urged the military to ensure constant training and retraining of journalists aimed at ensuring better reportage of the military.
Adeshina, whose lecture was entitled,'' The Challenges and Expectations of the Media in Military Operations, called on the military to facilitate scoops for the media.
"The Nigerian Media must work in proactivity," he said.
While speaking with journalists, Adeshina also reiterated that the Federal Government' commitment in tackling the insurgency, by going after the sponsors of Boko Haram.
"This government is tackling the issue of insurgency and if it knows the sponsors and it is double sure they are the sponsors, those sponsors will be treated like Boko Haram."
On the released Chibok girls, Adeshina said the girls were being rehabilitated physically and psychologically.
Earlier, Col. Sanni Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in his address of welcome said the workshop was a platform where the military and journalists would rub minds and exchange ideas.
"We have some commanding officers of units located in the North-East and other parts of the country as participants.
"Their participation in the study period is crucial to the overall success of the Nigerian Army's Counter Insurgency and Peace Keeping Operation as well as other Internal Security Operations.
"It is our intention to use this forum to implore for more positive coverage of the army's activities with due observance of the principles of accuracy and security by the media," he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Commanding Officers, Directorate of Army Public Relation Officers (DAPR), journalists and personalities from other sectors are attending the three-day workshop.
The workshop is entitled: 'New Generation Warfare: The Dynamics of Information Management''.
Ibadan- The police in Ibadan, on Monday, arraigned a 24-year-old security guard, Benjamen Bitrus, before a Chief Magistrates' Court, Iyaganku, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, store breaking and stealing.
Bitrus was alleged to have broken into the office and store of his employer, Forte Oil Filling Station, along Lagos/Ibadan expressway.
The Police Prosecutor, Cpl. Salewa Hammed, said the accused conspired with five others, now at large, to cart away goods worth N356,650, property of one Mr Adeyemi Ismail.
Items alleged to have been stolen included; a petrol generator, stabilisers and kegs of heavy duty oil.
Hammed said that the accused acted contrary to Sections 516, 413 and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. 11, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, reports that Bitrus pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
Thereafter, the trial Judge, Mrs Abiona Richard, granted the accused bail in the sum of N150,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She stated that one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused and the other a level 8 civil servant with the Oyo State Government.
The court adjourned the case to Dec. 28 for trial.
ABUJA-President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he was disappointed by the disturbing political developments in South Sudan which had lingered due to the non implementation of peace accord signed by the leaders.
The President however assured that the Federal Government of Nigeria would remain steadfast in following up to ensure that the country would regain stability.
Receiving the Letter of Credence of the Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan, Mr. Paul Malong Akaro, at the State House, Abuja on Monday, President Buhari said delay in implementing the peace accord had affected the development of the country in spite of the lofty potentials for growth.
“I was a little disappointed with the subsequent developments in your country. I was hoping that we can move forward and develop the great potentials of your country after the peace accord.
President Muhammadu Buhari
“The African Union will continue to hold your leaders to account in implementing the peace process. And the leaders should be able to accommodate one another for the good of your people,'' the President said.
President Buhari told the ambassador that the peace process would be most effective when accepted and implemented by leaders from within the country, without external interventions.
The President, who also received the Letter of Credence of the Ambassador of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Mr. Malainine Sadik-Bachir, said Nigeria would continue to support the country as it strove to realize its goals of development.
“You can be assured that Nigeria will remain steadfast in her support for Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. We will continue to do our best for you,” he said.
In his remarks, the South Sudan ambassador, Mr. Akaro said the government of national unity in South Sudan was still committed to the peace process in the country.
“We know that the only way we can achieve stability and development is to implement the peace process. We are grateful for your support,'' he said.
Odi- The Federal Government on Monday said it will train ex-agitators in agriculture who will in turn produce bumper harvest in the next one year.
The special adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, General Paul Boroh, disclosed this during the induction ceremony of the delegates at the Bio resources Development Centre, BIODEC, Odi, Bayelsa state.
During the ceremony a total of 500 delegates were inducted for the training in batches of 100 for each tranch.
Boroh explained that agriculture remains the principal and most active resources our parents engaged in.
According to him, the shift from agriculture to oil has had a tremendous impact on Nigeria bringing about hunger and starvation.
“Today we have keyed into the federal government’s effort to embark on large scale programmes to help boost agricultural technology”.
” I forsee the South South region as the growing to be the economic hub of the country in West Africa at large”.
” I promise all the delegates here today that they will be empowered by the government to be on their own immediately after the training, I do not want to give you fish always but most importantly I want to teach you how to fish”.
Also speaking Director General of National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA, Prof. Lucy Ogbadu said she was very happy as this collaboration is coming at a critical time in the history of our country.
She said, “you are going into a specialised and technical field where you need to think a lot to be able to cope in the present drive of agriculture”.
” The entire scientist are beginning to go back to the basics which is agriculture, we will work hard to bring out the best in all these biological science through you the trainees”.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to vanguard said they were very happy to take part in the training as it will help them earn a living and will do all they can to be useful to the country.
Tarelade Jack, said ” he appreciates the move by the federal government, and appealed to them not to let them be idle after training as an idle mind can be forced to go back to what it always did before”.
While in office, Goodluck Jonathan’s kids schooled in Nigeria yet he provided forex to school your own kids abroad. President Muhammadu Buhari’s kids school abroad but he denies you forex to school your own kids there!
PMB lost election three times and each time refused to concede. GEJ lost election once and conceded even before votes had finished being counted. Under PMB we have had ‘inconclusive elections'; under GEJ all elections were conclusive.
GEJ, while President, travelled to London and praised the ‘entrepreneurial’ spirit of Nigerians. PMB went to London and told The Telegraph that Nigerians' ‘reputation for crime had made them unwelcome in Britain’.
GEJ never blamed past administrations for the problems, such as a collapsed railway, that he met. He fixed those he could and today our railways are revived. PMB blames past governments for everything yet he has not fixed any problem. Some say he has made them worse!
Yet in every other speech PMB accuses GEJ of destroying Nigeria. If this is not a case of pot calling kettle black then I don’t know what will qualify as such!
ILORIN-Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of kwara state has performed a ground breaking foundation ceremony of computer ICT hub at the cost of N500M,which will be completed in the next twelve months.
The Harmony hub(Computer village), being constructed by Harmony Holdings, is beside Nimatoni events centre,directly opposite Circular hotel around unity area,in the heart of ilorin,the state capital.
Governor Ahmed at the ceremony noted that,”The computer village is 2-storey, elegant and sophisticated edifice, aesthetically designed and strategically situated here in the commercial nerve center of Ilorin.”
“The project will stand on 4,600 square meters of land and has a completion period of eleven months. The Computer Village, which is estimated to cost N500m, will be funded through contractor financing as well as pre-sales/off-taker arrangements.”he added.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State
The governor also said that,”the facility demonstrates our administration's determination to be a forerunner in the technology and digital economy.”,stressing that,”The project also announces Kwara State as the potential largest technology hub in Nigeria, outside Lagos State.”
He added that,”Through projects such as this Computer Village, and the International Vocational and Technical Centre, Ajase Ipo, therefore, we are establishing platforms for the skills and entrepreneurship necessary for productively engaging our youths.”
The governor also expressed excitement that,” this Computer Village will directly employ about 600 youths when fully operational apart from the hundreds of indirect jobs that will be created in the process on its construction.”
“Apart from improving the aesthetics of our environment through convergence of ICT players, the Computer Village will also provide IT practitioners a platform to showcase their products to a wider audience.”he stressed.
Earlier in his address, the Group Managing Director of Harmony Holdings,Mr Tope Daramola,noted that,”The computer hub is intended to reorganise the way IT business is done in Kwara State.”,stressing that,”it is an opportunity for both those selling computers and its accessories as well as for investors who can rent out their spaces to businesses.”
He also said that,”On completion the edifice will not just be a market for genuine software and hardware only, but where you can find bargains on computer and related products.”
He added that,”the investments will make the state capital conducive for business and we believe the computer village will also thrive and serve as technology hub for the whole of North Central Nigeria”
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