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
Abuja – Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday urged the Super Eagles to go all out and defeat the Algerian National team in the World Cup qualifier as a stepping stone to the global fiesta.
Osinbajo gave the charge when he visited the players in training at the National Stadium, Abuja.
He said "to our great team of history makers, I think this is a very special team indeed because just following what has just happened so far in this world cup qualifier, you have proved that you are going to definitely make history.Osinbajo
"Beating the Zambians in Ndola in Zambia was an incredible feat and by being able to break that old jinx, it has shown that we are certainly going to go for the World Cup.
"But not just get to the World Cup, we are going to come back with the kind of victory that will stun the world."
According to him, defeating Algeria will be a stepping stone and that he is aware that the team is set and prepared to go.
"Frankly, I think we have everything it takes to win and to win very decisively and so we have all our hopes and aspirations for you to win squarely.
"We will be looking forward to victory and we are almost certain that we will give all the support that we can give.''
The `vice president acknowledged that there were financial needs for the team and assured that the administration would do its best to provide "so that our country will be portrayed in the very best light and this great team of ours will win.''
Osinbajo added that the nation was looking forward to incredible victory and so many more victories.
He described the match against Algeria as very important one, adding that "if we win this match, we are practically there.
"The others in our group have already drawn so we are set for qualification.''
He said all that was needed was to be very ready and prepared, hopeful and prayerful and expressed his belief that God would help the country to win and qualify and to record an outstanding performance in the world cup.
Mr. Ossai Ossai is the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges. In this interview, he speaks on his leadership of the probe panel that recommended the suspension of the former House Committee Chairman on Appropriations, Mr. Abdulmunin Jibrin among other issues.
Some Nigerians strongly believe that your committee did a hatchet man's job in its investigation of Jubrin. Can you tell us what happened?
My committee did a very good job in line with the rules of the House. As a committee, we were not representing anybody but the National Assembly. And the committee has done a good job that hasn't been faulted in the media.
Ossai: As of now, Jibrin is not a member
I have seen people in the United States of America, who congratulated us for a job well done. When you look at the foundation upon which we made our recommendations, you will discover that it is in line with the known rules, it is in line with the laws of the land.We have not deviated from the laws of the land.
Why did the committee suspend Jibrin beyond one year when no member had served more than six months suspension in the past?
The law never said one year or less, it said you can suspend based on legislative days. The law took cognizance of legislative days. When my committee was looking at the issues, we looked at legislative days, and it was based on legislative days that we made our recommendations. Probably, people were making recommendations because the House of Reps did not pass a code of conduct in the Seventh Assembly.
Actions and utterances
But in this Eight Assembly, we have a code of conduct, and that code of conduct guides our actions and utterances. And it was based on that code of conduct that the committee made its recommendation.
Given the number of days recommended, is it safe to say that Jibrin's refusal to appear before the committee also played a part in the decision you arrived at?
When you write to a committee that you are not appearing, that in itself is a defence.He was given all the opportunities to come and defend himself on issues that have been raised via a motion and he declined.
Can Jibrin be recalled if he decides to show remorse?
That decision is left for the House to make. And Jibrin knows probably the steps he has to take with members. That is no longer the responsibility of my committee but that of the House. And recently, I saw the analysis Channels Television did on the issues regarding the invitation of its staff to appear before us. When Channels was openly invited, it recognised Akingboloye as one of its staff. So if such things were done and Akingboloye anchored a particular programme and Jibrin was there, it is baffling for Channels to say that the interview was not granted by Jibrin. It is very unfortunate.
I don't think we deviated from the ethics which we represent, and I believe that the news media should be able to abide by their own rules and ethics when reporting.
Jibrin also said that members are known to convert running cost to their private use, and in his supposed list which he claimed to have submitted to security agencies, your name was mentioned as one of those who was using running cost allowances for private purposes. How do you respond to this?
I don't think I will join issues with somebody who has been suspended. Probably, when he resumes and raises that issue, I would be able to address that. He is a suspended member. Right now, he is not a member of the House. But when he resumes and raises that issue on the floor, I will know that a member with all his privileges has raised an issue worth responding to, but as of now, he is not a member.
Jibrin had gone to court on the ground that there was a pending suit for determination which precluded your committee recommendations from being implemented. Did your committee at any time get any notice to that effect via the leadership of the House?
I have addressed this issue many times. I've always said that the committee did not at any time receive any notice of a suit. Not before its assignment, during or after it. I think we did our work knowing that there were no obstacles.
Does the fact that Jibrin was suspended remove the distrust Nigerians have about the House?
There is no credibility burden hanging on the leadership of the House. Opportunities were given to Jibrin to come and prove his innocence if he were but he declined. It showed that what he had been telling Nigerians was disnformation. And the National Assembly has risen on many occasions to address issues that affect Nigerians. I think they should be praised and celebrated.
It promises to be an exciting weekend as Star Music The Trek will be in Owerri, the Imo state capital.
Olamide
#OwerriRocks, holding on Saturday, November 12, 2016, is the latest concert of Star Music The Trek. It is scheduled for Dan Anyiam Stadium by 7pm and will be broadcast live on HIPTV from 12 midnight with Gbenga Adeyinka hosting the music jamboree.
It promises to be a lot of fun as Flavour is headlining the Owerri concert that will also feature Olamide, M.I., Mr. Raw, Runtown, KCee and Humble Smith with surprises in between.
There will also be the amazing Star dance party featuring spins from DJ Big N and Neptune.
Star Music The Trek tour has visited Makurdi, Abuja and Calabar as thousands of fans thronged to watch their favourite music stars perform.
The concert's finale comes up on November 26, in Lagos.
Nigerian Senate today during plenary moved the motion to do away with the requirements of age bracket and years of experience that denies most unemployed Nigerians the opportunity to get jobs. This was revealed through tweets from the official handle of the Nigerian Senate.
In addition, a call was made for a state of emergency to be declared on unemployment in Nigeria as well as unemployment benefits for unemployed Nigerians.
A resolution was also made to invite the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, to provide insight into government's roadmap towards tackling unemployment in the country.
The Senate on Tuesday resolved to invite the Minister of Labour and Employment to provide insight into government's roadmap towards tackling unemployment in the country.
This followed a motion by Sen. Duro Faseyi (PDP-Ekiti), who called on the President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on unemployment with a view to confront the challenge "frontally and radically".
"The economic recession which has hit the country would integrally multiply the level of unemployment in the country as more companies have started considering downsizing in order to cut cost and optimise profit," he said.
Faseyi lamented that the unemployment figure in the country had created social tension and crisis in the society, which was evident in cases of kidnapping and insurgency.
He advised that urgent and results-oriented steps should be taken to tackle the "unpalatable unemployment" situation in the country.
Supporting the motion, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi (APC-Niger) said that the time was ripe for the National Assembly to proffer solution to unemployment in the country.
"There is no better time than now, especially as we are moving towards next year's budget proposal.
"The policy intent of government with respect to unemployment is not unambiguous because government has accepted that the unemployment rate is something to worry about," Abdullahi said.
He said that what was worrisome was the issue of translating policy intent into programmes and actions that would address the issue of unemployment.
"The Committee on Labour and Employment was on oversight just last week.
"It was revealed that the National Directorate for Employment has very innovative programmes that cut across various sectors in various locations across the federation.
"In the budget of N1.8 billion, as at November, they were only given N74 million, yet it is expected that from the programmes they have, they are expected to train youths and various interest groups.
"This would enable the youths to begin to do something by way of employing themselves or even creating small and micro enterprises where they can employ one or two persons," he said.
The lawmaker urged members of the senate to find a yardstick in determining how much the Ministry of Labour and Employment would receive to tackle unemployment.
After debate on the motion, the lawmakers adopted it with a resolution to invite Labour Minister for some explanation.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided at the plenary, directed the Clerk of the Senate to invite the minister.
…Commission Projects In Edo Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday applauded Governor Oshiomhole for the people-oriented projects commissioned at the twilight of his administration, said the completion of the projects at a time when Nigeria was facing economic challenges was an eloquent display of astute, prudent and visionary leadership.
Governor Ambode, who spoke when he commissioned the newly rebuilt Itohan Girls Grammar School, Sapele Road, Benin City, to mark the end of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration, also announced full university scholarship to two best graduating students of the school. Alluding to the fact that education is the bedrock of the society, Governor Ambode said the commissioning of secondary school with modern facilities and top class university underscored the importance which Governor Oshiomhole attached to education.R-L: Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; President Muhammadu Buhari; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun in one of the Lecture rooms in the Edo University, Iyamho, Edo State during the commissioning, on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.
He said: “Governor Oshiomhole understands leadership and the needs of his people. He understands the concept of inclusive governance and making sure nobody is left behind. The projects commissioned today have demonstrated the government of inclusion which this administration has been running.
“This is very remarkable and it is very significant because this is one Governor that actually started well and is ending very strong. Roads have been commissioned in areas that needed government attention and presence.
"We are very sure these roads will open up communities and even joining three local governments together and also accelerate growth and development,” Governor Ambode said.
He also said it was gratifying that the commissioning of the university came at a time when the country was in dire need of top class tertiary institution, adding that the Governor deserved commendation for a dream come true.
“Governor Oshiomhole has set high standards in Edo State and he has actually and visibly turn around the fortunes of Edo State. Posterity and all Nigerians will remember comrade Oshiomhole very favourably.
“The truth is this: our country needs people like Comrade Oshiomhole especially at this critical time in our history,” Governor Ambode said. Governor Ambode, who was the National Campaign Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Edo Governorship election, also congratulated the people of the State for electing Mr. Godwin Obaseki, saying that the decision would further ensure that Edo remained on the path of progress.
Earlier, Governor Oshiomhole said the idea of the University came out of the need to address educational tourism, and as well provide world class University education to both the rich and the poor.
Governor Oshiomhole, who described Governor Ambode as a financial guru and now rugged and dogged Governor, said Lagos and Edo had special traditional and political relationship, adding that most of the innovations introduced in Edo were copied from Lagos, and that Governor Ambode was invited to commission the school on account of the fact that he has been working assiduously to transform Lagos.
The Peoples Democratic Party has congratulated the governor of Bayelsa state, Seriake Dickson on his victory at the supreme Court which reaffirmed his victory at the governorship election in his state.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 upheld the Election of Governor Dickson on the Appeal brought before it by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its Governorship Candidate in the December 5, 2015 Election, Chief Timipre Sylva.
In a statement yesterday evening, spokesman of the party Dayo Adeyeye said the Judgment has once again, “confirmed the Mandate freely given to the PDP and its Candidate in Bayelsa State, and also show that the State of Bayelsa is totally for the PDP.
“We also appreciate the Judiciary for serving justice in the face of intimidation and harassment by the Executive and its instruments of coercion against the rule of law.
“Finally, we commend the the people of Bayelsa State for standing firm with our Party and the Governor during this period, while urging the Governor to continue with his people oriented programmes in the state” the statement concluded
By Levinus Nwabughiogu BENIN – Against the background of its diverse population and ethnic plurality, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday declared that multiparty system still remained the best option for Nigeria's democracy.
Speaking at the commissioning of Edo State University, Iyamho, in Etsako West local government area of Edo State, President Buhari urged Nigerians to appreciate the strength in the country's diverse ethnic and social groups.
“We believe in multi-party democracy system. It is the best for us. In a country of over 450 ethnic groups, it is not easy to come together, only God can do it. Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and President Muhammadu Buhari and during the President’s courtesy visit to the Oba of Benin as part of his 2-day official visit to Edo State, on Monday.
"We are doing our best because we have found ourselves as part of this great country called Nigeria,'' the President said.
President Buhari, who concluded a two-day state visit to Edo, encouraged Nigerians to see the current economic challenges in the country as an opportunity to set the economy firmly on the path of true diversification and sustainable economic growth.
He regretted that Nigeria had all the while solely depended on oil, saying the economic recession was the price the country was paying.
"We are blessed with human and material resources. We made terrible mistakes in allowing ourselves to become a mono economy and we are now paying dearly for our mistakes.
"Nigeria made money from cocoa, palm oil, palm kernel, groundnut, hides and skin and others. We threw everything away because of petroleum.
"We have to go back to the land and solid minerals and do a lot of savings so that we can leave a better country for our children”, he said.
President Buhari expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their understanding and faith with the administrations reform programmes.
"This is a time for hardwork. This is a time of rebuilding Nigeria.
"During my campaigns, I emphasized three things, security, economy and fighting corruption. In each of them, we are recording success," the President said.
President Buhari congratulated outgoing Governor Adams Oshiomhole on his stewardship during his eight-year tenure, aptly demonstrated in the quality of projects completed in the state.
"Certainly, Governor Oshiomhole is lucky to have served two-terms in office and he has engraved his name in gold in the history of Edo state,'' the President said.
In his remarks, Gov. Oshiomhole urged Nigerians not to relent in supporting the current administration, saying "Nigeria has a future under Buhari; there is no overnight solution to the country's problems.''
Republican candidate in the U.S presidential election, Donald Trump has cast his vote. In the video, Trump is seen with his wife and prospective First Lady, Melania cast their votes.
Photos of the ongoing election in the United State election. The battle between the Republican and Democratic. California, New York and mostly states in the West and Eastern coasts have almost consistently voted Democrat while many states in between, usually referred to as Middle America have consistently voted Republican.
Though the two major candidates, Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump are registered in New York, the state is irrespective of that leaning towards Clinton, the Democratic candidate.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump(2nd R) and his wife Melania fill out their ballots at a polling station in a school during the 2016 presidential elections on November 8, 2016 in New York. / AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANDemocratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton greets supporters after casting her vote in Chappaqua, New York on November 08, 2016. Chanting “Madam President,” about 150 supporters turned out to cheer on the Democratic nominee who voted with husband Bill Clinton at an elementary school near their home in Chappaqua / AFP PHOTO / EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZRepublician presidential nominee Donald Trump waves as he arrives at a polling station in New York where Trump was to cast his ballot, November 8, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Robyn BeckPeople cast their vote into cardboard box urns during a mock ballot vote between US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Kenya’s lakeside town of Kisumu on November 08, 2016, in which Clinton emerged the winner. Sentiment at the lakeside town and the country at large appeared to remain strong in favour of US’ Democratic party, whose outgoing President, Barack Obama is considered a son given his father’s Kenyan heritage, more so at Kogelo, about 60 kilomtres from Kisumu, the birthplace of his father, Obama Snr. / AFP PHOTO / TONY KARUMBAMen count votes during a mock ballot vote between US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Kenya’s lakeside town of Kisumu on November 08, 2016, in which Clinton emerged the winner. Sentiment at the lakeside town and the country at large appeared to remain strong in favour of US’ Democratic party, whose outgoing President, Barack Obama is considered a son given his father’s Kenyan heritage, more so at Kogelo, about 60 kilomtres from Kisumu, the birthplace of his father, Obama Snr. / AFP PHOTO / TONY KARUMBAVcast ballots in the presidential election at a polling center in Miami, Florida on November 8, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / RHONA WISEVcast ballots in the presidential election at a polling center in Miami, Florida on November 8, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / RHONA WISEA woman smiles after voting at a polling place at a high school in Burke, Virginia during the US presidential election on November 8, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS
The attention of the management of Vanguard newspapers has been drawn to the existence of a cloned version of its website by some unscrupulous individuals with a sinister motive of stealing the newspaper's brand identity, publishing fake stories and deceiving the public.
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The humble pantsuit is getting its moment in the sun.
A secret Facebook group called “Pantsuit Nation” that began as 50 Hillary Clinton supporters who decided to wear the outfit to the polls to show their support for the Democratic nominee has blown up into an online phenomenon in recent days.
The invitation-only group now has 2.2 million members and counting.Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton greets supporters after casting her vote in Chappaqua, New York on November 08, 2016. Chanting “Madam President,” about 150 supporters turned out to cheer on the Democratic nominee who voted with husband Bill Clinton at an elementary school near their home in Chappaqua / AFP PHOTO / EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ
According to US media reports, Pantsuit Nation was started by Libby Chamberlain, a Clinton supporter in the northeastern state of Maine.
“We talked about how beautifully and stoically Hillary embodies women’s fight for equality, and how the pantsuit is an emblem of that struggle,” she told CNN.
Clinton has been variously skewered and celebrated for her ubiquitous pantsuits, and in the waning days of the bruising presidential campaign, it’s become a quirky symbol for the former secretary of state, first lady and senator.
Pop star Beyonce traded her usual curve-hugging costumes for a pantsuit when she performed at a Clinton rally in Cleveland on Friday. Her backup dancers wore pantsuits in blue, the color of the Democratic Party.
The Facebook page brings together Clinton fans who share personal and often touching stories about why they are voting for her.
One pregnant woman posted a photo from a polling site, saying she was in labor but made sure to vote before going to the hospital to deliver her daughter.
The popularity of the Pantsuit Nation page has now spawned a website (www.pantsuitnation.org), accounts on Twitter and Instagram and a public Facebook page.
By Ben Agande Abuja – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee led Sen Ahmed Makarfiis Tuesday inaugurated a 115-member strategy review and inter-party affairs committee with a mandate to consider the possibility of bringbing other political parties for a possible merger.
Speaking while inauguratig the committee, senator makarfi said the drive behind the alliance is part of their strategy to return to power in 2019 through every democratic means.
The strategy committee is led by former minister of information, Prof. Jerry Gana.
According to Malawi, the committee is to among other things ” explore strategies to engage all possible allies with a view to building positive relationship in overall interest and in furtherance of democracy in nigeria.
“To consider recommend strategies to reposition to party and Recommend necessary amendment to the constitution of the party.”
Makarfi said as politicians they cannot afford to draw conclusions that it’s situation is bad. “You don’t remain docile and inactive, you don’t remain cornered so that you will not be toyed about with at the whims and caprices of anybody.
“Time is going, a lot of things are happening and our men and women are on their own and are beginning to do all sorts of meetings.
A video of Democratic Hillary Clinton displaying a keeper’s skill in a football pitch, a part of the campaign to win more supporters to vote for her in the U.S presidential election has set the net buzzing.
In the video, Clinton is seen playing football with children who were excited to play with a prospective president of their country.
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has adjourned Nnamdi Kanu's fundamental human rights case against the Federal Government till February 9 for final hearing.
The presiding judge, Micah Wright, who initially adjourned the case to November 8 following an application by the defendant adjourned till February 9.
ECOWAS Court
Mr. Kanu was not in court Tuesday; but his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, was around when the adjournment was made.
Mr. Kanu, a director of Radio Biafra and leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, sued the Federal Government for alleged illegal detention.
Joined in the suit were the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Director-General of the State Security Service, SSS.
Mr. Kanu, in the suit, is asking for a compensation of $800 million for alleged violation of his human rights and an order directing his unconditional release and release of his personal belongings.
In the suit, the plaintiff prayed the court to declare that his arrest and detention since October 14, 2015 by the defendant was in flagrant disobedience to several orders of courts of competent jurisdiction.
He also prayed the court to declare that his continued detention was a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Charter of 1970.
Mr. Kanu is accused, along with two others, Benjamin Madubugwu and James Nwawuisi, of treason.
He was arrested on October 14 after arriving Nigeria from the United Kingdom. His arrest triggered protests in south east states with supporters demanding his immediate release.
While the ECOWAS court adjourned the suit, the Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja re-arraigned Mr. Kanu on an amended 11-count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony and publication of defamatory matter.
Mr. Kanu, along with Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, were re-arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja. They pleaded not guilty to the amended charges.
Mrs. Nyako fixed November 17 to hear the bail applications filed by counsel to all the defendants.
Mr. Nwawuisi, who is the 4the defendant, was added in the amended 11-count charge, as he had not been previously charged with the other three in the earlier six-count charge.
In the amended charge, in count one, all four defendants were accused of conspiracy to commit treasonable felony, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act.
In count three, they allegedly managed an unlawful society, while count eight borders on possession of unlawful firearms and count 11 hinges on acts of terrorism.
They allegedly committed the offences in Nigeria and London between 2014 and 2015.
The counsel to the defendants, Chucks Muoma, Inalegwu Adoga, E. I. Esene and Maxwel Okpara complained to the judge that the prosecution was bent on frustrating the case by employing unnecessary delay tactics.
But Mrs. Nyako said that since the case was before her for the first time, she was not interested in what had happened in the past.
"The case is coming before me for the first time so let us start on a clean slate, forget what happened previously," she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Mrs. Nyako would be the third judge handling the case against the IPOB leader.
The first judge that handled Mr. Kanu's matter was Shuiabu Usman of Wuse Zone 2, Magistrates' Court, Abuja.
Mr. Usman quashed all the charges against Mr. Kanu after the prosecutor, the SSS, filed a motion challenging the court's jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The case was later filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja, where it was assigned to Justice Adeniyi Ademola.
Mr. Kanu, however, during one of sittings, told the court that he was no longer confident in the court saying he got information that he would not receive a fair hearing.
The case file was then returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Ibrahim Auta, who reassigned it to Justice John Tsoho.
However, following an alleged conflicting ruling giving on the issue of secret trial in favour of the SSS, Mr. Kanu in a petition asked the National Judicial Council, NJC, to investigate Mr. Tsoho.
He also filed an application asking the judge to disqualify himself from the matter.
Mr. Tsoho then handed off the matter on September 26 and sent the case file to Mr. Auta, who reassigned it to Mrs. Nyako.
The Ondo State Chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has condemned what it described as unjust exclusion and arbitrary inclusion of political party candidates as flag-bearers for the respective political parties ahead of the Ondo State governorship election holding this month.
The council also frowned at the practice of imposing candidates against the guild lines of political parties and the electoral laws by the national officers.
IPAC called on the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to attend to issues of political parties and elections more seriously to bring about the needed synergy.
While charging all political parties in the state to centre their electioneering campaigns around issues that affect the interest and welfare of the citizenry, IPAC urged political parties against mobilizing party agents and third parties for act of thuggery and anti-social behaviours that could threaten the peace in the state.
Abuja – State Governors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors' Forum, on Tuesday called for the immediate disbursement of ecological funds to their respective states.
The Chairman of the Forum, Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, made the call on behalf of his colleagues in Abuja.
Yari had earlier led a delegation of the governors to a closed-door meet with the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele.
Yari said the governors decided to meet the minister to request the disbursement of the ecological fund to states.Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Adamawa State Governor, Jubrila Bindo; Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari; Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State and Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani yesterday at the periodic meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeashida
The state governors, who accompanied Yari to the closed door meeting were Governors of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha; Kaduna, Malam Nasir El-Rufai; Osun, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal; Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa; and Katsina, Aminu Masari.
The closed door meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance, began at about 2:37p.m and ended at about 3:30p.m.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Fund, which originally received one per cent of the federation account, was reviewed upwards to two per cent in 1992.
Yari said that most of the states facing environmental challenges and as such could not continue to wait when there is a fund that could be used to address the problem.
"We are concerned seriously about the environment. The desertification in the North, oil and gas spills in the South-South and erosion in the South-East.
"And we have a lot of funds in the ecological stabilisation funds. Those funds are not being discussed at National Economic Council.
"What we discuss at NEC is usually briefing on excess crude account and the federation account. But this fund is not being discussed at that platform.
"We will like to have this fund available every month because those funds are federation funds and we are having so many problems. We need the money," he said.
Yari said the state governments would also want access to foreign intervention in relations to the environment.
When asked if the states also requested for fresh bailout from the federal government, Yari said there were no such requests.
He said the states are only asking for the disbursement of the fund to address the high level of environmental degradation in their respective states.
From its inception, ecological fund had been on a first line charge which provides handy resources for amelioration of ecological problems.
The problems include soil erosion, flood, drought, desertification, oil spillage, pollution and general environmental degradation.
The enabling statutes have over the years placed the Fund under the control of the Federal Government to be disbursed and managed in accordance with such directives as may be issued from time to time.
Abuja – The Senate on Tuesday resolved to invite the Minister of Labour and Employment to provide insight into government's roadmap towards tackling unemployment in the country.
This followed a motion by Sen. Duro Faseyi (PDP-Ekiti), who called on the President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on unemployment with a view to confront the challenge "frontally and radically".
"The economic recession which has hit the country would integrally multiply the level of unemployment in the country as more companies have started considering downsizing in order to cut cost and optimise profit," he said.Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige
Faseyi lamented that the unemployment figure in the country had created social tension and crisis in the society, which was evident in cases of kidnapping and insurgency.
He advised that urgent and results-oriented steps should be taken to tackle the "unpalatable unemployment" situation in the country.
Supporting the motion, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi (APC-Niger) said that the time was ripe for the National Assembly to proffer solution to unemployment in the country.
"There is no better time than now, especially as we are moving towards next year's budget proposal.
"The policy intent of government with respect to unemployment is not unambiguous because government has accepted that the unemployment rate is something to worry about," Abdullahi said.
He said that what was worrisome was the issue of translating policy intent into programmes and actions that would address the issue of unemployment.
"The Committee on Labour and Employment was on oversight just last week.
"It was revealed that the National Directorate for Employment has very innovative programmes that cut across various sectors in various locations across the federation.
"In the budget of N1.8 billion, as at November, they were only given N74 million, yet it is expected that from the programmes they have, they are expected to train youths and various interest groups.
"This would enable the youths to begin to do something by way of employing themselves or even creating small and micro enterprises where they can employ one or two persons," he said.
The lawmaker urged members of the senate to find a yardstick in determining how much the Ministry of Labour and Employment would receive to tackle unemployment.
After debate on the motion, the lawmakers adopted it with a resolution to invite Labour Minister for some explanation.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided at the plenary, directed the Clerk of the Senate to invite the minister.
Port Harcourt – Mr Frank Owhor, the Chairman of the committee set up for the burial of Elechi Amadi, said on Tuesday that the Rivers government was set to immortalise the late literary icon.
Owhor, who is the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, disclosed this at a news conference organised by the committee.
Amadi died on June 29 at the age of 82 and would be immortalised by the state government on Dec. 3.
The chairman also said that the committee had lined up a one-week programme of events to honour Amadi.Elechi Amadi
"The burial activities will last for one week, beginning from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, with the reading of his works on Nov. 17, quiz competition on Nov. 23 and Literary Day on Nov. 30, among others,'' he said.
Owhor said that literary scholars from across the globe were expected to attend some of the events in honour of the late Amadi.
"We are using this opportunity to invite the public to all the activities lined up for the week as it will not only be an opportunity to savour Elechi Amadi's works but also have a rare privilege to interact with other great names," he said.
He said that the state government had put in place all machinery needed to ensure a befitting burial.
Owhor also commended Gov. Nyesom Wike for his support to the committee.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to explore all avenues including synergy and collaboration among stakeholders and development partners in achieving its resolve to tackle the challenges of providing social and infrastructural needs for the people of the Niger Delta Region.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, stated this in Owerri, the Imo State capital during a workshop for the validation of the report of a baseline survey of social and infrastructural resource base in the Niger Delta Region.
The minister advised the workshop participants to review the report of the survey critically with a view to come out with a final document that could be used to attract interests and funds for the provision of social and infrastructural facilities in the Niger Delta Region.
The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program.
The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the United Nations Development Program commissioned a consulting firm, the African Centre for Shared Development Capacity Building to carry out the baseline survey.
Pastor Usani commended United Nations Development Program for funding the survey of the baseline report and the workshop for the validation of the survey, adding that the support would fast track developmental efforts in the Niger Delta Region.
The minister noted that when the survey on the baseline report was finally ratified and okayed for use by stakeholders it would help reduce duplication of projects by government agencies, stakeholders and development partners in the Niger Delta Region.
He requested that the United Nations Development Program should also help in training staff of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in some critical areas of its operation in the Niger Delta Region.
Pastor Usani advised that government agencies, stakeholders and development partners in the Niger Delta Region should always carry along benefiting communities of projects for them to have a sense of belonging in the developmental efforts.
The minister disclosed at the event that President Muhammadu Buhari has given approval for the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to supervise the activities and programmes of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In his remark at the event, the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Omoleye Daramola commended the consultant of the project, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye for the survey and stressed the need for such a research to be done periodically in order to appraise how far the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, other government agencies, stakeholders and development partners have done in the provision of social and infrastructural facilities for the people of the Niger Delta Region.
In a goodwill message at the event, the Statistician General of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Kale, who was represented by Alesanmi Folorunso said that the report will bring to the limelight some of the hidden truths about the Niger Delta Region which have been buried in political bias and tribal sentiments.
He noted that statistics are numerical facts that cannot be controverted. He added that without valid statistics we cannot make well-informed decisions that will catalyse social and economic development as well as plan for the future generations of the Niger Delta Region.
Dr. Kale noted that a validation workshop of this nature affords relevant stakeholders the avenue to make valid inputs in the process of data production so that when the final report is produced, it will receive the acceptability of all.
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