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The Federal Government has said it has the same goal as the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group, which is to secure the safe return of the Chibok schoolgirls. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said this on a special programme to mark Nigeria's 56th independence anniversary on Saturday night.
He said that the federal government's commitment to bringing back the girls is not in doubt.
"I want the Bring Back Our Girls to understand that this government appreciates what they are doing. We are all batting on the same side and we are as concerned as they are and we are well ready to work with you. Clearly we need a closer working relationship so that there will be no communication gap. Clearly, I do not see the objective of the BBOG group as different from ours," said the Minister, who appeared side by side with the BBOG Co-Convener, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili.
While reiterating the President's statement that there will be no closure to the Boko Haram issue until the Chibok girls are released and returned safely to their families, he noted that apart from the parents of the girls, no other individual or group has a higher stake in the release of the girls than the Federal Government.
Alhaji Mohammed said there is no contradiction between the fact that Boko Haram has been defeated and the fact that the girls remain in captivity.
"There shall be no closure on the Boko Haram issue until and when the Chibok girls are released and returned to the safety of their families. I think that does not contradict what Mr President has said that we have defeated Boko. Of course anybody who is familiar with the philosophy of insurgency will understand that it is not the regular kind of war where you sign an armistice and the guns become silent forever, but rather it is a kind of guerrilla war.
"But what Mr President said, which cannot be contradicted, is that as of May 29, 2015, when he took over, we had a chunk of our territory in the hands of Boko Haram. As at 2015, a part of the Northeast could not be accessed because of the activities of the terrorists, but the same cannot be said about the area today," he said.
The Minister said it is necessary to situate the Chibok saga within the proper context, noting that the girls have been in captivity for over 400 days before the Buhari Administration came into power, yet there have been attempts by the government to establish contact with Boko Haram to secure their release (but) the fictionalisation within the terror group made it difficult for the deal to go through.
"I want us to put things in correct perspective. Yes, the issue of the kidnap or abduction of the Chibok girls is one that should affect everybody, it is not out of place for anyone to be emotional about it but at the same time we must be rational in our approach to the issue.
Yes, today might be 901 days since the girls were abducted but it must also be understood that these girls were abducted 400 days before this government came to power, this must not be forgotten and by the time we came in, the trails had gone cold. The first 48 hours after any kidnapping constitute the most critical period.
"If you listen to my press conference some weeks ago with respect to the failed negotiations, it is clear that every occasion starting from the one in August 2015 where for 10 days we were at the appointed point where Boko Haram fighters were supposed to be exchanged with the Chibok girls, the factionalisation of Boko Haram played a key role in our inability to secure the release of the girls," he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said the fact that the President approved the deal to exchange even some Boko Haram armourers for the girls is the clearest indication yet of his unflinching commitment to securing their release.
He also said there is no contradiction between the President's statement that there is so far no credible leadership of the Boko Haram to engage with and the fact that the government has tried three times to strike a deal for the release of their girls.
"Like I explained at that press conference, right from the time when we were approached that Boko Haram leadership wanted to exchange the girls for their people, Mr President was quite worried because they (Boko Haram) insisted that some of the terrorists who were actually the masterminds behind the bombings should be included on the list of those to be released.
"Despite that, the president accepted and the entire process was activated but for 10 days we were there and there was breakdown of communication and nothing was achieved. So that was what Mr President meant when he said 'yes we are ready to negotiate but that we need a credible leadership to engage with'," the Minister said.
Stoke City's Joe Allen cancelled out Manchester United Anthony Martial's superb curling strike as they earned a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford to mark another frustrating day for Manchester United.
Manchester United dominated the play, with 67 per cent possession and 20 shots at the goal to seven by Stoke, but one error after the other denied them the full three points.
After Glen Johnson's strike was palmed away by David De Gea, Jonathan Walters chipped a cross onto the bar and into the path of Allen, who slammed it into the roof of the net with 83 minutes gone.
Substitute Martial had earlier found the top right corner with a superb strike before, in the closing stages, Paul Pogba rattled the crossbar with a close-range header from Marcus Rashford's whipped cross as the hosts pressed for a winner.
Man Utd could have been in front in the first half but were denied by a brilliant display from Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant, making his Old Trafford debut.
Grant produced a wonderful one-handed stop when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was clean through with two minutes gone, and he made another fine reflex save from Jesse Lingard's close-range volley on the way to earning his side a point.
Grant was named man of the match.
Jose Mourinho felt it was United's best performance of the season, despite the result, and was understandably frustrated.
He said Stoke keeper Lee Grant deserved the Man-of-the-Match award.
?By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA – Acting National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress APC, Comrade Timi Frank has written an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, saying if Nigerians must key into his recently-launched social reorientation campaign, #ChangeBeginsWithMe, and the president must kick-start the process from within the APC.
Frank was again reacting to the face-off between the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and one of its national leaders, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu who had accused the chairman of mishandling the Ondo state governorship primary election of the party.
“It is worthy to note that today, we are witnessing the same concerns and fears being expressed by one of the founding fathers of our great party, who also doubles as a national leader agreeing with my earlier call that Chief Oyegun should resign as the National Chairman.
“This allegation of bribery raised by Asiwaju Tinubu as regards the recent Ondo governorship primaries should be of concern to all well-meaning party leaders and elders and should not be swept under the carpet or taken with levity. This weighty allegations should and must be properly investigated because of course “there is no smoke without fire”. Mr. President sir, you recall the launch of the “Change Begins With Me Campaign” a fortnight ago, where we were admonished to lead by example, and I dare say that this change must start from within the party so that Nigerians can follow suit”, he said.
According to him, “Chief Oyegun has shown that he lacks the capacity to resolve all the crisis currently rocking our party in nearly all the states of the federation. Not even personal grudges and rifts between party members, egg Senator Shehu Sani vs. Gov. El rufai in Kaduna, or Senator Kwankwaso vs. Gov Ganduje in Kano, Senator Goje vs. Senator Nafada in Gombe, and lastly the rift between late Chief Audu’s family against Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi state. The crisis rocking the Bayelsa state APC which is also divided against itself as well as Delta, Ondo and Ogun states are visible examples to mention a few”.
Part of the letter read;Oyegun, Tinubu and Buhari
“In the words of Ola Rotimi in The Gods are not to Blame, “When a chameleon brings forth a child, it is not the child that is expected to dance. Yes, the king should act as a king.” The recent outburst by one of our founding fathers and a National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu against the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun seems to be threatening the smooth sail and peaceful coexistence of our great party the All Progressives Congress (APC) and if nothing is done urgently, them I’m afraid “the pot left on the fire will definitely burn.”
“Mr. President sir, I wish to reiterate my earlier stand on this matter and I’m also elated that I’ve been vindicate in my struggle to save our party all the while, when so many thought of me as a rebel or paid apologist. It is therefore no secret that I was one of the very first persons in the party who took the bull by the horns and openly raised the alarm of urgent issues which had to be addressed in other to steer the APC ship in its right course. Suffice to say that all my efforts to plead with the party leadership to redirect its affairs fell on deaf ears as no one took me seriously at the time.
“You may recall Mr President, that the origin of this crisis began when the issue of the National Assembly leadership arose and the decision of the party at the time against party members, especially against the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. I foresaw the impending cracks at the time when the party leaders ignored the injustice against these two persons and I subsequently raised viable concerns which still fell on deaf ears.
“Again, when I raised concerns against the manner in which Chief Oyegun handled the conduct of the Bayelsa state governorship primaries that produced the APC candidate, no one listened to me, and alas the outcome of that election became a clear testament to my alleged fears. Subsequently, when my immediate boss, Alhaji Lai Mohammed became the Minister of Information, I was supposed to immediately fill in the gap and act in his stead as enshrined in our party constitution as the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, but this was not to be as I was outrightly being persecuted for reasons unknown and perhaps for selfish interest. I was deprived of performing my duties and my duties assigned to themselves.
“Mr. President sir, the episode of the recent Ondo primaries is just one case too many befalling the APC under the leadership of Chief Oyegun and I’m therefore challenging Chief Oyegun to tell Nigerians if he has been able to mediate over any crisis that has been successful. As far as I am aware, APC under Oyegun has not been able to resolve any crisis in the party since we became the ruling party.
“Mr. President sir, I’m aware you may not have forgotten hurriedly your experience under Chief Oyegun’s chairmanship in the defunct All Nigerians People’s Party (ANPP) that eventually led to the series of events which saw your exit from the party, and this same man is at it again.
“It is said that “A stitch in time saves nine”. I recall how we raised similar concerns when the PDP was still PDP under Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. This warnings were of no effect even as things got worse daily; suffice to say that the appeal from party leaders to former President Jonathan to act, yielded no result as he acted rather late and the result is the very obvious which is still bedevilling the PDP up until this day.
“It is no longer news today that so many leaders of the APC are aggrieved as a result of the handling of party affairs by Chief John Oyegun. Injustice has become the order of the day, whilst so many leaders and party faithful might be contemplating an exit from the party if nothing is done urgently to salvage the already sour taste. I’m aware that in a swift reaction to Sen Bola Tinubu’s outburst, former Vice President and chieftain of the APC Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, pointed out vividly that the party leadership is expected to be guided always by respect for the rules, fairness, equity, neutrality and respect for democratic consensus. We must therefore be bold to say that these principles may not be found in the dictionary of Chief Oyegun.
“Six months down the line after the last NEC meeting, Chief John Oyegun has not deemed it necessary to call for either the caucus meeting, BoT, NEC or any other leadership meeting to discuss issues of national importance and those confronting our great party. This clearly is in sharp contrast with the party’s constitution, which states in article 25 b( i) that “the National Executive Committee shall meet every quarter and or at any time decided by the national chairman or at the request made in writing by at least two-third of the members of the National Executive Committee provided that not less than fourteen (14) days notice is given for the meeting to be summoned.”
“In the light of the aforesaid therefore, I am appealing to Mr. President to immediately direct Chief John Oyegun to summon an emergency NEC/ BOT and Caucus meeting which will enable the party leadership to sit face to face to confront and resolve all pending issues before our great party, whilst finding a lasting solution, moving forward.
“Finally Mr. President, I am appealing to you that this open letter be treated with all sincerity of purpose to enable us surmount our challenges as a party. It must be noted that with a strong, vibrant and indivisible party, we will together achieve our dream of queuing behind your able leadership in delivering the much needed change to Nigerians. I am therefore optimistic that this open letter will serve as the yardstick of the beginning of new things to come for our great party”.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has declared Monday, Oct. 3 as public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year, 1438 AH, which begins on Monday.
He made the declaration on Sunday at the 1438 Hijrah Grand Rally organised by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) at Ibadan.
Oct. 3 is the lunar month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar.
The Islamic year calendar had started counting in 622 AD after the emigration of Prophet Muhammed from Mecca to Medina in Saudi-Arabia.
Ajimobi stated that Hijrah, the beginning of the new year in the Islamic calendar was another opportunity for Muslims worldwide to reflect on their past and channel a new way of life.
"Hijrah symbolises a new beginning. It is the state of improving on the past into a new status. Hijrah began when the holy Prophet Muhammed migrated from Mecca to Medina," he said.
He enjoined Muslims to exhibit good character towards their neighbours, saying it was the only way their prayers could be answered by God.
Gov Ajimobi
Ajimobi urged parents to give their wards proper upbringing and mentoring, as it was the only way to prepare them for greater heights in life.
Speaking on education, the governor said that the new education policy to be implemented in the state would be all-inclusive.
To this end, he noted that all stakeholders would be involved in the implementation and supervision of the schools.
He assured the people of his administration's determination to improve the standard of education in the state through the employment of quality personnel and standard facilities.
Ajimobi commended the Muslim community in the state for their unflinching support at all times.
Dr Sakariyau Babalola, the Deputy President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged Muslims to use the occasion of Hijrah to reflect on their past deeds.
Babalola, who was represented by Alhaji Afeez Timehin, his Personal Assistant said that reflecting on their past deeds would enable them to improve on their attitudes in line with the virtues of the holy prophet.
Earlier, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, the Coordinator, NACOMYO, Oyo State chapter, appealed to the governor to also declare the first day of Muharram as public holiday in the state.
Afolabi said that the theme for the year's Hijrah; "Recession or Depression: Islam Holds the Hope'', was timely.
"At a time like this when the nation is faced with economic recession, and the Islamic nations have been turned to theatres of war, we need to resort to prayers like the holy prophet did for Saudi-Arabia.''
Afolabi stated that there was the issue of hijab across the world, but expressed joy that many more important non-Muslims were embracing Islam on daily basis.
"Simon Collis, the British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia has accepted Islam and performed hajj this year with his wife.
"I appeal to those who are still sitting on the fence to embark on the Noah's Ark of the time in accepting Islam,'' he said.
The event featured match past by Islamic schools across the state.
In attendance was the Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, Secretary to Oyo State Government, Alhaji Ishmael Alli, Sen. Adesoji Akanbi, and a former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Others are; Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo, Prof. Kamil Oloso, Alhaja Sekinat Adekola, Iya Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Segilola Badmus and hosts of other dignitaries.
By Tony Ubani at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium The crowd had started pouring into the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium as early as 10 a.m after the various church services. Prayers were offered for iconic Rangers International and some of the fans Dedicated their offerings to God to block El Kanemi from making a 32-year wait not be in vain.
The gates were thrown open to allow mammoth crowd to be witnesses of another victory by the Antelopes of Enugu. What started smoothly went out of control with the rain. Most of the fans ran riot to avoid the rain and caused commotion. Almost those who had taken position at the open terraces wanted to get to the covered stands. Chaos! Security personnel had hectic time controlling them.
The Media stand was taken over but the fans as they overwhelmed security. The rain, which they said was a blessing, came to “water the earth” according to one of the hit songs of Majek Fashek.
The entry of Davidson Owumi caused another rapture as the fans stood to acclaim one of the former iconic player and coach of the Coal-City outfit. The the players of Rangers appeared in their immaculate white jersey and the crowd went berserk. El-Kanemi wore Green short and yellow tops.
After the national anthem, Rangers stood for their traditional anthem and 12 gun salute boomed.
And when Bobby Clement’s shot hit an El-Kanemi player on the hand for a penalty, the crowd roared into ole Ole Ole song. Chisom Egbuchulam did not make mistake in tucking the resultant penalty for the opening goal. The crowd cheered lustfully for the goal. The tension that was palpable for an upset calmed their nerves as Enugu prayed for a win that would seem them celebrate all night.
The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, has approved the release of a sum of N797 million as take-off grant to the newly created Local Council Developments Areas, Area Councils, Administrative Offices in the state.
Aregbosola
The funds approved by the Governor also included the Stabilisation Funds to the existing Local Government Areas of the state.
A statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, gave the breakdown of the funds released to each of the administrative units as follows:
*N15 million to each of the 31LCDAs;
*N9 million to each of the 3 Area Councils;
*N5 million to each of the 2 Administrative Offices
* N10million to each of the 30 LGs
According to the release, the Governor urged the leadership at each of these strata of local government administration in the state to ensure the realisation of the main objectives of the creation of the various administrative units the most paramount of which is the rapid development of the state.
He reminded the leadership to be conscious of the main targets which include pursuit of revenue generation, markets development, control and supervision, environmental sanitation, primary health care delivery and elementary education superintendence.
Enugu – Leaders Rangers International Football Club of Enugu look assured of the title judging by half-time results in final day matches of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
In the ongoing week 38 matches across the country in the league, the Enugu side and their fans are already in the party mood with a 3-0 lead.
They have kept the mood on through goals from Chisom Egbuchulam, who scored from the penalty spot in the second minute, and Osas Okoro in the 40th minute.
The lead at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, if sustained, will give them an unassailable lead at 63 points.
Rivers United, their main challengers, have also kept up the chase as they lead 1-0 in Uyo against hosts Akwa United and will need to clinch their win.
But they were three points behind before the matches, and it will only take three goals from El-Kanemi Warriors and none again from Rangers before the party in Enugu can turn sour.
Third-placed FC IfeanyiUbah of Nnewi are one goal behind against hosts MFM FC in Lagos and seem far away from second place with the half-time results.
Below are all the half-time results from the nine centres:
Plateau United 0-1 Heartland Warri Wolves 1-0 Ikorodu United Wikki Tourists 1-0 Sunshine Stars Abia Warriors 1-0 3SC Akwa United 0-1 Rivers United Lobi Stars 1-0 Nasarawa United MFM FC 1-0 FC IfeanyiUbah Kano Pillars 1-0 Niger Tornadoes Rangers International 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors(NAN)
To ensure effective implementation of its Vector Control Programme aimed at eradicating Lassa Fever and other vector-borne diseases, the Lagos State Government has commenced the training of officers that will execute the project.
The training which will last for two weeks is being conducted in collaboration with its project partners, Lagos-based Phosguard Fumigant Ltd., a Non-Governmental Organisation.
Mr Oluwasegun Benson, the project's Director, said this Sunday in Lagos that the training which commenced on Sept. 26, was to impart the knowledge of effective use of hi-tech chemicals to the officers.
Benson, the Chief Executive Officer of Phosguard, said that about 25 youths were currently being trained for the take-off of the project that would involve the killing of rodents beginning with the markets in the state.
"The project involves killing of rats, using chemicals as baits and this requires special skills to avoid the adverse effects of the chemicals.
"The training which is in three levels is in preparation for the programme to rid the state of rodents and buying up the rats for proper disposal.
"We will collaborate with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to either incinerate or bury the rats according to the best practices.
Lassa-fever
"This why we why we are mobilising the public to be part of the "Kill Rats and Get Paid Project'' that is most likely to be launched this month,'' the environmentalist said.
Benson, who conceived the project, said that Phosguard as the executing partners had advertised for vector control officers to apply for field jobs, adding that 25 of the applicants had been selected for the first phase of training.
"We will start with 25 vector control personnel who have a minimum qualification of Secondary School Certificate in Education (SSCE) to ensure they can read and write chemical labels and signs.
"Those selected are youths; this is to make the inactive youths who are high in number in the society to be meaningfully engaged,'' he said.
Benson said the second stage of the training was on Health and Safety (HSE) which involved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), teaching them how to avoid accidents and how to work in a safe environment.
"We've found out that a lot of accidents happen at work due to lack of knowledge of PPE.
"Some of them will handle chemicals and they must learn how to wear gloves and protect their nostrils to avoid contact with the chemicals and food.''
The third stage, he said, would be on application handling of poisonous substances.
"To have an effective rat baiting, we must follow the activity of the rodents, especially at night when are more active.
"It is unethical to bait in the afternoon because rodent are active at night, and non-targeted pests or animals could be affected.
"To embark on baiting, it should be done at night with no human presence, especially in the markets.
Baiting should be done on straight lines for easy identification and collection of dead rodents and for data purposes, once they have the basic knowledge; they are ready to hit the road as professionals in fumigation services.
He advised that only trained personnel should be engaged in fumigation services for effective results and to achieve the purpose of reducing rodents in the society.
"The effort is to ensure that the government's objective of averting the incidences of Lassa Fever and other vector-borne diseases which is already approaching an epidemic level is attained.''
Benson said the resource persons for the training came from environmental health, chemicals manufacturing industry, health officers and the Fire Service among others.
He said that it was hoped that with the project, rodents multiplying ubiquitously across the mega-city state would be exterminated from residential places and markets using hi-tech chemicals and equipment that would make their decomposing bodies non-infectious.
Benson revealed that the bounty, "Kill rats, make money in Lagos'' would help to de-rat the state, especially with Lassa fever infecting more people in some states.
"We will buy off at least 20 rats for a yet-to-be determined amount; in Lagos, now it is operation kill rats and make money.
"A rat has 28 days gestation period and in the past years, there has not been any solid structure on ground to curb them from infecting humans with diseases,'' he said.
Vector-borne diseases are infections transmitted by the bite of infected arthropod species, such as rats, mosquitoes, ticks, triatomine bugs, sandflies and blackflies.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Vector-borne diseases account for more than 17 per cent of all infectious diseases, causing more than 1 million deaths annually.
The Customs Area Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Comptroller Benjamin Aber, has urged Nigerians to be more serious with exportation of goods to replenish the country's dwindling foreign reserves.
The comptroller made the plea at a meeting on the Nigerian Export Trade Hub (NETH), hosted by the Customs command.
He suggested that Nigeria needed to be focused on exportation in order to get out of the current economic recession
Aber had in the last eight months been organizing several meetings geared toward reviving the Kirikiri Terminal.
He said that agriculture could sustain Nigeria if vigorously pursued.
"It is time Nigeria moves forward in its export business. We need to move Nigeria forward away from reliance on oil.
"Agriculture can sustain this country.
"The Nigeria Customs Service is now in the forefront that export business should be done in such a way that it earns foreign exchange for the country,'' the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes the controller as saying.
Comptroller Aber said that all Federal regulatory agencies would be linked to the NETH, adding that doing business through the Hub would be easy.
NETH was launched on Aug. 2016 by critical stakeholders, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), National Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC); and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA)
It is aimed not only to earn foreign exchange for the country but to also create a trade balance.
The exportable commodities are to be warehoused in Aulic Container Bonded Terminal in the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos.
According to the Coordinator of the Hub, Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Frank Ezeh, NETH gives investors the opportunity to bring in their goods, have easy access to exporting them out of the country.
"This is to also guide against the ban or black listing of Nigerian exports to Europe and the world over.
"With this, the country's balance of trade will be improved upon,'' Ezeh said.
Prof. Nick Ezeh, the Chief Executive Officer of Aulic Container Bonded Terminal, who doubles as the Chairman of the Infrastructure and Business Committee of NETH, said that the terminal has a standard police station.
According to him, there is also an export hall measuring 11,000 square metres, fire service station and a medical clinic.
Ezeh said that with the10-lane road project of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria, "the terminal is a place to be''.
"Already plans are in top gear to link the terminal with the ongoing rail construction and the major road for easy movement of goods and cargoes,'' NAN quotes him as saying.
Corroborating Comptroller Aber's position on government agencies in the terminal, Ezeh said there were buildings that would accommodate all government agencies in separate offices.
He called on government's representatives at the meeting to turn in their requirements and how they want their offices to look like.
A representative of NACCIMA, Chief Wale Adegboye said that the Hub would add more value to the exportation of goods in Nigeria and "will bring back the confidence of exporters in Nigeria''.
He lauded the resilience of Comptroller Aber in bringing the needed change with his expertise.
Adegboye promised that the Chamber would support the Hub.
An official of the NEPC, Mrs Mary Ikejiofor, also said that the NEC would support the Hub.
She said, "NETH is a one-stop window that will aid exporters in the exportation of their goods.''
Ikejiafor advised all government agencies to link up to the Hub as it would guide against exportation of bad products.
Already, there will be a data base and documentation management system in the Hub that will aid exportation of goods within 24 hours after a logging in and payment is made to the necessary agency.
Also a warehouse warrant is to be issued by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, (NSE), as the data in the Hub is accessible all round the clock and seamlessly linked to the NEPC.
The data could not be destroyed by fire.
The portal also spotted bad products which will not be allowed to go out as such products would not be certified.
"The Hub also helps the exporter identify potential market and distribution channels of his products and provides fast access to financing.
Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Nigeria has restated its commitment to the growth of football at the grassroots in the country.
Igo Weli, the General Manager, External Relations of SPDC in Nigeria, made the assertion at a reception held for the two Most Valuable Players (MVPs) selected at the 18th NNPC/Shell Cup on Saturday in Lagos.
Kelvin Amadi of Excel School in Port Harcourt, Rivers and Joseph Ejeh of FOSLA School in Abuja were selected at the competition.
The players were sponsored on a 7-day trip to Feyenoord Football Academy in the Netherlands, making it the first time players in the competition are selected to travel abroad since its inception.
Weli said that the company would not have been able to sustain the competition without the commitment and support of the Nigerian National petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The general manager urged the players to take their education seriously, noting that education and sports worked hand in hand.
"We believe in Nigeria, we have an ongoing commitment in this and we will try and sustain it.
"We have delivered all our promises, this year's edition was different and there was significant improvement.
"Football and academic excellence work together and they are not mutually exclusive, so, I expect them to pursue their academics along with their football career,'' he said.
Also, Tolulope Derin-Adefuwa, who represented the NNPC, said that the trip gave the players the opportunity to increase their knowledge in football.
Derin-Adefuwa, who accompanied the players on the trip, said that the boys also conducted themselves as good ambassador of the country all through their stay.
"It was a life time experience for the boys and they had a great time in the Netherlands.
"They played with Feynord U-17 team, they watched a live match of Feyenoord and also visited the Nigerian Ambassor to the Netherlands,'' she said.
Meanwhile, the players thanked SPDC and NNPC for the opportunity given to them.
Amadi, one of the players said the visit to the Netherlands had changed his orientation about football and also increased his knowledge in it.
"Words can't express my gratitude to Shell for this rare opportunity. I will forever remain grateful to the organization,'' he said.
In the same vien, Ejeh lauded the SDPC for the initiative, saying that he would remain committed to his studies and sport.
The golden boys of Excel Education Centre won the NNPC/Shell Cup with a 3-2 victory over their counterparts from Fosla Academy.
The winners received N3.5m, while the runners-up got N2.3m and the third and fourth positions received N1.3m and N1.1m respectively.
Gov. Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State has commiserated with police authority over the death of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in the state, Mr Usman Sabo-Longlong.
In a condolence message signed on his behalf by his Special Assistant, Media, Tukur Ahmed, the governor described the death of the officer as 'tragic'.
"The death of the late DCP, Operations, is a great loss, not only to the police family, but the people of the state and the country in general.
"Late police officer was a vibrant, committed and dedicated man, who has contributed immensely in ensuring the security and peaceful development of the state.
"The deceased also sacrificed all his time in ensuring adequate protection of lives and property of people of the state", Al-makura said.
The governor prayed God to grant every member of Sabo-Longlong's family and the entire Police Force, the fortitude to bear the pains of his demise.
A statement signed in Lafia on Sunday by the Nasarawa Police Command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Idirisu John-Kennedy, indicated that Sabo-Longlong, 56, died on Oct 1. At about 7p.m. at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, after a brief illness.
The statement quoted John-Kennedy as saying that "until his death, Sabo-Longlong was DCP in charge of Department of Operations, Nasarawa State police commands headquarter, Lafia.''
John-Kenndy said that the deceased, an indigene of Sokoto State, joined the service of the police on Sept.1, 1982, and had served in various places.
He added that the late police officer had been buried in accordance with Islamic injunction in Lafia, Nasarawa state.
Gombe – Gov.Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa said in Gombe Sunday that Nigerians owed a lot to President Muhammadu Buhari for his swift action in addressing the security challenges posed by insurgents.
Bindow, who was in Gombe to felicitate with the people of the state on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the creation of the state, noted that the threat to lives and property had been substantially reduced.
"Our President deserves commendation for his military exploits in fighting the insurgents.President Buhari with Adamawa state Governor Jibrilla Bindow and DG NEMA during his visit to the camp of Internally displaced Persons (IDP) in Malkwoi IDP Camp Yola Adamawa on 13th Nov 2015
"Now, we can sleep both eyes closed and move around freely", he said, while fielding questions from newsmen. The Governor also commended Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe for taking the state to greater height within a short time of his stewardship.
"No doubt Dankwambo has achieved a lot; Gombe state has been transformed to a modern city within 20 years of its creation, "he said.
The governor said he joined the people of Gombe in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the creation of their state because they and people of Adamawa were one and inseparable.
"Although we now differ in our political persuasion, Gombe state being PDP and Adamawa APC, I can confidently say we are dialectically, economically and socially related ," he said.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan along with his wife paid a visit to Bayelsa State after marking the October 1 Independence Day in Abuja.
Dr. Jonathan, who has been dubbed by leading international organisations as the icon of Democracy in Africa and the continent’s foremost Statesman, had in his October 1 Independence Day Message posted on his Facebook page urged Nigerians to be patriotic and work on building Nigeria.
Dr. Jonathan, who has been dubbed by leading international organisations as the icon of Democracy in Africa and the continent’s foremost Statesman, had in his October 1 Independence Day Message posted on his Facebook page urged Nigerians to be patriotic and work on building Nigeria.
The Independence Day message of Dr. Jonathan which in part read thus: “I call on all my beloved countrymen and women to remain patriotic by praying for and supporting governments at all levels to build up Nigeria. Remember, do not think of who will make Nigeria great. Instead, think of how you will make Nigeria great. May God bless Nigeria and may God bless her people,” was personally signed with his trademark initials ‘GEJ’.
Dr. Jonathan was received at the Port Harcourt International Airport by close family members and well wishers with whom he exchanged pleasantries and thereafter departed for Bayelsa State.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari has received criticisms from critics who consider claims by the EFCC to criminalise his wife, Mrs. Patience Jonathan as an attack on the rising International profile of Dr.
Port Harcourt based Lawyer, Barrister Jonas Iniayemana recently called on the EFCC to comply with the provisions of the Constitution, extant laws including the EFCC establishment Act regarding procedures and respect for the human rights of Mrs. Patience Jonathan, considering the presumption of her innocence until proven guilt by a competent court of law.
“the actions of the EFCC smacks of desperation, and a vindictive mission to malign and expose the Jonathans to public ridicule and anger by portraying them as scapegoats for Nigeria’s current economic crisis, which in reality is in credit to the incompetence and ineptitude of the Buhari led administration.” Iniayemana said.
Tottenham Hotspur advanced their Premier League title credentials with a superb 2-0 victory on Sunday as Pep Guardiola tasted defeat for the first time as Manchester City manager.
An Aleksandar Kolarov own goal and a Dele Alli strike gave Spurs a third successive league win over City and manager Mauricio Pochettino could even afford for Erik Lamela to squander a second-half penalty.
The result lifted Spurs to second, a point below City, and means the north London club, third last term, have made their best start to a season since their fabled 1960-61 title-winning campaign.
Pochettino was left to celebrate only a second league win over Guardiola in 10 matches, and the first since Espanyol beat Barcelona in their first such encounter in February 2009.
It was Guardiola’s first defeat in 12 games as City manager and following their mid-week 3-3 draw at Celtic in the Champions League, his side have now gone successive games without victory.
City had won their first six league matches, but the last unbeaten record in the division now belongs to Tottenham.
Spurs were caught cold by Liverpool, the last high-pressing team to visit White Hart Lane, in August’s 1-1 draw between the sides, but Pochettino’s men did not make the same mistake against City.
They were at it from the off, Son Heung-Min lashing a shot over the bar with barely 30 seconds on the clock, and in the ninth minute they scored.
Danny Rose hoisted a cross into the box from the left and Kolarov made a complete hash of his attempted clearance, the ball ballooning up off his left thigh and floating into the top-right corner.
The white-shirted onslaught continued, City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo blocking at his near post from Son and fielding a mishit Rose volley that threatened to dip beneath his crossbar.
Nicolas Otamendi was booked for lunging in on the jinking Alli and from the ensuing free-kick, Christian Eriksen curled inches wide.
– Aguero hits post –
Not until the middle of the first half did City begin to pick their way through the Spurs press.
Sergio Aguero might have had a penalty after being caught by Jan Vertonghen as they vied for Kolarov’s cross and the Argentine also worked Hugo Lloris with a curling free-kick.
But with Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko policing the midfield, City could not settle and eight minutes before half-time they found themselves two goals down.
After stopping a City counter-attack in its tracks, Spurs broke themselves, Son slipping a pass through to Alli, who swept a first-time shot low past Bravo’s outstretched right hand.
Spurs came out of the traps fastest in the second half as well, with Son and Wanyama going close from range.
Aguero almost embarrassed Lloris at the other end with a low shot that the Frenchman inadvertently deflected against his near post.
But it was an isolated opportunity for the visitors, prompting Guardiola to inject some guile into his midfield by sending on Ilkay Gundogan for Fernando.
Spurs should have put the game to bed in the 65th minute when referee Andre Marriner pointed to the spot after Fernandinho had caught Alli from behind.
But Bravo plunged to his left to push Lamela’s penalty away.
Guardiola also introduced Kelechi Iheanacho in place of Jesus Navas, but there was just one clear opportunity for his side in the closing stages, Lloris saving sharply from Aguero’s deflected effort
Indeed, anyone who has heard of or visited Aba would swiftly attest to the ingenuity and creative sense of the people. Aba is a home for crafts and fabrications of about anything.
In fact, call it the Japan of Africa, the commercial hub of Nigeria and the real eastern heartland, you would only be stating the obvious.
So, determined to give the people nothing but the best, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu travelled to Turkey four months after assuming office as the governor of Abia State.
While in Istanbul, the country's capital, he kept his mind focused on the task, interacting with the Turkish government and the business community. Turkey and Abia share some commonality in garment, textile and shoe-making revolution.
The only challenge in Abia's case was the lack of facilities for bumper output. But then, you still can't but commend the resilience of Aba people who have continued to churn out tons and tons of assorted wears, brands and trademarks to the chagrin of their competitors at the global arena.
.Gov Okezie Ikpeazu and the Turkish Ambassador flanked by the three senators from Abia at the occassion
Meanwhile, precisely one year after the visit of the governor to the European country, Abia State and Turkish government have sealed a deal.
The deal, formalized at a brief ceremony held at the Turkish embassy in Abuja, on Tuesday, would see, the training of over 50,000 shoe, dress makers as well as other artisans from Abia.
By this investment pact, large capacity output machines and equipment would be shipped in to Abia for immediate take off of production.
This is in addition to the promise by the foreign government to inject millions of dollars in various areas of the state economy.
The target of this business move, according to the Abia government, is to boost the manufacturing and industrial base of the state.
It said it would not only create jobs for youths but also boost the production and delivery of made-in-Nigeria products across the global.
Why partnering with Turkey? Speaking at the ceremony,Ikpeazu said that the partnership was sequel to his business trip to Istanbul in September last year.
"I thank the Turkish embassy to allow Abia to be a trail blazer once again. In September last year, I embarked on my first journey to Turkey. We feel that the best thing was to begin to learn from Turkey. Abia and Turkey have so many things in common. We have over 50,000 shoe makers. We believe that our people can learn so from the Turkish experience in making beautiful shoes and dresses.
"So, in our decision to drive five pillars of development especially Small and Medium scale enterprise, we find out that Turkey had a similar trajectory in terms of their machine, tools because they were able to produce machines that could service the equipment they were using in their factories and the economy is also built strong on the small and medium scale enterprise as a catalyst for rapid economic development. It would have been too fast for us to go to well established economies like Germany, America and all that.
"But we felt that Turkey had a growing experience taken a bit from Russia and Germany. The outcome in Turkey; solid equipment, solid infrastructure base and then flourishing output in terms of beautiful and wonderful products especially as it concerns garments and leather works.
"Our emphasis in Abia is also on garment and leather works. That naturally took us to Turkey and we believe strongly that there is a lot for us to learn as a growing economy in Abia from Turkey."
The impact of the business deal Ikpeazu also expressed optimism that the result of the partnership would be seen almost immediately.
Why we partner Nigeria, Abia-Turkish Ambassador Meanwhile, speaking at the event, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Hakan Cakil, appreciated the Nigerian business climate, saying it would be in the interest of both countries to cooperate. He lauded the initiative between his country and Abia government, hoping that it would bear fruits.
"We are doing our best to encourage Turkish business investment in Nigeria. Nigeria is a very important country. We are making excellent cooperation,"the envoy stated. The meeting attracted the presence of the three senators representing Abia State at the Senate, Abia government officials and members of Turkish business community.
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA – Perturbed by the current state of affairs in the country’s electoral system, President Muhammadu Buhari, has constituted a 24-man Electoral Reform Committee to be headed by a former Senate President, Dr. Ken Nnamani.
The Committee, whose members were drawn from the Civil Society Organisations, academia, legal profession, traditional institutions, as well as former legislators, will be inaugurated on Tuesday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
The AGF, in a press statement he issued through his media aide, Mr. Salisu Isah, on Sunday, said the Constitutional/ Electoral Reform Committee was set-up as part of concerted effort by the President Buhari-led administration, “to ensure an electoral process that would meet the global standard and satisfy the desire of the electorates”.
He said the Committee would be specifically mandated to re-jig the current process.
"The Committee is expected to Review Electoral environment, laws and experiences from recent elections conducted in Nigeria and make Recommendations to strengthen and achieve the conduct of free and fair elections in Nigeria”, the AGF stated.
Malami, maintained that the former Senate President, Nnamani was okayed to head the Committee, with an expectation that he would “bring his wealth of experience to bear on the reform process”.
Whereas a don from Ado Bayero University, Kano, Dr. Mamman Lawal was appointed to serve as Secretary of the Committee, among its members included Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, Dr. Clement Nwankwo, Chief A.C Ude and Mr. Tahir, the Director, Legal Drafting, Federal Ministry of Justice.
Nigerians have in recent times expressed concern over the spate of inconclusive elections in the country, urging the federal government to take urgent steps towards nipping the recurring electoral anomaly in the bud.
The General Superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church, Williams Kumuyi, has urged Nigerians to look at the brighter side of the country as it celebrates its 56th independence anniversary.
Kumuyi made the call when he spoke to journalists at the Benin Airport on his way to Delta State for a Church programme on Sunday.
The cleric also urged the Federal Government to look elsewhere for oil for the country's economic growth.
He said there was hope for the country with the pace of democratic development.
He carpeted the recent upsurge in several cases of men of God indulging in undignifying activities and lifestyle.
On the nation's 56th independence anniversary, he said "I would say to start with, we need to thank God in everything, that we got independence that political leaders fought for independence and we got that independence 56 years ago.
Kumuyi
"I think it is commendable and from that time till this time maybe we are not where we should be but we are not where we used to be and we thank God that democracy is taking root and we are making progress.
"There are things to look into for us to become better society but we are thanking God for what has happened already."
On economic recession, the renowned man of God said "the government is not just folding its arms, the government is doing something.
"We should become proactive, we should stop looking at the negative side and complaining what has not been done and move forward.
"Look at our economy and look at the diversification moves so that we are not just depending on oil alone which everybody is realising now.
"We need to go into agriculture into tourism and other things that will generate resources and funds for the country."
He lamented the activities of some men of God who indulge in cases of defilement.
He said that "of-course, everybody is disturbed by the development; we see in some places but all the same, even unbelievers condemn such issues as rape and corruption.
"Every intelligent person opposes that; we should see how to help the people out of that kind of behaviour."
When asked to assess President Muhammadu Buhari's anti-corruption campaign, he said "sometimes in school we allow students to finish their exams before we assess them.
"Sometimes when you assess midway, you don't get the right assessment so I think I like to still observe more to see where we are going so when we get there, we will be able to assess properly."
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday, declared that the country had moved forward as it turned 56 years and would continue to move forward.
He made the declaration in a speech at the service of the Olive Tree Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos.
He asked the congregation if they knew that God made a promise to the nation which was that the nation would be great and made the same promise to them as individuals.
According to him, a lot of people are confused and asking if the promise will ever come true.
He said "this country has gone forward and it is going to keep moving forward."
Osinbajo recalled that while he was praying recently, the Lord reminded him of something he asked him to do on the eve of the 2015 Presidential election.
He said that God asked him to take the communion because he was crossing over and when he did (take the communion) He took him through the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
He said God reminded him of what happened in that journey.
He added that the first thing that happened was that God himself said if he took the children of Israel through the path where the Philistines lived, they would be afraid and would be asked to return to Egypt.
He said that God rather took the people through the Red Sea.
He explained that by the time they were about crossing the sea, there was a fight back from where they were coming from as Pharoah chased them and wanted to bring them back.
He said the incident got Moses confused as he did not know what to do as God never told him there would be a Red Sea, a difficulty, in the journey.
The vice president added that if God was with us, no one would be against us.
"The reason why I, Yemi Osinbajo, without asking for a position, was given the Vice Presidency of this nation is because God's hand is in this business.
"And so, I am completely confident that despite where we are today, it is the dawn of a new beginning.
"It has begun to show and surely there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel."
Osinbajo
He noted that "God knows that this country has a plan and purpose in Africa and in the world; the lan and purpose will never diminish or be cut short."
Osinbajo said that the role of Christians as spiritual people was not to grumble, adding that Christians had been trained to be steadfast in times of difficulty.
He recalled the injunction he gave to the parish in the past about having a role to play in making the country great.
He said the vision of the Church and that of the country were tied together, stressing that every citizen of the country would eat of the good of the nation.
He advised the congregation to always seek righteousness in order to obtain God's blessings.
He also urged them to be confident in spite of the trial times "as God is going to do incredible things in this country."
He thanked the leadership of the Church for the excellent way they shepherded the flock, noting that the parish would grow from strength to strength.
A popular gospel artiste, Don Moen, was a guest at the service and he rendered songs of hope and praise for Nigeria and the Almighty.
According to Moen the challenges in the economy will strengthen the nation.
He said that "unless we go through these challenging times, we won't be able to appreciate what God will do."
The vice president also attended the fellowship rally of the House of Freedom Church, TBS, Lagos and spoke on "One Nation, No Shaking."
He said the country would remain indivisible and would attain greatness with the support of every citizen.
Residents of Ketu community in Aiyetoro area of Ogun on Sunday expressed mixed feelings over the report that a Pentecostal pastor , Wale Fagbere , was stricken after he allegedly invaded a shrine in the area.
They spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aiyetoro, Yewa North Council Area of the state.
NAN reports that Fagbere on Sept. 20 allegedly got stricken in a shrine in Ketu community in Ayetoro area of Yewa North Local Government of the state after destroying some structures in the shrine.
Fagbere, who was reported to have been stricken by some angry gods, allegedly regained consciousness after custodians of the shrine carried out some rites on him.
When NAN visited the community on Sunday, many of the traditional title holders declined comments, saying the issue had been resolved.
Some of the residents of Ayetoro, who spoke with NAN on condition of anonymity, said Fagbere was not telling the truth as he was actually stricken.
One of them, a commercial motorcyclist, who said he was at the scene when it happened, confirmed the incident.
"The pastor got stuck in the shrine and at a point the traditionalists were called in to set him free.
" He was there from morning till evening. At a point, his mother had to come to the scene to plead for him.
"If not for the king who waded into the situation, things would have gone beyond human control, "he said.
But a female resident of the area, who refused to mention her name, disagreed with people who believe the pastor was stricken.
She said that the pastor was not stricken but only obeying the divine instruction he claimed he had been given.
NAN also visited the palace of the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Abdulazeez Adelakun, but one of the palace Chiefs, Kola Onifade, said the monarch was unavailable for comment.
Onifade also said the monarch was the only person that could speak on the matter.
He, however, noted that there was nothing more to say on the issue, saying it had been resolved.
The cleric had on Thursday in Abeokuta at a press conference organised by the Ogun Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria said that many people mistook his posture at the shrine for paralysis.
