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
A 33,000 litres tanker fully laden with diesel with registration number TUT 258 XA exploded after crashing into a BMW car with registration number LSD 462 CZ at Toyota junction, Ladipo bus stop along Oshodi – Mile 2 expressway on Monday.A 33,000 litres tanker fully laden with diesel with registration numere TUT 258 XA exploded after crashing into a BMW car with registration number LSD 462 CZ at Toyota junction, Ladipo bus stop along Oshodi – Mile 2 expressway on Monday.A 33,000 litres tanker fully laden with diesel with registration number TUT 258 XA exploded after crashing into a BMW car with registration number LSD 462 CZ at Toyota junction, Ladipo bus stop along Oshodi – Mile 2 expressway on Monday.Pix: Traffic after A 33,000 litres tanker fully laden with diesel with registration numere TUT 258 XA exploded after crashing into a BMW car with registration number LSD 462 CZ at Toyota junction, Ladipo bus stop along Oshodi – Mile 2 expressway on Monday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez
Pix: Traffic after A 33,000 litres tanker fully laden with diesel with registration numere TUT 258 XA exploded after crashing into a BMW car with registration number LSD 462 CZ at Toyota junction, Ladipo bus stop along Oshodi – Mile 2 expressway on Monday. Photo: Bunmi AzeezA 33,000 litres tanker fully laden with diesel with registration numere TUT 258 XA exploded after crashing into a BMW car with registration number LSD 462 CZ at Toyota junction, Ladipo bus stop along Oshodi – Mile 2 expressway on Monday. Photo: Bunmi AzeezA 33,000 litres tanker fully laden with diesel with registration numere TUT 258 XA exploded after crashing into a BMW car with registration number LSD 462 CZ at Toyota junction, Ladipo bus stop along Oshodi – Mile 2 expressway on Monday. Photo: Bunmi AzeezA 33,000 litres tanker fully laden with diesel with registration numere TUT 258 XA exploded after crashing into a BMW car with registration number LSD 462 CZ at Toyota junction, Ladipo bus stop along Oshodi – Mile 2 expressway on Monday.
By Bose Adelaja What could have resulted to a major disaster was, Monday, averted in Lagos when a truck laden with 33,000 litres diesel went up in flames at Toyota junction in Ladipo area of Oshodi/ Apapa expressway, Lagos.
A 33,000 litres tanker fully laden with diesel with registration number TUT 258 XA exploded after crashing into a BMW car with registration number LSD 462 CZ at Toyota junction, Ladipo bus stop along Oshodi – Mile 2 expressway on Monday.
The incident occurred at about 5.30pm outward Mile Two when the truck with number plate TUT 258 XA, belonging to Bovas Petroleum reportedly crashed into a BMW Car with registration number LSD 462 CZ and this led to the spilling of the petroleum content which later caused a spark and the truck went up in flames.
Both vehicles were said to be heading for charity area when the incident occurred but the prompt intervention of emergency responders were said to have saved the situation from degenerating as residents were alerted to prevent further damages.
As at the time of this report, it could not be ascertained if both drivers escaped unhurt but the General Manager Lagos State Emergency Management agency LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu said there was no loss of life.
The incident led to traffic gridlock on the axis until normalcy was returned.
As at 6.30pm, recovery operation was on going at the scene by the men of the Lagos State Fire Service and LASEMA Response Team.
The Federal Government says it will hold a national conference to discuss and proffer solutions to farmers/herdsmen clashes currently ravaging the country.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, disclosed this when a joint dialogue to analyse the root causes of the crisis submitted its report in Abuja on Monday.
Ogbeh said the government would engage all stakeholders involved in cattle breeding, as well as farmers to discuss and analyse the situation with a view to finding the solution to the crisis.
The minister listed other stakeholders to be involved in the conference to include policy makers, the security agencies, Ministry of Interior and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
He said that the government had earlier appealed to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to analyse the root causes of the clashes in the country, hence the submission of the report.
"The issue of herdsmen and farmers clashes and the big question of grazing reserves and ranches done by the committee is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
"The committee has been working on this matter for two weeks and they brought the summary of their report today.
"We have looked at it to see how we can finally deal with this problem. We don't like the conflicts and we do not want them to continue.
"We also want to make sure that cattle breeding is not a nuisance but a viable industry.
"We are targeting June 2017 for a major national conference on this matter and at that conference we will bring in all stakeholders.
''We have to solve the problem and we will solve the problem,'' Ogbeh said.
Dr Rabe Mani, the Assistant FAO Representative in Nigeria, Programme, said that access to land, capital, market, infrastructure, inputs and manpower were needed to improve the livestock production in the country.
He said the committee recommended at least a 10-year national livestock or ranch development plan to establish milestones and targets.
According to him, the reason for the plan is to aid entrenchment for implementation.
"We facilitated this team. We engaged a cross section of stakeholders ranging from state commissioners, traditional producers, practicing ranchers, people directly in the marketing of livestock products across the country.''
Mr Baba Ngalzarma, the National Secretary of MACBAN, applauded the recommendation saying it would help to solve the problems being faced by its members if implemented.
The mighty queen player of Lawn Tennis, and the 23-time Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams, has written a letter to her unborn child, saying she can not wait to meet the child and see the child join the players box next year.
Serena Williams
She made this known to her fans in her Instagram post on Monday.
Williams opined that her unborn child gave her the strength she didn’t know she had, and equally taught her the through meaning of serenity and peace. According to her, ” I am so happy to share being number one in the world with you.
Recall that Williams had announced her 20 weeks pregnancy in the internet on 21th April to her fans. This means that she will not compete for the rest of the 2017 season. She is going to miss Wimbledon, the US Open and the French Open champ. Her Rep confirmed the news to newsmen. According to her Rep, "The star athlete is currently engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The two are expected to welcome their first child together in the fall".
See Williams Letter to her unborn child:
Serena Williams To her unborn child:
My Dearest Baby, you gave me the strength I didn't know I had. You taught me the true meaning of serenity and peace. I can’t wait to meet you. I can’t wait for you to join the players box next year. But most importantly, I am so happy to share being number one in the world with you…. once again today. On @alexisohanian bday. from the world’s oldest number one to the world’s youngest number one. -Your Mommy
Abuja – Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure will prefer to play without a referee in Thursday's derby with Manchester United in the English Premier League.
The Ivorian said this on Monday while criticising the standard of officiating in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal. Manchester City’s Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure (C) celebrates with Manchester City’s Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (L) and Manchester City’s Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho (R) after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park in south London on November 19, 2016. Manchester City won the game 2-1. AFP
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that referee Craig Pawson had ruled out Sergio Aguero's first-half strike at Wembley.
Replays suggested the goal should have stood and Manchester City went on to lose the game 1-2 after extra time.
"I think the referees have to stop this," said Toure.
"I am very disappointed. It is not the first time, there have been a couple of times.
"Maybe on Thursday we are going to have a better referee or maybe play without a referee — I'd prefer that."
Officials ruled that Leroy Sane's cross had gone out of play before reaching Aguero.
The Argentina striker later did score to put Manchester City ahead but goals from Nacho Monreal and Alexis Sanchez sent Arsenal into May's FA Cup final, where they will meet Chelsea.
Defeat means Manchester City's focus switches to the Premier League, where they are currently fourth.
But Manchester United will leapfrog them if they win on Thursday.
"It is a very big game, an important game," added Toure.
"We have to do that job and we will see what can happen. We hope we are going to have a good referee."(NAN)
Nigerian Professional Football League side, Kano Pillars, have parted ways with their coach, Kadiri Ikhana just before the commencement of the second half of the league season.
Kadiri Ikhana
A statement on the website of the club read ” The Kano Pillars Football Club board has accepted the resignation of its Technical Adviser, Kadiri Ikhana.
"The management of Kano Pillars FC accepted his resignation in good fate and wish him full recovery for the sickness which he said was the reason he quit his job," .
The board in a release signed by its media officer, Malikawa Idris Rilwanu said though they got the information through press interview granted to the media late Sunday night, but thanked the former Technical Adviser Kadiri Ikhana MON for his contributions to the club.
Malikawa said Kadiri was not in Enugu for the match against Rangers FC but after the match he communicated with some journalists and club officials from his base in Abeokuta, Ogun State to announce his resignation as Technical Adviser of Masu Gida from Sunday 23/4/2017.
He assured that the relationship between the club and Ikhana will be sustained.
On the issue of the possible replacement, Malikawa said that will be decided within the week.
He said the players have been given a five day mid season break.
He urged the fans of the club to be patient with the board as it is doing everything possible to see that the club status is revived in the second stanza.
An Abuja-based legal practitioner and human rights activist, Mr Ugochukwu Osuagwu, Monday, raised alert that mischief makers and fifth columnists were behind recent media reports accusing key officials of the Muhammadu Buhari administration of corruption.
Mr. Osuagwu, who described the reports as unfair, challenged the sponsors of the publication to come up with evidence to prove their case against those serving government officials.
In a statement issued in Abuja the Hyman rights activist said malicious publication had listed notable figures in the Buhari cabinet as corrupt which according to the human rights lawyer is tantamount to libel and defamation of character.
Osuagwu, while debunking publication saying ''I see that publication as the work of enemies of government who are not happy with the anti-corruption milestone of President Muhammadu Buhari's government'', he stated.
According to him, those who are alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari's anti- graft war is one sided are being economical with the truth because the PDP people were in power for sixteen years so naturally they will make the list of corrupt people in Nigeria.
He said ''These same people have not brought any evidence to show that it is only the PDP chieftains that are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, I challenge them to bring any evidence to this effect.''
He lambasted the authors of the malicious publication describing them as speculative journalists who are hell-bent in tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of government officials who are relentlessly executing the change agenda which has enhanced peace/security in Nigeria in addition to stemming corruption in the country.
Osusgwu further stated that the Chief of Army staff General Tukur Buratai one of those named in the publication was recently cleared of corruption by the Code of Conduct Tribunal which exonerated him from contravening the Public Procurement Act.
"It is unfair for anyone to mention him (Buratai) name as being corrupt. General Buratai has done a lot in stemming the Boko-Haram insurgency in Nigeria and should be commended and not vilified. There is no place in Nigeria that the Boko-Haram is hoisting their flag as of today.
"The Chief of Army Staff and his able lieutenants have succeeded in ensuring that our country is at peace. The remaining Boko-Haram remnants are frustrated and only attacking soft targets, therefore the Armed Forces should be commended for gallantly fighting the insurgents."
Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, on Monday called the detention of a US citizen by North Korea a display of muscle-flexing by the country’s “flailing” leader.
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley speaks during a briefing at the White House April 24, 2017 in Washington, DC. / AFP PHOTO
Kim Sang-Duk, or Tony Kim, was arrested Saturday at Pyongyang’s airport as he was about to leave the country after a teaching stint at a university founded by evangelical Christians.
Haley said the action was an attempt by Kim Jong-Un’s regime to use the American as a bargaining chip amid heightened international tensions over its nuclear and missile programs.
“What we’re dealing with is a leader who is flailing right now,” she said on CBS This Morning.
“And I think what he’s trying to do is show his citizens that he has muscle, whether it’s through his rhetoric or whether it’s through his actions,” she added.
The United States is still gathering information about the latest incident, the ambassador said.
Kim is the third American held in North Korea.
“We always want to get every citizen out alive and healthy and make sure that they’re being treated properly,” she said. “And so those are the things we’ll start to work on.”
Although vague about what course of action Washington might pursue in Kim’s case, Haley said it is looking to China to maintain pressure on North Korea.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday talked with China’s President Xi Jinping, who urged “restraint” on North Korea, the Chinese foreign ministry said.
The United States has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Carl Vinson to the western Pacific as tensions have escalated over a series of North Korean missile tests and signs it may be preparing a sixth nuclear test.
US officials have warned that “all options are on the table” in dealing with the North Korean threat but have so far relied on China to rein in its unpredictable ally.
“I think you’re gonna continue to see pressure on North Korea,” Haley said.
“We have said, for quite a while now, that the United States is not looking for a fight,” she added. “So North Korea doesn’t need to give us a reason to have one. And I think that they’re panicking right now.”
By Soni Daniel Justice Efreti Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, on Monday ordered that Mrs. Fidelia Omoile, a serving Independent National Electoral Commission's official in Isoko- South Local Government Area of Delta State, be remanded in prison custody following her arraignment on Monday, on a two- count amended charge, bordering on conspiracy and money laundering, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Fidelia Omoile
Omoile was docked for allegedly collecting the sum of N112, 480,000.00 as a bribe during the weeks leading to the 2015 Presidential election.
She was among the 105 INEC officials who allegedly collected part of the $115million (N23bn) disbursed by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, during the countdown to the 2015 presidential election.
Omoile was arrested on 11 April, 2016 following intelligence received by the EFCC on the activities of some INEC Staff, who allegedly connived with some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), in defrauding the Federal Government huge sums of money, running into millions of Naira.
Count one of the charge read: "That you Fidelia Omoile on or about the month of March, 2015 at Asaba within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to receive cash payment in the sum of N 112,480,000.00 exceeding the statutory limit without going through a financial institution and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money laundering (Prohibition) Act 2012 as amended and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4) of the same Act".
Count two of the charge read: "That you Fidelia Omoile on or about the month of March, 2015 at Asaba within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did receive cash payment in the sum of N112,480,000.00 exceeding the statutorylimit without going through a financial institution and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Money laundering ( Prohibition) Act 2012 as amended and punishable under Section 16 (b) and (4) of the same Act".
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her.
In view of her plea, prosecution counsel, Sadiq Hussaini, asked for a trial date and sued that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.
However, counsel to the defendant, K. O Obamogie, made an oral application for bail of his client and urged the court to grant his prayers. Hussaini opposed his prayers.
In his ruling, Justice Abang turned down the defendant's oral application for bail, directing that the application be filed formally. He also adjourned the matter to 6 June, 2017 for hearing and ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of her bail.
An official North Korean website warned Monday that Pyongyang will “wipe out” the United States if Washington starts a war on the peninsula, the latest tit-for-tat sabre-rattling that has sent tensions soaring in the region.
Kim Jong Un: North Korea threatens the United States
The US supercarrier Carl Vinson will arrive in waters off the Korean peninsula “in a matter of days”, Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday, amid reports the North could be preparing a sixth nuclear test.
Pyongyang is still believed to be far from reaching its aim of building a missile capable of reaching the US mainland, but the secretive nation has ramped up its rhetoric in recent weeks and has carried out two rocket tests this month alone.
In a series of editorials the Rodong Sinmun newspaper — the official mouthpiece of the ruling Workers’ Party — said the North’s forces were undeterred and called the US strike group’s imminent arrival “undisguised military blackmail”.
“Such threat may startle a jellyfish, but can never work on the DPRK,” it said Monday, using the country’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
A day earlier it said the North’s revolutionary forces were “combat-ready to sink the US nuclear aircraft carrier with a single strike”.
Pyongyang’s rhetoric intensifies every spring, when the US and South Korea hold joint exercises it sees as rehearsals for an attack on the North.
A separate editorial on the North’s propaganda website Uriminzokkiri Monday claimed that the dispatching of the Carl Vinson signalled a war: “It is proof that an invasion of the North is nearing day by day.”
The editorial, described as being written by an army officer, said it was a “big miscalculation” for Washington to compare the North to Syria, which did not launch an “immediate counterattack” after a US cruise missile strike earlier this month.
In the event of an attack, it said, “The world will witness how Washington’s rash nuclear aircraft carriers are turned into a huge pile of steel and buried at sea and how a country called America is wiped out from the Earth.”
There is speculation the North may conduct another test to mark the 85th anniversary of the founding of its Korean People’s Army (KPA) on Tuesday.
But it has never tested an intercontinental ballistic missile with sufficient range to reach the continental United States — although it has ambitions to develop one — nor is it known to have miniaturised atomic technology sufficiently to be able to fit a nuclear warhead on a rocket.
US officials have repeatedly warned that “all options are on the table” to curb the North’s weapons ambitions, including military strikes.
Former US president Barack Obama returned to the public spotlight Monday, saying he hopes to spend the next phase of his life helping to “prepare the next generation of leadership.”
Former President Barack Obama listens as participants speak during a forum at the University of Chicago held to promote community organizing on April 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The visit marks Obama’s first formal public appearance since leaving office. AFP
After three months off, Obama broke his silence in his adopted hometown of Chicago, speaking to high school and college students about the need for greater civic engagement.
The 55-year-old Democrat, who ended his two terms at the White House in January — handing power over to Donald Trump — said he was “incredibly optimistic” about the future, and that problems facing America could be solved.
“On the back end now of my presidency, now that it’s completed, I’m spending a lot of time thinking about what is the most important thing I can do for my next job?” Obama said in his opening remarks at the University of Chicago, where he once was a lecturer at the law school.
“What I’m convinced is that… the single most important thing I can do is to help in any way I can to prepare the next generation of leadership to take up the baton and to take their own crack at changing the world.”
Until Monday, Donald Trump’s Democratic predecessor had not given a public speech or an interview since leaving the White House on January 20.
He has tweeted a few times and issued a few statements through a spokesman, notably to defend his signature domestic policy achievement, health care reform — which Trump’s Republicans are now hoping to dismantle.
Obama also spoke up when his billionaire successor accused him of personally ordering the wiretapping of Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential campaign.
But for now, he has abstained from any substantive commentary on how Trump is doing, in keeping with presidential protocol which dictates that past residents of the White House do not step on the toes of the current occupant.
That silence comes in the face of accusations by Trump on everything from Syria, with the Republican all but accusing Obama of bearing responsibility for chemical weapons attacks by the Damascus regime, to gang violence in America.
– Series of public events –
Youth civic engagement and community organizing are at the heart of the mission of the Obama Center, which is located on Chicago’s South Side, where Obama started his career as a community activist.
On Sunday, America’s first black president privately met with at-risk youth from the South Side to discuss gang violence, jobs and training, according to The Chicago Tribune.
The Obamas are currently renting a house in Washington, where their youngest daughter Sasha is finishing high school.
Since leaving office, Obama has gone kitesurfing in the Caribbean with British billionaire Richard Branson.
He then spent nearly a month in French Polynesia, where he vacationed on media mogul David Geffen’s yacht — and was reportedly working on his book.
But after Monday, his public schedule will pick up pace.
On May 7, he will receive the 2017 Profile in Courage award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation in Boston.
He will give a private paid speech during a visit to Italy.
And then on May 25, he will deliver a speech at a Protestant church gathering at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, with Chancellor Angela Merkel at his side.
Obama, who developed a close working relationship with Merkel during eight years in the Oval Office, visited Berlin in November as part of his last foreign tour before handing over to Trump.
Our attention has been drawn to a publication in the Vanguard newspaper of Wednesday, 19 April, 2017 in which the Director of Media and Publicity for Princess Shola Ogbemi-Daibo Campaign Organisation, Mr Ojere Eremosele, alleged that APC plans to rig the Delta State House of Assembly bye-election for the Warri South LGA Constituency I, purporting that a meeting was held somewhere in Abuja where plans were "made to mastermind the rigging of the afore-mentioned election".
We did not want to dignify such uncouth outburst with a response; however, we are compelled to react to this baseless and juvenile accusation to prevent this so-called "Accord Party" campaign from misleading the general public.
First, it is important to enlighten the public that the political history of Princess Shola Ogbemi-Daibo has always been in the theatre of PDP, and nobody should be deceived by the sudden twist of her picking a ticket under an "unestablished" Accord Party.
The days of masquerading as the candidate of Accord Party is over. Every zebra is known by her stripes, and APC cannot be hoodwinked with such a naive strategy because we are aware that she was planted into Accord Party by a faction of the PDP in Delta State as a candidate.
With PDP factionalized and weather-beaten, the party is now in total disarray and uncomfortable with the rising profile of APC in Delta. This present effort is only an attempt to side-step the overwhelming political challenges that the party has imposed upon itself.
The key actors in the Warri-South "Accord Party" camp are Makarfi/Okowa-led PDP members; and their history is well known to us. PDP is wearing a tattered coat of "Accord Party" and crying foul to court undeserved sympathy.
There is no doubt that the PDP is trembling as defeat stares them in the face, especially with the way APC thrashed it and took over the reins of power at the national level in the 2015 general election. The PDP and its decoy, Accord Party, are now frantic and totally confused.
Well, the fact remains that APC is the harbinger of a new and peaceful order of things. We must caution the PDP that normally enters into all manner of unholy alliances with questionable partners not to attempt to indulge in any rigging during this election. They must be aware that all security agencies and INEC will be on high-alert to curtail any undue excesses, so as to prevent the kind of sad experiences in the recent Rivers State elections.
This is why that baseless story by the Accord Party Campaign Organisation reminds us of the character of "Macbeth" in the Shakespeare series, where he spoke of "a tale… full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." We encourage the "PDP/Accord Party alliance" candidate to make effort to go out there and campaign for the peoples votes, just as APC is already doing in Warri South Constituency I and its environs.
We call on security agencies to provide comprehensive coverage to forestall and prevent any loss of lives or damage to property during this election. APC will surely not be deterred by the effort of PDP and its agents to undermine this election. To their dismay, we have overcome their cruelty and are marching on stronger to the finish line. We are hopeful that this bye-election will be free, fair and peaceful.
The many years of PDP foisting her candidates on the people will soon be over. And in all of this, the fact remains that PDP has nothing to fear but itself.
Obibi, an engineer, is the Delta APC State Publicity Secretary (Ag)
By AbduWahab Abdulah and Jane Echewodo Economic and Financial crimes commission (EFCC), Monday arraigned three siblings Vincent Ayewah, Florence Ayewah and Emmanuel Ayewah, and four others before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja for allegedly defrauded Africa's richest woman, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija of N3m through her Rose of Sharon Foundation.
Those charged alongside the siblings include; Onuwa David; Okoronkwo Chikadibia; Ehizibolo George, Chinyere Awanah.
An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wasiu Ajisafe, after their arraignment informed the court that the anti-graft agency received a petition dated 15th November, 2012 from the foundation signed by its founder, Mrs Alakija, against one of its staff, Vincent Ayewah, on issues of stealing, forgery and impersonation.
Led in evidence by the prosecutor, the prosecution witness, Ajisafe informed the court that the Foundation, which is a non-profit making organization for empowering widows and awarding scholarship to orphans, hired Vincent to assist the project officer of the foundation in daily duties of attending to beneficiaries.
"Vincent, thereafter, connived with his two siblings who are also beneficiaries at the foundation, including friends, to forge staff Identity cards of the Foundation with different names so as to defraud the organisation".
" The agency, thereafter, received letters of the investigation activities from banks like Fidelity, Stanbic bank and others. In view of this, other suspects were arrested of which they volunteered their statements under caution.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Monday called on Journalists to write books that would help to re-position the profession, especially in this era of social media.
Mohammed, represented by Mr Nnamdi Njemanze, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, made the call in an address at a book launch in Abuja.
Newsmen report that the book titled, "Step into Journalism'' was written by Mr Idahosa Asowata, a Senior Editor with the agency.
The minister said that the advent of the social media had resulted in the spread of false information circulating in the media.
"Efforts by journalists to write books to re-position the profession should be encouraged in order to counter the current challenges posed by the social media in this era of information processing and dissemination.
"Today we have all sources of information that are hardly reliable because of the way the information is processed and disseminated.
"I believe that traditional media, in spite of this challenge, should strive to ensure that any information is verified, reliable, cross-checked and presented to avoid instances of false news processed as correct information," he said.
The minister commended the author for writing a book that would help to re-position the profession and uphold its tenets.
"I believe the book will help journalists and aspiring journalists to strive to ensure that the basic objectives of Journalism are upheld," Mohammed said.
The chairman of the book launch, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mr Osita Okechukwu, also advised practitioners to maintain the integrity of the profession.
Mr Chukwudi Ekezie, a Managing Editor with newsmen, while reviewing the book, said that the 117-page book was a practical guide for young reporters, who aimed to achieve higher goals in Journalism, especially in the newspaper industry.
Ekezie noted that what was lacking in some graduates was practical exposure to what they had studied in school which resulted in a gap between theory and practice.
"It is the gap the author seeks to close in this book; the author's frustration is shared by many newsroom managers in handling young reporters.
"The author avoided classical models and adopted practical approach bearing in mind that what is lacking in college graduate is not theoretical concept but practical application of knowledge," he said.
Ekezie said that the book also introduced the reporter to guides on basic news writing, advance writing, use of English, coverage on international writing, professional conduct and sources and places for news information.
The author, in his address, said that he wrote the book because of the deficiency he discovered in the course of supervising young reporters from Nigerian tertiary institutions.
He said they lacked the basic knowledge, concepts and practical approach to news gathering and writing skills, adding that those mostly affected were fresh graduates.
The author suggested that anyone who wished to go into news writing should be counseled to study Journalism rather than the omnibus course of mass communication.
NAN reports that the author also launched another book entitled "Village Decree".
An award for Pacesetter life achievement was given to Rep. Patrick Aisowieren, the Chief Host of the occassion.
Malam Yusuf Zango, Editor-in Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and many senior staff of the agency were among dignitaries present at the occasion.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-President Muhammadu Buhari has dissociated himself from the action of his Chief Security Officer, CSO, Bashir Abubakar in expelling The Punch correspondent, Olalekan Adetayo from the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
This was made known through the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.
Adetayo’s accreditation was withdrawn by the CSO on Monday over a story which bothered on the health of President Buhari.
Reacting to the development, Adesina in a tweet said his office was not consulted by the CSO.
Buhari’s spokesman said that the president was still committed to press freedom in Nigeria.
"We weren’t consulted in the media office by the CSO before he expelled The Punch reporter. President Buhari is committed to press freedom.
“An amicable solution would be found to The Punch reporter matter. President Buhari does not intend to muzzle the media in any way”, he twitted.
Confirming the development to Vanguard, Adetayo said that the CSO summoned him Monday afternoon and asked him to tender a statement over the story he co-authored, published on Sunday edition of The Punch.
But at the verge of presenting the statement, his Identity Card was confiscated as he was escorted out of the premises.
Meanwhile, the incident is seen by many to be a betrayal of Buhari’s promise in upholding Press Freedom.
Recall that the president had upon assumption of office retrieved the accreditation of Mr. Ubale Musa, a DutchWalle correspondent who faced a similar circumstance at the twilights of former President Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2015.
Kano Emirate Council has debunked rumours going round that Emir Muhammad Sanusi II inherited N4 billion from his predecessor, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
The Emirate Council said this on Monday while reacting to the plan by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhyi Magaji to probe complaints of "questionable expenditures and financial misappropriations"in the emirate.
Although Magaji did not state the specific amount that was allegedly misappropriated, some reports gave the amount as N4billion.
However, the Walin Kano, Alhaji Mahe Bashir said before the appointment of the Emir, the Emirate Council had only N2,875,163,17 under various banks as fixed deposit.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of Kano
"Out of this amount, N981,784,504,79 was withdrawn and used during the reign of late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero for the payment of Ado Bayero Royal City Project.
Bashir said it was the balance of N1,893,378,927,38, that Emir Sanusi inherited.
He said the allegation of misappropriation was borne out of a calculated and unfounded media spin to tarnish the image of the Emir..
"This allegation was only to create unnecessary controversy. Financial impropriety was not in the character of Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, as a thorough bred royal scion", he said.
According to him, the projects currently being executed after the death of Bayero were approved by the government of Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the predecessor of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
He said the allegation of embezzlement being bandied about was unwarranted when the Emir is making effort to reposition the Emirate Council on a sound pedestal.
Bashir stressed that Sanusi would for ever seek to uphold with vigour the sanctity and credibility of the Kano monarchy.
He said the Emirate Council has no axe to grind with the Kano state Public Complaints and anti-Corruption Commission, over the plans to probe the Emirati account.
"The hands of the Kano emirate council were clean as far as the issue of financial management was concerned", he said.
The Emirate Council is expected to honour the summons of the anti-corruption agency on May 2, 2017.
Sanusi is not new to controversy.
As governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, he carried out tough decision, sacked bank CEOs and cracked down on rogue banks.
He was sacked by former president Goodluck Jonathan after exposing a missing $20 billion from oil proceeds.
He was appointed the Emir of Kano on 8 June 2014, as successor to Ado Bayero , who had spent about 50 years on the throne.
Kenya on Monday launched a 1.5 million dollar legal aid scheme to boost access to justice for the poor.
Attorney General Githu Muigai stated this at a news conference in Nairobi that the intention of the scheme is to provide legal services for free to those who cannot afford the services of a lawyer.
"In the initial phase, we will focus on providing legal services on the cases that touch on the welfare of children and women," Muigai said during the launch of the National Legal Aid Service Board which will oversee the legal aid scheme.
The East African nation has been grappling with the issue of how to finance legal services to poor for the past 36 years.
Muigai said that Kenya now has a system to level the legal playing field between those with resources and those without.
The Attorney General said that the board would deliver legal assistance in an efficient manner that enables justice to be dispensed by the courts.
Kenya also plans to use the scheme to resolve the thousands of court cases that are pending before the justice system as poor Kenyans cannot afford the services of a lawyer.
Currently, free legal services are available but are being financed by private citisens and donors.
"However, we fully recognise that a robust functional legal aid scheme can only be government-driven because of the enormous required," Muigai added.
Government data indicates that Kenya currently has 15,000 advocates licensed to practice in the courts system.
"This figure is not sufficient to cater for the country's 45 million strong population," Muigai said.
ABUJA-Akwa Ibom community in Abuja has appealed to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki to inaugurate Bassey Etim as Senator-Elect for Akwa Ibom Northeast.
The Community which is an umbrella body of all indigenes of Akwa Ibom State resident in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and its environs stated that any further delays could lead to break down of law and order in the senatorial district and the state in general.
In a press statement titled “Re-Swearing in of Senator-Elect Bassey Etim as Senator representing Akwa Ibom North in the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: A Clarion Call to Prevent Injustice and enthrone Rule of Law”, signed by the President of the association, Comrade Tommy E. Okon, the community noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has long issued a certificate to Etim.
It also noted that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami had written to the Senate President explaining the court judgment that nullified the election of Senator Bassey Albert, advising the swearing in of Etim.
Dated April, 20, 2017, the statement further stated that the immediate swearing in of Etim was necessary for proper representation of the senatorial zone.
It recalled that Saraki did justice to a similar situation in Kogi State, appealing to him to do same in Akwa Ibom.
The statement read in parts: “Your Excellency, recall that judgment of the Federal High court, Uyo Division on Monday 27th of February, 2017 in a suit filled by Hon. Bassey Etim V. PDP and 2 Ors, wherein the Court ordered amongst others the issuance of Certificate of Returns to Bassey Etim as the authentic Senator-Elect to represent Akwa Ibom North East in the Senate and the nullification of the Certificate of Return issues to Senator Bassey Albert.
“We are aware, sir, that Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has since compiled with the directive of the court by issuing a Certificate of Return to Bassey Etim dated 6th March, 2017.
“We are equally aware that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice who is the Chief Law Officer of the country through a letter to you dated 17th March, 2017 explicitly explained the purport of the judgment of 27th February, 2017 and advised the immediate swearing in of the Senator-Elect, Bassey Etim as Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East in the Senate, as there is no order of court saying the execution of the aforesaid judgment.
“Consequently, the community joins in the call for the immediate swearing in of the person declared by the court to represent Akwa Ibom North East in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the further delay in this exercise might lead to anarchy, breakdown of law and order in the affected Senatorial District and by extension our beloved state. It will amount to a denial of proper representation of the senatorial district in the senate.
“Your Excellency, justice delayed is justice denied, they say. Therefore, we respectfully, urge you to use your good offices to put an end to all forms of injustices in the Senate. Suffice-it-to say that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander, just a similar scenario played out in Kogi East Senatorial District and you rose to the occasion and enthrone the rule of law to the admiration of all.
“We therefore call on His Excellency, the Senate President to follow the above precedent by swearing in the Senator-Elect, Bassey Etim.”
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia says his administration will enhance the standard of shoe making in Aba as part of its investment development strategy.
Ikpeazu, who made the promise at a press briefing in Government House in Umuahia on Monday, said that he would facilitate capacity building in the industry.
He said that the state government was determined to reposition shoe makers in Aba as front runners in shoe production business.
The governor said that the state government had secured a 1.5 billion dollars shoe factory deal with a Chinese shoe industry to contribute to the capacity building of shoe makers in Aba.
"Abia government is ready to acquire its own automated line of shoe production machine and we have a time frame to achieve it.
"So, we believe that the interaction would contribute immensely to capacity building.
"Today, the option left for us is to open our space for people to produce in Aba. So, we have translated our 'Made in Aba' campaign to 'Make in Aba' campaign," he added.
The Deputy Head of Mission, U.S. Embassy, David Young, on Monday said that his country was committed to ending the scourge of malaria in Nigeria.
Young, who stated this in Abuja at the commemoration of 2017 World Malaria Day organised by the U.S. Embassy, said prevention and control remained a major U.S. foreign assistance objective.
"The U.S. Government, through Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is committed to raising awareness about the proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease," he said.
According to him, the U.S. Government supports local partners to design and implement programmes to improve public and private sector adherence to diagnosis and treatment guidelines.
Mosquito
He disclosed that the U.S. invested over 420 million dollars in the fight against malaria in Nigeria since 2010, and 75 million dollars in 2016 alone.
He said that the U.S PMI strategy goal was to work with PMI-supported countries and partners to further reduce malaria deaths and substantially decrease malaria morbidity towards the long-term goal of elimination.
PMI, Young said, delivered nearly 7.5 million Rapid Diagnostic Tests and 12 million Artemisinin based Combination Therapy (ACT) treatment doses in support to 3,000 health facilities across 11 states in Nigeria.
To end malaria for good, Young called on Nigerians to commit to sleeping in a treated bed net every night and remember that not every fever is malaria.
He stressed the need to demand a "test before treatment", before beginning a full regimen of ACT.
According to him, ending malaria will prevent more than 80 million illnesses and more than 300,000 related deaths from malaria annually.
"Ending malaria will increase school attendance, boost workers' productivity and significantly lower out-of-pocket cost for treatment.
"This is why malaria prevention and control remain a major U.S. foreign assistance objective.
"Each year in Nigeria, more than 80 million people fall ill and 300,000 die from malaria," he said.
According to him, early and accurate diagnosis is essential for rapid and effective disease management and surveillance.
He said that Malaria diagnosis was vital as misdiagnosis allows disease progression from uncomplicated to severe forms, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.
Young said that Nigeria had in 2015 adopted the T3 (test, treat and track) strategy for malaria case management.
He said that the strategy helped to improve overall management of patients with febrile illnesses and reduced the emergence and spread of drug resistance to anti-malarial medications.
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