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  • Ram sellers lament low sales

    One day after Eid-el-Kabir celebration, ram sellers in some markets visited in Lagos on Thursday continued to lament of low sales, with many rams left unsold, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    A check by NAN at Sabo Market in Ikorodu, Owode-Elede Market beside Mile 12, and Kara Market, revealed that many ram sellers could not hide their disappointment at the poor level of sales recorded.

    Alhaji Yahaya Jubril, a ram seller at Sabo market, Ikorodu, attributed the low sales to the economic situation in the country, which, he said, reduced the purchasing power of many citizens.

    “Last year, I sold about 60 rams for Sallah, but as I am talking to you now, I have only managed to sell 20 of the 70 rams that I have.

    “The sales was so discouraging that I had to sell some of the rams at discounted price on Sallah day, because I noticed that customers that had been coming were only making enquiries and not buying,” he said.

    Another ram seller at Kara Market, Abdullah Yusuf, said that he did not make brisk business during the festive season, as most of his regular customers did not sacrifice ram.

    “Some of my regular customers that I called when I did not see them in the market told me that they would sacrifice either chicken or turkey since they could not afford ram.

    “One of my regular customers that usually buys about 15 to 20 rams annually as gifts only purchased five this year.

    “Some customers that felt it was mandatory for them to sacrifice ram came to buy on credit, pending when salary would be paid at month end,” he said.

    Also, Muktar Mohammed, another ram seller at Kara Market, said, “Last year, I lost a lot of money because of unsold rams — some were stolen, some died — so this year, I only acted as agent that assists Co0peratives rear rams and cows for Sallah”.

    Similarly, Alhaji Tunji Balogun, a livestock seller at Owode-Elede Market, beside Mile 12, said that he would negotiate sales of the unsold rams with some butchers to recoup his investment and reduce the number left with him. (NAN)

  • INEC Budget: CSO cautions against playing politics with 2019 general elections

    INEC Budget: CSO cautions against playing politics with 2019 general elections

    Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has cautioned the executive and legislative arms of government against playing politics with the 2019 election budget.

    Mr Eze Onyekpere, Lead Director of CSJ said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that the 2019 general elections were too important to the nation’s existence to be toyed with in the name of seeking approval for election budget.

    “The elections in 2019 are too precious to be tied to this game of musical chairs between the two arms of government.

    “The President should have presented the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) budget to the National Assembly (NASS) early in the first quarter of the year.

    “However, considering that it is coming late and the poor relations between the executive and legislature, the president should not have asked for virement.

    “Rather, he should have looked for fresh money for the conduct of the elections.’’

    He, however, said that NASS was not bound to approve the request as presented, adding that even if it did, it may direct that the money be derived from another source.

    NAN recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari had requested Senate’s approval of N242.45 billion for the 2019 General Elections.

    Part of the funds, according to his request, will be given to the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for the same purpose.

    The request was contained in a letter dated July 11, which was personally signed by Buhari and addressed to the Senate President Bukola Saraki.

    Buhari requested that out of the needed figure, N164.10 billion should be provided through virement or supplementation of the 2018 Budget.

    It also requested that the balance of N78.34 billion, mostly related to personnel allowances, fuelling and other costs not required until election proper, be provided for in the 2019 budget.

    The sum of N189.21 billion was earmarked for INEC, N4.3 billion for Office of the Security Adviser, N12.21 billion for DSS and N3.6 billion for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    The Nigeria Police Force got a proposal of N30.5 billion while N2.6 billion was earmarked for Nigeria Immigration Service.

    Specifically, the president requested that N164.10 billion of the total funds proposed for the elections should be funded from the N578.31 billion inserted in the 2018 Budget by NASS.

    There have been concerns by various groups, individuals and election monitors that the amount proposed for the general elections was too much for the exercise.

    Some others are of the opinion that the delay in the passage of the election budget could jeopardise adequate preparations for the poll.

    NAN also recalls that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, however, said that the 2019 general elections would not be postponed because of the delay in the passage of its budget.

    According to him, there is no provision under the law for postponement of elections. (NAN)

  • EFCC boss urges Nigerians to support fight against corruption

    The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, has urged Nigerians across the globe to continue supporting the EFCC to win the war against the “hydra-headed” monster called corruption.

    Mr Nkem Lafia, National Publicity Secretary, Change Agents for Positive Transformation (CAPT), a Non-Governmental organisation (NGO), made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Lafia quoted Magu as making the call for the support and continuous fight against corruption when members of CAPT paid him a visit in Abuja.

    The EFCC boss said that there was no how the Commission or himself would achieve the target of fighting corruption in Nigeria without the help of all and sundry.

    Magu further called for the cooperation of all Nigerians and institutions, including Non-State entities, to do all in their powers to fight every act of corruption around them.

    Magu said, “the endemic nature of corruption in Nigeria, has elevated a few citizens to the position of ‘Super Lords’ that are even richer than the States of their origin.

    “These few individuals have continued to use their ill-gotten wealth to thwart the good job the EFCC is doing.

    “There was no how the EFCC or myself alone would achieve the target the Buhari Administration has set in the crusade against corruption without the buy-in of all parts of the Nigerian society.

    “Even the international community showed that the activities of the Commission and the anti-corruption stance of the Buhari Administration were already yielding fruits that are worthy of commendation.”

    Magu called for the constant advice and prayers from Nigerians, who believe that corruption, can actually be defeated.

    Mr Austin Nwanya, CAPT National Coordinator, who led the delegation, had earlier congratulated Magu on his recent promotion as Commissioner of Police and applauded him for his good job.

    Nwanya described Magu’s new position as a reward and motivation for his selfless and patriotic services to Nigeria.

    Nwanya promised that CAPT, as an NGO, would continue to support the Commission by bringing its activities and achievements to the attention of the public.

    Nwanya advised Magu not be deterred by the antics of some Nigerians, who had something to hide and were, therefore, determined to continue to throw spanners in the works of the Commission. (NAN)

  • 1004 Apartments landlords petition IGP over unlawful arrest of residents

    Landlords of 1004 Apartments in Victoria Island, Lagos have decried unlawful arrest and detention of some residents by policemen claiming to be from Special Tactical Squad of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
    In a petition sent to IGP, Ibrahim Idris, the residents alleged that five officials of 1004 Home Owners and Residents Association (HORA) were unlawfully assaulted and detained for two days.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the petition, titled “Illegal Use of Police to Harass Innocent Citizens”, was copied to Commissioner of Police in Lagos State and Zone 2 of the Nigeria Police.
    The association, comprising about 6000 residents, alleged that the unlawful harassment was instigated by a tenant, Mr Akinlosi Oyelokun, whose apartment was disconnected over two years unpaid service charge and electricity theft.
    According to 1004 residents, armed policemen from Force Headquarters, led by Insp. Danladi Idah Yusuf, invaded the association’s secretariat and whisked away three staff to Bar Beach Police Station saying  I was “order from above”.
    Also,  two executives of the association who attempted to secure their bails were also arrested and ended up behind bars for two days along with the staff, the petition said.
    The residents expressed anger that a tenant owing service charge arrears and facing allegations of hacking and electricity theft involving bypass of smart meter could simply use his connection with police to harass Innocent citizens.
    In an interview with NAN, Capt. Shina Akinfemwa, Chairman of 1004 HORA, wondered if the IGP could have indeed ordered the use of police for the execution of assaults on 1004 residents.
    “Should the police officers be used as tools to harass, intimidate, threaten and assault innocent, law abiding citizens? ,” he said.
    Akinfenwa then appealed to the IGP to urgently address the matter in order to save his high office from dishonour and the residents from continued harassment.
    Several calls and text messages sent to Mr Oyelokun seeking his comment on the allegations were unanswered.
    When contacted, spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Chike Oti, said he was yet to be briefed on the matter and promised to contact officers handling the case.
  • Rohr inspects Kaduna’s Ahmadu Bello Stadium ahead of Super Eagles’ AFCON qualifiers

    Rohr inspects Kaduna’s Ahmadu Bello Stadium ahead of Super Eagles’ AFCON qualifiers

    Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, on Wednesday inspected the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna as part of preparations for the team’s qualifiers for the 2019 AFCON, an official has said.

    Ademola Olajire, the Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said in a statement on Wednesday the inspection was an indication preparations have begun in earnest.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senior men’s national football team have five matches remaining in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying series.

    Nigeria play away to Seychelles in Victoria on Match Day 2 on Sept. 7 and then host Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in Nigeria on Match Day 3 on Oct. 10.

    “The Technical Adviser checked out the facilities at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in company of NFF’s Second Vice President Shehu Dikko and Super Eagles’ Team Administrator Dayo Achor,’’ Olajire said in the statement.

    He added that the former Germany defender Rohr would on Friday release his list of invited players for the away clash with Seychelles.

    NAN reports that, after hosting Libya, the Super Eagles will visit the Knights three days later, before heading to South Africa for the return tie against the Bafana Bafana on Nov. 17.

    The last match of the series will see the three-time African champions hosting Seychelles on March 22.

    The Eagles had, in their opening game of the qualifying series in June 2017, lost 0-2 to the Bafana Bafana in Uyo.

    NAN reports that the finals of the 2019 AFCON, which is the 32nd edition, are scheduled to be staged in Cameroon in June.(NAN)

  • Sallah : NTIC shares out 60 cows among 2, 000 families in Lagos, Ogun

    Sallah : NTIC shares out 60 cows among 2, 000 families in Lagos, Ogun

    In the spirit of Sallah, the Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC) Foundation in Ogun on Wednesday distributed raw meat to more than 2,000 less privileged families in Lagos and Ogun states.

    Mr Ercan Yilmaz , the Principal of the school, said 60 cows were slaughtered early on Wednesday and distributed to the people.

    Yilmaz said 1,500 families from Lagos and Ogun benefitted from the gesture while 500 families from other states in the Southwest also collected their shares.

    He said the lists of the beneficiaries were obtained from mosques, churches, while other stakeholders such as religious leaders and public service workers — Police and local government officials also benefitted.

    “We also extended the gesture to the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, among other stakeholders as a symbol of love,” he said.

    The gesture, according to Yilmaz, is aimed at touching lives of the less privileged people as part of the college’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS).

    “Our belief is that any establishment or corporate entity should endeavour to touch lives of people in its immediate community.

    “This is why our branches in other parts of the federation takes care of the distribution in states within their region.

    “As it was done in previous years, the gesture is done simultaneously by our sister branches throughout the federation and similar programmes are also replicated during Christmas, ” he said.

    The Principal said the gesture was in partnership with sponsors of the Foundation which include parents, Turkish living in Nigeria and other well meaning Nigerians.

    He noted that the NTIC Foundation also intervenes in the provision of facilities such as boreholes, community health services, scholarships, among other assistance to indigent beneficiaries, communities and the less privileged.

    Yilmaz advised that Nigerians should always use occasions such as Sallah to promote unity in the country, saying all hands should be on deck to put smiles on the faces of the people.

    “We encourage other well-meaning individuals and organisations to participate in the act of giving, for it is in giving that we brighten smiles and keep the light of our faith glowing.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria Tulip International College, formerly Nigeria Turkish International College, started philanthropic gestures since 2005.

    The Lagos/Ogun branch is located at OPIC area before the Berger Bridge. (NAN)

  • Edwin Clark condemns Rivers by-election violence, wants severe punishment for electoral offenders

    Edwin Clark condemns Rivers by-election violence, wants severe punishment for electoral offenders

    A former Federal Commissioner of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, on Wednesday called for severe sanctions for perpetrators of electoral offences in the country.

    Clark made the call in a telephone interview with a political correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos.

    He was reacting to the suspension of Saturday’s by-election in Rivers State by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) owing to widespread violence.

    The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Obo Effanga, who announced the suspension, said that INEC also stopped the election owing to high cases of ballot snatching and attacks on its officials.

    NAN reports that the election was meant to fill the Port Harcourt Constituency 3 state assembly seat left by Mr Victor Ihunwo, now the Chairman, Port Harcourt Local Government.

    Clark, while condemning the violence, said the the situation was a recurring feature of elections in the country.

    He said there was a compelling need for government to come hard on electoral offenders, as they were a dent on the country’s democracy.

    “You see, what happened in Rivers has been going on in many places;  and people perpetrate violence in elections and we have it over and over because there are no sanctions.

    “That is why Uwais report suggested that there should be special courts so that anybody who misbehaves during elections is arrested and dealt with.

    “We are yet to have that. But I learnt there is a bill on that at the National Assembly, and I believe once this bill is passed into law, it would reduce cases of violence in elections.

    “I mean when you send people to 10 years imprisonment for perpetrating violence in elections, they will not repeat it again and others will learn.

    “Severe punishment for offenders. That is what I believe will end the cycle of election violence in the country,” he said.

    Clark said the heavy security deployed during elections would have been needless if people obeyed electoral laws.

    The elder statesman said the high security vote for the 2019 elections by INEC could be better used for infrastructure, if violence was not part of elections.

    Clark urged President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that all relevant laws to check electoral offences are ready ahead of 2019, to ensure the elections are free and fair.(NAN)

  • PDP will win Presidential election next year, says Sen Saraki

    PDP will win Presidential election next year, says Sen Saraki

    Senate President Bukola Saraki on Wednesday boasted that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the 2019 presidential elections.

    Saraki said this in Ilorin at a meeting with PDP members who came from the 16 local government areas of the state.

    He also expressed his confidence that his new party would emerge victorious in all the local government areas of Kwara State.

    Saraki said that the victory of PDP at both federal and state levels would be beneficial to all the members in the state.

    The Senate President said that the future of PDP was now brighter than it used to be.

    “If we emerge victorious at the federal level, all of us will be the beneficiaries. In the state, with your support we will win the state for PDP.

    “All of you here are the key players in Kwara politics. With unity of purpose, no party can contest with you.

    “We are here to unite all of us under the party we belong to today. I am assuring all members that there will be equity, internal democracy and justice.

    “It is not going to be winners take all. As far as I am concerned, everybody here today belong to our political structure.

    “There is nothing like old or new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We have all become one PDP.

    “I want all of us to be united for the progress and development of Kwara State.

    “As par the politics of the state, nobody can wrest the power from us I if we are united. By the grace of God we  will emerge victorious both at the federal and state levels.

    “We will ensure that we work as one party because we have always worked together before.

    “We will see that all the wards and local governments’ popular candidates emerge based on their popularity and acceptability,” Saraki said.

    He assured PDP members that there would be no anointed candidates in all the elective positions.

    “I don’t have any anointed candidate at all levels. I don’t have candidates for the state Assembly, National Assembly. It is the person you want in your constituency that I will okay.

    “Don’t allow anybody to deceive you that I have endorsed any candidate,” he said.

    The Senate President implored party leaders and elders not to drop his name to impose unpopular candidates.

    “All of us will collectively choose who becomes the next governor. We will ensure that there is no faction, but one PDP.

    “We will ensure that meetings in the local government areas take place in one venue. And we will all work together for the interest of the party,” he said.

    Saraki appealed to all party members to start work for the party to emerge victorious next year.

    “I am sure many more will come back and join us because those that left left under the wrong assumption that it will be different from what it used to be.

    “They were misled that those coming are out to move them away. Nobody is moving you away because this place belongs to you too

    “Let us go back and start work closely together and by the grace of God we will all be victorious,” the Senate President said. (NAN)

  • NCC takes proactive steps to actualise 30? broadband penetration by 2018

    The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) says Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC)’s licensing of more infrastructure companies (InfraCos) is a proactive step toward achieving the 30 per cent broadband penetration target.

    The National President of NATCOMS, Mr Adeola Ogunbanjo, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

    NAN reports that Nigeria developed a five-year strategy (2013-2018) in 2013, through the Presidential Committee on Broadband.

    The aim is to drive internet and broadband penetration in the country and to scale up NCC’s broadband growth by 30 per cent in 2018.

    According to him, we have only four months to go, and actually, the target cannot be met and that is what is worrying the NCC, which is leading to the licensing of more InfraCos.

    “Honestly, NCC is taking a good step in the right direction by ensuring licensing of more InfraCos, because it will lead to more expectations and more robust broadband penetration.

    “There is also the need for private sector’s participation to help government to achieve this target,” Ogunbanjo said.

    He decried many obstacles hindering the actualisation of the broadband’s target such as the Right Of Way (ROW), many taxes and levies, saying that they should be looked into.

    Ogunbanjo said that as regards some of the hinderances to broadband penetration like ROW and also security of base stations, it behooves on the executives, State and Federal Governments to do their parts.

    He urged some state governors to emulate the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to reduce their charges the right of ways.

    “For broadband penetration that will ensure better and standard network, all hands must be on deck.

    “The number charges and multiple taxes on telecommunications operators and the environment that is tightened, not conducive at all, do not allow them to operate fairly.

    “State Governments are not making the telecommunications industry user-friendly at all with their policies and taxes; they should look at how to make the industry work considering their contributions to the Gross Domestic Products.

    “Aside from petroleum, the agriculture and telecommunications industry should be the main focus to build the nation’s economy.

    “Currently, the Gross Domestic Products is a double digit one that the telecommunications industry is contributing, so it should be given the adequate attention it deserves,” Ogunbanjo said. (NAN)