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  • NTDC says collaboration with Entertainment Coy to create awareness for `Tour Nigeria’ brand

    Mr Folorunsho Coker, the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) says collaboration with an Entertainment Company to organise a picnic is aimed at creating awareness for `Tour Nigeria’ and `Nigeria Flavour’ brands.

    Coker made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The Entertainment Company Delphino Picnic usually organises picnics in August, and it is an annual event hosted in Abuja.

    It records large number of fun seekers who throng the venue to catch fun.

    “The Picnic is to create awareness to the master brand, `Tour Nigeria’ which means tour around Nigeria and the sub-brand, `Nigerian Flavour’.

    “Let me explain, we are NTDC, we have a master brand called Tour Nigeria, like Truly Asia, Incredible India, Magical Kenya etc.

    “As you are going around Nigeria, you are encouraged to enjoy the different flavour of Nigeria in our Music, culture, heritage, food, religion, fashion, sport and even our politics,’’ Coker said.

    According to the NTDC boss, Delphino event is a local Abuja picnic that has been going on for some years now.

    He said that in 2017, the corporation decided to help them organise, arrange, produce and interact by using its knowledge of some segment of the industry.

    Coker also said aside creating awareness for the brands, local food vendors and others had the opportunity of making brisk businesses.

    “It shows that there are many things in this local economy that you can bring, aggregate together to produce one beautiful product that people can enjoy while creating value in a domestic economy.

    “The people who brought the stage, the light, sound, instrument, foods, chairs, canopies and the goods that were sold commercially benefited from the picnic.

    “That is the way forward, it is in that partnership between private and public sector that such things can continue to occur and reoccur in Abuja.

    “We have documented those sort of festival culture and we want to bring it to the attention of various stakeholders in the tourism eco-system.

    “So, if you go online and do hash tag Tour Nigeria, you will see reference photographs and images on a lot of things that Tour Nigeria through NTDC has partnered with,’’ he said.

    Coker urged Nigerians to get more information on the activities of the corporation on tournigeria.gov.ng and tournigeria.com. (NAN)

  • MTN unveils mPulse for `tweens’ and teens

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    MTN Nigeria has unveiled its latest innovation, MTN mPulse, for `tweens’ and teens (ages 9 to 15).

    The MTN General Manager in charge of Consumer Marketing, Mr Oluwole Rawa, announced this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    He said that the plan was designed for to enable `tweens’ and teens to learn useful skills while having fun.

    According to Rawa, mPulse package comes with a voice plan and a website which hosts a variety of courses and study aids to help children from Primary 1 to SS3 to excel.

    He added that the portal would provide a bouquet of single and multiplayer games as well as skill videos.

    Rawa said that it would come from computer programming, fashion designing, medicine and blogging to engineering, writing, data science and motivational speaking.

    “ There is something for every interest,’’ he said.

    Rawa said that the portal had parental controls.

    “Once a child is signed up, the registered parent/guardian could track and control what the child is accessing on the Internet.

    “With the launch of MTN mPulse, MTN is giving parents and guardians more ways to equip the next generation.

    “We always seek to proffer innovative and relevant solutions that enable our customers to connect with their tomorrow.

    “This platform does precisely that – providing a controlled environment where our youngsters can explore and learn more and have fun while doing it.

    “MTN is a community of people from across the country; we all have family connections and are dedicated to protecting and nurturing a brighter future,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • Buhari commends 2 securitymen for returning bag of dollars

    President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Nigerians to emulate two security men who returned a handbag filled with valuables, including dollars, forgotten at the Murtala Muhammed Airport by an American returnee.

    He said such conduct reflects the new Nigeria that we all desire.

    A Lagos-based medical doctor, Banji Oyegbami, who runs Betta Hospital in Agege, had met a family returning from America at the airport on August 18. In the process of loading their luggage into his car, the handbag of the returnee’s wife fell, unknown to anyone.

    It was not until 90 minutes later that an officer of Halogen Securities, on duty at the airport, called the couple, to come for the retrieved bag.

    When the bag was eventually collected, the contents, including a handsome amount of American dollars, phone, wrist watch, and other valuables were intact. The grateful couple offered a generous gift, but Messrs Francis Emepueaku and Achi Daniel, declined, saying they were merely doing their duties.

    President Buhari said that despite the scoffing of a minority number, Nigeria is resolutely on the road to a new dawn.

    Dr. Banji Oyegbami of Betta Hospital Agege, reported the story of honesty by 2 men working for Halogen Securities

    “Honesty remains the best policy. We must exhibit such behaviour in whatever position we find ourselves, whether high or low,” he submits.

    “The security men could have chosen to behave differently, following the self-serving principle of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’ But they have chosen to be examples of good, honest Nigerians. I commend their conduct to the rest of the country.”

    The President urged Nigerians to bring out the best in themselves at all times, noting that with such minds, they can never be hoodwinked again by those who seek power for selfish and dubious reasons, and return the country to an inglorious past.

    “Nigeria will no longer be a byword for corruption and plundering of public resources. That is the path we have chosen to take, and our country will eventually get to a new shore,” President Buhari affirmed.

    Read Dr. Oyegbami’s post that triggered President Buhari’s Reaction:

    ALL HOPE IS NOT LOST. NIGERIA IS STILL BLESSED WITH SOME HONEST PEOPLE… A True Life Story

    I am Dr Banji Oyegbami, a Medical practitioner in Lagos. The following story is my practical experience at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos yesterday night 18th August 2018.

    As planned I went to the Airport with my driver to pick up my very close friend and his wife that arrived from Atlanta USA on board Delta Airline.

    I parked my car on the first floor of the New Multi level car park and walked briskly to wait for my guests in front of the Arrival hall. About an hour of waiting my friend and wife emerged from the entrance pushing the luggage trolley. I rushed forward to meet them and as expected exchanged pleasantries.

    My driver immediately took over the trolley and we walk briskly to the car park chatting all along the way. We got there and started loading the bags into the boot of the vehicle. Instinctively Madam dropped her handbag on the floor while trying to help the driver with the loading. Loading done. the 4 of us jumped into the car and drove out of the Airport. But my friend’s wife forgot to pick her handbag.

    We journeyed for about one and a half hour in terrible traffic without realizing this.

    We were jolted when I received a phone call from the daughter of my friend
    in America. She told us that she received a call via her mother’s number. The caller informed her that the owner of the phone forgot her bag at the Airport car park, and that we should turn back to collect it.

  • Osun 2018: Get your PVCs, Adeleke urges residents

    Ahead of the Sept. 22 governorship election in Osun, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, has urged residents to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards to enable them exercise their voting rights.

    Adeleke, in a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday in Osogbo, said that collection of PVCs was an important aspect of election that required the participation of every eligible voter.

    The candidate appealed to the people of Osun State to get their PVCs and use them to improve their lot, promising not to disappoint them if he emerged victorious in the poll.

    Adeleke, who currently represents Osun West at the upper chamber of the National Assembly, said if elected, he would be a governor for the people, by the people and of the people.

    “All workers deserve their pay. Our government will address workers’ entitlement and welfare, if elected.

    “I have the capacity to deliver on this and other key programmes as contained in our 6-point agenda,’’ he said.

  • Kebbi Gov, Badugu advises herdsmen to embrace modern methods of marketing cow milk

    Kebbi Gov, Badugu advises herdsmen to embrace modern methods of marketing cow milk

    Kebbi Governor Atiku Bagudu has advised herdsmen to embrace modern methods of processing, packaging and marketing cow milk to enhance cleanliness and profitability.

    Bagudu gave the advice on Wednesday while addressing some herdsmen in Era Fulani village in Argungu Local Government Area of the state.

    He expressed the readiness of the state government to provide permanent settlement for the cattle rearers in the area.

    “The settlement will have all the necessary basic amenities such as schools, health care centres, water and lands for your comfort and livestock.

    “I urge you to obtain Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and use it wisely for electing leaders that will uplift your lives and economic status,” he said.

    The governor gave a directive for the immediate establishment of schools for the herdsmen’s children to enable them acquire Islamic and Western education.

    In his remark, Alhaji Buda Gwanna, the Argungu Chairman of Miyyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), commended the governor for his magnanimity toward the herdsmen.

    He promised that his members would continue to support government programmes, aimed at making life more meaningful for the citizenry. (NAN)

  • NLC in Nasarawa believes Al-Makura will pay new minimum wage

    NLC in Nasarawa believes Al-Makura will pay new minimum wage

    Abdullahi Adeka, the Chairman of Nasarawa State Chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has expressed optimism that Governor Umaru Al-Makura would implement the new minimum wage as soon as it is announced.

    Adeka expressed his optimism in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Doma, Doma Local Government area

    According to him, the governor was among the first to implement the current minimum wage of N18, 000 due to his labour-friendly disposition.

    “The union leadership and the entire workers have cordial relationship with the governor.

    “Labour leaders from other states should emulate us and develop good relationship with their governors so that they can get them to implement the new salary as soon as the Federal Government reviews the minimum wage,” he said.

    Adeka also said that the union would mobilise for votes for worker-friendly candidates in the 2019 general elections

    He called on all Nigerians to use the Sallah period to pray and work towards archiving sustainable peace in the country. (NAN)

  • Minimum wage: NLC optimistic of payment before end of 2018

    Minimum wage: NLC optimistic of payment before end of 2018

    Mr Peter Ozo-Esan, General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has assured Nigerians workers of the payment of the reviewed minimum wage before the end of 2018.

    Ozo-Esan gave this assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to him, in spite of the delay caused by the Sallah break, the tripartite committee involved with the review of the wage will conclude its work on Sept. 4th and 5th.

    “We believe that the initial expectation that by September a new minimum wage should come on board, we think that the government still should be able to deliver that to Nigerians.

    “Nigerian workers will continue to demand that from the government and as soon as this report is submitted government should do the needful before the National Assembly, because that is the process.

    “We expect that the National Assembly will play its part in speedily considering the bill that will be placed before it and do everything possible for Nigerian workers to have a new minimum wage.’’

    On the concerns raised by state governors, Ozo-Esan stressed that it was not for them to determine what to pay, but that as employers they must comply with the minimum wage as approved by law.

    “ Minimum wage is not fixed for government, it is fixed for employers across the economy whether government or private employer, the law will require you to pay the minimum wage.

    “ What state governments want does not matter, because this is not a political matter; the minimum wage is the barest minimum that any worker must earn and no employer can go below that.’’ he added.

    The NLC secretary general stressed that state governments mismanaging their funds have no excuse not to pay salaries, adding that Nigerian must start demanding for dividends of democracy from their leaders.

    “We urge our members to get their voter cards and vote out governors who have shown incapacity to govern,” he added.(NAN).

  • NPC earmarks 1,110 households for Demographic, Health Survey in Nasarawa

    The National Population Commission (NPC) has earmarked 1,110 households in 3 local government areas of Nasarawa State for the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

    Umar Tafida-Abdul, Nasarawa State Coordinator of NPC disclosed this to newsmen at the official commencement of the exercise on Monday in Lafia.

    He said the survey was scheduled to hold between Aug. 26 to Dec. 15 would be done in 37 clusters across the state with each selected cluster having 30 households.

    According to him, the 2018 NDHS is the sixth in the series of five years periodic surveys for collation of high quality data to aid policy formulation based on changes in population, health and nutrition.

    Tafida-Abdul said the survey, being run in partnership with Federal Ministry of Health, would gather data on fertility level and preferences; contraceptive use, maternal and child health, infant and neonatal mortality level and violence against women.

    Other areas of focus include, immunization, nutrition, breastfeeding, awareness on HIV/AIDS as well as other indicators relevant for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    He explained that unlike previous exercises, the 2018 NDHS was designed with additional components on malaria and genotype testing.

    Tafida-Abdul maintained that the survey would also foster and reinforce Nigeria’s ownership of data collection, analysis, presentation and use by utilizing its own manpower.

    The coordinator said adequate logistics arrangement have been made for the smooth conduct of the exercise in the state.

    He therefore solicited the assistance of the state and local government, security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to enable field workers unfettered access to the selected clusters. (NAN)

  • 1,331 Nigerians die in road crashes in Q2 – NBS

    1,331 Nigerians die in road crashes in Q2 – NBS

    By Lucy Nwachukwu

    Not less than 1,331 Nigerians died in the road crashes in the second quarter of 2018, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The figure was contained in the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) “Road Transport Data (Q2 2018)’’ report released on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The report said 1,257 of the 1,331 Nigerians that died, representing 94 per cent of the figure, were adults while the remaining 74 Nigerians, representing six per cent of the figure, were children.

    “Also, 1,047 male Nigerians, representing 79 per cent, got killed in road crashes in the second quarter while 284 female Nigerians, representing 21per cent got killed.

    According to the report, a total of 8,437 Nigerians also got injured in road crashes within the period.

    It said of the number, 7,946 Nigerians got injured, representing 94 per cent of the figure all adults while the remaining 491 Nigerians, representing six per cent of the figure were children.

    It said: “6,415 male Nigerians, representing 76 per cent, got injured in road crashes in the second quarter while 2,022 female Nigerians, representing 24 per cent got injured.”

    The report also said 2,608 road crashes occurred through speed violation in the second quarter of 2018, accounting for 50.65 per cent.

    The report said tyre burst and dangerous driving followed closely, accounting for 8.59 per cent and 8.40 per cent of the total road crashes recorded. (NAN)