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  • Benin, Nigeria and Niger meeting will end smuggling of rice – envoy

    The Benin Republic Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Paulette Yekpe, has said that the proposed tripartite meeting by Nigeria, Niger and her country, will establish a framework to address rice smuggling.

    Yekpe said this while briefing Journalists on Monday in Abuja on sideline of activities marking the 58th Independence anniversary of the country.

    She said that the smuggling of rice and other products posed a threat to the relationship between both countries.

    The ambassador said that although ECOWAS protocol paved way for the free movement of citizens within the sub-region, more needed to be done through regional integration to tackle rice smuggling.

    According to her, Nigeria and Benin have always worked together to beef up border security in the past.

    She, therefore, expressed the determination to strengthen the collaboration between the two countries, to curb illegal rice smuggling into Nigeria.

    ‘‘Nigeria and Benin have historical ties with over 800 km of land borders; no matter the number of custom officers we put to man the place, our borders will always be porous.

    ‘‘Benin, Nigeria and Niger have decided to meet, based on what is happening these days when talking about rice smuggling.

    ‘‘When people come into our country because of ECOWAS, we cannot reject them; we have no right to; we have been fined for stopping them before for bringing rice in.

    ‘‘ECOWAS had fined us; what such people say is we are travelling to Niger and once they are somewhere in Bardi, they go to Kebbi, Kano and that is what it is.

    ‘‘So, we have decided to have a tripartite meeting with Niger, Nigeria and Benin to discuss and find a way to address rice smuggling.’’

    She said although the date for the tripartite meeting had not been fixed, plans were underway to organise it to bring the issue of rice smuggling to the barest minimum.

    She, however, urged the governments of the three countries to sensitise their citizens more about the dangers of smuggling, to keep people away from such acts.

    In separate interview, Sen. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), said that Nigeria’s relationship with Benin needed to be deeper to tackle smuggling.

    “We have been having problem in illegal trade in rice and other imported goods from Benin Republic.

    ‘‘I think it has been well conducted in a manner that does not dare us to say what will Nigeria do? It is rather caused by a few of our businessmen.

    ‘‘The government of Benin Republic has been interested in making sure that the kind of trade that goes on between the two countries is very great, because we are the best of neigbours.’’

    He said that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration would do all within ambit of the law to tackle smuggling, cross-border and transnational crimes.

    He said that the porosity of borders between the two countries contributed to transnational crimes.

    He assured Benin of the Federal Government’s support in terms of security, to tackle smuggling. (NAN)

  • Kaduna completes N1.2 bn MDGs projects

    Princess Adejoke Adefulire,
    Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), on Thursday inaugurated N1.2 billion Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects in Kaduna State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the projects, numbering 124, covered upgrade and construction of primary health centres, perimeter fencing, toilets facilities, staff quarters, solar powered boreholes and procurement of hospital equipment.

    The ceremony was performed at one of the new Primary Health Care Centres at Bakin Kasuwa, Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the event, Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai, represented by his Deputy, Barnabas Bantex, said that the projects were located in the six local government areas with highest number of maternal and infant mortality in the state.

    He identified the local government areas as Chikun, Kaura, Kachia, Igabi, Kubau and Ikara.

    He thanked the SDGs Office for supporting Kaduna state in its quest to improve the quality of life of citizens through the provision of quality health care.

    “We will continue to welcome such support and make budgetary provisions to match whatever amount the Federal Government supports us with for people oriented projects, ” he said.

    Inaugurating the projects, Adefulire said that they were executed to increase access to quality health care services, particularly to pregnant women and nursing mothers.

    The presidential aide said that the projects were implemented under the MDGs 2014/2015 Conditional Grant Scheme.

    She commended the state government for the timely completion of the projects and pledged to continue working with the state in providing more health facilities in rural communities.

    “We cannot talk about ending maternal and infant deaths when rural population do not have access to health car services.

    “We are working with Kaduna state and other states across the country to improve the quality of lives of Nigerians through various intervention in economic, social, and environmental lives of the people, ” she added.

    Earlier, Muhammad Abdullahi, Commissioner, Planning and Budget in the state, explained that the projects were executed with N600 million from the SDG office and N600 million from the state government as matching grant.

    Abdullahi said that the projects became necessary after a survey in 2016 which indicated that 70 per cent of pregnant women in the state deliver at home.

    He said that situation led to a high level of maternal and infant mortality in the state particularly in local government areas where the projects were sited.

    According to him, the health facilities would significantly improve the health outcome of the state through increase access to quality health care services.

    “The state will continue to make necessary budgetary provision to ensure that no one is left behind in health care service delivery.” (NAN)

  • Unemployed man in court over alleged attempt to steal N240,000 phone

    By Deborah Akpede
    An 18 -year-old unemployed man, Idris Ogunsola, was on Wednesday in Lagos brought to an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court charged with attempt to steal a N240,000 phone.

    According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, the accused committed the offence on Aug. 1 at Alakuko, Lagos.
    He said that the accused snatched a phone valued at N240, 000 property of  one Mr Idemudie Osazuwa.

    “The complainant, a banker, was going to work early in the morning and he used his phone as torch light because it was still dark.
    “The accused snatched the Samsung galaxy 58 phone from him and took to his heels.
    “The complainant ran after him, caught up with him and held his clothes.
    “The accused punches him severally on his eyes in order for him to escape but the complainant forcefully took back his phone and raised alarm.
    “The accused took to his heels but was arrested by passers-by and taken to the Police station,” the prosecutor said.
    The offence contravened Section 308 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 which prescribes five years jail term for offenders.
    Ogunsola, who resides at Alagbado, Lagos, entered a `not-guilty’ plea to the attempted stealing charge levelled against him.
    Magistrate Mrs F.F George granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety as part of the bail condition.
    George said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government (LASG)
    The case was adjourned until Aug. 29, for mention. (NAN)

  • 2019: Saraki hints at Presidency, dismisses Akpabio’s defection

    By Ifeanyi Nwoko

    The President of the Senate Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki may be nursing a Presidential ambition for 2019.

    He gave the hint during the question and answer session at a press conference following the blockade of the gates of the National Assembly by operatives of the DSS.

    Saraki who was asked by a representative of a foreign media if he would be vying for the highest office in the land, did not deny having such ambition.

    He however said that today was a day to talk about democracy, adding that he would answer the question on another day.

    “We are here today about the democracy of this country, and that is what is important to me and to all of us that are here.

    “I think when the time is right I will talk on your issue but today, we are talking about democracy in Nigeria, to defend the rule of law,” he said.

    On whether or not he would relinquish the position of Senate Presidency which he was ‘given’ under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Saraki stressed that he was not given the position but was elected by members.

    He said that the Constitution allows any member of the Senate to stand for election as the President of the Senate irrespective of the party the person belongs to.

    “I was not given the position as senate president, I was elected by members.

    “According to our constitution, it says a member of the National Assembly who so wishes….. it doesn’t say you have to belong to any political party,” he said.

    On the defection of Senator Godswill Akpabio to PDP, Saraki said that it is not an worthy of comment at the time.

    He said that the press conference was called to discuss important National issues and  Akpabio’s defection was not part of it.

    “This happens from time to time, so I do not think it is a national issue for me to comment on,” he said.

  • Osinbajo storms Katsina, declares war on evil

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday received a rousing welcome to the Kangiwa square, Katsina, where he declared that “Nigeria is going through a battle between good and evil’’.

    Osinbajo was in President Muhammadu Buhari’s state to flag off the Katsina North Senatorial rally of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Presenting Alhaji Ahmed Baba Kaita as APC candidate for the senatorial election, Osinbajo said that President Buhari was voted into power to stop the massive stealing and looting in Nigeria.

    “Those who stole and looted are trying to come back to steal. But we say no way.

    “As long as honest people like President Buhari are in the saddle, we will always have peace and progress.’’

    He recounted President Buhari’s record in the revival of moribund and abandoned projects.

    He said that the Mambilla power project abandoned 40 years ago has been revived, so also many other projects, including rail lines.

    “In the interest of the common man, we must continue to vote for APC,’’ he pleaded.

    Osinbajo urged the Katsina people to vote for APC to enable the party continue to have majority members in the senate.

    “Politics is a game of number. We must be in majority in the senate.’’

    Aside being the constituency of President Buhari, APC should retain the seat of Katsina North in memory of the departed late Sen. Bukar Madakidaya.

    “A vote for APC in the constituency is a vote for President Buhari. So vote the right way,’’ he advised.

    Osinbajo with Emir of Daura

    Before storming the campaign venue, the Acting President paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Farouk Umar Farouk.

    Osinbajo told the Emir the work APC started since 2015 was on course and Nigeria would never remain the same.

    He said that the purpose of the APC and President Buhari is to give hope to the common man, adding that the government was doing more with 60 per cent less earnings than previous administrations.

    The Emir said the people of Daura were 100 per cent behind the President Buhari.

    He praised Osinbajo for his actions and for being “a very loyal and effective deputy to President Buhari’’.

    Senator Mustapha Bukar, senator representing Katsina north, died on April 4at the age of 63.

    Until his death, Bukar was the chairman senate committee on capital market.

    He was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.

    He was a first time lawmaker.

    Born December 31, 1954, the senator obtained an engineering degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1978.

    Video of Osinbajo’s arrival in Katsina

    ?

    Prof Yemi Osinbajo@VPOsinbajo

    I am now in Daura, in my Oga’s home state Katsina.

  • The Conservator-General of National Parks Service, Ibrahim Goni, says accurate information is the backbone for national economic development and growth. Goni said this in Abuja during the reconstitution of the service’s nine man Editorial Magazine Board to showcase the abundant potential in the country’s tourism industry. The C-G said that proper information about the service to the public was necessary to gain national and international recognition. He said the absence of the magazine had created huge gap in the dissemination of information on the activities of the national park. “I want to draw your attention to the challenges posed by social media in contemporary reportage. “You must rise to the occasion by ensuring that where facts are distorted on social media and similar platform, you should swiftly correct the misinformation. He advised the members to bring in creative ideas and innovation that would enrich the quality of the publication. “You must endeavour to showcase the abundant potential and hidden treasures of our national parks to improve tourist arrivals and revenue generation through the quality of your publications. “Your publications should dwell more on issues that have direct bearing with the promotion of our corporate image and put information about the service in proper perspectives. In an address of welcome, Alhaji Suleiman Yahaya, Assistant Conservator-General, Human Resource Management, emphasised that information was important to the organisation to showcase its activities. According to him, information is power, information leads to formation, so lack of effective communication will lead to misinformation. “This is why the board is inaugurated to set the ball rolling in putting the right information about the service to the public. Chairman of the Editorial Board, Conservator of Park, Zanna Lawan, pledged that the board would justify the confidence reposed in them by being prompt and objective in their reportage. Other members of the board are; DCP Yakubu Zull, DCP Maria Mamman, ACP George Kargong, CPW Ikpeme Rebecca, APW 1 Williams Rail, SP1 Alex Bwala, SPI Ibrahim Abdulfatai and CPWU Mathias Enaberue, who is Secretary.(NAN) I found this interesting I didin’t find this interesting Join the Conversation

    The Saudi Directorate General for Passports has announced that 1,057,880 pilgrims, arrived in Saudi Arabia for the 2018 Hajj.

    The Directorate said that he number was an increase of 64,905 pilgrims with growth rate of nearly 7 per cent, compared to the same period last year.

    According to the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, the directorate said that the number of pilgrims arriving by air reached 998,811, by land 48,515 pilgrims, and by sea 10,554. NAN

  • Information Panacea to economic development – C-G National Parks

    The Conservator-General of National Parks Service, Ibrahim Goni, says accurate information is the backbone for national economic development and growth.

    Goni said this in Abuja during the reconstitution of the service’s nine man Editorial Magazine Board to showcase the abundant potential in the country’s tourism industry.

    The C-G said that proper information about the service to the public was necessary to gain national and international recognition.

    He said the absence of the magazine had created huge gap in the dissemination of information on the activities of the national park.

    “I want to draw your attention to the challenges posed by social media in contemporary reportage.

    “You must rise to the occasion by ensuring that where facts are distorted on social media and similar platform, you should swiftly correct the misinformation.

    He advised the members to bring in creative ideas and innovation that would enrich the quality of the publication.

    “You must endeavour to showcase the abundant potential and hidden treasures of our national parks to improve tourist arrivals and revenue generation through the quality of your publications.

    “Your publications should dwell more on issues that have direct bearing with the promotion of our corporate image and put information about the service in proper perspectives.

    In an address of welcome, Alhaji Suleiman Yahaya, Assistant Conservator-General, Human Resource Management, emphasised that information was important to the organisation to showcase its activities.

    According to him, information is power, information leads to formation, so lack of effective communication will lead to misinformation.

    “This is why the board is inaugurated to set the ball rolling in putting the right information about the service to the public.

    Chairman of the Editorial Board, Conservator of Park, Zanna Lawan, pledged that the board would justify the confidence reposed in them by being prompt and objective in their reportage.

    Other members of the board are; DCP Yakubu Zull, DCP Maria Mamman, ACP George Kargong, CPW Ikpeme Rebecca, APW 1 Williams Rail, SP1 Alex Bwala, SPI Ibrahim Abdulfatai and CPWU Mathias Enaberue, who is Secretary.(NAN)

  • Ekiti poll: Tribunal grants PDP exparte to serve petition on APC, Fayemi by pasting, courier service

    …As bailiff fails to effect personal service on 2nd, 3rd Respondents

    The election Tribunal sitting in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, has granted the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and its governorship candidate for the  July 14 poll, Kolapo Olusola the leave   to serve notice of Petition, and other accompanying processes it filed to challenge the declaration of All Progressive Congress (APC)’s John Kayode Fayemi as winner by the Independent National Electoral  Commission (INEC), by conspicuous pasting and courier services. (more…)

  • Mass defection: APC flushing out bad eggs -Doguwa

    SHAMSU ABUBAKAR, Kano

    Member of House of Representatives for Doguwa/ Tudun Wada constituency of Kano State, Hon Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has described defections as conventional and tradition. (more…)