The Nation November 07, 2012 by The Nation

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2012

Kwankwaso inaugurates TB treament centre

Borno to boost rice production T HE Borno State government has said that it would import 500 rice mills from Thailand as part of efforts to boost rice production in the state. Governor Kashim Shettima, who disclosed this in Maiduguri while interacting with newsmen, said the mills would be distributed to farmers’ cooperative associations to improve the quality of local rice production in the state. He said the state government had signed an agreement for the supply of the mills. “A delegation of Borno State government visited Thailand recently as part of a trip to explore areas of collaboration with different countries in their areas of specialisation. “While in Thailand, we made orders for the

•Shettima

Cleric urges grassroots development

N Islamic clergy, Sheik AbdulAzeez Shittu, has advised the Good Governance Tour Committee to focus attention on grassroots development. Shittu told journalists in Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government of Kwara, that emphasis should be placed on skills acquisition and youth empowerment. Shittu, who is the Chief Missioner of the Islamic Development Youth Association of Nigeria (IDYAN), observed that youth restiveness contributed to the country’s insecurity situation and should therefore be attended to. “Government, especially at the grassroots, rarely pay attention to the issue of empowering the youths for the nation’s development. “The neglect of this segment of the population is the result of the palpable fear and insecurity that have become the order of the day. “It is very disheartening to note that the youths, regarded as leaders of tomorrow, have now become threat to the progress and development of our country,’’ he said. He regretted that none of the 774 local gov-

Kwara ernments had evolve serious policy toward empowering the youths to enable them contribute to the nation’s growth. “It is sad that many local governments do not have a skill acquisition centre of their own, where youths can learn trade and vocations to become entrepreneurs. “As a result of joblessness, many of the youths have become armed robbers, terrorists and political thugs. “I think the good governance tour committee should challenge the state governors on this important issue”. The clergy said that many of the gigantic projects, being put up by state governments with contract running into billions of naira, might not benefit the citizens. He maintained that development could only be achieved in the atmosphere of peace, harmony and orderliness when youths were meaningfully engaged in productive ventures.

HE Federal Government with Kano State Government has inaugurated an ultra-modern Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis treatment Centre in Kano, a statement said. The statement was issued by Malam Halilu Dantiye, the Director of Press and Public Relations to the Governor, in Kano. It said the centre was located within the premises of the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Kano city. Speaking at the event, Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso said the project was the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, constructed by the Federal Ministry of Health, and equipped by

Borno supply of 500 rice mills. I believe some of the items will start arriving in the state in a very short while,’’ Shettima said. The governor said that the government was working towards setting up mini-irrigation schemes in each of the 27 local government areas of the state. “Borno has lots of potential in agriculture; we are trying to harness these potential by creating mini- irrigation schemes in all the local government areas. “We are also looking at the possibilities of creating farm settlements across the state to further harness our agriculture potential,’’ he said. Shettima explained that the objective was to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state. “Our goal is to provide jobs for our teeming unemployed youths who are roaming the streets without anything to do. “We are also trying to fight endemic poverty among our people which has reached an alarming level,’’ he said.

•Kwankwaso

Emir warns farmers, cattle breeders

HE Emir of Argungu in Birni Kebbi,Kebbi State, Alhaji Samaila Mera, has warned farmers and cattle breeders in the emirate against actions that will lead to any clash in the area. Mera, who spoke with newsmen in Argungu, said the emirate would not condone any clash between farmers and cattle breeders over animal grazing and urged them to respect their mutual interests.

tal screening programme in collaboration with Dental Association of Nigeria, we give adequate support to the drive to eradicate polio in our society through regular and aggressive immunization programme.” He urged pregnant women to make use of the facilities at Omodigbo Helathcare Centre where 24 hours service is available and where birth certificates from the National Population Commission will be made available to them. He added that there are primary health centres at Alvis, Ijesha, Isolo Road, Itire, Ajeabo where residents can enjoy the medical facilities. Speaking earlier, the Coordinator of Women Global Impact, Mrs Oluwayomi Uteh, urged residents to follow up whatever results that came out of the various tests or treatments. She said Mushin council would be the first in the country to enjoy their patronage. Women Global Impact, founded by Bishop Peace Okonkwo on her 60th birthday as a gift to women in general started the peace campaign on June 10, to sensitise the women folk on dangers of cervical cancer, diabetes and all other diseases. Uteh noted that the response has been tremendous as many sensitive cases have been attended to. She said the founder was motivated by her desire to put smiles on the faces of women. In his closing remarks, the council vice chairman, who doubles as the Supervisor of Health, Mr Emmanuel Bamigboye, thanked all that worked together to make the programme a success. He particularly thanked the chairmen of the various CDS or CDAs for their support.

Kano Kano State Government. Kwankwaso said the action was to further coordinate efforts to curb the menace of tuberculosis, which was still prevalent in some developing countries, including Nigeria. He promised that his administration would work closely with international donor agencies and other groups toward improving the wellbeing of residents in the state. The governor urged members of staff of IDH to ensure effective management of the tuberculosis centre and to keep the hospital tidy at all times. The Minister of Health, Dr Onyebuchi Chukwu, represented by Dr Joshua Obasanye at the event , said the World Health Organisation in its 2012 report estimated that 3,491 MultiDrug Resistant Tuberculosis cases occurred in Nigeria annually.

•From left: National President, Estate Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAAN), Hon Emmanuel T. Dare; Chairnan, Hon Godwin Alenkhe and General Secretary, Hon Thomas Mebu during the Lagos State chapter Annual General meeting and conference at Rotary Club Hallm, Isolo PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

‘Ban importation of second hand tyres’

N appeal has gone to the Federal Government to ban the importation of second hand tyres into the country. The call was made by a group, New Born Trucks and Tippers Owners Association, Itele chapter in Ogun State. The plea came through the vice chairman, Mr Alao Lateef, at the public enlightement rally tagged: Ember months safety campaign, organised by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Ota unit Command.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Unit Commander, Mr Bashiru Adeyemi, urged the road users to be cautions while on the road. Adeyemi highlighted some factors causing accidents on the roads as; lack of maintenance of vehicles/mechanism, excess drinking, abnormal behaviours and lack of adequate signals. He also appealed to the drivers to be watchful, maintaining enough space between the front vehicles and have enough rest before on-thewheel.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

•From right: Chairman, Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, Hon Abiodun Mafe; his counterparts at Badagry and Coker-Aguda councils, Hon Husitode Moses Dosu and Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe at the World Conference of Mayors, Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea

Leadership award for students

HE final stage of the 2012 Leadership Competition organised by the Chief Whip of Oyo State House of Assembly Hon. Abiodun Adigun Hammed for over 50 secondary schools in Akiyele Local Government Area of Oyo State comes up tomorrow, the organisers have said. The competition will kick off by 10am at council secretariat in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Hon Adigun disclosed in a chat with our correspondent that the competition was organised to groom the future leaders in his constituency and it is also in line with improving the education policy of the current adminitration in the state. He said the governor had charged all the political office holders to work diligently to clear the rot in the education sector. In his words: “ Life is all about competition, so the young once also need to compete so as to move to a higher level. We also wish to catch the secondary school students at the

Church holds solution night

•From left: Mrs Uteh, Hon Adepitan and the Hon Bamigboye at the event.

The Emir also called on district and village heads to ensure farmers do a quick harvest as well as ensure that cattle breeders are refrained from leading their herds into farmlands that had not been cleared for grazing. “The farmers and cattle breeders contribute to the social and economic development of the area but each group needs to live in harmony and avoid any clashes this year,” he said. Mera used the occasion to call on people in the emirate to be proactive on security issues and especially keep a closer look on strangers coming into the area.

Poverty alleviation programme for constituents

Council gives free medicare USHIN Local Government secretariat was a beehive of activities last Friday as residents came from far and near to enjoy the free medical screening and treatment of ailments such as cervical cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, malaria among others. The initiative was organised by the council in collaboration with Women Global Impact. The council chief, Hon. Olatunde Babatunde Adepitan, described the event as another golden opportunity of dividends of democracy and an answer to the health challenges of the residents which his administration cannot close its eyes to. Considering the primary place the council places health, he said: “We have assembled qualified health personnel here today to examine your hypertension level, diabetes, general health conditions in terms of malaria and general body metabolism. After the examination, necessary expert recommendation will be made, especially for those that will require more thorough examination and probably surgery at a high hospital.” He appealed to everyone present to avail themselves as of the great opportunity as nothing compares with good health as the basis of wealth Adepitan mentioned other health initiatives earlier organised by his administration where ante-natal packs were distributed to expectant mothers, free eye glasses to deserving people after through examination and testing were carried out and free drugs to people. He went further: “We also organised free den-

THE New God’s Glory Ministry (TNGGM) will from today start a three-day vigil tagged: Nights of the Prophets, as part of its monthly divine automatic solution night at the church’s headquarters at Plot 712, Ikorodu Road, Mile 13, Owode Onirin, Lagos. It will start from 11pm - 3am today and tomorrow while Friday’s programme will be from 11pm till dawn. This month’s programme will feature great men of God such as Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji; Mujideen Kasali; Akin Fasawe and G. O. Obiwale aka Oyinbo GC, who will minister along the host prophet and the General Overseer Prophet Adeniyi Matthew Oni, while Evangelist Esther Igbekele will feature as the guest gospel artiste.

By Jeremiah Oke

prime age so as to improve the standard of education in the state”. The lawmaker lamented the terrible condition of education standard in the state before Governor Ajimobi came on board, saying the standard terribly dose-dived. While speaking on the alleged arrest of the wife of the state governor Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, Hon Adigun said it was the hand work of the opposition party in the state to divert the attention of the governor. According to him “ the woman they are talking about travelled a lot before she became the governor’s wife;you hardly met her at home. Now that she became the wife of the governor she has to reduce her traveling because she has many programmes she is presides over every two weeks. So how could such person be travelling every week because this will make it 60 weeks she asumed office and they said she had traveling for 52 times. Is it posible to be travelling every week? He queried. “Her baby they were talking about has been schooling abroad after 2007 election when people were attacking the family of the governor for no reason. That was why the governor took her abroad and is it bad for one to send his daughter abroad? So, our people need to change their pattern of thinking,their •Ahmed mindset”

LANS have been concluded by the House of Representatives member representing Epe Federal Constituency, Hon. Lanre Mukaila Odubote, to unfold empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes for the people in the constituency. The programme slated for November 9 to November 10, will witness elaborate ceremonies in all the major cities and communities in Epe Federal Constituency. The poverty alleviation and empowerment programmes slated for unveiling includes flag-off of constituency projects and distribution of empowerment tools. A statement by the lawmaker in Lagos said “the initiative was informed by the need to give the people in the constituency the much awaited dividends of democracy”. According to Hon. Odubote, “I am doing this in appreciation of the mandate freely given to me by my people to represent them at the National Assembly”, stating that the best way to show this appreciation is by providing them with the dividends of democracy. “I appreciate my people for their steadfastness and loyalty to our party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and we the elected representatives of the people can only reward this loyalty by not forgetting to be close to the people at the grassroots”.

Church harvest ST. Joseph Catholic Church, Isawo, Ikorodu has held its annual harvest and bazaar programme. The harvest tagged: “Harvest of Divine Visitation” was marked with pomp. The event will remain a memorable one in the minds of the people for sometime to come The harvest committee headed by Mrs. Rita Okoli worked tirelessly to make the event stand out. The committee put a professional touch to the printing of programme and bazaar sales. The brochure contained educative and informative articles for youths and adults. The introduction of fans clubs where supporters were made to support their clubs with various amount of money spiced up the event. At the bazaar, all items brought for sales were all bought, cooked foods such as ugba, pepper soup, jollof /fried rice with chicken, African salad with stockfish were all there. Mrs. Okoli, thanked the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Augustine Medalyedu, his co-priest, Rev. Fr. Louis Ajinge, CPC chairman, Mr. Augustine Nkem-Akolam Nwagwu and all the parishioners for their support in making the event a huge success.

•From right: The Acting Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Ota, Mr Bashiru Adeyemi; vice chairman (1), New Born Trucks and Tipper Owners Association, Mr Alao Lateef; Chairman of the association, Mr Idowu Adeniji; Head of Administration (FRSC), ota, Mr Godffrey Otubu and vice chairman (2), Mr Akeen Jimoh and Mrs Taiwo Bello

T was a moment of joy for the people of Badagry Federal Constituency when they trooped out last week in their hundreds to celebrate the inauguration of markets built and donated to them by Hon. Rafeequat Onabamiro, members of the House of Representatives. The gesture which was put in place to enhance their economic activities was a demonstration of the lawmaker’s resolve to ensure that residents of the constituency enjoy dividends of democracy as promised by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), her party. Onabamiro, who received standing ovation from her teeming supporters, noted that it was time the people of Badagry Federal Constituency joined the rest of the civilised society to enjoy facilities that would uplift their standard of living. At the commissioning of Badagry Fish Arena, she said when she sought to know what the market women needed to enhance their fish business, they requested that she sand-fill their fish depot located along the coast of Badagry Marina but on second thought she resolved that it was better to construct a market for them. She said: “When I met them to know their immediate need, they said I should sand-fill where they were selling their fish but I told them sand-filling would not address the matter, it is better to have a building over your head where you can conveniently buy and sell.” The lawmaker explained that Badagry was an ancient community that received the colonialists because of its proximity to the sea. According to her, this same community which opened the vistas for European economic gains has suffered untold negligence due to lack of interest from past administrations. She remarked that now that she represents the people of the constituency, Badagry’s development will be focal point of her membership of the House. “I had promised that I will

He said this ember event is carried out to sensitise on the road cautions, that road users should embark on driving to safe lives and properties. The chairman of the association, Mr Idowu Adeniji said the association does not take it lightly with any of their members found violated the road rules and regulations. Adeniji futher said “the association has compelled the drivers under the umbrella of the association to embark on only one trip per-day so to enhance enough rest and maintenance of the vehicle in order to end the frequent accident involving the tippers on the roads.”

Church holds convention

THE Evergreen Christian Church of God (ECCG), 228, Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Lagos State will celebrate her third convention from November 9 to Sunday, November 11 with soul-stirring programmes. As hinted by Pastor Phillip Babalola, the Shepherd of the church, Pastor Ladi Thompson of Living Waters Unlimited, Anthony, Lagos will minister as Guest Speaker at the event. Pastor Thompson, who is also a Special Adviser to the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, confirmed the programme to The Nation, saying that he would be there to preach message of salvation. Speaking on the ceremony, Pastor Babalola said that the essence of the convention is to glorify God for His unflinching grace over the church and her members in the past three years, adding that members and guests would be fed with messages of salvation at the three-day event.

Lawmaker builds markets By Musa Odoshimokhe

brief you of development in the House at least quarterly, this would include the progress we are making and how we intend to impact on the people.” Apart from the Badagry Fish Arena other markets include Owede-Asheri/Apa Commu-

nity Market in Badagry West Local Council Development Area and Iworo-Ajido/Ebute Olofin Community Market. The traditional ruler of Badagry, Aholu-Menu Toyi, the Akran of Badagry who praised the efforts of the lawmaker, described her as a good ambassador who has proved that she could be relied upon.

•From left: Hon Onabamiro; Vice Chairman, Badagry Local Government, Hon Elizabeth Kappo; Oba Akran of Badagry, and a market woman leader, Mrs Sekinat Oyaleye