PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018
PAGE 8
News
Dogara decries difficulties in accessing bank loans Kaduna CP harps on community S policing By Umar Muhammad Puma Abuja peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has called for action to be taken concerning prevalent banking practices which have adverse effects on business growth and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch of a book on banking reforms by a member of the House of Representatives Dr. Bode Ayorinde, representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Dogara highlighted issues such as high lending rates and difficulties in accessing loans; and compared prevalent practices in the country with what is obtainable in other climes. “The challenge in the banking in-
dustry in Nigeria is such that it is organized in such a way that it creates buoyancy and development in other jurisdictions, not in Nigeria. I have had cause to say this before, that unless you have assets or equipment, there is no way you can take loans or access loans from Nigerian banks to do the business. If you are not careful in taking loans from Nigerian banks, one will just end up in the poverty gap.” “I don’t think our citizens are supposed to do their businesses with money they already have in their pockets. Businesses elsewhere are executed by loans by the banking industry in those countries. I don’t know why the interest rate in Nigeria is so high. What is it that we can do to lower the cost of funds in Nigeria, so that our young men, women and entrepreneurs can
risk taking money from our financial institutions in order to realize their dreams?” He queried the likelihood of success of business reforms in the country, in light of the fact that loans remain largely inaccessible to those who most require such financial aids to grow their businesses. “I love the fact that the Vice President is chairing the council on the ease of doing business in Nigeria but in dealing with most businesses, you are forced to ask what business are we doing? How do we fund these businesses?” The Speaker, who lamented that the political will to tackle the challenge has been lacking, called on all stakeholders to work together to strengthen the various institutions
within the country in line with international best practices. “That has been the challenge, from the point of view of the Executive down to the Parliament, the political will to address this has not been there. And the answer has always been that just one opinion cannot solve the issue, all hands need to work at it. We cannot afford to continue having weak institutions in Nigeria, not after so many years of having balance.” “So I believe that concerning some of these borrowing voyages such as been embarked upon recently can be avoided by applying the required formulas that work even here in Nigeria. The sharp parallel that is drawn between the practice here in Nigeria and the practices in over 20 other jurisdictions of the world.”
From Femi Oyelola Kaduna
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aduna State Commissioner of Police CP), Austin Iwar has said for the police to succeed in effective and efficient protection of lives and property of citizens, it must work with all stakeholders; saying police cannot solve crimes and disorder problems alone. He stated this during a Community Policing Training Programme for Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers held in Kaduna yesterday. According to him, the police cannot be everywhere but communities exist everywhere. He added that it is obvious to actively engage communities to reduce, prevent and detect crime and antisocial behaviours. CP Iwar said findings have shown that strong, self-sufficient communities that work with and trust the police do not suffer from a high level of crime and public disorder.
Prayer key to Nigeria’s survival -Archbishop Idahosa By Osaigbovo Iguobaro Benin
R – L: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Author of the Book, Hon. Bode Ayorinde, his Wife, Mrs,Adejoke Ayorinde and Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University Ife, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede at a Public Presentation / Launching of the Book: Banking Reform in Nigeria, yesetrday in Abuja
4 die as Lexus SUV, commercial bus collide in Lagos-LASEMA
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he Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has said that four people died as a Lexus Jeep plying one way rammed into a commercial bus on Lekki/Epe Expressway. The General Manager of LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu, said in a statement in Lagos that the accident happened at the First Gate inward Oriental Hotel, along Lekki/ Epe Expressway. Mr. Tiamiyu said that the agency was alerted at about 6.49 a.m. on a distress call
via the emergency toll free line 112/767 regarding the accident. He said that this prompted the immediate activation of the agency’s Response Team, other emergency responders and the security operatives to the scene of the incident. According to him, investigation carried out by the agency’s response team at the scene of the incident reveals that a Lexus Jeep GX470 with registration number KJA615DF was plying one way. ”The Lexus Jeep ran into a commercial
bus (KRE-302XA) that was just cleared by the ticketing officers at the toll gate. ”A total of four fatalities were recorded which includes three adult male and an adult female. ”Sixteen casualties with severe injuries were recorded, including four adult female and 12 adult male. The driver of the jeep was transported to the General Hospital, Marina. ”The LASEMA Response Team alongside LASAMBUS, RRS, Nigeria Police Force, State Environmental Monitoring Unit (SE-
HMU) and LCCI were responders present at the scene of the incident,” he said. Mr. Tiamiyu said that emergency/security operatives were involved in traffic management measures to forestall the occurrence of a secondary accident and crowd control. He said that the operatives gave medical care to the casualties and subsequently moved them down to the General Hospital at Marina and Trauma Centre, at Toll Gate for further treatments..(NAN)
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he Archbishop, Church of God Mission International, Margaret Benson Idahosa has identified prayer as the bond which has held Nigeria together. The Cleric stated this during the second edition of the Benson Idahosa five Kilometer Legacy Road Race which was part of activities to mark the 20th remembrance of late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. She declared that no power of the enemy will destroy Nigeria despite secessionist agitations calling for the dismemberment of the nation. According to her, “There is nothing that God cannot do and I want to let you know that it is because we are here that is why Nigeria is still intact. If we were not here praying, Nigeria would have been a thing of the past.”
Foundation begins free hepatitis screening, treatment in Niger From Yakubu Minna
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Mustapha,
he Lapai Emirate Foundation has started free screening and treatment exercise for viral hepatitis for people leaving with the disease across Lapai local government area of Niger State.
The exercise which was in conjunction with Shamras Health Diagnostic Centre targets over 4000 people across the local government area. While flagging off the first phase of the exercise at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Lapai at the weekend, the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bago III,
applauded the Foundation for prioritizing its activities around critical sectors. The royal father urged publicspirited individuals, cooperate organization and governments to collaborate with the Foundation to achieve its objective of economic empowerment, poverty reduction and social transforma-
tion in the emirates and the state in general. In same vein, speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Foundation Working Committee , Malam Mahmud Ndatsu said the first phase of the free hepatitis screening targets seven communities of Lapai, Gulu Emiko, Gulu Vatsa, Muye, Gupa, Sami-
naka and Shaku. Ndatsu said those who were positive at the screening centre would be referred to Shamras Health Diagnostic Centre in Minna for further laboratory test, while family members of those with established chronic cases would be tested to ascertain their status.