Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Author: Alpha Maidawa

15,000 Kasuwan Barci traders fault Kaduna Govt. on 3 days quit notice
The Secretary of Kasuwan Barci Traders Association in Kaduna, Alhaji Muhammadu Usman, has appealed to Kaduna State Government to review the three days notice issued to them to quit the market.
Usman made the call on Sunday in Kaduna while speaking with journalists on the quit notice.
15,000 traders are earning a living in the the popular second hand market, and already some have them had started evacuating their goods from the market.
The quit notice was issued and pasted on some shops on March 6.
Usman explained that the state government did not consult with them or provide any alternative before issuing the sudden quit notice.
He maintained that considering the strategic position of the market, the quit notice would adversely affect traders of the market.
The Secretary therefore appealed to the State Government to meaningfully engage with the traders with a view to resolving the matter amicably, stressing that they would continue to remain law abiding.
Also speaking, Chairman Arewa Peoples Unity Association, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu appealed to the state government to consider the present economic realities.
Aliyu noted that Kasuwan barci hosts traders from neighbouring African countries, who engage in import and export activities.
He also called on the state government to allow the matter to be decided by the court.
Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Authority (KASUPDA), issued the quit notice on March 6, which was pasted on some shops in the market.
Part of the quit notice reads: “In view of Urban Renewal Projects by Kaduna State Government upgrading of Kasuwan Barci Market; you are hereby given three days quit notice to remove all your valuable and vacate the site.
“Failure to comply with the above directive will leave the authority with no option than demolish.
“Remove your stall at your expense according to section 60 of the Kaduna State Urban and Regional Planning law of 2018”.
The quit notice was signed by KASUPDA Director General, Ismail Dikko. (NAN)
March 9, 2020
Adamawa vs Warri Wolves’ NPFL match abandoned as fans attack officials
The Match Day 23 fixture between Adamawa United Football Club of Yola and Warri Wolves in the 2019/2020 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was abandoned on Sunday.
The match played at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe was abandoned after an assault on match officials.
The attack came immediately the centre referee ended the match’s first half.
Warri Wolves were leading by a lone goal scored by Abu Azeez in the 21st minute of the match when fans of the home team ran into the field of play.
One of the fans attacked the centre referee with a catapult while others hit him with their fist before policemen quickly intervened, pushing back the fans from the field of play.
The match officials and the match’s referees assessor who rushed into the field of play were quickly surrounded by policemen to protect them.
The officials were confined to the centre of the pitch, where they were making calls, ostensibly to give situation reports to officials of the Abuja-based League Management Company (LMC).
After waiting for over 70 minutes on the field of play, two police vans later drove into the field of play to convey the officials out of the stadium.
Warri Wolves’ team bus was also driven into the field of play to take away the visiting team and their officials under heavy security escort.
Journalists, especially cameramen, were also attacked by the fans who made attempts to destroy video and other recordings of the development.(NAN)
March 9, 2020
NPFL: Sunshine Stars beat Abia Warriors 1-0
Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure on Sunday defeated visiting Abia Warriors of Umuahia 1-0 in a Match Day 23 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The match played at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure saw Sunshine Stars’ forward Fuad Ekelojuoti scoring the lone goal in the 50th minute of the encounter.
Sunshine Stars had wasted several scoring chances in the match’s first half.
Sunshine Stars’ Technical Adviser, Kabir Dogo, later said he was happy that his team had got back to winning ways.
Dogo, who hailed the improvement in the visiting team since their meeting in the league’s first stanza, said his team’s dream of playing on the continent next season was still on.
“This is what we have been struggling to get since all these days. Thank God we achieved it today with hard work from the players, fans and everybody.
“I dedicate the victory to all the good people of the state. There is a lot of improvement from Abia Warriors compared to what I saw in the first stanza of the season.
“Any team battling relegation is always difficult to play. Our continental target is still on course. With the contribution of everybody we can still achieve it if all the necessities are put in place,’’ he said.
On his part, the Acting Technical Manager of Abia Warriors, Wilfred Udube said it was a good match for both sides.
Udube said he was satisfied with the match’s first half and was not happy with the second half performance of his team.
“It was a good match but we lost. The first half was okay but the second half was nothing to write home about,” he said.(NAN)
March 9, 2020
Dybala stunner sends Juve top with behind-closed-doors’ win over Inter Milan
A wonderful winning goal from substitute Paulo Dybala sent Juventus back to the top of Serie A with a 2-0 victory over title rivals Inter Milan on Sunday.
Juve, who opened the scoring at an empty Allianz Stadium through Aaron Ramsey, lead on 63 points, one point ahead of Lazio and nine clear of Inter Milan in third.
Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan side however have a game in hand.
Ramsey fired home the first goal from close range soon after the break and was also involved in the second.
Juventus’s Argentine forward Dybala exchanged passes with the Wales international on the edge of the area before dribbling around defender Ashley Young.
He showed great invention to find the bottom corner with the outside of his boot.
The game was played without fans present after the Italian government ordered that all matches are held behind closed doors until April 3.
“This is an important victory, but there are still 12 games to go. So, it’s a long road ahead,” coach Maurizio Sarri said. “`This was far more what I wanted to see from my Juventus.
“We had seemed a little empty and flat recently. So, we had to choose players who could guarantee more energy, both physical and psychological.
“That’s the sensation we got in training from these players, but that could change in a couple of weeks.”
Inter Milan goalkeeper Samir Handanovic returned from injury and they were grateful to have the Slovenian back as he blocked a Matthijs De Ligt header early.
He also showed quick reactions to palm away a Blaise Matuidi drive inside the opening 15 minutes.
The hosts had the better chances in a lively first half, but Marcelo Brozovic forced Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny into a sharp save with a powerful drive before the break.
Juventus made the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second half when Matuidi’s cut-back was taken off the toe of Cristiano Ronaldo by Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
The ball fell into the path of Ramsey who drilled a shot home via a deflection.
Dybala was surprisingly dropped to the bench but made a huge impact after his introduction, controlling a long pass with his first touch before playing a one-two with Ramsey.
He danced past Young and prodded in with a deft finish after 67 minutes.
Ronaldo aimed to make his mark on his 1,000th official game as he chased a Serie A record of scoring in 12 straight games.
He came close in stoppage time as his shot swerved narrowly wide before he dragged a low effort beyond the far post.
The game marked Conte’s return to Turin after spells with Juventus as a player and coach.
But it was not a happy one as his side fell to their second defeat of the season against the Italian champions.
“The difference between us and Juventus, not counting the game in hand with Sampdoria, is six points,” Conte said. “That’s the two defeats, at San Siro and here.
“We tried to stay in their slipstream, but must learn from defeat and take the lessons of comparison to grow in terms of character, quality and strength.
“It’s a loss that must help us to grow and understand how far away we are.”(Reuters/NAN)
March 9, 2020
UTME candidates can print examination slips —JAMB
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says prospective candidates for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are free to print their examination slips for the Computer Based Test.
The board’s UTME is scheduled to commence nationwide on Saturday, March 14.
The Head, Media and Information of the board, Dr Fabian Benjamin, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos that the examination slips could be printed anywhere.
According to him, candidates are expected to look out for the locations of their centres before their examination dates.
“This is in order to avoid running around on the examination day trying to locate the centres, and as a result, getting to the centre late.
“It should be stated clearly now that lateness to the examination will not be tolerated, no matter the excuse,” he said.
Benjamin said that come 2021, the board’s portal would be integrated into that of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
“Admission into our tertiary institutions are at the centre of national development, and therefore, any person or group of persons found to be truncating the national development process will not be assured
“This integration will be done in such a way that anyone, be it from JAMB itself, institutions, the candidates or the general public, causing infractions of whatever type to our examination and its processes will be decisively dealt with immediately,” he said.
Benjamin assured of the board’s committment in improving on the examination process.
“The board will not relent in its effort, in ensuring that its processes are devoid of corrupt practices,” he assured.
No fewer than 1.9 million candidates registered for this year’s examination nationwide. (NAN)
March 7, 2020
Nigeria records N36.1 trn total trade in 2019 — NBS
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria recorded N36.152 trillion as value of total trade in 2019, representing a 14.05 per cent increase over 2018.
The bureau said this in its “Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics, Quarter Four, 2019”, released on Friday in Abuja.
However, this was lower than 36.86 per cent recorded in 2018 over 2017.
“The level of imports stood at N16.959 trillion while exports were valued at N19.192 trillion, resulting in a trade balance of N2.232 trillion.
“While imports rose by 28.8 per cent in 2019 over 2018, exports rose by only 3.6 per cent and the trade balance was 58.4 per cent less than in 2018.”
It said that in the fourth quarter of 2019, the value of total trade was N10.1 trillion, or 10.2 per cent higher than the value recorded in quarter three, 2019 and 25.9 per cent higher than in quarter four, 2018.
According to the report, Nigeria’s merchandise trade grew in quarter four, 2019 but imports rose faster, exceeding falling exports.
“The value of the export component (N4.770 trillion) fell by 9.79 per cent against quarter three, 2019 but rose by 7.06 per cent when compared with the corresponding quarter in 2018.
“On the other hand, the import component (valued at N5.349 trillion) increased by 37.20 per cent in quarter four against quarter three, 2019 and 49.34 per cent against quarter four, 2018.
“The faster increase in imports resulted in a negative trade balance of N579.06billion during the quarter under review, the first since mid- 2016.”
Giving an overview of total imports in the fourth quarter of 2019, the NBS said it stood at N5.349.63 billion, representing an increase of 37.2 per cent over the value recorded in quarter three, 2019 and 49.34 per cent over the corresponding quarter of 2018.
It added that in 2019, total imports grew by 28.8 per cent compared to 2018.
“The value of imported agricultural goods decreased by 2.8 per cent in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three, but rose 6.6 per cent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2018.
“The value of agricultural imports in 2019 was 12.7 per cent higher than in 2018.
“Raw material imports were 1.63 per cent higher in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three and 8.47 per cent higher compared to quarter four, 2018.
“Imports of raw materials grew 19.2 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018,” it said.
The report said that solid minerals imports decreased in value by 6.98 per cent in quarter four, 2019 relative to quarter three, 2019 but were higher by 5.11 per cent relative to quarter four, 2018.
However, the value of solid minerals imports rose by 28.1 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018.
The NBS said that the value of imported manufactured goods was 40.74 per cent higher in quarter four, 2019 than the level attained in quarter three 2019 and 77.50 per cent more than in quarter four, 2018.
This, it said, was due to the importation of other electrodiagnostic apparatus during the quarter.
It added that for 2019, the value of imported manufactured goods imports was 60 per cent higher than in 2018.
According to the report, the value of energy goods imports decreased by 65.27 per cent in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three, 2019 and by 75.86 per cent compared to quarter four of 2018.
It added that for 2019, the value of energy goods imports fell by 56.2 per cent compared to 2018.
On other oil products imports, the NBS said that they were 60.59 per cent higher in value in quarter four, 2019 than in quarter three and 2.11 per cent higher than quarter four, 2018.
“For annual 2019, the value of other oil products imports fell by 34.3 per cent relative to 2018 levels.”
For export, the NBS said total export was 9.79 per cent lower in value in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three, 2019 but 7.06 per cent higher relative to quarter four of 2018.
It added that in 2019, the value of total exports was 3.56 per cent higher than in 2018.
The NBS reported that in quarter four, 2019, crude oil remained the dominant export valued at N3.629 trillion and accounting for 76.1 per cent of total exports, while non crude oil exports amounted to N1.141 trillion or 23.9 per cent.
“However the value of crude oil exports in quarter four, 2019 was 3.16 per cent lower than in quarter three, 2019 and 0.88 per cent lower than the corresponding quarter of 2018.
“On an annual basis, the value of crude oil exports at N14.690 trillion, was lower than in 2018 by 3.08 per cent.”
The NBS added that for 2019, the value of oil exports was lower than in 2018 by 3.08 per cent.
The report said that other oil products export were 16.13 per cent higher in value in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three, 2019, but 4.85 per cent lower than the level in 2018.
It added that the value of other oil exports was 9.2 per cent lower in 2019 than in 2018.
According to it, agricultural goods exports grew in value by 61.89 per cent in quarter four, 2019 compared to quarter three 2019 but decreased by 30.23 per cent when compared with quarter four, 2018.
However, in 2019, the value of agricultural goods exports fell 10.74 per cent relative to 2018.
For raw material exports, there was a decline in value by 27.99 per cent in quarter four, 2019 against the level in quarter three, 2019 and by 48.18 per cent against quarter four, 2018, the report said.
On an annual basis, raw material exports fell 14.02 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018.
The NBS said that solid minerals exports in quarter four, 2019 was 69.58 per cent lower than the value recorded in quarter three, 2019 and 75.10 per cent less than quarter four, 2018.
It added that the 2019 value of solid minerals exports was 61.52 per cent lower than in 2018.
For manufactured goods, it said exports in quarter four, 2019 was 48.9 per cent less in value than recorded in quarter three of 2019 and 573.19 per cent higher than quarter four, 2018.
It said that in 2019, the value of manufactured goods exports was over 200 per cent higher than in 2018.
For crude oil, exports in quarter four, 2019 were 3.16 per cent lower than the value in quarter three, 2019 and 0.88 per cent lower than quarter four, 2018.
According to the report, energy goods exports in quarter four, 2019 grew by 7.29 per cent against the level in quarter three, 2019, but declined by 44.36 per cent when compared with quarter four, 2018.
It however, said that in 2019, the value of energy goods exports was lower by 25.49 per cent compared to 2018. (NAN)
March 7, 2020
2019: Access Bank posts N666.75bn gross earnings, declares 40k final dividend
Access Bank Plc has posted gross earnings of N666.75 billion for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2019.
The bank’s audited result released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that gross earnings was higher by 26.10 per cent when compared with N528.75 billion in the comparative period of 2018.
Its profit before tax stood at N115.38 billion in contrast with N103.188 billion achieved in 2018.
Also, profit after tax rose to N97.51 billion from N94.98 billion, while earnings per share decreased from N3.31 to N2.90 during the period under review.
The Board of Directors recommended a final dividend of N14.22 billion, translating to 40k per share, higher than 25k per share paid in 2018.
Meanwhile, the bank had earlier proposed and paid interim dividend of 25k per share, bringing the total dividend per share for 2019 to 65k per share.
Also, net interest income stood at N277.23 billion, compared with N173.578 billion in 2018, while interest expense rose from N207.34 billion to N259.62 billion.
Net Impairment rose to N20.19 billion, compared with N14.66 billion in 2018.
Net fee and commission income increased to N74.04 billion as against N52.49 billion in 2018.
Loans and advances to customers grew to N2.91 trillion from N1.99 trillion in 2018, while deposits of customers stood at N4.26 trillion from N2.56 trillion in 2018.
Recall that the bank consumated a business combination with the defunct Diamond Bank.
Mr Herbert Wigwe, the bank’s Group Managing Director, said recently that it was now fully positioned in the retail market with the completion of the merger.
“Following the successful completion of the merger with Diamond Bank in March 2019, we have now fully positioned ourselves in the retail market with a view to bringing the power of banking to the doorsteps of millions.
“We are providing a broader platform to facilitate payments services in Nigeria and across Africa, by harnessing our significantly enhanced digital technology capabilities,” Wigwe said.
He said that the bank had made solid progress in line with its 2018-2022 five-year strategy and remained committed to the achievement of its strategic imperatives going forward.
According to him, the bank will continue to invest in its people, technology and most importantly, its product offerings to customers.
“Our focus is to become the world’s most respected African Bank by leveraging on the strength of our retail and wholesale business to provide unrivalled value to our customers,” he stated. (NAN)
March 7, 2020
Sokoto win 4 trophies as National Handball Championship ends
The National Under 12 and 15 Handball Championship ended on Friday with Sokoto Rima teams winning four trophies at the end of the competition.
The competition which started on Feb. 28, had 25 teams from seven States and five academics that included under 12 boys and girls teams and under 15 boys and girls teams respectively.
Rima team won the first trophy in under 15 boys and under 12 girls, while Lagos State teams won the under 15 girls and under 12 boys respectively.
The second and third positions for under 15 boys went to Adamawa and Lagos teams respectively while under 15 girls second and third positions went to Sokoto and Abia teams respectively.
The second and third positions for under 12 boys was won by Sokoto and Kebbi teams respectively, while the second and third positions for under 12 girls were won by Imo and Plateau teams respectively.
In his address, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokotto, said he was happy with the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) for hosting the Championship in the State.
Tambuwal said the 2021, 2022 and 2023 National Under 12 and 15 Handball Competion would still be hosted in the State.
He said that the State Government would continue to give priority to youth development, especially in education, sports and empowerment activities.
The governor said that the State would give scholarship to children from the state who won the first and second trophy and N200,000 to the best goalkeeper from Adamawa team.
Earlier, the HFN President, Mr Samuel Ocheho, commended the governor and people of the state for ensuring the success of the tournament.
Ocheho said that the participants were committed and dedicated throughout the competition.
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Aminu Bodinga, said youths should engage in sporting activities since it has become a mean of employment globally.
He said the officials and players showed the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition. (NAN)
March 7, 2020
Manchester United to investigate abuse aimed at Lingard
Manchester United have condemned the foul-mouthed abuse aimed at Jesse Lingard after their FA Cup fifth round win on Thursday and will contact Derby County as part of a further investigation.
A video on social media showed fans subjecting Lingard to a torrent of abuse as he boarded the team bus after Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Derby at Pride Park.
The 27-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Derby, but has not been part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting line-up in the league since New Year’s Day against Arsenal.
He has scored twice across all competitions this season.(Reuters/NAN)
March 7, 2020
COVID-19: Access to medical oxygen difference between life & death
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that access to medical oxygen could be the difference between life and death for some patients during the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in the world.
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO during a media update on COVID-19 on Friday, said there was already a shortage in many countries, which could be exacerbated by the epidemic.
Ghebreyesus said that WHO had developed a list of more than 20 essential medical devices that countries needed to manage patients, including ventilators and oxygen supply systems.
He said that WHO had an existing working group with the Gates Foundation, Clinton Health Access Initiative and PATH, adding that it was building on that partnership to increase access to oxygen.
“We encourage every country to review WHO’s disease commodity package for COVID-19 to ensure it has the supplies it needs, including protective equipment and medical devices.
“All of these require the involvement of the private sector to ensure countries can access life-saving products.
“You have heard me talk about the market failure for personal protective equipment. You have heard me talk about the need for a whole-of-government approach.
“You’ve heard me talk about what individuals can do to protect themselves and others.
“We look forward to businesses stepping up to play their part. We need you,” he said.
Ghebreyesus noted that WHO was working with the World Economic Forum to engage companies around the world, saying he spoke to more than 200 CEOs about how they could protect their staff and customers.
According to him, discussion with the CEOs also centres on how to ensure business continuity and contribute to the response of COVID-19.
He disclosed that WHO had been monitoring the potential risk of a disruption to medicines supplies as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic.
“China, as you know, is a major producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients and the intermediate products that are used to produce medicines in other countries.
“WHO has focused on the most essential medicines that are critical for primary health care and emergencies, including antibiotics, pain killers, and treatments for diabetes, hypertension, HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
“WHO is working closely with industry associations, regulators and other partners to monitor this risk, and so far we have not identified any imminent specific shortages,” he said.
Ghebreyesus said that many manufacturers either had alternative sources of ingredients, or had stocks to draw on.
He disclosed that manufacturing had now resumed in most places in China, however, saying that some challenges remained.
Ghebreyesus stressed that everyone has a role to play, saying facts not fear; reason not rumours; and solidarity instead of stigma was required to overcome the epidemic.
According to him, in the past 24 hours, 2736 cases of COVID-19 were reported from 47 countries and territories.
“There is now a total of 98,023 reported cases of COVID-19 globally, and 3380 deaths. We are now on the verge of reaching 100,000 confirmed cases.
“As cases increase, we are continuing to recommend that all countries make containment their highest priority,” he said.
Ghebreyesus added that slowing down the epidemic saved lives, gave time for preparedness, research and development. (NAN)
March 7, 2020