Author: nationalpoint

By Dave Okpogadie, AsabaSen. Ifeanyi OkowaGovernor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has assured the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) that Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, will provide best venue for the under -20 female World Cup tournament.Okowa gave the assurance on Wednesday in Asaba when FIFA team on inspection of facilities in the stadium visited him. The governor said his administration was determined to put in place any further facility that would be needed for the competition.While recalling that such international events as the 21st Africa Senior Athletics Competition, Super Eagles matches with Seychelles and Egypt, among others had been…

Gov WikeThe Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University (RSU), Professor Blessing Didia landed in serious trouble, following the invasion of some cultists, who killed one Prince Barisua (aka Tuaka); a final year student of the department of Agriculture on Monday and another year-three student..ISNOnline had reported that the incident spilled over to Tuesday with another invasion into the university campus by some armed young men, who shot sporadically.Professor Blessing DidiaThe shooting left the university in chaos, as everyone scampered for safety. Some students were even sighted running out half naked just to save their lives first.Last Tuesday’s invasion and…

By Dave Okpogadie, Asaba Comrade Ovuzourie MacaulayNewly appointed director-general of Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, Comrade Ovuzourie Macaulay has vowed to leave no stone unturned to ensure Warri and environs are tidied up even if it means stepping on toes.Comrade Macaulay made this known while briefing journalists shortly after taking the oath of office along with other members of the agency.Macaulay, who was secretary to Delta State government, said he would clean the entire Warri and environ, adding that appointment to head an agency is not new to him.“I pioneered Nigeria Union of Journalists in Delta State, I pioneered NLC and…

By Dave Okpogadie, AsabaSen. Ifeanyi OkowaThe chairman, Air Peace Airlines, Allen Onyema, has commended Delta governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for the upgrade of Asaba Airport, saying he has taken it to international standard.Onyema gave the commendation at the funeral Mass for his father, Chief Michael Onyema, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mbosi, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.According to him, Asaba Airport has been transformed and can now accommodate a Boeing 777 aircraft.Onyema, therefore, called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to, “quickly give approval for triple 7 to land in Asaba Airport and see what Air Peace…

The Federal Government Inland Revenue Service, FISR, is considering asking banks to charge customers five per cent VAT for purchases using bank cards, Tunde Fowler, FIRS chairman has said.Fowler who gave the hint in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES in his office in Abuja also said the FG was yet to take a decision on whether or not to increase VAT.Online purchases are increasingly becoming popular among Nigerians with online stores such as Jumia and Konga leading the pack while many Nigerians also buy from popular Chinese online store, Alexpress.Payment for such purchases are often made using bank debit…

By Constance Meju The African Centre for leadership Strategy and Development, CSD, a non-profit, non-governmental organization in Nigeria has joined organizations and people across the world to amplify voices calling for an end to the trafficking of persons the world over.As the world marked the day Against Trafficking in Persons on Wednesday, July 31, the leadership center called on governments especially the Nigerian government to work to reunite trafficked persons with their families.In a press release marking the day signed by M Nyong Essien on behalf of the Center in Abuja, it descried trafficking in persons as an act of…

By Iduozee Paul’s, Benin correspondentDr. Nnimmo BasseyThe Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey has called on the various actors and political leaders from the Niger Delta region to bury their differences in order to collectively ensure the speedy clean-up of Ogoni-land.Rev. (Dr.) Nnimmo Bassey made the call at a celebration put together in Benin City by his HOMEF staff to honour the environmental legend and icon on the Honorary Doctorate Degree recently conferred on him by York University in the United Kingdom in recognition of his contributions to the struggle for the preservation of…

By Constance Meju President BuhariIt is no news that Nigerians now seek healthcare outside because the quality of service available in the country is pathetic. What is however not general knowledge is the cost implication of this new trend. President Muhammadu  Buhari, himself a culprit, recently put a figure to this. He said oversea treatment removes from the country, a staggering sum of N400bn annually/Represented by Simon Lalong, Plateau State governor, Buhari said at the inauguration of senior executive course (SEC) 41 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPS), Kuru, Jos, that the country loses about N400bn annually…

By Ken MejuCustoms especially cultural customs can be derogatory and discriminatory against women. They are often seen as tools set by society to sharpen the arsenals of tradition, which is nothing short of established practices of a locality.Though established for both men and women, its lopsided effect is greater on women. Most traditions are tailored to adorn the woman with the garment of torture and shame, regardless of her  rights and wishes. It is a glaring assertion that custom rites over-ride the rights of the woman in a deeply male dominated  world, and for this reason, women are subjected to…

By Constance MejuEmem OkonWomen leaders appalled by the continued display of regard for calls for better inclusion of women in decision making  exhibited by the near absence of women nominees in President  Buhari’s ministerial list to the Senate for screening and confirmation, have been kicking against the development.A front line gender equity advocate and deputy governorship candidate in the March governorship election, Ene Ede told National Point that a seven women representation in the federal cabinet is not just enough and will slow down development in the country.Said she: “There is no argument when facts exist. We are fighting against…