04022017

FG to cut fuel imports, grow Forex
reserves with biofuels policy
By Michael Eboh
THE Federal Govern
ment, yesterday, said it
is set to introduce a
Biofuels Policy that would
cut Nigeria’s fuel import by
five per cent in the short
term and up to 20 per cent
in the medium, and which
would also help grow the
country’s foreign exchange
earnings.
This was disclosed by the
Acting Executive Secretary
of the Petroleum Products
Pricing Regulatory
Agency, PPPRA, Mr. Victor
Shidok, at a press conference
in Abuja to announce
the forthcoming
workshop on biofuels development
in Nigeria.
Shidok said work on the
National Biofuels Policy
and Incentive Document
was at the final stages and
the document is currently
awaiting ratification by the
Federal Executive Council,
adding that once the
approval of the council is
gotten, the policy would
become operational.
He stated that once the
policy is in place, there are
a number of individuals
who are already engaged
in the farming and production
of biofuel products,
while the policy would
help coordinate and promote
integration of their
various activities.
He maintained that the
production of biofuels and
biodiesels do not require
complex technologies, but
only require little equipment
and off-takers.
He said, “Biofuel as a
source of energy when
fully adopted would create
employment opportunities,
By Dayo
Johnson,Akure
THE 61-year-old chair
man of Ilaje local government
area of Ondo
state Agunola Omomowo
support agricultural development
and can as well be
used to generate electricity.
Other benefits of biofuels are
environmentally friendly,
less pollution, cheaper as
well as become source of foreign
exchange earner.”
He explained that biofuels
comprise bioethanol and
biodiesel, which are blends
of petroleum products and
agricultural products.
According to him,
Ondo council chairman slump, dies
after attending political meeting
yesterday slumped and
died after attending a political
meeting in Akure,
the state capital.
Party sources hinted that
after the meeting, the deceased
who walked to his
10,000 students matriculate in UNIBEN out
of 100,000 applicants—VC
By Simon Ebegbulem
THE University of Benin
(UNIBEN) yesterday
matriculated 10,000 students
out of the 100,000
Representative of the Governor and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr.
Tunji Bello (middle), performing the foundation laying while the Acting Head of Service,
Mrs. Folasade Adesoye (2nd left); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education,
Mr. Adesina Odeyemi (left) and Sole Administrator of Bariga LCDA, Mr. Sanya Osijo
(right), watch during the foundation laying ceremony of the new model school building
at Angus Memorial High School, Somolu yesterday.
applicants that applied for
the 2016/2017 admission
into the institution.
The Vice Chancellor of
the university, Prof. Faraday
Orumwense, who disclosed
this at matriculation
ceremony of the university,
said the institution has
given the matriculating students
the opportunity to
officially pledge their allegiance
to the university
authority through the matriculation
oath.
According to him, the institution,
as results of its
academic strides, has continued
to receive large
numbers of applications for
admissions on a yearly basis.
While congratulating the
new intakes for being
among the few lucky students
who have been offered
admission, he urged
them to be law abiding students
of the university.
In his words, “I am urging
you all to obey the university
rules and regulations
as the authority has
zero tolerance for any nefarious
act and will apply
sanctions against defaulter.
I encourage you all to be
decent and shun evil vices
like exam malpractices,
drug abuse, cultism, prostitution
and immoral activities
that may mar your academic
activities in this institution,”
he said.
bioethanol E-10, for instance
is a blend of 90 per cent gasoline
and 10 per cent ethanol,
while biodiesel B-20 is
a blend of 80 per cent diesel
and 20 per cent oil jathropha,
used palm oil among others.
car reportedly slumped
when he was about unlocking
his vehicle.
He reportedly gave up
the ghost before he got to
the State specialist hospital
where he was rushed
to by sympathizers and
party members.
His Special Adviser on
Media Bode Omoyoloye
who confirmed the unfortunate
incident said that
his principal did not show
any sign of illness before
the commencement of the
meeting yesterday.
Omoyoloye described
the sudden death of his
boss as a rude shock and
that the entire oil rich community
has been thrown
into mourning.
According to him “He
was not showing any sign
of sickness before his
death because he left
Igbokoda to Akure for a
political meeting with his
vice and the Secretary.
“After the meeting, he
slept in an hotel, but he
slumped before he got to
his car and died before
getting to the hospital.
Omoyoloye said “He
was a fine gentleman,
easy going and generous
to all as he was been enjoyed
by all Ilaje indigenes
since he was sworn
in as the LGA boss.”
The deceased council
boss was elected as the executive
council. Chairman
of the oil rich areas
on April. 23 this year.
SATURDAY Vanguard, FEBRUARY 4, 2017 — 7
BRIEFS
45 African countries to
participate in Festac 77 @ 40
By Ebun Sessou
DIRECTOR, Centre for Black Arts and African
Civilization, CBAAC, Mr. Ferdinand Anikwe has
said that, no less than 45 African countries have indicated
interest to participate in the forthcoming celebration of
the 40 th anniversary of Festac77 that would start on
April 1 across the country.
He also noted that, the forthcoming Festac 77
anniversary would be celebrated alongside the 80th
birthday anniversary.of the former President of Nigeria,
Olusegun Obasanjo
According to him, Japan, Canada, the United States of
America, China and other developed countries outside
Africa have also shown interests in participating.
The Festac 77, also known as the Second World Black
and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was held in
Lagos from January l5, 1977 to February 12, 1977 and 59
countries participated.
“The month-long event celebrated African culture and
showcased to the world African music, fine Art,
Literature, drama, dance and religion."
Shun negative values, vices,
Ambode charges students
LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on
Friday advised students in the State to fully embrace
the opportunities being provided by his administration
in the education sector and shun all negative values and
vices that could hinder them from realising their dreams
The Governor said his vision remained the building of
great future full of opportunities, possibilities and prosperity
for the youths through the provision of qualitative
education that is consistent with the demands of the 21st
century, and as such it was important for students to
reciprocate by showing commitment to excellence.
The Governor, who spoke at the foundation laying ceremony
of two additional Model Colleges in Yaba and
Shomolu, recalled that since his assumption of office on
May 29, 2015, conscious efforts have been made through
policies and programmes that placed high premium on
education as a vehicle for continued and future prosperity
of the State.
Governor Ambode, who had earlier on Thursday performed
the foundation laying ceremony of the New Model
School in Awori College, Ojo, said he remained committed
to the reformation and strengthening of public schools
in the State with the view to ensure that they are given
the best in terms of quality teaching and learning environment.
YOHESOR seeks improved
anti-corruption content in
curriculum
By Dayo Adesulu
ANon-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Youth
Health and Social Reforms (YOHESOR), has called
for the introduction of improved anti-corruption content
and life building skills in the nation’s school’s curriculum.
The group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Ijeoma
Arodiogbu in a statement in Abuja said that YOHESOR
was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education
and other stakeholders on anti-corruption campaign
in schools through The Value Project.
He said the programme would be hinged on Picture
Code, Curriculum Enrichment and Peer Education to
drive home the anti-corruption message among students.
According to Arodiogbu “though the picture code may
not cover all facets of corrupt practices and habits but it
would try to capture the very relevant ones that are quite
common among students and adults in the school environment
and public office respectively were captured.”
He noted that the advocacy on curriculum enrichment
was concerned with enhancing the basic and secondary
education sectors to impact highest level of morals and
ethics in students to bring the desired social and economic
re-engineering.
Reps Spokesman loses mother
•Dogara condoles with family
By Emman Ovuakporie and Johnbosco
THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu
Dogara, yesterday commiserated with Chairman,
House Committee on Media and Publicity, Abdulrazak
Saad Namdas over the death of his mother Hajiya
Aishatu.
Hajiya Aishatu who died in Yola in the early hours of
Friday, at the age of 90, left behind six children and 18
grandchildren and has since been buried in Yola,
Adamawa State, according to Islamic rites.
In his condolence message to the family, signed by his
Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs, Turaki
Hassan, the Speaker said he was shocked to receive the
news of the demise of Hajiya Aishatu.