BRIEFSACADEMIC Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Abuja zone, has expressed worry over the lukewarm attitude exhibited by the Federal Government over the implementation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, urging government to step up the process of full implementation to avert imminent disruption of academic activities in the nation's universities. Arising from a zonal meeting at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi at the weekend, the Abuja zonal coordinator of ASUU, Dr. Abu Mallam, noted with dismay that apart from the salary component of ASUU agreement with government, no other aspect of the agreement shows sign of implementation.'Joseph WantuGovt Extends YouWIN! Entries To Nov. 18THE Federal Government has extended the closing date for entries for the young entrepreneurs' business competition, Youth Enterprise With Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN!), to November 18, 2011. It was supposed to hold yesterday, Friday, November 5. The age limit had earlier been raised from 35 to 40 years. According to the Project Coordinator, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the new extension followed clamour from various parts of Nigeria where government agencies, NGOs and numerous entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial organisations have been making representations to ensure young people from their domains are not left out. This would be the case without an extension, they claimed. The YouWiN! project was launched in Abuja by President Jonathan on October 11 this year.Orji Commends Ojukwu At 78ABIA State governor, Theodore Orji, has congratulated Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Ikemba Nnewi, on his 78th birthday, thanking God for keeping the Igbo leader and statesman alive till today. Orji described Ojukwu as the pride of Ndigbo and a nationalist who is cherished by his people; one who has also contributed so much to the unity of Ndigboand the nation. 'The Ikemba Nnewi is a man of great courage, strength and patriotism whose history must be celebrated.' Orji, through his Media Adviser, Chief Ugo Emezue, prayed for Ojukwu's quick recovery and longevity.'Gordi Udeajah'Calabar Festival Will Be Bigger, Better'AS the 32-day CalabarFestivalapproaches, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, has assured that this year's edition of theevent will offer a whole lot more than it has it the past years. The event kicked off on November 30, 2011 will end on January 1, 2012. It has, over the years, grown in popularity and acceptance across the country and internationally. Ugbesaid: 'This year, it ismuch bigger and better than the previous ones we have been having.'State Plans Investors' ForumAN investors' forum aimed at diffusing threats to the energy security of the world and theGulf of Guinea, is billed to take place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State next week. The forum,which is being organised by the Rivers State government, in collaboration with a group of entrepreneurs, is expected to attract high-level international and national participation including existing and prospective corporate investors, as well as high-ranking federal and state government officials. The chairman of the Organising Committee of the Rivers State Investors' Forum 2011, Atedo Peterside, told journalists in Port Harcourt that the decision to organise the forum stems from the fact that the state and its environs are strategic to the economic well-being of Nigeria, and it is therefore important that the area develops into a robust and secure commercial hub.'Kelvin EbiriThe Guardian'sOloja Gets Rotary AwardTHE Abuja Bureau Chief of The Guardian, Mr. Martins Oloja, was at the weekend awarded Rotary's Professional Excellence Award. At a ceremony to induct its new president, the Rotary Club of Abuja, Gwarinpa, described Oloja as an outstanding journalist who has practiced journalism with utmost professionalism and dignity. President of the club, Mr. John Akwaji, said the award is in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the advancement of journalism in Nigeria. Others awarded in different categories were the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Joseph Daudu; the Head of Public Relations Unit of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Mr. Churchill Williams and the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund, Prof. Longmas Wapmuk. Delivering a lecture at the event, Oloja stressed the need for a nationwide attitudinal change to make Nigeria a better place. He said: 'I am persuaded that we need to go back to the basics in our communities, in our wards political parties, in our firms and farms and reflect on how we can assist in changing our attitude to change our country.''Emeka Anuforo
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