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Sabotage suspected as fire guts Education Ministry Shekarau

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Transition: Buhari A blasts FG, hails OBJ

N150

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

...as former president hands over reports on power, security

think-tank constituted by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to support incoming administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transition yesterday presented its report to President-elect, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. The comprehensive reports cover five key CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

LEFT: Civil Servants watching helplessly at the Federal Secretariat Building, during the fire incident at a section of the Secretariat in Abuja yesterday. RIGHT: A Section of Federal Secretariat gutted by fire. PHOTOS: ROTIMI OSASONA

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Nigeria loses ranking in global NLG market As cost of food items pushes inflation up by 8.7%

Impeachment: Police invite Enugu Speaker

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Friday, May 15, 2015

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Transition: Buhari blasts FG, hails OBJ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sectors of the economy, including security, power, education and infrastructure. Vice Chairman of the Committee and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, pre-

sented volumes of the reports to Buhari at a brief closed-door meeting at his campaign support group’s office in Abuja. Chairman of the Governing Board, Centre for Human Security of

Nigeria loses ranking in global NLG market TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND CHIDI UGWU

igeria’s increasingly dwindling revenue earnings from crude oil and derivatives export to the global market appear to be heading for the worse as the country has lost substantial share of its Liquefied Natural Gas, NLG, export share to the global market. Indeed, Nigeria is believed to have suffered a major decline in its LNG export, dropping three points to account now for about five per cent of the market share, down from the previous eight per cent share it controlled in the market. The General Manager of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas, NLNG, , who gave the hint yesterday, projected that the loss of NLG supply volume may have translated to about $3 billion revenue loss to the country. “We use to pride ourselves that we supply eight per cent of global LNG, but I think we’ve gone down to about five per cent today. “And if we manage to do Train 7, which will add additional 8.5 million tons of production, we should be able to, maybe not get back to eight per cent, but at least move up beyond the five per cent where we are today,” he added. Explaining that the cost of importation had risen by about 30 per cent, the general manager said the fall in the price of Nigeria’s Brent crude warranted a reduction in foreign revenue earnings for the country, stressing that this would affect projects. Olinma said: “In Nigeria, I haven’t heard of big announcements but clearly it will affect the ability to reach investment decisions for those projects on which we haven’t had investment decisions taken.

“And for Nigeria LNG, as at the end of April, we’ve seen 30 per cent reduction in our revenue. And the reason we are still where we are is that we do have what we call CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, told journalists in an interview that the committee worked on a number of critical issues for the development of the country. “We have looked at education, security, economy, power and infrastructure. Those are the areas we have made recommendations and which we hope the new administration will be able to work on,” he said. He explained further that the president-elect should be able to hit the ground running with the

suggestions contained in the report. Director, Media and Publicity to the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation, Malam Garba Shehu, who also spoke on the issue, said that the report focused on education, power, economy, security and infrastructure, adding that Obasanjo commissioned the committee on the assignment about four months ago. “The whole idea was that Obasanjo set up his own think-tank with the aim of carrying out a study on challenges facing the country in five

key areas. “The study was commissioned four months ago so that the outcome will be made available to the incoming administration after the election. “Dr Christopher Kolade, who heads the power committee, gave various stages of the proposed power sector development plan to include, short-term, medium-term and long-term solutions. “Under the short-term solution, the plan seeks to raise the country’s power generation to 10,000mw within a very

short period of time,” Shehu said. He said that the president-elect expressed gratitude to Obasanjo and his team, describing their intervention as a great impetus for the incoming government. “The president-elect regretted that the outgoing government that is supposed to give him tips on how to take-off has done nothing so far. “He thanked the Obasanjo think-tank for its gesture, assuring them that his incoming administration would need its advice as time goes on,” he said.

President Goodluck Jonathan (left) welcoming the visiting President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Sabotage suspected as fire guts Education Ministry MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

trange fire yesterday gutted the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, causing panic among workers and visitors. The fire started about 1:30p.m while Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, was addressing principals of Unity Secondary Schools in the federation on how best to run the institutions. Shekarau and the principals were alerted of the event while staff of the ministry crowded the stairs and lifts in the ministry. The minister was however escorted to safety by his security aides. Fire fighters, including the Federal Fire Service, Guards Brigade and the

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, arrived the scene in succession about 10 minutes after the fire, which billowed huge smoke, broke out. The inferno was put out within one hour. But for their prompt arrival, the building, which has eleven floors, would have been consumed by the inferno. Five floors, 7th – 11th were affected, according to Mr. Labaran Maman, head of research and fire control, NEMA. The building hosts the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs. It is adjacent to the Federal Ministry of Health, where fears were rife over possible spread. The Federal Secretariat,

as the entire premises are called, has suffered acute shortage of electricity supply in recent time. Except for on-lookers who filed metres away from the scene, the affected ministry was soon deserted as many of the staff headed home. There were several others too who made attempts to go into the building, claiming their belongings were trapped. The attempts were rebuffed by gun-toting police and other security officers at the location. Though no live was lost to the incident and nobody was injured, several persons were however trapped in the two lifts located within the two wings of the building, as the employees and heads of the departments ran for dear lives. Many workers, who

spoke with our reporter, said they suspected the fire must have been masterminded by some persons in the ministry. But, a staff in the Account Department, who did not want to be named, said the fire must have been from the inverter. The Account Department is located on the 2nd floor. According to employees, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, there is an ongoing screening for all staff of the ministry, including all its agencies. They claimed they had submitted originals of their credentials days before the inferno occurred. Speaking with journalists, Minister of State, Education, Prof Viola Onwuliri, said the cause of the fire was yet unknown

at the time. She appealed for calm and commended the effort of the fire fighters. Addressing journalists, Labaran said the cause of the fire was not yet known. He said: “Usually when there is fire outbreak, we shot down the lift to dwell more on crowd control. And, we could not ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak because investigation is ongoing.” The operational commander of the FCT Federal Fire Service, Ime Eyo, said: “We need more appliances and equipment so that we can handle such incident on our own. “It is not as if we are not trying but we need more social responsibilities, though other fire agencies contributed well.”

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Friday, May 15, 2015

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Friday, May 15, 2015

L-R: Finance Secretary, Cristovao Julio; Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, Captain Ado Sanusi; Angola Ambassador to Nigeria, Januario Quibato; Arik Air Managing Director, Chris Ndulue, and Political Secretary, Benvindo Nicolau, during a visit to Arik Air in Lagos,yesterday. PHOTO:ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

L-R: Managing Director, Palmyra Construction Company, Mr. Ziad Saimua; Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Onikepo Animashaun; Governor Babatunde Fashola and Commissioner, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje, during the inauguration of Lagos Science and Technology building in Lagos, yesterday.

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Flag officer, Commanding Naval Training Command, Rear Adm. Babtunde Egbedina (right), exchanging a signed MoU on the provision of Chinese Language Teacher between Confucius Institute and Nigeria Navy with Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr Yan Xiangdong in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

L-R: Director, Business Development, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Oracle, Orla Nichorcora; Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro; MTNF scholar/beneficiary of Oracle training programme in Switzerland, Mufutau Akuruyejo; Country MD, Oracle Nigeria, Adebayo Sanni and Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma, during a press conference announcing the partnership between MTNF and Oracle in Lagos, yesterday.

National News TOLA AKINMUTIMI

ational Bureau of Statistics, NBS, yesterday revised the country’s labour statistics, stating that unemployed in the country has dropped from 16.07 million or 23.9 per cent in 2011 to 4.67 million or 6.4 per cent by the end of last year. It would be recalled that the Bureau had last September inaugurated a committee of experts and stakeholders to review the definition and methodology applied in computing unemployment statistics in the country. The initiative was designed to assess the current definition of unemployment in the context of Nigeria, and by so doing, recommend a new appropriate definition for computing unemployment rate and other labour-related indicators in line with internationally agreed standards as well as satisfying local conditions On historical model of labour force computation, the NBS defined unem-

NBS revises unemployment rate downward to 6.4% …puts Nigeria’s unemployed figure at 4.67m

ployed as the proportion of the labour force that did no work at all or worked less than 40 hours a week. The old definition, however, created a major challenge, as those who work for less than 40 hours, were classified as unemployed. International Labour Organisation, ILO, uses an hour a week as the benchmark for employment, as opposed to 40 hours used

by the Bureau. Based on the recommendations of the committee, which was chaired by Prof. Sarah Anyanwu of the University of Abuja, the NBS has now adopted 20 hours per week as the number of hours to be used in computing unemployment rate. According to NBS, based on the revised statistics, Nigeria’s total labour

force as at the end of the fourth quarter of 2014 was put at 72.93 million. Of this figure, the number of those that were fully employed (40 hours and above) stood at 55.206 million or 75.68 per cent; underemployed (20 to 39 hours) at 13.05 million or 17.89 per cent; unemployed (1 to19 hours) at 3.14 million or 4.3 per cent. The report stated that

1.52 million people or 2.08 per cent were currently not engaged in any economic activity in the country, thereby indicating their working hour as zero. The Statistician General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale, while presenting the report in Abuja, pointed out that one of the key challenges facing most countries globally, includ-

ing Nigeria, was creating sufficient jobs especially for the growing youth population. The Statistician explained that in order to tackle the menace of unemployment in the country, there was the need to produce accurate unemployment statistics that are devoid of emotional, religious, cultural and other forms of bias.

FG issues licences to 4 new private polytechnics

ederal Government yesterday in Abuja presented operational licences to four new private polytechnics and 34 Innovation Enterprise Institutions, IEIS, and Vocational Enterprise Institutions, VEIS. The new institutions are Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, Nasarawa State; Uyo City Polytechnic, Akwa Ibom State; The Polytechnic, Igbo-Owu, Kwara State and Balmor Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo

State. Speaking at the licence presentation in Abuja, Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said the move was in tandem with the quest by the Federal Government to build skilled manpower for the country. He said the polytechnics, the IEIs and the VEIs were expected to focus on applied learning that would be relevant to the development needs of

the country. “The Federal Government in realisation of the need for appropriate manpower to the developmental needs of the country opened the way for the private sector to participate in technological drive. “The main problem confronting the sector is that of articulation, placement and progression of graduates from these institutions. “I assure that stake-

holders will work hard to solve these problems. “The Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, had subjected the institutions to full scrutiny before granting them approval.’’ Earlier, Dr Masa’udu Kazaure, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, said VEIs and IEIs were institutions inaugurated by the Federal Government to provide alternative route to higher educa-

tion. He said IEIs and VEIs were private institutions that would offer vocational, technical, technology or professional education and training at post-basic and tertiary levels. According to him, the enterprise institutions will equip secondary school leavers and working adults with vocational skills and knowledge to meet the increasing demand for the country’s technical manpower.

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65 killed in B’Haram attack on Maiduguri INUSA NDAHI AND UBONG UKPONG

t least, 65 people, mostly suspected members of the Boko Haram insurgents, were feared dead in a clash with troops of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, around Ladi Kayamula village, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday. Many people also sustained injuries while trying to flee the scene of attack. The Nigerian Army has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the troubled city.

The imposition of the curfew was announced in a statement signed by Col. Tukur Gusau, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations. Gusau said: “In view of recent development within Maiduguri metropolis, a 24hour curfew is hereby imposed in the city. This is done to protect lives and property of innocent and law-abiding people of Maiduguri.” The insurgents launched an attack on the city at about 5p.m on Wednesday. The attack forced many residents at the outskirts of the city - areas like Giwa Military Barracks, the Uni-

versity of Maiduguri community, 202 and 303 Housing Estates, Dalori Quarters and Molai, among others, to scamper for safety. The panicked residents attempted to flee into the main town, but were trapped due to roadblocks mounted by the military and men of the Civilian JTF. Sources told our correspondent that the Boko Haram terrorists attempted to invade the city with heavy weapons, targeting military formations, including the 21 Armoured Brigade (Giwa Barracks). It was learnt that 35

members of the sect, including women suicide bombers were killed by troops, while 27 residents of Ladi Kayamula and Alau Dam villages were murdered by the insurgents after being repelled by troops. Mallam Abba Alau, who participated in the mass burial of the slain residents, said after the killing, the terrorists ran towards Sambisa forest. “We were able to bury the 27 people killed by the terrorists. While fleeing from the military, they ran into our community and wrecked havoc before heading towards Sambisa for-

L-R: Chairman on the occasion/former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; General Oversear, Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Felix Meduoye; his wife, Bisi, and Royal Father of the Day, Olu of Warri, HRM, Atuwatse II, during First Diamond Jubilee Lecture PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI of the Church in Lagos, yesterday.

est,” he said. Another source said three members of the security operatives were also killed, with others sustaining injuries when some women suicide bombers, who disguised as fleeing residents of Bale village near Ladi Kayamula detonated explosives close to where troops were operating. This could not be confirmed. Our correspondent learnt that the imposition of the curfew on Maiduguri and its environs was to allow security operatives trail and apprehend scores of suicide bombers, mostly women, who were believed to have sneaked into the town. “The curfew was declared because during the operation, many insurgents found at the scene of the attack had Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, tied to their bodies, and that security agencies suspected that some of them might have sneaked into Maiduguri and nobody wants to take chances,” a source said. Our correspondent also observed that six combatant helicopters have arrived the Maiduguri Air Force Base to be deployed against the insurgents. The imposition of the dusk to dawn curfew forced students writing their West

African Examinations Council, WAEC, examinations to trek long distances to their centres as there were no vehicular movement in and around the metropolis, even as shops, offices, markets remained under lock and key. Meanwhile, Defence Headquarters, DHQ, yesterday confirmed the return of normalcy to Ladi Kayamla and Maiduguri, saying troops were in full control of the situation. The DHQ, which confirmed Wednesday’s attack through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said the band of terrorists who detonated two female suicide bombers ahead of their attack on Ladi Kayamla near Maiduguri, was routed by troops in the area. The attack is being seen as diversionary, with the intention of slowing down the ongoing assault on Sambisa forest and was believed to have been carried out by those escaping from the terrorists’ locations that have been routed or destroyed. “Normalcy has been restored as the troops conduct a mop up of the area while the offensive on all terrorists forest locations continue,” Olukolade said.

the pace of increases was strongest in the Clothing and Footwear, Furnishings and Household Equipment Maintenance; and Restaurants and Hotels Divisions. On a month-on-month basis, the bureau observed that the largest increases were recorded in the Fuels and Lubricants for Personal Transport Equipment, Liquid Fuels and Passenger Transport by Road groups among others, with the average 12-month annual rate of rise of the index recorded at 6.9 per cent for the twomonth period ending in the month under review, unchanged from the 12-month rate recorded in December. The bureau also reported that on a month-on-month basis, the Headline Index eased marginally in April, increasing by 0.8 per cent; lower from 0.9 per cent in March, adding that prices increased at a slower pace across most COICOP divisions, with the exception of

the Transport and Communications Divisions which increased at a slower pace. When analysed on yearon-year basis, NBS noted that both the Urban and Rural Price Indices recorded marginally higher increases during the month under review as Urban Index increased by 8.7 per cent, from 8.6 per cent in the preceding month, while the Rural Index increased by 8.6 per cent, 0.2 percentage points higher than 8.4 per cent in March. The agency stated further that on a month-onmonth basis, both the Urban and Rural Indices increased at a slower pace in April, increasing by 0.8 per cent and 0.7 per cent respectively. Similarly, it pointed out that the percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12-month period ended April over the average of the CPI for the previous 12-month period was 8.2 per cent, the same rates recorded in March this year.

Nigeria loses ranking in global NLG market CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

the lag effect on our prices. “This is because, normally our prices are not based on the Brent of the day, but on an average of six months Brent. So, we still carry over some of the high Brent prices. But even with that we’ve lost 30 per cent of our revenue as at the end of April compared with the 2014 revenue. “And of course, in terms of revenue, our portfolio generates a revenue of over $10bn on the average. So when you look at the fact that we are losing 30 per cent of that, you will agree that it is quite a lot of reduction in revenue for the country.” Olinma stated that one way to mitigate this kind of revenue reduction was to increase volume and gain market share. He, however, regretted that the gas company had lost some of its market share due to stiff competition in the global gas market.

Olinma observed that many countries were making massive investments in the LPG market, adding however that the country’s domestic market has good potentials. Meanwhile, Nigerians paid slightly higher for goods and services in April as the Consumer Price Index, CPI, which measures the general price level in an economy, rose marginally by 8.7 per cent (year-on-year), representing 0.2 percentage points from the 8.5 per cent rate recorded in the preceding month. The April index, which is the highest inflation rate recorded for the year so far, was the fifth consecutive month the economy experienced a faster increase on the Headline Index. According to the CPI’s Statistical News published yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, the faster pace of price increases was the result of

advances in most Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose, COICOP, divisions that yielded the Headline Index, with the exception of slower increases in Recreation and Culture, and Communications Divisions. The Bureau reported that the faster pace of increases was also observed in the Food and Core sub-indices as obtained during the month under review, the Food Subindex rose by 9.5 per cent, up from 9.4 per cent in March as a result of increases in most of the groups that yielded the index. It noted, however, that the pace of increases was weighted upon by a slower increase in the Meats, Fish and Dairy groups. NBS stated: “On a monthon-month basis, food prices slowed in April relative to March, increasing by 0.9 per cent, from 1.0 per cent. Prices slowed in most groups that contributed to the Food index

with the exception being the Oils and Fats groups, which increased at a faster pace. “On a month-on-month basis, the highest price increases were recorded in the Potatoes, Yam and Other Tubers, Oils and Fats and Bread and Cereals groups. “The average annual rate of change of the Food subindex for the 12-month period ending in April 2015 over the previous 12-month average was 9.5 per cent. The 12-month rate of change has held steady for 11 consecutive months.” According to the agency, the pace of advances recorded by the “All Items less Farm Produce” or Core subindex, also increased for the fourth consecutive month in April, with the Core Subindex increasing by 7.7 per cent (year-on-year), 0.2 percentage points from 7.5 per cent recorded in March. Expatiating on the “All Items less Farm Produce” pace, the NBS stated that

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Jonathan signs criminal justice bill into law ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident Goodluck Jonathan has signed the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2015 into law.

The bill was initiated to enhance speedy dispensation of justice in criminal trials and improve the justice system, among other objectives. In an interview with journalists yesterday, Spe-

cial Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed that the President had signed the bill into law. Abati said the President signed the document

on Wednesday, the day he received the bill from the National Assembly, stressing that the bill has now become an Act. “The President has signed the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill

2015. He signed it the same day he received it from the National Assembly. With that development, the bill is now an Act,” Abati said. Shortly after the bill was passed by the Senate, human rights groups

appealed to Jonathan to sign the bill, stressing that when the bill becomes an Act, it would drastically address many challenges in the administration of criminal justice.

High bench to comprise best legal minds –CJN ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

Lagos Deputy Governor, Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (middle) with selected students from Public Schools in Lagos State at the finals of School Children Competition on “The Spirit of Lagos” at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday.

hief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Mahmoud Mohammed, yesterday said a new order that allows only fit and proper persons and the most intellectually astute and morally-sound candidates were appointed as judges into the high bench, has begun. Justice Mohammed disclosed this yesterday in Abuja during the swearing in of a new justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Amiru Sanusi,

PDP members ask Senate passes N299bn 2015 court to halt Mu’azu’s NDDC budget resignation GEORGE OJI ABUJA

ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

wo card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday requested an Abuja high court to stop the ruling PDP from forcing its chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, and other executive committee members to resign their positions until after expiration of their tenure in office. The plaintiffs are Tasiu Iliyasu Hussaini and Waziri Amadu. The suit was lodged at the registry of the high court by their counsel, Iliya Dauda and Nafiu Yakubu. In the suit with registration number--CV/1831/15, dated May 14, they are asking the court to determine whether members of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party could be dissolved or forced to resign their positions without following required procedure laid down by the party’s constitution. In the event the ques-

tion is answered in their favour, they urged the court to declare that the party’s NWC cannot be dissolved neither can its members be forced to resign their positions without following laid-down procedure in the party’s constitution. They further asked the court to make an order restraining the party from directing Mu’azu and other NWC members to resign their positions without following the constitutionally prescribed procedure. Apart from PDP and Mu’azu, other defendants are Chief Uche Secondus, Deputy National Chairman, Prof. Wale Oladipo, National Secretary, Chief Solomon, Deputy National Secretary, Olisa Metuh, Publicity Secretary, Kema Chikwe, Women Leader, Bolaji Anani, Financial Secretary, Victor Kwom, Legal Adviser, Abubakar Mustapha, Organising Secretary, Hussaini Maibasira, Youth leader, Bala Buhari, Treasurer and Adewale Adeyanju, Auditor.

enate has passed N299,526,463,156.12 budget proposal for Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for 2015 fiscal year. A breakdown of the figures it passed yesterday showed that the sum of N271, 089,998,023 was for project (development) expenditure; N16,133,377,133 for personnel expenditure; N10,423,319,000 represents overhead expenditure and N1,879,769,000.12 as capital expenditure. Senate Committee chairman on NDDC, James Manager, who presented the report, explained that it would be financed from a projected revenue of N300.1 billion drawn from N160 billion contribution from oil companies; N70 billion provision from the Federal LETTER ADMINISTRATION

This is to inform the general public that M/S Emeka Anthony Emmanuel Okeke and Ngozi Doris Okeke wants to obtain letters of Administration of our late parents property situated at No 19 Oraifite St. Ogui New Layout Enugu. We inherited the said property from our late parents Mr. & Mrs Emmanuel Agodi Okeke. Our family and general public should take note.

Government; N40 billion ecological funds; N20 billion unpaid arrears by the Federal Government; N10 billion as revenue brought forward and N100 million internally generated revenue. Manager said the committee considered the Federal Government’s proposals and observed that non-project expenditure, which comprised personnel, overheads and the internal capital totalling N28.4 billion represent 9.5 per cent of the total proposed budget for the year as against 8.43 per cent proposed in 2014. He also said the N271.089 billion approved as project development expenditure represents N90.5 per cent of the total proposed budget as against the 91.46 per cent proposed in 2014. “It is pertinent to mention that due to the pecu-

CHANGE OF NAME

MADUAKOR: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Maduakor Chidinma Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ofong Chidinma Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

liar nature of the NDDC budget, the committee finds that it is necessary to separate the capital budget meant for use internally by the commission from capital budget meant for project development,” Manager said. The committee which said the budget should be operative from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015, also advised the Senate to relentlessly pursue the proper calculation and release of 15 per cent statutory contribution of the federal government for the funding of NDDC. Furthermore, the committee recommended the need for Senate to assist in enforcing the payment of the statutory 50 per cent of monies meant for NDDC member-states from the ecological fund with a view to enhancing the commission’s revenue base.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ladega Omowunmi Oluwaseun, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs Agboigbe Omowunmi Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

stressing that by the new order, “Eligibility of a candidate for appointment to the Bench will no longer be based on nepotism, familial or fraternal connections.” The new regime of appointing only the best legal minds into the Supreme Court bench by the appointing authorities started with Justice Sanusi. The new order is anchored on the new 2014 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria. The new guidelines are part of the outcome of the various recommendations by a 50-member judiciary reform committee set up by Justice Dahiru Musdapher soon after he was appointed CJN to radically reform the third arm of government, which was believed to be harbouring misfits. The new CJN said, yesterday, that he was very much in support of the new guidelines, saying it is the right step to reform the judiciary. The CJN, however, implored the new Supreme Court justice “to imbibe the words of Justice John Roberts of the United States Supreme Court who made a personal pledge to uphold the honour of his court, saying “I will be vigilant to protect the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court, and I will work to ensure it upholds the rule of law and safeguards those liberties that make this land one of endless possibilities for all.”

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Azeez Rukayat, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Azeez Rukayat Desola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

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Friday, May 15, 2015

FG’s transition c’ttee uncooperative, APC insists …slams Metuh

Cross section of Inductees at the Public Lecture and Induction of Fellows of Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja, yesterday.

China to train Nigerian Navy officials UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

hinese government has reached an understanding with the Nigerian Navy to train its personnel to boost operational capability of the Navy. A Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, which was signed by the Chinese military and Nigerian Navy yesterday in Abuja, revealed that China would send two

instructors to the Nigerian Navy on secondment. Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, at the signing ceremony said the MoU followed a request by the Navy to Confucious Institute in China for two Chinese instructors. Represented by Chief of Policy and Plan, Nigerian Navy’s Rear Adm. Johnson Olutoyin, Jibrin said the agreement, which led to the signing of the pact, commenced in August 2014, add-

ing that a lot of effort had been put in place to realise the objective. “With the signing of the MoU, it is hoped that two Chinese teachers would be seconded to the Nigerian Navy Training Centre to achieve the desire for navy personnel to study Chinese language. “At the end of this ceremony, we will be able to further fast-track the arrangement to have the two Chinese instructors at the navy’s training centre,” he

said. Chinese Military Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Wang Runxu, who represented his country, said the signing of the agreement showed the cordial relationship existing between the Chinese government and our navy. Runxu said the agreement would further promote the understanding and more officers would understand and speak the Chinese language, an initiative which he said was good for the two military.

Yayi commends Jonathan’s exemplary leadership ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

resident of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his exemplary leadership style, which other African leaders should emulate. Yayi spoke yesterday after a closed door meeting with Jonathan at the Presi-

DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

ational Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, of Nigeria yesterday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to lift the embargo slammed on employment of resident doctors in teaching hospitals, specialist centres and Federal Medical Centres across the country. In a statement yesterday,

dential Villa. He stated that in addition to the leadership role Jonathan had played in Africa, he had also mediated in achieving peace in many countries such as Mali, Guinea Bissau, among others. He described Jonathan as a statesman, stressing that he organised election peacefully in the largest country in sub Saharan Af-

rica. According to Yayi, the conduct of the recent elections in Nigeria was very transparent and peaceful considering the wonderful decision of Jonathan to call his challenger to congratulate him even before the final result was released. “Usually, in Africa, it is rare. He gave us very good example of democracy, not only in our sub-region or

Africa, but also in the entire world. “I will like to thank him because I am the President of Benin and we depend on Nigeria. What he did here is of immense benefit to us,” Nyayi said. He explained that Nigeria has been of immense benefit to all African countries, while also playing leadership role in ECOWAS and African Union.

ll Progressives Congress, APC, has yet again declared that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was not cooperating with the party’s transition committee, while describing PDP’s spokesman, Olisah Metuh, as a man with incurable disdain for the truth. “We say, with all sense of responsibility, that as at today, May 14, about two weeks to the May 29 handover date, no shred of information as to the status of governance from any Ministry, Department or Agency of government has been given to our committee,’’ the party said in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed. “If that qualifies, in Metuh’s lexicon, as cooperation, then there is a problem somewhere. We dare Metuh or anyone for that matter, to controvert the fact that not a line of handover note has been handed over to our transition committee. Until then, Metuh has egg on his face,’’ it said. The APC restated its earlier advice to Metuh to urgently undertake a crash course on how to be an opposition party spokesman so he won’t talk or write himself into avoidable trouble in the days ahead. The party admonished the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP spokesman to always cross-check information available to him in order to separate rumour from fact, saying had he done that, he would not have issued the statement in which he tried to cast aspersion on APC by accusing it of ‘’fabricating lies’’ over the Jonathan administra-

tion’s non-cooperation with APC’s transition committee. ‘’Metuh decided to put his foot in his mouth when he latched on to the statement made by our Transition Committee Chairman, forgetting that in making his statement, the chairman was only acting the statesman that he is by not saying anything that will put the federal government in bad light. ‘’A discerning party spokesman, rather than a rabble-rousing one, would have understood the elder statesman’s stand for what it is instead of using it as a peg to issue a needless, hollow statement that puts his party and government in bad light. We had decided to allow sleeping dogs lie, but now that Metuh has stirred the hornet’s nest, it is time to put out the facts for Nigerians to judge.” Mohammed stated that, ‘’Following the request by our Transition Committee to meet with them, they invited us to what was the first formal meeting between both Transition Committees. But the meeting was a mere photo-op, as it yielded nothing concrete as far as handover notes are concerned. ‘’In fact, what we met at the so-called meeting was far worse than what we had thought. Whereas we had hoped to get their handover notes on May 14 (the date they indicated to us informally), they told us point blank that the notes won’t be ready until May 24. Because this date falls on a Sunday, that means we won’t be getting the handover notes until May 25, just four days before the May 29 handover date.”

Lift embargo on resident doctors, group urges FG NARD said the embargo could lead to the defeat of the gains made in the health sector if nothing was done immediately to reverse it. The statement signed by Dr. Dan-Jumbo Prince and Dr. Gbujie Daniel, NARD’s president and secretary, respectively, expressed worry that the embargo on employment of resident doctors could worsen Nigeria’s

health indices. The statement reads, “The non-employment of resident doctors in teaching hospitals, specialist centres and Federal Medical Centres in the country, which if not immediately reversed, would lead to reversal of the gains in the health sector. “It (embargo) could also worsen the health indices in the country. We, there-

fore, appeal to Mr. President to lift the embargo on employment of resident doctors nationwide to improve on the gains made so far.” The association also appealed to the Lagos and Federal Governments to prevent the extinction of residency training in Nigeria and urged President Jonathan to intervene in the issues affecting the survival of health sector in or-

der to avoid crisis. The association also decried the exclusion of resident doctors in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System and added that the situation had raised integrity issues and questioned the motives of government officials handling the IPPIS payment system. It pointed out that the inclusion of resident doctors

in the IPPIS payment system was germane since the system was aimed at checking the problem of ghost workers, which in turn saves government funds in public service. The association also criticised the non-payment of their members’ two months salaries arrears, adding that the situation was worse in Kogi, Osun, Edo and Benue states.

South West

Friday, May 15, 2015

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Pre-arrival assessment saves FG N2bn annually –Area Comptroller OLUSEGUN KOIKI

L-R: Director, Administrator General and Public Trustee, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Bimbo Olaniyi; Former NBA President, Chief Wole Olaonipekun (SAN); Executive Secretary, Lagos Security Trust Fund, Mr. Fola Arthur –Worrey, Esq and Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje, during the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, Law Week 2015 in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

NDLEA nabs drug peddler with 70 wraps of cocaine OLUSEGUN KOIKI

39-year-old suspected drug trafficker, Mr. Celestine Ikechukwu Okonkwo, has narrated his ordeal in the hands of drug barons, who allegedly sponsored his trip to Brazil with pretext to provide him a white collar job. The suspect, who claimed he was selling used clothes at Idumota market, said he was promised mouth-watering job opportunities in Nigeria, but was made to suffer untold hardship before being used in smuggling cocaine. NDLEA Commander at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, Mr. Hamisu

Lawan, in a statement said the suspect tested positive to cocaine ingestion. Hamisu stated that the suspect tested positive to drug ingestion while returning from Sao Paulo, Brazil, adding that he later excreted 70 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.326kg. Okonkwo claimed that he was a happy man until the drug barons approached him with the promise of a better job abroad. He allegedly confessed: “I was in my shop at Idumota market where I sell used clothes. I will never forget the day a young man came to my shop to buy shirts. He told me he was from Anambra State and that he lives in Brazil. He also promised to help me with a good job

opportunity over there. “Honestly, I was excited and felt it was the answer to my age-long prayer. He collected my phone number and left. This was how it all started. “He later prepared my international passport and also secured a visa for me. Then he told me to get set to travel any time. Few weeks later, he brought my ticket and I travelled to Brazil in January, 2015. He gave me the name of the hotel where I will stay pending when he will get me a job. I was eventually abandoned to suffer. When I exhausted my money, I began to sleep in a church. I also began to work for a Nigerian woman who owns a restaurant in order not to starve to death.” He added that at the commencement of discus-

sion, drug trafficking was not discussed with him before he left Nigeria. He explained that it was when he was living in the church for some months that his sponsor located him in Sau Paulo, Brazil. He confessed that it took him about seven hours to swallow the 70 wraps of cocaine that he later excreted, decrying that he was an inexperienced courier. He added that the drug barons had promised to pay him N400,000 when he got to Nigeria. Commenting on the arrest, the Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said the story of the suspect should serve as a warning to others who are seeking to travel out of the country.

Salaries: Aregbesola calls for dialogue BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

overnor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State yesterday appealed to civil servants in the state to embrace dialogue in the pursuit of their demand for payment of outstanding salaries. In a chat with newsmen in Osogbo, Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, assured that Areg-

besola was already exploiting avenues to raise funds to pay the workers. Okanlawon said industrial action should not be the last option, adding that workers should tread the path of dialogue and peace and urged all stakeholders to reason together to resolve the salary issue peacefully. “We hold our workers in high esteem. They are very important to us and we are always interested in their welfare. It’s the unfortunate situation on ground,

which is a general problem across the country that is painting the Osun State government in bad light. “But efforts are seriously being made by government to address the issue positively soon. In the past, we used to pay salaries before month-end because we never waited for federal allocation. It was when the alternative avenues for fund had been exhausted that we started waiting for federal allocation. “But government has started going extra miles

again to source funds to start paying salaries as soon as possible. Though we have been promising to pay the outstanding salaries, we have not been able to fulfill those promises. This is not intentional. “It is due to the unfortunate disappointment from the Federal Government which has failed to live up to its expectation by remitting the state’s allocation due to the ailing economy. But the Osun State government is trying its best to address the issue,” Okanlawon said.

mplementation of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR, by the Federal Government in December 2013 has saved it about N2bn annually. This was revealed yesterday by Customs Area Comptroller of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, Mr. Folorunsho Adegoke, in a speech during the unveiling of In-depth News Magazine in Lagos. According to Adegoke, before the introduction of PAAR in 2013 by the leadership of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, the service was collecting about N2bn annually from government as subvention. He, however, noted that since introduction of the report, NCS had since stopped collecting subvention, while revenues earned on import and export duties also increased by 20 per cent within the same period. He added that with the introduction of PAAR,

the clearing period for cargo has reduced to six hours from the initial six days when it was operating the Risk and Assessment Report, RAR, approach. He also said that in 2014, the revenues of the service reached N1 trillion and hoped to build on it this year. His words: “PAAR is a Customs baby because we felt we could do it and we are doing it. Before now, we were collecting close to N2bn annually from the Federal Government as subvention, but since we started the PAAR in 2013, we have stopped such collections. “Now, within 12 months, we were able to collect 20 per cent more than what was being collected in the previous regime, which was RAR. The time it takes to get RAR was about six days, but now with PAAR this can be achieved within six hours once the documentation doesn’t have any issues. It was really tough when we started, but within a short time, we were able to identify the challenges and acted on them.”

Impunity dangerous to society, says former Lagos Solicitor-General MATTHEW IRINOYE

ormer Lagos State Solicitor-General and incumbent Executive Secretary of the state’s trust fund, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, yesterday restated that any society that encourages impunity is in danger. Arthur-Worrey made the statement while delivering a lecture titled, ‘Curtailing the Culture of Impunity in Our National Life,’ as part of activities to mark the 2015 annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch. He said the appropriation of public assets for individual use by political office holders is condemnable, adding that where there is disorder, nobody escapes its consequences. The guest lecturer further condemned a situation where public institutions were no longer alive

to their responsibilities, adding that inefficiency of public institutions was criminalising the citizens. According to him, “a situation where the NBA refuses to dish out discipline to members, who engaged in acts of impunity, should be called to question.” The executive secretary, who blamed President Jonathan’s administration for not working hard to tackle the Nigerian problem, said, “All is not well with Nigeria and it is a challenge to the political system in the country.” On his part, a Lagosbased human rights lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, called for complete eradication of the culture of impunity in the country so that the rule of law could triumph. He said: “The culture of impunity cannot be fought without the application of the rule of law. Nigeria is supposed to be subject to the rule of law, but this is not so.”

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South West

Friday, May 15, 2015

Kidnappers didn’t dialogue with nurse’s family –NMA ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

L-R: Airtel Head of Public Relations, Mr. Femi Adeniran; Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Airtel Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya; Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and his Deputy, Mrs. Titi LaoyeTomori, during a courtesy visit to the governor in Osogbo, yesterday.

Lagos harps on technology to drive efficiency FRANCIS SUBERU

agos State government has stressed the need to employ technology as a driving force behind advancement, development and efficient service delivery. While commissioning a new science and technology building of the Ministry of Technology in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, yesterday, Governor Babatunde Fashola said with Lagos’ hunger for accelerated development and work efficiency, the

state cannot do without innovative technology. According to the governor, the new building, which is equipped with all the needed facilities, is meant to further strengthen e-governance and work efficiency in the state. Fashola said the building was completed and ready for use, adding that the state cannot continue to do things the way it used to. “We have to automate to be more efficiency and bring about more development,” he said. It would be recalled that

Fashola recently unveiled the Citizens Relationship Management Service, an online platform, which allows residents to access government services and lodge complaints. With activation of the platform, residents do not need to travel distances to respond or lodge complaints. All they need do is click on the appropriate icons on the platform to make a comment. The new science and technology building will serve as control centre for all e-governing functions of

the state government and provide more office spaces for workers in the expanding civil service. Earlier, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Adebiyi Mabadeje, said the new building had all the facilities required and occupies about 3,600sq metres of land. He said the complex could not have come at a better time considering that the state was presently strengthening its e-governance initiatives and other solutions aimed at ensuring better service delivery.

hairman of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Ekiti State, Dr John Akinbote, yesterday disclosed that kidnappers of a theatre nurse at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, FETHI, Mrs Margaret Aladenika, have refused to communicate with her family. Akinbote, who said it might be a strategy of the kidnappers, said t kidnap threat messages to his members were on the increase daily. The NMA boss told journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that his members had been taking precautionary measures to ensure their safety. This, he said, included banning his members from pasting or moving around with the association’s emblem on their vehicles. The measure, he said, was to curtail the unwarranted attacks and spate of kidnap launched against his members by suspected abductors that laid siege to the state in the last two weeks. The NMA carpeted the police and Department of State Services, DSS, for what it described as

Commuters use ferry service to beat gridlock

ommuters in large numbers have resorted to using ferry services to move from Apapa to CMS and Ikorodu and vice-versa as the traffic congestion in Lagos worsens by the day. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that about 7:30 am yesterday, passengers crowded the CMS Jetty of the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, at Marina, Lagos. The crowds on Lagos roads have steadily been increasing due to congestion of roads occasioned by the fuel crisis. The passengers seen in several queues were leaving the jetty for Apapa and Ikorodu to perform their daily business activities, while the jetty also received passengers, mainly workers

and traders, from Ikorodu and Apapa. In spite of three ferry service operators with over 15 boats functioning, the crowd kept increasing because of the gridlock caused by tankers, which came to lift petroleum products from Apapa since May 6. Mrs Roseline Attah, a worker at a private firm along Marina Street, told NAN that she had been travelling by boat to and from Ikorodu where she resides. She said the journey from Ikorodu was about 32 minutes and that she would just walk into her office with ease and go back at the close of work the same way. Attah said it pays her to get to work paying N650 by boat as against N350 fare, which commercial buses charged before the fuel scar-

city hit Lagos and other parts of the country. It was also learnt that the BRT buses charged N200 before the fuel crisis though difficult to get since they rarely come by. But with the petrol problem which has compounded the problems of commuters, they have no choice than to pay about N500 to the commercial buses which leave Ikorodu as early as 5am. According to Attah, water transportation had become a better alternative to road transport that would be delayed by gridlock causing wasted man hours. Another passenger, Mr Aziakpono Odoko, who also works along the Marina, said water transportation was his saving grace since the traffic jam started on May 6.

He said he was, however, encouraged to resume the use of water transportation when he saw that one of the operators brought in new boats. Odoko urged the government to create more awareness about ferry services to encourage more people to embrace water transportation. An Apapa-bound passenger, Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, told NAN that he had never been worried by the gridlock in Apapa as he always travelled by water to CMS from Apapa and back. He said his business on Lagos Island was very timesensitive, so, he could not afford to drive during traffic congestion. Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Mr Mu’azu Sambo, told NAN that there had

been an improvement in ferry services with the Public Private Partnership efforts entered into with Seacoach Ferry Nigeria. He said the operators started with a fleet of nine boats certifiably of international standard. Sambo said NIWA had also started planning to revamp some ferry operations to serve communities in Ajegunle, Mile 2, Satellite Town, Festac Town and environs. The gridlock started as a result of tankers that came from across the country to load petroleum products in Apapa. The situation has since spilled over to surrounding areas from Apapa to Lagos Island and environs like Surulere, Yaba and Ikorodu road.

lackadaisical attitudes towards curbing attacks on its members, saying they deserved to be protected in view of the special services they rendered to the society. Akinbote wondered why security agencies could not track down the kidnappers of Aladenika since last week despite phone calls and text messages from the criminals’ phones to medical practitioners. He also lamented absence of security presence on the roads which could have served as deterrent to the activities of kidnappers. Apart from the nurse who was kidnapped on May 3 along Ido-Ipere Road, the former Chief Medical Director, CMD of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, AdoEkiti, Dr Patrick Adegun, and his wife, Kikelomo, were kidnapped in Ado Ekiti on May 7 while a lecturer of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Dr Femi Omisore, was kidnapped en route Oye Ekiti on May 8. Akinbote said: “It is appalling that security meetings in the state have yielded little or no result as medical doctors, health workers, lecturers and other citizens still move about with morbid fear of possible attack. “We want to correct the erroneous and questionable belief that medical doctors, nurses and lecturers are well paid in the state as we have evidence of outstanding salaries and promotional arrears yet to be paid to these categories of civil servants.” The NMA urged wellmeaning individuals to join in appealing to the government at all levels and security agencies to institute measures in ensuring unconditional release of the kidnapped and to protect the average citizen. While Adegun had been released to source funds to secure the release of his wife, sources said kidnappers of the OAU lecturers were demanding N70 million before he would be released.

South East

Friday, May 15, 2015

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Catholic pontiff tasks Christians on human dignity CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

State Director, National Population Commission, Mr. Joachim Ulasi (left) and Federal Commissioner, Prof. Chika Moore, during a news conference on the National Education Data Survey in Anambra, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Impeachment: Police invite Enugu Speaker DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

nugu State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Mohammed, has invited Speaker of the House of Assembly, Eugene Odoh, for questioning on matters relating to impeachment charges preferred against Governor Sullivan Chime. Odoh said the Assistant Commissioner of Police, who invited him via a telephone call, told him that he was being invited to explain one of the allegations in the impeachment where the House accused Governor Chime of forging the 2012 supplementary budget. Odoh wondered why the police were interfering

in the House’s legislative mandate even when it has obtained a court injunction against police obstruction of its proceedings. But Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, faulted Odoh’s claim, noting that the Speaker could only know the reason for his invitation when he honours the invitation. The Speaker, while addressing newsmen yesterday, however, said he does not intend to honour the police invitation, alleging that both the police and Governor Chime have connived to detain and poison him in police cell. He urged the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to intervene in the state’s crisis and call Mohammed to order.

Odoh’s words:”The commissioner of police is yet to obey the court order; instead he has invited me on account of a petition allegedly written by the governor. “I want to state categorically that the issue of impeachment is a legislative matter and ought not to be taken over by the police. My personal life and those of my family members are now in the hands of the governor and the police. I suspect we may be detained and poisoned by the Enugu State police command. “We accept response to the impeachment notice from whom it was served and not for the police to come and take over the functions of the House of Assembly.

“It is an abuse of court process; the police are descending on the arena of conflict between the executive and the legislature and we urge the police to restrict themselves to the very function they are assigned to and not to take over the job of the House.” Odoh disclosed that he remains the authentic Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly that attended the just-concluded Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Abuja, where the situation in Enugu State was condemned by a resolution of the body. He described Hon. Chinedu Nwamba as the ‘governor’s speaker,’ who now leaves in Enugu State Government House.

Scores injured as youths loot shops, vehicles in Imo community CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

kwudor, a sleepy and peaceful community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, was yesterday thrown into mourning as youths conveying a corpse home from neighbouring community in Awo Omamma, i Oru East Local Government Area of the state, attacked the community, looting and destroying properties worth millions of naira. It was learnt that the mayhem broke out when youths from Ubahaogwu Awo-Omamma community were conveying the corpse

of a youth of the community from the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu. The deceased was said to have died during surgical operation at the hospital and while the youths were conveying his corpse from the hospital, what was supposed to be a mournful and peaceful procession turned bloody when the youths approached Okwudor community. National Mirror learnt that when the youths approached the community, they started pulling down people’s stalls at Okwudor Junction, looting some bottles of cashew nuts and honey, displayed for sale at the junction. This did not go down

well with some villagers, who tried in vain to prevent the rampaging youths as they continued to destroy any market stall in sight till they got to the popular Eke Okwudor market square, where hell was let loose. At the market square, the youths broke into many stores, looted and smashed the windscreens of every vehicle in sight, while some motorcycles were set ablaze. As at the last count, no fewer than 12 shops at Eke Okwudor have either been looted or partly destroyed. However, the youths of Okwudor community were said to be regrouping for a reprisal, but for the timely intervention of the traditional

ruler of the community, His Royal Highness Eze Anayo Durueburuo, who prevailed on them not to take the law into their hands. Although Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, DSP, said report of the incident had not been brought to his knowledge, a source at Njaba Police Divisional Headquarters, Umuaka, confirmed the incident. He said the police, in collaboration with the traditional ruler of the community and Njaba Local Government chairman, had already waded into the matter and investigations were going on to unravel the cause and those behind the crisis.

ope Francis has called on the Christian community to help parents in teaching children how to promote human dignity through communication. In his message at the 49th World Communication Day with the theme, ‘Growing and Uniting the Family Through Loving Communication’, the Catholic pontiff noted that the modern media, which were essential part of life for young people, could be both a help and hindrance at the same time to communication among family members. According to him, “the media can be a hindrance if they become a way to avoid listening to others, and evade physical contact to fill up every moment of silence and rest, so that we forget that silence is an integral element of communication.” Represented by Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. (Dr.) Anthony Obinna,

the Metropolitan See insisted that the media could help communication when they assist people to share their stories, stay in contact with distant friends, thank others or seek forgiveness and open the door for new encounters. “By growing daily, our awareness of the vital importance of encountering others - these new possibilities - we will employ wisely, rather than let ourselves to be dominated by it,” he stated. Stressing the importance of the family, Pope Francis said it is what we experience daily - our own limits and those of others. They are the problems of great and small entailed in living peacefully with others. He however warned that a perfect family does not exist, hence one should not be afraid of imperfection, weakness or even conflict, but learn to deal with them constructively. His words: “In a family where we love one another despite our limits, sins thus becomes a school of forgiveness which in itself is a process of communication.

NIMC decries poor turnout for ID card registration in Enugu

ational Identity Management Commission, NIMC, in Enugu State has decried the poor response of residents toward registration for the national identity card in the state. NIMC coordinator in the state, Mr. Favour Odetah, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Enugu that the commission had registered only 20 per cent of the population in the state. According to him, “in Enugu State today, we have only registered about 72,000 people on our database.” Odetah said the commission was working toward establishing enrolment centres in all the local government areas of the state so as to register more people. He also said that of the 1,000 identity cards so far produced in the state only 300 have been collected by their owners, adding that the commission has embarked on massive awareness campaign in 17 local

government areas of the state to sensitise people on the benefits of the exercise. The coordinator said the old national identity cards would be phased out by September 1, adding that the old cards would no longer be used as means of identification after their expiration. Odetah disclosed that the commission has established enrolment centres at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, to encourage more enrolments. He said the commission in the state was faced with challenges of inadequate infrastructure, electricity and laxity on the part of the citizens. He listed requirements for the enrolment as either a voter card, utility bill, government issued card, international passport, driving licence, local government identification card or student identity card.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, May 15, 2015

IGP’s crack squad arrests 56 cult leaders in Edo OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

he crack squad set up by Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has arrested 56 cult suspects linked to the recent violence in Edo State. The squad was recently constituted by the IGP following resurgence of cult activities by highly-organised groups in the state. Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojuk-

wu, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said the suspects were undergoing interrogation. According to him, the Special Crack Squad designated for the assignment, on Tuesday, through intelligence, arrested 11 highly placed persons from different locations in the state, who are ring leaders of groups linked to recent cult-related killings. The IGP restated that no criminal, no matter how highly placed, will be

spared in the ongoing efforts to checkmate criminal activities in the state. The police assured that adequate measures would continue to be put in place to ensure safety of lives and property nationwide. The IGP had deployed the special squad to stem the spate of cultism, kidnapping, robberies and other related vices in the state. Arase, a native of Edo State, had expressed serious concern about activities of cultists and other

criminals in the state. The squad is headed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, and comprises units from Police Mobile Force, PMF, Explosives Ordinance Department, EOD, State Anti-Robbery Section, SARS, Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, CIID. Other states under renewed onslaught of violent cult groups include Benue, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

LP faults Metuh’s claims on election rigging in Delta THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

elta State chapter of Labour Party, LP, has cautioned National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Olisa Metuh, against making unsubstantiated claims about the just concluded governorship election in the state. LP said recent statement by Metuh that the All Progressives Congress, APC, was scheming to use judicial pronouncements to upturn election results in the South-South won by PDP was careless, wild and provocative. State Chairman of LP, Chief Tony Ezeagwu, in a statement yesterday said Metuh’s claim that the PDP won the elections in Delta State was nothing but a lie, as there were proof that the election was rigged.

Ezeagwu said: “PDP violently subverted the will of our people, the constitution and the extant laws to be wrongfully declared winner of the elections because a very biased, corrupt and unworthy INEC in Delta State made itself its willing partner.” He insisted that the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, was awarded 724, 680 votes contrary to the 714, 921 accredited voters. “If PDP won the election as Metuh claims, why have they been evading the service of our governorship election petition for more than a week now? Why is Okowa running away from service? Only today (May 14), the election tribunal had to grant our exparte application to serve them by substituted means. No amount of sentiments will stop our commitment to cut off PDP’s evil hands from the state,” LP maintained.

JTF parades 4 youths over piracy OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

A Members of NYSC during the visit of the governing board to Rivers State Camp 3, yesterday.

Delta records 550% IGR increase in five years –Uduaghan THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

elta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday commissioned a six-storey building and 15 zonal revenue houses in three senatorial districts to boost revenue collection in the state. Uduaghan said the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, in the state has increased by 550 per cent in recent years, adding that government was committed in diversifying from a monoeconomy that solely relies on oil revenues. The governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, explained that the state’s Internal Revenue Board headquarters in Warri and 15 zonal

offices across the state have been furnished with ICT and state-of-the-art facilities. According to him, to further boost its revenue profile, the government has signed into law the Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidated Act and formulated a Delta Beyond Oil, DBO, master plan to drive the vision.

Uduaghan said: “We have been working towards diversifying Delta State beyond oil through our internally generated revenue in order to transform all parts of our state and it is with great pleasure within a short time that we have been able to build 15 revenue offices across the state, which include Ovwian, Asaba, Ozoro, Ashaka,

Sapele, among others.” He commended the Joel Thomas-Onowhakpo-led DBIR for living above board in revenue collection in the state. Uduaghan said DBIR was in the forefront of the campaign for a DBO, which the federal and other state governments were already keying into.

17-year-old was among three youths paraded yesterday by the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, Operation Pulo Shield, for alleged involvement in piracy and other forms of criminalities in Bayelsa waterways. The suspects are Robinson Sunday (22), David Mate (21), Jockey Daukoru (17) and 18-year-old Lelegite, who were alledgedly behind most of the dangerous pirate attacks in the state. According to Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign, Lt. Col. Isa Ado, who paraded the suspects on behalf of the JTF Commander, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel

NLC cautions NULGE against unlawful strike

igeria Labour Congress, NLC, Delta State chapter, has cautioned the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, against unlawful protest until issues of welfare of its members were settled. State chairman of the union, Mr. Williams Akporeha, gave the advice

yesterday in a statement to newsmen. He said efforts were being made with relevant government authorities to address the issue of unpaid salaries of local government workers. “We advise all members of NULGE in Delta State to remain calm and law-abiding while efforts are being

made with relevant government authorities on the issue of unpaid salaries,” the statement said. It added that the directive issued earlier by some officials of NULGE for the workers to proceed on indefinite strike should be withdrawn. According to the statement, the procedures lead-

ing to the declaration of strike by a trade union has not been met. While condemning non-payment of workers’ salaries for four months by the relevant government authority, the statement promised that labour would explore necessary procedures for dispute resolution before declaring strike.

Atewe, the four men were arrested at Mbikiri and Nembe 1 communities by troops deployed at Fontua in Brass Local Government. Items recovered from the suspects included one AK47 rifle marked QQ1798, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one G3 rifle, loaded with 7.62mm NATO and one pump action gun loaded with cartridges. Ado stated that the suspects before their arrest were responsible for all the attacks and robbery activities in Mbikiri and Nembe 1 waterways. He said: “These criminals take advantage of the difficult terrain and manoeuvre in the creeks to attack and unleash terror on their victims. However, the concerted efforts of the JTF paid off as they were arrested on Monday, May 11 and the early hours of Tuesday, May 12.” He urged people of the state to always give useful information to enable the outfit track down miscreants in the Niger Delta creeks. He also expressed hope that their arrest would make the waterways safe and conducive for voyage and other economic activities.

North

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Don’t give Nigerians flimsy excuses, govs warn Buhari …ask PDP chairman to resign PRISCILLA DENNIS

utgoing governors of Jigawa and Niger states, Sule Lamido and Babangida Aliyu, have advised the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, not to give flimsy excuses but ensure he fulfills the com-

mitment he made to Nigerians. Lamido, who gave the advice while commissioning N2.59 billion ultra-modern Shiroro bridge in Niger State, explained that Nigerians would not be patient with Buhari, but hold him and the All Progressives Congress, APC, ac-

countable whether the economy is okay or not. According to Lamido, “You (Buhari) must fulfill your promises, because there was no condition given on how to do it. Whether the economy is favourable or not, do not give us any excuse. We will not tolerate any excuses because when

you were asking for votes and making promises, no conditions were given.” Lamido also blamed APC for its campaign strategy, adding that “a party of evil men raised them. Whatever they are, they owe it all to PDP because PDP, one way or the other, brought almost

Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama (middle) with Country Manager, Christian Aid Organisation, Mr. Charles Vsie (right), presenting relief materials to victims of Plateau crisis in Riyom Local Government Area, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Gombe police parade notorious killers WILLIAMS ATTAH GOMBE

ombe State Police Command has paraded a gang of alleged notorious killers with its leader, Adamu Abubakar, who had a price tag on him as a most wanted person. Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Kudu Nma, while briefing journalists, was full of commendation for his men for the numerous breakthroughs his command had been making in crime control, which resulted in the arrest of Abubakar. According to the commissioner, the numerous breakthroughs of the police command led to the arrest of many suspects involved in various crimes, including murder of two persons. He said the arrest of Abubakar was a big feat considering that there was

a price tag on him, including the successful apprehension of four other suspects connected with the killing of Mohammed Bunu, a commercial photographer at Idi Quarters in Gombe, recently. The names of the suspected killers of the photographer were given as Salisu Musa, Umar Mohammed,

Salisu Mohammed and Khaleed Abdulhamid. He explained further that the arrests took place just few days after the murder and that six others connected with another murder in Dawaki Quarters, also in Gombe, of which Adamu Abubakar was the alleged leader. He said they were

prosecuted after the arrest and are now serving various jail terms. “Now that the gang leader has been arrested, the command would arraign him in court as soon as investigation was completed. He has two murder cases to answer to,” the commissioner stated.

all of them into politics. It is time they reflected (on this), because Nigerians will definitely hold them accountable. “They try to turn tribe against tribe, brother against brother, they try to break and distort Nigeria’s harmony raising false hope. They must fulfill all their promises. “Throughout APC’s campaign, they never raised any developmental issues, but were busy harping on the disfunctionalities of the nation, which included Boko Haram, corruption and other security issues.” They also lambasted the Adamu Mu’azu-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying he must throw in the towel and accept defeat for leading the party to a “disastrous defeat” in the general elections. According to Governor Lamido, “it is not time for blame game. It is time to reflect on how to reposition PDP. It is a party of national interest and unity. We should all accept that we made

Police arraign 6 over illegal petrol sale

olice yesterday arraigned six men in Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrate’s Court, Abuja, over illegal sale of petroleum products. The six accused persons of no fixed addresses are Abubakar Mohammed, 24; Aliyu Ahmed, 36; Abdullahi Mohammed, 22; Danjuma Ali, 22; Andrew Nehemiah, 32,

NLC may shutdown airports over unpaid salaries JAMES ABRAHAM JOS

igeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday threatened to shut down airports across the country to compel governors who owe workers salaries to pay without further delay. Yesterday, workers in Plateau State, who are currently on strike over nonpayment of their salaries by government, took the

matter to the House of Assembly in protest. Speaking with journalists, National Vice President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Lucy Offiong, who supervised the workers’ protest in Jos yesterday, said the move was to compel the governors to pay the workers. “Governors, who are among the most frequent users of airports, may need to be deprived of the facility so that they might

be moved to give the workers what is theirs by right,” Offiong said. Also, Plateau NLC Chairman, Comrade Jibrin Bancir, said workers took the protest to the House of Assembly because the House, which passed the state’s budget, with provision for workers’ salaries, should be able to compel the governor, who proposed the budget, to implement it, including payment of workers’ salaries.

mistakes and find ways to correct it in the future.” On the alleged plan to form a new party, Lamido, who was special guest of honour, said: “We have both agreed not to leave PDP. We dey kamkpe for PDP, we dey shelele for PDP.” Governor Aliyu in his speech said: “Sule Lamido, you are not creating any new party. You and your godson will remain in PDP forever. Whoever planted that story has made a mistake because, for us, we have every opportunity to have decamped or defected but did not because we know in political development, particularly in a democracy, defection is not the best way to develop and entrench democracy in any society.” He stated further, “After God has given you 16 years, and now decided to give other people a chance, you should not be annoyed nor show ungratefulness. You should thank God, and in thanking him, do what would make God to be pleased with you.”

“I don’t know what the House of Assembly members are doing to provide relief to the civil servants whose children are out of school and who cannot afford to feed their families. So, we are here to let the House know what workers are going through and to ask the House to prevail on the governor to fulfill his obligations to the workers, including paying their salaries and other outstanding entitlements,” Bancir stated.

and Andrew Simon, 24. The prosecutor, Insp. Albert Okara, told the court that a team of policemen attached to the Central Police Station, Abuja, led by SP Godwin Okpe arrested the accused persons on May 11. Okara said the accused persons were arrested with 19 jerry cans of 25 litres and 13 jerry cans of 10 litres of petrol, suspected to be stolen products. He said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 9 and 10 of Miscellaneous Offences Law of the Federation. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty and Chief Magistrate, Mr Usman Shuaibu, granted them bail in the sum of N50,000 each with a surety each in like sum. Shuaibu ordered that all the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and adjourned the case till June 18 for hearing.

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Politics

Buhari, APC: Nigerians’ll not entertain any excuse for failure

Lagos PDP faction reaffirms chairman’s sack Adeleke Adesanya

faction of Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday reaffirmed the suspension of the party chairman, Mr. Tunji Shelle, stating that his various misdeeds were the major reasons responsible for the party’s woeful performance in the April 11 gubernatorial election. Speaking at a conference held at the party secretariat in Lagos yesterday, where most of the Lagos PDP executive members confirmed to have appended their signature to the notice of removal of Shelle as PDP chairman, state secretary, Mr Wahab Owokoniran, said the decision was purposely to restructure the party for good. Owokoniran also added that Shelle’s suspension as PDP chairman was after investigations into several allegations against him, hence, the quick need for his removal as the arrow head in Lagos State. He said: “Shelle’s removal is nothing but to move this party forward. If you look at it very well, we have lost at both central and state level, which means nothing for us, so, we need someone who can spend his money and all he has to ensure all is well with us.” He further stated that with the state of things in party now, PDP can only survive by giving credence to anyone who can pull the crowd from the grassroots, which he said Olorunoje Owolabi is capable of doing. Lagos PDP Youth Leader, Jide Oladehinde, while addressing members of the party, stated that Shelles’s removal was signed by 40 out of the 49 executive members across the state, explaining that 10 of the state working committee, 10 of the state non working committee, and 14 of local council chairmen supported the move.

Olajide Omojolomoju

ll Progressives Congress, APC, has insisted, for the umpteenth time, that the Goodluck Jonathan administration is not cooperating with its Transition Committee, while describing the Peoples democratic Party, PDP, spokesman, Olisa Metuh as a man with an incurable disdain for the truth. In a statement signed by it National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday in Abuja, APC said: “We say, with all sense of responsibility, that as of today, May 14, just about two weeks to the May 29 handover date, no shred of information as to the status of governance from

FG not cooperating with our transition committee, APC insists •Slams Metuh’s disdain for truth any Ministry, Department or Agency, MDA, of government has been given to our Transition Committee. “If that qualifies, in Metuh’s lexicon, as cooperation, then there is a problem somewhere. We dare Metuh or anyone for that matter, to controvert the fact that not a line of handover note has been handed over to our Transition Committee. Until then, Metuh has egg on his face.” APC restated its earlier advice to Metuh to urgently undertake a crash course on how to be an opposition

party spokesman so he won’t talk or write himself into avoidable trouble in the days ahead. Admonishing Metuh to always cross-check the information available to him in order to separate rumours from facts, APC said had he done that, he would not have issued the statement in which he tried to cast aspersion on the APC by accusing it of “fabricating lies” over the issue of the Jonathan administration’s non-cooperation with APC’s Transition Committee.

Mohammed said: “Metuh decided to put his foot in his mouth when he latched on to the statement made by our Transition Committee chairman, forgetting that in making his statement, the chairman was only acting the statesman that he is by not saying anything that will put the Federal Government in bad light. “A discerning party spokesman, rather than a rabble-rousing one, would have understood the elder statesman’s stand for what it is instead of using it as a peg to issue a needless, hol-

L-R: National President, National Council of Women Societies, NCWS, Chief Nkechi Mba; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, and former National President of the NCWS and member, Board of Trustees, BoT, Hajia Ramatu Usman, during the presentation of award to the First Lady, at the inauguration of NCWS BoT, in Abuja, yesterday.

‘Why Mu’azu must sacrifice to save PDP’ Boladale Bamigbola OSOGBO

sun Renaissance, OR, an Osun Statebased social-political group, yesterday commended the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for being steadfast in managing its affairs, but urged it to quit, if that would save the party from collapse. The group, in a statement signed by its coordinator and secretary, Femi Odofin and Tunde Oladapo respec-

tively, stated that the move by the party’s leadership to investigate what led to its abysmal performance in the general election was in right direction. It however averred that should the consensus opinion of majority members point towards change of leadership as the only means to bring about genuine reconciliation, then PDP National Chairman, Adamu Muazu and his team must be ready to quit to safe the party. Calling for restructuring

of PDP structure at state level across the country, OR stressed that if the present leadership of PDP both at national and Osun State levels truly want the party to last more years, they should be ready to sacrifice, even if it will involve them quitting their present offices The statement reads: “As a group in PDP, we salute efforts of present leadership of the party but to demonstrate their claims of readiness to work for the survival of the party, they should be ready to quit, if

that is the wish of majority members. “There must be sacrifice from all and sundry within the party without minding the position one occupies. We demand total restructuring at all levels to reposition our party for future challenges. “We also urge President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure PDP is properly reorganised before he hands over power on May 29. The party should not be allowed to disintegrate no matter the cost.”

low statement that puts his party and government in bad light. We had decided to allow sleeping dogs to lie, but now that Metuh has stirred the hornet’s nest, it is time to put out the facts for Nigerians to judge. “What happened was that, following the request by our Transition Committee to meet with them, they invited us to what was the first formal meeting between both transition committees. But the meeting was a mere photo-op, as it yielded nothing concrete as far as handover notes are concerned. “In fact, what we met at the so-called meeting was far worse than what we had thought. Whereas we had hoped to get their handover notes on May 14, the date they had indicated to us informally, they told us point blank that the notes won’t be ready until May 24. Because this date falls on a Sunday, that means we won’t be getting the handover notes until May 25, just four days before the May 29 handover date. “How do they honestly expect us to peruse thousands of pages of handover notes, ask pertinent questions and seek necessary clarifications within four days? Because we want a smooth transition, we asked if we could meet with some of the ministers pending the release of the handover notes, but they said no. When one of their members even suggested that the whole process be fast-tracked, they did not budge.” “Despite this set back, we decided not to put the whole issue in the public domain, until babbling Metuh decided to look for trouble, describing the deliberate stonewalling by the Jonathan administration as cooperation.”

Politics

fter a closely contested presidential election on March 28, former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari’s emergence as Presidentelect, brought to an end the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Nigeria. Reactions have however continued to trail this historical development, especially as to whether Buhari’s election was free and fair or not; but while the international community and many Nigerians are of the opinion that the election was credible, some other pro-Goodluck Jonathan, especially from the South-South and South-East geo-political zones of Nigeria counter such view of a credible election. One of such, a driver and pro-Jonathan, speaking on condition of anonymity said: “The presidential election is not credible; there are records of under-aged voting in some parts of the North.’’ An indication of this also was evident in Elder Godsday Orubebe’s public show against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, whom he accused of taking side with the All Progressives Congress, APC, during the collation of the results of the election at the International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja. The just concluded poll was adjudged the most keenly contested election between two strong parties - the ruling PDP and the APC, an opposition which now is becoming the ruling party, in the history of Nigeria. The President-elect, Buhari, in his campaign amongst other things had been particular about stamping out insurgency and fight against corruption, the two key issues which are believed to be the core reasons President Jonathan lost in the March 28 election. Boko Haram insurgency spanned a six-year of relentless attacks on the North-East region, in a bid to establish a caliphate. This prompted the declaration of state of emergency in three states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa and a promise of decisive military action. The abduction of over 200 school girls from Chibok on April 14, 2014, however, attracted international attention, but unfortunately, not until just weeks to the presidential election did the military began real offensive against the insurgents, a development which has led to the rescue of over 1000 women and girls, never even known to have been abducted. Jonathan’s loss in the election has been attributed by many to his failure to defeat the terrorist group and to bring back

Jonathan’s loss in the election has been attributed by many to his failure to defeat the terrorist group and to bring back the

Chibok school girls.

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Buhari, APC: Nigerians’ll not entertain any excuse for failure The failures that characterised the Goodluck Jonathan-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, administration informed the emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as President-elect. ROBERT AWOKUSE, in this report, takes a look at Buhari’s promises for change in the country and their possible achievement.

Buhari

Oyegun

the missing Chibok school girls. Consequently, he has widely been pilloried for his weak policies in combating terrorism. In one of his visits to the worst-hit state, Borno, a few weeks to the general election, he came under intense criticism for his perceived lethargy in dealing with the Boko Haram insurgency, which has ravaged the region. In addition, the level of corruption and impunity that characterised his administration was also major contributor to his defeat. Many cases of money laundering, corruption, theft, were recorded in his government, many of which triggered bitter reactions from Nigerians. General Buhari and the APC subsequently anchored their campaign on issues believed to be sensitive to Nigerians’ plight, chief among which are the promise to stamp out insurgency and wage a decisive battle against the scourge of corruption, which has ravaged the soul of the country.

Buhari ran on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, a party he formed in 2010, running against incumbent President Jonathan as PDP candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria and Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor of Kano State, who ran on ANPP’s platform. Once again, he lost the election to Jonathan, who defeated him with over 10 million votes. In December 2014, he emerged presidential candidate of the opposition APC and went ahead to defeat Jonathan at the March 28 presidential poll with over 2.5 million votes. Buhari went into the history books as not only a candidate who contested for the Presidency the most times, but also as one who defeated an incumbent President.

The man Buhari Born December 17, 1942, Buhari, a retired General in the Nigerian Army was Head of State from December 31, 1983 to August 27, 1985. He introduced the famous War Against Indiscipline, WAI, during his stint as Head of State, bringing some level of sanity to Nigerians’ penchant for jumping queues and doing things wrongly. He ran unsuccessfully for the office of President in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections. In 2003, Buhari ran for president as candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and was defeated by then President Olusegun Obasanjo of the PDP. He again ran on ANPP platform in 2007 and was defeated again by lathe President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who hailed from his home state of Katsina.

Buhari’s agenda The president-elect has reiterated his commitment to fight corruption, which has been described as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into Nigerian fabric. Some say it is an epidemic that spreads like wild fire, which is fast consuming us as a people, calling for its quick containment before it ravaged us all. Sequel to these submissions, most analysts are of the opinion that corruption has become endemic in Nigeria, especially in the last four years. Amongst other things, they recalled the alleged missing $20 billion, the police pension fund fraud, the Stella Oduah scandal of buying two cars for N255 million among other celebrated cases. To most people, the unhealthy developments cast aspersion to the present government which somehow robbed it of some decency. Many continued to bemoan the Jon-

athan-led administration following his insensitivity to corruption and impunity, stressing that it is the worst in the history of Nigeria. Consequently, the incoming government has avowed to give zero tolerance for corrupt practices. Buhari, in one of his statements, said that he wanted men of proven integrity, technically competent and ready to serve not based on pocket enrichment but for the good of Nigeria. He said: “There will be no confusion as to where I stand. Corruption will have no place and the corrupt will not be appointed into my administration. First and foremost, we will plug the holes in the budgetary process. Revenue producing entities such as Nigerian National petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and Customs and Excise will have one set of books only. Their revenues will be publicly disclosed and regularly audited. The institutions of state dedicated to fighting corruption will be given independence and prosecutorial authority without political interference.” To this end, he maintained that his asset and that of his cabinet members will be declared in order to entrench transparency. In addition, a proposition to cut the cost of National Assembly may be considered, a development many believe will be gladly applauded, especially as the world is witnessing a fall in the prices of oil. Also, the Buhari administration has promised to take stiffer measures against insecurity. In an address in London, Buhari’s agenda as he told the world centred on three issues: insecurity, economy and unemployment. He had said: “Let me assure you that if I am elected president, the world will have no cause to worry about Nigeria as it has had to recently; that Nigeria will return to its stabilising role in West Africa; and that no inch of Nigerian territory will ever be lost to the enemy because we will pay special attention to the welfare of our soldiers in and out of service. “We will give them adequate and modern arms and ammunition to work with, we will improve intelligence gathering and border controls to choke Boko Haram’s financial and equipment channels. “We will be tough on terrorism and tough on its root causes by initiating a comprehensive economic development plan promoting infrastructural development, job creation, agriculture and industry in the affected areas. We will always act on time and not allow problems to irresponsibly fester, and I, Muhammadu Buhari, will always lead from the front and return Nigeria to its leadership role in regional and international efforts to combat terrorism.” On the issue of unemployment, the inCONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Politics

Friday, May 15, 2015

Buhari, APC: Nigerians’ll not entertain any excuse for failure CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

coming administration promised to provide job for the youths. Today, the rate of unemployment is worrisome, especially as economic downturn is ravaging the world. This is one of the areas Jonathan has failed, hence incuring anger from many youths. Despite the efforts of the government at providing jobs, the rate of unemployment is growing geometrically by the day and to say the least, Nigerians especially, the youths are not particularly happy. PDP’s failures and the need for change thus became necessary. Buhari however assured Nigerians, especially the youths of massive job creation for gainful employment. In addition, payment for youths who have completed the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC will be effected. In addressing the issue of economic meltdown, the incoming Buhari government said it will put in place necessary mechanism and policies that will foster economic growth. According to him, “in reforming the economy, we will use savings that arise from blocking these leakages and the proceeds recovered from corruption to fund our party’s social investments programmes in education, health, and safety nets such as free school meals for children, emergency public works for unemployed youth and pensions for the elderly. “In the face of dwindling revenues, a good place to start the repositioning of Nigeria’s economy is to swiftly tackle two

Many opined that Buhari is a man of integrity, who has no tolerance for corruption, hence optimistic he will deliver.

Some recall his antecedent when he was in service of fatherland. Tinubu

ills that have ballooned under the present administration: waste and corruption. And in doing this, I will, if elected, lead the way, with the force of personal example.” Buhari emphasised the maintenance of our refineries to function full capacity. Obviously, the refineries are in terrible shape and putting them back in order will permanently address the incessant fuel scarcity that has become the order of the day. This will also reduce the pump price of refined products. In the same vein, the incoming government stressed that the erratic power sup-

ntil recently, there was relative peace in Riyom and all of a sudden, the peace was shattered. What is actually responsible for the killings this time around? I would be lying if I tell you that I know the reason for the sudden return of violence in Riyom Local Government Area. It is even more baffling when you also consider that for some time now, there had been relative peace and all of a sudden, the people became objects of attacks and killings with their houses burnt and properties ether looted or destroyed. Just in the past two weeks, attacks have been carried out in many villages and in Farin Lamba, Tahoss, Rahoss alone, more than 200 women from these areas are now camping in different locations within the council and in Sopp village alone, about 1470 have also been displaced. It is quite unfortunate that this is happening despite our efforts to ensure peace in the council. How true is the notion that the crisis between natives and Fulani herdsmen is caused by cattle rustling? I want to tell you that no one in Riyom has stolen Fulani cows. Rather, all the natives and farmers who have cows have had them stolen by the herdsmen during their raids on the natives. If they tell you that Fulanis attack only when their cows are stolen, I don’t think so. I will rather say that the attacks are a form of terrorism aimed at dispossessing the natives their farm lands and acquiring them at the same. If not, why should the gunmen be interested in occupying areas where they have killed the original owners and those who escaped are never allowed to return to their ancestral lands. So, it’s obvious that some people just want to force people out of their land to be able to acquire them. I don’t think it is an issue of cattle rustling. As the Chief Security Officer of Riyom, what is the council doing to stem the tide of insecurity in your domain? As a local government, we have been doing our best to bring the ugly situation to an end. For instance, we have been in talking terms with the Fulani leaders, discussing peace except the Ardos, who are yet to honour such invitation. We also identify with them during their festive pe-

ply in Nigeria will be a thing of the past. Buhari and the APC assured Nigerians that power problem will be fixed, adding that saboteurs will not have a place in the government. All these and many more, which are the bane of the Nigerian nation are what the incoming government is planning to salvage. Many opined that Buhari is a man of integrity, who has no tolerance for corruption, hence optimistic he will deliver. Some recall his antecedent when he was in service of fatherland. According to them when he was the Head of State his

economic policies saw the rebuilt of the social-political and economic systems, along the realities of Nigeria’s austere economic conditions.The rebuilding included removing or cutting back the excesses in national expenditure, obliterating or removing completely corruption from the nation’s social ethics, shifting from mainly public sector employment to self-employment. Analysts also averred that that his role as the chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, a body created by the government of late General Sani Abacha, and funded from the revenue generated by the increase in price of petroleum products, to pursue developmental projects around the country, was equally commendable. It will be recalled that a 1998 report in New African praised the PTF under Buhari for its transparency, calling it a rare “success story”. However, the same report also noted that critics had questioned the PTF’s allocation of 20 per cent of its resources to the military, which the critics feared would not be accountable for the revenue. Will Buhari walk his talk? Nigerians await his inauguration and surely, they would hold him accountable for all his pledges. No doubt the challenges are enormous, but Nigerians will not entertain any excuse for failure to deliver. The question on the lips of many analysts and political pundits is: can he tackle these myriad challenges confronting the country, which the PDP for 16 years has failed to solve? Only time will tell.

Fulani attacks in Riyom are acts of terrorism –Piyo

Hon. Mrs Josephıne Piyo is the chairperson of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, which has had its fair share of violence. She reveals to JAMES ABRAHAM why the crisis persists and what needs to be done to end the blood bath in her domain. Excerpts: election and since then, we have not stayed up to three days without an attack on one village or the other. Sometimes they do this by ambush. In Rim village, the attack lasted for more than 24 hours and moved to Bangai before they were repelled by members of the STF. What they do is to first loot the properties of the villagers and then proceed to burn down their homes.

Piyo

riods by providing them with some materials. We have also sponsored some of them to the holy pilgrimage. We have also called several stakeholders meetings and have been working with members of the Special Task Force, STF, and other peace workers to ensure that peace reigns in the area but the Ardos has never been part of such meetings despite being invited; all these and many more show that we are ready to make peace, but we have not received enough cooperation from them. The latest attacks and killings started about two days to the gubernatorial election and about four villages were raided simultaneously. The attacks continued after the

What do you think should be done to bring permanent solution to the problem? One thing that baffles me is that when the Fulanis are grazing, they graze very close to residential buildings and they are heavily armed. They also graze on farm lands. This thing has been going on and we have evidences. Grazing should not be done that way because it sometimes fuels the crisis. When you talk to them, they began to shoot. Again, I want to commend the STF personnel for their peace efforts in the state but I think they need to do more. One thing I know is that if they are determined to bring the situation to an end, I think they can do it. The starting point should be to ensure that they go after whoever is found violating the laws of the land and make sure that trouble makers are punished to serve as a deterrent to others. I also want to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to come to our aid. Let human right bodies visit the council and see for themselves the high level of man’s inhumanity to their fellow human beings. There is the need to stop these mass killings of innocent people and help the helpless people of Riyom, because they are living in pains and agony on daily basis. As it is, they cannot move from one village to the other as a result of insecurity; they cannot go to their farms.

Editorial

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All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, CFR PUBLISHER

SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO SEYI FASUGBA DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR BEN MEMULETIWON GENERAL EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Governors and unpaid workers’ salaries

ecently, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) governors met with the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retired), in Abuja, lamenting their frustrations and inability to pay workers’ salaries and appealing for a bail-out of the 36 state governments after his inauguration on May 29. “…As it stands today, most states of the federation have not been able to pay salaries; and even the Federal Government has not paid April salaries…”, they were quoted as saying. But the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in response, said governors of cash-strapped states should be blamed for the development, because they were told through the Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal and Allocation Commission (RMFAC) to make wage payment a priority. The minister said contrary to the “misinformation being put forward by certain governors to the effect that federal workers are being owed, staff salaries at the federal level are up-to-date…workers have received their April salaries”. Four years ago (November 2011), the Senate had raised the alarm that most state governments were going broke, a development the upper legislature attributed to growing wage bills and low revenue allocation from

the Federation Account. Complicating the matter, according to the Senate, was the implementation of the N18, 000 monthly minimum wage approved by former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration. Indeed, for close to a year now, revenue allocation to states from the Federation Account has been on the decline. Now made worse by the persisting slump in oil prices and naira devaluation, Okonjo-Iweala points to a 50 per cent drop in revenues, which, according to her, simply means that salaries should be prioritised. Reports as at 2014 year end indicated that workers across the country were contending with backlog of unpaid salaries as at December that year. A statement issued in Kaduna by the then Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Issa Aremu had complained about the nonpayment of workers’ salaries in 22 states in the country. That number must have increased about now, particularly as some states must have stretched their resources to the limit during the just concluded general elections. It is claimed, for instance, that some states owe workers five months’ salary arrears or more. There were, indeed, reports that workers in debtor states might proceed on strike beginning from this week; as the Comrade Ayuba Wabba-led NLC was said to have directed state

THE BEST BET FOR ANY STATE THAT WANTS TO SURVIVE IS TO ESTABLISH INDEPENDENT SOURCES OF REVENUE councils in the affected states to hold their governors responsible for the delay in salary payment. Even being contested is OkonjoIweala’s claim that all federal workers have been settled. The situation has remained grim and regrettable; and it ought to be remedied immediately, if wishes were horses. But as we have repeatedly argued, Section 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered) defines Nigeria as a federation consisting of states and a Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A federation implies a government in which power is shared between a government at the centre and the constituent units that make up the federation, in this case states/local governments. Under such a setting, states are expected to fend for themselves financially, independent of the government at the federal level. Such was the arrangement during the First Republic until the military intervention into politics on January 15, 1966 turned the country into a unitary state that pays mere

ON THIS DAY May 15, 1991 Edith Cresson was appointed France’s first female prime minister by President Francois Mitterrand. Cresson (January 27, 1934) is a French politician. She was the first and, so far, only woman to have held the office of Prime Minister of France. She soon became strongly unpopular among the electorate and had to leave office after less than one year, following the Socialists’ poor showing in France’s 1992 regional elections.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

May 15, 2010 Jessica Watson became the youngest person to sail, non-stop and unassisted, around the world solo. Watson (born May 18, 1993) is an Australian sailor. She resides in Buderim, Queensland. In May 2010, she unofficially became the youngest person to sail non-stop and unassisted around the world, although her route did not meet World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) criteria for circumnavigation of the globe.

lip service to federalism and all it entails. States have since then been depending heavily on the statutory monthly allocation from the Federation Account, a development that nurtures their penchant for being spoon-fed, instead of scouting for alternative sources of revenue and being prudent with staff recruitment. Bloated recurrent expenditure, fraud, outright looting by some reckless governors, poor accounting system, which permits huge waste; and off-the-mark priorities are some of the inherent problems dogging most of the states presently. For any reprieve to come their way, therefore, the aforementioned setbacks would need to be frontally confronted. Borrowing from commercial banks to run government and pay salaries, as some states are being tempted to do, will worsen their predicament. It amplifies how unviable such states have become. Consequently, even under the subsisting federalist hypocrisy, the ultimate bet for any state that wants to survive is to establish independent sources of revenue, as well as taking deliberate steps to cut down on recurrent expenditure, pending when the country decides to face up to the realities of fiscal federalism and the indestructibility of the derivation principle in revenue sharing.

x May 15, 2013 From May 15 to 21, 2013, a series of deadly bombings and shootings struck the central and northern parts of Iraq, with a few incidents occurring in towns in the south and far west as well. The attacks killed at least 449 people and left 732 others injured in one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence in years. A total of nine car bombs struck the capital Baghdad, killing 23 people and injuring 108 others, for example.

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Still on the unprincipled political defection NEW HORIZON Wale Ajao With

waleajao2002@yahoo.com, 08023112006 (sms only)

his might be the right time to defect; if you do not do it now, it will be too late. It is all about having a share in the various positions being shared? The idea is, you just have to belong to the right party or group or caucus before you can be considered. This is the tradition in this country. It happens in business. It happens in politics. The entire social relation is influenced by who you know and where you come from. We are not saying what you can do does not count. Nobody is saying your credentials do not matter. We all know, however, that no matter how good you are, if you cannot pull the right strings, press the right buttons, know those who matter, or if you come from the minority of the minorities, then you may not get what should belong to you. In this country we always see things in ethnic, religious or geo-political perspective. We easily narrow down serious issues to who is in power and where the man or woman comes from. We often

quickly remember the leader’s faith or home town. All these happen because we are primarily motivated by what we can get from our country. What share of the national cake we are able to corner while in office matters more than the service to be rendered. We worry less about what we can do to make our country better. We dwell more on what we can get from government or public service or community or church service. This is the pervasive orientation. It has become a sort of tradition. It is happening everywhere, including the home front. This was why one was not surprised when a friend narrated his experience recently. He is a teacher in Oyo State. The state government owes the teachers three months salary. Therefore, my friend has not been up to task in terms of giving feeding allowance to his wife. He told me how one evening madam called him and declared “be careful, all these stories about government owing you this and that salary and so on, I’m tired of all that stuff. If you cannot feed your family, myself and my children will consider, the idea of defection.” My friend dared not give fire for fire. He pleaded for understanding from his wife and promised to find solution. In virtually all the states where workers are coping with delayed or non-payment of salaries, many of the heads of

WITH CREDIBLE AND TRANSPARENT LEADERSHIP WE WILL BE ABLE TO BUILD A BALANCED FEDERATION the family are really under pressure. Many husbands must have been getting threats of ‘defection’ from their wives. Just as many families are waiting for the governors to fulfill their promises of settling the workers, the whole nation is waiting for the President-elect to fulfill his promises. Since the people elected General Muhammadu Buhari, he has become a national rallying point. He might very soon face the threat of defection if he cannot live up to the expectations of the people. Everyone hopes that Buhari will deliver. He is seen as a leader who is not corrupt. This is why everyone who is someone is calling on the President-elect to keep his promises. He must not fail to perform. He cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians. As wives are giving their husbands the benefit of the doubt, Nigerians are waiting. If after May 29th, President Buhari begins to fumble, then we can

see another type of defection. This time around it won’t be the career politicians crossing from the PDP to APC in search of greener pastures. It is the people who will be anxiously waiting for 2019 when APC will be massively voted out. For now, that scenario is unlikely. Buhari has experience, and we all hope he would make the difference. He needs to take us out of geopolitical calculations in deciding things in the country. We hope he will not see himself as a leader of the North. He will be smart enough to check the bootlickers and praise singers usually at the corridors of power. With credible and transparent leadership we will be able to build a balanced federation. We will be in a position to give adequate regard to merit. Service to our fatherland will be our priority, and when that happens we will get into the era of service. The season of defections motivated by desperate search for bread and butter will hopefully be a thing of the past. The entire society needs value re-orientation. The massive defection from PDP to APC is a symptom of the collapse of our value system. Our politicians need to realize the need for political parties to keep to clear cut ideology, programmes, manifestoes and core values. Cross carpeting at random is a form of myopia which will take time before it is healed.

A review of the Sambisa Forest imbroglio

ntelligence gathering process is the end product of analytic procedures within the law enforcement domain. It includes the collection and assessment of information about organized crimes and/or criminal enterprises such as the Boko Haram-induced insurgency. Several intelligence disciplines are used to gather information about the enemies. These disciplines include human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), imagery intelligence (IMINT), measurement and signatures intelligence (MASINT), technical intelligence (TECHINT) and open source intelligence (OSINT). In this edition, the author will concentrate on the imagery aspect of intelligence gathering by the Nigerian Air force. The idea of collecting information from the air about activities on the ground goes back over a hundred years and did not start with tracking Osama bin Laden or the Boko Haram sect. Using balloons, early aircrafts and pioneers of what has since been called aerial reconnaissance, found that as an extension of a high hill or tall tower, machines that enlarged the view of the earth below were incomparable. By World War I, aircraft observers were regularly scanning enemy’s areas for the movements of troops and supplies. Intelligence was felt to be something that should be protected from the enemy. It was not a good thing to let your enemy know exactly how much you knew about him. New remote sensing technologies, borne of scientific research and not of national security concerns, have become widely understood. Infrared, multispectral sensor data and other types, collected from both aircraft and

THE ROLE OF THE AIR FORCE ON THIS WAR LATELY HAS BECOME EVEN MORE IMPORTANT AS WE MOVE INTO THE FUTURE earth satellites have in recent years moved out of their technologist’s hobby shops into the world of useful applications. I will begin by emphasizing that the panoply of imagery intelligence is playing a critical role in pinpointing the BH members and their way about in the Sambisa Forest. The role of the Air Force on this war lately has become even more important as we move into the future. Although, we may be plagued with serious processing deficiencies as was the case in the overseas war on Al Qaeda and other associated movements, however, reasonable amount of progress has been recorded with over seven hundred people rescued. Whilst this imagery intelligence (IMINT) has unquestionably been valuable in locating individual terrorists and terrorist training facilities, safe house, etc, there is just so much of it that needed to be correlated to other intelligence gathering mechanisms such as (SIGINT, HUMINT, TECHINT, OSINT, and MASINT etc) that we just cannot process all of it as quickly as needed to be. Success will depend on the commitment being exercised by the personnel responsible for processing and analyzing this information. With regards to tracking the Boko Haram

insurgents in Sambisa Forest, it should be noted that probably only about half of all the intelligence that is collected may be capable of being fully exploited due to clarity challenge during analysis. Furthermore, we may find ourselves in no distant future swimming in sensors and drowning in data due to the revolving nature of technologies in the 21st century. Being able to quickly and effectively synthesize the tsunami of imagery, including full-motion video (FMV) that is being collected with the dizzying onslaught of SIGNIT and HUMINT, getting them disseminated to the people who needed it has become one of major challenges. With regard to tracking the BH members, especially in real-time using FMV for example, we got to have enough trained analysts that will physically monitor all the disparate video streams, and there could be lots of them depending on the BH changing their movement, modus operandi and circumstances. Capable personnel must have the full-time job of watching FMV frame by frame, identifying threats, building patterns of life and fusing that with other sources of intelligence so that it will be actionable by our ground forces with a high degree of confidence to rescue further hostages including the Chibok girls. But with analysts in many instances needing to quickly weld IMINT and other techniques together, the process will somehow have to be automated. Among the crucial problems facing us is lack of processing capability of enormous amount of data that may be collected. Further complicating matters other than the landmines hindering the foot soldiers from making more advances

Counter-terrorism Tips With

Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only) in Sambisa Forest may include shortage of analytical staff with the required skill sets, thus raising the risk that important information may not be available to commanders in a timely manner. To buttress the importance of imagery intelligence gathering techniques in a counterterrorism situation, study showed that IMINT was the determining technique used during the Iraqi weapons of mass destruction (WMD) search to support the military operations. It required imagery assets to be more efficient and effective in locating Sadam Hussain. Having identified a vulnerability to the communications infrastructure network and die hard attitude of the BH sect, the Nigeria Air Force has taking steps to mitigate the risk posed by man-made disruption to our peaceful way of life, but it has not formalized a plan in the near term to provide for the continuity of operations in the event of a further disruption or fresh enemies. Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs. Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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Friday, May 15, 2015

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Nigeria back on track

S Let GMB bring back Ribadu to EFCC

r. President-elect, I am using this medium as a patriotic Nigerian to call on you to #BringBackNuhuRibadu to finish the “unfinished” job in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was unfortunately humiliated by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who was misled by the duo of Chief James Ibori and Michael Aondoakaa. Rubadu may not want to do the “dirty” job again, but you can get him stage a “come back” as you do now as the incoming President of Nigeria. You need him for the reinvigorated fight against corruption in the country. Ribadu is perhaps the best in the field for some of the following reasons: i. He possesses enormous “dossiers” on most corruption cases/ charges ever investigated in Nigeria, including the fuel subsidy scams unveiled since 2012, but whose reports have been consigned to history. ii. He’s the first and most nationally and internationally acclaimed head of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) and the job earned him numerous awards, testimonies to his integrity, competency and achievements in the intelligence field. iii. If he stages a comeback, with his integrity, competency and acclamation, EFCC can easily re-establish contacts with the global intelligence community. He does not need any learning process to finish old and handle new corruption cases. iv. He needs urgent rehabilitation just as the late General Sani Abacha did to you (GMB) through the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF) job. v. The name Nuhu Ribadu may be the last the political class and other corrupt individuals and institutions want to hear as the Czar of the EFCC under your administration. Sir, for optimal efficiency on the job, give him total support, more than he ever got from Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to operate under the confine of the laws of the land and the EFCC Act. As an appreciation of his past meritorious service to the nation, Ribadu should be given a national honour/award as a moral tonic. Now GMB, #BringBackNuhuRibadu to EFCC. Hassan Garba Yar’Adua (mni), Kaduna.

Letters to the Editor

ignificant security improvement is expected after the recent movement against Boko Haram before the 2015 elections. Insurgent attacks will not be entirely eradicated, but it is likely that their grip on the northern parts of the country may be considerably weaker. The commitment to eradicating the terrorist threat is seen as a strong positive message to potential investors, and especially those involved in the oil industry in the northern states of Nigeria. After the elections, the new government has sworn to

strongly support the eradication of corruption in the oil industry, which is claiming billions of dollars in losses each year. Corruption has also resulted in disinvestment into the oil sector, with Royal Dutch Shell, along with France’s Total and the Italian multinational ENI, all taking steps to reduce their exposure in Nigeria. Shell, who had suffered incredible losses from the effects of prolonged theft, and related vandalism of their onshore oil assets, decided to sell off $5 billion in oilfields in 2014. The outlook for the oil indus-

try, however, is becoming more positive after the elections. Involvement of the private sector in Nigeria is also expected to increase, notes Frost & Sullivan, with the government pushing for a strategy of energy diversification, involving the privatisation of the power sector. In the past, the newly elected president, Buhari, led a significant solar campaign when he was a General. His positive sentiment to renewable energy is expected to improve the government’s commitment to investment into the energy industry.

Despite the challenges of a declining oil industry in the country, and the decline in the oil price, economic diversification has been a significant driver of socio-economic development. Declining oil prices have allowed the government to support economic diversification by pushing strategic export products. Growth in the non-oil sector has been significant in the last few years, with non-oil exports increasing by 250% from 2008 to 2012, with a continuing trend in 2013 and 2014. Despite a number of challenges and a measure of uncertainty, Nigeria is still ripe for investment, due to positive signals from the new government. Craig Parker, Senior Economic Consultant at Frost & Sullivan Africa, Cape Coast, South Africa.

Barnabas Gemade as Senate President!

MOTHER AND CHILD: Replacing the lost energy.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Anarchy in Rivers State judiciary

or almost a year now, the judiciary system in Rivers State has been paralysed because of the political rascality and lawlessness of the APC led administration in that state. The situation is particularly worrisome because dispensation of justice has been subverted and the masses have no access to the court, which has been under lock and key in a democratic government! In Rivers State; criminality is the order of the day because there is no court to administer justice. The most disturbing phenomenon is that the LagosIbadan axis of the Nigerian press has kept mum simply because APC state is involved. It is common knowledge that the press in that axis finds it convenient to compromise and connive at the illegality in APC states, while they shout hoarse if PDP state is involved. What a balanced reporting!

The Lagos-Ibadan press has been vociferous and critical about the political situation in Ekiti State. The newspapers have been awashed with screaming headlines and editorial opinions portraying the state in bad light. Ekiti State being a PDP state has attracted damaging criticisms from that section of the press to satisfy their paymasters. The minor issue in the state legislature is over dramatized. The ill-fated orchestrated impeachment plot of the APC lawmakers against Governor Ayodele Fayose has enjoyed the tacit support and approval of that section of the press through the manner of reportage. My clarion call on APC and its cohorts masquerading in whatever guise is to be more concerned with the situation in Rivers State. The party should beam its searchlight on the horrendous spectacle in that

state judiciary and its crippling effects on the common masses rather than firing arsenal at Ekiti State. Ekiti is enjoying peace and stability under the purposeful leadership of Governor Ayo Fayose. The state legislature is having robust engagement with the executive. Governor Amaechi’s tyranny on the judiciary in Rivers State should be more worrisome to all lovers of democracy. His party, the APC, should call him to order. The APC should be more concerned with the log in its eyes than the specs in another man’s eyes. The party should leave Ekiti State alone and reserve its energy for 2018 election. Those who seek power by riding the back of the tiger, end up shamefully inside. A word is enough for the wise. Rt Hon. Dele Olugbemi, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly.

have been following with ardent interest the discussions in regards to who should be the senate president during the 8th National Assembly. Candidates have been already endorsed by various individuals, institutions, groups etc. But what mystifies me is that the name of Senator (Dr.) Barnabas Gemade, who has served this nation in various capacities and has demonstrated good leadership, has not been mentioned by anyone or groups for this all powerful position. Majority of the people who are endorsing candidates for the senate presidency is looking at who contributed more for APC’s victory, or who has spent more years in APC, or who among APC senator has spent more years in the Senate. I heard some people saying that Senator Akume should be compensated due to the fact that he once contested for senate presidency but failed. Senator Barnabas Gemade is a perfect gentleman and has demonstrated this virtue when he was the National Chairman of PDP. When Dr. Audu Ogbeh became interested in ousting him from the position, Gemade quietly step down for him. After that, the PDP neglected him; but in 2011 his statesmanship quality made the people of Benue North East Senatorial District to send him to the National Assembly to represent them. Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja.

Send your letters The Editor reserves thethe right letters or or mails mailsto toPMB PMB10001, 10001,Ikoyi, Ikoyi,or orour our Email: Email:mirrorlagos@yahoo.com mirrorlagos@yahoo.comand andinfo@nationalmirroronline.net info@nationalmirroronline.netoror08056180209, 08054103275,07033375481 07033375481(SMS (SMSonly). only). The Editor reserves right to to edit and reject letters photographs. Psuedonyms may used, must clearly marked such. edit and reject letters or or photographs. Psuedonyms may bebe used, butbut must bebe clearly marked asas such.

here will be the Nigerian first ever hair expo which is geared towards artistic and stylish display of hairs. The event will hold at Federal Palace Hotel, 6 - 8 Ahmadu Bello Way, on Saturday May 16th 2015 at 11:00 AM. The event will be featuring the sensational beauty glamour Felicia Leatherwood, Obiah Ewah, Nibi Lawson, Ngozi Opara, Cassidy Blackwell, Wunmi Akiniagun, and Ijeoma Ebo.

Saturday Nightlife at MVP, Lagos

oin DJ Tony on Saturday 16th, May 2015 for fun and entertainment capital. Saturday Night Lounge is usually a place where artist gathers to meet and relax during the weekend.DJ Tony will be there on the music side to provide the best tunes from across the following genres, Old School, Disco, Funk, Hip-hop, Soul, R&B. This event will take place at MVP Lagos.

Dadu

Akwashiki

MOPICON, the Minister said will provide the basis of who to practice

P. 32-33

Arty News

ith a few days remaining for the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration to vacate office, Nigeria’s Information Minister, Senator Patricia Akwashiki has said that Nigeria’s Motion Picture Industry will continue to wallow in some of the challenges inherent in the sector, except it is regulated. kwashiki on a visit to the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) Jos, on Tuesday 12th May, 2015 said that, the practices of filmmaking should no longer be unregulated. The sector, she said must come under regulation to enable its potentials be adequately harnessed for growth and development. The take off of the Motion Picture Practitioners Council (MOPICON) she therefore said, is long overdue. MOPICON, the Minister said will provide the basis of who to practice the art and business of filmmaking in Nigeria, which has been suffering from content, technical competencies and advancement, despite its achievements. The Bongos Ikwue led Board of Directors of the Nigerian Film Corporation was also commended for its endorsement of the takeoff of the MOPICON. Senator Akwashiki, whose itinerary included her attendance of the 2014 /2015 Matriculation of the National Film Institute (NFI) Jos, commended the management of the Nigerian Film Corporation and University of Jos for sustaining the needed partnership in film training for Nigerians. In her address at the Matriculation Ceremony, the Information Minister said the Nigerian Film Sector was equally set to maximise its full potentials as one of the world’s greatest Film Industry with its admission as the second African nation into the prestigious International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF) since 2011. ‘’Domestic and foreign windows of opportunity, partnerships and collaborations shall continue to receive appropriate endorsement by government’’, she said. Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Prof. Hayford Mafuyai, said the partnership between the University of Jos and the National Film Institute has increased the fortunes of both institutions and the opportunity for research and studies in Film Production. University of Jos, he said, will continue to provide the enabling environment for a sustainable Affiliation of the National Film Institute to

the art and business of filmmaking

Nigeria, which has been suffering from content, technical competencies and advancement, despite its in

achievements University of Jos. Chairman, Governing Council of the National Film Institute and Managing Director, NFC, Danjuma Dadu, addressing the 162 students who matriculated, said the Institutes philosophy was to train job creators and not job seekers. Places visited by the Honourable Minister included the sound stage, equipment storage and the recording studio of the National Film Institute and the Permanent Site and Headquarters of the Nigerian Film Corporation, all in Jos. At the permanent site, NFC boss informed the Honourable Minister that the land which measures 160.5 hectares was acquired from Plateau State Government and the Corporation efforts in providing the approved designed infrastructure at the site has been hampered by funds. The Private Public Partnership (PPP) option, Dadu said was being explored to enable the Corporation grapple with the problems of infrastructural development at the permanent site. At the headquarters of the Corpo-

ration, the Minister, amongst others places visited the newly installed ultra modern editing suite that is over compliant with the digital migration from analogue to digital broadcast transmission. The edit suite, an Apple 4k workstation, whose capacity and features are incredibly spectacular, has six thunderbolt 2 ports and can connect to SAN or fast local RAID storage. Other features include accelerated effects, optical flow analysis, video export, AMD FirePro with the capacity to deliver 24 virtual cores in Audio. The editing suite Dadu said will be commercialised under a Special Purpose Vehicle. Despite the activities of the Nigerian Film Corporation since its establishment in 1979, lack of capacity to enforce existing film policies, uncertainties of Government policy thrusts on motion picture, industry association and guilds fragmentation, resistances of filmmakers to be regulated, absence of support systems and film production infrastructure, piracy, film distribution and marketing and the obsolete Nigerian Film Corporation Act, Dadu said are some of the challenges being faced by the Corporation.

P. 22-23

Natural hair show in Lagos

Regina Otokpa

Critics

here will be solid artistic performance at Top Naija Music Awards Presentation Ceremony as Korede Bello, Lolo, Shan Goerge and Monica Ogah will be there to thrill the audience with a grand performance by Sammie Okposo. The event will hold at 4, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on the 17th of May 2015 at 05:00.

Nollywood: Minister makes case for MOPICON bill

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WEEKEND STARTERS Music with Sammie Okposo

16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND

Artman

Friday, May 15, 2015

Flavour

Inside FCT P. 24-25

Your

FRIDAY

Artman In The House

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Don’t go into music Nanmwa Cheto aka Nannio in the music world is an upcoming label head who runs the 3rd World Music stable. Born to parents Jimmy and Hannatu Cheto in Jos and currently residing in London, he plans to bring 3rd World Music to Nigeria. Ganesh Singaram has been working within the music industry for over 10-years, he started off his engineering career working in a world-class recording studio based in Sydney, Australia called “Electric Avenue”. In this interview with Regina Otokpa, they explained why they want to bring their wealth of talent to Nigeria. Excerpts:

How can the Nigerian upcoming artistes benefit from your wealth of knowledge as a producer/engineer? Ganesh: I have been working within the music industry for over 10-years now as an engineer and producer, working with Grammy award winning artistes. I have learnt from some of the best producers in the world, some of which have worked with the Beatles, Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Gwen Stefani, Black Eyed Peas, Janet Jackson and many more. There is so much talent and great music coming out of Nigeria at the moment; it is truly amazing to witness. I think with the skills and experience I have gathered over the years, I can add to this movement and bring the music to life and place upcoming Nigerian artistes on the international sound stage. I have the ability to take a song from its essence and production to make it a completed image of what the people want to hear. I have worked with an amazing new Nigerian Record Label coming up, called 3rd World Music Entertainment. They have an amazing roster of talented artistes. We recently completed an EP together and have recorded and mixed it in one of London’s most prestigious studio. Partnering up together with these artistes, have really brought them to the international sound we were going for. What motivated you into music? Nannio: I’ve always been a lover of music, different styles. I would find myself listening to music on the radio or on my walkman CD player at the time, remember them? What would happen to me when I heard tracks was I would find myself completing the lyrics or adding melodies. So as very young age, even though I was a very shy child I would say music was my solace. My parents used to pay for music lessons for me and my siblings. My main motivation I would say is to come in and make a mark, I really like to entertain people. I like knowing that people are having a good time, am a very ambitious person. So my motivation is to see 3rd World Music, I mean the name itself I believe is a badge of honour. If you look at it for so long 3rd World is a word attached to negative stigma or connotation. So my idea is to use that and show the world that we from the 3rd World are great

and we don’t have to rely on foreign aid but we can better ourselves using our skills and knowledge. What is the best piece of advice you can give to an artiste heading to a recording session for the first time? Ganesh: The best piece of advice is to be prepared. I think doing as much preparation before your session is the key. I’ve done many sessions where artistes will come in and are not quite ready. You can see it as they are still working on parts, delivery and sometimes even structure. Studios can be intimidating for the first time as you feel like you’re under a microscope - you can hear every detail, every breath, every lip smack - it can get to you. So one thing to help you get over that is being prepared and coming in and saying “let’s go!!” Be confident with what your about to do. After that it’s just getting used to the environment and the recording process, which is great fun. Another thing is probably not to have a big night before and come in hungover (laughs) How far have you gone with your label? Nannio: The label itself is at its inception, we just starting out. This is why I believe people should know and here about us. We have a song out we did recently called ‘about us’, it is more a less about who we are. It’s not a dance or party track it’s a track we want what we regard as the core underground of music in Nigeria to get familiar with us. The label itself is something I want to have different sounds and I strongly believe my guys have the capabilities to deliver. As the year draws to a close I think a lot of Nigerian music fans will start to see more visibility from us. I believe we are here to stay and we want to contribute to our great nation.

Nannio

Who is your ideal artiste to record? Ganesh: My ideal artist is for someone who can make me listen to them again and again. I love hearing an artist, which can make me move on the dance floor and emotionally. There are so many talented people out there; it’s great to be in a position to hear the magic when it happens. This is a little deep but I think with music you shouldn’t go in with expectations. Someone can blow you away at any moment, so just live and be there in the moment. Ganesh, what makes a great artist/band? For me what makes a good artist/band is to have something special about them, something that draws you in wanting more.

This can be a combination of a great song, an amazing voice, lyrics, emotional, connection, emotional delivery, melodies, riffs, hooks and a general vibe around which they are. I’ve been very fortunate to work with great talent in the studio, they just come in and, for the first time, I listen to them sing/ play. I leave with a great big smile, thinking WOW!! That’s what music is all about! They probably look at me thinking this guy is a little crazy, what’s he smiling at?? But in the end, music is all about moments, you hear a song and it invokes a feeling. A great artist/band will draw that out of you no matter how hard you try to fight it. You are doing well in the UK, why still wanting to break through the Nigerian market?

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Artman In The House

with expectations

h s e n a G / o i n n a N –

best result possible possible, editing timing timing, p pitch correction, session management, backing up all the work onto other hard drives and so forth. All in all we are here to help deliver the best in what someone has brought to us; it’s not always as simple as pressing record. Also the time factor is another big element that can really be different to what people expect. Sometimes artists will come in and think they will lay a vocal down in a hour, but there is other factors to consider like - set up time, getting a sound, making the artist feel comfortable, doing as many takes as needed to get the song done. Plus any other recording tricks we can do to get the song sounding as lush and big as possible. Another thing is that I think quality is better than quantity so talk with your producer/engineer, get the low down on what you’re expecting to get done and the amount of time it will take to achieve it.

Ganesh

Nannio: My label is at inception, Nigeria is at the heart of where my label success lies. It is my bread and butter so to speak and it is very much home. So without Nigeria 3rd World Music can never be a success. We need the people and not the other way round; I am a great believer in Nigeria. The talent, the potential and the resources alone in Nigeria are endless. We as a people just need to realise that, I believe a lot of Nigerians in diaspora are starting to realise this after what happened in the elections people like myself and to quote my father believe ‘the best is still possible’. Nigeria is vital to my label success and will always be so we have to break that market. Ganesh: What hidden costs are involved with studio recordings? With studio recordings I think a lot of people don’t know some of the work, effort and time it takes to work on a song. For me and other engineers, we pride ourselves in delivering the best results. And sometimes this takes time. When someone comes in and does a song there is still a lot of behind the scene work to be done, for example it could be, editing between takes to give the

The greater part of your life was spent in the UK, do you think you can connect with the people of Nigeria easily? Nannio: In a word yes, am Nigerian blood so why not? We as a people connect i speak hausa, pidgin and I still move in Nigerian cycles I still have friends in and out of Nigeria. I may have not lived in Nigeria for so long but mum and dad are based there, I will shuttle and when we get going 100 I will predominantly be based in Nigeria. I believe we Nigerians speak a common language and I don’t just mean verbally. There is just something about us that always brings us together. Ok we have hundreds of tribes and languages and sometimes there are cultural, regional and religious divides but we are all one Nigeria. This election just gone is proof that Nigerians can always come together and it is no different for me someone who has been away so long. No doubt there will be challenges but I believe we shall connect.

What should we be expecting from you? Nannio: By God’s grace ‘good music’ and we hope to make a difference not just musically. There are so many other things that am looking to venture into alongside the music. In time all shall be revealed, by the special grace of God you shall see big things from 3rd World music. How do I choose the right producer? Ganesh: A good producer is someone that can understand and relate to your music, which will in turn help push it over the line for you. They are responsible for liaising with the engineers and yourself to help make your dream a reality. Choosing a right producer can be a process, when you create something like music it can be very personal. You may have been working on it for years or the songs have a very special emotional connection to you. You need to find someone who understands that, who is easy to work with and can have open communications with but the big thing is trust! You need to trust that person to create your record with. Which artistes have you signed to 3rd World Music? Nannio: At present am working with 3 guys, Kid Pro aka Nwa Cheto, JayO aka the lover boy and the Incredible UY I would like to add a female to the collective. So we are still looking for someone who will complement the styles. Expect to hear myself Nannio on some features as well. How do one choose the right studio for a good production? Ganesh: Choosing the right studio is all about vibe. Having somewhere that you can feel comfortable in to be creative, somewhere with great engineers who will help get the ball across the line, as well as somewhere that has cool toys to get some amazing sounds with. You notice the difference when you hear it, so why not experience the potentials out there for your music!

Nannio: I and my guys have already done songs which are complete and ready to go. I being the perfectionist I have decided that I need to find the right moment to get these songs out mainstream. So far we’ve realised a song called ‘about us’. We’ve got a track called ‘Tangada Riddim’ which is a party club track and we are looking to shoot a video for it. We are currently looking for a hot Nigerian dance group to help us create a dance to go with the sound. My cousin Kid Pro and the Incredible UY have a track out called ‘suicidal’ and he’s just done a Hausa track called ‘san komei’. We have a lot more material we are working on which will be coming out expect different styles from us. What makes a track a ‘hit’ to you? Ganesh: For me it’s all about connection. When you listen to a song, what does it bring out of you; does it make you feel good, sad, energized and so forth. The key parts of a hit song draws upon certain aspects like the lyrics, melody, song structure, the key of the song, tempo and overall feel of the track. Great hits make you want to press rewind to go back and hear it again. Make them want to hear it again and again. Having the right people behind you is another big key aspect! Tell us more about yourself? Nannio: Well, am a down to earth person, humble, God fearing and very ambitious. I was raised by good parents, my mother always taught me the value of prayer, my father is very forward thinking and business minded. I’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit, am the second of four siblings. I’ve spent the majority of my life in the UK but my parents always made sure we were connected with home. At 15, I started rapping with an old school friend we would joke around at first we always used to ‘freestyle’ together. I took a back seat but my friend continued. I saw how good he was getting so I said to myself you know what? This is my dream, music is my dream. Of course my parents had their own ideas so I never shared that dream with them until 1 year ago and am 32 (laughs). As you can see now Nigerian music is really coming to the forefront, we have so many talented guys and I found some myself. So one year ago, I initiated my plan 3rd World Music. So here we are still building and we are coming.

What song are you working on?

I LOVE HEARING AN ARTIST, WHICH CAN MAKE ME MOVE ON THE DANCE FLOOR AND EMOTIONALLY

With Kanye West

Critics

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BOOK

Entrepreneurship development manual This 446-page compendium of facts about entrepreneurship is published by Crystal Publishing House. SOLA FAJANA

his is an unusual book of over 446 pages with several endorsements, two forewords, a preface as long as an introduction, and twenty five strong chapter contributions obtained from crème de la crème of experts on the subject-matter. From the forewords rendered, it became obvious that the author of the volume had had a rare privilege of having his entrepreneurial teeth cut by the trio of late Chief G. Aret Adams, Rev Adetukasi and Chief Olorunfemi, distinguished authorities in the field of entrepreneurship. The inspiration for writing this book therefore was received by the tutelage the author received from these icons. As the Biblical scripture puts it, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Ps 37:23), obviously the life experiences of the author, his impact on humanity and the processes, mentors, and networks of contacts that made things work easily for him were indeed all divinely ordered. The book is divided into three parts. Part I contains the overview of entrepreneurship and pre-retirement; an introductory analysis. Part 2 comprises of twenty five chapters including three case studies on entrepreneurship and the perspectives of retirement in relation to running a business venture in the 21st century and beyond. Part 3 contains the communiqué. In the Overview presented in Part One, the author, Dr Oladun brought to the fore the rudiments of entrepreneurship in what he titled: Innovation decision making process for an entrepreneurial venture in the 21st century. Basic definitions and evolution of entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, and the emergence of the phenomenon in Nigeria were all competently presented. The overview also contained an analysis of the innovation-decision process which was rooted in the theory and practice of adoption and diffusion of innovations. The author asserts that entrepreneurship education is critical for retirees, that entrepreneurship is intricately nexused with economic development because of its job creation outcomes, and that such education are better received before retirement. In Part 2, Chapter One opens with a recap of myths and misconceptions about retirement as articulated by the late Chief Aret Adams. This contribution was closely followed in chapter Two by Dr Oladun’s Critical Success Factors for an Entrepreneurial Venture. In this chapter, it was revealed that entrepreneurial success is a function of the quality of business objectives, and the skills and strategies of organisation adopted by the owner, as well as commitment to ethical and spiritual standards. All of these can be learnt through a meaningful curriculum of entrepreneurial training. The author concludes by beautifully citing

biblical references to illustrate the success factors. In chapter Three, the Case Study of Lagos State is presented. It was demonstrated that the business of the State could significantly be made more efficient by following the principles of entrepreneurship as applied to yield good governance in all spheres of the services rendered to the people. The leadership style and strategies adopted by Governor Raji Fashola to revitalise youth empowerment through the inculcation and installation of marketable skills, education, health, environment, beautification, waste management, waste to wealth, and drainages were all breath-taking. These highly successful strategies, which were based essentially on entrepreneurial principles, have since become adoptable in other states of Nigeria and abroad. In Chapter Four, the editor, Mike M. Oladun treated the characteristics and traits of successful entrepreneurs in the 21st century business organisation. The key traits and functions of an entrepreneur were also treated. The author gave a glossary of traits that characterises entrepreneurs in history. The case study of an Indian woman entrepreneur (Shahnaz Husain) was treated, and her critical success factors were outlined. The role and challenges of women entrepreneurs concluded the chapter. Chapter Five outlined the business and investment opportunities across small and medium scale enterprises as presented by Kayode Akomolafe. The chapter emphasised on the sourcing of available funds for SMEs. In Chapter Six, Eng Sunny Alli in explicating on stakeholder relationship management and net working, stressed the criticality of interpersonal relationship in building growing a sizeable networks as well as the importance of teamwork. In Chapter Seven, Kingsley Iyadi presented us with a case study of personal experience describing how his restlessness led him to abandon lucrative university lectureship to crossover to full time entrepreneur, a decision that has given him much peace and profit. But I have always believed and preached that teachers have no business being poor, if only we imbibe the orientation for entrepreneurship that God has already embedded into our jobs! In the tenth chapter, Femi Asenuga discussed the risk reduction role of insurance as a tool for retirement planning. It removes wor-

ries and anxieties, stimulates business by reducing losses, and improves economic activities. Special and emerging new products that specifically address the retirement challenges were explicated. Similarly, in Chapter Eleven, Kayode Akomolafe described the elements of personal financial planning and budgeting. Entrepreneurs need to be armed with financial literacy and intelligence to ensure business success. This chapter is a manual indeed, and it is a must-read for everyone. Chapter Nineteen of this volume is a manifestation of unusual creativity. Here Deputy Corp Marshal Danjuma Aliyu Garba brought experience to bear on defensive driving techniques for the retiree. There is no doubt whatsoever that it amounts to a monumental loss if preventable accidents would cut short the life of retirees, at a time when life is expected to begin at 70. The second author of Chapter 19, Dennis Oloriegbe treated the topic differently. He gave a good illustration of driving after retirement; safe driving for older people. He looks at the various factors that can affect our driving ability as we get older. The objective contributory pension scheme was highlighted along side with Lagos pension law provisions. The chapter ended with the features of Lagos state pension law. In Chapter Twenty, the vexed issue of mismanagement of retirement resources in the form of pensions was tackled by Folashade Onanuga. This contribution is another Case Study of Lagos State. Here an overview of the State’s 2007 Pension Reform Law was attempted. The areas of divergence with the Pension Reform Act 2004 were clearly stated. Chapter Twenty-One is devoted to the application of business law to SMEs and the Retirees. Here, Prof Prince Mike Ikupolati spent a whopping 71 pages of the entire volume to express simplicita what would otherwise be regarded as technical legal jargons. But now this effort grate-

fully seeks to make every reader of this volume a lawyer at equity. In Chapter Twenty-two, Samuel Oludare Ariyo made contributions on the topic of ‘Family Issues in Retirement’, drawing generously from the Scriptures. In particular, he stressed the need to start late, rather than not starting at all. It is observed that the counsel that this author gives to us, is compliant with a Chinese proverb that says, ‘the best time to have planted a tree was 20 years ago, but a good time to plant it is now’. Besides an anonymous statement goes thus: Yesterday is a bounced cheque, Tomorrow is s promissory note, but Today is an open cheque, therefore make the best use of it, by writing on it. In Chapter Twenty-three, Mark Osa Igiehon considered the topic: Retirement or Refiring: the Kingdom’s seven point agenda for senior citizens. Illustrated with the case of Moses who was commissioned to deliver the Israelites at the age of 80, re-firing could as well be during retirement. There were lessons from the experiences of other patriarchs like Abraham, Caleb, Joshua and David.

THE CONTRIBUTIONS BRING THE PRACTICE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND RETIREMENT VIVIDLY TO THE ATTENTION OF THE READER

FILM

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Critics

Friday, May 15, 2015

Nollywood: What we should take from Jonathan

Here are some vivid recommendations on how to consolidate on the achievements by the outgoing President in Nollywood. FEMI AKINTUNDE JOHNSON

uring the closing phase of his electioneering campaign, when GMB was asked his government approach to Nollywood, he promptly threw the napkin to Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos. That act represents his shocking lack of understanding (I take that back, no shock at all) or sensitivity to a critical section of a vital

mass within Nigeria’s geopolitical superstructure. I very much doubt if Fashola had ever written one full page of legal opinion of entertainment law in his illustrious career - nor has his administration, generally regarded as one of the best, if not the best, in Nigeria, done more for entertainment than tokenism of rehabilitating some illfated entertainers and a handful of carnivals and seasonal countdowns! For the benefit of the doubt, it is quite possible that a swashbuckling young army infantry hot-head in his late 30’s (1984 HoS) would not have heard of the terror and devastation that Pa Moses Adejumo’s Orun Moru suffered in the

hands of profiteers barely two years earlier. It took another ten years after his forced retirement before some semblance of what we now call Nollywood emerged. So, we should not take it for granted that GMB ought to know ‘something’ about Nigerian entertainment - if we insist, we overstretch our sense of importance. This is why thoroughbred practitioners snigger when government plays the ostrich in its engagement with the creative enterprise... for a single mid-level Nigerian production with a capital outlay of N5-10m, the long line of operatives work out like this: behind the cameras/gadgets are at least 15 people; the major sets will accommodate from 20 to 500 role players, big and small. Further down the chain of production, are scores of tens of people working in the editing studios, sound studios, photography and graphic designs, printing press, public-

GOOD SENSIBLE GOVERNMENT POLICIES THAT ALLOW ENTREPRENEURIAL CAPACITIES OF ITS PEOPLE TO ROAM AND

FLOURISH, HAVE A WAY OF ATTRACTING MAJOR INVESTMENTS

MUSIC

Is Choc Boi Nation’s ‘The Indestructible’, formidable enough?

Features – MI Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Victoria Kimani, Nosa, Dice Ailes, DJ Caise, DJ Lambo, Ruby Gyang, Loose Kaynon, Milli, Koker, Moti Cakes and Debbie Romeo. JIM DONNET

ity and liaisons, etc. Ancillary outlets also queue up for post production activities that may help the producer recoup some investment before the almighty pirates swoop: Hall rentals for premiere, contacts and mobilization, DVD discs for massdubs, cinema house and its complex of leisure shops, transportation for promotion or road shows, voice-overs for jingles, TV commercials, comedians, DJs and MCs for serial launchings, marketers, video sellers, etc.... On this single work, we have partially identified more than 1000 people directly or indirectly eking a living. Multiply that work by the proverbial 700-1000 movie products we proverbially drop into the unwieldy markets every year. The opportunity is begging to create a minimum of 2m jobs within three years in the creative industry alone if hedged with a strong government support, legitimate structures and ultimately international financing and exchange of expertise. To bring the cattle home to rest, we merely need to study the growth and growing stature of India’s Bollywood (derived from film-makers’ activities in Bombay city, now Mumbai). You see, Nigeria and India find important indices of commonalities beyond the different shades of colour that distinguish us. Our history as a nation, as British colonized people, with relatively similar huge population of diverse tongues, religions and cultures meshed in a melting pot of blurring political and economic turbulence ...among many other surprising relatedness.

he only way the Choc Boi Nation could have announced a new formidable and upscale force that had been birthed after Jesse’s comeback and Audu Maikori’s exit was obviously to release a compilation album with the overlying aim being to display their strength in numbers. And as such, one can only expect a high sense of decency from such order of musical talents on “The Indestructible“album. Because its sole purpose was the announcement of a new synergy, it soft pedalled on the need to evoke factors of excitement as a whole instead leaving one or two new acts plenty grace to not only rise but shine. So did Koker and Milli. Koker’s Do Something is not exactly new material to our washed out music terrain but it exudes right as the stand out track on the album and certainly does a lot to ascending his star prowess past the light we saw him on MI’s Rich. Just like Brymo, the style of his art is the seasonal kind. It’ll be detrimental if he serves us a little too much of himself because we’re

supposed to not get enough of him. If Koker keeps this up with precision, it won’t be long before he dominates the streets with owambeness. Milli on the other hand is quite the classic act, steady giving an alternate approach to the singer-rapper art especially when you consider how well honed he is in the two. Thank the stars, both Koker and Milli gave us the groovy locally-infused Heart Felt produced by Reinhard. You thought MI and Jesse had some chemistry? Well, the spotlight seems to have beamed on Jesse and Ice Prince. Summertime and Suite 99 saw Ice brewing out the finest stuff from his trial attempts at rap. Perhaps, we can tie it to the fact that Jesse was in the booth. There’s an obvious inevitable fact that Ice loves to sing, even though he’ll never be a Nosa at it, presents one of the reasons why I’ll call him a rapper with plenty hesitation. Now Reinhard- Young and witty with enhanced auditory senses, he’s the most exceptional addition to CBN. This next-to-be-famed producer had been kicking it hard since joining Loopy Music and co-producing on MI’s album up to

having production credit for as much as 8 tracks on #TICBN. If you enjoyed Dice Ailes on Fantasy and Telephone, then you should make a brief stop on Oh No No. He revamped his afro dispensation and tasked himself with delivering heavily compulsive lines on some Tunday-styled bars. Who knew this kid had it in him? He might be on his way to bringing something new to the table should he not bow to the pressures of the demanding industry born out of stereotypes. Teck-Zilla torched on one of the smoothest beats for Pryse. Rather than live up to the expectation of a Trina and Patra mix, she

BEING MI, JESSE, ICE OR MS KIMANI DOES NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT MOTIONS THAT

KOKER,

MILLI AND DICE WILL ATTAIN SAME

drowned it all with sparse weak lines and a not-so-memorable delivery. Someone else has gotta give Ricochet the desired justice. Ruby and Kimani redeemed the femme fatale image. While Vicky was belting out her confidence on the R&B flava, Loving You; Ruby was showing off octave after octave on No More. Very awesome stuff! I’m not feeling the need to ballyhoo Jesse Jagz.

Inside FCT

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Corps members arrive amidst MARCUS FATUNMOLE

,000 corps members arrive the Federal Capital Territory, FCT this month and June to perform their compulsory service to their fatherland. Unfortunately, the corps members, who would have their orientation in two streams (2500 per batch) have come at a time people of the FCT face their toughest living condition ever! The first stream arrived last week, while the next stream follows early next month. Major problems facing the nation have plunged the city into a state of utter discomfort. Transport fares are doubling over fuel scarcity. Imminent change in government seems to have made the current administration put governance to a halt, as according to Inside FCT findings, only the effective discharge of duties by security officials confirms the presence of government in the city. Most heads of ministries, departments and agencies of government have deserted their offices. With the corps members trooping in, including thousands of other Nigerians who move into the nation’s capital daily to search for happiness, jobs that are being searched for, and are nowhere to be found, make life more unbearable to the population. Except the much anticipated magic wands of the incoming administration of Gen Mohammadu Buhari perform some wonders as hoped by many Nigerians and the global community, social challenges namely unemployment, accommodation,

rising criminalities among others may continue to swell in the FCT as obtain in other parts of the country. Branded as a leading greener pasture by majority of the citizens in the country, the FCT daily hosts citizens across the nation, with its inadequate infrastructures being overstretched. Apart from the fact the figure of 2015 Batch A corps members is unprecedented, there is growing concerns over how the corps members who receive barely N18000 monthly would cope with the harsh living condition in the city. Most “Corpers” in Abuja do not go back home after their service to fatherland, as observed by Inside FCT. They prefer to engage in various menials jobs or face more unpleasant conditions than leave the city for any other part of the country. No doubt, the FCT is a land of opportunities, but the opportunities do not come the way of all. While some are fortunate to meet with fortune in the city in a short time, others find success in the city a hard nut to crack for years. Like other Nigerians, many fresh graduates prefer to serve in the nation’s capital. Reasons for this abound. There are prospects for jobs, infrastructures in the city are second to none in the country; there is greater level of safety in the FCT compared to other parts of the nation; and, diverse forms of services that make life comfortable abound. A corps member who served in the city captured his experience thus: “I served at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Interna-

Corpers

tional Airport in 2009. I had prayed to God to let me serve in Abuja. And, luckily for me, I was posted to the city. After the three weeks orientation period, I was posted to the airport. It was one of the places I had loved to serve. I had the opportunity to live at the airport quarters. “I was at the Proto-

col Department of the > airport at the time. So, serving there was a great advantage to my career as a graduate of Mass Communication. It was shortly after the service that I got a nice job in the city. Given my experience and opportunities I had as a corps member at

Tanker driver kills 3, destroys 28 cars OMEIZA AJAYI

onday, April 13 will remain evergreen in the memories of some residents of Zuba, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. On that day, at least three people were killed and several others injured when a tanker driver lost control of his vehicle on the Zuba overhead bridge. The wounded were reportedly rushed to the Zuleja General Hospital in Niger state. Witnesses blamed the driver for the accident, accusing him of sheer recklessness. The driver was said to have approached the bridge in high speed even as he was also accused of using his mobile phone at the time of the accident. One of the eyewitness, Mallam Siyaka Abdulazeez who spoke to Inside FCT said the driver was talking on the phone just before the accident. “When the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle, it caught fire and many vehicles were burnt beyond recognition,” he said. Inside FCT counted about 28 vehicles which were burnt in the accident. Apart from the tanker driver who was also burnt to death, two roadside mechan-

ics were among the dead. Their clients’ cars which were parked in their workshop for repairs were not spared either. Confirming the development, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr Mutar Chowi, said the accident took place at the Zuba flyover while the driver was making a phone call. He however cautioned drivers to desist from making calls while driving. “It is highly unfortunate that commercial drivers, official drivers of government functionaries and highly placed people in the society are not obeying the rule of not making calls while driving,” he lamented. Also, the Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin-Giri, who visited the scene, expressed sadness over the accident. He specifically advised residents, especially those operating along the roadside to move 120 metres away from the expressway, to avoid such incidents in the future.

IF YOU VISIT ASOKORO, YOU CAN’T SEE REFUSE ALONG THE ROAD; EVERYWHERE IS TIDY AND THE REFUSE TRUCKS COME TO PACK THE WASTE

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Inside FCT

Friday, May 15, 2015

hardship THEY PREFER TO ENGAGE IN VARIOUS MENIAL JOBS OR FACE MORE UNPLEASANT CONDITIONS

the time, if I were asked to serve for additional year, I would gladly do. Meanwhile, Omotayo told Inside FCT that everything at the airport, including most government institutions in the city changed with the advent of Boko Haram insurgency in the

nation, including the decision of government to use corps members mainly in schools. Another graduate who served in the city in 2013, Musa Adamu (not real name) at the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund in 2012 is still searching for job. He told our correspondent in an interview: “I was lucky to have served at the NSITF. I was well-taken care of by the organization and I behaved well too as a person. Since the opportunity of getting job did not come at the time I passed out of the NYSC, I thought I could look for work elsewhere. Till today, I haven’t got any job to do. “Really, as a graduate of Further Mathematics, all that occupied my mind while I was serving was to go for my masters and thereafter lecture. But, the dream has not been fulfilled two years after. I hope someday I will become what I desire to become and live a happy life like a man.”

Scene of accident

Kpaduma

Refuse dump takes over Kpaduma community ADEOLA TUKURU

aste disposal has been a major challenge for residents in Kpaduma community situated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who often dump domestic waste on open parcels in their areas. To reduce incidence of epidemic outbreak, the resident are calling on the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEBP) to come to their aide.Resident in the area usually hold their noses in the air as the mountains of refuse in the area have become a normal sight and the terrible stink they emit, a part of the air they breathe. A resident in the community, Madam Grace Osagie, who observed the indiscriminate waste disposal in the community, blamed the government for not providing an ideal place for refuse evacuation for the area, stressing that the government was not paying adequate attention to the issue because the dwellers are common folks. “This community is peopled by low income workers and others trying to make a living. So, you don’t expect the government to pay serious attention to waste issues here. The last time the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) sent a trucks here to evacuate the waste was over a year”, she said. Another resident, Mr Chima Eze, explained that the community was aware of the implication of dumping refuse on an open plot of land, but they had no choice because, according to him, individuals must generate waste and it had to be disposed somehow. He said, “If you visit Asokoro, you can’t see refuse along the road; everywhere is tidy and the refuse trucks come to pack the waste when due. Here in this ghetto, there is hardly any government presence because no VIP lives here. Since we can’t keep waste in our homes, we have to dispose them wherever is available. Although I don’t subscribe to littering the roads with wastes, the government needs to step up to the plate by providing more trucks and personnel before we have outbreak of diseases.” Inside FCT observed that the council’s lack of political will to enforce environmental health laws is largely responsible for the seemingly insurmountable challenge it faces in the waste disposal effort. However, the secretary of the community, Simon Baba Yerima called on the federal government to save the people of the area

from the danger of indiscriminate waste disposal, lamenting that the major road had been completely overrun by refuse dumps. According to him, they are being choked daily by the stench coming from the heaps of garbage on our streets. We are told that beyond the stench, our water can also be polluted. We are only trying to survive and won’t be able to cope with any health issue that may arise from water burn disease.” “We have made various appeals to our local authorities, but they seem incapable of solving the problem.” Apart from polluting the environment, the refuse, when washed off by the rain is capable of contaminating the ground water, making it unsuitable for drinking. My appeal to AMAC and AEPB is to intervene by creating an enabling environment which will encourage private sector participation in the waste management subsector.” “We on our part always engage youths in the area to pack the dumps and burn them every ending of the month, also the Association of traders in the community also mobilize themselves to evacuate the dump but that is still not enough”, he said. The Head of Department Environmental of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hajia Maimunatu Abubakar, defended the council’s inability to address the waste management crisis in the satellite towns, attributing it to inadequate funds to procure trucks and employ required personnel. “I am helpless in this situation because each time we raise a proposal for evacuation, the council always complains of lack of funding for us to carry out the evacuation in these communities. The councilors representing this community are also not helping matters because they are the one who is suppose to come out and speak for the people in the community. I am surprised at the whole issue,” she lamented.

IF YOU VISIT ASOKORO, YOU CAN’T SEE REFUSE ALONG THE ROAD; EVERYWHERE IS TIDY AND THE REFUSE TRUCKS COME TO PACK THE WASTE

Mirror Mongers

Friday, May 15, 2015

Stella gets her groove back

More on Obi-Obiano imbroglio

Obi and Obiano

ome people will be tempted to reason that the difference between Obi and Obiano is actually the last three letters in Obiano…’ano’. But the rift seems to be widening by the day. Last week, an aide of Obi’s, did an article, accusing Obiano of being somewhat ungrateful for all the things Obi did for him. As this is raging, an Obiano aide, sorry apologist, who identified himself as Obiorah Aghadinuno (his surname actually means ‘there is a war within’) has released what appears like a response, accusing Obi of being unwilling to relinquish power. According to him, “Be that as it may, whatever Obi has up his sleeve will show itself one day. Whatever that may be, one however hopes that un-

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leashing his media aides to launch dirty calumny campaigns against Obiano as has been the case in the past six months is not a part of it. Nor the planting of moles in Obiano’s cabinet and living quarters to snitch on him and his wife. That is a low down dirty scheme that should not come from a venerated Knight. Truth be told, Val Obienyem’s “young” English and Stanley Chira’s (Mazi Odera) hilarious grunts on social media all in an effort to attack Obiano who they erroneously see as Obi’s enemy, come across as one more reason why Peter Obi may never be finally counted among the greats. The fear is that this illness has reached an advanced stage where Obi now sees himself as the alternate governor of Anambra State, holding state functions with pomp and pageantry”. This would surely elicit reactions.

Damasus

Remember a film by this title by Whoopi Goldberg? For those who know, pretty Stella Damasus has had her downs and ups in love. From the time, Jaiye Aboderin her husband (sorry ex-husband) died eleven years ago, things temporarily ceased to be

the way it should be. But this seems to be easing off as Stella now flaunts her new man, Daniel Ademinokan, a film director, who she graciously refers to as the best in the business. Recently, Daniel was a guest on a show being anchored by Stella with the theme, ‘What Men Want Women to Know in a Relationship’. Guess what Daniel said about the myriads of questions Stella asked about women and men: “I believe that men are as emotional as women but they are trained to be macho about it. Men have more control over their emotions than women. Men just don’t react to it the way women do. Women tend to be (excuse the word) dramatic. Men like PDA but not to the point where you make other people uncomfortable. It is not everyone your woman is talking to that she has something with. Some women can be so possessive that they become nags. If you’re married why should you have a password? Every couple should have access to each other’s phones. I don’t think any man or woman should go snooping around their spouse’s phones. If there’s trust, why should you be snooping?”

As fuel scarcity bites harder

Anunobi’s deliverance for detractors

t is noticeable that Eucharia Anunobi has been lying low since her ordination as a woman of God at the Fresh Oil Ministry, Egbeda, Lagos, a situation that has availed her ‘Evangelist’. But while staying calm and minding her business and of course the Word, some people are up with mischief against the actress, sorry evangelist. From the archives (when Eucharia Anunobi was in the world) some mischief makers have gone to unearth a photo of a skimpily-dressed Eucharia, showing her necessary curves. The photo which is trending online has brought a lot of admonition to Eucharia especially amongst ‘Children of God’,

ONE-SECOND &

With

BISHOP CHARLES IGHELE

Fuel qeue

T Anunobi

who are wondering why she should show off like that as a preacher. But Eucharia’s people are calling this ‘persecution frequently meted out to Children of Christ’.

With the price of oil falling in the international market, suggestions are that Nigeria needs to embrace agriculture. Bishop Charles Ighele, founder of Sharon University of Agriculture reacts to this:

here are black markets and there are ‘executive black markets’. Black markets are the type you see at Alade Market in Lagos, or in front of the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, where middle men come to sell things like foreign exchange and gold. But the increasing fuel scarcity in the country has led to an ‘executive black market’, especially in Abuja of all places. While the commodity is still scarce, fuelled by

oil to soil What is the driving force of this initiative?

up the digt is par t of our efforts to lift catchOur ily. fam ican Afr the nity of our put e hav word is from oil to soil. We sity ver uni this e mak strategies in place to versities. The not like the conventional uni t in the rumen elop dev e driv will university t, nor th or wes t, ral areas, whether in the eas will drive ch whi ican south. It’s about the Afr going to are we t poin this development. At or three years, show practically that in two aire through somebody can become a million it. seen and d elle farming. We have trav

the speculation that January may herald complete deregulation of the petroleum sector, those who are running away from the long queues that are dotting the city now prefer to go to NNPC headquarters. According to the buzz, some petrol stations around the vicinity have engaged the services of the army of unemployed Nigerian graduates who can be spotted with jerry cans of petrol. What makes this ‘executive’ can be found in the location of the black market and perhaps their list of clientele, who are top government officials.

Friday, May 15, 2015 26 Rajab, 1436

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Call to Worship

On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of Allah, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

King Abdul Aziz Mosque King Abdul Aziz Mosque or Marbella Mosque is an Islamic place of worship located in Marbella, Spain. It is financed by Saudi Arabia, and is named after their first monarch. Along with the Fuengirola Mosque and Malaga Mosque, the Marbella Mosque was financed with money from Saudi Arabia, and is therefore a part of the Wahhabi radical movement, a movement dominant is Saudi Arabia and which is marked by conservative tendencies. The construction was ordered by Prince Salman in honor of King Fahd, who was a frequenter of Marabella.[1] The building architecture is an example of Andalusian-inspired contemporary Arabic architecture. Built by Córdoban architect Juan Mora, it holds over 800 people and consists of housing for the imam, library and gardens.

Watch out for special Ramadan package OH Allah! Lengthen our lives, increase us in Iman, Taqwa, Rizq and good health to be among those that will witness another set of 30days full of Rahma, with a night equivalent to 83 years of worship. As usual, your darling National Mirror Newspaper will be on ground to dish out the daily spiritual diets to our teeming darling readers. May we be among the partakers of the glorious month, Aamin.

Let the information keep flowing to all daddies, mummies, brothers and sisters in Islam. May Allah (SWT) reward you abundantly as you create this needed awareness, Amin! For further enquiries, please contact: Assistant Editor, – SEKINAH LAWAL: call or text: 08055102994, email: sakinah207@yahoo.com.

Leadership as Exemplary Conduct A

uthority is a curb to the willful souls of men, Every leader, then, should put on the mantle of dignity, whether in town or country. Manifest your love of what is excellent, and of worthy people; show your hatred of corruption and corrupt people. Adorn your body, perfume your breath and make comely your apparel with the adornment that are permissible with-

‘Set up noninterest funding for Muslims’ 28

out imitation or reducing the treasure to bankruptcy. Do not deck yourself with gold, or silver, or valuminous silk for that is shameful, ignoble and improper. Sit cross-legged when you seat yourself, be still as far as you rare able and do not fidget even with your hand. Let your eyes be downcast though your looks be searching and your glances observant. Approach men with due cour-

MURIC demands immediate end to fuel 29 crisis

tesy. Do not open your mouth even in order to yawn. If the urge to yawn come to you utter the name of your Lord and it will pass from you. But if you have allowed the desire to overpower you then cover your mouth with the back of one of your hands. The poet says:

According to the Founding Fathers of the Sokoto Caliphate Collated and edited by Hamid Bobboyi with the Compliments of His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar mni, CFR, LLD, Sultan of Sokoto

Quoted from: Principles of Leadership

Do not disclose the inner failings of others (2) 30

Call to Worship

26 Rajab, 1436 Friday, May 15, 2015

Motherhood and worthy nation T

o whom much is given, so much is equally expected as the popular adage goes. It was reported that a man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?’ The Prophet said: ‘Your mother.’ The man said, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: ‘Then your mother.’ The man further asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: ‘Then your mother.’ The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: ‘Then your father.’ (Bukhari, Muslim). I am quite sure that as mothers, we will all feel good with this Prophetic saying, but really, we should be more alert to how important our roles are. If truly, our children are going to look on to us for companionship, then, we must strive always, to be the kind of person Allah, the Most-High, commands us to be in order to train our children to become righteous adult. Happy Mothers’ Day to all loving, righteous women because Islam emphasises the importance of honoring our parents who are in the best position to teach their children life’s most important lessons: how to be loving and caring. This is not about celebrating mother’s day, but calling our attention to vital issues. Mothers should be honoured always especially for those who understand their role as mothers teaching the meanings of goodness, benevolence and the Hereafter. Unfortunately, in today’s world, most children cannot learn from their mothers. We must not lose our patience or give up our task no matter the situation. Satisfaction and contentment are very crucial to our emotional stability as we are always hoping for success and progress among all members of our family while looking forward to the reward here and the Hereafter. May Allah make us part of His pleasure and the bliss of Paradise. The pathetic state of our society can be partly traced to the inability of most mothers to spend quality time with their children. We must be sincere, the economy reality of the nation can make many people fail in their divine responsibilities, but we really need to get our priorities right. And that is why the Prophet (PBUH) has ordered people to be kind to their mothers three times more than to their fathers. As a result, pious women and righteous mothers are and should still be more important factors of construction and happiness in life. As stated in Qur’an 4:1that; “O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.” If we have pious women who are discharging their responsibilities as motherhood demands, they will surely be contributing to building good and faithful nations that can resist corruption and tyranny as we are witnessing now. So, if we truly want a good society, we must take good care of our womenfolk for mothers are not only schools, but also have influence on the outcome of many things in the society. In looking for ways to solve many problems facing our nation, we must treat the root cause which is the home background. Upbringing matters a lot. We will all agree that the greatest responsibility that we

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Satisfaction and contentment are very crucial to our emotional stability as we are always hoping for success and progress can undertake in this life is the good upbringing of our children. Hence, let us strive to make ourselves and our entire family be among the people of Paradise by paying attention to things many considered not too important. These include who we marry and what our values are. Women are special breed because our noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, ‘Whoever has a daughter and brings her up well, educates her well, and is generous to her with what Allah has granted him, she will be as a fort and cover him from Fire.’

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THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah

Lawal E-mail: sakinah207@yahoo.com t: 08055102994 In another tradition, the Prophet declares that the right of a mother on her child is two times more than the right of a father. A child has been recommended to be kind to his father, while he has been recommended to be kind to his mother three times as much. The best speech is that of Allah when He says, (And We have enjoined on man doing of good to his parents; with trouble did his mother bear him and with trouble did she bring him forth; and the bearing of him and the weaning of him was thirty months; until when he attains his maturity and reaches forty years, he says: My Lord! grant me that I may give thanks for Thy favour which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good which pleases Thee and do good to me in respect of my offspring; surely I turn to Thee, and surely I am of those who submit….” I have the best mum in the world and may Allah keep His rahma and barakah on my mum and all good mothers, Aamin.

Students Of Al-Azhar International College, Lokoja-Kogi State, writting their Second term Examinations using the Computer-Based Test CBT method.

‘Set up non-interest funding for Muslims’

igerian government has been called upon to set up special product and window of noninterest funding for Muslims. This call was contained in a communiqué signed by Prof. AbdulWahab Egbewole and Abdur-Rahman Balogun at the end of UNIFEMGA’s conference and made available to National Mirror. “Though, government has set up of a lot of special funds and special purpose vehicles to support

access to finance for businesses including the Bank of Industry, the Bank of Agriculture, NEXIM and such other CBN intervention funds. All these funds require interest by the borrowers thereby shutting out the Muslims.” “Since Islam actually encourages Muslims to be entrepreneurs and to go into business, as exemplified by various provisions of the Quran and the Hadith especially Q62:10, Q78:11 and Q2:275, necessary enabling environment should be put

in place for this to happen.” The incoming administration was also charged to bring Nigeria from its present position to become one of the top 20 countries in the world. “Nigeria should declare a state of emergency in the educational sector so that we can produce high quality manpower for the industry and for the purpose of self employment and entrepreneurship. For the business environment to thrive government should provide the enabling environment

such as focusing on the issues of electricity, infrastructural development and human capital development, as well as provide employment opportunity to teeming unemployed Nigerians being used as instrument of violence by some selfish and unpatriotic individuals. Muslims were urged to uphold some essential values and fundamental business ethics in Islam such as trust, justice, honesty, documentation and mutual respect.

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Call to Worship

Friday, May 15, 2015 26 Rajab, 1436

Our women today

omen today are becoming protectors over men. They have become breadwinners in some homes. They build business empires and neglect building homes. They invest ample time in ceremonies and rarely sit with their children. They have savings at banks and have deficits of unprotected children in their homes. They are gorgeous in their appearance but have no trained children to prove their motherhood. They expand their business and limit their children spiritual, moral and intellectual horizons. They employ professionals to manage their businesses but employ morally corrupt to teach their children. They are deep in thought of what becomes their business progress or ranks but not what becomes of their children in this world and before Allah Yawmul-Qiyaamah. They shield their children from true Islamic knowledge and expose them to

morally corrupt western education and social media networks. They work for others to earn livelihood but not for their children to earn paradise. They teach others’ children but not their own children. They attend conferences and workshops to improve their status but no such to improve their children. These children have become toys in the hands of some mothers. They have become footnotes in the pages of their lives. They have become old books that are kept in the shelves. What then would you tell your Lord about your child? What would you tell Him to be the reason why his character is bad? What proportion of your time would you say you committed to his training? The end time is indeed at your doorstep. It is in your room. Since you have neglected your primary duty, your home is now breeding children destined to disgrace and corrupt the society. Under your roof, they make calls to their boy or girl friends,

under your roof they do not pray regularly, under your roof and in your absence; they have ample time to waste on frivolities. Allah (SWT) will, of course, try every parent but He knows the role you have played in destroying their foundation. Our home today are narrow and empty, not because the passages are narrow or that no people at home, but in ideas and training which goes beyond life. The future is already in your house. The kind of upbringing your children have tells what becomes of them. It tells the kind of leaders, husbands, wives, managers, professionals, politi-

IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com cians, etc. they will become. Allah (SWT) designs that life must continue. He makes every woman a Hawwa on the earth. Old age is a future you cannot tell how it would be. It is a disease; you can’t tell the type that will be yours. Your proper investment in children could be helpful when old age ‘afflicts’ you. These children may neglect you, when you need them most. They may be the cause of your worry and eventual death. They

The end time is indeed at your doorstep. It is in your room. Since you have neglected your primary duty

might marry wives or husbands that will make them forget you. If you want to end well, give your child the required upbringing that can make him know his Lord and show you mercy later in life. Every man will reap what his sows. Every mother will reap what she sows. You need prayer to keep going. You need prayer on yourself to succeed in the task of motherhood. You need prayer for Allah (SWT) to make your children righteous. You need prayer for guidance. If the way and manner you brought the child into this world has any blemish at a time you dwell in ignorance or why you were in “courtship”, just repent to your Lord and implore Him not to punish you with what you did then. He should cleanse you and accept your prayers on your children.

New Chief Imam for Ibadan today

he new Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Shelkh AbdulGaniyy Abubakri Agbotomokekere will be turbaned as the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadan land by the League of Imams and Alfas today. This followed the death of the former Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Shelkh Baosari Haruna, who died on April 8 at the age of 95years. Alhaji Mustapha Oyero, Chairman planning Committee and Chairman Ibadan Muslim Community said that the event would take place at Lekan Salami Sport Complex,

Al-Azhar International College hosts Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Abuja. Nigeria

MURIC demands immediate end to fuel crisis Sekinah L awal

he Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has called for an immediate end to the fuel crisis currently rocking the nation. This was contained in a release signed by MURIC’s Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, calling on Nigerians to keep their eyes and ears wide open as the ongoing fuel shortage may be another well rehearsed maneuver to scuttle the transition. “It

may have been designed to shoot up our adrenalin glands, ready to burst in the first month of the incoming Buhari administration.” “President Jonathan is ending his tenure on a sad note and with resounding failure. This is the least we expect from an outgoing leader, unless suffering is actually what he had planned all along as his parting gift for Nigerians. The long queues at filling stations all over the country have continued

unabated. Travellers, particularly car owners, are stranded. Workers, many of whom have not received their salaries since November last year, are forced to trek long distances to reach their places of work.” Petrol is sold at exorbitant prices in different parts of the country. The impact on the economy has been severe. Prices of foodstuffs have skyrocketed. There is widespread hunger in the land. Traders blame increased prices on transporters who

charge more than 300% to bring goods to the city. “The poor jamaheer (masses) who live in faceme-I-face-you houses are the worst for it as they can no longer afford to buy fuel to operate their I-pass-my-neighbour ‘toy’ generators. They are forced to stay awake sweating it out in this scorching heat particularly now that it is evident that Jonathan’s power project has become a mirage.” MURIC denounced the cluelessness which has

greeted this phenomenon. What kind of system is the petroleum ministry running for Allah’s sake? Why must petrol scarcity occur so repeatedly that it becomes a regime’s middle name? A visionary long-term plan for the regular supply of fuel could have put paid to this mess.” The statement continues; “President Jonathan’s record in governance is quite disturbing, if not scandalous. How do we explain the untold suffering brought upon Ni-

Adamasingba, Ibadan. Oyero said that members of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba land including Edo and Delta states are expected to grace the occasion in large numbers. According to him, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State will be the Chief Host while Oba Samuel Odugade 1, Olubadan of Ibadan land, is the Royal Father of the Day. The 80-year old new Chief Imam will thereafter lead the congregation in the first Jumah service at Oja’Oba Central Mosque, Ibadan.

gerians through the present petrol scarcity? It has affected all sectors, all disciplines. Children going to school; undergraduates and their lecturers who have to move from one institution to another for research purposes; meetings, seminars and conferences that have been scheduled which must now be rescheduled, etc. We must ask President Jonathan: Where is fuel? Where is the regular electricity supply which Jonathan promised us?”

Call to Worship

26 Rajab, 1436 Friday, May 15, 2015

Do not disclose the inner failings of others (2)

hen they met the majzoob he was uttering profanities but he suddenly stopped. He offered a melon to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Those who are easily swayed by apparent matters were more convinced about the majzoob although the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that he was mentally ill. Sometimes a mentally ill person can see something that a sensible person cannot; because they are cut off from the world they can decipher matters of the unseen. With reference to signs of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), HazratMusleh Maud said that all accounts of the times of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) are not on record, otherwise there would have been hundreds and thousands of examples of his signs. As atheism is rampant in the time of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) God has shown many signs for him which we can assume to be those of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). One sign is that of a student named Abdul Karim who had travelled all the way from Hyderabad Deccan to receive religious studies in Qadian. He was bitten by a rabid dog and was sent off for treatment. Initially he felt better but then fell ill again and eventually doctors said nothing more could be done for him. When the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) was informed of this he was saddened that a young man who had travelled long distance to come to study religion had fallen ill. He prayed most compassionately for Abdul Karim. The Promised Messiah said his mother had sent him to school with so many hopes. The Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) prayers cured Abdul Karim of something that had no treatment at the time! HazratMusleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) said that a doctor friend of his told him that during his student days he was discussing existence of God with a fellow student when he narrated the incident of Abdul Karim’s healing as a proof of God accepting prayers. His fellow student responded that it was not a big thing; people who were bit by rabid dogs could be saved. Incidentally the same day rabies was the topic of lecture at college. Their professor stressed on prompt treatment after being bitten by a rabid dog and said that if prompt treatment

was not given and the patient started suffering from violent movements, the disease became fatal. The Ahmadi student tried to clarify with the professor that some people said rabies could be treated. The professor responded sternly that no, it was beyond treatment. Yet we know that Abdul Karim was healed of it. Once two men and a woman from USA visited the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). The men discussed the Promised Messiah’s (on whom be peace) claim with him. Jesus (on whom be peace) came up during the conversation. The man said he was god. The Promised Messiah asked what proof he had. The man said Jesus showed miracles. The Promised Messiah said that he too showed miracles to which the man asked him to show a miracle. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) remarked you are one of my miracles! The man asked how so. They Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said Qadian was a small, unknown village where even ordinary food stuff was not available, people could not even buy flour there. It was at that time that God had informed the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) that He would exalt his name and people from far-off places would visit him. ‘So many people will come to you that the track by which they come will deepen. And the help will come to you by every distant track, and such tracks will deepen by the travelling of the people who will walk on them.’ [Tadhkirah, p. 725] The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said to the man, see, how the avenues have opened up and you have visited me from USA! What connection did you have with me? This indeed is a sign of my truthfulness. HazratMusleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that he remembers at the time people were astonished as to what answer would the Promised Messiah give to the man from USA, they thought he would probably explain the concept of miracles to him. However, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) gave him a different answer! HazratMusleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) says that although the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said there were hundreds of thousands of signs in his corroboration, HazratMusleh Maud felt the signs were in fact countless. Those with understanding

knew that hundreds of thousands of signs could be deduced from a single revelation of the Promised Messiah. People came to see the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) after he made his claim and they benefitted from his company. The wise see great signs of God even in small matters and the foolish do not see anything even in large scale matters. Indeed, the entire locality of Qadian and all that there is in it is a sign of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah (on whom

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Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya be peace). His own estimation of the number of his signs was very modest. His signs are so many that they are beyond human comprehension and only God can measure them. Once a Maulawi came to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and said he had come to see his sign. The Promised Messiah laughed and said have a look at my book HaqiqatulWahi

and you will realise how many signs God has shown in my corroboration. What benefit have you derived of the signs in HaqiqatulWahi that you have now come to see more signs. May God give insight to those who do not see the signs of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and may He also make us stronger in faith by the minute!

Mothers cutting cake with children to celebrate Mother’s Day at NASFAT headquarters, Alausa, Lagos

Students Of Al-Azhar International College, Lokoja-Kogi State, in preparation for the Computer-Based Test CBT method.

Group honours Sambo, Bala Omeiza Ajayi

oalition of Nigerian Muslim Women has honoured the wife of vice president, Amina Namadi Sambo and that of the Federal Capital Territory minister, Hajia Aisha Bala Mohammed. The Coalition hailed them for leading exemplary lives despite the challenges of their office. In her welcome address, Amirah,

Ja’amatu Da’awah, Hajia Rakiya Bamalli, said the group decided to celebrate them for their immense contribution to the ummah. She tasked all Muslim women to emulate the honorees, describing them as “symbols of Islam” for they “served without being carried away by the world”. Also speaking, National Women Leader, Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria, NASFAT, Alhaja Nofisat Arogundade,

reiterated that the ceremony is to show appreciation for the memorable activities directed at improving the well being of the citizenry of this nation and the development of its economy. According to her, “they are indeed pious women exemplified, women of substance, integrity, principled, super intelligent, very thoughtful, generous and caring.” Responding, Hajia Sambo said that her

doors will remain open even after leaving the corridor of power. She disclosed that all was set for the commissioning of the first Islamic Library in Nigeria which is located in Kaduna State, urging the women to donate books to the facility. On her part, wife of FCT Minister, Hajia Aisha, also expressed her gratitude to the organizers, saying that the award is a call to do more even after leaving office.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday May 15, 2015

L-R: Staffers of Satson Schools, Ketu, Lagos, Mr. Adewunmi Adeniji; Mrs. Okunola Olusola; proprietress, of the schools/celebrant, Mrs. Olabisi Amoa-Abdul; her son, Master Muiz Abdul; Mrs. Durojaiye Adebukola; Mrs. Falade Bukky; Miss Saki Esther and Mrs. Oladimeji Toyin, during the 50th birthday anniversary of the proprietress in Lagos.

L- R: ‘Desperate Housewives Africa’ actor, Ozzy Agu; actress, Michelle Dede; CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya; CEO, EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, at the premiere of ‘Desperate Housewives Africa’ on April 28, at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

L-R: Mother of the bride, Mrs. Adebola Adekunle Legunsen; groom, Mr. Amen Osahon Omere; bride, Elizabeth Shade Legunsen; father of the bride, Mr. James Adekunle Legunsen and step mother of the bride, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Legunsen, during the wedding of Shade and Amen in Lagos.

L-R: Representative of groom’s father and brother, Mr. Olalekan Ogunkoya; bride’s mother, Mrs. Tale Ogundare; newly-wedded couple, Mr. Ekundayo and Mrs. Adenike Ogunkoya; groom’s mother, Mrs. Adenike Ogunkoya and bride’s father, Mr. Adegoke Ogundare, during the wedding ceremony at Abule-Egba in Lagos last Saturday.

People In The Mirror

L-R: Project coordinator, Face of Democracy Nigeria (FDN), Vivian Lam; Face of Democracy Northern Nigeria, Queen Debby Balat, and Face of Democracy Nigeria 2014, Queen Jenifer Ohia, presenting Democracy Heroes Award before the representative of Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoba, who is the Director, Political Civic Education, during the ceremony in Abuja.

Head, Marketing and Partnerships, MTV Shuga, Emmanuel Uduma, MTV Shuga cast, VJ Ehiz, Mr. Nigeria, Emmanuel Ikubese, and Shuga Campaign Director, Richard Warburton, at the OnTourWithShuga, Abuja mini-festival which held at The Bank, Abuja on May 9, 2015.

L-R: Board of Trustees, Society of Performing Arts in Nigeria, SPAN, Mr. Nidal Elkhalil; founder of SPAN, Mrs. Sarah Boulos and Marketing Manager, 7up Bottling Company, Mr. Norden Thurston, during the presentation of awards at the SPAN 10th anniversary gala night in Lagos recently.

Wife of the Vice President-elect, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo (left), Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire (left) and former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Pauline Tallen (centre) at the 7th International Conference of African Women in Leadership Organisation held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

Arty News

Friday, May 15, 2015

Okey Bakassi commends MIIP

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Orhii documents life, ills of fake drugs

xxx Okey

As the book, Most Influential Igbo Personalities continues to receive accolades, renowned actor and standup comedian, Okey Bakassi has showered encomium on the author and initiator of the book/brand, Ugochukwu Favour-Mayor. The rib-cracker who hailed the author when the team paid him a courtesy visit in his Lagos office described the platform as a refined idea for Igbo’s heritage, culture and values. Adding, he charged the team not to relent, while urging them to reduce the years for subsequent update in publications. He therefore stated that many uninformed Igbo and sons would be looking up to feature on it, having recorded marveling successes in the development of the brand. “I would not have known that the likes of gospel hip hop artiste, Frank Edwards hails from the Igbo tribe if not for this book. At least, I have a compen-

dium of who-is-who with me now, and I can read through it to see our hardworking people in the country. “One good thing with this brand is that it’s coming from our son who is in the system. And we are sure of sustenance, as he will make sure he guides it to an enviable height. I will urge you people to research more, so it can carry more people as you have done now,” he urged. The high revered screen comedian further encouraged them, even as he promises of his support in the expansion of the brand’s establishment. He thanked the team for finding him worthy to be counted as one of the influential people in Igbo land. Interestingly, the President of Editors’ Guild of Nigeria and Managing Director of the Sun Newspapers, Mr. Femi Adesina wrote the foreword of the book which tends to celebrate Igbo sons and daughters.

Kekere-Awori set for US

Book launch

Dare Akogun

irector- General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NAFDAC Dr Paul Orhii has explained why there are counterfeit medicines in the country. He traced the problem to the fact that the country does not manufacture drug locally. “We depended on imposrts. More than 70 per cent of essential medicines for management of public health were imported from other countries. “So what we have done is to encourage Nigerian local manufacturers to produce medicines so that Nigeria can become self-sufficient in supply of these medicines. “We have fought the war against counterfeit and fake drugs to a standstill now and we

are winning the war”. Orhii who spoke at the launch and public presentation of his book “The Odyssey of a Survivor” a book centered on him and the ills of fake drugs in the society also asked Nigerians to be wary of uncertified consumable products to avoid falling victims of mysterious killer diseases. The NAFDAC DG said the agency had embarked on mass awareness programme to intimate the people on the danger inherent in the consumption of unapproved products. He noted that the effort to boost and strengthen the regulatory capacity of the agency in line with global best practices and his deployment of cuttingedge technology has boosted the Agency’s operations.

Mr Ibu thrills in Lagos Jump

Kekere-Awori

fter the successful 3 month long tour to Europe and Asia last year where he played at Vienna In Austria, where he was given an award as the Best fuji musician by Royak Club in Vienna, fuji star Mutiu Ishola (Kekere Awori) has sign an agreement with Olantech Global Promotions in New Jersey where he is going

to perform next month (June). According to Ola Adeoye the promoter of the tour, the US, tour will be one of those numerous foreign tours that will come the way of the talented music star. “We look forward to having him do the usual wonders that have endeared him to many fans. His fans are looking forward to this much like us”, the promoter said.

Orhi also disclosed that the agency had destroyed fake drugs and food items worth N30billion in six years in its strive to eradicate fake and counterfeit drugs, noting that the agency is winning the war against fake drugs. In his remark the chairman of the occasion Prince Julius Adelusi Adeluyi described Dr Orhii’s passion and conviction in the discharge of his duties at the helms of NAFDAC as commendable and worthy of note. “Orhii is a trailblazer and an achiever who sets high objectives to achieve, when he took over in 2009 the war against fake and counterfeit medicines was at the centre of the Agency’s agenda and today remarkable achievement has been recorded,” he said.

Mr Ibru

ollywood actor, John Okafor otherwise known as Mr. Ibu recently starred on renowned dancer and entertainer, Isaac Chinagorom aka Icerom’s latest musical video, titled: Lagos Jump. Shot in Lagos, the video came

as a re-launch for the one time celebrated world best dancer. As directed by 9ty Films, the music features Lagos based rapper, Triple S, even as its video reels out dramatic and interesting scenes that would spur viewers to ask for more.

On his absence from the Nigeria music circle, Isaac Chinagorom who represented the country at the Malibu’s 1984 World Dance Championship in London and returned in flying colours said, “I left the country when music was not appreciated, but now, it is at the upward swing.” Furthering, he said that in the 80s, the inventor of some dances like canoe paddling, imaginative rope, falling like a tree and backward dancing was not making money. “Then, we weren’t appreciated for doing music, but now, I can tell you that everything has changed. “Right now, I’m back. I can understand the latest trend, and I’m meeting up with its demand.

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Arty News

Friday, May 15, 2015

Producers live large despite piracy problem –Onuda Gregory Onuda is the CEO of OGPLUS International Films. A top Nollywood producer, he speaks on the industry in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts:

Producers seem to be more interested in the cinemas lately? As a matter of fact, that is one of the challenges we’ve been facing for years now. That’s a common fear in the minds of producers because you don’t want to put so much into a movie and at the end of the day, some hoodlums or heartless sets of people will try to frustrate your effort or thwart your intents. That’s very discouraging and fearful, so to speak. We just have to look for a way, irrespective of the fact that people are losing so much money to piracy, and get our business to thrive by coming up with strategies to curb this menace. We also hope the government; most importantly can help in this regard. From records, even thecinema culture is just there. We’ve not reached where we need to reach simply because the cinema culture in Nigeria is still at its infancy. A lot of people don’t even have access to the cinemas because there are just a handful of cinemas here and there. So it is until quite a number of them have been built that we can begin to think about making money as much as we should be making. People need to be able to easily access a cinema close to them. Apart from the passion put into shooting the movies, producers want to be able to recoup the investment also being put into it as well. Do you agree that the outgoing administration did something tangible for the industry despite all the Aso-Rock visits by members of AGN? In the past we didn’t really feel government’s attention. But with due respect to the outgoing administration and in all honesty, a lot was being done to assist the industry. We were being given listening ears and the outgoing administration maintained an opendoor policy towards Nollywood.

We didn’t feel much impact like we are now feeling. One of the initiatives of this present or outgoing administration is the Project ACT Nollywood which was created to support producers with fund to produce their movies. Once you have a great script, you apply and if you meet the criteria, you’ll be supported. The administration really financed Nollywood in no small way. Some of us benefited from these initiatives. The in-coming administration needs to really be able to prove itself by changing the industry. So Buhari

c can do it is to bring piracy to a halt. He is been well praised to be a no-nonsense man that eschew corruption and this is e the time he has to prove it. If th he is promising to stop Boko h Haram in a short period, then H sstopping piracy should be one of the easiest tasks for him, at least to bring it to the barest minimum. Many entertainers and producers live large even with the piracy problem, now you can imagine the kind of life entertainers will start living if there was no piracy. If I release a million copy of my movie and sell everything without pirates cutting short the sale, you could imagine how rich I’ll be. How will Buhari do that? Already

stop them from making billions from sponsoring films, you’ll see how these investors will be begging producers with money. It’s easy. Just look at the amazing things we are doing with the little we have. All that Nigeria needs is a government that will help us purify the industry. I’ve been to several film events around the world, and I even just came back from the Berlin Film festival and I interacted with several top international movie stakeholders, I’m beginning to realize how high this people see us. Many producers in Hollywood want to come to Nigeria, but they are withdrawing because of the challenges of piracy, unfriendly environment and so on. The market is here and everybody wish to tap into this market but so much needs to be put i n t o place. Tell us about your new movie, Anniversary?

A event At AFRIM

must prove his change in Nollywood too. This is an industry that employs many, makes all Nigerians happy and can change Nigeria’s economy if well harnessed. The best way he

PRODUCERS IN HOLLYWOOD WANT TO COME TO NIGERIA, BUT THEY ARE WITHDRAWING BECAUSE OF THE CHALLENGES OF PIRACY

Nigeria is respected for being the third largest producer of movies in the world and our stars are being recognised abroad, but if Buhari can stop piracy, Nigeria has a chance to be like Hollywood in movie production or rub shoulders with it.. It’s not like we can’t produce works as good as you see in Hollywood, but Nollywood producers are just being careful not to lose their investments to piracy. Ask yourself; is it the money that Nigeria doesn’t have? Or is it the man power and knowledge. I trust my Nigerian people, if they know that piracy cannot

Anniversary is about infidelity in marriages. It is something that happens every day, but it’s taken from a unique angle of a man who pretends to be the perfect husband, an honest man and everybody saw him like that. Even his wife could bet her life over his ‘uprightness’. Family, neighbours and friends thought he was sent from heaven. But he ended up giving his wife and everyone the shocker of their lives. He got himself into a relationship outside the marriage and he got committed to the relationship more than with his wife. The story started on February 14th which was supposed to be the anniversary of his marriage.

So the man planned to celebrate his wedding anniversary with his good wife and also celebrating Valentine’s Day with the irresistible concubine he has gotten entangled with. This movie is full of so many intrigues and suspense. The story peaked like a normal love story but the complication and intrigues of the script will wow everyone and want to make them watch all over again and also tell others about it. The movie features Gideon Okeke, Elikem of Big Brother Africa, Zynelle Lydia Zuh, Juliet Ibrahim and her sister, Sonia Ibrahim and others. Anniversary will be premiered in a couple of weeks from now both in Ghana and Nigeria and we are also premiering in America and Europe.

Talking about marriage, a lot of Nollywood producers seem to be delving into the issue of infidelity in marriage? It is difficult to ascertain and there is no way or yardstick to measure who cheats more. People just try to assume that the men cheat more because they are believed to be promiscuous in nature. But if you also look the way of the woman, you can really be shocked to your marrow how many women find themselves cheating.? So not only men cheat in marriage or any other relationship. I’d say both the women and the men cheat, but our job as producers is to try to inform and educate. We bring the revelations to the public through our movies so that they can choose right from wrong. To make them have a review of their lives. When people go to the Cinemas to watch a movie, you expect them to take home something. What moral values are you trying to pass? Could you tell us more about you? My name is Gregory Onuda. I hail from Edo state and I’m a movie producer. I have a couple of movies to my name. I’m the producer of “Sasha”, “The Living Ghost”, “Scam” and I produced “Anniversary” which Is my recent movie. With the Nollywood film, Anniversary, we are eyeing the cinemas because we utilized state-of-the-art highly sophisticated equipments, high grade casts, great location and what have you, in shooting the film. It’s a very big project and I have to say It costs us a lot to achieve that and I’m optimistic it will appeal to a wider audience. So, we basically produced this film for the cinema audience because of its standard. How much did it cost you? It cost quite a lot financially. One can’t begin to measure the cost now. Even I terms of non financial capital and what have you. I’m just glad we were able to come up with something good.

Escape

Friday, May 15, 2015

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Wonders of Macedonia

Side dishes usually have to be ordered separately. The Republic of Macedonia is also famous for its shopska salata a mixed salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and grated sirenje. Sirenje is a white cheese similar to feta cheese. Usually Macedonians will translate the English cheese to sirenje. Another local speciality is ajvar, a red paste made from roasted peppers and tomatoes, which is either used as an appetizer or side dish. Another typical local dish is tarator which is comparable to the Greek tzatziki. It is made of yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic and it is served as a cold soup.

Traditional Food Tavce gravce in Macedonian is the national dish and unique to Macedonia. It basically consists of beans, paprika and other vegetables so can be eaten by vegetarians. Traditionally, it is served with cut sausage mixed and eaten with bread. It is a delicious meal that will definitely leave you feeling full!

Fish The Republic of Macedonia, being landlocked, does not offer a great variety of fresh fish. A notable exception is Ohrid, where fresh fish from the local lake can be enjoyed. If you have no objections to eating endangered species, the Ohrid trout is a local delicacy.

Millenium cross

MACEDONIA Macedonia officially the Republic of Macedonia is a country located in the central Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991. It became a member of the United Nations in 1993 but, as a result of a dispute with Greece over its name, it was admitted under the provisional reference of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia A landlocked country, the Republic of Macedonia is bordered by Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west. It constitutes approximately the north-western third of the larger geographical region of Macedonia, which also comprises the neighbouring parts of northern Greece and a smaller portion in Bulgaria. The country’s capital is Skopje, with 506,926 inhabitants according to the 2002 census. Other cities include Bitola, Kumanovo, Prilep, Tetovo, Ohrid, Veles, Štip, Kočani, Gostivar, Kavadarci and Strumica. It has more than 50 lakes and sixteen mountains higher than 2,000 m (6,562 ft). Macedonia is a member of the UN and the Council of Europe. Since December 2005 it has also been a candidate for joining the European Union and has applied for NATO membership.

History The Republic of Macedonia occupies the western half of the ancient Kingdom of Macedonia. Historic Macedonia was defeated by Rome and became a Roman

province in 148 B.C. After the Roman Empire was divided in A.D. 395, Macedonia was intermittently ruled by the Byzantine Empire until Turkey took possession of the land in 1371. The Ottoman Turks dominated Macedonia for the next five centuries, until 1913. During the 19th and 20th centuries, there was a constant struggle by the Balkan powers to possess Macedonia for its economic wealth and its strategic military corridors. The Treaty of San Stefano in 1878, ending the Russo-Turkish War, gave the largest part of Macedonia to Bulgaria. Bulgaria lost much of its Macedonian territory when it was defeated by the Greeks and Serbs in the Second Balkan War of 1913. Most of Macedonia went to Serbia and the remainder was divided among Greece and Bulgaria.

Geography Macedonia is a landlocked country that is geographically clearly defined by a central valley formed by the Vardar River and framed along its borders by mountain ranges. The terrain is mostly rugged, located between the Šar Mountains and Osogovo, which frame the valley of the Vardar River. Three large lakes — Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dojran Lake — lie on the southern borders, bisected by the frontiers with Albania and Greece. Ohrid is considered to be one of the oldest lakes and biotopes in the world. The region is seismically active and has been the site of destructive earthquakes in the past, most recently in 1963 when Skopje was heavily damaged by a major earthquake, killing over 1,000. Macedonia also has scenic

Drinks

Stobi

mountains. They belong to two different mountain ranges: the first is the Šar Mountains that continues to the West Vardar/Pelagonia group of mountains (Baba Mountain, Nidže, Kozuf and Jakupica), also known as the Dinaric range. The second range is the Osogovo– Belasica mountain chain, also known as the Rhodope range. The mountains belonging to the Šar Mountains and the West Vardar/ Pelagonia range are younger and higher than the older mountains that are part of the Osogovo-Belasica mountain group. Mount Korab of the Šar Mountains on the Albanian border, at 2,764 m (9,068 ft), is the tallest mountain in Macedonia. Government Executive power in Macedonia is exercised by the Government, whose prime minister is the most politically powerful person in the country. The members of the government are chosen by the Prime Minister and there are ministers for each branch of the society. There are ministers for economy, finance, information technology, society, internal affairs, foreign affairs and other areas. The members of the Government are elected for a mandate of four years. The current Prime Minister is Nikola

Gruevski who is serving his third consecutive term in office and the President is Gjorge Ivanov. Economy GDP/PPP (2012 est.): $21.94 billion; per capita $10,700. Real growth rate: 0%. Inflation: 3.3%. Unemployment: 31.3%. Arable land: 22.01%. Agriculture: grapes, wine, tobacco, vegetables; milk, eggs. Labor force: 940,600 (2012 est.); agriculture 16.7%, industry 26%., services 57.3%. Industries: food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, steel, cement, energy, pharmaceuticals. Natural resources: low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land. Exports: $4.002 billion (2012 est.): food, beverages, tobacco; miscellaneous manufactures, iron and steel; automotive parts. Imports: $6.511 billion (2012 est.): machinery and equipment, automobiles, chemicals, fuels, food products. Major trading partners: Germany, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Turkey, U.K. (2011).

Food Typical Macedonian food resembles the food of the southern Balkans, meaning loads of grilled meat (known as skara).

Rakija is a strong grape brandy that has the best claim to be Republic’s national beverage. There are also many breweries which brew surprisingly goodtasting beer. Macedonians boast the largest winery in the Balkan area—the Tikveš (Tikvesh) winery in Kavadarci. Red wines are usually better than white ones. Try “T’ga za Jug”—Macedonian favorite affordable red wine made from a local grape variety called Vranec. Local white wines include Traminec and Temjanika. The local beer market appears, in Skopje at least, to be dominated by Skopsko, a drinkable, if not entirely distinctive, lager.

Flora The flora of Republic of Macedonia is represented with around 210 families, 920 genera, and around 3,700 plant species. The most abundant group are the flowering plants with around 3,200 species, which is followed by mosses (350 species) and ferns (42).

Fauna The fauna of Macedonian forests is abundant and includes bears, wild boars, wolves, foxes, squirrels, chamois and deer. The lynx is found, although very rarely, in the mountains of western Macedonia, while deer can be found in the region of Demir Kapija. Forest birds include the blackcap, the grouse, the black grouse, the imperial eagle and the forest owl. The shepherd dog of Šar Mountain is known worldwide as Šarplaninec

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(Yugoslav shepherd). It stands some 60 centimeters tall and is a brave and fierce fighter that may be called upon to fight bears or wolf packs in guarding and defending flocks. The Šarplaninec originates from the shepherd’s dog of the ancient Epirotes, the molossus, but the Šarplaninec was recognised as its own breed in 1939 under the name of “Illyrian shepherd” and since 1956 has been known as Šarplaninec.

CITIES Skopje, the capital and largest city, is situated in the northern part of the country on the Vardar River. Skopje has a long history that is evidenced by its many archaeological sites, such as Scupi and the Skopje Aqueduct, and the large number of Ottoman buildings and monuments, particularly in the Old Bazaar, such as Mustapha Pasha Mosque. Today, Skopje, with over 500,000 inhabitants, is becoming a modern city with museums and many cultural and sporting events. Ohrid, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the southwestern part of the country on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid. The town is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the country, which is largely due to the beaches and atmosphere. However, Ohrid also has many historical monuments, such as Samuil’s Fortress and the Antique Theatre. Bitola, the second largest city, is situated in the southern part of the country. Like many cities in the country, Bitola has also had a rich history. Heraclea Lyncestis, one of the Republic of Macedonia’s largest archaeological sites, is located in Bitola. The long history of Bitola is also exemplified by the town’s many neo-classical buildings, Ottoman buildings and monuments, and old churches. The town is also a shopping destination; Širok Sokak, a pedestrian street, is filled with an endless amount of stores and restaurants. Štip, the largest city east of the Vardar River, is located in the eastern part of the country. Štip has existed for at least 2,000 years which is showcased by its many archaeological sites, such as Astibo, Bargala, and Estipeon.

The Old Bazaar

Escape

Friday, May 15, 2015

The city is also home to the healing waters of the Kežovica Mineral Spa. Today, Štip is the main cultural and economical centre of eastern Macedonia. Other cities and towns in the country, such as Kratovo, Kruševo, Prilep, Strumica, and Struga, have many attractions of their own. The Republic of Macedonia has three national parks and 33 natural reserves: Mavrovo, located in the northwestern part of the country, is the largest of the three national parks. It is home to several river valleys, gorges, waterfalls, caves, and other morphological formations. Pelister National Park is a national park in the Municipality of Bitola, Republic of Macedonia. The park is located in the Baba Mountain massif and covers an area of 171.5 square kilometres (66.2 sq mi). The altitude of the park varies between 927 and 2,601 m (3,041 and 8,533 ft) above sea level and is filled with exquisite flora and fauna. Among flora elements, the presence is especially significant of the five-needle pine molica, Pinus peuce - a unique species of Cenozoic age being present on only a few mountains in the Balkan Peninsula. The beauty of the landscape is enhanced by the diversified wildlife: bears, roe deer, wolves, chamois, deer, wild boars, rabbits, several species of eagles, partridges, redbilled jackdaws, and the endemic Macedonian Pelagonia trout. Galičica, located between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, is the second largest national park in the country. The park is home to an abundance of diverse flora and fauna, and offers terrific views of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid. The floral life in the Galičica National Park represents over 1000 species, of which a large number of relicts and endems have the final frontier of its range exactly on the mountain Galičica. There is characteristically presence of up to now 11 discovered local endems to be found exclusively on the slopes of Galičica and nowhere else, this illustrates the specifically floristic composition of this mountain. At the moment, it is intensively worked on the flora of the National Park and there are indications that the number of en-

dems will be even bigger. Ezereni Bird Sanctuary, located on the northern shore of Lake Prespa, is a strict natural reserve. It is home to over 120 different bird species.[9] Tikveš Strict Natural Reserve, located 30 km southeast of Kavadarci, is a natural reserve that covers an area of approximately 100 square kilometres. 23 species of predatory birds are present in the reserve and 17 of these nest in the area. Tikveš is said to be one of the most important ornithological sites in Europe. Lokvi-Golemo Konjari Strict Natural Reserve, located near Kruševo, is a natural reserve that is the last remnant of a once enormous swamp.

Other Tourist sites Stobi Stobi, situated in Gradsko, in the geographical center of the country, is the largest and considered to be the most famous archaeological site in the Republic of Macedonia. Some remains include basilicas, streets, thermae, living complexes, mosaics, and walls.

or simply Kale (from kale, the Turkish word for ‘fortress’), is a historic fortress located in Skopje, the capital of the Republic of Macedonia. It is situated on the highest point in the city overlooking the Vardar River. The fortress is depicted on the coat of arms of Skopje, which in turn is incorporated in the city’s flag.

Ancient Observatory Kokino Kokino is a Bronze Age archaeological site in the Republic of Macedonia, approximately 30 km from the town of Kumanovo, and about 6 km from the Serbian border, in the Staro Nagoričane municipality. It is situated between about 1010 and 1030 m above sea level on the Tatikjev Kamen summit and covers an area of about 90 by 50 meters, overlooking the eponymous hamlet of Kokino.It was discovered by archeologist Jovica Stankovski, director of the national museum in Kumanovo, in 2001. In 2002, Stankovski together with Gorje Cenev (who is the head of a planetarium at a Youth Cultural Center in Skopje) published the claim that the

Marko’s Tower Marko’s Tower, located just outside of Prilep, is a rocky mass composed of several fine sculptures. It is on the list of possible UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Millennium cross The Millennium Cross (Macedonian: , Latinic: Mileniumski krst) is a 66 metre-high cross situated on the top of the Vodno Mountain in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. It was constructed to serve as a memorial of 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia and the world.

Ancient Observatory Kokino

Stone Dolls of Kuklica The stone town is an area consisting of over 120 naturally formed stone pillars, located in the village of Kuklica, near Kratovo in Macedonia. Kuklica is located 8 km northwest of Kratovo. The stone formations are situated on the right bank of the Kriva River valley. The area has an altitude of 415-420 m and extends over an area of 0.3 square km.

Fortress Kale The Skopje Fortress, commonly referred to as Kale Fortress,

Stone Doll of kuklica

Fortress kale

site contains a “megalithic observatory and sacred site” The Old Bazaar in Skopje is the largest bazaar in the Balkans outside Istanbul. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Vardar River, stretching from the Stone Bridge to the Bit-Pazar and from the Skopje Fortress to the Serava River. The Old Bazaar falls within the borders of Centar and Čair municipalities and is a protected national landmark. The earliest known documented sources that point out to the existence of a merchant quarter on the bazaar’s territory date back to the 12th century Roman Bath Bansko At 12 km from the town of Strumica, at the northern foot of Mount Belasitza, located are strong hot water springs with a temperature of 72 ° C. The source is located in the village of Bansko, which is the main reason why water baths once got the present name. Near the source “Parilo” located is the Roman bath, which was built in the II century AD. This area covers more than 1500 m2 and is one of the largest baths in the Balkans.

Friday, May 15, 2015

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Speed Limit: Anxieties mount as implementation deadline closes in The Federal Road Safety Commission is expected to commence enforcement of the speed limit on vehicles from June 1 this year. With high expectations that the implementation would check over-speeding by motorists, a phenomenon that has continued to heighten human casualties on highways in the county, the Commission has, in the past few months, intensified its sensitization programmes nationwide, Adejuwon Osunnuyi reports on the mood of motorists and other road users on the imminent speed limit enforcement. Oyeyemi

‘

Opeifa

Talking about intra, if for

instance, you are having your

vehicle and driving within Lagos, do you know that Obalande to Ajah is interstate? So the tendency to over speed is there. So we cannot say it’s

‘

rom June 1, the Federal Road Safety Corps is expected to commence enforcement on implementation of the speed limit device on vehicles, especially the commercial buses nationwide. Going by the high rate of accidents being caused by over speeding, the FRSC decided to introduce the device. The device is a speed limiting governor, which works by controlling the fuel feed to the engine, mechanical and electronic accelerator in a vehicle. Being a new project of the FRSC, it has not relented on its efforts meant at sensitizing the major stakeholders involved, which are the commercial vehicles. Talking the message of the speed limiter to the commercial drivers especially those that operate the interstate routes, the FRSC’s sensitization train was at Ojota New Garage in Lagos where all the transport unions with their national and state leaders were in attendance. The unions include the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, Road Employers Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Road Transport Workers and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers. Subsequently, another event organized for corporate drivers and other motorists was held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, which provided an opportunity for more interaction among the stakeholders on how to ensure a smooth and effective implementation of the safety device project. According to the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer, FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, the device was introduced to reduce

only interstate. Maybe you can use the word intercity instead

accidents arising from over-speeding as that there was no going back on the use of speed limiter in the country. He said similar rallies would be organised in the remaining states of the country from next month, adding that the initiative was not proposed by the FRSC but jointly arrived at with the leadership of all transport unions and other stakeholders to raise the level of awareness for an enduring safe road culture. According to the corps marshal, the device is a speed limiting governor, which works by controlling the fuel feed to the engine, mechanical and electronic accelerator in a vehicle. The rally was tagged ‘Towards an enduring safe Road Culture in Nigeria.’ He said they agreed to start with Lagos because the state accounted for about 40 per cent of vehicular density and chose Ojota Motor Park because of the high number of inter-state buses loading from there. He urged commercial vehicle operators to instal the speed limiter in their vehicles as agreed with the union leaders. Boboye noted that though the

level of accidents had gone down, they desired to push it further down and appealed to the state governments to support the eradication of the sale of alcohol and hard drugs at motor parks. He urged all road users to be more safety conscious and more tolerant of one another, adding that the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway might not be functioning well now due to the ongoing construction. “The unions have also agreed that on no account must any vehicle leave any motor park overloaded. They say anyone found overloading is not from any park and the vehicle must be impounded. NUPENG has also agreed that owners of any tankers or trailers found to have parked indiscriminately on the road must be prosecuted.” He said. Also speaking at forum, Lagos State Commissioner for TransComrade Kayode portation, Opeifa commended the FRSC for bringing all the stakeholders to Lagos to rub minds on the speed limit device and its implementation. He said, “Our goal in Lagos State has always been to spread

the gospel of road safety. All commercial operators must conduct their business with the heart of making money without recording casualty. Make all the money you can, but don’t kill anyone in the process.” According to him, most of the issues raised by the FRSC chief such as over speeding and the sale of alcohol and other intoxicants are covered by the state’s Traffic Law 2012. Opeifa said, “The sale of alcohol or drugs is covered in regulation 31 not just motor parks but 100 metres to any bus stop and garages, while over-speeding carries a fine of N100,000 and a likely loss of your driver’s licence. “No commercial vehicle driver in Lagos will be qualified to operate without a passenger insurance cover. Recently, we signed memoranda of understanding with four brokers and 100 underwriters and the insurance scheme will soon commence. We have agreed on a rate. Meanwhile, as the implementation date draws nearer, a lot of commercial drivers have expressed their fears in the project saying though it is laudable, the level of compliance might be low due to the fact that the speed limit device is a mechanical device that cannot be handled by the road side mechanics. A commercial driver, Samuel Kolawole, an operator of interstate bus, who spoke to National Mirror said he believed only the vehicle manufacturers could provide such a device because it has to do with the brain box of vehicles. “To me, FRSC should not bother itself so much about exist-

ing commercial buses. If you look at them critically, you will see that most of the buses being run by commercial vehicles are old and as a result, they cannot over speed. If they are talking about speed limit device, it has to do with new buses. “Look at most of our buses, most of them are aged, and it is natural that even if they attempt to over speed, their engine might get knocked down.” “You will discover that at most, the level that most buses speed should be around 80k/h and I do not think that is bad enough to be called over speeding.” Samuel said. However, though he agreed with Samuel that new vehicles come with the speed limiter, Commander Livinus Ibe, Sector Public Education Officer, FRSC, Lagos Command, in an interview with our correspondent said “People think speed limit is a new thing, but I can tell you it has been around in the country for some times now. From instance, he ABC Transport Company from day one had fixed speed limit in all its busses. Though as it is expected, people complain that they don’t get to their destinations on time, but at least they get there safely. How many times have you seen ABC buses involved in accident? “ According to Ibe, there are lot of experts in the country who could fix the device. He explained that most of the people who are into the device business have been making adverts informing people where they could get them as it is done in conjunction with Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON. “We are not alone in this; it is a synergy involving other agencies.” Commenting on when the enforcement would start affecting those involved in intra state route, Ibe said, “The fact remains that people always look for a way out of something. “Talking about intra, if for instance, you are having your vehicle and driving within Lagos, do you know that Obalande to Ajah is interstate? So the tendency to over speed is there. So we cannot say it’s only interstate. Maybe you can use the word intercity instead. It is not necessary has to be only Lagos-Ibadan express way alone. We have not said it is only for interstate, but we are only starting the enforcement with them for now.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, May 15, 2015

BriscoeFord rewards customers with holiday, cars

riscoeFord, the authorised distributor of Ford vehicles in Nigeria and a subsidiary of R.T. Briscoe Nigeria Plc, has announced the commencement of a promo to reward its existing and potential customers with a specially packaged holiday and car gifts. The Briscoe Marketing Coordinator, Mr. Felix Adesoye, in a statement, said the existing and potential customers would every three months get a holiday for two. The holiday, according to him, is arranged in partnership with VIP Tourism Limited and Nowahala Tours, adding that the promo will last from April 20 to November 30, 2015. Another set of two customers selected from Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja would also stand the chance of winning the star prize of Ford Ecosport in a raffle draw to be held at the end of this year, he said. The statement read, “Each prospective vehicle buyer from BriscoeFord will receive an entry form for the competition. Entrants will be invited to attend a VIP Express Tourism Limited presentation to qualify. “Two brand new Ford Ecosport SUVs will be given away

as the first prize for two customers in Lagos, Abuja and Port Hacourt. A holiday for two to Kenya and other destinations abroad will also be given away every three months at BriscoeFord dealerships nationwide.” A draw to announce a winner for the holiday prizes is expected to take place every three months, and in November, brand new vehicles will be won as star prizes in Lagos and Abuja. The statement added that the promo was not limited to Ford or automobile users alone. Interested customers and other automobile brand users with financial wherewithal were also free to walk into any outlet, where BriscoeFord officials would be on the ground to guide them through the process of participation in the promo. As a guarantee that the Ford Ecosport would be won at the end of 2015 as promised, the National Lottery Regulatory Authority had approved the raffle draw. The statement said, “The all-new Ford Ecosport, an entry level compact SUV, has been the toast of auto lovers since its introduction to the Nigerian market. Its dexterity and maneuverability coupled with fuel efficiency and ruggedness have endeared customers to the Ford brand. “Ford automobiles were voted the most improved auto brand at the Nigerian Auto Awards event held in Lagos

By Chidi Ugwu, Abuja

I Seyi Onajide, CEO, RT Briscoe

last November. In other markets, EcoSport is an esteemed Ford vehicle that has conquered maximum number of awards in 2014, winning up to 30 awards in India. “Built on Ford’s global Bsegment platform, the compact EcoSport delivers the agility and fuel efficiency of a family car with the flexibility, spaciousness, high driving position, and go anywhere appeal of an SUV. The all-new EcoSport offers a range of efficient powertrains, including the 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine –International Engine of the Year – and a 110PS 1.5-litre petrol engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency in Nigeria. One of its highlights is the awardwinning SYNC driver connect system with voice control. More than four million vehicles are currently on the road with SYNC technology.”

Coscharis Motors introduces Land Rover Discovery Sport into Nigerian market

oscharis Motors has un- premium SUVs. It is designed as veiled the all-new Land an extraordinary every day vehiRover Discovery Sport cle that combines the legendary Land Rover capability with preinto the Nigerian market. At a well attended launch at mium elegance. It is a true Land Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Rover with more contemporary Lagos, the president of Coscha- offerings. The Discovery Sport is loaded ris Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka highlighting the qualities of the with innovative technologies and all new Discovery Sport, said delivering high levels of practicafollowing up on the heels of the bility, luxury, style and efficiency; successful introduction of the it is the next chapter in the life of design direction of the Range the Discovery family.” Design direction and versaRover model range, the Discovery Sport is equipped with a sim- tility The new Discovery Sport’s ilar range of class-leading designs, technologies, innovations sleek, aerodynamic silhouette, and safety features, all of which with legendary Land Rover cahas led to the Discovery Sport being awarded with a Five Star Euro NCAP rating. With so many first, the new Discovery Sport is the world’s most versatile and capable premium compact SUV, featuring a 5+2 seating (optional) in a footprint no larger than existing 5-seat Land Rover Discovery Sport

Cleen Foundation, FRSC take road safety campaigns to motor parks

pability and a flexible interior, add up to a great looking vehicle that does so much more. Its progressive new design approach defines the new Discovery family with optimised volume, proportions and stance. The design leadership combines with engineering integrity to result in a dynamic profile and the ultimate use of interior space. It is engineered and designed to be preferred by both male and female. The Discovery Sport is equipped with a range of fourcylinder turbocharged Si4 2.0-litre petrol engines for our market, which is dominantly petrol based. This all-alloy petrol engine features stop-start technology, high-pressure direct injection, low-friction internal components and smart regenerative charging for outstanding performance and economy. The Si4 2.0-litre petrol engine is also fitted with the 9-speed automatic transmission as standard and all powertrains are four-wheeldrive.

n a bid to end the proliferation of fake drivers’ license and number plates the Cleen Foundation in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) embarked on enlightenment of stakeholders in the motor parks on processes and procedures of obtaining genuine vehicle documents. Speaking during the kick off of the enlightenment programme at Jabi Park, Utako Area of the city yesterday, the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, noted that the programme is part of efforts to intensify public enlightenment with a view to making Nigeria one of the safest countries for drivers in the world by 2020. According to him, if such feat is to be achieved, greater commitment and rededication to public enlightenment programmes is required hence the Corps in collaboration with Cleen Foundation decided to take the message to motorists in motor parks. Oyeyemi said FRSC has renewed commitment to reform in the licensing system by investing more in staff capacity development, building synergy

between relevant stakeholders and investing more in technology. He explained that the processes of drivers’ license are tripartite arrangement where each component part plays a particular role that complements the others. “The process for the National drivers’ License can be connected to the generation, transmission and distribution system as obtained in the power companies, where each component part plays a particular role that complements the process and without each component part playing its assigned role, the entire system could be undermined” he explained. Also speaking the program officer of Cleen Foundation, Chisom Ugwu stated that the essence of the partnership is to dissuade the drivers from patronising touts who provide them with fake vehicle documents. Ugwu noted that most of the commercial drivers do go for required testing and proper checks as they renew their licenses because they usually bypass the constituted authorities that would ordinarily have made them undergo such checks as required by law.

Volkswagen announces new 599HP 6.0-liter W-12 Engine

olkswagen Group announced that it is launching a new generation of its twin-turbo W-12 engine, which will likely serve as one of the engines in the forthcoming Bentley Bentayga crossover, as well as several other Bentley and Audi models. The engine is rated for 599 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque and is claimed to be the most fuel-efficient 12-cylinder engine on the market. Several Audi and Bentley models already use W-12 engines, but the fact that Volkswagen specifically mentions that the new engine’s oil pump is “suitable for off-road use” signals it will be used for the upcoming Bentley Bentayga crossover. The twin-turbo, direct-injection 12-cylinder engine also features cylinderbank deactivation and engine stop-start to save fuel, as well as hydraulic active engine mounts to help dampen vibrations for “premium-quality driving comfort.” Volkswagen Group W 12 Engine Cutaway Volkswagen says that de-

Volkswagen Group W 12 Engine

pending on the vehicle in which it is installed, the 6.0-liter W-12 could provide 0-to-62-mph acceleration below four seconds, and a top speed about 186 mph. Volkswagen also announced that it is working on a new three-cylinder turbocharged engine (below) based on the EA211 four-cylinder. Thanks to an electric supercharger that helps bolster that standard turbo’s output, the three-cylinder engine is said to produce 268 hp and 199 lb-ft. Luxury division Audi is also committed to electric supercharging to help boost performance and fuel efficiency.

Cocktail

Friday, May 15, 2015

Auction giant sells ‘fake’ pop art to unknowing customers

he largest online auction house in Scandinavia, Lauritz.com, has been accused of selling fake Andy Warhol prints. A small team of journalists and investigators from Swedish news program SVT looked into several tips about fake prints being sold on the site and discovered surpris-

ing details. In order to gather evidence, the team bought two Andy Warhol pieces described as “original prints,” one of David Hockney and the other of Mick Jagger. Both were advertised as authentic prints created using hands-on techniques like lithography.

45-foot stolen yacht found abandoned on side of road

$100,000 yacht was found abandoned on the side of the road in Wisconsin after being stolen over Mother’s Day weekend. Authorities found the “Annie Mac” undamaged on the side of the highway in Norway, Wis., on Tuesday -- 40 miles from where it had been stored in Jerry’s Dock Marina in Milwaukee, the vessel’s owner, David Pakalski, told WISN. Jerry Guyer, who runs the marina, realized Saturday the Annie Mac, which had been at his facility for three years, was gone and the lock for the front gate

broken. “We had thought maybe the owner came and took it, but when we talked this morning, he had no knowledge,” Guyer told WISN at the time. Guyer said surveillance footage indicates the thieves hitched the boat to a white pickup truck and were gone in about 30 minutes. The Annie Mac is 45 feet long and sits on a 53foot trailer, giving it a combined weight of approximately 12 tons. Police said they believe the suspects suffered car troubles before abandoning the vessel.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities Oddities

Obamacare critic now needs bailout for blindness

uis Lang is on the road to blindness, but can’t afford surgery because he chose not to purchase health insurance. The now-unemployed South Carolina handyman said he prided himself on paying his own medical bills, but that was when he and his wife, Mary, were healthier and better-off, the Charlotte Observer reported. Lang, 49, believed that the Affordable Care Act, which he did not agree with and decidedly ignored, would still help him in the case of an emergency -- that is, pay his bills. He thought wrong, however, as 2015 enrolment is now closed. And when it comes to private coverage, he now earns too little to a receive a federal subsidy to afford it. As for Medicaid, South Carolina is one of the 17 states that opted out of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, making Lang

ineligible to receive those benefits. Because it’s too late for Lang to take regular avenues, he started a GoFundMe page to raise money to cover his medical expenses. He expects to owe between $18,000 and $30,000 if he suc-

Lang

cessfully receives the surgery and writes that when he reached out to “every [charity] organization out there,” he was told he is either too young or too old. Lang and his wife apparently blame President Barack Obama and Demo-

crats for “passing a complex and flawed bill.” “[My husband] should be at the front of the line, because he doesn’t work and because he has medical issues,” Mary Lang told the Observer. “We call it the Not Fair Health Care Act.”

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

Measuring non-oil export processing flaws losses to economy The increasing losses incurred by Nigerian non-oil exporters despite efforts by relevant government agencies have continued to be a major concern for trade and other development experts in the country. These losses which are largely avoidable, occur due to improper documentation, ignorance and failure of the indigenous exporters to carry out due diligence on some fraudulent foreign buyers which are believed to be frustrating Federal Government’s efforts at promoting non-oil exports, especially in the face of growing fiscal uncertainties in the global crude oil market. FRANCIS EZEM reports.

hough the Federal Government has in the recent past taken steps towards boosting non-exports as part of measures to diversify the nation’s monoproduct economy and reduce over dependence on crude oil export, such efforts appear not to be yielding the desired results when analysed within the context of key performance targets. For instance, the government introduced the Export Expansion Grant EEG and several other incentives that are expected to drive the non-oil export segment of the economy just as it also created and empowered some of its agencies to promote export business in the country. One of such organisations is the Nigerian Shippers Council, charged with the responsibility of promoting the interest of shippers (exporters and importers). The council had also created the Cargo Defence Fund, a quasi-independent unit in the council charged with the responsibility of enlightening shippers and also helping them pursue their cago claims in cases of trade disputes. Recent statistics released by the fund, indicate that Nigerian charcoal exporters have yet to get paid for the supply of over 149 containers of the commodity to fraudulent importers in the five European Union nations in the last five years. Details of the statistics showed that the charcoal exporters are owed a total of 100, 495 Euros in Germany, 110, 699 Euros in Spain, 16, 446 Euros, $9, 162 and 17, 720 Pounds in Poland. Others include 133, 842 Euros in the Netherlands, 3, 960 Euros in Belgium and 17, 720 Pounds Sterling in Italy, bringing to a total of 365, 442 Euros, $9, 165 and 17, 720 Pounds, bringing to a total of N78.9 billion. The miners and solid mineral exporters have also suffered similar fate in the hands of foreign buyers, who defraud them either by refusing to pay after the shipments have been made or devalue their products, through which they have lost millions of naira. The charcoal, mineral exporters and miners constitute just a few examples, since the list is endless. In most of these cases, the underlying problem is that the documentations are faulty and do not conform to international standards, which many of these fraudulent foreign buyers take undue advantage of. Secretary to the CDF, Ms. Azuka Ogo, who confirmed this development, said that over the years the Fund has taken steps to-

Bello

Aganga

wards enlightening these exporters on the best way to go about their documentations, saying she was very disturbed that most exporters and even importers sign export or import contracts that leave them totally exposed to problems.. According to her, it was as part of these efforts that the Fund organised them in sectoral groups such as charcoal, leather, solid mineral and miners, among several others for easy reach. “We facilitate trade across all sectors of the economy by providing legal framework and platform thereby legitimising trade contracts between Nigerian partners and their overseas partners”, the CDF-boss had also said. She noted that despite these efforts, many of the exporters do not seek guidance and direction in documenting their transactions, citing instances where they have been advised to adopt the Letter of Credit LOC payment option instead of Open Account, a development some fraud-

ulent buyers have cashed in on to cheat and exploit them. “We always advise them to use LOC but many of them do what is called ‘Open Account’ where you have to send the Bill of Laden to the buyer and he takes the document, which is in his possession, uses it to clear the goods and if he is dishonest, he may not pay the exporter”, she said. She disclosed that the fund currently liaises with relevant government agencies such as the NEXIM Bank and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council NEPC to enable the exporters successfully export their consignments and also repatriate their proceeds from such trade. Ogo however pledged that the Fund will continue to do its best both in terms of educating and enlightening the exporters as well as helping them pursue their claims when such mistakes occur in line with Federal Government’s policy on promoting non-oil export.. A former president of the Maritime Ar-

WE FACILITATE TRADE ACROSS ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY BY PROVIDING LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND PLATFORM THEREBY LEGITIMISING TRADE CONTRACTS BETWEEN

NIGERIAN PARTNERS AND THEIR OVERSEAS PARTNERS

bitrators of Nigeria, Mrs. Rhodes Doyin, who also spoke on this trend, said that once an exporter commences his business negotiation poorly, he would certainly end poorly. According to her, most of the exporters have similar experiences in signing noncovering contracts with their overseas partners. She said it was in view of these challenges that the arbitrators are liaising with the Fund to seek for ways of ameliorating these problems. “Nigerian exporters and importers most of the time sign faulty import and export contracts that have exposed them to myriads of problems and complications when disputes arise, which would have left so many Nigerian exporters and importers bankrupt but for the intervention of the CDF” An exporter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that many of the cases where Nigerian exporters loose money could be attributed to lack of adequate information on the part of the exporter, who would just export and earn his returns in dollar. He warned that these losses might continue if the exporters do change their getrich quick syndrome. It is therefore instructive that while the government and its agencies are making frantic efforts at promoting non-oil exports, the exporters themselves should apply caution in their own interest and national interest also.

Business Maritime

Friday, May 15, 2015

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Egina FPSO project ‘ll launch Nigeria into G20 category –LADOL boss STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

he Lagos Deep Offshore Logistic Base LADOL, the Local Content parent with the Samsung Heavy Industries of Korea, has said that when fully completed and operational, the multi billion dollar Egina Floating, Production Storage and Offloading FPSO integration project will launch Nigeria into the G20 group of nations. Managing Director of LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi, disclosed after a tour of the facility located with the LADOL Free Trade Zone, that the project, which would also make Nigeria emerge the hub for oil and gas activities in West Africa, remains the single largest Local Content project since the Nigerian Content Act was passed in 2010. According to her, the choice of LADOL for the integration project was informed by its status as the most suitable location, given its direct connection to the Atlantic Ocean as well as proximity to Apapa Ports, Nigeria’s largest port facility. She disclosed that the project consists of a very large fabrication yard, fixing and painting facilities, large storage yard , stacking area and a quay apron with over 13.5 meter draft, which is more than adequate to the FPSO vessel, was designed after a similar facility in South Korea. It was gathered that with the coming on stream of the Egina FPSO integration project to the LADOL Free Trade Zone in Lagos, the massive capital flight occasioned by the handling of FPSO projects in neighbouring West African countries would soon be a thing of the past. “With the Egina project, Nigeria will conserve in excess of $20 million that would have gone to neighbouring countries and you know

Shell has announced that it would spend over $40 million over the few months, all these monies would have gone out of Nigeria, which is not good for the economy”, Jadesimi said. She also said that when fully operational, the facility would create over 5, 000 direct jobs and another 50, 000 indirect jobs, which would go along way in addressing Nige-

ria’s unemployment. She however stated that even with the Egina project, Nigeria needs many more of such facilities, a development that calls for partnership and collaboration among Nigerians so that more of such facilities would be replicated in other locations across the country in the overall interest of the Nigerian nation.

“There is this problem of low capacity and low demands here but by the time such facilities are replicated in several locations, capacity would be built and demand for them would also include tremendously”, the LADOL boss also said. She also said that in addition to the creation of jobs, the project, which LADOL will fully take over after 10 years would also boost gov-

ernment’s revenue by over $20 million annually. Procurement and development manager of the project for LADOL, Mr. Piet Van Merwe, while speaking with newsmen, disclosed that the project, which construction took off August last years is currently 75 per cent completed and would be fully completed by the end of third quarter of this year.

On-going construction work at the Egina FPSO intergration facility at the LADOL Base Lagos

US Coast Guard issues safety alert over ship hull

he United States Coast Guard has issued a safety alert after an incident where an anchor slipped and punctured a ship’s hull. The cargo ship was underway in 15 foot seas when the forepeak flood alarms activated. The crew investigated and discovered the starboard anchor had slipped 1015 links, causing it to strike and puncture the hull. As a result, seawater flooded the bow thruster and emergency fire pump compartment. The casualty resulted in excess of $1 million in vessel damage and a month’s lost revenues while the vessel was out of ser-

vice affecting repairs. During the repair period, it was discovered that the anchor windlass brake pad had worn down to 2-3mm thickness. With only this amount of pad the fully applied brake could not achieve its designed holding power. The crew should have recognized the excessive wear to the brake pads and required replacement, says the safety alert. It was also discovered that the involved anchor had dissimilar specifications to the original anchor it had replaced. As a result, the replacement anchor’s relative position in the hawse pipe was not the same because of its

different shank length and connecting linkages. The size difference prevented the riding pawl from properly engaging the anchor chain. As an added safety device, a wire sling had been used to secure the anchor. The wire sling was threaded through a chain link and secured to the vessel with a pelican hook. When the sling broke and the brake failed, the anchor’s weight and ship’s movement then caused it to drop before the riding pawl could properly engaged. The sling failure was likely caused by the corrosion of the inner wire strands. The inner wire strands were ex-

posed to the elements because of the sharp bend in the wire created by being fed through the chain link and secured by a pelican hook. The wire sling was inspected regularly. However, those performing the inspections were not instructed on how to examine and determine its serviceability. The safety alert reminds vessel operators and company technical managers of the importance of proper ship’s anchor use, stowage and maintenance. Anchor windlass brakes, riding pawls, and devil’s claws must be used as designed and periodically maintained to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Maritime Academy Rector bags doctorate degree

he European American U n ive r s i t y - C o m m o n wealth of Dominica, bestowed its honourary doctor of Science in Engineering and Project Management on the rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, Oron, Mr. Joshua Okpo. This is in recognition of his contributions to maritime sector development over the past two years. Representative of European American University, CommonWealth of Dominica, Dr. Luke Okoye, who spoke after the decoration and certificate presentation,

said that the selection of Okpo was informed by the impressive strides his administration has recorded in the academy, as well as his sustained drive towards making the academy the first and the best in Africa. According to him, Okpo is a pacesetter, patriotic Nigerian, astute administrator and a bridge builder, adding that the rector’s clean record of dedicated public service has helped in shaping the future of the academy and putting it on the global maritime map of reckoning.

“I am highly impressed and humbled by the intimidating and unquestionable credentials and solid educational background of the awardee, and I commend him for bringing his vast, varied experiences in the public service to bear on turning around the fortunes of the academy”, he said. While congratulating the rector, Dr Luke expressed optimism that the honour will further spur him to transform the academy and pursue vigorously, the dream of making it a degree awarding institution. He also urged him to remain

a good ambassador of European American University Common Wealth of Dominica, where ever he went. While responding after the award presentation, Dr. Okpo said he was grateful to the university, for finding him qualified for the honour and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by remaining resolute and focused in driving the premier maritime academy in Nigeria to its pride of place among maritime institutions in the world. Okpo disclosed that he was sent to the academy at a time it was en-

meshed in succession crisis, adding that he has been able to calm frayed nerves and has also put it back on the path of growth.

Okpo He stated that his administra-

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Business News

Friday, May 15, 2015

Exporters urge FG to pay N50bn EEG claims SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

ederation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria, FACAN, has urged the Federal Government to pay the Export Expansion Grant, EEG, running to over N50 billion, owed to exporters since 2013. The National Chairman of FACAN, Dr Victor Iyama, who made the demand in Lagos, also noted that another N125 billion NDCC has been stuck for several years. While urging the outgoing government to treat the EEG claims with the same seriousness being given to fuel and fertilizer subsidy payments, he warned that non-oil exporters should not be treated with kid gloves. Iyama said: “We write onbehalf of member companies and organisations from agriculture and agro-allied sector, which form the bulk of nonoil exporters from Nigeria. We contribute over 80 percent of the nation’s non-oil export earnings’’ According to him, it is of urgent and strategic importance, that Federal Government should formulate a policy for sustained growth of non-oil exports without abiding by such

extant policies, noting that exporters have relied on the policy of the EEG and NDCC to plan their investments and price decisions. He accused government of paying subsidy on fuel with interest amid exchange rate adjustments but refused to allow

for the utilization of NDCCs, which have been signed by the Finance Ministry and subsequently disbursed to exporters as a “legal tender”. Iyama pointed out that it had become increasingly difficult and uncertain for exporters to collect their NDCCs, saying

even when they do so, the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, always restrict or stopped its use. Exporters had in February 2013, paid 7 percent to the NCS for the utilization of the NDCCs outside the EEG policy. He noted that the NDCCs utilization has been barred since

August 2013, at the instance of the Ministry of Finance while also requesting for the release of two EEG claim files pending in the Ministry for over one year, just as he advised the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, to continue with the processing of the EEG claims.

L-R: Chairman, Governing Board, Consumer Protection Council, Air Commodore Ishaku Ganga Mwadkon (rtd); Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; and Director-General, CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, during the inauguration of CPC’s audio-visual studio, in Abuja.

NAFDAC flags off on-spot bread testing nationwide … to train bakers on hygiene practices

DARE AKOGUN

s part of its activities in ensuring food safety in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has commenced the Annual Bread Monitoring Exercise for Bakery facilities and on-the-spot testing of bread in the country. Speaking at the flagging off of the three-day event on Wednesday in Lagos, the agency’s Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii, said that the exercise was organized to remind bakers of basic Good Hygiene Practice, GHP requirements and the need for effective compliance with NAFDAC guidelines and procedures. Describing bread consumption as a widespread and popular staple food in the country, cutting across cultural and religious barriers and continues to defy demographics persisting as a food of choice for both the rich and poor.

Orhii said: “Nigeria irrespective of age, eat bread everyday at all times either alone or with various combinations. It is thus imperative that NAFDAC and Master Bakers ensure that the quality and safety of bread sold and distributed in Nigeria is produced under satisfactory GHP. “Although sanctions have been applied to all identified cases, NAFDAC will continue to collaborate with Master Bakers to discuss and find lasting solutions to the continued use of potassium bromated and some unacceptable bad hygiene practices observed,” he added. Orhii urged bakers to participate in the exercise which is designed to serve as an avenue to train bakers and issuance of certificates of attendance to participating bakeries and list of approved bread improvers to be made available to bakers. “We expect that at the end of this exercise all the bakery facilities will adhere and strive to maintain satisfactory Good Hygiene Practice standards and

usage of permitted additives, thus assuring Nigerians that bakery products in Nigeria are safe,” he said. The Director Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FSAN, Mrs.

Mainasara Ogochukwu, commended the agency for being in the forefront of the fight against the use of bromate in bread. She encouraged the bakers to avail themselves of the op-

portunity provided by NAFDAC and participate in the exercise which expected to guarantee the safety and wholesomeness of bakery products in the country.

TUC urges FG to remove NIMC’s boss MESHACK IDEHEN

rade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to remove the DirectorGeneral of NIMC before the ongoing dispute gets out of hand. The congress also expressed its concern over the deteriorating labour crisis in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, President of TUC, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, said the union was expressing surprise that despite the directives from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federa-

tion that the NIMC management s put on hold its plan to sack 1,000 senior staff in its employ pending the outcome of the court processes at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, the commission remains bent on proceeding with the retrenchment exercise. Kaigama said if public officers could not be bound by the rule of law that the society might slip into anarchy as citizens would be tempted to resort to sell-help to resolve disputes. The TUC president said in civilized and democratic societies that the court is the last hope of the common man, adding that is why all parties to any dispute are always compelled to maintain status quo ante pending the final determination of a suit in court.

“We cannot, therefore, understand why the management of the NIMC will continue to insist on sacking 1,000 workers when the minister of labour and productivity had intervened on the matter following a trade dispute declared by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) apart from the fact that the Court of Appeal, Abuja is adjudicating on the issue,” the TUC president said. According to the labour centre, if the management of the NIMC had followed due process on the labour dispute that had lingered on for more than three years, the ASCSN would not have been forced to resort to picketing NIMC offices throughout the federation.

Business News

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

REDAN tasks FG on Housing Bond redemption R eal Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) yesterday appealed to the Federal Government to redeem its guarantee on the Series 3 Bond which is maturing on May 24, 2015 with obligation to pay N24.564 billion to Note holders. The President of the Association, Rev. Ugo Chime, who made the appeal in Abuja, explained that passing the buck to the Fed-

eral Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) now will not augur well for the country. Chime advised the government to get its acts together and make sure it stands up to this challenge and also go further to inject more funds into the FMBN and even restructure it if it so deems necessary in order to strengthen the institution for improved delivery on its mandate.

He said: “On this bond issue, we need to look at some aspects. Where is the money? Was it injected into the NHF? This money should have been used as seed fund to assist the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to make houses more affordable. “I don’t think that at a time when the government should be thinking of beefing up the capital base of FMBN it should be asking

L-R: Specialist, SME Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Olufemi Oguntimehin; 2013/2014 winner of the Etisalat EasyBusiness Millionaires Hunt and CEO of Blue Spa,Adesuwa Ojumola; Executive Director, WEConnect International, Comfort Avunze Sakoma; and Head, Business Market Segment; Etisalat Nigeria, Bidemi Ladipo At the first edition of the Etisalat Sponsored WEConnect International Exhibition and Matchmaker in Nigeria (WEIM) held at The Ruby Gardens, Lekki recently.

the bank to sell off its assets. It is gross dereliction of duty to the masses. This entire controversy is a distraction at this moment. Government should “The Federal Government should pay the money that is due in a few days as this date has not come to them as a surprise. There are no assets for the FMBN to sell off to be able to meet the deadline, even if there were how many days will it take to do so and meet up with the deadline?”, the REDAN chief queried. Chime said the government had used privatisation to remove safety nets from the common man and describes the bond controversy as another attempt to further make the common man suffer. “People are contributing 2.5 per cent to the National Housing Fund and over 90 per cent of these people cannot access the NHF loans due to poor funding by the same government. Government should live up to its responsibility as far as this bond issue is concerned” he said. He therefore urged the government to honour its guarantee on the bond to avoid lack of confidence by investors in government bonds both local and sovereign Bonds and by so doing, prevent downward rating of the economy by both local and international rating agencies. The FGN Guarantee for the Mortgage-Backed Bond is irrevocable and un-conditional therefore Federal Government has to redeem its guarantee. Failure will cause the Nigerian bond market and FGN reputational damage

It would be recalled that President Olusegun Obasanjo initiated the Federal Government’s N100billion mortgage-backed bond, the desire was to ensure success of the sale of Federal Government’s non-essential residential houses in the Federal Capital Territory to public servants under the monetization policy of that administration. The five-year bond was initiated in 2007 to ensure success of the sale of federal government’s non-essential residential houses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to public servants. FMBN and its issuing house sold the first tranche of N26 billion in 2007. Satisfied with the outcome, Messrs FMBN SPV Issuer Limited in 2012 issued another N6 billion notes by way of private placement to qualified institutional investors. The Series 2 Fixed Rate Notes issued under the N100billion Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Programme which is sponsored by FMBN, is 100 percent guaranteed by the Federal Government of Nigeria. An application will be made to list the Series 2 Notes on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Come May 24, 2015, the Series 3 Bond will be maturing with obligation on the Federal Government to pay a whopping N24.564billion to Note holders; and failure to so do at maturity, will lead to the call of FGN Guarantee that backed the transaction. Such an action will spell doom for the country in local and offshore financial circles.

FG targets 2m jobs through BRISIN implementation ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

inister of National Planning Commission, (NPC), Dr Abubakar Sulaiman, has assured that the implementation of Basic Registry and Information System in Nigeria (BRISIN), will create about two million jobs at the grassroots level by the establishment of documentation centres in all wards nationwide. Sulaiman, who made the projection yesterday in Abuja during the inauguration of the National Implementation/Technical committee on the implementation of BRISIN, explained that the BRISIN project would be built on a database of socioeconomic information of all citizens and residents. According to him, Information stored in BRISIN can be obtained either at the Ward, LGA, State or Federal levels. He commended Dermo Im-

pex Limited, the solution provider, for introducing the project to the Federal Government many years ago, especially for its perseverance despite numerous obstacles which slowed down the take off of the project. The Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Bassey Okon Akpa-

nyung, said the implementation of BRISIN marked a giant stride towards the full commencement of the project, adding that it is meant to design strategies for data and information flow from the wards, LGAs sub- National and national levels. Managing Director of Dermo

Impex, Nigeria, Dr. Anthony Uwa said the implementation committee would immediately embark on orientation of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs) of government on the modalities and benefits of BRISIN. He disclosed further that

the committee will also evolve strategy to sensitize and create awareness among Nigerians, define the deliverables of the project and locate BRISIN centres in all the six local councils in the FCT where the pilot scheme will begin.

Operator faults FG on cement backward integration policy OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Chief Executive Officer, Reagan Cement Limited, Chief Reagan Ufomba, has accused the Federal Government of tilting the implementation of the cement backward integration policy in favour of a few operators in the industry. Government had said the implementation of the BIP with its major thrust anchored on local production sourced from limestone, has not only led to

upsurge in the production of cement, but also led to increase in investments to the sector. However, speaking with journalists in Abuja, Ufomba lamented lack of fair play in the implementation of the cement policy, stressing that it was skewed in favour of few moneybags to the detriment of small players. In view of this, for the policy to bear the needed effect on the Nigerian economy and better the lot of the people, it must be reviewed to accommodate new investors. He said,”The

policy needs to be tinkered with, review to accommodate everybody. It should be liberalized to the extent that any investor can operate at its own level. Look at America anti-trust policy where you cannot invest more than a certain percentage in a given sector of the economy. Here in Nigeria, we have somebody who has monopolised the system, who has invested 300 per cent while other are schemed out. “It is not working. It is a policy made for few individual play-

ers. Until you open up the space and allow people to attain their God given destiny, Nigeria will remain in quandary. Reacting to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s recent comment that Nigeria has becoming net exporter of cement, the businessman-cum politician said “It is a lie that fell on its face.” He said the minister’s assertion could not have been a true analysis of the issue because price of cement in Nigeria is far higher than in other Neighbouring countries and Europe.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, May 15, 2015

FG moves to check impunity on consumer abuse

Air Traffic Engineers commend FG on navigational aids calibration

…as CPC inaugurates audio-visual studio for consumers

OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Federal Government has revved up its drive to check the prevalent business practice of consumer abuse with impunity, with the inauguration of the first audiovisual studio at the Consumer Protection Council. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, who commissioned the studio yesterday in Abuja, said that apart from the fact that the project would help increase consumer awareness, business operators would also learn to respect consumer rights more since it would be easier for aggrieved consumers to name and shame fraudulent operators through the various CPC studios across the zonal offices in Nigeria. He noted that, whilst the advent of industries in new areas like telecommunications, information technology and online sales had brought new challenges for consumers as regards getting full value for their money, the current management of

CPC was resolute in its drive towards addressing critical issues of abuses across all sectors of the economy. Aganga said: “The Nigerian market, like all other markets in the world, is not perfect. I am aware that consumers contend on a daily basis with issues arising from sharp practices of dubious businesses and the abuse of consumer rights by producers and service providers. The advent of industries in new areas like telecommunication, information technology and online sales poses entirely new concerns for consumers. “Economies are dynamic, and when they grow and add new sectors and technologies like we have seen in the last couple of years, the need for change in people’s behavioural patterns becomes imperative. This underscores the important role of CPC in enforcing compliance of businesses with consumer protection laws and educating consumers to be assertive in the marketplace. “It is, therefore, gratifying that the current administration in CPC is resolute in its deter-

mination to drastically increase the level of consumer awareness in the country and check the impunity of businesses”, the minister added The Director-General of CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, said that consumer education was a core mandate of the Council, adding that the CPC had already developed innovative awareness strategies towards addressing the problem of consumer ignorance and apathy. She said: “On assumption of duty, two years ago, I conducted a base line survey on consumer rights awareness in Nigeria, which revealed that consumers in Nigeria were largely unaware of their rights and where to seek redress. Atoki explained further that an informed consumer is the best protector of his or her rights, adding that he or she is more proactive, assertive and confident to demand redress for any violations while consumer ignorance and apathy contributes to poor service delivery, substandard production and impunity among businesses.

OLUSEGUN KOIKI embers of the National Association of, NAAE, have said that the recent calibration of nine airports across the country by the Agency for the Safety of Aerial Navigation in Africa, ASECNA, has confirmed the serviceable state of navigational equipment in the country in-line with international standard requirement. An online statement jointly signed by the President and Assistant General Secretary, NAAE, Engr. Makanjuola Ebenezer and George kiako respectively said the calibration was in conformation to prescribed standards in its quality assurance programme. According to NAAE, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, recommended that air navigational facilities to be flight checked include Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range, VOR, Distance Measuring Equipment, DME, and Integrated Control System, ICS, among others while flight checks were required to examine the resultant signal-in space of the above facilities as presented to an aircraft receiving system. The statement added that the regular and safe operations of international air traffic depended to a great extent on the availability of reliable

radio navigational facilities hence regular facilities were carried out. According to NAAE, it was a mandatory requirement to calibrate the Instrument Landing System, ILS, every six months while the VORs were calibrated once every year, adding that the second phase of the flight check would continue in June 2015 when the remaining airports would be calibrated. According to the association, the calibrated airports by ASECNA included, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Calabar while others are Owerri, Minna, Bida, Enroute station and Uyo airports. NAAE stated that to further extend the critical services to other airports within the west African sub-region that NAMA members in collaboration with their ASECNA counterparts from Togo successfully established three new communication links between Lagos - Lome, Lagos - Malabo and Kano - Lome on April this year. The statement stated that this would enhance air traffic coordination between controllers in these two centres and Nigeria and to further raise the bar on flight efficiency, regularity and safe operations within the sub-region. They commended the management of NAMA on the calibration assignment describing it as a success.

Poland to collaborate with Nigeria on fish production ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

I L-R: Managing Partner Kinetic Hub, Mr. Komolafe Femi; General Manager, Technology Distributions, Mrs. Adesuwa Igho-Orere; Vice President, IT Business English West Africa, Schneider Electric, Mr. Ayo Adegboye; Managing Partner, Kinetic Hub, Ms. Bukola Fateye and Channel Manager, IT Business English West Africa, Schneider Electric, Mr. Oluwaseun Oloyede, at the official launch of APC by Schneider Electric Mobile Power Bank Packs in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

Mixed signals trail US economy

he drop in the price of oil and the ongoing upheaval in the Middle East are sending mixed signals for the U.S economy and by extension, the real estate market. Since America is not immune to the impact of global economic and political trends, it may not be the case that the current rosy growth projec-

tions will ultimately be realized. While economists are anticipating growth in excess of 3 percent for the U.S. next year, they also consider the headwinds facing the U.S. economy. As the rest of the world grows at an anaemic pace, American exporters will continue to feel the pinch. As American consumers rejoice

at the declining price of gasoline, companies in the oil sector are lying off workers, and oil producing countries will suffer badly this year-possibly for several years. All these will have a knock on effect in America, including its ability to attract foreign direct investment, FDI, which is an important component of her ability to grow.

n order to achieve self sufficiency in fish production in Nigeria, the Minister of the Economy in Poland, Mr. Dycha has expressed his country’s readiness to work with Nigeria because of the availability of modern fish processing facilities in Poland. The Minister, who paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, on Wednesday in Abuja, disclosed that most of the fish products imported into Nigeria from Norway are processed in Poland. Dycha further assured that Poland can offer services in the area of agricultural production and storage which will be beneficial to Nigeria. He said that Poland willing to work with Nigeria in order

to strengthen the existing relationship between the two countries. Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Arc. Swonny Echono, said that Nigeria is willing to widen the existing relationship with Poland in the agricultural sector and disclosed that Nigeria will be ready to work with Poland in increasing crop yields, expansion of processing facilities, packaging, reduction in post harvest losses and sustainable land utilization. He also mentioned expansion of production and processing in animal production as well as establishment of working relationships between agricultural research institutions of the two countries. It will be recalled that the Nigerian Research/Fishing Vessel MV Bayagbona which was commission in 2014 by the First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan was built in Poland.

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rice farmers, others laud FG’s revised 2015 rice import quota With the new quota on rice importation just released by the Federal Government, local producers are once again optimistic about the local capacity to meet market needs. ABOLAJI ADEBAYO reports.

ollowing the just revised rice import allocation for 2015, local rice farmers and stakeholders have given kudos to the government, believing that the policy would increase local production. Their hope of better deal in local rice production was raised by the latest policy measure, with the assurance that sure that the policy would increase their production capacity. The ,Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, announced the downward review of the rice import allocations for 2015 by 200,000 metric tons (MT) to 1.3 million MT from the 1.5MT in 2014. The difference is to be supplied by 22 approved companies. According to a letter from the Minister to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, one million MT of this quota had been set aside as allocations to existing rice millers, importers and new investors with approved Domestic Rice Production Plans, DRPP, at a preferential levy of 20 per cent and duty of 10 per cent. “This year’s supply gap is 200,000 MT lower than 2014, as rice importers with no DRPP will account for the remaining 0.3 million MT at the higher levy of 60 per cent and duty of 10 per cent,” the letter confirmed. In 2014, rice importers and new investors were required to post a Domestic Rice Production Performance Bond from a qualifying bank to clearly demonstrate their commitment to domestic investment plans in rice production and processing. Under this year’s import quota, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development identified 22 companies that will receive quota allocations for 2015 out of the number that was approved last year. In the letter titled “Approved List of Companies Allocated Rice Import quota for April 2015- March 2016 period”, it was stated that certain criteria informed the trim-

From right: Z. Syrzistie, Polish Minister of the Economy Mr. Andrzej Dycha, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Arc. Sonny Echono and Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Niesio Cowsles, during the courtesy call to the Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

ming down of the number of companies from last year’s figure to what obtained this year. The letter read in part: “In line with the Federal Government’s policy (“the Policy”) to ensure selfsufficiency in rice by 2014, domestic rice production and milling operations continue to rise, which has resulted in a reduction in rice requirements of the country. “As was the practice in 2014 and in line with the Policy, the allocation of import quotas continues to be made along the explicit criteria set for encouraging domestic production and domestic milling of rice, to lead to self-sufficiency. These criteria are based on the extent of existing domestic milling capacity as well as along four (4) specific items that assess each company’s ongoing investment outlay into domestic rice production and milling. Government listed the factors as including, the Domestic Rice Production Plan, DRPP,: demonstrate evidence of current or planned investment in domestic rice production over a three-year period, size of investment, proof of land acquisition and establishment of rice fields and paddy production, paddy purchase outlook from Paddy Aggregation Centers, PAC,: demonstrate a clear plan of purchase of paddy from PACs, should include location of PACs, volumes of paddy to be purchased among others.” Speaking to National Mirror, the Chairman, Rice Processors Association of Nigeria, Mohammed Abubakar said Nigeria has the capacity to process 800,000 tons, but it could not due to some inaccuracies in the policy.

According to Abubakar, Nigeria consumes over five million tons of rice annually. “People should take advantage of locally produced rice because if you buy one bag of local rice, you are helping the farmers. If we mill one bag, the bulk of money goes directly to the farmers. That is why the President has vowed to support local farmers throughout the country.”

The President, Nigeria Rice Investors Group, Mr. Tunji Owoeye, stated that although there were challenges in the rice sector, businesses in the industry have been doing better than before and would continue to be better with the new quota allocation. The Olupo of Oluponna, Iwo, Osun State, His Royal Highness, Oba Emmanuel Oyeleso Oyebamiji, who said he had been

keeping his about 100 tons of paddy rice in store due to uncertainty of sustainability of existing policy as a result of instability in the country’s politics, expressed his optimism about the prosoects for better rice revolution with the new quota policy. He said if the current policy could be sustained, he was sure that the country would be better in term of rice production by 2017. Meanwhile, government made it clear that companies that failed to present the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with a Bond have not been given quotas for the full year April 2015 to March 2016. Consequently, import quota allocations to 22 approved companies with a total allocation of 961,000 MT were issued. Already, the Ministry has sent letters to all the 22 approved companies and copied Dr. Okonjo-Iweala as well as the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service. The letter informed the companies of their approved quotas, which qualified for 10 per cent duty or 20 per cent levy as the case might be. The Comptroller General of Customs was mandated to facilitate enforcement of the approved allocations.

FUNAAB empowers local farmers with agric info SAIDAT ALAUSA

he Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has empowered farmers in the various extension outreach villages with useful agricultural information that would guide them in being mindful of their activities in their various locations. The move is intended to enable the farmers get maximum yield, as they were also provided high-yielding cassava varieties for enhanced production. The advice for better farming practice was given during the Annual Integrated Pre-season Training Workshop organised by the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, AMREC, themed “Climate Change: A Threat to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria”. While about 200 farmers got the high-yielding cassava during another pre-season training organised by Cassava: Adding Value for Africa, CAVA II,

Project, in collaboration with AMREC, where 600 bundles of improved cassava stems were distributed. Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Adedeji Oludare of the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, College of Environmental Resources Management, COLERM, defined climate change as an increase in the average global temperatures, due primarily to increases in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, emitted as a result of deforestation, construction and incineration of wastes also as water vapour, methane, nitrous oxide and chloro-fluoro carbons. He said global warming was a major threat that could lead to the melting of atmospheric ice in many areas, thus putting people at the risk of drought, floods and insufficient clean water. He highlighted the effects of climate change to include increase in natural disasters, extreme weather, environmental refugees, shrinking of lakes that supply water for agricul-

ture desertification, shortages of food and water and high death rate. He said Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in food production may be marred by the negative effects of climate change on agriculture because every year, expectations of farmers remained dashed due to either late arrival of rainfall or excessive rainfall that resulted into flooding. He recommended that diversification of farming remained a vital option in achieving food security under a changing climate. The Director, Communitybased Farming Scheme, COBFAS, Professor Emmanuel Fakoya, who spoke on the topic, “Indigenous Knowledge by Nigerian Farmers in Ensuring Sustainability in Agricultural Productivity in the Face of Climate Change”, referred to indigenous knowledge as the skills possessed by the indigenous people and communities as being different from the knowledge generated through research centers, industries and Universities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, May 15, 2015

FG sells N60bn bonds, yields dip across all tenors JOHNSON OKANLAWON

ederal Government has sold bonds worth a total of N60 billion at lower yields on all tenors at an auction on Wednesday, the Debt Management Office, DMO, disclosed yesterday. The debt office said in a statement that investors submitted total bids of N183.34 billion naira compared with N184.72 billion at the last auction. The lower yields reflected the trend in the secondary market, which remain at below 14 per cent following a sharp rise immediately after the elections in March. According to the debt

office, the 5-year, 10-year and 20-year tenors each received a total of N20 billion. It explained that the 5-year paper was sold at 13.84 per cent, lower than 14.44 per cent the debt attracted at the last month’s auction. The 10-year bond fetched a yield of 13.48 per cent against 14.22 per cent last month, while the 20-year debt attracted a yield of 13.88 per cent compared to 14.45 per cent last month. Meanwhile, the fixed income market may continue to enjoy good patronage from both local and foreign investors as real return on investment has

remained positive with inflation trending lower than yields across various tenors. The Federal Government Bonds still constitute the largest volume at 84 per cent whilst state and corporate issuance contribute about 11 per cent. In a report by investment analysts at DLM Securities Limited said that a total of N239.50billion of FGN bonds has been issued in the first quarter of 2015, which is 132 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2014 figure, which stood at N182.11billion. The report explained that the FGN bond market witnessed renewed patronage from investors, especially domestic portfolio manag-

Equities slide further by 0.6%

rading in equities continued on a bearish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors sold off their holdings. Specifically, the All Share Index depreciated 0.62 per cent to close at 34,507.85 points, compared to the decline of 0.81 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 34,721.61 points. Market capitalization lost N73 billion to close at N11.75 trillion, compared to the decrease of N97 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N11.83 trillion.

The African markets witnessed negative sentiments save for Mauritius, which appreciated by 0.23 per cent, while Egypt, Kenya and South Africa dropped 2.62 per cent, 1.29 per cent and 2.62 per cent respectively. Analysts at Meritem Securities Limited said, “We expect specific news flow to continue to serve as a catalyst for market direction. We however advise discerning investors to remain strategic in their investment decisions.” PZ Cussons Plc led the

gainers’ table with N1.35 or five per cent to close at N28.35 per share, followed by United Bank for Africa Plc with 25 kobo or five per cent to close at N5.25 per share. May and Baker Plc appreciated nine kobo or 4.84 per cent to close at N1.95 per share, while RT Briscoe Plc added four kobo or 4.71 per cent to close at 89 kobo per share. Cutix Plc gained eight kobo or 4.57 per cent to close at N1.83 per share. Conversely, Stanbic IBTC Plc depreciated N1.45

ers on the back of attractive yields as global crude oil prices began a gradual upward trend. According to it, a total turnover in the Over The Counter, OTC, market for the first quarter 2015 stood N1.96trillion as against N2.90trillion and N1.41trillion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 and corresponding period in 2014. The report said that yields of trading FGN bonds rose higher in the first quarter of 2015 due to sell-offs by local and offshore investors on the back of heightened economic and political risk, weak economic fundamentals.

or five per cent to close at N27.55 per share, while NAHCO Plc shed 32 kobo or 4.91 per cent to close at N6.20 per share. Livestock Plc dropped 12 kobo or 4.74 per cent to close at N2.41 per share, while Transnational Express Plc fell six kobo or 4.65 per cent to close at N1.23 per share. Cadbury Plc declined N1.81 or 4.41 per cent to close at N39.20 per share. A total of 354.5 million shares valued at N3.39 billion were exchanged in 5,668 deals.

Domestic investors stake N81bn on stock in March JOHNSON OKANLAWON

omestic transactions at the Nigerian Stock Exchange which was N50.54 billion at the end of February 2015 increased to N81.46billion at the end of March 2015, up 61.18 per cent from February 2015. Domestic investors conceded about 11.46 per cent of trading to foreign investors as foreign transactions decreased from 72.61 per cent to 55.7 per cent, while domestic transactions increased from 27.39 per cent to 44.27 per cent over the same period. Data obtained from the Exchange showed that a total foreign portfolio investment transactions decreased by 21.4 per cent when compared to the same time in 2014, while the total domes-

tic transactions increased by 124.5 per cent. According to the Exchange, foreign portfolio investor’s outflows outpaced inflows which were consistent with the same period in 2014. “Overall, there was a 10.30 per cent increase in total transactions in comparison to the same period in 2014. “Total foreign portfolio investors transactions of N616bn which accounted for 14.8 per cent of total transactions in 2007 increased over the years to N1,539 billion representing 57.5 per cent of total transactions in 2014, an increase of 42.7 per cent over the seven years period,” the Exchange said. Domestic transactions on the other hand started at N3,556 billion represent-

ing 85.2 per cent in 2007,but decreased significantly to N1,137 billion representing 42.5 per cent of total transactions in 2014, a sharp decline of 42.7 per cent in the seven years. The Chief Executive Officer of the Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema, has advised investors to take advantage of the low prices of equities and invest in the market. The market has been witnessing an unprecedented decline due to political and economic uncertainties. Having declined by 16 per cent last year, the market has suffered another decline of over 16 per cent in the first two weeks of 2015. “Although many anticipate volatility through the first half of the year, some stock prices are at their lowest since the May 2013

sell-off, and some are below book value, thus, presenting domestic investors with no currency risk, an opportunity for cautious long-term investing,” he said. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

N197.00 Market indicators All-Share Index 34,414.18 points Market capitalisation 11.69trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

152.00

159.60

7.60

5.00

LIVESTOCK

2.40

2.52

0.12

5.00

AIRSERVICE

2.01

2.11

0.10

4.98

UPL

5.75

6.03

0.28

4.87

NEIMETH

1.05

1.10

0.05

4.76

NEM

0.68

0.71

0.03

4.41

PRESCO

28.91

29.99

1.08

3.74

7UP

170.10

176.00

5.90

3.47

CUSTODYINS

4.06

4.20

0.14

3.45

FLOURMILL

35.00

36.20

1.20

3.43

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

IKEJAHOTEL

3.96

3.61

-0.35

-8.84

SKYEBANK

2.38

2.17

-0.21

-8.82

CUTIX

1.66

1.58

-0.08

-4.82

MAYBAKER

1.70

1.62

-0.08

-4.71

TRANSEXPR

1.16

1.11

-0.05

-4.31

CILEASING

0.70

0.67

-0.03

-4.29

HONYFLOUR

3.80

3.65

-0.15

-3.95

GNI

0.52

0.50

-0.02

-3.85

INTENEGINS

0.53

0.51

-0.02

-3.77

NPFMCRFBK

1.29

1.26

-0.03

-2.33

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.26

99.42

13.52

99.57

13.39

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.95

102.47

13.61

102.62

13.52

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.13

107.39

13.59

107.69

13.49

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.71

112.16

13.56

112.46

13.49

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.83

103.78

13.45

104.08

13.39

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.19 68.07

15.52

68.37

15.45

Closing Market Prices of May 14, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

13-Aug-15

10.54

10.83

WAUA

270

29-Oct-15

13.62

14.53

USD

197

05-May-16

13.27

15.25

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

10.9167

14.0398

POUNDS STERLING

293

15.3887

SDR

273

16.6075

NIBOR

The Fixings of May 14, 2015

Capital Market

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at May 14, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror We will politely ask those who stole government money to return the funds, this is because people who are in government now are there to work for themselves, but the APC government will be made up of people who are ready to work for the masses. Kaduna State Governor–Elect –Nasir El-Rufai

Lagos Police Command sets up crack squad to tackle crime DARE AKOGUN

n its resolve to ensure that crime and criminality is reduced to the barest minimum in the metropolis, the Lagos State Police Command has set up a crack squad unit to combat crime. This development according to Police source should not be seen as duplication of duties, but to compliment other crime combating units like the dreaded SARS and other intelligent and investigative units in the command. The squad our sources further said, will mainly handle what he

described as high profile cases, stressing that the mandate is to investigate and prosecute any offender no matter the social strata they might belong. The squad is to be led by Joel Ugowe a Superintendent of Police (SP) who over the years have been involved in investigation duties of some high profile cases and has proven to be a competent hand. Lagos State Commissioner of Police Ikeja Command CP Kayode Aderanti, revealed that the squad made up of men and officers drawn from various units of the command, has been mandated to fulfill its 3 point agenda of fight-

ing and combating crimes, arrest and prosecute any person found wanting. While commending the efforts of SP Abba Kyari Officer-in charge SARS Ikeja, he said a lot still need to be done in ensuring that Lagos State is free of crimes and a safe place to do business. Aderanti allayed the fear been expressed in some quarters that with the advent of the newly created Crack Squad it could possibly interfere with the duties of other units but stressed that the new unit would rather be complimenting other units towards achieving a crime free society.

Commercial bus owners patronising black marketers to fuel their buses in Maryland, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Pastor nabbed over mysterious death in church DARE AKOGUN

pastor with the Christ Apostolic Church Popoola Oluwasumidotun, is presently cooling heels with the police over the death of a man in his church. The deceased identified as Waheed Majekodumi, was on Thursday last week found dead in a branch of Christ Apostolic Church located at Peace Estate, Baruwa in Ipaja area of Lagos. Majekodunmi, a resident of Abule Ipaja it was revealed worked in a block making industry, and was said to have ran into the church shouting for help and before he could be aided, he passed away.

It was gathered that two members of the church, Popoola Oluwasumidotun, and Folashade Ebun who were present at the scene of the tragedy, however denied being responsible for the death of the deceased upon their arrest by officers of the Ipaja police division. Majekodunmi, 32, it was learnt was a father of four has been divorced for the past seven years. Pastor Popoola, while recounting what happened on the fateful day said: “I am the Presiding Pastor of the church and I also live in the church compound. “On Thursday morning, I was about to take my bath and prepare for a programme, which holds in the church every

Thursday, when I heard Folashade, one of the members of the church, who also lives within the church premises, calling on me. I ran into the church auditorium where the shout was coming from. ‘‘I saw her standing next to a man on the ground. I asked her what happened and who the man was. She said the man ran into the church shouting ‘help! help! I will die’ and then slumped. I did not know what to do. ‘‘I rushed outside to find out if anyone around knows him. Fortunately, I saw the husband to one of the members of my church and I asked him if he knows the man and he said the man lived at Abule, a street not far from the church.’’

Youths protest non-pedestrian bridge in Ogun community ADELEKE ADESANYA

ouths of Ibafo a community in Ogun state yesterday took to the streets to protest over the lack of pedestrian bridge which some said has been the community’s long time request from the state government. The protest was precipitated by the death of one of the residents of the community, Mr Audu Rafiu, a retired soldier was killed while trying to cross the express road, according to sources, threw the community people in unrest. One of the community youth leaders, Lukman Adetunji, while speaking with our correspondent explained that the community has made several spirited efforts in calling on the state government on the need to help with the pedestrian bridge, but all effort proved abortive. Lukman, said it is pathetic that despite several good supports which the state government enjoyed from Ibafo community, a small project like pedestrian bridge could not be executed for

them. Explaining how the retired soldier lost his life while trying to cross the express road, Lukman said “It was unfortunate that Mr Audu Rufai was a victim of our state government’s negligence. Another source who is the son of the deceased, Biodun Rufai told our correspondent that “I was awaiting my father at the bus top when a friend called me that a vehicle has hit him. Immediately, I ran to see him, hoping that we will take him to hospital, but I met him dead. He added that efforts by Ibafo police team which is led by CSP Jimoh Salam could not save his life as he was later confirmed dead by a doctor in a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, the state governor, Ibikunle Amosu was said to have been noticed at the accident spot stating that his team was passing by during the incident. According to source, “Governor Amosun was passing by when the incident happened and he pulled over to see what happened. Later his aids collected the victim’s son contact and promised to get back to him”.

Traders protest non-payment of compensation by Ecobank THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN WARRI

undreds of traders and shops owners in Ughelli, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday grounded business activities at the market branch of Ecobank. They were protesting the nonpayment of compensation by the commercial bank to victims of March 3rd fire incident that razed chain of shops due to inferno caused by generating set owned by the bank. The protesters who stormed the bank premises around 8: 00am on Tuesday barred bank customers from gaining access into the bank. One of the protester whose shop was affected by the inferno, Mr. Sunny Efe told newsmen

that, “After the fire incident, the bank promised to get back to us, but till date, we are yet to hear from them as they keep tossing us to and fro like little children.” He lamented that properties worth millions naira were lost to the incident while the bank had continued to show lukewarm attitude to victims. Some of the placards by the protesters reads: “Pay us our money”, “Enough is enough” and “Ecobank, stop oppressing us.” It however took the effort of men of the Nigerian Police Force from the Ughelli Command to disperse the protesters after several hours with a promise by the management of the bank to look into their plight. When contacted, the bank Branch Manager however declined comment on the issue.

Transition

Friday, May 15, 2015

Christiana Ajileye

he death has occurred of Deaconess Christiana Atinuke Ajileye, aged 72. In a release issued by the family, a Christian Wake would be held at her residence 11, Kupuniyi Street, Agbado Railway Station, Ogun State on Thursday, May 21, 2015. Funeral Service would hold at Foursquare Gospel Church Agbado District Headquarters, 7/9, Akintoye Street, Agbado Crossing, Ogun State by 10:00 am, while interment follows immediately at her residence. Born into the family of late Chief and Mrs. Sunnika Oyedeji, an Egba High Chief on 7th November, 1942 at Gbinirinmi Village, near Agbado, Ogun State. A teacher of teacher, Madam Ajileye taught in several primary and secondary schools across Ogun State before she retired in

2005. Until her death, Deaconess Ajileye was a community leader and a devout Christian. She was also a renowned giver, teacher and a counselor. She is survived by her husband, Mr. Moses Afolabi Ajileye, Her children – Ayo Ajileye, Modupe Fatukasi, Sola Ajileye & and her Grandchildren and Greatgrandchildren.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cecil Attuquayefio

ir Cecil Jones Attuquayefio born on October 18, 1944 was a Ghanaian footballer and coach He played many times for the Ghana national team and helped the team win the 1965 African Nations Cup. He managed the Benin national team to the 2004 African Nations Cup and

Hearts of Oak to the 2000 African Champions League title. He also managed Ghana’s national team. In 2008/2009 Attuquayefio coached Liberty Professionals F.C. and became the title coach of the Century. Cecil Jones Attuquayefio was named African coach of the year in 2000 after his club Accra Hearts of Oak

of Ghana won the African Champions league with only one loss throughout the entire tournament (to DC Motema Pembe). In 2015, Jones Attuquayefio died in the early hours of May 12 2015 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana’s capital, from throat cancer.

Frank Mbanefo

he death has been announced of Architect, Akunne Frank Nwabuora Mbanefo of the Mbanefo family of Onitsha, Anambra State. Mbanefo’s glorious exit occurred on Thursday, 23rd April 2015 in Switzerland where he had domiciled for several years.

Mbanefo, 87, is survived by wife, Mrs Alice Mbanefo, son, Christopher Mbanefo, daughter, Mrs Sandra Obiago and many grand children. Mbanefo was the first Ibo Nigerian East of the Niger River to qualify as an Architect. His surviving siblings

include Chief Arthur Mbanefo, CON, Mbanefo Odu 111 of Onitsha, Engineer Aniweta Mbanefo, formerly of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, among others. Obsequies, according to Onitsha native customs and traditions will be announced by the family later.

title in the 1963 season. He was the Egyptian Premier League top goal scorer for four times. As of 2010, this is an Egyptian record that still holds. He scored 34 goals as the top league scorer of 1974-

75 Egyptian premier league, a one-season record that still stands. This was done at a relative old age; he was 34 years old. He also represented the Egypt national football

Hassan El-Shazly

assan Ahmed ElShazly was born on November 13, 1943 in Egypt. He was an Egyptian footballer. El-Shazly is considered as a historic player of Tersana. He was

described as a devastating shooter and lethal with both feet. El-Shazly played club football for the Egyptian team Tersana. He led Tersana to its only Egyptian League

team, and scored six goals at the 1963 African Cup of Nations. He died on April 20, 2015 aged 71 and has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

News

NAFDAC flags off on-the-spot bread testing DARE AKOGUN

s part of its activities in ensuring food safety in Nigeria the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC has commenced the Annual Bread Monitoring Exercise for Bakery facilities and on-the-spot testing of bread in the country. Speaking at the flagging off of the three day ceremony yesterday in Lagos NAFDAC DG, DR. Paul Orhii, stated that the exercise is organised to remind bakers of basic Good Hygiene Practice, GHP requirements and the need for effective compliance with NAFDAC guidelines and procedures. Describing bread consumption as a widespread and unrivalled staple food in the country, cut-

… To train bakers on good hygiene practices ting across cultural and religious barriers and continues to defy demographics persisting as a food of choice for both the rich and poor. “Nigeria irrespective of age, eat bread everyday at all times either alone or with various combinations. It is thus imperative that NAFDAC and Master Bakers ensure that the

quality and safety of bread sold and distributed in Nigeria is produced under satisfactory GHP”, he said. Speaking on the side effects of usage of potassium bromate in bread, which toxicological studies according to him has convincingly shown that it degrades vitamins A2, B1, B2, E and niacin which are the main vitamins available in

bread. “Although sanctions have been applied to all identified cases, NAFDAC will continue to collaborate with Master Bakers to discuss and find lasting solutions to the continued use of potassium bromated and some unacceptable bad hygiene practices observed,” he affirmed. Orhii encouraged bak-

ers to participate in the exercise which is designed to serve as an avenue to train bakers and issuance of certificates of attendance to participating bakeries and list of approved bread improvers to be made available to bakers. “We expect that at the end of this exercise all the bakery facilities will adhere and strive to maintain

satisfactory Good Hygiene Practice standards and usage of permittd addititives, thus assuring Nigerians that bakery products in Nigeria are safe,” he said. Speaking earlier in her welcome address Director Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FSAN, Mrs. Mainasara Ogochukwu lauded NAFDAC who has been in the forefront of the fight against the use of bromate in bread.

Lagos upgrades capacity of artisans FRANCIS SUBERU

t least 2000 artisans and tradesmen have been retrained in various skills and competency under the capacity building initiative of the Lagos State Tradesmen and Artisans Empowerment

Programme (LASTAEP). Speaking at the sixth edition of the artisans and tradesmen day in Lagos yesterday, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola said the programme was initiated to bridge the skills gap and cushion employment challenge in the state. The governor said the problem of unemployment

was national and Lagos is not immune against it; adding that it was a common problem in the past that while some fortunate artisans were getting jobs, it turned out that they were foreigners from neighbouring countries. He said the problem was only resolved with artisan and tradesmen training pro-

gramme. The 2000 artisans and traders successfully completed an eight-week intensive training in entrepreneurship, use of ICT and other business skills to upgrade their skills in the small enterprises. The training, conducted by the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Educa-

tional Board (LASTVEB) is to enhance productivity and engender growth in the informal sector. Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo said training of the artisans and tradesmen was sponsored by the Lagos State Government.

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Choppers, drone hunt for missing US helicopter

And much of what the president has in mind is helping the GCC countries use the hardware that they have to better coordinate their efforts and better provide for the security of their citizens.

–White House Spokesman, Josh Earnest

Burundi’s army foils coup, say president’s loyalists Paul Arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

ead of Burundi’s army said yesterday that an attempted coup had failed and forces loyal to President Pierre Nkurunziza were in control, but bursts of gunfire in the capital through the day suggested the battle for power was not yet over. Army Chief of Staff General Prime Niyongabo’s announcement came a day after another general said he had sacked Nkurunziza for seeking an unconstitutional third term in office, developments that have alarmed neighbouring governments. Heavy fighting flared around the state broadcasting headquarters, forcing state radio to halt transmissions briefly. It resumed after the shooting died down to announce that it was still in the hands of forces loyal to the president. The state broadcaster is seen as a strategic asset for both sides to reach the population. It was difficult to determine who was now in control of the

capital, with periods of relative calm broken by bouts of gunfire. But presidential loyalists said they controlled vital assets such as the radio, airport and presidential offices. A Reuters witness saw one dead soldier lying near the Interior Ministry. Nearby troops said he was a coup supporter. By Thursday evening, there was a semblance of calm in the capital, the epicenter for Burundi’s worst political crisis since an ethnically fuelled civil war ended in 2005. A few civilians were in the streets, as police and soldiers looked on. “I condemn that group of coup plotters,” the president said in a radio broadcast. “I thank soldiers who are putting things in order, and I forgive any soldier who decides to surrender.” Nkurunziza, who sparked more than two weeks of protests by saying he would seek another five years in office, was in Tanzania for an African leaders meeting on Wednesday when the attempt to topple him was announced.

Burundian soldiers conducting mounted drills at a mechanized infantry seminar

There was no official confirmation of his whereabouts, but Tanzanian sources said he was at a secure location in Dar es Salaam. Presidential media adviser Willy Niyamitwe said he could not say where the president was for security reasons. “The coup attempt failed, loyal forces are still controlling all strategic points,” army chief Niyongabo said in a statement on state radio before fighting erupted around the station.

Yemeni aid begins to flow as truce holds

elief agencies yesterday used a five-day humanitarian truce in Yemen to expand aid distribution to some of the millions deprived of food, fuel and medicine by weeks of fighting and air strikes. Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition of Arab states backed by the West, has pounded Houthi rebels and forces loyal to Yemen’s former leader since March 26, aiming to restore President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, now exiled in Riyadh. However, despite weeks of strikes, the Houthis and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh remain entrenched across the country and no side yet looks ready to make concessions for a political solution. Meanwhile, concern is growing that the air strikes and the fighting between the Houthis, tribal militias, units loyal to Hadi and southern separatists will cause a humanitarian catastrophe.

Aid flights have started from the United Arab Emirates to the capital Sanaa, which is under Houthi control and has faced air strikes but no ground fighting. The United Nations said aid ships had docked at ports of Hodeida and Aden. A shipping source in Yemen said at least three ships with fuel and wheat had docked in Hodeida and in al-Mukalla;

Saudi Arabia had sent eight truckloads of diesel overland to Hadramout province; and Qatar had sent medicine and food via Djibouti. The Houthi-run Saba news agency said two planes with medics and supplies from the International Committee of the Red Cross and Medecins sans Frontieres had landed in the capital.

A Yemeni volunteer carries bags of rice to people who fled fighting in Aden

Suspected Ugandan rebels kill 22 in eastern Congo

uspected Ugandan rebels killed at least 22 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo late on Wednesday, local officials said, the third deadly attack on civilians in the region in the last week. The attack took place near the town of Beni, an area in North Kivu province where more than 300 civilians have been killed in overnight raids since October. The attacks, often carried out with machetes and hatchets, have mostly been blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan Islamist rebel group that operates on the Congolese side of the border. North Kivu governor Julien Paluku said on Thursday that ADF fighters had attacked a location outside Beni, a regional hub, late on Wednesday afternoon, killing at least 22. He said the massacre followed clashes between the Congolese army and ADF fighters, but that he did not yet know the name of the village where it had taken place. Teddy Kataliko, a local civil society leader, said the attack had taken place in Mbutaba, 23 km north of Beni, and that his organization had documented 28 deaths so far, although the toll was likely to rise.

WORLD BULLETIN

Australian diplomatic move shocks Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea’s prime minister yesterday said he was shocked by an announcement from former colonial ruler Australia that it might open a diplomatic mission in the restive island of Bougainville, where a referendum on independence is scheduled. Polls opened on Monday in the copper-rich Autonomous Region of Bougainville to elect a president ahead of a referendum on independence from Papua New Guinea. A result is expected on June 8. “There has been no consultation on this proposal and there is no agreement to proceed,” Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said after addressing business and academic leaders in Sydney to mark the end of Australian rule 40 years ago. “Bougainville is an integral part of Papua New Guinea.” Under a peace agreement signed after a nine-year civil war with the Papua New Guinea mainland ended in 1998, Bougainville has until June 2020 to hold the referendum. The conflict forced resources giant Rio Tinto to abandon its Panguna copper mine in Bougainville. At the time, the mine was the largest single source of export revenue in Papua New Guinea and comprised about 7 percent of the world’s copper production.

Large cache of rhino horn found in Mozambique Police in Mozambique said yesterday they had seized 1.3 tonnes of elephant ivory and rhino horn -- the result of killing about 200 animals -- in the country’s biggest ever find of illegal wildlife products. An Asian man was arrested on the outskirts of the capital Maputo at a house where the stash was stored. Rhinos are extinct in Mozambique, but hunters from the country are often armed by transnational crime syndicates to kill rhinos and elephants across the border in South Africa. The police raid on Tuesday discovered 340 elephant tusks, weighing 1,160 kilogrammes, and 65 rhino horns, weighing 124 kilogrammes. “The man lived alone in the house for three months and hid his illegal activity by pretending to be involved in tin can recycling,” Emidio Mabunda, spokesman for the Maputo provincial police, said. “Some of the tusks still have fresh blood, a sign that some of animals could have been killed recently.”

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Taliban claim attack on Afghan guesthouse The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility on Thursday for an attack on a popular guesthouse in Kabul that killed at least 14 people, including foreigners attending a dinner and arriving for a concert. Four Indian nationals, a Briton, an American and a Kazakh national were confirmed among the dead in a five-hour assault at Park Palace guesthouse in an upscale neighbourhood of central Kabul. The attack heightened a sense of insecurity in the Afghan capital and throughout the country as the Taliban step up attacks following the withdrawal of most foreign troops. Kabul’s police chief said 44 people were rescued. A day after the assault, there was still confusion about how many gunmen attacked. A statement from President Ashraf Ghani’s office said there were three gunmen, while Kabul police said they could confirm just one. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in an emailed statement that one of the insurgents’ operatives carried out the attack with the aim of killing foreign citizens in retaliation for the United States and its allies supporting the Kabul government of President Ashraf Ghani. “The occupying forces should realize that they are not safe from our attacks under any cover or in any location,” Mujahid said. The death toll rose from five to 14 on Thursday as more bodies were found. “It was one attacker and we are still investigating how he got in,” police criminal investigation chief Farid Afzali Kabul said. A Kabul security official put the number of dead at 14, and the number was confirmed by the United Nations Assistance mission in a statement. The U.S. and Indian embassies and Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed their citizens were among the dead, and an Afghan with British nationality was also killed. “With regret we can confirm that a British dual national was killed in last night’s attack on a Kabul guesthouse,” a British embassy spokesman said on Thursday.

Friday, May 15, 2015

ilitary helicopters flew over eastern Nepal and a team sent up a drone yesterday to search for a missing U.S. Marines Huey chopper, as the death toll rose from the Himalayan country’s second big earthquake in less than three weeks. A Reuters correspondent flew on a Nepali military helicopter along the Tamakoshi river that runs by the town of Charikot, in the mountainous Dolakha district worst hit by Tuesday’s 7.3 magnitude quake that has killed more than 100 people. The river winds through rugged Himalayan terrain in an area whose tallest peak soars over 7,000 meters (23,000 ft). Hillsides are cloaked with lush forest that would make it hard to sight the chopper that went missing after the crew was heard over the radio saying the aircraft had a fuel problem. In Koshikhet village, a twoman U.S. civilian team was using a drone to search for the missing Marine Corps UH-1Y, or Huey as the model is better known, which was carrying six Marines and two Nepali soldiers. “We are using infrared vision to look for hotspots and any signs of life,” said drone operator Shepherd Eaton, from GlobalMedic, a U.S. aid agency that specializes in search and rescue. Eaton and his partner wore cowboy hats, Tshirts and jeans and worked with a Nepali army team that had a helicopter. The search, involving U.S., Indian and Nepali military choppers and a battalion of 400 Nepali

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Choppers, drone hunt for missing US helicopter •Nepal quake toll rises

Women walking through debris in the early morning hours in Bhaktapur near Kathmandu, Nepal, yesterday

soldiers, has been joined by two MV-22B Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically. After two full days of searching, no sign had been found of the Huey, which was on an aid mission in Dolakha district near Tibet when it lost contact on Tuesday. “We are still trying to locate it. There is no evidence to prove that it has crashed,” said Marines spokeswoman Captain Cassandra Gesecki. The Huey was kitted out with a satellite location device, a radio

and an emergency beacon. It may have come down in a “dead zone” for radio signals, though, making it hard for searchers to locate it. “If it just landed in that forest, it would be lost,” said Bala Nanda Sharma, a retired Nepali army general, gesturing to a hillside from the Charikot army base from which helicopters were flying. The death toll from Tuesday’s tremor rose on Thursday to 110, according to the home ministry. Another 2,428 people were injured in the quake, which struck 17 days after a huge earthquake

Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have been turning away migrant boats. Several thousand people are still believed to be stuck in boats off the coasts of Thailand and Malaysia. Most are Rohingya Muslims who cannot go back to Myanmar, also known as Burma, where they are not recognised as citizens of the country and are regularly persecuted. The BBC’s Jonathan Head reports from alongside the vessel

off the southern coast of Thailand, off Koh Lipe, that it is a “desperate sight”. He said: “People are calling out to us begging us for food and water. “There are a lot of women and children on board. This is a very old-looking fishing boat that’s completely packed with people. “We can see there are actually people drinking their own urine from bottles. We’ve been throwing them bottles of water everything we’ve got on board.” He said blankets had been tied up to try and provide some shelter from the sun. The average maximum temperature is 34C. The migrants - including 50 women and 84 children - said they had been at sea for three months. Their situation became critical when their crew abandoned them without a working engine six days ago anchored near the Thai-Malaysian border.

killed more than 8,000 people and damaged or destroyed hundreds of thousands of buildings in the impoverished Himalayan nation. Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, visiting Dolakha district, said massive landslides made relief work difficult. “Still, we are fighting,” he said. Koirala gave up his seat on his helicopter so that a woman with critical head injuries could be evacuated from Charikot to the army hospital in Kathmandu. He only flew back to the capital when it returned. The 70-year-old woman underwent emergency surgery and was then moved to an intensive care unit and put on a ventilator. Asked about her prognosis, an army doctor said: “We can only hope for the best.” Medecins Sans Frontieres emergency coordinator Dan Sermand said Tuesday’s tremors caused serious damage to buildings in remote areas that had already been weakened.

Iranian boats fire shots at Singaporeflagged vessel in Gulf –Report

‘10 deaths on stranded Myanmar F migrant boat’

British fighter jets escort Russian bombers away

yanmar migrants on a boat stranded for a week in the Andaman Sea with no food or water say 10 people have died, while some are resorting to drinking urine. The fishing boat, carrying about 350 people of the Muslim Rohingya minority, has been refused entry to Thailand. Those on board told the BBC the crew abandoned them and disabled the engine. They said the bodies of those who had died were thrown overboard.

British defence officials say two British fighter jets have escorted Russian bombers away from British airspace. UK defence officials said yesterday the Russian bombers never entered British airspace. Two Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled to lead the Russian Bear aircraft away from Britain. These incidents have become more frequent in the last year as tensions between western Europe and Russia have risen because of Russia’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

The passengers were abandoned by their crew six days ago

ive Iranian boats fired shots across the bow of a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel in the international waters of the Gulf on Thursday, CNN reported, citing a U.S. official. It was unclear if the shots hit the vessel, CNN said. After the shots, the cargo vessel turned to the national waters of the United Arab Emirates, where that country protected it using its coast guard, CNN also said. There were no U.S. personnel on the vessel, according to CNN. Reuters could not immediately confirm the report, and representatives for the Pentagon could not be immediately reached for comment. The shots at the Singaporeflagged vessel were fired as U.S. President Barack Obama and leaders from Gulf nations were set to meet at Camp David in a rare, high-profile summit on U.S. efforts to broker a nuclear deal with Iran. The United States and five other world powers are in talks with Tehran to curb its atomic program. Iran, currently in a standoff with a Saudi Arabia-led coalition over security inspections of its own cargo ship, last month intercepted a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. It forced that ship into Iranian territorial waters by firing shots across its bow.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, May 15, 2015

Bishop blames politicians over escalating crisis in Taraba JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

atholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Charles Hammawa, yesterday placed the continued crisis in Taraba State at the door step of politicians, accusing them of being too silent while lives were being lost and properties destroyed. Hammawa, who stated this during an exclusive interview with National Mirror, described as unfortunate the continued killings in parts of the state for some time now, which, according to him, has not caught the attention of elected leaders of the state at national and state levels. “I don’t know what our elected leaders were doing during the crisis that killed

many and sent thousands packing in central and southern parts of the state. Our elected leaders have been quiet for too long. “Today, the crisis has crippled economic activities in many parts of the state and nobody is talking about it, not even our House of Assembly members,” he said. He lamented that Taraba State, which has recorded frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in recent times is not being considered among states that need urgent attention. “Just recently, there was a debate in the National Assembly about how to end the herdsmen/farmers crisis in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kog, among others, but Taraba State was not mentioned. Our mem-

Niger sets up committee to tackle lead poisoning

iger State government on Thursday said it has set up a committee to tackle lead poisoning in Rafi Local Government Area of the state. Director of Public Health in the state’s health ministry, Dr. Mohammad Usman, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna. He said the committee has begun sensitising the affected communities on preventive measures to avoid further infection and death. His words: “So far, 64 persons have been affected in Kakuri ward of Anguwan Kawu and Sikira community; 28 died and

four others are receiving treatment. “Those who died were mainly children below the age of five. Nine cattle, some domestic animals and birds also died. “We are working with stakeholders to avert further incidence. We are collaborating with the World Health Organisation, WHO, Federal Ministry of Health, Doctors Without Borders and other relevant ministries in the state.” Usman said the state government would provide emergency services for the affected communities, adding that evacuation may be considered when necessary.

B’Haram: 275 rescued women, children HIV/AIDS-free –UNICEF

he 275 women and children recently rescued from the den of Boko Haram in Adamawa State are free of HIV/AIDS, according to an official of UNICEF. Ms. Ruth Ugwu, a nursing staff with the organisation at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Malkohi, Adamawa State, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola yesterday. Ugwu said their clean

health status followed medical screening and health rehabilitation programmes conducted on the victims. The nurse confirmed that after intensive medical check-up at the camp clinic, the victims were found to be HIV/AIDS negative. “Both rescued women and children, after several health screening, produced a result showing they are free of HIV/ AIDS.

bers in the National Assembly kept quiet despite the fact that the state has its own fair share of herdsmen/farmers crisis,” he

added. The bishop explained that thousands of people, who were forced to flee the crisis in the central and

southern parts of the state, are not guaranteed their homes and safety to return as other people were currently occupying their

homes. He added that he could not visit some of his parishes in the state because of insecurity.

Group wants Jonathan’s administration probed EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

oordinator of Credible Alternative Alliance (CAA), Comrade Yusuf Rakis, yesterday called on the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) to probe the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the interest of probity and justice. The group in a press release signed by its state coordinator, Rakis, said for the incoming ad-

ministration to be able to finance its programmes with ease, stolen public funds and properties must be retrieved without recourse to plea bargaining, while the culprits should be punished. The statement reads: “People erroneously entrusted with public offices turned round to misuse the trust and now lobby to be allowed to go with the loot while majority of the citizens continue to suffer in silence.” It added: “President Jonathan allowed cor-

ruption to thrive in his administration with majority of his ministers becoming overnight billionaires without any positive contribution to the development of the country other than perfecting official stealing.” According to the statement, “almost all those who served the Jonathan administration were corrupt. Official stealing was the order of the day, while service delivery suffered. The All Progressives Congress, APC, exposed several cases of malfeasance during the electioneering that

should now be proved for posterity.” The statement regretted the level of theft and corruption in the course of Jonathan’s administration, saying it should not be allowed to go unpunished, stressing that there were special cases that need immediate probe like those of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, federal ministries of education, transportation, works, special duties, Niger Delta, finance and power, among others.

Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko (2nd right) assisted by FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Opeyemi (2nd left) and other dignitaries while inaugurating FRSC office in Sokoto, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Fuel scarcity: Dealers, hawkers connive against public in Kaduna

etroleum products hawkers and dealers are making brisk business in Kaduna State, as they connive to sustain the unending scarcity nationwide. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that scores of such hawkers have taken over the streets of Kaduna, dispensing the products at exorbitant prices. Most filling stations in the town have closed down while the few dispensing the product are selling at between N130 and N200 per litre. Motorists said they now rely on roadside fuel hawk-

ers for fuel, which could be sold for as high as N200 per litre. Usman Haruna, a fuel vendor at NEPA Roundabout, said he sells three big jerry cans of petrol daily since the fuel scarcity began. He said he secures the product from some marketers, who prefer to distribute it to roadside vendors, instead of dispensing at filling stations. “We do get our fuel from marketers at between N120 and N130 and we sell to buyers at N175 a litre or more,” Haruna said. Another vendor at Leven-

tis area, Habibu Kabir, said the market was booming even though “it is illegal.” “We really enjoy the market because there is a lot of gain within the period of the scarcity; I make up to N10,000 daily. “We know the way we operate is illegal, but we take the risk. “If government will address this issue of scarcity, it will be good because everybody is suffering because of the situation.” A spokesman for the state branch of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Alhaji Sani

Yashau, said the organisation was not aware that any of its members was encouraging roadside vendors. “We are going to investigate the matter and any independent marketer found involved in this act will be sanctioned,” he said. He attributed the scarcity, particularly in Kaduna, to low supply from Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company. “Once fuel is available, we will sell it and continue our business; we too don’t want the hardship ordinary Nigerians are going through,” he said.

Friday, May 15, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

ABDULRAHEEM: Formerly known and addressed as Mr Abdulraheem Razaq Olalekan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Adeshina Eddrick Olalekan. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Mr Bamigbola Richard is the same one person as Mr. Bamigbola Richard Oluwasegun, that henceforth wish to be addressed and called as Mr. Bamigbola Richard Oluwasegun. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Oyenike Abdullahi A. is the same one person as Oyenike Abdullahi Adedoyin, that henceforth wish to be called amd addressed as Oyenike Abdullahi Adedoyin. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Emmanuel Victoria Makani, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Benjamin Victoria Makani. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Fadeyi Ayodele Aderemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Arisilejoye Ayodele Aderemi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BANKOLE: I, formerly known and addressed as Bankole Adenike Aishat, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Olanrewaju Adenike Aishat. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Avoseh Isaac M. is the same one person as Avoseh Isaac Mauyon, that henceforth wish to be addressed and called as Avoseh Isaac Mauyon. All former documents remain valid. WAEC and general public should please take note.

Formerly called and addressed as Miss Amokeoja Halifat Omolola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aare Halifat Omolola. All former documents remain valid. University of Ibadan and general public should please take note .

This is to confirm that Sharafdeen Sarat Oriyomi and Sharafadeen Sarat is the same one person as Sharafadeen Sarat Oriyomi, that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Sharafadeen Sarat Oriyomi. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should please take note.

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ANDREW: I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Esohe Lilian Andrew, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Esohe Lilian Izevbizua. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKERELE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akerele Funke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs OgodoStephen Funke. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Oluwayemisi Cecilia Arojo, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwayemisi Cecilia Fawole. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kelechi Anozie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akpa Kelechi. All former document remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of loss of certified true copy of customary right of occupancy dated 30/11/1995 and registered as 77/77/1394 Enugu land registry belonging to Sunday Ugwuaba. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ilori Funke Stella, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olanigbehin Funke Stella. All former documents remain vaid. NYSC and general public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Miss Agboola Oluwafunmilayo Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oginni Oluwafunmilayo Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note

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OGHENEVWAIRE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenevwaire Ichipi, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Olivia Ichipi. All former documents remain valid. The Nigeria High Commission to the United Kingdom and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Oloruntimilehin Adunola Felicia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajimuda Adunola Felicia. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Omudu Innocent, now wish to be known and addressed as Omudu Inalegwu Innocent J. Spiff. All former documents remain valid. NDIC and general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Shobukola Mary Funmilola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gbadamosi Mary Funmilola. All former document remain valid and general public take note

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WEY: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Titilayo Temitope Wey, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juliana Titilayo Osayi. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc and General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed Miss. Ani Faith Nkechinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emeka Faith Nkechinyere. All firmer documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Kolawole Beatrice Bolanle, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adeoti Bolanle Beatrice. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UKAZIM: I formerly known and addressed as Ukazim Chidiebube wishes to be known and addressed as Mgborogwu Chibueze Chidiebube. All former documents remain valid. Ukazim family and general please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr Paul John, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ayuba Musa John. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Mrs. Oluwabukola Debbie Gabriel, (nee Sule), that i am the above named person. That i am the wife of Mr. Kitinisere Oluwa Gabriel. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpalanozie Onyinye E., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogbu Onyinye E. All former document remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYEYILI: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyeyili Ebele Promise, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okochi Ebele Promise. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajala Oluremi Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Babalotin Oluremi Mercy.All former document remain valid. Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE PRAISEWORD CONSTANT GOSPEL MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above name Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C.), Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Company and Allied Matter Act 1 of 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) Afolagbade. M. Breakthrough 2) Afolagbade Clara Tope 3) Akinwande Abayomi 4) Aguda Olawale 5) Afolagbade Femi 6) Oyeneye Ronke 7) Ajogun Ayo

- President

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Formerly known and addressed as Ekpiri Ogola Evelyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Omudu Ogola Evelyn. All former documents remain valid. Benue State Civil Service Commission and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kazeem Aminat Abimbola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adekoya Aminat Abimbola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to notify the general public that the Original LASG RECEIPTS paid on Land charges :- N20, 000. 00 and N29,646.00 in respect of Block 15B Plot 5 Ewu Elepe Scheme,Ikorodu, belonging to Mrs. Elizabeth Olufunke Oyekan is missing. The general public and Lands Bureau, Alausa, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NDIDIGWE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ndidigwe Chioma Grace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anthony Okenu Chioma Grace. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNRIN: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mojisola Odunayo Ogunrin now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mojisola Odunayo Olusanwo. All former documents remain valid.Teaching Service Commission, Ogun State and general public to take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Amoo-Victor Oluchi Stella, now wish to known and addressed as Momodu-Joel Oluchi Stella. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

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Formerly known and addressed as Amoo Comfort Oluwafunmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Akindele Comfort Oluwafunmilayo. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

‎ K ERERE: Formerly known and addressed as Kerere Irori Raimi, now wish to be known and addressed as Lawal Irori Raimi. All former documents remain valid. GTB and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Echibe Jane Frances, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajiduah Jane Frances Uchechi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Chilaka Njideka Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwosu Njideka Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Adigun Olatoun Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Babalola Olatoun Abosede. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM Oyo State and general public take note.

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JOY: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mordi Joy Ekeji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Egbeama Joy Ekeji. All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ANI: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ani Amarachi Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ufomadu Amarachi Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUSOGA: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olusoga Yewande Peluola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunjinrin Yewande Peluola. All former documents remain valid. TASUED, Ijagun and General Public to note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunrinde Oluwatoyin Bose, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adelani Oluwatoyin Bose. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SHIELD OF SALVATION CHURCH

This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Rev. Mrs. Queen Ola Benjamin Rev. Dr. Ola Benjamin Pastor Stephen Amiwero Mr. Olaye Temisanren Elder Alfred Temisanren

- G. O - Member - Secretary - Members - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: - Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1) To preach gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2) To reach out to the needy through charitable programs 3) To Train and groom young and dynamic Leaders Any objection to the registration should be forwarded totheRegistrarGeneral,CorporateAffair sCommission,Plot 420 TigrisCrescent, OffAguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED:AJOGUN AYO SECRETARY

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ to mankind To ensure the peaceful co-existence of all categories of mankind To preach the salvation of Jesus Christ to humanity To extend the hand of tone to the less privileged To distribute gospel material of Jesus Christ to humanity

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Trigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

SIGNED:REV. MRS. QUEEN OLA BENJAMNIN G.O

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Popoola Olayinka Christy, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adeniyi-wale Olayinka Christy. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

KAYODE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kayode Funmilola Caroline, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adu Funmilola Caroline. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Quadri Olayinka Ajoke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aregbesola -Quadri Olayinka Ajoke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olabulo Mojisola Fausat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kolade Mojisola Fausat. All former documents remain valid. NSCDC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Abugewa Otome, now wish to be known and addressed as Odigwe Abugewa Otome. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Fatima Abubakar, now wish to be known and addressed as Jamiu Fatima. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss.Onwuka Elizabeth Amara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwakile Elizabeth Amara. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ANNABEL: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Parm, Annabel Laafa Ojorhanne now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Hafsat Annabel Laafa Ojorhanne All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONAH: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onah Jacinta Nkechinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onah Jacinta Nkechinyere. All former documents remain valid. ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane Enugu and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajibode Mary Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shoniyi Mary Oluwatosin. All Former Documents Remain Valid. NYSC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Isong Bassey Ukpong (Ba-U. Isong) now wish to be known and addressed as Isong Bassey Barnabas. All former document remain valid. general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEJUGBE : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Aderonke Adejugbe, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs Aderonke Alex - Adedipe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

IJIMAKINDE: Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Adetomi Ijimakinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adetomi Mary James. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sosami Oluwatosin Adetoun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeosun Oluwatosin Adetoun. All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Odumade Adepero Olajumoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs salako Odumade Adepero Olajumoke. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Maduekwu Ebere Anthonia, now wish to be known and addressed as Maduekwe Ebele Anthonia. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Lawal Abubakar, now wish to be known and addressed as Amanga Lawal. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWOSU : Formerly known as Miss Tochukwu Jennifer Nwosu, now wish to be known and address as Mrs Tochukwu Jennifer Nwogbo. All former documents remains valid. Public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKOYE : Formerly Known as Miss Okoye Ifeyinwa Philomena now wish to be known and address as Mrs Okoye Ifeyinwa Christian. All former documents remain valid. Public note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ISIGUZO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Isiguzo Chigozie Judith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alfa Chigozie Judith. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of loss of document with Reg. No 85/85/1069 situated at No 18 Orsumenyi Street, Achara Layout, Enugu, belonging to Mr Odinakachukwu Obi of No. 5 Nnokwa Street, Independence Layout, Enugu. The document got burnt in a fire at his residence. Ministry of Lands and Urban Development and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWEJIE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwejie Chidinma Fine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kingsley Chidinma Fine. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University Amassoma Bayelsa State, NYSC and general public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, Sulaimon Yusuf Olatunji is the same person as Sulaimon Yusuf A. as it appears in my West African Senior School Certificate of December 2009. Henceforth, wish to be known and addressed as Sulaimon Yusuf Olatunji. All former documents remain valid. Yaba College of Technology and general public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I, Dr. Miriam Obinwanne Chidobem lost the original Certificate of occupancy of Plot at No 2b Ebe Lane Ogui New Layout Enugu Registered as No. 46 at page 46 in volume 1060 of Lands registry Enugu. The said irrevocable Power of Attorney, was belonging to Late Arc. Innocent C. Chidobem but has been handed over to me on 2nd day of Jan. 2012. General public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of my original Statutory Right of Occupancy, with File No. OS 60777 in respect of Pot No. 756, Cad. Zone D09, Kagini Measuring approximately 557.72m2 dated 28/04/2011, Acknowledgement Letter and Official Receipt all issued by AGIS. All efforts made to locate the missing document proved abortive. AGIS, FCDA and general public should please take note. OYEWALE OLAWALE ISRAEL

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Club prepares for Ayew’ exit

I feel it’s only a matter of time before Les Bleus start to win laurels again. I am positive about this

Sport

– France legend, Thierry Henry

W/Cup: Reach final, pocket N80m, Pinnick tells Falcons Mercy Jacob

Daniel Akpeyi of Warri Wolves

AFCON 2017:

igeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, has challenged the Super Falcons led by Coach Edwin Okon to reach the final of the FIFA Women’s World beginning in Canada next month and pocket $400,000 USD (about N80million). Pinnick made the charge to the African champions in a posttraining talk at the FIFA Goal Project, National Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday. “I am telling you girls in all sincerity, if you get to the quarter -finals of the World Cup, I am giving you $50,000. A spot in the semi -finals will earn you the sum of $100,000 and if you get to the final, I am indebted to you to the sum of $250,000,” a statement from the NFF yesterday, quoted Pinnick. He added, “I have absolute faith in you. You have done this nation proud on several occasions, winning seven African Women Championship titles out of nine editions. You are

daughters of glory and I see you performing beyond expectation at the World Cup.” The NFF boss went philosophical in motivating the girls further. “It will not be easy, but nothing good comes easy. Beautiful roses grow on thorny plants. You are going to play the likes of Sweden and the United States of America, powerhouses in women’s football. But it should be in the back of your minds that Nigeria is also a powerhouse in women’s football, a serious one for that matter. “There will be plenty of odds, but that’s an everyday thing in life. Odds are meant to propel you to go higher, move faster and become stronger.” Falcons, who have been training in Abuja since last month, following a 9-1 aggregate thumping of Mali in the only qualifying round for the Women’s Football Tournament of the All-Africa Games, will depart Nigeria next Tuesday for a 16-day training camp in Toronto, ahead of the 7th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.

Keshi overlooks hot Giwa striker, calls 26 others for Chad Everest Onyewuchi

uper Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, yesterday released a list of 26 home-based professionals who will start the team’s camping programme ahead of next month’s Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Chad. The first leg of the match will be played on June 13 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. Keshi’s list contains familiar faces, Daniel Akpeyi, Solomon Kwambe, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Rabiu Ali, Kun-

le Odunlami, Gbolahan Salami and Ezekiel Mba, who are joined by exciting new faces, Ibrahim Shaibu, Onoriode Odah and Igbinosa. Record scorer in the Nigeria elite division, Mfon Udoh is accompanied by former junior international goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Nathaniel Joseph and Moses Ekpai Ubong. Enyimba FC captain, Chinedu Udoji, Giwa FC’s Henlong Charles, Joe Omale of Dekina Dragons and FC Taraba’s Samuel Olabisi are coming into camp for the first time. The Nigeria Football

Federation (NFF) said yesterday that all the invited players are expected to report at the Bolton Hotel Apartments, Wuse, Abuja on Tuesday, 19th May, 2015. Similarly, Giwa FC coach, Tony Bulus and striker Ibrahim Shuaibu, have emerged winners of the League Bloggers Awards (LBA) Manager and Player respectively for the month of April. Bulus claimed the manager’s award by fending off close challenges from Kennedy Boboye (stand-in Sunshine Stars head coach for Englishman Paul Ashworth), Abdu Maikaba

(Wikki Tourists) and Kadiri Ikhana (Enyimba). The Giwa manager edged the rest of the pack by finishing the month of April unbeaten after guiding his team to two wins, including an away win at Enugu Rangers. In the player’s category, it was quite a battle between Shuaibu, who was omitted in Keshi’s list, Enyimba striker Mfon Udoh, Bayelsa United goalkeeper, Bassey Akpan, Ubong Ekpai of Kano Pillars and Wikki’s Godwin Obaje. The Giwa duo will receive the awards later this month.

The List: Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars), Chidiebere Eze (Gabros International) Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves), Chibuzor Okonkwo (Gabros International), Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC), Chima Akas (Sharks FC), Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba FC), Samuel Olabisi (FC Taraba), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: Nathaniel Joseph (Sharks FC), Michael Egbeta (Warri Wolves), Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars), Igbinosa Esosa (Nasarawa United), Moses Ekpai Ubong (Kano Pillars), Henlong Charles (Giwa FC) Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC), Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves), Ibrahim Shaibu (Giwa FC), Joe Omale (Dekina Dragons), Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves), Ezekiel Mbah (Kano Pillars), Onoriode Odah (Enugu Rangers), Azeez Shobowale (Kano Pillars)

Sports

Friday, May 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oke eyes medals in Doha League Mercy Jacob

igeria’s Tosin Oke will be the sole representative of the country as the IAAF Diamond League in Quarter begins today in Doha, Qatar with Great Britain’s double Olympic Champion, Mo Farah, among the star attractions. Oke will compete in the triple

jump. A Commonwealth Games gold medalist in 2010, the Nigerian also won silver at the same competition in Glasgow in the summer of 2014, having previously finished seventh at the London Olympics. Farah will compete in the men’s 3,000m race as the Somali-born

athlete, who won the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the 2012 London Olympics, says he is ready to excel. The Diamond League is an IAAF event, which takes place in 14 cities between May and October every year and features 32 athletics events. The Doha

Oke

leg is set to feature at least 12 reigning Olympic champions and 10 current world champions. Also in Doha are Olympic triple jump champion Christian Taylor, 400 hurdlers Felix Sanchez, Bershawn Jackson and Javier Culson, and 100 hurdler Jasmin Stowers, who has already run times of 12.39 and 12.40 seconds this season.

All Nigeria Athletics: C/River to host Okagbare, others

he Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has described as false media reports that the Cross River State Government, the official sponsor of the All Nigeria AFN/CRS Athletics Championships, has withdrawn from the event. AFN Spokesman, Olukayode Thomas, said yesterday that reports were malicious. “Cross River government will not shun the

championships which serves as trial to major games and championships like the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, All Africa Games and IAAF World Championships without writing a formal letter to the AFN,” Thomas said. “Talks about extension are on the table. There will be a new government by the end of the month, and if tradition is anything to go by Cross River people and incoming

government are usually interested in sponsorship of events that are of mutual benefit to the state and people and the other party. “Donald Duke started the Obudu Mountain Race, Liyel Imoke did not scrap it or stopped its sponsorship, rather he took to a new height. We are positive that the new Governor Ben Ayade will see the merits of the championships and continued its sponsorship.”

Colleagues call me ‘Okpekpe man’ –Oshiomhole Afolabi Gambari

overnor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has revealed that his counterparts now refer to him as the ‘Okpekpe marathon man’ because of his participation in the annual 10km IAAF certified Okpekpe Road Race. Oshiomhole, who spoke in Beni City yesterday during a courtesy call on him by the Organising Committee for the race, said

he loved the name tag, expressed delight that the race had opened up the rural community to the world since its inception in 2013. “The Okpekpe road compares very well and even better with federal roads based on specification, design and even the width of the road,” he said, stressing, “The most eloquent and the most potent statement we can make is to aggressively invest in rural infrastructure.” Chairman of the

organising committee, Mr. Dan Ngerem, who presented a copy of the Bronze label Certificate awarded by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) for the Okpekpe race to Governor Oshiomhole, affirmed the community’s development. “The most important of all for me is that Edo State being exposed internationally and opening Okpekpe to the international world,” the former AFN president said.

Ayew

Club prepares for Ayew’ exit M

arseille President, Vincent Labrune, has accepted the club will lose the services of Andre Ayew this summer to a wealthier outfit. Ayew’s contract will expire at the end of the season, with Premier League pair Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly tracking the Ghanaian winger. “We can’t keep Ayew. He

is a very important player for OM but we can’t offer him the kind of money English clubs can offer,” Labrune said yesterday. “We can’t also ask him to accept a lower salary. That makes no sense so unfortunately he is going to quit the club and we hope he has the great career that he deserves in England or somewhere else.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Friday, May 15, 2015

Grassroots expert targets Abia job Afolabi Gambari

enowned grassroots sports developer, Mr. Oscar Emmanuel Ezinwa, has declared his interest in working with the Abia State Governor-elect, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, in the quest to turnaround sports in the state. Ezinwa, who described the new governor as God’s chosen, believes Abia needs wholesome transformation in the sports sector in tune with dictates of the Millennium Development Goals. “Several areas of development has been neglected over the years and I believe there is an urgent need for a comprehensive grassroots talent hunt that would put Abia State back in contention for national recognition,” he told National Mirror yesterday. “The fact that the governor-elect has already connected with the

youth in the state makes the task ahead achievable and I believe he deserves the best support from experienced talent hunters,” he added. The Abia State indigene founded the Anambra/Imo Youth Football Association (ANIYFA) in 1989 after which the body transformed to Orient Youth Sports Association (OYSA), incorporated in 1995 and was the founding Secretary General of the National Igbo Football Association (NIFA).

Ezinwa

NSC: Jonathan confirms Yakmut as DG

he President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has approved the appointment of Mr. AlHassan Yakmut as the substantive Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC). The confirmation which takes immediate effect was conveyed to the Sports Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr.

Tammy Danagogo, via a letter dated May 12, 2015. It would be recalled that Yakmut was until April 15, 2015 when he was appointed Acting Director General of the NSC to replace Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. the Director of the Federation of Elite Athletes Department (FEAD) of the Commission.

T/tennis: Oshodi adopts cautious approach

resident of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi, says the federation will not be carried away by the modest success achieved in recent times. Oshodi, who is a member of the Nomination Committee of International Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), said the feat achieved by top ranking player, Aruna Quadri, in addition to the bronze medal won at the last Commonwealth Games in Scotland would not make the NTTF

complacent. “Our next major test is at the Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville where we will need to fight hard for the seven gold medals at stake,” the NTTF boss said. “There are still many mountains to climb and we are currently at the peak of a small hill. We must in the nearest future aim to be number one in Africa and the Commonwealth as well as be in the world’s top 10,” he added.

MANDATE

THE

Sylvester Ikuejamoye

mopheys13@gmail.com 0805-407-1194 (SMS only)

Predicted with accuracy

am not a soothsayer; neither do I belong to the club of crystal-ball-readers. I am also not in the class of those with the third eye to see or know what will happen tomorrow or beyond. But I know that some Nigerians can be predictable with almost near precision. Most Nigerians hate to be advised or criticized, no matter how constructive it may be. Some of us have this deceitful flawless mentality or know-it-all syndrome. The problem associated with our approach to grassroots sport development is not new. The need for adequate and proper attention to be given to that level of sport development is also not in doubt. I have lost count of various submissions, observations or reservations made verbally or in paper form by athletes and other stakeholders, including respectable newspaper columnists and technocrats in this regard. Two weeks ago I had written, among others, on the importance of addressing with vigour the issue of grassroots sports development by the incoming Buhari administration. I had postulated that without a very concerted effort geared towards resuscitating the near-death approach funding of the grassroots in the sports sector, Nigeria may jolly want to say goodbye to the discovery of talented young boys and girls. The impli-

L-R: Country Manager Africare Nigeria, Dr. Orode Doherty; Women National Basketball Association (WNBA) player, Chiney Ogwumike of Connecticut Sun, NBA Vice President, Development-Africa, Amadou Gallo Fall; Anibor Kragha of Upstream Treasurer ExxonMobil Nigeria; D’Tigers captain, Olumide Oyedeji, and Public & Government Affairs Representative, ExxonMobil, Oge Udeagha at the 2nd Power Forward Launch in Abuja, yesterday

cation of this can be very colossal. Reminding ourselves of this very important and fundament area of our sport development and particularly, the need to give it priority should not be a crime. This is why I find the current reaction of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria to the harmless and constructive submission or advice by Blessing Okagbare a little bit difficult to understand. Her advice by my understanding was not meant to embarrass or ridi- cule the AFN but that further efforts

Okagbare” in which and I pleaded that the comment should not be seen as an affront or an embarrassment. I also posited that stars of Okagbare’s status are seen as role models for the up and coming athletes which further placed more responsibilities on her. She is seen as the voice of the budding but hidden raw athletes at the grassroots who are eager to break into the limelight. It was as if I knew that the harmless comment would create a face-off between her and the AFN. I have read the comments of Chioma Ajunwa, the only Nigerian individual Olympic gold medalist, which is not too far from my position. I can also understand the AFN’s reaction on the same matter and I believe encouraging and developing sports at the grassroots is not peculiar to AFN. Indeed, aside from the AFN and few other federations, many others are way of mark in terms of programmes, participation and performance. Many have not had even up to three board meetings since inauguration in 2013. Okagbare’s lamentation affects us all. Let us not crucify her. There is no need to raise dust over nothing.

Hard but the bitter truth

AFN boss, Ogba

should be made to groom more athletes from the grassroots where Nigeria have bundles of untapped talent. AFN certainly tops the group of performing federations currently in Nigeria. That is the truth no one can dispute, at least for now. I have also had cause to cite the federation as a reference point when analyzing the activities of various federations since their inauguration in May 2013. By my judgment it is pass mark for AFN but there are many rooms for improvement and if they are sincere, they would not want to dispute that. This is where Okagbare’s advice becomes relevant and of utmost importance. The lamentation of Okagbare is in the over-all interest of Nigeria’s sports development. It should not be seen within the microscopic limit of the AFN but within the general window of all the sporting federations in the country. I think it was an appeal that should be taken in good faith. Readers will recall that last week piece was tagged “The Concurring Lamentation of

The drifting caused by the socalled gale of defections from the PDP to the APC is becoming dirty, embarrassing and obviously irritating game. These are the people who had proclaimed PDP as the only “living party in Nigeria”. But now that they have succeeded in snuffing life out the party, I hope their mission is not to praise-sing themselves into the APC with the sole aim of suffocating the party to DEATH just as they did to the PDP. APC, you better be at alert or very soon, you may start counting losses. Hard But the Bitter Truth.

Good night, 007 I lost a never-miss reader, an ardent fan of this column, an elder brother of worth and value, Mr. Philip Ikuejamoye, popularly known as 007, who succumbed to the cold hands of death on the wee hours of May 8, 2015 in Lagos. Bodami, you spent many years in the Nigerian Army, the bullet of the enemy could not locate you. You were like a Trojan that cannot be ignored. You had your own fair share of what life is all about. You have come, you have seen and you conquered. Bodami, sleep well, “Chief Abinuwaye”, good night and rest in the very arms of the Lord until we meet to part no more. Adieu, Baba 007. Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God blessed Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest marathon by a mascot (male)

Vol. 05 No. 1113

Friday, May 15, 2015

N150

The fastest marathon by a mascot (male) is 3 hr 51 min 50 sec and was achieved by Francis Gilroy (UK) running as Harvey

Nigerians in Indonesia’s drug trap

ndonesia was literally in the eye of global storm late last month when it lined up and shot eight drug convicts, four of them from Nigeria, namely Sylvester Obiekwe Nwolise, Jamiu Owolabi Abashin, Okwudili Oyatanze and Martin Anderson. One Indonesian, Zainal Abidin; a Brazilian, Rodrigo Gularte; and two Australians, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran made up the number. Before the April 27 or thereabout executions, however, two Nigerians, Solomon Chibuike Okafor (aka Namaona Denils) and Daniels Enemuo (aka Diarrassoube Mamadou), were last January also executed by firing squad for drug offences. Executed with them were two women, one each from Indonesia and Vietnam, two Brazilians, and one Dutch national. As at that January, 12 Nigerians were said to be on the death row in that country, inclusive, most probably, of the four killed in April.

iverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, admits emotions will be running high when he plays his final game at Anfield against Crystal Palace tomorrow. The 34-year-old, who has made over 700 Reds

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) This implies that eight more Nigerians are still in Indonesia’s drug offences’ execution list. In 2008, Samuel Iwuchukwu Okoye and Hansen Anthony Nwaolisa were equally executed in that country for drug-related offences. After the killing of Okafor and Enemuo in January, the Federal Government summoned the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria and protested. The executions were carried out despite persistent pleas for clemency made by the government and National Assembly; and in spite of the excellent relations that existed between Nigeria and Indonesia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lamented. The ministry spoke of a Prisoner Transfer Agreement with Indonesia and clemency plea for 12 other Nigerians waiting for execution. But the killing of four more Nigerians out of the 12 the following April buttressed the futility of the FG’s intervention. Indeed, following the April executions, the FG again summoned the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Harry Purwanto, and protested yet again. Purwanto, however, told newsmen thereafter that the case had been on for 10 years; that the convicts were given adequate opportunity to defend themselves within the limit of the law; and that Indonesia had suspended the moratorium it placed on death penalty due to the gravity and dangerous impact of drugs on its citizens. Purwanto says Indonesian people suffer

ALL OF THE EXECUTIONS FOLLOWED ONE PATTERN

– THE DEAF

EAR INDONESIAN

AUTHORITIES GIVE TO GLOBAL PLEAS from “the harsh reality of drug trafficking, as about 4.5 million of our citizens, especially the youths, are affected by narcotics”. He said only about 1.8 million of such victims had benefitted from rehabilitation; and that between 33 and 50 victims of drugs die every month. The envoy was also elusive on Prisoner Transfer Agreement when he said: “… we do not have the legal basis. We have to wait for a new legislation in Indonesia, but then we have to convince our members of parliament to do that”. In other words, the fate of other Nigerians trapped by drug offences in Indonesia is as grim as that of those already executed. Capital punishment in Indonesia covers about 16 crimes. Among them are the production, transit, import and possession of psychotropic drugs, robbery or theft resulting in grave injury or death, extortion with violence and corruption, et cetera. Reports indicate that as at 2013, about 130 convicts, comprising of Indonesians and foreign nationals were sentenced to death in Indonesia. After the executions carried out in the country in 2008, however, none took

place again until 2013. None was carried out in 2014. But one was witnessed in January 2015; and another late last month (April). All of the executions followed one pattern – the deaf ear Indonesian authorities give to global pleas for clemency before; or outrage after the executions. In the April executions, for example, Indonesia ignored not only the pleas of heads of state and government of countries whose nationals were the culprits, but extended same to the likes of the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban ki Moon; as well as Amnesty International. The only miracle that happened this time around was the last minute postponement of the execution of the ninth convict, Mary Jane Veloso, from the Philippines, who reports said was spared after a woman accused of tricking her into carrying drug handed herself to the police in Philippines before the executions were carried out. Indonesian convicts are never exempted, too. Notwithstanding global condemnation of the executions as cruel and unnecessary, Indonesia stoutly defends its actions as a vital weapon for its war against drugs; and no sanction has been clamped on the country, to public knowledge, beyond the withdrawal of envoys by aggrieved countries from Indonesia. It would seem, therefore, that notwithstanding the controlled-tears the world shed each time such executions take place, the global community recognises the destructive effects of drugs on citizens, especially the youths. Reports also pinpoint the profligate, outlandish, out-of-this-world and misleading lifestyles – that cannot be sustained by honest and hard work – which drug barons and couriers live. It is against this backdrop that the convicts have themselves to blame for their plight, particularly when a lot of them are not prodded into the rough trade by poverty. The lesson probably not well thought at home and, therefore, not understood and appreciated, appears what Indonesia is insistent on teaching. It is up to those who value their lives to learn and comply.

Sport Extra Gerrard braces for emotional Anfield exit appearances, will soon end a 25-year association with his boyhood team, having signed a deal to join LA Galaxy in the US this summer. “It will be strange and I’m sure it will,”

Gerrard said yesterday. “It will be an emotional day for me and my family and friends that have followed me throughout my career and also for a lot of supporters that have

watched me for many, many years, not just at the stadium but around the world as well. “The attention is not something I really like, but hopefully I can put in a good performance

for the supporters so we can get a win and I can enjoy the send-off that I’m going to get. “It’s going to be a difficult day but I’m going to try and enjoy it.”

Gerrard

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