Binder1 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

NNPC, Chevron JV invest N2.65bn in scholarships yearly P.7

Dawha

Vol. 5 N0. 1138

...assembles 6 APC govs in Kaduna

Wike sacks 435 polytechnic lecturers P.7

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Friday, June 19, 2015

21, OLOWU STREET, IKEJA, LAGOS www.medviewairline.com 01-4540927/8

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Alleged fraud: EFCC arrests Ohakim E ...as Lamido surrenders for interrogation OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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Gusau plots return to Buhari’s govt

Anti-graft body arraigns 9 foreigners for crude oil theft

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conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arrested former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, over alleged finanCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Updated June 12, 2015

L-R: Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima; Senate President Bukola Saraki; Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Senator Danjuma Goje during a visit to Abdulsalami Abubakar’s residence in Abuja, yesterday.

Chad bombs Boko Haram bases in Nigeria DHQdeniesforeignstrike Insurgents’ attack leaves 38 dead in Niger

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Unpaid wages: NUT to meet next week

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News

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Executive Secretary, Nigerian South African Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), Iyke Ejimofor; Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa of South African High Commission; outgoing South African Consul General, Ms. Thandi Mgxwath; Head, Corporate Banking, Stanbic IBTC Nigeria, Anton Marais; General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Deji Haastrup; GM, Nigerian Content, Business Services, Raymond Wilcox; Manager, HR and Medical, Babs Ajay, during breakfast meeting of the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce, recently.

Alleged fraud: EFCC arrests Ohakim CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

cial impropriety. In the same vein, immediate past governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, was also interrogated by the commission in relation to pending investigation. The arrest and investigation of the former governors are in continuation of the clamp down on ex-chief executives of states who allegedly fiddled with people’s

money during their rein. On Tuesday, the EFCC had grilled former governor of Ebonyi State, Matins Elechi, on the same suspicion of financial impropriety. A reliable source told our correspondent that a team of EFCC operatives stormed the Abuja home of Ohakim at about 8:a.m arrested and whisked him to the Abuja headquarters of the Commission.

Ohakim was said to have rebuffed EFCC invitation, hence his arrest yesterday. The source added that the former governor was being grilled by the commission in connection with pending investigation against him. According to the source, a number of properties in choice areas across the country have been traced to him. Also, Lamido visited the

commission on invitation and was hurled to the interrogation table where he was being drilled over corruption allegation. As at the time of filing this report, the two governors were still being interrogated. The commission’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren confirmed the arrest and drilling of the former governors.

He said both of them have been on the list of the commission’s investigation. Wilson, who also confirmed that the suspects were currently being investigated by operatives, however could not confirm whether they would be detained or granted administrative bail. He said: “I can confirm to you that the two ex- gov-

ernors are being investigated by the EFCC. While Ohakim was arrested, Lamido gave himself up for investigation. “Ohakim was picked up by operatives of the commission at 8 a.m. from his Abuja residence. “However, I will not be able to confirm to you whether the suspects would be granted administrative bail, or be detained.”

Nigeria caters for 2m IDPs, 2,000 refugees, says Commission

ational Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCRMIDP has said that Nigeria is currently catering for 2 million Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. National Commissioner for the commission, Hajia Hadiza Kangiwa, made this known in Lagos yesterday. Kangiwa said government was also catering for 2,000 refugees, who were foreign nationals, noting that the people were kept in churches, public schools and other makeshift buildings. “Government provides

food items, toiletries, cloths and insecticide to cater for their welfare under temporary arrangement,” she said. She said that caring for that huge number of IDPs posed serious challenge for the government. According to her, the Federal Government is not favourably disposed to setting up camps for the displaced persons. She, however, noted that having camp was imperative to taking good care of those displaced on account of insecurity and disaster in parts of the country. “The challenge is the spontaneous nature in

displacement because without warning, you find groups of people displaced. “IDPs are citizens of Nigeria but displaced from their ancestral home due to insecurity and natural disasters. “They have freedom of movement and right to work and that is why government does not like to keep them perpetually on camps. “So, it is like a struggle with humanitarian work and development, human right and constitutional issues,” she said. Kangiwa expressed concern about security implication of keeping

IDPs and refugees, which further explained why government opposed setting up camps. She said security needed to be improved, especially for the IDPs, who could be vulnerable to dangers, having been displaced from their natural homes. “In the camps, you hear of all kinds of ills.There are cases of child abuse, child trafficking and militarisation of young people and that is a big security issue,” the commissioner said. Kangiwa listed inadequate funding as a major challenge militating against the operations of

the commission. “Because of the nature of displacement, we are not able to prepare budget accurately and where you make budget, fund requested is not released in accordance to the needs of the commission. “Last year the commission got N70m for protection, care and maintenance of over one million IDPs. “In this year’s budget only N32m was approved while the number of IDPs doubled to 2 million. “We are constantly struggling to get corporate sponsors to augment

funds from government, she said. She explained that the NCRMIDP had been advocating for corporate assistance to resettle IDP families. The resettlement, according to her, includes six months’ house rent, one year health insurance and one off-cash hand-out as empowerment assistant to the family. “With N200,000, a family of five children can be resettled and they do not have to remain in the camp any further. “If we have the fund, we will be able to resettle half of those we have in the camp now,” Kangiwa said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 19, 2015

PhotoNews

Friday, June 19, 2015

L-R: Former Super Eagles player, Jonathan Akpoborire; four-time African Footballer of the Year/ Airtel Africa Brand Icon, Yaya Toure; another former Super Eagles player Mutiu Adepoju, and exNigerian national team m-ember/Airtel Rising Stars Season 5 technical team member, Anne Chiejine; at the launch of the 2015 Season 5 of Airtel Rising Stars Football Talent Hunt, in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Dr. Monica Eimunjeze; Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii, and Head, Investigation and Enforcement, Barrister Kingsley Ejiofor, at a press briefing on the seizures of fake wines and other regulated products/parade of some arrested fake wine dealers, in Lagos, yesterday.

National News

conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arraigned nine foreigners and a vessel before a Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, over unlawful possession of petroleum products. The accused are five Filipinos - Axel Joseph Gibo Jabone, Juanito Camireno Infantado, Suarin Fernado Alave, Gatila Jaypee Gadayan and Rolando Jose Commendador. Others are Bangladeshi -- Md Zahirul Islam, Islam Shahinul, Islam Rafiqul and Shaikn Shibli Nomany. Name of the vessel docked along with the accused is MT Asteris. They are standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on illegal dealing and storage of petroleum product without appropriate licence. Counsel to EFCC, Mr.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Head, Consumer Liability Products, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Shamsideen Fashola; FCMB Millionaire Promo winner, Mr. Nelson Fasawe; Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State, Alhaji Raji Adedoyin and Regional Retail Coordinator, Lagos/South-west, FCMB, Funmilola Paseda, at FCMB promo draw in Akure, Ondo State…yesterday.

L-R: Controller of Prisons, Lagos State Command, Mr. Vincent Ubi; Hon. Oluwatoyin Ipaye; representative of Commissioner of Police, ACP Dogo Salman; Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Funmilayo Atilade; DCP Emmanuel Bamidele and MBA Chairman, Mr. Yinka Farounbi, during Justice Atilade’s visit to Ikoyi Prison for jail deliverance, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

EFCC arraigns 9 foreigners over crude oil theft Rotimi Oyedepo, said the accused committed the offences on March 27 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. He said the accused conspired among themselves and dealt in 3,423 metric tonnes of petroleum products without lawful authority or ap-

propriate licence. Oyedepo also alleged that the accused on the same day and time stored 3,423 metric tonnes of petroleum products in MT Asteris’ cargo tanks. He said that the offences contravened Section 4 of the Petroleum Act, Cap P10, Laws of

the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. He added that the offences also contravened Section 1(19) (6) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 17 of the same Act. The accused pleaded

not guilty. Counsel to the accused, Mr. Femi Adegbite, however, applied for bail of the accused, which was not opposed by the prosecutor. The judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, granted each of the accused N50m bail with one surety each in like sum.

Buba said that each of the sureties must be a Nigerian, must provide evidence of means and should also deposit their International passports with the court. He adjourned the case till June 23, for trial.

8 directors charged with importation of harmful electronics

Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday re-arraigned eight directors of different private companies alongside six companies over alleged importation of harmful electrical and electronics waste into the country.

The accused are Gilbert Orakwe, Mike Igweonu, Jude Madukaibe, Ebokam Clement, Anthony Obi, Moses Eyisi, Johnson Nwoye and Lawrence Nwaogbo.

The companies are C. Ganaco Investment Ltd., Ugo M. Commercial Ventures Ltd., Judon Global Links Ltd., Chris Maritime Agency Ltd., Jaco United Company Ltd. and Eminok Resources International Ltd. The accused were rearraigned on an amended charge of importation of harmful waste. Prosecutor, Mrs. Blessing Ezeife, told the court that the accused committed the offence

on Oct. 10, 2010, at their different places of business in Lagos. Ezeife said the accused places of business include Kirikiri road in Apapa, Lagos, Alaba International market; Randle road in Apapa, Km 10, Dantata on Badagry Expressway, and Akowonjo area of Lagos. She said the accused allegedly imported into Nigeria harmful electrical and electronic waste contrary to Section 1,

of the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions) Act Cap H1, Laws of the Federation 2004, and punishable under Section 6 of same Act. However, the accused pleaded not guilty. The accused were first arraigned sometime in 2011, and trial was slated to commence on June 18. The prosecutor, however, told the court that her witnesses were not present, and urged the court to adjourn the case

to ensure that the witnesses were available. Counsel to the accused, Mr. T. O. Taiwo, however, opposed the application for adjournment and urged the court to strike out the case for want of diligent prosecution. The trial judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, adjourned the case to Oct. 28, for trial and warned the prosecutor to put her house in order.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, June 19, 2015

Chad bombs Boko Haram bases in Nigeria GEORGE OJI AND UBONG UKPONG

hadian helicopters have bombed at least six bases in Nigeria used by Boko Haram insurgents in response to twin bombings in the capital, N’Djamena, earlier this week, the military said. The air strikes caused “human and material damage,” the Chadian army general staff said in a statement read on national radio yesterday, without giving further details. But Defence Headquarters, DHQ, said yesterday that no part of Nigeria’s territory has been violated by Chadian air troops. At least 27 people, including the four assailants, died in June 15 suicide bombings targeting police facilities in N’Djamena. Chad is part of a multinational force fighting Boko Haram in the region and said it has killed hundreds of the militants since January.

Chad’s government has also banned people from wearing and selling full-face veils after the attacks, Prime Minister Kalzeube Pahimi Deubet said in a statement broadcast on national television. Under the measure, ordered by President Idriss Deby, security forces will confiscate and burn any garments on sale and traders who don’t comply will be arrested, he said. But DHQ, through its Director of Defence Information, DDI, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, said where the air strike was conducted by Chad, was not within Nigeria’s territory but suspected it to be in Niger Republic. “The claim that the Chadian military have conducted air strikes against six terrorist camps in Nigeria is not correct. “The fact is that the Nigerian Air force surveillance mission identified targets tagged as Camp 6 around Bosso town which is not within Nigeria’s territory and alerted the partners ac-

cordingly. “The places reported to have been struck by the Chadians are therefore most likely to be in Niger Republic and not Nigeria as widely reported in the international media. “Although the terms of the multilateral and bilateral understanding with partners in the war against terror allow some degree of hot pursuit against the terrorists, the territory of Nigeria has not been violated as insinuated in the reports circulated in some foreign media. “The Nigerian military will continue to cooperate with partners in the mission to exterminate or contain terrorists strictly in conformity with existing terms of the Concept of Operation at strategic, operational or tactical levels. “It is however important that issues are accurately reported while avoiding misleading or unnecessary sensationalism from any quarter,” DHQ stated. In a related development,

an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Niger has killed at least 38 people. It took place late on Wednesday night, according to a security source quoted by the Reuters news agency. A member of parliament, Bulu Mammadu told the BBC that the victims included women and children who had been shot dead in two different villages. By attacking Niger, Chad and Nigeria during the week, Boko Haram appears to be hitting out at a region which is determined to unite and fight the jihadists. In Niger, Mr Mammadu said that, as well as killing people, the militants had burnt down several houses in the two villages of Lamina and Ungumawo in the Diffa region, close to Nigeria’s border. Boko Haram first attacked Niger in February when the government said it repulsed an attack, killing more than 100 insurgents. Meanwhile, United States of American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James

Entwistle has claimed that no other country has assisted and supported Nigeria in its war against Boko Haram as much as his country. The envoy disclosed that despite past years of support, the U.S. will continue to assist the country and indeed, is currently holding talks with President Muhammadu Buhari on new ways of supporting Nigeria to ensure an end to the Boko Haram menace. Entwistle made this disclosure yesterday in Abuja when he paid the Senate President Bukola Saraki a courtesy visit at the National Assembly. He said: “No other country of the world is doing more than US is doing in the fight against insurgency in Nigeria. I have spoken to the new administration on new ways of fighting insurgency. We have been helping in fighting Boko Haram for years and we will continue to assist Nigeria in that fight, I can assure you.” The U.S. recently announced a $5m grant to the

L – R: Member of the National Council, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Professor Herbert Onye Orji, OON; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON; President, NSE, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CON; Secretary to Council, NSE, Ms Tinuade Awe and First Vice President, NSE, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo at the NSE 2015 Annual General Meeting, yesterday.

FAAN shuts Benin Airport for 3 weeks SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

enin Airport in Edo State is to be closed this weekend by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, for repair work. Our correspondent learnt that closure would

last for three weeks. Air passengers are already expressing fear that the closure would affect their movements. However, FAAN, as at yesterday evening was yet to issue any official statement on the planned closure. Effort made to confirm the news with the Airport

Manager, Mr. Ayodele Sunday, was not successful as his mobile telephone line could not be reached. An airport source said the closure will take place from the 20th of June to the 17th of July 2015. Another source clarified, however, that the maintenance work was planned to

be carried out on the runway with a view to ensuring safer flight take-off and landing. The source added that all flight activities scheduled for the period of repair would be shifted to either the Warri air stripe or the Asaba Airport. The airport’s main building was renovated

by the then Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Odua about three years ago, but without being closed. The renovation was later criticised by many passengers as being poorly done, even as most of the facilities that were provided have since depreciated in quality and performance.

Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, as part of support for the fight against insurgency in the region. Commenting on strategic business areas that the U.S. can be of assistance, the envoy said his country is ready to partner with Nigeria in the area of agriculture, industries and energy. He said: “It seems to me that the area we should focus on is in agricultural business. I think a lot can be done in areas such as environmentally friendly energy. I know there are a lot of American industries that deal on solar energy.” Entwistle also disclosed that the U.S. government is supporting youth empowerment in the country, particularly through the Young Africa Leadership Initiative, and urged that the Nigerian Government should do more to empower its teaming youths. Saraki used the occasion to assure that the new senate under his watch would strengthen its oversight functions to ensure that there are no revenue leakages from government agencies. He assured that government would strive to ensure that it utilises the revenue from its abundant natural resources to address all its needs without resorting to borrowing. He said: “We will put in place comprehensive systems to make our revenues meet our needs. Our oversight functions would be strengthened in such a way that there will be no room for loopholes in implementing government plans and projects.” Saraki, who listed some of the challenges facing the country to include epileptic power supply, insecurity, unemployment and revenue leakages, however, assured that the present administration was concern about the well-being of Nigeria. The senate president used the occasion to assure the world that Nigeria remains a first class choice of investment because of the abundant opportunities in the country. He commended the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. and described the visit of Entwistle as coming at a time the nation is preparing to re-address most of the challenges militating against its developmental goals.

National News

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NLC begs AGF to Unpaid wages: NUT to meet next week sanitise profession

igeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday in Abuja urged the Acting AccountantGeneral of the Federation, Mr Kyari Dikwa, to sanitise the accounting system in the country. This is contained in a congratulatory letter signed by NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba. “At a time when there is a professed mission to sanitise the system and govern by accountability, the role of the accountant general cannot be more auspicious. “Your appointment is coming at a time when the nation’s financial sector needs to fashion ways to stand among the

comity of nations. “Nigerians are looking up to you to make the difference in the life of the nation,” he said, adding that the AGF’s appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari spoke volumes about his character and professional competence. He added: “On behalf of NLC and my family, we wish to extend our sincere congratulations and felicitations on your appointment.” The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Dikwa was appointed acting accountantgeneral of the federation by President Buhari on June 12.

igerian Union of Teachers, NUT, yesterday in Abuja said it would meet next week to decide what actions to take over nonpayment of teachers’ salary in some states. NUT National President, Michael Olukoya, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

Olukoya did not say the exact date of the meeting, but advised his affected colleagues not to wait for the union before taking decisions that would benefit them in the face of the situation they found themselves. “The union shall meet next week to decide on this pathetic situation.

“I will advise that the states involved should not wait until teachers’ union gives them directives.’’ Olukoya advised the government to cut down on the cost of governance to prevent nonpayment of staff salaries in future. “To forestall a recurrence, government

should avoid profligacy, government size should be pruned,’’ he advised. NAN reports that Plateau, Benue, Abia, Kogi, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo, among others, owe teacher’s salaries for not less than four months respectively, while Kano State has not paid its newly employed teachers for three months.

My victory, reward for Tafawa Balewa’s sacrifice –Dogara Tordue Salem ABUJA

peaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday said his recent election as Speaker was a compensation for Bauchi people for the sacrifices the late Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, and other leaders of the state made for the country. The Speaker stated this during a courtesy call on him by Bauchi State delegation led by Deputy Governor, Nuhu Gidado. Dogara, who recalled the circumstances that led to his choice as Speaker, noted that Nigerians simply rewarded Bauchi for its patriotism to Nigeria. “Without your support, this position wouldn’t have come to Bauchi State. Political consciousness started in Bauchi. Even Aminu Kano was a disciple of one of our leaders in Bauchi State. And, for me, I think God has decided to compensate Bauchi State for the sacrifices some of its sons have made for the country,” he said. He thanked Nigerians for entrusting him with leadership of the House and promised to make the country proud. He also attributed the positive virtues that saw to his emergence, to the mentorship of the political, spiritual and traditional leaders of his state. He called on Senators,

members of the House of Representatives and traditional institutions in the state to unite with him in his quest to raise funds for the rebuilding of the state and other parts of the North-east ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency. Earlier, the deputy governor and other Bauchi leaders, took turns to congratulate and pray for the success of the Speaker in his task as new helmsman of the House. They expressed confidence in his capacity and ability to deliver on the task of uniting and efficiently running the Green Chamber. Gidado, who represented Governor Mohammed Abubakar at the courtesy call, said the mandate from the Bauchi governor was to congratulate and pledge absolute support for the Speaker. He expressed optimism that Dogara would make the state proud. He, however, urged the federal lawmaker to forgive people from the state who may have worked against his emergence as Speaker. It would be recalled that Dr. Sani Abdul (Bauchi APC) had, on the floor of the House on June 9, openly nominated Dogara’s opponent, Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos APC) against the candidature of Dogara, who is also from Bauchi.

L-R: Secretary-General, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Mr Babatunde Popoola; President, NOC, Mr Habu Gumel and Chairman, 2015 Olympic Day Celebration, Prince Henry Amike, at a news conference on the 2015 Olympic Day Celebration in Lagos, yesterday.

NNPC/Chevron JV invests N2.65bn in scholarships yearly –Haastrup Udeme Akpan

igerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, have invested over N2.65 billion on scholarships yearly to students in higher institutions nationwide. The programme, sponsored under the NNPC/ Chevron joint venture, is aimed at enabling the students to be properly educated, thereby contributing to development of the nation. General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs CNL, Mr. Deji Haastrup, indicated in a presentation yesterday that 54,375 Nigerian students were currently benefitting from the programme. He said many other students also benefit from other scholarship pro-

grammes the company executes. Haastrup said: “More than 54,375 Nigerian students are on the National Scholarship programme worth over N2.65bn with an average of 300 intakes annually, 9,617 undergraduates currently on the Agbami (Chevron & Deep Water Co-Ventures) Scholarship programme in 2013/14 and 2014/15 academic sessions, 1,166 Agbami scholars graduated with first and second class upper. “There are also other types of special scholarship programmes (including for visually impaired and physically-challenged) and GMoU worth over $1.4 million.” Haastrup said the company had also gone into an alliance with other stakeholders to further make positive impact in the education sector, adding that these included estab-

lishing learning Centres Initiative in collaboration with the Discovery Alliance, which has already impacted positively on beneficiaries and the nation. Haastrup said over 15,000 students had access to educational materials & TV channels in underresourced schools, adding that the programme adopted by Delta State government has increased school enrolment by over 50 per cent in over three years. The company’s public affairs chief explained that greater success had been made in external examinations and competitions at state and federal levels, just as the company has also made strong impact in the area of health through the instrumentality of its River Boat clinic. The General Manager noted that the programme, initiated in 2001,

provides free healthcare services to over 33 riverine communities and in 2014 alone, over 50,800 people benefitted. He said between 2008 and 2014 alone, Chevron and Deepwater Partners’ footprints could be found in donated materials to 24 Chest Clinics and 24 Science Laboratories in various parts of the nation. He quoted chairman of the board/Chief executive officer, Mr. John S. Watson, as saying that “beyond our direct business investments, we make select social investments in three core areas - health, education and economic development - to develop skilled workers, improve access to health care, and boost local and regional economies. We know that healthy businesses require healthy communities.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LUTH doctors suspend 3 days warning strike

esident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Lagos, on Thursday resumed work after three days warning strike, but insisted on beginning total strike on June 29. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the doctors, under the aegis of Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, had on Monday embarked on the strike, which ended on Wednesday. NAN reports that the strike was to protest the non-payment of their skipping allowance contrary to the Federal Government’s directive. Commenting, Dr Ramon Moronkola, President of the association, said the doctors had given management a seven-day ultimatum on June 8 to implement payment of skipping allowance. According to him, management, however, refused to address this issue within the period of the ultimatum. “That was why we went on three days warning strike, which ended on Wednesday. “We are now set for total strike from June 29, if the

News

Friday, June 19, 2015

management still refuses to address our demands. “We hope the few days remaining will further serve as a window of opportunity for productive dialogue with management to avert total strike. “We are still appealing to the management and also asking Nigerians to prevail on the hospital management to pay us our allowance and May salary to avert the strike,’’ Moronkola said. In his reaction, LUTH Acting Chief Medical Director, Professor Chris Bode, said the management had told the doctors that payment of such money was not within the capacity of any teaching hospital. “I do not have about N50 million to pay resident doctors monthly. “Strike is not the solution to these challenges as lives of innocent people are at stake. It will not solve the problems. “ARD should not disrupt services in this institution. “Those who do not want to work can go, but they should please allow those who want to work to work,” he said.

Wike sacks 435 poly lecturers …board of tertiary institutions

Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

o fewer than 435 lecturers of Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, in Khana Local Government Area have been sacked. Although, no official statement has been issued by government to that effect, some affected lecturers condemned the action of the government, saying they were legally employed. One of the affected lecturers said: “We are calling on well-meaning Rivers State people to do justice to this issue. We beg Rivers people to step in. Governor Nyesom Wike gave the state hope on May 29.” Three other lecturers, Jekey Lekue, Basil Ujobolo and Grace Ikue, who spoke

with newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, enjoined Wike to stick to his promise in his inaugural speech on May 29 to give hope to people of the state. They said: “We have already been captured in the database of the state. Our governor should not do this to us.” Wike also dissolved the Governing Council of all state-owned tertiary institutions. They include the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Ignatius Ajuru University, Rivers State College of Arts and Science, School of Nursing and Midwifery and Rivers State Polytechnic. In another development, the governor disbanded the Rivers State Traffic Management Agency, TIMA-RIV,

on grounds of abuse of office. The governor said this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah. The statement said the disbandment takes immediate effect, even as no reason was given for the action. It reads: “The Rivers State government has announced disbandment of TIMA-RIV. The disbandment takes immediate effect. “Also, the state government wishes to state that any group or persons who harass motorists in the name of task force should be reported to the nearest police station.” Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in

the state has kicked against the sack in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by spokesman of the party, Chris Fynebone. The statement reads: “The APC in Rivers State has descended on Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, over the sack of 344 lecturers of the Rivers State Polytechnic recruited in September 2014 by the immediate past administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. “This is madness taken too far,” Rivers APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said Thursday in a statement in Port Harcourt. He also lamented the order handed down to Director of the institution, Mr. Obiankor Elechi, to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect.

NULGE calls for reform of LG system

igeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, on Thursday called for reform of the local government system to enable it provide purposeful governance to people at the grassroots. President of the union, Mr Ibrahim Khalid, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja. He said the reform should be able to bridge the governance gap between the people at the grassroots and those at the other tiers of government. “Our position over decades is one, which is very clear, and I do not think there is any ambiguity regarding the position of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees. “We have been canvassing and are still canvassing for a functional local system, a local government system that will deliver, “a local government system that will bridge the gap of governance between the people at the grassroots and all levels

of government. “We are really canvassing for democratic local government that will take care of the interest of immediate communities within a particular local government.” He said the union was pleased with President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration of readiness to free the local government councils from the grip of their state governments during his inaugural speech. Khaild urged the President to remain committed to his declaration. On why the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, does not support local government autonomy, he said the congress as a purely democratic organisation was free to express its opinion. “We need to understand that NLC is purely a democratic organisation; everybody should be given the opportunity to voice his or her opinion. “That is how we have been operating as a union in our country over the years,’’ he said.

L-R: Chairman on the occasion, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade (rtd); Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai; General Aliyu Gusau, and guest speaker, Dr Jakkie Colliers, during Africa’s big five “ Power and Influence in Africa Seminar in Kaduna, yesterday.

Okada restriction on highways remains —LASG Francis Suberu

agos State government yesterday said there is no going back on the law restricting movement of okada on major roads in the state, adding that the law remains sacrosanct in the state. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr Oluseyi Coker, said this while briefing journalists in Lagos, adding that the administration of Mr Akinwumi Ambode, being a responsive and responsible govern-

ment, was committed to the protection of lives and property of residents in the city. According to him, the state government will not fold its hands and allow indiscipline, flagrant disobedience to law and order, loss of lives and property of innocent citizens of the state to continue unabated. He said it was disheartening that motorcycle operators have resurfaced on restricted roads, especially in areas like Ikeja, Isolo, Apapa, Agege, Epe, Ijede, Shomolu/Bariga, Ifako/Ijaiye, Ojokoro,

Ikorodu, Mushin, Ketu, Ojota, Lagos Island, Ojodu and Badagry in spite of various efforts of past administrations in the state to ensure the menace of motorcycle operators was curbed. Coker said motorcycle operators should note that henceforth, anyone found to have violated the law shall be dealt with in accordance with the RTL 2012 section 3 sub-section 5. He said while Lagos State government is magnanimous enough not to have banned motorcycle

operations in the state like other states in the federation, but rather restricted its activities, the state will not hesitate to deal decisively with operators who violate the law in order to serve as deterrent to others. Coker said law enforcement agents in the state, the Nigeria Police, Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, and Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, have been directed to henceforth ensure full implementation of the law.

South West

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LAUTECH doctors protest unpaid salaries BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sogbo, Osun State capital, was yesterday rocked by fresh round of protests as resident doctors working in Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital, LAUTECH, protested their unpaid salaries. Speaking with newsmen, president of the doctors’ association, Olalekan Ajayi, who led the protest near the teaching hospital, said the doctors have not been paid in the last eight months. Ajayi said several efforts have been made to lobby government to act on the situation, adding that all have proved futile. Commenting further, Ajayi said: “It has not only affected us as humans, it has affected our families and also our patients. We

are telling the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to do the needful. “This is economic genocide in our state. It is not compatible with life. These eight months, we have tried to maintain peace and industrial harmony. There is no official announcement that we are on strike, but we can’t work.” Ajayi noted that LAUTECH has been completely shut down because all unions working in the hospital have downed tools, calling for attention of the governor to the welfare of the workers and the health sector. Speaking in similar vein, one of the protesting doctors, Daramola Olusegun Peters, commended individuals and private organisations that have donated food stuffs to ameliorate the suffering of workers.

Ramadan: Glo felicitates with Muslims, preaches peace

s Ramadan begins yesterday, telecoms operator, Globacom, has admonished Muslims in the country to rededicate themselves to the virtues of Islam. In a message of solidarity to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the 30-day fasting period, Glo urged Muslims to use the opportunity to re-dedicate themselves to righteousness, discipline and devotion to Almighty Allah as the Quran prescribes for them. The company also called on all Muslims to persevere through the fasting season during which they should pray for the new administrations at the federal and state levels. “Globacom called for prayers for peace and progress in the country, especially in the North East, which has been ravaged by insurgency for some years.’’ There could be no meaningful progress and economic development without stability and security, the company said, while praising all patriotic Nigerian Muslims for their commitment to the unity of the country. It also charged all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, tribe and political

persuasion, to support the new federal administration in the spirit of Godliness and patriotism. The company further enjoined all Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians, to live in peace with one another as contained in the teachings of Prophet Mohammed. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Muslims all over the world unite in a period of self discipline, spiritual reflection and re-awakening during the holy month.

ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has accused the governor of awarding N720 million to himself as arrears of his unfinished first term salary. APC state Publicity Secretary, Mr Taiwo Olatubosun, said “such conduct while refusing to pay workers and poor pensioners is selfish and callous”. In a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Olatunbosun noted that the governor had not paid September last year workers

L-R: Managing Director, Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority, Mr. Folarin Coker; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, and General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Babatunde Edu, during inspection tour of Traffic Points in the state at Oworoshoki, yesterday.

Traffic gridlock: Ambode directs relocation of bus terminals FRANCIS SUBERU

n a bid to ease traffic gridlock that has become a common feature in Lagos metropolis, Lagos State government has said it would soon relocate all congested bus stops in the city, especially those close to markets. This was made known yesterday during Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s tour with some officials of the government to traffic flash points in the city. Some areas visited by the governor and his team included Oworonshoki, Ketu/Mile 12, Ojodu/Berger, Agege/ Pen-Cinema, Abule-Egba, Iyana-Ipaja and Dopemu

areas. The governor said he would soon take another tour of Apapa and Lagos Island axis. Addressing journalists at the close of tour at Dopemu bus terminal, Ambode said the tour would afford him opportunity of gathering first hand information on the traffic situation so as to proffer accurate solutions to the menace. According to the governor, the tour demonstrated his great concern about traffic gridlock in the state, adding that it was not enough for officials of government to stay in their offices and believe they can provide solutions to traffic challenges. The governor said:

“The truth is that we must start to have solutions to our traffic challenges in the state and that’s what we are doing. I want to assure you that together as a team, we’re going to start noticing improved traffic situation in the state.” Ambode also approved that work should start on the pedestrian bridge at Berger, saying, “we have seen that Berger needs a foot bridge. We don’t want any traffic on that highway, so we are already thinking of additional solutions to allow vehicles to extend outside the highway.” Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluseyi Coker, who was also part of the

entourage, said the governor has directed that they should not allow bus stops very close to markets. According to Coker, “we checked Ketu, we looked at the underground and the service lane and practically we discussed and he has given some directives. Particularly, he directed that we should not allow bus stops very near markets and pointed out places where we could locate these bus stops. “He said we should look at having canopies, things that will make sure that even when we move the bus stops and you are going to walk into the markets, if there is rain or sunshine, you are not going to be affected.”

Ekiti gov pays self N720m salary arrears –APC salary arrears, as well as pensioners in the last four months, just as traditional rulers had not been paid for the past five months. The APC also alleged that the present government had concluded plans to sack over 1,000 workers, saying: “The purported 1,000 ghost workers the governor said he discovered during his latest staff auditing is a ploy to sack workers whose termination of appointment letters were being compiled for mass sack, and we wonder when ghosts started receiving letters”.

He added: “Though he admitted he is owing only May salary as if he has any excuse to owe Ekiti workers for one day, as we write, over 10,000 Ekiti workers are yet to receive April salary. This is because not all workers he claimed to have paid have actually received their salaries,” Olatubosun said. But the governor, who denied the allegations, said APC in Ekiti State had turned falsehood into a trade. The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu

Adelusi, said: “From all indications, the APC in Ekiti State has promoted falsehood to the level of a trade, and we pity the party and its lying leaders. “The governor left office on October 16, 2006, eight months to the end of his tenure and Ekiti State had three governors within that period. Does it then make any sense that the same governor would come back eight years after to approve payment already made to three governors after him for himself ? “Let’s even assume that the eight months salary is

to be paid, is the monthly salary of a governor more than N1 million? How then does N1 million per month equal N720 million in eight months? “Again, severance allowance is 300 per cent of annual basic salary and the basic salary of a governor is not more than N2 million. So can N2 million in three places be equal to N720 million? This is simply falsehood promoted to the most ridiculous level and we wish the APC spokesperson, Taiwo Olatubosun well in his lying assignment,” Adelusi stated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, June 19, 2015

Fani-Kayode: Absence of EFCC counsel stalls judgment WALE IGBINTADE

bsence of counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Festus Keyamo, yesterday stalled judgement in a money laundering suit filed against former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, before a Federal High Court in Lagos. Consequently, the trial judge, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, adjourned the matter till July 1 for judgement. At the last adjourned date, the court had slated yesterday for judgment, after both prosecution and defence had closed their cases. But when the court resumed yesterday, a lawyer from Keyamo’s chamber,

Festus Afiodion, informed the court of the inability of Keyamo to be present in court. He told the court that Keyamo was in another court to prosecute another criminal matter. However, lawyer to the accused, Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, did not oppose the appearance of any lawyer from Keyamo’s chamber. He therefore, urged the court to go ahead with the judgement. But Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia declined, insisting that the court will not go on with the judgment in the absence of the prosecutor, Keyamo. The judge therefore, stood down the matter for over 20 minutes to enable Afiodion consult Keyamo to know when he would be in court for the judgment. After Afiodion’s return

from consulting Keyamo, the court adjourned judgement till July 1. Fani-Kayode was rearraigned before OfiliAjumogobia on 40-count charge bordering on money laundering, before he was discharged and acquitted of 38 counts, and re-arraigned on two-count charge. During trial of the accused, his lawyer, Adedipe, while adopting his address, disclosed that the prosecution has failed to lead evidences with regard to the money allegedly accepted by the accused. He said, “The prosecution had alleged that the accused received the sum of N1 million in the charge but none of the prosecution witnesses testified as to giving any money to the accused.

The accused has never confessed to receiving any money as was claimed by the prosecution.” Adedipe, while urging the court to dismiss the charges and discharge and acquit his client, maintained that the burden of proof is on the prosecution and it has failed woefully in this regard. In his submissions, EFCC’s lawyer, Keyamo, while admitting that the offence committed is in the receipt of the cash, stated that “the prosecution’s point of divergence is the insistence of the defence that someone must come to show that the accused indeed collected the money.” According to him, the prosecution disposed its burden when it disclosed that large sum of money was found on the accused.

L-R: Mr Akin Osinbajo; Leading Counsel, Professor Taiwo Osinpitan, and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, after adjournment of case of alleged corruption against Daniel by EFCC in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Lagos CJ frees 16 detainees in Ikoyi Prisons MATTHEW IRINOYE

hief Judge of Lagos State, Olufunmilayo Atilade, yesterday freed another 26 inmates at Ikoyi Prisons. The freed inmates were those on awaiting trial list. It would be recalled that the CJ had on Wednesday during a visit to Kirikiri Medium Security Prisons released 21 awaiting trial inmates. These comprised some men who had spent

over two months in prison without being tried. During her visit to Ikoyi Prisons yesterday, it was discovered that 10 of the 26 inmates scheduled to be delivered from jail by her, had already been released. Hence, 16 were actually freed by the Chief Judge. While delivering her speech, Justice Atilade said it was necessary to release those on awaiting trial list who had been in prison for “an unreasonable period of time.”

The judge, who told the freed men to “go and sin no more,” also promised the prison authorities that she would visit again to free more inmates before end of the year. Earlier in his welcome address, Deputy Controller of Prisons, Bamidele Olanrewaju, informed the CJ about the congestion at the correctional facility. He said there were 1,811 inmates, “out of whom awaiting trial inmates were 1,631, which is about 90% of the population. The

convicted figure was just 180, about 10% in a prison with a capacity for 800.” He, however, said the prison management had put in place reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration activities for inmates, adding that they were being trained in different vocational fields, including barbing, tailoring, carpentry, and welding. Olanrewaju admonished all segments of society to collectively involve in the reintegration of the freed inmates.

N30m fraud: Suspected ritual killers get bail in Oyo KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

rial of five suspected ritual killers and fraudsters nabbed recently at Oloya village, Asejire, by antikidnapping squad of Oyo State Police Command, began yesterday as they were arraigned before an Ibadan Magistrate’s Court and charged with a threecount conspiracy, fraud and stealing to the tune of N30 million. The accused persons comprised Akeem Azeez Olayode, alleged syndicate leader; Ayankunle Ayanlowo, the syndicate’s fake herbalist; Samsondeen Abiola, a photographer, whose role is to lure rich victims into the group’s trap; and Sherifat Gbadamosi, a member who allegedly played the role of witch during their criminal exploit. The fifth accused person, Oriyomi Adebayo, who was alleged to be the syndicate’s spy, was however, arraigned separately in Court 3, where he was charged with breach of peace. Presiding magistrate, Mr. O. I. Uthman, while adjourning the case till July 30 this year for trial, granted the accused persons bail to the tune of N1 million with two sureties each, one of whom should have landed property within the jurisdiction, while the other should be a public servant on or above Grade Level 10. The sureties should, in addition, make available to the court evidence of tax clearance for two years. Magistrate Uthman directed the prosecution to assemble all witnesses in the case in court on the adjourned date to expedite trial. In his case, Oriyomi Adebayo was granted bail in the sum of N20,000 only with one reliable surety by Magistrate A. A. Adebisi, who fixed July 8 for commencement of his trial. When the case came up before Uthman yesterday, all the accused pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of fraudulently obtaining and stealing N30 million from one Ade Adeniran under false pretence that they are herbalists

who would cure him of diabetes, knowing it is false. Prosecution claimed that the offences are punishable under Section 516, 419 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap. 38 Vol II Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria 2000. The team of legal counsel to the accused persons led by Mr. Tunde Oluponna sought bail on their behalf, arguing that the various counts preferred against them were bailable offences. He told the court that the bail had become inexpedient, much more so, since the accused persons had been in custody for over a week. He submitted from relevant sections of the Constitution that the law presumes accused persons innocent until proven contrary. He said, “We, as counsel, will ensure they appear before the court to answer the charges. We will help the court in expediting trial. That is why we asked the accused to assemble their witnesses so that trial can commence in earnest.” But police prosecutor, Mrs. Gladys Inegu, vehemently opposed the bail application on the strength of the evidence against the accused persons who, she feared, might jump bail. She urged the court to be stringent in considering bail to guard against the accused persons escaping. She also maintained that the defence counsel cannot afford to subjugate themselves to the position of sureties in the matter, hence the call on the court to seriously weigh its discretionary power in the matter judiciously and judicially.

IGP, Solomon Arase

South East

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Pan-Igbo group worries over Igbo/Yoruba relationship

an-Igbo Think Tank, the Igbo Conscience, is worried over the negative fallout of last general elections. It warned that the trend could trigger much more unsavory developments for the country if not checked. The group specifically expressed concern that increasing spate of hate messages and actions have taken over the once cordial and fruitful relationship between Ndigbo and the Yoruba. “We note that the cordial relationship between the two great races has been greatly soured by the pro-

cess leading to and the outcome of the last general elections,” the group said in a statement yesterday. The statement was signed by Onyekachi Ubani and Peter Claver Opara. The Igbo Conscience blamed the degenerating relationship between Ndigbo and the Yoruba on the negative politics that attended the electioneering campaigns in the build up to the March 28 and April 11 elections. According to the group, the development that are tragically spiraling into a dangerous exchange of hate messages have now

gone to the extent of some Yoruba groups mobilising anti-Igbo protests in Lagos. The statement reads: “Equally, we note the concern of these Yoruba groups to the continued picketing of a Yoruba, Dr. Ayo Ariyo, in Dallas, United States, by some Igbo over some comments he allegedly made for which he had been reported to have made sufficient clarification and show of remorse. “We condemn both actions and we see these as very dangerous and warn that no one, either Igbo or Yoruba will gain from a de-

generation of this situation. “The Igbo Conscience will not want to join issues with any group in this needless altercation, but we want to warn both the Igbo and Yoruba groups furthering the ends of hate, division, anarchy, hatred and acrimony that we will gain more from sustaining and indeed, building the age-long cordial relationship that has sustained and nurtured our collective goals and interests, as well as those of the larger Nigerian nation for several decades. “We want to appeal to both Igbo and Yoruba to give

heed to reason and end this disturbing needless warfare that will not benefit any one at the end of the day. “The Igbo Conscience wants to state that we are not and will not agree to the destruction of the cordial relationship that had seen Igbo and Yoruba recording the highest level of intertribal marriages in Nigerian history. If this is not a solid instance of common bonding that automatically broke down the barriers of hate and rancour, we wonder what else will. “We believe that soon, both ethnic nationalities

will be overwhelmed by a hybrid of culture that does not tolerate the petty quarrels and unfounded tantrums gradually taking over the relationship between both nationalities. “We want to state that we will not pander to any issue that will hurt the mutual understanding and good relationship Ndigbo have enjoyed with their Yoruba hosts either in Lagos or any other South West state, by either making hollow demands that have no real practical value or igniting a hate tendency as a reaction to such demand.”

Obiano restates commitment to complete inherited projects

overnor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has assured that he would fulfill his campaign promises by completing all projects he inherited from former Governor Peter Obi. Obiano gave the assurance at the inauguration of Awkuzu-Igbariam-Achalla road in the state. He restated that his administration would not waver on continuity, which he promised during his gubernatorial campaign. “This project was started by my predecessor and I completed it. That is consistent with my ‘Cs’ - to continue, complete, commission, which I promised when I was campaigning for election. “To continue, complete, commission all projects originated by my predecessor and commence another set of projects that will change the state,’’ he said. According to him, the commissioning of roads was a major component of the continuity promise.

“I want to put it on record that there is no single project left behind by my predecessor that I have abandoned, not one,” Obiano said. He urged the communities which the road would serve to strive to preserve it. The governor said the road had collapsed twice in the past, and blamed it on indiscriminate dumping of garbage in the drainage as well as burning of tyres on it during festivities. “During the last students’ demonstration, tyres were burnt on the road. I hope that will not happen again. “This road cost so much money. I urge you to help protect it and other government property,’’ he said. Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Chief Law Chinwuba, had commended the governor for fulfilling his promise of continuity. Chinwuba said the contractor, who handled the Awkuzu-Igbariam-Achalla road project was recalled to reconstruct the collapse portion of the road which was about 4.5 kilometres.

L-R: Director, Economic Growth and Environment, USAID, Mathew Burton; Counselor for Economic Affairs, Embassy of the U.S, Mr. Alan Tousignant; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Project Manager, Energy Climate; Climate Change Power Africa Nigeria, Imeh Okon, and Director, Business Development, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Brian O’Hanion, after a meeting at Defence House, Abuja, yesterday.

UNN group probes appointment of ESUT VC Dennis Agbo ENUGU

nugu Regional Association (ERA) has tasked Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to commence immediate investigation and remedy of the anomaly that characterised the controversial appointment of Prof. Luke

Anike as new Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT. The group condemned what it described as “irregularity and injustice” that characterised the appointment of Prof. Anike and urged Governor Ugwuanyi to quickly reverse the appointment to Prof. Ben-Chris

Group begins pilot child protection programme in Ebonyi

uman Right and Conflict Resolution Centre in Ebonyi State said it would soon begin a pilot programme to enhance the Child Right Law in the state. Mr. John Isitifance, director of the centre, stated this in Abakaliki during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. Isitifance explained that the programme would re-

view the implication of child violation to give life to the child’s right in the state. “We assist and provide free legal aids for women, children and people who have been in prisons for a long period without trial. “A lot of the cases are reported to us on daily bases and our assistance is for children, especially those who are violated sexually by adults or peer groups. “This pilot programme

will go a long way in reducing cases of domestic violence, wife battering and other violence against women and children,” Isitifance said. According to him, the centre is a social organisation and grassroots-oriented with support from people who believe in the services the group renders. “Passion keeps this organisation going as we strive to get donors and sup-

port from people who believe in what we do,” he said. Isitifance said the centre has set up 15 active groups at Afrikpo-Norh, Adaburuebenyi, Effium, Izzi and others grassroots communities to reach out to the people on conflicts resolution. “Our relationship with traditional rulers is cordial as we synergise to work and sensitise them to human rights and customs to smoothen our operations,’’

Onah, who was initially announced as new Vice Chancellor of ESUT before it was awarded to Anike in an inexplicable circumstance. ERA is an association comprising all senior staff from old Enugu region that served and are currently serving in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN. Speaking with newsmen after ERA’s emergency meeting in Nsukka, president of the association, Prof Aloysius Okolie, urged Governor Ugwuanyi to set up a highpowered commission of inquiry to look into the matter. Okolie said the commission should look into the circumstances that led to the retraction of the appointment of Prof Onah as ESUT’s new VC after being ratified by the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Sullivan Chime, who was the visitor of the university. “After an interview con-

sidered to be transparent and followed rigorously the rule of law and due process, the name of Prof Ben-Chris Onah was submitted to the visitor and ratified. It was announced in the media for four to five days as having been duly appointed as vicechancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology. “Surprisingly, as he was invited to come and collect the letter of appointment, he got there and discovered that there had been a major twist and the twist was that the appointment paper had been given to another contender, Prof. Anike,” narrated Okolie. The don said ERA has no interest on who becomes ESUT’s vice-chancellor but that as stakeholders in advancing qualitative education and good governance in the state, it condemns injustice no matter who is involved.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, June 19, 2015

Gang-up against Saraki, Ekweremadu won’t succeed —Ordia Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA

mid renewed calls for resignation of Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, Clifford Ordia, has said no amount of political gang-up against the duo will succeed. He stated that since the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and Ekweremadu were elected by majority of senators, any form of witch-

hunt or blackmail by the All Progressives Congress, APC, against the duo will fail. Ordia, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, played a key role in the emergence of Saraki and Ekweremadu. Ordia, who spoke in an interview with some journalists in Abuja yesterday, was reacting to a statement credited to former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the effect that the emergence of the two leaders was faulty. According to Ordia, the emergence of the two Senate

leaders was divine. He reminded politicians that the era of imposition was over and warned those rooting for their ouster to either accept their emergence or keep quiet. Speaking specifically in defence of Ekweremadu, who has come under severe attacks from APC leaders, Ordia said PDP senator‎s will not sit down and allow the losers in APC remove him. “We will defend the mandate of Ekweremadu with every drop of energy we

have. I do not know why they are bickering and complaining. Saraki and Ekweremadu got a pan-Nigerian mandate. APC and PDP senators voted for them. Their emergence is divine and we must accept it like that. “These two senators are cerebral politicians and they understand the workings of the National Assembly. I have no doubt about their ability to deliver and stabilise the Senate. Their emergence is not about APC or PDP. It is about a shift from the past. “What Saraki and Ekwer-

emadu need right now is the support of every Nigerian in order to succeed. It is a waste of time calling for their removal. That will never happen. Instead of wasting precious time, why can’t the aggrieved senators just drop their pride and accept their emergence?” he queried. Ordia equally re-echoed the need to give the National Assembly ample freedom to operate without undue interference from party leaders. According to him, elections are over and the time has come to begin to fulfill

campaign promises. “We have finished the elections. At this time, political parties should allow their elected representatives to begin work and deliver on their campaign promises. We have a lot of things to do and the time is short. We have the Boko Haram menace, dwindling revenue, high rate of crime, poor state of the economy, unemployment among our teaming graduates and a host of other problems. We must hit the ground running,” he said.

NAF raids militants’ hideouts on Calabar waterways —Commander

igerian Air Force (NAF) 207 Special Mobility Group in Calabar has carried out air raids on hideouts of criminal elements on Calabar waterways, Air Commodore Charles Ohwo, has said. Ohwo, who is commander of the group, said this on Thursday while briefing newsmen on recent air patrol operations in Calabar. He said the raids were carried out in compliance with the directive of Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, following series of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Calabar. “Of late, you noticed that in Cross River, especially in Calabar, there has been an increase in kidnapping and theft cases spearheaded by militants, the latest being the attack on Marine Police. “Chief of Air Staff directed the Mobility Command to ensure the militants do not patrol the Calabar waterways again

and to reassure the people that the Air Force is always able and ready. “So, the display is just to assure the people of our combat readiness and we recorded successes,” Ohwo said. The commander added that combat aircraft MI-24 was used in the operation and the command was expecting the arrival of another fighter jet, MI-17. According to him, the command will continue to carry out such raids as often as possible until the bandits are cleared from its area of responsibility. Ohwo said the command was mindful of the safety and operations of fishermen during the raids and had informed other sister security agencies in the state about the operation. “The fight to flush out criminals is a collective responsibility by all security agencies,” he said. There has been an upsurge in criminal activities in the state in recent times, especially in Calabar jetties.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Mr Gabriel Achong, making a presention to Controller of Prisons, Dr Regina Akpan, during his visit to the Prisons Controller in Uyo, yesterday.

Residents flee Delta community over soldiers’ invasion Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

undreds of residents of Aruakpor-Umah community in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State have deserted their homes following alleged invasion of the community

by soldiers from Artillery Division of the Nigerian Army attached to the Petroleum Products and Marketing Company, PPMC, on Wednesday evening. National Mirror learnt that members of the community had in the early hours of Wednesday morning protested to the company to appeal to management

Delta PDP loses bid to disqualify APC, LP, AP candidates Amour Udemude ASABA

elta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday suffered defeat as the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State capital, struck out a suit brought by the party, challenging eligibility of candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Accord Party, AP, and Labour Party, LP, in the April 11, 2015, gu-

bernatorial election. PDP had approached the court in March 2015, asking it to disqualify candidates of the three political parties, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor of the APC, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru of LP and Chief Victor Oxhei of AP’s senatorial candidate in Delta North and 95 others. According to PDP, the court should disqualify the candidates on the grounds that their parties

violated sections 85(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), which provides that “Every registered political party shall give the commission at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting convened for the purpose of electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under the act.” After hearing submis-

sion from both counsels, the presiding judge, Justice C.M.O. OlatoregunIsola struck out the suit on the grounds that the plaintiffs did not show sufficient evidence to prove that their rights were injured by the defendants in the matter and that it was a matter that will be decided at the Election Petition Tribunal. The judge therefore warned that the court should not be used as “a play ground.”

of PPMC to extend its electricity turbine at the housing complex to their homes as host. Speaking on the situation, Chairman of Aruakpor-Umah community, Chief Amos Amuro, told journalists in Warri that members of the community staged a peaceful protest asking PPMC to extend power supply to them, following epileptic power situation in the country. Amuro stated that management of the company agreed to address the issue, but fixed meeting for 3pm on the same day to discuss their demands. He said that following the arrangement to meet later, protesting residents retired to their homes, but were surprised to see three trucks of military personnel from the Artillery Division attached to it invading the community. According to the community leader, several residents

were molested during the action, which saw many youths arrested. He lamented that properties were destroyed by the rampaging solders, adding that the community had been living peacefully with the PPMC until this ugly incident. They, however, called on Delta State government to immediately wade into the conflict before it escalates into a breakdown of law and order. The community particularly appealed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and member representing Uvwie constituency in the House of Assembly, Efe Ofobruku, to save the situation from degenerating further as business activities in the community have been grounded since Wednesday. Attempts by our correspondent to speak with military officials from Artillery Division and management of PPMC were unsuccessful.

North

Friday, June 19, 2015

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Gusau plots return to Buhari’s govt

…assembles 6 APC govs in Kaduna A ZA MSUE KADUNA

mmediate past Defence Minister and former National Security Adviser, NSA, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, may have started moves to warm his way into the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Gusau, who served almost 16 years in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, administrations, yesterday hosted a seminar tagged, ‘Africa’s big five; Power and Influence in Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa’ at his Gusau Institute in Ka-

duna, with only All Progressives Congress, APC, governors and chieftains in attendance. Our correspondent, who was at the event, said no PDP governor or chieftain was there. Governors from Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Adamawa, and Zamfara State’s deputy governor, which is also controlled by APC, however, was at the seminar. Gusau, who is still a strong member of PDP, shocked participants when none of his party members was at the event. A participant told National Mirror that with

the development, Gusau may have concluded plan to dump PDP and join President Buhari’s new government. “We were shocked today because Gen. Gusau’s entire political career has been in PDP. In fact, the man is the immediate Defence Minister under the defeated PDP government. We wonder why only APC governors are in attendance. Some of us sense that Gen. Gusau may have concluded plan to join President Buhari’s government. You know, he is a military and political strategist,” the participant said. Former Chief of De-

fence Staff, Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade, also at the event said the military could not be a solution to the perennial and bloody Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Akinrinade, who spoke as chairman on the occasion, called on management of Gusau Institute to direct its expertise in security issues towards finding lasting solution to Boko Haram. He said: “Let me say a word or two again about Boko Haram. I have heard a lot of discussions about Boko Haram from many people. I must say that I am lost about the causes of Boko Haram, and I am

Pastor, Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Kaduna, Pastor Yohana Buru (left) distributing food to Muslim faithful for the breaking of fast, in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

NEITI scribe solicits oil subsidy removal

xecutive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Mrs Zainab Ahmad, yesterday called for the removal of subsidy in the nation’s oil industry. Ahmad made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja. She said the subsidy regime had been beneficial to the oil marketers and not to ordinary Nigerians. She also advised the Federal Government to devise other means of mitigating the challenges of fuel availability and affordability faced by Nige-

rians outside of subsidy method. She advocated a gradual removal of subsidy, saying it would reduce the temporary pains Nigerians might face as a result of the removal. The NEITI boss said the removal of the subsidy would not end the mandate of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, since “the PPPRA also monitors supply to the country and quality of the product.” Ahmad also urged the Federal Government to recover the $11.6 billion paid as dividends to the

Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, saying the sum should have been remitted to the Federation Account. She said NEITI’s annual

audit reports published over the years had identified the amount to be paid into the Federation Account by companies and agencies of government operating in the extractive sector.

sure most of our countrymen are also lost. I want to charge this institute to take this matter very seriously. “But I am not aware of any military doctrine that has been put down that has addressed effectively guerrilla warfare, which

is easier. But these kinds of insurrection we are now having on our hands have never been addressed by any military doctrine successfully. “So I am aware that military solution is not going to be the end of Boko Haram.”

First Lady pledges support for sickle cell

ife of the president, Mrs Aisha Buhari, yesterday pledged to support the war against Sickle Cell Disorder in the country. She made the promise at the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day Campaign launch jointly organised by her and the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, OOF, in Abuja. Mrs Buhari is also patron of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day Campaign, which is being organised as part of 2015 World Sickle Cell day. She expressed commitment towards creating awareness on treatment and management of the disease. The first lady, who recalled her personal experience with the disease that lasted many years, described it as “traumatic”. However, she expressed delight that efforts of medical professionals, who are initiating innovative strategies towards improving health standard of persons living with sickle cell disease, are yielding commendable results. She cited establishment of the renowned sickle cell centre in Idi-Araba, Lagos State, as a commendable example. She also lauded other efforts, including numerous donations by well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations. Buhari, however, solicited more action and assistance to be extended to other parts of the country.

She called for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence to meet up with those in advanced countries to be located in Borno and Yobe states. According to her, studies show that the two states have the largest number of sickle cell trait with prevalence of 27.9 percent and 32.6 per cent, respectively. Wife of Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osibanjo, read Mrs Buhari’s speech on the occasion. Earlier, Founder, Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, SCFN, Prof. Olu Akinyanju, said the event provides the opportunity to remind leaders to help influence the impact of the disease on carriers and help sustain the fight. He explained that the foundation has so far addressed issues such as Genetic Counselling, Prenatal diagnosis of the disease and stroke risk detection and prevention, among others. Akinyanju said also that Nigeria was currently carrying out bone marrow (stem cell) transplant for the disease. Highlight of the event was personal testimonies shared by some Nigerians who are living with the disease. Those who spoke included a Rugby professional player based in UK, Mr Ade Adebisi; an author, Ms Samira Sanusi; and a graduate, Ms Omolola Ogunrinade.

Police deploy 30 vehicles for highway patrol

ssistant-Inspector General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 10, Sokoto, Mr Bala Hassan, said yesterday that 30 patrol vehicles fitted with sophisticated weapons had been deployed for patrolling federal highways in the area.

Hassan told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Sokoto, that Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states would have 10 patrol vehicles each to ensure effective patrol in their respective federal highways. He said 24 hours patrol would ensure the arrest and

prosecution of criminals in the zone, adding that already, effective operational order had been issued to the three Commissioners of Police in the zone for implementation in their respective commands. The AIG said special units from the zone would

monitor activities of patrol teams to ensure compliance. He solicited the support of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and traditional rulers in the three states on the need to mobilise the people to be security conscious.

Friday, June 19, 2015

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Politics

Change must permeate every facet of lives of Nigerians –Bishop Job

Osahon Julius YENAGOA

ormer Chief of Staff, CoS, to the Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson and immediate past CoS to the Bayelsa State liaison office in Abuja, Chief Dikivie Ikiogha, has finally dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC, saying that the PDP has badly drifted from a well-organised family to a congregation of betrayers and deceits A founding member of the PDP, Chief Ikiogha, was said to be a trusted and dependable ally of Governor Dickson and one of the brains behind the emergence of Dickson as governor in 2012. Indications of frosty

Dickson’s henchman dumps PDP for APC in Bayelsa

•Says PDP is full of betrayers and deceits relationship between the governor and Ikiogha emerged he was removed in controversial circumstances as Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa and redeployed to Abuja liaison office. He was also denied tickets into the House of Representatives in the last general elections by the party. The former CoS, who spoke at a news conference in Yenagoa yesterday, said he will leave the PDP finally on Saturday, June 20 with thousands of his supporters and political associates at a modest rally in the state capital. Ikiogha, one of the closest allies and friend of for-

mer President Goodluck Jonathan, said the decision to join the APC was based on the worrisome crisis of confidence rocking the PDP in the state and, “a call to save Bayelsa from darkness.” Saying he had already found a home in the APC since the day he decided to join the fold of the progressives at a rally in Abuja, Ikiogha said: “My constituents, the masses for whom I have lived and to whom I dedicate all my political victories, have agreed that I should leave the PDP. “I recall in one of the meetings that led to the final decision to quit, how my supporters reminded

me that the PDP I helped to form and nurture was no more the same. “They said some hawks had hijacked the party, making it very glaring that it was a house in tatters, a divided house made of men who were only driven by their selfish ambition. “It is clear that the party is gradually marching towards destruction. Unfolding events have proved me right and I am happy I have left.” Ikiogha said he had since found out that he was on the right path, just as he urged those in the PDP government not to hunt those of them who had chosen to leave the party or carry

out hate campaigns against them. He added: “As I make this move, I am just convinced that we are on the right path. That is why I am urging all my compatriots who are still in the PDP to take that step and join us. I have seen life. I have seen hope. I have seen freedom. I have seen warmth. I have seen friendliness. APC is a family to be and behold. “Unhappy as some people may be, troubled as my former allies in the PDP government in the state may, because of the light

Gombe tribunal vows not to allow time wasting affect its operation Williams Attah GOMBE

L-R: Country Manager, Partnership for Child Development, PCD, Adesanmi Abinbola; Executive Secretary, PCD, Dr. Lesley Drake; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Special Adviser to the governor on federal matters, Mrs Idiat Babalola; Executive Director , PDC, Dr. Esiet Owen, during a courtesy call to the governor at Awolowo House, Osun Lodge, Abuja, yesterday.

Tsav cautions against probe of past administration Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

ewly appointed federal commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, PCC, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has urged those clamouring for the probe of erring officials of the immediate past administration to exercise restraint and give the new administration of Muhammadu Buhari time to settle down. Tsav, a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, speaking with Na-

tional Mirror yesterday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, observed that the Buhari administration has not yet constituted its cabinet and Nigerians should wait until appointments were finally made public. He said his call for caution was born out of the fact that expectations heaped on the President were too many and he is also being conscious with the calibre of personnel that will make his cabinet so as not be disappointed. Tsav further enjoined Nigerians to give their

best with a view to enable the new dispensation succeed in its onerous task of providing improved social amenities towards enhancing the well being of all and sundry. Maintaining that those who are calling former President Goodluck Jonathan a hero are only doing so at their peril and should be taken as political jobbers who don’t have anything meaningful to do, he said: “As for me there is no way I could adore the former President as hero, because he has failed in all ramifications and de-

serves not to be accorded the honour people are insinuating.” He said those according him the toga of hero of democracy because he conceded defeat at the last election are neither fair to themselves or Nigerians, because after squandering so much during the election to retain his office, nemesis caught up with him and woefully lost. He said: “If he was to disobey the election results and insisted on remaining in power, he too could have been affected negatively.”

they have yet to see, I am urging them to play politics with love and not to haunt and chastise those of us who have decided to quit. “Campaigns of hate will not help us, even as I am no longer in the PDP, former President Jonathan is still my friend and big brother.” It will be recalled that Ikiogha resigned his appointment in October 2014 to contest the House of Representatives seat for Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma on the platform of the PDP but was denied the ticket.

hairman of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Gombe, Justice Matthew Olabanyi Adewara, has vowed that the tribunal would not tolerate time wastages through frivolous and unwarranted applications for adjournments affect the conduct of the tribunal sitting. Speaking during the inaugural ceremony yesterday, Justice Adewara alongside two other members, Justices Hafsat Abdulrahman and Abba Bello Mohammed stated that time was of utmost essence by virtue of the generic nature of election petitions. The tribunal said it has become clear that all involved in the exercise must all cooperate and work hard to enable them hear and conclude the petitions filed within time in the tribunal. He said: “We urge you to let punctuality be your watchword and to be brief and clear in the presentation of your cases before the tribunal as provided by the Electoral Act.” He added that the tribunal will not tolerate frivolous and unwarranted applications for adjournments.

The tribunal ruled that no motion would be allowed except at the pre-hearing session and that application not likely to decide the merit of the petition would be taken along with the substantive case to save time. It also ruled that the tribunal would sit every day with the exception of Sunday and public holidays. It assured that it would abide by the oath of office which was administered on each member to do justice to all without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and that the petitions before it would only be decided on the basis of fact and law. Some counsel expressed concern before the tribunal that, despite onerous and persistent efforts at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to obtain relevant records which they would need for their cases had proved abortive. They expressed enormous fear over the situation. The tribunal observed and sustained submission made by the INEC counsel who had told the tribunal how prepared the commission was to co-operate with counsel appearing at the tribunal for the election petitions, adding that it had no cause to refuse the release of the election records. The tribunal adjourned to June 20 for pre-hearing session.

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Change must permeate every facet of lives of Nigerians –Bishop Job W

hat agenda do you want to set for the current administration on the way forward? We have already risen. For us to remain in light, the light that God has given to us is what matters and that is what I am talking about. We have risen, we are out of darkness but we are surprised when the day begins, we do not enjoy it and say we stay here, we crave for mid-day, we crave for the noon of the day; we crave for the evening of the day before talking of the night. Having woken up I would want politicians and those who are appointed to take positions of authority to be good leaders; lead well. Well, we remember our Mass Mobilisation for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery, MAMSER, if you are a doctor; doctor well, if you are market women, market well, those were the clarion calls for all. If you are civil servant, don’t just be a simple servant but be civil too. If you are a politician, we know we all shout against what has happened in the past; too much grabbing, we grabbed at what is not ours; let us all be prepared to serve. People have been given our President some of their thoughts. I want to add my own. It is not only in reducing the salaries of elected officers that we would have a good Nigerian; no. We must add also purposely removing all clauses in our legislations that militate against the prosperity of Nigerians. Let me start with that. When a man or woman is elected and we begin to pay his wife or her husband salaries; is that not odious? You have a chairman of local government council area elected and his wife is being paid fabulously than any other civil servant in the local government, where did we come into that? We elect a governor or a President and we go and create an office for First Lady, where is that in our constitution? All these should be removed. We elect senators and members of House of Representatives, then we say because he comes from one constituency we pay them salaries, sitting allowances even when they do not sit and we now say they should have constituency allowance to go and develop their constituencies, it is odd. That constituency belongs to a local government which also has a share of the federal resources; we have the state government which is also bound to develop that constituency; whereas comes an individual, it is a way of siphoning and draining our funds. Those should be removed in order to have a free and progressive Nigeria. That is the first thing I will tell the President to look into. All these unapproved sources, even if it were in the constitution, they should be removed because they are not for the good of the nation. Do you support the clamour that President Muhammadu Buhari should continue with amnesty programme in the Niger Delta region? For how long are you proposing this amnesty and we have to prove that there is need for extension of the programme? I do not believe that talking in the papers on such issues really matters. Let them bring the programme forward; this is what it was meant to be and this is what it has done. As journalists, you must find out that this is amnesty that was given by the nation for this period; now that period is coming to an end, therefore we should evaluate it before deciding whether we should continue or to end. What would you about the security allowance to governors and others? The same thing. Is this not the allowances that they do not account for to anybody? They are paid their salaries for doing what they are doing. We know that there are some things that they must attend to because of the position that they occupy, we cannot deny them that,

Emeritus Arch Bishop of Ibadan Catholic Arch Diocese, His Grace, Felix Adeosun Alaba Job, in a chat with journalists, demands for evaluation of amnesty programme before deciding on its extension and calls for reduction in salaries and allowances of political office holders. BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA brings excerpts. However we must accept that healing doesn’t come just in an instant; it takes its own natural course. We all shout era of change, era of change; change we have demonstrated that we want by the elections; change in our own lives is what is required now and response to these changes that we clamoured for and that God has willingly and lovingly granted to us. If we want to really show that we want change; we must be prepared; Nigerians must hearken and know that there is no point in pointing accusing finger at anybody, but just be ready to work. It is all of us that need to change not some people to change. When you point accusing fingers at politicians; they are all your brothers and sisters whatever they have done wrong, we contributed to it. Let us accept our past and ask God to forgive us but let us also be prepared to change.

Job

but if they must have some allowances, they should be accounted for. Allowances that are not accounted for are against democracy. What advice do you have for the politicians as the nation enters into another political dispensation? I want to first of all to congratulate Nigeria and Nigerians, including the politicians, the civilians, the workers with government and private for the marvelous and beautiful performance we put up in the month of March and April in the elections of our President, senators, members of the House of Representatives and our state governors and state Assemblies. It is really a sign of God’s work and answer to our prayers that we have been praying all these years and we will continue to pray that God in His infinite mercy will look upon us and as He has blessed us in many ways, He will make us to responds and be responsive to the blessings He has been showering on us. Responsibly, because in the past we have not shown that God is really with us. We have behaved lawlessly; we have wandered; swam in corruption and we are unable to get out. Responsive now hiding the call of God and so I congratulate Nigerians and Nigeria for the state in which we are.

If we want to really show that we want change; we must be prepared; Nigerians must hearken and know that there is no point in pointing accusing finger at anybody, but just be ready to work. It is all of us that need to change not some people to change.

What is your take on the bickering among members of the National Assembly over the choice of Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and House of Representatives? That is their own teething problem. It is their internal system and I do not deny them that right. I think it is healthy development that the party should stop zoning, if not acceptable to all members of the party, but to allow them to go and contest. After all after your member wins an election, he is the one that will run such office; why not give him the leeway to run the office without interference? The Yoruba have a proverb that says when you give a goat to the gods, you leave the rope. I am very happy that our President has demonstrated that by not interfering in the independence of the legislature to elect its leadership. That is practical democracy in action. What the party needs to tell all of them is that this should not cause rancour. It should not cause enmity and should not bring setback to the progress of the National Assembly. What of its implication on the ruling party? The ruling party does not rule public, it rules privately. The ruling party should have its own influence in its own caucus not in the open or on the pages of newspapers and television. The ruling party is not the one elected, it is the members of the ruling party and the members should be the one to rule publicly. But influence should come from inside the party that is why they have caucuses. Many states in the country find it difficult to pay workers’ salaries, what is your take on the cause? I do not believe that any state in Nigeria is so cash strapped that it cannot pay salary. Let us all acknowledge that it is wastage and mismanagement that caused it and they can still go in and save the money that they have spent on frivolities. Do you imagine what happened during campaign? You remembered how much money they spent; who would now come to tell me that there is no money? The money they starved abroad; homes and banks should be brought out. Henceforth, let no government does such cheating as this? And our National Assembly should enact law against such a development. During the last administration, the Finance Minister said it publicly that how much was given to each state and she said there is no reason why they should not pay. If that is true, anyone who refuses to pay and does not pay after three months should be made to answer for it.

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Benue Assembly approves N10bn bailout for Ortom Henry Iyorkase MARKUDI

enue State House of Assembly yesterday gave approval to the request by Governor Samuel Ortom to borrow N10 billion to enable him settle the arrears of civil servants’ salaries and other exigencies confronting the administration. Speaker of the eighth Assembly, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange, indicated that a letter from the governor revealed that the state Ministry of Finance indicated that the state treasury was empty. Mr. Ikyange said that the state workers were owed five months’ salaries while pensioners in the last two years have not received a dime as result of the nonpayment of their entitlements. He said that the funds would enable the executive to take off smoothly and also to pay salaries of already striking workers to

enable them resume work so as to move the state forward. Adanyi, a re-elected member of the state Assembly representing Makurdi North state constituency on the platform of the All progressives Congress, APC, informed that members of the seventh Assembly were unable to collect their severance package because the state treasury was empty, adding that the inability of the government to carry out any meaningful development was because of the empty treasury. The member representing Ogbadibo state constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Joseph Ojobo, lamented that the non-payment of salaries almost cost him his re-election. Ojobo, therefore, moved a motion urging his colleagues to grant the request expressly and consequently it was unanimously endorsed and was given instant approval by all members present at the session.

No APC gov spent money from treasury on campaigns –Reps member Olajide Omojolomoju

he member representing Lagos Mainland federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives and former chairman of Yaba Local Council development Area, LCDA, Hon Olajide AbdulRaheem Jimoh has debunked the allegation that All Progressives Congress, APC, governors spent money from state treasuries for political campaigns during the elections. Reacting to the allegation yesterday, Hon Jimoh insisted that nobody could confirmed that APC state governors squandered state funds on elections, because it was the party that was responsible for campaigns and not states. He added that it is wrong for any governor to spend money from the state treasury for political campaigns, saying that such governor must be castigated. He said: “You cannot compare Lagos State with other states. Osun State is a civil service state and there are no industries that can bring internal revenues for the state. The revenue from federation account is not enough to do projects

Politics

Friday, June 19, 2015

and to pay all the workers’ salaries. “It is important as government now to look inward and outward to generate internal revenues and make money in order to pay salaries of workers and to fine-tune developmental projects. We should also diversify our economy and stop depending on oil revenue.” He disclosed further that government officials must be resolute and committed to good governance, adding: “As we are clamouring for positive change, it must start from bottom to head including myself. We must have financial discipline in whatever we do. “If you are in public offices, you must be accountable to the people. In this country our agencies and ministries are not doing the right things in the area of remitting public funds into public account.” He also said to change this country to a better system, every Nigerians and government officials need to sacrifice. He added: “As far as I am concerned, I am ready as a federal lawmaker to sacrifice in whatever way to change this country from the rotten system to better one and every Nigerian should be able to do so.”

APC accuses Ekiti gov of paying self N720m salary arrears Olajide Omojolomoju

kiti State All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused Governor Ayodele Fayose of paying N720 million to himself as the salary arrears of his unfinished first term, saying such conduct, while refusing to pay workers and poor pensioners, is selfish and callous for a governor who calls himself a friend of the masses. APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, in a statement noted that the governor had not paid September, 2014 salary arrears, while he has not paid pensioners in the last four months, even as the governor claimed he was friend of workers and poor masses. Describing as shameful and heartless attitude the governor’s refusal to pay statutory pensions benefit to Ekiti elders which is not

more than N5,000 for many of them, who meritoriously served the state while at the same time cancelling former Governor Kayode Fayemi’s social security scheme that paid N5,000 promptly to 20,000 elderly Ekiti people, Olatunbosun said many of the pensioners who have no children to take care of them have started dying. APC also accused the governor of refusing to pay traditional rulers for five months, while also refusing to pay gratuity to a single retired worker since he assumed office, wondering who exactly the governor’s friends are with his antipeople policies. It said: “Though he admitted he is owing only May salary, as if he has any excuse to owe Ekiti workers for one day, as we write, over 10,000 Ekiti workers are yet to receive April salary. This is because not all workers he claimed to have paid have actually received their salaries.”

It added: “What he has been doing is to pay 10 out of 300 workers in a ministry and then goes to town with his propagandists that he has fully paid. “Only last week, he electronically paid N13 million into the accounts of each of the 16 local governments and collected the cash back from the council chairmen for purported joint projects like he did in his fraudulent poultry project in 2004. “We are asking Fayose once again what he is doing with all the monies he saved from the empowerment programmes he cancelled. We also want to know where election contract deductions of N650 million monthly are going. Who are the beneficiaries? Are they more important than Ekiti workers? “Who are actually his friends among the masses in all these, after displacing market women from their stalls and taking Ekiti youths from Fayemi’s empowerment programmes?”

Olatubosun said the purported 1,000 ghost workers whom the governor said he discovered during his latest staff auditing was a fraud, explaining that it was a ploy to sack workers whose termination of appointment letters were being compiled for mass sack, wondering “when ghosts started receiving letters”. He said: “His claim that 250 workers died after Fayemi left office is baffling. If this were so, then all Nigerian pastors must relocate to Ekiti to intercede on behalf of Ekiti workers to stop mass deaths in the civil service.” Olatubosun also criticised the governor for his alleged frequent unofficial Dubai trips, saying his latest unofficial trip to South Africa where he was caught in a picture at the departure lounge of the airport drinking beer was an alltime low for a governor of Ekiti people who took governance seriously above personal enjoyment.

Member, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Ms. Rifkatu Danna (middle), with women and children cutting the birthday cake to mark the lawmaker’s 45th birthday in Bauchi, recently. PHOTO: NAN

Kwara OPC backs Saraki as Senate President Wole Adedeji ILORIN

embers of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, in Kwara State have declared their support for the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara. Kwara OPC coordinator, Comrade Maruff Olarewaju, who declared the support of his group in an interview with journalists in Ilorin said the aggrieved

All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers particularly at red chamber of the National Assembly should sheath their swords and embrace Saraki as the Senate President. Olarewaju noted that the emergence of both the Senate President and Speaker of the House was a divine arrangement, pointing out that God gives power to whoever He pleases and wants. He said: “We also call on APC leaders like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, Chief Bisi Akande and all other

senators still aggrieved to learn how to concede defeats like former President Goodluck Jonathan did in last general elections even when he could have gotten some areas of complaints. “More so, Tinubu must also be aware that what goes around always comes around. In 2011, when Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola was to be elected speaker of the House of Representatives, it was Asiwaju Tinubu who made sure that she did not get to the position by instigating the members of the then Action Congress of Nigeria,

ACN, against the woman and paved way for Hon. Aminu Tambuwal to become the Speaker instead. “At the time, nobody called for Tinubu’s head. He should not expect to dictate the political pace in Lagos and still hope to do same for the entire country. Nigeria cannot be under his control. Nigeria is bigger than any individual or group. Tinubu should also realise that the era of godfatherism is gradually over in Nigerian politics and face the reality on ground.”

Editorial

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Prison congestion: A new beginning?

he revelation recently by Kaduna State Comptroller of Prisons, Mr. Abubakar Garba, that the Kaduna prison complex built in 1915 to accommodate 547 prisoners is now housing over 1,000 inmates and that there are only two functional vans for conveying about 800 awaiting trial inmates to court may make no difference to many Nigerians conversant with the eyesore the nation’s prison condition has been for decades. Indeed, the picture is more pathetic in several other prison facilities. But that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed state governors across the country to ensure the reduction of the number of prison inmates in their various domains, according to Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, makes a whole lot of sense, especially if eventually accomplished. During a working visit to the Kaduna prisons, el-Rufai said Buhari instructed all governors to visit prisons and ensure they reduced to the barest minimum those that have spent many years awaiting trial in courts nationwide. Official figures say, about 56,785 inmates are languishing in the country’s 239 prisons. While 18,042 inmates or 32 per cent are real convicts, 38,743 others or 68 per cent are awaiting-

trial detainees; out of which about 3,240 have been ‘awaiting trial’ for upward of four years. As at June 2013, 1,484 condemned prisoners or eight per cent of the total number of convicts were on the death row nationwide; 531 were serving life sentences; short term sentences 8,591 and long term 7,436. If the total number rotting as awaiting trial prisoners is sifted from real convicts, the nation’s prisons would probably not be quite hospitable, but they certainly will not be as congested as they now are. Prisons all over the world are meant to serve as rehabilitation and reformatory institutions that assist inmates on completion of their terms to turn out as useful members of the larger society. But Nigerian prisons are yet to serve this purpose. For, while prisoners in advanced countries are treated with dignity and their rights respected, their counterparts in Nigeria are subjected to all manners of inhuman treatment, including the denial of their fundamental human rights, which make more hardened criminals of them than reformed people, post-custody. Their abodes are dingy and overcrowded. Porous security, poor living conditions, inadequate facilities and staffing, low staff morale and poor funding are some of the signposts of

WITH SUFFICIENT GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO ADDRESSING THE KEY CHALLENGES BESETTING THE PRISON SYSTEM…

THE

NIGERIAN PRISON

SYSTEM CAN BE SAVED FROM FURTHER DEGENERATION Nigerian prisons. As a result, the frustrating prison situation boils over from time to time as jailbreaks or deliberate attempts, sometimes in broad daylight, by hoodlums to free their colleagues being held behind bars. The country experienced 10 of such assaults in the past five years, the fallout was the escape of over 2, 270 inmates from nine prisons - Enugu (2009); Bauchi (2010); Kaduna (2010); Benin City (2012); Sagamu (2013); Maiduguri (2011); Konton Karfe (2014) – the latter earlier came under Boko Haram assault on February 26, 2012; Lagos (2014) and Minna (2014) – between 2009 and 2014. The Federal Government had set up and received the reports of several committees on the nagging problem. Among the

ON THIS DAY June 19, 1964 The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was approved after surviving an 83-day delay in the United States’ Senate. The Act was a landmark piece of legislation in the US that outlawed major forms of discrimination against African-Americans and women, including racial segregation. It ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and public facilities.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

June 19, 2009 Mass riots involving over 10,000 people and 10,000 police officers broke out in Shishou, China, over the dubious circumstances surrounding the death of a chef, Tu Yuangao of the local Yonglong Hotel. Although local police claimed Tu’s death was a suicide, some believed foul play was involved and crowds were angered by alleged cronyism, drug trafficking and lack of transparency against officials.

recommendations made to the government were adequate funding of the prison service, adherence to international standards in prison management, and improvement in justice administration to eliminate delay in the dispensation of justice. But it is common knowledge that half measures and shoddy implementation of recommendations are symptomatic of governance in the country. Several nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) have also sponsored bills to compel the sanitization of the Nigerian prison system, like the Prisons Act Amendment Bill, Community Service Bill, Victims’ Rights Bill and AntiDiscrimination Bill, all aimed at comprehensive prison reforms in the country, but to no avail since 1999 when the 4th Republic kicked off. Therefore, this is no time for sponsoring needless conferences, workshops and tours on the menace at huge expense to the government ostensibly in search of facts that are readily available. With sufficient government commitment to addressing the key challenges besetting the prison system, and the cooperation of the judiciary through ensuring speedy trial of pending cases, the Nigerian prison system can be saved from further degeneration.

x June 19, 2012 WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, requested asylum in London’s Ecuatorian Embassy for fear of extradition to the United States after publication of previously classified documents, including footage of civilian killings by the US army. A formal security clearance is often required to handle classified documents or access classified data. The clearance process usually requires a satisfactory background investigation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, June 19, 2015

June 12 and APC’s golden opportunity NEW HORIZON Wale Ajao With

waleajao2002@yahoo.com, 08023112006 (sms only)

t is interesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is getting its steps right even in less than a month it took over federal power. The decision of the party leaders to accept the emergence of Dr. Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives is an evidence that the party’s national leadership really understands how to handle delicate political issues. It is also a proof that the party understands the implications of its advocacy of change in national affairs. Normally, people will expect charity to begin from home. So, if the APC believes in change then it should start doing things in new ways beginning with its own internal affairs. And those senators and representatives, who believe that the party should allow legislators choose their own leaders have eventually carried the day. Well, with the acceptance of Saraki and Dogara as leaders of the National Assembly, the APC deserves kudos. This development also demonstrates the political sagacity of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

the APC National Leader. However, Nigerians last Friday made another demand on the APC. The unending debate over the validation of the mandate of the late Basorun M.K.O Abiola resurfaced throughout the country last week. All progressive Nigerians, who believe in justice again demanded that June 12 be recognized as the nation’s Democracy Day in commemoration of the historic presidential election held on June 12 1993. On that day, the first free and fair presidential election in Nigeria’s checkered political history was held. Basorun Abiola, the presidential candidate of the then Social Democratic Party (SDP) won the election, defeating Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the then National Republican Convention (NRC). The nation was expecting the announcement of the results when the government of military President Ibrahim Babagida annulled the election. From 1993 to 1998, Abiola fought for the revalidation of his mandate until he died on July 7, 1998. On November 17, 1993 the late General Sani Abacha sacked the Interim National Government packaged by General Babangida before his exit on August 26, 1993 and headed by Chief Ernest Sonekan, and for five years he refused to revalidate the mandate given to Abiola till he also passed on June 8, 1998. Chief Sonekan also did not honour the June 12, 1993 mandate freely given to Abiola by Nigerians.

SOMEHOW, AT SOME POINT, INJUSTICE HAS TO BE REDRESSED Sonekan’s was in power from August 1993 to November 1993. The refusal of Sonekan and Abacha to revalidate the June 12 mandate threw the nation into turmoil. Since the return of democratic governance in 1999, the call for the recognition of the June 12 mandate has persisted. Most Nigerians will naturally see the emergence of Buhari, the apostle of change and APC, a party supposedly made up of progressives, as a golden opportunity to proclaim June 12 as Nigeria’s genuine Democracy Day. The prevailing mood of the nation is also favourable for such a move. Even General Babagida is not likely to oppose such a move. Everyone who believes in justice and fairness in all human affairs will agree that injustice was done to the late Basorun Abiola. Somehow, at some point, injustice has to be redressed. There is no better time than now. President Buhari should give real flesh to the change he has been championing by declaring June 12 as our Democracy Day and give the late Basorun Abiola his right place in Nigerian history. Former President Goodluck Jonathan failed in his attempt to rename University of Lagos after Abiola. Nothing

stops President Buhari from naming a national monument like the Abuja National Stadium after Abiola. It is truth and justice that make a nation strong, not armament alone. When citizens see their nation as humane, just and equitable then patriotism will be aroused. A situation where pecuniary or irredentist motives have effectively blocked the dignity of a people cannot secure progress in that society. No sane Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, can ignore the fact that as long as we keep sweeping June 12 under the carpet the soul of our nation will remain assaulted and debased. It is not about M. K. O. Abiola as a person; it is about nationhood. If 14 million Nigerians responded to a transition programme, which lasted for almost four years and gulped billions of our nation’s resources, it is simply unpatriotic to annul the wish of the people just because of flimsy excuses by the military oligarchy. The beauty of our present democratic government is that the mandate of the people can be used to correct the mistakes of the past. If, out of self imposed timidity, the Buhari government allows this golden opportunity to slip, then history will not forgive the present national leadership. As they say a stitch in time saves nine. Nothing stops President Buhari from naming a national monument like the Abuja National Stadium after Abiola.

Reassessing FG’s options against Boko Haram

oko Haram, the transnational terrorist organization, never emerged in a vacuum. It evolved as an interactive process between the individual members and external influences like the propagandists, sponsors, leaders and recruiters. Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy is largely a law enforcement-based approach with minimal community or all inclusive level involvements. It is predominately carried out by our law enforcement workforce. A shift on this approach is proposed, by increasing involvement at the state and local levels, as well as enlisting more public and private partners that will empower modern Muslims to be active participants. Our elite Muslim brothers and sisters are best positioned for this. However, their networks in Nigerian mosques, cultural associations, community centres, and Muslim students groups are added advantages in developing their capacity as well as improving their messaging capabilities. We should consider outreach initiatives from federal down to the local level in order to develop partnerships that will enable decent Muslims (Muslims who support religious freedom, non-violent conflict resolution and preservation of our rule of law) to be Nigeria’s first line of defence against home grown terrorists. Our general relationships and understanding must be facilitated with thoughtful leaders and subjects. These relationships should be based on mutual interests beyond the scope of APC, PDP, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa/Fulani and national grievances. The new administration together with our law enforcement agencies should utilize these relationships to establish a two way dialogues, constructive debates, and brainstorming sessions to develop an un-

TRADITIONAL METHODS OF COUNTERTERRORISM DO NOT WORK WELL WITH ORGANISATIONS LIKE

BOKO HARAM THAT ARE MORPHING AND FLUID derstandable response to BH. The northern elders, traditional rulers and key players must play key roles in these exercises. Traditional methods of counterterrorism do not work well with organisations like Boko Haram that are morphing and fluid with decentred cells that cannot allow penetration. And even if one successfully penetrates, their independence leads to little insights on other factional groups. Traditional methods of intelligence gathering can be able to detect threats relating to members or factions already known, but because the cells are unconnected, newly formed factions may not be easily detected. And this is where neighbourhood or community involvement can be crucial because BH and people deemed at risk of being radicalised are part of a given neighbourhood or communities, not spirits as many thought. There are certain things only members of a neighbourhood can notice. For instance, some suspicious movements or persons become visible when the observations of several people are put together. Communities may also act as early warning prevention mechanisms by serving as important sources of information to our law enforcement agencies. In addition to these specific problems, there are also more general problems that tradition-

al-based approaches to counterterrorism face, problems that also affect the existing offensive strategy. New terrorism has become a popular term that is used to describe Islam as an unpredictable global danger. If the late 1960s and 1970s were characterised by the rise of secular nationalist and Neo-Marxist terrorist groups such as the Red Brigade, the early 1980s saw a dramatic shift to new terrorism motivated by extreme Islamist movement such as; Hezbollah, Hamas, Al-Gama, Al-Shabab, Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram. All these terrorist groups have developed in almost every country with large Muslim presence. The question here is why? Early intervention response should be facilitated to stop radicalization in its initial stages. It is the neighbours that can observe individuals who have been known to frequently watch terrorist videos or make terrorist remarks. Many Muslim scholars and traditional leaders are capable of providing legitimate counselling on counter-radicalization programmes palatable to us. In addition to countering radical ideologies, systemic interventions should address social alienation. Public and private foundations should fund centres that foster sense of belonging and provide access to mentors who preach what it means to be a good and law abiding citizens. Protecting citizens from BH or any other threats in general is a major and highly challenging task for the new administration. The main duties in a democratic system such as ours include protecting the individual fundamental human rights and freedom, particularly the right to life. The new administration’s effectiveness, legitimacy and trust will be undermined if,

Counter-terrorism Tips With

Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only) through any of its agencies, it uses its power in contravention of international human rights standards. This would be further exacerbated by the lack of accountability, that is policies and measures must be open to scrutiny by a variety of oversight institutions. Accountability mechanisms should include both the executive and legislative branches of government, as well as an independent, impartial and informed judiciary. They should also include civil society oversight performed by NGOs and the media. We must learn that combating BH in modern democratic society under the spotlight of the media and international opinion must be carried out in ways fully compatible with the maintenance of democracy, respect for human right and upholding the rule of law. Even in this tight position, the criminal justice model of response and police primacy remains the best option with the army providing invaluable support to the police, not the other way round. 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.

Mail Mirror

Friday, June 19, 2015

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This House has fallen

B Implications of controversial NASS elections

had initially promised that whoever emerged winners of the president of the Senate and speaker of the House of Reps through acceptable election, I will do my duty as a responsible citizen to support his administration. My stand still remains intact, but my problem with Yakubu Dogara is that he violated the zoning arrangement of his party and neglected the directive of his party leaders. Having said that, let me make the point that Dogara’s election could be free, but is the act fair and just? How come all the key and powerful political positions in the country like President, Senate President and House Speaker came from same region? I think it is unfair and disrespectful to the nation’s federal character spirit. I am not against Senator Bukola Saraki’s emergence as Senate president, but I must say the process that brought him into office was flawed in every material sense. It was a kangaroo process. Saraki would not have my support and recognitions unless a new and fresh election is conducted, and he wins fairly. Comrade Kassim Abubakar Gamawa (Sardaunan Gamji & a concerned Nigerian).

y way of clarification ‘This House Has Fallen’ is originally the title of Karl Maier’s book, a USA journalist, written in 2000 about the chronicles of Nigeria on the verge of collapse that has survived series of misfortunes ranging from coups, civil war, religious crisis, human right abuses, to our democratic freedom. However, in this piece, ‘the fallen house’ is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDPP, the powerful institution that once enjoyed the trappings of power and also

boasted it would rule Nigeria for 60 years, but has now fallen steeply to become the opposition party. It took us six weeks (March 28-May 29, 2015) to ascertain its decrepit state. Now the wreckage has been cleared, we now know how irredeemably bad the situation is. While we are yet to recover from the failed promises of the out gone PDP led government, the series of impunity perpetrated while it lasted remains appalling. Before its imminent collapse,

LAWLESSNESS: Commuters avoiding traffic at Ijora, Lagos.

few days ago, the media reported an admonition from Diran Odeyemi, speaking as the Director of Media and Publicity of Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he asked Governor Rauf Aregbesola to sell the state’s security surveillance helicopter and use the pro-

ceed to pay workers salaries. Last time I checked, Diran was sacked by his party chairman, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, on salacious allegations that are yet to be resolved, so the first question journalists should have asked him is on whose behalf he spoke. The second question should be

sist him to deliver on his campaign promises, especially the promised CHANGE. He should not be rushed and should not rush. The Chief Bola Ige promised to give Nigerians steady power supply within six months in 1999, but the promise could not be fulfilled. Comrade Femi Dada, Ibadan, Oyo State.

or a cleaner and perfect ministerial list, President Muhammadu Buhari must avoid the pitfalls of his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Discerning Nigerians will admit GEJ flooded his cabinet with worn out politicians and colossal misfits. He should shop for credible Nigeria men and women, who can

stand tall anywhere because of their transparent unimpeachable character; people who can be vouched for when it comes to stronger values and morals and intellectual honesty that please God and exalt a nation. President Buhari must resist the temptation to invite poor men and women who cannot make a lot of difference or as-

Unscrupulous oil marketers

wish to draw the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to the unpatriotic antics of oil marketers, especially the indigenous ones, in the country. I live in Lagos and I am compelled to use Lagos situation as a reflection of what obtains in all parts of the country. Many of the local oil marketers

Letters to the Editor

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Osun PDP’s gratuitous counsel

Buhari, give Nigeria the best ministers

the PDP-led Federal Government could only be compared to the Ottoman Empire of the 13th century - the Ottoman state rose to become a world empire in the Middle East that lasted from the 13th century to 1923. While PDP as a political party controlled one of Africa’s largest economies for 16 years, the Ottoman Empire controlled the economies of the Middle East and South Eastern Europe from the 13th to 20th century. Both governments were conservative and profligate in na-

sell a litre of premium motor spirit (PMS), petrol for short, for between N100 and N120 up till the time of writing this piece, and they do it with impunity. If this can happen in Lagos where a horde of NNPC, DPR, PPPRA officials exists, you can imagine some of the rural

states that do have the presence of this officialdom. President Buhari should act fast lest Nigerians begin to have a rethink of the trust they imposed in you. Adekunle Macaulay, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

on the accuracy or even relevance of the claims he made. The helicopter in question was purchased by the state government in 2013 for N500 million and the purpose was for security surveillance. I remember when the chopper was unveiled, Diran’s vanquished principal, Senator Iyiola Omisore, accused the government of buying the helicopter for N7 billion. He was corrected then. We should ask him what will be the value today of an helicopter bought for N500 million in 2013 and how far can this go to pay the monthly wage bill of N3.6 billion and the arrears of N21.6 billion? From finding from the state and aviation industry, the chopper has been leased out and generating income for the state in a prudent economic decision and is recalled for use only on need basis. The delay in salary payment is most unfortunate and it is our sincere hope that solution will be found soon, to the relief of all. However, this idea of the opposition using it to score cheap political point is deplorable, cynical and amounts to mocking the workers and other affected victims. Dele Akinyemi, Ilesa, Osun State.

ture - unwillingness to accept changes. A great deal of resources that would have been spent on defence, education and public works were used to satisfy the alimentary purposes of our government officials and their retinue of aides, while at the Ottoman Empire, it was used to satisfy the carnal and bacchanal desires of the Sultanate. Reactions have continued to trail the PDP-led fallen house, the occupants of the fallen house have described it as a contrived plot, while majority of Nigerians described it as “freedom from torture”. PDP, as a green horn in opposition politics, are yet to come to terms with their latest status, neither have they taken up the challenge of their present status. Even before the official hand over, internal bickering and frustrated egos have taken over. Leaders are up in arms against leaders in the party. It has been a gale of defections, blame games and resignations. What hope for the opposition? Can a party that has almost been relegated to a regional party play the role of a formidable opposition? The chickens are back home to roost. I pray they would be able to rise from political infamy and begin the process of building a formidable house that can take over the reins of power in future. Joe Onwukeme, unjoeratedjoe@gmail.com

For Sam Amuka Pemu @ 80

ast Saturday June 13, Nigeria and indeed the entire world joined Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu, the publisher of Vanguard newspapers as he turned 80 and thus become a member of the Octogenarian Club. I felicitate with the entire members of staff and the satyagrapha, doyen and authentic Moses of the Vanguard Family and post modern Africa journalism, Mr Amuka on the auspicious occasion of this great day. The poet, Edmund Burke said that ‘the heights reached by great men were not reached and attained by sudden fight. They toiled all night whilst others slept.” Sam Amuka Pemu has toiled all the night and is thus worthy of being celebrated. Congratulations and wish you many more of this happy and glorious moment. Chief Bobson Gbinije, Mandate Against Poverty, Warri.

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.

Friday, June 19, 2015

WEEKEND STARTERS

Female Hollywood stars with Nigerian roots

Arty News

Afropolitan Vibes at Freedom Park

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

Flavour P. 32-33

Your

FRIDAY

‘Coherence in Duality’ at Nike Art Gallery

n Saturday June 13th, Dipo Doherty, an engineer turned visual artist present his exhibition ‘Coherence in Duality’ at Nike Art Centre. Coherence in Duality showcases a diverse body of works ranging from paintings to sculpture. Doherty’s works are modern, elaborate and evocative with a touch of African and Easter influences.

Annie Ngozi Ilonzeh

Sophie Okonedo

Uzo Aduba Uzo was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Bigerian parents. She graduated from high school in 1999 and attended Boston University where she studied classical voice. She is known for her role as Suzzane “Crazy Eyes” Warren on the TV show Orange is the New Black for which she won the 2014 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series and the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series. She has also featured in movies like Pearly Gates, How to Live Like a Lady and others.

Carmen Ejogo Ejogo is British actress and singer. Her father is Nigerian and her mother is Scottish but she was born and raised in London. Her film credits include What’s the Worst That Could Happen?, Away We Go, Sparkle, Alex Cross, The

Carmen Ejogo

Purge: Anarchy, Boycott and Selma.

Caroline Chikezie Caroline was born in England to Nigerian parents and attended boarding school in Nigeria for a while. She later on enrolled at Brunel Universities in UK to study Medicinal Chemistry but left after it was decided she was not suited for the course. She later won a scholarship to the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts. She has featured in movies like Eragon, Aeon Flux and TV series, Supernatural.

Hope Olaide Wilson Hope was born on August 16 1985 and grew up in England and Nigeria; she graduated high school at the age of 15 with honours. She is an actress and producer and has starred in movies like I Can Do Bad All By Myself, After the Dark and Faith and Dreams. Adepero Oduye She was born in Brooklyn, New York as one of seven children to Nigerian parents. She has appeared in movies like 12 years a slave, Steel Magnolias, Pariah and others. Megalyn Echikunwoke Megalyn was born in 1983 in Spokane, Washington to a Nigerian father and a Caucasian mother. She has starred in various movies and TV series like, The 4400, CSI Miami, House of Lies, Great Lengths and many more. Judi Shekoni Judi is a British actress who was

Annie was born in Texas in 1983 to a Nigerian father and American mother. She was a student at the University of Texas at Arlington. She can be seen in movies like, He’s Just Not That into You, Percy Jackson & The Olympians, the Lightening Thief, Entourage, How I met your mother, Arrow and many more.

Enuka Okuma Enuka is a Canadian actress of Nigerian descent. She is credited as a writer, actor and executive producer. She currently stars in the Canadian drama, Rookie Blue and other TV shows like 24, Grey’s Anatomy and others.

Rakie Ayola Rakie was born in Wales to a Sierra Leonean mother and a Nigerian father. She has starred in movies and TV shows like Doctor Who, Dredd, Sahara and Silent Witness. Ayola was nominated and shortlisted for the ‘Female Performance in TV’ award in the 2006 Screen Nation Awards, for her role as Kyla Tyson in Holby City. She received Honorable Mention for the same role the following year, and was shortlisted again in 2008. In 2005, WalesOnline voted Ayola the 29th sexiest woman in Wales, saying of her: “One of our favourite thesps, she’s black, beautiful and the term “yummy mummy” should have been made for her.” She placed 40th in 2008, with the Western Mail noting: “the last 15 years have only seen Rakie become more beautiful and more successful”. Ayola placed 17th in the awards in 2009.

Wunmi Mosaku Wunmi is a Nigerian born British actress. She was born in Zaria, Nigeria and moved to Manchester, England, She has appeared in Law & Order UK, Philomena, Citadel and many others.

P. 22-23

OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI

Inside FCT P. 24-25

born to a Nigerian father. She is a model and TV presenter who resides in Hollywood. She has also appeared in various movies TV shows like The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, Eastenders, Garfield 2 and others.

Here is a list of Nigerian actresses who are presently acting their way to fame and fortune in Hollywood.

Sophie is the daughter of a Nigerian father and a mother who is an Ashkenazi Jew. She was brought up in her mother’s Jewish faith and was raised by her mother after her father left them. She can be seen in movies like Hotel Rwanda, The Secret Life of Bees, Mrs Mandela and many more. She received a Golden Globe nomination for the miniseries Tsunami: The Aftermath (2006) and BAFTA TV Award nominations for the drama series Criminal Justice (2009) and the TV film Mrs. Mandela (2010). Her other film roles include Æon Flux (2005), Skin (2008) and The Secret Life of Bees (2008).

Hope

Critics

he Rastafarian disciple, Francis Goldman will be rendering Reggae vibes at Bogobiri on Saturday 20th June 2015. Is a must come for all reggae lovers. The event starts at 7pm at Bogobiri, 9, Maitama Sule Street off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Sophie Okonedo

P. 20,21

Music Concert with Francis Goldman

Uzo Aduba.

Artman

agos will be agog with music and fun as DJ Cuppy, Sunny Neji, Geoffrey, Oge Kimono and more will storm Freedom Park, Old Prison Ground, Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos Island, Lagos State on Friday 19th of June 2015. The event celebrates Afro music and is usually packed with fun and thrilling performances.

Artman In The House

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

My wonderful inspirations come He is a versatile digital photographer and visual artist of over 20 years reputed to be the second person in Nigeria to paint with oil on animal skin. Rufus Ashiru, also known as Priceless, opens up in this exclusive interview with OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI and IMOLEAYO FATUNASE about his journey into arts and his new project, Love Life Hope and the Child. EXCERPTS:

Rufus Ashiru

an we have a little peep into your life?

I am Rufus Olawole Ashiru, I was born in Ibadan, Oyo state. I spent the first ten years of my life in Ibadan; the first half of my Primary school is in Ibadan and the second half in Lagos. My family relocated to Lagos in 1983 and since then, I have been in Lagos. My university education was at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, where I studied fine art and majored in painting. Am a practicing and experimental artist, I love experimenting, like I have experimented painting with sand, painting with oil and I am currently experimenting with digital media, painting with computer and creating a scene from the scratch. I equally do photography. I am a resident artist at the Lagos State Council for Art and Culture Ikeja, Lagos. I have a company, Priceless Arts; a contemporary art center where research, production, promotion and marketing of art works. We also do cultural promotion, collaborating with art bodies to promote Nigeria arts and artists. How did you start your career? I started drawing as soon as I was able to hold a pencil. My biggest companion is what you see upstairs “the cloud”. I use to form things with the cloud, from goat to dog and so many things. Even though I couldn’t draw very well, imaginatively, I involved the cloud as my visualization centre. From there, I graduated into turning my notebook in class to drawing book. When I was in Primary two or three in 1982, I will be drawing

from the back of the class. Whenever my teacher was teaching, I will be busy drawing him or her and my classmates will be like ‘wow’ but actually, that made me retain in a class. Did that stop you from drawing? No! It further propelled me. We came to Lagos afterwards, and I continued drawing. I was good in fine art because I was around gifted kids. I always make money after Fineart classes because everybody will submit their books to me to do their assignment for them. From there, I knew I was going to be an artist because I felt in my heart that I will go to places with Art. By the time I got to Primary five, I started to do so many things peculiar to artists. What were those things you did? I learnt about radio electronics, local auto mobile engineering, and carpentry. I remember myself on returning from school, I will stop at Iyana Oworo to study people carving woods those days. I was less than 3ft tall then. From them, I learnt how to carve my own wood. From there, I could go to where I was learning carpentry and I carved my own fish. I could remember my boss sold the first fish I carved for 20 naira in the traffic and it became a major contract for my boss; I was carving, he was selling. Who supported your dream to pursue a career in Art? I was following people like Michael Angelo. I always and wanted to follow his foot path. I was also committed to drawing people’s picture no matter how long it will

take me. My dad’s image took me a year to draw though my mum was not a good fan because she always wanted me to be a surveyor. Then, the only thing artists do was to be a sign-writer so mum never liked that. My father was in support, my mum took one of the drawing then which took me a year to make and throw it in the bush when they were travelling to Ibadan. I ran some kilometers to search bushes but I could find it but I was never discouraged. What legacy do you actually love to use Art be remembered for? I love to use my Art to promote charity and education because I didn’t find it very easy going to school. There was a time I was listening to the radio, and the late MEE Mofe Damijo was being interviewed to raise funds for a woman “Princess Harcourt” whose body was burnt with acid. I pitied her. I didn’t have any money but I made up my mind to donate an art work. I couldn’t paint but a bought a big cardboard and spent four weeks trying to paint a concept. After painting it, I framed it with glass and took it to Opebi, Ikeja where MEE Mofe Damijo’s Classic Magazine was then. What was her reaction? That woman was the most pleasant woman I ever saw. She looked at the artwork and invited me for the Old People’s party and make a public presentation. So I went to make the presentation and you know, MEE became my friend. By the time I presented the painting, and met the foundation members, I was interested and I started attending their meeting. I saw princess Harcourt and her daughter, eventually her face was fixed. When was the first time you did a public exhibition? It was a charity exhibition in conjunction with MEE and few of my university colleagues. We had it at Sheraton hotel gala room, and it was amazing. That was the first time I was able to exhibit in public, and it was the first time I was painting with oil on canvass. I challenged myself to paint in oil,

“Since we could not raise financial support from corporate organizations

to support the project, we are about to

launch our premier website, an internet

portal, which would be a charity gallery, project gallery, which would give

everybody an opportunity to buy original artworks”

Priceless painting

I didn’t have money but I managed the little tools I had and produced four. From there, I have done exhibitions in Belgium, and twice in London. Was that the turning point in your career? Yes! I sold everything mostly in dollars and that was when my mother had a paradigm shift. She would be boasting ‘my son is an artiste’ (laughs). So from there on, I was encouraged to think better of myself, I was actually encouraged to believe that dreams do come true. I have always been a dreamer. That singular success gave me the assurance that ‘if you can dream it you can touch it’. Did your training in school propel you to be entrepreneurial? Of course yes! Thank God for the approach to the training of Fine Arts students at Ife; you are trained to be experimental, you are trained to be self discovered, you know, self discovering and you are trained to see it as an ongoing process. Up till now, I experiment in media, styles and techniques. I think that started in our final year, we were taught in artistic synthesis. We are given the room to blend different sources of styles, techniques and materials together to create a novelty, So what gave birth to your new project, Love, Life, Hope and the Child? It was the time I became a Corper. I had a major awareness; I got in touch with many young Northern children in the cold, who had nothing! No school, nothing! I was moved with compassion and I was like look, if these children could get education then their lives can change, that then gave birth to Love, Life, Hope and the Child. I went to the UNICEF office in Yola and the then UNICEF Director Musa Saratu, gave me approval but without finances. I didn’t have enough courage to pursue the project. We also tried with Zamfara State Government, but it just didn’t work out. Ever since then, I have been reinventing the project What is your philosophy is embarking on the project since most artists go into to Art mainly to make money?

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Artman In The House

Friday, June 19, 2015

when I’m in toilet –Rufus Ashiru One of his works

Oshodi digital art work

To me, Art itself is not about doing exhibitions and making money. It’s just a means to an end. A lot of people wait till they are rich before they can give out what they have but I thought about it; why don’t you give what you have before you can be who you want to be financially? So I thought ‘wouldn’t it be nice to have Art help develop community, lives? So I decided to work on those at-risk children who I discovered are everywhere even in the so called metropolitan city, that is, those children who are at risk of perishing in ignorance and poverty. So why not focus on them and use the medium of art to sustain them? I believe Art is priceless but I believe ‘a child’s destiny is even more priceless’ so if we can take Art to the realm of making lives meaningful, for example how the likes of MEE Mofe Damijo and others changed lives in their time using whatever they had to help people. Which is why presently, I have not been exhibiting commercially. Exhibiting for money and exposure is good but what about, a human driven humanitarian exhibition that can change lives of children who are future leaders and by default changing tomorrow? Thus giving an opportunity to children who otherwise are erased by poverty and the insensitivity of what’s going on in our society. How far have you gone with the project? Right now, Love, life and the Child has grown to become a team of like minds including respected individuals like Mr Tunde Kelani, Dr Kunle Filani, who are working for the same goal of helping the children in the society to live their dreams and empower them by using the tools of, art, poetic recitation, drama, painting, and to ginger support from the society. We are giving the society the opportunity where volunteers from all

facet of life would be giving their artworks in exchange for that which is invaluable which is education. The future of a single child cannot be quantified. No matter how valuable your talent is, if you give it away as a charitable offering, you are going to give somebody something more valuable. How has it been getting funds for the project? So far so good we have been facing challenges in the area of sponsorship but we are not giving up. Since we could not raise financial support from corporate organizations for the project, we are about to launch our premier website, an internet portal which would be a charity gallery, project gallery, which would give everybody an opportunity to buy original artworks. It would also give people the opportunity for people to choose a child and sponsor the child educationally; we hope that this awareness would create movement in Nigeria for people to trade their profession for building other peoples destiny because there should be conjugative part to everybody’s life. What are your hobbies, likes, dislikes, and best meals? I like watching action films, travelling; sticking my head out from the window, I love travelling. I love seeing places, meeting people and having a long gist with strangers. I love Calabar cuisines, Igbo meals and generally swallow foods and vegetables. I love any movie which has a lot of science fictions, animations, cartoons, graphics and film tricks. Mostly films shot in an enclosure but the aid of graphic and computer to generate an artificial made belief. What is your relationship with books? I love reading, I have a library with about hundred books, people that I love

reading their books include Myles Munroe, Les Brown, Jim Rohn, and Bishop Oyedepo. But my best author is Bishop Oyedepo and my best of his book is titled “Ruling your world” which talks about been practical and spiritual and the book has really helped me Do you get inspiration from books? I don’t really get inspirations from books, only if the book is related to my field. I get my inspiration from humanity, looking around me, nature, what people do, animal behavior, weather, season, time and most ridiculous one is that I get inspiration in the toilet. Most of the wonderful inspiration is that which I have got when I was in the toilet What about fashion? I like good things classy, smart, acceptable and moderate, I don’t like flamboyance. I mentor so am careful with what I wear because leadership is by example. So I live by what am trying to lead. This fashion race is too fast unlike before that for two years, a fashion style can still be in existence so I just wear something that will outlast the moment. Am pretty still with fashion but I love good shoes. Identity is directly linked to culture when it comes to the matter of Adire and English dresses. I think we will go back to identity because some of us has lost our identity in the of name of civilization. There is nothing wrong in dressing to universal standard but you can infuse our Adire and local fabrics to the contemporary and we can do what we call artistic synthesis when you merge new style with old material or old material to new style. It will be nice to merge our local fabric to new styles which a lot of people are doing now, am a big fan and I subscribe to it. How do you think photography can solve some of the problems in our society? You see in photography, one picture can say better than what a thousand pages of written books can say; you know picture speaks louder than text. What you want to say in a three hour symposium can be said in a five minutes display of a picture, so as far as a communication is concerned, get-

To me, Art itself is not about doing exhibitions and making money. It’s just a means to an end. A lot of people wait till they are rich before they can give out what they have

In London

ting to the human mind, pictures are the fastest. Photography can be used for advocacy, training, it can be used to create awareness, photography is a very valuable and effective tool put into the right use. I think more than ever before, this is the right time photography is most needed. I also think photography should be implored in every aspect of life, wealth, education. We are doing it already because this Montessori education is partly visual. In fact, it is more visual than literal, especially to the illiterate, who can’t read but when you express it in pictures, they would read it well. To the outside world, it is not what is written that is recognized, it is the pictures that is projected. So this era is the era of imagery, the networked era of internet and networking with people, you can network with over ten million people in a second projecting the right pictures to those people about situations, personality, products and services, you know would go a long way in projecting information. I am a strong believer in the power of photography.

In the office

Critics

MUSIC

Friday, June 19, 2015

Olamide’s Melo Melo

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

With this song and video, Olamide has stressed his skills in the indigenous hiphop form. Olawale Oluwadahunsi

usic generally has respect for its many genres especially folk because beliefs say it is deeply rooted in cultural contexts which exposits hidden meanings. True or not, I don’t care but whatever reason Olamide dropped his ‘act’ for this coy representation, sure looks like a step in the right direction. Actually, this is the first of Olamide materials that will earn him deserving recognition globally. Any painstakingly Olamide observer will definitely know that the rapper quite has a penchant for fast paced up-tempo dance tracks, which he seemed to have obtained a doctorate degree in; an obvious testimony of his single story for the gods, attests to this fact. But the Durosoke crooner takes everyone by surprise his vocals quite harmoniously with the beat of the song, showing mastery of the language and talent in telling the love themed plot of the song. The song eulogizes a beau who stands by him in difficult times as opposing the ‘for better for stay, for worse, for go’ principle of many new generation ladies. One keeps asking the question: Can such love be found among many ladies today? Well, maybe Ol-

BOOK

amide knows that its answer well enough as he vocalises his experience, which is why he celebrates his woman with Mele melo, meaning can I count how

many of such (sufferings) that you have gone through with me? Melo Melo video tones down complexities to very simple

Road to nationhood

Chido Onumah’s book of essays on the country’s tortuous road to democracy is apt at this time of our nationhood. Bassey Nnimmo

Olamide

t must be said right away that this 460page book is a work of passion and deep concern for all who live in the geographical contours that define Nigeria. It is an unrelenting critique of the political class as well as the deep display of disappointment that we keep moving in circles without paying heed to the lessons that are thrown at us. The critical praise for the book, the foreword by Hafsat Abiola-Costello, the preface by Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, the prologue by Anthony Akinola, the introduction by Yakubu Aboki Ochefu and the author’s note speak volume about what the reader is to expect from this collection of essays. Divided into five sections, four of which are prefaced by poems by Chiedu Ezeanah, the first section deals with June 12 and the Democratic Alternative, the second deals with Heroes and Villainswhile the third section is on Matters Miscellaneous. The fourth section zeroes in on the subject of the book, Nigeria is Negotiable, while the last section looks at the next political games and gives away the author’s lack of faith in the processes from its very title, 2015 and all that jazz. Taking Nigeria is Negotiable as just another compilation of articles will be erroneous. Just like Chido Onumah displayed in his Time to Reclaim Nigeria, this is a serious addition to the library of contemporary Nigerian history. The good thing about this book is that whereas historians crave the impression of being disinterested in their subjects, this tome

does not pretend to be an impartial analysis of our fetid political history. Nor could any serious writer of fact or fiction afford that luxury except such a writer is part of the cohort immersed in what Chido calls sick intellectualism. Anyone who has personally lived through the period of coverage of the articles that form this book will find it a brutal reminder of the repeated cycles of rot that has passed for politics over the last decades. Sections one and two are brutal renditions of the patently sick era of direct military dictatorship in Nigeria with the earliest article dated 1993. To appreciate and accurately understand this book, the reader must step back and take in the larger picture of what makes states and statesmen behave the way they do. Beyond the military dictators Babangida, Abacha, Abubakar and Obasanjo (especially in his first stint

The title, Nigeria is Negotiable, shows the author’s complete rejection of the notion that anything about the geographic expression called

Nigeria is set

in concrete and cannot or must not be negotiated

in the state house) we must of necessity see the systemic superstructure that made their ascendancy and sustenance in power possible. That same system has sustained the largely cash-and-carry politics that pervade Nigeria to this day. The book chronicles and analyses the numbing realities that we have had to live through, including the phantom coups, the utter disregard for human life manifested in unresolved murders such as that of Dele Giwa, Chief Bola Ige and Chief Alfred Rewane among others, as well as the convenient deaths of Shehu Yar’Adua and M.K.O. Abiola. The murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola is one of the most notorious smears on the history of political/ military leadership in Nigeria. And quite rightly, despite attempts to sweep the dastardly murder under the carpet, the struggle for justice in that regard goes on to this day. The book reminds us of the assault on human rights activists and returns repeatedly to the murder of four Ogoni chiefs followed by the brutal hanging of Ken SaroWiwa and eight Ogoni leaders. The manner in which the Ogoni environment, the entire Niger Delta environment and the environment of the entire nation has succumbed to the powers of multinational companies and the corrupt and corrupting power of capital speaks volume. This chronicle of our sordid history should not make you merely cringe as you read, but angry enough to stand up and demand answers to pertinent questions. The title, Nigeria is Negotiable, shows the author’s complete rejection of the notion that

Book cover anything about the geographic express i o n called Nigeria is set in concrete and cannot or must not be negotiated. We are reminded that the Nation was cobbled together by the colonialists in 1914 without as much as a consultation of the various ethnic nations living in the territory about whether and how they wish to live together and under what system. The painful reality is that ever since then the political leaders have pandered to the desires of the erstwhile colonial masters in subtle and in not so subtle ways. With these and the deep reflections presented in this book we completely agree with Chido Onumah that it is foolhardy for anyone to say that we cannot interrogate and even negotiate Nigeria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

The song eulogises a beau who stands by him in difficult times as opposed to the

‘for better for stay; for worse, for go’ principle of many ladies

Critics

Friday, June 19, 2015

TELEVISION

Digital migration: Lessons from Tanzania Digital migration is sweeping across the television industry in the world; what can Nigeria gain from StarTimes’ pioneering role in in Tanzania? Ngozi Emedolibe

ince the International Telecommunication Union, ITU, set 2015 for the entire broadcasting stations in the world to go digital, it has become one of the challenges in the television industry, especially in Africa. Digitisation is the current trend in broadcasting and it simply means digitalisation of signal source, broadcasting system, transmission and terminal products. It brings to bear many benefits such as: it promotes social development; frees up more frequencies for other communication services; provides increased opportunities for innovation and creativity asides quality image, sound clarity and interactive communication. There are challenges around digitalisation which includes but not limited to: Capital-intensity and Technology-intensity and clearly, there are issues around Africa Digital TV Development. StarTimes, the fastest growing digital TV operator in Africa, that has gained recognition amongst African leaders, is assisting to ensure that the African continent and media development progresses to the next level in digital television broadcasting as it is evident in the successful digital transformation of Tanzania. StarTimes, is now the solid partner to Africa in her effort to migrate from analogue to digital. With the expiration of the analogue era around the corner, many African countries are still not ready, but Tanzania beat other African countries to it after partnering and attributing their success to StarTimes. Tanzania started the process of analogue to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) in 2006, when it amended its broadcasting laws to accommodate digital broadcasting; this was after the announcement by the International Telecommunication Union which found many Af-

forms. Olamide’s combo of a biker’s jac, plain white tee and fedora evens out into a classic bespoke look. This adds a corresponding connection to the low tempo melody the song travels with, thus making the video more adorable to watch as it creates harmony. The rapper was obviously well styled. The lighting is mostly dim and sometimes interwoven with dramatic flashes for effect; quite simple and engulfing enough to keep an ardent music lover in his/her seat from start to finish. This is actually what can launch his music into international breakthrough to especially many observers who do not understand his language. The dim light makes the short flick look well like a highly esteemed classical opera in a London theatre where curtains fall and open creatively after different scenes of artistic display which now is performed by a very indigenous rapper of Yoruba descent. He sings all through in this track, keeping his rap verses at bay. Sounds from the harmonizing blend of Western strings and local percussion transcends the mind to a place of soliloquy as depicted in the monologue which Olamide delivers in grand spectacle. However, legendary 9ice or the budding Kiss Daniel’s velvety voice serenading the chorus instead of the YBNL Boss’ won’t obviously be a bad idea as it will adorn the song with more class, not to imagine of adding an Asa’s jazz prowess to amplify the song’s status by crooning a verse of the song. This especially is what I would recommend for a remix, a more classical, jazzlike rhythm; even though few verses of rap won’t add sansan to the garri of the beautifully rendered parent song. There are also flashes of white ballet dancers sashaying in rhythmic sync to the music, giving a dramatic representation of the love song. How thoughtful of the director for this initiative, making the video more appealing to the eyes of many creative minds. It’s unusual, it’s soft, and it’s simply beautiful. Thumbs up to Moe Musa on this one! Inset; At 5th African Digital TV summit

rican countries unprepared to undertake the required task of migration. Tanzania however started the Analogue Switch Over on 31st December 2012 and completed 30th April, 2015 when all analogue television transmitters were switched off. Narrating the successful transition process in Beijing, China, at the 5th edition of the yearly African Digital TV Development Seminar, organized by StarTimes, Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Fenella Mukangara, said, “We merged with StarTimes so it was very possible to have a company which was dedicated specifically for that purpose and funding obtained through StarTimes and they managed to sort everything out; otherwise it was not a very easy task. I also want to thank StarTimes for the good work in the digital transformation. My Government will continue to support StarTimes in order to continue rolling out digital services in the country including our processes for content development”. The minister also pointed out that Tanzania fully embarked on the transition from the analogue system, through a number of investors including Star Communication Network Technology (StarTimes) from the People’s Republic of China. “In May, 2009 StarTimes formed a Joint Venture Company-STAR MEDIA (Tanzania) limited - with our Public Service Broadcaster, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC). To date Star Media, Digital Television Broadcasting, covers all former Analogue serviced (Fifteen regions) including major commercial and capital cities of our country, Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, Arusha, Mwanza Tanga and others,” she said. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) began a public education roadshow in April 2011, and the country’s president launched the Digital Tanzania campaign in August 2011. Mukangara said though the process was challenging, but with support from the government and StarTimes, massive awareness and sensitization by the agency in charge, they were able to complete switchover ahead of the June 17, 2015 deadline. “Our Government through the Tanzania Com-

All African countries must embrace this digital move fast and borrow a leaf from

Tanzania as

digital data takes up less bandwidth

munications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has allowed introduction of DTH to complement the DTT services. With that, Tanzania is now having 100% digital signal coverage using DTT and DTH. I’m glad to inform this meeting that, Tanzania has managed to have smooth and successful migration from analogue to digital television ahead of the set ITU deadline of 17th June, 2015,” she said. She also said that in the process of migration, the government of Tanzania provided tax reliefs, among other incentives, for the importation of Set- Top- Boxes (STB). To date, nearly One million (1,000,000) set top boxes (STBs) have been sold to the citizens and Tanzania currently enjoys about 51 digital channels; a feat which was impossible in the analogue period. All African countries must embrace this digital move fast and borrow a leaf from Tanzania as digital data takes up less bandwidth, meaning more channels can be broadcast at the same time; it enables viewers to get more TV channels more conveniently; gives viewers much more choice in what they watch and allows for follow-up channels which broadcast the same programmes. Tanzania has clearly achieved a lot in its digital transition programme. “Experience from my country shows that the analogue to digital transformation has enabled many Tanzanians and overseas investors to be awarded new television broadcasting licenses. To-date, there are more than 28 television channels and TCRA, is receiving new applications for content provision licenses, a demand which was not there during the analogue era,” Mukangara said. Countries across the continent have much to learn from the challenges the country has faced. Above all, Tanzania serves as a reminder that digital switchover (DSO) is primarily an exercise in changing consumer behaviour, rather than being a purely technical, regulatory or policymaking exercise. Consumer education must be a key focus of any DSO. Although StarTimes is present in many African countries and other parts of the world, the company is passionate about Nigeria. According to the President of StarTimes, Mr Pang XinXing, ‘Nigeria can leverage on the support that StarTimes provide for Africa.’ He added that, ‘StarTimes is aimed at ensuring that every household in Nigeria can access digital TV, afford digital TV, watch digital TV and enjoy digital TV.’

Inside FCT

Thursday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cab operators groan as fuel scarcity persists Marcus Fatunmole

he number of commercial cab operators who specialise in “drop” in the Federal Capital Territory dropped by at least two-third, while acute shortage of fuel scarcity in the city lasted, Inside FCT findings revealed. Fortunately for the city’s residents who face challenge of inadequate means of transportation as the sun of each working day rises, the motorists were not out of the roads, they only swapped to join their colleagues dealing in “along” in the nation’s capital. Two types of taxis operate in Abuja; one is that which conveys a passenger, or a group of persons who agree to board the vehicle to a particular destination. The cab operator charges according to the distance he covers. And, the fare is usually open to bargaining by the passengers. Another type of taxi in the FCT is the one that plies major designated roads, where passengers are picked on the roads and fares are determined according to distance covered. This type is by far cheaper than “drop”, but it is less comfortable. For instance, while a passenger on “drop” usually sits at the owner’s seat and relishes the comfort such period of journey gives him, a passenger on “along” could be among the four passengers that usually sit at the back of “along” vehicles. Discomfort usually characterizes such journeys, no matter how short the drive is. Inside FCT observation in the city showed that it was very difficult to get “drop” cars since getting fuel was a herculean task in the city for motorists. For instance, a “drop” car could only increase fares for all his passengers by at most 50 percent because of fuel scarcity. That means a driver earning N400 from a particular distance might not get beyond N600 when fuel was not available in Abuja. Drivers operating “along” could double what they had hitherto charged over same fuel dearth.

Taxi park

For instance, a distance where “along” drivers had charged N50 could increase to N100 without much protest or bargaining from the passengers; whereas, passengers who used to pay N400 on “drop” would refuse to pay beyond N600 on “drop” vehicles. For almost four months, residents of the nation’s capital have laboured to fuel their motor tanks. Fuel price doubled, street urchins were everywhere on the city’s streets, selling in their jerry cans at very exorbitant prices. Aisha Mahmud works with one of the leading private institutions in the city. Her work requires her to dispatch letters and other materials to her clients. She goes with “drop” to ensure hitch-free and prompt delivery of her messages. She was the first to speak with our correspondent. She said: “Everybody cannot go with ‘along’ even though it is cheaper. We move across this city for different reasons. It has been difficult for me to get cabs like before. Now, I will have to wait

for more than ten minutes before I see the cabs. Before, they were everywhere. It wasn’t difficult to get them.” Aisha has however found a way of dealing the problem. She engaged an operator whom she called each time she wanted to do her work. But, not all drivers would use their vehicles for “drop” a commercial driver, Funsho Omoseebi told Inside FCT. He said: “It is true that you make more money from ‘along’ but that will not tempt me to use my car for it. ‘Along’ spoils cars easily. Most passengers are impatient and careless. The way they bang your door, fling it and dirty everywhere with their shoes; you would have to make do with whatever you earn from ‘drop’. “I have worked as a ‘drop’ driver for

over seven years in this city, not for once have I done that. And, I will not begin to do that now,” he added. Besides, Omoseebi informed our correspondent that it was not often beneficial to work as “along” driver as people assumed. According to him, whenever there are many passengers in a vehicle, there could be disagreements between occupants of the vehicle, including the driver. He furthered that the occupants too could contract communicable disease from whoever has such a sickness in the vehicle. Whereas, the fuel crisis has ceased, residents appealed to the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari to sustain the trend to enable them and other citizens enjoy the promised “change.”

For almost four months, residents of the nation’s capital have laboured to fuel their motor tanks

Day Christians, Muslims united for peace in FCT Joel Ajayi

o fewer than 1,000 Muslim faithful and other religion members from all walks of life within and beyond the Federal Capital Territory were in attendance on June 6, when religious faith known as Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria held its first National Peace Symposium and its 4th Northern region Jalsa Tarbiya Conference on teaching of Islamic education and moral training. This drive and passion for peaceful coexistence amongst religious faiths takes centre stage at different for a; it was a day when many religious leaders, followers gathered at the International Conference Centre ICC, in FCT to disappoint many people that say, the idea of inter-faith harmony, peace and unity is far from accomplished in Nigeria. However, Nigeria as a country believed

to be a multi-religious, multi-ethnic nation, not a secular state. Peace is no doubt necessary for development. No society can really attain its economic and political heights when the ingredients of peace, harmony are nowhere to be found. It has therefore, become imperative that any state, city, town of Nigeria that aspires to be great, must as a matter of necessity tow the path of peace among its people whether multi religious or multi- ethnic. Indeed, the symposium organised by Ahamadiyya group, is one of the ways of bringing back the needed peace to the coun-

try which was well-attended by representatives of the Muslim, Christian, Judaism Humanist, amongst other, with the theme; “Religion, Peace and National Unity.” A well articulated explanation from different clerics on the purpose of religion; links between religion and peace as well as how religion can promote unity in our society. Also, the clerics used the medium to preach and teach how to promote the spirit of friendship, inter faith understanding, good peaceful co-existence and spiritual, moral rejuvenation. In his keynote address, Amir Sahib,

Fashola, therefore urged Nigerians to re-double their efforts in removing all obstacles that will lead to misunderstanding of religion

At the event in Abuja

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Inside FCT

Thursday, June 19, 2015

Bulldozers demolish ‘illegal’ structures in Kubwa Rotimi Fadeyi

his is not the first time that demolition of illegal structures would take place in Kubwa but the last demolition exercise particularly at the Phase 2, Site 1 area of the satellite town of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was such that it brought pains and great losses to those affected. Although some of the structures that were pulled down by the bulldozers had been marked at different times for demolition, the affected residents did not prepare for the demolition at that time as they were said to still be in the process of resolving the matter with the relevant authorities. Before the demolition exercise, whenever officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) come around for inspection, any building discovered to have been erected illegally is not only marked, the date of the marking is also written on the building while photograph showing the marking which is an X sign as well as the date are taken and kept by the officials for record purposes. This process may be repeated at various intervals covering a long period of time sometimes spanning some months or even a year before the demolition squad would move in for the demolition exercise. These are early warning signals which served as adequate notice over a period of time for the affected residents to vacate the building before the demolition squad move into action. On this particular day the demolition exercise took place, The demolition squad was said to have arrived during the earlier part of the day when workers had gone to work while those who were at home quickly salvaged some of their properties. Some of the buildings that fell under the power of the bulldozer include churches, shops as well as make shift kiosks put up by some people where they carry out petty trading to earn a living.

Scene of the demolition

Infact some even use the shops and kiosks for residential as well as business purposes. The affected residents said the painful thing about the demolition exercise was that in some of the houses, there are nursing mothers with children and babies with their breadwinners and rely on family members for care and their upkeep while some elderly people were also rendered homeless. They had to hurriedly look for houses of family members or relatives who live near or even far and who may be able

to accommodate them and bear the inconveniences for the period of time that they would be able to find another accommodation. According to some of the residents whose buildings went down, there were allegations by the FCT officials that the affected buildings had encroached on areas which were not legally allocated. One of the affected residents, who simple gave his name as Kola told Inside FCT that though officials had marked the house for demolition, his agent was trying to resolve the matter before the

Some of the buildings that fell under the power of the bulldozer include

churches, shops as well as make shift kiosks put up by people to earn a living

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr.Mashhud Fashola, noted that, the essence of this gathering is to preach and to teach members of Jama’at and the public with moral and religious education on ways of becoming exemplary role model in every aspect life, particularly national leadership. Having quoted the Holy books of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, he encouraged Nigerians to understand that all of the world’s major religions come from the same source. He said: “Ignorance, a major misfortune, accounts for much of the so-called religious crises in Nigeria, and it is only the light of knowledge that can dispel the ignorance pervading the land, part of which accounts for the thinking that religion is the problem. “The purpose of religion is sought to develop and promote the attainment of piety and nearness to God and religion should

not be used as a tool of violence but a tool for national development. “No one can call himself a true Muslim or Christian, if he fails to have firm faith in the mission of all prophets of God. The position of other religions faith is thesame. Fashola, therefore urged Nigerians to redouble their effort in removing all obstacles and avenues that will lead to misunderstanding of religions and tolerate one another. One of clerics at the event was, His Grace Most Revd Oche Job, Methodist Cathedral of Unity,Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, he noted that Christianity, Islamic and others religions seems to be one saying that the greatest problem in this country was lack of knowledge According to him, religion is just a vehicle through which, we mankind reach God today, the greatest problem in this country was lack of knowledge, The earlier we eradicate this in Nigeria the better for

demolition team came to carry out the demolition exercise. “I rented a two bedroom in the affected building about two years ago and my rent has not even expired before the house was demolished, although the officials had marked the building but before we could resolve the matter, they came with bulldozer”, Kola said . Another affected resident, Sunday Idowu said he just moved into the house few months before the demolition, adding that he paid rent in excess of one year. “I have just moved into the house shortly before the demolition and I don’t even have money to pay rent for another accommodation but am making plans to recover the rent from the agent so that I will look for another accommodation” “It is very painful, it was like a dream, the incident has really brought a lot of issues that I did not plan for and it really dis-organised me but I know I will pull through”, Idowu said.

all, we need religion tolerance, never look down on one religion As for National President progressive Judaism, Dr. Isreal Abido he said Regardless of what name we may use to refer to this higher power, and regardless of our different places of worship, the fact remains that we all look to the same God. “If armed with this knowledge, we will then, be able to search for uniting commonalities, when we encounter new and different peoples, rather than keep divisive differences in mind, thus allowing us to truly work towards a culture of peace.” Some of clerics of who graced the occasion include: Deputy National leader Northern Region, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Catholic Arch Bishop Dioceses of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Dr.Y.A Habbeb Parish priest, Catholic Arch Diocese of Abuja Rev.Fr. Willy Ojukwu, and Isreal Abido, National President, Progressive Judaism.

Mirror Mongers

Hurricane Okowa

Majek at Yaba

bviously, Delta State is sharing some effects with Lagos State. However, since the one in Delta is largely unexpected, we would classify the whole effect as ‘Hurricane Okowa’, reminiscent of the sweeping effect of hurricanes. Beginning with Lagos, MM gathered that things are not ‘very rosy’ between the new governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and the immediate past governor, Raji Fashola. Though the twosome may not even be aware of it, the buzz in Alausa circles is that the new governor is dismantling the ‘structures’ laid by Fashola to the extent that he even relieved Fashola’s sister of her position as a top shot in one of the agencies of government (as if she is supposed to be there for eternity). Busybodies are however attributing the new development to an old feud that had existed prior to this period between the two heavy weights. In Delta, it is still the same. A few days to the handover on May 29, MM learnt that the state’s Accountant General vanished into thin air, a bid that was meant to forestall any further withdrawals from the state’s treasury. The man was so ‘unavailable’ that all his lines were switched off.

Delta State Governor

Now barely two weeks into the new government, led by Ifeanyi Okowa, apprehension seems to be ruling the state, especially amongst appointees of former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, because the new governor, is set to dissolve all state government agencies and parastatals too. MM learnt that Governor Okowa had last week directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Festus Ovie Agas, to prepare a memo dissolving the agencies and parastatals in the state. The move is seen as a way of getting back at the former governor, whose relationship with Okowa turned sour prior to the last PDP governorship primaries in the state.

The Tabansi effect

Tabansi

t was a tumultous gathering on Saturday 6th June, 2015 as Sir Geoffrey T.N Tabansi celebrated his 60th Birthday and retirement form the civil service. The former director in the Federal Ministry of lands in charge of Acquisition and Compensations bowed out of service on Friday

ONE-SECOND &

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Friday, June 19, 2015

With

CHRIS ANYANWU

5th of June, 2015 after a meritorious service to his father land. During a thanksgiving service at All Saints Church, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, the officiating priest extolled the virtues of Sir Tabansi, whom he said was ‘reserved and responsible’ and worthy to be emulated, being an ‘extra ordinary man with extra ordinary character’. The reception which held at Top Rank Galaxy Hotel, Abuja, had family members, friends and well wishers converging to pay homage to the man they consider a technocrat per excellence. MM, of course, wondered why there were so many people at the event, but it soon cleared when it unfolded that Tabansi helped in the formulation of the National Land Policy in Nigeria aside creating three directorates for the Ministry of Lands. The knight of St. John in the Anglican Diocese of Oji River in Enugu, Tabansi, is married to Lady Uju Christie.

The sexual Oﬀences Bill has been generating a lot of debates aside criticisms for the 7th National Assembly. One of the proponents of the bill, Senator Chris Anyanwu reacts to the issue:

Majek Fashek

end Down the Rain? No, if it is Majek Fashek, you might need to send down the money, if that will be possible. The reggae crooner who is a shade of his old self was in Yaba, Lagos last week and the buzz is not palatable at all. Although Majek prefers to call his problem spiritual, many people believe it could be ‘cured’ with rehabilitation. In this respect, one of his band boys is championing a worthy cause for Majek, and this would involve people making

donations towards the emancipation of Fashek. The last time this attempt was made, the musician almost inked a deal with a record label but things soon turned awry. This reminds MM of this popular quote by Majek Fashek: “The truth is that you can’t be on the human level and give the message. The humans are looking up to you, so you must be super- human to live up to their expectations”.

Democratic evangelism by Melaye

he circumstances that upturned the permutations of the All Progressives Congress, APC at the National Assembly leadership elections are coming out bit by bit. And while explaining it during a programme on AIT, Senator Dino Melaye, who challenged everyone to come up with evidence that he has done a government contract before, used the expression ‘democratic evangelism’ to describe it. The senator, by the doctrine of his ‘democratic evangelism’ said that the APC should even be thanking them for being there to represent them, when PDP had all the opportunity in the world to snatch the Senate Presidency with only 20 members of the APC available at the session. As part of ‘democratic evangelism’, Melaye also divulged that the jumbo pay he and Senator Ben Bruce are canvassing against is also pitching them against some of their colleagues. He specifically said that one senator recently confronted him to say that he should stop ‘pouring sand into their garri’. Hmmm.

Dino Meleye

’s What’s your take on Prof Soyinka Offences Bill?

position about the Sexual

from: moral fibre, good conknow where that fury comes science, and love of people. the very same sentiments I want to assure you that it was that bill and the same sentiments that drove me to come up with to pass it. that led senators and members k as the voice of reason in As always, your aim was to spea I ety. I know you meant well. our increasingly confused soci p compassion for Nigerians and know you acted out of your dee as I read your open letter, my fatherly love for the children. But dear Baba, my dear icon, you heart sank because this time, my are wrong; very wrong. misinformation circulated by You have been misled by the comprehend a legal draft. someone who could not read or

Friday, June 19, 2015 2 Ramadan, 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

Qolşärif Mosque, Russia Originally, the mosque was built in the Kazan Kremlin in the 16th century. It was named after Qolşärif, who served there. Qolşärif died with his numerous students while defending Kazan from Russian forces in 1552. It is believed that the building featured minarets, both in the form of cupolas and tents. Its design was traditional for Volga Bulgaria, although elements of early Renaissance and Ottoman architecture could have been used as well. In 1552, during the storming of Kazan it was destroyed by Ivan The Terrible. Kul sharif.jpg Tatar scholars speculate as to whether some elements of Qolşärif Mosque can be seen in Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow (8 minarets, a central cupola, not typical for Russian architecture). Since 1996 the mosque has been rebuilt in Kazan Kremlin, although its look is decisively modern. Its inauguration on July 24, 2005 marked the beginning of celebrations dedicated to the Millennium of Kazan. It can accommodate 6,000 worshipers. Several countries contributed to the fund that was set up to rebuild Qolşärif Mosque, namely Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Qolşärif is considered to be one of the most important symbols of Tatar aspirations.[citation needed] Nowadays the mosque predominantly serves as a museum of Islam. At the same time during the major Muslim celebrations thousands of people gather there to pray. The Qolşärif complex was envisioned to be an important cornerstone of Kazan’s architectural landscape. Besides the main mosque building it includes a library, publishing house and Imam’s office.

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

Competing for good deeds in Ramadan 28

that are permissible without 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

Ramadan is a shield 29

glances observant. Approach men with due courtesy. 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:

Quoted from: Principles of Leadership 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

Striving for revolutionary selfreformation (2) 29

Call to Worship

2 Ramadan, 1436 Friday, June 19, 2015

Competing for good deeds in Ramadan

s we thank almighty Allah for making us witness another Ramadan and start competing in doing good deeds, we must learn to allow Ramadan pass through us. Quite interesting how many hitherto “unserious” Muslims suddenly became so serious with the needy receiving help left, right and centre. Unfortunately, the message of Ramadan tends to get drowned out soon after Ramadan. The world will be a better place if the spirit of Ramadan stays with us throughout the year. Let us give less attention to materialistic tendencies.

Come to think of it, human needs are insatiable and if care is not taken, we will continue to keep chasing the world to the detriment of the Hereafter. Ramadan is here to liberate us from this. We must take a break and do proper reflection. We need to devote more time to the reading, reflecting on and following the teachings of the Qur’an. This is a good time to reflect on the direction of our lives and priorities, focusing on strengthening our relationship with Allah, the Most-High. Remember, a great and blessed month is here with

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THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah

Lawal E-mail: sakinah207@yahoo.com t: 08055102994 us, in which there is one night that is better than a thousand months, let’s keep drawing nearer to Allah. As we exercise patience, kindness and good neighbourliness in this month, we must be willing to sustain these all the time. It is a common thing for many Muslim families to stay up at night but not for worship; they waste precious time watching TV programmes hoping to win something. This blunder must be avoided as much as possible except to gain knowledge. Ramadan Kareem to our dear readers!

Investing in our girls’ education

NICEF has called for more investments in girls’ education saying getting more girls’ into school delays marriage and impacts the incidence of child marriage. According to Jean Gough, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria. Child marriage denies children the attainment of their human rights as children as it erodes the child’s rights to life, good health, education and dignity. “Girls’ education is vital because educated girls become better mothers, have fewer and healthier children and more empowered. An educated girl will have a better life, as will her family. Every additional year of schooling delays marriage.” In a release signed by Geoffrey Njoku of UNICEF’s Media and External Relations Director, he made it known that child marriage is increasing in Nigeria as the Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS 4) 2011, shows that there is a five per cent increase in the number of girls married before age 15. It was 13 per cent in 2007 and MICS 2011 indicates it is now 18 per cent. Studies link child marriage to maternal mortality, school drop-out, Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) condition and malnutrition among others. The theme for this year’s celebration of the Day of the African Child, “25 Years after the Adoption of the African Children’s Charter: Accelerat-

ing our Collective Efforts to End Child Marriage in Africa.” UNICEF is helping the government to address the challenge of ensuring all children especially girls have access to quality education The Girls’ Education Project, funded by the UK’s Department of International Development (DFID) and implemented by UNICEF, aims to get 1 million more girls into school by 2020, while at the same time, improving the quality of education. The project is helping to train female teachers through the female teachers’ service scheme and deploy them to rural areas, where the predominance of male teachers deters many parents from sending their girls to school. Another intervention under this project is the conditional cash transfer scheme which provides cash to girls to help defray some school-related costs like textbooks, uniforms and others. The project, aims to encourage parents to send their daughters to school. It is expected to reach more than 50,000 girls this year in Sokoto and Niger States. ‘Getting girls into schooling, and remain in school is particularly important in a country where 10.5 million children are out of school, and more than 60 per cent of them are girls. It is a win for everybody and has an impact on child marriage,’ said Jean Gough, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.

L-R: Alhaja Lateefah Okunnu; Alhaja Sururah AbdulMajeed and Prof. Fatimah AbdulKareem at the national discourse organised by The Companion

Some pupils of Al-Wasi Nursery and Primary School, Lagos during one of their activities marking Cultural/Children’s Day.

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Ramadan is a shield

an appears to have fallen off the track. He is cascading from frying pan into fire. Peace has become elusive. Thus, Ramadan comes every year to remind and return man to desired nature by Allah (SWT) and make him live peacefully in this world and prepare for the Hereafter. It rekindles hope for Muslims in general and the believing ones specifically that they could change themselves and their society. No normal human being can deny the fact that morality is at its lowest ebb today. We have all experienced insecurity or heard how people were helpless at gun points. No man today can predict what will happen to him or those associated with him. Observing the fast of Ramadan secures and purifies the soul of man from all pollutions like materialism, corruption, etc. It positions man as an ambassador in this world. He is not beguiled by the glittering of the world no matter how much he suffers wants. He prefers to go hungry and thirsty rather than causing fellow men any kind of pain. A man who could go hungry for thirty days for almost thirteen

Call to Worship

Friday, June 19, 2015 2 Ramadan, 1436

hours daily is qualified as a leader for others. We pray that we all see this year’s Ramadan all through. We have expected it for so long and here it is at last. It is indeed a great opportunity and privilege to witness and fast therein. Apart from many other benefits derivable in it, it is great shield from hell which is the main reason why we engage in several other worships. No sensible person wants to end up in hell. The world is actually at the brink of precipice. The end time signs are visible everywhere. So, we need the spirit and the training of Ramadan to liberate and salvage ourselves. When people are not conscious of the reality of afterlife, they misbehave and act satanically. The belief in the reality of hell is part of a Muslim’ faith. Fasting in Ramadan is a great shield from hell. It conquers human propensity of obsession in materialism and self-desires. It makes you think constantly of the pain of the last day as you feel the pain of hunger. The Prophet (SAW) said the Jews, Christians and Muslims will all divide into 71, 72 and 73

respectively sects but all will enter hell except one sect from each. These are the ones who adhere to the true path of their Prophets. The Hell’s fuel will be men and stones. The appointed wardens over it will be stern and severe Angels who never flinch the command they receive from Allah (SWT), but do precisely and willingly too what they are commanded. The most prosperous person (the richest man) who enjoyed the best food items and drinks, had fleet of cars, had countless mansions and properties, had the most beautiful wives and a lot of children, have many titles, was respected by all, wielded a lot of power, travelled to many countries etc. in the world who had been adjudged to hell will be brought out and cast once, for a moment, in the fire and will be asked: ‘son of man, did you

The end time signs are visible everywhere

IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com ever enjoy anything in your life?’ He will say: ‘Never, O Lord!’ In this is a reminder for those who have made their wealth and position their gods, and will not obey Allah in their endeavours. This world’s fire is just like the flame of Hell-¬fire that has been washed seventy times before it was brought into this world. There is no moment of respite or rest from the extremely unimaginable throes in Hell. The pains are suffered outwardly and inwardly. Every part of the body will suffer its own separately. It is not an abode for all but for the proud and haughty ones, the sinners, the criminals, the polytheists, the unbelievers, the hypocrites, the transgressors, the rejecters of truth, the tyrants, the murderers, the unjust, the concealer of Allah’s revelation, the persecutor of the believers, those who prefer this world to the Hereafter, those who commit suicide, the cruel, those who devour properties of orphans and women who dress indecently. Those who steal or misappropriate others properties shall be asked to return them to their owners. They will be asked to go

and fetch it from the pit of hell. For those who caused mischief on earth, their uncontrolled tongue, lips and tongues shall be clipped with very big sharp scissors. As for those who pass derogatory remarks about others, they shall slash out their own flesh and eat it. The slander shall wear copper nails on their fingers and prick themselves frequently with them. Those who devour orphan’s property shall have very large lips as those of camel eating fire. The usurers will be like mad men and shall have very big bellies filled up with snakes; passerby will trample over them but they will not be able to move away while the snakes will bite them continuously. As for women who make men claim children that are not theirs, they will be hung down by their breasts in Hell. As for those who go about telling lies that are spread all over the world, their sides of mouths, nostrils and eyes shall be torn from front to back. Snakes and scorpions will continuously bite and sting those who did not pay their Zakat. Their treasures will be heated and their backs will be branded with them.

Moral education must be our priority –Don Sekinah L awal

P National President of the Companion, Barr. Musbau Oyefeso; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashir Obasa; Mr. Femi Falana, SAN and Prof. Abubakar Momoh at the national discourse organised by the Companion in Lagos recently.

Sekinah L awal

non-governmental organization, Human Concern Foundation International, HCFI, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to embark on a service-oriented administration. The group in partnership with Center for Global Peace Initiative, CGPI, The Muslim Congress, TMC, and Globacom Communications, held a street walk tagged, “Walk for Life, Peace and Good Governance” in Lagos recently. The walk covered about 10 kilometers taking off from Jibowu, Yaba through Maryland and back to Jibowu.

rof. Daud Noibi of MUSWEN has called on Pesident Muhammad Buhari to give religious moral education a top priority in school curriculum. He gave the advice in Lagos at the national discourse organised by the Companion. According to him, proper religious moral upbringing will instil the needed fear

HCFI walk for good governance HCFI Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim Oreagba said researches have shown that when you walk on a regular basis, it reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and hypertension, adding that walking should be on daily basis. “You can walk from a particular point to the other rather than taking public transport or taking our vehicles.” Dr. Oreagba of the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said. According to him, the walk is one of the annual programmes of the foundation meant to ensure

that Nigerians are fit - physically, mentally and emotionally. HCFI has been providing limited services in the area of health enlightenment campaign and medical counseling at the grassroots. “HCFI has, through the support of Nigerian pharmaceutical companies and corporate organizations, organised health programmes in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Edo, Niger and Kwara States. We have also been to Abuja the Republic of Benin.” He added that if people could be doing that on their own twice or thrice a week, they will be fit

physically and emotionally and guide against heart-related diseases. He said: “If you look at the world today, many people are suffering from heart related diseases, obesity among others which are actually avoidable, and one of the ways we can avoid heartrelated diseases is to cultivate the culture of walking; not really jogging at this stage of our life. Amir of TMC, Dr. Luqman AbdurRaheem enjoined President Buhari to learn from past mistakes and appoint like-minded Nigerians who are ready to work for development of the country.

of God in young Nigerians to shun corruption and do the right things always. “We should all follow the straight path as ordained by Allah, be sincere knowing fully-well that we are accountable to Allah.” President Buhari was also advised not to allow the so called captains of industries, G7, World Bank, IMF and the likes of them who are only interested in what they stand to gain to advise him but to focus on the masses by recovering all looted funds and not borrow to tackle the many challenges facing the nation. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, called on the president to ensure that all looted funds are recovered and block all leakages in order to have enough fund to run his government without necessarily borrowing. Also speaking, another guest lecturer, Prof. Abubakar Momoh urged the new administration to focus on mechanised farming, agroprocessing, make farms and rural areas very attractive to live. “Why must we be subsidising aviation industry and not agriculture? We need to take advantage of our huge population by focusing on industrialisation as well as reviewing our educational system.”

Call to Worship

2 Ramadan, 1436 Friday, June 19, 2015

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Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Striving for revolutionary self-reformation (2)

o strengthen bond with God, and fill hearts with love of God’s creation. Any misunderstandings between people should be removed during Jalsa. We will be able to take God’s message to others in the real sense only when we develop a connection with Him. However, all these paths require assiduousness. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that this world is transitory and will perish one day. It is finite by design. Therefore we should move towards understanding and connecting to God. If we move ever so slightly towards God His move towards us is greater, however, the first move has to be made by us. Some people complain that they tried everything from Salat to fasting to other forms of worship and spiritual exercises but did not attain anything. This is borne of suspicious nature. It is impossible for God to let anything go to waste which is done sincerely for Him and not reward it in this world. If our practices are to seek God’s pleasure then we will garner Divine grace. We should try and come out of the darkness of materialism and endeavour to sincerely seek God’s pleasure. It is God’s favour on us that He sends His chosen, dear people to earth and it is indeed our good fortune that we have accepted the one God sent in the current age. He came and taught us about rights of God and rights of God’s creation and drew attention to avoid and shun individual and communal sin. If, having taken Bai’at, we do not focus on these matters we will not be fulfilling our responsibility. Prophets of God come to the world to bring revolutionary changes. God showed the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in a vision that he is making a new earth and new heaven and is then asked to make new man. This was indeed a manifestation of the revolutionary change he was to bring about. The perfect demonstration of creating new earth and new heaven was of course presented by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). He came among people who had no concept of One God and by virtue of the revolutionary change he brought worship of One God became more of a nourishment for those people than apparent food. Women of that time also surpassed in worship of God. One female companion had a rope suspended from the ceiling to alert her to wake up to worship God. Companions offered their property to others who would decline, preferring to work hard to make a living. They also demonstrated amazing models of honesty. All this was by virtue of the revolutionary change brought about by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Indeed, he honoured women and established their rights and gave them status in a society where they

had no status. Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) compared today’s society to the society of that time. He said in older times man harassed woman and was physically abusive and considered it warrantable. Man continues to harass woman, even in Europe where freedom is much hailed. The difference between older times and now is that in spite of harassing and physically abusing woman, man now asserts that it is not warrantable to harass woman. Thus his practice remains the same although his apparent assertion has changed. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) brought revolutionary change across the board and in every sphere. It was indeed a great miracle brought about by him when un-Godly people became profoundly Godly people. This was the new earth and new heaven that came into being after his advent. In this age God asked the Holy Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) servant to forge new earth and new heaven. Is the condition of people today the same as those who were around the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him)? Certainly not, in fact the pre-Islamic ignorance seems to have resurfaced and this is why God sent the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) in accordance with His promise. There was a time when Islam was followed and practiced in all its glory but today Muslims bow down to graves. They still profess: ‘There is no God except Allah…’ but now it does not inspire any positive change in them because they do not understand its purport. They are Muslims all but in name. There are many among them who profess to be servants of God five times a day but their practices are idolatrous. Many welleducated people in Pakistan visit shrines of Pirs (saints/holy men) in idolatrous manner. Extremist groups and organisations are formed in the name of Islam who only seem to know one word; Jihad and that too in an erroneous context which turns people away from religion. It was critical for the Messiah to arrive at such a time to forge new earth and new heaven which he indeed demonstrated. Someone once asked a former robber for a sign of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and he responded by saying that he himself was a sign because his life had been transformed since accepting the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). Indeed, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) forged new earth and new heaven in this age and transformed lives of hundreds of thousands demonstrating how new earth and new heaven can be forged. However, his vision also draws attention of his Jama’at to show what are the efforts and endeavours they are making in this regard after taking Bai’at.

L-R: Alhaji Thani Abdur Rahman from Republic of Benin, Naib Amir and Missionary in-charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Maulvi Abdul Khalique Nayyar; Amir, Dr. Mashood Adenrele Fashola and Principal, Jamiatul Mubashireen Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Maulvi Nadeem Waseem Ahmad, at the 1st Graduation ceremony 2015 students of School in Ilaro Ogun State.

L-R: Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mashood Adenrele Fashola; Principal, Jamiatul Mubashireen Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Maulvi Nadeem Waseem Ahmad and 1st Class Award winner, Abdul Khaliq Yusuf, during the graduation.

Gross section grandaunts of Jamiatul Mubashireen Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, at their graduation ceremony.

L-R: Comrade Abiodun Aremu; Barr. Wahab Shittu and Dr. Muiz Banire at the national discourse organised by The Companion.

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Friday June 19, 2015

L-R: Circuit Steward, Bro. Ola Ayinde, Presbyter, Hoares Memorial Methodist Church Cathedral Yaba, Lagos, Very Rev. Emmanuel Subuloye and the Lay President-elect, Rotarian Otunba Bola Onabadejo, during the award presentation to the Presbyter at the 2015 Annual Synod, Diocese of Lagos Mainland at Folawiyo Bankole Memorial Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

L-R: Hajiya Ramatu Ajiya; Director of Programmes, Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja, Mr. Jacob Shaibu; Aisha Ahmed and Barr. Zainab Khaleel, during a Ramadan reach-out in Lafia, by Ladies of Grace in collaboration with Helpline Foundation for the Needy, on Tuesday.

L-R: Assistant Director, Marine Environment Management, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Mogo; Director -General, NIMASA, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi and his Wife, Beauty , at the convocation ceremony of his conferment with the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree by the University of Port Harcourt recently.

People In The Mirror

L-R: Past District 404B-2 Governor, Lions International Lion Chief Stella Agbogun; Governor Lion Chief Biodun Adediji; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Chairperson, Lions Internationals Services for Children, Lion Otunba Felicia Koleoso and Director of News, LTV8, Mr. Ayo Agbesanwa, during a programme to celebrate children, in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Group Managing Director, Olaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;kleen Holdings/Guest Speaker, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olu Falomo and Chairman of the luncheon committee, Prof. Abayomi Akinyeye, during the 2015 annual luncheon of Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (Lagos Branch), in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Director, Primary Health Care System Development, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Nnenna Ihebuzor; Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ado Muhammed and Director, Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Wapada Balami, during the Nigeria State Health Investment Project 2015 Annual Review Meeting in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: Parish Priest of Army Chaplaincy, Alamala, Rev. Father Balogun; Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo and Parish Priest, Rev. Father Charles Soyombo with others, cutting the tape at the turning of sod and foundation laying ceremony of a new church Auditorium of Catholic Church of Transfiguration, Arepo, at the weekend.

President of the National Council of the Nigeria Stock and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria-UK Emerging Capital Markets Task (ECMT) Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (left) and Country Head for the European Bank SEB, former Lord Mayor of London, and Co-Chairman,ECMT, Sir Roger Gifford at a meeting of the Nigerian delegation representing a cross-section of registered capital market groups in Nigeria, at the UK Foreign and Common Wealth Office, on Monday.

Arty News

Friday, June 19, 2015

Cultural bazaar at Elizade University

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‘Super Family’ reality TV show berths

Students of Elizade University

t was promotion of culture, demonstration of cultural values and exhibition of cultural uniqueness when Students of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State held the maiden edition of their week. In the event that featured cultural dance competition, inter-ethnic cooking competition and showcasing of traditional setting, the entire University Community was entertained as students let viewers into their unique culture. In the dance competition, Igbo and Yoruba tribes came first, having impressed the panel of Judges in the same manner. Dressed in traditional attires, the two tribes showed their dancing steps, rhythm and composure to the satisfaction of the judges. Edo/Delta/ Rivers came second with Akwa Ibom group coming fourth. Cooking competition brought a change in fortune to Edo/Delta/Rivers group, having prepared four varieties of delicious dishes which aroma and taste shook the judging pens of members of Panel. Yoruba and Akwa Ibom came second with Igbo coming third. In the exhibition of tradition setting, it was a close tie to call as all the tribes matched one another. Yoruba students built their palace with their King gorgeously dressed on the throne of his forefathers with his “irukere” in his hand and

surrounded by his three Oloris (wives). The Igbo students constructed their palace in a unique way that assigned a strategic portion for their Igwe who sat on the throne with his wife beside him. The Edo/Delta/Rivers students, who came first in cooking competition, showed that that was not by accident as they dressed their Oba in a way reminiscent of Oba of Benin and Olu of Warri. The Obong of Akwa-Ibom as presented by the AkwaIbom students was not to be sidelined as he matched other kings from the other tribes. The overall grading brought separation into the close competitions as other criteria were used. With criteria like punctuality to the venue after building of huts and cooking, cleanliness of the kitchen and its surroundings, reception of members of panel by each tribe in their palace, use of local languages, setting of dining tables, among other criteria, members of panel were able to separate the tribes. The Yorubas emerged the overall winners with 85% with Edo/Delta/Rivers coming close second with 80%. The Igbos, who were expected to compete strongly for the first position following their earlier strong performance, came close third with 78% after they were undone by their lateness to the venue.

Oshinaike

OLAYIWOLA AWAKAN

new reality TV show called Super Family reality TV show is about to hit the screen. It was conceptualized by the ardent Muyiwa Oshinaike and Kemi Osabodje. The show is geared towards entrenching family values in viewers and participants. The Super Family reality TV Show is slated to begin on the 13th of December and will end on the 20th of December, 2015. Thus, auditions for contesting families will hold on the 28th and 29th of August and on the 4th and 5th of September. According to Muyiwa Oshinaike, “the Super Family Reality TV Show is my brain child borne of a somewhat unique experience of an actual human being in the person of Mrs. Kemi Osagbodje” Kemi Osagbodje, a wife, mother and the inspiration behind the reality TV Show stated that her experience a couple of years ago inspired her to begin thinking of a family reality show. She explained that at the time, she had two young children who needed lots of attention and she had no helper as her husband was busy with work. She described her predicament when her two babies

needed her attention at the same time. One wanted to eat and the other wanted to be petted to sleep meanwhile she had her husband’s dinner simmering on the cooker. She further elucidated that she began to wonder why mothers never get paid for all their troubles. Having worked with Muyiwa Oshinaike a while back, the idea for a reality show began to take root in her mind and she decided to pursue it. Muyiwa Oshinaike, a member of the international Organization of Folkarts (I.OV), Council of International Organization for Folkarts and Folkfestival (CIOFF) both UNESCO Status Quo ‘B’, Former Director of Pro-

duction and Screening (National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts), member of the Advisory Council (GOND) amongst many other strategic organizations is one man whose reputation with reality shows is legendary. Muyiwa Oshinaike added that the Super Family Reality TV Show will be an annual occurrence in a bid to create more successful families with many interactive opportunities, tasks and challenges, along with all kinds of family life lessons from high quality mentors while imparting such to millions of Nigerian via their television sets and the world at large via social media. Buttressing this, Kemi Osgbodje informed that 20 families will be shortlisted after which the families will undergo series of medical tests to ascertain their wellness. The 10 most successful families will be officially unveiled to Nigerians at a colourful Press Nite after which the Booth Camp will commence. Going further, the partners, Kemi Osagbodje and Muyiwa Oshinaike stated that the arrival of the 10 successful families to the house to start the contest. From the first day to the seventh day, various tasks and challenges created for the families to test their abilities and their performances will be rated both by the judges and the viewers at home who will constantly send in their votes through the various media provided.

Nigerian family

IoD’s lecture holds in Lagos

he Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD) has urged all leaders in private and public sectors to embrace good corporate governance in order to make their organizations achieve set goals as well as fight corruption. This was contained in the address of the President/Chair man of Council of IoD, Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi at the institute’s 4th Biennial Lecture held at Lagos Metropolitan Club entitled, Building a Global

Conglomerate on Corporate Governance Values: Challenges and Benefits in a Developing Economy Fadayomi said, “There is a relationship between Leadership and governance. Good Leadership will lead to good governance and prosperity whilst poor leadership will breed or institute corruption leading to poverty or eventual collapse. She described governance as all processes of governing, whether un-

dertaken by a government, market, or network whether over a family, tribe formal or informal organization or territory and whether through laws, norms, power or language. It is the establishment of policies, and continuous monitoring of their implementation. She said leadership is a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. It is doing the right thing. She listedthe qualities of a good leader to include,

strategic vision and focus; commitment and courage initiative; competence and performance charisma; and passion fairness and equity; self-discipline and responsibility; generosity and good relationships; good communication network; ability to listen to others; and adapt accountability. In the words of the Guest Speaker, Mr Tony Elumelu, companies raise good corporate governance to enhance corporate reputation when governed as an institution and helps transparency and accountability.

He added that good corporate governance helps long term-continuity and success of business, helps attract and retain good customers and workers, as well as helps to attract capital. “So if you have a company that is well run on the principles of sound corporate governance, investors pay a premium to invest and become part of this company,” Elumelu said. Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Ist Vice President

of IoD, Mr Yemi Akeju, the Legal Adviser, Chief Chris Okunowo, Mr Emmanuel Ijewere, Mr Femi Ekundayo Chief Mrs Oprah Benson, Mr Chike Nwanze, Dr Stella Okoli, MD INFOGEM Limited, Mr Ayo Olumoko and many more eminent members of the institute. The programme was sponsored by Risk Analyst Insurance Limited, Broker Limited, Heirs Holdings, African Prudential Registrars Plc, Transcorp, and Mutual Benefits Assurance.

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Arty News

Friday, June 19, 2015

My new song a prayer for everyone –Kenny Sam Kenneth Okezie Samuel popularly known as Kenny Sam, has been doing music for over ten years. He talks about his ongoing project in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts: What project are you working on presently? I have been and still working towards dropping another big hit ‘God Dey My Side’. Which will be released soon. It is like a wakeup call to all who listen to it to help keep hope alive as the fire continue to burn in their life spiritually. You know basically everybody as long as you are living and you have life, want to identity with God. Looking at where I’m coming from, a lot has happened to me and how far I have come to be. I’m convinced deep inside that it’s just God. He made that come through for me and that’s it’s just the drive behind this song “God dey my side. During your quiet time do you feel joy to have impacted on humanity? I believe that God is the giver of wealth and prosperity. If anyone believes in him, there is no way that he won’t prosper him in hundred folds. If you want to look at it from human perspective they are no longer there, there are people who we left school with, they are no longer alive while some can’t even find their feet. And it’s not because I’m better than them. Looking at the background I came from it’s like practically impossible for you to succeed. That’s the picture, but I succeeded and it’s God that made it possible. That’s where I got the inspiration of the song from ‘ God Dey My Side.’ And it’s obvious I’m healthy I’m alive, things are just working. How they are working I don’t know. Because I can’t tell you that I’m the best, it’s basically because God dey my side. The single should be dropping by the end of the month. What are you bringing into the gospel music scene with your upcoming single? I have been working tirelessly with great Abuja based producer and I would only be right to tell you that my latest production will change the grace of Gospel music because it is coming at a time when contemporary music is relegating gospel music in Nigeria . Nipee produced in the track, he is one of the finest producers you can imagine, I’m not just talking about Abuja, but in Nigeria as a whole. Like I said, some of us are very good, but we are not there, but you see someone who is not as good as I am is already there. That’s the case of this young man. I’m sure if you place this guy with the best in this country, he will still stand out. You know Boss Entertainment has been the one running the show all this while; we are just hiding under its canopy. It’s a wonderful label; it’s a label that I must tell you that have impressed me as a person. When you are working with people who understand, believe in you and even want to go an extra mile, that’s out of their way to make sure things come through, we call them boss. And I must tell you that they replicate the name. They always want to blast the situa-

xxxx

Kenny Sam

AT THE MOMENT, WE ARE RELEASING JUST THE AUDIO BECAUSE THE VIDEO IS NOT READY tion and make it come through. Boss entertainment, I strongly believe that with what they are doing, people would be baffled. Is Kenny Sam also releasing a video for the single, God Dey My Side? At the moment, we are releasing just the audio because the video is not ready. If you notice, the way we do our things, we always want to go a step better from what we have always done. And this time we are shooting an epic video, it’s something we haven’t done before. In the gospel industry, this part of the world, practically we haven’t seen anybody who has done that. So we are doing something we believe is going to be better than what we have done

before. We are taking our time so that at the end of the day, we will not disappoint those who believed in us and the message will not be defeated by the footage we are sending out. Hopefully from now till the end of July, the video will drop. And I’m sure it’s going to be one if the best gospel video anybody has seen. What should your fans and Nigerians be expecting from the track? If I should send a message to my fans and Nigerians it would be that no matter the situation or circumstances you find yourself, don’t ever distrust God. The truth is He would always make it come through for you. He doesn’t care your background, your academic qualifications; he doesn’t care where you are coming from. What’s important is that he said he chooses who he will bless. It’s his choice, and I want to tell you that for the fact that he came through for me as a person, I don’t believe there’s no person he can’t come through for.

How would you describe your kind of music? My brand of Gospel music can simply be defined as a cocktail of Folk, Afrocentric mixed with some little sting of reggae. Could you tell us what most people don’t know about you? In the year 2011, i was one of the surprise acts at the biggest gospel event in the Capital city of Nigeria – The Cool Fm Abuja praise Jam. I have worked with Gospel heavy weights such as Samsong, Mo, Promise Benson, Solomon Lange and a host of others. I am a practicing electrical engineer with a drive for music which was born out of the love I have for the gospel. I am an indigene of Abia State but was born in Kaduna State in the Northern part of Nigeria and that I am sure explains my versatility in languages as displayed in my lyrics which combines various tribes Yoruba, Hausa and Ibo- the cardinal languages in Nigeria to pass my messages across.

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Friday, June 19, 2015

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Norway’s

amazing landscape Ålfotbreen Glacier

The country’s stunning and dramatic scenery makes it a beauty to behold any day. OLAWALE OLUWADAHUNSI WITH AGENCY REPORT

orway officially the Kingdom of Norway is a Scandinavian unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, and the sub-Antarctic Bouvet Island. Peter I Island is a dependent territory and thus not considered part of the Kingdom. Norway also lays claim to a section of Antarctica known as Queen Maud Land. Norway has a total area of 385,252 square kilometres (148,747 sq mi) and a population of 5,109,059 people (2014). The country shares a long eastern border with Sweden (1,619 km or 1,006 mi long). Norway is bordered by Finland and Russia to the north-east, and the Skagerrak Strait to the south, with Denmark on the other side. Norway has an extensive coastline, facing the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea. Norway has both administrative and political subdivisions on two levels, known as counties and municipalities. The Sámi people have a certain amount of selfdetermination and influence over traditional territories through the Sámi Parliament and the Finnmark Act. Norway maintains close ties with the European Union and its member countries (despite rejecting full EU membership in

two referenda), as well as with the United States. Norway is a founding member of the United Nations, NATO, the Council of Europe, and the Nordic Council; a member of the European Economic Area, the WTO and the OECD; and is also a part of the Schengen Area. Norway’s population was 5,096,300 people in October 2013.

Biodiversity The total number of species include 16,000 species of insects (probably 4,000 more species yet to be described), 20,000 species of algae, 1,800 species of lichen, 1,050 species of mosses, 2,800 species of vascular plants, up to 7,000 species of fungi, 450 species of birds (250 species nesting in Norway), 90 species of mammals, 45 fresh-water species of fish, 150 salt-water species of fish, 1,000 species of freshwater invertebrates, and 3,500 species of salt-water invertebrates. About 40,000 of these species have been described by science. The red list of 2010 encompasses 4,599 species. The largest predator in Norwegian waters is the sperm whale, and the largest fish is the basking shark. The largest predator on land is the polar bear, while the brown bear is the largest predator on the Norwegian mainland, where the Elk (known in North America as the moose)is the largest animal.

Environment Stunning and dramatic scenery and landscape is found throughout Norway. The west coast of southern Norway and the coast of northern Norway present some of the most visually impressive coastal sceneries in the world. National Geographic has listed the Norwegian fjords as the world’s top

tourist attraction. The 2012 Environmental Performance Index put Norway in third place, based on the environmental performance of the country’s policies. The country is richly endowed with natural resources including petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals. Large reserves of petroleum and natural gas were discovered in the 1960s, which led to a boom in the economy. Norway has obtained one of the highest standards of living in the world in part by having a large amount of natural resources compared to the size of the population. In 2011, 28% of state revenues were generated from the petroleum industry.

Languages Distribution of Norwegian dialect groups: North Norwegian (yellow), Trøndelag Norwegian (navy blue), West Norwegian (orange) and East Norwegian (pale blue).

Cuisine Norway’s culinary traditions show the influence of long seafaring and farming traditions with salmon (fresh and cured), herring (pickled or marinated), trout, codfish and other seafood balanced by cheeses, dairy products and breads (predominantly dark/darker). Lefse is a Norwegian potato flatbread, usually topped with large amounts of butter and sugar, most common around Christmas. Some traditional Norwegian dishes include lutefisk, smalahove, pinnekjøtt, raspeball and fårikål.

Art Norway’s newly found independence from Denmark encouraged painters to develop their Norwegian identity, especially with landscape painting by artists such as Kitty Kielland, a female

Nidaros Cathedral

painter who studied under Hans Gude;Harriet Backer, 1845–1932, another pioneer among female artists, influenced by impressionism. Frits Thaulow, an impressionist, was influenced by the art scene in Paris as was Christian Krohg, a realist painter, famous for his paintings of prostitutes. Of particular note is Edvard Munch, a symbolist/expressionist painter who became world famous for The Screamwhich is said to represent the anxiety of modern man.

Literature The history of Norwegian literature starts with the pagan Eddaic poems and skaldic verse of the 9th and 10th centuries, with poets such as Bragi Boddason and Eyvindr skáldaspillir. The arrival of Christianity around the year 1000 brought Norway into contact with European mediaeval learning, hagiography and history writing. Merged with native oral tradition and Icelandic influence, this influenced the literature written in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Two major events precipitated a major resurgence in Norwegian literature: in 1811 a Norwegian university was established in Christiania. Secondly, seized by the spirit of revolution following

the American and French revolutions, the Norwegians created their first Constitution in 1814. Strong authors were inspired who became recognised first in Scandinavia, and then worldwide; among them were Henrik Wergeland, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, Jørgen Moe andCamilla Collett.

Music The classical music of the romantic composers Edvard Grieg, Rikard Nordraak and Johan Svendsen is internationally known as is the modern music of Arne Nordheim. Norwegian black metal has been an influence in world music since the late 20th century. Since the 1990s, Norway’s biggest cultural export has been black metal. This lo-fi, dark and raw form of heavy metalexploded in Norway during the 1990s, developed by such bands as Darkthrone, Mayhem, Burzum, Emperor,Gorgoroth and Immortal, as well as later bands such as Dimmu Borgir. This development has since become an important part of extreme metal. Norway has a strong folk music tradition which remains popular to this day.[167] Among the most prominent folk musicians are

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Friday, June 19, 2015

wooden houses and buildings. It grew and flourished during the great age of sail in the 19th century. Skudeneshavn’s more than 200 intact wooden buildings from the 1850s are lovingly restored and maintained by their proud owners, many of whom are from Stavanger, just a ferry crossing away.

Central Norway Nidaros Cathedral

Gjesvær Fishing Village

Island of Vasgoy

Hardanger fiddlers Andrea Een, Olav Jørgen Hegge and Annbjørg Lien, and the vocalists Agnes Buen Garnås, Kirsten Bråten Berg and Odd Nordstoga. Norway enjoys many music festivals throughout the year, all over the country. Norway is the host of one of the world’s biggest extreme sport festivals with music, Ekstremsportveko – a festival held annually in Voss. Oslo is the host of many festivals, such as Øyafestivalen and by:Larm. Oslo used to have a summer parade similar to the German Love Parade.

Cinema Since the 1990s, the film industry has thrived with up to 20 feature films each year. Particular successes were Kristin Lavransdatter, based on a novel by a Nobel Prize winner; The Telegraphist and Gurin with the Foxtail. Knut Erik Jensen was among the more successful new directors, together with Erik Skjoldbjærg, who is remembered forInsomnia. In late 2008, the film Max Manus opened at Norwegian theatres. The film was a World War II drama, telling the story of Max Manus, a Norwegian resistance hero who led many successful sabotage operations against the German occupation. The film became the highest-grossing Norwegian film ever. Other notable successful Norwegian films include Orion’s Belt, Cold Prey and The Troll Hunter. The country has also been used as filming location for several Hollywood and other international productions, including Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), for which the producers used Hardangerjøkulenglacier as a filming location for scenes of the ice planet Hoth. It included a memorable battle in the snow. The

Oscarsborg

filmsDie Another Day, The Golden Compass, Spies Like Us and Heroes of Telemark, as well as the TV seriesLilyhammer and Vikings also had scenes set in Norway.

Culture The Norwegian farm culture continues to play a role in contemporary Norwegian culture. In the 18th century, it inspired a strong romantic nationalistic movement, which is still visible in the Norwegian language and media. In the 19th century, Norwegian culture blossomed with nationalist efforts to achieve an independent identity in the areas of literature, art and music. This continues today in the performing arts and as a result of government support for exhibitions, cultural projects and artwork. As a promoter of human rights, Norway has held the annual Oslo Freedom Forum conference, a gathering described by The Economist as “on its way to becoming a human-rights equivalent of the Davos economic forum.”

Tourist centres Eastern Norway Velmunden Velmunden/Fjorda is Eastern Norway’s canoeing paradise – between the Randsfjord and Sperillen Lakes. Here, the youngest members of the family can play at being Indians in an almost totally unspoiled landscape of islands and lakes, with countless canoeing routes to explore. A good area for canoeing, with a varied landscape 400 metres above sea level. People who are interested in cultural history can visit old Finnish settlements, a memorial to the immigration from the east that resulted from the famine in Norway’s neighbouring country

Velmunden

of Finland 400 years ago.

Oscarsborg Fortress Military history in the middle of the Oslofjord. A beautiful island in the middle of the narrowest section of the Oslofjord, but primarily an interesting monument to Norway’s military history. It was from this fortress at dawn on 9 April 1940 that the cannons and torpedoes were fired that sank the German heavy cruiser the Blücher thus giving Norway’s King Haakon VII and the Government the time they needed to flee further north, from where they were evacuated to London to continue the fight against the Nazi occupation. Read more about the Oscarsborg Fortress.

Femundsmarka A wilderness area near the border with Sweden. A wilder and tougher wilderness experience than Velmunden. An alternative to Alaska and the Yukon. Together, Femundsmarka and Gutulia national parks on the Norwegian side of the border and Töfsingdalen on the Swedish side, and adjoining areas, form one of the most distinctive high mountain biotopes in Scandinavia. The great botanist Carl von Linné explored the area in 1734, encountering falconers on his travels.

Southern Norway The Southern Norway archipelago The Southern Norway archipelago from the Ryvingen Lighthouse to the Jomfruland Island is a lovely archipelagos. It consists of thousands of small and large islands and skerries, with literally tens of thousands of areas of smooth rocky shore that are so popular with sun worshippers in summer. An amazing area for sea kayak-

ing, both for beginners and the more experienced. The landward islands are so sheltered from the ocean that canoes are also a great way of getting around. Rjukan with the power station and the “heavy water” museum The dramatic and beautiful Rjukandalen Valley with its waterfalls long tamed for hydroelectric power and power stations (Frøystul, Såheim, Vemork, Mår and Mæl) represents the essence of Norway as a modern industrial nation. The Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum in beautiful Vemork power station in Rjukan shows how the power of our waterfalls was tamed, laying the foundation for the transformation of Norway from a nation of poor fishermen and farmers into a rich and prosperous industrial country in just a few generations.

Fjord Norway Stadlandet and Vågsøy (Nordfjord) A paradise for surfers that also has Norway’s oldest monastery ruins and three lighthouses you can stay in. Hoddevika has established a reputation as one of the more exotic surfing destinations in the world (against some incredibly stiff competition!). On the island of Vågsøy, there are three different lighthouses you can stay in: Hendanes, Kråkenes and Skogsnes lighthouses – all of them with spectacular panoramic views. Ålfotbreen glacier and Nordfjord The walk from Vingen, the biggest petroglyph field in the Nordic countries (near Norway’s tallest sea cliff, Hornelen, 860 m), up through distinctive geological formations from the Devonian Age, across the Ålfotbreen glacier (Norway’s westernmost glacier), via the mountain cabins at Blåbrebu and Gjegnabu and down to the Hyefjord is one of the finest walks in the world (like dozens of other walks in Norway that take you from the coast and fjords across high mountains and glaciers). Norway’s wettest area – 10 times more rain than Bergen! Norway’s best-preserved sailing ship town, Skudeneshavn Skudeneshavn is the coastal town in Norway that has succeeded best in preserving its old white

Like Santiago de Compostela, the Nidaros Cathedral was one of the world’s most important pilgrimage destinations in the Middle Ages. The interior of the cathedral was stripped of many of its art treasures in connection with the Reformation, but it is by far the biggest cathedral in Europe to be located so far from Rome, and the building itself therefore occupies a special place among Europe’s cathedrals. Røros and the surrounding area A mining community on a high-mountain plateau. The location of one of Europe’s biggest copper deposits, which created great wealth, in Copenhagen in particular (where most of the copper ended up, as roofing for many monumental buildings, including the Stock Exchange with its famous dragon spire). Røros itself is probably the only mining town in the world almost exclusively built of wood.

Northern Norway Gjesvær Fishing Village A classic Finnmark fishing village with three distinctive bird cliff islands (Stappane) not far offshore, including Norway’s biggest puffin colony of more then 350,000 birds. Landmarks for seafarers that predate the Viking Era. Norway’s northernmost skerries comprising more than 100 islands and islets. The most northerly point mentioned in Snorre’s history of the Norse kings.

Lyngen “The Alps in the ocean” – a paradise for traditional and more modern ways of enjoying the wilds of nature, from fishing, hunting and classic mountaineering to extreme skiing, diving and hang-gliding. The Lyngen Alps has one of the wildest landscapes in the world, it now has an established place on the international extreme wilderness map.

Træna and Myken Islands Island kingdoms far out to sea.Lighthouse accommodation (Myken, with panoramic views), fish and a festival (Træna). The islands have been settled for more than 6,000 years. Rich in cultural heritage and ancient monuments. And from the modern era: the success story of salmon farming in Northern Norway started on Træna. The Træna Festival has achieved international cult status.

Friday, June 19, 2015

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Stakeholders support aviation, transport ministries merger

here are strong indications that the new administration may eventually scrap the current Ministry of Aviation in line with the decision reached by the Economic Community of West African States Parliament in 2000. Besides, the decision to scrap the ministry, our correspondent gathered may not be unconnected with the plan by the Government to streamline the ministries and reduce the number of ministers in the cabinet as promised during his electioneering campaigns. Also, our correspondent gathered that one of the immediate past ministers in the sector, was allegedly collecting the sum of N100 million from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, monthly alone under the guise of projects. If the plan of the government scaled through, it indicated that there might not be Minister of Aviation in the current dispensation; rather, there would be Minister of Transport as fashioned out by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in the second leg of his eight years period. In the ministry of transport, instead of a substantive minister in the sector, there might be a Director-General or Secretary to head department of aviation in the ministry while the agencies would be managed by directors as against the positions of Managing Directors. In 2000, ECOWAS Parliament had recommended that member states should not appoint ministers to preside over aviation, stating that rather, the parliament recognises a minister of transport to be in charge with specialists in various segments of transportation, including

aviation. It was in line with the decision reached at the ECOWAS parliament that made former Obasanjo to merge aviation ministry with transport in 2007, but rather than a department of aviation, the sector had a Minister of State for Transport 2, Aviation Industry, a move, which some stakeholders and professionals in the sector felt further increased financial burdens on the government. In a recent interview with our correspondent, the Head, Research, Zenith Travel and Consults, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo had called for scrapping of the Ministry of Aviation and Senior Special Assistant, SSA, positions for the industry to move forward. Ohunayo insisted that the Ministry had increased the cost of service delivery, bureaucracy and processing time in the sector, adding it had over-burdened the agencies with personnel and bills to the detriment of efficiency, safety and profitability. He emphasised further that while the rest of the world closed their aviation ministries, Nigeria still kept its, stressing that if the if government was sincere about driving the cost of governance down, the ministry should be scrapped. He said, “We can effectively operate without a standalone ministry. What we get from the ministry is signing of unfavourable Bilateral Air Services Agreements, BASAs, that are detrimental to our carriers, impulsive interference in the day

‘

to day administration of the agencies, insatiable appetite for spending BASA funds and coercing agencies to pay for chartered flights and other services.” However, information gathered by our correspondent that revealed that FAAN and other major agencies in the nation’s aviation industry were compelled by a particular minister in the sector to contribute about N100 million monthly to a private bank account. A ministry source confided in our correspondent that the particular minister was also collecting about N35 million from agencies like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, and the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, for several initiatives created by the minister. It would be recalled that former President had scrapped in some cases, merged some ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of governance under its control. The exercise had led to the scrapping of key ministries such as petroleum resources, aviation, communications, works, and power and steel among others. The trio of works, aviation and transport ministries were merged into a new ministry of transportation. Welcoming the new arrangement, aviation professionals under the aegis of the Nigerian Aviation Professionals Association (NAPA) said the merger is long overdue, as the functions

The functions of the Ministry of

Aviation do not add value to the parastatals, rather, it compounds their problems. What are the functions of the Ministry when NCAA has been statutorily established in compliance with ICAO set standards and practices?

‘

With the President Mohammadu Buhari’s somewhat disposition to pruning down the numbers of ministers in his yet to be constituted cabinet to make for efficient administration and reduce cost, one of the ministries that is likely to be affected is the Ministry of Aviation. While the sector is said to be replete with financial scandals and wastage that led to the unceremonious removal of four ministers, Adejuwon Osunnuyi and Olusegun Koiki report that stakeholders are already praising the move saying it is a good step in the right direction

Buhari

of the Ministry of Aviation do not add value to the parastatals, rather, it compounds their problems. According to the association, the Ministry of Aviation should be scrapped and merge it with the Ministry of Transport saying the Permanent Secretary of Transport divisions shall report to, and be supervised by the Minister of State who in turn shall return report to the Transport Ministry. NAPA noted, “Globally, we have seen and heard of Ministry of Transportations in charge of Rail, Road, Water and Air Transportations and not creating the Ministry of Aviation differently. “We submit with all seriousness and act of patriotism, to strongly advise the president to scrap the Ministry of Aviation and to allow NCAA to function effectively without any hindrance whatsoever as this shall be the solution to aviation unabated logjams. “The functions of the Ministry of Aviation do not add value to the parastatals, rather, it compounds their problems. What are the functions of the Ministry when NCAA has been statutorily established in compliance with ICAO set standards and practices?” Also, in his own submission, Capt. Daniel Omale said the whole world has discarded a ministry dedicated to aviation

alone, noting that in addition to the associated cost elements, a ministry of aviation as opposed to a ministry of transport is directly an “addictive inverse” to the functions and responsibilities of the Civil Aviation Authority of a country. “The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) like its counterparts in other countries of the world should be autonomous, and charged with the responsibility for air safety. There is no reason, whatsoever, to retain a dedicated ministry for aviation sector, because the natural uncoordinated interface will come to play between the minister of aviation, a politician, and the director-general or head of the NCAA, who is usually a professional aviator.” Omale said. “What is necessary in this country is a ministry dedicated to transportation: air, sea, railway, and highways.” He submitted. According to him, “There is no reason for Nigeria to keep appeasing politicians by offering a ministerial appointment in aviation. We must continuously empower our civil aviation authority to maintain its autonomy through provision of air safety oversight, crew licensing, and economic regulation of the airlines. “Also, the NCAA must be made the focal -point, to lead the other subservient agencies like the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). “Nigeria will greatly reduce the cost of governance by scrapping the ministry of aviation.” He said. To Gbenga Taylor, an aviation industry analyst, the Buhari administration must do all to immediately reduce the cost of governance through the scrapping and merger of some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government. According to him, there’s urgent need to implement the Orasanye’s report on the rationalisation of federal government parastatals to allow for operational and administrative efficiency in the way governance is run in this country. “The Aviation ministry ought not to be in the first place but due to certain but self serving political consideration that is primarily aimed at settling ‘the Boys’, nay, political jobbers around and within the corridors and bedrooms of power, this administrative cum political aberration called Federal Ministry of Aviation, like many other of its like, was created.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 19, 2015

FRSC, tanker drivers want FG to ban tokunbo tyres

orried by the rising cases of road traffic crashes involving petroleum tankers in parts of the country, the Federal Road Safety Commission and the tankers and haulage operators have called on the Federal Government to ban importation and use of second-hand tyres by vehicle owners in the country. At the end of stakeholders’ summit on tankers and haulage operators organised by the FRSC, the stakeholders agreed that there was an urgent need for renewal of petroleum tankers and other haulage vehicles through Fleet Acquisition Renewal Scheme with collaboration with financial institutions like the Bank of Industry or the Infrastructure Bank. The haulage operators canvassed for training and retraining of tankers and trailers drivers in conjunction with the FRSC, stressing that there is a need for life insurance for all Nigerians for ease of compensation of citizens in case of loss of lives in

Oyeyemi

road crashes. The summit also called for modernization of law enforcement training and re-training, and logistics enhancement to ensure more effective discharge of duties. Reacting to reports of the crashes in Onitsha, Anambra state and Iyana-ipaja in Lagos, recently, the Corps Marshal stated the incidents threw the nation into mourning mood with enormous economic loses, adding that with the combined efforts of other stakeholders, the wreckages caused as a result of the crashes have been cleared and normalcy has returned to the areas.

Oyeyemi recalled that FRSC, in its efforts to avert such fatal crashes involving articulated vehicles, proactively launched the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme in 2007, which made adequate provisions for regular training and retraining of the tanker drivers as well as maintenance of vehicles by fleet operators who must have safety managers that are professionals. He said he has directed strict enforcement of safety standards on petroleum tankers, while urging the operators to comply with the provisions of Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS). “FRSC is working in concert with all stakeholders to ensure that our roads are made safer for all travelers. We have directed our commands to strictly enforce vehicle safety standards as provided for in the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme on all vehicles operating on the nation’s highways including the tankers. He stressed that the scheme provided for regular safety checks by the FRSC and other relevant agencies to ensure that vehicle standards are carefully observed by fleet operators and drivers.

KIA Motors’ boss sets automobile industry agenda for FG

n view of the growing concerns by stakeholders on the sustainability and possible review of the auto policy, the CEO of Kia Motors Nigeria, Jacky Hathiramani has charted a new course for the new government and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the key issues and lingering challenges in the development of Nigerian automobile industry. In his proposal, he reiterated the germane significance of the auto industry and how pertinent it is for the new administration under the stewardship of President Buhari to bring to bear the progressive change it had instituted in its campaigns and programmes to the automobile industry. According to Jacky, one of the major challenges bedeviling the development of automobile industry is the staggering amount and alarming rate of used vehicles importations. While noting that for the industry to grow, the importation of used vehicles needs to be addressed, he said despite the business challenges it pose to the local manufacturers, the level of the economic menace it constitutes cannot be overemphasized. “The government needs to be steadfast in its pursuit of economy growth by tackling importation of used vehicles and also strengthening the border to drastically reduce the spate of smuggling into the country.

“When the administration addresses the influx of the used vehicles, there will be a corresponding demand for the new locally made cars which will create a mass production and in turn drastically reduce the prices owing to a resultant effect on the cost of production.” He submitted. To the KIA boss, the thrust of the Nigeria auto policy needs to be restructured to further create an enabling environment for the local assembling companies. Taking a cue from developed countries where local manufacturers are given government aids and tax exemptions for Semi Knocked Down (SKD) parts and components from import tariffs, he noted, the current administration can further reduce or exempt local companies from import tariff which would go a long way in reducing the cost of producing the vehicle thereby reducing the prices and giving them a competitive edge. While lamenting on the current state of the nation’s power supply, he enjoined the government to revamp the power sector for adequate provision of energy to support local plants. The operational cost of an assembly plant in Nigeria today, he said, is high based on the epileptic power supply and the high cost of running power generators has continued to have effect on the pricing of Nigerian made vehicles.

Hathiramani

Speaking further, Jacky stated that adequate power supply is the fulcrum for sustainable economic growth. To make the locally assembled vehicles competes favourably and produce affordable vehicles to the teeming publics, the business environment needs to be conducive, he said. Stressing that the current administration needs to focus on pragmatic automobile policies – to drive growth and economic diversification, he noted that the key initiative of the government should be centred on reducing the cost of doing business in the country. He stated further that the foreign automakers who are not partnering with local companies to establish assembly plant needs to be barred from operating in the country to help strengthen the local assembling plants.

megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

Suzuki engines 50% economical than other brands, says Boulus boss

he chairman of Boulos enteriprises Ltd, the distributors of Suzuki products in Nigeria, Robert Ndubueze Ugbaja has revealed that its brand of Suzuki 4-stroke engines are more than 50 per cent more economical than the two strokes. It would be recalled that the sales of two stroke outboard motor has been banned by the Nigerian government. Ugbaja made this known during a one-day parley with its dealers nationwide. The parley which took place at Boulus premises in Ikeja, Lagos recently was attended by Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, representatives and local dealers in Suzuki outboard Motors in the country. The conference was aimed at educating dealers on the advantages of the four stroke outboard marine engine over the two stroke type, which consumes more fuel and harms the environment. The dealers also used the opportunity of the meeting to voice their challenges to the Boulos management. The chairman explained that the 4-stroke outboard motors were carefully made to suit the Nigerian climatic and water conditions. He noted that the Japanese made Suzuki outboard motors is poles apart from competition as there were made to meet customers stringent demands. “What distinguished Suzuki

Suzuki-4-stroke engine

outboard motor from our competitors are her exceptional models of outboard motors designed to meet the demand of the market in terms of customer satisfaction.” Ugbaja said. According to him, a great deal of priority is placed on after-sales service support in terms of provision and availability of genuine spare parts backed by professionally trained engineers and technicians. “Boulos Enterprises, in partnership with Suzuki Motors Corporation, Japan, is not only sales oriented but market focused in delivering satisfaction to its customers and partners for life”, he stated. The Boulos boss said this has improved their friendship with customers thereby giving Boulos enterprises competitive edge over other brands in the market. With well structured dealership network across the country, Boulos in conjunction with Suzuki, Japan organises regular free service campaign on Suzuki outboard motors aimed at satisfying its customers.

Lagos NURTW boosts BRT services with 100 buses

he Chairman, Lagos State branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, said the union had injected nearly 100 new buses to Bus Rapid Transport on Lagos roads, to ease transport difficulties Agbede said that the NURTW buses were injected to face out buses that were worn out from all BRT routes. He added, “We have pushed out almost 100 buses to reduce

BRT buses

passengers’ traffic caused by less number of buses and those that are not in good condition and we are still expecting more. “All the buses that are not in good condition are going to be phased out gradually. “We cannot just remove every bus that is not in good condition out of the road. “Removal of rickety buses at once will cause passengers’ traffic and reduce movement of people using the BRT buses.” He said. While noting that rickety buses would be taken for repairs and put back to work to complement the number of buses available for passengers’ use, Agbede reiterated the union’s commitment in serving the people of Lagos State to their convenience.

Cocktail

Friday, June 19, 2015

Tourists nearly trampled by Queen’s Guards

pair of tourists Britain learned a valuable lesson about minding their surroundings when they were nearly trampled by a group of marching Queen’s Guards. A video shared on YouTube Monday by Steven Macaulay shows the man looking at his camera and talking to a woman when the famously disciplined Queen’s Guards come marching down the walkway.

The man and woman are swept up into the group of marchers and are pushed out of frame of the video by the guards. “Make way!” one of the guards shouts as the tourists are shoved. “You better be on your guard when the Queens Guards are coming through, these guys aren’t stopping for anything!” Macaulay wrote in the video’s description.

German traffic light has been red for 28 years

fficials in Dresden, Germany, said a traffic light that has been red for the past 28 years will remain red for the foreseeable future due to regulations. The light, where Ziegelstrasse meets three other streets, has been red since 1987 and allows motorists to turn right after stopping, but any motorists hoping to go straight on to Gerokstrasse will almost definitely run out of fuel before they get a green light. The traffic light has nev-

er lit up yellow or green, despite annual maintenance costs for the intersection including replacement green and yellow bulbs for the signal. Dresden officials said the city’s traffic light planning is based on directives from The Research Institute for Street Transportation. “The administrative regulation as set out in section 37 paragraph 2 of the of the transportation regulations alludes to the need for an exact plan for traffic light signals,” a city representative told The Local.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities Oddities

Rattlesnake found painted pink near construction site A

rattlesnake that had been spraypainted pink was found near a construction site in Utah’s capital city on Tuesday. Jim Dix, director of Utah’s Reptile Rescue Service, said he recovered the snake in foothills around the University of Utah Hospital. “It’s animal cruelty,” he told KSTU. Dix is now tending to the 3-4 foot viper. He said he believes a construction worker may have colored it with ground-marking equipment, a move he characterized as “a really childish, stupid thing to do.” Dix said the paint makes the snake more visible to predators and prey, as well as making it more aggressive, as the paint covered its eyes, making it more likely to strike at perceived threats. Harming wild snakes in Utah is a class B misdemeanor.

Dix’s website advises people who are dealing with venomous snakes to “keep in mind accidents do happen,” and that “you are 100 percent

The painted rattle snake

responsible for any incident by said reptile, which can include fines for escaping, as well as financial loss due to bites.” It adds that hospital

costs from a bite can run “from $90,000 plus, and in some cases death, which could land you in prison for negligence.”

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

Adjusting Nigerian ports’ fiscal regime for global competitiveness

The prevalence of high cost of doing business in most seaports in Nigeria, occasioned by the existence of multiplicity of charges, has continued to inhibit the ability of these ports to compete with their peers within the West African sub-region. FRANCIS EZEM reports.

t has been reported that more than 75 percent of imported cargo into West Africa invariably always find their way into the Nigerian market. What is even more baffling to many analysts, however, is that less than 25 percent of this volume of imported goods comes through the nation’s seaports, thereby indicating that the rest is diverted to seaports in neighbouring West African countries and later brought into the country through the land borders and sometimes unapproved routes. The driving force behind this massive cargo diversion is the importers’ quest for cheaper and more efficient port services, though the issue of trying to evade duty payment cannot be completely ruled out in some extreme cases. Some unpatriotic importers and their agents have also taken undue advantage of the loopholes in the administration of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme ETLS to import goods from Europe, America and Asia through these neighbouring ports only to smuggle them into country through the land borders. Apart from cumbersome clearing processes at the nation’s seaports and the attendant delays, which have serious cost implications in terms of demurrage and rent payments, port users have also complained about the multiplicity of charges by the government and its agencies. For instance, in addition to the statutory charges such as Import Duty, Fees, Common External Tariff Levy and the Value Added Tax, which are paid into the Federation Account of the government, importers are also compelled to pay myriads of other charges. These exclude some statutory regional payments such as 0.5 percent Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS, Trade Liberalisation Scheme ETLS, among others, which are also paid by importers in member nations of ECOWAS. There is also the seven per cent Port Development Levy, Rice Levy, one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme CISS, which is the Free On Board value of all imports into the country, from which the service providers under the Destination Inspection Scheme were paid. However nearly two years after the scheme has been taken over by the Nigeria Customs Service, importers are still made to pay the levy. Others include the Cigarette Levy, National Automotive Council Levy, Sugar Levy, Port Surcharge and other sundry charges paid to the government directly

Container blockstack

THE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF THIS IS THAT MOST OF THESE MULTIPLE CHARGES ARE AGGREGATED AND ADDED TO THE COST OF IMPORTING THE

CONSIGNMENT, WHICH IS ULTIMATELY PASSED TO THE FINAL CONSUMER IN TERMS OF HIGHER PRICES WITH ATTENDANT INFLATIONARY TRENDS before the imported consignment would be allowed to leave the port. Apart from these charges paid directly to the Federal Government, there are other fees and charges paid to its agencies that participate in cargo inspection such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, Port Health, National Plant and Quarantine Service, among several others. Most stakeholders have therefore blamed the thriving cargo diversion partly on the imposition of imposition of multiple port charges and fees on imported items by the government and its agencies and the inefficiencies at the port, with the attendant avoidable high cost. President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Chief Eugene Nweke, who spoke

on the development, particularly picked holes in the collection of VAT on imported, describing it as double taxation. According to him, most of these imported goods end up in various markets and shops in Nigeria where they are subjected to another round of VAT payment across the counter. According to him, government should determine at what point an importer or freight forwarder should pay VAT on a consignment. Nweke, who also insisted that the government should no longer allow Customs to collect the VAT, argued that collecting it at various cargo processing stage amounts to multiple billing, which is unfair. President of Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, who spoke in an interview, expressed fears that unless

urgent steps were taken to address these problems of multiple and excessive charges, bureaucracy and cumbersome clearing processes associated with Nigeria’s port system, the country might lose substantial cargo traffic to neighbouring seaports, which also portends revenue losses. Citing the examples of Ghana and Cote’d Ivoire, which are building millennium port facilities that would berth mega ships that are capable of carrying over 10, 000 TEUs of cargo, arguing that in the nearest future, Nigerian importers would have to use smaller ships to take their cargo from these two seaports. “The cumulative effect of this is that most of these multiple charges are aggregated and added to the cost of importing the consignment, which is ultimately passed to the final consumer in terms of higher prices with attendant inflationary trends”, he lamented. Expectedly, more often than not, the final consumers are at the receiving end in all these since the importers would naturally pass down these arbitrary charges the final consumers. This obvious economic reality calls for concerted action on the part of the government and its agencies to eliminate some of these duplicated charges in order to reduce operating cost at the ports and by so doing make them competitive.

Business Maritime

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We sacrificed to establish CRFFN, says Group FRANCIS EZEM

orried by the challenges faced by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria CRFFN, including lack of funds, the Concerned Registered Freight Forwarding Association CREFFA, a coalition of four freight forwarding associations has said that most members of the group made sacrifices to ensure the creation of the council. CREFFA is made up of four out of five major and accredited associations comprising the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders ARFF, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, and National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators NAFFAC, with the exception of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA. A member of the coalition, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, during a briefing on the ongoing rift over the collection of practicing fee for the CRFFN, said that most members of ANLCA

Akpobolokemi

were opposed to the creation of the council for obvious reasons. According to him, there have been several instances where members of the association made moves to scuttle the creation of the council, citing a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives on the CRFFN Bill during which members of the association called for the withdrawal of the bill and substituting it with the Council for the Regulation of Licensed

Aniebonam

Customs Agents Bill, a request the house turned down. He observed that the creation of the council was strategic to the growth and development of the freight forwarding practicing in the country, which was before now uncoordinated, unregulated and seriously looked down on by other professionals in the country. Aniebonam said it was in recognisation of the critical role of the council in ensuring capacity

NIMASA assures take-off of shipyard operations

he Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, has said that its ship yard and dry dock facility project being built in Warri-South Local Government Area of Delta State is on course and would be completed on schedule. Director General of the agency, who addressed indigenes of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, which is the host community, during a recent visit, disclosed that both the ship yard and the Nigerian Maritime University projects would cost the Federal Government a whopping $100 million. According to him, the dock for the ship yard is currently being built in an undisclosed foreign country and would be towed into the country to commence full operation. He insisted that in addition to creating jobs for the teeming Nigerian youths including those of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, the ship yard would check the increasing cases of capital flight associated with the dry docking of ships that lift cargo from Nigerian ports

in neighbouring countries due to the absence of one in Nigeria. While justifying the establishment of the ship yard near the university, both of which are in Gbaramatu Kingdom, he insisted that the ship yard would provide practical knowledge for students of Naval Architecture in the school, as they would not need to go elsewhere for practical training. “In addition to this, the large deposit of hydrocarbon in the area makes it most suitable place in the country for the establishment of the ship yard”, he said. He assured therefore that when fully operational, the ship yard and dry dock facility would save a lot of foreign exchange, as most ships that call at the nation’s seaports would no longer have any cause to go elsewhere since there is one meets international standards. The Nigerian Association of Master Mariners NAMM, had said recently that Nigeria loses over N250 billion annu-

ally due to the absence of a functional shipyard and dry docking facility. President of the association, Captain Ade Olopoenia, who spoke in an interview, observed that Nigeria accounts for over70 per cent of the foreign vessels that call at all the seaports in West African countries. He also said that oil and gas activities in the country also attract the presence of large number of tanker vessels of different types servicing these oil and gas operations. It was also gathered that international regulatory agencies and ship classification society rules and good maintenance of ships require that ships be dry docked every 30 months on the average for routine surveys. Experts say that marine presence requires that ship repair yards with dry docks of varying capacities be available to cope with the maintenance requirement of these vessels due to the wear and tear associated with constant contact with water.

building, professionalising the freight forwarding practice in the country and the urgent need to set standards and regulate the freight forwarding associations that well meaning members of the group had to make personal sacrifices to ensure the creation of the council. “The critical role played by the freight forwarders in the supply chain cannot be over em-

phasized and so these critical stakeholders need to be trained and re-trained to conform to international standards and this cannot be possible without the CRFFN “, he said. He regretted that more than eight years after the creation o the council, the core objectives of training and re-training and regulating the freight forwarders, setting standards and carrying out sundry regulatory functions that would take the industry to the next level have yet to be achieved. National President of ARFF, one of the members of the coalition, Dr. Frank Ukor, disclosed at the forum that the Federal Ministry of Transport had intervened in the issue of collection of the practicing fee to sustain the operations of the council. According to him, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mallam Mohammed Bashar has issued a stern warning to members of ANLCA to desist from disobeying directives by the CRFFN, as that might attract stiff sanctions from the ministry.

Falling Asia-Europe container ship rates may persist

reight rates on the Asia to Europe route have dropped to their lowest levels on record as carriers face off in a damaging rate war amidst weak vessel utilisation, according to shipping analyst Alphaliner. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) spot rates from Shanghai to North Europe reached an all-time low of USD 243/teu on 12 June and could fall further with rates as low as USD 150/ teu reportedly offered by carriers. Current spot rates are well below breakeven levels, estimated at about USD 800/teu based on Alphaliner’s calculations. Effective freight rates, after deducting fuel surcharges, are now negative for carriers with BAF (bunker adjustment factor) averaging USD 337/teu in June. “Although carriers have announced another round of general rate increases (GRI) ranging from USD 900 to USD 1,200 per teu on 1 July, any gains are likely to be short lived if not accompanied by effective capacity rationalisation measures. The widespread practice of void sailings has proven to be ineffective so far,” said Alphaliner. “It’s the additional capacity that is hurting freight rates,”

ACM container analyst Jonathan Roach told the Wall Street Journal. “Demand for container shipping grew a less-thanexpected 3% in the first four months of the year, so it will be a very challenging environment that could test the carriers over the next two to three years.” As a result of the capacity oversupply, estimated to reach 35 per cent by the end of the year, carriers are likely to experience losses in the second quarter of the year. Alphaliner’s data shows that carriers have cancelled 52 voyages or 10 per cent of all Far East to North Europe sailings during the first six months of this year, the highest rate of sailing cancellations ever recorded on the trade. Despite this, carriers’ reluctance to permanently withdraw excess capacity have foiled all of their previous rate restoration efforts. As an alternative to void sailings, Maersk and MSC have announced a reduction in capacity on one of their six FE-North Europe strings. However, Alphaliner believes that the minor capacity reduction is unlikely to have an impact as it will only remove 1 percent of the total FE-North Europe trade capacity.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, June 19, 2015

Customs releases seized multi-billion naira textiles to importers ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI

…unseals warehouses

found in the custody of four Chinese nationals in Kano metropolis had been released by the Nigeria

KANO

ulti-billion naira textile materials earlier suspected to be contraband

Customs Service (NCS) to the importers after several weeks of investigation.

New NACCIMA President unveils devt agenda …targets MSMEs to boost growth

ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

he Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, has pledged to deploy resources at its disposal to boost agriculture value chain as a means of boosting the economy of the nation. Making the promise during his investiture as the new President of the Association in Lagos, Chief Bassey Edem, specifically listed Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, as key focal point of the association’s drive towards the development of the nation’s agricultural value chain. Edem promised that NACCIMA would work towards mak-

ing MSMEs the focal point for the country’s development in terms of access to funds, assistance with feasibility studies, business plan as well as enhancing their representation in any intervention programmes of government. He assured of the association’s support while encouraging members to ensure that they continue to partner the government and other private sector stakeholders with genuine intention to move the economy forward. The new NACCIMA boss, who described the association as a paragon of economic and social development in the country, noted that the theme of the recent held 55th Annual General Meeting of the Association in Calabar, Cross River State, “Policy Consistency

in Agricultural Value Chain: A Key To Socio-Economic Development”, was appropriate in view of the current effort by Government at diversifying the economy. He urged members to look inwards and go back to the basics so as to appreciate the contributions of agri-business in socio-economic development of the nation. He said: “The business community is facing serious challenges. In order to ease these problems and chart a course for the nation’s sustainable growth and development, we make a clarion call on the various tiers of governments, especially now that we have a new democratic regime in place to create conducive environment that will make the economy a private sector driven one.’’

National Mirror gathered that the decision to release the textiles materials was based on an agreement reached between the leadership of Kantin Kwari textile market and officials of NCS. The Customs reportedly requested the owners of the suspected illicit textile materials to pay 25 percent duty, which was later cut down and agreed at five percent. Some of the textiles were allegedly handed back to their owners on the agreement that they come back to pay the duties, when they succeed in disposing the materials. The Publicity Secretary ,Kantin Kwari Textile Market Association, Nura Idris Maliya, who described the sealing of the warehouses by officers and men of the Nigeria Customs as embarrassing, said it was impossible to have imported such large cache of textiles into the country without paying the accrued royalties into government coffers. Nura said the unsealing of the sealed warehouses and the circulation of the textiles at Kantin

FCMB rewards customers at 2nd Millionaire Promo draws

L-R: Nike Akande, Director, Union Bank Plc, Somuyiwa Sonubi, Company Secretary, Udoma udo Udoma, Chairman and Emeka Emuwa, Group Managing Director during the Bank’s 46th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

Fidson Healthcare wins Leadership award MUDASHIRU OYENIRAN

Nigerian pharmaceutical company, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has emerged winner of the 2014 Nigerian Frost & Sullivan Award for Growth Excellence Leadership. The award, which was conferred on the company in United Kingdom recently, recognised Fidson’s definitive vision and strong management, which stoked a growth rate of 26 percent in 2013 and other innovative strategies which consolidated the company’s in the nation’s pharmaceutical industry. Frost & Sullivan’s Best Prac-

tices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for outstanding achievement in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and product development. According to Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst, Danielle de la Mare, the Nigerian pharmaceutical market was estimated to be approximately US$1.19 billion in 2013, with year-on-year growth of 12 per cent. Fidson’s audited report for the same period showed revenue growth of 29 per cent, from N7.2 billion in 2012 to N9.2 billion in 2013. Its gross profit grew by 26 per cent, from N4.1 billion in 2012 to N5.1 billion to 2013, while its

operating profit increased by 60 per cent and operating margin by three per cent. Furthermore, Fidson is building a NGN7.5 billion biotech plant that will add a new product line – intravenous fluids – to its product portfolio while doubling its production capabilities of existing product lines by 2015, thereby facilitating economies of scale. It will also enable Fidson to invert its manufacturing capacity and imports ratio from 40:60 to 60:40. Fidson is one of five local manufacturing companies shortlisted for the WHO Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) compliance.

Kwari and its bordering markets would bring down the inflated prices of textile materials in Kano, neighboring states and West Africa. The NCS’ Anti-Smuggling Task Force had on May 7 claimed it impounded contraband textile materials hidden in over 70 warehouses spread across Kano metropolis, allegedly smuggled into the country by four Chinese nationals. The Deputy Controller in charge of the National Anti -Smuggling Task Force, Hassan Shanangwa, told newsmen at the site of one of the warehouses that, the suspected Chinese nationals were engaged in the smuggling of illegal imports of textile materials through concealment of the illicit goods from security operatives and the usage of illegitimate travelling routes. Shanangwa further said, the anti smuggling squad under his command swooped on the warehouse where contraband textile materials worth billions of naira were impounded.

nother set of 643 customers of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited have been rewarded at the second draws of the Bank’s ongoing promotion tagged, ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo’’. The winners emerged at the electronic selection exercise which took place on Wednesday across the bank’s three regions and 25 zones nationwide. While three customers were rewarded with the sum of N1million each at the Regional draws held in Akure, Ondo State; Awka, Anambra State and Abuja, a total of 640 others smiled home with LED televisions, generating sets, decoders, tablets, smart phones and other consolation prizes at the Zonal draws held in different parts of the country. At the Lagos/South-West Regional draw which took place in Akure, Mr. Abdulkadiri Olorunjuwon got the reward of N1million, while at the Abuja/North Regional draw held in Abuja, Mr. Isaiah Abari received the same amount, just as Mr. Odia Osasumwen won N1million at the SouthEast/South-South Regional draw that took place at Awka. Speaking on the promo and how to participate draws, the Senior Vice President/Divisional Head of Retail Banking, Mr. Olu Akanmu, said that all an existing or new customer of the Bank needs to do is to Save N10,000 in any of the eligible savings ac-

count of his or her choice for 30 days to qualify for the electronic selection of winners where the star prize of N1million and other fantastic prizes will be won. Multiple savings of N10,000 will increase chances of winning. To qualify for the grand finale draws in August, where three customers will each receive N5 million, existing and new customers are to save N50,000 in any of the eligible accounts for 30 days. Multiple savings of N50,000 increases winning chances. He said: “We are excited to once again reward our customers for their patronage and loyalty. Our customers are the reason why FCMB exists and as a Bank that is committed to continually satisfy their needs, the Millionaire Promo is to further show appreciation to existing and potentials customers by expanding the reward opportunities that the promo offers them. “We are happy that the second sets of winners have emerged. We encourage all our customers to partake in this exercise, because it is an avenue for economic empowerment’’, Akanmu added. The seasoned banker also used the opportunity of the promo and draws to further sensitise customers about the refreshed corporate identity of the Bank and its new thematic campaign tagged, ‘’A World of Opportunity’’, which were unveiled recently.

Business News

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG, others pledge support for NEPAD programmes SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

ederal Government has pledged to support the programmes and projects of the New Economic Partnership for African Development, NEPAD. President Mohammed Buhari, who gave the assurance during the African Union Summit in South Africa, urged the agency to ensure effective policies and programmes, aimed at improving economic growths of the continent while getting its priorities

right. Buhari in his message at the African Union Summit, delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. B.Z. Lolo emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to the growth of the NEPAD. NEPAD Agency Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Mayaki had listed some of the achievements of the Agency from January to June 2015. Mayaki said: “We have achieved 313 results each of which has had quantifiable impacts: 20 at the continental level,

30 at the regional level and 264 at the national levels. All the impacts demonstrated are geared towards the industrialization of the continent”. NEPAD’s HSGOC Chairman and President of Senegal, Macky Sall underscored achievements of NEPAD in advancing regional integration through infrastructure and capacity development projects. He stressed the need to tackle illicit financial flows from Africa and enhance capacities of African member countries to negotiate mining and oil contracts for

the social benefits of African people. Sall however commended NEPAD Spanish Fund for African Women’s Empowerment, describing Africa50 Fund as a solution to the infrastructure challenge in the continent. In his own submission, South African President Jacob Zuma said investments in infrastructure programmes, regional integration and intra-African trade were sure bets for Africa’s sustainable growth and development. African Union Chairperson

and President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe applauded NEPAD’s breakthroughs in project conceptualisation and implementation, noting that “NEPAD has provided critical synergies among African institution, thereby enhancing a much needed continental integration.” He therefore urged the Partnership to play leading roles in capacitating regional economic communities to fast-track Africa’s quest for industrialisation while creating greater value for its vast mineral resources.

Germanwings crash: German authorities contemplate stiffer procedures OLUSEGUN KOIKI

I L-R: Group Head, Propositions and Products, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Adewale Akinrinde; Executive Director, Finance and Strategy, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman and Head, Consumer Banking Unit, Mr. Gbenga Adegoke, during the media presentation of the Bank’s new product (Sterling Plus), on Monday in Lagos.

GE commences fabrication of subsea wellheads UDEME AKPAN

eneral Electric has commenced fabrication of subsea wellheads at its Onne facility in River State, thus assisting to boost local content in the industry. The project came on stream after four years of planning, capital investment and training of indigenous personnel required for seamless operations. The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr Lazarus Angbazo stated that the new investment has resulted in a 40per cent increase of covered workshop area at Onne facility and engagement of additional permanent staff. He hinted that with this development, surface well head systems used in drilling for Oil and gas on land and offshore will commence in GE’s Oil and gas facility in Onne, Rivers state within the next few months. Angbazo maintained that Nigerian engineers have also been trained within and outside the country to operate these facilities, adding that the latest development aligns with the Federal Government’s local content law and the clamour for capacity building, skill acquisition and technology

...boosts local content devt transfer. While indicating that nearly all the engineers and technicians that will be involved in the fabrication are indigenous Nigerians who have been trained within and outside the country, he noted that only recently GE announced that it had sent the first batch out of the 15 newly recruited technicians and engineers to Brazil for training in the assembly and test of subsea equipment. He explained that operating since 2002, this purpose-built facility was the first and only quayside facility of its calibre in Nigeria with an exceptional safety record. He said with continually expanding capabilities, the site provides complete assembly, testing and life cycle service for subsea tree systems, subsea control modules, specialty connectors and pipe. Another company official, Mr. Uzo Nwagwu said for GE, this milestone represents a lot more than complying with the laws on local content. “This is not about ticking the box on local content compliance. “It’s about localizing our people, localizing our capabilities; local-

izing our suppliers and localizing the training and the human capital. This is the only thing that makes sustainable business sense to support our huge investments in the country,” said Nwagwu.

n a bid to forestall the repeat of the March 24 disaster involving a pilot of a Germanwings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa Airline, the German authorities and Europe are coming out with more proactive steps that will further ensure safety and security of air passengers and equipment. Germany and Europe are currently meeting with medical personnel on how medical results of pilots would not be hidden from the authorities or their employers despite the existence of privacy law in the country. The Vice President, Sales and Services Southeast Europe, Africa & Middle East, Mr. Tamur Goudarzi-Pour revealed these to aviation journalists in Lagos yesterday. Goudarzi-Pour said the accident, though not the first of such in the annals of global air accidents, had brought about some reforms, which would further improve safety and security of

equipment and passengers. He explained that as a result of the crash, the entire Europe had made it mandatory for pilots to always be two in the cockpit at any given time while the redesigning of the cockpit and other psychological tests for pilots are still ongoing. He said: “It was clear that this was a deed of a single person that committed mass murder. Of course, he was considered safe to fly by the licensing authority, but as it turned out, he was hiding the details of his medical checks. He went to several doctors, but he hid them all. “There is a procedure, which is ongoing in Germany and Europe about medical checks. When you are starting your career you have medical checks. Nevertheless, it has led us to a situation that we recheck all procedures. This is something we are not doing alone; we are doing that with Germany and European, ICAO and IATA. We are rechecking the procedures very carefully.

Nigerite introduces new building tech solution ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

igerite Limited has introduced an alternative building solution, Kalsi Dry Building Board into the building industry in replacement of the orthodox wet building construction system. Speaking at the official launching of the new building material yesterday in Lagos, the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Frank Le Bris, said that the new solution was the result of the company decision to augment the efforts to cover up the housing deficit in the country. Bris, who estimated the housing deficit in Nigeria at about 20 million, said the new building solution was introduced as one of

the fastest means of bridging this gap since it would take few numbers of days to construct. Bris said: “As a prominent and active player in the built industry over the past five decades and having been and still remaining a responsible corporate citizen of Nigeria, we as a company owe it a duty to the industry and the country to champion economic and technological innovations that we have experienced in the developed world through the network of the parent company – Etex. “We have carefully observed our environment and come to the conclusion that we do not have to wait for tomorrow to bring this avant garde technology to Nigeria. “Even though, the introduction of this technology has caused us

a lot of money in terms of investment in new factory lines and equipment as well as additional personnel, we believe that this is just one of the few things we can do to contribute to the economic and technological upgrade of Nigeria”, he added. The Head, Dry Construction Business Unit, Wale Ogungbe, said the new building solution costs less in the final analysis as the maintenance cost would have been reduced, adding that it is all encompassing as it offers products cutting across all parts of a building except the roofing. According to him, whilst it is not a replacement for the wet construction system; it is simply an alternative to it and also provides quicker, effective and cheaper means of renovation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, June 19, 2015

NNPC, NEITI to partner on oil industry transparency UDEME AKPAN

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, have agreed to collaborate with a view to consolidating the gains of the transparency initiatives recorded so far in the nation’s oil and gas industry. The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha, disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Corporation in Abuja by a delegation of NEITI and parent Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, EITI. Dawha noted that the Corpora-

tion had enjoyed an unprecedented cooperation and collaboration with NEITI in their transparency drive in the oil and gas industry and assured NEITI that the collaboration would further assist in addressing issues that hitherto existed in terms of the negative public perception of the industry. He told the NEITI delegation that the change in global oil demand and supply had resulted in a fall in crude oil prices to levels last seen during the peak of the 2008 financial crisis, adding that to address the new reality and cushion its effects on the nation’s economy austerity measures and other plans have been put in place by the Nigerian government. The NNPC boss listed some of

the fiscal measures as the diversification of government revenue sources, gas expansion investment programmes and increase in domestic utilization of Nigeria’s crude, amongst others. The Chairman of the NEITI Board, Mr. Ledum Mitee, thanked the Corporation’s management for its cooperation over the years. He said the expected passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will herald a new chapter in the nation’s oil and gas industry. The NEITI delegation comprised the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Zainab S. Ahmed, the Chair of the EITI Board, Clare Short, as well as board members of the EITI.

Visafone free roaming mobile app excites subscribers ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

he newly launched Visafone Communications Limited Internet-powered voice, video and messaging solution for smartphones, tablets and windows desktops is creating huge excitement among subscribers on the network. According to Visafone, the app is an instant favourite for the network’s travelers who roam. The mobile app enables customers to receive incoming calls while roaming at zero roaming charges and also allow them to make calls to Nigerian numbers at home tariffs. App to App calling is free allowing customers to make local and international calls at zero cost. A statement released by

Visafone stated that “in keeping pace with the changing preferences of customers, Visafone has come out with the innovative app that will transform the way our customers communicate wherever they are in the world and cut down the communication costs drastically.” It also added that the application allows users to make audio and video phone calls at low rates and sends instant messages to all other Visafone app users for free. The App is available over WiFi or 4G/3G wireless networks and can be downloaded and installed on any Android smartphones, Tablets, Windows desktops and Apple iPhones / iPads in the first phase; the app will be launched on BlackBerry platform in the next phase.

Fed says U.S. economy strong to handle rate hike

L-R: Head, Consumer Liability Products of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Shamsideen Fashola; a winner of the FCMB Millionaire Promo, Mr. Olawale Olaitan; Alara of Ilara Mokin in Ondo State, Oba A.A. Ademehinti; Retail Coordinator, Lagos & South-West of the Bank, Funmilola Paseda; the Zonal Head, South-West, Mr. Adelaja Adeleye and Retail Head, Ondo/Osun/Ekiti States, Mr. Victor Adejimola, at the promo draws held on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo State.

World Bank, African govts, launch $5m for scholarship innovation ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

frican governments, in collaboration with the continents business leaders and the World Bank, have raised $5million for a regional and innovative fund that will result to 10,000 PhD students receiving grants that span a period of 10 years. The Fund will contribute to the World Bank ‘Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET)’ programme meant to strengthen research and innovation in applied science, engineering and technology. The initiative is led by the PASET Steering Committee comprising Ministers responsible for higher education and research from Senegal, Rwanda and Ethiopia, business leaders, represen-

tatives from academia and the World Bank. President of the Republic of Senegal HE Macky Sall, who led the fund launch and representatives of the Heads of States of Ethiopia and Rwanda, is also supported by the ‘Africa Business Champions for Science’ group chaired by the Angolan businessman, Dr Álvaro Sobrinho, who also is Chairman of the Planet Earth Institute NGO. The launch of the Fund, whose objective of PASET is to accelerate the creation of a skilled, high-quality workforce in Africa to power Africa’s socio-economic transformation. is an outcome of the actions agreed at the previous PASET Forum’s held in Ethiopia (2013) and Senegal (2014), as well as the related Forum on Higher Education, Science and Technology held in Rwanda (2014). The World Bank reaffirmed

its support to the PASET objectives and its readiness to continue to support the initiative while additional funds will be mobilised from African Governments, business leaders and other developmental partners, to operationalise the Fund by June 2016. According to the World Bank, after a decade of exceptional growth in Africa, averaging 4.5 percent a year across the continent, it is necessary to build skills to sustain this growth and transform African economies towards higher levels of competitiveness. The Bank said that currently the African workforce was suffering from a lack of scientific and technical capacity and an integrated approach that brings together all partners: public and private, traditional and emerging partners, which is needed.

he U.S. economy is growing moderately after a winter swoon and likely strong enough to support an interest rate increase by the end of the year, but concerns remain over the recovery of the labor market, U.S. Federal Reserve officials said on Wednesday. With the economy still on track to grow as much as 2 percent for the year, the central bank’s latest policy statement keeps it on track for at least one and perhaps a second rate increase later this year. Fed Chair Janet Yellen, however, emphasized that the rate decision was still up in the air and rested squarely on further improvement in the labor market - renewing her focus on a longstanding concern. In a press conference following

the end of the Fed’s two-day policy meeting, Yellen said she wanted “more decisive evidence” that labor markets were healing, and that wages would increase beyond their current “subdued pace.” Even as the Fed appeared to be approaching a decision to proceed with a rate hike as soon as September, “some cyclical weakness in the labor market remains,” Yellen said, pointing to the low labor force participation rate and the high level of part-time employment. Her comments are likely to focus even more attention on upcoming U.S. employment and wage reports, as markets look for signs that continued economic growth is translating into more jobs and higher wages.

Merkel says Greece accord possible if Tsipras moves

hancellor Angela Merkel said a deal with Greece is still possible provided the Greek government follows through on the economic-reform pledges made to creditors. Merkel, while shying away from the posturing and rhetoric of others that has characterized the standoff over the past week, offered no concessions in her speech to lower-house lawmakers in Berlin on Thursday. Instead, she contrasted the experience in Greece with fellow euro-area bailout countries that “took their chance” to overhaul their economies. Reading from the agreement signed by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s government and euroarea creditors on Feb. 20, she said that Greece had committed to

“comprehensive structural reform,” much of which remained to be carried out. “Greece has received unprecedented solidarity over the last five years,” the chancellor said. “The basic principle still applies: help in return for reforms.” Merkel’s view counts as leader of the largest contributor to Greece’s 240 billion-euro ($273 billion) bailout. Her intervention came as euro-area finance ministers converge on Luxembourg Thursday in an attempt to resolve the standoff over aid that has persisted since February. The accord struck then afforded Greece an extension of its bailout to June 30, and officials have said the chances of a breakthrough in Luxembourg are slim.

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ikorodu farmers task govt on agric investment ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

armers in Ikorodu area of Lagos State under the umbrella of Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICCI, have solicited the Federal Government on the need to include area as of the developmental models for agricultural investment. This request was made by the President of the Ikorodu Chamber Prince Jamiu Adio Saka, at the Chamber’s 6th Business Luncheon in Lagos. Saka said that Ikorodu division’s population was increasing without commensurate infrastructural support despite the availability of land and human potential in the area. He therefore appealed to the government for the grant of agriculture inputs aimed at furthering the development of agriculture as a natural resource in the community. He said: “It is a known fact that there are various investment opportunities in agricultural sector; Preproduction which requires site preparation such as land clearing, land preparation and land development. Currently few companies are engaged in providing these services and many farmers are not skilled in good site preparation techniques. “Seed production and distribution, fertilizer production and distribution, crop cultivation, fisheries, are various segments which are in high need of investment in agricultural sector. “Our country particularly Ikorodu Division is blessed with

Farm machinery

Sonny Echono, FMAR. Permanent Secretary

environment conducive for agricultural development as a main stay of our economy. Our natural endowment should therefore be taken seriously as National Project through the adoption of technically driven Modern Farming

Practices and Mechanised Farm operations for increased productivities.” Earlier, the Senior Technical Adviser, Agribusiness Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Tony Bello had hinted the farmers that the Federal Government had started acquiring lands in some states for developmental models for agricultural investment. He advised them to be part of the programme by applying through their various associations and organisations. He also advised them to go into partnership with big private investors, who could help in the proper utilization of their landing property for agribusiness, thereby developing their community along agricultural value chains.

Bello explained with data that the research by the Ministry has shown that infrastructure was consistently cited as the greatest barrier to investment, regardless of investor type, size, location, or stage of value chain with 72 per cent. He gave the data of other barriers as containing financing accounting for 56 per cent, securing supplies 55 per cent, policy and regulatory environment 53 per cent, human capital 45 per cent, governance 39 per cent, information and communication 28 per cent, land 24 per cent, government coordination 19 per cent, and competitive environment taking the least of 5 per cent. He said the government has been making efforts to address all the constraints threatening agribusiness investors in Nigeria.

WAAPP distributes planting materials to farmers SAIDAT ALAUSA

o ensure maximum farming productivity and the incurring of lowest cost by farmers, the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme, WAAPP, recently distributed planting materials to farmers in the various villages adopted by WAAPP. The materials included certified seeds of maize and rice. The Director, Institute of

Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, IFSERAR, and the WAAPP Co-ordinator in the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Prof. Akin Omotayo, appreciated the farmers, saying the seeds contained high proportions of protein when compared with seeds from other sources. He advised the farmers to ensure that the seeds were not consumed, but planted since

they had been treated with chemicals to prevent attacks by pests. The Don added that a lot of money was spent in transporting the seeds from Plateau State, adding that a WAAPP team would soon be coming to inspect their farms after planting, for proper accountability. Omotayo said WAAPP was looking forward to getting some farmers amongst them that would serve as ‘seeds multiplier’, by producing for other

farmers, such that planting could be carried out within a short period of time. Speaking at the event, the Director, Agricultural Media Resource and Extension Centre, AMREC, of FUNAAB, Prof. Victor Olowe, disclosed that the seeds were highly viable and capable of yielding well. He implored the farmers to handle the seeds carefully, in order to achieve the desired objective of producing maximally at the lowest cost.

FOREIGN BRIEFS

SA agriculture inches towards 1million jobs target

n the first quarter of 2015, South Africa’s agriculture sector made significant headway towards meeting the target of creating one million additional jobs set for it by the National Development Plan. This was according to recent data, released by Stats SA. This indicated that in the first quarter of 2015, there were an estimated 183 000 more jobs in the sector than there had been in the first quarter of 2014. “Total employment in agriculture is currently estimated to be just under 900 000,” said Dawie Maree, FNB Agriculture spokesperson in his analysis of Stats SA’s data. “Total employment in agriculture is currently estimated to be just under 900 000,” said Dawie Maree, FNB Agriculture’s head of information and marketing, in his analysis of Stats SA’s data. Maree cautioned, however, that the sudden significant increase in jobs in the agricultural sector was most likely due to the fact that Stats SA had started using Census 2011 master data instead of that used previously from Census 2007. This may have skewed statistics by incorporating substantially more subsistence farmers into the agricultural employment figures than actual workers in the sector. “I think that we will only be able to get a clearer picture of agricultural employment after the next couple of quarters have passed,” Maree said. He also warned that despite SA agriculture being a relatively labour intensive industry and, therefore, was anticipated to hold a prominent position in the national growth plan, there were “some stark realities” that government needed to consider before setting ambitious employment targets for any industry in an economy. According to Maree, these stark realities for SA’s agricultural sector included labour costs, labour legislation, and the availability of appropriately skilled labour. He explained that farmers were expected to provide more to their labour in addition to wages, that labour legislation was becoming increasingly inflexible, and that increased mechanisation in agriculture required particular skills sets from the labour force.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, June 19, 2015

NSE records over 30% growth in assets in 2014 UDO ONYEKA

resident, Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE, council, Aigboje AigImoukhuede, has said the Exchange in 2014 recorded growth on key financial and operational performance parameters Imoukhuede, who made this known yesterday at the annual general meeting of the NSE, in Lagos, said total assets grew by over 30 per cent, while net assets grew by 29 per cent , year-on-year. According to him the growth in net assets was driven by a consistent rise in trading revenue and other income. “The results were achieved in spite of thinning operating margins and a fourth quarter slowdown in market activity. We recorded an operating surplus of N3.95bn, representing a significant increase of 21 per cent from 2013, and closed the year with accumulated funds

of N17.49bn”, he said. Also Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said the Exchange recorded a 47.17 per cent growth in total income for the financial year ended December 31, 2014. The Exchange in an annual report obtained by National Mirror said its total income grew to N7.950bn in 2014 as against N5.401bn recorded during the corresponding year of 2013, representing a growth of 47.7 per cent. Its revenue stood at N6.533bn from N4.576bn reported in 2013, accounting for 4.76 per cent increase. According to the CEO, the Exchange plans to focus on strengthening relationship with key stakeholders and ensuring exective compliance with relevant laws, SEC regulations, and safeguarding the Exchange’s reputation and strategic objectives.

The Exchange recently implemented a compliance framework which outlines the regulatory environment within which the Exchange operates and manages its compliance policies. Similarly, he said the framework set out expectations of each employee with regards to complying with set policies, procedures and code of ethics of the Exchange, both in an individual capacity and at the corporate level. He noted that implementation of the Compliance Framework will be one of ERM’s objectives for the year adding that ERM program continues to evolve as Exchange enhance its risk management capabilities to ensure that it maintain its trajectory while protecting the value of its business. “We have made good progress on embedding risk into every process and all activities at the Exchange and plan on conducting focused training on

key risk issues with an aim to enhancing the Exchange’s risk capability, risk culture, realisation of its strategic objectives, and increasing its operational efficiency. This year we will be introducing barometers for enhancing our overall risk maturity, for instance, the degree to which management decision-making has a risk component attached to it, and the depth to which risk awareness is ‘embedded’ or ‘systematized’ in the day-to-day operations at the Exchange. Finally, The Nigerian Stock Exchange recognises that maintaining and continually enhancing our risk management capabilities will be crucial in the months ahead, as we aim to successfully implement our strategic objectives and efficiently weather the current economic uncertainties,” he said.

Market capitalisation dips N6bn, indices 0.05% JOHNSON OKANLAWON

rading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday sustained a downward trend for the third consecutive day as a result of selling pressures. The market indices dropped by 0.05 per cent with the market capitalisation dropping by N6 billion to close at N11.421 trillion compared with N11.427 trillion posted on Wednesday. Also, the NSE All-Share Index lost 17.92 points or 0.05

per cent to close at 33,460.50 from 33,478.42 points recorded on Wednesday. Mobil Oil led the price gainers’ table, growing by N2.99 to close at N150.99 per share. National Salt garnered 57k to close at N8.60, while Forte Oil appreciated by 51k to close at N179.80 per share. Dangote Cement grew by 50k to close at N175.50, while Ecobank Transnational Incorporated rose by 33k to close at N22.50 per share. On the contrary, Seplat

topped the price losers’ chart, shedding N14.20 to close at N315.80 per share. Cadbury trailed with a loss of N1.99 to close at N37.91, while Total declined by 89k to close at N159.10 per share. Oando and Guinness lost 59k and 57k, respectively to close at N15.90 and N174.23 per share. In all, investors’ traded 215.82 million shares worth N7.51 billion in 3713 deals. ETI was the most active in volume terms, exchang-

ing 41.57 million shares worth N934.04 million in 88 deals. UBA followed with 27.39 million shares valued at N142.34 million achieved in 90 deals, while Zenith Bank sold 15.22 million shares worth N296.92 million in 331 deals. GT Bank accounted for 11.18 million shares valued at N301.63 million exchanged in 320 deals, while Seplat traded 10.85 million shares worth N3.26 billion in 34 deals.

Shareholders laud CAP’s board over N2.4bn profit in 2014 JOHNSON OKANLAWON

hareholders of Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria Plc, at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday commended the 17 per cent growth recorded by the paint company. The company also recorded a Profit before Tax of N2.44 billion in 2014, an increase of 17 percent over the previous year’s N2.89 billion. Its turnover rose to N6.99 billion, representing a growth of 13 per cent from N6.19 billion during the same period of 2013. Commenting on the company financials, the Gen-

eral Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, commended the company for delivering shareholders value. He added that the growth recorded by the paint company in the last one year was a product of its quality services coupled with innovation and technological advancement. President, Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Chief Timothy Adesiyan, urged the board and management of the CAP to embark on aggressive marketing to boost shareholders value in the years ahead. In response, the Chairman of the company, Mr.

Larry Ettah, on behalf of the board recommended a final dividend of N595 million, representing 85 kobo for every 50 kobo of ordinary share. According to him, this is in addition to the interim dividends of 150 kobo per share paid on November 19, 2014, thereby bringing the total dividends for 2014 financial year to N1.645 billion, representing 235 kobo per share. The proposal received shareholders’ approval during the meeting. Ettah noted that businesses have continued to be buffeted by the usual challenges of poor infrastructure and public services, insecurity, official corruption, multiple

taxes, power supply shortfalls and volatile capital market. 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 33,460.50 points Market capitalisation 11.42trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

NASCON

8.03

8.60

0.57

7.10

MCNICHOLS

1.43

1.50

0.07

4.90

UBN

9.50

9.75

0.25

2.63

WEMABANK

0.96

0.98

0.02

2.08

MOBIL

148.00

150.99

2.99

2.02

CONTINSURE

1.00

1.02

0.02

2.00

VITAFOAM

5.33

5.43

0.10

1.88

ABCTRANS

0.54

0.55

0.01

1.85

ETI

22.17

22.50

0.33

1.49

DANGSUGAR

6.90

7.00

0.10

1.45

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

VONO

1.67

1.52

-0.15

-8.98

IKEJAHOTEL

4.00

3.80

-0.20

-5.00

CADBURY

39.90

37.91

-1.99

-4.99

LIVESTOCK

2.30

2.19

-0.11

-4.78

REDSTAREX

5.25

5.00

-0.25

-4.76

HONYFLOUR

4.00

3.82

-0.18

-4.50

SEPLAT

330.00

315.80

-14.20

-4.30

THOMASWY

0.70

0.67

-0.03

-4.29

OANDO

16.49

15.90

-0.59

-3.58

CILEASING

0.57

0.55

-0.02

-3.51

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.16

99.00

13.97

99.15

13.82

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.86

102.03

13.79

102.18

13.70

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.03

106.11

13.96

106.41

13.87

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.61

110.58

13.88

110.88

13.82

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.74

101.95

13.80

102.25

13.74

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.10 68.00

15.55

68.30

15.48

Closing Market Prices of June 18, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

24-Sep-15

12.28

12.70

WAUA

270

USD

197

17-Dec-15

12.53

13.36

EURO

214

02-Jun-16

12.24

13.87

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

16.7083

POUNDS STERLING

293

15.7276

16.7002

SDR

273

17.6693

NIBOR

The Fixings of June 18, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, June 19, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015 Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017

Equities as at June 18, 2015 Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015 Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Diversified Industries Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 18 14 32

Current Price 31.55 34.50

Quantity Traded 73,139 124,783 197,922

Value Traded 2,222,986.01 4,099,685.65 6,322,671.66

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 29 29

Current Price 2.19

Quantity Traded 787,278 787,278

Value Traded 1,742,338.36 1,742,338.36

985,200

8,065,010.02

Quantity Traded 3,917,585 553,404 4,470,989

Value Traded 10,884,432.10 23,288,146.84 34,172,578.94

4,470,989

34,172,578.94

Symbol TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 118 55 173

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 2.77 41.99

173

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Structure/Completion/Other CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol COSTAIN Symbol

No. of Deals Current Price 3 0.92 No. of Deals Current Price 3

Quantity Traded 34,800 Quantity Traded 34,800 Page

Value Traded 30,624.00 Value Traded 12 1 30,624.00 of

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 19 19

Current Price 52.39

Quantity Traded 86,828 86,828

Value Traded 4,394,049.88 4,394,049.88

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 10.50

Quantity Traded 25,738 25,738

Value Traded 279,405.10 279,405.10

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Symbol UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UHOMREIT Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 45.22

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 429.60 429.60

147,376

4,704,508.58

Quantity Traded 63,710 5,869,656 2,237,628 2,716,141 10,887,135

Value Traded 426,591.50 1,117,194,894.63 43,060,438.04 407,541,364.57 1,568,223,288.74

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals

Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015

CONSUMER GOODS Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY Beverages--Non-Alcoholic CONSUMER GOODS 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015

Household Durables Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household CONSUMER GOODS Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015 STERLING BANK PLC. Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS Daily Summary INTBREW NB

Symbol 7UP Symbol

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM

No. of Deals 14 57 (Equities) 11 113 195

Current Price 7.00 174.23 19.25 150.00

No. of Deals

Current Price Current178.10 Price

10 No. of Deals 10 No. of Deals 39 64 48 29 99 1 280

Current Price 4.07 7.00 34.55 3.82 8.60 18.05

Quantity Traded

Value Traded 1,061,031.98 Value Traded 1,061,031.98 12 2 of

Quantity Traded 459,317 1,386,889 176,013 553,269 5,873,574 1,000 8,450,062

Value Traded 1,862,869.06 9,542,283.91 6,147,881.10 2,118,502.24 49,236,204.23 18,950.00 68,926,690.54

No. of Deals 34 34 68

Current Price 37.91 850.10

Quantity Traded 151,196 73,096 224,292

Value Traded 5,733,547.80 62,143,686.49 67,877,234.29

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 46 4 50

Current Price 5.43 1.52

Quantity Traded 2,408,665 104,000 2,512,665

Value Traded 12,580,509.54 158,150.00 12,738,659.54

No. of Deals 44 40 84

Current Price 32.00 45.00

Quantity Traded 241,972 982,341 1,224,313

Value Traded 7,811,306.00 44,205,825.30 52,017,131.30

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol PZ UNILEVER

687

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 106 DIAMONDBNK 23 ETI 88 FIDELITYBK 64 GUARANTY 320 SKYEBANK 64 STERLNBANK 15 UBA 90 UBN 42 UNITYBNK 45 WEMABANK 39 Daily Summary (Equities) ZENITHBANK 331 1,227

23,304,395 Page Current Price 6.15 4.22 22.50 1.76 26.95 2.48 2.03 5.20 9.75 2.52 0.98 19.47

Quantity Traded 7,593,875 1,140,150 41,570,415 3,618,600 11,179,194 3,166,843 761,989 27,399,157 191,140 2,855,737 1,699,913 15,224,134 116,401,147

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Media/Entertainment SERVICES DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Employment Solutions Media/Entertainment Totals C & I LEASING PLC.

1,770,844,036.39 12 3 of Value Traded 46,715,776.39 4,814,284.60 934,043,858.37 6,409,878.77 301,634,345.95 7,906,838.59 1,551,678.31 142,343,552.59 1,846,720.70 7,272,168.91 1,628,884.87 296,915,606.64 1,753,083,594.69

Micro-Finance Banks Daily Summary asMICROFINANCE of 18/06/2015 BANK PLC NPF Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 20 20

Current Price 1.15

Quantity Traded 744,400 744,400

Value Traded 819,232.00 819,232.00

Symbol AFRIPRUD

No. of Deals 58 7 1 293 68 34 No. of Deals 58 519

Current Price 2.80 4.00 0.64 8.83 3.00 27.52 Current Price 1.43

Quantity Traded 2,547,599 52,763 10 10,557,438 10,283,469 668,538 Quantity Traded 5,583,853 29,693,670 Page

1,900

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

HEALTHCARE Totals

Processing Systems CHAMS PLC Processing Systems Totals

No. of Deals 1 7 14 36 11 2 71

Current Price 1.67 3.45 44.02 1.52 1.31 2.34

Value Traded 7,192,709.75 208,809.22 6.10 93,953,380.71 30,853,963.61 18,386,970.07 Value Traded 8,091,896.02 158,687,735.48 12 5 of

157,410,586

1,919,817,310.18

Quantity Traded 5,300 611,212 128,476 1,192,790 67,912 39,700 2,045,390

Value Traded 9,275.00 2,025,222.84 5,674,598.90 1,830,180.55 91,154.72 88,751.00 9,719,183.01

2,045,390

9,719,183.01

Symbol OMATEK

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 5.00 5.00

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 120,450 120,450

Value Traded 60,225.00 60,225.00

Page

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

120,460

60,230.00

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 17 2 2 23 33 4 38 119

Current Price 21.50 11.24 41.00 11.13 175.50 4.25 99.05

Quantity Traded 68,720 1,100 4,933 183,560 1,381,743 28,820 316,247 1,985,123

Value Traded 1,449,429.20 11,748.00 192,140.35 2,032,116.80 242,393,186.14 124,396.80 31,362,498.70 277,565,515.99

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 1.73

Quantity Traded 5,000 5,000

Value Traded 8,250.00 8,250.00

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) 37.32 11.48

Quantity Traded 400 5,983 6,383

Value Traded 14,184.00 65,816.43 80,000.43

Current Price 0.67

1,996,506 Quantity Traded 100,000 100,000

277,653,766.42 Value Traded 67,000.00 67,000.00

BETAGLAS VANLEER

1 4 5

126 No. of Deals 4 4

Symbol THOMASWY

Symbol

100,000 Page

Symbol BECOPETRO Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

Symbol SEPLAT

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 125,144 125,144

Value Traded 62,572.00 62,572.00

No. of Deals 304 304 No. of Deals 1 No. of Deals 22 7 85 39 3 21 178

Current Price 15.90

Quantity Traded 7,008,919 7,008,919 Quantity Traded 10 Quantity Traded 210,325 14,500 354,080 166,617 1,350 39,693 786,575

Value Traded 112,264,515.08 112,264,515.08 Value Traded 5.00 Value Traded 8,828,950.28 38,323.00 62,232,926.51 24,957,192.30 64,827.00 6,331,210.90 102,453,434.99

Quantity Traded 10,847,932 10,847,932

Value Traded 3,255,594,919.50 3,255,594,919.50

Current Price 0.50 Current Price 42.00 2.65 179.80 150.99 50.54 159.10

No. of Deals 34 34

Current Price 315.80

Page 18,768,570

521

Symbol RTBRISCOE

Daily Summary

67,000.00 of 12

No. of Deals 5 5

JAPAULOIL Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol OANDO

8 of 12 3,470,375,441.57

No. of Deals 3 3 (Equities)

Current Price 0.80

Quantity Traded 54,640 54,640

Value Traded 42,072.80 42,072.80

No. of Deals 12 6 18 No. of Deals 27 27

Current Price 5.00 1.22

Quantity Traded 1,040,613 54,000 1,094,613 Quantity Traded 1,882,001 1,882,001 Page

Value Traded 5,203,260.87 62,640.00 5,265,900.87 Value Traded 1,039,495.56 1,039,495.56 9 of 12

Quantity Traded 300,000 300,000

Value Traded 1,140,000.00 1,140,000.00

Quantity Traded 18,000 Quantity Traded 18,000 1,882,001 1,882,001 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 9,000.00 Value Traded 9,000.00 1,039,495.56 1,039,495.56 Value Traded

25,963 Quantity Traded 30,600 300,000 56,563 300,000

32,129.75 Value Traded 176,045.00 1,140,000.00 208,174.75 1,140,000.00

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR Symbol CILEASING

Current Price 0.55

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) IKEJAHOTEL

5 5

3.80

Symbol DAARCOMM Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 4 No. of Deals 4 27 27 No. of Deals

Current Price 0.50 Current Price 0.55

Employment Solutions Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Hotels/Lodging UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. IKEJA HOTEL PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol LEARNAFRCA Symbol UPL IKEJAHOTEL

Road Transportation Media/Entertainment ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Road Transportation Totals Media/Entertainment Totals

Symbol Symbol ABCTRANS DAARCOMM

No. of Deals No. of Deals 12 4 12 4

Current Price Current Price 0.55 0.50

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 1,550,005 18,000 1,550,005 18,000

Value Traded Value Traded 829,917.40 9,000.00 829,917.40 9,000.00

Symbol Symbol NSLTECH LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals No. of Deals 1 4 1 9 13 No. of Deals

Current Price Current Price 0.50 1.20 6.05

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 10 25,963 10 30,600 56,563 Quantity Traded

Value Traded Value Traded 5.00 32,129.75 5.00 176,045.00 208,174.75 Value Traded

Specialty Printing/Publishing SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC LEARN AFRICA PLC Specialty Totals UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015 AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Road Transportation Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 ASSOCIATED BUSExchange COMPANY Published by The Nigerian Stock © PLC Road Transportation Totals

Value Traded 1,772,962.88 Value Traded 1,291,346.00 250.00 750,500.00 50,000.00 45,150.00 1,168,430.97 25,000.00 12 4 of 5.00 500.00 114,000.00 10,000.00 1,998,603.16 7,226,748.01

ICT Computers and Peripherals OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals

Quotation(N)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Quantity Traded 1,911,814 Quantity Traded 1,287,491 500 1,501,000 100,000 15,000 1,464,262 50,000 Page 10 1,000 228,000 20,000 3,992,292 10,571,369

HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

OILbyAND GAS Totals Published Theas Nigerian Stock Exchange © Daily Summary of 18/06/2015 Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. SERVICES Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015 Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Current Price 0.92 Current Price 1.02 0.50 0.50 0.50 3.00 0.80 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Courier/Freight/Delivery

No. of Deals 30 No. of Deals 24 1 5 1 2 27 4 1 1 2 1 35 134

DEAPCAP FBNH FCMB STANBIC Symbol UBCAP

NATURAL RESOURCES INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals Paper/Forest Products THOMAS WYATT NIG. PLC. Paper/Forest Products Totals Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015 NATURAL RESOURCES Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY RED STAR EXPRESS PLC

Symbol AIICO Symbol CONTINSURE CORNERST HMARKINS LASACO MANSARD NEM NIGERINS REGALINS STACO UNIC UNIVINSURE WAPIC

Daily Summary (Equities) CUSTODYINS

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. GREIF NIGERIA PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTY Packaging/Containers Totals

OANDO PLC OIL AND GAS Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

5,928 Quantity Traded 5,928 Page

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015 Electronic and Electrical Products Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Activity Summary on Gas Board EQTY Integrated Oil and Services

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services FINANCIAL AIICO SERVICES INSURANCE PLC. Insurance Carriers,REINSURANCE Brokers and Services CONTINENTAL PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. MANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. Published by REGENCY The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT & TRUST PLC FBN HOLDINGS Activity Summary onPLC Board EQTY FCMB GROUP PLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC Other UBAFinancial CAPITAL Institutions PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

No Of Deals

ICT ICT Totals

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015

on Board Sector Activity Summary Company nameEQTY

Daily Summary (Equities)

Specialty SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals

Symbol AIRSERVICE Symbol ABCTRANS

4 No. of Deals 9 5 13 5

8 No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 2.08 Current Price 0.55

52,450 Quantity Traded 1,550,005 Page 1,550,005

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) NSLTECH

1 1

0.50

No. of Deals 8 No. of Deals 38 46

Current Price 2.08 Current Price 5.05

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Transport-Related Services SERVICES AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Transport-Related Services NIGERIAN HANDLING Published by The NigerianAVIATION Stock Exchange © COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Current Price 1.20 Current Price 6.05 3.80

Symbol AIRSERVICE Symbol NAHCO

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

Quantity Traded 10 10

109,232.00 Value Traded 12 10 829,917.40 of 829,917.40 Value Traded 5.00 5.00

Quantity Traded 52,450 Quantity Traded Page 249,107

Value Traded 109,232.00 Value Traded 101,271,221.77 of 12

301,557

1,380,453.77

129

5,257,389

9,915,020.15

3,709

214,606,861

7,505,394,085.26

Quantity Traded 1,201,000 1,201,000

Value Traded 1,801,500.00 1,801,500.00

1,201,000

1,801,500.00

Quantity Traded 2,978 2,978

Value Traded 1,489.00 1,489.00

Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products Daily Summary as of 18/06/2015 MCNICHOLS PLC Printed 18/06/2015 15:15:17.017 Food Products Totals

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 2 2

CONSUMER GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CAPITAL OIL PLC Activity Summary on Board ASeM Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals SERVICES OIL AND GAS Totals Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers JULI PLC. Food/Drug Retailers and Wholesalers Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © SERVICES Totals

Current Price 1.50

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol CAPOIL

Symbol JULI

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

1 No. of Deals Current Price 1 1.75 1 1

2,978 Quantity Traded 7,570 7,570 Page 7,570

1,489.00 Value Traded 12,641.90 12,641.90 12 11 of 12,641.90

ASeM Board Totals

1,211,548

1,815,630.90

Equity Activity Totals

3,713

215,818,409

7,507,209,716.16

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 1 2 4

Current Price 10.53 2,272.00 15.45

Quantity Traded 10 20 60 90

Value Traded 105.30 45,440.00 930.30 46,475.60

ETF Board Totals

46,475.60

ETP Activity Totals

46,475.60

Page

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror We made campaign promises to Nigerians and must fulfill all our pledges. It cannot be business as usual. We will do everything within our capacity to elevate the living standard of Nigerians. Senate President – Bukola Saraki

NAFDAC warns on dangers of imported poultry products Dare Akogun

ational Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has restated its readiness to work more closely with the Nigerian Customs Service and other law enforcement agencies to curb the influx of banned poultry products into the country. NAFDAC Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the consumption of unwholesome smuggled poultry products in Lagos. According to him, “NAFDAC is ready to intensify its working relationship with the Nigeria Customs and other law enforcement agencies to enforce existing ban on imported poultry products in the country. “ We are also going to ne intensifying visits and work hand in hand with poultry industries and farmers in Nigeria to ensure that they strictly adhered to the usage of approved anti-

biotics and drugs on their lives stock at an acceptable limit,”, he added. Reiterating on the dangers associated with consumption of smuggled poultry products in the country, Orhii pointed that probably because of the way and manner they were transported, the products contained a lot of contaminant ranging from high level of formalin and anti-biotics residues that’s hazardous to the human body. “That is why we have been discouraging members of the public from consuming these products, we are particularly concerned about the high level of these contaminant which usually blocks resistance to antibiotics. “We are urging the public to desist from patronizing dealers of these smuggled poultry products stored under very inappropriate conditions and reports to law enforcement agents anywhere imported poultry products are sold because they are banned,” he appealed. Speaking earlier a group of

researchers from the University of Ibadan and University of Agriculture Abeokuta led by Professor O.O Tewe disclosed that imported poultry products contained high level of heavy metal and other contaminant not suitable for human consumption. The researcher’s calls for the strict enforcement of banned smuggled poultry products encourage the consumption of locally produced poultry products and develop policies that will ensure that the products follow the acceptable maximum residuum unit. The agency was also advised on the need to engage the market associations on the need to urge dealers in poultry products locally produced on the need to self regulate the activities of members who dint adhere to the regulations.

Man sets 8-year-old girl ablaze in Plateau James Abraham JOS

60-year old man is now cooling his heels at the Plateau state Police Command for allegedly setting an 8 year old girl ablaze on suspicious of being a witch. The sad incident occurred at Sabon Layi community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as Yakubu Vong, was said to have lured the 8 year old girl, Nancy Dauda to a house where he poured petrol on her and set her ablaze, claiming that she was a witch. James Bamu, who is an uncle to Nancy who was very angry and spoke with newsmen yesterday, said the girl was innocent of the false accusation, asking if the man that set her ablaze has any proof that the girl was

a witch. He described the act of Yakubu Vong as barbaric and demanded that the wrath of the law should deal decisively with him to serve as deterrence to other who is practicing such evil act. According to him, unfortunately when the girl was rushed to the hospital she couldn’t make it because she had a major degree of burnt as the result of the fire and died. On his part while reacting to the incident, the police public relations officer, Emmanuel Abu confirmed the incident yesterday describing the situation as Sad. Abu warned that no one was above the law and people should desist from taking the law into their hands. He added that the suspect was already in police custody and investigations into the matter had begun.

…pledges to enforce ban on sale of illicit gin in Benue Henry Iyorkase, MAKURDI

tate coordinator of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, in Benue State Mr. Anikoh Ibrahim Musa, has insisted that the directive by the Federal Government to enforce the ban on Ogogoro will be implemented to the latter in the state. The coordinator said this yesterday in Makurdi while exchanging views with journalists in his office, saying that no sacred cow will be spared in the implementation of the di-

rective. He observed that the illicit gin was earlier banned in the state, but said that due to noninvolvement of the agency by the state government the order was not strong, stressing that with this latest development every dealer will be sent out of the market. He, however stated that the agency had in the last few days clamped down on those involved in the sale of expired drugs, though their identity was not made known, but they were accordingly fined for their offences.

L-R: Head of the destitute, Malam Abdullahi Samaila; Sen. Shehu Sani and head of the blinds, Malam Tukur Zubairu, sharing a meal during the senator’s visit to the destitute colony in Kaduna PHOTO: NAN

Ramadan: Pastor feeds 700 Muslim inmates, disabled in Kaduna A za Msue KADUNA

non-governmental organisation, Peace and Reconciliation Foundation, PRF, yesterday fed 700 Muslims inmates and disabled in Ramadan breakfast as part

of efforts to bring peaceful co-existence between Christian and Muslim faithful in Kaduna State. Delivering the food items at Kaduna Prison, chairman of the foundation Pastor Buru Yohanna, said his team also secured the release of four Muslim inmates with minor cases from

the prison for them to join other Muslim faithful to pray for peace in the nation. Yohanna, who is also General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, urged Muslims and Christians to live together in communities like in the

80’s and early 90’s without fighting each other in the name of religion. He called on Nigerians to pray for the end of Boko Haram insurgency saying without peace the north and Nigeria will not move forward. “Today, is the commencement of Ramadan and as peace ambassa-

dors, we have spent three years now preaching peace and offering humanitarian services to the less privilege. “We also held various peace events with our Muslim brothers for mutual understanding among the two religions. We want peace in Kaduna and Nigerian at large,” he said.

News

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Friday, June 19, 2015

Retired dockworkers, NPA trade words over unpaid insurance benefits Dare Akogun

etired dockworkers and the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, are currently at loggerheads over unpaid NSITF funds supposedly remitted to NSIFT by the NPA. In a petition singed on their behalf by their solicitor, Falana and Falana, chambers, and made available to newsmen, the aged dockworkers numbering about 2,500 and who were in the employment of the Dock Labour Employers, stated that the said monies were deducted from their monthly salaries as insurance contributions through their individual contractors. They averred that consequent upon their disengagement from service in 2003, they, as expected, approached NSIFT to demand for their monthly salaries, but to their chagrin, they were reliably informed by NSIFT that the NPA had at no time remitted the said monthly contributions to it. They further averred that on the spur of the information, they approached the office of the Hon. Minister of Transport who subsequently set up an ad-hoc committee to unravel the mystery surrounding the where about of the said funds The ad-hoc committee it said, came out with the report that indicates that the sum of one hundred and fifty three CHANGE OF NAME

OKPALA: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okpala Ujunwa Anthonia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ani Ujunwa Anthonia. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Yesufu Dansu Agosu, now wish to be known and addressed as Yusuf Dansu Agosu. All former documents remain valid. Skye bank and general public should please take note.

million five hundred and eleven thousand and twenty one naira as against the sum of one hundred and sixty -two million naira was the sum deducted for NSIFT between the year 20002002 because certain documents were destroyed by fire and rain. Nevertheless, the NPA insist that it remitted the sum of N4, 281, 208, 69 to JOMALIC now NIMASA. However, in a sharp response to NPA’s claims, NIMASA vehemently deny receipt of any money representing insurance contributions but rather maintained that monies received from NPA was 5% statutory contributions benefit paid by labour employers. The association on their part are maintaining that even though the issue of whether or not the said amount was remitted to JOMALIC now NIMASA remains unsettled, it is however obvious that the sum of N39,230,613,21 remains unremitted to the NSIFT by the NPA They have therefore resolved to initiate legal proceedings against NPA stressing that as a follow up, they will cause a petition to be serve to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the pursuit of their recovery of the said funds. In his reaction to the contentious issue, the Chairman of the Dock Workers Union, Mr. Alli Boboje noted that it is disheartening that fellow compaCHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Maryben Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwabuisi Maryben Chioma. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHIGBOGU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chigbogu Adaeze Jennifer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ugwu Adaeze Jennifer. All former documents remain valid. I.M.T and NYSC and General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BIBLE RESTORATION (REV, 10:7) FELLOWSHIP

This is to inform the General Public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Abolaji Oluwasanmi David 2. Femi Dada Moses 3. Folorunsho Adesanya David 4. Ake Ayodele Paul 5. Afolabi Olakunle Samson 6. Badakin Timothy Oluwasegun

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To promote the teaching of the Holy Bible 2. To promote the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ 3. To foster peace and unity among the body of Christ. 4. To advance the gospel of Jesus Christ to other parts of the world. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHIBUZOR EKECHUKWU & CO. SPRING LAW CHAMBERS, 27, OYEWOLE STREET, PALMGROVE, LAGOS. 08023223109

triots who spent the better part of their youthful years in the service of their fatherland are made to go through tortuous

period for what they rightly deserve. He called on the Federal Government to intercede and

to order the management of the Nigeria Ports Authority to promptly pay them the said insurance contributions

NEMA warns boat operators over sea turbulence Dare Akogun

ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has advised users of inland waterways and boat operators to exercise utmost caution in the face of turbulence of the sea in the rainy season. This was contained in a statement issued by Southwest zonal spokes person Ibrahim Farinloye, in Lagos and made available to our reporter. According to the statement “NEMA is advising all users of inland waterways and funseekers on the beaches and coastal lines in the face of turbulent nature of the sea, oceans and rivers around the country. “The turbulence along the coastal lines which have been consistent in the last 2 weeks may last till mid- August,” it stated. The statement further dis-

closed that NEMA and other stakeh o l d e r s have alerted fer ry/boats

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that land allocation paper Plot No 14, Block No 1, at republic layout, Enugu belonging to B.A. Mbah was lost. Signed: Obiora J. Mbah.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Afolajuwonlo Olubunmi Adeayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeleye Olubunmi Adeayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

operators on the situation and they are already applying safety measures as dynamic as the situations demands for the benefit of the people. “However beaches operators are called upon to strengthen their emergency preparedness with rescuers on standby in case of emergency. “The operators must ensure that fun seekers are not allowed

near the sea when turbulence is observed until it settled down. “Beaches operators are strongly advised to strengthen and equip their medical facilities for first aid assistance for their customers at all times,” the statement advised. Farinloye however urged the general public to alert emergency agencies to distress situation as soon as possible.

NEMA, DG, Muhammad Sani-Sidi

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to conﬁrm that Segun Abdulateef, Abdulateef Shitta, is the same person as Lateef O.Shitta, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Segun Abdulateef-Shitta. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of original school operational license/Approval issued by the Ministry of Education Enugu State to Chiazo Primary School of No. 22B Devon Drive G.R.A. Enugu with ref No. ENS/MOE/ PED/453/68. If found please contact Obiora Ibeziako 08036875801.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Olagbende Yewande Jullian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olagbende Jullian Yewande Frances. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE APOSTLE UZODIKE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notiﬁed that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for Registration Under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Apostle Dr. Vincent Obiora Uzodike 2. Hon. Justice Mrs Esther Uzoamaka Uzodike 3. Ven. Professor Chinedu Nebo 4. Architect Azika Diribe 5. Dr. George Asiegbunam 6. Dr. Ifeanyi Uzodike

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To provide ministerial retreat centre and museum for the for the body of Christ 2. To organize and stimulate both spiritual and academic revival. 3. To organize Christian seminars, workshops, and annual prizes for excellent work/ discoveries in medicine.

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

SIGNED: HON. JUSTICE MRS ESTHER UZODIKE, SECRETARY

CHANGE OF NAME

IBRU - NEJUVIE: Formerly known and addressed as Ibru – Nejuvie Rosemary, now wish to be known and addressed as Toweh Rosemary. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugonna Sharon Ikegwuruka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ugonna Sharon Ihekoronye. All former documents remain valid Nigeria Bar Association and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Mathew Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Enamue Opeyemi Omobamidele. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Oriyomi Olusola Abdul- Azeez, now wish to be known and addressed as Oriyomi Olusola Isaac. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Raimi Silifat Olabisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adejiya Silifat Olabisi. All former documents remain valid. Ogun Waterside Local Government and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunnaike Funmilayo Aderonke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oguntoye Funmilayo Aderonke. All former documents remain valid. Ogun Waterside Local Government and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF APPLICATION This is to notify the public that treasured kids Emancipation initiatives is ﬁlling for application of incorporated trustees. THE PROPOSED TRUSTEES ARE:

(1) Edward mamurhomu Imoyin (2) Tarhe Oyovwinor (3) Imoyin Emmanuel

PRINCIPAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To create safety consciousness in the mind of the children for them to be assertive in order to protect themselves against any potential danger/hazard. Objectives to the name, objects, or persons stated as trustee of Treasured Kids Emancipation initiatives are invited within 28days of the publication

SIGNED: EDWARD MAMURHOMU IMOYIN.

Friday, June 19, 2015

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World News

White suspect arrested after killing nine in black US church

We fully expect and will insist that Russia keep its commitments under the arms control agreements that we have and that all of this will be within that system of verifications”

–US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, Victoria Nuland

Boko Haram kill 38 in Niger Republic Paul Arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

•Chadian warplanes bomb Islamist militants

n attack by suspected Islamist Boko Haram fighters in Niger has killed at least 38 people, officials say. It took place late on Wednesday night, according to a security source quoted by the Reuters news agency. Local MP Bulu Mammadu told the BBC that the victims included women and children who had been shot dead in two different villages. Boko Haram is based in Nigeria but is being tackled by a multinational force, including soldiers from Niger. On Monday, there was a suspected Boko Haram suicide attack in Chad, which is also supplying soldiers to the multinational force. Meanwhile, Chad said yesterday its warplanes bombed Boko Haram positions in neighbouring Nigeria to avenge twin suicide bombings in the capital this week blamed on the jihadists. The government also Wednesday announced it was banning the burqa nationwide in a security clampdown following Monday’s attacks in N’Djamena that left 33 people dead and more than 100 wounded. Chad’s military vowed it would continue its “merciless” pursuit of the Islamist insurgents “so that no drop of spilt Chadian blood goes unpunished”.

Chadian soldiers sitting in the back of a military vehicle, in Malam Fatori, northern Nigeria

“In response to the cowardly and barbaric acts perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists... the armed forces carried out reprisal air strikes on the terrorists’ positions in Nigerian territory on Wednesday,” the military said in a statement. Six Boko Haram bases were destroyed in the air raids, which caused “considerable human and material losses”, it said, without giving further details. Monday’s attacks on the police headquarters and a police academy in N’Djamena were the first in the capital of the

central African country, which has taken a lead role in a regional offensive against the Nigeriabased Boko Haram. No group has claimed responsibility but Chad and its allies immediately blamed the insurgents, who have carried out a series of bloody attacks in border areas of countries that share a frontier with north-eastern Nigeria. Chad also Wednesday banned the full-face Muslim veil and ordered security forces to seize burqas from markets and burn them. “Wearing the burqa must stop immediately from today, not only in public places and schools

but throughout the whole of the country,” Prime Minister Kalzeube Pahimi Deubet told religious leaders the day before the start of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. Any type of clothing that leaves only the eyes visible is a form of “camouflage” and is now banned, he added, asking religious leaders to spread the message in mosques, churches and other holy places. Deubet said security forces in the Muslim majority country had been instructed to “go into the markets and to seize all the burqas on sale and burn them”.

Zuma escapes Bashir probe in S’Africa parliament chaos

outh Africa’s parliament collapsed in chaos yesterday, allowing President Jacob Zuma to escape questions over why Sudan’s leader was

Zuma

allowed to leave the country despite a court order barring his departure. The Economic Freedom Fighters opposition party pre-

vented Zuma from speaking, demanding that he first agree to pay back millions of dollars of taxpayer’s money spent on his private rural residence at Nkandla -- a long-running domestic scandal. Zuma, appearing for his quarterly question time in parliament, had been expected to be pressed on the international scandal over Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s visit to the country. Bashir flew out of South Africa on Monday in defiance of a court order as judges weighed up an application for his arrest on a warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and genocide. The court condemned the

government’s failure to prevent his departure as unconstitutional and gave it seven days to disclose why he was allowed to leave the country. Bashir had been in South Africa for a summit of the African Union (AU), and the government’s failure to uphold the court’s order has been roundly condemned internationally by rights groups and governments including the United States. However, many members of the AU have accused the ICC of targeting only African leaders, and point out that the US and other major powers such as Russia and China have refused to place themselves under The Hague-based ICC’s jurisdiction.

WORLD BULLETIN

Kenya to lift ban on Somali money transfer firms President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday said Kenya will grant licenses to 13 money transfer firms who were banned in the wake of the Garissa university attack in April and whose names are on a list of 85 entities with links to Somalia’s al Shabaab. The killing of 148 students by al Shabaab militants at Garissa, some 200 km (120 miles) from the border, had piled pressure on Kenyatta to deal with the Islamists who have killed more than 400 people in Kenya in the last two years. Rights groups say the move has had a devastating impact Kenya’s Somali community, numbering just over one million people, as it is heavily reliant on cash from workers abroad. Kenyatta said in a message to Muslims on the first day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan he had been briefed about proposals to lift the ban as part of investigations into terrorism funding.

Malawi seeks $500 million to repair flood damage Malawi needs nearly half a billion dollars to repair the damage from devastating floods that killed 176 people earlier this year, the southern African country’s president said yesterday. Crops were ravaged and infrastructure destroyed by the heavy January rains that affected one million people. “I would like to appeal for international support in this recovery and reconstruction programme as $494 million is an enormous sum of money,” President Peter Mutharika said.

UK removes Kenyan resort travel warning Britain yesterday removed a warning against travelling to the Indian Ocean resort of Mombasa, offering some respite to Kenya’s tourism industry after a spate of Islamist attacks. Kenya, which offers palmfringed beaches and safaris, has long relied on tourist dollars as a valuable source of foreign exchange. But a downturn in visitors has put pressure on the shilling and forced some hotels out of business. Kenya’s government has criticized the warnings from Britain and other countries, saying its security forces are successfully thwarting attacks.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Pope calls climate change ‘moral imperative’ Pope Francis yesterday named climate change as ‘one of the principal challenges facing humanity.’ With conservative Catholics already tuning out, the papal encyclical serves as a test of the pope’s moral authority, theologians said. Invoking the prayer of his namesake St. Francis of Assisi, the pope officially entered the stormy politics of climate change on Thursday, issuing a much-anticipated pastoral letter that emphasized the moral imperative to “care for our common home,” urging global leaders to address “one of the principal challenges facing humanity in our day.” It’s in many ways a test of the moral authority of the globally popular Pope Francis, who unveiled the papal encyclical “Laudito Si” – or “praise be to you” – after the Vatican’s unusually full-throated effort to promote the encyclical, which is considered a major, authoritative statement of the moral teachings of the Catholic church.

60 million people forced to flee war, violence –UN The number of people forced to flee war, violence and persecution has soared to a record 60 million, half of them children, the United Nations said yesterday, warning that the situation was raging out of control. The huge tide of displaced people has grown by 8.3 million since 2013 -- the highest-ever increase in a single year, the UN refugee agency said in a report titled “World at War”. The situation is “getting out of control simply because the world seems to be at war,” UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres told reporters ahead of the launch of the annual report.

Danish PM contests for second term in tight poll Danes voted yesterday in an election that was too close to call, after an intense three-week campaign focused on immigration and the economy. “I’m asking people to vote for certainty and they know what they get with me. They get a stable economy and they get good welfare,” Social Democratic Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said as she arrived outside a Copenhagen polling station with husband Stephen Kinnock, a British Labour MP. The campaign has been dominated by the economy and the future of the country’s cherished cradle-to-grave welfare state, as well as immigration and the rising cost of hosting asylum seekers.

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

White suspect arrested after killing nine in black US church A 21-year-old white man suspected of killing nine people at a historic African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina was arrested yesterday after an attack that the United States is investigating as a hate crime. Law enforcement officials arrested alleged gunman Dylann Roof after a traffic stop in Shelby, North Carolina, about 220 miles (350 km) north of Charleston, said police chief Gregory Mullen. “This individual committed a tragic, heinous crime last night,” Mullen told reporters. The mass shooting on Wednesday followed months of racially charged protests over killings of black men which have shaken the United States. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said her office was investigating whether to charge Roof with a hate crime motivated by racial or other prejudice. Such crimes typically carry harsher penalties. “The fact that this took place in a black church obviously raises questions about a dark part of our history,” U.S. President Barack Obama told reporters. “We don’t have all the facts but we know that, once again, innocent people were killed in part because someone who wanted to inflict harm had no trouble getting their hands on a gun.” The Southern Poverty Law Center, which researches U.S. hate groups, said the attack il-

Roof

lustrates the dangers that homegrown extremists pose. “Since 9/11, our country has been fixated on the threat of Jihadi terrorism. But the horrific tragedy at the Emanuel AME reminds us that the threat of homegrown domestic terrorism is very real,” the group said in a statement, referring to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

A man who identified himself as Roof ’s uncle earlier told Reuters Roof ’s father had recently given him a .45-caliber handgun as a birthday present and that Roof had seemed adrift. “I don’t have any words for it,” the uncle, Carson Cowles, 56, said in a telephone interview. “Nobody in my family had seen anything like this coming.” The victims, six females and

three males, included Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who was the church’s pastor and a Democratic member of the state Senate, according to colleagues. Roof sat with churchgoers inside Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church for about an hour on Wednesday before opening fire, Mullen said, adding that police believe Roof acted alone.

Thailand records first MERS case as virus spreads in Asia

hailand yesterday said a 75-year-old man from Oman was confirmed to have MERS in Southeast Asia’s first case of the virus since an outbreak in South Korea that has killed 23 people.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) has spread at an alarmingly rapid pace in South Korea since the first case was diagnosed on May 20, infecting 165 in what is the largest outbreak outside Saudi Arabia.

A Thai officer checking the temperature of passengers as they arrived at an airport

Thailand, a booming medical tourism hub popular with Middle Eastern patients, announced its first positive MERS case yeterdayafter around 20 people earlier tested negative for the virus. “(The man) is from a Middle Eastern country. The (test) results confirmed that he has Middle East Respiratory Syndrome,” said Rajata Rajatanavin, Thailand’s Public Health Minister, adding the patient had arrived in the kingdom with his family three days ago. A Thai government spokesman later told reporters the man was from Oman and had travelled to a central Bangkok hospital for treatment for a heart problem. After being tested for MERS he was moved to Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Insti-

tute in Nonthaburi province on the outskirts of the Thai capital on Thursday morning. Authorities are looking for people who were on the same flight as well as anyone else who came in contact with the man during his time in Bangkok. “We are confident that we can control the outbreak,” said spokesman Major General Sunsern Kaewkamnerd in a statement, adding that “disease control” measures were in place, including monitoring the health of his three family members. Earlier Thursday World Health Organization chief Margaret Chan expressed guarded optimism over South Korea’s ability to contain a MERS outbreak after the WHO previously described the spread of the disease as a “wake-up call”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, June 19, 2015

Katsina LGAs move to unfreeze accounts JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

ome local government areas in Katsina State yesterday began the process of partial un-freezing of their accounts with commercial banks in the state. The development followed permission granted by the state government yesterday evening for all 34 council areas to partially un-freeze their accounts, which had been frozen about two weeks ago. Governor Aminu Bello Masari had, few days after his inauguration, ordered

bank accounts belonging to the council areas to be frozen. The order was based on allegations of frivolous withdrawals by the council area chairmen, with only N1.7 billion left after the accounts had been frozen. This is even as the immediate past state government had reportedly released over N8 billion to the council areas a few days to the inauguration of the incumbent government. But the council areas, it was gathered, had commenced the process of

partial opening of their accounts in commercial banks. Sources who spoke on the issue said several of the council areas had commenced partial reopening of their accounts, with others expected to follow suit this morning. The partial un-freezing of the accounts would, according to the state government, enable the delivery of essential services to the people in the council areas. Briefing newsmen on the issue, the permanent secretary in the state’s

Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Danjuma Mamuda, said partial reopening of the accounts was to enable council areas handle recurrent expenditure. Specifying, Mamuda said the decision to un-freeze the accounts was to enable council areas pay salaries and procure essential drugs for health centres. He said letters had been sent to each of the council areas, instructing them to spend the money on things that have direct bearing on the lives of the people. He said the council areas could have access to

L-R: Secretary, Humanities, Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Maimuna Gwarzo, Tudun Wada, Kaduna, Usman Garba; Arc. Shakiru Kayode Yekeen of Artec Practice Ltd; Secretary, Vocation and Technology, GGSS, Rashida Mohammed; VP, Admin, GGSS, Mrs Rose Auba; Principal, GGSS, Malama Umma Ibrahim, and Arc Ibrahim Kyari during the presentation of computers to the school by Artec Practice Ltd. in Kaduna, recently.

Melaye floors Adeyemi at Kogi election petitions tribunal WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

ogi State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Lokoja has dismissed the petition of Senator Smart Adeyemi of the Peoples Democratic Par-

ty, PDP, against the election and return of Senator Dino Melaye of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Adeyemi had gone to the tribunal, challenging the election and return of Senator Melaye of the APC as winner of Kogi West Senato-

rial seat election. Chairman of tribunal, Justice Akon Ikpeme, dismissed the petition yesterday in Lokoja during a ruling on a motion filed by Rickey Tarfa (SAN), counsel to Melaye, on the ground that the petition was incom-

petent and abandoned. Ikpeme said the petitioners ran foul of the Electoral Act in filing their reply to the 1st respondent’s response out of time, saying they were served on May 13 and could only file their reply on May 18, six days after.

NAFDAC to test bread against potassium bromate in Nasarawa IGBAWASE UKUMBA LAFIA

asarawa State office of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has concluded arrangement to conduct on-the-spot testing of bread in all bakeries in Nasarawa State in order to avoid the use of potassium bromate by master bakers. Coordinator of NAFDAC in the state, Mr. Michael Attah, disclosed this during a sensitisation

workshop for master bakers yesterday in Lafia, the state capital. According to him, the exercise would begin next week and products of all bakeries in the state must go through the test in order to avert sanctions by NAFDAC. He enumerated the health hazards associated with the use of potassium bromate as bread improver as cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, kidney failure as well as potential to cause cancer.

The NAFDAC head in the state explained that toxicological studies have also shown that potassium bromate degrades essential vitamins in bread such as vitamins A2, B1, B2 and E. He added that NAFDAC has made available a list of over 20 safe alternative bread improvers to master bakers. Attah concluded that the workshop was part of the agency’s annual bread monitoring exercise to remind bakers of basic good hygiene practice require-

ments and the need for effective compliance with NAFDAC guidelines and procedures. Chairman of the state’s master bakers, Mr. Anthony Obiora, commended NAFDAC for the workshop as it would ensure the production of healthy bread and other bakery products for consumption by the public. That was even as Obiora charged the master bakers to always adhere to all the food safety standards stipulated by NAFDAC in order to avoid sanctions.

their accounts by applying to the banks, and that government’s directive to freeze the accounts was not meant to witch-hunt anyone.

He however said measures had been taken by the state government to ensure that due process was followed in spending the funds.

Benue Assembly approves govt’s request to borrow N10bn

enue House of Assembly has approved request of the executive arm to borrow N10 billion. The House gave the approval in Makurdi during a plenary session. The letter seeking the approval of the House to borrow the money was signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Targema Takema. The letter said the governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, inherited an empty treasury. Reading the letter, the Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange, said reliable information from the state Ministry of Finance indicated that the state treasury is empty. Ikyange explained that the state workers were owed five months’ salaries. He said many stateowned agencies were on strike thereby grounding government activities as a result of non-payment of salaries. Ikyange said the College of Health Sciences of the Benue State University (BSU) in Makurdi would

soon face de-accreditation with financial implications. He said the fund would enable the executive embark on projects and pay salaries to move the state forward. A member representing Makurdi North State Constituency (All Progressives Congress, APC), Mr. Benjamin Adanyi, said members of the 7th Assembly were unable to collect their severance package because the state treasury was empty. Adanyi said the inability of the government to carry out any meaningful development was because of the empty treasury. He enjoined his colleagues to look at the request dispassionately, stressing that they should consider it without sentiments of any sort. The member representing Ogbadibo State Constituency (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP), Mr. Joseph Ojobo, lamented that the nonpayment of salaries almost cost him his re-election. Ojobo, therefore, moved a motion, urging his colleagues to grant the request expressly.

Agency seals 7 filling stations in Kaduna

eigh and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Investments said it has sealed off seven fuel stations in Kaduna over sharp practices. Zonal coordinator of the department, Mr. Ibrahim Isah, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Kaduna that the filling stations were sealed for under-dispensing petroleum products to motorists. He said the department discovered during its routine checks that the stations were under-dispensing four litres of fuel for every 20 litres bought by motorists. “Some managers tried

to obstruct the inspection team by shutting down their stations while others ran away to avoid facing sanctions,`` Isah said. The zonal coordinator gave the names of the affected filling stations as Feued Petroleum in Kawo, MRS, Accord and Conoil in Mando as well as NNPC Mega Station, Kwiwa and Kubarachi, located along Zaria road. “Under-dispensing contravenes the Weigh and Measure Act of 2004,’’ he said, adding that owners of the affected filling stations would be sanctioned. He said the offenders risked having their certificates revoked in addition to prosecution.

Friday, June 19, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

OGAGA: Formerly known and addressed as Ogaga-Jesu Agborah now wish to be known and addressed as OgagaJesu Ebel. All former document remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Ogunsola Sunday Olalekan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Olusola Olalekan Sunday. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Lawal Afusat Folashade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeleye Sarah Folashade. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Victor Akpan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Umonwa Victor Akpan. All former and existing documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Elizabeth Abosede Odeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Elizabeth Abosede FagbemiOdeyemi. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Hospital Management Board and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ohiremen Queen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Solomon Asewona Queen. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Comfort Ochuko Samuel, now wished to be known and addressed as Comfort Ochuko Ariyo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Alexander Zira, now wish to be known and addressed as Donatus Ndufura. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I, Alhaji Ibrahim Gote of No. 116 Kududdufawa Quarters Kano, hereby inform the general public of Loss of Certificate Of Occupancy in respect of plot number 49 with file. No 12353 situated at Abedie Street in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State. The house was sold to me by Mrs C.N Omaliko. All effort to recover it has proved abortive, if found please return to the nearest police station. The general public and authorities concern should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Chidinma Nkemakolam now wish to be known and addressed as Chidinma Igwe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Stephanie Nwaneka Okeke, now wish to be known and addressed as Stephanie Victor Inyang. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNLEYE: I, formerly known and addressed as Ogunleye Bimpe Elizabeth, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Osoneye Bimpe Elizabeth (Mrs). All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Shittu Mariam Omoniyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Idera Mariam Omoniyi. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ebelechukwu Dorothy Obiajulu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebelechukwu Dorothy Nwigbo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Ngozi Ann and Okeke Ngozi Elizabeth Uzuegbune, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ngozi Elizabeth Choume. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Oluwadamilola Oluwasefunmi Victor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwadamilola Oluwasefunmi Umonwa. All former and existing documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Oladejobi Olamilekan Afeez is the same one person as Oladejobi Abdull Afeez Olamilekan, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Oladejobi Abdull Afeez Olamilekan All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

EWAH: I, formerly known and addressed as Peter Ewah, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Peter Benson. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Babalola Olubusola Olawunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Babalola Olubusola Olawunmi. All former and existing documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Okeyedun Esther Olajumoke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs, Akinyoade Esther Olajumoke of Leo Zone 11, No. 1 Alago’s Compound Oloko Apata, Ibadan. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as Egwu Kingsley Emeka, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Venaisurs Uzoma Anosike. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nneka Virginia Obikili, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nneka Virginia EnukoraEkokah. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Chukason Norman Ken, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukason Norman Kenechi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that Kalu Benedicta Princess and Umeh Benedicta Ugonna refers as one person but now Mrs Kingsley Benedicta Ugonna. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Anushiem Glory Oluchukwu, now wish to be known Mrs Anorue Glory Oluchukwu. All former documents remain valid NYSC and General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Okeke Uchenna Lynda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukuigwe Uchenna Lynda. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adeolu Adenike Sikirat, now wish to be known and addressed as Sikirat Adenike Ogunsanya. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLUYINKA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Oluyinka Adeola Adekanmbi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogundeyi Oluyinka Adeola. All former documents remain valid. Food Agroo and Allied Company and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Alakiu Olajumoke Kafilat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odukoya Olajumoke Kafilat. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Grace Imeh Okon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Grace Imeh Udeme. All former documents remain valid. LM Ericssion Nigeria Ltd and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Kingsley Arinzechukwu Jacob, now wish to be known and addressed as Kingsley Arinzechukwu Ihesinulo‎. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AROGUNDADE: I, formerly known and addressed as Arogundade Kazeen Bolaji, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Elegushi Kazeem Bolaji. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SOTUNDE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sotunde Botiwoluwanisola Ariyo, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Botiwoluwanisola Ariyo S. Taiwo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BEWAJI: I, formerly known and addressed as Bewaji Ruth Funmilayo, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Ehumadu Ruth Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Dukuye Medjevabo Emmanuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Duke Vabo Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Miss Bello Adepeju Damilola, Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Orogun Adepeju Damilola. All Former Documents Remain valid. Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission. General Public take Note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKOSIONU: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akosionu Obianuju Chidiogo Uzoamaka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Obianuju Chidiogo Uzoamaka Ugwumgbor. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Taibat Folake Olabode, to now be known and addressed as Mrs Taibat Folake Kolajo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ONWUDINJO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onwudinjo Agatha Adanna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Offordile Agatha Adanna. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

EVANGELISM FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Evang. Idumwonyi Efosa Evang. Edokpayi Mercy O. Evang. Aisoweren Faith Evang. Omoziku Jude Evang. Ayemwenre S. Usunbun Evang. Imhanbor A. Classen

- Chairman - Secretary - Treasurer - Member - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Aggressively taking the Gospel of peace to the grassroots, To carry out sensitization on the urgent need to avoid environmental pollution, To serve as a tool for implementing national development, Promoting youth skill empowerment, Advocating for peace, unity and good governance, Serving as an agent of positive change.

Any objection thereto should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 555, Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, Nigeria, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: ID. OMORODION ESQ BARRISTER & SOLICITOR OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA, 08038827841

ADAMS: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adams Tawakalitu Ayotunde now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinyemi Tawakalitu Ayotunde. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NNAMANI: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnamani Chisimdi Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onovo Chisimdi Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SAKA: I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwaseun Mariam Saka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwaseun Mariam Koledoye. All former documents remain valid. TASUESS and general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWANKWO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwankwo Ifeoma Becky, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onele Ifeoma Becky. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to notify the general public that by an Enrolled Order of the Warri South Area Customary Court, Warri dated 23rd day of March, 2015, one MR. BENSON OMAKOR was granted a Customary Letter Of Administration to administer the property of his late father Chief D. U. Omakor with particular reference to the storey building situated and known as No. 69 Obahor Street, Warri. Any objection from any interested party should be addressed to the Registrar of The Warri South Area Customary Court, Warri within 21 days from the date of this publication. Signed:

MR. BENSON OMAKOR

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

formerly known and addressed as Oluwakemi Shotayo Fausat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shotayo Fausat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenike Olubimpe Adeyosoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adenike Olubimpe Adekeye. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Agatha Chinyere Makata, now wish to be known and addressed as Agatha Chinyere Onyebuchi . All former documents remains valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formally known and addressed as Medula Mary Oluwatoyin, now wishes to be known and addressed as Owoyokun Mary Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

COMFORT: Formerly known and addressed as Comfort Oluwakemi Williams, now wish to be known and address as Ajose Oluwanisola Rafatu. All former document remains valid. Passport office and General public take note. CORRECTION OF NAME

I, Agie Dominic is the same person as Agie Dominic and Agie Dominic Nosa. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Josephine Ebere Nwofor, now wish to known and addressed as Mrs Josephine Ebere Ibezim. All former documents remain valid General public should please take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Oyedotun Oluwatosin Dorcas now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Raheem Oluwatosin Dorcas. All former documents remain valid. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and the general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that Uka Awa Uka and Uka Ama Uka refer as one person but now know as Joshua Evidence Awa. All former documents remain valid General public should please take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Alokalam Amaechi Josephine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Andy Ambrose Josephine Amaechi. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

AKINLALU : Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinlalu Ajoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinseye Ajoke. All former documents remain valid. Stanbic IBTC Bank and General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ananu Ene Adobunu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ananu Ene Princewill Umoren. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Aboderin Esther Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Oluwakemi Adeonipekun. All former document remain valid. Nigeria Baptist Convention and General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ajibade Rashidat Tope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bello Rashidat Tope. All former documents remain valid. OYOSUBEB and General public note.

MUOH: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ijeoma Christiana Muoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ijeoma Christiana Ukoha. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AIYELESO: Formerly known and addressed as Adedoyin Ayeleso, now wish to be known and addressed as Adedoyin Osakwe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE YOUTH VOCATIONAL AND ARTISAN EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Aniebiet Effiong Abia 2. Florence Abia

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To provide basic foundational or formal education to various catigories of artisan who lack formal education. 2. To provide opportunity to artisan youth to acquire basic and formal education Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: ANOKE EMMANUEL

PUBLIC NOTICE GROWING HEARTS INITIATIVE

This is to notify the general public that the above named organization has applied for registration , with the corporate affairs commission under part “C” of the companies and allied matters act, 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Christopher N. Philip 2.Sunday Ekozim 3.Timothy Soladoye 4. Oyatokin Layi 5.Stella Yakubu 6.Laraba Nji Ishaya 7.Favour O. Philip

- Chairman - Secretary - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To Raise young people who have discovered their hidden treasures , rising to take up challenges. 2. To Empower the young people to be able to deliver maximum impact through their discovered identities 3.To Mobilize global support for the transformational projects. Any objection to the registration of the above named organization should be forwarded to the Registrar - General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama within 28 days of this publication

SIGNED: BARRISTER G.E KAKA SOLICITOR 08066937243

Friday, June 19, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NFF: Lulu’s lawyer to make no case submission

I believe my recent experience will put me in good stead to achieve success in my new assignment.

Sport

–New Lille Coach, Herve Renard

Enyeama Enyeama

hosts PSG in season opener

incent Enyeama’s club, OSC Lille, will host defending champions, Paris Saint Germain, in a Friday evening game, when the 2015/16 season kicks-off in early August, the French Ligue 1 organisers announced yesterday. Resurgent runner’s-up Lyon meanwhile, travel to southern giants Marseille on September 20 in the first of Ligue 1’s big clashes

Drogba

jersey auctioned for $7,500 Drogba

at the Velodrome stadium on Matchday 6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his PSG teammates await Marseille for the first of their much awaited so-called ‘Classico’ games on October 4 with the return clash on February 7. The closest thing France has to a real derby is the bitter regional clash between Lyon and Saint-Etienne on November 8 with the opposite date scheduled for January 16.

Didier Drogba Chelsea shirt was auctioned for $7,500 in Abidjan this week to raise funds for the Salomon Kalou Foundation which has begun construction of a private hospital to treat kidney diseases. The 29-year-old former Chelsea winger, who now plies his trade at Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga, has been working to alleviate the situation of those suffering from kidney problems in Ivory Coast, mostly the underprivileged. He and retired footballer brother, Bonaventure, last year donated dialysis machines to several hospitals in the country, where materials to fight the disease remain inadequate, according to the country’s ministry of health.

Fellow Ivorian internationals Gervinho and Yaya Toure also had their jerseys auctioned, with the former Arsenal player’s shirt selling for $850 while that of reigning African Footballer of the Year went for $3,500. Kalou personally offered $25 000 to his foundation while Drogba wrapped it up with the donation of a dialysis machine worth $50 000. “Didier Drogba is a good person. When I arrived at Chelsea, I was just 20 years old. And we all know that at that young age earning big money could be a problem. But Drogba was always there to counsel and guide me,” Kalou said. “Drogba is a very humble person. He has always been there for me. I owe him a lot.”

Sports

Friday, June 12, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EPL:

Nasri

admits to bad season Samir Nasri

eleaguered Manchester City midfielder, Samir Nasri, says the outgone season is one he would love to forget easily after an abysmal run that was not helped by City’s loss of the title defence. A serious groin injury that needed surgery had ruled the French player out for a month at the beginning of the season. The injury recurred later in the season that saw him score just twice in 24 league appearances. “I had a bad season,” Nasri conceded. “From a personal point of view it was disappointing because I couldn’t produce the same form as I did the year before and I had a lot of injuries, the most I’ve had in one season in my career. “It’s difficult but at the same time it made me stronger mentally. “When you play for a team like City you expect to win a trophy every year. “I am not happy about last season. I am really disappointed because I know I could have done better. “We lost five points against Burnley, we lost two points against QPR and two points against Hull. “Sometimes you can be complacent even if you’re aware of the danger but still we made mistakes. It’s something

that we have to correct if we want to win the trophy.” Ahead of the new season, however, Nasri said: “The club is going to invest, I think, in new players. “The league is going to be really competitive. Manchester United are going to be there, Arsenal had a great season with another trophy and they were close, Liverpool want to buy players as well. I think it’s going to be really i n -

teresting.”

Giggs tips Devils for glory M

anchester United Assistant Coach, Ryan Giggs, is upbeat about the team’s chances next season and believes the Red Devils can challenge for honours if they could improve their consistency. Although United held its own against the better teams in the Premier League, five of the side’s eight defeats came against Leicester, Everton, West Brom and Swansea twice. “As we have shown this year we are capable of matching the best teams in the league next season,” the 41-year-old said yesterday. “Now we just have to work on our consistency, and if we get off to a good start next season we can definitely do that,” he added. On his coaching career so far, Giggs said: “As a player you’re pretty selfish. As a coach, you need to get the best out of 25, maybe 30, different individuals so you need to find what makes them tick.”

Giggs

‘Bida Lions indebted to Etsu Nupe’ Afolabi Gambari

hairman of Bida Lions FC, Alhaji Nuhu Bello, has attributed the club’s performance in the Nigeria Nationwide League Division One to what he calls the unwavering financial support from the Etsu Nupe,

His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar. The club, whose home venue is the Bida Township Stadium, has so far impressed in the lower rung of the country’s league where it is competing in the Nigeria Nationwide League Division One B and seeking to return to the Nigeria National League fol-

lowing its relegation at the end of the 2013/14 season. Bello said the former Niger State FA Cup champion had endured challenges due to cash squeeze in recent times after the Niger State government and the Bida Local Government Council stop ceased their financial support. But for His Royal High-

ness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, Bida Lions would have been history,” Bello remarked. “Only God and His Royal Highness have sustained us so far,” the club boss added. “Till date, we have not paid our players any money since December when began preparation for the ongoing season.

“But the Etsu has come to our aid by providing cash for our home and away matches. “He loves the club as he loves his kingdom. He has done so many things for us, including making attempts to provide funds through fundraising efforts. All of us at the club are forever indebted to the royal father.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NFF: Lulu’s lawyer to make ‘no case submission’

Lulu

he end appears to be in sight for the protracted legal tussle between a former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, and three of his lieutenants, Amanze Uchegbulam, Taiwo Ogunjobi, and Bolaji Oju-Oba, who have been standing trial for the past five years over their management of affairs while they were in charge at the Glass House. At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday at Court 8 of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice F.S. Chukwu, their lead counsel, Akin Olujimi, SAN, applied to make “a no

case submission”. Making the application, Olujimi said the two witnesses that have testified so far against the accused since they have been on trial on allegation of financial impropriety while in charge of administration of the NFF, have not been able to prove their case “beyond reasonable doubt”. The Senior Advocate added that the petitions for which Lulu and the three other ex-NFF officials are being tried did not follow due process, as the accused were never queried for their conduct nor their attention drawn to the allegations made against them in line with due administrative process. Olujimi further argued that the then Sports Minister, Ibrahim Bio’s report to the Presidency in 2010 also did not follow due process. Granting the request, Justice Chukwu gave the accused lawyer to make his submission within 21 days, while equally granting the plaintiff ’s legal team another 21 days to file their response. The case has been slated for September 23 for further hearing.

Rio 2016: NOC unveils commissions Paul Erewuba

igeria yesterday inaugurated 13 Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) commissions that will plan and execute the 2016 Olympic Games billed for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. President of the NOC, Engineer Habu Gumel, who presided over the event, charged members of the commissions to work diligently to make Nigeria’s participation in the 2016 Olympics a success. “I want to assure you all that the NOC is committed to supporting you efforts at delivering your programmes and activities,” Gumel said, adding, “Your efforts will be adequately rewarded.” The commissions are Tech-

nical and Development, Marketing, Medical and Scientific, Women and Sport, Liaison, Athletes, Olympic Education, Sports for All, Sport and Environment, Ethics and Appeal, Anti-Doping, Culture and Olympafrica Development. Meanwhile, the NOC Sports for All Commission 2015 Olympic Day Celebration/Carnival will begin on July 2 and end on July 4. Chairman of the Commission, Prince Henry Amike, said the Day Run had been broken to 3km, 6km and 10km to enable people of all age groups to participate in the celebration. “The Olympic Day event is not a competition to win prizes, but a reminder to mankind to stay healthy through sports as a way of life,” Amike explained.

IFO set for Amos Adamu Cup

stijabah Football Organisation (IFO) is organising the annual Dr. Amos Adamu Football Competition in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. A release issued by the Organising Committee stated that the competition is designed to discover young talent and encourage them to build their career in football.

Sports

Friday, June 12, 2015

IFO Chairman, Alhaji Sanni Abdul Akeem, said yesterday directed that interested teams should call 08033587255 for further details. “Quarter finalists at the tournament will collect a brand new jersey while the finalists will get attractive prizes,” Abdul Akeem said.

MANDATE

THE

Sylvester Ikuejamoye

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

Anything learnt from Blatter’s blunder? I

t is no longer news that FIFA can countries. However, it is most has conducted fresh election important for African football fedinto its Executive Committee. erations to know when and where It is no longer news as well that to draw the line of reciprocity. No Joseph Sepp Blatter won the elec- doubt, one good turn deserves tion. It is no breaking news that another. Yet, there is the need to Blatter has also announced his know where to draw the line. resignation owing to widespread The tsunami currently rockopposition against his re-election ing FIFA hierarchy should be of as a result of the scandalous great interest and concern to footfraud allegedly discovered by the ball administrators in Africa. The FBI and the Swiss police investi- problem associated with sports gators. administration, particularly footOne major alarming emerging ball in most of the Third World fact from various quarters of incountries, is terest in the whole soap opera squarely is the huge bloc-support for the isBlatter by the less develsue oped countries with the overwhelming majority among this group from Africa. This, in my reckoning, is questionable. African football federations or associations should know Blatter where to draw the line when issues of corrupo f tion, fraud and lack of transe m parency are involved. bezzlexxx There is indisputable evidence ment of public of support extended to African funds meant for the growth and football federations by FIFA un- development of sports in most der Blatter. He has also demon- part of the developing countries, strated beyond any doubt, his in- especially in Africa. terest in ensuring the growth and There are pending cases of cordevelopment of football in Africa ruption and yet to be resolved casthrough various financial grants es of fraud in most part of Africa. and other technical support. It Recall that the former President is to his credit, not minding the of Republic of Benin football fedbehind the scene dealing, that Af- eration, Mr. Musharraf Anjorin, rica was allowed to host the World was sent to jail some years ago Cup after close to 100 years of the for fraud and embezzlement of competition’s history. the federation’s funds. The fire But it must be noted that in outbreak that was alleged to have an ideal situation, these are part destroyed all relevant account of the responsibilities of FIFA books for Nigeria participation to member federations. It should in the 2014 World Cup records of not necessarily be classified as a income and expenditure remains favour but a legitimate right of unresolved up till today. There has member federations. Whether it been a similar case of burglary was withheld for this long for oth- where thousands of dollars was er motives or reasons best known alleged to have been stolen from to the gladiators in Zurich or sim- the till of the NFF in the past. ply withheld as a political weapon One of the most important reserved to be deployed at the lessons here should be that the “appropriate time and season” regime of thievery and fraud as this, is another issue. Irrespec- can no longer be tolerated in the tive of the reasons and motives administration of sports, particubehind the delay but now open larly in football. Every day may display support for the African seem to belong to the thief but football federations, it is deserv- certainly, the day of reckoning ing of applause, appreciation and must come just as it has come for gratitude by the benefitting Afri- Joseph Sepp Blatter and his co-

horts. That particular day will be the longest day and night for the thieving officials whose restless fingers pilfer government funds meant for the training, allowances and the development of sports in the country. In line with the current regime’s slogan, the much needed change for the better should start with sport. Sports stand out as among the most reliable global instrument for image laundry and also as a mirror of the country at the global arena. As stated repeatedly in the previous editions of the MANDATE column, sports should be accorded a pride of place on the priority list of the present government. If well articulated and managed, it has the potential for reducing crime rate. It also has the capacity for employment generation aside from its inbuilt potential for human capacity development where education is no barrier to the attainment of set goals and objectives. What is required is for them to be provided with necessary facilities with close monitoring mechanism. It is time for all genuine stake holders to volunteer information on sports administration in the country or possibly form a whistle blowing club. It is absolutely important to change our attitude unity and approach towards the happenings in the sport sector. Sport is the melting pot for the progress of majority of Nigerians. There is the need to expose the wrong doing in the sector. The Buhari regime’s slogan of change means, it can no longer be business as usual. The reality on the ground as epitomised by Blatter’s blunder is that you quit honourably when there is an established case of unethical behavior, more so that it has to do with fraud or embezzlement. The era of hiding under one finger to be perpetrating all forms of heinous financial crimes is over. Also, the era of using high heavens connections for self protection should not be allowed. Everybody must be made to account for his or her stewardship. The desperation and mad rush for public office with the sole aim of looting government money should be discouraged by punishing those that have engaged in defrauding and looting public funds. The unfolding drama currently going on at FIFA headquarters in Zurich must serve as a lesson to all. We must learn from the Blatter’s blunder.

Hard but the bitter truth A general without troop is nothing but a lone ranger who can easily be captured. It is wiser and safer to be a team player than a lone ranger if your elephant will not be a victim of the multitude of ants. Hard But The Bitter Truth. Until next week Friday, stay out of trouble and God blessed Nigeria.

WORLD RECORD

Pogo stick jumping - fastest mile

Vol. 05 No. 1138

Friday, June 19, 2015

N150

The fastest mile jumping on a pogo stick is 9 min 56 sec and was achieved by Fred Grzybowski (USA) in Wooster, Ohio, USA, on 4 November 2014.

Reuben Abati and German Piper of Hamelin

here is no denying the fact that Dr. Reuben Abati, a once highly respected newspaper columnist, would ride rough against the tides defending the virtues of steel-like integrity, principles and ethics ascribed to him as a newspaperman before he joined Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration. Common to all his critics are claims that Abati failed to tell Jonathan the raw truths he once espoused his columns in The Guardian before joining Jonathan in 2011; poor communication of government policies to the public; insulting constructive critics of the government he served; pretensions of naivety, etc. But on reading Godday Odidi’s grouses against Abati on ‘Masterweb Reports’ early in the week, it became obvious that most of the grievances of Abati’s well-wishers or haters may never see the doorsteps of proper perspective except weighed against the

ormer world number one, Greg Norman, believes history is against Tiger Woods ever recapturing the sort of form which helped the American collect 14 major titles between 1997 and 2008. Woods has struggled

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) teachings of experience, appraisal of the Nigerian paradox by Abati himself in one or two of his columns before he was dragged to the innermost corridors of power, the fallible nature of man, and perhaps more, should space permit. Odidi says: “Having critically read the recent Dr. Reuben Abati’s article titled as: ‘The Hypocrisy of Yesterday’s Men’, widely published and circulated by all national newspapers and online publications, I discovered that Dr. Abati has professionally deviated from the fourth estate profession and now dines and wines with government antics. The Abati I used to know was so wild on government’s dormant policies; which he used the platforms of ‘Patito’s gang’, a popular TV talk show anchored by Professor Pat Utomi; and ‘The Guardian’ newspaper, where he served as Chairman, Editorial Board, (to vehemently criticise). His recent article was so offensive and odious to the extent that he overtly described Nigerian social critics as jobless beings and nothing else. Undoubtedly, Dr. Abati is not the first media officer at the presidential villa that runs social critics down; but his sudden change from a constructive to a destructive critic is one of the factors that make social critics see Abati as a cowed man trying to play to the gallery of his paymaster”. When you deeply interrogate the re-

THE ORIGINAL LEGEND ITSELF ACTUALLY PORTRAYS THE PIED PIPER AS AN AMBIVALENT FIGURE, BOTH GOOD AND EVIL mark: ‘cowed man trying to play to the gallery of his paymaster’, you are likely, as was the case with this writer, to end up searching for the true meanings of sayings like: ‘Unwavering loyalty does not question or doubt, it is completely supportive of the master’; or another description that views the condition as ‘unbendable perseverance’. Better still, you may end up with the saying: ‘He who pays the piper calls the tune’. If you again patiently extend your curious search to the roots of the story of paying the piper and dictating the tune, what you may eventually end up with are various versions of the story of the globally acclaimed legend, Germany’s ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’. The version this writer preferred was told thus: In the year of the 700th anniversary of the German legend, ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’ (1284-1984), it might be of interest to take a glance at how this folk narrative has also survived in the short form of a proverbial expression.

In the German language, we have the expression ‘Er ist ein chlauer Rattenfänger von Hameln’ meaning (he is a smart ratcatcher ‘pied piper’ of Hamelin); or also simply ‘Ein Rattenfänger sein’ (to be a rat-catcher). This phrase can be used and interpreted positively or negatively, just as the original legend itself actually portrays the pied piper as an ambivalent figure, both good and evil. As a rat-catcher, he is altogether a benevolent magician, but as an abductor of 130 innocent children (young adults), he becomes malevolent and evil as the devil himself. Once the legend became popular in the AngloAmerican world through Robert Browning’s well-known poem: ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’ (1842), a similar phenomenon can be observed for the English language as well. The legend that was retold in Browning’s extremely popular poetic version resulted in the short proverbial expression: ‘To be a pied piper’, which is used to refer positively or negatively to various types of figures who want to bring people of all ages and walks of life under their spell. Such modern pied pipers could be politicians, leaders of religious sects, rock stars, teachers or whatever – but all attempting to lead people to some kind of goal. In both German and English, we find these ambiguous connotations of the proverbial expression, ‘to be a pied piper’. But for the English Language, there is an additional curiosity that must be looked at: ‘To pay the piper’ with the ‘Pied Piper of the Hamelin’ legend as well. A check into the standard proverb collections reveals that this is actually a shortened version of such proverbs as ‘Who pays the piper, calls the tune’; (1611); ‘Those that dance must pay the music’ (1638); ‘He who pays the piper may order the tune’; and ‘He who pays the piper can call the tune’; for which 1611 is the earliest reference, but which are probably older. To be concluded

Sport Extra Golf: ‘Woods can’t beat history to US Open glory’ on the PGA Tour for much of the past nine months and, at Muirfield Village last weekend, carded the worst round of his professional career; an 85. Norman said the

39-year-old, who underwent back surgery last year, is no longer inside the world’s top 175 and has a mountain to climb. “It’s a massive effort, mentally and physically, for Tiger to get himself

out of this hole he’s in,” Norman, a two-time winner of the US Open, said. “He’s gone through major swing changes in the past. But for those swing changes, his body was a lot younger,” he added.

Woods will be in action as the second major of the year, the US Open, tees off and will play alongside Rickie Fowler and Louis Oosthuizen at Chambers Bay.

Woods

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