Binder1 by GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LIMITED

DPR begins 24-hour surveillance on depots, filling stations

epartment of Petroleum Resources, DPR, said yesterday that it has set up a 24-hour special task force to supervise and monitor petrol sales at depots and stations.

Kachikwu

Vol. 5 N0. 1273

Bassey said the special team was set up purposely for the Yuletide with powers to take over the sale of product from those selling above the approved price. She said the agency had

It said the task force would sanction depots and stations selling above the recommended price. Assistant Director, Public Affairs in DPR, Mrs. Dorothy Bassey, disclosed this in Lagos.

Friday, December 25, 2015

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Many feared dead as explosion rocks Anambra P.5

Obiano

National Mirror Online

N150

@NationalMirror

No group can hold Nigeria to ransom –Buhari P GEORGE OJI AND ROTIMI FADEYI

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said his administration would never allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise. This was contained in his Christmas message to Nigerians which he personally signed.

…says change slogan is not a campaign gimmick

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Yuletide: MMIA, Lagos witnesses upsurge of passengers P.10

LAST RUSH: Christmas shoppers at Balogun Market, Lagos, yesterday.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS

TEL: 0700FLYMEDVIEW Email: info@medviewairline.com http://www.medviewairline.com

PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

MAIDUGURI TO LAGOS

VL2109

1515

1830

B737

MAIDUGURI TO LAGOS

VL2109

1515

1830

B737

MAIDUGURI TO LAGOS

VL2109

1515

1830

B737

DESTINATION

FLT NO

DEP

ARR

STOPS

A/C

PHC TO LAGOS

VL2117

1900

2010

B737

PHC TO LAGOS

VL2117

1900

2010

B737

PHC TO LAGOS

VL2117

1900

2010

B737

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2101

0900

1015

B737

YOLA TO ABUJA

VL2103

1300

1410

B737

VL2105

1400

1515

B737

YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2103

1300

1615

B737

VL2103

1500

1615

B737

VL2109

1715

1830

B737

DESTINATION

FLT NO

DEP

ARR

STOPS

A/C

VL2107

1915

2030

B737

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2101

0900

1015

B737

ABUJA TO MAIDUGURI

VL2108

1315

1430

B737

VL2105

1400

1515

B737

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2102

1050

1200

B737

VL2103

1500

1615

B737

VL2109

1715

1830

B737

VL2107

1915

2030

B737

ABUJA TO MAIDUGURI

VL2108

1315

1430

B737

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2102

1050

1200

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

VL0204

0800

1000

B737

ENUGU TO LAGOS

VL2117

1750

2010

B737

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2100

0700

0815

B737

VL2102

0850

1005

B737

VL2108

1115

1230

B737

VL2104

1200

1315

B737

VL2106

1715

1830

B737

TUESDAYS

ACCRA TO LAGOS

VL0204

0800

1000

B737

ENUGU TO LAGOS

VL2117

1750

2010

B737

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2100

0700

0815

B737

VL2102

0850

1005

B737

YOLA TO ABUJA YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2103 VL2103

1300 1300

1410 1615

0 1

B737

DESTINATION

FLT NO

DEP

ARR

STOPS

A/C

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2101

0900

1015

B737

STOPS

A/C

1930

2045

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2101

1000

1115

B737

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2102

1355

1505

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

VL0204

0800

1000

B737

1840

B737

VL2109

1715

1830

B737

VL2103

1500

1615

B737

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2108

0900

1015

B737

VL2107

1915

2030

B737

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2102

1050

1200

B737

VL2100

1030

1145

B737

ABUJA TO MAIDUGURI

VL2108

1315

1430

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

B737

1200

1000

1315

1050

0800

1200

VL2102

VL0204

VL2102

ABUJA TO YOLA

VL2106

1730

1845

VL0204

0800

1000

B737

ENUGU TO LAGOS

VL2117

1320

1540

B737

ACCRA TO LAGOS

LAGOS TO ACCRA

VL0203

0715

B737

ENUGU TO LAGOS

VL2117

1750

2010

B737

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2100

0800

0915

B737

LAGOS TO ENUGU

VL2116

1430

1540

B737

LAGOS TO ABUJA

VL2100

0700

0815

B737

VL2102

0850

1005

B737

LAGOS TO LONDON

VL0209

1315

1910

B737

VL2102

0850

1005

B737

VL2104

1200

1315

B737

LONDON TO LAGOS

VL0210

2210

0410+1

B737

VL2108

1115

1230

B737

LAGOS TO MAIDUGURI

VL2108

0900

1215

B737

VL2104

1200

1315

B737

LAGOS TO PHC

VL2117

1430

1650

B737

VL2106

1715

1830

B737

LAGOS TO YOLA

VL2102

1200

1505

B737

VL2116

1600

1710

VL0209

1115

1710

B737

VL2106

1715

1830

B737

LONDON TO LAGOS

VL0210

2210

0410 +1

B737

VL0203

0715

B737

LAGOS TO ACCRA

VL0203

0715

VL2116

1600

1710

VL0203

0715

B737

LAGOS TO ENUGU

VL2116

1130

1240

B737

LAGOS TO PHC

VL2110

1130

1350

B737

MAIDUGURI TO ABUJA

VL2109

1300

1415

B737

LAGOS TO YOLA

VL2102

0850

1200

B737

MAIDUGURI TO LAGOS

VL2109

1300

1615

B737

PHC TO LAGOS

VL2111

1730

1840

B737

YOLA TO ABUJA

VL2103

1545

1655

B737

YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2103

1545

1845

B737

LAGOS TO ENUGU

VL2116

1600

1710

B737

LAGOS TO ENUGU

LAGOS TO MAIDUGURI

VL2108

1115

1430

B737

LAGOS TO MAIDUGURI

VL2108

1115

1430

B737

LAGOS TO PHC

VL2110

1600

1820

B737

LAGOS TO PHC

VL2110

1600

1820

B737

LAGOS TO YOLA

VL2102

0850

1200

B737

LAGOS TO YOLA

VL2102

0850

1200

B737

MAIDUGURI TO ABUJA

VL2109

1515

1630

B737

MAIDUGURI TO ABUJA

VL2109

1515

1630

B737

1630

ARR

1620

LAGOS TO LONDON

1515

DEP

VL2117

B737

VL2109

FLT NO

ENUGU TO LAGOS

B737

MAIDUGURI TO ABUJA

DESTINATION

B737

1200

B737

VL2107

SATURDAYS

0850

1515

1230

VL2102

1845

1400

1315

LAGOS TO YOLA

1730

VL2105

1200

B737

VL2103

B737

1115

1820

B737

ARR

B737

VL2104

1600

A/C

1615

VL2108

VL2110

STOPS

1845

1500

B737

LAGOS TO PHC

DEP

1230

VL2109

1515

B737

1615

1500

0715

1430

1300

1410

1400

0715

1115

VL2103

1300

VL2101

VL2103

VL0203

VL2108

YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2103

FLT NO

ABUJA TO LAGOS

VL2105

LAGOS TO ENUGU

LAGOS TO MAIDUGURI

YOLA TO ABUJA

THURSDAYS

LAGOS TO ACCRA

B737

SUNDAYS DESTINATION

LAGOS TO ACCRA

PHC TO LAGOS YOLA TO ABUJA YOLA TO LAGOS

VL2111

1430

1540

VL2103

1300

1410

B737

VL2103

1500

1615

B737

UPDATED 30/10/2015

News

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

No group can hold Nigeria to ransom –Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Though the President did not mention any group, there has been agitation for self autonomy by Movement for the Actualisation for the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. “We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise,” the President said. While urging Nigerians to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, Buhari noted that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders

to ease the harsh conditions of these Nigerians, stressing that the ultimate objective remains to quickly put an end to insurgency and return the displaced to their homes Buhari said his administration was determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of Nigerians, stressing that the current socio-economic and security challenges should not be allowed to dampen expectations for a better country The President stated that the change slogan of his government was not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept. According to him, efforts would be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages

and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability. He said public office was a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards The President stated that his administration has taken a number of measures to restore hope to the people as the 2016 budget has defined the commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life. He noted that on this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, all Nigerians need to rededicate themselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught. There can be no doubt

that a greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in our lives will immensely help us to become a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation. “Let us also reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians, who are in distress at this period of our nation’s history. “I particularly urge you all to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. “The Federal Government will continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions in IDP camps, while the ultimate objective remains

to quickly put an end to insurgency and return the IDPs to their homes,” he said. Meanwhile, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and predecessor, David Mark have urged Nigerians to persevere in the face of current harsh economic climate. In separate messages to Nigerians, the lawmakers urged peace, love and unity as Nigerians savor the joy of the season. Saraki urged Nigerians to ensure that their actions are predicated on peace, love and unity which he said were the virtues needed to rebuild the country. He urged Nigerians to renew their faith in God

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo and General Manager, Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC), Engr. Ayotunde Sodeinde, during the Governor’s inspection of the newly rehabilitated Alfa Nla Road, Agege, yesterday.

DPR begins 24-hour surveillance on depots, filling stations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

met with stakeholders to convey government’s displeasure on illegal sale of petrol above the stipulated price and the long queues at filling stations. DPR warned that those involved in the criminal act would henceforth lose their licence under the new steps being taken by

the agency to enforce discipline. “We have instituted 24hour surveillance by special task force which we are not going to disclose their identity because we don’t want them to be harassed,” she said. Bassey said those selling petrol above the pump price were doing so at

night. She said any station caught would be forced to sell at the official price “so that we don’t seal them to compound the scarcity.” She said the agency had some dedicated numbers on its Website through which Nigerians could send their complaints. Meanwhile, some mar-

keters, who did not want to be named, said the ongoing fuel scarcity would persist as government had failed to address issue of foreign exchange hindering importation. They said marketers were willing to import fuel, but scarcity of foreign exchange remained a serious challenge.

Long queues persisted in some filling stations on Ikorodu Road, Maryland and Alaka area and many other parts of Lagos yesterday, while many others were still not selling petrol. Some stations in Epe, Ibeju-Lekki and Ikorodu were selling between N100 and N 110 per litre.

and remain dedicated to the course of national development in the true spirit of Christmas, which epitomises love, perseverance, patience, brotherly kindness and the spirit of sharing. The Senate president, however, urged Nigerians, most especially motorists, traveling during this Yuletide period to be cautious and drive carefully on the highways. He said as Nigerians celebrate, they must ensure that the virtues were crucial to the developmental drive of the present administration and that the country takes her rightful place as a proud member of the international community. He described the economic challenges facing the nation as a result of dwindling revenue inflow into the Federation Account as a passing phase which will surely give way to a better future. Ekweremadu on his part urged the Christian faithful to follow the footsteps of Christ and pursue peace, unity, and love towards all men. The Senator said the present economic challenges were another bitter pill arising from the dismantling of fiscal federalism, which he noted, had promoted competitive development, industry, accountability, and good governance in the golden era of the nation’s federalism. He urged the Christian faithful to use the occasion of the Christmas to further commit the nation to God and reach out to the less privileged in the society. Mark also urged Nigerians to persevere under the current security and socio-political challenges saying, “this period calls for sober reflection and a resolve to support the efforts of government to overcome the challenges.” He called on both Christians and Muslims to embrace one another in the spirit of the season to commemorate the celebration of Christmas and Eid-Malaud, which he noted, calls for peace, love, unity and good neighbourliness . CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 25, 2015

Photo News

L-R: Chairman Ikorodu Division of Muslim Community of Lagos State(MCLS), Justice Fatai Adeyinka(rtd); President, MCLS, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi; Chairman Board of Trustees, MCLS, Senator Adisa Fasinro; Alhaji Abdul Hafiz Timilehin and Representative of Lagos State Governor, Commissioner home affairs.Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, during MCLS Celebratiing Birth of Prophet Muhammad in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brigade during MCLS Celebration Birth of Prophet Muhammad in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

L-R: MD, Pharmacy Plus, Emeka Obi; Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria, Lagos, Mrs Abiola Paul Ozieh; MD, New Height Pharmacy, Mr Omaruye Ochuko; Omotunde David (Lolo) and Country Sales Manager, Reload Joseph James, at the Reload Multivitamins promo draw in Lagos, yesterday. Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari (r) decorating his Chief Security Officer (CSO) Usman Mamman with his new rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), he is being assisted by the Deputy Governor Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, in Katsina yesterday.

People buying Christmas clothes in Port Harcourt yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

People selecting second hand clothes at Ikorodu, Lagos yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Bank customers waiting to collect money from Automated Teller Machine at Gwagwalada in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Head of Medical Operation, Miss Intellectual Nigeria, Dr Adeoye Adetiloye; Coordinator, Mr Magnus Oku and Head of Welfare, Patience Odey, at a news conference on the forthcoming Miss Intellectual Nigeria contest in Abuja, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, December 25, 2015

Boko Haram ‘technically defeated’ –FG

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said Nigeria has “technically won the war” against Boko Haram. Buhari told the BBC that the sect could no longer mount “conventional attacks” against security forces or populated areas. It had been reduced to fighting with Improvised Explosives Devices, IED, and remained a force only in its heartland of Borno State, he said.

Boko Haram has been described as one of the world’s deadliest terror groups. Critics of the government argue that it has exaggerated the scale of its success against the militants, and that each time the army claims to have wiped out Boko Haram, the militants have quietly rebuilt. President Buhari has given the army until the end of this year to defeat

the group - a deadline that is likely to be extended as Boko Haram is still bombing some areas despite losing towns under its control. But he told the BBC that the jihadists had been all but driven out from Adamawa and Yobe states, and their way of operating curtailed. “Boko Haram has reverted to using improvised explosive devices, IEDs,” he said. “Indoctrinating young

guys... they have now been reduced to that. “But articulated conventional attacks on centres of communication and populations..they are no longer capable of doing that effectively. “So I think technically, we have won the war because people are going back into their neighbourhoods. Boko Haram as an organised fighting force, I assure you, that we have dealt with them.”

Only a few days ago, Islamic State, to whom Boko Haram is affiliated, said its West Africa division had launched more than 100 attacks - killing more than 1,000 people - over the past two months, the Site Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist websites, reported. Boko Haram has also broadened its threat to neighbouring countries, around the Lake Chad region.

It reportedly killed five people in a raid in Niger earlier this week. Buhari said Nigeria had reorganised and reequipped the military, which had received training from the British, the Americans and the French. A key priority for the government now, he said, is to rebuild infrastructure and help all displaced people to return to their homes.

Civilian JTF intercepts five suicide bombers in Borno

ragedy was averted in Maiduguri, Borno State yesterday as local vigilante, popularly called Civilian JTF arrested five suicide bombers with food flasks, filled bombs. According to Premium Times, the terrorists, believed to belong to the Boko Haram sect were heading to a Medinatu mosque, where adherents of the Tijjaniya Islamic sect were marking the Maulud Nabiyi. The five suspects were allegedly hand-pushing five big food flasks (coolers) carts and headed for the mosque, where thousands of Muslims had converged. The arrested bombers, according to witnesses, earlier claimed the giant food flasks contained hot rice cooked to be delivered to the celebrating Muslims as gifts. “Normally, during such occasions, which normally attracts thousands of Muslims from different parts of the country, and even from outside it, to the popular Sheikh Abdulfathi mosque located in Medinatu neighbourhood of Old Maiduguri, individuals usually make charity donations in form foods and other consumables to help make visitors comfortable. “When we saw them coming with handpushcart filled with food flasks, we thought they were normal people that usually come here. “We almost passed them on when one of our members instinctively

asked what the content of the large food flasks were, and they said ‘hot rice to be delivered to the Sheik’s guests’. “All of us were almost deceived but when we insisted on seeing the flasks opened for proper inspection, the conveyors became jittery, and by the time we forced them to open the flask we were shocked to find coupled bombs in all the flasks,” Aminu Abdullahi, an operative of the Civilian JTF said. It was learnt that the arrested culprits were surrounded before they could escape and handed over to the soldiers in the neighbourhood. Spokesman of the Borno State branch of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Muhammed Abba Gava, who confirmed the development said, “it was an act of God that those bombs were Intercepted on time: we have over 5000 people converging in Abdulfathi’s mosque and who knows what could have become of them had those bombs detonated.”

L-R: Corp Marshal /Chief Executive Officer , Federal Road Safety Corps , Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi; Head, Media Relation and Strategy, Mr. Bisi Kazeem and Group Captain Simon Peter, during the FRSC /Nigerian Airforce joint area surveillance in Abuja, yesterday.

No group can hold Nigeria to ransom –Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Mark pointed out that the current security, economic and socio-political challenges facing the nation are surmountable if everyone contributes positively towards finding a sustainable solution. He urged Nigerians not allow political affiliations undermine national interest saying that irrespective of different po-

litical parties “we must remember that Nigeria is one nation of a people with a common interest and welfare of citizens remain the ultimate goal.” The former Senate President also advocated for positive synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government without compromising their separate constitutional mandates in order

to facilitate the delivery of dividends of democracy to the ordinary man. He stressed that collaboration between and among the separate arms of government is inevitable because “it makes for a healthy and smooth working relationship for public officers to deliver the goods to the people.” Mark counseled that all actions and policies of gov-

ernment must be peoplecentered in order to achieve the target of uplifting the living standards of the citizens. Furthermore, he urged citizens to reciprocate government’s good intentions by being law abiding and supporting constituted authorities as a needed partnership to promote democracy and bring development.

Many feared dead as explosion rocks Anambra

massive explosion yesterday rocked a gas plant in Nnewi, Anambra State, with many people reportedly killed. The explosion at Inter Corp Oil limited (Liquefied petroleum gas plant), a subsidiary of Chikason Group, report-

edly occurred at about 16.16pm. An eyewitness said the explosion occurred when a truck tried to discharge without having cooled down. Many people were allegedly inside the premises to refill their gas cylinders because

the company would not open today, being Charismas day, fuelling fears of many casualties. The blast, it was learnt, was powerful as it shook nearby buildings and spread panic among residents. Fire-fighters, road

safety workers and paramedics were immediately dispatched to the scene to prevent further damage and help the victims. Those who were severely injured have been taken to Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital.

Obiano

News

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Don’t be despair, Bello urges Nigerians Priscilla Dennis Minna.

iger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has called on Nigerians not to

despair nor be despondent in the face of the hard times currently being experienced in the country. Rather, he urged them to remain hopeful for a better tomorrow as the

Renew spirit of love, Omeri tells Nigerians Joel Ajayi Abuja

irector General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri, has urged Nigerian Christians to use the 2015 Christmas celebration to pray for renewed spirit of love, unity and brotherhood amongst Nigerians. Omeri made this call in a Christmas message, yesterday in Abuja, noting that Nigeria had come a long way in its journey of nationhood and must not allow wrangling and discord to threaten the bond of unity it has enjoyed. He maintained that Christmas portrays the love God has for man for which He condescended to identify and unite with man through the birth of Jesus Christ according to

the Christian faith. The NOA boss also stressed the need to renew the bond of love, unity and kindred’s spirit among Nigerians by emulating the virtues of Jesus Christ, adding that it would facilitate the realisation of the Change Agenda of the current administration. He therefore, urged Nigerians to emulate and display the selflessness and love that Christmas represents by using the celebration to pray for the good of their neighbours and the stability and progress of their nation. While wishing the Christian community a joyful Christmas celebration, the NOA Director General also charged Nigerians to remain law abiding and peaceful throughout and after the Christmas festivities.

Adamawa workers get free meat

damawa State Government has distributed cows to its ministries, parastatals and agencies to be shared among their workers for the Christmas period. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that as early as 7 p.m., cows were slaughtered and shared among workers who queued for the exercise. Some of the workers, who spoke on the development, commended the government for the gesture which they said was a sign of concern for workers welfare. “This is a good practice; it was done during Sallah and now is for Christmas. “I want to say a big thank you to the government and and urge it to sustain the practice,” Jummai Mamza, who is worker in the state Ministry of Works, said. Ibrahim Ahijo, a mem-

ber of staff of the Ministry of Finance; Satumari Yakubu, Umar Damare and Azumi Musa all of the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs office, lauded the government gesture. They said it would help the workers to prepare for the yuletide. “This development will help us a lot in the preparation for Christmas. In fact those with small number of families don’t need to buy meat. “Government deserved our commendation not only for this meat, but for early payment of December salary which was paid on the 16th of this month,” Yakubu said. Commenting on the exercise, the state Commissioner for Information, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, said the gesture was the normal practice in the state.

ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is poised to re-position the country to the path of glory in the commity of nations. In a message to mark this year’s Christmas celebration, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Jibrin Baba

Ndace, Bello said the country may be passing through hard times now, he prayed for a bright future for the nation. He noted that Jesus Christ was given birth to at a critical moment of human history adding that his birth which is being

celebrated worldwide today brought hope, reconciliation and restoration of man to his creator. While, congratulating Christians in the state and wish them a peaceful celebration, he called for moderation and caution during the yuletide sea-

son. The governor then assured the people of the state of his resolve to pursue the restoration agenda of the ruling party in the state in the New Year and called for patience and understanding with government.

People buying Christmas items in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Okorocha tasks Christians on unity, love Chris Njoku Owerri

mo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, yesterday urged Christians in the country to pray for love, unity, and under-

standing among Nigerians especially among the leaders. The governor also asked Christians in the state in particular, to continue to pray more than they had done in the past, for the progress, development and prosperity of the state and her citizenry, in

the coming years. The governor said Nigerians including the leaders need to love and understand themselves to appreciate the efficacy of a united nation, and with such love and understanding, Nigerians both the leaders and the led, would see

In the statement, Tambuwal said with prayers, the current gains recorded by the security agencies in the fight against insurgency would be consolidated. “We should all pray for a complete end to terrorists’ activities in our country. “The coming year will provide an opportunity for our country to start afresh. “I am confident 2016 will

be one of the most peaceful years in our country’s recent history,” the governor said in the statement. The statement quoted Tambuwal as wishing all Nigerians, especially those of the Christian faith, a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Tambuwal prayed for a hitch-free celebration and holidays, the statement said.

Tambuwal asks Christians to pray against terrorism

okoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Christmas to pray for complete end to terrorists’ activities in the country. This advice is contained in a statement to commemorate this year’s Christmas season issued in Sokoto on Thursday by the governor’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam.

Telecoms operators tasked on unsolicited messages

resident, National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, NATCOMS, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, yesterday cautioned operators against sending unsolicited text messages to consumers during this yuletide. Ogunbanjo told the News Agency of Nige-

ria, NAN, in Lagos that the season was a joyful one hence; telecommunications subscribers would not want any disturbing and annoying message. He described unsolicited Short Messaging Service, SMS, a message not asked for, nor requested for, not demand-

ed for and not canvassed for. According to him, unsolicited text messages are a modern scourge, plaguing telecoms consumers’ mobile phones with unwanted advertisements and offers, often from network operators and dodgy companies.

the insurgence in the North, the militancy in the Niger Delta, the OPC activities in the South-West and the proBiafra protests in the SouthEast, as national challenges. With this scenario, he noted in his Christmas message that it would be totally wrong and indeed unacceptable to all patriotic citizens of the country, for the leaders from these parts of the country to be accusing themselves and attacking themselves on the pages of newspapers of being behind the security challenges in their parts of the country. According to the governor what Nigerians and of course the leaders in particular need to do now, “is to unite and find lasting solutions to all these challenges, because we cannot afford to hand over to the next generation what we have at the moment as a nation. Nigerians must strive to hand over to the next generation a united and prosperous nation, all the ethnic and religious groups can be proud of ”. The governor also asked Nigerians to be committed in their support for President Mohammadu Buhari and the APC governments at all levels because they all meant well for the nation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Friday, December 25, 2015

Amosun felicitates with Christians, Muslims

gun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described as “a divine message of love, unity and religious tolerance,” the fact that this years’ celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad almost coincided with that of the birth of Jesus Christ. In a goodwill message to

celebrate this year’s Maulud Nabiyyi and Christmas, Governor Amosun urged Christians and Muslim faithful to live in unity and love at all times and eschew all forms of intolerance and violence. “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25 and the Muslims mark the birthday of

Prophet Muhammad on December 24, this year being the 12th day of Rabiul Awwal, I believe that the divine message heaven is sending to us in Nigeria is that of unity and tolerance. “In this season of double celebration, I urge Nigerians to reflect on the lives of these two great religious personages we are celebrat-

Travellers for Christmas celebrations at Oshodi park in Lagos, yesterday.

ing and emulate their lifestyle and teachings,” Amosun said. The governor, who said there is hardly any family among the Yoruba people without a fine mix of both Christians and Muslims, urged adherents of the two faiths to seize this occasion to promote unity, peace and understanding.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Simultaneous celebrations of Eid el Maulud, Christmas, sign beyond coincidence Olusegun Koiki

inister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika has said the simultaneous celebrations of Eid el Maulud and Christmas by both Muslims and Christian faithful should not be seen as a mere coincidence. Rather, he said the concurrent celebrations signified God’s desire for world unity. Sirika stated this in a statement issued and made available to journalists by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. James Odaudu. He insisted that the celebrations should be seen as the approval of God for world to live in unity and peace with each other, stressing that the lessons of the simultaneous events must not be lost on all. He explained that without unity and peace in the land, the much desired change could not be achieved. He called on both Christians and Muslims to use the opportunity to pray for the peace, unity and develop-

ment of the country, while also urging religious, political and ethnic tolerance amongst the people. The minister also assured

Nigerians of the determination and commitment of the present administration to bequeath an aviation industry that is safe, secure and

customer centred through the provision of modern infrastructure, equipment and facilities.

James Abraham,

tion and harmonious living with one another. The governor reiterated the determination of his government to fulfill promises made to the people of the state for a just and egalitarian society anchored on the five policy thrust, of the administration. He called on all to be vigilant and law-abiding during the festivities. Similarly, former Governor Jonah Jang, who is representing Plateau North in the National Assembly, enjoined the people of the state to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and stop hating each other on account of religious, ethnic and political differences, which was tearing the state apart. Jang in a statement by his media aide, Chris Gyang urged Plateau people and Nigerians to use the occasion to imbibe the spirit of love towards each

other. Jang also called on Nigerians to pray for God to give the country’s leaders the courage and wisdom to confront the problems of insurgency, dwindling economic fortunes, disunity, corruption and all other challenges making life difficult for Nigerians.

Lalong, Jang preach love JOS

overnor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and his predecessor, Jonah Jang have called on Christians to share the love of God with one another in line with what the season symblises Lalong in a statement by Director of Press and Public Affairs, Government House, Emmanuel Nanle and made available to journalists in Jos, noted that Christmas is not only the commemoration of the birth of the Saviour of the World but the bringing of joy to mankind in God’s restoration of humanity to himself. He advised Christians to emulate this love of God to their fellow human beings, and pursue the godly character of peace, reconcilia-

Cleric urges Buhari to focus on building Nigeria Odinaka Uruakpa

etropolitan Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins has called on the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to implement policies that would help boost the nation’s dwindling economy and save Nigeria from imminent collapse. In his Christmas message through the Director, Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, Martins noted that the nation’s economy was not in the best of shapes. He urged the President as a matter of urgency to present a blue-print that would restore the nation’s economy. “I urge Buhari and his cabinet in the New Year to pursue in earnest a

diversification of the economy to make it more robust and investorfriendly. “The proposed budget which was recently presented to the National Assembly is encouraging, we hope its provisions, when passed, would be strictly followed and properly monitored so that we can get the required results,” he stated. While stressing the necessity to fight corruption and recover the nation’s wealth from looters, the Archbishop claimed that it was necessary that the task of governance and implementation of policies that would impact positively on the lives of suffering Nigerian masses be pursued without undue distraction. Martins urged Nigerians not to allow the present situation in the country to rob them of the joy of the Yuletide season.

Bayelsa Police Command pledges crime-free yuletide

ayelsa Police Command said it has put measures in place to checkmate the activities of criminals and miscreants during the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, said the command had intensified surveillance, foot, vehicular and maritime patrols within the state capital and its environs. He warned that the ban on use of fireworks remained in force, adding that the police was poised to enforce the ban. “The ban on sales and

use of fireworks; knockouts, and other explosives is still in force. “Parents and guardians are advised to warn their wards against the use of fireworks as the Command will not spare any person caught violating this order,” Butswat said. He enjoined members of the public to be at alert, co-operate with the police and to volunteer useful information about movement of suspicious persons within their areas. Butswat said police was ready to ensure security of lives and property during the festive period.

Imbibe positive attitude of Christ, Dickson tells Bayelsans Osahon Julius, YENAGOA

overnor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State yesterday called on Bayelsans and Nigerians to imbibe the positive attributes of peace, love and forgiveness, which Christ propagated, lived and died for. Dickson, who made the call in his Christmas message, reminded the peo-

ple of the importance of peace, noting that, peace remains a major catalyst to any meaning development, especially under a democratic dispensation. While commending the people for being supportive to the policies and programmes of the government, he enjoined them to pray ceaselessly for the security, peace and unity of the state and the country.

He pointed out that, the nation was going through very difficult times that require the collective prayers of all and sundry. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the governor also used the period of Christmas to reassure Bayelsans of his commitment to their welfare and the overall development of the state.

News

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Union allays workers’ fear over salary cut

ssociation of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has allayed fears of workers in the public service that their salaries would be slashed as planned by state governors. Secretary-general of ASCSN, Mr. Bashir Lawal, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Lagos that some governors’ plan to slash

salaries would not materialise. Lawal who spoke against plans by the governors to slash the salaries of workers, urged them not be afraid of being sacked. “The governors’ plan is a ploy to put asunder organised labour’s effort to push forward the new demand for upward review of the minimum wage.

“On retrenchment, workers should go to sleep, nothing of such will happen. “And on the issue of downward reduction of workers’ salaries, they should go and sleep because it will not happen,’’ the union’s scribe said. He said labour leaders are hopeful on the efforts being made to get an increase in workers’ salary

since it had to do with negotiation. “There will be representatives from all sides of the government - from the federal to local government. We have our data; we will put it before them. “Government can counter it or if they have argument, let them put it across. By law, minimum wage is a wage that can keep the workers afloat,’’

Lawal said. He noted that the current N18,000 earned by workers in the country is not able to sustain them. The unionist added that if any one decides to reduce it, such a person would be making a mockery of workers. He said it is time for political office holders, especially governors, not to depend solely on the allocation from the Federal Government alone. “As elected officers, they ought to have looked at the income

and expenditure of their states before seeking election. “They should know the wage bill, overhead expenses, revenue generation of their states and how to source for revenue. “You cannot go to the government house and be lazy. We are in the 21st century and we will hold leaders accountable for whatever they are doing,” he said. Lawal also said government could pay above the minimum wage if corruption is curtailed.

Kano approves N520m for infrastructure in varsity

NEMA Director of Search and Rescue, AVM Charles Otegbade (right) admiring the IDPS woman frying yam at the camp during his visit to NEMA IDPS camp in Fufore, Yola, yesterday

Army cautions Islamic Movement against inciting comments

igerian Army has warned members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeriam IMN, to desist from making misleading comments capable of breaching public peace and order. This was contained in a statement issued by Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. “The Army is aware of clandestine campaign of calumny and misinforma-

tion on the incident of December12, 2015 in Zaria.” “A group of high-ranking members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, led by one Dr. Abdullahi Danladi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, had misrepresented facts about the incident. “He was at the university on Wednesday, soliciting support and telling lies about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the incident itself.

“He also went further to make false and unfounded allegations of casualty figures and desecration of burial grounds. “Dr. Danladi and likeminded individuals should be warned to desist from telling lies and misrepresenting facts capable of misleading the general public,” the statement reads in part. The statement said the actions of Danladi are preposterous and shows lack of concern and re-

spect for peace and tranquility. It said that the Army would not sit back and allow some mischievous elements in the society to further create unnecessary tension and disaffection in the society. It urged the public to disregard the misleading campaign by the sect. “This attitude will not be tolerated where people abuse their privileged position to mislead the public, create disaffection.

Buildings violating safety regulations’ll be sealed, Fire Service warns

ontroller-general of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Joseph Anebi, has warned that any new building that fails to comply with fire safety regulations would be sealed. Anebi gave the warning during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday. According to him, the service regularly carries out risk assessment on

government, public and personal buildings with little or no charges. He said the Policy Regulatory and Inspectorate, PRI, unit of the service is charged with the task of regulating new building construction to ensure adherence to safety regulations. Said he: “Anybody constructing a new building should visit the FFS with his designed plan for the

plan section to affix those gadgets which will protect the building from fire. “These are devices that will give you an alarm that something is wrong so that even if you are asleep, you will wake up. “Such equipment are fixed in buildings to alert the owners of the buildings to evacuate because of danger.’’ He stressed that the installation of such devices

is necessary to protect buildings from fire outbreak. He advised Nigerians to avail themselves of the variety of services provided by the service in order to prevent possible fire outbreak. Anebi underscored the importance of compliance with safety regulations in order to promote safety and qualitative housing in the country.

ano State gover nment has approved N520 million for the provision of infrastructure and office equipment at the Kano University of Science and Technology, KUST, Wudil. The state’s Commissioner for Infor mation, Mallam Muhammad Garba, announced this while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the state Executive Council meeting yesterday in Kano. Garba said the council has also approved N51 million for the renovation of Gover nment Girls Secondary

School, Jogana and Gover nment Secondary School, Kwankwaso, which were recently gutted by fire. He also said the council approved N11 million for disbursement to students of the two schools affected by the fire. “The council also approved N7 million for the accreditation of 21 undergraduate courses at the KUST,’’ he said. He emphasised gover nment’s deter mination to develop infrastructure in the state as part of the initiatives to improve the welfare of the people.

Cleric advocates English Language lessons for Al-majiri students

n Islamic Scholar, Alhaji Miftaudeen Balogun, on Wednesday advocated for English Language lessons for students in Almajiri Integrated Schools in the country. Balogun, the leader of Abuja Chapter of Dairat Jafariyat Fitorikat Tijaniyat Islamic organisation of Nigeria, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He said that understanding English language, which was general language of communication in the classroom, was one of the major problems faced by the students. The cleric said that

this challenge scared many students to escape from the school and retur n to the streets to beg for alms. Balogun stressed the need for school administrators and teachers to be closer to the students and give them listening ears. Balogun said the food supply to the school should be adequate and regular. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Gover nment established the Almajiri Integrated Schools (AIS) to curtail the menace of street begging by children and youths in the name of pursuing Qur’anic Education.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National News

Friday, December 25, 2015

SON urges importers to stop importing sub-standard products

i r e c t o r- G e n e r a l , Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Dr Joseph Odumodu, on Thursday advised importers to stop importation of sub-standard products. Odumodu gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. “We must understand where we are coming from. We are coming from a regime where it was all comers’ business and people did anything they want, `` the director-general said. Odumodu said that dishonest importers had gradually killed many industries as a result of importation of sub-standard products. He said President Muhammadu Buhari had appealed to Nigerians for

positive change to make the Nigerian maritime industry the hub of shipping in West Africa. The director-general said that the organisation had introduced some platforms for importers and exporters to overcome challenges encountered in the course of doing business. He said SON had been collaborating with some government agencies, adding that the organisation was ready to engage ports operators in training to reduce the time of doing business. Odumodu said that it was the duty of SON to continue checking on other supplies of a particular product which had undergone the process of clarification.

ntegrated Logistic Services Nigeria Limited,(Intels) received 183 letters of commendation from clients between 2012 and 2015, a compendium on appreciation letters received by the company has shown. This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos by the company. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Intels was established in 1982 at Onne Port and is a major participant in the development of the Oil and Gas Free Zone. According to the statement, the compendium showed that the letters were received from Oil Producing Companies, Oil Servicing Companies, the Senate, the House of Representatives and government agencies. “A breakdown showed that 82 letters which expressed satisfaction with the high quality of services provided by Intels Nigeria Limited and the dedication of its staff were received from oil producing companies within the four years under review. “The list of oil producing companies that put their appreciation in writing included: Chevron Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited and Total Premier Services Nigeria Limited. “In the category of oil servicing companies, 90 commendation letters were

received between 2012 and 201 consisting of 36 letters in 2012, 24 letters in 2014 and 30 letters in 2015. “Oil servicing companies that expressed appreciation are: Schlumberger Nigeria Limited, Dawoo Nigeria Limited, West Atlantic Shipyard, Seadril Mobil Unit Nigeria Limited, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Del Waste Management Company Limited, ‘’ Intels said. The statement noted that appreciation letters were received from Ports Authority Police Command, Onne Port Division, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Navy (NNS Pathfinder) Naval base Port Harcourt, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. It said appreciation letters also came from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE. The statement noted that in 2014, Intels Nigeria Limited received three letters of commendation from the Senate Committees on Privatisation, Trade and Investments as well as Marine Transport. Intels added that the House of Representatives Committee on Local Content also expressed delight in its relationship with it. It said that the Senate Committee on Privatisation commended improvement at the ports, employment generation and the company’s contributions to the development of the Nigerian

An articulated vehicle loaded with travelers on Abuja-Lokoja road in Gwagwalada, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

FRSC says annual logjam on Onitsha Intels gets commendation for Bridge fundamental problem activities in oil, gas sector F I ederal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, has described the annual heavy traffic on the Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State during the Christmas and New Year as a fundamental problem. The Zonal Commander of RS5 Benin, comprising Anambra, Delta and Edo states, Mr Shehu Zaki, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Awka on Thursday that the problem was caused by the increasing number of vehicles mov-

ing into Onitsha during the period. He, however, assured the public of the command’s efforts to ensure free-flow of traffic on the bridge by removing obstructions from brokendown vehicles. “The number of vehicles has increased, but when you look at the road space it has not increased, you must experience this kind of heavy traffic, no matter what you do. “The only remedy is to ensure that there are no obstructions and there is

movement. “The movement can be very slow, but actually the problems are fundamental because you are not going to increase the road space. “You are not going to reduce the number of vehicles that are going to ply the roads either,’’ Zaki added. The commander explained that there were four corridors to be covered by the zone such as the Okpella-Auchi-Benin road, Ore-Benin road, Benin-Onitsha-Owerri and Onitsha-Awka-Enu-

gu. Zaki described the traffic condition in the Benin zone as the second most busy in the country. He added that more than 2,500 regular and special marshals had been mobilised to patrol the corridors. The commander also said that he had personally relocated to the Asaba end of the Niger Bridge to coordinate the flow of traffic. He appealed to motorists to obey the law and cooperate with FRSC officials.

Ambode gives 2-month deadline for completion of Ago Palace road

agos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday directed the contractor working on Ago Palace Way, Okota area of the state to work day and night to ensure completion of the road by February 2016. Ambode, during an unscheduled visit to the area, expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work on the road which he said was vital to the economy of the area. “We cannot afford to be slow on this road. It is a very strategic and important road to our people. “I have directed the contractor to ensure that

this road is completed within now and February next year,” he said. Ambode also inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of Okota road where he assured residents that the work would be completed soon. The governor, who also inspected the newly rehabilitated Alfa Nla and Oke Koto roads in Agege, said their completion would fulfill the promise made during the electioneering. “You remember that during the campaign, I came here and I said if you vote for me, I will fix this road which is Alfa Nla-Oke Koto roads. “I said I will come back to do it and I did promise

that before Christmas, this road will be motor able. “In fulfillment of our promise, we are here today inspecting the completion of this road. “What I want to tell you as part of the Christmas gift to you is that we are going to put street lights on this road,” he said. He further directed the immediate installation of street lights on the full stretch of the road from Alfa Nla to Oke-Koto. Ambode also assured residents that resurfacing work on the adjoining Capitol Road would begin in the first week of January, 2016. Earlier, Mr Ayo So-

deinde, the General Manager of the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, explained that the road was fixed within eight weeks after the governor issued a directive to that effect. Earlier at POWA Shopping Complex, in Falomo area, Ambode frowned at the poor state of the environment and indiscriminate parking of cars on the road, describing it as an eyesore. He directed the Commissioner for Environment to immediately ensure that the state sanitation rules were enforced in the area. Ambode directed the evacuation of vehicles parked by the roadside.

South West

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Obasanjo, Amosun, Olurin, others for Yewa Achievement Awards

rofessor Rahman Bello, Gen Adetunji Olurin, Ambassador Ebun Oyagbola and other eminent sons and daughters of Yewa would be honoured at a Civic Reception & Achievement Awards, at Ilaro -Yewa on Saturday, December 26, 2015. The reception hosted by the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR and all other Royal fathers in Yewa will take place at the Asade Agunloye Pavillion, Empire Field, Ilaro-Yewa at 12noon prompt. According to a statement signed by the Personal Assistant to the Paramount Ruler, Mr. Bolaji Leigh, other distinguished person-

alities to be honoured at the occasion include Professor Emeritus, Anthony Asiwaju, former Secretary to Ogun State Government, Deacon Poju Adeyemi, and a former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmat Badru and others. The current Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly Rt Hon Suraj Adekanmbi and New Head of Service Elder Sola Adeyemi will be honored too at the event. While President Obasanjo is expected to chair the occasion with Governor Ibikunle Amosun as the Distinguished Special Guest of Honour, Sir Kessington Adebutu is expected as the Guest of Honour.

Yuletide: MMIA, witnesses upsurge of passengers

assenger traffic rose at the Domestic Terminals 1 and 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja on Thursday ahead of the Yuletide festivities. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) aviation correspondents observed an upsurge of out-bound and in-bound passengers at the airport as many travelled to various locations for the celebrations. NAN reports that the Federal Government had declared Dec. 24, 25 and 28 as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Maulud, Christmas and Boxing Day respectively. A visit to the MMIA2 revealed a long queue of outbound passengers at the Aero Contractors Airlines check-in counter. A similar situation was seen at Arik Air check-in counter at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT). However, the high numbers of travellers on the few available seats led to slight increment in air tickets at the airport. An air ticket from Lagos to Kano, which used to sell for between N22, 500 and N27, 000, rose to about N35,000 in some cases. Flights from Lagos to Abuja, which normally cost between N15, 000 and N26, 000, depending on the airline and the time of flight, also went for N30, 000 or more.

A businessman, Mr Tunde Alabi, told NAN that he was travelling to Abuja to spend the season with the members of his family. “I wanted to leave yesterday (Wednesday) but there was no flight available. So, that is why I arrived very early in order not to miss my flight,’’ he said. Another passenger, Mr Okechukwu Edeh, said he was going to the East with his family to enjoy the Yuletide with relatives. Edeh said that his two young children have never gone to the village, adding that the Yuletide was an opportunity for them to bond with other family members. Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured travellers that adequate security measures have been put in place at all airports to ensure their safety. FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr Yakubu Dati, in a statement made available to NAN, wished the passengers a hitch-free travelling experience. Dati said apart from the statutory security and safety measures already in place at the airports, members of the Bomb Detection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force have also been deployed to the airports. He said this would complement the efforts of FAAN’s Aviation security personnel at the security screening points.

Travelers boarding free train provided by Osun State government at iddo terminus in Lagos, yesterday.

Doctors urge Aregbesola to withdraw sack threat BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

s the 7 day ultimatum issued to the striking doctors in Osun state by government to return to work or be sacked expired on Thursday, the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, yesterday urged Osun state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola to withdraw the sack threat to allow for negotiations on the matter. Addressing newsmen in Osogbo, President NAGG.MDP, Dr. Nuruddin Akindele, said the

sack threat would not achieve any meaningful result because members of the body are not ready to return to work under the present condition in health sector of the state. According to him, doctors in government employment in the state have not been paid full salary since the inception of the present administration in Osun state. Akindele, who regretted that the industrial action embarked upon by the doctors since September has put in risk health of many people in the state, stressed that the demands of the doctors, if

not met would force them to paralyze health sector in the state. He said: “the government of Osun state should as a matter of urgency and in the interest of the public, invest in equipping the hospitals with up-todate equipment, provide adequate manpower and make the working environment more conducive. “Government should withdraw their threat of sacking the doctors who are only demanding that which is their legitimate rights under labour laws. “Government should put in place appropriate machineries to address

the issues listed as a matter of urgency public interest. “Failure of government to do the listed may result in us having no choice than to mobilize all doctors in all health institutions such as teaching hospitals, private hospitals and LG hospital in Osun state to embark on a total and indefinite withdrawal of service. “ He enjoined the stakeholders in the state to appeal to the governor to meet with the demands of the doctors in order to avert total collapse of health services.

No ritual killings in Ikeja, say kingmakers

head of the installation of their new monarch, kingmakers in Ikeja community of Lagos State have dispelled a festering rumour of some ritual killings, describing it as wicked and untrue. Speaking with newsmen in Ikeja yesterday, one of the kingmakers, the Asipa, Chief Titi Thomas, said it reeked of evil machination on the part of anyone to level trumped-up charges against the community before the police. During the week, the police authorities from the Criminal Investiga-

tions Department, Panti, Lagos, had invited the Oba-elect of Ikeja, Alhaji Samsudeen Adeleye and some top chiefs from the community, over a petition written by one Balogun, in which the writer alleged some ritual killings of late. But repudiating the allegation, Thomas, who spoke in company with other kingmakers like Chief (Mrs) Alaba Dalemo, Yeyeoba of Ikejaland and Chief Adetunde Balogun, Eletu of Ikejaland, said the allegation was only a figment of the imagination of its author. Besides, Thomas warned other contend-

ers for the throne of Olu of Ikeja who could not scale through the kingmakers’ screening to desist from using frivolous petitions to foment trouble, stressing that “it is only God that appoints kings. “This dimension of witch-hunting people is not acceptable at all. Ikeja monarch and kingmakers are leaders who bear the responsibility of preserving lives and properties by working hand-in-hand with government and the security agencies. We are no ritualists, much less human killers. “We as a result im-

plore anyone making any allegation to come out and prove it. What the Ikeja community is warming up for now is the coronation of our Oba-elect and we trust that His Excellency, Governor Akinwumi Ambode will soon give his approval,” he explained. Thomas also appealed to the enraged youths of the community to exercise restraint, saying, “As Chiefs, we are noble people; we have no skeletons in our cupboards. Whenever the police seek any clarification from us, we are always available.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South-East

Friday, December 25, 2015

Fire destroys UNN female hostel

ire has destroyed the Okeke Female Hostel at the University of Nigeria, UNN, Nsukka campus, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports. Eye witness and a student, Joy Uwalaka, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the incident happened Wednesday night. According to the witnesses, the fire started around 7.30 p.m. from the last floor of the two-storey building as soon as the EDDC restored power to the campus. Speaking with NAN, Mr Patrick Aro, the Chief Fire Officer in charge of Enugu North District, said his men responded promptly to the distress call by some members of the public. Aro whose office was close to UNN first gate, however, said that shortage of water to extinguish the raging fire made it to cause serious damage to the hostel. When we had exhausted our water, we were unable to get a refill from the two boreholes in UNN as they had no water inside them, he said Before we could get water in the boreholes from Nsukka town, the fire had razed the last floor, he said.

He said he was disappointed that the two boreholes on the campus had no water. Aro alleged that the gas cylinders and electric cookers in hostel added strength to the inferno and urged the management of UNN to stop allowing students to cook with gas cylinders and electric stoves. Also, Professor Peter Aka, the Dean of Students’ Affairs in the university said the fire incident at the hostel was an unfortunate one. He promised that students in the affected hostel would be taken care of when they resumed in January. Aka said the fire fighters exhausted their water on time because they came with a half-tank of water. Also speaking, Mr Ekene Orji, President of the Students Union in UNN said he was yet to recover from the shock caused by the incident. He said the union would partner the university authorities to ensure that the affected students were provided with alternative accommodations when school resumed.

2,000 widows to benefit from Nenwe Health Insurance Scheme

o fewer than 2,000 widows in Nenwe community of Enugu State are to benefit from the Rural Health Insurance Scheme, sponsored by Jonalfa Hope International Foundation. The founder of the foundation, retired Air ViceMarshal Chris Chukwu, announced this on Thursday in Nenwe during the inauguration of Nenwe Health Scheme. Chukwu, an indigene of the community, noted that the gesture was to bring succour to the widows, whom he said are suffering untold hardship. He said that Nenwe with 27 villages have over 3,000 widows. Chukwu said that the foundation had deposited N2.5 million out of N7.2 million required for the scheme annually. He appealed to the managers of the scheme to review downward the registration fees for beneficiaries to enable more people to participate. Chukwu said the foundation was also compiling a comprehensive data of all orphans of primary school age in the community with a view to training them. In an address, Mrs Akun-

na Ochor, Enugu State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), commended the people of Nenwe for embracing the scheme. Ochor said that the community was the first in the South-East to embrace the community based Health Insurance Scheme. She said it had been a tortuous journey to formalise the agreement between the managers and the community, remarking that all processes had been concluded. The coordinator expressed regret that most people in the rural communities are yet to appreciate the importance of the scheme, which she said would help them live a healthy life. Ochor, who appealed to the people to embrace the scheme, said that there are several incentives in the scheme. Ochor urged the sponsors of the scheme to ensure its sustainability so as to reduce incidences of untimely deaths in the community. Mrs Elizabeth Ugwueke, one of the widows, praised the sponsor for the initiative.

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha (4th left) in a group photograph with traditional rulers of the seven newly created autonomous communities, after giving them certificates of recognition and staff of office at the Government House, Owerri, yesterday.

Death rate increases as Imo public hospitals remain shut Chris Njoku OWERRI

eath rate in Imo State is rising daily as private hospitals in the state are now being overstretched with patients seeking medical attention, National Mirror investigation has revealed. This is as a result of the closure of state hospitals and Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri shut down by the Federal Government over protracted labour crisis in the centre. The Federal Government shut down FMC, Owerri following protracted industrial dispute between workers and the Medical Director, Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Uwakwem, while the state government had closed down its hospitals to carry out renovations in them ahead of the takeover by the concessioniers. As a result, the capacity of some of the private hospitals are being over-

stretched as their personnel now find it more tasking to give adequate attention to patients who were evacuated from the shut down hospitals. However, the closure is equally taking its tolls on innocent Nigerians who are being denied access to healthcare services resulting to rise in number of people that die daily. When National Mirror visited some of the private hospitals in Owerri, it was discovered that at least four patients die on daily basis even though some of the medical directors interviewed claimed that some of the patients were already dead before they were brought to their hospitals. Also hundreds of patients were seen besieging the hospitals. Some said that they have been waiting for several hours to see doctors. “It has not been easy for us, we stay in waiting rooms for so long before we get attention, we are patronising

the private hospitals to seek cure for our sicknesses as the only alternative because government hospitals have not been working.” The Proprietor/Medical Director of Saint David Hospital, Owerri, Dr. Davidson Anyanwu blamed the influx of patients to private hospitals to the non functioning of government hospitals, querying how many government hospitals are today working. “Many of the patients brought to these private hospitals are those abandoned in the government hospitals that could not be attended to because the hospitals are not functional,” he said. On the rate of death in the private hospitals, he explained that most the patients were already dead before they were brought to the hospitals. “Since we are here to save lives, we will not discharge them from the gate; we hear pleadings of their people

to give oxygen to see if they could be revived. When they are not revived you may be tempted to believe that the person died in the private hospital.” He also attributed the rate of death particularly of pregnant women to churches who take over the job of anti-natal without the prerequisite training and personnel and appealed to government to urgently do something about the churches where the pastors and their wives have taking over the job of doctors and nurses delivering pregnant women of their babies adding that most of the deaths recorded in recent times are as a result of these churches. “The pastor and their wives have converted their mushroom churches into maternity homes where they deliver babies. Most times when they have complications they rush their patients to our hospitals already dead,” he stated.

Christmas tragedy: 5 feared dead as bus plunges into Oji River

ive persons lost their lives early Thursday morning on the Onitsha-Enugu express way, as a commuter bus heading towards Enugu plunged into Oji River, near Anambra. Mr Sunday Ajayi, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Anambra Command, who

confirmed the accident told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the incident occurred about 1:25 a.m. on Thursday. Ajayi said there were 15 passengers in the vehicle, out of which 10 were rescued and taken to hospital, while five died in the incident. He said the timely res-

cue operations led by the personnel of the FRSC minimised the number of casualties. “The rescue at Oji River is still going on, we have been able to rescue 10 people alive and taken them to hospital, five were confirmed dead and the bus has been recovered,” he said.

The commander said it was a ‘lone accident’ and blamed it on drowsiness of the driver, poor visibility and other dangers associated with night driving. He urged people who wished to travel to do so during the day time, and set out on time for journey that may stretch into the night.

South South

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Joint task force arrests 1,605 suspected oil thieves

• Operation Pulo Shield arrest 5 oil thieves, 2 pirates Osahon Julius YENAGOA

he joint military and police task force deployed to protect oil installations in the Niger Delta arrested 1,605 suspected oil thieves in more than 1,000 raids in 2015. Spokesman of the task force, Col. Isa Ado, told newsmen in Yenagoa yesterday that the suspects are at different stages of prosecution. “We have destroyed many kidnappers’ dens across the creeks of the Niger Delta. “Our men also have recovered many weapons from these outlaws which include machine guns, AK-47 automatic rifles, explosive devices, detonating cords and live cartridges of different calibres,” Ado said. He added the force seized a 2,000-tonne vessel, MV Europort, early in the year during one of its operations. According to him, the vessel was laden with 1,500 metric tonnes of suspected stolen crude oil along Furopa channel in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The spokesman said the force carried out more than 1,500 patrols and arrested 50 vessels and 200 barges while also destroying more than 1,000 sites of illegal crude oil refining. “These people cash in on the difficulty in maneuvering the creeks to perpetrate criminal activities. “The most recent is the arrest of three suspected militants and recovery of arms and ammunition of various calibre along Benin River in Itagbene, Warri North in Delta State,” Ado said. Meanwhile, troops of Operation Pulo Shield has paraded five notorious sea robbers and two suspected illegal oil thieves arrested in the creeks of Sangala in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State Parading the suspects, Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Major General Alani Okunlola, said the seven criminals were arrested by troops of Sector 2 of the command on December 21 and 22 in Southern Ijaw while patrolling the creeks and waterways.

Represented by the command’s spokesman and coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, JMCC, Col. Isa Ado said the troops recovered four short guns, four cartridges and 12 mobile handsets and other personal belongings of victims. He gave the names of the suspects as Gabriel Abel 23, Ebiaredia Godday, 23, Samson Ezekiel, Gift Enihus and Richard Christian, noting they are being detained in the custody of the command as preliminary investigation is ongoing before handling them over to prosecuting agencies. In another development, more facts have emerged on how a seven-man sea pirate gang on Wednesday attacked a local boat, killing a 25-year-old man, simply identified as ThankGod, and leaving six crew members severely injured in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. According to one of the crew members who spoke to newsmen in Yenagoa, the incident took place about 2pm along the Borma rice farm axis of the Brass/Ogbia/Yenagoa route. Manager of the boat, Mr. Kemelayefa Gabriel, said he and his six crew members were on their way to Yenagoa from Brass after the close of work for the year before the hoodlums struck and killed Thankgod. According to him, when they got to the Borma rice farm axis of the Brass/ Ogbia/Yenagoa route, a speed boat conveying seven armed men came from a narrow creek and started shooting at the boat. In his reaction, the chairman of Maritime Workers Union in Bayelsa State, Comrade Lloyd Sese, described the situation as crude, calling on the Federal Government to come to their aid as efforts by state government to curb the menace have not yielded any positive result. He explained that on daily basis, its members lose over N5 million to sea pirates on the average. The body of late ThankGod who hails from Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area has since been deposited at the Federal Medical Center morgue in Yenagoa.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike (l) congratulating the Caretaker Committee chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Mr. Michael Amadi during his swearing-in as the Caretaker Chairman on Wednesday.

Appeal court upholds Okowa’s election ....dismisses APC, LP appeals for lacking merit

Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

buja division of the Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed the election of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and dismissed all appeals that emanated from Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru of the Labour Party, LP, and Olorogun Otega Emerhor of the All Progressive Congress, APC, challenging his election. The five-member panel of justices of the appellate court headed by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji in, in a judgement that lasted about five hours, dismissed the appeals against

oastal communities in Bayelsa State impacted by the January 16, 2012 KS Endeavour Rig Explosion in Chevron’s oil field have dragged the oil firm to a San Francisco court in the U.S. Representatives of victims visited Bayelsa State’s Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Iniruo Wills, yesterday in Yenagoa. Speaking during the visit, coordinator of the lead plaintiffs, Mr. Alagoa Morris, said the team’s advocacy visit to the commissioner was to solicit the support of the state government in the legal action. He told Wills that the

the judgement of the tribunal which affirmed Okowa’s election and held that the appellants failed to prove the allegation of malpractices which they said marred the election. In a unanimous judgement in the two appeals filed by Chief Ogboru and Ortega Ermehor, the court dismissed all the appeals on grounds that they are lacking in merit and substance. The panel dismissed the appeals on the ground that the appellants failed at the lower tribunal to prove the allegations of corruption, malpractices and irregularities beyond reasonable doubts as required by law. The appellate court

held that although the appellants in their petitions alleged over-voting at the trial of their petition, they however failed to produce the voter register to substantiate their claims. The appellants had in their petitions alleged that the election of Governor Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was invalid because it was characterised by irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The Appeal Court said it is incumbent on the petitioners to tender necessary documents and demonstrate same to prove their allegations and that in the instant case they failed to tender any docu-

ment so as required by law. It would be recalled that the Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, in a judgment delivered by Justice Nasiru Gunmi, had held that the petitions filed by both parties lacked merit and do not have enough substance that could lead to the invalidation of the victory secured by Okowa in the election under contest. The tribunal held that the petitioners could not prove that the election was not conducted in line with the electoral law as amended, adding that following their inability to show proof to invalidate the election, their petitions fail.

Chevron rig explosion: Bayelsa communities seek redress in U.S. court group commenced the legal action against Chevron in San Francisco on December 9. Morris, an environmentalist, noted that the efforts of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment are commendable, and urged the government to assist the victims in their search for justice. “The lead plaintiffs thought it wise to pay you this advocacy and courtesy visit, to formally inform you about the ongoing cases in the U.S. “We also want to interact

with you especially as your ministry also carried out some investigations on the incident. “Governor Sariake Dickson of Bayelsa State visited Koluama 2 town hall on Feburuary27 and made a pledge to set up technical and legal committees on the rig explosion to ensure that Chevron is held accountable for the disaster. “It is the belief of the lead plaintiffs that government meant well and made those laudable pledges in good faith. “We are here to seek assis-

tance from the state government through your ministry. “We wish to benefit from the positive disposition of the ministry in protecting our environment, livelihood and health of victims of the oil industry operations,” Morris said. Responding, Wills noted that it is a matter for regret that four years after the incident, the victims are yet to get justice. He commended the steps taken by the impacted communities and pledged the support of the state government to the plaintiffs.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

he deadline for the conduct of the rerun senatorial election of the Benue South West following nullification by the Appeal court of the election of former Senate President, Senator David Mark is fast approaching . The rerun election between Sen. David Mark of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressive Congress, APC according to the judgement must take place within 90 days and the deadline is almost here . The two gladiators in the election , Mark and Onjeh are of Idoma tribe of Benue South West senatorial district comprising of nine local governments.. Since the inception of the democratic experiment in 1999, Senator Mark has remained in the green chambers of the National Assembly and had defeated various contenders including General Ejiga rtd, Major General Lawrence Onoja rtd and Alhaji Abubakar Mai Shano AKA “Young Alhaji”. Before the advent of the current democratic rule in the country , Mark had also held sensitive positions in the past and this include being the Minister of Communication and later the Military Governor of Niger state during the military rule of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. Thereafter, he left the shores of the country first to Ghana and later United Kingdom, UK where he spent three years during the regime of Late General Sani Abacha. Hon. Daniel Onjeh first came into prominence in 2002 when he was the Zonal Co-ordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS Zone A. He was then a student of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. After the NANS National Convention of 2002, he contested and got elected into the National Executive Council of NANS as the President. It is worthy of note that Onjeh was suspended from school barely few months after his election. His alleged sin was that he was bold enough to speak against the authority of FUT-Minna over the police brutality and eventual death of a young female student . When Daniel Onjeh emerged as the Senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Benue South West senatorial district, many political observers took him for granted until the last elections were held and the political watchers witnessed his wizardry as he was in early lead until the result began to somersault leading to the eventual result in favour of his opponent. As campaigns towards electing a candidate to fill the now vacant senatorial position in the Benue SouthWest senatorial district otherwise known as zone

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Mark, Onjeh in fierce battle for Benue South re-run

Mark

Onjeh

‘C’ hots up, the two major contenders, Sen. Mark and Hon. Onjeh have already gone back to the drawing board canvassing for votes by way of holding electioneering rallies and soliciting the support of the electorate pending when the election umpire, (INEC) will blow the whistle and fix the date for the election. Preparations has reached top gear as the two political gladiators are not taking anything to chances as they are already advanced into the hinterlands of the area to convince the people to vote for them. Indications is rife in some quarters that the Senatorial candidature of Onjeh have been sponsored by the dominant Tiv ethnic group which in the last elections overwhelmingly voted for the APC thus producing the Governor, his Deputy and a host of others too numerous to mention. It is interesting to note at this point , the wave of recent decampment as well as defectors from the opposition People’s Democratic Party, PDP to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC on a daily basis in the state. Arguably some kinsmen of Sen. Mark who preferred anonymity have vowed not to disgrace their son as they described his reign as an effective era while he served his people diligently in the senate and must by all fairness be supported to return. The other school of thought who confided to National Mirror said there can never be two leaders in one local government, this is because the deputy governor is of Otukpo stock and Senator Mark is also from the same area and they feel that does not portray equitable power sharing taking into consideration the entire population of the

state. Investigation further revealed that the kinsmen of the ex-president of the senate recently met at the headquarters of the Benue South West senatorial district of Idoma kingdom in Oturkpo and unanimously resolved to return Mark. Another accusation which is trailing the trio of Senator George Akume, immediate past senate minority leader and former Governor of Benue state and current Governor, Samuel Ortom as well as Senator representing Benue North East, Senator Barnabas Gemade is that they are the ones who handpicked Daniel Onjeh as APC candidate rather than allowing the zone to choose who represents them from the area. It is clearly showing on the face of ordinary Benue South West senatorial voter that rather than accepting an outsider to decide their fate politically by way of imposition of a candidate who is seen by many as a political toddler to face Senator Mark, they will rather vote Mark. In the last16 years which Senator Mark had held sway as senator in the green chambers of the National Assembly, he had always been campaigning and working for the creation of Apa state and this has endeared him into the hearts of his people . In a chat with former Minister of Interior and die hard supporter of Senator Mark, Hon. Abba Moro, he said : “as far as I am concerned, Senator Mark remains the only credible option for the Idoma kingdom. While serving at the senate, he made a significant impact second to none in the history of Benue South West and particularly the Idomas, Benue and Nigeria at large” “For record purposes Senator David

Mark has made appreciable impact that was never there, to start with the Iweto bridge linking to Abuja which is three hours drive from Otukpo the headquarters of Benue south west and the establishment of National Open University Study Center, provision of scholarship to the indigenes and non indigenes alike and the setting up of a college of medicine among several others” “Therefore it would be pretty difficult for anyone to overshadow this structures and also owing to the fact that he was one time Military Governor, Minister along other key sensitive offices held in the past and we cannot afford to replace him with Daniel Onjeh, the APC senatorial candidate who is more of a political toddler. And furthermore, he was NANS President and legislative aide, that is all he can boast of which by any estimation is not capable to withstand the political juggernaut. “As far as we are concerned, the candidature of Hon. Daniel Onjeh is borne out of envy allegedly masterminded by Senator George Akume, Senator Barnabas Gemade and Governor Samuel Ortom. We see this antics as a way of silencing the entire Benue south west when Mark is removed because he is the only effective representative of the Idoma race which to some people is causing them sleepless nights due to the way he spearheaded the direction for his kinsmen to follow therefore all arsenal are being implored and used to attack and silence him politically which we might not concede to it” He also argued that the ethnic correlation being introduced in some quarters in the rerun election between Senator Mark and Onjeh is not tenable because some chieftains of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP of Tiv stock had indicated their desire to join the campaign of David Mark re-election. He said some of them had written to him indicating the willingness to participate in the exercise while others told him during interface that they will come and collectively work towards realization of the victory for the sixth time. Another chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Benue South West senatorial district, Dr. Adakole Elijah in an interview with National Mirror stated that Mark will have an upper hand if the election holds today. According to him, the reasons are not far- fetched, the ex army general has been tested and trusted and he has been winning . CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Politics

Friday, December 25, 2015

Yuletide: Lagos PDP pacifies Lagosians, calls for prayer Ayo Esan

agos state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has said that he joined in marking the yuletide but with a strong show of sympathy to Lagosians who at this time are facing unprecedented tough celebration. The party opined that the unplanned governance of Ambode is why Lagosians

cannot enjoy the Christmas with affordable food stuffs, free flow of traffic, security to mention a few. The party in a release signed by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani particularly mocked the All Progressive Congress, APC government in the state of purportedly invested in farmlands within and outside the state “but now Lagosians cannot get any farm produce to celebrate

the Christmas” . The party however urged the people to continue to have faith in the lord and resort to praying for the Ambode administration which it said is incapable of moving the state forward. According to the PDP, celebrations in the state are “dead” under Ambode. “It is laughable that the governor canceled street carnivals. Indeed the people are not only poorer for

any carnival, they are in pains and angry, but even if the APC has given us this pains as Christmas gift, we should show gratitude to God that we are alive and thus give back to APC prayers for success. “We cannot afford to retaliate the gesture of the present government because this party appears mean to take everyone into worse celebrations”, Lagos PDP said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wike accuses LG boss of funding cultists Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that the State Government had to dissolve Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area, ONELGA because of high level of insecurity that has claimed lives and damaged the economy of the area. Wike said that the former Chairman of ONELGA, Augustine Ahiamadu, was funding cult groups in the area which led to the loss of lives and property in the area. It could be recalled that over 50 persons have allegedly died due to renewed cult clashes there. Performing the swearing in the Chairman Caretaker Committee of ONELGA, Prince Isaac Umejere at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday , Wike said the state government cannot stand aloof and watch the total breakdown of law and order in a local government area. A statement signed by the governor’s Special As-

sistant on Media, Simeon Nwakundo said the governor said security reports indicate that there was need to intervene and enthrone rule of law in ONELGA. Wike said, “Caretaker Committee of ONELGA, your priority should be to restore peace and security in your community. We must do everything humanly possible to improve security in the area. “You have to collaborate with security agencies to fight crime and cultism in ONELGA,” he said. He charged the new chairman to avoid any links with cult groups like his predecessor, saying that if he is found to have a relationship with cultists he will be sacked. The governor said that the situation in ONELGA is purely cult related violence. He said that even the APC Governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside, agreed that the violence in ONELGA had nothing to do with politics. ONELGA was dissolved by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Yuletide: IPAC … Fayemi felicitates with Christians, calls for prayer congratulates Christians, calls for sober reflection

Chief of Army Staff, Lt-.Gen. Tukur Buratai (left) with Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe, during the visit of the Chief of Army Staff to the governor in Gombe yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Ayo Esan

he Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated Christians in the country for witnessing this year’s Christmas celebration, urging them to continue to work and pray for peace, as well as live peacefully with one another and with adherents of other religions. Specifically, he urged Nigerians to pray to God

to bless the efforts of the present administration in ensuring an all round development and progress for the country. According to Fayemi, Christmas is a season to give and expect little in return; a time to preach peace and love; a time to forgive, live in harmony and seek the face of the King of Kings. The minister, in his Christmas goodwill message, signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, said

that God used the birth of Jesus Christ to demonstrate His love for mankind. Fayemi noted that being alive to witness another Christmas should be seen as a privilege, judging by the prevailing situation across the world. This, he said, calls for celebration. He, however advised Christians to celebrate in moderation and to devote much time to appreciate God for His mercies and to reflect on the country,

with a view to seeking God’s intervention. While noting that Jesus Christ lived up to his name as the “Prince of Peace”, Fayemi called on all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations, to tow the line of peace. He urged Christians to emulate Jesus Christ in words and indeed, adding: “God has used Christmas to teach us the lessons of humility and that He has the power to do all things”.

Lagos 2016 budget: Lawmakers show concern over N119bn deficit Robert Awokuse

oncerns from Lagos lawmakers are beginning to greet the 2016 budget presented last week by the Lagos state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to the state house of assembly. The fear is predicated on how the state would ad-

equately finance the appropriation bill earmarked for next year. This among others was the reaction of the Chairman House Committee on Finance, Oluyinka Ogundimu, who stated that, to ensure that the proposed budget got the kind of fund it deserved, the state government must look at ways to increase its Internally

Generated Revenue, IGR, saying 60 per cent of the budget would be financed through IGR. While lauding the N662.588bn budget which has been tagged “The People’s Budget” during plenary on Monday, the lawmakers wondered how soon the state government would be able to raise an additional N119bn which

is the balance required to fund the budget since the total revenue estimate for 2016 fiscal year is N542.873billion. But a number of the lawmakers were quick to reiterate what Ambode had earlier said that the N119bn of the budget would be funded through deficit financing constituting 0.41 per cent of the state GDP.

he Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria, IPAC felicitates with Christians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebrations to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, calling for sober reflection on the virtuous life of Jesus Christ. In a press statement signed by the National Publicity secretary of IPAC , Chief Dike Ogbuenyi , the council also enjoined Christians to emulate His humility, love and sacrificial life and use the festival to pray for peace, unity and progress of Nigeria. According to him, the party IPAC commends President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption and urges him to leave no stone unturned in bringing corrupt public officers to book. “ It will serve as a deterrent to other public office holders who will attempt to loot the national trea-

sury. “Nigerians are united in the on-going war against corruption and demand the recovery of all stolen funds for the development of the nation. “IPAC also commends security agents in the fight against Boko Haram and urges them to expedite action to ensure that the nation is free of all insurgencies in tandem with section 14 (2)b of the 1999 constitution (as amended) which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. “We also enjoin the Federal Government to embrace dialogue in resolving security challenge posed by various separatist groups. “As the umbrella body of all registered political parties, IPAC is strongly committed to the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Osahon Julius YENAGOA

s the spate of kidnapping resurfaced in Bayelsa with abduction of a serving Commissioner and the younger sister of the Bayelsa State Governor, the Campaign Organisation of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged Governor Seriake Dickson to brace up to the security challenges instead of blaming it on the opposition. The party urged the governor to live up to the expectation of the people of Bayelsa by performing his most basic responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property in the state instead of hounding perceived

Politics

Friday, December 25, 2015

Address Bayelsa security challenges –APC tells Dickson political enemies. A statement by its spokesman, Nathan Egba, said the party is worried at the increasing rate of violent crime including kidnappings across the state, which is believed to be a direct result of the total abandonment of governance by the Dickson -led administration in favour of politics. The release stated, “We are not surprised for instance, that today’s ( Tuesday) sitting of the Magistrate Court in Yenagoa to hear the bail application

of innocent APC Leaders who were arrested on the instructions of the PDP in Oporoma on the morning of Saturday Dec 5th was scuttled. “Authoritative sources alleged that the Presiding Magistrate was seriously warned by powerful government officials from appearing in the Court to hear the bail application. “Even Defence lawyers were alleged to have been harassed by unknown people, who have apparently taken a cue from all the violence and gangster-

ism perpetrated by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in various communities in the course of the on-going governorship election”, APC said. Egba, called on the people of the state to hold Governor Dickson accountable for any breakdown of law and order, having allegedly brought large numbers of non Bayelsans into the State in the build-up to the election. “Already, we have it on good authority that Governor Dickson and his

PDP agents have again started bringing these thugs into the State ahead of the January 9 2016 rerun in Southern Ijaw LGA and other polling units in six local government areas to repeat what they did on December 5 and 6. “The Sylva_Igiri Campaign Organisation have been informed that some strange looking faces are being seen in some rural communities of Southern Ijaw, while some have been camped in different hotels in Amarata, Swali and Tombia areas of Yen-

agoa”, APC further said. The statement expressed fears that the desperation of Governor Dickson to win this election might just push him and his party to throw all caution to the wind. “We wish to call on the security agencies in the state to step up their intelligence and track down all those plotting to cause mayhem in the rerun with a view to compromising the election through massive rigging, “the statement concluded.

South East Unions counsel FG on Biafra

s the agitation for the actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra intensifies, the Association of SouthEast Town Unions, ASETU has kicked against the killing of protesters by the military, saying it is not the best solution to end the agitation. Ostensibly reacting to the wave of protests in the South East, particularly the killing of pro- Biafra demonstrators in Onitsha recently, ASETU in a communiqué jointly signed by State Presidents and Secretaries of the Association drawn from the five South East States and read by Chief Emeka Diwe, Chairman of Imo State branch of the association shortly after its meeting in Owerri, said, “Marching out soldiers who only know how to shoot and kill against armless and peaceful demonstrating teenagers is not the best solution”. It rather sued for dialogue as the only option to resolve the agitation, stating that the issue of cessation presents inevitable ingredients for dialogue on the negotiating table. ASETU advised the Federal Government to find out the remote and immediate causes of the agitation and address the matter, stressing that as Town Unions and grassroots leaders, it would do its best to create the enabling environment for a peaceful dialogue and resolution.

The Town Union executives however advised Igbos, especially those engaged in commerce and industry to think more of home and bring down their investments to the South East for unimpeded development of the region, vowing to pursue with vigour and zeal all matters that borders on the common interest of the South East. It acknowledged the pivotal position of Igbo monarchs in the preservation of Igbo customs and traditions as well as the common integrity of their communities and admonished them to uphold their revered place in Igbo communities by not allowing themselves to be dragged into partisan politics by politicians for whatever reason. On the war against corruption, ASETU commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the fight against corruption, describing corruption as the only deadly virus tormenting Nigeria. It added that integrity is the only vaccine against corruption, expressing optimism that if President Buhari can deal with corruption, he will remain the greatest leader Nigeria will ever have. The South East Town Unions advised the President to resist any temptation to treat all Nigerians with uneven handed justice as that would repudiate his credibility.

Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, addreesing PDP stakeholders from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District on Thursday, in his Ukanna residence, while the deputy governor, Uncle Moses Ekpo listens with rapt attention.

Mark, Onjeh in fierce battle for Benue South re-run CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 While reacting to the claims that Governor Samuel Ortom have a hand in the candidacy of Onjeh in the race, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Information Communication Technology, Mr. Tahav Agerdzua dismissed the insinuation with a wave of hand saying Abba Moro should not mention that in the first instance because his boss is not from that zone and has no authority whatsoever to influence any political decision there. He absolved the Governor of having any hand in the election of Onjeh as the APC candidate and warned the former Minister to desist from his campaign of calumny saying for now his principal is preoccupied with providing good governance for the citizenry rather than dragging his name into issues that are not relevant to his administration.

The media officer to Senator George Akume, Mrs. Becky Orpine deflated the notion in some parlance that her boss was behind Onjeh’s emergence saying that is not true arguing that Onjeh is an independent minded person , more so from a different zone and described the accusation as mere beer parlor talk that are unsubstantiated and urged people to discountenance the baseless arguments. Senator Barnabas Gemade representing Benue North East when contacted through a telephone conversation denounced knowledge of anything in relation to Onjeh’s candidacy and warned those making unguarded statements to henceforth leave him alone. Meanwhile, when the views of the state chairman of People’s Democratic Party, PDP , Dr. Emmanuel Agbo was sought on the rescheduled

rerun between Sen. David Mark and Hon. Daniel Onjeh he could not be reached. In his comment the state Chairman of the Conference for All Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, Engr. Baba Agan urged Senator Mark to withdraw from the race advancing reasons that he should give way to aspiring young politicians to succeed him. “At least, he has spent 16 years in the Senate representing the Benue south senatorial district which is not a mere feat”, he said. He said that courtesy demands that he can only leave the power when the ovation is loudest and called on politicians to learn to tolerate one another for posterity to thrive in the country. Political observers are of the view that the pending rerun is a fierce battle between the two gladiators.

Editorial

Friday, December 25, 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 OBIORA IFOH ACTING ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

Christmas is here again

he period, December 24 to January 6, the Yuletide, is here once more. This is the time Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations are marked. Hustle and bustle, extensive travels and bliss, sparing other details, are some of the attributes of the season. There are, however, the painful flip sides, such as upsurge in crimes, extortion by all manner of security agencies and tax collectors, high cost of transportation (now compounded by fuel scarcity), reckless fireworks and accidents, et cetera. Christmas, one of the flagship celebrations during the Yuletide, is an annual event that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Christians and some non-Christians partake in it. But it is a feast central to the Christian liturgical year, which closes the ‘Advent’ season. Millions of Christians will today converge on churches to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ; and on December 26, the world would celebrate Boxing Day, a holiday traditionally marked the day following Christmas Day. The significance of Christmas reflects the brotherhood of mankind. For, the life and times of Jesus Christ represent hope, peace and joy for humanity. Numerous believers attest to the inner peace, happiness, healing

and restoration driven by Jesus Christ and his message while on earth. Following his footsteps, for true Christians goes with the ultimate hope of a ‘Messiah’s Reign’ in the future, cutting across all lands and producing universal happiness. One English priest of old, Hugh Blair, on Monday, January 1, 1750, described such future as a period when true religion shall universally prevail and the native tendency of the gospel attain its entire effect. In a sermon on the said date at a religious event hosted by the High Church of Edinburgh, which theme was extracted from the Book of Prophet Isaiah, 11: 9, which said: “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountains; for the earth shall be full of the Knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea”, Blair, one of the Ministers of Canongate, remarked: “In the prospect of this, the prophet seems to rise above himself, and celebrates those happy days in the most sublime, figurative strain of eastern poetry. He opens a beautiful view of the state of the world, as a state of returning innocence. He represents all nature flourishing in peace; discord and guile abolished; the most hostile natures reconciled, and the most savage tamed and reformed. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb; and the

OUR CONCLUSION: FOR A LARGER PART OF THE

NIGERIAN POPULACE THIS CHRISTMAS, POVERTY AND WANT

CONSTITUTE A HUGE A HUGE WEDGE AGAINST ANY DREAM OF MERRIMENT leopard shall lie down with the kid: and the calf and the young lion, and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed, their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox; and the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice den”. Quite blissful, indeed! Unfortunately, however, that is in the realm of hope, globally. Today, the vogue is religious intolerance and fanaticism, which orchestrate bitter and violent social conflicts. In many countries, Christians and Muslims that should live in peace, going by the tenets of their religions, are enmeshed in unending battles. The United States State Department’s annual report on international religions in 2014 indicated,

ON THIS DAY December 25, 1989 Deposed President of Romania Nicolae Ceauescu, and his wife, First-Deputy Prime-Minister, Elena Ceauescu, were condemned to death and executed after a summary trial. Nicolae Ceauescu (January 26, 1918 – December 25, 1989) was a Romanian Communist politician. He was General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party from 1965 to 1989; and as such was the country’s second and last Communist leader.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

December 25, 1991 Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as General Secretary of the Soviet Union (the union itself was dissolved the next day). Ukraine’s referendum was finalized and Ukraine officially left the Soviet Union. Gorbachev (born March 2, 1931) is a former Soviet statesman. He was the eighth and last leader of the Soviet Union, having served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, etc.; and President between 1985 until 1991.

for example, that global religious crisis was creating personal tragedies for millions and threatening social institutions that play important roles in fostering world peace and stability. Religious crises, said the report, were undermining global peace and stability, and deserved far more public attention than is now the case. Only America, for reasons traced to her history as a refuge for religious non-conformists, is said to understand the importance of religious tolerance for a better social and political order. As we speak, Nigeria and many African nations; virtually all Middle East countries; as well as some nation-states in Asia and Europe, are grappling with one form of religious crisis or the other. Our conclusion: For a larger part of the Nigerian populace this Christmas, poverty and want constitute a huge wedge against any dream of merriment. But the celebration must flow. Generally, also, are the risks of mishaps like avoidable fatal accidents of all hues, especially for the unmindful. It is, therefore, left for celebrants to be wary of any step they put forward while feasting during this Yuletide. We wish all our readers, especially those on the side of caution, a truly hitch-free and merry Christmas.

x December 25, 2009 A Nigerian youth, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab unsuccessfully attempted a terrorist attack against the US while on board a flight to Detroit Metro Airport, Northwest Airlines Flight 253. Aged 23, Umar confessed to and was convicted of attempting to detonate plastic explosives hidden in his underwear while on board the said flight, en route from Amsterdam to Detroit, Michigan, on Christmas Day.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Friday, December 25, 2015

Towards safe Yuletide and New Year Counter-terrorism Tips With

Ethelbert Oney ethelbertoney@zissltd.com, 08029929121 (sms only)

he Christmas and New Year celebrations are greeted in this country with the spirit of anticipation and excitement. Most Nigerians celebrate this season in their country homes (they have to travel); attending church services, events, and visiting relatives in other parts of the country. One thing a lot of people take for granted is how they should protect themselves and their homes during this season. Many people forget that festive periods should be the most important period in a year that they require more precaution in safety by guiding themselves from the men of the underworld. Being alert is being vigilant about your immediate environment. It involves a deliberate effort to observe your immediate surroundings to ensure any sign of threat is identified and avoided early enough before they occur. To be alert is having a presence of mind wherever you find yourself. The enemy is always looking for a loophole to strike and that loophole is often found when you are carried

away. Before entering a public transport en route, observe; before you walk into your compound, observe. Before you get into your car, observe. Always be on the lookout as you never know who is monitoring your every move. The criminals do not send out warning signals before they attack, particularly during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Therefore, the best strategy is prevention; and to achieve that, you must be in the position to assess situation and make wise decisions at all time. Some of the wise decisions required in this season include not trusting a stranger on face value, especially if stranded on the road. You may be digging your grave doing that and at the same time helping the criminals have a good Christmas whilst you and your family go into agony. Allowing a stranger give you lift should be avoided by both sex because ritual promoters make use of both man and woman irrespective of age. Whilst on the road, it is important to watch out for vehicles slowly maneuvering through turns and intersections or vehicles signaling for turns, but which do not turn. Do not ignore your gut; there is a reason you have a feeling. At any point you feel that something is wrong, do something about it. Most importantly if it is a niggling feeling in your mind. Maybe this period should be the time the Nigeria Police Force should launch

AT ANY POINT YOU FEEL THAT SOMETHING IS

WRONG, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT a special operation to manage security issues in the country. These operations should have include deploying police to places of residence, business and entertainment centers to ensure there is law and order for the duration of the festivities. Those who drink and drive and excessive speeding must be punished severely if caught. Is your home extremely dark or your lighting poor? Make good use of the season by decorating your home with festive lights. Floodlights will also deter criminals from entering your home. Receiving gifts during the season is fun, but do not be careless by leaving the boxes around; dispose them properly. New gadgets and appliances come in boxes, therefore, they need to be disposed of properly. Doing this will keep the items from the eye of burglars. Social media is mainly a platform for networking, not everyone you meet on these platforms is a friend. Avoid announcing to the world of your vacation destination and the fact that your house is empty. Do not use your newest items as

your display photos, for that will attract burglars to your home. Very importantly, when you are staying at home, draw your curtains and blinds at night before you switch on the lights to prevent burglars from seeing the valuable items in your home. Also make sure you do not display valuables in your car because any displayed items automatically attract criminals. Shut all windows and doors, especially now that the country is facing chains of assorted organized criminals. Always remember to do that before you go to bed. Under no circumstances should you hide keys under carpets or doormats, because burglars are experienced people who have been in the business for quite long. If you are going away during this Christmas and New Year holidays, it is better you take the key with you or hand it over to a trusted neighbor in case anything needs safe-keeping. Make sure your garages are safe and there is no entry to your home through them. Check your windows for any weak or broken spots that can make it accessible to burglars. Dogs are one of the best guards for your home. Even the mere fact that they are in your home can ward off burglars. There are very wild foreign breeds like the Rottweiler and Doberman, who will keep your home safe while you are away.

Medical confidentiality: A right not to stretch too far ADEKEYE VICTOR IFEDAYO

ertain relationships, such as doctorpatient relationship, by its nature, requires the disclosure of information, which may be intended to be kept private. Thus, it is important that there be an assurance of confidentiality to such information disclosed in the course of these relationships. One of the traditional principles of medical ethics is the principle of confidentiality; and it commands that information disclosed in the course of treatment should be kept in confidence even after the death of such patient. Accurate medicine is primed on how patients can disclose truthfully health information to their doctors with the assurance that such information will be kept in confidence. Without such guarantee, patients are most likely to withhold confidential information about their health on fear of stigmatization; this will put public health in jeopardy. The integrity of the medical practice and doctor-patient relationship is founded on the trust that the patient’s confidential information is only for the consumption of the medical practitioner. The promise of confidentiality is central to trust. Medical confidentiality is well grounded in the Geneva Declaration, which provides: “I will respect the secrets that are confided in me even after the patient is dead”. This Oath is the foundation of the medical profession. All medical graduates take same during their induction to the profession; this portrays how important

THE PROMISE OF CONFIDENTIALITY IS CENTRAL TO TRUST confidentiality is to the medical profession. Medical practice guidelines of various countries inclusive of the Nigeria Code of Medical Ethics have mandated medical confidentiality, the breach of which amounts to malpractice with appropriate sanctions such as suspension and/or revocation of licenses. Unlike decades ago when medical practice was simple, the complicity of modern health care practice has made it extremely difficult for aggrieved patients to make confidentiality claims in court. To shed more light on this, when an injured patient walks into a hospital hall, the nurses help him to a consultant, who directs him to radiography for an X-ray; a radiologist then interprets the X-ray, writes a report to an orthopaedic, who takes care of the patient (with an occasional visit from the medical doctor in cases of treatment of infection). The question is, from the nurses to the doctors in the above scenario, who is bound by the confidentiality duty? I will say all the professionals involved. They all have access to the patient’s file, thus they are all bound to confidentiality. When a breach occurs and the aggrieved patient identifies the erring practitioner, his best bet is an action against the hospital. Medical practitioners usually seek opinion from colleagues, when at crossroads on

how to deal with a patient’s ailment. Does this disclosure too qualify as a breach? I will answer in the negative as no man is an oasis of knowledge. The introduction of ICT in modern medicine has frustrated medical confidentiality as practitioners’ mails and hospital databases can be easily hacked into and confidential information accessed. At this junction, it is important to draw a line and state that not all information disclosed during treatment are confidential. Confidential information includes the medical history, medication or personal details of patients etc. Non-confidential information can be information in public domain or any anonymous information. Also, information is only confidential if it is given during the doctor-patient communication and if such is of a confidential nature. In relation to medical students in practical classes, I take a position that files used in practical classes be anonymized. Medical students are not bound with the confidentiality obligation, and therefore, should be denied access to patient’s files in wards. The medical practice regulatory authority should put in place sanctions, such as expulsion or suspension on erring students. Aggrieved patients can seek redress by either lodging a malpractice complaint before the medical disciplinary board, a breach of contract action or a tortuous action. However, the confidentiality right is not absolute: Disclosure can be made in certain circumstances. As earlier observed, modern medical practice has frustrated medical confidentiality as lots of

professionals are involved in treating a patient and disclosure to another expert, who is treating a patient does not qualify as a breach of medical confidentiality. Certain information, such as information on the show watched by a patient or his/ her last dinner, is not confidential. The decision of the court in the case of R vs Plymouth held that the straight forward description of the patient’s everyday life is not a breach of medical confidentiality. Also, information disclosed to a medical practitioner, when he is not acting in a professional capacity will not be regarded as confidential. Information disclosed in a professional capacity and covered by the confidential umbrella loses its protection, when it falls into the public domain without any act of the medical practitioner. In the famous MGN vs Naomi Campbell case, the court reinstated this. When information is released anonymously, this is a tricky one as it is germane that such disclosure must have 100 percent anonymity. There should be no possible way that the patient can be guessed or identified. Any slight identity breach renders it a breach. Adekeye is a Lagos-based medical law practitioner 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, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Reflection on the essence of Christmas

F For Buhari’s ministers

s a stakeholder in the joint project called Nigeria, I want to send this memo to the just inaugurated 36-member Federal Executive Council (ministers), which will join President Muhammadu Buhari in the job of nation building and begin to add value to the lives of Nigerians. The ministers should not be left to go on their own pace; it is important for the Federal Government to come up with a clear vision, with specific targets that every minister must buy into. Upon the fall in oil revenue because of new developments in the global oil market, no one needs to remind the Federal Government about the urgent need for diversification of the economy. The agriculture minister has to go beyond paper talk in returning Nigeria to its glorious past, when agriculture was the country’s mainstay. The private sector needs to be supported, while the government has to provide an enabling environment to facilitate investments. There must be a total overhaul of the system, such that all loopholes for the siphoning of public funds by corrupt government officials are sealed. Also, this government must begin to create a working system that allows for creativity; and it must support local production endeavours. As a matter of urgency, the government has to make public its policy on domestic refining, more so, as the government faces many challenges. Buhari and his team need to quickly move away from electioneering sweet talks to the serious business of rebuilding a battered country. Leadership at every level must, therefore, recognize the lines that divide us and actively work to eliminate them. Nigerians look forward to changes in the country’s security situation, as well as in the provision of social infrastructure. Having assigned his ministers, President Buhari must lead the cabinet, he is in charge because the buck stops at his desk. Nigerians also are indeed expecting how the team will effect the desired CHANGE. Olumide Ayeni, Lagos.

Letters to the Editor

rom the middle of the 4th Century A.D to the present time, Christmas celebration has come to represent a very important event in the lives of many Christians the world over. In Christendom, Christmas is profoundly significant in that it is a watershed in man’s protracted struggles against sin and his quest for salvation. On December 25, as the legend holds, Christ Jesus was

born to suffer for man and die as a ransom for his ubiquitous sins. However, the sinful pomp and extravagance that characterize the celebration has continued to make many people cringe with revulsion about the fast eroding essence of Christmas. It is widely believed in several quarters that Christmas, by measure of its analogy with the winter Solstice celebration of

Survival: Mother and child in Lagos hustle.

Saturnalia - the rebirth of Sun god- is supposed to be a period of man’s deep reflection on his life and moral regeneration in the same way the Northern European tribes celebrated their chief festival of Yule at the winter Solstice to commemorate the passage of the dying Sun god and its rebirth. The coming of Christmas, it has been argued, should be a symbolic epoch of regeneration for Christians.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

As Mr. President turns 73

resident Muhammadu Buhari clocked 73 on December 17. The president has reasons to be grateful to God for where He has led him in his life’s sojourn, particularly for achieving his lifelong ambition of ruling the nation democratically, despite the orchestrated plots by various stakeholders in the country to thwart his ambition. For a whooping 12 years, Buhari was in the wilderness of life before God almighty showered his mercy on him and granted him his desire. Therefore, if the president organized party for people as our leaders love to do, or organized special prayers, calling all men of God to join him in praising the Almighty; it will not be too much. This time last year, the president had just won the keenly contested presidential primaries of the nascent All Progressives Congress (APC) and preparing for hectic electioneering, which culminated Iin his becoming president today. As usual, detractors had gone to town with campaign of calumny in bold attempt to thwart his ambition as they had done in his previous attempts. Islamic chauvinist,

ethnic bigot, living corpse, darkness personified and dictator, were some of the labels put on Buhari. Even, his constituency, the military, was not left out of the plot to make him unmarketable. The military authority denied that Buhari, with all his accomplishments had no school certificate! Upon all, the electorate showed their preference for Buhari’s change mantra after years of PDP clueless administration and attempt to bribe its way back to power failed. In my own view, the best way for Buhari to appreciate God and millions of Nigeria, who made the victory possible after years of toiling, is to strive to turn things around for the nation positively in the area of security, economy, power, infrastructure, fuel, education, health and employment so that his die hard supporters will raise up their heads. Meanwhile, save the fuel scarcity which any way is not Buhari’s making, his six months in the saddle has shown that a new day is here in the affairs of the nation. Corruption is being tackled headlong; Boko-Haram insurgents, in spite of pockets of

resistance, have their days numbered. Security nationwide is improving drastically; the image of the nation is improving internationally and the structure of the federal executive council unveiled few weeks ago and the calibre of people appointed into the executive show that Buhari means well for the nation. As a matter of fact, Buhari had shamed the detractors who sold the dummy of his turning the nation to Islam. Six months into his administration, there is no evidence of islamization or northernization agenda. Also, his hard tackle against Boko-Haram insurgents disproves all claims of detractors that Buhari was the sponsor of the dreaded organization. Instead of being harbinger of darkness as his traducers wanted people to believe, Buhari’s action have being illuminating the nation from the darkness imposed on it by the ancien regime. Instead of dying, Buhari is going from strength to strength to the consternation of his enemies who declared fatwa on him before the election. Adewuyi Adegbite wrote via Ayekooto05@gmail.com

The birth of Christ, aside the historical controversy over the accuracy or inaccuracy of the date, represents the corporal manifestation or explication of the divine prophecy of the Savior’s coming - that is the Messianic birth - and the loosening of man from the lacerating shackles of sin. But it is rather unfortunate to note that the essence of Christmas has become so worn away from our collective consciousness that only a few Christians still retain the significance of the celebration. It has become, from the gaiety and festive spirit introduced into it from the pagan events of Yule and Saturnalia, a time when the fundamental tenets of Christianity get mortgaged and compromised for an easy life of debauchery and chicanery. It has become a moment when the idolatry of wealth and primitive materialistic accumulation drive many to commit unspeakable heist and commit blood curdling atrocities; and it is now a time when the spasmodic current of religious excitement is allowed to defy and overwhelm the fortified walls of facts and reason. The foregoing, which is an infinitesimal representation of the Epicurean orientation of many Christians and the excesses of the time, is a cause for concern. Against this backdrop, there is the urgent need for an immediate and radical re-orientation of Christians by clergymen. Christians should be made to re-focus their minds on the focal theme of the celebration - their salvation - which the birth of Christ epitomizes, and on those wonderful teachings he bequeathed on mankind before His death, resurrection and ascension. It is the humble opinion of this writer that the period should also be used by Christians to reflect extensively on their lives in the outgoing year, and where there are lapses, make a conscious effort to correct them in the coming year. According to Socrates, the unexamined life is not worth living. Consequently, it is only through deep reflection, self examination and dispassionate probing that life will become more meaningful. It is equally one sure way of resurrection from the present moral and spiritual atrophy, which would lead to a restoration of the essence of Christmas celebration. Okwy Onyia is Account Director at Caritas Communications, Lagos (08099961007)

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.

Your

FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday , December 25, 2015

The Nigerian music scene was quite exciting in 2015 with so many run-away hits and new faces dotting the scene making Nigeria the toast of the African continent musically. Regina Otokpa Flavour

f course, one cannot underrate P Square. After close to one decade on the scene, they still maintained their grip on the industry. “Collabo“ would be the most popular song off P-Square’s sixth studio album, ‘Double Trouble’. It’s ubersuccess may have much to do with the fact that it featured producer aka Don Dorobucci, Don Jazzy doing a vocal solo on the song. It was produced by Oscar Herman-Ackah. Another collaboration, Sexy Rosey, between the group and Flavour also dominated the scene as the year came to an end.

Olamide

WEEKEND STARTERS

eulah awards focuses on the gospel music ministry and by so doing, it creates a strong platform and impacts on the world through choral ministration and to the church. Beulah fest awards winners will emerge as the first winner ever in the history of choral music awards ever held in Nigeria, having arranged a recording deal for the winning choir and a brand new bus. This event will be aired by media houses in Nigeria. The event will hold on 26th of December 2015. At Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island.

P.20. 21

ou have always loved this great son of Nigeria for his skills in boxing, acting and modeling, which made him the most downloaded man in United States. The beautiful thing is that every fan in Nigerian can catch him on the big screen across the country as the movie, Oxford Gardens shows across the country. Ngoli Okfaor is the star actor in the Obi Emelonyedirected film, which also features Savanah Roy, and Ngozi Igwebike. The film is Okafor’s first appearance in NollyMidnight Crew wood.

Beulah Awards at TBS

Art Man

Ngoli Okafor at cinemas in Nigeria

Arty News

well-received to very positive reviews and critical acclaim, even clearing our doubts about his star prowess (that’s if we had any at all). Don Jazzy is such a genius potter, molding his clay into the finest shapes. The fact that 2015 was an election year also promoted this song. Patoranking’s newest song “My Woman, My Everything“ is perhaps the most lipped about song of late. Not minding his chosen genre, the ragga crooner plays his music versatility to incredibly exciting angles. #MWME also features vocally savvy afro sensation, Wande Coal who we long to hear a little more often than his usual now. Wizkid will flaunt it always. “Ojuelegba“ is still the most favourite pick off Wizkid’s sophomore album track list. I think we’ve come to realize that Wizzy just wasn’t singing on this song, he was ministering. He shared a testimony by telling a story that we all can relate to. It’s amazing how Olamide continues to brew essence out of sweet, tuneful nothings like “Bobo“. I heavily doubt that anyone can sit still and remain calm at the sound of ‘eyin omo wobe (wobe)’. Even so, that dance has become quite intriguing to watch and do… like a virus that corrupts the mind. Davido also lived up to his billing with some hit songs, remixes and great collaborations. For sure it was an exciting year and this is hoping 2016 would be better.

Inside FCT P.30-31

P Square

Another name that resonated is Adekunle Gold. While this was the song that shot ‘Kunle into prominence, many of us seem to have suddenly forgot that“Sade“ was an afro remake of popular English boy band, One Direction’s Story of My Life. Well, what can one say really? ‘Kunle owned this song like it was originally his and Lord bless his voice for this stellar offering! Kiss Daniel proves to us that he’s definitely here to stay by putting out yet another smash hit single“Laye“. Although it sounded a terrific lot like his debut offering, we really couldn’t care much ‘cos we just loved this boy and his voice afterall, and then again DJ Coublon produced it. Not too long ago, we had crowned Lil Kesh the boss of the new school. Living up to that title, he made an impressive attempt at replicating the cataclysmic success of Shoki Remix with “Gbese“. Keshi is such a die hard and long as he stays that way, he just might continue to command our attention. That very moment we heard “Ladi“, I can bet even you reading this knew the song was gonna be a big hit. And then it was! It is no news that Olamide and Phyno have succeeded in fashioning out a musical chemistry that can literally turn litmus paper red but when you add Lil Kesh as catalyst? The rate of reaction speeds up unimaginably. It’s Kiss Daniel again! This new rave of the moment, claims a second spot with his official debut “Woju“. With all eyes now on boy Kiss, it was quite refreshing to hear a new voice and see a new face hone the industry’s spotlight to relish. Suffice to say we aren’t in doubt over who will bag the Next Rated award for 2015. Mavin Records starlet, Korede Bello broke into newer, higher realms with his monster hit “Godwin“. The song was

P. 22

Artistes who shaped Nigerian music scene in 2015

p. 29

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

Critics

VOL. 4 No. 827

Okafor

Artman In The House

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigerian government not doing Abraham Uyovbisere is an artist’s artist, whose works have become reference pieces in the Nigerian art circle. Born in Burutu, Delta State in 1963, he has had a remarkable career spanning decades. He attended the famous Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria, where he obtained a Diploma in Fine Arts in 1984 and a Bachelor of Arts degree (First class honours) in 1987. He later went to the University of Benin, Benin city, where he obtained Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in painting. In this interview with NGOZI EMEDOLIBE, he talks about his career, works and activities in the Guild of Professional Fine Artists, which he led as the National President until last week. Excerpts.

Abraham

ow would you describe yourself ? My name is Abraham Uyovbisere. I was born in 1963 in Burutu, Delta State, Burutu is an island about 24miles from Warri riverside area, I did my primary education in St Joseph Roman Catholic Mission School, Burutu after which I went to Burutu Grammar School and I graduated in 1980 and then went to Ahmadu Bello University where I took up a diploma programme in 1981, I completed it. In 1984, and I started the degree programme immediately which took me to 1987. I graduated with first class in Painting and Drawing with two awards In 1987. Going back to Burutu as a town where you grew up, do you have any influences there; I mean that prepared you artistically? Yeah, I remember the headmaster used to hire an art teacher, that’s way away from the usual school curriculum for him to teach us and that headmasters name was Mr. Chukwuma. Was he also an artist? No; it was just his nature and he used to invite musicians to come and play for us especially on Fridays for us to get close to music. I remember the theme then, it says music is the food of life. In my primary education nothing like art was taught to us although we had it in the curriculum, it was when I entered secondary school In that I realized I was so good in art even though it was not amongst my

main subjects because I was preparing myself to read business course and eventually my result did not come out when it should in 1980 when I finished and I was lucky to register for GCE that’s the benefit of hindsight by my father, I did the GCE and got enough credits, with that I was able to gain admission into Ahmadu Bello University. Where there any active friends that you actually looked up to while growing up? My elder brother Prof. Edward Uyovbisere, he attended Government College and he graduated in 1969. He had so much influence on me in the sense that I used to look at his drawing books, his drawing works and they were good, I loved them and they were like a point of reference for me and I usually fall back on them. When I got to Zaria, like I told you, I was thinking about reading a business course. When I got to Zaria I went to Ahmadu Bello

Reflection, Oil on Canvas, 45 x 42 Inches, 2015 copy

University Sculpture Garden which is the art garden, I saw sculptures, works of art, wonderful, so I saw the undergraduates drawing, I felt if this are undergraduates, I can draw better than them, so I complained to my elder brother when I got to his home, so he said he would speak to his friend Prof. Suleiman, he was the head of fine arts department in Ahmadu Bello University, he went they talked and he requested to see me, when I showed him the works I have been doing over months that have been at home, he said ‘this is potential art student he should be one of us’, they offered me admission pending when my GCE result would be

released. That’s how I got into art for my diploma programme because the SBS admission was already over at that time and I just didn’t want to stress myself, so I said instead of sitting at home I want to do something meaningful that could create a pathway for me in the future. Immediately they mailed out the letter of admission, I had to come to the WAEC office in Yaba to get the hard copy of my GCE result and when I got it, it was good. That was how my art exploit started.

At what point did you decide to pursue painting and what attracted you to painting? I was actually a business student; I measured very well in sculpture. You specialise from BA, it was a 3 year course so I went to my elder brother’s friend who was the head of painting section, late Mr. Ganiyu Ojutokun, so he said you are good in painting you are good in sculpture, so you decide what you want to do in your life. I said painting and he said very well, so that was how they pushed me into painting. There must be something that also drew you to painting? Yeah, it was Mr. Ganiu Ojutokun himself because I saw in him traits of a great master from the very moment my elder brother introduced me to him, then getting to know that this man was my lecturer, I now said very well but over the years after the diploma, the degree programme I saw his illustrations, his drawing works were so fantastic, and can be compared to what the great masters of old in Europe did as in Michael Angelo and others, I now said…well this man must be respected, so I said if I should venture away from his advice, I will have problems. The man had to guide me for me not to stumble, it was almost getting to my final year when I made my mark in painting, going to the gallery, I saw

Adamawa seemed too far from the hub of activities. Art must gravitate towards the economic nerve centre.

Aside that, there were a lot of snakes there; which, did not naturally go down well with me. So I told them to offer the job to my colleague which they did

Horsemen II, 48 x 36 Inches, Oil on Canvas, 2015 copy

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, December 25, 2015

enough for arts –Uyovbisere

his giant works on the national collection so I said this is a standard to beat and decide to try if I can beat it, and from then it has not been looking bad and I felt I have to be as good as I can be on my own and I have to venture out despite the kind of family I come from, because I come from a very humble family, I mean average family, I mean average in finance but the main thing is how do you move ahead despite the odds you have to be unassuming which has helped me over the years. I know that Zaria where ABU is located had a lot of influences in art, how did that affect you? The Zaria community didn’t actually push me much because most of the time I was always on campus, so I had to tell myself if you have to venture into any given discipline and if you can’t make a living out of that discipline of what benefit is it to you? So I said well, let me first remain in campus, do the needful by understudying one of the lecturers and scanning through the art books, always in the library, always drawing. What I gained the most from the Zaria community is landscape and topography because they always give us assignments to go and paint some communities and you go and render it the way you know best, but the main thing is not just the topography of the place but the documentation of the environment but not much is known in the area of landscape in Nigeria; over time we will address that issue as the level of how art appreciation is advancing in Nigeria. You were in Adamawa for your national service? Yes, it was a fantastic experience, and I brought a lot of innovations to the place where I served. But when it was time to go, I was offered a job as lecturer, which I turned down. Why? Adamawa seemed too far from the hub of activities. Art must gravitate towards the economic nerve centre. Aside that, there were a lot of snakes there; which, did not naturally go down well with me. So I told them to offer the job to my colleague which they did. My period at the College of Education elevated the awareness about art in the school. After the NYSC what happened next? I came to Auchi to lecture but it did not work out…so I moved to Lagos where I met my friend, Joe Musa. The journey was not smooth. I actually first landed

Nude Maids II, Oil on Canvas, 48 x 36 Inches, 2015 copy

in Ibadan. But again it was a teaching environment. But Joe Musa hosted me for four and half months. Where in Lagos? It was at Anthony Vilage. While with him, I met two people who have been wonderful to my career. These are Fola Adeola and Evelyn Oputu. They have been very supportive. They have been commissioning you for jobs? Evelyn Oputu has always done that. Fola Adeola as the founder of Guaranty Trust Bank, had my first solo exhibition sponsored by the bank. It was the best solo exhibition ever. I exhibited 92 works and 70 went at the exhibition. That was in 1993. I remain thankful to God for these two persons. You had a rapid growth in art? Yes. It is chance meeting opportunity. Another nice person to me was late Angela Onyeador. She was really interested in the growth of arts in Nigeria then. Tell me what the mood must be like whenever you want to work? When I want to work, there must be no compromise. I like to concentrate, so much that my treasured ones are always complaining. They say I won’t even pick my calls. But the truth is that when you are thinking of solving an art puzzle, it tends to consume you What is your work schedule? I work 18 hours a day. Mostly at night? From day to night. It has been my tradition since I went professional in 1988. Looking at the situation today, what do you think are

the challenges confronting the younger artists? I would say they are trying. But they also have a lot of modern tools that are beneficial to arts. In our time, there was no computer for you to use, there was no camera to capture the mega pixels, neither was there GSM phones to communicate. Whatever we were doing in the 80s and 90s were based on observation and mental instincts. Meaning the younger artists are better prepared? Yes they are, but there is one thing people do not know in art. It takes so much money. You require money to buy materials to work; and again you bury yourself in the work after which you promote the works. Though it is better today than what it was in the distant past, but there are still lots of challenges. In this part of the world, we do not have business managers. In better climes, there are business managers. I was in Las Vegas in 2008, and you will see great artists and their managers. Artists have to be global in their outlook. For the younger artists, I will not say they are not patient enough, I will say they are restless. I will not say it is bad, but they must know that aesthetics surrounding their works cannot be compromised. Which are you more comfortable with>? Painting or sculpting? Painting Looking at your position in the Guild of Professional Fine Artists, how is the guild helping to galvanise the business aspect of the job? In GFA, we have the best of the professional in sculpture and painting. We have done enough in Lagos, what we need

Abraham

Olaku, Idigbe and Uyovbisere

to do is to gravitate towards another end of the country. In earnest, we do through our annual art exhibition. The essence is to sensitise the public on what they need to look out for in the work of art. In the business area, we are not yet where we should be. What are your expectations from government? The government is not doing enough to promote arts. We

are forced to create and look for buyers when the country should do that and earn what they should earn. When we were in London for the Olympics, the UK government was busy marshalling how to consolidate their arts to make sure they are not overtaken by the Chinese. But here, it is a different ball game.

I was in Las Vegas in 2008, and you will see great artists and

their managers.

Artists have to be global in their outlook. For the younger artists, I will not say they are not patient enough, I will say they are restless. I will not say it is bad

Critics

Film

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Comedy skits that shook Nollywood in 2015

The ending year had some highs and lows in terms of hilarity. Here are some comic scenes that had resounding effect in Nigeria’s film industry.

of comedy skits in Nollywood. The ‘Pop champagne’ two minutes video got over a million viewers laughing on the internet, DSTV and other television stations across Africa.

Uzo Ngoladi

rancis Odega in ‘Get out of Here’: This three minutes skit caught global attention and took Francis Odega’s career as a comic actor and standup comedian to another level. The skit, cut off from a full length movie whose title has long been forgotten was posted on YouTube in May 2015. Odega creatively delivered several punch lines in a mixture of Igbo and American accents. Some of his lines instantly became popular street slogans used by Nigerian musicians. These lines include, get out of here, halla, wholup, EP (enemy of progress), you know what am saying, you don’t know nothing, am gonna tell you something etc. The skit also broke into Hollywood with 50 Cent and Snoop Dog reposting the video on their Instagram pages and joining the suddenly increased followers of Francis Odega. With this classic comic offering, fame and fortune smiled on Odega. He got endorsed by several companies including a mouth watering endorsement deal with telecoms giant Etisalat. His image adorned billboards and television commercials across Nigeria. In this hilarious video, Odega was seen clad in European warm clothing under the hot weather in Nigeria. A fellow walked up to him to show concern about the consequence of suffocation and sweat. Odega, angry with the fellow for not minding his business, spits those lines that catapulted him to sudden fame. With over five million views on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms, 2015 was indeed a great year for the actor who has spent more than 20 years in Nollywood. ‘Get out of here’ stands as the most popular comedy skit to come out of Nollywood

Book

2. Patrick Onyeneke in ‘Pop Champagne’: Uploaded on YouTube on 15th May 2015, Pop Champagne was a masterpiece by all standards and was critically acclaimed by the social media community. Directed by Austin Nwaolie, edited by Robert Peters and staring Mr Patrick, this comic skit pushed the boundaries of creativity, cracking the ribs of viewers and bringing tears to their eyes. In this short video, Mr Patrick who has lots of skits to

If there was to be an award for Best Comedy Skits in 2015, it probably must be clinched by Get out of Here, Pop Champagne and Igwe 2Pac. This three ruled the social media in 2015 with creative lines delivery, well crafted movements, spontaneous humour and didactic plot that cut across the social strata. The big three broke new grounds in the comedy industry with proof that long lasting laughter can be produced in just few minutes without necessarily watching a full length movie. Lots of comedy skits are still expected from the vibrant creative industry in 2016 as a new sector of entertainment has berthed with successful outing. * Uzor Ngoladi, writer/actor is the author of Toxic Eucharist and can be reached at www.uzorngoladi.com

Lessons for adolescents

In an age when genuine heroes are lacking in the society, M.A Oyeyemi’s book, Bar Beach Shame fills in the gap with a fictional illustration of the gains of working hard. Aderibigbe Bisola

his credit such as ‘Jalopy’ and ‘Super Star’ under his sitcom enterprise Adventures of Mr Patrick, tries to mimic the average Nigerian hip hop artiste braggadocio by shooting a mock musical video. As he swaggers and sings out of tune, bragging about popping champagne, doing champagne and bathing with champagne, one of the video vixens pop the champagne. His true financial status eventually emerges while he quarrels with his cast and crew for really popping an expensive champagne he could not afford. Punch lines from this skit gained entry into the street lexicon of Nigeria and the social media. With fantastic moves, meaningless rap, bling bling accessories and never seen facial expressions, the video captures the funny mood of any viewer in just few seconds with reoccurring laughter. Mr Patrick has since clinched endorsement deals with big stage performances within and outside Nigeria as a stand up comedian. Notably, Prize Check utilized his popularity for their TV commercials. He recently secured an exclusive marketing deal with Tjoe Investments Ltd to distribute a compilation of Adventures of Mr Patrick in West Africa. He is also on the verge of closing another deal with a yet to be disclosed telecoms giant. He is regarded as the pioneer producer

3. Charles Okocha in ‘Igwe 2Pac’: This actor whose career has spanned more than 15 years in Nollywood has never been associated with comedy. But the short three minutes skit uploaded on YouTube in 2015 broke the internet with intense humour. The video elicited lots of laughter from viewers who wondered what a hip hop dude like Charles Okocha was doing as a traditional ruler. In the plot of the short skit, Okocha clad in a traditional regalia with gangster swagger had arrived at a meeting with elders of the land who frowned at his arrogant posturing. Instead of appealing to the elders’ patience and understanding, he began to rap at the elders in a sing song rhyme that blew the minds of viewers. And he sang, “why are you niggas snitching on my ass like crazy? Snitching on my ass like mad? Snitching on my ass like crazy? Niggas snitching on my ass like mad?” At the end of his rib cracking rap, he spoke about his long stay in the United States, how he disappointed his homeboys Puff Daddy, Dr Dre and Snoop Dog by returning to his bush village. The skit delivered all the elements of gangsterism, hip hop, royalty and ultimately spontaneous humour rolled into one. The American mannerisms of a young rascally traditional ruler is truly uncommon in Igbo land. Charles Okocha has since transformed into a sought after actor with immense creative fortunes. He has also received patronage from advertisers who utilize his internet breaking skit to sell products and services.

he book Bar Beach Shame is about two friends, Isola and Oluwole. Isola was born into a wealthy family; the only son, with four elder sisters. Isola’s father gave him the best in education. However, he became overwhelmed by his father’s wealth which led to his doom in life. Oluwole on the other hand, is the only son in his family. He hails from a very poor background, but zealous in hard work and obedience and also anxious to learn. Oluwole has an outstanding performance throughout his education and becomes very successful in his career. He has no cost to pay for any fees throughout his elementary school and even till his college education; he is on scholarship throughout his education. Oluwole’s parents were very proud of and happy for their son. His hard work transforms his life and his family, though very poor at the

initial stage, to very rich later. Indeed, the book addresses the contemporary issues that are going on in our society. The language used in the book is plain and simple, which makes it a book for everyone. The opening chapter was about the two friends, Oluwole and Isola. Oluwole is from a poor family becomes, who later became successful in life. However, the reverse is the case for Isola who comes from a rich background, but yet, whiles away his life. The story places emphasis, on how some parents spoil their children, without encouraging them to be hard working. The character, Isola who joined a bad group of friends from secondary school, ends up being persecuted at the Bar beach, for murder, for killing wole’s driver. This story is a fiction, but it captures what is happening in our society, using befitting storylines. Chapter two of the book centers on an entrance examination Isola and Oluwole went to write, in other to be admitted into a college

The book is a

motivating one which everyone in the society should try

to read, especially

children and parents.

school. In due time, Oluwole receives an admission leter from the school. However, none was sent to Isola, because he failed the exam. This made his father, Chief Majasan to pay ‘kola’ (bribe) to the principal of another school, for his son to be admitted there. Today, some parents still do what Chief Majasan did for his son. Some of them believe that paving way for their children’s success through indecent act, is the best way out. In the play, Isola had a lackadaisical attitude towards studying, despite the fact that he had a close friend who was willing and ready to learn. The author tried to portray the fact that circumstances does not determine any one’s success. The author depicts Oluwole as an analogy. Despite the fact that Oluwole was from a poor background, he did not allow is background to determine his success. Instead, he worked, won lots of scholarship awards during his education and became very successful. Also, the book tries to explain that friends can limit our success. When Oluwole left for school, he chose the right friends who would impact his life positively, but Isola went contrary to choose for himself a very bad companies, who left no good impact in his life. The central theme in this fiction is hard work, Oluwole was very hardworking that was why he was able to achieve his goals, and he never

a l lowed anything to stop him from achieving them. His hard work transformed his life and that of his family. The author’s use of expression in the story is quite descriptive. The 175 paged book was embedded in a beautiful design cover, that made it stand out among other books. The cover page design portrayed the story in the book.

Friday, November 27, 2015

15 Safar 1437A.H.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

Sekinah L awal

any Lagos residents have commended the Governor Aknwunmi Ambode’s administration for initiating the Hajj, Jerusalem contributory scheme while expressing their happiness towards the initiative. As part of his administration policy to encourage masses’ participation in the holy pilgrimage to Hajj and Jerusalem irrespective of their financial status and class, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode recently launched a contributory scheme for Hajj and Jerusalem pilgrimage. Ably represented at the ceremony by the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef at the Renaissance Hotel, Governor Ambode also honoured two of the state service providers; Medview Airline and Kawsara Travel and Tours, for partnering with the state government in the airlifting of the pilgrims in the state while reiterat-

Lagosians commend Ambode on contributory scheme for pilgrimage ing his commitment to make life easier for Lagos residents. According to him, the contributory scheme also known as “Pay Small Small Scheme” will enable petty traders and other low income earners to be able to fulfill their religious obligations in a more convenient way. Dr. AbdulLateef said the scheme is fashioned after what is obtainable in some Muslim countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. He described the scheme as one of this administration’s strategy to create an enabling environment for every resident to feel government’s impact with more programmes underway to make life better for the citizens irrespective of their tribe, religion and social status. “It is a contributory scheme for all pilgrimages, whether for Jeru-

salem or Mecca. The all-inclusive administration of Governor Ambode is meant to carry along even the less-privileged in the society to ensure that even with N50,000, you can begin to pay for your pilgrimage to Mecca, Medina, Rome and Jerusalem.” “We have partnered with AlBarkah Micro Finance Bank; that will allow people to choose either three, two years or one contributory scheme for the pilgrimage depending on the ability of such a person. In fact, there is a package of N1, 500 daily contribution scheme for the pilgrimage. The government wants to ensure that people are carried along and they are able to discharge their religious duties without stress. So, to the ordinary trader, it is a great avenue to fulfill their religious obligations. One way of alleviating

poverty is to carry people along and assure them of place in the heart of government.” The Commissioner further assured all that the administration is very committed to creating an enabling environment for peaceful co-existence of all citizens in the state and various religious beliefs in a multi- dimensional ethnic environment in a unique, dynamic and complex state like Lagos. In his response, the Managing Director of Medview, Alhaji Muneer Bankole commended the state government for the initiative. “For government to think of this scheme, it must have considered the plight of the downtrodden. They struggle to partake in the pilgrimage yearly. For government to have designed a safe window to keep their money from

L-R: Mrs. Grace Ebun Oladimeji, Permanent Secretary Lagos state Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Abdul-Hakeem, Commissioner Home Affairs Presenting Award of Honour to Alh. Muniru Bankole, Chairman/CEO, Med-View Airline and Engr. Lookuman Animasahun, Head of Engineering Med-View Airline, during the Launching of Hajj Contributory Scheme, Tagged “Pay Small Small” and Presentation of Award to Service Providers, by Ministry of Home Affairs in Ikeja, Lagos on Monday

‘Let’s unite to achieve peace, good governance and sustainable development’

Give us Hafiz School in Warri

their small scale businesses, it will afford them the opportunity to actualise their dreams”, he added. In conclusion, he expressed optimism that the handlers would exhibit utmost transparency in handling the contributions.

XMAS: Sultan felicitates with Christians

he Nigerian Muslim Ummah, under the leadership of the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has felicitated with Nigerian Christians on the occasion of the 2015 Christmas. “As you celebrate this important event, the Muslim community in Nigeria wishes you God’s guidance and abundant blessings embedded in the festive season. We have every cause to celebrate and thank the Almighty God for the opportunity of life and the privilege of survival. At this time last year, Nigeria was under a lot of tension with the national conscience being tormented by the apocalyptic prediction of 2015 being the end of our corporate existence.” “Now that the year is ending and we remain united, it is as if God Himself wants us to learn through the near coincidence of the births of our revered Prophets, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon both). As you traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25, Muslims mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on December 24, this year being the 12th day of Rabiul Awwal.”

‘I would have loved to be called an Hafiz instead of Dr’

Call to Worship

15 Rabi Al-Awaal 1437A.H. Friday, December 25, 2015

Finding permanent solution to Kwara communal clashes

t is high time a permanent solution is found to the recurring land dispute and communal clash between Share and Tsaragi communities in Kwara State. The 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government will not resolve the issue at hand. It will be recalled that no fewer than 20 people were reportedly

injured at the weekend in the clash over a recurring land dispute. Share community, which is the home town of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, in Ifelodun Local Government Area and Tsaragi town in Edu Local Government Area of the state; have been having issues of boundary dispute for the past few

years. According to one of the victims whose house was looted and burnt by Tsaragi people, Mr. Babatunde Rasheed, the current clash started when the people of Share embarked on falling of trees in the disputed area, deemed to be posing risks to the community, leading to exchange of gun shots and use of other dangerous weapons. Sources also said that schools belonging to Share town were vandalized and burnt by irate youths from Tsaragi. Although, the state government, in a message issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, warned that anyone found with illegal arms and ammunition or otherwise found disrupting peace and public order in both communities would be dealt with in line with the laws of the land, more needed to be done in order to forestall the occurrence of such lawless-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

THE PLATFORM with

Sekinah Lawal t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com

There should be a visible effort aimed at putting an end to this form of impunity in future ness in future. At this age and time, communal clash over land should not be heard of again as we must all live in peace with our neighbouring communities with the knowledge that everything belong to God almighty as we will all die and leave all worldly possessions. Also, mission houses, schools with the equipped ICT facilities were reportedly burnt during the incident. The Nupe, traditionally called the Tapa by the neighbouringYoruba, are an ethnic group located

primarily in the middle belt and northern Nigeria, and are the dominant group in Niger State. Although, the Nupe are scattered over several states in west-central and northern Nigeria, a sizable population lives in Kwara and Kogi states as well as in the Federal Capital Territory. The main towns are Bida, Minna, Agaie, Lapai, Mokwa, Jebba, Lafiagi, and Pategi. There should be a visible effort aimed at putting an end to this form of impunity in future.

At the holy matrimony between Yinka and Peju at Rolat Hall, Akobo Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State, last weekend

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 25, 2015

Warn people against consequences of the Last Day

hy will we not call to Islam when most people are ignorant of the commandments of Allah (SWT)? Why will you not rise and preach Islam when the non-Muslims are preaching their falsehood everywhere to mislead the straying souls? Why will you not rise to warn people against the terrible consequences of the Last Day for those who involve in evil? Why will you not rise and call even Muslims to Islam so that you can all enter al-Jannah on the Last Day? Why will you not rise to call to Islam when Muslims are being oppressed in most countries of the world? Why will you not rise to call to Islam when Muslims are being killed all over the world? Nobody is better than the one who calls to Islam. “No one is better in speech than the one who calls to Allah…” (Q41:33). This world does not create itself. Allah (SWT) creates it. There are many things in

this world. These things do not create themselves; Allah (SWT) creates them. Man is one of the created things in this world. He does not create himself. Allah (SWT) creates him. Allah (SWT) being the Owner of this world and all that are inside, has a plan for it. He creates this world and all that we can see and think so that man can use them to worship Him. “I have not created the Jinns and men but to worship me…” (Q51:56). He does not want man to worship any other thing but Him.

anytime you see or hear people

Allah (SWT). In such situations, you are to think on disobey

how to correct and direct them to the way of

with

Dr. Yahaya

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

He does not want man to use any of the things in this world other than for the purpose of worshipping Him. That is why Allah (SWT) has put man in charge of everything in the world. He is aware some people will disobey Him and misuse what He has created. This is why He has chosen the true Muslims as Guides for the world. Allah (SWT) who creates man builds this world. He is wiser than man, so it is expected He has rules and regulations for the world. All men are equal before Him (SWT), that is why He does

You are not to be happy

Healthy Corner

t is an inflammation of the pelvis caused by an infection spreading from the vaginal and cervix (the neck of the womb) to the womb, fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvic area. In severe case, the infection may result in abscess (collection of the pus) forming inside the pelvis: tubo-ovarian abscess (abscess affecting tubes and ovaries) PID accounts for one out of sixty General Practice visits in women under the age of 45 years in United Kingdom. It is acute when it is sudden or severe inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvic area due to infection. Chronic when infection persists for a long time. CAUSES: Untreated sexually transmitted disease due to Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. it may also develop after a miscarriage or an abortion especially when unsterile or poorly sterile Instruments are used to clear the remnant of the miscarriage from the

Call to Worship

15 Rabi Al-Awaal 1437A.H.

womb when women are not adequately covered with antibiotics after such procedures. SYMPTOMS: Smelly or unusual discharges from vagina, fever, temperature above 38 degree centrigrade, lower abdominal pain which may be one sided or travel along the legs, pain during or after sexual intercourse, bleeding during or after sexual intercourse or bleeding between periods. Other conditions that may cause the symptoms are: Irritable bowel syndrome, cysts in the ovary, appendicitis which can cause pain in the lower abdomen. Bleeding between menses can be caused by hormonal contraception such as pill, implant, an injection or hormonal intrauterine devices (coil). Once any of the above symptoms are noticed, it is always better to seek medical advice quickly. Delay can be dangerous. DIAGNOSIS: The medical Doctor will be interested in the symptoms, the medical and sexu-

Allah (SWT)

al history. He or She will need to medically examine the patients which may cause some discomfort if the Ailment is Indeed PID Swab test which looks exactly like cotton bud will be needed to collect sample from the vagina and cervix, the result of which will take few days. A Positive test confirms the Diagnosis of PID, meaning the patient requires treatment. While a negative test does not translate into being clear of PID since a swab test may fail to pick up exactly which infection is causing the PID. Occasionally, swab may be taken from urethra ( the tube which empties urine from the bladder) which may help increase the rate of detection of Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and other infections. Blood test may be offered. Increase White blood cell count indicates infection. Urine sample may be collected. Pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, since ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy developing outside uterus) can cause similar symptoms to PID. Ultrasound Scan especially Transvaginal Scan whereby probe is gently inserted into the vagina to look more closely at the Uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries may detect the presence of an inflamed tube or abscess. Dr. G. L. Yahaya is a Reproductive Physician and Medical Director Continental Specialist Clinic. Phone numbers 08075004277. 07081312295

IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zafabumuneeb@yahoo.com not allow some men to make law for the world as they do for their schools. This is done to prevent injustice and partiality. These rules and regulations of Allah (SWT) are called Sharii‘ah and they are contained in the Qur’aan. It is compulsory for all men to obey these laws. Whoever disobeys it is called a Kaafir or the disbelieving one. As far as this world is concerned, it is the Muslims that Allah (SWT) has appointed as monitors. In this regard, you have a special role to play as a Muslim in making sure people follow the way of Allah (SWT). It is a compulsory duty for you as a Muslim to help Allah (SWT) by making people to obey Him. You are not to be happy anytime you see or hear people disobey Allah (SWT). In such situations, you are to think on how to correct and direct them to the way

of Allah (SWT). Imagine, there is a house of three rooms. Only one door leads to the house. A door in the first leads to the second and the second to the third room. The first two rooms are littered and filled with refuse. One is expected to go to the third to get some important things. How will one go about it? Your house is beside it, and you have no other house anywhere. If you decide to ignore it and refuse to be bothered, the bad odour coming from the house will still disturb you. It can even lead to the spread of a terrible disease. A lazy Muslim gets to the house, on noticing the odour, he said, ‘waw! I can’t come and kill myself. Since, I wasn’t the one who has dumped this refuse; I will rather wait for those who have dumped it to clear it before I enter to get the things in the room.’

Lagos State deputy governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule in a group photograph with representatives of the Department for International Development ( DFID) and top management staff of the Lagos State Office of Civic Engagement at a 2-day retreat on capacity building in Lagos recently.

Cross section of Rotaractors as the Rotaract District 9110 Nigeria donates to Little Saints Orphanage in Lagos recently.

Place your adverts here for optimal reach

Call to Worship

‘Let’s unite to achieve peace, good governance and sustainable development’ …We pray that Allah expose sponsors of terrorists –Enahoro Sekinah L awal

t was indeed another landmark event in Warri-Delta State last weekend as leaders of various religious groups rose from 2015 Jalsa Tarbiya, the 3rd annual conference on Islamic education and moral teaching with a resolve to come together in order to achieve peace and sustainable development in the country. The event attended by representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, leaders of Judaism, Harish-Krishnan, and Muslim communities was held at Federal Government College, Ogunu Road, Warri, Delta State with different lectures focusing on peace and sustainable development. The Chief Host, Dr. Mashuud Fashola, Amir Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Nigeria espoused the possibilities of achieving sustainable development, through unity, peace and tolerance while CAN said that respect for other beliefs instead of tolerance remained the only sure path to peace and sustainable development. Commenting on the theme - “Religious Tolerance and Cooperation: A Catalyst for Peace, Unity

and Sustainable Development”, the Naib Amir, Eastern region, Dr. Ganiy Enahoro said: “This is in realization that we have not yet surmounted the needless insurgency battles that are daily being fought by our Nigerian Armed Forces in the North East and the need to decontaminate its attachment to religion. “Innocent persons are being killed through suicide bombing. We pray that almighty Allah will expose the sponsors and promoters of the evil insurgents and remove them from our midst, and put an end to this mayhem soon. “We consistently repeat that whoever kills another unjustly and creates disorderliness in the land is not of God. Q5: 65. “Allah loves not those who create disorder”. As a nation, all the religions must consciously continue to interrelate, as we have introduced through the inter-faith seminars. Those who fan the embers of destruction exist all around, regardless of the faith they profess. They are our enemies and we must unite all the times to weaken their resolve. If we do anything otherwise, they would have achieved their objectives,” Enahoro stated.

15 Rabi Al-Awaal 1437A.H. Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Give us Hafiz School in Warri Sekinah L awal

he Chief Imam of Warri Central Mosque, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Aroyewun Ajisafe, has called on the leadership of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria, to establish an Hafiz School in Warri Delta State. This appeal was made when the Jamaat leadership visited the Mosque as part of activities marking the 2015 Jalsa Tarbiya and 3rd annual conference on Islamic education and moral teaching held in Warri, Delta State. “We also want you to give us Arabic school in this area. Your Hafiz

schools are concentrated in the South West, we will really appreciate if you can locate one in this area for the benefit of our teeming youths who want to learn and memorise the Holy Qur’an.” Receiving the group, Alhaji Ajisafe noted that contrary to misinformation about the Jamaat’s believe in Prophet Muhammad. “They have shown that they believe and love the Prophet in many ways.” “I have seen a number of things they have done; they have done very well in areas of education and health sectors by building and funding several schools and hospitals; these are very laudable achievements.”

Ajisafe however appealed to the group to establish Islamic bank which will serve the interest of the Ummah. Also, the leadership paid a courtesy visit to the palace of Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli Emiko, where the Amir of the Jamaat, Dr. Mashuud Fashola congratulated him on his coronation and prayed to Allah to protect him and the entire kingdom. “As a group, we do not impose religion on anybody just as the Prophet did not compel anyone to be Muslim. Our slogan is ‘Love for all, hatred for none’. The Prophet was sent only to be a mercy to all mankind but unfortunately, people have misunderstood the re-

ligion. We always advocate that everybody must be given the right to worship. We also advocate empowerment of people in order to eradicate poverty.” Amir Fashola appealed to the traditional ruler to use his good office to put pressure on appropriate authorities to revive agriculture as it remains the only way of ensuring food sufficiency for Nigerians. Responding through Chief Emma Jones, HRM the Olu of Warri thanked members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for their visit and prayed for a successful conference. Copies of the Holy Qur’an and other literatures were presented to the royal father by Dr. Fashola.

L-R: Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Nigeria, Dr.,Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Missionary-in-Charge, Maulana AbdulKhalique Nayyar; National President, Initiative for Judaism Development and Chief Rabbi El- melek Synagogue, Dr. Israel Abido JP and Naib Amir,,South West, Barrister AbdulAzeze Alatoye, during the occasion in Warri.

Let’s fight insurgency together — Fashola

r. Mashuud Fashola, Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria, said peace, religious tolerance and sustainable development can be achieved if religious bodies come together to fight their common enemy – insurgents that are killing people irrespective of religious and ethnic background. Dr. Fashola stated this while delivering a lecture during the inter-faith conference organised by Eastern region of the group, held in Warri last weekend. Fashola said: “Religious organisations need to come together to brainstorm and develop strategies that can be employed for the promotion of religious tolerance, cooperation among all religious bodies, peace, unity and socioeconomic development of

the country. “First, we should agree to a general document on the principles of working and coming together for the benefit of all mankind and service of the Gracious Lord and God of all Creation. The basis of the document should be a common ground and principles that cut across and unite all religious organisations. “Secondly, we need to agree on having annual conference of all religious organisations for the purpose of articulating collective views on issues of the state, especially national unity, justice, good governance and sustainable development. A committee for this purpose could be appointed from representatives of major religious bodies, whose venue of meetings would be rotated by geographical zones, in neutral

L-R: Coordinator Hare Karishna Movement, Bibhatsu Days; Chief Imam Central Mosque Warri, Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Ajisafe; Representative of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), President, Pastor John Ukpeowe and Naib Amir, Eastern Region, Dr. AbdulGaniyyi Enahoro, at the occasion in Warri.

Religious leaders have a great role to play to stem violence

r. Abdulmajeed Bello has made it known again that religious leaders have a great role to play in stemming the tide of violence around the world. According to him, since we live in a world where individuals, groups, and governments commit various forms of violence in the name of ideology and

religion, counteracting violence with more devastating violence enhances the vicious cycle. He stated this while delivering a lecture during the inter-faith conference organised by Eastern region of the group, held in Warri last weekend. “Huge resources have been devoted to fighting violence while little attention has been paid to finding out

the root causes of violence, such as gross injustice and dehumanization of others. A fraction of these resources, coupled with a sense of honor, justice, and human equality would deal with most violence in a more constructive way.” While religion has been abused to justify senseless and unnecessary violence, they can be constructively

invoked to stem the tide of violence. The common values of revealed religions, in particular, can contribute immensely in that endeavor. It is the duty of religious clergies and scholars to clarify these values and clarify misinterpretations of scriptures not only to others but also for their own religious communities.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 25, 2015

Call to Worship

15 Rabi Al-Awaal 1437A.H.

‘I would have loved to be called an Hafiz instead of Dr’ Sekinah L awal

ince Al-Azhar International College, AIC, Lokoja-Kogi State was established some years ago, it has always been known for a very high academic standard and training of outstanding disciplined children, it has really being a serious project in motion. With the graduation of some students of the AIC Our’an Memorisation (Hafeez) Class, it is indeed another great achievement for the great citadel of learning. The Proprietor, AIC, Dr. Yekeen Habeeb, speaking at the epoch-making event, said that the nation is being consumed by corruption due to lack of discipline and the college’s management is so determined to train upright young citizens. According to him, this is in addition to turning out outstanding Muslims with good Islamic foundation. “Many Muslims cannot read the Holy Qur’an

… As Al-Azhar International College graduates 14 Hufaaz

properly and we must all endeavour to be part of the preservation of the divine book by becoming Huffaz; memorising correctly as AIC takes Qur’an memorization very seriously.” He went down memory lane recounting some of the challenges at the beginning but gave all glory to almighty Allah for making the mission possible. “You will surely catch up with whatever you think you have lost for dedicating some time to memorise the glorious Qur’an. With the holy Qur’an in your head, nobody can compete with you in all good things. “I would have loved to be called an Hafiz instead of a Doctor but I thank God today that two of my children will soon be and many are still joining.” To the new Hufaaz, Al-Azhar International College is one of the best schools not only in Kogi State but in Nigeria gener-

ally going by the fact that the school management is really set out in all ramifications to making it the best. “The opportunity given to us by the school to tap from the vast potential of the computer technology with specially-packaged e-tablets for all senior secondary students is quite distinct and precious in comparison with what is available in many other schools. Whenever we are together with students from other schools expected to be of the same caliber as ours, we discovered that they always envy us and wished they have such opportunity. We are indeed grateful to the school’s management and it only shows that our college is fully set for quality and balanced upbringing.” Qur’an memorization makes the brain sharper and whosoever memorises the whole Qur’an will be permitted

by Allah to take ten people he likes from the Hellfire. Some of the students of the Hafeez Class of Al-Azhar International College share their feelings with National Mirror Newspaper. For Master Abass Hussein, the first student of the college to memorise the Qur’an in combination with his secular education, it is a thing of joy to have the opportunity of memorizing the glorious Qur’an and Al-Azhar College has given me that grace. I have memorized the holy Qur’an and I noticed that it makes my brain sharper than before. My parents have been very supportive and I would like to advise parents to encourage their kids to go for Qur’an Memorization class so as to fulfill Allah’s command with various benefits here and the Hereafter. It will also help in sharpening their brain for western education; they will do better than they used to do.

For Khadija Umar Ibrahim, the experience has been very interesting. Since I started the Quran memorisation class, I noticed many changes in my life. Before I couldn’t recite the Qur’an fluently but now, I can read the Qur’an fluently and am more serious about Tajweed. I will like to advise parents to allow their children to memorise the Qur’an because Allah says that whosoever memorises the whole of the Qur’an will be permitted by Allah to take ten people he likes from the fire. Speaking further, Dr. Habeeb revealed that he discovered that a large number of Muslims in this country today do not know how to read the holy Qur’an properly. “There are some of them that you think they can read but anybody who has a good acquisition of the holy Qur’an will know that they are just messing up the words, they don’t know Tajweed; the right pronunciation. So because of that, I said let me set up an institution where the secular education will

be strong and the Islamic foundation will also be very strong. Advising parents in terms of ensuring good moral training for our future leaders, he stated that as the school is grooming disciplined future leaders, parents should also play their roles because we believe that if you live in a society where the people are morally-bankrupt and corrupt, one cannot experience development. “So, the motto was specially coined to ensure that we groom the children, instill discipline and not just teaching them. My experience has shown that many children come into the school and you see that they are completely devoid of the morality that we are talking about and sometimes, it becomes very difficult to instill the required discipline. The fact remains that the school alone cannot do it. It is both the home as well as the school. Parents should join hands with the school to inculcate the principle of morality and discipline in them.”

Morcaz Nuru-L-Islam celebrates 40th anniversary Robert Awokuse

S The Proprietor of Al-Azhar International College Lokoja- Kogi State, Dr. Yekeen A. Habeeb, presenting certificate of completion of Qur’an to Khadija Umar Ibrahim

One of the new Hafiz receiving his certificate.

The Registrar, Kogi State Shari’a Court, presenting a certificate of full memorisation of the Qur’an to Master Abass Hussein at the Qur’an graduation recently held at Al-Azhar International College Lokoja.

Master Olusa Toriq being presented with certificate of completion of Qur’an memorisation by Alhaji Sanni at the Qur’an graduation recently held at Al-Azhar International College Lokoja.

chool of Islamic and Arabic Studies Morcaz Nuru-L-Islam has recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops set aside to mark the anniversary were accommodated in the four-day programme to commemorate the event. In his address at the ceremony, the founder of the school, Maolana Sheikh Daud Alfa Nla Abdul Mojeed expressed gratitude to Allah for sustaining him and the institute despite challenges from different shades. The Arabic citadel of learning since its establishment in 1975 has graduated no fewer than 2, 000 students, who have not only become Islamic and Arabic scholars in many countries but are making laudable contributions in other fields in different capacities in Nigeria and in the world at large. Morcaz Nuru-L-Islam

which runs both full and part-time programmes operates primary (Ibtidahiyya), junior secondary (Ida adiyat) and senior class (Thanowiyyah). The school focuses on teaching students Arabic and Islamic knowledge, Islamic propagation (Dawah), Imam-hood and book writing. Other subjects it offered are Qur’an, Hadith, Jurisprudence, Theology, Phonology, Morphology, Arithmetic, History, Geography, Literature, Handwriting and Syntax. Special class for Hafiz student (those memorizing the whole Qur’an) is made available. There is also weekly Moadora (Interactive session) where topics are treated and followed by questions and answers done to broaden their scope of the students knowledge. The scholar however used the medium to call on past students of the school and Muslim philanthropists to in cash and kind support the institute to reach its full potential.

Call to Worship

15 Rabi Al-Awaal 1437A.H. Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Promised Messiah: The exalted status of The Holy Prophet (SAW)

fter greeting everyone with “Assalamo-Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” - peace be upon you and the Mercy of Allah - and bearing witness to the absolute Unity of Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger and Servant, and seeking the protection of Allah against Satan, Huzur Aqdas (may Allah strengthen him with His Mighty Help) recited Sura Al-Fatiha, and then said that: Ever since the Promised Messiah (as) claimed to be the Messiah & Mahdi, opponents of Ahmadiyyat and the so-called Muslim scholars have been raising many allegations and objections against him. This is their habit and they will continue to do so. They are thus misguiding ordinary Muslims or at least they go on trying to misguide them. The biggest allegation that they make to try and incite the Muslims is that the Promised Messiah (as) (God-Forbid) considers himself superior to Holy Prophet (SAW). What is most heinous is that they fabricate such lies and make such false statements in order to achieve their nefarious objectives of inciting people that they even go as far as to allege that the Promised Messiah (as) has used disturbing language concerning the Holy Prophet (SAW) They continue to raise these allegations towards members of the Jama’at. Right minded individuals after examining literature of Messiah (as) realize that all these allegations are levelled for the sole purpose of creating disorder. Huzoor (aba) will allude to a few excerpts of the Promised Messiah (as) across his literature with regards to the status of the Holy Prophet (SAW) because all of them just cannot be mentioned in the time available. Huzoor (aba) has chosen a few excerpts from the Promised Messiah (as) various books ranging from Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya to his demise. The four parts of Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya were written from 1880 till 1884 and are compiled in Ruhani Khazain Volume One. In this book, he says at one place: That now, under the heavens, there is only One Prophet & only One Book, namely the

Holy Prophet Muhammad, (SAW) who is higher and greater than all Prophets and more perfect and consummate than all Messengers and the Seal of the Prophets and the best of all humanity; by following whom God Almighty can be found and the veils of darkness are lifted and, in this very world, the signs of having achieved salvation, make their appearance. And the Holy Quran is the Book which contains the truth and perfect guidance through which one can acquire true knowledge and cognizance and the heart can be purified of all human impurities and a human being can be saved from the veils ignorance, heedlessness and doubt to enable him to attain to the stage of certainty of faith. The grandeur of the Holy Prophet (SAW) Grandeur and of the Holy becomes apparent from this excerpt. Then in the same book, Braheen e Ahmadiyya, the Promised Messiah (as) says: And this humble one is also from among the lowliest of the servants of that Glorious Prophet who is the Chief and Crown of all the Prophets of God. Then in 1886 in his book Surma Chashma Arya, the Promised Messiah (as) says: Thus, Divine Revelation is such a mirror that displays the perfect attributes of God as per the clarity and perfection of the person upon whom the revelation is being sent. This means that the degree to which the person receiving the revelation has a pure heart to that degree and rank of the Prophet of God are revealed the perfect attributes of God Almighty. And then the Promised Messiah (as) went on to say that because the Holy Prophet (sa) was greater than all Prophets. Hence God granted him the revelations of the highest degree. That purest of the souls deemed the highest degree of revelations being revealed to him. Then in 1891 in his book Tauzeehi Maraam, the Promised Messiah (as) wrote while discussing the stages of love and of close relationship to God in the context of spiritual levels and mentioning the highest of such stages he said:

Qadian Jalsa Salana begins

he global Ahmadiyya Muslim community is holding its annual Islamic conference Jalsa Salana in Qadian , the birth place of the founder of the Islamic organization, this weekend. Already, 16 Nigerians are in Qadian to participate in the conference and visit remarkable Islamic monuments of the community in Qadian. The delegation includes Maulvi Hafiz Shobambi,

the deputy coordinator if the Hafizzul Quran class in Ilaro. Others are the national secretary Audio visual, Waheed Adeoye, president, Portharcourt Jamaat and host of other missionaries of the jamaat in Nigeria. On Sunday, the global head of the community will address members via video link from London. This will be televised live on Muslim Television Ahmadiyya, MTA International satellite.

Amir with others guests during the 3rd Jalsa Tarbiyya Eastern Region in Warri, Delta State.

L-R: Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Babatunde Odukoya; Amir, Dr. Mashhudi Adenrele Fashola; Olu of Warri, HRH Godfery Emiko; Missionary-in-Charge of Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Maulana AbdulKhalique Nayarr; Naib Amir, Eastern Region, Dr. Abdul Ganiyyi Enahoro and General Secretary,, Alhaji Abbas Iromini, during the 3rd Jalsa Tarbiyya Eastern Region in Warri, Delta State.

Cross section of imams, during the 3rd Jalsa Tarbiyya of Ahmadiyya Muslim Nigeria Eastern Region in Warri, Delta State.

MSSN north holds 73rd IVC Priscilla Dennis MINNA

total of 4,500 members of Muslims Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) are expected to storm Niger state for the 73rd national Islamic Vacation Course, IVC for 19 Northern States and FCT Abuja. According to the Chairman of Local Organising Committee, LOC, UstazYabagi Alfa made the disclosure in a press briefing at the weekend in Minna, said the move is to bring youths under one umbrella to inculcate in them to stand for unity and peaceful coexistence, across the nation. He explained that the Course with the

theme: Purposeful Leadership: a tool for good governance and positive change, said the even is fixed for between 22nd to 28th December, 2015. Alfa assured that adequate preparation has been concluded for the successful hosting of the event to ensure security of lives and properties. The cleric stated that while the male participants were to be accommodated in police secondary school, the females would stay at the government girls secondary school, with instructor or resource persons drawn from institutions of higher learning tested and well known for preaching peace devoid of abuses, brotherhood, non violence and peaceful coexistence of the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Why did you choose the stage name Emperor Ephizee? Emperor is a ruler, Ephizee is like swag added to a ruler. I feel I am a ruler to the kind of music that I do. What kind of songs do you do? I do Dance hall.

Arty News

Friday, December 25, 2015

Shaggy, Patra my greatest influences –Emperor Ephizee

Strictly dancehall? Yes, a fusion of dancehall and hip hop

Aaron Chukwudi Olumeka, goes by the stage name Emperor Ephizee. Only recently, he premiered his music video, Joana. The Delta State born artiste, talks about his music and issues in the industry in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts:

Is there a specific reason behind your choice of genre? I have been doing dancehall for about eight years. I choose dance hall because it is not really common here in our country Nigeria. Few people just picked up dancehall that I do here and they are really good at it but I think I am actually keeping up with what I do. How many songs do you have so far? I have a lot of music but I have few on the internet. I have She dey Dance featuring Tehno, You Bad featuring W4, Love Ya featuring KDog a Ghanaian artiste and Joana, the one we premiere the video few nights ago. What’s so special about your new video, Joana? Joana is a name of someone but I know nobody known as Joana. I was in the studio one night with the producer when I got an inspiration for Joana. It was a total free style and it is nice.

And did you run with the advice? Yes I am still in school, I am in my second year studying Sociology in Ghana.

Given that you shuttle between Ghana and Nigeria, how would you compare the music and artistes in both countries? We just have few artistes in Ghana who are actually making waves but if you want to talk about Nigerians, we are about 50 that is if you want to count people who are making waves with their songs all over the radio, television stations and on the internet.

Is that the message you pass across in all your songs? I don’t pass such massages in all my songs, I sing situational songs. I have a song called Peace; we need Peace in this country though it’s yet to be out. When I enter the studio I do a song based on how I feel at that moment, so I get inspired by all the way I feel.

How can artistes overcome the challenge of signing up with record labels that would protect their interests? Some people just sign contracts without really reading it. The challenge they have is sometimes they think all they need is on the contract paper which is we are going to get you a car, house a new wardrobe but none of this is actually in the contract paper. They don’t read it, most artistes just go ahead to sign it. That has been a huge problem because you cannot just walk out of a record label; you just have to be there for at least two years. What do you think can be done to curb piracy? Piracy can wreck the artistes because when we drop an album we expect to sell at least one thousand naira per copy and these people who pirate our albums sell

music international where we were paid N 1.5 million. We were about sealing a deal with Kennis music, but things take a different turn when we were asked to come back after two weeks to know how we would work. Well the other two went back after a week with a story I no longer sing and had gone back to school in the UK. Eventually when Kennis music found out foul play was involved, they asked for the three of us to make an appearance so we could continue from where we stopped but I refused to go back. I decided then to be on my own. Did your parents support your choice of going into music? Yes they did support me but they cautioned me against being distracted from school. They always stressed that I might drop music some day and dust my paper back to work.

What message are you trying to pass across in Joana? I tagged it Joana because every girl makes a man feel good, the way they treat the man. Joana is about love and affection.

What has been your major challenge? My major challenge has been record labels. Some record labels just sign you up with lots of promises but at the end they don’t give you what you are actually expecting. I am presently with a record label called Aries Music, they bought this car Toyota Solara for me and we are still hoping to work more with them I believe so.

I was in the studio one night with the producer when I got an inspiration for Joana them for N150. I feel the only way piracy can be cut down is when relevant authorities start checking CD vendors to ascertain if they are selling original CDs, if it is not, they should arrest such person. By the time about 50 persons are arrested and paraded on the news, the rest would be scared moving on with piracy. Could you name some of the artistes you look up to? Patra, Diana King and Shaggy. Whenever I listen to their songs, I get inspiration to do something new. If you listen to my song Joana, you will notice I am actually doing the Nigerian kind of thing but if you search the song Love Ya, that is the real kind of song I do, dance hall, just the way the Jamaicans do it but right now Joana is the party kind of thing, we want to make people dance. I don’t have a role model here because we all are trying to do the same thing in Nigeria How would you rate Nigerian music? Nigerian music has really gone high I

must confess. I was in the UK and the only club they want to go is Nigerian clubs. It is going virile all over the world. Nigerian artistes are fast promoting nudity in their videos, is Joana, such a video? My video has no nakedness. It is actually becoming rampant but everybody has their opinion on how they want to run their business. They have their reasons for shooting videos like that and I feel they are corrupting our youths but my video is nothing of such. When did you go into music officially? Nine years ago, I didn’t know what I was doing in the music scene, some people would say music is their calling, music is never your calling, music is what is in you but you have to build it. I worked on myself to be a good artiste, I was whack but eight years ago I started working on myself and I formed a group of three called Blaze, which we ran for about three years under Mario

Who do you look forward to collaborating with? Shatta Wale and Sarkodie in Ghana. Here in Nigeria I look forward to collaborating with Cynthia Morgan and Patoranking because these people do my kind of music and I feel the fusion will be really crazy. What’s the future for your music in five years’ time? That is too long but my music will be on top of the world. What has been your craziest moment? When I performed in Auchi Polytechnic earlier this year, they were all screaming for me to touch them, I removed my shirt and they were all rushing for it. I can’t want to go back there for another show. How do you deal with female fans? The girls will always come; I just try to keep myself cool. Any special girl in your life? There is none. I lost the special girl in my life, Queen Esther Kanu on the 7th of January this year. Would you be changing this hairstyle once Joana is established or this has come to stay? I made the hair for Joana but it has become my brand hair because if I change it I will look different from the person in the video. It has come to stay I want to keep two looks Afro and this one I call Eyebo. I will loosen it when am going to church though.

Inside FCT

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CCWA hosts Xmas party for orphans

Adeola Tukuru

t was a moment of joy for orphans in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a Non Governmental and nonprofit organisation, the Christian Care for Widows, Widowers, the Aged and Orphans (CCWA) organised a Christmas party camp for them to celebrate the Yuletide period. The children who couldn’t hide their joy told Inside-FCT how they felt loved and happy with the good gesture of the group as they had a lot of fun during the party. Expressing her feelings, one of the orphans who identified herself simply as Blessing said she was very excited by the Christmas camp as it was a way of showing them love, encouragement and hope for a better future. While commending the group for the gesture, she said, “may the grace and peace of our lord Jesus Christ continue to strengthen and encourage Mummy Ajakaiye, as she fought the good fight of faith, remembering the weak and marginalised. May the good Lord keep, protect and guide you as you continue to do His will. “We thank you more than we can ever express for your support, if each of the orphans themselves could share their gratitude with you then they would express their joy even more than we do. “Your support is of great importance to us as we build up the church so that it becomes a key agent in meeting the needs of orphans and vulnerable families,” she said. President of the CCWA, Professor Deborah Ajakaiye, explained that the programmes of the group are focused on strengthening their faith in God, counselling section, organise different types of vocational trainings, empower them, give them soft loans that would be provided to the beneficiaries of the training as take-off capital, while orphans who are academically talented would enjoy some scholarships to assist their quest for education. She said that the group provides community centres for counselling, skills

Widows during exhibitionat National Women Development Centre

training, provision of cooked foods and other needs targeted at the community. “Our skills training programmes have led to several widows’ cooperatives, specialising in fields including farming, cosmetics, and bead making. These cooperatives, initiated in some of our centres, have improved the livelihood of its members and contributed to the overall economic development of Nigeria,” she said. Ajakaiye added that CCWA now has over 300 centres spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country and currently caters to cover 12,000 widows, widowers, the aged and orphans in 19 states and the FCT. She explained that some of the scholarship beneficiaries have become professionals after years of studies, stressing that so far CCWA have been able to cater for 3,500 orphans; 15,200 widows, 1,200 aged. Vocational trainings, 1,600 widows, 832 micro loans,663 scholarships to or-

phans, 100 pairs of glasses, 2500, health awareness talks . “It will make our society a better place for all and sundry, such is the case of “Mama Massa Bukuru” in one of our centres, who with little help of loan from CCWA has moved from being reliant on

Our skills training programmes have led to

several widows’ cooperatives,

specialising in fields including

farming, cosmetics, and bead making

others to a provider, taking care of her family and also providing jobs for others. Her ‘massa’ spot which began with just herself and her daughter now has five employees,” Ajakaiye disclosed. Ajakaiye also said the group also provide entrepreneurship training for widows and orphans in order to assist them to be self reliant and reduce the poverty, which may have been caused by their the circumstances. “Our skills training programmes have led to several widows’ cooperatives, specialising in fields including farming, cosmetics, and bead making. These cooperatives, initiated in some of our centres, have improved the livelihood of its members and contributed to the overall economic development of Nigeria,” she said. Ajakaiye added that some of the scholarship beneficiaries have become professionals after years of studies.

FCT residents strategise to meet Yuletide needs Joel Ajayi

ome residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT are already mapping out strategies to meet the needs of the Yuletide season. As we all known that the season, characterised by huge spending, demands, sacrifices and expectations is foreshown by unusually high demand, supply and consumption, which customarily ends with lavish celebrations across the world. For an average Nigerian, regardless of religious leaning, expenditures at this period are at least doubled. First, the exit

of a year is accompanied by exigencies which include the need to buy new wears for self and family; pay for house rent; set agenda for incoming year, which often require financing; with exorbitant of school fees in the city; and meet other related demands that impatiently beg for attention. Coupled with the fact that, many residents would like to travel to their various home states to unite with their families as many are awaiting some gifts from their relatives and they must get money to purchase those items. Also, those who do not travel are dutybound to send some food items home to celebrate the occasion.

Weeks preceding Yuletide is seen as a period when people devise various strategies to make money. However, in a bid to meet demands of the end of the year, many people engage in illicit activities to enable them have more cash. Experiences have shown that weeks preceding Yuletide have been characterized by massive corruption in the civil service as well as stealing. Beginning of December in the city is nothing to write home about as the FCT had witnessed incidents of burglary, stealing and a lot of ungodly activities

just for them to meet up the needs of the season and ensured they have sufficient money for the season. Some parents use their children to hawk to generate more money for the family. Some prostitute their body. Others who have been into thrift and cooperative societies retrieve their money to help them meet basic needs of their families. Farmers often dispose of their harvests to generate money. Some residents of the city spoke with Inside FCT on their preparations for the Yuletide. Gabriel Adeyemo, a business-

For an average Nigerian, regardless of religious leaning, expenditures at this period are at least doubled

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Inside FCT

Friday, December 25, 2015

Abuja motor parks witness influx of travellers Rotimi Fadeyi

n spite of the prevailing fuel scarcity and the recession in the nation’s economy, motor parks in Abuja still witnessed influx of residents of the city who are traveling to other states to celebrate the Yuletide period with their families The increase in transport fares would not stop them from taking the opportunity of the Christmas break to embark on the journey back home. Considering the fact that some of the workers in the city have their families in other states while they work in Abuja, the Yuletide period was an opportunity to travel to be with their families and also meet with friends. Most of the travelers do not come to the motor parks without carrying some items like rice, vegetable oil, clothes and shoes which they have bought to give to their families when they arrive home. One of the travelers, Chidi Opara who was at the Jabi motor park to board a vehicle to Lagos told Inside-FCT that he always travel out of Abuja during the Yuletide period to spend the Christmas and New Year with his family. “My family is in Lagos and I am traveling to be with them for the Christmas so that we can all enjoy the period together before returning to Abuja where I work to be able to provide for them”, Opara said. “The fuel scarcity or increase in transport fares would not stop me from travelling, this is a special time to be with my family”, he added. For Olaniyi Johnson who is travelling to Ekiti to celebrate the Christmas Nad New Year with his parents, the period is also important to him as other siblings would also come home and it would be like a reunion. “I am travelling to celebrate with my parents and other family members because this is period that my other siblings will come home and all of us will be happy together and plan for the New year”, Olaniyi said However, transport fares at the Jabi

motor park has increased compare to the fare before the Yuletide period. For instance, transport fare to Lagos which was between N5,000 and N5,000 has increased to between N6,000 and 7,000 while journey to Ekiti which attracted fare of N4,000 has been increased to N5,000. The drivers at the park told InsideFCT that the scarcity of fuel in the country contributed to the increase in the fare apart from the fact that during the Yuletide period transport fares usually go up. “We spend many hours at fuel queues

man in Wuse Market, one of the highbrow areas of the city said he started preparation for the Yuletide period since September. Adeyemo said, “Most of us who are in business attach much importance to the last four months of the year. A good business person would make what he or she had made in the previous eight months in the last two months of the year. It is all about understanding business” “What I do is that in the first week of September, I dispose off some of the goods in my shop at very cheap prices to enable me stock my shop with new wares. People like new things, so when your shop is filled with new goods, it is sure you have increased patronage. It is not about the price in this area, it about the quality. “So, by the middle of October, I or-

der for new goods, which often include Christmas items. So, that beauty of the shop and quality of goods in it bring in more customers and I make increased sale,” he added. Another resident and civil servant, Isaiah Ngaring explained the Christmas and New Year “comes with it fears and hopes.” According to him, there is much more to rejoice over than the challenges inherent in the period. “Everybody has many commitments in December, whether you are a Christian, Muslim, or whatever faith you follow. “The period is a time when the whole responsibility in the world seems to fall on your shoulders. For those of us who come from the village and live in the city, it is also a time many people are not finding easy”, Ngaring said.

Jabi motor park

in petrol stations before we can get fuel, sometimes we sleep overnight and we have to make up for the hours lost on the queue”, one of the drivers, Bolaji Joseph told Inside-FCT

“We even buy fuel from hawkers at the black market and they sell at very high price far above the normal 87k per litre and we have to make up for the difference in order to be able to make our own profit”, he added.

For instance, transport fare to Lagos which was between N5,000 and N5,000 has increased to between N6,000 and N7,000 while journey to Ekiti which attracted a fare of N4,000 has been increased to N5,000

Xmas mood in Abuja

Friday, December 25, 2015

Tata to invest in auto assembly plant in Nigeria ….assures improved service

ata International has promised to give Nigerian improved services in 2016 as the company admitted it had not done enough in terms of growing network across the country. While Tata International has been present in Nigeria since 2006 as the distributors of Tata Motors Commercial vehicles, the company said it was also set to build a plant to assemble vehicles in the country. The Managing Director of Tata International, Mr. Noel Tata stated this at the inauguration of a new showroom the company built in Lagos as part of its desire to consolidate its stake in the Nigerian auto industry.

The Tata group, he said, was also committed to the new Auto Policy in Nigeria and “we are pleased to announce the start of our project for the assembly of vehicles in Nigeria through our local partner, IPI. “Since we started operations in Nigeria, I am pleased to share that we have trained over 200 technicians in our training school for our network partners and key customers.” He said, “Today Tata Motors has the largest portfolio of products amongst all our competitors, starting from the ACE, which is a 500 kg payload last mile delivery vehicle, to the recently launched world truck, the Prima range, which are 40 ton and above payload long haul vehicles. “Over the last two years, we have also consolidated our presence in specialised vehicles for the mass-

transit and waste management segments.” Tata said in 2016, they would add a full range of vehicles to address the Defence and Police segments as well. “At Tata International, we recognise that we have perhaps not done enough in terms of growing our network across the country, as well as meeting the expectation of our customers on the immediate availability of spares. “Both these issues are going to be our areas of focus for 2016, and we are undertaking several initiatives to quickly improve our performance. I hope that you will all see a marked difference in our network reach in coming months.” Tata said to drive these initiatives, they also have a brand new team of Niraj Srivastava, the new head of our Auto business and Naresh Leekha, the head of

Tata

their West Africa operations. “Whilst distributorship of Tata Motors vehicles has been the foundation of our presence across Africa, we are delighted to represent another global brand – the world leader in farm equipment – John Deere. “In this business, our focus has been to offer small holders the opportunity of mechanisation and the ability to

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

multiply their incomes rapidly. Over the last three years, we have sold over 500 tractors to such small farm holders and commercial contractors.” He said they have also trained over 80 contractors on using the tractors. In addition, our financing offers, in conjunction with John Deere Financial, have also enabled purchases and flexible repayments by our customers. “We recognise that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve in this large market. We will continue to improve on our services to the Nigerian market and look forward to becoming an integral part of the agricultural and transport revolution that we are certain will take place very soon. “As the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria will continue to remain a focus market for us. We will make investments in the country, and this showroom is proof of our continued belief in the growth story of Nigeria. “We are also acutely aware of the growing aspirations of our customers in Nigeria. With the support from our OEMs, we will continue to bring our latest products into the market and support them with our network and service infrastructure.”

Oando Marketing, Automedics offer free car diagnostic checks

s a brand synonymous with safety and customer satisfaction, Oando Marketing has organised free car diagnostic event for automobile owners. The initiative was powered by Oleum, the premium auto-motive lubricant from the stables of Oando Marketing. The event tagged Oleum SYN Car Diagnostics held recently at the National Stadium, Lagos, had over 1000 vehicles pre-registered coming for free car checks and oil change services. Recognising that road trips are common to the Yuletide season, the free car diagnostic day event was said to have been organised to promote car-care consciousness, ensuring fewer road accidents and mishaps due to mechanical and technical faults. While the Oil change session was carried out by Oando autocare centers, well-known for their professional auto-services, the car diagnosis was performed by Oando Marketing’s technical partners, Automedics, a renowned automotive mechatronics outfit which specialises in vehicle diagnosis, repairs, maintenance and sales of spare parts in Lagos.

Automedics also runs a school, where Oando Marketing is currently running a mechanic training program, aimed at updating and upgrading the skills of auto-technicians in Nigeria. Speaking on the free car diagnostics, the Chief Executive Officer of Oando Marketing, Mr. Abayomi Awobokun said the initiative was primarily focused on informing the public that Oleum cares about their cars. “Today, it’s more than generating awareness about our lubricants, it’s also about easing holiday travel for auto-mobile users. So we organized this free car check for people to detect exactly

Awobokun

what is wrong with their car, get expert advice on the right autoservices and products best for their cars, as well as interact on a personal basis with our team of experts. It’s really many things in one but most importantly we want to show our customers that it is not just about sales, we also care about their cars and their safety because we understand that the festive season is usually a cause of concern when it comes to road accidents.” Speaking on other programmes run by Oando Marketing, he said, “The Oleum academy is one of the many activities we started last year to give back to Nigerians, it’s an initiative that has to do with training and equipping mechanics with internationally-acclaimed skills. We didn’t just train the mechanics and let them go; we still support them with additional information, equipment’s when necessary and services. Indeed, some of them are here today; the governor of the first Oleum Academy class is here today.” Also speaking, Oando Marketing’s Head of Lubes, Mrs. Lilian Ikokwu, said that the Oleum sponsored Diagnostic Day which was the first ever in the down-

stream sector of the Nigeria oil industry was aimed at creating awareness for Lagosians on the need to be more proactive about car care. Throwing more light on the thought behind the programme, she said “We are giving free diagnostics today to as many as we can, as well as offering free oil change services, over 1000 people demonstrated interest. It’s just another way to further show our commitment to quality products and excellent customer service. This year, Oando Marketing launched new products like the Oleum Syn as well as re-vamped the packaging of our Oleum lubricants. “Also, we have successfully progressed with the Oleum academy; training over 100 auto-technicians in the past year. The intention of this initiative is to cultivate a car-care culture among users. You are aware that cars from 1996 upwards you can run diagnostics on them and in this season, people travel a lot. This initiative gives them the opportunity to service their cars whether they are traveling or staying in Lagos, ensuring that wherever they are going they get there safely with no interrup-

tions or accidents.” One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Anabike Henry, who had his car diagnosed, was thrilled at the experience. He said his greatest joy was that the cause of his car consuming too much fuel has been identified and fixed. Anabike, who applauded Oando Marketing, said apart from saving him huge sums of money at the mechanics, he learnt about the importance of frequent car checks. “Diagnosing a vehicle is very expensive; Oando Marketing has saved me that cost. And I have really learnt a lot about my vehicle. Since, I have knowledge of what has been causing the hiccups in my car; I can now better handle the problem. I can’t thank Oando Marketing enough. I am travelling for the holidays and I can assure you that the benefit is well-appreciated.” Commenting on the efficiency of the Oleum lubricant, Miss Kemi Adebola said she was a first time user of the Oando Oleum lubricant and after test driving her car for a few minutes after the oil change, the performance of the engine actually feels different.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 25, 2015

FRSC lists flashpoints in Enugu for monitoring during yuletide

o ensure hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Federal Road Safety Corps said it had identified 13 flashpoints within Enugu where efforts will be concentrated by its personnel during the peak period in the state. The Enugu State Sector Commander, FRSC, Mr. David Mendie, stated this while briefing the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, who was in the state in continuation of his nationwide monitoring activities. Mendie told the corps marshal that the level of arrangement put in place by his command in concert with the state government towards the success of the yuletide operations was satisfactory. According to him, the interest being shown by the state government to ensure efficient traffic management particularly along the 9th Mile was encouraging. Speaking further, Mendie pointed out that a special committee had been constituted and inaugurated with membership drawn from stakeholders including the Nigerian Army, police and the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps. The sector commander added that all the component unit

commands had made necessary arrangements to tackle the challenges of traffic management during the yuletide, stressing that the personnel were committed to improving last year’s record of crash and obstruction control. The Unit Commander of Nsukka Command of the FRSC, Shaibu Bello, explained that the command was adequately mobilised for the task of containing the perennial road obstruction and crashes in the area. He said that the personnel and relevant stakeholders had been well engaged towards the exercise. To this end, he disclosed that tipper drivers within the area had been assisting the command to fill portions of some dangerous potholes that had caused fatal crashes, while the Rotary Club had erected traffic signs at some strategic locations to warn travellers of the dangers ahead. “The entire workforce of the command has been mobilised to brace for the challenges. Opi junction will be the main focus of the operations up to the 9th Mile, while Igbo Etiti Junction will also be a point of emphasis. “Officers and men will route line along these points to en-

2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Oyeyemi

sure free flow of traffic. Nsukka metropolis will also receive adequate attention through adequate deployment of personnel, especially at strategic points like the Enugu Road by market area; University Gate, Beach Junction; Odenigbo area and Total roundabout,” the unit commander said. After reviewing the operational strategies, Oyeyemi commended the team for the commitment, adding, “FRSC was built on the spirit of selfless service which our men all over the country have imbibed over the years as reflected in their work ethics. We will continue to work to ensure that the spirit is sustained.”

Lagos urges residents to support road contractors Isaac Asabor

he Lagos State Government has appealed to residents of the various communities in the State to cooperate with contractors executing the 114 roads recently approved for construction by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The appeal was made on Monday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communications, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, at the Lagos House Annex, Alausa Ikeja, during the “Ownership Workshop” organised by the State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs for the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other stakeholders in the State. The Special Adviser urged community leaders to take charge of projects in their constituencies by asking questions where necessary, facilitate cordial relationship between members of their community and contractors, as well as provide support to facilitate speedy completion of projects domiciled in their areas.

While noting that, the projects will commence in the first quarter of 2016, He expressed optimism that the road construction projects will enhance commercial activities in all the benefitting communities. The Chairman of the Body of Executive Secretaries, Hon. Kolade Alabi, also on the same issue noted that the roads project will meet the needs of the masses in the society as it will also reduce the time spent on the road from one part of the State to the other. He however implored all the Community Development Associations, (CDAs) to ensure that they monitor and protect the projects

Ambode

megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

when work commences. He further stressed that, it is their project and they should create a cordial working relationship between the contractors and the residents in their communities. “On our own part, we assure the Community Development Associations and other relevant stakeholders of maximum cooperation and we will not compromise in ensuring that the contractors meet the required standard for the projects”, he added. He also commended the initiative of the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on the constructions of two roads per Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in the State, saying that, the policy underscores his policy of inclusive Governance which he promised during his manifesto, and implored all the community Development Associations to ensure that they also participate actively in the projects because they are the beneficiaries of the projects when completed. The workshop was attended by community leaders, market women, traders and artisans drawn from all the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the State.

Luxury car fans rate App-enabled Mercedes-Benz S-Class high

s the years wraps up, Nigerian fans of luxury vehicles have joined their counterparts in other parts of the world in appreciating the MercedesBenz S-Class as among the best luxury sedan/car in the outgoing year. This was announced at the 2015 edition of Nigerian auto awards held in Lagos, where vehicles launched into the nation’s market within the year with impressive performance, outstanding auto personalities and companies were named. The S-Class is considered one of the best flagship luxury sedans in the world, competing with the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series and Jaguar XJ. The 2015 S-Class has been found to be more beautifully crafted than ever. The whole Mercedes lineup is said to have become less clinical, ever since its failed marriage to Chrysler; “the new S-Class’ pillowed, scented, remote-controlled, app-enabled, silver-graced cabin is its most sensually appealing ever, says an online auto reviewer, The Car Connection. The distributor of Mercedes-Benz brand of vehicles in Nigeria, Weststar Associates, received the award, along with the truck brand of the year awarded to the Mercedes-Benz trucks. According to auto experts, the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe breaks onto the market with the retirement of the CL-Series, flaunting a striking profile and a unique roofline compared to the sedan. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes in two versions. The base S550 has a twin-turbocharged 4.6-litre

V-8 engine with a sevenspeed automatic and paddle shift controls and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive (4Matic) for sedans, or allwheel-drive only for coupes. It is described as the epitome of a luxury-flagship powertrain, an effortless performer, in line with the standard air suspension. It would be recalled that the Mercedes-Benz brand also took double honours recently at the 10th edition of the Nigeria Auto Awards, where the Mercedes-Benz trucks triumphed as ‘the truck of the year’ while in the premium car segment, the E-Class was honoured ‘the luxury car of the year 2015’. The company said, “At leadership levels, the Managing Director, Mr. Mirko Plath and the General Manager, Mrs. Elisabeth Itegbe, won personal awards of recognition for their immense contributions to the automobile sector. “These accolades for us, is a motivation to do more. It would not have been a reality without our customers and that is why we use this medium to thank them all for being a part of our success story,” Plath was quoted as saying.

Plath

People In The Mirror

L-R: Member of the Panel of Judges, Three Crowns Mum of the Year 2015, Mrs. Olamide Olaleye; Member of the Panel of Judges, Tolu Erogbogbo (Chef Eros); Senior Brand Manager, Three Crowns Milk, Mrs. Maureen Ifada and the Grand Prize Winner, Three Crowns ‘Cook Like Mine’ Competition, Ms. Onome Uriemu at the Grand Finale of the Three Crowns ‘Cook Like Mine’ competition held in Lagos recently.

Nigerian Army Steel Band performing during the Christmas carol of nine lessons at the 81 div., bonny camp cantonment in Lagos on Sunday .

Ordinary President, Brekete Family, Ahmad Isah (eft), giving out Christmas gift items to the Chairlady, Brekete Family Widow’s Association, Mrs Nkechi Ohiri (right), at the launch of Christmas gift distribution to widows in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Adewale Akanbi; former Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, representing the Governor and Director Bureau of Communications and Strategy, office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, at the 2015 Iwo Day Celebrations in Iwo.

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Senator Oluremi Tinubu(left) and wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs ….. Ambode, at the official opening and first Matriculation of Mountain Top University, Prayer City Ogun State.

L-R: Archdeacon, Diocese of Lagos West Anglican Communion, Venerable Christopher Ayejoto; celebrant and Director, Finance and Account, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Mr Okeowo Oderinde; Special Guest, Mrs Adetoun Henry-Ajomale; celebrant wife, Atinuke and Priest, Anglican Communion, revd. Kayode Okun, at the 2015 Family Harvest of the Anglican Communion in Lagos on Sunday .

Newly wedded couples, Mr. Kehinde Sarumi and Mrs. Olamide Sarumi (middle) flanked by member of Governing Council, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Otunba Ilupeju Mohammed and wife, Titilope, during Sarumis’ weeding in Lagos, last weekend. Photo: Tunbosun Ogundare

Students and Pupils of Great Light Scholars Academy (GLSA) Juhu 3 Masaka, Nasarawa State celebrating 2015 Christmas Carol in the School premises in Abuja yesterday photo ROTIMI OSASONA

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

Assessing oil price crash implications for indigenous fleet expansion

Tanker vessel

The current sharp decline in crude oil export revenue, more than ever before, brings to the fore the need for Nigeria to explore other means of deriving maximum benefits from her crude oil exports. Maritime experts believe that expanding indigenous tanker fleet to participate in crude lifting remains the best option for the country to pursue in the drive to optimize crude oil resource for national development. FRANCIS EZEM reports.

art of the 2016 budget proposal presented to the joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammandu Buhari projects a total of N820 billion from oil related revenues while non-oil revenues, comprising Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Customs and Excise duty, and Federation Account levies, are expected to account for N1.45 trillion of the N6.081 trillion budget. The President had also observed that by June 2014, oil prices averaged $112 per barrel, but has currently peaked at less than $39 per barrel. Recent reports that the United States may commence crude export further threatens the demand for Nigeria’s crude, as this may culminate in further decline in the price of the product probably below $35 per barrel. These are clear signs that the country should adopt other means of maximising the benefits of this God-given resource, especially through the participation in the freightment of the cargo.

Available statistics show that at an average of 2.4 million barrels of crude oil production per day,Nigeria loses over N2.2 trillion annually, in terms of shipments of her crude oil export, which arises from the fact that all the freight components go to foreign shipping lines with the attendant negative impact in terms of foreign exchange earnings and employment generation. National Mirror gathered that at $2.5 per barrel, which the benchmark is charged by foreign shipping companies to freight the product, very little or no benefits come to Nigerians, especially given the health hazards and environmental pollution risks posed to the people and oil-producing com-

munities as well as Nigeria by the exploration of the hydrocarbon resources. It is probably in line with the current realities in the global oil market and the resultant negative effects that maritime stakeholders canvass strengthening the nation’s capacity towards maximising the potential from the shipment of crude oil. A former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Mr. Temi Omatseye, who spoke in an interview, noted that time has come for a deliberate policy towards developing the indigenous fleet capacity. According to him, various efforts made by the government at developing and growing the maritime industry in Nigeria may not achieve the needed result until the country builds a formidable indigenous fleet, not only tankers but also other types of vessels. “Though Nigeria has abundance of cargo in terms of exports and import goods comprising both wet, dry bulk and containersised as well as Roll-OnRoll-Off cargo, she has not been able to make much impact in the global shipping arena because she has no single ship on her

The Nigerian Indigenous Ship Owners Association NISA, had recently raised fears that in addition to losing huge sums to capital flight arising from the lifting of Nigeria’s crude by foreigners, the country is even losing more in terms of her inability to create jobs from the crude oil shipments

fleet”, he lamented. He also regretted that as the sixth largest exporter of crude oil and a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC, her crude exports are still lifted by foreign shipping lines on the basis of Free On Board FOB, which gives the buyers of the commodity exclusive right to determine the vessel of carriage to the detriment of indigenous shipping companies. Chairman of Genesis Worldwide Shipping, one of the few thriving indigenous shipping firms, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, while speaking in this rather development, disclosed that moves by indigenous operators to convince the government to reverse the FOB policy, which would help build indigenous fleet were frustrated by some officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC. According to him, some elements in the NNPC connived with the International Oil Companies IOCs to scheme Nigerians out of the crude oil lifting business. Ihenacho, who double as chairman, Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, an independent oil marketing firm, also regretted that the Cabotage regime, which restricts carriage of refined products within the nation’s coastal and inland region to indigenous operators has also been hijacked by the Indians, Lebanese and the Greeks. It was gathered that in a bid to perpetually keep Nigerian ship owners out of the business, the IOCs with this assistance of their Nigerian-collaborators in the NNPC insist that the vessels

owned by Nigerians are classless and so cannot lift the products. The Nigerian Indigenous Ship Owners Association NISA, had recently raised fears that in addition to losing huge sums to capital flight arising from the lifting of Nigeria’s crude by foreigners, the country is even losing more in terms of her inability to create jobs from the crude oil shipments. President of the association, Captain Niyi Labinjo, disclosed that the country loses in excess of 5,000, 000 jobs opportunities annually, which would have been created if the indigenous shipping firms are allowed to participate in the lifting of the crude. He hinted that some members of the association are currently discussing with some Greek shipyards with a view to boosting the indigenous tanker fleet to lift crude. Under the arrangement, the Greek shipyards would supply brand new tanker vessels under a hire purchase arrangement, as the ships are expected to revert to Nigerians after two years. It was gathered that this last option was taken by the indigenous firms following government’s failure the years to assist them acquire brand new vessels. But stakeholders believe that even with the procurement of these brand new vessels, there more hurdles for the indigenous ship owners, which is is convincing the government to reverse the FOB policy. Industry analysts agree that the earlier the government does this, the better for the Nigeria and millions of her impoverished citizens.

Business Maritime

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG defers ports Standard Operating Procedure takeoff STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

he Federal Government has deferred the takeoff of the Standard Operating Procedure SOP, for the nation’s port industry, earlier scheduled to commence on January 1, 2015 The SOP, which is in line with the emergence of a new port order in the country, is a summary of functions, duties of an agency or purpose of an organisation or association and method

of delivering these services or functions to the various publics with a view to ensuring efficiency and customer satisfaction. Also covered under the procedure are government agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Standards Organisation of Nigeria and other agencies, freight forwarding firms, associations, terminal operators and shipping companies, among sev-

eral others. A competent source at the Federal Ministry of Transport, Abuja disclosed that the recent compulsory retirement of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mallam Mohammed Bashar, along with 16 others, stalled the official inauguration of the SOP to pave way for its commencement January 1, 2016. It was gathered that the SOP programme, which the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, is expected to flag off, is expect-

ed to commence March 1, 2016 According to him, before the retirement of the Permanent Secretaries, the inter-ministerial committee set up to work out the details of the SOP was at the verge of fixing a date with the office of the Vice President for the official launch of the scheme before the end of the year so that it will take effect early January, next year. The source also disclosed that the immediate past Permanent Secretary for the ministry, Mallam Bashar was providing a link between the committee and the office of the Vice President. The source said: “Few days before the compulsory retire-

ment of the 17 Permanent Secretaries was made public, the committee was to met with Mallam Bashar to fix a meeting with the office of the Vice President but he declined, urging the members to wait for the incoming Permanent Secretary to resume so that he or she would be properly briefed”. He noted that the former chief bureaucrat of the ministry insisted that it would be a sheer waste of time for him to go ahead to fix a date for the launch of the scheme only for another person to take over from him in the next week and would also require to be briefed again, which would amount to a duplication o efforts.

Idle boxship fleet approaches new record high

T Bello

Ibas

Vessel detention: Firm writes CNS over N200m court fine

he law firm of Norrison Quakers, SAN, counsel to Mercury Oil Limited, has commenced steps towards enforcing a N200 million fine imposed on the Nigerian Navy over the illegal detention of a vessel, MT SAPPHIRE 1, belonging to the oil firm and siphoning over 280,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil AGO loaded on the vessel at the time of her arrest by naval operatives. This ia sequel to a judgment of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, which ordered the Nigerian Navy and its Chief of Naval Staff jointly and severally to pay Mercury Oil Limited the sum of N200 million damages for illegally detaining its vessel, MT SAPPHIRE 1 and siphoning 280,000 litres of AGO contained in the said vessel. The Nigerian Navy however refused to file any defence or make appearance even when the court summons was served on it several time and the case adjourned severally to ensure that it makes presence all to no avail. The trial judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke while delivering the judgment in the suit had observed that the present case brought to the fore once again the arrogant, brutal, callous and capricious manner of the nation’s law enforcement agencies commonly adopt in the

exercise of their functions. Meanwhile, a reliable source close to the law firm, told National Mirror in a telephone interview, said that though the Navy did not make any defence or appearance in court, the judgment is binding on it. According to him, as part of efforts to enforce the judgment, the firm has concluded plans to write the Chief of Naval Staff to intimate him of the outcome of the case and also include a truly certified copy of the judgment of the court. The essence of this correspondence, he argued is primarily to inform the CNS and also demand the release of the vessel as ordered by the court. “The judgment is enforceable because all the necessary legal steps and requirements were observed and we are taking steps to ensure that the detained vessel, which is the subject of the litigation was released and the N200 million judgment sum paid to its client”, the source said confidently. On what the law firm would do if the CNS decides not to react to its letter, the source noted that it would be preposterous to speculate, arguing that the action or inaction of the CNS would deter-

mine the firm’s next line of action. Justice Aneke had also while condemning the arrogant posture of the Nigerian Navy, said it was embarrassment to any discerning and decent mind around, reminding the Navy that Nigeria is currently in a democratic dispensation and that everything must be done to enthrone and nurture democratic ethos for the good of the society.

he global containership fleet made idle this year is set to reach a new record, surpassing the 1.5m TEU mark set in December 2009, according to Maritime Strategies International. As of November, 1.4m TEU was idle, having increased 760,000 TEU in two weeks amid depressed freight rates. What is more, more carriers are expected to layup tonnage paving way for a slight improvement in container shipping freight rates in 2016, however; service withdrawals and reduced demand are expected to negatively impact the vessel charter market as vessel availability rises, MSI said. Container freight rates continued their decline in November, with the Shanghai Containerised Freight Index falling by eight per cent. At the same time,

GloMEEP energy efficiency project gets underway

he national workshop in Batumi, Georgia (15-17 December), focused on raising awareness of Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), in particular the energy-efficiency regulations in chapter 4. The International Maritime Organisation IMO, mandatory technical and operational energy-efficiency measures were adopted by Parties to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) in July 2011 and entered into force on 1 January 2013. These regulations made mandatory both the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for certain types of new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships.

GloMEEP, a joint project of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and IMO, was formally launched by IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu in September 2015 in Singapore, at the IMO-Singapore FutureReady Shipping 2015 conference. The first national workshop under the Global Maritime Energy Efficiency Partnerships GloMEEP), Project, which aims to support increased uptake and implementation of energy-efficiency measures for shipping, has been held in Georgia. Georgia is one of the Lead Pilot Countries for the project, which aims to build understanding and knowledge of technical and operational energy-efficiency measures to lead maritime transport into a low-carbon future.

the lines’ attempts to improve earnings with the use of general rate increases (GRIs) produced mixed results. A long-term solution can only be provided by a reduction in capacity on the water, according to MSI’s Senior Analyst James Frew. “Despite the seemingly endless gloom that surrounds the container industry, MSI believes a limited upturn is possible in 2016 as further sailings are removed and idle capacity increases. However, our forecasts are certainly modest and given the degree of oversupply, no meaningful increase in rates will be achieved until more capacity is removed or trade growth picks up,” he adds. Spot rates on the key AsiaEurope route were USD 488/teu in November and MSI forecasts an increase to USD 684/TEUs in February and a slight fall to USD 656/TEUs in May. Transpacific rates should be maintained into the second quarter of 2016 with November levels of USD 1,238/FEU predicted to fall to USD 1,114/FEU in February before recovering to USD 1,203/FEU in May. Meanwhile, what began as a small decline in timecharter rates has turned into a sixmonth rout, with MSI’s T/C Index witnessing a 7 per cent decline to 88.5 in November. Though an improvement on the previous month’s 23 per cent decrease, it is still indicative of a market that is feeling the effects of significantly reduced global container demand. The MSI T/C Index is forecast to rise to 93.2 in February 2016, and 120.9 in May 2016, based on MSI’s data.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, December 25, 2015

Chizea, Oni, others laud Buhari’s budget 2016 fiscal thrusts Tola Akinmutimi

easoned financial analyst and banking expert, Dr Boniface Chizea, chartered stockbroker, Mr Sola Oni and communication expert, Idirenyeng Enang, have described the Appropriation Bill 2016 as one of the most promising fiscal documents aimed at charting a positive course for the nation’s economy if properly implemented. In his analysis on the Bill’s thematic thrusts and fiscal provisions, Chizea, a former Central Bank of Nigeria’s top shot, noted that the proper linkage of Strategic plan to the budget which was consummated following the transfer of the Budget Office to the Planning Ministry was a master stroke that radically altars the budget environment and at once augmented the probability of successful budget implementation. He pointed out that the adoption of zero-based budget approach was tailor made for economies such as Nigeria which are challenged for inadequate resource flow to better utilize and optimize whatever level of resource is available to up the ante on the hitherto incremental approach to budgeting which erroneously assumes

the prevalent level of expenditure as the take off base. He also noted that the approach also ensures better alignment of budget expenditures to the fiscal objectives. “The budget pointedly prioritizes the welfare of the citizenry by creating direct jobs through targeted employment of graduates and NCE holders who should number 500,000 to be deployed to primary schools. “ The proposal to upscale the financial management content of some small businesses through targeted training modules to make them better able to manage their businesses hit the bulls’ eye as a major problem confronting such businesses is at once resolved. Other provisions of the Bill identified by him as commendable are the proposal to reduce tax rates for small businesses as well as to extend subsidized credits to priority sectors of agriculture and solid minerals. In his remarks, Oni, who is the Chief Executive Officer, SOFUNIX Investment and Communications Ltd, described the N6.3 Trillion 2016 fiscal budget as apparently proposed to revive the soul of Nigeria’s crumpling economy. He, however, pointed out that the key issue remained how to

finance the budget so that it does not end up as a mere political campaign gimmick and advised that one fundamental approach is how the Federal Government can leverage on the robust platform provided by the capital market in Nigeria to bridge infrastructure gaps. “There is no doubt that government bonds are gilt edge whose risk profile is almost zero. The good thing is that

our capital market which now include Over-The-Counter platforms of NASD Plc and FMDQ Plc have capacity to enable the government raise any amount of money. I think the capital market option should be explored as a veritable strategy to finance the budget and the market is ready”, Oni canvassed. Former Marketing Director of Cadbury PLC, and founder of Corporate Shepherd, a leadership and mentoring Institute,

Idirenyeng Enang, said that the story line of President Buhari’s presentation was infused with a sense of optimism with a call to duty on all citizens irrespective of gender and philosophy was a marvel to watch. “One thing we need is a rallying point for social re engineering and mass mobilization for disciplined actions by individuals, families, collective society and the leaders” Enang added.

MoneyGram launches Account Deposit into Amaechi tasks FAAN on headquarters’ Nigeria’s $21bn remittance market project, lauds agency

L-R: Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Minister of Transport, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi; and Engr Saleh Dunoma, Managing Director of FAAN on inspection at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, in Lagos.

oneyGram has announced that it remained the first money transfer company to offer customers in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain a way to send money to most personal Nigerian Naira bank accounts within minutes. Speaking on the inclusion of Nigeria into its bank account deposit countries, MoneyGram’s Regional Vice President for Africa, Herve Chomel, described the feat as a significant milestone for his company. According to him, with the addition of Nigeria, MoneyGram now offers bank account deposits through our network into five of the world’s largest remittance receive markets — Nigeria, China, India, Mexico and the Philippines. “Account deposit is a fast and secure way to send and receive funds between loved ones and we are proud to offer the service for our customers in Europe and Nigeria”, Chomel said.

With the service, customers can send money to most of the personal accounts held at banks that are members of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, NIBSS, network , including First Bank, UBA, Ecobank, Fidelity, and Zenith Bank from MoneyGram agent locations in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain. The Regional Vice President pointed out that the feat marked “an important innovation for the remittance industry in Nigeria. By integrating into the Nigerian Inter-Bank Payment System, MoneyGram customers are able to send money into most bank accounts in Nigeria, almost in real time” This is just as receivers do not have to undertake any action as the funds are automatically deposited into their account and can be accessed via ATM’s or online, without the constraint of a physical over-the-counter visit.

Olusegun Koiki

he Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi has directed the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to build an appropriate headquarters for itself, just as he commended the agencies’ helmsmen for a job well-done. Amaechi and the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika and directors from the ministry were at the headquarters of FAAN in Lagos on Wednesday where they commenced the tour of the airport environment. Amaechi specifically said that the agency as the landlord of the airport environment should have a befitting headquarters, rather than the makeshift building it’s presently using. Statement issued in Lagos by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Yakubu Dati however said that Amaechi

commended the management of the agency and other parastatal heads for their efforts at keeping the airport environment safe and secure. He emphasized that when people expressed dissatisfaction with the airports, they are looking at the terminal only, but noted that airport was beyond terminal buildings. He said: “There are lots of other things that have been achieved to make aircraft fly safely, but there are projects that must be completed. We have given the Managing Director of FAAN, two months to replace the two old conveyor belts, so that there will be six modern conveyor belts at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.” In his remarks, Sirika, said that government was currently studying the report of the committee on national carrier, expressing belief that if such was established, several jobs would be created, apart

from training and access to maintenance facilities. FAAN’s Managing Director of FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, expressed confidence in the current efforts by the present administration targeted at integrating the transport sector. He noted that agency had consistently been recording tremendous growth in passenger and aircraft traffic movement. In 2014, the total passenger traffic was 15, 339, 393 as against 14, 126, 767 in 2013, representing 8.6 per cent increase. Aircraft movement in 2014 was 257, 409 as against 225, 288 in 2013, representing 14.3per cent increase. Places inspected included the Aviation Medical Clinic, General Aviation Terminal, International Terminal, the New Terminal under construction, control tower, Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria, TRACON and Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, among others.

Business News

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG to unveil new blueprint for ICT sector next month Isaiah Erhiawarien

new blueprint that will transform the Information and Communications Technology,ICT, industry into a new revenue earner for the country will be unveiled by the Federal Government in January, 2016. Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, who

disclosed this in Lagos, yesterday during a tour of Omatek Computers factory in Lagos, said that the blueprint would create a turnaround for the industry and make ICT a cash-cow for the economy. He also disclosed that government had also decided to renew its commitment towards the local content policy, which has been in existence but its impact has not been felt in the economy noting

that the present government is concern towards developing the Nigerian ICT industry. According to him, government wants to put an end to the dependence on oil saying that during the retreat stakeholders will how to make more revenue from ICT urging banks to continue support small and medium scale enterprises in the sector.

He assured stakeholders that government would continue to encourage local investment in the ICT sector that the Ministry is will to collaborate in whatever way to enhance the growth of the sector in Nigeria. Shittu also hinted that a committee, whose membership will comprise public and private sectors’ stakeholders, would be set up to advise government on critical ICT issues that borders on national development. The minister said that since he assumed office, he had been receiving briefs from some stakeholders in the industry which will form part of the inputs for the blueprint which will be crafted at a retreat planned for Kaduna before the launch of the blueprint in January. He, however, said that the ministry will ensure policy continuity and that the National Broad-

band Policy will be considered among other issues as part of the new blueprint, On the lingering issues of unsolicited text messages and voice calls, he said that apart from the fact that Nigerian Communications Commission was already working on how to address the challenge, government was also determined to curb the industrywide menace. The Minister commended the Founder and Managing Director, Omatek Computers, Mrs. Florence Seriki for her efforts in the development of the Nigeria ICT products brand, particularly the computers. In her remarks, Seriki said that she wanted the government to adopt the stakeholders approach of public private sector partnership in tackling some of the problems confronting the industry.

purpose of the event was to create an avenue for children to come together, celebrate, learn and have fun. “It is no gainsaying the fact that God has been very faithful and merciful to us right from the first day in the year to this very moment”, she said. She said the event was organised to wrap up the hustles and bustles of the year 2015 with a view to giving the children a memorable experience that would linger in their memory for a long time. She thanked Heritage Bank for the magnanimous support Nnenna & Friends has been enjoying from Heritage Bank since the inception of the brand, which she said has assisted in the actualisation of its mission. According to her, the mission of the group was to provide dedicated commitment to developing the young minds of children through edutainment. Mr. Patrick Foster, Team Lead, Education and Youth Unit, Heritage Bank, said that the mission of Nnenna & Friends aligns with the mantra of the bank, which is “to create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations.” Foster said that being leaders of tomorrow, the bank has created specific financial products that children could explore to safeguard their future while cultivating the habit of saving. He therefore enjoined parents to ensure they open an account for their children so as to take a full benefit of the products. Hosted by Nnenna, the Nnenna & Friends Live show is organised on special occasions to entertain children and teens.

Heritage Bank urges children on savings culture

L-R: Anyanwu Camillus, Surveilliance & Enforcement unit, Consumer Protection Council; Ope WemiJones, Group Head, Inclusive Banking, Access Bank Plc; Victor Etuokwu, Executive Director, Personnel Banking, Access Bank Plc; Celine Loader, Board Advisor, Corporate Strategy & Business Development, Seplat and Osayi Alile, former Chairperson, WIMBIZ, at the final draw of Access Bank’s Women Let’s Save promo in Lagos

APM Terminals bags ISO 28000:2007 certification FRANCIS EZEM

PM Terminals Apapa Limited, the concessionaire in charge of former Container Terminal, has been awarded the ISO 28000:2007. The ISO Certification is a security management system including those aspects critical to the security assurance of the supply chain, specifically the handling of containerized cargo. This award is seuel to a Security Certification issued by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Limited. APM Terminals Apapa Limited, which operates the busiest container terminal in West Africa, remains the only company in Nigeria to have earned this ISO Certification for security management system. These include those aspects critical to the security assurance of the supply chain, specifically, the handling of containerised cargo. This distinction reflects the commitment of the company, which is a subsidiary of the APM Terminals Global Terminal Network to perform at the highest international standards, and recognised best practices in theft prevention, cargo security, and

supply chain integrity. Head of Security APM Terminals Apapa, Mr. Ayo Olatubosun,who reacted to the prestigeous award, observed that though the United States Coast Guard and the Nigeria Maritime and Security Agency NIMASA had approved and commended the security measure for cargo handling at the terminal, the company is determined to achieve even higher security levels in the interest of the country, and its clients Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa Limited, Mr. Andrew Dawes, who also reacted to the award said: “While global trade poses security risks ranging from theft to terrorism, this ISO certification shows that we have identified the critical aspects of the security of the cargo within APM Terminals Apapa, and have set into place the security policies, procedures and controls required to manage secure and safe terminal operations” APM Terminals Apapa is the largest of the three container terminals serving the Apapa/Lagosport complex, handling about 700,000 TEUs in 2014, including more than half of all containerised imports into Lagos. APM Terminals Apapa is the largest container facility in terms

of capacity of the three terminals serving Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and business centre. The terminal has a container throughput of about 700,000 TEUs in 2014, APM Terminals Apapa is the busiest container terminal in the West African Region, handling 50% of Lagos in bound containers. The company had invested over $350 million as part of its expansion programme since 2006 which has resulted in the container volumes more than doubling.

s part of its bid to ensure a properly equipped and secured future, Heritage Bank has continued its crusade of introducing the savings culture to children. The bank used the end-of-year show for children organised at the weekend by Nnenna & Friends, a subsidiary of Wale Adenuga Productions Limited at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos, to inculcate the savings culture in them. The children and their parents were treated to performances from different actors, comedians, dancers and musicians like Bukunmi Preacher, Korede Sax, Desmond Osarobe, Jim Boi, Oshadipe Twins, Dizzy Mbata, 9ice, and Chigul. Addressing participants at the occasion, Mrs Olayinka Ademo, popularly called Nnenna; said the

Gombe rakes in 80% of targeted N6bn IGR

ombe State Government realised between 75 per cent and 80 per cent of the N6 billion it targeted as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for 2015. Making the disclosure during media interaction in Gombe on Tuesday, the Chairman of the State’s Board of Internal Revenue, Alhaji Muazu Atiku, said that target was realised between January and October this year. He attributed the improved revenue profile to support given by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC, to government’s efforts to boost its IGR.

According to him, the intervention of the Congress through enlightenment and sensitisation of the various trade unions in the state helped to raise collections Atiku said that as part of its efforts to rake in more revenue, the government registered embarked on the registration of commercial motorcycles (Okada) operators and commercial tricycles operators in the state. Similarly, he explained that sundry initiatives by the government to encourage investment by opening up the state’s economy also impacted positively on the revenue generation drive.

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2016 budget: Farmers renew call for 10% allocation to agric sector …propose 7% interest rate on agric credit

ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

armers have expressed their concern over the non-disclosure of the exact amount earmarked for the agricultural sector in the proposed 2016 budget presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari. They said they were expecting the President to announce the percentage going into the sector in order for them to know whether it is in tally with the Maputo agreement of 10 per cent of the total budget. Speaking with National Mirror on the budget as it would affect the farmers, an agriculture consultant and the former Chairman, Agric sector of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prince Wale Oyekoya, said they were expecting the government, through the budget in 2016, to make funds available to farmers in terms of loans at not more 7 per cent interest rate. He said that the sector should be given the priority it requires at this point in time of the nation’s economy if truly the government wishes to diversify economy.

El Nino drought threatens South Africa’s food security –FAO

outhern Africa faces food shortages as drought, exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern, delays planting and stunts crops across the region, the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has said in an alert. “The presence of a strong El Nino episode in 2015/16 raises serious concerns regarding the impact on food insecurity,” the FAO said in the alert, issued late on Tuesday. Regional harvests last season were also badly affected by drought conditions, raising the spectre of back-to-back production declines of key cereal crops such as maize. “In 2015 maize production, accounting for nearly80 percent of the total cereal output, declined by 27 percent on account of adverse weather,” the FAO said. “The steep contraction has resulted in a tight supply situation in the 2015/16 marketing year (generally May/April) and raised import requirements for most countries.” Small-scale farmers in countries such as Malawi and Zambia are especially vulnerable as their plots are almost entirely dependent on the rain. Maize prices in South Africa, the continent’s top producer of the staple crop, are near record highs in the face of rolling heat waves and poor rains over key growing areas.

He also said that government should work on the policy inconsistency, which has been one of the major problems confronting the sector. Oyekoya, who declared that the country currently depends on 80 per cent

importation, said that the situation has to be reversed - that the country should export 80 per cent of its products while depending on 20 per cent import. He further advised the government to encourage local content, making sure

that values are added to the local produces in other to make them exportable. Meanwhile, Oyekoya extol the 2016 budget, describing as being better than the previous ones. He specifically commended the government for making capiture expenditure more robustic, saying it stands to bring about the expected development.

Total Nigeria Plc’s representatives led by Corporate Affairs Manager, Albert Mabuyaku, commission a fish farm in Koko, Delta state as starter pack for one of its Skill Acquisition Programme graduates, Mr. Esiategiwa Anthony Utieyin, recently

Don urges Nigeria to learn from Israeli’s agric model

igeria has been urged to learn from Israel’s type of leadership, agriculture and technology, in order to achieve the desired rapid development. Prof. David Alabi of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, pointed out that without good leadership, all efforts at developing the nation’s agricultural sector might be in vain. He attributed Israel’s success in transforming its desert land into agricultural land as well as being an exporter of food to patriotic, dedicated and committed leadership, de-

scribing the feat as “phenomenal”. He said: “This is virtually a desert; Arabian desert, yet they were able to plant their forest and grow their food to the extent that they export food; I think it is phenomenal. “Their level of technological advancement is so high when you look at their environment, the topography and how they were able to develop these places. Their architectural designs, how they were able to plant trees and create a very beautiful environment, are also very commendable.

“Over the years, they have been able to remodel and rebuild and refurbish many of them and make them look attractive and inviting to people”, Alabi added. According to him, with the right leadership to harness God’s enormous endowments, Nigeria can equally be transformed in view of the fact that all mineral resources in the country could be better harnessed for socio-economic development if the leaders create enabling environment for their exploration.

on why and how to GO GREEN, as well as equip them with the requisite tools to practically transform their various campuses. Participants who were fortunate to be shortlisted from a pool of people that registered on the initiative’s website were subjected to intensive training on several topics of relevance by experienced speakers within and outside Nigeria. The speakers included, Prof. Bryon Price from Baruch College, New York City, who talked about recycling and how it can be a steady source of income. Prince Akinwale Ojomo, the CEO, Diaspora Innovation Institute, talked about social entre-

preneurship; using creative and innovative ideas to solve the immediate problems in the society. Mr. Kayikunmi Stefan Sogo from the University of Twente, Netherlands enlightened the trainees on renewable energy, and focused on solar power as an alternative source of energy to power homes and companies. He also talked about his research of floating PV on the Kainji Dam. Mr Olayinka Ojo, an agriculturist, discussed using art to promote campaign ideas and advocacy just as the founder of the Green Campus Initiative, Adenike Akinsemolu, expatiatedn on the core idea and mission of the Initiative.

Adeyemi College hosts Green Ambassadors’ training programme ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

bout 150 students from various institutions of higher learning nationwide converged in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Ondo State at the instance of Green Initiative, for the Green Ambassadors Training, GAT, programme on Tuesday. The GAT is an innovative initiative that is designed to train youths to adopt the “GO GREEN” ideology, thus enabling them become agents of positive change in their community, nation and generation. The purpose of the exercise was to educate, engage and enlighten young people

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, December 25, 2015

Interbank rate eases on liquidity boost Johnson Okanlawon

with agency report

vernight lending rate eased marginally to 0.75 per cent yesterday from one per cent in the last five week after the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, refunded cash set aside by banks to buy dollars. Traders said the impact of the refund and anticipated injection of additional cash from November budgetary allocations to states and local government also helped to reduce cost of borrowing among banks. However, the secured open buy-back, the rate at which lenders can borrow from the interbank market using treasury

bills as collateral, held flat at 0.5 per cent it has traded in the last five weeks, far below the central bank’s benchmark rate. Traders told Reuters that about N300 billion additional funds are expected from the budget disbursal before the close of business on Wednesday. They said although market liquidity dropped to around N230.5 billion on Wednesday from N400 billion on Friday, it was expected to rise again helped by the refunds and possible budget disbursals. “We expect the cost of borrowing to stay flat for the rest of the year as most businesses wind down and tidy their

books for the financial year ending,” another dealer said. The Nigerian money market reopens next Tuesday. Meanwhile, non-deliverable forwards rose across the curve by over two per cent on Wednesday, after the Federal Government said it expected its budget deficit to double to around N2.2 trillion next year. Non-deliverable currency forwards, a derivative product used to hedge against future exchange rate moves, indicated markets expected the naira’s exchange rate to be at N262.00 to the dollar in 12 months’ time. It was the weakest rate against the dollar in three months and compared to N256.75 at Monday’s close.

An emerging market fund manager at Ashmore, Jan Dehn noted that the currency has been under enormous pressure, saying that the country’s plans to spend to make up for losses to the economy from falling oil prices weren’t sustainable. “Since (President Muhammdu) Buhari has come in he has done everything wrong and nothing right... It (the non deliverable forward rate) is going to go wider from here, so it doesn’t bode well for Nigeria.” Three-month dollar to naira non-deliverable forwards also rose by just over two per cent to hit N224.75 to the dollar.

Index dips 0.17% on Christmas sell-off Johnson Okanlawon

rading in equities reversed gaining streak on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as loses in industrial and oil and gas stocks deflated the benchmark indices to close lower. Specifically, the AllShare Index declined by 46.98 points or 0.17 per cent to close at 26,871.24 absolute points as against the increase of 1.26 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 26,918.22

points. The Market Capitalization dipped by N17 billion to close at N9.238 trillion, in contrast to N9.255 trillion recorded the preceding day. At the close of trading for the day, 14 stocks recorded value depreciation, while 22 others constituted gainers table. Nigerian Breweries was the biggest loser with N6.08 or 4.99 per cent loss to close at N115.72 per share. PZ Plc followed with N1.41 or 4.98 per cent to

close at N26.90 per share, while Dangote Cement Plc dropped by 70 kobo or 0.46 per cent to close at N152.30 per share. Guinness Nigeria Plc declined by 50 kobo or 0.41 per cent to close at N122.50 per share, while Ecobank Transnational Incorporated shed 21 kobo or 1.26 per cent to close at N16.49 per share. Despite the bearish outlook, Forte Oil Plc led the gainers table with N13.65 or 5.00 per cent to close at N13.65 per share. It was followed by Mobil

Oil Plc with N12.80 or 9.83 per cent to close at N143.00 per share, while Nestle Nigeria Plc added N10.00 or 1.72 per cent to close at N800.00 per share. West African Portland Cement Pc (WAPCO) was up by N2.80 or 2.98 percent to close at N76.80 per share. Flourmills Plc appreciated by 75 kobo or 3.76 per cent to close at N20.70 per share. A total of 149.87 million shares valued at N1.55 billion were exchanged in 3,255 deals.

Stocks value up as oil bounces off multi-year lows

nited States and European stocks posted strong gains yesterday, helped by energy shares as a drop in crude inventories lifted beatendown oil prices, while the dollar was poised to snap a three-day losing streak. With oil’s 1-1/2-year slide worsening this month, Wall Street’s performance has been closely tied to the price of crude, raising some concerns that weakness in the commodity would derail typical year-end strength in stocks. Benchmark Brent crude LCOc1 rose 3.1 per cent to $37.23 a barrel, while US crude CLc1 prices jumped 4.2 per cent to $37.65 a barrel. US crude inventories fell 5.88 million barrels to

484.78 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said, compared with a forecast rise of 1.4 million barrels. Oil stocks gained, with Chevron up 2.7 percent and Royal Dutch Shell jumping 4.6 per cent. “There’s a pretty strong bounce in the price of oil and, as we’ve seen in the past several days, the market seems to be following that pretty closely,” said Jeff Clark, trading analyst at Stansberry Research. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 132.69 points, or 0.76 per cent, at 17,549.96, the S&P 500 rose 17.68 points, or 0.87 per cent, at 2,056.65 and the Nasdaq Composite added 33.60 points, or 0.67 percent, at 5,034.71. The pan-European FTS-

Eurofirst 300 index rose 2.8 per cent. Mining stocks rallied, with Anglo American and Glencore each up more than eight per cent, helped by an 0.8 per cent rise in copper prices. “Resource shares continue to lead the bounce back ... Brent crude above $35 per barrel and copper above $2 per lb should be enough to fend off commodity sector bears into the year end,” said Jasper Lawler, analyst at CMC Markets. MSCI’s all-country world stocks index rose 1.1 per cent, and was on track to gain for a third consecutive session. A gauge of US business investment plans fell in November and the prior month’s increase was revised sharply lower. But

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira N196.98 Market indicators All-Share Index 26,871.24 points Market capitalisation 9.24trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

MOBIL

130.20

143.00

12.80

9.83

UNITYBNK

0.86

0.94

0.08

9.30

TRANSCORP

1.33

1.45

0.12

9.02

SKYEBANK

1.34

1.46

0.12

8.96

MAYBAKER

1.00

1.05

0.05

5.00

273.00

286.65

13.65

5.00

CUTIX

1.63

1.71

0.08

4.91

CHAMPION

3.31

3.47

0.16

4.83

VONO

0.66

0.69

0.03

4.55

DIAMONDBNK

2.33

2.43

0.10

4.29

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

121.80

CLOSING 115.72

-6.08

-4.99

28.31

26.90

-1.41

-4.98

TIGERBRANDS

1.24

1.18

-0.06

-4.84

AVONCROWN

1.52

1.45

-0.07

-4.61

UBA

3.65

3.50

-0.15

-4.11

REDSTAREX

4.35

4.25

-0.10

-2.30

STERLNBANK

1.83

1.80

-0.03

-1.64

ETI

16.70

16.49

-0.21

-1.26

UCAP

1.26

1.25

-0.01

-0.79

GUARANTY

19.00

18.86

-0.14

-0.74

FGN Bonds

other US data showed personal income increased for an eighth straight month in November, in a potential boost to consumer spending next year. Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

US Dollar

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.34

109.70

7.37

110.70

6.63

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.52

115.72

10.53

116.72

10.22

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.14

114.46

11.08

115.46

10.80

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.10

122.36

11.22

123.36

11.02

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.22

115.61

11.23

116.61

11.06

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.58 90.94

11.28

91.94

11.13

Closing Market Prices of December 23, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

24-Mar-16

3.35

3.38

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

16-Jun-16

6.00

6.18

EURO

214

15-Dec-16

7.07

7.51

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

1.0150

POUNDS STERLING

293

9.0981

10.8002

SDR

273

NIBOR

12.9468 CBN Clearing Rates of December 18, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, February 14, 2014

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

C 41

Community Mirror

Safety and security can’t be negotiated this, come government. When thebycome to come All instruments and facilities that require safety, we must everybody will sit up in this Ministry. Rev. Chris Okotie, speaking for funds to put them in right shape. on the statelook of the nation hon minister for petroleum resources,ALIISON MADUEKE Minister of Transportation – Rotimi Amaechi 49

Ikogbo community raises alarm over land grabbers’ threat Aregbesola, Muda Oyeniran

kogbo community in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun has raised alarm over the activities of land grabbers who according to the community have constituted nuisance to their peace. In a statement signed by the traditional ruler of the community, the Onikogbo of Ikogbo Kingdom, Oba Nurudeen Osoja, the monarch said the land grabbers through their nefarious activities have become a threat to several Communities where real estate ventures can thrive. “In their usual approach, they would encroach on people’s land and later lure the unsuspecting public into buying the land. This has being the operations of this societal menace and every step must be taken to bring these fraudulent activities to book” “On several occasions, hoodlums have taken

laws into their hands by assaulting community people who have resisted their continuous treacherous act. It has taken the intervention of the Palace to bring normalcy back to the Town” According to the statement, one Mutairu Obanla also known as (Alosho) is the arrow head of this

dastardly act in Ikogbo, Ogun State. He has since being disturbing the peace and affairs of the community. “In recent times, this Mutairu Obanla (Alosho) has being sending hoodlums and street urchins into the town to cripple the activities of the ones peaceful homestead of the

Awori settlement. He has sent constructive threat to the King and the subjects. Several threats to life and property have been communicated to the land. In their attacks, they come in numbers, fully armed. Cutlass and Local made guns”, it added. We call on the Governor of Ogun State, The Inspec-

tor General of Police, The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, Economic and financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ogun State Council of Oba’s and the Yewa Traditional Council to wade into the situation before these disgruntled elements bastardize our common heritage”

Fuel queue in front of the NNPC Towers in Abuja, yesterday.

Xmas: Omititi preaches peaceful co-existence Dare Akogun

ember representing Mushin constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Olayiwola Olawale ‘Omititi’ has enjoined Christians in the spirit of the yuletide to show love to each other

and good neighborliness. Hon Olawale in his Christmas message to Lagosians enjoined them to show faith in the administration of Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and President Muhammed Buhari; He posited that with mutual respect, love, tolerance and fear of God, abundant resources will

be harnessed collectively. According to him, “We have a task of addressing the numerous problems confronting this country ranging from unemployed graduates, harsh economy and youths are hovering on the street as politicians. “Insecurity is also threatening the peace and

social development of our dear nation due to this singular problem which is a major challenge that require urgent attention. “I am very optimistic that with our collective efforts, and the numerous ongoing empowerment programmes I have designed for my constituencies these challenges

are surmountable and will soon be a thing of the past”, he noted. He urged Christians to continue to pray for the government, the military and other agencies in the fight against insurgency, adding that the peace and socio-economic development of our nation remain paramount.

… As Omolamina calls for support to the government

agos socialite and CEO of Omolamina Global ventures Alhaji Kamorudeen Olaseni Lamina, have enjoined Christians in the country to use the occasion of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to support the governments in the country to take Nigeria to greater height.

Omolamina said this in Christmas message to Nigerians saying that “As we celebrate, we must be mindful of the lessons of Christmas which are gift sharing, peace and love for our neighbours “As devout faithful, let us harness our creative energies, our love for one another towards the devel-

opment of the country by aligning with our President, Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos, to help realise the dream of the founding fathers for a better Nigeria. “May the Almighty God fill your hearts with his love as you celebrate in peace,” he prayed.

He noted that with the fear of God, mutual respect and love, “We will show love to one another and be able to enjoy the abundant resources as an indivisible nation. Omolamina expressed optimism that Nigeria is destined for greatness, saying that Nigerians should never forget that

any achievement through collective effort will bring enduring fulfillment to all. He said the nation could not achieve much with unnecessary ethnic segregation and disharmony because what Nigerians need now is to move forward with the present era of change.

Atiku, others to grace IJSC awards Kemi Olaitan, Ibadan

overnor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and many other prominent Nigerians will on Saturday converge at Ijebu-Jesa to grace the 2015 IJSC awards ceremony. A statement signed by the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Mr. Dele Ogunyemi, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, yesterday, said Aregbesola is expected as the Special Guest of Honour at the prestigious annual event billed to draw dignitaries from all parts of the country and abroad. The ceremony which is being organized by the Ijebu-Jesa Social Club, Ibadan Branch, has as its main theme, “Youth Empowerment as indices for human capital development”. Ogunyemi stated that the crowd-pulling event is expected to have in attendance eminent personalities including Hon. Oluwole Oke, Chairman, House Committee on Public Procurement at the National Assembly; renowned Legal icon, Chief Bandele Aiku, SAN; and notable Lagosbased Architect, Mr. Babatunde Ojo, among several others who have already given their nod to feature at the programme. Among the distinguished personalities slated for Awards of Excellence at the event are Mr. Oluseyi Onajide, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of R. T. Briscoe (Nigeria) Plc; Mr. Tunde Aiku, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria; Air Vice Marshal Samuel Oluwagbemiga Abosede (rtd.), former Director of Operations, Headquarters, Nigeria Air Force; Engr. Olugbemiga Abudiore, a renowned Water Engineer and Dr. Akin Fajola, the Regional Community Health Manager at Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News

Once again, I wish to say that “Schlonged” is not vulgar. When I said Hillary got “schlonged” that meant ‘beaten badly’”. –US REPUBLICAN PARTY PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL, DONALD TRUMP

Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

wanda will not contribute troops to a peacekeeping mission in neighbouring Burundi, President Paul Kagame said yesterday, as he rejected claims his country was arming refugees as rebels. The 54-member African Union said last Friday that it would send a 5, 000-strong force to halt violence that has sparked fears Burundi is sliding back towards civil war. The continental body has pledged to send troops despite Burundi’s opposition to what it terms an “invasion force”. Burundi’s unrest erupted in April when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his intention to run for a controversial third term, which he went on to win in July. Relations between Rwanda and neighbouring Burundi are tense at the moment, with the latter accusing the former of backing armed rebels and political opponents of Nkurunziza. “We have made it clear that even with the proposed contingents to be sent to Burundi, we will not be part of that,” Kagame said. “But we can contribute in a different form,” he added, without giving details. Hundreds of people have been killed in months of street protests in Burundi, which have devolved into frequent armed attacks with gunfire disrupting the nights and dead bodies appearing on city streets almost every day. “What I find more important is to answer how Burundi can be assisted to find a political solution,” Kagame added. “It’s not primarily a military problem, although we see many things happening there that may require use of some level of intervention to silence the guns.” Kagame dismissed allegations levelled by Burundian officials and aid groups that Rwanda is recruiting and arming refugees as rebel fighters. “We have told people to carry out investigations and find out who has gone where and how,” the Rwandan strongman further said.

Burundi crisis: Count Rwanda out of solution –Kagame

Rwandan President Paul Kagame

“I haven’t even seen the tiniest evidence to that so it becomes a lot of childish politicking. “Many of our people have

been arrested in Burundi and this was mainly done because of expressing our feelings about what was going on.” Meanwhile, Ugandan Presi-

dent Yoweri Museveni will host the next round of talks between rival Burundian factions on Monday, Uganda’s Defence Minister, Crispus Kiyonga, said yesterday. “There are 14 groups including the ruling party, opposition parties and civil society who will be attending,” Kiyonga said, without confirming if President Nkurunziza will attend. In Tanzania, which borders Burundi and hosts the world’s third largest refugee camp of Nyarugusu with some 110, 000 Burundians, President John Magufuli has called for dialogue, just as his Kenyan counterpart, Uhuru Kenyatta, said: “The leaders of Burundi must place the interest of their nation at the fore of their activities.”

Syria conflict: Govt, rebels set to meet

he Syrian government says it is ready to participate in talks in Geneva aimed at ending the country’s civil war. Deputy Prime Minister, Walid al-Moallem, said yesterday that the regime of President Bashar al-Assad is willing to participate in the inter-Syrian dialogue without foreign interference. The Syrian civil war began in March 2011, when protests that took place in the context of the Arab Spring were repressed by the Assad government. Some estimates of the number of people killed run

in excess of 300, 000. In addition, according to U.N. estimates, more than 4 million people have fled the country,

Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad

many of them headed for Europe. Efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict have been hindered by strong opposition to the Assad regime, which is perceived as brutal, and by the fractured nature of the opposition, which includes the terrorist group ISIS as well as more moderate groups supported by the United States. This is not the first time the Assad regime has indicated a willingness to talk to the opposition, having earlier expressed his preparedness to participate in an inter-Syrian dialogue in Moscow.

Migrants perish in hostels’ inferno

welve people were hurt, including seven teenagers, when fires broke out yesterday at two neighbouring refugee hostels in the south German region of Bavaria. A man was arrested after the fires at Wasserstein and police suspect arson. No-one in the hostels was badly hurt. More than a million refugees and migrants have arrived in

Germany this year, and for most their first stop has been in Bavaria. Refugee hostels in Germany have come under more than 200 attacks this year alone, according to research by the media, but the authorities have secured convictions against only a handful of attackers. German Chancellor Angela Merkel promised last week that

Germany would noticeably reduce the number of refugees in response to criticism from within her centre-right CDU party. Up to 40 per cent of arrivals in Germany have come from Balkan countries such as Albania and Kosovo which are considered safe. Most of the other arrivals are refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

AFRICAN BULLETIN

Security: UK, US sound Beijing alert The UK and US governments have issued a warning about possible threats against Westerners in the Chinese capital Beijing on or around Christmas Day. British and US officials say they have received information of possible threats in Sanlitun, which is a busy bar and shopping district. The Australian and French governments have also urged their citizens to remain vigilant. Beijing police have issued a yellow security alert in the city. A yellow alert is the second lowest level in China’s four-level security alert system. The alert means there will be increased security checks in shopping areas, and rubbish bins in public areas will be checked every 30 minutes.

Zambia plunged into darkness Much of Zambia has been plunged into darkness by a power cut, the country’s Energy Minister, Dora Siliyam, said yesterday. In a message on Facebook, she said the blackout was caused by faulty equipment and that only the Southern and Western provinces, supplied by a hydroelectric power plant at the Victoria Falls, were unaffected. The incident is a repeat of a similar blackout on December 11. Zambia, a hydroelectric-dependent country, has had erratic rainfall. The 1.4 million people who live in the capital Lusaka are suffering after an inconsistent rainy season from last October to March this year. Zambia had one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, expanding on average 7 per cent annually over the past five years.

Somalia bans Christmas celebrations Somalia’s government has banned the celebration of Christmas, warning that such Christian festivities could threaten the nation’s Muslim faith. “Those celebrations are not in any way related to Islam,” an official at the Religious Affairs Ministry said yesterday. Security agencies have been directed to stay alert to stop any gatherings. Foreigners are free to mark the Christian holiday in their own homes, but hotels and other public places have been prohibited from marking the day. “Having Muslims celebrate Christmas in Somalia is not the right thing, such things are akin to the abandonment,” local media quote a top official at Somalia’s justice and religious affairs ministry, Mohamed Kheyrow, as saying.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Salami Aina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akintade Aina. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note. CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MR SALAU TAIWO MONSURU, now wish to be known and addressed as SALAU TAIWO MONSUR BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Yuletide: Marketing Edge magazine donates to orphanage

Dare Akogun

igeria’s pacesetting brands and marketing magazine, MARKETING EDGE, has donated food stuffs and several products and items to Little Saints’ Orphanage home in

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certified that Ayinla Shuaibu Adeniyi and Adeniyi Saibu is the same one person as Ayinla Saibu Adeniyi, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Ayinla Saibu Adeniyi. All former documents remain valid, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, First Bank of Nigeria and general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyesina Kafayat Oluwakemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Hamzat Kafayat Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. GT Bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MR SALAU TAIWO MONSURU, now wish to be known and addressed as SALAU TAIWO MONSUR BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Raheem Waliyat Ayobami now wish to be called and addressed as Emitomo Waliyat Ayomide. All former document remain valid, general public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that the name MARGARET AFOLABI GIDEON and MARGARET ADEODEWALE OLUBUNMI‎ is one as they appear in my documents, but now wish to be known and addressed as ADEODEWALE MARGARET OLUBUNMI. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MARAYIESAN: : Formerly known and addressed as MARAYIESAN SHOLABOMI TIOYOBO now wish to be known and addressed as PELUMI SHOLABOMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

PATIENCE: I, formerly known and addressed as PATIENCE EDET JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as NKOYO EDET JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGBONNA:I, formerly known and addressed as OGBONNA ONYEKA EZINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAOBI ONYEKACHUKWU EZINWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Odesola Taofeek is same person as Odesola Taofik Okonlawon now which to be known and addressed as Odesola Taofeek all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

Friday, December 25, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bankole Morenike Victoria now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fowomola Morenike Victoria. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Ozokwel, Chukwudi Chudi, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwuemeka, Chukwudi Chudi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as COLAFACT JOY NAMEUMA, now wish to be known and addressed as Emmanuel Ben Ewoh. All former documents remain valid. UBA Bank plc and General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunjobi Tawakalitu Temitope is the same person known and addressed as Miss Ogunjobi Temitope Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. GT Bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as EMEKA NWIBO, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIZOBA IGNATIUS OFOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

Formerly known and addressed as MR OGINJOBI IDRIS BOLA wish to be known and addressed as MR USMAN IDRIS BOLAJI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Mutairu Mashood Omoakhe now wish to be known and addressed as Momodu Mashood Omoakhe,All former documents remain valid . Union bank, Access bank and genenal public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AS ANNAH WILLIAMS NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS HANNAH ISHIAKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

NOUTAYI : Formerly known and addressed as NOUTAYI . W. LOUWIS now wish to be known and addressed as LUICE NOUTAYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IKE: I, formerly known and addressed as VICKY IKE now wish to be known and addressed as AGU JULIET UJUNWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHIJIOKE: I, formerly known and addressed as CHIJIOKE EKENE, now wish to be known and addressed as EKWEN NZUBE CYRIAUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS NWAZURU PRISCA UGOCHI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS IKECHUKWU UGOCHI PRISCA NNEOMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

PUBLIC NOTICE

UPLIFT TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION & 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. Abubakar Siddiq Ango 2. Fidelis Okafor 3. Oyedele Calistus Amefo AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To leverage technology to bring disruptive change in the social economic activities of youth. 2. To collaborate with relevant organizations leading to the provision of opportunities for youths to learn, create and innovate. 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:SECRETARY

individuals and organisations show love by giving to neighbours and friends. In this season, we consider that the best kind of giving as encouraged by the Holy Scripture is to the less privileged, that is why we have thought it wise to visit Little Saints’ Orphanage,” Oladele said.

phanage for its contribution to the socio-economic development of the society and pledged that the magazine will continue to support the institution. Mr. Oladele, while handing over of the items, said that the initiative was a way of appreciating God for sustaining the organization and

This is to certified that Asaolu Michael Olusola is the same one person as Asaolu Olusola Isola, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Asaolu Olusola Isola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note. I formerly known and addressed as Miss ADEDOKUN MARIAM ADEFUNKE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs WAHEED MARIAM ADEFUNKE. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

its staff thus far and to acknowledge and support the great work which the reputable orphanage had been doing. “As we all know, Christmas is a time when we commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and as it’s the practice all over the world, it is a season where

Lagos, as a way of identifying with the less privilege during the yuletide. While handing out the products, which included bags of rice, cartons of milk, packs of fruit juice and other products to the home Chief Operating Officer of the Magazine, Mr. Amos Oladele praised the reputed or-

This is to certified that Ogedengbe Yemisi Rachael is the same one person as Adeyemo Juliana,that henceforth wish to be known and called as Adeyemo Juliana. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as WASIU RAIMI KOLAWOLE, now wish to be known and addressed as KOLAWOLE ADESOKAN NOAH. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWOKPOKU: I, formerly known and addressed as IFEANYI NWOKPOKU, now wish to be known and addressed as IFEANYI ONELE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ATTARI : Formerly known and addressed as MISS ATTARI STELLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AJUCHI STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME OKON: I, formerly known and addressed as BLESSING GODWIN OKON now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING GODWIN MATHEW. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ozokwel, Ugochukwu Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwuemeka, Ugochukwu Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Known and addressed as Mrs Odunjo Sabainah Asani now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olude Sabainah Asani. All former documents remain valid. Skye bank and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Ohilebo Solomon Anthony now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ohilebo Solomon Anthony. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that SHAIBU NATHANIEL ENEOJO and SHAIBU NATHANIEL JULIUS refer to one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as SHAIBU NATHANIEL ENEOJO.All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

This is to confirm that ABIODUN MICHEAL ADEYEMI and ABIODUN SEGUN ADEYEMI refer to one and same person, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIODUN MICHEAL ADEYEMI.All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Abdullahi Jamiu now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Abdulkareem Olayinka Jamiu. All former documents remain valid . General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss Ogunsina Olufunke Juliana now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amoran Olufunke Juliana. All former documents remain valid . Teaching service commission, Ogun State and General public take note.

Formerly called and known as Fatai Hammed now wish to be called and addressed as Agboola Shina Ismaila. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

Formerly known and called as Miss Makanjuola Moyinoluwa Victoria now wish to be addressed and called as Mrs Oni Moyinoluwa Victoria. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly addressed and known as Aliu Sikiratu Abegbe Sanusi now wish to be called and addressed as Adebowale Sikiratu. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKOLI : Formerly known and addressed as OBIANUJU CHINWE OKOLI now wish to be known and addressed as UJUNWA CHINWE ORJI. All former documents remain valid. General Public Take Note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that the name ABDULLAHI SULEIMAN and ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI is one as they appear in my documents, but now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULLAHI SULEIMAN. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SALISU: Formerly known and addressed as SALISU ABDULRAHAMAN. H. now wish to be known and addressed as BATURE ABDULRAHAMAN .H. All former documents remain valid. General Public Take Note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Okonkwo Onyeka now wish to be known and addressed as Enuesoke Chinedu Moses, All former documents remain valid general public note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Onyebolise Ijeoma Mercy now wish to be known and addressed as known as Gros Ijeoma Mercy, All former documents remain valid general public note

CHANGE OF NAME MADUKA : Formely known as Eugene Maduka now wish to be known and address as Oforegbunam Chinyere Victoria. All former documents remains valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I Formerly Known and addressed as Miss Taiwo Omowunmi Abeke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olowookere Omowunmi. All former documements remain valid and general public take note.

OBINNA: I, formerly known and addressed as ELIZABETH EZEGWU OBINNA, now wish to be known and addressed as ELIZABETH EZEGWU OBIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UCHENDU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UCHENDU GRACE CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed MRS CHUKWUANI GRACE CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OKOLO: I, formerly known and addressed as OKOLO IFEANYI ELVIS, now wish to be known and addressed as ABUGU EBUKA NELSON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NNAMANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MRS NNAMANI ONYEKACHI BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOSEPH BLESSING ONYEKACHI BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ENE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ENE FAITH NONYELUM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIME FAITH NONYELUM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Nemedia Fidelia Omogbohun now which to be known and addressed as Ojenike Fidelia Omogbohun all former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Chidinma Prestige Ossy Onwukwe now wish to be known and addressed Mrs Ann Chidinma Otulaka nee Onwukwe. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Akonobi Chidiogo Mary now wish to be known, called and addressed as EGWUDO CHIDIOGO MARY. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Apelehin Adesola Afolatomi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ferreira Adesola Afolatomi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Mr Fabowale Ebenezer Adeyemi now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Fabulous-Fabowale Ebenezer Adeyemi.All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS GLORY ANYALEWECHI METU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS GLORY ANYALEWECHI UGO. All former documents remain valid general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

JOANNA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS JOANNA IGBODE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOANNA EBADAN. All previous documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DANIEL CHIKAMNELE NJOKU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DANIEL CHIKAMNELE UGO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

NWAKWO:I, formerly known and addressed as MARYROSE NGOZI NWAKWO now wish to be known and addressed as MARYROSE NGOZI OKEKE. All former documents remain valid. Banks, Ministry of Defence, Premium Pension Ltd. and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ODOEMENA: I, formerly known and addressed as ODOEMENA ONYINYECHI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ISAAC ONYINYECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

North

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Army set to establish military base in Ashaka

hief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the Army plans to establish a military unit in Ashaka, Gombe State. Buratai stated this on Wednesday in Gombe, when he paid a courtesy

call on Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo. He said the move to establish a military base in the area is part of measures to check incursions by insurgents through the axis. Buratai said the re-

Bauchi needs N33bn to provide potable water, sanitation for rural dwellers

auchi State government said it needs N33 billion to provide water and sanitation for about three million rural people. General manager, State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWUNSSA, Mr. Garba Magaji, announced this yesterday in Bauchi while addressing the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN. Magaji emphasised that N3 billion is required an-

Calabar festival: Bauchi emerges best cultural troupe

auchi State has emerged the Best Cultural Troupe at the ongoing Calabar Festival, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports. The state’s contingent also won a star prize of N5 million by defeating Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Oyo, Kogi, and Kaduna state contingents. Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State won in local governments’ category of the competition. The council area also went home with N3 million as the best overall troupe as it was adjudged the best in the application of the festival theme, titled, ‘Climate Change.’ Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, who launched the cultural parade at the Millennium Park, Calabar, said his administration would sustain and add value to culture and heritage of the state in 2016. “Today, Cross River State is going to lead the entire Africa like we did in the climate change because we believe in the culture and heritage of the African people,” Ayade said.

nually to enable the agency achieve full provision of water and sanitation in 10 years for the people. He said: “This will enable us meet the 60 per cent access water and sanitation requirement of our rural population and 50 per cent optimal functionality of our facilities. “Quick analysis puts our requirements for total coverage in water supply at over 6,000 new hand pump boreholes and a 500-motorised scheme. “Again, over 3,500 existing hand pump boreholes and 100 motorised schemes need to be rehabilitated.” He said the agency had, between 2010 and 2013, constructed 1,645 hand pump boreholes and 34 solar-powered schemes under its Sanitation, Hygiene and Water for Nigeria, SHAWN, in five local government areas.

aduna State chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bishop George Dodo, yesterday identified inter-religious dialogue as a path to sustainable peace in Nigeria. Dodo who is also the bishop, Catholic Diocese of Zaria, said this in his Christmas message to Nigerians. He stressed the need for a platform to strengthen efforts toward inter-religious dialogue: “This will open door for meeting regularly and sharing our beliefs. “There is need also to look at the essence of religion which should be a unifying factor for all humanity, if all religions actually come from God. “That should be a reason for us to do all that is necessary to strengthen human eyes and continue to educate ourselves.

lationship between the military and civilians in the state has been cordial, adding that it should be maintained. The Army chief said he was on his way to visit troops in Biu, Buni Yadi and other locations in the North East and celebrate the Christmas with them. The governor hailed

the military for ensuring that the state remains peaceful. He said the state government has approved a parcel of land with a Certificate of Occupancy for the construction of the military unit. The governor added that the state government would always key into

programmes initiated by the military to safeguard lives and property. Dankwambo called on the people of the state to support the military and remain law abiding. “I also want to assure you that we will key into any programme that has been adopted by your administration.

“I am calling on our people to exercise vigilance and be more careful while they welcome visitors in their midst,” he added. He commended the efforts of the Army chief in ensuring that insurgency is curbed in the North East.

NEMA Director of Search and Rescue, AVM Charles Otegbade (l) checking the IDPS tailor that is sewing clothes for the IDPS at Fufore Camp during his visit to the camp in Yola yesterday.

Katsina earmarks N22.2bn for education in 2016

atsina State government said it has earmarked N22.2bn for the development of the education sector in the 2016 fiscal year.

It said 80 per cent of the budgetary allocation to the sector would be spent on the renovation of primary and secondary schools.

Alhaji Abdullahi Imam, special adviser to Governor Aminu Masari on Budget and Economic Affairs, disclosed this in Katsina yesterday dur-

Inter-religious dialogue, path to sustainable peace –CAN “This will enable us have a better knowledge of each other’s faith and be able to show respect, tolerate and accommodate one another.” Also in his own message, the Anglican bishop of Wusasa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ali Buba-Lamido, said Christmas is a time for sober reflection and a time for Christians to change the good. “It is also a time for all Christians to pray. I, therefore, urge all Christians across Nigeria to use this period to pray for themselves and the country. “This is the first Christmas we will be celebrating since the Presi-

dent Muhammadu Buhari-led administration assumed office. “As such, Christians need to offer prayers for the government and support it through our Christmas messages,” he said. Buba-Lamido appealed to all Nigerians to endure the present difficulties, assuring them that out of endurance good things would come, “as there is no positive change that comes without its difficulties.” Rev. Isaac Gbadero of the First Baptist Church, Sabongari, Zaria, added in his message that the purpose of Christ coming to the world is to recon-

cile human beings back to God. Taking his text from 2nd Corinthians, chapter 5: 17-18, Gbadero said: “Jesus came to reconcile us back to God so that we too can reconcile others back to God. “So we have a job of reconciliation among ourselves, in our communities, the nation and then, to God.” He reminded the people of the need to live together in harmony, respect and tolerance. “God has destined that we must live together; so we have no choice than to embrace, accommodate and tolerate each other,” he said.

ing a budget breakdown. Imam said tertiary educational institutions in the state would be allocated 20 per cent of the budget. He said government would overhaul secondary and primary education in the state to create an atmosphere conducive for learning. His words: “The government will use part of the fund to equip secondary and primary schools with furniture and other teaching aids. “The government will use the funds to recruit more teachers for the primary and secondary schools in the state. “We are determined to upgrade schools to create a good environment to boost enrolment of pupils and secondary school students in the state.” The special adviser urged the people of the state to support the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government in the state so it could provide them with more dividends of democracy.

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GOtv Boxing night holds tomorrow

Our performance so far has been a huge shame and we ourselves have the task of turning things around

Sport

–Manchester United midfielder, Juan Mata

Watford dangerman, Odion Ighalo

Boxing Day clashes:

Hiddink fears

Ighalo

helsea new manager, Guus Hiddink, has admitted that Nigeria international, Odion Ighalo, and fellow Watford striker, Troy Deeney, will be threats to his team when they clash in an English Premier League game on Boxing Day. The Dutch tactician also said he has a lot of respect for Watford’s achievements in the Premier League so far. Watford go into tomorrow’s game on the back of four consecutive top-flight victories. “I have a lot of respect for Watford. They are very disciplined and have two very strong strikers in (Odion) Ighalo and (Troy) Deeney,” said Hiddink, who is on

a second spell at ‘The Blues’. “The strikers are very dangerous and have shown that frequently this season. I have lots of respect for what they have done, but hopefully things can go positively for us. We need a sequence of positive results.” Hiddink added, “Teams like Leicester, Crystal Palace and Watford are near the top of the league. “That means all the teams can kill each other. You have seen the games for the last six months: any team can beat any other.” Watford are seventh on the EPL table, 10 points ahead of reigning champions, Chelsea, with Ighalo their leading scorer with 12 goals.

Osimhen in no rush to go pro

op scorer at the Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Victor Osimhen, has said he is not rushing to decide his club fu-

ture. He currently plays for Ultimate Strikers in Lagos and has gone on trials at German club, Wolfsburg, and is also set to visit English side, Arsenal. Osimhen, who turns 17 on December 29, told BBC Sport that he is taking his time since he is not yet of professional football age. “The trip to Wolfsburg was interesting and I’ll be visiting Arsenal too, but I am not in a rush,” he told BBC Sport. “I know I cannot sign a contract with any club right now, but the trip to Germany and hopefully to England gives me a great opportunity to see things clearly. “It is important not to get carried away and luckily I have my family and managers to guide me through every step when the time comes.” Under current FIFA regulations, Osimhen is not able to sign for a European club until his 18th birthday. However, Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore played in preseason friendlies for Chelsea before he turned 18 and then signed for The Blues as soon as he was able to. Osimhen was also part of Coach Samson Siasia’s team that won the Under-23 Africa

Cup of Nations in Senegal last month, which also saw them qualify for the Rio Olympics next year. He has been nominated for the 2015 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Youth Player of the Year award. “It’s easy to hear different views from people about what they think is good for my career and I really appreciate that. “But I still have time decide and I want to make the r i g h t choice that will create the paths to fulfil my potential a n d achieve bigg e r things in t h e future,” he added.

Osimhen

Sports

Friday, December 25, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

We’re fighting to save LVG –Rooney

Rooney

anchester United captain, Wayne Rooney, declared yesterday that he and his teammates are “fighting” to save the job of embattled manager, Louis van Gaal. British media reports claim Van Gaal is on the brink of the sack after a run of six games without victory and he stormed out of his weekly press conference on Wednesday after criticising the speculation about his job. But despite rumours of discord over his methods within the United dressing room, Rooney says that the

players are firmly behind the manager. “We’re fighting for the manager and trying to get results to turn this around,” Rooney told Sky Sports. “You have a lot of people talking about things they believe are happening, when in reality the people writing that stuff don’t know anything that’s happening.” United slipped to fifth in the Premier League last week after losing 2-1 at home to promoted Norwich City – their third defeat in succession in all competitions. They visit Stoke City tomorrow

before welcoming champions, Chelsea, to Old Trafford on December 28. Prior to cutting short his pregame press conference, Van Gaal said the rumours about his future had affected his family and Rooney sympathised with the Dutchman’s complaint. “We all have families and sometimes things get written, which is not nice for your family to see,” said the 30-year-old England captain. “It’s tough, but it’s part of football and part of being a footballer. It’s not nice when you’re getting criticism every week.”

US investors bid £200m for Everton

A CHAN:

Katongo

handed Zambia captaincy

hristopher Katongo is expected to captain Zambia at the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda. Katongo has received a surprise Zambia recall this week after a 14-month exile. He has been recalled with midfielder Isaac Chansa who is also another 2012 Africa Cup star. Both players reported for preliminary training camp that began in Lusaka on December 22. Katongo, the 2012 Africa Cup winning captain is one of two veteran players from that team called to bolster a Zambia side seeking better fortunes at CHAN after a poor 2015 all round for the senior and junior national teams. “It goes without saying; Mr. Christo-

pher Katongo will have to assume the hierarchy,” Zambia team manager, Lusekelo Kamwambi, said. Katongo has not played for Zambia since October, 2014 a goalless away draw against Niger in a 2015 Africa Cup qualifier. He was subsequently axed from the team after that match in a radical purge of veterans during the reign of Honour Janza. However, Kamwambi has not stated whether Katongo’s return could see him back for other Chipolopolo engagements in 2016. “I think let us deal with that one when we cross that bridge,” Kamwambi said. Chansa has not played for Zambia since June, 2014 in a 4-3 friendly loss against Japan in Florida.

consortium led by two US technology investors is negotiating to buy Everton Football Club for an estimated £200 million (272 million euros, $297 million), The Times newspaper reported yesterday. The report said the group had signed a preliminary agreement with owner and chairman, Bill Kenwright and was checking the club’s accounts with the aim of completing a takeover within the next six weeks. The agreement means the investors have been given time for exclusive talks on the deal.

The consortium is led by John J. Moores and Charles Noell, co-founders of venture capital firm JMI Equity. The 71-year-old Moores, who is also the founder of business software firm, BMC, bought the San Diego Padres baseball team in 1994 and sold it in 2012. Contacted by AFP, Everton’s press office could not immediately comment on the report. The report comes after fellow English Premier League side Crystal Palace last week said US investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer had bought a 36-percent stake.

Why England can’t win tournaments –Klopp

he busy schedule of the Premier League hurts England’s chances in major tournaments, says Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp. According to BBC Sport, the German praised England’s current team as “really talented”, but said the lack of a winter break in the country would count against them at Euro 2016. “You have too many games, that’s for sure,” Klopp told Football Focus. “You have no break, too many tournaments. I think everybody knows that’s not the way (to be successful).” The 48-year-old added, “Everybody thinks (manager) Roy (Hodgson) should lead these boys to the title, they have really good players. “But they’ve had no break for one year. All the other teams have. You can be (successful) but it’s much harder.”

England have not reached the semifinals at any of their past eight major tournaments, and were knocked out at the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Klopp added that the fixture schedule in domestic football has also contributed to the recent struggles of English clubs in the Champions League, Europe’s elite competition.

Kloop

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Friday, December 25, 2015

GOtv Boxing night holds tomorrow …fans to win 50 decoders

Professional boxers slugging it out in a previous Gotv tournament

Ifeanyi Eduzor

oxing fans in the country will have an opportunity of upping their Christmas celebration on a good note when they will be treated to the best form of boxing at the 5th edition of the GOtv Boxing night slated for tomorrow at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Tagged ‘GOtv Boxing V’, it

will feature three title fights and a national challenge fight with the main bout of the night featuring National and West African Featherweight champion, Waidi ‘Skoro’ Usman, facing his Ugandan opponent, Edward Kakembo, for the vacant African Boxing Union (ABU) Featherweight title. There will also be a national light welterweight title fight between the champion, Sadiq ‘Police Machine’ and Olaide ‘Fijaborn’ Fijabi while Stanley

Tennis: Why spectators shunned Lagos Governor’s Cup

he 15th annual Governor’s Cup Tennis Lagos, recorded a low spectator turnout, even though many more players from home and abroad took part in this year’s event. The competition had in the past, produced some top grand slam players, including Russian Nina Braatchikova, the 2010 ladies singles winner and Croatian Borna Coric, the 2013 men’s singles champion. This year, the top seed, Bosnia’s Aldin Setkic won during the tournament’s first leg in the men’s singles while France’s Tessah Andrianjafitrimo, seeded eight won in the women’s singles. Pundits attributed the poor spectators’ turnout to the de-

cline in the fortunes of tennis in the country. The competition was hosted at the tennis courts of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC), Onikan, Lagos, an exclusive club for the highly placed, but avowed lovers of the sport in the country. This year’s tournament, which was held from December 5 to December 19, was as usual sponsored by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with Lagos State Assurance Company (LASACO) Plc, Julius Berger Plc, Deux Projects Ltd,/Spinlet and PLYCON Nig. Ltd. No fewer than 80 players from 24 countries including hosts Nigeria featured in the two-week tournament, held in two stages

‘Edo Boy’ Eribo will slug it out with Sunday ‘Capo’ Olalekan for the national welterweight title The last fight of the night will be a challenge bout in the super middleweight division between Sunday ‘Golden Child’ Ajuwa and Rasheed ‘Afonja Warrior’ Abolaji. Meanwhile, promoter of the fight, Jenkins Alumona, of Flykite Promotions told National Mirror that fans will have the opportunity to win GOtv decod-

Tennis player

– 1st and 2nd Legs, otherwise the Features Three and Features Four. Unlike in previous editions, the attendance by spectators was discouraging. This, some of the pundits blamed on the current poor economic situation of the country.

ers at the event. According to him, a total of 50 GOtv decoders will be given out through lucky dips to be held between fights which he said has been the tradition of the championship since its maiden edition last November. The event, which kicks off at 5pm will be broadcast live on SuperSport in 47 African countries with the best boxer of the night going home with N1.5 million and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial trophy.

Unpaid wages: FC Taraba players suspend protest

layers of troubled FC Taraba have agreed to call off their protest over accumulated unpaid salaries after a frosty meeting with their sponsor, the Taraba State Government, on Wednesday. The players have been protesting unpaid wages of 11 months since December 14 by sleeping outside of the Taraba State Government House. After 10 days and nine nights of sleeping out in a peaceful protest over money owed them, two of the players met with the Taraba Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku, which offered little to cheer about. The governor, according to the players, offered to pay two months out of the salary arrears after arguing that the players had been paid three months’ salaries which they (the FC Taraba players) denied and put the record straight that they were paid just a month out of 12. Supersport.com was informed that the Taraba State Government promised to pay two months out of the 11 months. The players were assured that the remainder will be paid by installment from January. Similarly, the League Management Company (LMC), which oversees the Nigerian top-flight, paid the protesting FC Taraba players the equivalent of their one month salaries from fees due to the club on Wednesday.

COPA Lagos fallout: Pepsi pledges football development

eading beverage brand, Pepsi, has reaffirmed its commitment to football development in Nigeria. Managing Director Seven Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Sunil Sawhney, who made the commitment at the recent COPA Lagos 2015, said the company would not waver in its resolve in the interest of football in the country. “COPA Lagos is one of the biggest beach soccer tournaments in the world and we are proud to be associated with the competition for the past five years,” Sawhney said. “Lots of talented young Nigerians have been discovered through the Pepsi Football Academy in the past 23 years and nurtured to become world football stars. They include John Obi Mikel, Osaze Odem-

wingie, Elderson Echejile and Onyekachi Apam, among others. “Besides, 15 Pepsi Academy youngsters have benefited from a two-year Pepsi scholarship to play football and study at some of UK’s best high schools.” Head of Marketing Seven Up Bottling Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston, also said the Pepsi Academy had been repositioned to develop viable youngsters for the future. Cote d’Ivoire won the COPA Lagos 2015 for the second successive year after defeating England 6-4 in the tournament that featured the Super Sand Eagles as well as a team from Lebanon. Participating clubs also comprised Barcelona Beach Soccer Team, Pillars FC of Kano, Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan and Pepsi Football Academy.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest-selling PC videogame

Vol. 05 No. 1272

Friday, Deceember 25, 2015

N150

Diablo III (Blizzard, 2012) sold 3.5 million copies in its first 24 hours after launch.

Between a bleak and merry Christmas

s Nigerians file out to join the rest of the world for Yuletide feasts, one recurring apprehension or phenomenon has been predictions about a bleak Christmas; and a New Year that would, perhaps, usher in the gnashing of teeth of epic proportions. But the wintry, as usual, would not be for the class of locusts that reduced Nigeria to the rubble she has now virtually become. For the locusts – public treasury looters and their complicit private sector partners – The merry of Christmas would be excessive if not outlandish. They and their families would feast to stupor. Their children would be gaily; and the biretta on their wives’ heads as tall as the 828-metre ‘Burj Khalifa’ in Dubai that has been the tallest building in the world since 2008. Their mood would reflect that of the biblical Rich Fool that said: “…I will tear down my barns and build larger ones…

he new Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season will kick off on January 31 with a fixtures’ draw slated for January 15, League Management Committee (LMC) officials informed africanfootball.

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) And I will say to my soul: ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry’; but whom God told: ‘You fool! This very night, your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’…” This is already happening based on recent experiences. But the locusts have remained unyielding, while their scandals crow to high heavens. Those for whom the bleak Christmas is meant are the non-privileged, the ordinary, the wretched of the earth and the weak and vulnerable across the land. They faced the same plight last year, too. About this period in 2014, for example, it was reported that some federal and state workers risked bleak Christmas. They were being owed October and November salaries at the time. Federal and state agencies that managed to pay workers’ salaries were still indebted to pensioners. The blame went to a drop by N36.6bn in gross oil revenue earnings from N536.69bn received in the month of October to N500.07bn in November 2014, according to the Federation Account Allocation Committee after a meeting over which former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, presided. The committee attributed the decline in revenue to a drastic drop of 33 percent in crude oil export volume between Septem-

A GOVERNMENT THAT SUPERINTENDS PEOPLE WHOSE TRADITION HAS BECOME THE CELEBRATION OF BLEAK

CHRISTMAS YEAR-INYEAR-OUT HAS A LOT OF THINKING TO DO ber and October 2014; and a further drop in crude oil price from $87.78 in October that year. But just one scandal – the $2.1bn arms purchase scam, has punctured the sermon that the plight was orchestrated by just the dip in oil prices. Graft played a role that was, perhaps, greater. Today, tales of unpaid salaries and pensions at federal and state levels have persisted; and the economic picture has worsened. Not only has the price of crude plummeted the more, buyers of the Nigerian cash cow are also scarce. Reuters, for example, reported lately an overhang of unsold Nigerian cargoes for the month of November 2015, which it said had continued to weigh on the oil market and keeping price differentials under downward pressure. With about 10 November cargoes still not sold; and roughly two-thirds of December’s loading schedule set at 62

cargoes, a total of 72 cargoes would b stranded without buyers. The drastic fall in oil prices is further buttressed by the $38 per barrel benchmark on which the proposed 2016 budget is premised. Money has become a huge problem as hard currency now miserably hit government’s coffers in mere trickles. From the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is also a report that the exchange rate now stands at N260 per dollar at the parallel market, while the official rate is N197 per dollar. This implies a grave depreciation of the value of the naira; and indeed, purchasing power loss and the erosion of economic strength for both the government and Nigerian citizens. All these have emboldened governments at both the center and states to firmly confiscate under their jackboots the salaries and allowances of workers and pensioners for several months and counting. At a recent joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives for the consideration of the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the Minister of Budget and Planning, Udoma Udo-Udoma, spoke of strict measures which may lead to more austere times ahead. “It is going to be tighter for everybody…“, he stated. His counterpart, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, also dropped hints about rough times soonest as a result of tough government policies in 2016, like the removal of fuel subsidy and possible hikes in the pump price of the product, though he tried to dress it later with flowery language and statistical projections. It is against this backdrop that any prediction of ‘cold’ Christmas for Nigerians seems appropriate. But a government that superintends people whose tradition has become the celebration of bleak Christmas year-inyear-out has a lot of thinking to do. It is certainly not getting it right. Happy Yuletide!

Sport Extra

New Nigeria league season kicks-off Jan. 31 com. Enyimba won a seventh Globacom Nigeria championship in November with 70 points after 38 matches, and along with runnersup, Warri Wolves, who

earned 66 points,will represent the country in the 2016 CAF Champions League with the preliminary rounds of the competition fixed for February. Third-placed Nasar-

awa United and Federation Cup winners, Akwa United, will feature in next year’s Confederation Cup. Bayelsa United, FC Taraba, Kwara United and Sharks were rel-

egated. Niger Tornadoes, Plateau United, MFM FC and Ikorodu United have been promoted to the Nigerian top flight from the lower Nigeria National League (NNL).

Pinnick

Printed and published by Global Media Mirror Limited: Head Office, Mirror House, 155/161 Broad Street Lagos; Abuja Office: NICON House, Central Business District Area, Abuja. Email:mail@ nationalmirroronline.net. MD/CEO: Sunday Olajide: 08060852080; Acting Editor Daily: Ben Memuletiwon 08050498541; Adverts Hotline: 07066178740. ISSN 0794-232X.