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Active telecom users hit 142m, 29,756 subscribers ported lines TOLA AKINMUTIMI AND TORDUE SALEM

Johnson

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igerian Communications Commission, NCC, yesterday said active lines in the telecommunications industry increased to 142.5m in

Terrorism’ll pose serious challenge to Nigeria’s new govt P.6 –US

February. This represents an increase of 1.7m users over the rate recorded in the preceding month. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Buhari

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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Chibok: Military tasked to liberate abducted girls DHQ to capture Sambisa Forest before May 29

UBONG UKPONG

s Nigeria yesterday commemorated the one year abduction of more than 300 girls of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, on April 14, 2014, the Federal Government has given the military a marching order to bring back the girls and all other citizens abducted by Boko Haram. This is even as Defence Headquarters, DHQ, plans CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

We’ll hit the ground running in Bauchi –Gov-elect L-R:Artist, Naetochukwu Chikwe; Guest Speaker, Prof. Wole Soyinka; President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; Prof. Pat Utomi and Nollywood Actress, Mrs. Foluso Daramola Salako, during one year anniversary of the abduction of Chibok girls, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

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Mark urges Nigerians to embrace card reader Assassination attempt on Buhari’s coordinator in Benue foiled

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Presidency denies plan to spend N3bn on transition

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S’Court affirms Ekiti gov’s election P.4

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Chibok: Military tasked to liberate abducted girls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

to liberate the Sambisa Forest, the fortress of Boko Haram terrorists and one of their last remaining camps, before May 29, 2015, handover date. President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday promised to do everything possible to find the girls. National Security Adviser, NSA, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, while speaking in Abuja, yesterday, assured that serious efforts were already in place by government to actualise these arrangements. “Right now, all Boko Haram camps, except Sam-

bisa Forest have been destroyed,” he said. The NSA said that the forest would have since been liberated but for the unfavourable weather condition prevailing in the area as all needed reconnaissance activity and troops deployment have been made for the operation. “Every movement of the terrorists is being monitored and every necessary detail is being taken care of to rid the country of the last bastion of terrorists’ infestation,” he disclosed. Dasuki insisted that government was concerned about the welfare of every Nigerian including the

girls adding that aside the Chibok girls, other Nigerian girls, boys, men and women were abducted by the terrorists and all efforts are being made to rescue them all.” While appealing for a little more time to complete the routing of the terrorists, Dasuki recalled that before elections were postponed in February, over 20 local governments were occupied by Boko Haram and that most Nigerians were pleasantly surprised that so much was achieved against the sect within six weeks. In the House of Representatives, lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to rescue the girls be-

fore May 29. The resolution to that effect emanated from a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, which was unanimously adopted by the house. Leading the debate, Dabiri-Erewa noted that it was exactly one year that the more than 300 students were abducted. She expressed regret that the girls were yet to be rescued or their whereabouts known till date, adding that the parliament was worried over their current status. “One year on, we don’t know whether they are dead or alive, married, pregnant

or scattered in different locations. “It is one of the saddest happenings in our country. “Imagine that your child is missing for a day; we must be able to know where they are and Nigerians should not forget these girls,” Dabiri-Erewa said. Similarly, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje commended efforts of the conveners of the “Bring Back Our Girls Campaign Group” towards the rescue of the girls. According to her, scores of children have been killed, students maimed and people displaced by the insurgents. Also, Hon. Friday Itula

Chibok Girls Ambassadors during a march to commemorate #365 Days anniversary of the abducted Chibok School girls by Boko Haram in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Mark urges Nigerians to embrace card reader GEORGE OJI ABUJA

enate President, David Mark, has attributed the successes recorded by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the just concluded general elections to introduction of the card reader technology. Mark was of the opinion that introduction of the card reader added value to the electoral process and proved to be efficient, effective and result-oriented and therefore, urged Nigerians to embrace the new technology. In his address to the senators at their resumed sitting yesterday from the election break, the Senate

President also commended INEC Chairman, Prof. Atahiru Jega for his role in the success of the polls. Mark said: “For the successes in the 2015 general elections, special commendation must go to Prof. Attahiru Jega and his team at INEC. The introduction of the Card Readers added value to the electoral process. I therefore urge Nigerians to accept and indeed imbibe the new voting technology. “The Card Readers have proved to be effective, efficient, and result-oriented. We should embrace this technology. “However, INEC must note the areas of its shortcomings based on field reports nationwide and continue to make im-

provements,” he said. The senate president maintained that the outcome of the elections was a disappointment for those who predicted disaster and break-up of the country. He said that it was satanic for people to have contemplated disaster and break-up of Nigeria. According to him, the country has assisted in the maintenance of peace in the world and, therefore, deserved prayers in order to overcome its current challenges. Mark singled out President Goodluck Jonathan, who he praised for willingly accept defeat and immediately congratulating the President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, even

before INEC announced the result. He stated that that singular act by the president saved the country from a possible crisis and catastrophe. “The President’s action added value to the consolidation of democracy in our land; raised the benchmark of peaceful democratic transition and consequently, set a new democratic template in our continent notorious for her infamous sit-tight leaders,” he added. While congratulating Buhari for extending a hand of fellowship to President Jonathan and his team, Mark praised Nigerians for their comportment before, during and after the

elections, stressing that by such disposition, the country has proved to the world that a solid foundation has been laid for democracy to thrive. The senate president congratulated senators, members of the House of Representatives and other candidates who won elections in different capacities across the country. He urged them to exhibit a high sense of responsibility anchored on transparency, accountability and honesty. He appealed to serving lawmakers to conclude outstanding legislative activities to give the in-coming parliament a solid foundation to build upon in the service of the nation.

said that the activities of the kidnappers of the girls remained a thorn in the flesh of the current administration. Itula appealed to the Federal Government to ensure the recovery of the girls before the handover date. “One more step for President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to go is to ensure the release of the girls. “I hope that by May 29 Nigeria will celebrate the recovery of the girls,” Itula added. Hon. Nkoyo Toyo described the abduction of the girls as a crime against humanity, calling for the prosecution of the perpetrators. “We abhor the nature of this crime and the perpetrators must be treated as criminals,” Toyo said. The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, said the country would do everything to ensure the rescue of the girls. According to him, as a nation, we must do everything humanly possible to recover these girls. “It is really sad we have got to this level,” Tambuwal said. He noted that the amendment of the anti-terrorism bill as well as passage of the defence budget without reductions was geared towards ensuring victory over insurgency. “We had in the past done all we had to do. We pray that God shall not only touch the hearts of the kidnappers but guide the security operatives to rescue the girls,” Tambuwal said. Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka also yesterday urged the incoming government to reinforce efforts to bring back the missing girls. Soyinka made the call at a forum organised by Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, the President of Women Arise, in Lagos. Speaking at the forum which held at the Airport Hotel Ikeja, Soyinka urged Nigerians to join hands with the government to ensure that the children were found. “We must make sure that such assault on our humanity doesn’t happen again. “The survival of humanity and of the nation must remain paramount,” he said. According to him, terrorism is not a Nigerian pheCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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L-R: Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Sherifat Folashade Jaji; Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefolire; Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola; Governor-Elect, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and his Deputy, Dr Oluranti Adebule, at a “Thank You” session of Ambode with public servants in Lagos, yesterday.

INEC Federal Commissioner, Mr. Lawrence Nwuruku (left) presenting certificate of return to Senate President David Mark as Senator-elect for Benue South Senatorial District in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

L-R: Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya; Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Olufemi Taiwo; Guest Lecturer, Dr. Adebukola Daramola and Chairman on occasion, Prof. Samson Fadare, during a lecture on transport infrastructure development in Nigeria, in Ibadan, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (left) receiving the FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

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Supreme Court affirms Fayose’s election Ise-Oluwa Ige and Abiodun Nejo

n a unanimous decision, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court yesterday affirmed the electoral victory of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State in the June 21, 2014, gubernatorial poll in the state. The court sealed Fayose’s victory after dismissing the appeal by All Progressives Congress, APC, challenging the governor’s emergence. The Supreme Court held that the appeal was not only un-meritorious but also anchored on wrong premises. National Mirror reports that shortly after the governorship election, APC headed for the tribunal to challenge Fayose’s victory. But the tribunal in its judgement upheld the election and dismissed the petition. Not satisfied, APC approached the Court of Ap-

peal to challenge the decision of the tribunal. The court also dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision of the lower court. Still aggrieved, the party approached the apex court with 17 grounds of appeal, urging the court to annul the decision of the lower courts. But the Supreme Court narrowed the 17 issues to only four. The four issues were that Fayose was not qualified to contest in the election, having been impeached on grounds of embezzlement; that the governor submitted a forged HND certificate from the Polytechnic Ibadan to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC; that the Tribunal erred for striking out the names of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and Chief of Army Staff, COAS, as parties in the suit. Delivering the lead judgement, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta held that the tribunal was right to have

struck out the names of the IGP and COAS as parties in the suit. He noted that a party to a suit is one which his interest is in dispute or which a suit cannot be decided without him. The court said both the IGP and COAS had no interest in the election and going by the provision of the Electoral Act as to who constitutes a party to an election petition; the two did not fall into such category as they were not staff of INEC. The court devoted a lot of time on two other grounds having to do with the allegation that Fayose forged his HND certificate and that he was not fit to contest the election by virtue of the provisions of section 182 (1) (e) of the 1999 constitution, having been impeached during his first tenure after the Code of Conduct Tribunal found him guilty of fraud. Section 182 (1) (e) of the 1999 constitution as amend-

ed bars fraud convicts from seeking elective office for a period of ten years from the date the conviction is pronounced by the law court. But the Supreme Court held that the purported impeachment of Fayose during his first tenure was not only illegal since the “so called acting Chief Judge of the state” illegally convoked the committee that tried him, but that the resolution of the lawmakers that the governor was guilty of the offence of fraud did not amount to conviction by law court as provided for in section 182 (1) (e) of the constitution. “A conviction and sentence are the major issues here. The Code of Conduct is not an impeachment panel. Jurisdiction cannot be shared between code of conduct tribunal and impeachment panel. Even though, it was alleged that the governor was impeached for embezzlement, he was not arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction,”

the court held. The court also said that the first impeachment panel gave Fayose a clean bill, adding that the second panel was illegal because the judge that constituted it did not have the power to do so. The court also held that the state House of Assembly did not substantiate the petition and hence, one could not say that he committed any crime. Citing section 188 of the Constitution, the court held that the second panel was an unconstitutional panel and that its proceeding was an exercise in futility. The court resolved the issue against the appellant. On the issue of forgery, the court held that it is an offence that should be proved beyond reasonable doubt. The court also resolved the issue against the appellant. Meanwhile, there were jubilations in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, yesterday as the Supreme Court’s rul-

ing filtered into town. Members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in joyous mood, thronged the streets, in celebration of the victory. The governor, whose long convoy of government officials and party supporters snaked round the city in appreciation of the crowd that had lined the major streets, urged the opposition to join hands with him in the task of developing the state. Fayose, who carried a placard bearing the inscription, “God, I thank you, Ekiti people, I thank you for your steadfastness” led the carnivallike procession through Fajuyi-Okesa-OkeyinmiOba’s market, Old Garage, Ijigbo-Mugbagba and Ajilosun streets among others. He expressed delight that all legal tussles weaved around his mandate as governor had died and laid to rest by the Supreme Court.

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Active telecom users hit 142m, 29,756 subscribers ported lines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The Commission, in its Monthly Subscribers Data, published on its website reported that of the 142.5m active numbers, Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, networks service stood at 140.2m subscribers, as against the 138.5m customers in January. Similarly, the Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA, sub-segment of the telecommunications market also recorded a surge in activities as subscribers’ num-

ber increased to 2,130,906 in the month under review, up by 21,946 subscribers over the 2,108,960 active users recorded in January The report also indicated that the Fixed Wired/Wireless networks’ subscribers rose to 183,270 in February, representing a mere additional 223 subscribers over those registered on the networks in the preceding month. A further analysis of subscribers’ figures showed that the connected lines in all the telecom operators’

networks dropped from 192,107,641 in January to 190,575,684 in February, signaling 1,531,957 dip. From the total connected lines, the GSM operators were able to connect 186,410,917 in the review month, thereby slashing their connected numbers by 1,536,480 from the 187,947,397 numbers recorded in January. The NCC reported further that CDMA networks had an extra of 2,260 to the 3,794,491 connected lines in January, leaving them with

3,796,751 connected phone numbers in February just as the Fixed Wired/Wireless operators, with 365,753 connected numbers in January, boosted their subscriber base with 2,263, making it to peak at 368,016 connected lines in February. The monthly subscriber figures indicated that that Nigeria’s tele-density increased to 101.85 per cent in February, from the 100.59 per cent in January, representing an increase of 1.26 per cent in the Tele-density attained in February.

Former President of Niger Republic, Muhammadou Usmane (left) with Nigerian President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari during a visit to Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, yesterday.

The Tele-density measures the percentage of a country’s population with access to telecommunications services, as determined by the subscriber base. Nigeria’s Tele-density is currently calculated by the NCC on a population of 140 million people. The regulatory commission also reported that 29,756 numbers ported in February. The figure was contained in the ‘”Incoming and Outgoing Porting Activities of Mobile Network Operators’” also published by the Commission. According to the report, there was an increase of 2,932 in the Mobile Number Portability, MNP, activities in the month of February, as against the 26,824 recorded in the preceding month. The report added that out of the 29,756 porting activities recorded in the month, 24,955 were incoming porting activities, while 14,801 were outgoing activities. The Commission stated that in the outgoing table, MTN lost a total of 6,951 subscribers to other networks in February, making it the worst hit during the exercise. MTN was followed by Airtel, which lost 3,655 cus-

tomers in the month under review compared to Globacom’s loss of 2,570 subscribers, while 1,625 customers of Etisalat Nigeria ported to other networks within the month. Comparatively, in the incoming table, the report said Etisalat enjoyed the exercise most as it led with additional 9,187 customers on its network in February followed by Airtel which added 2,758 subscribers to its customer strength.1,532 subscribers moved to Globacom network, while MTN gained 1,478 customers. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has passed a total of N60.258bn as budget of the NCC for 2015 fiscal year The House passed the budget after adopting a report by its Committee on Communications, led by Hon. Oyetunde Ojo. A breakdown of the budget showed that N21.175bn was for capital and special projects; N16.242bn for recurrent; N10.978bn for transfer to the Federal Government, while N8.682bn is for transfer to the Universal Service Fund. The figures indicated that the Commission projected to generate N51.250bn as revenue in the current fiscal year.

Chibok: Military tasked to liberate abducted girls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

nomenon alone and may not be going away soon. “However, we must not get used to it. Our children are being dehumanised. I believe that our responsibility is to assist by becoming vigilant. “We must become policemen/women; vigilante of our communities. We must encourage others to be protective members of their community,” Soyinka said. Prof. Pat Utomi, in his contribution, said that humanity, the world over, was a shared one and anything that diminished any human and did not touch others was bad. “Terror is not something we should tolerate. We must confront terror and not sit in our homes complaining. “We must stand up to enforce what we demand. The measure of the progress of any civilisation is how they hold the dignity of the hu-

man person. “It’s not just about rescuing the girls alone but about staying together and fighting for what is right. “It is however important to recognise that nothing gets done without a strategy,” he said. Utomi suggested that plans must be put in place that would help rehabilitate the girls when they eventually return. “Their psyche must have been so tampered with. The nation must ensure that they are re-oriented,” he said. In her speech, Mrs. Funmi Tejuosho, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, expressed concern over what the missing girls could be passing through. Dr Okei-Odumakin, who is also the President of Campaign for Democracy, CD, said that more should be done to enhance security of lives and property in Ni-

geria. Meanwhile, Human Rights group, Amnesty International, yesterday said no fewer than 2,000 women and girls have been abducted by Boko Haram in the past 15 months. The group, said this in a report based on almost 200 witness accounts, added that many of the victims were being trained to fight. “Young women and girls are abducted, imprisoned and in some cases raped, forcibly married and made to participate in armed attacks, sometimes on their own towns and villages,” the group said. A 19 year-old girl, Aisha, told Amnesty how she was abducted during a wedding in September along with her sister, the bride and the bride’s sister. Boko Haram took them to a camp in the town of Gulak in Adamawa State,

where the bride and the bride’s sister were forced to marry insurgents. She said herself and no fewer than 100 other women and girls were taught how to fight and kill. “I was among the girls trained to shoot. I was also trained on how to use bombs and how to attack a village. “Then they started sending some of us to operations. I went on one operation to my own village.” She said during the three months of captivity, she was raped, sometimes by groups of up to six fighters. Aisha said she also saw Boko Haram members killing no fewer than 50 people, including her sister. Amnesty documented war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Boko Haram, including the killing of over 5,500 civilians in North-East Nigeria in the past 15 months.

Boko Haram has killed an estimated 14,000 people since 2009. It said the group would take the women and girls they abducted directly to camps or move them to houses in towns and villages. They would later indoctrinate them with their version of Islam in preparation for marriage. Men and boys are regularly conscripted or executed. According to the report, Boko Haram attacked and raided over 300 towns and villages in the past 15 months. The insurgents target the military or police, capture arms and ammunition which they then used against civilians. They would shoot anyone trying to escape, rounding up and executing men of fighting age.

Alhaji, 18, told Amnesty he had been captured and was waiting to be killed after Boko Haram took over the town of Madagali on December 14. “They killed 27 people in front of me. “I was counting every one of them because I wanted to know when my turn would come,’’ Alhaji said, adding that over 100 men who refused to join the terrorists were executed that day. A 15-year-old boy, spared due to his disability, said he witnessed ten stoning. “They stone them to death on Fridays. They will gather all the children and ask them to stone. “I participated in the stoning; they will dig a hole, bury all the body and stone the head. When the person dies, they will leave the stones until the body decays,” he said.

National News

nited States Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, has predicted that the new government in Nigeria might face the challenge of protecting its citizens against terrorism threats. Kerry made the assertion in a statement by the African Regional Media Hub of the United States Department of State on Tuesday in Lagos. The statement quoted Kerry as making the prediction after signing a Memorandum of Cooperation to support disease control and prevention in Africa with the African

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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Terrorism’ll pose serious challenge to Nigeria’s new govt –US Union, AU, in Washington, D.C. “One of the principal challenges facing the new government in Abuja will be that of protecting Nigerian citizens from terrorism threat. “The US endorses the effort by AU and its partners to establish a multinational taskforce to halt Boko Haram’s campaign within

and beyond Nigeria’s borders. “We will also continue generally to help African governments to improve their counter-terrorism and border security capabilities,’’ it stated.

The statement expressed the US government’s commitment to promoting cordial relationships with African countries. It added that the government had learnt that diplomatic and peacekeeping

initiatives in Africa work best when they were African-led. “And there are opportunities and challenges at the same time. “In recent years, we have learned that diplomatic

and peace-making initiatives in Africa work best when they are African-led. “But the US and the broader international community can still help and we are prepared to do so,’’ the statement added.

FG approves 5-year extension on single hull vessels Francis Ezem

eprieve came the way of indigenous shipping companies yesterday as the Federal Government approved a five-year extension of the deadline on regulation of use of single hull tanker vessels among maritime countries. International Maritime Organisation, IMO, the global apex maritime regulatory organ, had set 2015 deadline for phasing out of single hull tanker vessels, which was part of its responses to increasing cases of oil spill, which had over the years caused a lot of pollution on marine environment. Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, in a statement hinted that government’s decision to extend the deadline was in line with the regulation of IMO, which empowers maritime regulators of member-countries to grant such extension. However, this is with a caveat that such single hull vessels would not sail into the international waters after 2015 when the double hull vessels regulation is expected to take effect. The NIMASA boss stated: “In extending the phase-out date, the agency’s decision was taken in line with the provision of IMO regulation, which allows member states, who do not have the capacity to replace their existing

single hull tanker fleet, to extend the phase out date of certain categories of tankers in their countries, provided the vessels do not engage in international trade,” the DG said. It was gathered that over 80 per cent of Nigerian owned tankers were still single hull and so the decision of the agency to extend the deadline was in recognition of the constraints faced by the indigenous ship owners, particularly funding, a development that makes it almost impossible for them to replace existing single hull tanker fleet by 2015. Akpobolokemi also noted that the agency’s decision to extend the initial deadline was to sustain the development of the Nigerian maritime industry and enhance the gains of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage Act 2013 as well as the Nigerian Content Act 2010. “Our decision to extend the final phase-out date for all single hull tankers registered under the Nigerian flag administration to December 31, 2020 was to give more time for fleet replacement by Nigerian ship owners and also develop greater capacity to handle the scrapping of vessels in the country,” he stated. Investigations showed that under the new arrangement, all renewal certificates to be issued during the extension period will be for only two years and such vessels must not be more than 35 years by the end of 2015.

Nigerian Christian Pilgrims in a boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee during pilgrimage to Israel, yesterday.PHOTO:NAN

FG, UNIDO to establish power plants in 4 states

nergy Commission of Nigeria said the Federal Government in partnership with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, plans to establish small power plants in four states, using rice husk to generate electricity. Professor Jere Bala, Director-General of the commission, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Tuesday in Abuja. Bala named the states as Niger, Adamawa, Gombe and Bayelsa. He said an additional 5MW pilot power plant would be established in Ebonyi to complement the existing 30KW bio-mass pilot, using rice husk to generate electricity in the state. He said after completion of the project in Ebonyi, government would then replicate it in other rice growing states of Niger, Adamawa, Gombe and Bayelsa. Bala said the replica-

tion was aimed at promoting industrialisation, employment and empowerment of the citizens in the country. He said the signing of Memorandum of Understanding with the government and UNIDO had brought about establishment of small power plant development pilot projects in the country. He said the commission, in collaboration with UNIDO, had already established 150 kwsmall hydro plants in Waya Dam in Bauchi State, 130 kw in Enugu State and 400 kw in Taraba. Bala, who said the Federal Government had developed 30 MW small hydro-plant in Gurara, noted that many more dams would be built in partnership with private investors. He said UNIDO, through its Regional Centre for Small Hydro-Power Plant and the commission, had developed lots of feasibility studies that would encourage capacity

building of the people for the project. He said the issues of renewable energy in terms of power development had come to stay in Nigeria and it was expected to provide 20 per cent of the country’s power supply. The Director General said by 1999, the availability of power was less than 2,000 MW while the installed capacity was 6,000 MW, but noted that Nigeria currently had 10,000 MW with available 4,000 MW. He said that privatisation of the power sector would soon increase the level of electricity supply across the country. The Director General said the situation would improve as 75 per cent of Nigerians would have access to electricity by 2030. He said the commission was mandated to produce strategic plans for national policy to ensure adequate and affordable supply of energy. Bala said all these were integrated into the Na-

tional Energy Master Plan and the Renewable Energy Master Plan, adding that a lot of development is ongoing in line with the plans. He said stakeholders from the power sector, the petroleum, the solid mineral (coal energy), the nuclear power sector and the renewable sector were involved in the development of the plans. Bala said the economic and social development of any country depended on the adequate and constant supply of energy, saying Nigeria had been growing about seven per cent from alternative energy. He said for Nigeria to achieve self sufficiency in power supply, the sector had to be private-sector-driven. He said the commission’s mandate was to develop strategic plans for National Energy Policy on renewable energy, adding that the renewable master plan was developed in conjunction with UNDP.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chevron denies liability in 2012 rig explosion

hevron Nigeria Limited yesterday said it would not pay any compensation for the January 2012 rig explosion off Bayelsa coastline that resulted in fire. General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr Deji Haastrup, explained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Yenagoa that Chevron was not responsible for the incident. “The issue of compensation does not arise because the January 2012 rig incident occurred 10 kilometres offshore and did not adversely impact on any community. “Following the incident, the Nigeria Oil Spill Detection and Remediation Agency, NOSDRA, conducted post-incident environmental assessment and reported the results to the House of Representatives Committee on Environment. “That report states that onshore air testing revealed no detectable levels of pollutants and water samples

tested were within naturally acceptable standards,” it said. Similarly, the result of the independent environmental studies carried out in the coastal communities by an independent third party after the incident, showed no adverse effects on air, water and the environment. The study by the body was done in conjunction with the regulators -- Directorate of Petroleum Resources, DPR and NOSDRA. “Also, an independent Health Impact Assessment found the incident did not adversely impact the health of inhabitants of the coastal communities, the closest of which was 10 kilometers to the incident location,’’ it said. The statement, however, explained that an independent body, the Multi Stakeholder Committee, MSC was set up to address the concerns of stakeholders who had made claims in connection with the incident.

It said NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, stated that the agency had deployed its surveillance team on 24 hours red alert to halt hard drug trafficking and smuggling. The statement stated that the MMIA team’s surveillance had led to the arrest of four suspected drug traffickers for ingesting cocaine. It stated that the suspects were placed under observation until the many wraps of cocaine were expelled from them.

Ubong Ukpong ABUJA

hief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, yesterday disclosed that several Nigeria Air Force, NAF, pilots carrying out air strikes against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, endured gunshot wounds to fight the insurgents. He spoke in Abuja during the Winging ceremony of 15 new pilots. Amosu reminded the new pilots that they were coming into the system at a very difficult time for the Armed Forces in view of the security challenges in the country. According to him, much had been expended on the winged pilots and therefore, so much would be expected of them as the Air Force stretches its air power resources in prosecution of the counter-insurgency campaign in the

The statement stated that they were arrested on Brazil-Nigeria route. Also, NDLEA Commander in Lagos Airport, Hamza Umar, said that “the suspects ingested many wraps of cocaine to be smuggled to another country. “The NDLEA has apprehended four suspected drug traffickers for ingesting hard drugs. “We will do our best to curtail trafficking and make Nigeria a no-go country for drug business.”

APC thanks Lagosians, pledges good governance

ll Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State has expressed its profound gratitude to people of the state for speaking with their votes yet again and consequently renewing confidence in the party and its leaders. In a statement signed by Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the party said, “Words are not enough to express the depth of gratitude and satisfaction for the

boldness and courage displayed by Lagos voters in voting continuity in the Centre of Excellence. “In the face of harassment, intimidation and brigandage from the powers that be, APC lovers showed infectious and contagious love to the party and its leaders they have known for years now. “APC lovers in Lagos did not succumb to blatant lies, hate cam-

Our pilots endured injuries fighting insurgents –Air Force Chief

Lagos NDLEA arrests 4 drug trafficking suspects ational Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday said it arrested four suspected drug peddlers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos. This is contained in a statement by Mitchel Ofoyeju, the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, in Lagos. According to the statement, the agency is intensifying efforts in curbing activities of drug peddlers using Brazil-Nigeria route through the MMIA.

News

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

paigns, politics of the stomach, ethnic and tribal politics and politics of naira, dollar and pound sterling. They were not swayed because they understood what was at stake. They did not see the inducements as low hanging fruits to take advantage of. They were smart, courageous and determined to use the power of votes to sustain the intelligent leadership and governance in Lagos.”

North-East of the country. “You will therefore, be required to bring your training to bear as you put in your utmost best in responding to calls of duty at all times. “Let me quickly remind you that you have come to join a crop of pilots with intimidating CVs. The pilots you are coming to meet today are very courageous, very intelligent, very bold and very daring, so we don’t expect anything short of those attributes. “We expect you to be very bold, we expect you to remain knowledgeable, and we expect you to be courageous. You have come to meet us at a time we are fighting insurgency; let me quickly remind you that those pilots you see out there, the Alpha Jet pilots, the F7 pilots, regularly they come back with bullet wounds. “This is not to scare you, how courageous your

predecessors are, regularly they get gun wounds and they still go back to the forest.” The Air Force chief noted that in the light of the prevailing national security challenge, especially in the North East, there was urgent need to improve capabilities of personnel in their respective roles to foster operational effectiveness across all spectrums of warfare. Amosu further charged the pilots that the fight against insurgency and terrorism is about Nigeria’s sovereignty, reminding them of their pledge: “If we need to pay the supreme price we will be able to do it. “But the training we are giving you, the safety equipment installed on the aircraft definitely will prevent the enemy killing you.” He continued: “I want you to take a look at the various accidents reports

we have had, you should not be the accident, I think it’s better for you to learn from the previous accidents, if you take a look at the accidents you will discover that knowledge has increased. “And that accounts partly why the attrition rate in the NAF has greatly reduced. So you are welcome on board, knowledge is the key word, therefore, as a pilot you must recognise your limits. Do not attempt to go beyond it, one thing that is very major with the Nigerian Air Force is mentoring, you have to open up yourself for mentoring. I say develop the right attitude. “Let me quickly give you some guide lines on the operation we are in now: the three major limitations in warfare is lack of proper responsiveness, not taking due advantage of flexibility, and the last is capability,” he advised.

Election News

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ondo APC to challenge Assembly poll OJO OYEWAMIDE AKURE

Gombe State Marshals celebrating the victory of Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo in Gombe metropolis, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Electoral fraud: Ex-NYSC boss arraignment stalled •Esuene seeks cancellation of A’Ibom election ENO -OBONG MICHAEL UYO

ttempt by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to arraign Maj. Gen. Edet Akpan (retd), has been put on hold following a three-day no-court session by the Akwa Ibom State judiciary. Akpan, a former Director-General of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was brought to the Uyo Chief Magistrate’s Court for arraignment yesterday by men of the Directorate of State Services, DSS. INEC’s inability to arraign Akpan was due to ongoing Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, Multi-Door Court function, which is holding simultaneously in the three senatorial districts of the state. Speaking with newsmen, INEC’s Legal Officer in Uyo, Eze Emmanuel, who was in Uyo Chief Magistrate registry to file the case, said Akpan would be arraigned as soon as the court resumed from the ADR multi-door court function. The retired NYSC boss was arrested in his hometown in Nsit At-

tai Local Government Area during the April 11 governorship/House of Assembly election for alleged snatching of ballot boxes and other electoral materials from INEC officials. He was also alleged to have abducted 10 corps members and made them thumbprint and fill result sheets in favour of a political party before men of DSS trailed and arrested him in his house. Meanwhile, Akpan has been taken back to DSS custody in Uyo. In a related development, governorship candidate of Labour Party, LP, in Akwa Ibom State, Helen Esuene, has called for cancellation of last Saturday’s governorship election in the state, alleging irregularities in the election. Esuene in a statement issued on Monday in Uyo considered the result disappointing, as there were shortage of ballot papers and snatching of ballot boxes in Eket, Esit Eket, Onna, among other places in the state. She commended INEC for putting in a lot of work to guarantee a free and fair election, but expressed disappointment that the Nigerian public have displayed great indiscipline, calling on the

commission to cancel the result. While thanking the general populace for coming out to exercise their franchise, Esuene, who is also senator representing Eket in the National Assembly, said the exercise was more of show of financial strength than capturing of the wishes of the people. Voters, according to her, were enticed with cash and goods everywhere and were cajoled into voting candidates against their wishes. It could be recalled that INEC had on Sunday declared the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Udom Em-

manuel, as winner in the contest, Umana Umana of All Progressives Congress, APC as next while Senator Esuene of LP came third in the final result by INEC. Defending this, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Austin Okojie, said he was not aware of any of its officials conniving with politicians to rig the election. Okojie however admitted that there were reported cases of violence in Uyo, Ibesikpo, Nsit Ubium, Mkpat Enin, Nsit Ibom and Etinan local government areas, adding that security operatives immediately stepped in to arrest the situation.

ll Progressives Party, APC, in Ondo State has vowed to employ every lawful means to reverse the outcome of last Saturday’s House of Assembly poll in the state. Results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, showed that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, won 19 seats, APC five seats, while the poll was declared inconclusive in Ilaje Local Government Area. But Ondo APC yesterday in Akure, the state capital, condemned conduct of the election and rejected its outcome, describing the poll as a sham. A statement by APC state chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, said result of the election did not reflect the true wishes and aspirations of Ondo people. Kekemeke lamented that by the result, the people had been shortchanged and their wishes subverted, appealing to party faithful and teeming supporters to remain strong, steadfast and law-abiding. He said: “Governor Olusegun Mimiko has once again lived up to his name and character, achieving political goals at all costs without concern for decency, legal guidelines and conduct expected of his high office. “Never in the history

of Ondo State has any election been fraught with as much brigandage, armed thuggery, open inducement of voters before and during the election at the gate of Government House and the polling booths respectively. “The election was characterised by ballot stuffing; open and shameless bribing of election officials and ad-hoc staff of INEC, changing of election results, change of election venue and mass thumbprinting. “We also witnessed deliberate allocations of wrong ballot papers to constituencies to cause confusion and attendant announcement of fake results; neglect and nonuse of card readers and many breaches too numerous to mention.” The chairman expressed worry that Mimiko had introduced a new phrase of “see and buy” into the political lexicon of the state. He vowed to expose to the world “the charade in Ondo called election by giving a blow-by-blow, wardby-ward and local government-by-local government account of the electoral evil of the PDP-led government in the state. “Let it not be said that we are bad losers or that we are crying wolf where there is none. We have always been ready and still are ready to accept the outcome of elections and concede defeat if beaten fair and square,” Kekemeke said.

PDP, APGA trade words over Abia guber GEORGE OPARA ABIA

ll Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to insist on cancellation of polls in Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Osisioma local government areas, which the Returning Officer, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, cancelled and later reversed himself. It said the returning officer was intimidated by the ruling Peoples Democratic

Party, PDP, to reverse himself. APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, who briefed journalists in Umuahia, explained that the returning officer had no power to recant after canceling results of the three councils on allegation of fraud. Umeh also called for prosecution of all PDP chieftains for allegedly invading the governorship collation centre at INEC office, Umuahia, and putting pressure on the Returning Officer to reverse himself. He also called on Pres-

ident-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to probe elections in the South East, describing polls in the region as bizarre. But, the PDP in a swift reaction dismissed the position of APGA, saying nobody induced or forced the returning officer to reverse his decision, that he merely realised his mistake and did the right thing. The state’s party chairman, Chief Emma Nwaka, said neither Governor Theodore Orji nor any PDP chieftain intimidated or influenced Prof. Ozumba to reverse the cancellation.

He, however, stated that PDP was ready anytime for a re-run of elections in areas where results were cancelled. Insisting that elections in the three council areas must remain cancelled, Umeh, who was flanked by the governorship candidate in the election, Dr. Alex Otti, described what happened at the collation centre as “bizarre and unacceptable to our party.” In his remarks, Otti appealed to Abia people to remain calm and thanked them for the support they gave to him and APGA.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Election

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Ladoja vows to reclaim ‘mandate’ from Ajimobi … governor-elect thanks electorate KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

hree days after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the governorship election held last weekend in Oyo State, former governor and Accord Party candidate, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, has vowed to reclaim the mandate given him by people of the state. Ladoja, who was speaking for the first time since announcement of Ajimobi as winner, said the outcome of the election did not reflect the true wish of people of the state. He said there was no going back on pursuing the case at the election petition tribunal, just as he described the APC victory as ‘phantom victory’. The former governor,

who addressed a crowd of supporters at the AP secretariat, Samonda, Ibadan, warned the APC government to stop harassing and tormenting his members, who were being accused of not voting for him. According to him, there are more than enough evidences, which he said, his lawyers were working on to reclaim his mandate. While urging members of the party to remain steadfast, he maintained that he would lead a protest should harassment of the masses who voted for him continue, adding that he would reclaim his mandate with the last drop of his blood. Meanwhile, a PDP leader in the state and Senator representing Oyo North in the National Assembly, Hosea Ayoola Agboola, has congratulated the governor, described him as a trail blazer. Agboola in a congratulatory message personally

signed by him, a copy of which was made available to journalists, however, admonished Ajimobi to be magnanimous in victory because of posterity. Meanwhile, Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday in Ibadan had a road show to thank the electorate for re-electing him as governor of the state.

Addressing the crowd at Government House Arcade, Ajimobi said: “I thank all my supporters who voted me in for second term and for the love you extended to me.” Ajimobi on Sunday made history by becoming the first governor in the state to win a second term ticket.

The governor said, “I have to organise this rally to show my sincere appreciation for the good gesture extended to me by people of the state.’’ He said that though he had a comfortable lead of 18 members in the House of Assembly, he desired two more seats for administrative convenience.

He appreciated the congratulatory messages extended to him by his opponents, including Mr. Teslim Folarin of PDP and Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, and expected same from Rashid Ladoja of AP. The road show later moved to Oje, Bere and major streets of Ibadan in a carnival-like procession.

PDP accused of rigging in Isoko South AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

member representing Isoko South constituency 1 in Delta State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Assembly candidate in the just concluded elections, Benjamin Okiemute Essien, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of rigging the election. Rejecting the results during a press confer-

ence yesterday in Asaba, Essien alleged that there were recorded and physical evidences of mass thumpprinting by supporters of PDP in various houses of leaders of the party in some areas of his constituency. Essien, while calling for immediate cancellation of results of the election in the affected areas, circulated copies of the petition to newsmen where he disclosed that widespread incidences of violence, thumpprinting and ballot boxes snatching were rampant.

According to the Chairman, House Committee on Security, in the state’s legislature, “Elections in some wards in the constituency was marred by violence perpetrated by agents of PDP in connivance with some electoral officials who stole the people’s mandate. The petition, which was addressed to Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, and signed by Essien himself, stated that, “I wish to draw your attention to ir-

regularities carried out in Isoko South constituency 1, as observed by the APC. “In Emede Ward 5, the card readers were not used for accreditation, people without PVCs were allowed to vote, amid massive thump-printing of ballot papers outside the polling units. Also, at Irri Ward 11, unit 6,7,8 and 9, there were no accreditation, ballot boxes were carted away by agents and thugs of PDP for multiple thump-printing outside the polling units.

South West

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

No new case of Ebola in Lagos, says govt FRANCIS SUBERU AND FRANKA OSAKWE

agos State government has debunked rumour making the rounds that there was fresh cases of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in the state. The state government said contrary to messages being circulated on social media, there was no fresh case of Ebola in the city. At a joint news conference yesterday at the state’s Ministry of Health, Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said on April 9, there was rumour in the social media of the return of EVD to Nigeria, killing three and infecting 12 other persons. He said findings re-

vealed that the EVD rumour was generated from two different websites, explaining that the government swung into action to verify the source, quality and viability of the rumour, its author as well as embarked on social media campaign to debunk the news on its facebook site. The websites are: www. mercyjblog.com/2015/04/ breaking-iebola-returnto-nigeriaiafter.html and http://www.naijabadoo. com. Idris added that the second rumour concerning two Chinese visitors from Sierra Leone was posted on twitter @iChexo on April 12, claiming that two Chinese died of EVD at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, same day, saying investigation carried out at LUTH confirmed that to

be completely untrue. “We believe the author of these materials simply wanted to generate traffic to their websites, which appears successfully achieved. We wish to assure you that health workers have continued to maintain a high index of

suspicion of Ebola Virus Disease and other Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers. “The operations and surveillance activities of the Ebola Emergency Operations Centre, EEOC, have continued despite containment of the EVD and declaration of Nige-

ria as Ebola-free by WHO in 2014,” he said. He stated that activities of the EEOC were still ongoing, such as screening of passengers at the point of entry, enhanced surveillance for EVD in all councils in the state, social mobilisation and

communication activities at the community and council levels, training on enhanced EVD surveillance for Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, DSNOs, ward local persons and community informants, among others.

Subsidy fraud: PPPRA okays Majope transaction MATTHEW IRINOYE

Lagos State High Court presided over by Justice Lateefa Okunnu was yesterday informed by a prosecution witness in the ongoing N1.1billion subsidy fraud against an oil marketer, Opeyemi Ajuwah, that the fuel subsidy transaction carried out by the marketer in 2011 was in order. The witness, Mohammed Abubakar Ghidi, who is a Senior Research Officer with Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, said the computation made in 2011 based on the documents submitted by the marketer, Majope Investment Transaction, was in order. Ghidi, a Civil and Water Resources engineer, made the statement while being cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr. Lanrewaju Ajanaku, Mr. Remi Oguntoye and Mr. D. A. Awosika. Ajuyah and her company, Majope Investment Limited, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged N1.1bn subsidy fraud. They are standing trial

with Abdullahi Alao, son of the late Alhaji Arisekola Alao, his company, Axenergy Limited, and Olanrewaju Olalusi. During proceedings yesterday, the witness told the court that he was not aware of the case until a letter of request from EFCC was sent to him in May 2013. He said the PPPRA received a letter dated May 10, 2013 from the EFCC requesting them to re-compute the Majope Investment Limited transaction carried out in 2011. According to him, the EFCC had asked his agency to re-compute the transaction based on a quoted figure to the tune of 5.7 million litters as against the initial total of 20.3 million litters for which the marketer claimed subsidy payment.

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right) receiving report and recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry on Ipetumodu and Ashipa Towns Communal Clash/Disturbance from the commission’s Chairman, Justice Olajide Falola, in Osogbo, yesterday.

Illegal firearms: Surrender or face the law –Aregbesola BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

sun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday read the riot act to people in possession of illegal weapons to voluntarily surrender such arms to relevant authorities. The governor stated these while receiving report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the state to look into the crisis between Ipetumodu and Ashipa communities

in Ife-North Local Government of Osun State at Government House, Osogbo. Aregbesola, who gave those in possession of firearms till first week of June to surrender them or face full wrath of the law, further disclosed that his government would set up a Standing Commission of Inquiry to regularly review all cases of abuse of power or status that may threaten peace and harmonious relationship in the state. He also called on politicians and people with those he called “Private Army”

and guards to immediately disband such structures as the state was entering an era where it would be strict on maintenance of rule of law, peace and order and guarantee of the rights of the citizen. He said people should exhibit maturity in making claims to land so that communities will not witness violence that would diminish human existence. The governor also advised that differences on land should not lead to violence due to the fact that there will always be

claims and counter claims on land, hence the need for a matured way of resolving such issues. According to him, “people with illegal weapons should voluntarily submit them to relevant authorities in not more than one week from now before government begins to fish them out. “People should live to the dictates of the law, our government will after the one week ultimatum embark on house-to-house search for illegal weapons so that the state can have peace.

three-day warning strike, beginning from Tuesday, to press home their demands from government. It was gathered that the decision to proceed on strike followed inability of labour representatives and government delegation to reach common ground regarding demands of workers at a meeting held

at the Banquet Hall of the Governor’s Office, Abeere, on Monday. But after Monday meeting, Mr. Akinyemi Olatunji, state chairman of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, in a chat with newsmen, said workers would not embark on industrial action.

Thugs attack workers at Osun secretariat BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

rmed thugs yesterday unleashed terror on workers who reported for work at the Osun State secretariat, Abeere, in deference to an order by factional chairman of Trade Union Con-

gress, TUC, Mr. Francis Adetunji, who on Monday directed civil servants in the state to commence a three-day warning strike. Sources within labour movement in the state alleged that insistence on industrial action by a faction of TUC led by Adetunji was borne out of alleged rejection of its budget for

May Day celebrations by the state government, because of poor state of finances. However, template for yesterday’s crisis appeared laid on Monday when Adetunji, who is leader of TUC faction recognised by Osun State Government, directed civil servants to commence a

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South East

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Okorocha urges INEC to announce Imo guber poll result Chris Njoku OWERRI

midst anxiety and apprehension arising from the Imo State inconclusive governorship election, Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday implored Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Ibidapo Obe, to urgently collate and declare the remaining results. The governor said this while briefing newsmen in Government House, Owerri. He accused INEC officials and the police of collaborating with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to commit electoral fraud to the disadvantage of APC.

Okorocha, who commended people of the state for their show of support and solidarity before, during and after the election, however, enjoined them to remain calm and peaceful, assuring that their wish must ultimately prevail as they demonstrated at the polls. “Imo is our state to protect irrespective of whatever political party is in power and it is our collective responsibility to defend democracy, which is government of the people, by the people and for the people.” The governor regretted that a supplementary governorship election had become a recurring decimal in the state, beginning with 2011 general election, and advised PDP in

the state to toe the path of President Goodluck Jonathan, who wholeheartedly accepted the result of the presidential election and conceded defeat to General Muhammadu Buhari. He stressed that a rerun governorship election in the state was untenable since he had met the constitutional requirements to be declared winner of the polls. The governor commiserated with individuals who suffered one form of humiliation or the other during the polls and assured that the state government would take steps to remedy their plight. He decried the electoral

malpractices in the three local government areas of Mbaise, Isu and Njaba, where he said ballot boxes were violently snatched by agents allegedly belonging to the PDP in addition to attacks on some government officials by thugs also belonging to the PDP. He advised people of the state to continue to love one another and to shun all forms of violence in the interest of the state. Meanwhile, the state government has called for immediate redeployment and prosecution of Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr. Gabriel Adah, for alleged complicity in the skirmishes and

violence that resulted in killings and snatching of ballot boxes that marred the governorship election in the state. Director-General of Rochas Campaign Organisation, Mr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, who made the call while briefing newsmen in Owerri, the state capital, on outcome of the election, also called for sanctions against the governorship candidate of the PDP, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, for reckless use of security personnel to cause mayhem and commit electoral fraud. “Blood flowed freely and homes of prominent PDP stalwarts were used

with impunity as collating centres to the disadvantage of APC,” he alleged. Alaribe also descended on officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the state for indulging in electoral malpractices, adding that although there was no election in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Council Area, staff of the commission did their own award of scores to the advantage of PDP, stating that APC members were indiscriminately harassed, intimidated, arrested, tortured and detained by security agencies.

Governor-elect, Ugwuanyi, unveils 4-point agenda

overnor-elect of Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has unveiled a four-point agenda of his administration. In his acceptance speech in Enugu on Tuesday, Ugwuanyi listed the agenda to include employment generation, social services and good governance, rural development, security and social justice. Ugwuanyi said the fourpoint agenda would run concurrently with that of the present administration of Gov Sullivan Chime. He said: “I renew the message of peace, hope and development of our dear state and the principles of seamless continuity and consolidation. “I reaffirm my commitment to seeing through the legacy of the present four-point agenda and once again commit to all our campaign promises in the 17 local government areas of the state. “From the 17 local government areas, the people spoke eloquently with their votes and entrusted on me the responsibility of rendering selfless service to our dear state. “I am deeply humbled by that mandate reposed in me and I hereby accept it with all sense of humility and gratitude.’’ The governor-elect commended the 22 political par-

ties that endorsed him as governor and other stakeholders, including former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; former governors Jim Nwobodo, Okwesilieze Nwodo and Dr Chimaroke Nnamani. Others were Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; Admiral Allison Madueke and Group Captain Anthony Oguguo. He extended a hand of fellowship to fellow governorship candidates and promised to work with them. In his remark, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, also thanked people of the state and party faithful for their unalloyed support. “As we move on politically, we want to move the state forward politically and economically. I want to promise that as much as possible, we will carry everyone along. “I want you to continue supporting the governor,’’ he added.

Ugwuanyi

L-R: Ozo Gab Agu, Mr Barry Chukwu; former Minister of Information, Mr. John Nwodo (middle); Rep member, Julius Ofoma, and Executive Chairman, Enugu Sports Club, Chief Obum Arum, at the funeral rites of Lady Maria Agumiri at Obinagu, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, yesterday.

Enugu Assembly continues with Chime’s probe Dennis Agbo ENUGU

nugu State House of Assembly yesterday continued to probe activities of the government of Governor Sullivan Chime, and summoned Accountant General of the state to appear before the house today. The House also suspended the House Committee Chairman on Finance, Johnbul Nwagu, accusing him of plot to bring the House to disrepute. It threatened that if the Accountant General fails to appear before it, he would be arrested by the police. The House is asking the Accountant General

to come and explain why he deliberately starved the House of funds. It also summoned Commissioner for Lands to appear before it to account for land allocations within the three arms zone in the state to private individuals and business concerns instead of public use as contained in the original master plan of the state capital. Also to appear before the House is Managing Director of Enugu State Water Corporation, who the House accused of defying its order against concession of the corporation. The Commissioner for Lands will also answer questions on the sale of Eastern Nigeria Industri-

al Pack to a highly placed official of the state or his crony. It is being speculated that Governor Chime was the one who bought all the alleged properties. Moving a motion for the summons, Iloabuchi Aniagu, representing Nkanu West state constituency, moved for investigation of indiscriminate allocation of lands in the three arms zone, noting that an investor, Park and Shop owners, should be restrained from further development of plots near the assembly complex. Aniagu argued that the shops will endanger the House of Assembly and has already destroyed the historic tunnel leading to the speaker’s official

quarter. Mathias Ekweremadu supported the motion, saying the original plan of Enugu should be upheld, adding that people may demonstrate for that. John Anichukwu said the House was surprised that the Water Corporation concession was ongoing despite the order against AG Gold Trust Limited that bought the corporation. He lamented that the Eastern Nigeria Investment Place at Zik Avenue has also been sold. Ude Okoye berated Johnbul Nwagu for saying they would not receive their allowances, adding that Nwagu was incapable of handling the Finance committee.

South South

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Independent Democrats want Rivers polls cancelled Dennis Naku

PORT HARCOURT

political party, the Independent Democrats, ID, has joined calls for cancellation of last Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections in Rivers State, saying the exercise was fraught with irregularities.

L-R: Wife of Delta State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Nelly Tuwere; Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, and Governor-Elect, Ifeanyi Okowa during a visit to Prof. Ituama, yesterday.

Jonathan sends N299bn NDDC budget to Senate S enate yesterday received a N299 billion 2015 Appropriation Bill for Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, from President Goodluck Jonathan. In the bill, which was accompanied by a letter from Jonathan and read by President of the Senate, David Mark, the commission’s budget proposal represented 7.1 per cent drop from its 2014 approved estimate of N322 billion. The proposed budget, according to the letter, is made up of Personnel Expenditure of N16.13 billion, Recurrent Expenditure of N10.42 billion,

Internal Capital Expenditure of N1.88 billion and Capital Projects Development Expenditure of N271.09 billion. It stated that the budget would be funded from N10 billion revenue brought forward from 2014, Federal Government contribution of N70 billion and unpaid arrears by Federal Government amounting to N20 billion. Other sources, it said, included contribution from oil companies and other companies totaling N160 billion, Ecological Fund of N40 billion and other internally generated income of N100 million.

Estimated income to the commission from various sources during the period as contained in the letter is N300 billion. Mark also announced receipt of a request from President Jonathan to consider an Act to Enact the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (Establishment) Bill, 2015. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that The Great Green Wall is a planned project to plant a wall of trees across Africa at the southern edge of the Sahara desert. This initiative developed by the African Union aims at addressing the detrimental social, economic and environmental impacts of land degradation and desertification in

the Sahel and the Sahara. Meanwhile, Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots Bill, 2015 and the Nigerian Metallurgical Industry Bill (2015) scaled first reading. Equally, the request for confirmation of Justice Amiru Sanusi as a Justice of the Supreme Court was referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action. However, reports on 2015 Appropriation Bill, as well as Petroleum (Upstream and Downstream) and Gas Resources Petroleum Industry Bill 2015, were deferred to another legislative day.

Lamenting the “outrageous” outcome of the election in Port Harcourt, the state capital, yesterday, Chairman of ID, Pastor Ihunwo Anthony, told a news conference that it would amount to double-speak should the Independent National Electoral commission, INEC, allow the Rivers election to go unchallenged. Anthony, who contested for the seat of Obio/Akpor constituency II in the House of Assembly, complained that the election featured irregularities ranging from the disappearance of result sheets to snatching of ballot boxes by hoodlums as well as sporadic shooting that lasted several hours. He stated that elections did not take place in ward 12 and 13; “The whole of Eneka clan, which is 60 per cent of wards 14, 15 and 16, had no House of Assembly election. “How then did PDP come out with the outrageous re-

Police arrest 13 suspects over electoral offences

olice in Edo State said it arrested 13 persons for snatching ballot boxes and other electoral offences during

EPZ project: Itsekiri, Ijaw youths clash

…scores injured Theophilus Onojeghen WARRI

he cordial relationship between the Ijaw and Itsekiri of Warri Southwest Local Government Area of Delta State turned sour yesterday morning when youths from both sides confronted each other, injuring scores of persons and setting several houses ablaze. National Mirror learnt the violent confrontation

began when Ijaw workers allegedly encroached on the land allocated to Itsekiri, where the multi-billiondollar Export Processing Zone, EPZ (aka Gas-city project) groundbreaking ceremony was recently performed by President Goodluck Jonathan. It was gathered that all sorts of dangerous weapons were used in the renewed skirmish, which started late Monday evening till the early hours of yesterday morning.

For allegedly trespassing on their land, the Itsekiri youths mobilised to the scene, which resulted in the fracas. No fewer than three houses were razed in Madangho, an Itsekiri community, while scores of persons suffered several gunshot, machete cuts and wounds in the brawl. The youths reportedly injured an Ijaw night guard and some of his colleagues in the process, a situation that made the Ijaw mobilise and started shooting and burning houses in Itsekiri area.

“When the boys said they were going last night, we advised them not to go, that it was late, but they insisted. Thirty minutes later, Ijaw people came to our community with machine guns and started shooting, but we ran into the bush with our families. “We started calling everyone we knew in Itsekiri community that we did not send the boys that attacked them, but they had started burning houses,” our sources revealed. However, it was gathered that two of the four boys who spearheaded the

sult that INEC announced? “I know very well that if the election was conducted in a free and fair environment, Barrister Nyesom Wike would have still won because he was the most popular candidate among all of them. “The irregularities were too pronounced and we in ID want that election cancelled. “We will go to the Tribunal and get the result upturned. We spent time to do our door-to-door campaign and we were very sure we would win the Assembly seat to correct some of the very glaring difficulties facing our people,” he said. Anthony said he aspired to the House to sponsor/ promote three key laws such as indigenisation of the non-indigene bill, public decency and urbanisation bills targeted at improvement of the lives of the citizenry irrespective of one’s state of origin. He however called on the judiciary to be fair to all parties when petitions start pouring in for a thorough investigation into the elections in the state. “The judiciary must truly be independent. It must be fair to all parties. The entire election in Obio/Akpor was a sham and must be cancelled and rescheduled,” he said.

attack have been arrested while the search for the rest is on. Ijaw youths had allegedly given the handing over of the ring leaders as a condition for peace. Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, Commodore Musa Gemu, confirmed the incident, adding that the situation has been arrested while one person had been apprehended in connection with the incident. Gemu said the fracas was a case of mistaken identity; an alleged intruder passing through Madagho.

the House of Assembly election on April 11. News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that eight suspects were arrested during the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state over the same offences. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joseph Edoigiawerie, said in Benin yesterday that the suspects were arrested at different locations in the state. He said 10 of the suspects were arrested in Auchi, while three were nabbed in Iguobazuwa, Ovia Southwest Local Government Area. Edoigiawerie added that the suspects would be charged to court after thorough investigation into the matter.

Wednesday April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

We’ll hit the ground running in Bauchi –Governor-elect You have just been declared as the governor-elect of Bauchi State, having defeated the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, how do you feel? I must first of all give thanks to the almighty Allah for the victory. I will give my thanks to the good people of Bauchi for not only coming out enmass to vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, but also staying to protect their votes and ensuring that correct results were declared.

During the campaign, you rolled out your plan for the people of Bauchi State, will you still keep to your promises to the people? I don’t wish to deviate from every promise I made to the people of Bauchi. Our plans include what we call quick wind projects, and the moment we take over power, whatever little monies we find in the treasury, there are certain aspects of societal problems that we are going to attack and embark upon and these have to do with the social and the health well being of the citizens of Bauchi State. I wouldn’t want to divulge these immediately because the outgoing government will wake up from its slumber. There are areas even in this state capital that when you take a drive, you will notice certain things indeed. President-elect, General Munammadu Buhari, while we were driving from the Emirs Palace to the Multipurpose Hall when he visited Bauchi noticed some of these things and he drew my attention to them and I told him that probably one of the first thing we will start will be to take care of those aspects. And also the issue of the broadening of the internally generated revenue base of the state, we must do it because as it is now we generated almost zero IGR, we generated about five percent and that can’t even take care of the fueling of the generating set in Government house. So we have to broaden the revenue base. We must begin to think out of the box. We are endowed, thanks be to the almighty Allah, this state is endowed with a lot of solid minerals and if one harnesses them, one can move this state forward. Tourism is another sector; the tourism sector is virtually not developed because people make the mistake thinking because we have the Yankari Game Reserve that our tourism sector is developed, tourism involves much more than that. Your tourism begins at your point of entry, you have to take care of the problems at the point entry in Nigeria. In terms of the Yankari game reserve, thank God I worked there for two years and I know quite a bit about it, I have good ideas that I will use to develop the Yankari Game Reserve and position it in such a way that for Nigeria, we can bring in about 300 foreigners who will come into Nigeria, come to Bauchi and spend their dollars. You are aware that the PDP administration made a lot of concerted efforts to put in place some programmes for youth and women, do you intend to sustain these programmes or do you have plan to probe the government? I am not going to waste time on probes, just like the

Barr Mohammed Abubakar is the governor-elect of Bauchi State under the All Progressives Congress, APC. He tell selected journalists in Bauchi that he intends to fulfill all the electioneering promises he made to the people of Bauchi State, adding that his administration will not waste time to probe the outgoing administration. EZEKIEL TITUS brings excerpts:

Abubakar

I AM NOT GOING TO WASTE TIME ON PROBES, JUST LIKE THE ONE THIS GOVERNMENT HAD AT THE BEGINNING, THAT IS VERY WASTEFUL one this government had at the beginning, that is very wasteful, at the end of the day, they were not able to collect even one kobo, but what I am going to assure the good people of Bauchi State is that we are going to embark on all effort to trace the huge resources that came in to the state, we will definitely do that and the issue of palliative measures as if it is not the government of the PDP that has engendered poverty in the polity, it is the PDP that used poverty as a weapon, engendered poverty because it is the only way they can rule for their so called 16 years, when you are impoverished you do not even think straight, when it comes to the time of elections, N500 means a lot to the people and especially when they steal their money, they turn round to bribe

them with these money, but thank God the people were sensible enough to collect their money back and then vote for change and that is why we are here. Palliative measures has to come from the heart, you have to have a commitment to the state first and foremost and to the youth particularly and I have said it so many times that the issue of the youth and women are dear to me, and I intend to address them and I am not going to do it the way this government has done it. As it is now, I have set up a body called Bauchi State Rebranding Project, which involves the use of Bauchi State indigenes in the academia, retired civil servants, technocrats, and those who are in the organised private sector, who at the end of the day would come up with a blueprint. If you place it side by side with the report of the transition committee, the transition committee will tell you the amount of rot in the system, and then what I intend to do is immediately after we take over, I am going to assemble a summit of Bauchi State indigenes, wherever you are, if you have something to contribute, I will call them devoid of any party consideration, I will call everybody, sit everybody down, I will place these two documents before them, this is the report of the transition committee, take a look at it. This on the other is my blue print, this what I intend to do for the good people of Bauchi State, you study it and tell me the way forward and intend to abide by whatever decisions are arrived at that summit. During your campaign, you faced a lot of opposition even within your party and even the present government was said to be opposing your candidature, now you have won the election, do you intend to extend a hand of friendship for all those that opposed you? In reality, I haven’t been fighting anybody, to be very very honest, I haven’t been fighting anybody. In sensible climate when you win election, the people you contest with are supposed to come and congratulate you, but in Nigeria I was the one who went to the houses of each and every of the people I aspired with to beg them to come back so that we can join hands in driving this party to success, so I am not fighting anybody, So, there is no fight to continue with, if I am fighting anybody, it is the government of the PDP and the government of the PDP, you know when it suits them they will tell you that I am the Yuguda accolade, when it does not suit them they will tell you I am not a good man, let nobody vote for me, so with this you will know that my candidature is from God Almighty and I will never forget that and I am going to use that in running the government of Bauchi State.

Politics

Wednesday April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

House: Reps begin battle for pow

s members of the House of Representatives wind up its operations to end the 7th Assembly, the incoming lawmakers, that is, those that won the March 28 general election, including both ranking returning members and newly elected lawmakers are preparing to storm the National Assembly by June 6, when they would be inaugurated. For the House to get functioning, there are nine positions to be occupied to form the leadership of the House in order to carry out the day-to-day running of the legislative process. These offices include: the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the House, otherwise known as the Majority Leader, Deputy Leader, House Whip, Deputy House Whip, Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip. Aside these positions, there are about 92 committees which members would be struggling for especially the juice committees. Members, especially ranking members who would be consider first before the new members, would also jostle for the chairmanship of juicy or grade A committees. But new members who could pull the string from the party or those who matter in the society would be considered too. Now that the stage is set for the scrambling for positions in the House, ranking members who believed that they are capable of holding offices have being coming up to declare their intention to contest. As has been the practice, after the inauguration of the 8th Assembly, all the nine positions would be occupied immediately to pilot the affairs of the House for the next four years. Both the old and the new members are already moving round to ensure that they secure good positions and juicy committees so that they would not be left out in the activities of the House in the next four years. However, some of the members vying for the positions are only doing that to negotiate for good and juicy committees, which would make them more relevant in the country and also give them opportunity to improve the condition of members of their constituencies. While the old members would try to struggle to share the principal officers among themselves and other grade A committees, new members too would not be left out of the struggle through their influence to secure committees for themselves. In this new dispensation, there would be serious power struggle among the old and the new members. And if care is not taken, the new ones, if they are formidable enough from the beginning, can up-turn the stage against old members who are very few in numbers. A pointer to this fact is a new member from Osun State who is making effort to contest for the speakership position. The meaning is that if the new members rally round him and give him the needed support, he may take it from the old

WOLE OLADIMEJI writes on the scrambling for power and positions among elected members of the incoming House of Representatives.

Gbajabiamila

members. However, he would have to contend with the House Rule which did not permit a new member to occupy any of the principal officersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; position. Meanwhile, all contenders to the various positions in the House are only waiting for the party to give direction on which geo-political zones take whichever office, before the real struggle intensifies, as there would be practically no time for them to move around to solicit support. The 9 principal offices of the House, as well as the Appropriation Committee chairmanship would be shared among all the geo-political zones after taking cognisance of which zones produced the President and the Vice President. Now that the race for the speakership position continues to be expanding day by day, with ranking members expressing interest should the incoming party, the All progressives Congress, APC, zones the speakership to their zones, the struggle to occupy the House number one seat, and by virtue of the Constitution, the number position nationally, has continued to rage. More facts are beginning to emerge on who could be speaker and who members may not want due to one thing or the other. There have been serious assessment of those persons coming out and what they can do and the implication of their personalities to the House if they are elected. In the past days, only two candidates were said to be in the race and the two are strong contenders, but now four lawmakers have also declared their intentions, though unofficially yet. Those who have signified interest in the House of Representatives speakership include: Mohammed Monguno from Borno State in the North-East, Pally Iriase from Edo State in the South-

Dogara

Iriase

MORE FACTS ARE BEGINNING TO EMERGE ON WHO COULD BE SPEAKER AND WHO MEMBERS MAY NOT WANT DUE TO ONE THING OR THE OTHER South, Isreal Ajibola Famurewa from Osun State in the South-West and Abdulmumuni Jubril from Kano State, in the North-West. Others are: Femi Gbajabiamila from Lagos State in the SouthWest and Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi State in the North-East. The six contenders are qualified because all of them are from APC, the incoming governing party. They are however waiting for the party to decide where the speakership will be zoned, before deciding on their next line of action. Three among the contenders are lawyers and this makes the race to be more interesting. Gbajabiamila, Dogara and Monguno are lawyers, while Famurewa is a mechanical engineer. Iriase an accountant and Abdulmumin is a political scientist. Iriase who hails from Edo State stands a good chance from feelers coming out from APC that the speakership may be zoned to the South-South in order to spread the position equitably. He was born on January 19, 1955 and presently represents Owan East/West federal constituency of Edo State, in the South-South zone. A second term representative, Iriase holds BSc (Second Class Upper Division)

in Accountancy from the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1982, an MSc in Accounting from University of Lagos in 1988. He is a Fellow of the prestigious Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN. A former head of Internal Audit Department of Bendel State University (now split into Edo (Ambrose Alli) University Ekpoma and Delta State University Abraka) for many years and was also a part-time lecturer in Accounting, he was also an Assistant Controller at Omega Bank Plc, (now fused into Enterprise Bank) from where he resigned and joined politics in 1998. A former Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003, with the distinction of being the only Speaker/Deputy Speaker to have served the full tenure of four years unimpeached in Edo State so far, he was a former chairman of Owan East Local Government council and doubled as chairman of Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON between 2003 and 2007. He was a former Secretary to Edo State Government, SSG, from 2008 to 2011, from where he resigned and successfully contested for membership of the House of Representatives in 2011. He was among the group of politicians who took Edo State away from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, CAN, in the 2007 general election. He is a member of the National Strategy Committee of APC under the chairmanship of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State. The cerebral team included their excellencies John Oyegun, Garuba Gadi, Mallam Nasir El rufai, Senators Osita Izunaso and Adetunmbi, Hadiza Bala Usman and Jimi

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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15 15

From The Civil Service FCT hosts veterans tourney for ex-internationals P.42

Over 1,500 battle to keep job as legislative aides WOLE OLADIMEJI ABUJA

if the new lawmakers decide otherwise, the affected aides are making frantic efforts to get to the new lawmakers before the situation get out of hand. To this effect, the affected ad hoc staffs have started moving from pillar to pole to see whether the incoming lawmakers would be able to employ them. But, it is not compulsory that the new lawmakers pick from any of the affected aides. The danger in it is that some of the new lawmakers may have had people that would work for them from their various constituencies and if this happens, it means some of them would be left jobless for the next four year. Based on this reasons, some of them have started meeting those that matter,

people who would be able to push their case forward while those that can pray have being disturbing their pastors to help them pray for a new job; others vowed to go the extra miles to achieve their desire. The system is that if any of the affected aides is lucky to be engaged, the lawmaker would forward the name of the lucky aide to the National Assembly Commission for documentation since it is the commission that would be paying the salary and each lawmaker is entitled to four staff in Abuja. But those who may not be luck would remain jobless and hang around the National Assembly Complex for the next four years. Though some of the greedy lawmakers would document people from

their constituencies to benefit and still go ahead to employ aides on their own and pay them peanut ranging from N30, 000 to N40,000 base on negotiations. The National Assembly Commission took over the payment of salaries of legislative aides when the cry of extortion was too much and the rate of dispensing with the staff. Now, over 1,500 aides do not know their faith since 301 members lost their election to return to the House of Representatives and the Senate. Investigation revealed that the affected aides are not finding it easy as all hope to commence the moves on how to contact the new members seems difficult because these set of newly elected members are relatively unknown.

Activities still in limbo as ministers desert offices CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

nvestigations reveal that most ministers y the expiration of have been away from the 7th assembly office since the beginning on June 5, when the of campaigns for the 2015 new president will formalgeneral elections bringing ly dissolve the National work and general activities Assembly, over 1,500 legin the federal ministries to islative aides of member a lull. of the House of RepresenIn an apparent campaign tatives and Senate would effort, all the ministers vahave lost their job with the cated their offices to their National Assembly Comvarious constituencies as mission. soon as the Independent Majority of the senators National Electoral Comdid not win their election, mission (INEC) gave the therefore, legislative aides green light for campaigns working for the senators to work to secure a second would lose theirs, unless term for the president. the incoming senators deIt was learnt that the cided to reabsorb them. ministers were specifically In the House of Repredirected to move down to sentative, about 1,204 and their various states to dein senate, more than 300 liver their constituencies legislative aides would be during the electioneering affected by this trend and campaign. Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Jumoke Akinjide, was one of the first to kick the ball rolling when she was said to have described President Goodluck Jonathan as the most womanfriendly leader in Nigeria’s history, urging Nigerian women to work to secure a second term for the president at her Aremo, Ibadan constituency office. “President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet has thirteen women as Ministers, the United Nations’ representative, the Chief Justice of Nigeria- also being women. He has been very religious in the allocation of 35 per cent share to women in all ways, and he has promised to make it 50/50 by 2015 if re-elected,” she said. President, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, Mr Umaru Aliyu (left), presenting report on the Winning Entry of the Architectural Design competition for the Model NYSC Orientation Camp, Kwali, to representative of Minister of FCT, Mr Soso MohamIt is also recalled that

med in Abuja, yesterday.

INEC lists elected Edo lawmakers, declares Orhionmwon inconclusive P.41

NOTAP seeks ECOWAS intervention in science, technology P.42

Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abdul Jelili Adesiyan, was said to have been attacked by peoples suspected to be thugs in Gbongan, Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State during his house to house campaign train arrived Gbongan, where no fewer than ten members of the Peoples Democratic Party were severely injured. According to the media aids to the minister, Mr Wale Akinola, some suspected thugs had first unleash terror on members of PDP in the town, who were waiting to receive the minister’s campaign train but his presence could not calm the nerves of the irate youths, whose action caused chaos in the town for more than two hours. “While trying to appeal to the members of PDP to remain resolute and calm in spite of the harassment and provocation by the opposition, the minister was almost lynched by the thugs but for the rapid intervention of his security personnel who whisked him away from the scene”, he said. The minister said, “As I was coming from Orile-Owu to Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government, in continuation of my house to house campaign for the re-election of Mr. President, members of our party were brutalised by the thugs in Gbongan. As I was pleading to our party members to be law abiding and allow law to take its due course, my immediate younger brother’s wife who is on our campaign train was machetted and she is in the hospital as I speak now.

NSITF pledges fairness in staff promotion P.16

Managing Director of NSITF, Munir Abubakar

Civil Service

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NSITF pledges fairness in staff promotion OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

he Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has moved to douse the tension emanating from the ongoing promotion exercise as it promised to ensure fairness to all the staff in the organisation. The jostling for promotion between old and new staff members appears to be assuming dangerous dimension as the in-house union has also pitched its tents with some of the staff. This, observers noted, have resulted into the formation of fifth columnists who are alleging favouritism by both the board and management of the Fund. Reacting to the unhealthy development while receiving an award on behalf of the Fund in Abuja from a coalition of 40 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Abuja, the Managing Director of NSITF, Munir Abubakar said promotion of staffers had never been lopsided, insisting that the organisation had always engaged in the exercise in strict compliance to the principle of federal character, equity and fairness. He said, “Our promotion is executed based on government policy, which means we are guided by Federal

Character, if we don’t, we would answer to the National Assembly. It is possible some people have some grudges, but in everything we do, we ensure equity, we must ensure balance.” Abubakar also debunked insinuation of usurpation of management powers by the board. “The Act establishing us names us as managementboard. Whatever I do as MD or someone does as an Executive Director; we have the mandate of the board. We are a management board, not like other organizations. The board members are part-time, so they cannot always be here, we act on their behalf,” he added. The MD also explained that the appointment of collection agents is backed by the law and that the mandate of collection agents is different from that of staff. “Let me correct an impression. We have not recruited thousands of workers. It is true we have employed some workers in the last few months, but appointing collection agents is a requirement of the law and how the scheme operates. The staff you referred to, have other jobs that are prescribed for them. In the implementation of the scheme, there are various aspects that are expected to be executed by various sets of professionals and stake-

holders,” he explained. The NSITF boss highlighted that some of the misgivings that had persisted in the organisation bothered on the realignment of processes and procedures of integrating both new and new staff. Again, he explained: “In establishment where there are old and new staffs due to additional responsibilities, there bound to be complaints of sidetracking espe-

cially by the older staff who may feel they have not been given what they deserved. The thinking is also that they remained with the organization where we were struggling for the implementation of the Employees Compensation scheme. “What we can do is to try to be fair to all sides. And these have been done and we will continue to ensure fairness to all. Yes there was a committee that was set up

to look at the complaints. That is part of the steps to right any perceived wrongdoing. The management understands that it cannot succeed in an atmosphere of rancour and that is why we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is done where most people will have sense of belonging. “We must appreciate the fact that there is no way everybody can get what he or she wants. All of us must

come together to ensure we deliver quality service to every worker that sustains workplace injury. We must not allow our own ambition to override this most important mandate. Expressing appreciation for the commendation from the group, Abubakar gave the assurance that the Fund would not rest on its oars in delivering its mandate of provision of social security to Nigerian.

Civil Servants resuming duty at the Federal Secretariat after Easter holidays in Abuja, yesterday.

Why we are mainstreaming tourism and hospitability –NIHOTOUR DG JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

he Director-General, National Institute for Hospitability and tourism NIHOTOUR Mrs. Chika Balogun has said the failing oil prices in the international market is a wakeup call for agency to mainstream tourism and hospitability as another source of revenue in the country. The DG stated this recently; in an interview with National Mirror in Abuja where she explained her strive and how she intended to improve the agency for the growth and development of the country. According to her, Nigeria’s long years of over dependence on oil revenue affect adversely her investment in

tourism and hospitability which ought to be her main source of revenue considering her vast tourism potentials. “This is one of the revenues generating agency in Nigeria. Nigeria’s population is an asset for tourism which must be explored for economic gains that will boost the gross domestic product of Nigerians. “Recently, we had management retreat, because we needed to feel impact of management and I under-

stand we need to do more than day to day interaction in the office. We need to train our staff, so they will understand that is not business as usual. According to Balogun, the agency has restructured all the departments and also embarked on staff training to bring workers at par with international standard, stressing that the idea is position the tourism industry the country’s drive for economic diversification.

DG who regretted the way and manner hotels are been built in Nigeria without following the laid down rule promised to sanction any hotels that fail to comply with the rules. “As from now, are going to set-up a council and we will make sure NIHOTOUR will not be the only one who will populate the council, we are going to invite few of the major stakeholders from hotels and resort,

from tour operators and tour agencies so we can harmonize how to work closely.“Stakeholders and agency shall all decides what should be in the regulation, what should be the quality of service will need in Nigeria, is it 50 bed hotels, a five class hotels or a world class what are criteria they should have before they should call hotel. Some hotel in Nigeria should be called motel; some should be call rest houses

“So, we are going to put in place a criteria’s for all these, and when we all agree on all those things if any hotel don’t keep up with the criteria such hotels will face the wrath of the law. “The council will also, set a frame work that will stipulate who measure how do we monitor, what are the levels of professional cadet we have within the industry, what make you qualify to become members. She disclosed.

Ruling on ex-MINT boss, Okoyomon’s extradition today

Nigerian, Ehidiamhem Okoyomon, wanted in the United Kingdom over his alleged role in the bribery scandal involving officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the NSMPC and Se-

curency International Pty of Australia between 2006 and 2008 will know his fate today as Justice E. S. Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, rule on the extradition proceedings brought by the of-

fice of Attorney General of the Federation against the former managing director of Nigeria Security Minting and Printing Company, NSMPC.. The much-awaited ruling had suffered three pre-

vious adjournments. It would be recalled that Justice Chukwu had on October 7, 2014 fixed December 1, 2014 for ruling on the matter but later shifted it to January 23, 2015 on the grounds that the ruling

was not ready. However, the strike by the judicial workers prevented the ruling on January 23, forcing an indefinite adjournment. But the coast appears clear for Justice Chukwu to finally deliver his ruling.

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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Time to reinvent politics in Nigeria UDE IKPENWA

he recently concluded presidential and federal legislative elections in Nigeria afforded ordinary Nigerians a golden opportunity to speak volumes with their votes, thanks to the forthrightness and sincerity of Professor Attahiru Jega-led INEC. The election of the president itself promised to create history either way. If Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had won he would have made history as the first and perhaps only Nigerian to rule the country for a ten year stretch as well as the longest ruling Nigerian head of state. On the other hand, if General Muhammadu Buhari won, as he did, he was wont to make history as the first Nigerian to defeat a sitting president irrespective of all the attributes of the enormous power of incumbency. One of the takeaways of the event, which has attracted the admiration of Nigeria by the international community, was the awareness and consciousness of the Nigerian voters, occasioned by the fact that they have been silent observers of the happenings around them with regards to governance. Another is the pattern of voting across the country. It depicts that sentiments of religion and nearness in blood are not yet far from us. However, there is the need to make some clarifications. In fairness to the voters in the North, apart from the understandable home advantage available to every candidate, the

common man in the North did not vote for General Buhari just because he is from their place. I do not think that any other northerner would have garnered the quantity of votes he got there in the face of the enormous powers of incumbency. Rather, I think they voted overwhelmingly for him because of his Spartan lifestyle, his known anti-corruption and nononsense stance and the fact that he is known to identify more with the masses rather than the oligarchs. That was why the droves pushed aside their oligarchs, governors and ministers favouring the status quo (whose open profligacy and flaunting of ill-gotten wealth was becoming nauseating), to vote for someone they could feel comfortable identifying with. As for the South East, it is understandable that they sought to identify with someone they felt is their son. But most importantly, the people there are always awed by the power of incumbency and wary of being in opposition to the power at the centre. Again, their leaders whose real insatiable greed was being satiated by the profligacy of the present regime did things that inflated the figures of their preferred candidate and decimated the actual figures of the general. General Buhari deserves a big congratulation for his perseverance over the years, and for jumping all the horrendous hurdles with which his way was mined - from the infuriating distraction over a level of schooling he passed decades ago to the hate documentaries and advertori-

THIS IS THE ONLY COUNTRY WHERE ONE CANNOT SAY WITH CERTAINTY THAT THIS IS THE SALARY OF A PUBLIC OFFICER als in the media. There is also a big lesson there: that hate campaigns don’t win elections. Neither would the irritant fact of making our president kneel down publicly before all manner of people with their hands on his head, ostensibly for prayers. However, the elections having come and gone, as we focus on the pending inauguration of the new president, it appears pertinent that we reflect on the reasons why Nigerians made him their choice, and then contribute our own quota by making suggestions of what should be the agenda of the new administration in accordance with the General’s charge to us not to end our contributions at the polling booths, but contribute ideas to aid his incoming government. On that score it is important for General Buhari to know the real reasons why Nigerians overwhelmingly voted him as president. Nigerians preferred him because they have become fed up with the enormous profligacy and untrammelled corruption in governance at all levels from federal to local governments. The increase in the cost of governance by those at the cor-

Tinubu and the resurgence of progressive politics L ATEEF R AJI

n contemporary Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains a force to be reckoned with. His fragile physique notwithstanding, Tinubu has the heart of a lion. He dares to follow the path that lesser mortals tremble to trail. His audacious confrontations with the military are partly responsible for the restoration of democracy in our country in 1999. But then, Asiwaju is not all about boldness without vision. He combines a bold heart with a sound mind. He is blessed with an unusually sharp and uncanny mind. Asiwaju’s intellectual prowess is legendary. He is a pragmatic philosopher in his own right. He combines unbelievable intellectual depth with amazing spiritual profundity. His bat like full-size eyes prod deeply at everything in sight with the calculated precision of a predator going after its prey. They are, perhaps, responsible for the depth of his vision. Asiwaju sees far ahead of time. He could be likened to an ‘Abami Eda (a strange creature). Impossibility is a common word in the dictum of fidgety and sceptical souls that abandon their visions in the face of the slightest challenge. However, for Asiwaju, impossibility is a doorway to possibilities. Hence, he sees profound opportunities in every seeming impossibility. Prior to the successful merger of

NOW THAT THE NIGHT IS OVER, NO ONE SHOULD DENY ASIWAJU THE RIGHT TO CLINK THE GLASS AND PUMP CHAMPAGNE

the various political parties that transformed into the All Progressive Congress, APC, merging of political parties had not been a successful venture in the country. In the Second Republic, for instance, the progressives led by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Aminu Kano, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim and others tried fruitlessly to form a formidable progressive inclined political party that could wrestle power from the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN). It was, perhaps, this history of failure by the progressives to forge a common front that initially made political observers and pundits to be sceptical of the feasibility of the APC project. Indeed, some prominent PDP members swore by their mothers and grandmothers that the merger was not going to see work. However, with the unwavering and calculated focus of a lion in pursuit of its prey, Asiwaju and his fellow progressive leaders, who are today’s heroes of democracy, forged ahead like Trojans who are sure of their destination.

The one who has become a spectacle does not act as a spectator. So, Asiwaju and his compatriots refused to be distracted even when the sound of the drummer at the market place became quite vicious and notorious. The one with a mission at the market does not pay attention to the noise of the market. So much noise came from the PDP’s organs such as the Nigeria Television Authority, Africa Independent Television, AIT, etc, but Asiwaju and co surged on. The rest, as they say, is history. Now that the night is over, no one should deny Asiwaju the right to clink the glass and pump champagne. It is his right. He deserves it after 16 years of focusing on the prize. In 2003, when the Alliance for Democracy lost all its controlled states in the South West, except Lagos, the only attractive option for Asiwaju was to jump ship and move to the ruling PDP. That is the natural path in African politics because playing opposition politics in this clime is hazardous and unattractive. But such a choice is for men with blatant opportunistic disposition. So, Asiwaju forged ahead and Action Congress came on board, later paving the way for emergence of the Action Congress of Nigeria. Though the road was rough and tough, but with the ACN came the recovery of lost states in the South West. Edo State was to later come into the fray. Now, the ACN has arrived. That was the

ridors of power is mind boggling. It is, therefore, important for him to know that he must squarely tackle those evils with all the strength he can muster. He must not fail Nigerians now. It is also important for the incoming president to know that even among his followers in the All Progressives Congress (APC) their slogan of “change” means different things to different people. While there are some people whose interpretation of the slogan is a change of the way the country is being governed, there are others who believe that “those people who have been sitting astride our common wealth should be changed so that we take their place and do exactly as they have been doing all these while.” Thus he must properly screen the team he intends to assemble in order not to shoot himself in the foot. It is not compulsory that every member of his team must be procured from his party if he must clean the mess and make a clean start. The task may not be as daunting as people believe if the appropriate team is assembled. The battle against corruption in Nigeria mainly needs sincerity. It must begin from cutting down the profligacy of past and present public officers. This is the only country where one cannot say with certainty that this is the salary of a public officer. In the circumstance one can only depend on rumour. Chief Ikpenwa is a Lagos based legal practitioner, communications consultant and creative writer.

thought of some of Asiwaju’s apostles. But, like the visionary leader he is, Asiwaju knew that the journey had just started. In order to achieve the long-term mission of the progressives in the nation, ACN, with its relative success must die. The funeral ceremony took place in Lagos, but other deaths (Congress for Progressive Change as well as the All Nigerian People’s Party were equally recorded along the way. However, these parties did not die in vain. With their death came the birth of the APC, a formidable opposition party. At last, the progressives were ready to confront the PDP for the political soul of the country. In a most keenly and fiercely contested presidential election in the political history of the country, the PDP bit the dust, thus ending its 16 years of infamous and impunity laden grip on power at the centre. Without a doubt, fiercer political battles lie ahead for Asiwaju and his progressive co-travellers. But of what essence is life without battles? Raji is Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, Lagos State. 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.

Editorial

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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

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

FG on domestic workers below age of 12

o the credit of President Goodluck Jonathan administration, even in its twilight, the Federal Government, according to reports last week, has declared as illegal and a criminal offence in the country the employment of house-helps and domestic workers that are below the age of 12. Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, who dropped the hint in Abuja, said the development followed the signing into law of the Trafficking in Persons’ Enforcement and Administration Act by President Jonathan on March 26, 2015. Jedy-Agba said parts of the Act not only prohibit the employment of children below the age of 12 as domestic help, but also outlaw the exploitation of a child under the age of 18 years employed as a domestic help. For a country whose Senate only two years ago primitively proposed that Nigerian girls can be married at an indeterminate age, meaning that a girl-child is deemed mature even if she is given out in marriage at the age of 10 years, possibly less, the nation cannot thank President Jonathan enough for sparing a thought on the plight of the Nigerian child. Many believed

THE CHILD RIGHTS LAW…IS YET TO BE ENDORSED BY MANY

STATES, ESPECIALLY IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE COUNTRY then that the Senate decided to rubbish itself because one of its own, a very prominent senator and ex-governor, drew public wrath for allegedly marrying an under-aged girl. But as was widely canvassed at the time, Nigerian laws recognise 18 years as the age of adulthood. On the attainment of the age of 18, one can vote or be voted for; and the right of litigation, etc, can also be enjoyed or enforced. Indeed, the growing incidence of child abuse in Nigeria is frightening, with scant attention paid to the welfare of children often flaunted as leaders of tomorrow. The United Nations proclaimed 1979 as the International Year of the Child and went ahead to develop a long list of children’s rights. But very little has been done by many countries (Nigeria inclusive), by way of strictly observing those rights. They include the right to love and understanding, adequate food

and health, free education, play, identity and special attention to handicapped kids, regardless of colour, sex, religion, national or social origin. On the contrary, child abuse maltreatment of children, sexual harassment, denial of education, child labour, intimidation and molestation, physical assault, neglect, and child trafficking, among others - thrive generously. Not too long ago, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) ranked Nigeria among countries with the largest out-of-school children. The report indicated that one out of every five Nigerian children is out-of-school. With approximately 10.5 million children roaming the streets, Nigeria topped the table of 12 other countries, which UNESCO said accounted for 47 per cent of the global out-of-school population. The General Assembly of the United Nations in 1989, adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC); and over 178 countries, including Nigeria, ratified it. The 54 articles of the CRC take care of virtually all the inhuman acts being perpetrated against children, from rights’ abuses to sexual and economic exploitation. The National Assembly passed

ON THIS DAY April 15, 1970

April 15, 1989

During the Cambodian Civil War, massacres of the Vietnamese minority resulted in 800 bodies flowing down the Mekong River into South Vietnam. Vietnamese, the largest ethnic minority in Cambodia, have been subjected to racial discrimination at the societal and governmental levels in Cambodia since the 1950s. Vietnamese settlement in Cambodia dated back to the 17th century.

A human crush occurred at Hillsborough Stadium, home of Sheffield Wednesday, in the FA Cup Semi Final, resulting in the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans, while 766 others were injured. The 1989 Hillsborough disaster was an incident which occurred during the FA Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest football clubs on April 15, 1989 at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England.

the Child’s Rights law in 2003, as a way of tackling the menace; following which the Lagos State government, for example, on May 28, 2007, signed the Child Rights Bill into law, in consonance with Chapter IV, Section 34 (1&2) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as altered), which guarantees the fundamental human rights of the citizenry and the right to human dignity. Sadly, however, only 16 out of the nation’s 36 states have so far domesticated the Child’s Rights law. The law, which provides for a five-year jail term and heavy fines for perpetrators of child labour, is yet to be endorsed by many states, especially in the northern part of the country, because it purportedly affronts religious and cultural considerations. Of no less importance is the fact that the growing incidence of child abuse has a lot to do with poverty and destitution. A country like Nigeria, which is blessed with huge human and natural resources, has no business whatsoever with the outrageous level of poverty and child abuse afflicting it. Governments at all levels should establish social welfare nets for families, especially those within the low income bracket, as such handouts will enable them meet their basic daily needs and allow their children to be in school.

April 15, 2014 About 276 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town of Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria. Boko Haram, an Islamic Jihadist/ terrorist organization based in North-East claimed responsibility for the kidnappings. Some of the girls, however, escaped; and on October 17, 2014, hopes were raised that the 219 remaining might soon be released, but all to no avail till date.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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Health & Wellbeing Govt should make our tertiary hospitals world-class –Public health boss 22 FRANKA OSAKWE

adam Love bought some honey from the market. Unknown to her, the honey had been mixed with some chemicals although the label described the honey as “pure and fresh from the honeycomb”. So, Madam Love happily buys the bottle of honey and began to use them at home. After taking the honey, Madam Love and her family started stooling and vomiting. She was rushed to hospital where she was treated for food poisoning. Another woman, Jane bought ground Moringa leaf from the market because she heard it is packed with nutrients. The Moringa leaf she bought looked so green and fresh but unknown to her, it has been mixed with green dye and other additive. She goes home happy that she had bought Moringa leaf. Few months later, Jane starts to complain of tiredness, abdominal pain, swelling of the legs and weakness. She is told at the hospital that she has liver failure from injecting chemicals traced to the “Moringa leaf.” Further investigation by National Mirror revealed that many local food items sold at the open market or hawked on the street are being adulterated. A food seller at the Ikeja market who identified herself as Ifeoma told National Mirror how some food items are mixed with other additives to make them rise and increase volume of sales. For instance, she disclosed that ashi, a local food thickening agent often used in vegetable soups, is sometimes mixed with soy beans to give it the white colour. According to her, the normal ashi is brown or milkish white but the one with additive looks white. “Some red oil are mixed with colour, starches are mixed with powder, ground egusi is mixed with garri, some of the ground spices such as ginger, garlic, are also mixed with other items to increase the volume”, she said. At the meat stand, National Mirror discovered that some meat sellers pour fresh blood on old meat and pass it out as fresh meat. Recently, there have been lots of hypes about adulterated canned foods such as the recent news about the adulterated tin tomatoes ‘Tasty Tom’, adulterated powdered milk, adulterated custards and others, with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) striving hard to impound the items and prosecute the culprits. However, nothing is done about the adulterated local food stuffs at the open market which incidentally, majority of Nigerians patronise. But NAFDAC officials say they are doing all they can to prevent this menace. At a recent workshop on food safety in commemoration of the World Health

Caesarean sections should be done only when necessary –WHO 21

Watch out! Local food stuffs now adulterated –Experts

HERE IN NIGERIA, PEOPLE DO WILLFUL ADULTERATION. IT’S LIKE THEY DON’T EVEN UNDERSTAND THE HEALTH IMPLICATION, THEY ARE JUST CONCERNED ABOUT MAKING MONEY Day in Lagos, organised by the Association for Public Health Physicians (APHPN) in association with Sanofi Pasteur, Deputy Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, NAFDAC, Mr. Godwin Akwa, explained that the way forward is for people to imbibe food safety culture. “Here in Nigeria, people do willful adulteration. It’s like they don’t even understand the health implication, they are just concerned about making money”, he said. According to Mr. Akwa, the agency is doing all it can to tackle the issue of adulteration of food, and is currently holding meeting with farmers to educate them on the right chemicals to use for their products. At the industrial level, he said the agency has set up regulatory and inspection measures adding that

having NAFDAC number is not enough to say a product is safe. “Having NAFDAC number simply means that the production site has been inspected by NAFDAC, the raw material has been verified, good manufacturing practice has been observed and good hygiene has been verified. It is now left for the consumer to look at the labeling”, he explained. Regarding herbal products with curative claims, he said NAFDAC does not analyze the claims so consumers need to be careful. Also, The Director of Occupational Health Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kubi Adeyemo, disclosed that the State government is currently carrying out routine inspection of markets and shop prem-

ises. “We are also carrying out quality control training, awareness and sensitization workshops on the need for food safety. For the food sellers, we look at the food handler tastes. Although the local government sees to the inspection of the market, we support their inspection through our own monitoring”, she said. Meanwhile, the Head of Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Lagos, Prof. Osaretin Ebuehi, says that consumption of adulterated food items, such as milk, vegetable oil and other foodstuff, could result in life threatening diseases, such as kidney failure, liver damage, heart diseases and food poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases. According to the Don, these substances can harm the body. “Children who take substandard and adulterated infant formulas can die of diarrhoea and some other gastro-intestinal diseases. You can develop stomach ulcer when you eat food cooked with adulterated items. “For instance, if you cook or eat food prepared with palm oil laced with chemicals over time, you can be prone to cardiovascular diseases”, he said.

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health

ucumber is an edible vegetable that comes from the cucumber plant cucumis sativus, which is part of the gourd family. They are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables and believed to have originated from India. It is a member of the same family as watermelon, pumpkins, gourds, squash and zucchini. Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly (95 percent) water, which means eating them on a hot sunny day can help you stay hydrated. Cucumbers are composed of mostly water and low in calories. Nutritionally, it has a very relatively high antioxidants such as vitamins A, B, C and K. It also contains valuable excellent sources of minerals like: silica, sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorine, fluorine, sulphur and magnesium. The high fiber soluble fiber in cucumbers dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion. This helps you to feel full longer and is one reason

s it okay if one cheats to save her marriage? I ask because I love my family and my husband, but I have been unhappy for a long time. My husband travels a lot. He is never around and I miss sex. I feel so lonely sometimes that I cry every night. It became so unbearable that three months ago I started a sex only relationship with one of my co-workers. The relationship is purely physical and I don’t plan on leaving my husband for him. This other man just fulfils my sexual needs and that’s all – Nnenna Dear Nnenna, what you are doing might sound clever but it doesn’t make it right. Anybody can justify cheating. But that doesn’t make them right. I understand that you are in a difficult situation and I am the first to admit that long distant relationships are impossible. But will you be okay if your husband did the same thing to you? Of course not. It is easier for us to justify our actions when we are the ones cheating. But if our loved ones did the same to us, then there is no excuse. There are other options

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Amazing health benefits of cucumber

why fiber-rich foods may help with weight control. The water content of the cucumber helps aid digestion, keeps the body hydrated and regulates body temperature. Cucumbers also contain unique polyphenols and other compounds that may help reduce one’s risk of chronic diseases such as cancers, etc. Silica in cucumber improves the health of the skin and makes it naturally hydrating resulting to a good complexion and a glowing skin. Silica also helps strengthen connective tissue such as bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. It is believed that cucumber when sliced into circles and placed on the eyes are the most wonderful and natural eye pads for those who have dark circles around their eyes. These natural eye pads do wonders when placed on the eyes in a relaxed fashion after a long days work. When cucumber is grated and applied over the face, eyes and neck, and left for 15 to 20 minutes has been found effective as a beauty aid and a best tonic for the skin, good for treating

Chizoba Benson chizobanwobu@yahoo.com 08120807588 (sms only)

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

acne, pimples and other skin blemishes. Cucumber juice promotes hair growth, nails, teeth, gums and helps repair cells due to its high silicon and sulphur content particularly when mixed with carrot, lettuce and spinach juice. Cucumbers contain an antiinflammatory flavonol called fisetin that play an important role in brain health, improving memory and protecting nerve cells from age-related decline. Fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer’s disease. Fresh cucumber juice can provide relief from heartburn, stomach disorders such as constipation, gastric and duodenal ulcers. It is good for dissolving kidney stones, treatment of urinary bladder disease and reduces hyperacidity in the urine. It is also said to be used in controlling high blood pressure because of the potassium, magnesium and fiber contents in it. Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety

and nd buffer some of the damaging g effects of stress. They contain polyphenols called lled lignans which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, erine, ovarian, and prostate nd cancers. ncers. Cucumbers contain phytonuhytonutrients called lled cucurbitacins, which have anticancer ancer properties. A c cording to the George Mateljan Foundation: “Scientists have already determined that several different signaling pathways required for cancer cell development and survival can be blocked by activity of cucurbitacins.” Cucumber juice is great for rheumatism, arthritis, gout conditions caused by excessive uric acid in the body. Flavonoids and tannins in cucumbers have been found to have both free-radical scavenging and pain-relieving ef-

fects. Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in the stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath. Cucumbers should be eaten raw because cooking potassium and phosphorus are usually lost when cooked. The skins are not to be peeled because most nutrients are embedded on the cucumber skins. Cucumbers can be used for making salads, sandwiches, juiced, may be used to garnish other dishes or may be just eaten like that.

Sexual solutions, love products for adults that you can explore such as moving with him to wherever he is working. It won’t be easy but at least you will be together. Alternatively, he can get another job that does not require travelling so you can all be together. You can also get yourself a vibrator and learn to have cybersex with your husband over the internet. None of this is easy but these are sacrifices worth making for family. But cheating is the worst option. I know for certain that if you tell your husband that you are having an affair in order to save your marriage, he won’t be hugging you in celebration of your genius idea. That will be the end of your marriage. Stop the affair now before he finds out because you will eventually make a mistake and someone will know what you have been up to – Uche Hello. What vibrators for women give the most satisfaction? I want the best – Sasha Hi Sasha, rabbit vibrators offer more to women than all the other vibrators because of their multiple functions of simultaneous clitoral/ vaginal stimulation and multiple speeds of vibration, pulsation

and dual rotation. So for the best vibrators, get a rabbit vibrator. The Diamond Heart Rabbit Vibe is a good example – Uche I just ordered Magic Mike supplement and Dickalicious Penis Arousal Gel from you. I have never bought an adult product before and I was so embarrassed that I nervously threw away the instructions on how to use. Don’t be annoyed sir but please I need advice on how to use it – Samuel Dear Samuel, that is funny. You are an adult man. You have every right to seek the help that will improve your sex life. Most people go for help when they need help. So don’t be embarrassed. Magic Mike is a male erection supplement taken to strengthen weak erections or to give erection where there is none. So take one capsule 45 minutes before intercourse. Magic Mike is taken every 48 to 72 hours because one tablet works for days. The Dickalicious Arousal Gel is a mild erection supplement that men apply on the penis and then get oral sex afterwards

to make it work. You can use this gel whenever and wherever you like. It has no dosage – Uche My wife and I have been married for 17 years now and our sex life no longer excites. We are like brother and sister these days. A friend told us about this swinger’s sex club for couples and that it helps strengthen relationships. I need your advice – James Dear James, do you know what happens in sex clubs? People go there to have sex with each other’s wives, girlfriends, boyfriends and husbands. Are you okay with someone having sex with your wife in your presence? This is one of those new age concepts that sound exciting at first but on closer inspection, it leads to jealousy , lack of trust and the spread of diseases. If you are looking for excitement, buy an adult film and watch it with your wife. Adult books, movies, magazines and novelties are there to help you. But sex with other people will destroy your marriage – Uche Adults in need of the above novelties and treatments can call us on 08027901621 or

08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Caesarean sections should be done only when necessary –WHO STORIES: FRANKA OSAKWE

he World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned doctors against performing unnecessary Caesarean section (CS) saying that it endangers the health of women and children. In its recent release, WHO insists that CS should be performed only when

medically necessary. Over the years, the number of expecting women who opt for caesarean section has increased, with rates continuing to rise, particularly in high- and middle-income countries. Even when they are able to deliver naturally, many women prefer the CS because they feel the risks associated with natural birth is too much.

However, WHO says it’s important to focus on the need of the patient and not on any other thing. “Although it can save lives, caesarean section is often performed without medical need, putting women and their babies at-risk of shortand long-term health problems. “Caesarean section may be necessary when vaginal

delivery might pose a risk to the mother or baby for example due to prolonged labour, foetal distress, or because the baby is presenting in an abnormal position”, the report said. WHO further warned that caesarean sections can cause significant complications, disability or death, particularly in settings that lack the facilities to conduct safe

surgeries or treat potential complications. The WHO reiterates the view of its health experts, who have said since 1985 that the “ideal rate” for caesarean sections is between 10% and 15% of births. “Caesareans save lives for example when women are in obstructed labour or their babies are in distress. But two new studies show that in countries where they account for more than 10% of births, there is no evidence that mortality rates improved,” the WHO said. The WHO says the full effects of a caesarean on mother and child are not yet clear. “Across a population, the effects of caesarean section rates on maternal and newborn outcomes such as stillbirths or morbidities like birth asphyxia are still unknown. More research on the impact of caesarean sections on women’s psychological and social wellbeing

is still needed,” it said. About 25% of UK births are through caesarean section, up from 12% in 1990. The rise is worldwide and thought to be a combination of doctors believing surgery is safer in potentially difficult births and women choosing not to undergo labour. Also, more than half of women giving birth in Brazil have caesarean sections and the figure rises to over 80% in private hospitals. There are risks in any surgical procedure. According to the UK’s National Institute of Healthcare and Clinical Excellence (Nice), a caesarean increases the risk that a baby will end up in intensive care and that women will stay longer in hospital, have a hysterectomy or a cardiac arrest. Its 2011 guidelines, however, state that women who want a caesarean should get one, even if it is not for medical reasons.

800,000 children in Northern Nigeria homeless –UNICEF

Head, Business Operations, Sanofi Pasteur, Mrs Ovy Ohioze, Chairman, Association of Public Health Physicians (APHPN), Dr. Doyin Odubanjo, Director, Occupational Staff Health Services, Lagos State, Dr. Kubie Layeni-Adeyemo and Dr. Tomi Odugbemi, a Public Health Physician at the World Health Day media forum organised by APHPN in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur in Lagos, recently.

Ambode pledges to improve life of women, children

he newly elect governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode recently signed a gender pact to improve life of women and children in Lagos state. The pact was signed during a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) meeting organised byWomen Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) at Sheraton Hotel Lagos. By signing the gender pact, Ambode had pledged to improve primary health

facilities in every local government in Lagos State, provide free quality health care services, adequate antenatal, prenatal and post natal care. Ambode who won at the just concluded gubernatorial election for Lagos, is also expected to take all measures to reduce maternal mortality, morbidity and HIV/AIDS in the state. He is expected to provide clean, accessible and adequate water supply particularly in all local government area. He will ensure that poli-

cies and programmes is put in place to prevent the abuse of children in the state as well as improving the welfer of people with disability. According to the agreement, the governor is also expected to “To increase the number of women, youths and PLWD in leadership positions at all levels in the state. Empowerment of women, youths and PLWD to partake in decision making roles at the household level, elimination of all forms of

gender based violence, especially girls and women.” The meeting had in attendance women from different Civil Socitities and Non-Governmental Organsiations also such as Dr Abiola Akiyode Afolabi, the executive director of Women and Advocacy Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Ms Yemisi Ransome Kuti, Ms Yemi Adamolekun and other women who were part of the National Gender Dialogue group.

No case of Ebola at LUTH, says CMD

he Management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi- Araba, on Monday refuted claims that two Chinese nationals allegedly infected with the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) died in the hospital. Prof. Chris Bode, the acting Chief Medical Director of the hospital, debunked the rumour at a news conference in Lagos. Bode, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard what he called ‘the mischievous rumour’ as no such incident happened in the hospital.

However, according to a social media report, two foreigners who were allegedly infected with Ebola were brought to LUTH on Sunday, April 12 but subsequently died. Bode said that the management of LUTH would continue to maintain the required vigilance, to prevent the resurgence of the disease. “We shall continue to observe all precautions to quickly identify any likely cases of Ebola, in line with international best practices. “We have combed our re-

cords at all points of entry in LUTH for the past two weeks and have no such incident to report. “Our professionals at the Emergency Services, various lines of respondents to such events, laboratories and nurses, all reported that no such case occurred in our hospital,’’ he said. Bode described the rumour as reckless and malicious and condemned whoever and wherever it originated from. He noted that if left unchallenged, such falsehood was capable of undermining

the glorious works and enormous sacrifices made by the Federal Government, State Governments and various stakeholders. “Many sung and unsung heroes and heroines sacrificed to rid Nigeria of the dreaded disease and won our nation many international accolades “Such rumour is very reckless and also has grave implications for Nigerians travelling outside the country, and may negatively impact on the sub-regional economy, especially in this critical phase,’’ he added.

o fewer than 800,000 more children have been displaced from their homes as a result of the conflict between Boko Haram, military forces and civilian self-defence groups, according to a new report from UNICEF. This is happening one year after the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok. According to the report, that the number of children running for their lives within Nigeria, or crossing over the border to Chad, Niger and Cameroon, has more than doubled in just less than a year. “The abduction of more than 200 girls in Chibok is only one of endless tragedies being replicated on an epic scale across Nigeria and the region. Scores of girls and boys have gone missing in Nigeria, abducted and recruited by armed groups, attacked, used as weapons, or forced to flee violence. They have the right to get their childhoods back” says Manuel Fontaine, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa. With this increased in displaced children in conflict zones, UNICEF hope to draw attention to the devastating impact of the conflict on children across the region using the hash tag “bring back our childhood”. The organization says it is also using Snapchat, a

social platform where messages disappear, to highlight the plight of the hundreds of thousands of children who are missing out on their childhoods as a result of the conflict. “To tell the stories of the children who have fled the violence, UNICEF and leading Snapchat artists will share images based on drawings from children in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon. The artwork reflects what children miss from home and the emotional wounds and suffering they have endured, including seeing their parents and siblings killed, tortured or abducted. The public will also be invited to share what they would miss most if they were forced from home – either on Snapchat, or on other social channels using the hashtag #bringbackourchildhood”, the release said. UNICEF said it has stepped up its humanitarian response to the crisis. “Over the past six months, over 60,000 children affected by the conflict in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad have been provided with counselling and psychosocial support to help them ease the pain of their memories, reduce stress and cope with emotional distress”, it said.

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Govt should make our tertiary hospitals world-class –Public health boss The incoming government should, among others, upgrade some of the tertiary hospitals in Nigeria to world-class standard to help curb medical tourism, says Director, Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Bridget Okoeguale, in this interview with Health Reporter, MARCUS FATUNMOLE. She also urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of hygiene and eat only safe food in commemoration of this year’s World Health Day. Excerpts: We recently marked the World Health Day which focuses on food safety. What is the significance of this theme for Nigerians? Yes, the theme for this year World Health Day is on food safety, which I think it is a very good area that is being neglected. As you are aware, about two million people die annually, globally, from food-borne diseases. This is not a good figure. Food safety is a very good area for us to look into. In developing countries, like Nigeria for example, I see that many people are not aware of how to keep their food safe. Food safety chain is from production up to the table where you are eating. It is something that has to do with farming, where the food is being produced, to the process of handling the food, processing the food, distributing the food, preparing the food by individuals, serving it on the table and eating it. Everything that is involved in that process, way of handling, instrument you use, the water you use, including every other means of processing, if not properly done, the food will be contaminated; and it is the individuals who take it at the end of the day that will have food-borne diseases. How would you assess Nigerians attitude to safety in the past years? I don’t think we have achieved much. It should be a team work. Just like the way we fought Ebola when it came into the country, it was a team work by every sector. For food safety to really get the impact it needs, I think the various ministries, departments, agencies, and even nongovernmental organizations, civil society organizations should come together. That is why the World Health Organization has chosen the theme. Now that the theme has been chosen this year, I think all sectors should come together and teach the people. The media too have big role to play here. When people are sensitized, that area will be taken care of, and people will understand the consequences of improper preparation of food.

Take for example, somebody went to buy vegetable from the market, that person should know that I am buying this vegetable from the market. The first thing for me to do is that on getting home, the proper thing to do is to thoroughly wash the vegetable in a clean water, running water if it available. But, in most cases, that is not available. If running water is not available, change the water several times before you cut your vegetable. What you are using to cut your vegetable and where you are cutting your vegetable are all important. They must be clean. That hygiene, people has to learn it, and then cook their food well before eating it. In what way do you think government can make the public more hygiene-conscious? Government has to continue to enlighten them on behavioural attitude that doesn’t promote good health. People have to learn and take the responsibility of making themselves healthy. It is not that when you are sick, you will rush to the hospital to take drug. No. Why don’t you prevent that sickness? That is why we say you must not do what health officials say you should not do. For example, hygiene, we are saying before you eat, make sure your hands are properly washed with detergent. Clean your hands properly before you eat. If you are storing your food, store them very well. If you are going to cook, and you don’t have storage facilities, cook just what you know you can finish, instead of leaving it till the following day. Meanwhile, you have no storage. These are attitudes that we must encourage. Many people know that if foods are not properly stored, they will be contaminated. But, they will not do it. So, the responsibility is on the individuals. We should take up the responsibility of telling ourselves that everything lies in our hands. Water is there for you to drink, if you are going to store your water, store it properly before you drink. Ok now, let’s look at the nation’s

Okoeguale

general health system. Few days back, the UN certified Nigeria to have achieved MDG 1 which is overcoming acute hunger, how would you rate Nigeria’s performance in the four health-related MDGs? Obviously, the goals for MDG 2015, we are not going to achieve them, but if we continue at the rate we are going, we have actually reduced our infant and maternal mortality rate. Even though we are not reaching the figure that was set for us, the way we are going, and if the MDGs sustain some of these health issues, Nigeria will be better placed. How would you appraise Nigeria’s health sector under out-going President Goodluck Jonathan, having led the country for six years? Honestly, we have done a lot in our health sector. We have done a lot since the President came in, in the sense that we believe in continuity. Whatever was started by a previous Minister before this Minister came, we sustain them. Take for example, the National Health Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015, which is ending and we already planning for another five years, we follow it systematically. Prof Osotimehin was the man who came up with the draft plan. He left before we inaugurated it. When Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu came in, we made sure that we launch it, implemented it and we followed it. So, looking at that plan and other health action plans, we did a lot of things. If you want me to enumerate them, I will mention few. What do you want the incoming administration to prioritize in the

sector? I want a situation where our tertiary institutions are upgraded to the standard level. There was a time during Prof Oshotimehin’s time where we wanted to upgrade four of the teaching hospitals to worldclass level, so that we wouldn’t have our people going outside for treatment, thereby wasting our foreign exchange. That document is still there. A thorough work was done on it at that time before the former President Yar’Adua died. Immediately he died, that was the end of that project. He was very much interested in that project. If we can upgrade some of our tertiary institutions, I know it is not easy to upgrade all, but at least one in each of the six geo-political zones. That will really help us. I also want the government to strengthen the ministry of health to be able to carry out its responsibility of promoting health, prevention of diseases, and forming a multi-sectoral and integrated approach of making sure that everybody is involved in selling these health messages to the grassroots. We have the structures on ground. We are happy that one of the achievements of this government is the National Health Act that has been signed into law. The incoming government must make sure that this law is implemented as it is. Another important one that is coming up is the Tobacco Bill, which is yet to get to the President. It is important that we sign that bill into law because the industry is trying to interfere with the penalties that have been suggested in that bill, and make it weak. We all know the im-

plication of smoking in the society. All health unions in the country have congratulated General Mohammadu Buhari and promised to work with him. Do you see them working with him without their usual strikes? The crises that have been on over the years among the different health sector, I will say that we have more or less resolved them. We’ve had several strikes, we’ve had several meetings. They agreed in so many areas. The fact is that once a policy is on ground, no individual or group has the right to change it. Before workers go on strike, they should know what is on ground. Every area is important. Doctors are important, nurses are important, laboratory scientists are important. There is no need for you to struggle and compare yourself that I am laboratory scientist, I should be head. We all know that in any health team, the doctor is the head of that team; and it should be so accepted. And, if it is so accepted, you should not be struggling power and position with the medical doctor. I think that is where most of these crises are coming in. The paramedicals want to be comparing themselves with doctors. There is already a policy that is there in the establishment. And, if you want to fight for anything for yourself for you to be recognized, then, go ahead and fight and make it known by dialogue, not by strike. Not by making the patients to suffer. What I know, and what I grew up to know is that in any medical team, the doctor is the head of that team.

Mirror Wednesday, April 15, 2015 National www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Taste and Tell unveils new Terry G

I’m committed to sustaining Nigeria’s heritage–Chinyere

Exciting world of Nigerian models

Nigerian models are making waves in the international scene with their dazzling beauty. Isiguzo Destiny

o many Nigerians have seen the lime light in the modelling world with so many of them working all over the world with big names like Hogan and Calvin Klein, MSGM, Nicholas K, Manish Arora, Zadig and Voltaire, Balmain, Kenzo, Hermès and Acne, America’s Next Top Model, Austria’s Next Top Model, etc. The spectacular thing about some of these models is their humble beginning and emotional stories surrounding their stardom. One of them is Mayowa Nicholas, the teenage, super model who took modelling from the streets of Lagos to the runways of Paris; her name keeps ringing in the modelling world as a beauty to reckon with. Nicholas Mayowa has worked with Olivier Rousteing, one of the most creative French fashion designers. Her story is spectacular, from a salon in Nigerian to an elite model. She was reported by Vogue Italy Online to have said she met stardom in the most unexpected way. “I was on my way to the hair salon in 2013, when I got approached by the contest’s scouts, who gave me a flyer which stated the casting requirements, plus the time and date of the Elite Model Look casting. I didn’t participate that year, since I didn’t know much about modelling. In 2014, I decided to give it a try however, as I felt more prepared”. That same year, she became the 2014 Elite Model Look Nigeria winner. Another name in the modelling world that had an unusual experience is the Nigerian handsome, Jimi Owobowale who is currently signed with Based Model Agency, a modelling agency in Cape Town, South Africa. He was discovered in Lagos in 2003 by a friend who had links with Thanx Modeling Agency. Jimi’s friend was aware of his passion and qualities for modelling and introduced modelling to him. With all his qualities, Jimi’s friend was the angel that opened his door of fame. Jimi is also an actor but is now based in South Africa where he is one of the super models in that country. He has featured in several shows and has many modelling laurels: Finalist for the Calvin Klein men’s Underwear in 2010, Face of 46664 Nelson Mandela clothing, Woolworth’s campaign, Old khaki summer campaign, Mercedes Benz Cape Town fashion week 2014, etc. He is also the founder of Jimisterio Catwalk Acad-

emy, an agency that trains aspiring models. Ex-America’s Next Top Model contestant Chantelle Winnie is a model that seems to possess what many thought was a challenge, but this challenge which threatened her while growing up also became a strong factor in making her a super model. Chantelle Winnie is not just a well-shaped; she is also popular for her skin with Vitiligo condition. She is a face you won’t forget easily. She said in an interview that “Modelling was something I kind of just fell into. I did a photo shoot and an interview with a Canadian journalist named Shannon Boodram, who’s like a big sister to me now. She saw me on Facebook, and like a lot of people, at first she thought my skin was done with makeup or paint and I was just doing something cool for a picture. But when she found out that wasn’t it, she thought that I was gorgeous and wanted to interview me and talk to me about my skin and my upbringing”. A 20-year-old Austrian-born-Nigerian model, Lydia Obute also faced unusual circumstances and was bullied and discriminated against because of her colour and skinny status. She was born in Enugu but was raised in Baden; she first took a shot at modelling at 15 and in 2011 clinched the title of Austria Next Top Model where she was the first black skin to clinch the title. She revealed in an interview that she was discriminated against because of her colour and stature. But these two features guaranteed her success as a great model. “You just grow up with it; it’s part of your daily life. In my secondary school, I was the only black person. In my primary school we were three black girls and one of them is still my best friend till today. She’s from Kenya. She taught me Swahili. You can’t really generalise that the white people are all bad or they are all good. I still have the white people as my friends” She never planned of being a model but fortunes smiled on her for accompanying a friend to modelling casting.” A friend of mine wanted to go to Elite Model casting and asked me to come with her. My friend is extremely beautiful with blue eyes. I followed her and that was how I was picked as a model. I just had to go to my sister’s friend to get some high heels. I made it to the finals, it was just like a coincidence; it was not planned at all. After modelling

Aminat Ayinde

Aminat Ayinde EMLN 2014 Winner Mayowa Nicholas

for two years, at 17, I felt I had to move to the next phase of my life. Then I went for the Austria Next Top Model”. She has worked for Phillip Tracy and has met popular names like Alec Wek. The smouldering African and Nigerian beauty Aminat Ayinde never envisaged being a model. She came to lime-

I didn’t participate that year, since I didn’t know much about modelling. In 2014, I decided to give it a try however, and everything changed.

light in America’s Next Top Model which held in 2009 where she lost as a runner up but was also voted “the most banging body” at the re-union. She revealed in an interview that “the experience on ANTM cycle 12 was a life changing experience. Prior to the show I didn’t have real aspirations to become a model. Now I’m blessed to work in the fashion industry and travel the world doing what I love”. She has worked with big names like: Ciara, Tyra banks and Nigel Parker,Nikki Minaj, Coco Rocha, Chanel Iman, Selita Ebanks, Pamela Anderson Lee, Oluchi etc. She wanted to be a doctor but ended at the modelling hall of fame.

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Resolving conflicts through theatre Rasaki Ojo Bakare

he question that is left to seek answer to is this: in spite of the enormous creative energy that Nigerian theatre artistes have invested in the peace-building process through their works, why is the culture of violence and act of war still prevalent in the polity? Is it because theatre has lost its potency in this context or that art, like J. P. Clark Bekederemo frustratedly declared recently, does not change anything? Let us consider three reasons: 1) Theatre is still potent and art does change things, however, the environment and those who populate it must make themselves available and receptive to the message of the theatre maker. Otherwise, the biblical parable of the sower who sowed on infertile soil and among thorns becomes manifested here. Yes, and this is sad, to a great extent, the Nigerian theatre maker has been talking to a citizenry that is seemingly bent on self annihilation; a people pathologically engrossed in voluntary foolishness. In a nation where leaders do not read literature and deliberately insulate themselves from serious and thematically topical dramatic performances, in a nation where the relationship between the men of power and the performing artiste could be likened to the one between David and Saul – where the artiste is only summoned to come and fool around in faddish entertainment or wriggle her waist in primordial ecstasy in order to heal the self-inflicted psychological injury of the political thin-god, in a nation where the followers only see alcoholism, womanising and unbridled emotional investment in the fortunes of foreign football teams (that do not even know such a people exist) as the only way to unwind and recreate, the theatre maker, no matter what his message is, labours in vain. 2) The second reason is the steady and gradual intellectual disempowerment of the Nigerian child through deliberate act of poor funding and wrong policies in the educational sector. It smacks of igno-

Ojo Bakare

rance that those who today manage our educational sector gleefully announce that for Nigeria to develop, the study of science based courses is being encouraged while the study of arts courses is deliberately discouraged. A nation that discourages the study of literature; a nation that discourages the study of its own history and philosophies is a nation that has caged the mind of its populace. Literature, history and philosophy are liberators of the human mind. A nation that discourages its citizens from studying those subjects cannot breed truly educated people. In that nation, violence and war will prevail and the theatre maker who preaches peace is merely engaged in Sisyphus effort. Sound and well-rounded education is a pre-condition for a culture of peace. Our policy makers must know that the technologically advanced nations of the world did not discourage the

study of arts subjects before attaining their technological feat. 3) The third reason is the fact that government has explored different options in its efforts to achieve true peace but has never deliberately explored theatre. The efforts catalogued earlier in this paper were personal and private efforts of the various committed theatre artistes mentioned. Perhaps, government is still seeing theatre as an unserious vocation and so is yet to leverage on its power to conscientize and change behaviour. This is a mistake because drama is the most economical mode of experience, which conveys an idea that can be accepted generally as true. Drama impact is also direct and more immediate than other forms of expression. It is no longer in doubt that theatre is a tool for conscientization and an alternative conflict resolution mechanism

Drama is the most economical mode of experience, which conveys an idea that can be accepted generally as true

Memorable Reads What books are you reading now? ‘Five Thousand Years of African History’ and a book titled, ‘Belief ’ by Axeron. What is your most memorable read? Martin Carter’s ‘Poems for Prison’. I read it when I was under 17 and it has stayed with me. What is your view on contemporary creative writings in Nigeria? The reason why most people ask that question is because they imagine that the writers of old finished the job. They haven’t finished the job and many of the younger writers are

ODIA OFEIMUN Writer

doing so well that in so many cases, doing even better. What difference have your creative works made? The fact that a writer cannot shoot a man down or stop a government from misbehaving does not mean that he is not conditioning the way people think. Any performance is a symbol that can change the way we look at the world. Literature changes the world. It doesn’t have to be direct.

that employs the democratic method in conflict mediation and remediation. For us as a nation to benefit more from its potentials in this regard, therefore, I recommend the following: 1) Nigerians, especially the political class, should, as a matter of urgency take advantage of the arts as the only safe haven or refuge in a time of crisis like this. The different forms of insurgency that pervade the air apparently call for solace which only avails in the refuge of the theatre. 2) The Nigerian public should be more attuned to the arts and prepare to embrace the truth as presented by the arts. Political office holders at the different tiers of government should desist from the prevailing rent-a-crowd or tickle-myear styles of performance which provides them only what could suit them and not the reality. It is time governments at different levels engaged the creative arts, which avail here in Nigeria, like no other place in the world, and other public performances either in the form of indoor theatre or street theatre like the Abuja National Carnival, Calabar Carnival, Carniriv in Rivers State, Bayelsa Christmas Carnival, Lagos Carnival, Ekifest in Ekiti State, or Mare Festival in Ondo State, as machineries to construct the culture of peace. 3) These carnivals as well as other forms of performances like dance, drama, music or poetry, if encouraged, capture the mood of the country at a particular point in time. They, therefore, provide opportunities for reflection and atonement, thereby unwinding, recharging and renewing the crisis-ridden psyches of the people. 4) Nigerians, especially the political class, should, as a matter of urgency take advantage of the arts as the only safe haven or refuge in a time of crisis like this. *Rasaki Ojo Bakare, is Professor of Theatre Aesthetics and Choreography at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

ARTISTE UNCENSORED

I’m committed to sustaining Nigeria’s heritage–Chinyere Ogbukagu Nothing thrills Chinyere Ogbukagu like efforts to sustain African heritage. That is why she is championing a cultural TV reality show, The Heroes: Back to the Roots currently getting set for a new season. Ngozi Emedolibe

wo things can make a producer contemplate a show on the cultural heritage of her people: passion and the urge to claim fame. But for Chinyere Ogbukagu, it is the passion to reclaim the lost grounds in terms of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. The idea of ‘The Heroes: Back to the Roots’ hit her many years ago. “It did not start today. The idea came to me some years ago. But while working on other smaller productions in Jos, I kept fine-tuning the idea. I was always updating it, and I can tell you that until it hits the screen in a few weeks from now, it will continue to undergo some transformations. At the moment, a lot of experts have become part of the crew of the show, so the team has been brimming with ideas in the past few weeks on how to give Nigerians something they have never seen before in terms of plot, lessons and suspense.” For Ogbukagu however, the passion to bring the show across to many homes in Nigeria was borne out of the experience with some children living in Jos, Plateau State. “To be frank what motivated me to think along this line is the experience I had with some kids in Jos. They are my friends’ kids and I was shocked that their parents had been making no effort whatsoever to teach them their native language. To me, it was absurd. I have tried to teach my children the native language but on a closer look, I realised it was very common. Yes, most children cannot speak their languages, especially those living outside their native lands. At this point, I started being worried that something needs to be done to the children of this age or the heritage that was bequeathed to us by our fore-fathers, would be lost before we know it. That is essentially what the reality TV show is set to

address.” In order to bring this to reality, Ogbukagu’s company, Da Havillah Timeless Productions, which had hitherto been handling some production projects in Jos, Plateau State partnered with, a renowned Nollywood director, Ifeanyi Onyeabor of IGO Motion Picture. “As a producer, I had in mind what I wanted the show to look and needed a director who would bring this to the consciousness of the Nigerian public. I made several contacts in Nollywood, looking for talents who are versatile, not just in movie making but also in directing reality TV show. That was how we settled for Ifeanyi Onyeabor, who is the technical director of the project. I had seen some of his works and I knew he could do it. But what actually took the concept to the next level is what I would call the similarity in ideas. When I contacted him and had a meeting with him, where I unfolded the plans, he told me he was nursing the same idea. That was how we decided that the best thing to do would be to marry his ideas with mine. That is why every day the project is getting bigger and more interesting with support coming from here and there. I am committed to promoting Nigeria’s heritage.” From the way the project is conceived, thirty seven housemates who hail from the various states of the Nigerian Federation including Abuja would make the final list of who would be camped in the Palace, where their knowledge of Nigerian culture would be put to test. “They would be in the Palace for sixty days, where they would undertake tasks that are cultural and the tasks would show Nigerians who would be watching how versatile their state’s representative are in the culture of

Ogbukagu

They would be in the Palace for sixty days, where they would undertake tasks that are cultural Set of Heroes

MIDWEEK JUMP

IFPC calls for proposals from artists

An artist in Cape Town (IFPC)

the state including Abuja. But while they are in the house, the crew would also be undertaking a trip of the various states in Nigeria which would be recorded to also highlight the tourism potentials of the states.” At the moment, Ogbukagu’s project has been taking her round the nation where she has been having production meeting. How did the first edition turn out? “It was a spectacular show. Niger State hosted the first edition and they were generous. It availed the crew the opportunity to film several tourist sites in the state. At the end of the duration which was 104 days from the auditions to the last event , Chinyere Ogbukagu t h r e e winners emerged. Miss Happiness Udodang from Akwa Ibom, followed closely by Luter Emmanuel Ikyobo (Benue State) and Chelsea Chinenye Oguejifor (Anambra State).”

here is hope for financial assistance as IFPC calls for submission of proposals of initiatives that promote culture. For you to participate, you must be an artist or creator, an NGO or a nonprofit private body or a public body, whose activities contribute to the promotion of culture and artistic creation especially, if your project is compliant with the criteria indicated in the Operational Guidelines of the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture (IFPC). Then you can submit your project application and be considered for financial support from the Fund.

Open Mic Night with Lolo

olo is the host of the Open Mic Night where lyricists, poets, rappers, and those well versed in spoken word perform to a live audience. Come experience and listen to great minds interpret the society, lay path to a better way for Nigeria or just talk about love in a heart wrenching way. The event begins by 7pm on Thursday, 16th April, 2015 at Bogobiri, Ikoyi, Lagos State. Admission is free.

Arts Lounge

FAR AND NEAR

igeria’s ‘eccentric afro hip hop act’, Terry G, may have found a new calling as he turned into preacher at the Enugu leg of the Legend Taste and Tell activation held at the Spices Restaurant, Enugu, capital of Enugu State. The bell brandishing artiste interspersed his performance with verses and preaching from the holy bible much to the excitement of the lively audience. “God loves us the way we are, that is why Jesus died for us”, the Benue state born artiste stated during his performance as he thrilled the audience to a collection of his hit songs including Akpako, Free Madness,Love Affair, Oga, The Microphone amongst others. The event also featured rib cracking comedy from ace comedianAje Baba. The comedian sent the audience reeling with his cleverly delivered jokes. The evening was further spiced with performances from local cultural troupe, Pammy Udu Bunch and a live music from Tipsy Sounds, an Enugu based Live Band. Legend Extra Stout, organisers of the event also seized the opportunity to reward loyal customers via the Taste and Tell contest. The Taste and Tell contest saw members of the audience randomly selected to participate in a blind taste game to determine who could correctly identify Legend Extra Stout from three unmarked glasses each containing different brands of stout drinks. At the end of the game, three winners, Engineer Victor Nwakunor, a PHD student of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Okechukwu Aganmegwa, a 19-year old student of

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Taste and Tell unveils new Terry G

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

American museums return stolen artifacts

Art work stolen from Nigeria

S Terry G performing

Federal Polytechnic Uwanna, Afikpo and Timothy Ogbuehi, a 38 year-old technician won for themselves, a brand new refrigerator, a brand new 32 inch LED Television and a brand new generator respectively. Speaking on the event, Emmanuel Agu, Marketing Manager Lager and Stout-Nigerian Breweries Plc stated that the event was organised to create fun and excitement for Legend consumers. He said: “Our teeming consumers have been supportive of the brand so we decided to say thank you them with this event.”

Agu added that the activation was conceived to encourage consumers of the Legend Extra Stout spread the word about Legend’s distinctive quality. “With every sense of humility, we can say that there is no brand like Legend in the country today because of its distinctive quality. We are using this medium to encourage consumers to go all out and spread the word about their favourite stout drink which is Legend,” he stated. The ‘Taste and Tell Activation’, has touched five cities: Lagos, Benin, Owerri, Ibadan and Enugu.

As ‘Glass House’ comes on air D aches Multimedia is quite satisfied with the rave ratings, their latest work, Glass House is getting at the moment. According to the production company, ‘Glass House’, which is a drama shot on HD format is running for thirty minutes per episode on television stations across the nation. The drama series which is directed and produced by Jerry Isichei has a stellar cast which includes: Victor Olaotan, Kiki Omeili, Moji Olaiya, Michael

Okon, Kelechi Ejelonu and Jumoke Poopola amongst others. According to the director cum producer, Jerry Isichei, the production which took long to complete was delayed because the crew wanted to give the audience the best. “It should have been out before now, but we wanted to give the best to the audience. We took time and I thank God for everything because the ultimate is to get the audience involved in the drama, which is miles away in

Kiki Omeili

Moji Olaiya

terms of quality from its counterparts on the scene presently. It is running on the HD format, which is a step further, which will certainly delight advertisers”. On efforts that have been made to ensure continuity, the producer said that was part of the logistics issues they took time to iron out before bringing the television drama on TV. “We have been through this road several times. This is not my first brush with TV soap opera. We are behind ‘Footprints’ which has been running for many years on over fifteen TV stations and the experience we got from that has helped us in making ‘Glass House’ bigger and better. We just did not want to come out for coming out sake. We took our time, and the price we had to pay was that this was delayed. Like I said initially, it is better we come out late than coming out and recoiling after a few months. We have content that will last for years. With the right partnership in terms of sponsorship, we would be engaging our team of writers to develop the suspense and plot that would make this real life experience drama the hit that it is supposed to be.”

everal American museums have begun returning possibly stolen artifacts to India, in response to a major federal investigation into the activities of Subhash Kapoor, a dealer identified by authorities as having once run the largest antiquities smuggling operation on American soil. Last week, museums in Hawaii and Massachusetts handed federal officials a total of eight items bought from Mr. Kapoor’s defunct business, Art of the Past, which was on Madison Avenue in Manhattan. In October, the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio returned a $245,000 statue that was bought from Mr. Kapoor in 2006. The museum’s director, Brian Kennedy, said the institution was in talks with federal investigators about giving up another 63 objects. “He certainly conned a lot of people,” Mr. Kennedy said of Mr. Kapoor, who is awaiting trial in India on charges of trafficking in $100 million worth of stolen artifacts. Mr. Kapoor, 65, has pleaded not guilty. Another 15 American museums have been identified as holding items obtained from Mr. Kapoor, but many said in the interviews this week that they had researched their Kapoor holdings and were satisfied that their items were not stolen or that they wanted to see proof of illegality before returning the 500 or so objects in question. Among those museums are the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. “The ones that could be suspect were looked into and at the moment we are convinced that they are O.K.,” said Miranda Carroll, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles museum, which has 62 objects connected to Mr. Kapoor. Tim Hallman, spokesman for the San Francisco museum, which has four Kapoor items, said, “We don’t believe any of the objects are a particular problem and no official claims have been made on any of them.” The federal investigation, Operation Hidden Idol, began in 2012 with raids on Mr. Kapoor’s gallery and on several warehouses and other locations where he stored Indian antiquities. Officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations, which are jointly directing the investigation, said they had seized tens of millions of dollars worth of objects that they believed were looted from ancient temples in India.

Business

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Cotton farmers have not benefitted from Textile Development Fund 28 –Olanrewaju

Unfavourable exchange rate crashed PC shipment to Nigeria 31

Nigeria misses $150,000 Innovation Prize for Africa

TOLA AKINMUTIMI

igeria’s name missed on the list of finalists for this year’s Africa Innovation Foundation’s (AIF’s) Innovation Prize for Africa, which showcased a diverse range of innovations from agriculture, to education and e-health, amongst others. The 10 nominees for the awards comprised four South Africans namely, Neil Du Preez, David Gluckman, Johann Pierre Kok and Lesley Erica Scott; Adnane Remmal from Morocco; Jean Bosco Kazirukanyo, from Burundi; and Alex Mwaura Muriu and Kyai Mullei, both from Kenya. Others are; Marc Arthur Zang, from Cameroon; and Samuel O. Otukol, from Uganda. The organizers of the award, Africa Innovation Foundation (AIF), reported that the nominees represented outstanding innovation talent across Africa amongst those that applied for the celebrated Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) award this year, and are now being considered for the grand share prize of US$150 000 Since its inaugural launch in 2011, IPA has gathered great momentum, and is now recognized for leading the innovation frontier in Africa by rewarding innovators for their home-grown, market-led innovations that contribute to Af-

rica’s growth, development and prosperity. AIF received a record 925 applications from 41 countries for its prestigious IPA awards, surpassing the previous year’s entry record of 903. The Foundation works to increase the prosperity of Africans by catalyzing the innovation spirit in Africa. The Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) is a landmark initiative of the AIF and mobilizes African innovators to invest in African-led solutions to ensure a sustainable, prosperous Africa. The panel of highly qualified

IPA judges examined all entries through a rigorous process which included validation by technical experts. Chairman of the IPA 2015 selection panel, McLean Sibanda, said that the calibre of entries this year was particularly impressive, noting that IPA has continued to gain importance and greater recognition each year, seen in the quality and depth of applications. “Short-listing the top 10 was no easy task as each of the top 25 innovations are a response to a need or challenge within our communities. The IPA is indeed an impor-

Operators set power sector agenda for in-coming administration

tant platform - not only for showcasing Africa’s ability to innovate to address its own challenges, but also for celebrating Africa’s ingenuity”, Sibanda added. Three winners will be chosen and announced in a glittering ceremony to be held in Skhirat, Morocco on 13 May 2015. The US$150 000 cash prize is shared between the winners, with the most outstanding innovation receiving US$100 000, and two prizes of US$25 000 for innovation with the highest social impact and best business potential respectively.

takeholders in the African have made case for the speedy industrialisation of the continent through trade. The call was made during the launch of the 2015 edition of the Economic Report on Africa, ERA. This year’s report builds on the key messages of the previous editions of ERA and focuses on industrialisation and structural transformation. At the launching of the report during the Conference of African Ministers of Finance and

AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Dana Air Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

Aero Contractors

L-R: Head, Product Management, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oladipo Omotoso; Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham Securities Limited, Mr. Akeem Shadare; Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri and Compliance Officer, Chapel Hill Denham Securities Limited, Ms. Ewere Mgbeke at the presentation of appointment letter as a Primary Market Maker at the Exchange recently.

African leaders target trade to boost industrialisation ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

Economic Development in Addis Ababa, Minister of Trade and Industry, Ghana, Dr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah and Minister and Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Dr. Arkebe Oqubay commended it for its in-depth analysis and recommendations. Oqubay explained that Africa needed to focus on cross-border trade and must rise up the value chain. While lauding the report, he called on policy makers in the continent to translate the ERA recommendations into actions saying that Africa needs to focus on three issues to engage in the

global market. “One, improve and deepen exports. Two, ensure the domestic market is integrated. Three, be cautious on the overshooting of the service sector while manufacturing is yet low.”, he said. Deputy Executive Secretary, ECA.Mr Abdalla Hamdok highlighted the importance of addressing the challenge of being stuck in bottom of the global value chain noting that “There is empirical evidence of bi-directional relationship between industrialization and trade. It is important to gear trade policies towards national development objectives and

be selective in specific sectors as the endeavour is costly.” He also indicated that trade could reverse the course of industrialization, unless carefully designed. Experts discussed the current growth in Africa, its prospects and challenges, Director, Macroeconomic Policy Division, ECA, Mr. Adam Elhiraika, revealed some very interesting facts. He said: “Africa’s growth prospects remain positive despite strong headwinds, with increased private consumption and investment being the key drivers of growth in 2015.

Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00. Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50. Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00. Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cotton farmers have not benefitted from The textile industry has been one of the most hamstrung sectors in the country due to a combination of factors. In this interview with ABOLAJI ADEBAYO, the Director General of Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, NTMA, Mr. Jaiyeola Olanrewaju, speaks on various issues affecting operators in the sector, including the low patronage of locally made fabrics and government’s failure to encourage patronage of the products. Excerpts:

How would you evaluate Nigerian economy after the rebasing of its GDP last year? Frankly speaking, to me the rebasing was more theoretical and academic. Rebasing or no rebasing, I have not seen anything dramatic in the economy. If the GDP has been rated higher, how does it reflect on the common man? As I am concerned, the GDP might be for government’s planning or other purposes; probably to assist the governments to boost their ego. Apart from that, it doesn’t change the Nigerian economy. It is a mere way of project the image of the country’s economy, especially for the country to get financial assistance in term of loan. As far as industry is concerned, some operators may claim of getting positive result but as far as the grassroots is concerned, I haven’t seen any change because people are still crying. The money is up there but it is not allowed to get to the grassroots and don’t forget, the grassroots matters most. But the Nigerian economy has been rated the best in Africa based on the exercise. Sir, what is your take on this? Nigerian economy is not better than many of the African countries. If you go to South Africa or go to East Africa, some of them are making much progress with their economy than Nigeria. Talking about even the textile industry, if you go to East Africa, if you see the progress they are making, you cannot compare it with Nigeria. Their governments are seriously involved and rendering all the necessary assistance to make sure the industry moves but it is not so in Nigeria. May be the last effort coming up with a policy on the industry may assist the industry if the policy is effected. Textile industry, as you mentioned, is groaning in the face of severe challenges. What exactly could you say is the problem affecting the industry? As at now I wouldn’t say the industry is retrogressing because it has reached a level at which it cannot be worse than what we have now. May be the only thing is for it to pick up and move on. A lot of factors are affecting the industry. Generally the manufacturing industry in this country is not moving as can be seen from its contribution to the GDP. Well, when all other sectors are moving, definitely it will be retrogressing so I can say the industry is retrogressing then. The infrastructure is terrible. Now, with our own investigation, smuggling, counterfeiting, faking are killing the industry. As at today, virtually all types of cloth can be imported but printed fabric is strictly banned so it means that if you want to import in this country you are

Olanrewaju

expected to follow the normal procedure, paying this and that. Those are the ones expected to come in legally through the port. But unfortunately, they are smuggled in, and then the printed materials which are not even expected to be in this country come in large quantity so, the foreign fabrics have taken over. In this country today imported fabrics have taken between 70 and 85 per cent of our market and the market is there; Nigeria is a big market for textile. If we are allowed to operate without this suffocation of imported fabrics, definitely we will be smiling but suffocation of imported fabrics has prevented us from that. They do affect us because they bring in the fabrics cheaper than we produce here and majority of people do not mind the quality.

Government made available some funds for the revival of the sector recently. What would you say about the Fund? Of cause the fund helped to some ex-

tent. It has more or less stabilised the situation because some people have the machinery but they don’t have the working capital so that funds is meant to provide the working capital and renovate their

TALKING ABOUT EVEN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY, IF YOU GO TO EAST AFRICA, IF YOU SEE THE PROGRESS THEY ARE MAKING, YOU CANNOT COMPARE IT WITH NIGERIA. THEIR GOVERNMENTS ARE SERIOUSLY INVOLVED AND RENDERING ALL THE NECESSARY ASSISTANCE TO MAKE SURE THE INDUSTRY MOVES BUT IT IS NOT SO IN

NIGERIA

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Executive Discourse

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Textile Development Fund –Olanrewaju machinery. Before they got that money, some people were indebted to banks so much, the government now asked them to take the money and pay the banks they owed so that all their debts would be in only one place. It means they would owe BoI only. With that, it assisted them. It has also stabilised the industry somehow in that there have not been much closure that used to be, there has not been retrenchment of workers as it used to be. So, to that extent, I will say it has helped. Apart from the N100 billion Textile Development Fund has Government extended other financial support for the development of textile industry? No. There is no any fund specifically meant for textile industry other than that but there are still other money in the central bank which is meant for manufacturing in the real sector. May be if you don’t get from BoI, you can get from there but I don’t know what are the conditions. But there is still another window through which you can collect from central bank. As at December last year, Federal Government claimed to have disbursed about N60 billion out of the N100 billion Textile Development Fund. How true is that claim? We were also told that they had disbursed N60 billion. Now I can say for my members, probably about 15 were able to access the fund. But don’t forget that the money is not meant for only the textile industry, it is for cotton, textile and garment. I’m aware some of people in garment have also collected. The ginners as I know also collected. But for the cotton farmers, none of them was able to get the fund. Because the ginners, who buy the cotton from the farmers have machineries in their own factories, which could be presented as collateral but I don’t know the farmers were able to get the fund. The ginners are just the middle men, without the farmers, the ginners cannot do anything, even if they get the funds, there without farmers there would be no materials for them to work with because the farmers supply the materials. Unfortunately, the farmers are excluded from getting the fund. And this fund was originally emanated from the Ministry of Agriculture designed for the farmers before it was diverted to the Bank of Industry for the revival of textile industry. The BoI doesn’t make available to us the number of beneficiaries, so we have little knowledge on their statistics whether their claim is right or wrong. We don’t know the amount they give to people. Their strategy is based on Bank-to-Customer relationship. Sir, how would you rate the modalities or conditions attached to sector’s intervention funds? When people talk of the conditions, BoI put conditionality, which are stiff because the attitude of Nigerians. Seeing the money as government’s money, they can take the money without thinking of paying back. So, the BoI, which is responsible for the giving out the money, has to

I CAN SAY THAT THE FUND IS NOT POLITICISED. FOR THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY, MONEY IS GIVEN TO THOSE AND WHO ARE ON GROUND. THE QUESTION TO ASK IS WHETHER THE FUND IS FOR YOU TO START YOUR FACTORY, AND TO THAT

I WILL SAY NO

put up the conditions that would make it recoup the money. When we discussed with the bank officials, they advised us to go into agreement with the state governments on some issues, which were parts of the conditions for accessing the loan. For example, if you want to mortgage a place, you have to pay certain amount to the government for you to mortgage the place and the bank needs the papers for you to get the loan. So, we had to approach the state government to wave this for us to be able to get the loan. Some state did why majority of them refused. All these conditions are tight because you need to do this do that as conditions before you can get the loan. To me, the conditions might be stiff, but we can’t blame the bank because they want to be assured that they give the money to somebody who would be able to pay back. Operators normally complain that most of the funds are not getting to the real operators, especially in agriculture. What do you think is responsible for this? In case of the CTG Fund, I can say that the fund is not politicised. For the textile industry, money is given to those and who are on ground. The question to ask is whether the fund is for you to start

Olanrewaju

your factory, and to that I will say no. The other question to ask is this, if you want to start a factory, can you access the fund? As at now I say No. when you are on ground, it is then you can access the loan. And even those, who are on ground but have closed can only get the money through their sister companies, like the people producing in Kaduna, the United Nigerian Textile is still existing, it got the money and tried to revive those companies subordinate to it, which have closed. So, if you have closed and you don’t have a sister company still operating, nobody would give you money. Definitely, the fund is not really for revival of the industry? May be we should call it survival or revival fund. Invariably many of those that have closed, some of them have sold out their machines, while most of the factories are hired out as warehouses. But I think farmers too should be considered in giving out the loans. The cotton farmers are expected to benefit from the fund. Unless they produce and bring the raw materials to the factory, the ginner would have nothing to sell and if they don’t sell, they won’t be able to pay back the loan.

How involved is your association in the government’s policy making processes? Not really, we may not be involved till the final stage of the decision making. But for the CTG policy, we were fully involved; we were carried along till they came out with the final decision and that is why we acknowledge it because it has our input. Usually, it appears that the military regime listened to the manufacturers than the civilian regime. May be the civilian governments think they have experts in all sectors. But in the last two to three years, they have been listening to us. The Ministers there now listen, either the Industry or the Agric, and they have Alright sir, but what about the issue of policy implementation, how do you see it? Yeah, that is the question now. When the CTG policy was inaugurated, they now told us it was our policy and we had to find a way of implementing it on our own. The Minister set up implementation committee and told the committee that the government had no fund for the implementation therefore the committee should look for the fund. So, that is where we are now. Since January when the policy has been inaugurated, now we are in April, nothing has happened to the policy because there is no fund. So, the assignment for the committee now is how to look for the fund. We have been deliberating on how we will raise fund and this has been a great task for us as members of the committee as no fund was even given to the committee for running around. Unfortunately, this government terminates on the 29th of May, next month. So, implementation has been the bane of most policies in Nigeria. So, what effort is NTMA making to grow the textile industry? You see, all the factors affecting the industry are external problems. If you are talking about the quality, we can control that. In case of cost control, we have tried to reduce the prices of our products even though the cost is determined by external forces and it is very difficult. So, that is why when they talked about reducing cost, we now went to labour to see how we could reduce our labour force. But that one too is not easy. For instance if you are working with 10 people and you reduce them to five, unless they are able produce what the 10 people are producing, then you are cutting your feet by reducing labour. So, issues of reduction in cost, improving quality, are what we have been discussing among our members, which we have been trying to put in place. But there is no way we control the issue of smuggling. All government agencies and security personnel should be involved in the control of smuggling. The best the association can do is to ensure the best quality, reduce cost where it is possible, and adapt to the new technology of production. To make the environment conducive is essentially government’s responsibility.

Business News

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Africa’s annual rice demand hits 30m tons SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

ood and Agriculture Organization, FAO, has disclosed that Africa’s annual rice demand had hit 30 million tons, out of which 14 million tons are still being imported. The continent’s rice production in 2013 was put at 29 million tons, compared to Asia’s 674 million, out of the global production capacity of 745 million tons. Senior Technical Officer, FAO’s Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department, Robert Guei, who disclosed this, expressed op-

timism that Africa had great potential for expanding its agricultural production, especially rice, describing it as “a strategic priority crop for food security,”. According to him, the widening demand-supply gap has prompted the continent to step-up efforts to significantly increase local supply while stemming the tide of importation. In view of the increasing importance of rice as a key commodity in national strategies for food security, the FAO official canvassed urgent need to explore partnership, geared towards intensifying its production.

Guei said that his Organisation was reaching out to the African Development Bank, AfDB and other partners to mobilize resources and support comprehensive programmes for sustainable rice system developments in Africa. “We have to have a business model that integrates value chain to assist farmers in using best practices and modern farming technologies”, he said Guei stressed that organising farmers into groups would make them a strong force with market linkages, giving collective voice over their produce.

Cross section of Airtel Staff during a roadshow on Airtel Smart Connect in Lagos, recently.

He explained further that FAO’s rice initiative was critical as it would provide a framework for AfDB’s regional member countries as well as other development partners to coordinate supports for rice value chain development,

CDMA to close shop, as MTN buys Visafone ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

he once flourishing business of the CDMA market of the nation’s mobile telecom sector will fizzle out this year, once the MTN Group finalises its takeover plan of the only surviving CDMA operator, Visafone. A source confirmed to National Mirror yesterday that MTN would take over Visafone, the last entrant into the CDMA market, but that the details of the deals were still at infancy. The Code-Division Multiple Access, CDMA, otherwise known as mobile wireless went into oblivion shortly after the arrival of the GSM operators, which was followed by intensive media campaign that the CDMA could not survive partly due to fund. Since the big names in the sub-sector like Starcomms Plc, Multi-links and MTS Wireless

Niger Devt coy refutes bond issuance allegation

he Niger State Development Company, NSDC, has denied allegations that it secured another loan facility to finance the development of two ultra modern markets in the state. The markets are, Garam Model City in Tafa Local Government and an International Market and Motor Park in Madalla, Suleja Local Government, with total cost of N2.8 billion. A statement signed by the Chief Operation Officer of the Company, Mr. Yusuf Aliyu, indicated that the approval and funding for the two projects to be implemented by NSDC was part

of the N30 billion bond sourced by the State Government. According to the company’s chief, while the Garam Model City Project at Tafa is estimated at N1 billion, the cost of the construction of the International Market and Motor Park project at Madalla is estimated to gulp N1.8 billion, and the Garam project at Tafa would cost N1 billion Aliyu stated: “As such, the company never accessed a single Kobo for the Madalla market project. The State Executive Council approved the award of contract for the construction of the facility to Exson Nigeria Limited in

September last year with a Press briefing being held a few days after. He added that at the forum, all details regarding the Project were made available to journalists. The COO further explained that for the International Market and Motor Park Project, only 25 percent of the cost, representing the first four of the tranches, had been accessed as work is still ongoing at the site, while the Garam Model city is currently at 40 per cent completion. “We have currently achieved approximately 10% project completion with construction expect-

thereby promoting resilience and food security. Executive Director, Africaseeds, Kwame Miezan, noted that appropriate policies as well as poor local farmers would improve the rice sector.

ed to be completed in March 2016. The Garam Model City project also being handle by a Contractor, Abegyi Nigeria Limited is currently at a 40 per cent completion rate with the project due to be completed in June 2015. Aliyu stated that the International Market and Motor Park project is located on a bigger site, 70 hectares as opposed to the 3.87 hectares planned to provide more retail spaces and a modern transportation facility which will not only serve to improve the socioeconomic profile of Suleja but provide a modern transportation terminal, the first in Niger State.

have since closed shop leaving Visafone, the operator to enter the sector. However, last week, a Bloomberg report said MTN Group has started the process of buying Visafone Communications of Nigeria, as part of its expansion as largest in the market. Investigation revealed that the MTN Group is so far the operator in the region that has the financial muscle for such huge investment in Africa. The Group had in 2007 acquired VGC Communications for a whopping sum of $100 million to expand its grip. The deal means that the acquisition of Visafone, the only surviving CDMA operator in Nigeria ends the era of CDMA operations in Nigeria. A source within the top management of Visafone denied knowledge of the deal, which is being speculated to run into millions dollars, promising however to investigate the speculation. It is however, said that MTN may not be buying the liabilities of the CDMA company, which has already laid off close to 60 percent of its workforce due to financial crisis and the challenges in the industry that it has not been able to cope with. The Group is said to be interested in Visafone’s 700 MHz spectrum base on MTN’s LTE drive across the continent and therefore sees Visafone’s LTEcompliant spectrum useful for its LTE project in Nigeria. Visafone, which is a wireless network provider founded in 2007 by Jim Ovia, a banking mogul and founder Zenith Bank currently boast of 2.2 million subscribers.

Med-View Airline acquires Boeing 737-400 Classic OLUSEGUN KOIKI

ed-View Airline has acquired a Boeing 737-400 Classic aircraft, configured for 150 passengers; business and economy classes, as part of its expansion plans to boost its operations. With the additional aircraft, the company’s fleet has increased

to five Boeing aircraft. The Managing Director of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said that the aircraft had undergone necessary inspection and certification by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s, NCAA, inspectors before it was flew into the country from Thailand. Bankole said that the introduction of the aircraft was an integral part of its long term business

model, adding that the aircraft would immediately be deployed to Yola route. He explained further that another Boeing 767 aircraft would join the airline’s fleet very soon, saying that the expected aircraft would be deployed to Jeddah and Dubai, which it hoped to commence by the last week in June. He said, “We are as usual poised to give our customers the

best of service and with the introduction of our additional new baby, we will definitely expand our fleet and operations. The aircraft you are seeing today has undergone significant internal enhancements to ensure that our customers enjoy the unique and outstanding onboard experience they have come to expect from the airline. “Our plan to grow our fleet is

a gradual process and in the next couple of weeks, we will add another Boeing to our fleet to make it six. We started the business with First Bank and since we commenced business deal with it, the bank has been appreciating us for our commitment and consistency. The bank has supported us with this additional baby that we are unveiling today, too”, Bankole added.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

China tightens grip on banking Unfavourable exchange rate crashed PC shipment to Nigeria C ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

he unfavourable exchange rate across has resulted to the crashing of PC shipment by global makers of PCs across the world. Latest report from International Data Corporation, IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, which covers countries in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, EMEA, revealed that shipments of personal computers to countries in EMEA contracted in the first quarter of 2015, as vendors focused on depleting attractively priced Bing inventory built up during 4Q 2014. The IDC report stated that the end of Bing promotions on 15 inch notebooks, unfavourable currency exchange rates and consequently an increase in prices of components, all led to a rise of average selling prices and decline in PC shipments. According to the report, growth was constrained by a difficult yearly comparison saying that where year-ago shipments were boosted by the end of support for Win-

dows XP, those replacements has declined significantly in the current quarter, particularly in the commercial desktop segment. The report said that worldwide PC shipments totaled 68.5 million units in the first quarter of 2015, a year-on-year decline of -6.7 percent, and slightly ahead of previous projections. Following a strong second half of 2014, which benefitted from the tailwind of the Windows XP refresh and pockets of price-driven consumer activity, the Q1 market faced multiple headwinds – including inventory build-up of Windows Bing based notebooks, commercial slow down following the XP refresh and constrained demand in many regions due to currency fluctuations and unfavorable economic indicators. As a result, IDC said that growth and volume declined with Q1 shipments below 69 million units, the lowest recorded volume since Q1 2009. Senior Research Analyst, Personal Computing, Rajani Singh, said despite the decline, PC shipment in the United States

declined at a slower rate than all other regions in first quarter, outperforming worldwide trends for the eleventh consecutive quarter. “The strength from key vendors, adoption of emerging products, improvements in the consumer market and in the broader economy is all positive signals,” he said. He disclosed that the upcoming launch of Windows 10 will consolidate the best of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 noting that the free upgrade for consumers for a year after the release, Windows 10 should be a net positive as there is pent-up demand for replacements of older PCs. Also commenting on the report, Senior Research Analyst, Worldwide PC Trackers, Jay Chou said that although shipments did exceed an already cautious forecast, the market unfortunately remains heavily dependent on pricing being a major driver, with entry SKU volume masking a still tenuous demand for higher priced systems that is needed to sustain a more diverse PC ecosystem.

hina’s government is strengthening control over the country’s three major policy banks to position them better to support new initiatives to finance projects and corporate expansions abroad and to help stabilise growth at home. The State Council, China’s cabinet, on Sunday released approvals for reform plans at the banks: China Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China and Agricultural Development Bank of China. While lacking in detail, the plans seek to reverse an increasingly commercialised strategy pursued by at least two of these banks and reinforce their role as a financing tool of the Chinese government, according to government advisers and analysts. The State Council stressed the banks’ roles in supporting government policies and strategic goals. The plans call for the banks to improve their risk management and internal controls. As China’s economic growth slows and its vast commercialbanking sector is struggling with rising bad debts, the government is looking to the policy banks to reinforce support for key objectives. “These policy banks are being counted on to provide low-cost loans to finance things that often prove unattractive to commer-

cial lenders, like infrastructure, farms, exports and overseas investments,” said economist Zhu Chaoping at UOB Kay Hian Holdings, a Singapore-based brokerage. Top of the agenda for China’s leadership are ambitious plans to finance roads, railways, ports, telecommunications networks and other infrastructure to better connect the Chinese economy with the rest of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The initiatives go under several rubrics used by President Xi Jinping: the Silk Road Economic Belt for overland Asia and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road for the seaboard links. All are meant to evoke the trade routes that carried goods to and from China for centuries, and are seen by regional governments and policy analysts as illustrating China’s ambition to challenge the US on international affairs. As part of the initiative, China has established a $US40 billion ($A52.1bn) Silk Road fund and spearheaded the setting up of a new development bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which has attracted interest from more than 40 countries, including staunch U.S. allies and which is expected to begin operations with $US100bn in capital.

Airline operators task in-coming govt on multiple taxation

L-R; lCPC Federal Commisioner, Mr. lsa Ozi Salami; CEO, Siemens Nigeria, Ms Nyeche Tifase, and Group Managing Director, Arco Group Plc, Alfred Okoigun, during a dinner hosted by Arco Group for delegates to the Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference, in Abuja recently.

irline Operators of Nigeria, AON, has urged the President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), to abolish multiple taxation and Value Added Tax, VAT, imposed on airlines operating in the country. The Chairman, of the association, Capt. Nogie Meggison, told aviation correspondents in Lagos state that multiple taxation imposed by various agencies of government hamper airlines’ operations. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, he urged the in-

EDCL partners banks on luxury houses in Lagos SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

ko Development Company Limited, EDCL, has partnered some local and international banks to build Eko Atlantic city, capable of providing luxurious houses to Nigerians. Some of the local banks include, First Bank of Nigeria, FCMB, Access and Guaranty

Trust Banks while foreign ones are BNP Paribas Fortis and KBC Bank Chief Responsibility Officer, EDCL, Ms Ibieme Ogolo, said the multibillion dollar housing project, would also involve private investors. According to her, the development would also see private individuals as well as corporate entities with expertise to transform sea-land into ocean-front city that

would withstand the test of time. ‘’The company has created numerous landmark projects in Nigeria, including the National Assembly Complex, Abuja and Eko Hotel Convention Centre in Lagos state’’, she stated. Ogolo said as a real estate development company, ECDL was committed to creating luxury residences of high specifications, disclosing that the team is creating exceptional residential build-

ings in Azuri Peninsula, describing it as distinctive. Azuri Peninsulais part of the compnay’s long-term strategies aimed at creating outstanding homes, befitting of a world-class city’. Explaining the reason behind the project, she said Nigeria being Africa’s most populous nation required sustainable housing sector programmes for millions of its citizenry.

coming government to intervene by removing the airlines’ landing and packing charges imposed by different agencies of the government. Meggison lamented that foreign airlines operating in and out of the country were not paying the charges, adding that “it is only Nigeria that has added VAT to charges in air transportation, meanwhile other nations have excluded it from their transport sectors,” he said. The aviation expert also said that the removal of VAT for airline operators would further bring the Nigerian aviation sector at par with other aviation industries around the world, pointing out that countries like the U.K., Ireland and some other European countries do not charge VAT from their carriers. According to him, such fiscal regime should be replicated in the country if the government truly wanted the sector to grow. The AON leader also charged the government to stabilise aviation fuel for the carriers even as he called on fuel marketers and operators to work together to ensure fuel supply stability in the local market.

Business News

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Technology Times audience engagements record 405% growth ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

echnology Times has recorded an impressive growth in audience engagements on the Nigerian technology newswebsite in Q1 2015, hitting 405 percent growth according to statistics by leading independent website benchmarking service, Alexa. Technology Times attracted engagements by visitors across the world seeking Nigerian technology news, according to statistics by Alexa, the global pioneer provider of analytical insights to benchmark and compare websites on the Internet. Based on three key performance indicators of Daily Time on Site, Daily Pageviews per Visitor and Bounce Rate, Technology Times posted excellent Q1 2015 records according to Alexa information. At the end of Q1 2015, Technology Times’ Daily Time on Site re-

corded 405 percent growth to peak at 30:18 minutes while the Daily Pageviews per Visitor grew by 480 percent to reach 18.00 minutes.On the other hand, Technology Times bounce rate dropped by 46 percent to a record 25.70 percent within the period under review. The impressive performance also reveals that the Technology Times online asset recorded relatively higher audience engagements compared to several Nigerian news websites. Commenting on the Q1 2015 performance, Founder/Group CEO, Technology Times Media Limited, owners of Technology Times website, ShinaBadaru, expressed appreciation to loyal and devoted readers in Nigeria, Africa and beyond “for letting us remain theirtechnology news destination of choice on the Internet.” According to him, the record performance was the outcome of the massive revamp, upgrade and optimisation started by the compa-

ny in Q4 2014 on the flagship Technology Times to foster leadership in innovative delivery of breaking news and information from inside the Nigerian information and communication technology, ICT, industry. “We have further revamped and upgraded Technology Times to be the leading destination for Nigerian technology news by adopting a digital first news delivery model and optimisation into a multidelivery platform for the web, mobile, tablet, print and other emerging platforms”, he said. According to the Group CEO of Technology Times, by tracking the changing news consumption trends of our growing and loyal audience base in Nigeria and beyond, we constantly hone strategies to stay ahead of the industry’s curve by evolving Technology Times into a multi-platform channel for our diverse audience demographics that also offers enhanced opportunities for our advertisers.

Marina car park Lagos, yesterday as Business resume after election.

Heathrow records 3.4% growth in passengers’ traffic OLUSEGUN KOIKI

ondon Heathrow airport recorded its busiest ever March with a record 5.95 million passengers travelling through the UK’s hub, an increase of 3.4 per cent on March 2014 as the airport benefitted from an earlier Easter travel rush. Larger, fuller, quieter aircraft at Heathrow continued to be a driver for passenger growth. Seats per aircraft increased 1.6 per cent to 206.4, while load factors increased 1.6 per cent points to 73.3 per cent. Passengers per aircraft rose 3.2 per cent to 151.3 The statistics was released by eTN Global Travel Industry News, an online platform and

monitored by our correspondent. Within emerging markets, passenger volumes were particularly strong to Mexico, which was up 26.5 per cent, China up 20.2 per cent and the Middle East & Central Asia up 7.6 per cent. North American segments continued their robust performance with volumes increasing 6 per cent. Heathrow continued to welcome an increasing number of the transfer passengers that make such long-haul routes viable, with year-on-year volumes up 4.3 per cent. Cargo volumes recorded growth of 2.9 per cent overall, including increases of 53 per cent to Mexico, 28.8 per cent to Turkey, 9.1 per cent to Brazil and 6.9 per cent to India. Vietnam Airlines celebrated

its inaugural flight to Heathrow on the 31st March, demonstrating once again the draw of the hub’s unique mix of premium direct and transfer passengers. The National Connectivity Task Force’s final report on regional air links found that as the UK’s hub Heathrow is best placed to spread the benefits of airport expansion as widely as possible across the whole of the UK Heathrow announced a package of measures, which would boost regional connectivity – including a proposed £10 discount on domestic passenger charges and a £10 million route development fund to support five new domestic routes for three years – while encouraging cleaner, quieter aircraft to operate from the UK’s hub.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Insurance firms balk as ‘Angelina effect’ spurs cancer testing

edical researchers call it the “Angelina Effect,” the surge in demand for genetic testing attributable to movie star Angelina Jolie’s public crusade for more aggressive detection of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. But there’s a catch: Major insurance companies including Aetna, Anthem and Cigna are declining to pay for the latest generation of tests, known as multi-gene panel tests, Reuters has learned. The insurers say that the tests are unproven and may lead patients to seek out medical care they don’t need. That’s a dangerous miscalculation, a range of doctors, genetic counselors, academics and diagnostics companies said.

While they acknowledge that multi-gene tests produce data that may not be useful from a diagnostic standpoint, they say that by refusing or delaying coverage, insurance companies are endangering patients who could be undergoing screenings or changing their diets if they knew about the possible risks. The tests have come a long way since Jolie, 39, went public in 2013, revealing that she underwent a double mastectomy after a genetic test found she carried mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, indicating a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She disclosed last month that she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.

China’s collapsed trade surplus slows economy

he broadly higher US dollar is extending last week’s recovery. In addition to the strong technical momentum, shockingly poor Chinese trade data is bolstering the greenback, which crushed currencies linked to commodities from Australia to South Africa to Latin America. The Russian ruble bucks the trend and extends its recovery, helped by the Brent testing $60 a barrel. China’s trade surplus collapsed to $3.08 bln from $60.6 bln in February. The consensus forecast was for a $40 bln surplus. Imports were of 12.7% year-over-year after having fallen 20.1% in February. The market anticipated an 11.3% decline. The bigger surprise was on exports. They fell 15% on a year-

over-year basis after rising 48.3% in February. The consensus was for a 9% increase. China has begun reporting its trade figures in yuan terms, but given the limited change in the yuan over the past year (less than 0.5%), the difference between the dollar measure and the yuan measures is minor. The trade disappointment comes through two channels. First, it may reflect a sharper slowing of the Chinese economy. Some suggest that the PBOC will respond with monetary measures, especially given that the IPOs are also tying up liquidity. Some suggest that China could embrace a weaker yuan. However, if it is too overt, it may undermine its efforts to be included in the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDR).

Pan-Africa focuses on fish trade

new pan-African project has been launched to strengthen the continent’s great potential for increased trade in fish, especially Nigeria for its effort at increasing local fish production. The Director General, WorldFish, Stephen Hall, noted that Africa, a continent endowed with plentiful fish resources in oceans, rivers, lakes, floodplains and fish farms accounted for just 4.9 per cent of global fish trade. He said more efficient trade could significantly improve income and nutrition for millions of Africans, particularly those directly employed in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. He further stated that trade was constrained by inadequate market and trade infrastructure and poor policy implementation, while high transport costs, com-

plex and unaligned trade rules and poor market information also prevented Africa from optimising the social and economic benefits available. According to him, ‘FishTrade for a Better Future’, a European Commission funded project implemented by WorldFish, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD, and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, AU-IBAR, will strengthen value chains and, with a focus on sustainability, give better access to intra-regional markets and subsequently improve food and nutritional security and income in sub-Saharan Africa. Hall said, “Africa has the potential to develop its fisheries and aquaculture to play a much greater role in promoting food security, providing livelihoods and supporting economic growth.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Oil exploration drops as prices fall 35

‘FG should encourage investors to build 37 refineries’

FG plans release of N214bn loan to DISCOs soon

Operators set power sector agenda for in-coming administration The President Jonathan-led administration handed over Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOs and Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs to private investors, thereby heightening consumers’ expectations for improved electricity. In this analysis on the privatized entities by UDEME AKPAN and CHIDI UGWU findings showed that set targets have not been met, thereby necessitating stakeholders’ agenda for the new government.

Ibom power plant

any Nigerians were full of excitement when the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, promised that power supply would rise to 6,000 megawatts, mw before the end of 2014. Nebo had in his paper delivered at the 15th Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecture organised by the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria Nsukka, titled “Revitalising an Effective Power System for Sustainable Development in Nigeria” assured that the government had made huge investments in the sector that should radically improve the sector’s performance. He claimed: “This is one of the catalysts

which can make the country to become one of the top 20 economics in the world. When Jonathan assumed office, the power generation was 2,250 megawatts, but today it is 4,000 and by December this year the country’s generation will hit 6,000. The transformation agenda of the present ad-

ministration has helped to transform every sector of the economy, especially the power sector. “Realisation of the dream of the present administration in power sector will help to reduce unemployment as well as boost national economy development.

GOVERNMENT PLANS TO DIVERSIFY THE ENERGY SECTOR THROUGH THE EXPLOITATION

OF RENEWABLE SOURCE OF ENERGY IN SOLAR, WIND, COAL AND SMALL HYDROPOWER

Government plans to diversify the energy sector through the exploitation of renewable source of energy in solar, wind, coal and small hydropower. “This is to give the people who cannot be connected to national grid light via renewable energy. The pilot project of this started in January at Abuja and it is expected to be replicated in all states of the federation. Government is not happy that about 20 million households have no access to electricity now.” But the promise and other targets appeared not to have been realised barely a CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Energy Week

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Operators set power sector agenda for in-coming administration CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 month to the end of President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration. Available reports showed that electricity generation, transmission and distribution remain very low. For instance, the Presidential Task Force on Power, PTFP has indicated that power generation and supply stood at 3,347.79 megawatts, mw and 3,273.90mw respectively. These are considered low, particularly as the same report puts the nation’s national demand forecast at 12, 800mw. A recent report of the Ministry of Power showed that provided details indicated that some major units of Kainji plant, including 1G 5, 1G 6, 1G7, 1G8, 1G9, 1G10 and 1G11 were down for maintenance. The authoritative data showed that units 2G5 and 2G6 of Jebba plant were due for rehabilitation. The ST1 unit of Sapele Power Plant suffered a major water leakage in its boiler feed pump. Other units, including ST3, 4 and 5 were also out because of fault. Delta was not different. The power plant has a generator winding fault in its GT3 and 5 while GT7 was shut because of leakage. While GT 19 broke down while other units such as GT11 and 15 experienced high vibration and turbine blade failure respectively, the Afam plant recorded some problems. For instance, its GT2 was down while GT3 suffered high vibration. Also, GT4, 5, 17, 18 and 19 were affected as a result of various operational constraints. Also, Geregu Plant suffered a setback in its GT 12 and 13 due mainly to low gas pressure while the units GT2 and 3 of Omotoso were out because of some challenges. This is even as Olorunsogo Plant suffered a setback in its GT5 and 6 because of poor transformer and vibration respectively. The units GT21 and 22 of Geregu (NIPP) witnessed low gas pressure because of limited supply of the product. The GT1 unit of Alaoji (NIPP) was shut for water injection test. The GT4 unit of Olorunsogo (NIPP) was shut for maintenance; Omotoso (NIPP) was shut because of gas constraint while the GT1 unit of Ihovbor plant was shut as a result of another fault. The inadequate gas supply that affected the plants occurred mainly because of pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. For instance, the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC Joint Venture has at various times shut its pipelines because of vandalism. The company has it that intentional third-party interference with pipelines and other infrastructure was responsible for around 75per cent of all oil spill incidents and 92 per cent of all oil volume spilled from facilities operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) over the last five years. This increased pipeline vandalism had impacted negatively on many sectors of the nation’s economy. A further demonstration of the poor impact of the power reform on electricity supply is reflected in the increasing importation of generators into the country. For instance, available statistics on power generator imports showed that in 2013 alone, 524 applications were received and processed as against the about 430 in the preceding year. Though the 2014 offi-

Buhari

Nebo

Yusuf

Fawibe

cial figures were not made available officially by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, the regulatory agency responsible for issuance of import certificates to importers of generators at the time of filing this report, a source in the know of the importation trend hinted that last year alone, over 650 applications were received. Only a few of the 2014 applications were said to have been processed by the end of the year, leaving a backlog of hundreds of applications to be processed this year. The source confirmed that this year, over 80 applications had been submitted by prospective importers of power generators as the hope of stable electricity remains slim still.

The breakdown of the 2013 figures showed that 264 applications were received in the first half of the year compared with the 260 applications received between July and December of the year. A further breakdown showed that 123 applications were received from importers in the first quarter, while 141,139 and 121 were received in the second and third quarter (July – September) and fourth quarter (October – December) respectively. An industry operator, who pleaded not to be named, confirmed that the over 240 lucky applicants who secured the approval of NERC to import generators last year, were already bringing in the product, which came in different sizes and capacities.

MANUFACTURERS, ESPECIALLY SMES, STILL HAVE MAJOR CHALLENGES SUCH AS

WORSENING POWER SUPPLY, LACK OF ACCESS

TO CREDIT, INFLUX OF FAKE AND SUBSTANDARD PRODUCTS, AND REGULATORY INFRACTIONS, AMONG OTHERS

NERC is optimistic that the high level of importation would likely reduce when there is a significant improvement in electricity supply. Reflecting on poor electricity in the economy, the Chairman of International Energy services Limited; Dr. Diran Fawibe, lamented that manufacturers had not been able to boost their operations because of unstable and inadequate power supply. He said the manufacturers who generate independent power at higher costs have added such costs to the prices of their goods and services. “Many manufacturers, especially small scale industries suffered mostly because of lack of constant electricity. They generated their power which added to total cost of their operations. The Federal Government claims that Nigeria the biggest economy in Africa. The government has many data to illustrate its positions. But the data have not reflected on the peoples’ standard of living,” he said. The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf added that energy cost remained a major threat to the sustainability of business. Yusuf, who pointed out that expenditure by businesses on diesel and other fuels had risen greatly despite the privatisation of the power sector, lamented that profit margins of most firms has not yet shown improvement due mainly to rising cost of alternative power supply. He said the chamber’s 2014 Business Environment Survey revealed that key sectors in the economy like construction, agriculture, manufacturing as well as oil and gas, have experienced slow growth. “Manufacturers, especially SMEs, still have major challenges such as worsening power supply, lack of access to credit, influx of fake and substandard products, and regulatory infractions, among others,” he said. Yusuf urged the President Buhari-led administration to tackle critical issues in the sector. He said there is a great need to review regulatory, operational and other issues in the sector. Yusuf said efforts should be made to boost gas supply and other fuels to generating plants nationwide as well as step up transmission and distribution. The He explained that the nation’s economy would be stimulated and placed on the path of sustainable growth once the government is able to fix its power changes. As industry experts have noted, it might not be easy to implement these and other measures in short or medium term for some reasons. First, operators maintained that it required a long time to conduct feasibility and other reports, take investment decisions, design and construct new plants and huge resources would be need to start new power plants and commission them. This means that the incoming administration would need to take extra steps, in terms of appropriate policy framework and funding mechanisms, to improve power supply and by so doing transform the current state of the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth in the long run.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Oil exploration drops as prices fall UDEME AKPAN

lobally, exploration has dropped in many parts of the world as oil prices continue to crash in the volatile global market. Operators have been discouraged from investing in exploration because of the continued fall of drop crude oil prices. Baker Hughes Incorporated indicated that the international rig count for March 2015 was 1,251, down 24 from the 1,275 counted in February 2015, and down 94 from the 1,345 counted in March 2014. The international offshore rig count for March 2015 was 316, down eight from the 324 counted in February 2015, and down 18 from the 334 counted in March 2014. The average U.S. rig count for March 2015 was 1,110, down 238 from the 1,348 counted in February 2015, and down 693 from the 1,803 counted in March 2014. The average Canadian rig count for March 2015 was 196, down 167 from the 363 counted in February 2015, and down 253 from the 449 counted in March 2014. The worldwide rig count for March 2015 was 2,557, down 429 from the 2,986 counted in February 2015, and down 1,040 from the 3,597 counted in March

2014. The Baker Hughes Rotary Rig Counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the United States, Canada and international markets. Baker Hughes has issued the rotary rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of US and Canadian drilling activity. Baker Hughes initiated the monthly international rig count in 1975. North American rig count data is scheduled to be released at noon central time on the last working day of each week. The international rig count is scheduled to be released on the 5th working day of the month at 6:00 a.m. ET. Baker Hughes is a leading supplier of oilfield services, products, technology and systems to the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. The company’s 62,000-plus employees work in more than 80 countries helping customers find, evaluate, drill, produce, transport and process hydrocarbon resources. Baker Hughes has issued the rotary rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of US and Canadian drilling activity.

El-Badri

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at 53.52 dollars a barrel on Thursday, compared with $54.28 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Shell’s $70bn BG purchase may spur mergers

hell has agreed to buy British rival BG Group for $69.7 billion, in a deal that may signal a new wave of mega-mergers as the energy industry tries to adapt to lower prices. Associated Press which confirmed the development said Royal Dutch Shell said it will pay the equivalent of 13.67 pounds in cash and stock for each share of BG Group, 50 percent more than Tuesday’s closing price. The deal will boost Shell’s oil and gas reserves by 25 percent, including offshore projects in Australia and Brazil, and give it a bigger presence in the fast-growing liquefied natural gas market, Shell said. AP maintained that other energy giants may follow suit as they look to boost growth through acquisitions after increased production in the U.S. helped trigger a plunge in oil prices. The last wave of oil mergers took place in the 1990s after new production from the North Sea, Alaska and Mexico led to excess global capacity and companies linked up to protect themselves, or bought weaker rivals at lower prices. “Will this be the opening shot in a new wave of mega-mergers like the 1990s?”

asked Christian Stadler, associate professor of strategic management at Warwick Business School in Britain. “Quite a few oil companies are under cost pressure with no sense of the oil price recovering. Companies had got used to $100 a barrel, and many need $40 to $60 to break even so we could see more of these deals.” The international price of crude oil has plunged from over $115 a barrel last summer to a low around $45 before recovering somewhat in recent weeks to trade at $58 a barrel on Wednesday. Global natural gas prices have also dropped, because most of the natural gas traded internationally is linked to the price of oil. Analysts at Wood Mackenzie say low prices have prompted most major oil companies to weigh acquisitions, though only a few have the size and resources to pull off a mega-merger. “If you’re looking to the next big deal, ExxonMobil stands out as most likely to pull the trigger,” they wrote in a research note. Exxon made the last giant oil and gas

acquisition when it agreed to buy the U.S. shale driller XTO Energy for $31 billion in 2009. The takeover of BG Group allows Shell to replace reserves at a time when exploration budgets are being cut and after its attempts to join the U.S. shale boom did not amount to much, Stadler said. Wood Mackenzie said BG’s large position in the deep waters off of Brazil were likely the most attractive target for Shell. “It’s all about the deepwater oil,” analysts wrote. The merger also combines the two largest investor-owned sellers of liquefied natural gas in the world. As new projects come on line in the coming years, the combined company will become the world’s biggest seller of liquefied natural gas by 2018, Wood Mackenzie said. The boards of both companies recommended that shareholders approve the deal, which they say will create a more competitive, stronger company amid the volatility in oil prices. Shareholders seemed to think that Shell did not get much of a discount for BG, however, despite the low oil and gas pric-

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

51.87

+0.23

+0.45%

11:45:45

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

57.89

+0.02

+0.03%

11:45:06

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

44,700.00

-40.00

-0.09%

11:44:42

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

2.51

0.00

0.00%

11:45:40

Source: Bloomberg as at April 13, 2015

es. Shares in Shell were down about 7 percent Wednesday while those in BG Group soared 32 percent. Combining the two companies will produce savings of about 2.5 billion pounds a year, Shell said. “This incredibly exciting moment for Shell,” Chief Executive Ben van Beurden told reporters. “It is bold and strategic moves that shape our industry.” BG’s Norwegian CEO Helge Lund was conspicuously absent from Wednesday’s press conference. Organizers said he remained at BG headquarters in Reading — a two-hour drive from London — to handle internal communication with the company’s workforce. He will stay with BG only until the deal is completed. “BG’s deep water positions and strengths in exploration, liquefaction, and LNG shipping and marketing will combine well with Shell’s scale, development expertise and financial strength,” he said.

Energy Week

General Electric to sell $26.5bn property portfolio WITH AGENCY REPORT

eneral Electric (GE) has

announced

will sell nearly all of

its property portfolio, worth $26.5bn, to funds including Wells Fargo and Blackstone. The sale is the biggest commercial property deal in the US since 2007. GE

has

been

retreating

from its property investments globally as it focuses on its industrial operations. Without its properties, the company says it expects its other, “high-value” operations

he Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOs generated 3,335.76 megawatts, mw of electricity as at April 10, this year. The Presidential Task Force on Power which confirmed this over the weekend maintained that 3,262.78mw was supplied to consumers nationwide. The supply was however insufficient as the Task Force puts the nation’s daily demand is projected at 12,800mw. Investigations showed that many parts of the nation still experience power instability because of inadequate supply.

Meanwhile, electricity consumers in Lagos and its environs have been projected to rise from 1.7 million to 2.2 million in 2018. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC disclosed over the weekend that the 581,032 consumers under Eko Electricity Distribution Company in 2014 would rise to 760,781 in 2018. The Commission maintained that consumers under Ikeja Electicity Distribution Company would rise from 1,128,010 in 2014 to 1,493,631 in 2018. It maintained that the estimated rise in consumer population would amount to 2.2 million in 2018, thus making

to bring in 90% of earnings by 2018, compared to 58% at the moment. The plan allows GE to buy back nearly two billion of its outstanding shares. A further $4bn of commercial real estate assets will be sold to other buyers. GE said it hoped the divestment would make it a “simpler, more valuable” company. Chairman Jeff Immelt said: “This is a major step in our strategy to focus GE around its competitive advantages.” In an effort to return to its roots in industrial business such as energy management, water and aviation - GE is also shedding its financing and lending arm, because it feels market conditions are “favourable”, it said. “GE has been under pressure for a number of years to focus on its industrial business,” Steven Winoker, managing director at financial analyst company Bernstein, told the BBC. “The reason they say the market is more favourable is because there are a lot of buyers out there who have approached GE.” Furthermore, the US Financial Stability Oversight Council has declared several financial firms outside the banking sector - such as GE’s - to be so big that failure of those businesses could threaten markets. “This move would relieve GE of the part of the business that is becoming volatile. Basically, they have to become a lot less general, and a lot more electric.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

GENCOs generate 3,336mw UDEME AKPAN

CHIDI UGWU

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Transmission line

Lagos and its environs second to Ibadan that is estimated to have over 2.3 million consumer population during the period. The Commission maintained that power would be supplied to Electricity Distribution Companies; DISCOs based on estimated demand projections. According to NERC figures Yola Electricity Distribution Company would likely get the least as it consumer population is estimated to rise from only 344,868 to 447,882 between 2014 and 2018. Meanwhile, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Section 76 (6) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005 and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Nigerian electricity Regulatory Commission adopted the Multi-year tariff Order (MYTO) methodology for electricity pricing in Nigeria, which sets out the basis and pricing principles and procedures for affecting minor and major review. The Commission maintained that in the light of the above, section 6.3 of the MYTO Methodology, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN has applied to the NERC to review its tariff up-ward. “TCN claims that a number of significant changes have

taken place or are expected in 2015/16 since MYTO-2 were determined 3 years ago,” NERC said. It disclosed that TCN requests for the review of its cost components in three separate but interdependent departments – Transmission Service Provider (TSP), System Operations (SO) and the Market Operations (MO) in the areas Network/capital expenditure component; operation expenditures; and transmission losses. The Commission has it that in line with existing tariff review Regulations, the Commission has developed and published a Consultation Paper to guide the process. It maintained that the Consultation Paper presents TCN request and will be open for comments for 28 days (4weeks) starting Friday, 10th April to Friday, 8th May 2015. “Accordingly, the Commission now undertakes this review of the TCN tariff application in line with extant tariff regulations and wishes to draw the attention of the general public to the said application by TCN, more particularly detailed in TCN’s formal application and its various supporting documents,” it added.

sion NERC had with consumers. He noted that in arriving at the tariff slash, the commission took cognisance of the complaints and petitions received from industrial and commercial consumers under the aegis of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). The manufacturers had complained that the increase in electricity tariff last December

impacted negatively on businesses and in extreme cases, led to massive job cuts. “We shudder at the altruism of NERC, apparent from the volte-face from its earlier stance that the removal of collection losses from customer tariff under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) must be endured for the transformation in the power sector to be successful,” he said

No tariff reduction for residential customers –AEDC CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has said that the 50 per cent reduction in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), does not affect residential consumers under the R1 and R2 tariff categories. This clarification is contained a statement issued by Mallam Ahmed Shekarau, Head, Public Affairs of the company on Sunday in Abuja. The statement said that the clarification became necessary in view of the misconceptions by some of its customers that the recent reduction by NERC was for all categories of electricity consumers. It said that the misconception had made some customers to resist payment of their electricity bills. According to the statement, the tariff for customers in the R1 and R2 tariff class was not adjusted in the last tariff adjustment by the NERC. It said the reduction an-

nounced by NERC was meant for commercial and industrial customers alone. NERC had said that residential customers under R1 and R2 would not also see any reversal or reduction in tariff as the industrial, commercial and high-end residential consumers whose tariff was increased. It will be recalled that NERC had explained earlier on that the increase in tariff for residential consumers was frozen until June this year. The statement said that the company would ensure total compliance with NERC directives on tariffs and sundry issues. It urged its consumers to always settle their electricity bills promptly for better service delivery. Recently, the federal government announced a 50 per cent reduction in electricity tariff. Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, said that the downward review was necessitated by a public affordability ses-

Meter

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

‘FG should encourage investors to C build refineries’

George Kirkland plans retirement

he Federal Government has been tasked to attract private investors required to build new refineries in the nation. The Chairman of International Energy Services, Dr. Diran Fawibe said in an exclusive interview that private investors have the capacity to establish refineries in some parts of the country. “The downstream is very important especially as it expected to assist the nation in meeting domestic demand. The truth is that domestic refineries that have the capacity to refine 450, 000 barrels per day have not been able meet domestic demand,” he said. He maintained that new plants would assist the nation to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products. He said, “The government needs to support efforts targeted at establishing new refineries in the nation. Already, the Dangote Group has started work on its plant. Others should be encouraged to do so in different parts of the nation.” Fawibe maintained that the government should remove all constraints that discourage investors to establish new refineries.

He said, “For instance, it would be imperative to deregulate the sector. If the sector is deregulated, many investors and other stakeholders who need to invest and recover their investments would be attracted to invest in the sector.” Fawibe said potential investors have not been encouraged because the government still pegged the prices of many products.” Meanwhile, fuel subsidy has dropped from N1.4 billion to N1.2 billion between March and April, this year as a result of a slight fall in the prices of crude oil. Unlike March when the average price of crude hovered at about $60 per barrel, the price of crude currently stands at over $50 per barrel, meaning that refiners who pass the costs to consumers spent less to procure and process petroleum products, including petrol. Consequently, the Federal Government that needs about 40 million litres of fuel to meet domestic demand is expected to spend N31.65 as subsidy per litre in April, 2015. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA that confirms the situation in its latest template puts the landing cost, including cost

Refinery

and freight, traders margins, lightering expenses, Nigerian Port Authority, financing, jetty depot thru put charge and storage at N103.16 per litre. The agency puts distributors’ margins, including retailers, transporters, dealers, bridging fund, marine transport average and admin charge unchanged at N15.49 per litre, thus amounting to a total cost of N118.65. The PPPRA puts the ex-depot price and subsidy at N77.66 and N31.65 respectively, before arriving at the regulated price of N87 per litre. The PPPRA had put the landing cost, including cost and freight, traders margins, lightering expenses, Nigerian Port Authority, financing, jetty depot

thru put charge and storage at N106.73 per litre in March, this year. The agency had also put distributors’ margins, including retailers, transporters, dealers, bridging fund, marine transport average and admin charge unchanged at N15.49 per litre. This had amounted to a total cost of N122.22, showing an increase of N23.04 higher than the February, 2015 total cost. Investigations showed that the Federal Government burden has been worsened by the devaluation of the Naira, meaning that marketers of petroleum products need more local currency to import fuel, as the Naira becomes cheaper than the US dollar.

MYTO-2 based on N174 exchange rate – NERC

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC has disclosed that it based its new tariff on N178 per dollar exchange rate. The Commission responsible for regulating operations in the power sector maintained that the former tariff was based on the exchange rate of N164.5 per dollar. “The inflation rate received from the National Bureau of Statistics as at 30th November, 2014 shows a figure of 7.9 per cent.

Amadi

MYTO-2 was benchmarked at 13 per cent inflation rate. The current inflation rate is lower than the MYTO-2 projection,” it maintained. Meanwhile, the Commission has assured manufacturers that it will consider those options to ensure that migration from the Multi Year Tariff Order 2 to 2.1 does not undermine any category of electricity consumers in Nigeria. The Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi gave this assurance when he received a delegation of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) who were at the Commission to appeal for a reversal of MYTO 2.1 as they claim its implementation was impacting their operating costs. Amadi said the Commission is an evidenced-based rulemaking body which sees the manufacturing sector as a very critical to the economy. He said that migration to

MYTO 2.1 was not an abuse of procedure as the Commission conducted content analysis prior to arriving at the MYTO 2.1. He said that the Commission was already considering the option of pro-rating certain components of the tariff, among other options, as a way of dealing with problems highlighted by MAN. The option of having a uniform tariff for the manufacturing sector irrespective of their locations as requested by MAN was part of the options that would be considered by the Commission, according to Amadi. ‘’ We want to work closely with you in a strategic way to solve the problem; we will work out answers that would solve the problem not just here but globally,’’ Amadi said. MAN President, Mr. Frank Ndemba Jacob said his organization was worried about the rate of increase especially in the fixed charge component of the electricity tariff, saying its impact was

too heavy on the steel and nonmetallic companies, many of whom, according to Jacob, have threatened to shutdown and relocate to the neighboring countries. Jacob said that his members regard the recent MYTO 2.1 declaration as contravening the MYTO 2, which five years tenure spans 2012 to 2017 and was used as the basis for their long term economic planning. He requested for the continued application of MYTO 2 pending definite response to MAN’s request by the Commission. He pleaded that MYTO 2 should be allowed to run its full course rather than elongate its tenure by one year through introduction of MYTO 2.1. Other pleas by MAN include, a uniform tariff for the manufacturing sector irrespective of their location, a reduction in fixed charges as indicated in MYTO 2.1 or possibly pro rate it with energy consumption.

hevron Corporation has confirmed that George L. Kirkland, vice chairman and executive vice president, upstream, will retire from the company, effective June 15, this year. The company said he will be succeeded by James Johnson, as executive vice president, upstream, effective June 16, 2015. “George’s business acumen and deep operational knowledge of our industry have helped create enormous value for Chevron and our shareholders over many years,” said John Watson, chairman and CEO. “I am confident our track record of success in the upstream will continue under Jay’s leadership, as his broad base of experience has prepared him well for the job.” Kirkland, 64, who joined Chevron in 1974 was named executive vice president of Upstream in 2005 and elected vice chairman in 2010. During his career he has held numerous assignments across the company’s worldwide operations, including leadership roles in Indonesia and Nigeria, as well as president of the North America and international upstream businesses. The company has it that under his stewardship, the company enhanced its position as an industry leader – it applied advanced gas injection technology to grow production at the Tengiz field in Kazakhstan, developed groundbreaking Lower Tertiary resources at the Jack and St. Malo fields in the Gulf of Mexico assembled a world-class shale oil and gas position in North America, enhanced functional capabilities and base business reliability, and developed long-lived liquefied natural gas assets at Gorgon and Wheatstone in Australia. Also, Johnson, 56, joined Chevron in 1981 and has been senior vice president of Upstream since the beginning of 2014. Previously, Johnson was president of Chevron’s Europe, Eurasia and Middle East Exploration and Production Company and managing director of its Eurasia business unit, responsible for upstream and transportation activities in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkey. Johnson also was managing director of Chevron’s Australasia business unit, responsible for exploration and planning for the development of the Wheatstone and Greater Gorgon area gas fields. Past positions also include work in production operations, major capital projects, shipping and strategic planning. Watson also announced that effective with Kirkland’s retirement, Joseph Geagea is appointed executive vice president of Technology, Projects and Services.

Energy Week Cameron names VP, Marketing and CTC 38

ameron announced that Justin Rounce has assumed the newly created position of Vice President, Marketing and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective March 23, 2015. “In his new role Rounce is responsible for Strategic Marketing, Communications and all aspects of Research and Development will lead the company’s Technology Innovation program and will coordinate the advancement of customer-focused product development across Cameron’s operating segments,” the company disclosed. The company maintained that he reports directly to Jack Moore, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cameron. Rounce joins Cameron from the OneSubsea joint venture, where he was Vice President of Marketing and Technology. Before joining OneSubsea, he was Vice President & Director, Mergers and Acquisitions at Schlumberger, and led the Schlumberger team in the creation of OneSubsea. Rounce’s career with Schlumberger spanned more than 27 years, working in multiple business segments and in a number of global leadership roles. Cameron Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jack Moore said, “Having worked with Justin throughout the creation of OneSubsea, we were delighted when he joined the joint venture to head our Marketing and Technology program. We are excited that Justin will now bring that proven leadership into Cameron. Technology is central to everything we do and with his experience, guidance and leadership we are confident we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation.” This document includes forwardlooking statements regarding the Company made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because the information herein is based solely on information currently available, it is subject to change as a result of changes in conditions over which the Company has no control or influence, and should not therefore be viewed as assurance regarding the Company’s future performance. Additionally, the Company is not obligated to make public indication of such changes unless required under applicable disclosure rules and regulations. Already, OneSubsea, a Cameron and Schlumberger company has delivered the world’s first subsea Multiphase Compressor to Statoil for the Gullfaks South field in the North Sea. The subsea multiphase compressor enables boosting of unprocessed wet gas production fluids, while eliminating the need for an upstream separation facility or an anti-surge system, making it the industry’s only true wet gas compressor.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FG plans release of N214bn loan to DISCOs soon

UDEME AKPAN

he Federal Government has concluded plans to provide N214 billion loan to Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs. The facility sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC is aimed at enabling them to recover interim period shortfall, legacy gas debt and capitalized transaction cost. NERC which confirmed this in its report over the weekend maintained that the loan would be repaid after the next 10 years. A breakdown showed that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company would get over N27 billion to cover its interim period shortfall, legacy gas debt and capitalized transaction cost. The Benin Electricity Distribution Company would be paid N30.7 billion while Enugu Electricity Distribution Company would get N35.4 billion. The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company would be paid N27 billion while Jos Electricity

Distribution Company would get N16.5 billion. While Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company would get N18.7 billion, Kano Electricity Distribution Company would be paid N11 billion. Eko and Ikeja electricity Distribution companies are expected to get N6.8 billion and N11.7 billion respectively. The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company and Yola Electricity Distribution Company would get N21.5 billion and N7 billion respectively. It explained that the shortfall is the calculated difference between the DISCOs’ old tariff (before ATC & C loss review) and new average tariff (after ATC & C loss review) multiplied by energy delivered to each DISCO, plus the ‘tariff design’ per centage under recovery allowed in MYTO-2 for 2013 and 2014. The Commission which disclosed that 11 per cent interest was added maintained that, “It is pertinent to point out

that Kaduna DISCO was privatized only very recently on 4th December 2014. The DISCO has been given time to carry out the required ATA&C and loss verification exercise and all the necessary adjustments would be made by the Commission to its retail tariff structure no later than 31st December, 2015.” It maintained that, “The Commission and CBN have agreed that 10 per cent per an-

eral Government that the issue is being addressed. Our correspondent reports that as early as 5.30am Monday, the queued by hundreds of motorists had extended to about two kilometres waiting to buy the product at the few filling stations that sold petrol. Hawkers of petrol in jerry cans cashed in on the scarcity and sold the product at exorbitant rates to motorists and other users. Many obscure filling stations sold the product at prices far above the regulated rate. Only filling stations belonging to major marketers dispensed petrol at the stipulated N87 per litre. Fuel scarcity in Abuja, in particular, is becoming a normal thing as it is becoming impossible to drive into a filling station and get the product to buy without any fuss. Motorists have to queue for an average of 30 minutes before they can get the product. This has been the situation in the Federal Capital Territory since the beginning of this year. At the various mega filling stations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in the city, hundreds of motorists were seen on queues on Monday waiting for their turn at the

pumps. At the largest of the mega stations on the Kubwa Expressway, the queues were persistent and longer than in most other stations. Even in front of the administrative headquarters of the NNPC, where the corporation’s management and the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, have their offices, long queues of desperate motorists at the petrol stations there have become a regular sight. At the Total and Conoil petrol stations in front of the NNPC Towers, our correspondents observed the presence of hundreds of motorists on queues. Although officials of the corporation stated that the product was being hoarded, some marketers said they were being cautious as the government had yet to clear their outstanding subsidy claims. Late last month, the Federal Government directed two of its agencies to sanction marketers whom it accused of subjecting Nigerians to unnecessary hardship. Alison-Madueke had said that the marketers had capitalised on the panic purchase by customers to hoard and divert

num rate of interest should be applied to the CBN facility on reducing - balance basis to be recovered from the tariff.” The Commission stated that a one year moratorium has been approved as incentive to the DISCOs on principal repayments with the implication that the DISCOs will not start repayment of the principal to CBN until the second year of MYTO2.1 period.

Transformer

Fuel scarcity in Abuja, Nasarawa, others CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) can best be classified as ‘serious scarcity’ of fuel as a greater percentage of the population now suffers to fuel their vehicles for daily movement. The scarcity which was first noticed about three weeks ago is getting so severe with some people now sleeping in petrol stations to secure the scarce commodity. National Mirror monitored the situation and reports that petrol scarcity in Abuja and neighbouring states of Kaduna and Nasarawa has continued despite assurances by the Fed-

Alison Madueke

petroleum products. She, therefore, mandated the Department of Petroleum Resources and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency to penalise those that were found wanting. Earlier in the month of March, the Federal Government expressed concern over the queues that appeared in Lagos, Abuja and other parts of the country, stating that a Sovereign Debt Note of N100bn had been issued by the Debt Management Office to settle part of the arrears owed the marketers as fuel subsidies. The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, confirmed the issuance of the SDN through a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu. The minister sympathised with Nigerians whose lives were being affected by the scarcity and gave an assurance that the government was working hard to end it within the shortest possible time. Specifically, Okonjo-Iweala said an agreement had been reached between the government and the marketers’ union that N100bn out of the N185bn debt be paid.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Industry & SMEs

Artisans clamour for conducive work environment Artisans have been the most neglected group of professionals in Nigeria due to insensitivity of the government to the informal sector. As the country is set to witness a new political dispensation, the artisans have called on the incoming government to make necessary reform to the sector. ABOLAJI ADEBAYO reports.

he role of artisans in the economy of the nation cannot be disclaimed when rating their contributions to the development of the nation’s economy. In fact, they constitute a part of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs. But the artisans in Nigeria, especially those at the grassroot level, do not benefit from various government intervention supports, which the MSMEs enjoy mostly because many of them are not registered with the government. Artisans basically belong to the professions such as automobile repairing, blacksmith, carpentry/furniture making, cobbler, pottery, hairdressing, basket making, etc. Experts said the artisans had certain inherent skills, which if identified and properly harnessed would bring about the required growth in the industrial sector. However, the government has been insensitive to this informal sector. It has not realized the economic development role of the artisans, who invariably constitute the general poor class and as such suffer from certain socio-economic factors, which center around roads, water, electricity, transport and communication, etc. Mrs. Oyilade Jinad, a hairdresser, told National Mirror that the major problems affecting the workability of majority of the artisans in her own profession included electricity and road. She said many of her customers were restricted from patronising her since the road to her shop around Agege area of Lagos state was in a very bad condition. She also complained about the way the council officials troubled the artisans by charging them various unofficial dues in forms of tenement rate, lock up shop, permit, etc., disrupting their works to the extent of seizing their instruments. She appealed to the incoming government to get down to the grassroot, examine the artisans at the grassroot level, find out their challenges and provide solutions to them. To Segun Adekola, a furniture making at Ikorodu, the challenges of the artisans

Nigeria President-elect, Buhari

Mechanic workshop

FOR SO LONG, WE DO HEAR ABOUT POVERTY ALLEVIATION, MEANT FOR THE PEOPLE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL TO EMPOWER GRASSROOT PEOPLE BUT FOR LONG, WE HAVE NOT FELT THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAMME are of various types depending on the areas where such artisans are working as well as the type of the works they engage in. He said for instance, the challenges faced by furniture makers in Ikoyi environment might be different from the ones faced by those operating in Oshodi environ. But in general, the challenges of electricity, road, and insecurity seemed to cut across the whole country. Also speaking to National Mirror, the chairman, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association, NATA, Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Chapter, Comrade Moruf Egberongbe urged the incoming governments at the all levels to see to the informal sector. He said, “For so long, we do hear about poverty alleviation, meant for the people at the local level to empower grassroot people but for long, we have not felt the impact of the programme, we only hear about the billions of naira being budgeted for the programme. “The artisan are not working on the right standard, we automobile technicians should have advanced beyond this standard. We are still using the old traditional equipment while we should have moved to the use of modern equipment in our various workshops. This has been constraining our potentiality on what we can do in our various fields. We are still far back, except the few of us who could afford some mod-

ern equipment on their own after attending series of seminars. Those are the ones we can refer to as meeting up with the modern technologies as our own field is concerned. We do not get any support from the government in terms of finance and or equipment to promote our skills. Egberongbe specifically urged the incoming Lagos Governor to review some of the policies, which concerned the artisans within the state to favour their working conditions. According to him, some of the policies made by the outgoing regime were not in favour of the artisans. He said majority of them were pursued away from their working places without providing an alternative for them. He explained that the automobile technicians were being chased around while their workshops were being destroyed yet, the government refused to provide a concentrated mechanic workshop “mechanic villages” for them. Although the NATA boss said he was in support of most of the policies such as banning Okada riding on highways, he decried the policy when the government refused to provide alternative for those who had been denied. He also decried the way some government agencies, especially from the local councils victimised the artisans. He noted

that most of the artisans were seen to be illiterates, who could be dwindled at any slight opportunity. He complained that despite the fact that they were using the Federal Government land for their businesses, “because we are on the NNPC pipeline and that is why we can’t build befitting workshops here, those local council officials still parade us to collect one or two types of levy after paying rent to the state government. And we are just managing this place because there is no place earmarked for our own purpose.” He also noted that many of the artisans were excluded from various government grants or intervention funds meant for grassroot development. However, he said they did not even need much from the government. He said if the government could assist them with modern equipment and little funding, as well as addressing the general factors such as electricity and roads, their full potential would be unleashed.

Lagos State Gov.-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode

Cocktail

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Teen steals $25k from grandfather, gives thousands to classmates

olice in Ohio say a middle school student stole up to $25,000 from his grandfather and passed out $100 bills to classmates throughout the week, giving several thousand dollars away. Investigators say they have recovered up to $7,000, but some of the money had already been spent when officials at Claggett Middle School in Medina, Ohio, discovered what was happening Wednesday. Sgt. Brett McNabb of the Medina Police Department told The Medina Gazette

the 13-year-old student stole the money from his 83-yearold grandfather over spring break, though the details of how exactly that occurred are unclear and it is too early to tell if charges will be filed. McNabb said the teen did not pass out the full amount but that multiple students -- as well as “adults, guardians and associates” of the children -- had received and spent portions of the cash. Police say they have recovered some the merchandise that was purchased. “Several adults are under investigation for their role in this incident,” McNabb said.

Oddities

Woman with 13 children, pregnant with quadruplets A

65-year-old German woman with 13 children is expecting another four children conceived through artificial insemination. Annegret Raunigk, a Berlin teacher, recently told Germany’s Bild newspaper that her quadruplets are due this summer. “So what if I’m 65?” Raunigk told German station RTL, which will docu-

ment her pregnancy. “Why must one always hew to the obvious clichés? I find that quite exhausting.” Raunigk, whose oldest child is 44, said she decided to have more children when her youngest child, a nine-year-old daughter,

asked for a little brother or sister. All 13 of Raunigk’s children were reportedly conceived naturally with five different fathers. Raunigk said she turned down suggestions that she consider selec-

Petition: Wants Lake Michigan renamed Lake Wisconsin

ome Michiganders responded to the “Lake Wisconsin” petition by suggesting the neighbouring state A Wisconsin petition is seeking to even the score with “the so-called Great Lakes State” by changing the name of Lake Michigan to “Lake Wisconsin.” The petition, at visitlakewisconsin.com, had more

than 500 signatures Friday afternoon supporting the idea to rename the great lake separating Wisconsin and Michigan for the state to its west. We, the citizens of Wisconsin, feel it’s time for the Great Lake of Michigan to be renamed Lake Wisconsin. For too long Michiganders have gloated over Lake Michigan and their pretty sunsets. From

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

now on, we will exclusively refer to it as Lake Wisconsin until every American joins us. To our west we have the Land of 10,000 Lakes. To our east the so-claimed Great Lakes State. And here we are, left in the middle with nothing but a bunch of farmland, cows, and cheeseheads. It’s time to make a change, this is Lake Wisconsin.

A pregnant woman receives an ultrasound

tive reduction of the embryos. She also dismissed concerns about the risk of delivering quadruplets in her mid60s. “I simply assume that I will remain fit and healthy,” she told Bild.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Civil Service 41

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

INEC lists elected Edo lawmakers ...declares Orhionmwon inconclusive

ontrary to the widely held expectation that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) was going to declare results of all the constituencies in Edo State House of Assembly election on Saturday, the electoral agency declared Orhiomwon State Constituency II as inconclusive before announcing Saturday, April 18, as the

new date for the completion of the rescheduled election. Addressing the media on Monday, Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC), Mike Igini, said the inconclusive announcement became imperative because the polling units where election did not hold were considerable, bearing in mind that the actual winner of the poll can only be

determined after the completion of the election. Igini, who also pointed out that the margin of win of the leading candidate was far less than the number of people who have not voted, added that 4, 813 voters scattered across 12 units in four Registration Areas were qualified to vote in the rescheduled election this Saturday.

But National Mirror can authoritatively report that the APC was clearly leading the PDP from the result that was result in the constituency before INEC declared the election inconclusive. In his appraisal of the elections that were conducted in Edo State as a whole, the REC said 17, 000 ad-hoc staff and 339 regu-

A cross section of Lagos teachers during Vice-President-Elect’s Townhall Meeting with them at the LTV 8 Complex, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 8, 2015.

Ambode meets civil servants, seeks support

agos State Governorelect, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday met with civil servants in the state, urging them to support him to take the state to greater heights. Speaking at the meeting in Ikeja, Ambode thanked workers for being part of the state’s success story in the last 16 years and for supporting him in the elections. He described the civil service as the driver of development, saying their partnership would help him achieve his mission of a more prosperous state. Ambode, who said he saw his emergence as governor as a call to service, urged civil servants to walk the journey with him through improved service delivery. The governor-elect

pledged to run an open government that would thrive on the contributions of residents of different backgrounds and groups. He said he would welcome criticism of his policies and programmes from workers in the best interest of the state and its residents. Ambode said having worked in the state’s civil service and retired after 27 years, he understood everything about the system. The governor-elect said he was a beneficiary of the service’s long-standing culture of excellence and would do his best to make it the best in Africa. The governor-elect promised improved synergy among the three arms of government, the executive, legislature and the judi-

ciary for greater service to residents. He congratulated Lagosians on the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the presidential elections, saying it was the first in many years that Lagos would align with the centre. Ambode said his administration would work closely with the Federal Government to speed up the state’s pace of development. Governor Babatunde Fashola, in his contribution, said the civil service had a big role to play in the development of any society. He said countries like England, Singapore and others were in their present state owing to the immense commitment of their public service. Fashola urged civil ser-

vants to see themselves as the real builders of Lagos and give Ambode the support his administration had enjoyed over the last eight years. Fashola urged workers to be politically neutral, but make right democratic choices that would bring about development. The governor thanked the civil servants for their consistent support for his government, saying the cooperation contributed greatly to the strides recorded by his administration.

Ambode

lar staff participated in the election and that INEC has initiated procedures for the payment of the outstanding allowance of both the regular and ad-hoc workers that participated in the election. “We are now at appraisal and retrieval level. We are now in the process of documentation and review of our performance. There were challenges but we achieved more success than the challenges,” Igini noted. In a related development, the INEC had also declared the APC candidate Hon. Patrick Aisowerien, as winner of the rescheduled Uhunmwode/ Orhionmwon Federal Constituency. Aisowerien trounced Mr. Larry Ogieva of the PDP. Meanwhile, INEC has formally listed all the names of the winners of the released results of 23 out of the 24 constituencies of the Edo State House of Assembly. According to the list: Kabiru Adjoto of APC won Akoko Edo I; Emmanuel Agbaje of APC won Akoko Edo II; Agzabeobor Lawani of APC won Etsako Central; Kingsley Oghenakhogie of

APC won Etsako East; Gani Audu of APC won Etsako West I; Dr. Yakubu Gowon of APC won Etsako West II; Joseph Folly Ogedengbe of APC won in Owan East; while Victor Ojo Aisien of APC won in Owan West to complete an APC clean sweep of Edo North District. In Edo Central District, Victor Sabor Edoror of APC won Esan Central; Monday Ehighalua of PDP won Esan West; Patrick Iluobe of PDP won Esan North East I; Igbas Ezehi of PDP won Esan North East II; Festus Edughele of APC won Esan South East while Dr. Justine Esezobor Okonobor of APC won in Igueben. In Edo South District, Iyoha Osaigbovo of APC won in Ore East; Christopher Okaeban of APC won in Oredo West; Henry Okhuarobo of APC won in Ikpoba Okha; Crosby Eribo of APC won in Egor; Sunday Aghedo of PC won in Ovia South West; Eghe Osazemwinde of APC won in Ovia North East I; Bright Osayande of APC won in Ovia North East II while Nosa Okunbor of APC won in Orhionmwon I constituency.

Presidency denies plan to spend N3bn on transition

he Presidency has described as fiction a social media story, which claimed that it plans to lavish N3 billion on the transition process between President Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati also stated that no meeting of transition committees has held between the Presidency and the camp of the President- elect. The broadcast read: “NOW I’M CONVINCED WE DIDINT MAKE A MISTAKE… “Buhari was at the villa in connection to setting up a transition committee for handing over. At the meeting, Goodluck asked for the list of representatives of APC and the required remuneration. “Buhari was surprised

that Goodluck’s list and corresponding cost was put at N3 billion for a job estimated to last only 2months. Goodluck then asked why Buhari’s list didn’t show corresponding cost? “Buhari answered that his team was made up of volunteers and their feeding would be by individuals/self even if they have to bring in leftover food from their homes. No word has been heard from presidency since then. “This is the beginning of purposeful leadership….” In his reaction, Abati said: “This is pure fiction and blackmail. No such meeting or conversation ever took place. “Whoever wrote the copy obviously has never heard of being magnanimous in victory, a charlatan certainly”.

Civil Service

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FCT hosts veterans tourney for ex-internationals ootball lovers in Abuja and its environs will once again have the opportunity to enjoy a tournament that will not only bring people of all cultures together but with the simple aim of playing football for the fun, as football veterans in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (FCT) will be competing in the maiden edition of the FCT Veterans Cup. The tournament which is expected to host former footballers and other veterans from other discipline will serve as a platform to promote peace and unity as players from all works of life will be representing 8 teams in and around Abuja. Expected internationals/professionals who will likely grace the tournament are Peter Ogaba (exinternational, Gold medallist, Saudi 1989), Patrick Pascal (Gold medallist, Atlanta 1996, Super Eagle’s coordinator, Bauchi FA vice chairman), Nasiru Jibril (ex-Super Eagle’s player under Westerhof) , Elle Ayuba (Silver medallist, Golden Eaglet, 1987) Samuel Edache (ex-Super Eagle player), Musa Garba Santos (Ex-Flying Eagle player), Kumbi Titilayo (Chairman, Kwara Football Academy and Kwara United FC) and Shehu Dikko (Chairman League Management Company) The chairman of the local organising committee (LOC) Umar Giwa Platini briefed reporters on Saturday at a press conference where he highlighted the purpose of the event. He said: “Looking

ahead, our aim is to provide an event that players will continue to look forward with great anticipation year after year as it is planned to be an annual event. An event which excites and motivates the individual to keep playing and to stay fit, “ Platini stated. He continued: “The desire to relive former glories, renew traditional rivalries and acquaintances and above all support the development of the game at various levels led to the formation of the FCT Veterans Football Tournament also known as the Unity Veterans’ Football tournament as a result of its association with the Federal Capital Territory”. Responding to questions by newsmen, Head of Technical Committee, Mr. Uwaeme Promise pointed out that “It is our desire to actualize the vision of transforming the participation of veterans in footballing activities from low key district football into a top quality national football tournament which would attract entries from veteran teams based all around the country. “We are set to host a football tournament where old players will competitively play and show supremacy on an excellent pitch with standard and secured facilities and fantastic prizes will be won.“Two groups of 8 teams shall be competing for the ultimate prize. Players turning 40 years old and above shall qualify for the tournament, however each team is allowed to register a maximum number of 5 players that are below the age limit but subject to a minimum of 35 years old.”

each other to ‘adopt’ the late dictator Sanni Abacha as the sole candidate. His spirit of activism and quest for justice will always be remembered”, Ajaero said. “He was truly a democrat and an African compatriot. We heartily commiserate with the family of the deceased in particular, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the government and good people of

Katsina State and the entire country he diligently served for many years in various capacities. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest”, Ajaero prayed. Late M.D. Yusuf was a Presidential candidate on the platform of the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM) and Movement for Democracy and Justice (MDJ) in Nigeria, respectively.

JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

L-R : Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Ezikiel Oyemomi, and Director of Women and Gender Affairs, Mrs. Iran Ajufo during a one Day Conference on Commemoration of 2015 International Women’s Day in Abuja, Yesterday, recently.

NOTAP seeks ECOWAS intervention in science, technology development REGINA OTOKPA ABUJA

he Director General of the National Office for Technology and Acquisition (NOTAP), Engr. Umar Bindir, has sought intervention from the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) to boost technology development in the country. During a meeting with the ECOWAS Commissioner for Education, Science and Culture, Prof. Jean Pierre Ezin in Abuja, the DG reaffirmed that NOTAP was committed towards making Nigeria a major player in the science technology sector, with remarkable contributions to the global technology market.

According to him, in continued efforts to promote synergy among organisations as it relates to technological advancement, he was exploring areas of common interest with the Commission especially as it affects Science, Technology and Innovation. Bindir called on the commissioner to engage all the Director Generals operating under the purview of the ministry of science and technology in a strategic round table discussion, on the deliverables of the document policy when the ECOWAS Policy on Science and Technology (Eco-Post) was fully developed. He said: “The federal ministry of science and technology Nigeria has 17 parastatals under

its supervision. When the ECOWAS Policy on Science and Technology (Eco-Post) is fully developed, it would be necessary to invite all the Directors General to a strategic round table discussion with the Commission on the deliverables of the document policy”. The DG added that as an organisation saddled with the responsibility of promoting inventive and innovative culture in the country, NOTAP would collaborate with the commission to promote the culture of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) within the country and subsequently the sub-region. The ECOWAS Commissioner Prof. Ezin said the visit was timely espe-

cially having offered the commission the opportunity to be familiar with the mandate of NOTAP in promoting science and technology development in the country., adding that the two organisations would synergize to review science and technology development in the sub-region by finding common grounds for collaboration. The Commissioner while disclosing the Kwame Nkwuruma annual science award organised last year was won by a Nigerian residing in South Africa, noted that there were a number of scientific competitions going on annually in the continent which many people were not aware of.

NLC mourns retired IGP, M.D. Yusuf CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its grief to the nation, Nigeria Police Force, and the bereaved family, over the demise of Mr. Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf, former Inspector General of Police, who died on Wednesday, 1st of April, 2015 at the age of 84. The NLC through its

President, Comrade Joe Ajaero said ‘we express our grief and we stand in solidarity with the nation, Nigeria Police Force, and the families on the death of our amiable and one time Inspector General of Police, Mr. Muhammadu Dikko Yusuf who died on April 1, 2015, at the age 84 years’. “We in the Nigeria Labour Congress recall that late M.D. Yusuf was the third indigenous Inspec-

tor-General of Police who served from 1975 to 1979. After his retirement from the Police, he performed creditably well in the various national appointments he was given to serve”, Comrade Ajaero said. Comrade Ajaero said he remembered the deceased’s days in Nigeria Liquefied Gas as Chairman in 1994 and later appointed Chairman of the Arewa Consultative

Forum (ACF), Northern Nigeria’s cultural and socio-political association in 2001. “We recall that the late former Inspector General stood for freedom and justice at a time it was risky to do so. He audaciously formed alternative political party and even offered himself as an alternative presidential candidate when members of the political class were outdoing

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday April 15, 2015

wer, positions Lawal. But on the contrary, others are saying that if the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, is zoned to the south-South, then the speakership may come to the South-West. And if that happens, the struggle would be between Gbajabiamila and Famurewa. In that case members would have to pick between the two. Gbajabiamila is well known for his good, bad and ugly in the House, but Famurewa is relatively unknown and this may be negative to his ambition, while it boosts Gbajabiamila’s chances. Famurewa was born 50years ago in Kano. He is the member representing Atakumosa East and West, Ilesa East and West federal constituency of Osun State. A product of Saint Saviour’s African Church Primary School, Ekotedo Ibadan; Premier Grammar School, Lafenwa Abeokuta and Hope Grammar School, Ilesa, he attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan for his Ordinary National Diploma, OND, Yaba College of Technology for his Higher National Diploma, HND, in Mechanical Engineering and Federal University of Technology Akure for his PGD in Mechanical Engineering. A member Nigeria Society of Engineers and a holder of Certificate in International Legislative Drafting from Tulane University Law School, New Orleans USA, Famurewa did his national youth service with Chad Basin Development Authority in Maiduguri. He was CEO of Isbol Energy Services Limited, Lagos before his election into the House of Representatives in 2011. He is also a member of the House Committees on Works, Housing and Habitat, Diaspora, Airforce, Internal Security and House Services. He has sponsored several bills and

Abdulmumin

Famurewa

Monguno

motions in the 7th Assembly. Abdulmumin is from North West where the newly elected President comes from. This may affect his ambition, but he argued during his declaration that members of the House had dropped the issue of federal character long ago. He said that members believe in competence and a leader who would be able to co-ordinate the affairs of the House, the immediate example is the outgoing Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal. Abdulmumin, chairman House Committee on Finance, representing Kiru Bebeji federal constituency, was born on September 9, 1976. He was a businessman and a university lecturer before his foray into politics. He became the managing director, and later chairman\CEO of Green Forest Group Limited. But if the position is zone to the North East, Dogara would not have any problem. He is presently the chairman of the House Service Committee, a deli-

cate committee that in the past created banana peels that often caused instability. But in last four years he has so far managed the committee to the extent that no frivolous contract was awarded; therefore, there was no need for members to be agitated. Dogara was born 47 years ago. He is a product of the Robert Gordon University, in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he bagged LLM in International Commercial Law. A member of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, from 2002, he is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators as well as an Associate of Institute of Environment Management and Assessment. Representing Bogoro/Dass/TafawaBalewa federal constituency of Bauchi State since 2003, he has chaired the House Committees on Customs and House Services and has served on various other committees of the House. He

has also sponsored many Bills since his advent in the lower chamber of the National Assembly. Although many joined the race to use it to bargain for other positions that would be shared after the composition of the principal officers. The race for other positions, that is committees’ chairmanship, would be tough, because of the practice of winner takes all that had pervaded the House in the last 16 years. And since the APC is having majority, with a large proportion of them being relatively new, older members of the House who are PDP members would struggle to get good committees but the APC would resist it. Even from outside, the newly elected lawmakers are not resting as they have started media war to drum up support so that they would not be relegated in the 8th Assembly. Following this development various groups have started coming up to garner support for the new members.

Ugwuanyi invites opposition parties to form govt DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

nugu State governor-elect, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has invited the opposition parties in the state to come and join hands with him to form the next administration of the state. He was particularly

grateful to the 22 political parties in the state that endorsed his candidature shortly before the April 11 election and enjoined them for partnership in government. He reaffirmed his commitment to maintain a seamless continuity and consolidation from where Governor Sullivan Chime

would stop on May 29, when he would formally assume the reins of governance in the state. Ugwuanyi spoke in an acceptance speech he presented to the people of Enugu state in appreciation of his election victory. He said: “Government is a continuum. And when a people are lucky to have

been blessed with a foresighted leader who has laid a solid foundation for the socio-economic development of our state within the last eight years, it is only rational to continue and consolidate that vision.” While thanking Governor Chime for his great and heroic roles in making his

victory possible, Ugwuanyi also expressed appreciation to other PDP leaders in the state, including: Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former Governors Jim Nwobodo, Okwesilieze Nwodo, Chimaraoke Nnamani, Allison Madueke and Anthony Ogugua for

their support and encouragement. He noted that the victory was not just for him and his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, but for the people of the state who he said came out in their numbers to vote massively for him and by so doing accepted the proposals he offered during the campaign season.

liance for Democracy, AD, Prince Segun Sokunbi among others, Martins congratulated Amosun on his victory in the polls, which he also described as “free, fair, peaceful and transparent”. He said Amosun should invite technocrats to form part of his in - coming new government to help

move the state further on the path of growth and development. He noted that such technocrats don’t necessarily have to be members of APC alone or its supporters but could be drawn from other political parties who are indigenes of the state and Nigerians in general.

IPAC sets agenda for Amosun’s second term in office FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

ollowing his victory at the last Saturday’s gubernatorial election, Ogun state chapter of Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria, IPAC, has called on Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, to em-

.....tasks him on would-be technocrats brace contestants from other political parties when forming his new government after the May 29 inauguration. IPAC, an umbrella body of all registered political parties that contested the 2015 general elections urged Amosun to run an

“all - inclusive government, particularly in the selection and composition of cabinet members beyond the All Progressives Congress, APC.” IPAC’s state chairman, Biola Martins made the call yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital while

addressing a joint press conference over the just concluded gubernatorial and state House of Assembly polls in the state. Flanked by other IPAC members including gubernatorial candidates of the United Democratic Party, UDP, Biola Lawal, the Al-

Politics

Wednesday April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Group backs Akume for Senate President ADEOLA TUKURU ABUJA

group, the Africa Arise for change Network has thrown its weight behind Senator George Akume, as the next Senate Presidency, saying it will sustain the struggle for change in the country which the North Central geopolitical zone has always clamoured for. The National Coordina-

... Says it will sustain the struggle for change in the North Central

tor of the Network, Lady Nkechi Odoma, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja yesterday said the North Central zone where Akume hails from has not only voted massively for the realisation of this change but has also been a principal partner and deserves to be rewarded. She said the Senate which is the stabilising

arm of the nation deserves a leader known to be steadfast to ensure the desired level of cohesion for better legislation. Odoma said religion which also plays a pivotal role in the sustenance of democracy must also be considered while nominating the next Senate President. “Today, Nigeria has voted for a President and a

National Assembly dominated by the governing party, APC but this politicking will all be in futility if we do not reward those who have made it possible so as to serve as encouragement to others. “The sixth Senate is ready to elect her leadership and this is an opportunity to ensure this consolidation is ensured.

L-R: Sokoto State Commissioner of Information, Mallam Danladi Bako; Governor Aliyu Wamakko and Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Sahabi Isa Gada, during the celebration of APC’s, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal’s gubernatorial election victory in Sokoto, yesterday.

Assassination attempt on Buhari’s coordinator in Benue foiled HENRY IYORKASE MAKURDI

ssassination attempt by unknown gunmen on the Benue State coordinator of President-elect,General Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign organization, Chief Silas Mc Ikpa, was yesterday foiled in Makurdi, the state capital. National Mirror gathered that the unidentified gunmen invaded the house in the ever busy high level area of the town at about midnight and were said to

be armed to the teeth. The gunmen, said to be numbering about four, stormed the house and met the nephew of their target, Terver Ikpa, who sat in company of three female companions beside the entry point. Sources further disclosed that as the suspected assailants made their way into the compound, one of them stretched out his hand to Mr. Ikpa, who was already deep in conversation with visiting female guests and before he could sense anything funny, a gun was allegedly pointed at his chest, asking

him to show them the coordinator of the Buhari campaign organization or risk being killed. Attempt to flee and raise alarm fetched him gunshots and machete cuts from the assailants. Mr. Mc Ikpa said that the attack was aimed at eliminating him but gave glory to God for sparing his life. He explained that the assassination attempt was the handiwork of his enemies though he declined to give the identity of the suspects, saying that the boy who they mistakenly

shot and dealt several machete cuts on is responding to treatment at an undisclosed hospital. He said: “I am consoled by the fact that God in His infinite mercy has spared the life of the young man from his attackers. If they had succeeded in killing him, we would have talking about something else now.” When contacted the state police public relations officer, Mr. Austin Ezeani, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation is already in progress towards apprehending the suspects.

Senate presidency: Saraki, most qualified candidate –Senator-elect DARE AKOGUN

ewly elected Kwara South senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rafiu Ibrahim has stated that Senator Bukola Saraki is the best candidate to lead the Senate in the new dispensation. Speaking to newsmen in his home town, Ojoku in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Ibra-

him stated that considering the senators being touted for the exalted position, Senator Saraki stands tall above all other contenders in terms of experience, knowledge, political clout, and the needed legislative exposure to lead the Senate. Rafiu, who presently represent Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun federal constituency, reiterated that he hopes the party through its usual transparent process will make sure the best man for the job gets it.

He said: “Saraki piloted the affairs of Kwara State as governor for eight years; he was the chairman of Governor’s Forum, where he revived the forum from an association of governors to a very vital forum of national cohesion, which came to the nation’s rescue when the country was in crisis. “Saraki started the struggle for change, he took the stand when nobody wanted to get into the bad books of the President; in

2012 he raised the issue of the nation’s wealth been plundered through the subsidy scheme, where trillions were exchanging hands dubiously.” He opined that zoning and favoritism should be left out when considering who occupies the Senate presidency, adding that rather “let the best candidate emerge, you see what will help our course is competence, integrity and political clout.”

“Already power blocs and regions have begun schematics to ensure various positions are domiciled in their political enclaves. “It is premised on this fact that we of the Africa Arise For Change Network that the sensitivity of our nation requires the consideration of federal character in this all important position. “The North Central has proven to be a worthy ally in this struggle and has not only voted massively for the realisations of this change but has also been a principal partner and deserves to be rewarded. “That because of the presence of certain major players like Senate Minority Leader, Sen. George Akume and his likes, the change movement has become a success in the region.

“That Senator George Akume, who has creditably performed well in the fifth Assembly as Minority Leader, has proven to have the mettle and experience to lead the entire house. “That if zoned to the North Central region as according to the rule of fairness and federal character, then Senator Akume deserves this slot as he is the longest serving Christian senator from the zone and in the spirit of religious fairness should be considered,” she said. Odoma said Akume after serving as a governor for eight years and now at the legislative chambers for another eight years he should be the likely person to steer this ship having tutored himself in the art after equipping himself with executive and now legislative experience.

Soyinka tasks Buhari to rescue Chibok girls AYO ESAN

obel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, yesterday charged the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that it reinforced the efforts to bring back the Chibok School girls who were kidnapped one year ago. Soyinka said this in Lagos at a forum organised by Women Arise For Change Initiative, to mark the one year of the abduction of Chibok Government Secondary School girls in Borno State. Soyinka also urged Nigerians to join hands with the government to ensure that the children were found. He said: “We must make sure that such assault on our humanity doesn’t happen again. The survival of humanity and of the nation must remain paramount.” Saying that terrorism is not a Nigerian phenomenon alone and may not be going away very soon, Soyinka however warned that “we must not get used to it. Our children are being dehumanised. I believe that

our responsibility is to assist by becoming vigilant.” He added: “We must become police men/women, vigilante of our communities. We must encourage others to be protective members of their community.” Also speaking at the occasion, Prof Pat Utomi said that humanity the world over was a shared one and that anything that diminished any human and doesn’t touch others was bad. Utomi said: “Terror is not something we should tolerate. We must confront terror and not sit in our homes complaining. “We must stand up to enforce what we demand. The measure of the progress of any civilisation is how they hold the dignity of the human person. “It’s not just about rescuing the girls alone but about staying together and fighting for what is right.” Utomi suggested that plans must be put in place that would help rehabilitate the girls when they eventually return, adding that “their psyche must have been so tampered with. The nation must ensure that they are re-oriented.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

SEC releases rules on demutualization exchange JOHNSON OKANLAWON

ecurities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has said no single entity or related entities should be permitted to own, directly or indirectly more than five per cent of the equity and/or voting rights in the demutualized Securities Exchange, unless as otherwise provided in these rules. Demutualisation is the process of changing a member-owned stock exchange, otherwise known as mutual exchange, to a corporate entity owned by shareholders. According to SEC, the aggregate equity interests of members of any specific stakeholder group in the demutualized Securities Ex-

change shall not exceed 20 per cent. The commission said that strategic Investors may be given equity interest in the demutualized Securities Exchange subject to evidence of technical expertise through previous experience in managing other Exchanges or such other investments beneficial to the Securities Exchange, as the commission may approve. Others include the aggregate number of shares to be offered to the strategic investors shall not be more than 30 per cent of the issued and the fully paid up capital of the Securities Exchange. However, the commission said, if the Exchange has a compelling reason to raise

funds, it could issue a higher number of shares subject to the approval of the commission. On the governance, the commission explained that the board shall be of a sufficient size relative to the scale and complexity of the Securities Exchange’s operations and be composed in such a way as to ensure diversity of experience without compromising independence, compatibility, integrity and availability of members to attend meetings. “At least 1/3 of the Board shall be independent directors as provided for under the SEC Corporate Governance Code or any other applicable Corporate Governance Code. All appoint-

ments of Directors and Executive Management shall require the prior written approval of the SEC. “The demutualized Securities Exchange shall be required to comply, in all other respects with the SEC Code of Corporate Governance for public companies and any other applicable Corporate Governance Code,” the commission said. The commission stressed that the stakeholder groups who are shareholders of the Securities Exchange shall with effect from the date of demutualization shall reduce their cumulative shareholding in the demutualized Securities Exchange to no more than 20 per cent within five years

Index sheds 0.4% on profit taking

rading in equities closed on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as some investors took profit from the previous gains. The All Share Index depreciated 0.42 per cent to close at 35,042.33 points, as against the increase of 0.74 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 35,189.12 points. Market capitalization shed N50 billion to close at N11.9 trillion, in contrast to the increase of N88 billion recorded

the preceding day to close at N11.99 trillion. Research analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, advised investors to tread cautiously as the country await a new economic direction from the newly elected government. “We anticipate a calmer tempo in trading activity as the week rolls by, in line with current market mood,” the firm said. Livestock Plc led the gainers’ table with 14 kobo or 6.17

per cent to close at N2.41 per share, followed by Vitafoam Plc with 23 kobo or 5.48 per cent to close at N4.43 per share. NPF Microfinance Bank Plc gained five kobo or five per cent to close at N1.05 per share, while Okomu Oil Plc added N1.30 or five per cent to close at N27.31 per share. Air Service Plc appreciated 10 kobo or five per cent to close at N2.10 per share. On the flip side, Fidson Healthcare Plc shed 17 kobo or five per cent to close at N3.23

UBA posts N17bn profit in Q1

nited Bank for Africa (UBA) yesterday announced a profit after tax of N16.9 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, an increase of 34.7 per cent when compared to N12.6 billion recorded in the same period of 2014. The bank’s gross earnings rose to N83.1 billion, an increase of 22.1 per cent when compared to N68.1billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2014. According to the result presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, operating income stood at N53.2 billion, from N45.5 billion in 2014, while operating expenses stood at N32.5 billion, up from N31.44 billion in the same period of 2014. Further analysis of the result showed a total asset of N2.96 trillion, up 13.4 per cent from N2.61 trillion in 2014, while total liabilities

stood at N2.68 trillion, from N2.36trillion in 2014. The bank had posted a profit before tax of N56.2 billion and a profit after tax of N48 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2014. The interest income rose 5.91 per cent to N197 billion in the year ended December 31, 2014 from N186 billion in 2013, while the non-interest income edged higher by 18.17 per cent to N93.3 billion from N79.0billion. A statement from the bank quoted the Group Chief Financial Officer, UBA, Ugo Nwaghodoh, as saying that the bank would sustain its profitability by leveraging low cost stable funds as well as rising opportunities in the bank’s target markets in Nigeria and across Africa. He said, “The performance of our African business was boosted by increased cross

selling of our products and a number of other strategic initiatives. As we gain critical mass in the African market, we look forward to increased earnings in line with the diversification of our business across Africa.” Customer deposits in the bank had remained stable during the year at N2.17 trillion, which the bank explained made it to expand its support for businesses on the continent by increasing its loan book by 14 per cent to N1.072 trillion in 2014. “We expanded our loan book without compromising our focus on asset quality. Notably, our non-performing loan ratio remains one of the bestin-class at 1.6 per cent, as we responsibly grew risk assets in line with our defined risk appetite and target markets,” the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, said.

per share, while Union Bank Plc dropped 54 kobo or 4.93 per cent to close at N10.41 per share. Portland Paints Plc depreciated 17 kobo or 4.86 per cent to close at N3.33 per share, while Total Plc lost N8.00 or 4.44 per cent to close at N172.00 per share. Nestle Plc was down N43.85 or 4.42 per cent to close at N948.00 per share. A total of 248.4 million shares valued at N3.88 billion were traded in 4,939 deals.

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

Crude oil price

$58.96

US Dollar

N197 Market indicators All-Share Index 35,042.33 points Market capitalisation 11.94trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LIVESTOCK

2.27

2.41

0.14

6.17

VITAFOAM

4.20

4.43

0.23

5.48

NPFMCRFBK

1.00

1.05

0.05

5.00

OKOMUOIL

26.01

27.31

1.30

5.00

AIRSERVICE

2.00

2.10

0.10

5.00

GUINNESS

147.00

154.34

7.34

4.99

INTBREW

19.65

20.63

0.98

4.99

NAHCO

6.42

6.74

0.32

4.98

UAC-PROP

11.05

11.60

0.55

4.98

MANSARD

3.05

3.20

0.15

4.92

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

FIDSON

3.40

3.23

-0.17

-5.00

UBN

10.95

10.41

-0.54

-4.93

PORTPAINT

3.50

3.33

-0.17

-4.86

TOTAL

180.00

172.00

-8.00

-4.44

NESTLE

991.85

948.00

-43.85

-4.42

RTBRISCOE

0.77

0.74

-0.03

-3.90

PRESCO

26.70

25.70

-1.00

-3.75

ROYALEX

0.55

0.53

-0.02

-3.64

UBA

4.90

4.74

-0.16

-3.27

ZENITHBANK

23.90

23.20

-0.70

-2.93

FGN Bonds The bank said it was also able to grow shareholders’ funds significantly by 13 per cent to N265 billion in 2014 from N235 billion in 2013, with a capital adequacy ratio above regulatory requirement.

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.34

98.18

14.55

98.33

14.42

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.04

100.98

14.52

101.13

14.43

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.21

104.53

14.50

104.83

14.41

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.79

108.22

14.43

108.52

14.37

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.92

98.93

14.41

99.23

14.35

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.27 65.00

16.26

65.30

16.18

Closing Market Prices of April 14, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

16-Jul-15

13.64

14.13

WAUA

270

15-Oct-15

13.49

14.47

USD

197

07-Apr-16

13.20

15.16

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

78.5000

16.7387

POUNDS STERLING

293

17.6674

SDR

273

18.7366

NIBOR

The Fixings of April 14, 2015

Capital Market

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Community Mirror Man’s life in danger over family, church land dispute 48

We want fresh election in Imo State; let the will of the people be enthroned Imo State Governor – Rochas Okorocha

Two die in Lagos early morning inferno DARE AKOGUN

wo people have been reported killed and property worth millions of naira destroyed in an inferno that gutted three bedroom apartments in Ikotun-Egbe area of Lagos. The cause of the fire which was not immediately known was said to have started around 2:00 am Tuesday and consumed

the building before help could come. The victims a middle aged sailor whose name was given as Mr. Osezua, and his sister– in–law whose name was simply given as Ngozi an SSI student of Zodiac Private School was to have ended his annual leave this weekend when the incident happened. A neighbor of the deceased whose flat is right behind that of the victims, who proffered ano-

nymity, said she was attracted by the shrill cry of her deceased neighbor’s wife calling for help and that before she could ascertain why she was calling for help at that wee hours, she realized to her shock that the flat in front of hers, was on fire. She immediately evacuated her family members while at the same time calling out to other neighbors who promptly rallied others for support. The neighbors according to her,

were the ones who broke into the wife’s bedroom rescuing her and the children, but because of the huge flame emanating from the other bedrooms, they were unable to help the deceased. Help however came their way although late, when a member of the vigilante group in the area put up a call through to men of the Lagos Fire Service stationed at Ikotun who came to put out the fire but not after the victims had been burnt to

death. Another neighbor Mama Bolu told our correspondent that only last week, the dead sailor had received a call from his boss who wanted him to break his annual leave as there were pressing issue that needed his attention, but that he pleaded with his boss to allow him spend some time with his family stressing that if he had responded to the call, this tragedy might have been avoided.

Council boss advises youths to embrace irrigation farming

An accident scene at Shafa on Bauchi-Maiduguri bye-pass in Bauchi State, recently.

PHOTO: NAN

District head accuses council chair of assault in Gombe DANJUMA WILLIAMS GOMBE

he District Head of Bodor in Funakaye Local Government Areas of Gombe State, Alhaji Saleh Tinka has accused the chairman of the council of assault when he attempted to stop an electoral fraud in his domain. Narrating his ordeal to journalist during a press conference in Gombe, Alhaji Tinka revealed that he went to be accredited to vote in the Governorship and

State Assembly Elections and found a local politician sharing money in N1, 000 and N500 denomination to prospective voters in the queue and queried the action. He alleged that some politicians from the area whom he could identify pounced on him and manhandled publicly before his subjects, adding that was called unprintable names and his regalia turned to shreds. Tinka explained that his action was to ensure the voters vote for people or contestants of their choices and not an expres-

sion of any personal political desire. They would not listen to his explanation and that made by his people he was greatly demeaned and made to look stupid as well as lost his integrity. According to the District Head, he was yet to take any decision over the matter because he needed to consult with his relations, friends and associates. This would allow him to arrive at an appropriate measure that he would take to redeem his name as a traditional ruler. Asked if he had reported the matter to the Police for investi-

gation and appropriate action to be taken, he stated that the confusion and ridicule that followed the scene could not allow him to take such a measure. This is not because he wasn’t aware of the importance of doing so. The traditional ruler explained that the situation would have deteriorated and resulted into a major crisis if not for the fact that he calmed his people down. The people were charged and ready to fight for him at that material time and the politicians would not have escaped with it.

hairman of Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Alhaji Muktar Ammani on Tuesday advised youths to embrace irrigation farming to enhance food sufficiency in the country. He advised youths to utilise the fertile land and water to engage in irrigation so as to boost their income and promote healthy living among the populace. The chairman said his administration had designed support programme for irrigation and urged the youths to take advantage of it to return to farm. He stated that the council had spent N7.2 million on the rehabilitation of Na’alma and Malumfashi township health centres and paid compensation for land acquired for the construction of a clinic by the MDGs at Yammama village. The chairman noted that the council’s efforts within his six months’ in office were aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the area. He therefore urged the people to access the facilities, saying that the local council provided free drugs, immunisations and ante-natal care services to the citizenry. Ammani further said the health centres were provided through direct labour to reduce cost.

Community Mirror

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Man’s life in danger over family, church land dispute DARE AKOGUN

he last may not have been heard over the ongoing land dispute between the Deeper Life Christian Ministry and the Sofidiya family of Agbodi Village via Mowe, Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ogun State. This is because, the life of a middle-aged man Sadiq Olopade, is now in danger over the disputed land after he received multiple gunshots from

hoodlums purportedly acting on the order of the church. At an hospital (name withheld), where Olopade is currently receiving treatment, he told our correspondent in a barely audible voice that, “I was going to fend for myself in the farm when I was hit by bullets from the hoodlums stationed on the land. “The villagers have not known peace since the hoodlums came and many villagers have even ran away from the village,” he added.

Counsel to the family, Barrister Shem Popoola in a petition to the Ogun State Police Command dated April7, 2015 and a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent reads in parts: “In accordance with our brief, on this fateful day at about 6:30pm, the hoodlums invaded the community with their arms and ammunitions, led by one Franklyn Ehi and Festus Orimolade and started shooting at sight of anybody.

“In the the pandemonium that ensued, this hoodlum caught up with one Mr. Sadiq Olopade and sprayed him with bullets and was abandoned in his pool of blood till he lost consciousness. Save for the timely intervention of people around the area who rushed him to the nearby hospital, the said Sadiq would have given up,” it stated. It was gathered that trouble started between the family and Deeper Life five years ago when the church approached

the village for a land and paid an advance payment of N10 million out of the N50 million requested by the land owners as owo iwoko (bush entry money). It was revealed that the church did not get back to the family almost three years after which the community repossessed their land. The counsel alleged that despite the case still pending before Ogun State High Court in suit No. AB/246/14. On Saturday 7th, March 2015,

Ijaw youths task Buhari on peace in Niger Delta

he Ijaw Youth Council, IYC has urged the President-elect, retired Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to sustain the existing peace in the Niger Delta, to increase oil production. The President of the council, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, gave the advice at a news conference in Abuja over the weekend. Eradiri said the existing peace could be maintained if the incoming administration sustained the Presidential Amnesty Programme for former agitators in the region. CHANGE OF NAME

ODO-NJEZE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Odo-Njeze Ogechukwu Faith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aneke Ogechukwu Faith. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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ASOGWA: Formerly known and addressed as Asogwa Emmanuel Christopher now wish to be known and addressed as Asogwa Christopher Okwudili Chukwu. All former documents remain valid. UNN and general public take note.

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“The Presidential Amnesty Programme for Ex-Agitators in the NigerDelta region, which has greatly contributed to the sustenance of peace in the Niger-Delta region, should be sustained by the incoming administration. “President Jonathan’s extra-ordinary peace building efforts in the Niger-Delta region is responsible for the resultant increase in oil production and increased oil revenue,’’ Eradiri said. He urged the incoming government to fund and strengthen the existCHANGE OF NAME

EJIKE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejike Nnenna Linda, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kenechukwu Nnenna Linda. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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OKO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oko Josephine Uzoamaka now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okafor Josephine Uzoamaka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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OKEREKE:- Formerly known and addressed as Miss Okereke Gloria Nkiru, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajuzieogu Gloria Nkiru. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Police Force and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

UCHE GIBSON GLOBAL OUTREACH (A.K.A REALITY WORLD INCORPORATED) The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Uche Gibson Odiari Mercy Akuabia Uchechukwu Ikpeama Obioma Obuezue Ikechukwu Chukwuma

1. 2.

To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ To teach accurate knowledge of God’s word.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. KENNETH OKONKWO 08056646545

ing federal structures set up to develop the NigerDelta region such as the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Niger-Delta Ministry. “The incoming administration should address the problems of environmental degradation in the Niger-Delta region, including implementation of the UNEP report on Ogoni. “It should also address the general environmental remediation in other parts of the region which are affected by environmental degradation,’’ Eradiri said. According to him, the CHANGE OF NAME

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recommendations of the National Confab should be implemented by the incoming government to deepen the federal system of government where the federating units will develop at their own pace. He said the confab recommendations would address some of the imbalances responsible for political instability in NiLOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of loss of indenture of lease Reg as 8/8/397 at land registry by Dominic Chineyelu Odenigbo of care premier’s office Enugu Eastern Nigeria the plot situate and known as Plot 4 Block 21 Haven West Layout. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

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Formerly known and addressed as Farrow Clementina Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Ugwuozor Clementina Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

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PUBLIC NOTICE

FAITHFULL AMBASSADORS REDEEMERS’S MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Bernard Bitrus Kyengson 2. Bro. Samuel Pam Azi 3. Evang Augustine Tongding 4. Engr Jonathan Malann 5. Bro. Pam Du Deme 6. Amb. Chuwang C. Davou 7. Eld/Mrs Theodora Usman Bogemi 8. Mrs Patricia Bitrus Kyengsong

- Chairman - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member - Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. To preach and advance the teaching of Christian faith, doctrine, observances and cultural associated with that of the Christian 2. To support and maintain missions and missionaries in order to propagate the gospel of Christ Jesus 3. To establish and maintain a training school for children, youth and adults. Etc 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 twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: MANAGEMENT

geria and the desperation to control government at the centre. Eradiri urged the incoming federal administration to start the process of national integration and run an all-inclusive government, to address the polarisation and disunity arising from the outcome of the presidential elections. CHANGE OF NAME

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men of Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, Vigilante Service among other uniform men and one land agent called, Romeo, with his men fully armed on the order of the church invaded the land. “Rather than defending the matter in court, Deeper Life had chosen to employ the service of a land agent to invade the community with connivance of military men and caused total breach of law and order”, he alleged. When contacted on the matter, Pastor Segun Babatope of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry was not available for reactions as he never picked calls or responded to text messages. But, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogun State Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed the attack on Olopade, saying: “the matter has been brought to the notice of the commissioner of police via petition and he will act on it accordingly.” CHANGE OF NAME

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ENE: I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Ngozi Elizabeth Ene (Nee Nnamani) now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ngozi Elizabeth Ikejenovah. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

HELPMATE GLOBAL CHARITY RELIEF ORGANIZATION

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 No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alhaji Sha’aban Abubakar 2. Saidu Yunus 3. Ismaila Musa 4. Yahaya Musa 5. Yakubu Mohammed

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:

1. Provide assistance to the general public and its members 2. To inculcate in the community about the needs to acquire education to their wards 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 twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

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Wednesday April 15, 2015

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World News

Strong evidence of Syria regime chemical attacks –HRW

If we want to end jihadist terrorism, we have to go to the root of the question and favour intercultural and interreligious dialogue.

–EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini

‘400 migrants die in shipwreck off Libya’ PAUL ARHEWE,

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

bout 400 migrants died in an attempt to reach Italy from Libya when their boat capsized, survivors said yesterday, the latest tragedy in the Mediterranean where the death toll from shipwrecks has surged this year. The boat, carrying about 550 migrants in total, flipped about 24 hours after leaving the Libyan coast, according to some of the 150 survivors who were rescued and brought to a southern Italian port on yesterday morning, Save the Children reported. Before this incident there had already been more than 500 deaths of migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa this year, up sharply from 47 in the same period of 2014, said the Geneva-based International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The survivors of the latest shipwreck were mostly sub-Saharan Africans, but no further details were available, a Save the Children spokesman told

One of the various ships full of migrants that cross the Mediterranean Sea

Reuters. It was not clear exactly when the boat had capsized. The number of boats carrying migrants aiming to reach the EU from Africa has picked up in recent weeks as fine spring weather makes the passage safer. In February, more than 300 drowned when attempting the crossing in cold weather and rough seas.

Save the Children, the IOM and other humanitarian organizations have called for the European Union to bolster its sea rescue operations before the migrant flows soar as they usually do in the summer months. On Monday, 2,851 migrants were saved in rescue operations in the Mediterranean, the Italian coastguard said, adding to

Violence growing in central Mali two years later –Report

rmed groups in Mali are carrying out a growing number of attacks, and that violence is taking place closer to the capital, according to a Human Rights Watch report released yesterday. A French-led military operation in early 2013 dislodged radical Islamic militants from power in northern Mali, although the report said many of those security gains are now being reversed. The militants are becom-

ing increasingly active further south from their northern strongholds, and they are targeting civilians accused of supporting French and U.N. forces, the report said. The Malian government must move swiftly to restore order, said Corinne Dufka, West Africa director for the rights group. “Mali is awash with arms and bandits, and the pace of attacks is intensifying,” she said. The violence in central Mali has been blamed on a new radi-

Armed forces provide security for the nightclub, seen rear, that was attacked by gunmen in Bamako, Mali, recently

cal group known as the Macina Liberation Movement, which is believed to have ties to the same jihadists who ruled the north back in 2012-2013. Armed men are trying to recruit boys and young men to join the new extremist group, according to the report. Local residents are under pressure from both sides. If they report the new group to the army, they risk being killed as informants, a local official told the rights group. The U.N. peacekeeping mission trying to stabilize Mali has been attacked at least 79 times since July 2013, according to the report. It said 35 peacekeepers have died and another 130 have been wounded. The violence blamed on jihadists also has been hitting targets further south than ever before. On Sunday, at least two Malian soldiers died when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Segou region. And last month a masked gunman opened fire inside a popular restaurant in the capital of Bamako, killing five people including two foreigners.

at least nine who died and 5,629 who were saved over the weekend. Italy, which handled the largest number of migrant arrivals in the EU, has become increasingly alarmed about the breakdown of law and order in Libya, which has greatly exacerbated the task of tackling the migrant flows. Libya is home to two rival

Ebola: Sierra Leone schools re-open after closed for nine months

hildren in Sierra Leone returned to schools yesterday after staying at home for nine months because of the Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 10,000 mostly in West Africa. More than 8,000 schools are to reopen for about 1.8 million students and the government and U.N. children’s agency promise to check temperatures regularly and will promote hand washing to discourage the spread of Ebola. “This marks a major step in the normalization of life in Sierra Leone,” said Roeland Monasch, Sierra Leone UNICEF Representative. “Education for all is a key part of the recovery process for the country.” Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said it hopes that the year’s academic curriculum can still be covered. Only a few schools had opened in late March for exams.

WORLD BULLETIN South African looters target foreign-owned shops, five killed At least five people in South Africa have died in attacks on immigrant-owned shops and hundreds of people have fled their homes since last week, authorities said yesterday as they struggled to stem one of the worst outbreaks of violence in years against foreigners, many of them from other African countries. Most of the recent unrest occurred in and around the coastal city of Durban, where police said two foreigners and three South Africans were killed. The dead included a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly shot during looting Monday night and died at a hospital, police Col. Jay Naicker said. Some 34 people have been arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and other crimes in the last two days, he said. “Police are deployed and in high alert in most of the areas where there are foreign nationals,” Naicker said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. Despite the increased police presence, authorities are hardpressed to stop unrest that recalls similar violence in South Africa in 2008 in which about 60 people died. In January this year, four people died during a week of looting of foreign-owned shops and other violence in Soweto and other areas of Johannesburg.

Turkey’s president condemns Pope over Armenia ‘genocide’ The Turkish president has sharply criticised Pope Francis for describing the mass killing of Armenians under Ottoman rule in WW1 as “genocide”. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he condemned the Pope and warned him to “not repeat this mistake”. Turkey rejects the use of the term genocide to describe the killings, arguing it was a civil war in which both sides died. It is calling for a joint study by historians of what happened. Turkey recalled its envoy to the Vatican after Pope Francis made the comments on Sunday at a Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, attended by the Armenian president and the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karekin II. The Pope said that humanity had lived through “three massive and unprecedented tragedies” in the last century. “The first, which is widely considered the first genocide of the 20th Century, struck your own Armenian people,” he said, in a form of words used in a declaration by Pope John Paul II in 2001. Pope Francis also referred to the crimes “perpetrated by Nazism and Stalinism”.

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

Netanyahu speaks to Putin over Russia missiles to Iran Israel’s prime minister says he has spoken to Russia’s president to convey his displeasure over Russia’s decision to sell advanced anti-aircraft missiles to Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu’s office says he spoke with Vladimir Putin Tuesday to protest Russia’s planned delivery of advanced S-300 air defence missile systems to the Islamic Republic. Israeli military officials consider the Russian arming of Iran an additional obstacle before any potential military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Netanyahu says he told Putin the move would only increase Iran’s aggression in the region and undermine security in the Middle East. Israel says the Russian announcement is a direct result of the international community’s framework nuclear deal with Iran. Israel vehemently opposes any deal with Iran that does not dismantle the military capability of its nuclear program.

UN arms embargo targets Yemen’s Houthis as fighting rages The U.N. Security Council yesterday imposed an arms embargo targeting the Iran-allied Houthi rebels who now control most of Yemen as battles in the south of the country intensified. It also demanded the Houthis stop fighting and withdraw from areas they have seized, including the capital Sanaa. On the ground, southern militiamen claimed gains against the Houthis on several battlefronts across southern Yemen, including districts of the port city of Aden, the last stronghold of loyalists to Saudi-backed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Iran meanwhile prepared to submit a four-point peace plan for Yemen to the United Nations on Wednesday, state media said. Tehran’s proposal includes a call for an end to Saudi-led air strikes against the Houthis and is likely to anger Riyadh, which accuses Iran of meddling in the affairs of its southern neighbour. In New York, the U.N. Security Council imposed a global asset freeze and travel ban on Ahmed Saleh, the former head of Yemen’s Republican Guard, and on Abdulmalik al-Houthi, a Houthi leader. Saleh’s father, former Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and two other senior Houthi leaders, Abd alKhaliq al-Huthi and Abdullah Yahya al Hakim, had been blacklisted by the Security Council in November. The Security Council also expressed concern at what it called “destabilizing actions” taken by former President Saleh, including supporting the Houthis.

Wednesday April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Strong evidence of Syria regime chemical attacks –HRW

yewitness accounts and evidence collected from Syria’s north western Idlib province “strongly” suggest regime forces dropped toxic chemicals on civilians several times last month, Human Rights Watch said yesterday. A high-ranking Syrian security official denied the claim, saying the accusations were “lies the insurgents say when they incur losses”. The report came as a monitor said at least 12 people were killed on Tuesday in a barrel bomb attack in the province. Human Rights Watch said the chemicals appeared to have been packed into crude explosivesfilled barrels that were dropped by military helicopter on rebelheld areas during heavy fighting for the city of Idlib. “Evidence strongly suggests that Syrian government forces used toxic chemicals in several barrel bomb attacks in Idlib governorate between March 16 and 31, 2015,” the New York-based group said. It called on the UN Security Council to investigate what would be a breach of both its own resolutions and Damas-

A UN arms expert collects samples from the site of a 2013 suspected chemical weapons attack in Damascus’ eastern Ghouta suburb

cus’s obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. HRW said it had investigated six reported attacks in Idlib and villages outside, collecting evidence from rescue workers and other civilians that provided a compelling case in three of them. The most conclusive evidence

came from a March 16 attack on the village of Sarmin, which left a family of six, including three children, dead, and an attack on Idlib city on March 31. “The children were foaming at the mouth, they were suffocating, then their hearts stopped,” said Leith Fares, a rescue worker in Sarmin.

Soul legend singer Percy Sledge dies at 74

S soul singer Percy Sledge, famed for his song When a Man Loves a Woman, has died aged 74. Steve Green from talent agency Artists International Management Inc confirmed to the BBC that he died at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Tuesday. “He was one of my first acts, he was a terrific person and you don’t find that in this business very often,” said Green. “He was truly a standout.” Sledge had surgery for liver cancer in January 2014 but soon resumed touring. Sledge’s debut single When a

Sledge

Man Loves a Woman reached the top 10 twice in the UK and topped the US Billboard chart for two weeks in 1966, when it also got to number four in the UK chart. During an interview for the the 2013 documentary Muscle Shoals, he recalled his first recording of it. “When I came into the studio, I was shaking like a leaf. I was scared,” he said, adding that it was the “same melody that I sang when I was out in the fields. I just wailed out in the woods and let the echo come back to me”. He told BBC Radio 6 Music’s Craig Charles in a 2011 interview

that he came up with the melody for When A Man Loves A Woman, but signed away the rights of the song to Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, because “I didn’t know any better”. “I had the melody in my mind so I gave that song to them,” he said, adding they then created the lyrics. Sledge did not contest the agreement, saying: “I felt like if God fixed it in my mouth to give it to them I won’t change anything about it. “I’m satisfied with what I wrote but I cut my kids out of so much because I gave it to someone else I just wasn’t thinking.” BBC Radio 2 DJ Tony Blackburn was among those paying tribute on Twitter, and said: “Sad to hear that Percy Sledge has died. I wonder how many times I’ve played When A Man Loves A Woman. RIP.” Musician Bootsy Collins paid tribute on his Facebook page with the words: “Just lost another legend funkateers, Mr Percy Sledge.” Paul Gambacini told the BBC that When a Man Loves a Woman was “one of the all time classic songs”.

Obama warns Iran fighters must respect Iraq’s sovereignty

.S. President Barack Obama warned Iran yesterday that its fighters must respect Iraq’s sovereignty and report to Baghdad in the region-wide battle against Islamic State militants. Iran-backed Shi’ite militias have played a major role in battling the Sunni group, an al Qaeda offshoot that emerged from the chaos in Iraq and neighbouring Syria. Obama said he and Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi discussed the issue at length in their Oval Office meeting. He said it was clear that Iraq and Iran would have an important relationship because they shared a border and noted the Shi’ite militias mobilized when Islamic State was surging and the Iraqi government was still getting organized. “Once Prime Minister Abadi took power ... from that point on, any foreign assistance that is helping to defeat ISIL has to go through the Iraqi government. That’s how you respect Iraqi sovereignty,” Obama said. “It needs to be help that is not simply coordinated with the Iraqi government but ultimately is answerable to the Iraqi government and is funnelled through the chain of command.” Islamic State, also known as ISIL, has targeted Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities since its forces seized much of northern and central Iraq since last year.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Nine feared killed in Taraba election violence JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

Suspects who destroyed electoral materials during last Saturday’s election on parade at Kano Police Headquarters, yesterday.

Card readers recovered by the Police in Kano.

Nigeria’s polls, best thing to happen to Africa –Ex-Niger president JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

ormer president of Niger Republic, Mamman Ousmane, has described the outcome of the general election in Nigeria as the best thing to happen to West Africa. Ousmane, who was chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, stated this during a solidarity visit to Governorelect, Aminu Bello Masari, in Katsina. Masari, a former Speaker, House of Representatives, won the governorship election after beating his major opponent of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Musa Nashuni. The former Niger Republic leader, who is presi-

dent of CDS-Rahama, the main opposition party in his country, said triumph of credible people like Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Masari was victory for the entire West African subregion. He added that the election outcome had restored confidence of the continent in Nigeria. He said a contrary result would have spelt doom not only for Nigeria, but neighbouring countries, as their economies rely to a large extent on Nigeria. Ousmane said many of West African nations would inevitably have gone down if Nigeria had gone down following the elections. The former leader, accompanied by several ranking ministers and law-

makers from his country, expressed confidence that it would not be long before incoming leadership in Nigeria puts the country back on the road to prosperity. He, however, used the occasion to call for more cooperation between his country and Nigeria. On his part, Masari assured his guest that the incoming All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership in the country would live by all the electoral promises it made to Nigerians. The former Speaker called on Nigerians not to accept any excuses if the party fails to deliver on the premises it made to them. In a related development, Masari assured he would run an open and transparent government

PDP chieftain declared wanted over electoral offence ABDULGAFAR OLADIMEJI KANO

ano State police command yesterday declared former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development during the tenure of Ibrahim Shekarau, Musa Illyasu Kwankwaso, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a wanted man, over alleged destruction of electoral materials. Police Commissioner Ibrahim K. Idris said the PDP chieftain was wanted for allegedly sponsoring political bandits, who engaged in burning and obliterating election ma-

terials at Kauran Mata Ward in Madobi Local Government Area, during last Saturday’s gubernatorial and House of Assembly election. Addressing newsmen at the police command headquarters in Bompai, the commissioner said Kwankwaso on sighting detectives approaching his residence, “scaled the fence” to evade arrest. According to him, the politician, who is a close political ally to Minister of Education, was fingered by 14 political thugs apprehended for destroying election materials. According to CP Idris,

the exhibits recovered from the suspects, who were arrested for electoral offences, included two sharp knives, cutlass and sticks. He added that 76 suspects were also apprehended in connection with various electoral offences in the state, while other exhibits retrieved included 15 ballot boxes, ballot papers, four INEC bags, eight knives, two sticks, two swords, two cutlasses, three INEC stamps, three markers, two card readers, seven INEC reflective jackets, scissors, torn gubernatorial and House of Assembly result sheets and accreditation register.

devoid of tendencies that negate global best practices. Masari called on citizens of the state to blow the whistle on anybody in his administration, including himself, if they were found wanting in conduct of governance. He assured of his determination to redeem promises made to the people during his campaign. Masari gave these assurances when leaders of the state chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, visited to congratulate him on his victory at the poll. Leader of the team, Yusuf Abba, had urged the governor-elect to make education, agriculture, insecurity and impunity priority areas.

o fewer than nine persons have reportedly been killed in Taraba State during Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly election in the state. National Mirror gathered that three persons were killed in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area, while six others were killed in Sunkani in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of the state. In Sardauna council, five houses were razed by the All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters, who were protesting alleged manipulation of results from Mbamga State Constituency. The angry protesters

attacked and burnt the house of Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Timothy Kataps; former SSG, Amb. Emmanuel Njiwah, and a member representing Mbamga constituency in the House of Assembly, Abel Diah. Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Joseph Kwaji, while confirming the violence, added that only one person was killed in Gembu, adding that two persons were also killed in a clash between APC and PDP supporters in Sunkani area, noting that the houses of Kataps and Diah were razed. The police spokesman said the state was now relatively peaceful following intensive patrol by officers and men of the command, who are in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

…Guber run-off poll for April 25 JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed April 25 for Taraba State governorship run-off election between the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Senator Aisha Alhassan, and Mr. Darius Ishaku, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Public Relations Officer of INEC, Fabian Yame, disclosed this yesterday in Jalingo. Returning Officer for the state’s governorship election, Prof. Mohammad Kyari, had on Monday declared the governorship election inconclusive.

Kyari said the number of canceled votes in the elections totaling 127,125 were more than the 54,812 margin between the PDP candidate, who polled 317,198 and the APC’s 262,386 votes. He said the Constitution of Nigeria and the Electoral Act require that when the difference between the total canceled votes in an election is higher than the margin between the first and second person, elections should be declared inconclusive and a run-off held. The elections will hold in Donga Local Government as well as some polling units in Bali, Karim Lamido, Takum, Ussa, Wukari, Yorro and Zing.

Insurgency: UNHCR donates phones to field monitors

nited Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, has donated 300 mobile phones to National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, to facilitate the work of field monitors in protecting the needs of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. Country Representative, UNHCR Nigeria, Ms Angele Dikongue-Atangana, presented the phones to Prof Bem Angwe, NHRC’s Executive Secretary, yesterday, in Abuja. She said the phones would be used to equip the 310 recently trained field monitors on IDP issues.

The representative said the project was geared toward providing sustainable assistance to IDPs by protecting their needs and fundamental human rights. She said the action would help in relaying their plight and sufferings from their communities directly to both commissions. The representative said UNHCR was committed to alleviating the suffering of displaced persons across the country and the step taken was one way of addressing their plight, adding that UNHCR was partnering NHRC as it

had always shown commitment to supporting the cause of human rights. Dikongue-Atangana said the 310 monitors, including four supervisors, would be deployed to 10 states affected by both insurgency and communal clashes. According to her, a person once displaced, irrespective of the cause, suffers the same breach of rights, needs and inconveniences. Earlier, Angwe commended UNHCR for its assistance for humanitarian needs and pledged its continued support and partnership to the present project and future collaborations.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Solola Oyindamola Aina, now wish to address n known as Mrs. Owoputi Oyindamola Aina. All other document remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OKAFOR: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Chioma Anastacia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okonkwo Chioma Anastacia. All former documents remain valid. N.Y.S.C and general public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

NWOPI: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwopi Chioma Mirian now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Igbokwe Chioma Mirian. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

GEORGE: I, formerly known and addressed as Oluwadamilola Omotayo Adeola Olubunmi Adetokunbo George, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Oluwadamilola Omotayo Adeola Olubunmi Adetokunbo Coker. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

formerly known and addressed as Miss Adediran Mary Oyeronke, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Areo Mary Oyero. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kasali Bashirat Omolara now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Abdul-Ganiyu Bashirat Omolara. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Olubukola Omolola Afolabi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olubukola Oladiti. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ogechi Uzor, now wish to be known and addressed Godwin Ogechi Ijoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Machebe Geraldine Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwankwo-Machebe Geraldine Chinyere. All former documents remain valid Centre for Black and Africa Arts and Civilization CBAAC and the general public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eze Obianuju now wish to be known, called and addressed as Bathlomew Obianuju. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note. Nigeria Police, NYSC, Federal University of Technology, Minna and general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKEKE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Chioma Rita, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ochomma Chioma Rita. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

BAD0U: I, formerly known and Addressed as Miss Nicholas Sylvia Badou. Now wish to be known and Addressed as Mrs Ataneh Sylvia Badou .All former documents remain Valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Miss Akanmu Fausat Adebimpe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olaniran Fausat Adebimpe. All former documents remain valid. Ogbomoso North Local Government Universal Basic Education Authority and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwosu Peace Chidoziri now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nene Peace Chidoziri. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Igboekweze Francisca Ndidi now wish to be known and addressed Mrs Emeka Francisca Ndidi. All former documents remain valid General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Fasuyi Oluwademilade Oluwapeyibomi, now wish to be known and addressed Oluwasuyi Oluwademilade Oluwapeyibomi. Former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Bedford-Egunjobi Olasumbo Monsurat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeyemi Olasumbo Mary.all former documents remain valid.Ogun SUBEB,ObafemiOwode LGEA and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Edafe Harriet Oyibodudu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edafe Monica Olimma. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ADAMU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Maryam Abubakar Adamu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Maryam Sani Abdullahi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Komolafe Ranti Rotimi is the same person as Komolafe Ranti Rotimi Philips henceforth I want to be known and addressed as Komolafe Ranti Rotimi Philips. All former document remain valid. General public take note .

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Kadiri Olubola Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinkunmi Olubola Temitope. All former documents remain valid. H.M.B Akure, Nursing Council of Nigeria and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Owoseni Kehinde Omowunmi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs John Kehinde Omowunmi.All former document remaijnt valid and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Isesele Ebaide Maria, now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Akintayo Ebaide Maria. All former document remain valid. The general public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that the original copy of the expired Certificate of Occupancy No. 8758, issued in the name of The United Africa Company of Nigeria Limited over Rivers St S/S, Makurdi, E183/N1120 is missing. All efforts to trace the said Missing document have proved abortive. If found please contact the nearest Police Station.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that the original copy of the expired Certificate of Occupancy No. 7806, is issued in the name Nigerian Properties Company Limited, over beach road, E184/N1781 is missing. All efforts to trace the said Missing document have proved abortive. If found please contact the nearest Police Station.

CHANGE OF NAME

NAFISA: Formerly known and addressed as Nafisa Ahmed now wish to be known and addressed as Amina Ahmed. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IZUKA: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Izuka Chioma Nwanne now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anyaegbunam Chioma Ezinwanne. All former documents remain valid. Anambra State University and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IBEKWE: I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibekwe Chibuzo Emmanuela, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okam Chibuzo Emmanuela. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Ajaero Faith Chikaodinaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwuezue Faith Chikaodinaka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as Miss Ogunmola Julianah Ronke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyeleye Julianah Ronke. All former documents remain valid. Bowen University Teaching Hospital Ogbomosho and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ugwu Ngozi Vivian now wish to known and addressed as Mrs Dike Ngozi Vivan. All former documents remain valid.General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Uwa Ugboaku Aru now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Beatrice Chinonso Ebe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Fasuyi Boluwatife Temiloluwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwasuyi Boluwatife Temiloluwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

TOLULOPE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Tolulope Tosin Akinsiku now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tolulope Tosin Ajayi. All former documents remain valid. National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) and General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Akintoye Omotoke Risikat now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Akintoye Omotoke Risikat All former document remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEGBENRO: Formerly known and addressed as Adegbenro Mojisola Ajoke (Miss), now wish to be known and addressed as Adewara Mojisola Ajoke (Mrs.). All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed aS Miss Adeleye Omolola Eniola now which to be know and addressed as Mrs Fadipe- Olusegun Omolola Eniola.All former document remain valid,Ekiti state government and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemi Kadijat Oluwaseun now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Arisu Kadijat Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid. Funaab and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunbayo Taiwo Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Timothy Taiwo Temitope. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oribamise Titilayo Folake now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ibiyeye Titilayo Folake. All former documents remain valid, Ekiti-State Universal Basic Education Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abayomi Adeola Shukurat Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adepoju Adeola Shukurat Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ONYEZIRIM:Formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyezirim Delphine Chiamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agodichukwu Delphine Chiamaka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Sanyaolu Olufunmilola Keji now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Solola Olufunmilola Keji. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Omigbire Omolola Adebisi now wish to be known and addressed as AKinola Omolola Adebisi. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adarabierin Bosede now wish to be addressed as Mrs Ojedele Bosede Esther. All former documents remain valid, Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olofinnika Esther Oluwadamilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Atiba Esther Oluwadamilolla. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abass Basirat Omowunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fagbenro Omowunmi Beatrice. All former documents remain valid. Obafemi/Owode Local Government and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyeniran Yemisi Emily now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olanrewaju Yemisi Emily. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiodun Funmilayo Temitope now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Funmilayo Temitope Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss. Hammed Kehinde Oladunni now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adegboye Kehinde Oladunni. All former documents remain valid, The federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebusuyi Elizabeth Adeola, now to be addressed as Mrs. Oluwatuyi Elizabeth Adeola. All former documents remain valid, st Louis Nursery and Primary School Ikere and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Iboi Odufa Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Owhe Odufa Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Known and Addressed as Miss Charity Chinwendu Okpala. Now, wish to be Known and Addressed as Mrs Charity Chinwendu Chukwuemelie. All former documents remain Valid, Post Primary School Service Commission (PPSSC) Awka and general Public take note.

Formerly Miss Fatunla Elizabeth Bunmi, Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adebowale Elizabeth Bunmi.All former documents remain valid.Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Okonkwo Joel Chukwunedu, now wish to be known and addressed as Obisi Elvis Chukwunedu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that Ozoemena Chikodi Jane And Ozoemena Janet Ozeoma refer as one but now Ozoemena Chikodi Jane. All former documents remain valid. Abia Poly and general public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebere Benedeth Okeke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ebere Benedeth Dickson Ozuitem. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwaogwugwu Goodness Mercy Chikadibia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Esiaba Mercy Chikadibia. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Fasuyi Onaopemipo Oluwadahunsi, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwasuyi Onaopemipo Oluwadahunsi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UDOH: I, formerly known and addressed as Udoh Michael Sunday, now to be known and addressed as Michael Michael Udoatat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Known And Addressed As Miss Owodunni Mutiat Ajoke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Awonuga Mutiat Ajoke all former document remain valid Ogun State Health Management Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mary Sunday Essien, now wish to be known and addressed as Godwin Mary Udofia. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that Odutola Ezekiel Oluwasegun is the same and one person as Odutola Ezekiel Oluwaseun,that henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Odutola Ezekiel Oluwaseun.All former document remain valid. NECO and general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that the original copy of the expired Certificate of Occupancy No. 1533 issued in the name of The Niger Company Ltd. Over plot 7 beach road, E181/A784 is missing. All efforts to trace the said missing document have proved abortive. If found please contact the nearest Police station.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that the original copy of the expired Certificate of Occupancy No. 1708 issued in the name of the United Africa Company of Nigeria Ltd. Over plot 6 beach road, E182/A784 is missing. All efforts to trace the said Missing document have proved abortive. If found please contact the nearest police station.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Fasuyi Omotade Theresa. Now Oluwasuyi Omotade Theresa. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Gloria Agbowe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gloria Ifeanyi Nwodika. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004(CAMA) AND IN THE MATTER OF THE KOLLEGE INVESTMENT NIGERIA PLC - RC 678972 (THE “COMPANY”), IN VOLUNTARY WINDING UP. ADVERTISEMENT OF RESOLUTION TO WIND UP VOLUNTARY WINDING UP BY THE BOARD OF THE KOLLEGE INVESTMENT NIGERIA PLC PURSUANT TO SECTION 458(1) OF CAMA At a meeting of the Board of KOLLEGE INVESTMENT NIGERIA PLC, (“The Company”) duly convened and held at No. 144, Igbara - Odo Road, Ikere Ekiti, on the 13th Day of April, 2015, for the Voluntary winding up by the Board for inability to hold Statutory General Meeting and other issues.

Signed:

BAR. O. JAYEOBA (COMPANY SECRETARY) PUBLIC NOTICE

THE LORD IS MY BANNER ADORATION MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Evang. Jerome Ogbonna 2. Mrs Nwamaka Ogbonna 3. Mr Fidelis Obeta 4. Mr Onyema Ugwu 5. Miss Ebere Anaegbuonu 6. Mr Ikechukwu Amadi 7. Mr Benjamin Uzochukwu

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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.To preach to all Nations the raw word of God. 2. To evangelise and through the power of God revive the blind world. 3. To draw souls to God through worship,Prayers and Adorations. 4. To engage in charitable activities. 5. To assist the less privileged to acquire skills to help them selves. 6. To help youths achieve their God’s Ordained purposes in life. 7. To assist in family reconciliation and home repair.

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: TRUSTEES.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

I think the England team is evolving and everyone needs to support the lads to attain the set goals –Former England captain, David Beckham

AFCON qualifiers: Pharaohs ready for battles 55

Enyimba FC striker Mfon Udoh failed to help the Aba clubside progress in the Champions League

CAF Champions League:

Enyimba, Pillars’ exit worries Glo

lo Premier League sponsor, Globacom, has expressed concern over the early exit of Pillars FC of Kano and Enyimba FC of Aba from the 2015 CAF Champions League competition. The defending Champions of Glo Premier League, Pillars, and runners-up, Enyimba, both lost out in the second round of the competition to teams from Algeria and Egypt respectively in what observers termed their inadequate preparedness for the continental challenge. Globacom, in a press statement in Lagos on Tuesday expressed concern at the early exit the two clubs from the lucrative Champions League, saying Nigeria had lost some prestige in the process. “We believe Enyimba FC of Aba and Pillars FC of Kano have the pedigree to go far in the competition having both won the Glo Premier League between themselves in the past five

years,” the statement said. “The situation can only be described as unfortunate, especially after the Clubs participated in the recently concluded Super Four competition which was expected to put them in shape for local and continental tournaments this season,” it added. The telecoms provider, however, expressed delight that Warri Wolves FC is still in contention for the CAF Confederation Cup glory after dispatching Dedebit FC of Ethiopia to move to the next round. “Wolves are the shining light at the moment and we wish to commend the team while urging its management and coaching crew not to relent in their effort to go all the way in the competition. “We also want to call on the Delta State government and Nigeria Football Federation to continuously give the club adequate support,” the statement further said.

Siasia eyes AAG gold N ational U-23 team Coach, Samson Siasia, has said he hopes to lead Nigeria to win football gold at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. Nigeri’s first and only AAG triumph was achieved in 1973 on home soil. But Siasia, lifted by his team’s spirited win in Zambia at the weekend, said he targetted going all the way to gold in Congo. “We hope to be African champions. There is no need qualifying if you don’t want to win it,” Siasia declared. “We will work hard, get better

and go to the tournament to win it. “The team is just four month old, still growing. We will play some matches before the All Africa Games and we will get better. This team and the U-20s have shown that the future of the Super Eagles is bright.” Siasia also commended two-goal hero in Lusaka and U-20 team forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, who was drafted to the U-23team only this month. “Taiwo has a bright future because he is a good boy and he has not allowed his successes to get the better of him,” the coach remarked.

Sports

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UEFA Champions League…

Parisians at

Messi’s

Today’s fixtures

Porto vs Bayern PSG vs Barcelona

mercy

Messi

Bavarians rock solid

Mueller

–Mueller B

ayern Munich midfielder, Thomas Mueller, says although the club has been ravaged by injuries ahead of the Champions League game at Porto today, the squad’s sense of unity remains stronger. The Bavarians, chasing three titles this season, are without Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger and David Alaba, among others for the quarter-final first leg in Portugal. Bayern beat Dortmund in the Bundesliga before edging past Leverkusen in the German Cup last eight on penalties and looked unaffected by the absences. They also beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 on Saturday. “In those games we came closer to-

gether as a group and as a unit, and that will obviously help us against Porto,” Mueller said yesterday. “Now it is not about the injuries but about building a strong unit on the pitch with the players who are there. We are confident and hopefully we can score a few goals,” the World Cup 2014 winner added. Five-time champion Bayern will rely heavily on the scoring prowess of Mueller and Robert Lewandowski in the absence of Robben and Ribery as the side looks to become the first team to beat Porto in the Champions League this season. Twice winner Porto won four matches and drew twice in the group stage before crushing Basel 5-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.

ld foes meet again today at the Parc des Princes where PSG hosts current La Liga leader Barcelona. With the two sides battling it out in Group F earlier in the campaign, PSG will be without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the line. Enduring a mixed time at the Catalan club, the Swedish forward will be denied the opportunity to inflict damage upon his former club after seeing red for a late challenge on Chelsea’s Brazilian Oscar in the last round. It will be left to Uruguayan Edinson Cavani to lead the line in the Swede’s absence. Barcelona arrives in the French capital on the back of a frustrating 2-2 draw with Sevilla, after squan-

dering a two goal lead to share the spoils. But the fans will be buoyed by the return of Argentine maestro Lionel Messi to his imperial best. The recent understanding between Messi and team-mates Luis Suarez and Neymar has been flourishing and Coach Luis Enrique will require his star-studded attack to fire on all cylinders if a crucial away victory is to be established. PSG currently tops a tight Ligue 1, one point above rival Lyon. With a thrilling 3-2 victory over Marseille over a week ago, the Parisians will be hoping to take the same dogged determination into this clash and take a step closer to their first Champions League semi-final appearance.

Fans set to win Heineken’s UCL final trip

ollowing the raffle draws that Heineken has held across the country in recent weeks, more winners will emerge at Heineken House Lagos tonight. Thirteen lucky winners have already been awarded all expense paid trips to Heineken’s world-famous Ibiza Finale, where fans converge from all over the world to watch the UEFA Champions League final match where they will enjoy lavish beach parties on the exotic island of Ibiza. The winners were amongst the total of over 3, 000 participants who took part in the raffle draws across Nigeria. Many others took home various premium quality consolation prizes. The exquisite Heineken House Lagos is open every UEFA Champions League match night to Heineken fans to enjoy the tournament match action and entertain-

ment performances, in the company of special guests. This evening, the house will host a special draw in which more Heineken fans will win trips to Ibiza. In addition to the trips, Heineken is also marking its ninth consecutive year of UEFA Champions League sponsorship by rewarding Nigerian fans with 90 premium prizes in 90 minutes, translating to one prize for every minute of a every UCL match game. This innovative promotion is part of the exciting package from Heineken’s “Champion the Match” campaign to entertain the fans who will also enjoy match screenings and special entertainment performances in the company of celebrity guests. The House has played host to leading lights across business, sports and entertainment including Ruggedman, 9ice and most recently Victor Ikpeba and Tuface Idibia in the on-going activation.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

AFCON qualifiers:

Pharaohs ready for battles

eports from Egypt yesterday indicated that the national team has commenced preparation for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled to get underway in June. The former African champion has been drawn in Group G against Nigeria, Tanzania and Chad during last week’s draw for the tournament that will be

hosted by Gabon. The reports said the Egyptian Football Association had approved the team’s programme ahead of the hostilities which begin with a home clash with Taifa Stars of Tanzania on June 13. “Coach Hector Cuper asked the EFA to hold a camp every month to get to know the players more, and we accepted this idea,” an official said, adding,

Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Sallah and mates in training

“We will have another camp in May with a friendly match while the last camp will be on June 8, followed by the match against Tanzania.”

In Cuper’s first match in charge of the Pharaohs, Egypt beat AFCON 2015 semi-finalist Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in a friendly last month.

The seven-time continental champions are looking to end what would be a seven-year drought from African football’s premium event.

AAG: Uche hails Oshola, others Kwara Utd greets Ahmed MERCY JACOB

AFOLABI GAMBARI

ormer Super Falcons coach, Eucharia Uche, has commended the Super Falcons on their 8-0 defeat of Mali at the second leg of the All African Games (AAG) qualifier in Abuja last Friday. Uche, who guide the Falcons to win the African Women Championship (AWC) in South Africa in 2010, said the performance would send the right signals to the team’s opponents at the FIFA Women World Cup billed for Canada in June. “I just want to advise the girls to remain focused in view of the task ahead,” she said.

Uche

“I have no fear that they will do well, even though they fall in a tight group. I think they have good players who can help them go all the way in Canada.

“They should just avoid any form of distraction that can stop them from excelling at the world stage and be prepared to set a bench for Africa as the reigning continental champions.”

he management of Kwara United FC of Ilorin yesterday congratulated the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on his victory at the April 11 polls. Secretary of the club, Elder Dele Oguntokun, said in a statement that the governor’s re-election confirmed his selfless service to people of the state. “Aside helping Kwara United to gain promotion to the elite league last season, he has brought positive changes to the state’s sport sector as testified by his recent honour as the Best Governor in Sports and Youth recently,” the statement said.

The club management also congratulated former commissioners of sports in the state, Dr. Abubakar Kannike and Mr. Saheed Popoola, for their triumph at the election which saw the former proceeding to House of Representatives and the latter entering the state’s House of Assembly.

Gov Ahmed

DSTV League: Union Bank ambush Warriors Kelechi Duru of Union Bank lays up a shot against Royal Hoopers during a recent DStv Basketball League match

PAUL EREWUBA

fter conceding two home defeats at a stretch since the commencement of the 2014/2015 DSTV Men’s Basketball Premier League, Union Bank Basketball team has vowed to beat Oluyole Warriors of Ibadan in their postponed Week 3 Atlantic Conference encounter which holds on Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos. General Manager of Union Bank, Hon. Babatunde Popoola, who is also Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), said the Stallions had never had it so rough. “We want to remain in contention for the top four at the end of the season. But I believe that our

performance so far is due to the absence of the head coach, Ayinla Johnson, who was on a national assignment with the national team,” Popoola said. “I urge the supporters not to lose hope as I assure them that Union Bank will bounce back to winning ways, as Warriors will have no place to hide on Friday,” he added. Other matches slated for this weekend are Delta Force agaist Lagos Islanders in Asaba while Police Batons will engage the Nigeria Customs as Dodan Warriors host Kwara Falcons in the Atlantic conference. In the Savannah Conference, FCT Rocks will meet Kano Pillars while Gombe Bulls will be home to Plateau Peaks as Bauchi Nets engage Kada Stars. Mark Mentors will also visit Nigeria Immigrations.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest rugby league hat-trick Vol. 05 No. 1091

The fastest hat-trick of tries scored from the start of a match is 6 min 54 sec by Chris Thorman (UK) playing the semi-final of the Buddies National League Cup at Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK on 19 May 2002.

N150

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Thoughts Gani Fawehinmi would have shared with Buhari

ongratulations to you my dear brother, soul mate and kindred spirit, on your well deserved Pan Nigerian mandate at this historic juncture in the life of our country and people. I don’t need to remind you of our shared abhorrence for that monster corruption in the public realm, my passion against which made me to part ways with my professional colleagues in the Nigerian Bar Association in 1984, leading to epic legal battles, which remain a matter of historical record. Of course, I know you won’t forget how the disclosure of the findings of your investigation into the mysterious death of Gloria Okon, the alleged drug carrier, was aborted by the dastardly coup d’état that not only brought your relatively young regime to an abrupt end, but sent you into prolonged detention.

Guest Columnist

Osagie Obayuwana

Needless to mention how the ensuing cover up led to the callous murder of an unyielding Dele Giwa by a parcel bomb, over which I did my best to see that those suspected to have masterminded the killing were brought to book. That matter continues to pend. Yes, Sani Abacha sought to launder his image and win public acceptability by bringing you and others on board, to, as he put it “address issues of critical infrastructure”. You did accept, seeing it as a call to service, during which you discharged yourself to the best of your ability. The rest, they say, is left to history. Of course, you and I contested the Presidency of Nigeria in 2003, and you did thereafter in 2007 and again in 2011. This was at a time when the renegade forces assembled in the so called Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) still had a field day because they had not at that time sufficiently discredited themselves in the eyes of the Nigerian people, and the peoples’ revulsion for their irresponsibility and culture of impunity had not reached a boiling point. Today I congratulate you for your resolve, consistency and persistence in embodying the yearnings of our people and in agreeing to be their rallying point. Meanwhile, the monster of unbridled corruption and impunity in the public and private sectors, as well as in high and low places, has grown so huge that its fangs have pierced the inner recesses of the very soul and live wire of Nigeria, choking life out of her economy and people. In the past six years, it has become

THE BEST INTEREST OF THE LOWLIEST IN

NIGERIA SHOULD BE THE CONSISTENT PRISM BY WHICH ALL PROPOSALS AND POLICIES ARE SCRUTINIZED so brazen that the ruling class in Nigeria became an embarrassment to the entire world and a source of shame to African peoples all over. Their sordid exploits set terrible examples for the morally weak to emulate and all Nigerians were presumed by the international community to be criminally minded. Your resounding victory at the polls, true to the unstoppable nature of a change, whose time has come and the irrepressible crowing of the cock as dawn beckons, has come as a testament to the resolve of our long suffering people to assert their humanity. This, in spite of the vain attempt to pit our people against one another along ethnic, religious and geopolitical lines, oiled by inducements from public coffers and ill-gotten wealth, at levels before now unknown and unheard of in the history of our country. In many instances, brute force was unleashed by public and private armed agents of death. The corruptible had a field day and openly defied our national values. Some say Nigeria has the largest econ-

omy in Africa; we have always known this. To those just discovering that, we say, welcome to the club, just like we say that Mungo Park did not discover the River Niger. The issue has always been how to administer our national economic life in a way that makes the upliftment and continuous rise in the standard of living of the lowliest in our midst, the reason for being, and the preoccupation of government in Nigeria. The task has always been that of redressing imperialist colonial and neocolonial disarticulation of our economy and removal of all predatory hands, local and foreign, from our national till. The selfishness and shameless corruption of neocolonial agents, who lay their ill gotten treasures in foreign lands, have made the problem seem intractable. Undoubtedly, this is the season of opportunism and all kinds of hare-brained proposals actuated by the desire for self enrichment at public expense will come your way, some from quarters hard to resist. I trust you will sift the wheat from the chaff. The best interest of the lowliest in Nigeria should be the consistent prism by which all proposals and policies are scrutinized. You are to channel the creative energies of our people to wipe away and abolish poverty from Nigeria, as the engine room of Africa. You must banish idleness or unemployment, hunger and homelessness, ill health and deaths of the young and old from preventable diseases. Illiteracy must also be wiped out also from the ranks of the young and the old. You must enhance productivity and promote the application of science and technology to ease the burden of back breaking methods of production by our people. Dr Obayuwana, immediate past Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led administration, Edo State and founding General Secretary of the Gani Fawehinmi Solidarity Association (GFSA)

Sport Extra

Man United can win 2016 Premier League –Cantona

ormer Manchester United star, Eric Cantona, says the Red Devils’ derby win over Manchester City on Sunday can propel the Old Trafford side to win the Premier League title next

season. United beat City 4-2 to consolidate third place in the Premier League table. “Now they are the kings of the city,” Cantona, who won four titles for United between 1992 and 1997, said

yesterday. “Sometimes you have a season when you lose games and you finish fourth or fifth. Next year they can win,” the Frenchman added. Despite going behind to an early Sergio Aguero goal,

United came back strongly with goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling before Aguero added a late consolation. The first home derby victory since 2011 put United four

points ahead of league champions City and firmly on course for a return to the Champions League next season. On the United Manager, Louis van Gaal, Cantona said: “He is the right man and the best for the job.”

Cantona

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