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Aviation unions to shut airports midnight Sunday

Finally, Reps constitute 96 standing committees

...protest poor condition of service OLUSEGUN KOIKI Usman

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irports across the country are to be shut down on Monday as the two leading

Friday, October 23, 2015

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PDP, APC senators divided over Ameachi’s screening

... Lokpobiri, Ocholi, three others also grilled

GEORGE OJI ABUJA

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fter days of uncertainty and p o s t p o n e m e n t s, former governor of RivCONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

CBN rules out BVN registration deadline extension

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Suspected perpetrators of Nyanya and Kuje bomb blasts after being arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday.

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91 firms bid for NNPC Coastal, bunkering vessels contract P.4

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PDP, APC senators divided over Ameachi’s screening CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi appeared before the Senate yesterday for screening.

The former governor’s eventual screening was carried out by senators of the All Progressives Congress, APC, while minority senators of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, boycotted the exercise.

Disagreement ensued shortly after Amaechi was ushered in to commence the screening, as Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, raised a Point of Order on Amaechi’s screening when the report on the petition

against him was yet to be considered.

Citing order 43 of the Senate standing rules, Akpabio insisted when the Committee on Ethic and Privileges submits its report on a petition against a nominee, it must be considered before screening.

To that end, the minority leader said PDP senators would not participate in asking the nominee any questions until the report of the committee was considered in the ‘Committee of the Whole.’

“The PDP senators will not have any questions for the nominee because we have just received a

petition on him. The petition was not debated at all and was not adopted.

As a result, we will not have anything to ask the nominee,” Akpabio said.

The committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions headed by Sen. Sam Anyanwu (PDP), which probed alleged N70bn fraud allegations against Amaechi laid its report at yesterday’s plenary.

However, the disagreement deepened when the Leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume, in response to the Point of Order, said if the PDP would not ask questions then the APC might ask the nominee to bow and go.

Citing order 53(9) of the same Senate rules, Ndume submitted that as the Leader, he had the responsibility of guiding the Senate properly.

He said the report of the investigation committee had just been laid and what should follow, according to the procedures of the Senate was to make the report available to all senators before debate on it would commence He said the nominee, having been a speaker for eight years and a governor for another eight years had proved his competence and could be asked to bow and go.

Ndume said: “This is a confirmation hearing.

He said: “The management of NCAA has been playing some pranks so to speak because ordinarily, people who are due for promotion ought to have received their letters since January or thereabout, but as we speak those letters are not forthcoming.

“The management is trying to introduce a new policy that is not known to the condition of service, which is that they said the ministry of aviation directed them to conduct an examination.

“This is not the conditions and terms of employment of these indi-

ing the nominee, before he was subsequently asked to take a bow and go.

While fielding questions from APC senators, Amaechi made attempts to clear his name of allegations of corruption, including the indictment by a panel of inquiry set up by Rivers State Government, which indicted him of financial misappropriation.

He also spoke on his role in the marketing and emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari, amongst others.

On the twin vices of bribery and corruption, while stating that it was very difficult to define the term corruption, the former governor swore that he has never taken bribe in his life.

He said: “Corruption is very difficult to define.

I have never taken bribe in my life. But let me say that if they send a girl to you and you sleep with the girl and do her favour, you are corrupt.

“Corruption is a very wide concept. If people are contesting for a position and you offer your son, brother or sister an opportunity to hold that position, probably the person is not qualified, you are corrupt. So, it is difficult for me to define corruption.”

Giving account of his stewardship as the former chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, Amaechi stated that the forum acted as a check on executive recklessness, including the expenditure of the oil subsidy.

He explained that the radical posture of the forum led to the former President Goodluck Jonathan plotting to remove him without success.

“I think the former president didn’t like it, and when my tenure expired as the chairman of the forum, I was requested not to run for a second term and I felt that as a Nigerian, I reserve the responsibility to exercise my rights.

“So, I put myself forward and if you saw the forces against me you will think that I will lose.

The rest is history but

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We might as well ask the nominee as a former governor, a former Speaker of a House of Assembly to take a bow and go and not ask him any questions.”

The minority leader, however, moved to clarify his point of order but some of the APC senators were shouting “take a bow and go.”

The President of the Senate, thereafter, moved to quell the situation and cautioned all the senators to stick to screening of the nominee rather than bantering.

The Senate thereafter proceeded with the screening with only the APC senators question-

Judges of Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, during the 2015/2016 Legal Year of the court, in Abuja, yesterday.

Aviation unions to shut airports midnight Sunday CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tion Authority, NCAA by midnight on Sunday.

The unions, National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, in a letter dated 21st October, 2015 to their members and made available to our correspondent accused NCAA of not adhering to the condition of service with respect to promotion of workers and other welfare issues.

The letter jointly signed

by Secretary General, NUATE and Secretary General NAAPE, Comrades Olayinka Abioye and

Aba Ocheme threatened to shut down the agency from midnight Sunday until further notice.

The unions insisted that the withdrawal of service by the workers became paramount in order to safeguard the integrity of NCAA’s condition of service.

The unions noted that the action of the DirectorGeneral of NCAA, Capt.

Muhtar Usman was in violation of section 3.4 of condition of service, adding that all efforts to discuss with the management had been futile.

The letter added, “By the copy of this notice, the

general public is hereby informed of this development and the implications that all safety regulations activities of the NCAA will be unavailable from that time and date.

“The above notice will remain in force until otherwise directed by the secretariat of our unions.”

It would be recalled that the unions had sometime last month issued a 14-day ultimatum to the management of NCAA to effect promotion of workers inline with their terms of engagements or face its wrath.

The unions had accused NCAA management of

dillydallying with the promotion of its members, which was due since January 2015.

In an interview with our correspondent, Abioye confirmed the withdrawal of service by midnight of Sunday.

He described the attitude of the management towards the welfare of workers as “nonchalant.”

Abioye said those who were due for promotion ought to have faced an interview panel and issued promotion letters if they were successful, but accused the management of trying to reinvent the wheels by setting examinations for them.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

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L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa; Founder/CEO, IO Furniture, Mrs. Munira Shonibare and Divisional Head, Large Scale Enterprises, BoI, Mr. Joseph Babatunde, during the visit of BoI management to IO factory.

L-R: Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Sesan Sobowale; Sales Director, Paul Costigan; Managing Director, Edinho Nigeria Ltd, Chief Edmond Okafor; Supply Chain Director, Cephas Afebuameh and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria, Peter Ndegwa, during the Guinness Nigeria’s Distributors Conference, in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Manager, Corporate Communications, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emmanuel Agu; Marketing Manager, Gulder, 33, Life, More and stout category, Patrick Olowokere; winner of a brand new Hyundai Elantra, Simon Tyohemen; Brewery Manager-Lagos, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Peter Ani and Senior Brand Manager, Gulder, Onyeka Okoli, during the prize presentation ceremony in the ongoing Gulder Ultimate Promo, in Lagos, recently.

L-R: Principal Partner, Bayom Associates, Mr. Daniel Abayomi; Vice President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba; Corporate Affairs Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Soromidayo George and President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye, during the visit of Unilever executives to the chamber, in Abuja, yesterday.

National News

91 firms bid for NNPC coastal, bunkering vessels contract Chidi Ugwu Abuja

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igerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, on Thursday embarked on the public harvesting of technical bids submitted by a total of 91 companies consisting largely of indigenous vessel owners vying to secure contract for the provision of coastal and bunkering vessel services for the operations of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of the NNPC. This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe.

According to the statement, the exercise which was conducted at the corporate headquarters of the NNPC in Abuja in the full glare of representatives of the bidding companies also had officials of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, and the Nigerian Extractive Industry

Transparency Initiative, NEITI, as independent assessors.

Declaring the exercise open, The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu expressed delight in the massive turn out of indigenous Nigerian companies and vessel owners in the bid process.

“I am happy that there is much show of interest in this process. The process is going to be transparent from the beginning to the end and we want the best yield in terms of value addition and best services and obviously we are going to grow the Nigerian content in this regard. I am hoping that you are going to be part of the journey that we are taking NNPC through,’’ the GMD said.

Kachikwu pledged to sustain the ongoing reform process in the corporation which has witnessed the monthly publication of NNPC financial and operational transactions for public scrutiny and the recent

public harvesting of bids tendered for the new offshore processing contracts among other initiatives.

The ongoing bid exercise seeks to engage the services of reputable organisations with essentially three ranges of Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) 5, 000-8, 000 DWT, 10, 000- 20, 000 DWT and 25, 000-50, 000 DWT. Under the scope of work, the coastal vessel is designed to provide the following services; evacuate petroleum products from NNPC coastal refineries to various discharge ports in Nigeria or outside Nigeria as may be designated by PPMC, delivery of petroleum products to water-fed depots with restricted draft jetties of 6.0 to 11metres as well as conduct ship-to-ship transfer of cargo from import tankers and discharge same at waters depots among other functions.

The desired bunkering vessel services entails: loading of Automated Gas Oil, AGO, and Low Pour

Fuel Oil, LPFO, from water-fed refineries for bunkering purposes, supply bunkers to NNPC owned and chartered vessels as

required on a monthly basis, keeping accurate accounts for AGO and LPFO loaded and supplied to NNPC vessels, forwarding

records of the bunkering activities to marine transport department of the PPMC on a monthly basis among other activities.

Buhari writes Senate, requests confirmation of INEC chairman, commissioners

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he Senate yesterday received a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking confirmation of the appointment of Chairman and Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In the letter, the President requested the Senate to confirm Professor Mahmud

Yakubu, as chairman of the commission, Mrs Amina Zakari, Dr Anthonia Okosi, Mr Baba Shettima, Dr Muhammadu Lekki, and Mr Soyebi Solomon as commissioners.

Meanwhile, the Senate has also received two fresh petitions, challenging the nomination of Aisha Ibrahim from Sokoto State as minister.

The News Agency of Ni-

geria, NAN, reports that the Senate Committee of Ethics and Privileges had earlier thrown out a petition against her ``for improper address.’’

The committee had said that the petition was addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari and not the Senate President; as such it would be improper to act on it.

Declare snake bite public health emergency, Rep tasks FG Ubong Ukpong Abuja

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ouse of Representatives has asked the Federal Ministry of Health to declare snake bite as a national public health emergency, as well as a neglected tropical disease that requires urgent action.

It also urged the ministry to

immediately resume technical talks with relevant partners on the need to commence local production of affordable, safe, effective and non-cold chain anti-venom to curb the situation.

This follows the adoption of a motion yesterday, brought

by Honourable Timothy Golu (PDP Plateau) titled “urgent need to curb the incessant in-

cidents of snake bite in Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam federal constituency and other neighbouring communities” Leading debate on the motion, Golu noted with concern the alarming rate of snake bites in Langtang and Shendam in Plateau, Kaltungo in Gombe) and Lamido in Taraba, which have claimed many lives.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

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Finally, Reps constitute 96 standing committees UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

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ouse of Representatives yesterday, finally announced the composition of its 96 standing committees.

The composition, which is coming about five months into the life of the 8th House, has seven com-

mittees higher than the 7th House, which had 89 Standing Committees.

Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, after considering motions and six bills that pass through first reading and two others that scaled through second reading at the plenary, presented the composition of the Committees.

UNESCO commences translation of reviewed English Primer into 4 Nigerian languages

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NESCO has commenced the translation of the Literacy by Radio Learner’s Primer into four local languages, to revitalise adult and youth education in Nigeria.

The Project Coordinator, Mrs Alice Ateh-Abang, identified the four languages as Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and Kana.

Making this known at a two-day critique meeting yesterday in Abuja, she said UNESCO Nigeria conceived the idea of literacy by radio in 2004.

According to her, this was sequel to literacy survey which revealed that Nigeria had a very high illiteracy rate of 51 per cent.

She said for Nigeria to move at a greater pace in its efforts to reduce illiteracy, the available alternative was for Nigerians to start learning and writing throughout the country.

She said this could only be achieved through the radio, which was affordable and found in every household.

According to her, the obsolete English language Primer had been reviewed, incorporating technological trends.

“Thematic areas that make the Primer useful for the development of effective learning skills and sustainability have been added.

“The Primer that will sell the Literacy by Radio programme to private learners for personal literacy and community literacy will be translated into four indigenous languages -- Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Kana.

“As learners make use of these Primers, they will develop the skills and knowledge that will enable them to function effectively in contemporary society.

“The Primer which will be equipped with lesson on income generation activities, agricultural development, career development, preventive health and other contiguous diseases, will be useful to learners,” she said The project coordinator said translation of the Primer would aid the commencement of Literacy by Radio in all states of the Federation.

According to her, the Literacy by Radio project teaches reading, writing and calculations in English and the mother tongue as desired by the learner.

Aviation unions to shut airports midnight Sunday CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

viduals and we gave them till 30th September, 2015 to effect that.”

He noted that the unions before its congress at NCAA headquarters recently in Lagos, had held similar congresses in Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Abuja Airports where it was resolved that the unions should give the management till 14th October, 2015, which lapsed over a week ago.

Abioye urged the management of NCAA to respect the terms and conditions of employment as contained in the condition of service, which all parties entered into.

“We are going to take all lawful and legal steps to ensure that we do what we have capacity and capability to do, which the last resort will be a strike because we are tired of impunity of the NCAA management,” he added.

From the Speaker’s presentation, All Progressives Congress, APC, is chairing 48 committees, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, 46, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, one and Social Democratic Party, SDP, one.

Mohammed Monguno (APC Borno), who was unable to emerge as Deputy Speaker or Majority Whip, as directed by the ruling party, heads Agricultural Production and Services, while Linus Okorie (PDP Ebonyi), is in charge ofAgricultural Colleges and In-

stitution.

Rima Shawulu (PDP Taraba) heads Army, Abdulmumini Jibrin (APC Kano), heads Appropriations and Nkeruka Onyejeocha (PDP Abia), heads Aviation, while Chukwudi Victor Jones (PDP Imo) heads Banking and Currency.

Mohammed Zakare (APC Kwara) heads Basic Education and Services, Yusuf Ayo Tajudeen (PDP Kogi) heads Capital Market and Institutions, Peterson Akpatason (APC Edo) heads Civil Societies and

Development Partners, while James Abiodun Falake (APC Lagos) heads Customs and Excise.

Ethics and Privileges Committee is headed by Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP Delta), Finance, has Babangida Ibrahim (APC Katsina) as head, while Orker-Jey Emmanuel (APC Benue) heads Rules and Business and Nasiru Baballe (APC Kano) is in charge of House Services.

The only slot for APGA went to Idu Emeka (Anambra), who heads FOI (Reform of Government) and

that of SDP went to Laori Kwamoti (Adamawa), who heads FCT Judiciary, just as Zaphania Jisalo (PDP FCT) heads FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters and Herman Hembe (APC Benue) heads the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Our correspondent learnt that loyalists of the Speaker in the Consolidation camp got some juicy committees.

However, the announcement of the committees did not generate bad blood among the lawmakers.

L-R: Managing Director of Forbes Integrated Company Limited, Mr. Samson Davies; Acting Executive Director (Finance and Administration), NICON Insurance Limited, Mr. Stephen Ojo and President of the Nigerian Institute of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Emmanuel. Kayode Okunoren, during the President’s investiture ceremony, in Lagos recently.

PDP, APC senators divided over Ameachi’s screening CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

the reason why that happened is because of my radical posture,” the former governor said.

On why he jumped ship and pitched camp with Buhari, Amaechi explained that he took the action when it became clear that the PDP government was reeking in corruption and that Jonathan was not capable of providing the kind of quality leadership that the country needed.

According to him, it became clear that to redeem the country from the drift occasioned by corrupt leadership, there was the need to provide an alternative candidate that would be accepted by all Nigerians desirous of change, which led to the meeting with Buhari.

“We sold to the public the fact that there was massive corruption in the system.

And there was the need to fight that corruption. And the only way to fight that corruption is to put a new government. And we had to get a signpost candidate.

“The signpost candidate is a man who the Nigerian public has seen as an incorruptible president. And that was why the party had to put President Buhari forward. And we thought that there was a need to do things differently.

“I thought that as good as the former President may have been, I don’t think he was suitable enough for the growth and development of Nigeria.

So, we needed to offer opportunity to somebody we believe is better than the

former President.

It was gathered that what played out on the floor of the Senate during the screening, was the manifestation of what took place during the one hour exclusive (closed-door) session, which preceded the exercise.

The issue of how to proceed with the Amaechi case dominated the closed door session.

It was also learnt that all efforts by the senators to come to a compromise on how to proceed with the Amaechi case came to naught.

Senators from both sides of the divide were said to have stuck to their guns, and could not compromise their positions.

It was consequently resolved by Saraki to resolve

the matter on the floor of the senate and seek the resolution of the matter in the public glare.

Five other nominees, whose confirmation was deferred till next week were also screened.

Those screened were Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Cladius Omoleye Daramola, Adewale Isaac Folorunso, Baba Shehuri Mustapha and Ocholi Enojo James.

The senate last week completed the screening and confirmation of 18 nominees and forwarded their names to the President.

There are 11 nominees still waiting to be screened.

Their screening would take place next week Tuesday, the senate president said.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

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CBN rules out extension of BVN registration deadline Kemi Olaitan Ibadan

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ith the October 31 deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for all bank customers in the country to be registered under the Bank Verification Number, BVN, the apex bank yesterday called on all bank customers yet to be captured to do so, warning that there would not be another extension.

It will be recalled that the BVN exercise which had been on for over six months initially ended on July 30th, but was extended by additional three months following calls from many bank customers who could not register within the period The CBN Deputy Director, Consumer Protection Department, Hajia Khadija Kasim, who addressed stakeholders at a one-day sensitisation fair in Ibadan, appealed to those yet to be captured under the exercise to ensure they do not miss out on the re-scheduled deadline, stating that there

is no need for people to wait until the last day before they go for the registration She said the BVN coupled with the cashless policy will go a long way to help the apex bank and other banks in the country tackle the issue of money laundering She said, “The initial deadline was June 30th before we extended it to end of October. By now, we expect all Nigerians to go to their banks before the expiration date and get their Bank Verification Number. Nigerians should come out and ensure that within the few days left for the exercise, they are registered.

While explaining how the cashless policy and biometric registration will help check money laundering and fraudulent transactions in the banking sector, she assured that the two policies which goes handin-hand will help make the identity of money launderers and fraud perpetrators easier to be detected.

She lauded the cashless

Herdsmen, farmers clashes not regional issue – Shekarau …advocates grazing routes Ojo Oyewamide Akure

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ormer Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, has said that Nigeria needs to adopt community policing to decisively address the insecurity challenges facing the country.

Shekarau, who is also former governor of Kano State, called for the provision of grazing routes for herdsmen across the country.

He spoke in Akure, Ondo State capital, while commiserating with Chief Olu Falae over his abduction.

The former ANPP Presidential candidate condemned Falae’s abduction and described it as an act of wickedness against the elder statesman.

Shekarau noted that the recurrent clashes between herdsmen and farmers were not regional problems, but a serious national issue that needed to be addressed before getting out of hand.

The former minister ascribed the clashes to lack

of social justice, calling for peace and tolerance among herdsmen and farmers.

He said: “It is important that we ensure social justice for all Nigerians.

While efforts should be made to ensure that the routes for grazing are not blocked, support should be given to farmers to prevent herders from grazing in their farms.

“Government should set the pace in ensuring

policy which has gone full scale all over the country, stating that people are now getting well enlightened on the need not to carry cash about, but using electronic platforms to do their business transactions anywhere within and around the country.

She said: “We started the cashless policy in areas that

have large volume of money transaction, but now it has been extended to all part of the country and our people are now getting better enlightened by the day”.

According to her, the CBN fair organised for stakeholders is part of the efforts of the apex bank to educate and enlighten members of the public on

the activities of the bank.

The fair had in attendance farmers, government officials, representatives and members of different cooperative societies, deposit money bankers, micro-finance operators, physically challenged people who are willing to start small and medium scale businesses and represen-

General Officer Commanding, Nigerian Army, 1 Div., Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade (right) briefing newsmen on the arrest of Boko Haram members in Kaduna, yesterday, with him is the Chief of Staff, GOC, Brig.-Gen. Musiliu Bashirudeen.

APC not involved in Saraki’s travails -Gbajabiamila Rotimi Fadeyi Abuja

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ajority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday said the All Progressives Congress, APC, has nothing to do with the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged false assets declaration.

Speaking with State House Correspondents

after he led some members of the House to meet President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Gbajabiamila denied any crisis in the party, stressing that Saraki’s case had to do with the issue of law.

He explained that his discussion at the meeting with the president had to do with the budget as well as issues relating to the House of Representatives and how to further cement the relationship between the House and the

president.

Gbajabiamila said: “This is just a routine visit to Mr. President; one arm of govt visiting another arm.

“You know the important role of the House, I being in charge of government business in the House, we discussed the issue of budget and a few other House keeping matters to further cement the relationship between the House and the president.

“Everything that has a beginning has an end.

Reps ask NHRC to investigate citizens’ brutality by security agencies Ubong Ukpong Abuja

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he House of Representatives yesterday, asked the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, to immediately, commence investigation into all cases of brutality on Nigerians by security agencies in the country.

This followed a motion brought by Honourable

tatives of the student community.

Policy issues bothering on Payment System Vision,PSV, 2020, mobile payments, agent banking, e-payment incentive schemes, BVN and cashless Nigeria were discussed by resource persons from the different departments of the apex bank.

Solomon Adaelu, complaining over the increasing incidents of brutality by security personnel on hapless Nigerians.

The lawmaker said in recent times, the trend had become more alarming as security agents used their firearms indiscriminately and unlawfully on unarmed Nigerians even when some relevant laws provided for the observance of rules of engagement in dealing with the

civil populace.

“In most cases, the security agencies are either quick to defend their own or tactically refuse to investigate the matter, let alone prosecuting the erring officers or paying compensation to the victims or their families,” the Adaelu told the House.

He expressed worry that if left unchecked, these excesses may spiral out of control and could lead to breakdown of law

and order.

The House presided over

by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, in a unanimous decision, resolved that apart from asking the NHRC to investigate such cases, also urged the Federal Government to direct heads of various security agencies to call their personnel to order and embark on continuous training of their personnel to forestall further incidents of brutality and abuse of firearms.

I don’t think and I don’t know if there is any leadership crisis in the National Assembly. I’m not sure at what you’re alluding to; I’m not in the Senate. But the little I understand is that there is an issue involving the Senate President.

“That has nothing to do with the APC. That has to do with the issue of law and I’m sure the Senate President is being surely represented and he will have his day in court. If the matter comes up, I don’t think it’s an APC issue; it’s not an APC issue at all. There is no crisis, not in the House,” Gbajabiamila said.

On political solution to resolve Saraki’s case, the House Leader said it was a constitutional legal issue before the tribunal.

“I can’t comment and promote things that are unsubstantiated.

You know the problem is a constitutional legal problem and I don’t know how you can treat constitutional legal problem politically. If that be the case, perhaps I may not know,” he added

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 23, 2015

800,000 commit suicide yearly due to depression –Experts

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review of the country’s laws on mental health was yesterday canvassed by stakeholders in the medical sector.

The stakeholders, who spoke in Lagos at the presentation of a book titled, ‘Shadows in the Mirror: The Many Faces of Depression,’ authored by Dr. Vivian Ikem, regretted that governments at all levels have not paid the much desired attention to mental health of Nigerians.

Chairman of the book launch, Joseph Adeyemi, who is also a professor of psychiatry, warned that depression has been wreaking havoc among people worldwide.

According to him, about 800,000 people commit suicides yearly due to depression, even as he noted that it is difficult to get depression patients to accept the fact of their illness.

He regretted that the Mental Health Act, which was enacted in the 1900s, was last reviewed in 1959 despite medical improvements over the years.

“Our laws should keep up with current situations, but we have remained static with the way we were in 1959,” he said.

Adeyemi disclosed that the book would become

handy for those in the field of psychiatry.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who was represented by the general manager, Lagos Television, Deji Balogun, acknowledged that issues of mental health have not received the desired attention from government.

According to him, symptoms of depression could easily be observed, yet people turn a blind eye to the plight of victims, with attendant costs on the economy.

“A depressed person cannot be productive. Rather, the victim constitutes a drain on the resources of the community when help - especially professional help, is not forthcoming.

“This publication by Dr. Ikem is a timely wake-up call to government and everybody in the society that a smile, a word of encouragement and understanding would go a long way in curtailing the destructive effect of depression in our society,” he said.

All Progressives Congress, APC, national leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, represented by his spokesman, Mr. Sunday Dare, said depression is a global problem, with 400 million people suffering

from it, 12 per cent (48 million) of which are Nigerians.

Tinubu praised the author as a woman of “excellent intellect” and “unmatchable lucidity.”

Recommending the book to everyone, he said: “We all have a role to play as family and as friends in helping those who suffer from depression.”

A consultant clinical psychologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Dr. Charles Umeh, speaking on the topic, ‘Is depression a problem in Nigeria,” said the disease affects the young and the old, the rich and the poor.

According to him, depression is a mood disorder which causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and affects thinking, feeling and behaviour.

He said the disease causes genetic factors, hormonal changes, certain medical illnesses, stress, grief, substance abuse, or a combination of factors.

Its symptoms, Umeh said, are moodiness, persistent sadness, withdrawal, substance abuse, attempt to harm oneself, changes in appetite, weight loss/gain, changes in sleep pattern, irritability and aggression.

JAMB boss canvases recognition for polytechnic education Boladale Bamigbola, OSOGBO

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ederal Government has been urged to develop polytechnic education to enable Nigeria compete favourably with developed countries.

This was disclosed by the registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof Dibu Ojerinde, at the second Education Summit of Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo, Osun State.

Ojerinde, who presented a paper titled, ‘Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: Prospects and Relevance,’ decried the attitude of many admission seekers who would prefer to stay at home than go to polytechnic.

He insisted that polytechnic education needs to be repackaged to ensure technical advancement of the country.

He said: “For Nigeria to be advanced technologically and scientifically, the

political will to implement national objectives and plans must be formulated and implemented. Nigeria must get serious with the issue of technological and science-based education, because this is where to begin.”

He noted that polytechnic education - because it emphasises practice-based learning and the acquisition of certain life skills - is important, adding that “cognisance should be taken of the policy of the Federal Government as it affects the encouragement given to technical education in Nigeria.”

In his paper titled, ‘Polytechnic Education in Nigeria: What Future,’ the rector, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Engr. Oluyemi Oke, urged the Federal Government to replace the current Higher National Diploma, HND, with Bachelor of Technology.

Oke said if the national

aspiration and quest for technological development is to be realised, polytechnic education should be developed and all the polytechnics in Nigeria should be statutorily empowered to award Bachelor of Technology degrees.

“There must be a change in the perception of polytechnics, their lecturers, students and eventual products. Society should stop looking at students who opted for polytechnic education as those that cannot make it to the university or failed academically.

“Government should stop treating polytechnic lecturers as second-class citizens in terms of remuneration, recognition and national assignments.

“Lecturers in the polytechnics, with required academic qualifications should be allowed to pursue their career up to professorship level like their university counterparts,” he concluded.

News 7

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South West

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

N139m debt: GTB appoints Receiver Manager over Italian company’s asset GBENGA OGUBUFUNMI

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L-R: Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; doyen of Accountancy profession in Nigeria, Mr. Akintola Williams; Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Otunba Olufemi Deru, during the 2015 edition of Akintola Williams Distinguished Lecture Series in Lagos, yesterday.

300 students hospitalised in Ekiti over diarrhoea ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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anic has gripped the Federal Government Girls’ College, Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State as no fewer than 300 of its students have been rushed to the General Hospital in the community.

This followed the outbreak of a disease suspected to be cholera epidemic in the school.

Parents and guardians have since the incident which had seen the pupils in and out of the hospital in batches, besieged the school to ascertain the state of things.

The Principal of the College, Mrs Grace Ogu-

nyomi, was said to have reported the case to the state government on Wednesday for necessary action.

Sources said indications that all was not well started on October 10 when some students vomited and stool uncontrollably, sparking fear among the staff and students.

No fewer than 31 of the pupils were said to be receiving treatment at the hospital as at press time while others had been discharged.

Consequently, the state governor, through the Health Commissioner, Dr Olurotimi Ojo, had deployed health professionals and drugs to help in

stemming the tide of the epidemic.

Ojo, however, allayed the parents’ fear, saying it was an infection popularly called diarrhea.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, who spoke on behalf of the commissioner, said that about 20 of the pupils were still being attended to while others had been discharged in batches.

The commissioner said the ministry of health had brought in environmental health officials, while many professionals were still being deployed to ensure lasting solution.

He said: “We had alerted the water corporation to chlorinate their water.

They have about six bore holes and we have got them chlorinated because we know, as professionals, that the water could be a source.

“We are trying to look into their environment, so that we can get where such could have broken out. We want to know how they dump their waste and how they dump their sewages.

“We have taken the blood samples of students infected to the hospital and preliminary test shows that it was not cholera. It was diarrhea and vomiting. We are sending the samples for further test to confirm that it was not cholera,” she said.

Ambode constitutes Tribunal of Enquiry into killing of LFTZ boss FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday inaugurated a fiveman tribunal of enquiry to carry out a full scale investigation into the civil unrest in Ibeju-Lekki area of the state on October 12, which led to the gruesome murder of the Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Alhaji Tajudeen Disu.

The visible enraged governor said the move became necessary to investigate the remote cause

of the unrest with the view to forestalling future re-occurrence.

He noted that the unrest, if not properly managed and addressed, could lead to total breakdown of law and order, adding that the government was desirous of protecting the lives and property of the citizens.

The governor added that as a responsible government determined to enforce the rule of law, it is his duty to take firm and purposeful steps to inquire into the origin, factors and circumstances leading to the disturbanc-

es at the LFTZ in order to forestall a re-occurrence.

Earlier, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said Section 1 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2003, confers on the governor the powers to constitute a panel of enquiry to investigate the unrest, considering the recent civil disturbances at the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

The terms of reference of the tribunal, according to Kazeem, include the following; “to find the remote causes of the disturbance;

to inquire into all incidental matters that might have led to the event; to collect memoranda from individuals stakeholders from various communities and all interested members of the public on the issue; to invite members of the public, stakeholders and all interested members of the public to give evidence leading to the disturbance; to proffer solutions to forestall the re-occurrence of such event in future; and finally, to make necessary recommendations to the government based on the findings of the tribunal.”

Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted leave to a Lagos lawyer, Barrister Temilolu Adamolekun appointed by Guaranty Trust Bank plc as Receiver Manager to take over an Italian company, Poloni and Company Limited situated at 58/60, Ajose Street, Mende village, Maryland, Lagos over the inability of the company to pay a debt of N139,061,280.27 The order of the court was sequel to a motion filed before the court by the law firm of Temilolu Adamolekun.

The deponent averred that in October, 2014 GTB plc granted a loan in the sum of N124million to Poloni and Company Limited to augment its working capital, the loan according to the bank was secured by personal guarantee and indemnity signed by Mr Domenico Poloni who is the alter ego of Poloni Company and a duly registered Deed of Legal Mortgage was charged on all piece of land situated at Mende village, off Ikorodu road, Lagos State cover by a deed of transferred between Micheal Adebanjo Akinola and Poloni Company lim-

ited.

The Receiver Manager said the company has failed to liquidate the facility which has continued to accrue interest in line with terms and conditions in agreement executed before granting the loan and as at the 13th of May, 2015 the company indebtedness stood at N139, 061, 280.27.

The bank added that despite several letters of demand, the company has failed to liquidate its indebtedness to it.

Consequently, the bank appointed Mr Temilolu Adamolekun as Receiver/ Manager over the property and assets mortgaged and charge in favour of the GTB by the company.

The Receiver Manger therefore prayed the court not only to restrain the company and its directors and agents from obstructing it in the course of performance of his duty, but to also grant it (receiver manager) leave to take over the company pending the hearing and final determination of the motion on notice.

Meanwhile, the presiding judge, Saliu Saidu has acceded to the request of the bank while the company had since been taken over by the Receiver Manager.

LAGS warns security operatives against violating traffic laws FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State Government yesterday warned security officials engaging in transport activities to obey the state traffic laws or risked being arrested and sanctioned.

The warning came from the Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, SP Olubukola Abe, during an interaction with journalists prior to embarking on monitoring exercise yesterday.

According Abe, the rate at which some bad eggs amidst security personnel who engage in transportation business in the metropolis flout the law is alarming.

He said the taskforce will not rest on its oars until it gets reed of miscreants and urchins in the city of Lagos.

Abe lamented that the security personnel using their private cars and buses for commercial activities always contravened the state traffic law by either dropping or picking commuters at undesignated bus stops which creates traffic gridlock for other motorists.

He also warned the security officials using commercial motorcycles for official assignment to desist from picking or dropping passengers at any of the restricted routes for motorcyclists as stipulated by the laws.

The taskforce chairman said over 60 miscreants and street traders were arrested with their wares confiscated by the officials of the task force and the Kick Against Indiscipline in areas like Ogudu, Alapere, Ojodu-Bereger and AgegePen Cinema.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, October 23, 2015

9

Bandele appointed Ekiti varsity VC ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ormer vice chancellor of the defunct University of Science and Technology, Ifaki Ekiti (USTI), Professor Samuel Oye Bandele, has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

A statement by the chief press secretary to the state governor, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, stated yesterday that the governor’s approval of his appointment was based on the recommendations of EKSU’s governing council.

According to Adelusi, the council recommended that Professor Bandele came first out of the three candidates who were interviewed for the job.

The appointment of the new VC takes effect from December 2, 2015 as the tenure of the outgoing vice-chancellor, Professor Oladipo Aina, expires on December 1, 2015.

While congratulating the new vice chancellor for coming first in the interview and consequent appointment for the job, the governor urged him to improve on the good work of the outgoing VC and take the university to a lofty height.

The governor also thanked Professor Aina, who he said had contributed immensely toward the growth of the university physically, socially and economically.

The governor prayed that God would be with the outgoing VC in his next endeavour.

Police chase out FRSC, NDLEA, others from ember months’ safety campaign FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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bout 50 heavily armed policemen from the Ogun State command yesterday disrupted the ‘ember months’ enlightenment campaign cum seminar organised for commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders across the state.

The security operatives, drawn from different units within the command, stormed the Omoyinmi Hall, venue of the campaign which is located along the Ayetoro road in Abeokuta metropolis and ordered the about 3, 000 participants and their Abuja guests to vacate the premise or risked being attacked.

National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, NACTOMORAS, had organised the seminar which has as its theme, ‘Road Accident Prevention/Control and Drug Abuse,’ with the state’s Sector Commander of the FRSC, Adegoke Adetunji, scheduled to lecture members of the transport unions.

While the event was about to start, armed plain-clothe policemen stormed the hall where the FRSC sector commander was already seated along with other state and federal agencies which in-

cluded representatives of the state-owned Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, the National Association of Seadogs, popular known as the Pyrates’ Confraternity, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA as well as media practitioners, and chased out everybody in the hall.

The armed plain-clothe security officers were later joined by armed uniformed policemen and further chased away participants, particularly the over-1000 members of NACTOMORAS. While attempting to persuade the armed NDLEA officers who were also billed to deliver lecture at the seminar, the intruding armed security operatives claimed to have been acting under the orders of the state government to stop the workshop from holding.

The security operatives, thereafter, took over the venue of the workshop and cordoned off the building.

One of the facilitators at the botched workshop, Alhaji Sikirulahi Ogundele, who is also a member of the Pyrates’ Confraternity said NACTOMORAS invited the organisation to join the FRSC, NDLEA and others to enlighten its members on road safety during the ember months.

L-R: Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, HRM Oba Yisa Olanipekun; Guest Speaker/ Dean, Faculty of Art, University of Lagos, Prof.

Muyiwa Falaye; Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Dr. Sally Mbanefo; Chief Promoter, Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams and representative of Ankran of Badagry, Agoloto of Badagry, High Chief Owheton Ahungbe, during the grand finale of Olokun Festival 2015 at Suntan Beach, Badagry, Lagos, yesterday.

Lagos seals six firms over tax evasion FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, yesterday sealed six companies with over N50m non-remitted taxes.

The defaulting companies include Nicon Town Management Company with a tax liability of N36,053,652.89; Marketing Mix & Company Limited with a liability of N10,712,914.15; Hope Valley International Clinic with a liability of N2,389,885.28; BEC Consultants Nigeria Limited, with a tax liability of N792,563.47; Goldmine Global Services Limited, owing N505,812.73 and Brown Brommel Limited, with a liability of N368,159.63 owed Lagos State for periods ranging from one to five years (2007 to 2012).

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ormer deputy governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, has called on Nigerians to join hands and work in harmony for the progress of the country.

In a statement issued to mark her 70th birthday, Ojikutu, who is the first elected female deputy governor in Nigeria, said while she was growing up, she had dreamt of a country destined to be great in all ramifications.

Several decades later, she said Nigeria is still contending with what ordinarily should be consid-

According to a statement signed by the executive chairman of LIRS, Mr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the companies were sealed pursuant to the provisions of Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 LFN (as amended in 2011) and they would not be reopened for business until all unremitted taxes are paid to the state government.

He also warned defaulting companies, especially employers of labour that the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has zero tolerance for tax evasion, adding that the LIRS is set to begin criminal prosecution of all tax defaulters in Lagos State to ensure that culprits are made to face the wrath of the law.

The LIRS boss said under the Personal Income Tax Act, a taxable person

is statutorily required to file a return of income for the preceding year at the expiration of 90 days from the commencement of every year of assessment, while any employer of labour is required to file all emoluments paid to its employees for the preceding year, not later than 31st of January each year.

He listed the infractions as non-deduction of taxes (PAYE, withholding tax etc), non remittance of PAYE taxes deducted from employees, nondeduction/remittance of taxes by casual workers, non-filing of tax returns at the stipulated statutory period, under-declaration of income, concealment of relevant information (income, fringe benefits etc) with a view to evading tax, failure to process the Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (e-TCC) cards

for employees as a result of non-remittance of tax deducted from their emoluments.

Ogunsanwo explained that the LIRS has spent the last 10 years on advocacy, publicity and enlightenment programmes on the statutory obligations of the citizenry to voluntarily comply by paying their taxes promptly as prescribed in the constitution of the country and the applicable tax legislations, but that in spite of the efforts, many corporate organisations and individuals still engage in several infractions.

He said the law is clear on issues bordering on tax evasion just as he reiterated that the LIRS would continue to take full advantage of the provisions of the law to prosecute recalcitrant corporate organisations and individuals without further notice.

At 70, Ojikutu seeks Nigeria of her dream ered as teething challenges of nationhood such as ethnic rivalry, religious tension, primitive accumulation of wealth, insecurity, poor infrastructure and corruption.

Going down the memory lane, Ojikutu said Nigeria, with all its Godgiven human and natural resources, ought to have been among the league of great countries, not only in Africa but also globally.

Noting that it is not too late for the country to retrace its steps with the

leaders returning to the path of righteousness, the former deputy governor said she is confident that the nation would regain its lost glory, but added that leaders at all levels must return to God. Her statement reads: “As I celebrate my 70th birthday anniversary today, I look forward to a Nigeria of my dream; Nigeria where the value system is upheld as our irreducible minimum standard; Nigeria where corruption is reduced to

the barest minimum; Nigeria where our students studying abroad will be glad to return to the country after completing their courses and will only travel abroad for tourism or to fulfill their professional callings when their expertise is needed.

“A Nigeria where there is no ethnic rivalry/tension or religious upheavals. I want to see Nigeria restored to its lost glory. That, I hope to see before I depart to join my maker.”

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South-East

Friday, October 23, 2015

Commission vows to end multiple taxation in Enugu Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

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nugu State Economic Planning Commission has assured residents and investors of its resolve to harmonise the issue of taxation in the state.

Several business owners and investors have been crying out over the years over the problem of multiple taxation in the state.

However, in a press briefing at the end of the maiden meeting of the commission in the new administration chaired by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, noted that an inter-ministerial committee to harmonise the issue has been constituted, headed by the state’s commissioner for finance and co-chaired by the commissioner for commerce and industry.

According to him, the committee would meet with all the stakeholders and take necessary steps towards sustaining investments and businesses.

In another development, Governor Ugwuanyi has affirmed his readiness to engage the Federal Mortgage Bank in a strategic partnership to actualise his administration’s drive to provide houses for the state workers.

The governor disclosed that he had already approved the extension of his housing scheme programme for workers at the local government council level to enhance their living standard.

In his speech when the management of the bank paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Enugu, Ugwuanyi assured that the strategic partnership with the bank would take the state to the next level in the housing sector.

Earlier in an address, leader of the team, Mr. Gimba Ya’ukuma, had informed the governor that members were in the Government House, Enugu to express their appreciation to the governor for sponsoring 100 housing units for 100 junior workers in the state through the bank.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Buhari approves upgrade of Imo airport Chris Njoku, OWERRI

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has directed that work should begin for the upgrade of the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport to an international cargo airport.

Dropping the hint yesterday, the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, who visited the airport for inspection, said the work would commence immediately.

Hajia Bello said the super structures of the cargo terminal would soon arrive, explaining that once the foundation is completed, the super structures would be fixed.

She disclosed that all the contractors handling the cargo terminal have been paid up to 80 per cent of the total sum of the contracts.

According to Hajia Bello, apart from the fact that the new status of the airport when fully completed would increase economic activities, it would also

create employment opportunities among other benefits.

Taking the permanent secretary round on inspection of the facilities at the airport, Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha said the long-time dream of Imo people to see the airport upgraded into an international cargo airport is about to come true.

He thanked President Buhari for seeing the need to upgrade the airport and giving approval to that effect.

Okorocha added that his government would work with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to ensure that all that could be needed for the early and successful completion of the project are provided.

The governor also appealed to the host community to be patriotic and cooperate fully on the project, adding that the police station at the airport would be given a facelift that would be more suitable for the new status of the airport.

Nigeria stands because of Buhari’s integrity –Umahi Aliuna Godwin, ABAKALIKI

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overnor of Ebonyi State, Chief Dave Umahi, yesterday lamented that Nigeria would have crashed economically but that it still surviving because of the integrity of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Umahi made this known while inaugurating the joint project committee members made up of the 13 local government area caretaker chairmen, attorney general and commissioner for justice and commissioner for local government areas, as the chairman, among others - an event which took place at the Government House, Abakaliki.

He noted that the state of the nation’s economy is so bad, that there was no FAC meeting because there was

nothing to discus and no money to share to states.

The governor however revealed his preparedness to give all civil servants in the state one month’s salary bunus and one bag of rice in December, 2015 to alleviate their suffering.

Umahi promised to sustain the gesture which he said would be coming periodically until the economy improves.

He said: “This we will do until the economy improves - when we can renegotiate with workers on an increment the state government can carry.”

He disclosed that there has been continuous fall in the federal allocation to the state such that in October the state government allocation went down by N550 million while local government’s went down by N350 million.

L-R: Executive member, Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), Mr. Justice Ononiba; Chairman, Prof. Ben Nwabueze and Prof. Vincent Ike, during ILT meeting in Enugu, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Probe federal road contracts in S’East, S’South, forum urges Buhari Emmanuel Ezeh, ENUGU

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orried by the poor state of roads in most part of the country, a pressure group, Forum of South East, South South and Middle Belt Advocates for Better Nigeria, FOSESSMBA, rose from a meeting in Enugu yesterday, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently constitute a panel to investigate the abandoned and poorly executed federal road contracts in the three

zones.

The group made the call after an interactive session where participants from the three geopolitical zones reviewed the plight of the people on account of the deplorable condition of federal roads and the near collapse of basic infrastructure in the areas. The group noted that apart from the over 70 kilometer Enugu – Abakaliki single-carriage federal highway build under the Trans-Sahara highway project during the last year of President Goodluck Jona-

than’s administration, all other federal roads in the area have collapsed and now impassable.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Bon Onwubualili, and secretary, Tony Edike, the group observed that almost all the federal highways in the three zones, including those purportedly rehabilitated by the immediate past administration, are no longer motorable as they have been taken over by deep potholes and gullies.

FOSESSMBA said: “As

JUSUN strike: CD gives Obiano7-day ultimatum Francis Ekpone, ONITSHA

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civil society organisation, Campaign for Democracy, CD, has given Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, a seven-day ultimatum to address the issue of the workers Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure,

CONJUS, which they said, led to the two-month-old judicial workers’ strike in the state.

Recall that the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Anambra State chapter, on September 7, embarked on an indefinite strike over non-implementation of a Federal High Court judgment obtained

by JUSUN last year This is the third time this year, the JUSUN, Anambra State, is embarking on such strike which has, since then, crippled activities in all the courts in the state.

Our investigation revealed that the union had suspended its second strike about four months ago when it reached an agree-

ment with the state government to pay workers the CONJUS, but the state government did not honour the agreement, with the Head of Service, HOS, allegedly telling JUSUN that the state was not in the mood to discuss such issues then.

South East chairman of CD, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, in a press statement, urged

Governor Obiano to immediately wade into the matter and save judiciary from anarchy.

“We learnt that about four judiciary workers have died as a result of hunger and other social challenges.

CD will embark on a protest if after seven days, the mater is not resolved,” he threatened.

a result of the poor state of affairs, many lives and goods worth several billions of naira have been lost to frequent auto crashes, while inland roads built by various state governments have been over-stretched due to diversion of heavy traffic to such roads.

“We are aware that most of the federal roads in these regions like the Makurdi - 9th Mile Road, Enugu-Onitsha highway, Enugu-Port Harcourt highway, Owerri-Port Harcourt, Idah-OnyedegaOtuocha Road, Ankpa-Lokoja Road, Arochukwu-Ohafia Road, Owerri-Okigwe, Odolu-Nsukka-Adani-Onitsha Road had been awarded to various contractors and huge funds released to them without any appreciable job done on the roads.

“And, where some jobs were done, they were substandard and could not last beyond the year they were constructed, making them even worse than they were and exposing motorist to avoidable deaths.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, October 23, 2015

11

Emerhor flays Okowa over comment on road construction Elo Ogwara Warri

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ubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the last governorship election in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has flayed the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on his recent comments on Warri roads.

Speaking to newsmen at the palace of the Olu of Warri during a condolence visit to the Itsekiri people on the demise of the Olu, Ogiame Atuwatse II, Emerhor stated that had the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, been committed, the roads ought to have been constructed by now.

“I cannot believe a governor would have said that only mad men construct roads during the rainy season, he must have been misquoted because the truth is that the PDP has been ruling the state for 16 years and he has been part of it, the roads ought to have been done by now.

What sort of excuse is that?

“This is why it is time to move to a new party, the party that will develop not only the roads, but will bring prosperity to this state, the party that will

Okowa

not just spend the money of the state, but will bring people who can develop the state and bring resources to the state.

“We know it is hard out there, so we need to bring investors to come and help us. All these roads can be developed whether during the rains or when it is dry.

When people are committed to getting things done, they can be done”, he said.

Okowa had, less than two weeks ago said “only mad men construct roads during the rainy season.”

Describing the late monarch as a great and wise ruler, who had given advice and direction to not just the party, Emerhor said the party had decided to pay the condolence visit to mourn the passage of the Ogiame Atuwatse II and promised the party’s support for the burial rites and enthronement of the new king.

In his address, the Regent of the Warri palace, Prince Eroro Emiko, thanked the party for the visit.

While expressing confidence of coming victorious at the election tribunal sitting in Asaba, the state capital, Emerhor disclosed that the APC is very much alive in the state and is only re-strategising to deliver the state from the hands of the PDP. Those who accompanied him include the chairman of the party in the state, Prophet Erue Jones; a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, Chief Frank Kokori; Senator Spanner Okpozo, a brother of the late Olu, Prince Yemi Emiko and Chief Ayiri Emami.

L-R: Representative of Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshal U. A. Omeiza; Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA); Mr. Mike Omeri; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele; representative of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi and Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Prof. Oshita Oshita, during the public presentation of NOA National Mobilizer Magazine in Abuja, yesterday.

Bakassi issue not dead, says monarch Richard Ndoma Calabar

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ross River State Chairman for Traditional Rulers Council and paramount ruler of Bakassi Local Government Area, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, yesterday said the issue of Bakassi peninsular is not dead.

The monarch also predicted that future generation of the people of Bakassi peninsula will re-claim their land which according to the traditional ruler was forcefully taken away from it original owners.

Etim Okon made the remark while fielding questions from journalists in his office on the ceding of Bakassi to neigbouring Cameroon, stressing that even though the world thinks that the Bakassi issue is dead, a new generation of Bakassians was likely going

to revisit the issue and fight to redeem the land from those who forcefully took their land away from them.

“I can assure you that the issue of Bakassi is not dead.

We may not retake it now, but our children will come up and ask questions and seek answers. A new generation of Bakassians will arise and fight for the return of our homeland to us. Bakassi peninsular will be recovered someday,” the Monarch said.

The paramount ruler expressed dismay that the peninsular was forcefully taken away from them without any consultation, claiming that even the gods of the land will stand by those who will agitate for the return of the peninsular in future.

“You remember that they took our homeland away from us without any consultation whatsoever. They did not tell us our offence and did not give us justice.

The world simply connived

to take away our ancestral homeland from us and this injustice is the reason why our children will succeed in taking it back someday,” the monarch queried.

The paramount ruler regretted that since the ceding of the peninsular to Cameroun and the return of his people to the state, no genuine effort had been made to resettle the displaced people of Bakassi.

“My people are still squatting all over the place in their own state and nobody seems to be interested in their welfare. People seem to be solving a little problem by creating a bigger one. Now that the people are calm and carrying their displacement in their strides, government has not come to properly resettle them. This is very painful,” the chairman of Cross River State Traditional Council lamented.

Etim Okon maintained that since the return of his

people, they have lived like Internally Displaced People, IDPs, without any meaningful succor, insisting that that the future generation of his people will not want to live as strangers in their own land.

Etim Okon however, urged the militants from Bakassi to lay down their arms and cooperate with the administration of Senator Ben Ayade as, Ayade was interested in bringing development to the area.

“My appeal to the militants in Bakassi who are disturbing the peace of the area is that they should give peace a chance and allow the development which the governor is about to bring to the area. The governor is going to bring a deep sea port and the super highway is beginning from the area.

These are developmental projects that we should not frustrate,” he said.

Buhari’s visit: APC commends Cross River people over reception Richard Ndoma Calabar

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ll Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday commended the people of Cross River State for giving a warm reception to President Mohammadu Buhari during his visit to the state.

President Muhammadu Buhari was on a working visit to Cross River State on Tuesday to perform the ground breaking ceremony of the 260 kilo-

meter super dual carriage highway from Bakassi Local Government of the state to Katsina-Ala in Benue State.

The Assistant Organising Secretary of the party in the state, Comrade Francis Ekpenyong stated that the massive turnout of residents of Cross River to receive the president was a clear indication of the acceptability of the APC- led Federal Government.

Ekpenyong maintained that Buhari’s acceptance

of the state government’s invitation to personally perform the ground breaking ceremony was a clear prove that he was a non partisanship leader.

“His visit to Cross River has clearly shown that he is a focused and non partisan leader. He said he was a president for nobody, but for all Nigerians and his acceptance of the PDP led state government’s invitation to perform the ground breaking ceremony is amazing.’ He said.

Ekpenyong charged Crossriverians to extend similar support to the party in subsequent elections adding that the ‘APC was committed to repositioning the state.’

The party’s Deputy Governorship candidate in the last general elections, Mr. Sylvester Nsa, also commended residents of the state for turning out en-masse to welcome President Buhari to the state.

Nsa added that the reception given to President

Buhari was unprecedented and a further prove of his acceptability by majority of Nigerians.

“As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Buhari shunned party affiliation and identified with policies and programmes initiated by state governments especially if the programmes initiated was to better the lots of the people.

Nsa added that by that singular act, Buhari has proved to the people that

he is not blinded by party sentiments, and stressed that ‘he has further endeared himself to the people who now see him as an unbiased leader.’

The APC faithful thanked the Ben Ayade`s administration for involving Mr president in the ground breaking ceremony which Buhari personally performed and charged Cross Riverians to align with the party by voting candidates of the APC into office in future elections.

12

North

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nyanyan/Kuje bomb blast: FG charges 5 Boko Haram suspects to court Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

F

ive suspected members of Boko Haram insurgents alleged to have bombed the Nyanyan and Kuje areas of Abuja were yesterday arraigned before Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The accused were said to have bombed the Nyanyan and Kuje areas of Abuja on October 2 during which scores of Nigerians were reportedly killed and several others injured.

The accused person Abdulazeez Muhazab, Ishaka Salihu, Mohammed Jimoh, Abdulwaheed Nasiru and Abdullahi Nasiru however pleaded not guilty to the five-count terrorism-related charges preferred against them by the Federal Government except Mohammed

Jimoh who pleaded guilty to count 5 only.

They were charged with conspiring contrary to section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013, act of terrorism contrary to section 2(a) of the same Act, act preparatory to an act of terrorism contrary to section 2(b) of the same Act and accessory to an act of terrorism contrary to section 2(g) of the same Act also.

Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Abdulzeez Muhazab, Ishaka Salihu, Mohammed Jimoh, Abdulawaheed Nasiru, Abdullahi Nasiru and others (now at large) on or about the 2nd October, 2015 at Kuje town and Jikwoyi Park, Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, conspired among yourselves to carry out a bomb attack by the use of Improvised Explosives Devices being an act pun-

ishable under section 17 of Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.

“That you Abdulazeez Muhazab, Ishaka Salihu, Mohammed Jimoh, Abdulwaheed Nasiru, Abdullahi Nasiru and others (now at large) on or about the 2nd October, 2015 at Jikwoyi Park in Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja did carry out a bomb attack using Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) which resulted in the death of scores of innocent citizens and many others sustained various degree of injuries as well as destroying properties being an act punishable under section 2 (a) of Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.

“That you Abdulazeez Muhazab, Ishaka Salihu, Mohammed Jimoh, Abdulwaheed Nasiru, Abdullahi Nasiru and others (now at large) on or about the 2nd

October, 2015 at Kuje town in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja did carry out a bomb attack using Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) which resulted in the death of scores of innocent citizens and many others sustained various degree of injuries as well as destroying properties being an act punishable under section 2 (a) of Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.”

Prosecution also alleged that 12 ready made bombs and bomb making devices comprising 27 detonators, aluminum powder, Hexomine, Hydrogene Peroxide, Sulphure Power, Sodium Axide plus Nitrate, soldering wire, Sodium Carbonate, Thermometer, PH Litmus paper and a bag of fertilizers were also found in his possession on October 6.

Federal Government lawyer Mr. Mohammed

Saidu Diri, told the court that investigation into the alleged crime has been completed and that his team was ready for prosecution.

Diri, who is the director of Public Prosecution of the Federation asked Justice Abdulkadiri Abdulkafarati for an adjournment to enable him assemble

his witnesses and exhibits to be tendered during the trial.

Attempt by the defence lawyer Mr Nureni Sulyman to apply for bail of the accused person orally was unsuccessful.

Justice Abdulkafarati then adjourned the trial to November 17 and 24 this year.

Workers rush to withdraw salaries in Adamawa

M

any workers left their offices in Yola yesterday to withdraw arrears of salaries and leave grants just paid into their bank accounts by the state government.

News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Governor Bindow Jibrilla had on Monday confirmed receipt of N7.2 billion bailout fund by the state.

He directed the Ministry of Finance to commence payment of the arrears of salaries and leave grants to the workers.

The workers, who besieged the banks and ATM points to make withdrawals, expressed happiness over the payments, with some describing it as ``windfall.”

Some of the workers said the bulk payment was

timely.

“The whole thing is like a dream come true. I commend the government for this and urge it to sustain the tempo through prompt payment of salaries and leave grants”, Bello Musa said.

Meanwhile, some creditors have started laying ambush in banks and offices to recover their debts.

“We don’t want to miss out from this opportunity and my appeal to workers that are indebted is that they should show gratitude to God by using this opportunity to settle their debts,” Fati, a creditor, said.

NAN reports that private school proprietors who also want to get their share of the windfall have started issuing letters to parents to pay fees for their children and wards.

IG gives deadline for spy police to stop wearing police uniform Omeiza Ajayi L-R: Representative of Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Plateau Command, Mr. Lawrence Ndu; Executive Secretary, Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Al-Hassan Barde; victim of communal clash in Mangu, Mrs. Hadijatu Ahmed and Chief of Sum Pyem, Gindiri, Mangu LGA, Mr. Charles Dakat, during the presentation of relief materials to victims in Jos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Ajaokuta Steel Company needs $1.1bn for rehabilitation –Association

S

anusi Mohammed, said about $1.1bn would be required to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi.

Mohammed told the News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Abuja that the association estimated that the sum would be used for the internal and external rehabilitation of the steel company.

He said the fund would be used to rehabilitate the steel production plant, complete the remaining blast furnace, raw materials sites and construction of railway and access roads for easy movement

of steel.

According to him, if the fund is released, Ajaokuta rehabilitation could be completed within three years, including the external infrastructure.

Mohammed, however, said that if 300 million dollars could be released from the amount required, it could be used to rehabilitate part of the company for mini production to commence.

He said 43 smaller companies with different areas of specialisation are located in Ajaokuta, adding that they could only operate if the steel com-

pany is revived.

The secretary general said the Ajaokuta Company had 78 per cent required materials or deposits within 150 kilometres radius from the plant.

Mohammed said over the years, all proposals to government for the development of the deposits and their modes of transportation, especially for limestone, fireclay and dolomite had not yielded the desired result.

According to him, other smaller steel companies in Nigeria would not require much fund for their rehabilitation, compared

with Ajaokuta; Delta Steel Company may require 100 million dollars for its rehabilitation.

He recalled that the challenges facing Nigerian steel companies could be traced to lack of political will and mismanagement by the past administrations.

Mohammed said the Ajaokuta Steel Company was first concessioned under the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime to Messrs. SOLGAS of the United States of America but could not positively turn the plant around.

Abuja

I

nspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, has directed companies using Supernumerary Police (SPY) nationwide to stop the use of police uniform in their operations on or before January 1, 2016.

Established under Section 46 of the Police Act CAP 359 of 1968, the law was later amended under Section 418, of the Police Act CAP 359 of laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1990.

SPY officers are trained with the necessary skills to maintain law and order within their organisations or places of work, unlike the regular or conventional police officers, who have greater responsibilities to the entire nation.

Arase’s directive was the fallout of a meeting with security managers of companies using SPY police for their internal security.

According to him, the measure is part of his administration’s renewed crime fighting strategy aimed at curtailing the activities of criminallyminded persons who disguise as policemen to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

“Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has directed companies using SPY nationwide to stop the use of police uniform for their operations on or before January 1, 2016,” it stated.

The IGP however approved the use of a newlydesigned grey and black trouser as the new uniform to be worn by spy police officers nationwide.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Unveiling Ambode’s cabinet 14

Lagos assembly confirms two appointees Robert Awokuse

L

agos State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointments of Mr. Fouad Oki and Arch. Kabir Ahmed Abdullahi as Director General and Chief Executive of Lagos State Safety Commission and Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission re-

spectively.

The appointees during cross-examination by the lawmakers explained what they intended to contribute in their various appointments to the development of the state.

Mr. Fuad said he would make as priority safety for homes, schools, factories and roads.

Arch. Ahmed In his

remark promised to take the state water regulatory commission to an enviable position.

In their contributions while speaking on the appointees’ achievements, Hon. Fafunmi said “Mr. Oki has demonstrated to us that he is a technocrat because he has proved to us that he is capable of the task ahead”.

Hon. Yishawu also

commented on the Arch.

Kabir’s contribution to the State “Arch. Kabir is very helpful, instrumental and a professional administrator. We need people like him in the development of the State”.

The Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa later directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Ganiyu Abiru to notify the Governor about the confirmation.

L-R: Lagos State APC Women Leader, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson; Mrs. Oluwayemisi Akintola; Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Dr. Benson Akintola and Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, during the swearing in of the executive council in Lagos recently.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tribunal upholds Kogi Speaker’s election Wale Ibrahim LOKOJA

T

he Kogi State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal has upheld the election of Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly, Alhaji MomohJimoh LawaL as member representing Okene II state constituency.

While reading the Judgment yesterday, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Akintan Osadebe upheld the election of Lawal and dismissed the petition of the All Progressive Congress, APC candidate in the April 2015 election, Umar Fari.

In the petition filed by Umar Fari of APC challenging the election and return of Lawal of the PDP as winner of the election, he urged the tribunal to nullify the election on the grounds of substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 (As amended).

Fari also submitted that the election should be invalidated by reason of widespread malpractices adding that, the 1st respondent was not duly elected by majority of

Bayelsa 2015: We’ve no plan to use federal force –APC Osahon Julius YENAGOA

T

he youth arm of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Bayelsa State yesterday dismissed as “laughable” and “show of fear” the claims by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP that the party is plotting to deploy federal forces to rig the forthcoming governorship election in favour of the flag bearer of the party, Chief Timipre Sylva.

According to the APC youths, though the Federal Government has the constitutional duty to deploy federal forces including the men of the Nigerian Police and the Department of the

State Security Service for a free and fair poll in the State, the claims that the forces would be deployed for the use of APC is laughable and a deliberate show of cowardice by the PDP. In a statement issued yesterday in Yenagoa by the National Coordinator of the Chief Timipre Sylva Support Group, Comrade Melford Esinte, said the APC and its flagbearer , Chief Timipre Sylva are prepared with a well structured campaign organization and the voters’ support based on past achievements and good campaign manifestoes.

According to Esinte, the PDP should, instead of

making false claims on the alleged deployment of federal might, focus on proper campaign and presentation of its candidate’s achievements to the people of the State, “Sylva’s track records of infrastructural and manpower development will speak eloquently and massively for him at the polls” “Chief Timipre Sylva is not banking on any federal might to win the forthcoming governorship election as widely insinuated and timidly expressed by the PDP and its candidate. Sylva has been able to put formidable political structure on ground upon which he will gladly and comfortably sail.

The development stride of Chief Timipre Sylva’s first term in office which the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson refused to maliciously acknowledged is glaring to the people of the State.”

Esinte however called on the PDP and the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson to redirect its energy towards rendering account of stewardship to the people of the State.

“They should make public the charade of compulsory monthly savings initiated by the administration supposedly in billions of naira and the unfulfilled promise of turning Bayel-

13

sa into a massive construction site. What we have seen so far is growing sites of abandoned projects, refuse dumps, pot holes on major roads and huge contractual debts.”

“Despite the desperate efforts of the Seriake Dickson administration to blackmail and launch a propaganda against the person and aspiration of Chief Timipre Sylva, it has been bad market all the way for the PDP and the Dickson administration.

The APC is not divided.

The APC is more united, well positioned and focused than ever and ready to go into the forthcoming election”, Esinte said.”

lawful votes cast at the election.

The petitioner who sought five reliefs also submitted that the election was inconclusive in some polling units while he said votes were recorded in favour of the 1st respondent, Lawal, adding that results of eight units were signed by unauthorized persons who were not designated INEC staff.

The respondents in their preliminary objection urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition on the ground that the petitioner filed the petition when the results of the election were yet to be declared by INEC. The petitioner and respondents formulated three questions each for determination most of which were determined in favour of the respondents.

The Tribunal however held that the April 11 election was conducted in substantial compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 (As amended).

Osadebe said that the petitioner could not adduce enough evidence to substantiate their allegations adding that the alleged irregularities, if they existed, were not substantial to invalidate the entire result of the election. ‘’No material evidence has been laid before this tribunal to prove that the first respondent was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast at the election. ‘’There is no evidence before this tribunal on wrongful or arbitrary allocation of votes. The petitioner’s evidence would only amount to hearsay unless the electoral officers are called in to give evidence she said. ‘’This petition lacks merit and it is hereby dismissed. The parties are to bear their respective costs’’, she submitted.

14

Politics

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 23, 2015

Unveiling Ambode’s cabinet The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday inaugurated his cabinet with the swearing in of 23 commissioners and 14 special advisers. The cabinet members are expected to work with the governor as a team to drive the government policy and implement the programmes of action. FRANCIS SUBERU in this report looks at the newly appointed commissioners’ capabilities vis-a-vis the responsibilities of the ministries they have been appointed to head.

Ministry of Information and Strategy After being cleared by the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Steve Ayorinde was appointed the commissioner for information and strategy. Prior to his appointment, Ayorinde is known to be a journalist, an author, film critic and media consultant.

He started his career in the Guardian Newspapers and rose through the ranks reaching the summit of his journalistic career as Managing Director/ Editor-inChief of the National Mirror Newspapers.

He had hitherto being the editor of The Punch Newspapers for several years. He is also the CEO of Relentless Media, an information management firm.

The ministry given to Ayorinde performs supervisory role on four government owned agencies namely, Lagos Television, Lagos State Radio Services (Radio Lagos/Eko FM), Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau and Lagos State Printing Corporation.

The statutory responsibilities of the ministry include publicity and mass media, government public relations, newspapers and magazine registration, archives matters- a bureau which is responsible for record surveys; publishing and advertising.

Ayorinde’s major tasks will be overseeing the ministry as it embarks on regular public sensitization on government policies and programmes through campaigns and publications. Considering his curriculum vitae, his achievements in the past, he is one of the fittest for the job in Lagos State. Though he is a new comer, there is no gainsaying the fact that he is a round peg in a round hole.

Ministry of Health This ministry has one of the best records in Lagos State. Though not singlehandedly, the ministry was responsible for Lagos’ and by extension, Nigeria’s triumphant demystification of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) smuggled into the country in 2014. Guess who was in the saddle then, it was Dr. Jide Idris. He is a returning commissioner who had been in the ministry of health for 16 consecutive years.

Dr. Jide Idris aside from being a certified medical director, he had his postgraduate studies outside the country, in Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA, where he enrolled in 1983 and bagged a Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) in 1985.

He worked between April 1985 and 1988 in a senior management position at the foremost private health consulting firm in Lagos ,. Health Aids Limited. Between March 1992 and 1995, Dr. Idris was a Managing Partner of a private healthcare consulting firm.

His stint at the private health sector covered areas such as healthcare planning, consulting/advisory services, hospital management, direct provision of clinical services and research. Thereafter, he func-

Ambode

tioned as the Medical Doctor-In-Charge of a Company Staff Clinic, providing primary care services to company staff and their families from 1993 to 1995.

He held other big positions until he became the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health in June 1999, a position he held till July 2007 after which he was appointed as the Honourable Commissioner for Health and he has remained In that position till date as he has just been appointed for another four years and there is no question as to his ability to manage the ministry effectively, he is on a familiar terrain.

Ministry of Housing The major mission of the Ministry of Housing is to ensure provision of adequate and good quality housing in Lagos metropolis and facilitate easy access to home ownership.

Nigeria is said to have over seven million housing deficit and about 15% of this are in Lagos State. During the last administration, former Governor Babatunde Fashola initiated a housing scheme, the Lagos Home Ownership Scheme (LagosHOMS) through which he promised to deliver 200 homes to Lagosians monthly.

However, the average number he was able to deliver by raffle draw all through the last quarter of his second term in office was 35 homes monthly. Granted, many building projects were completed while some were at an advance stage at the time he left office. The scheme has not been attractive to Lagosians because of high cost.

At least, no civil servant can afford a flat being put up for sale by the scheme as a flat goes for between 15 million and 20 million depending on location and facilities.

That is the situation of the ministry that Gbolahan Lawal has been appointed to supervise.

Prior to his appointment, Gbolahan Lawal was the immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives in

Ayorinde

Idris

The ministry given to Ayorinde performs supervisory role on four government owned agencies namely, Lagos

Television, Lagos State Radio Services (Radio Lagos/ Eko FM), Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau and Lagos State Printing Corporation the State.

He started his working career in 1994, as Scientific Officer with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

He was appointed Senior Special Assistant to former Governor Fashola on Special Projects in 2008, a capacity in which he pioneered the establishment of Lagos Youth Agriculture-based Empowerment Programme (AGRIC-YES).

Gbolahan is a seasoned security & development practitioner and socio-entrepreneur. He has deep understanding of political economy and development especially in low and medium income economies.

With his qualifications, one would have

thought he would be appointed as commissioner for Wealth Creation but the governor in his wisdom has put him in the Ministry of Housing to oversee civil engineering works. It is a matter of time to know how he justifies his new appointment.

Ministry of Transportation Anyone who is familiar with Lagos knows that traffic control in the metropolis is one of the most hectic in Sub-Saharan Africa. There are barrage of problems from touting to street urchins and hooliganism.

Obviously, the task ahead is daunting as the Ministry of Transportation is responsible for formation of policies and programmes to enhance free flow of traffic, coordinate the activities of public sectors in transportation, ensure efficient water transportation system in Lagos State; liaise with Federal Ministry of Transportation and other Government Agencies for formulation and execution of transport policy.

The ministry with its big responsibilities is given to Dr. Anthony Ekundayo Mobereola to manage. Dr. Mobereola is the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the agency charged with the responsibility of implementing a MultiModal Integrated Public Transport (PT) system for Lagos State.

Mobereola owns a doctorate degree in Transport Economics with more than 25 years varied experience at senior management level of the transport sector in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, United Kingdom and Nigeria.

He has managed the development of the Lagos Urban Transport Project (LUTP), a 20-year Transport Master Plan for rail, bus and ferry services in all parts of Lagos.

Going by his past endeavours, his appointment is not out of place, just as it is expected that he will make positive impact in the ministry.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Igbawase Ukumba LAFIA

I

Politics

Friday, October 23, 2015

t is no more news in Nasarawa state that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lafia, the state capital, had upheld the election of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura as the duly elected governor of the state as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Delivering judgment in a petition No EPT/NS/GOV/01/2015, filed by Mr. Labaran Maku and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, challenging the election, the tribunal chairman, Justice Halima Mohammed Shamaki, consequently dismissed the petition for lacking in merits.

It was on record that the Nasarawa state governorship election was conducted on April 11, 2015; dissatisfied with the outcome, Labaran Maku and All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA headed for the tribunal on May 4, 2015. Since then it has been a battle between the petitioners’ counsel and the three set of the respondents counsels representing Governor Al-Makura, All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The petition which had a time- frame of 180 days finally came to an end on September 30, 2015 after 150 days of superior legal arguments between the parties. In all, after the adoption of counsels’ final written addresses, the tribunal, under the chairmanship of Justice Shamaki, sum up four issues for determination.

The first issue was whether the election was conducted substantially in compliance with the electoral act of 2010 as amended. In this wise, the tribunal ruled that the petitioners over relied on the evidences of the first petitioner’s witnesses instead of ward collation agents who should have testified to what happened at the ward level.

According to the tribunal, most evidences adduced by the first petitioner’s witnesses were hearsay and not what they saw and as such cannot be relied upon.

On whether INEC is empowered to create voting points on the day of the election or not, the tribunal held that the voting points so created were in existence even before the 2015 general elections.

While stating that the voting points were an integral part of polling units, whose total voters should not exceed 750, Justice Shamaki said the failure by the petitioners to present voters register before the tribunal to verify its authenticity was a total blow to their petition.

The third issue been widespread of electoral irregularities as alleged by the petitioners, the tribunal held that the petitioners have failed to prove any case of overvoting and unlawful declaration of results, non-signing of results sheets, mutilation of results as well as the nonapplication of card readers, concluding that in spite of all this, it did not however affect the final result of the election.

The final issue was whether INEC was right to declare Governor Al-Makura as winner of the April 11 governorship election in the state. “Logically, having dismissed the three other issues in favour of the respondents, Governor Al-Makura having scored majority of the votes cast, the tribunal held that the commission

15

Echoes of Nasarawa gubernatorial tribunal verdict

Al-Makura

Governor Al-Makura when addressing his enthusiastic crowd at the gate of the

Lafia Government House immediately after the verdict, thanked God for the victory and lauded the people of the state for their love and support

was right as it declared the governor as winner of the April 11 governorship election in the state”, the judgement read..

Titus T. Chahur who was a lead counsel to the petitioner said: “There are so many areas that we have to contest at the court of appeal. We are just ready to do it that way because we are not ready to stop at this level. We presented our case very well and we know that the evidence that we have, we have tendered and were admitted in evidence at the tribunal and are worth given us the judgment.

Yusuf Shehu Usman, counsel to APC, said they are not scared and cannot be scared because they knew that everybody has the right under the constitution to go to a higher court if they are not satisfied with the judgment of the lower court like in this case at the tribunal. “So right from inception, we know of the existence of that law, so we are not afraid”, he stated.

Also, counsel to Governor Al-Makura, Isaac Adebayo, analysed the entire case as not just a matter of football. He said it is a serious matter and “we have been here for almost 180 days and for it to end like this, to win the case, I think it is bonus”.

Hassan Liman, SAN, the INEC counsel reminded that: “We have said this right from the beginning that the election in Nasarawa state was conducted substantially in accordance to the provision of the electoral act. In fact they should have emulated what has happened at the presidential level to have congratulated INEC for conducting a credible election. But yet they chose to come to the tribunal to discredit the work done by the electoral body. We are today saying that the tribunal has vindicated the position of INEC that the election was conducted in substantially with the provision of the elec-

toral act.

In the meantime, the reaffirmation of the victory of Al-Makura at the April 11 polls by the tribunal has left behind its echoes that are still caressing among the Nasarawa populace.

The state chairman of APC, Mr. Philip Tatari Shekwo’s feeling over the verdict was that of conviction that justice has been done; and as well as vindication of the APC party in the state because according to him, “I didn’t see any reason for a case at the tribunal for somebody who won only one local government area out of thirteen, and could not even get a single state house of assembly seat but claimed to have won the governorship election.

In his reaction, the Nasarawa state chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Hon. Suleiman Wambai, said the verdict had not come to them as a surprise because that was their expectation as the verdict further reinforces the popular wishes of Nasarawa people.

“The verdict is synonymous with the electorate’s wishes and desires because that was what happened during the election and it is a victory to democracy, victory to the rule of law. Whoever is aggrieved has the liberty, the privilege to seek for redress in the court of law,” he stated.

Wambai, who is the executive chairman of Lafia local government council, was optimistic that the tribunal’s verdict will further unite the people of Nasarawa state, and will not make them to be living along tribal or religious sentimentality.

“The Judge deserved to be honoured.

If we have such judges in this country, definitely there would be light at the end of the tunnel,” Wambai asserted.

But while speaking to journalists immediately after the tribunal ruling, the state gubernatorial running mate to Mr. Labaran Maku, Alhaji Ibrahim Abu, described the judgment as unacceptable to the Nasarawa state electorate as according to him, “Nasarawa people were once again robbed of their mandate.”Abu however vowed that they were ever ready to appeal the judgment even to the appellate court when their team of litigants might have finished studying the entire judgment delivered at the tribunal.

Be that as it may, Governor Al-Makura when addressing his enthusiastic crowd at the gate of the Lafia Government House immediately after the verdict, thanked God for the victory and lauded the people of the state for their love and support.

He said that his victory at the tribunal was an affirmation of the mandate given to him, hence he declared that he is going to consolidate on his past achievements; while urging people of the state to key into the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari towards addressing the challenges being faced by the people of Nigeria

16

Editorial

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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

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

Exemplary punishment for notorious Bayelsa rapist

J

ustice Margareth Akpomiemie of the Bayelsa State High Court, Yenagoa, a couple of days ago, sentenced one Super Ojo (aka Bestman), identified as a notorious cult leader in the state, to a total of 28 years in prison for his involvement in the gang-rape of a lady (name shielded). Super, according to reports, was arrested in 2011 for raping the victim in company of nine other members of his gang at Akaba in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state; and was arraigned in court in May 2014 on a four-count charge of conspiracy, rape, murder and membership of an unlawful group. The convict was said to have gone to the lady’s house with four other people; dragged her out and forcibly took her to a bush where five other culprits were waiting; and they all gangraped her.

Justice Akpomiemie, the presiding judge, in her ruling, found Super guilty on three out of the four-count charge. Consequently, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment on count one (conspiracy); while count two (actual crime of rape) attracted 21 years’ jail term. The felon bagged two years on count four (membership of a secret cult), bringing the total jail term to 28 years. But the judge struck out the charge on murder for want

of evidence to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

It is public knowledge that cases of sex offences, especially rape, have been on the increase nationwide in recent years. Not quite long ago, the Lagos State Government said at least 12, 120 rape and other cases related to sexual violence were reported in the state in the last four years; and that 140 sex offenders were convicted. The Ondo State Police Command listed 45 rape cases in 2013; Edo State, 96 cases between January 2012 and August 2014, with nine convictions; while in Jigawa State, an average of 10 rape cases were reported monthly in 2014, according to reports credited to the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Yakubu Ruba. Unfortunately, most of the cases are neither reported to the police nor prosecuted to a logical conclusion because of stigmatisation and shame.

Several socio-psychological, traditional and spiritual factors, like poor and corrupt family upbringing, negative peer influence, indecent exposure to pornography - physically or on the internet, drug addiction and alcoholism, as well as get-richquick rituals, have been fingered as driving rape. What is obvious, nonetheless, is that most sex crimes are evidence of the

DILIGENT

INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION AND HARSH PUNISHMENT

FOR SEX OFFENDERS, LIKE THE TYPE JUST METED OUT TO

SUPER BY JUSTICE AKPOMIEMIE, ARE INEVITABLE lack of self-restraint, fuelled by the general loss of moral values.

Indeed, they amplify the grave extent of moral degeneration in virtually all facets of our national life.

This will help explain why diligent investigation, prosecution and harsh punishment for sex offenders, like the type just meted out to Super by Justice Akpomiemie, are inevitable if the nation is truly committed to arresting the upsurge in rape and other sex-related offences. For a crime that rubbishes the dignity and pride of victims; and exposes them to eternal trauma and the dangers of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), including HIV/ AIDS, like rape, nothing else may redress the grave physical and psychological damages victims suffer like making culprits

ON THIS DAY October 23, 1973 The Watergate scandal: United States’ President Richard M. Nixon agreed to turn over subpoenaed audio tapes of his Oval Office conversations. The scandal occurred in the 1970s as a result of the June 17, 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C.; and the Nixon administration’s attempted cover-up of its involvement.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

October 23, 1998 Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu; and Palestinian Chairman, Yasser Arafat; reached a ‘land for peace’ agreement. Land for peace is an interpretation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 which formed the basis of subsequent Arab-Israeli peace-making. The term affirms that peace should include the application of two principles: Giving up land; and termination of all claims or states of belligerency.

pay heavily for their crimes.

Unfortunately, the kind of punishment meted out to Super is not common in the country. We recall a case in Edo State in the not too distant past, for example, where one Michael Aimufua, a middle-aged man, waylaid a housewife on school-run, dragged her into the bush and raped her. In his hurry to escape, Aimufua was knocked down accidentally by a vehicle driven by the unsuspecting husband of the raped woman. In the process of taking the run-away rapist to the hospital, the assaulted woman emerged and the crime was exposed. In the end, the rapist was arraigned in court and jailed for just two years last year. What great lesson would a two-year jail term teach an offender like Aimufua?

Very stiff penalties are really required to put up a good fight against the rape scourge; in addition to tackling the root causes of the depravity through moral regeneration. We also recommend to other states and jurisdictions the innovative ‘Sex Offenders Register’ recently introduced by the Lagos State Government, through which the names of convicted sex offenders would be generously made available for public scrutiny and consumption, to the shame of such sex offenders.

x October 23, 2011 The Libyan National Transition Council proclaimed the Libyan Civil War over. The Libyan Civil War or Libyan Revolution was an armed conflict in the North African country of Libya, fought between forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and those seeking to oust his government. The war was preceded by protests in Zawiya on August 8, 2009; and Benghazi, which eventually escalated to a rebellion.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, October 23, 2015

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On situational specificity of Boko Haram claims Counter-terrorism Tips With

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

T

he repeated bombing and suicide attacks in different parts of the Northeast of Nigeria, Abuja and its environs that have taking the lives of thousands of people demonstrate that Boko Haram is the most significant problems facing Nigeria in recent times. However, in the realm of terrorism studies, it may be construed as injury time for the sect based on its circle of activities that seems to have been rounding up. The most recent attacks in Abuja and its environs, which ISIS claimed responsibility of carrying out, is an indication that the sect is determined to change our policy by causing as many deaths and pains as possible.

Terrorists actually prosper by promoting their involvement with attacks because association with a successful attack can boost a group’s fame, which explains why terrorist groups often claim responsibility for operations they had nothing to do with.

Sometimes these false claims, the counter claims of competing radical groups and the decentralised nature of modern terrorist organizations make those self-indicting claims completely useless. Since terrorism is primarily a form of communication, desperate groups take credit for operations

they did not carry out for cheap popularity.

Terrorist organisations are so fractured and decentralized that one portion of a terrorist group may claim responsibility for a bombing while another faction of the same group denies such involvement. Within a terrorist brotherhood, if a smaller group that has shown interest of allegiance to a bigger and more powerful group commits a terrorist act, the bigger and more powerful group may falsely claim affiliation.

This works the other way round too - more well-known groups like al Qaeda or ISIS may attempt to gain prestige by associating themselves with successful attacks carried out by largely independent terrorist group such as Boko Haram. The only exception that disproves the rule and where claims of responsibility can usually be taken at face value is only in the case of suicide bombings because the bombers sometimes make martyrdom videos, where they reveal their reasons for carrying out attacks.

While most Nigerians might not know much about terrorism till now, how they behave and operate, other nations have had a great deal of experience. Many democracies have shown that terrorism can be eliminated or at least greatly reduced.

How have these countries fought terrorism within their borders? The pathways out of BH menace should be the questions to consultants and consulting firms on the field by the Federal Government. No nation can defeat a terrorist organisation without appropriate platforms, experts, consultants and consulting companies like; Zenith Intelligence and Security Solutions Ltd with

ANY NERVOUSNESS OR RELUCTANCE ON THE PART OF THE PASSENGER CAN RESULT IN FURTHER AND EVEN MORE DETAILED QUESTIONING European background and experiences specifically on counterterrorism, issues in intelligence and all sorts of domestic threats.

As a result of the daily dangers we face, we must learn to cope with a wide range of security awareness, consciousness and measures. For instance, with our airports, serious passengers’ checks should be carried out both at domestic and international terminals. Airports and railway are one of the most lucrative targets for any terrorist organisation and going by the threat analysis and BH modus operandi, our law enforcement workforce should please be more proactive now in these sectors since they have often attacked motor parks. Passengers should extraordinarily be subjected to intense scrutiny before they board flights from our airports, and railway stations. Check in staff, security and law enforcement agencies must carefully examine suitcases, often removing contents, checking them individually and thorough interrogation to each passenger is necessary.

They need to know where the person is

going and other points of call after the visit.

Any nervousness or reluctance on the part of the passenger can result in further and even more detailed questioning. Passengers should be separated from travel mates and questioned individually to determine if there are any contradictions in their stories. Even after this process, passengers may be called for further questioning.

It is high time we started making use of profiling, where every passenger would be checked through the Interpol to determine whether he/she is on any terrorist watch list. And passengers travelling from certain countries should be more closely scrutinised. All baggage on a flight must be matched to a passenger before the plane takes off. Baggage should not only pass through the x-ray and metal detectors, but also must be placed in a decompression chamber that will trigger certain bomb fuses.

Armed, undercover agents trained to stop hijackers should fly on every plane, both domestic and international. To keep any hijacker from taking over a plane, the cockpit door must be locked once the pilot enters. The aviation industry must wake up now and flush out those selfish staff that can compromise. It will be catastrophic and unforgivable if Boko Haram capitalises on the bribery and corruption syndrome associated with our airport’s staff to gain access into the aircraft.

Similarly, installation of CCTV cameras, bomb, and distant explosive detectors/neutralizers has become imperative.

Boko Haram and assault on education

RASAK MUSBAU

T

he early history of Nigeria runs parallel to the history of Nigerian education, because the founding fathers of this nation knew that not much could be achieved without education, and they consequently gave prominent attention to education. They had the foresight to realize that desired high quality workforce, without which national development is impossible, could only be guaranteed by investing in education.

In the old Northern Nigeria, one of the greatest achievements of Sir Ahmadu Bello administration as premier was in the field of education. Under his administration, boys and girls, who were poor but ready to learn, were encouraged to go to school. They had free access to scholarships, which helped them to get to any level of education they desired. Many of those who acquired western education became very successful in their various fields.

The Premier of the regione knew the importance of education and he went to the grassroots to mobilize for not only Islamic education but also Western education.

Similarly, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in the defunct Western Region, used the free education programme for economic, social and cultural emancipation of his people. His burning desire to extend his achievement in the region to the whole nation was still very high in 1983 when he

EDUCATION IS AN ESSENTIAL RIGHT

VITAL FOR ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF ALL SOCIETIES (Awo) said: “To finance free Education, we are going to block wastages like the N350 million allocated to be spent on chocolate in the Third National Development Plan.

For the four years of my administration, there will be no dinner, no banquet, and no luncheon. Nobody will drink anything but water in the office, including my office if I am elected president. Nigeria needs a shock treatment!”

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the then Premier of Eastern Region, was equally a visionary leader who had seen that Nigeria needed an indigenous education factory for the production of authentic made-in-Nigeria graduates that would be the catalysts for national development. The first indigenous Nigerian university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka was to his credit.

Sadly, however, from the first 13 years of military rule to Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s Second Republic back to another fourteen years of military till the present fourth republic, the progress of the country has been severely reversed. Arguably, the seemingly intractable insurgency of the devilish Boko Haram sect emerged as an

accumulated product of decades of maladministration and corruption by the Nigerian state, especially these hypocritical champions of Sharia.

Boko Haram is a misguided response to dubious Sharia used by the politicians and does not represent the Sharia of Islam.

One wonders how in this age Sharia can be established through bombing of churches, mosques, schools, markets and what have you? Hardly can anyone deny the connection between educational deficiency and insurgency. What has happened to our brothers in the North was that they failed to learn from and sustain the legacy of one of the country’s legend- Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Ahmadu Bello effectively deployed education to liberate his people, thus the present leadership in the North and the entire country need to do to escape calamities like Boko Haram-induced insurgency is to ensure the provision of qualitative, accessible and affordable education to the entire citizenry. The earlier we accept that Boko Haram cannot be defeated through war that excludes use of psychological war and functional educational system, the better for us all.

Education is an essential right vital for economic, social and cultural development of all societies. Without it, the citizens cannot blossom and the nation cannot progress. It is, thus, undeniable that for individuals, education is the ladder of opportunity. For communities, it is the base of common values that holds diverse people together. For nations, it is the en-

gine of economic growth. And for all who believe in freedom, education provides the moral foundation for democracy.

If many who are denied access to it turn around to call it a sin, then in reality our grudge should be toward the government that prefers corruption to provision of education. With mutation of Boko Haram to what they now call themselves-ISOWA (Islamic State of West Africa), we are left now to use more of psychological engagement and raising of millions of ‘Malala’.

What about Malala? Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistaani, is a courageous advocate for universal education and girls’ rights. She was targeted for her brave activism and in October of 2012, the Taliban boarded her school bus and shot her and two other girls. After the shooting, Malala was flown from her home in Pakistan to the UK to recover. Malala is now back at school and continues to campaign for every child’s right to education.

Let’s stand up for education and say to the world that we are stronger than the Boko Haram, the enemies of education.

Musbau is of the Features Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

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Friday, October 23, 2015

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Attention World Bank Country Director for Nigeria

I Curb these reckless Lagos BRT drivers

t is true that the World Bank is doing everything possible to assist the poor countries of the world to exterminate poverty.

One of the measures is giving loans to the needing countries and even supporting them with ‘free’ funds to execute projects that would improve the condi-

tions of their citizenry.

However, the popular imagination in Nigeria is that all staff of World Bank should not be poor, be he/she a cleaner, gardener, gateman, driver or a security man. Shockingly, some bottom staff (security men, cleaners, etc) in the Abuja Office of the

L

ast Saturday edition of the Vanguard did a critique of the Akinwumi Ambode administration in Lagos State.

The newspaper did a wonderful job, drawing attention to the pitfalls of the administration. I was touched by the transportation sector, particularly the growing despondency among Lagosians over the anomic state foisted on them by commuter drivers popularly called ‘danfo drivers’.

There is no gainsaying the fact that these uncouth drivers are responsible for the lawlessness on Lagos roads and the concomitant gridlocks seen everywhere. From Mile 12 through Ketu to Ojota, travelling on the road has become hectic due to the gridlocks caused by them.

The highly tamed Oshodi traffic is relapsing into the old order of nonchalance, corruption and lawlessness that took the iron cast resolve of immediate past Governor Babatunde Fashola to address.

Last week Wednesday October 15, 2015 at about 6.03pm, heavy traffic was already building up on the Third Mainland Bridge. As it was wont to happen, commuter drivers were up to their old game of undoing other road users by intimidation. Surprisingly, a BRT LAGBUS driver with vehicle registration number AKD 108XP and identification number MB 020 threw caution to the wind by joining the unholy game, overtaking at the wrong time and using the size of his vehicle to intimidate the smaller ones. He did it three times on the stretch of road immediately before University of Lagos and Iyana Oworo. He was simply unconcerned about the discomfort he was causing both the drivers and passengers of these vehicles.

C

ertainly, the critics of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the anti-graft agency, are nothing but the enemies of the country. At a time when patriotic Nigerians are applauding the zero tolerance for corruption stance of President Muhammadu Buhari, one is surprised that some elements are trying to disparage the leadership of the EFCC. It is so worrisome.

Letters to the Editor

MOTHER AND CHILD: Replacing the lost energy. PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

M

y candid advice to Nigerian politicians is to be fair to all in the provision of the necessary social infrastructures to avoid a situation of not having a nation to rule over. We should be fervent with our prayers for peace in the country and for good leadership. We should be reminded that leadership without consultation is evil. This prayer becomes Nigerians nec-

Bank are seriously pauperized, a development attributable to the greed of the local management staff of the Bank, who delight in shortchanging such staff of their approved salary and allowances.

Recently, I visited this bank in Abuja and I noticed something very bizarre: The approved salary structure of the Bank is not what is implemented by the Nigerian management staff. My findings show that the drivers and security of the Bank were originally issued appointment letters reflecting the salary structure obtainable in the World Bank. However, few days after such appointment papers were issued the Nigerian management of the Bank recalled the security men, paid them a token, collected back their original appointment letters, and told them to go. Subsequently, the management consulted a private security company, negotiated with it to outsource security services with the intention of replacing those whose appointments were illegally terminated.

One may want to ask what is wrong with that. For an answer, let us examine this scenario. If the World Bank has budgeted two hundred thousand naira (N200, 000) as the monthly salary for one guard, the management would go ahead to slash it by half by negotiating to pay the private security company N100, 000 a month for each guard supplied by it. The sum of N100, 000 ‘saved goes into whose purse? In turn, the private security company would further slash the negotiated N100, 000 by 60 percent, paying only N40, 000

Prayers heal a nation’s woes essary because it is the only weapon we have to demand God’s intervention in the nation’s affairs. The truth is the challenges facing the nation are far above what the politicians could address.

We must remain resolutely united in the fight against religious intolerance, immorality, election rigging, injus-

tice, among many others evils.

Prayer is the weapon of the oppressed, the poor and the marginalized. Everything happening in the country today indicates that there are so many things wrong with and we cannot continue to watch without taking steps. I pray to God to soften the minds of our politicians to jettison their inordi-

Reckless condemnation of EFCC unpatriotic Not long ago, one Dr. George Uboh of the PASS accused the EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, of misappropriating over N1 trillion recovered from looters of the treasury, including Dieprieye Alamieyeseigha, a former Bayelsa State governor, and Tafa Balagun, a former Inspector General of Police.

The reports instantly sparked a lot of reactions from differ-

monthly to each of the guards.

Can one now see the swindle going on at the Abuja office of the World Bank?

You would feel bad to know that some of these affected security guards, such like one Mr. Emmanuel Ameh, lost his life as a result of his inability to pay the bill charged by his doctor when he was seriously ill. His doctor abandoned him; and the man died from lack of proper treatment. One Mr. Linus Manu died for similar reason, while one Mr. Razak Akambi died in the bomb blast incident that happened at Nyanya, Abuja, when coming to work. These guards wouldn’t have died if there was sufficient money to pay for their treatment in the hospital. One thing to be noted here is that nothing reasonably was even given to the families of the above-mentioned deceased guards as staff who died on active service. Some other junior staff of the World Bank in Abuja, like cleaners and gardeners, are suffering the same fate.

Mr. Rachid should carry out in depth investigation of the scam in the Abuja office of the Bank and ensure that the architects of this evil should never be allowed to go unpunished. The progress of any given organization is determined by the welfare of the staff. Mr. Rachid Benmessaoud must see to it that something is done to put smile on the faces of the dejected, debased and defrauded staff of the Abuja office of the World Bank.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja (08179289948)

ent quarters. This is understandable. But, in my view, this amounts to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

Since the story broke, one of the questions agitating my mind is: Why on earth will people ever anticipate that the supposed Czar of financial tranquility in the country will fail to worship the deity under his watch, but go ahead to tamper

with its foods?

Inasmuch as I am not absolving Lamorde of the allegations, I think we should be more concerned about how the Commission can be adequately funded, so that it can successfully wage the war against pervasive corruption, which is at the centre of our nation’s socio-economic problems.

Temitope Ayodele, Lagos.

nate ambitions for the sake of the masses. Let us with faith believe our prayers are already answered.

However, there are disturbing signs of some emerging government policies that appear oblivious of the peculiar needs of Nigerians. This should be immediately addressed. We must collectively fight against unemployment, poverty, disease, tribalism, moral decadence, drug abuse, rape, religious intolerance, etc. We must be involved in this cause to demonstrate our concern for the welfare and well being of the nation and our people.

Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel (Baba Sekunderin), The Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministries (TWOREM) Int’l, Lagos (08033733470)

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FRIDAY

Ngozi Emedolibe

G

ood artistes sure live after their physical demise. This is obviously true for veteran ace vocalist, Tunde Osofisan of Roy Chicago’s band, who battled stroke for years until his demise a few days ago, throwing the numerous lovers of the highlife genre of music in a moody state. The man many highlife lovers and keen followers describe as the vocalist with the golden voice and the toast of the beat scene between the late 50’s and early 70’s when Chicago’s band ruled the airwaves and socials with his refreshingly different voice may indeed become more important at death.

Oshofisan, the darling of the once crowd-pulling Ojez Elders’ Forum, where concerted efforts were made to revive highlife actually fizzled out suddenly in the heat of that regular fiesta due to the illness which came mysteriously and finally silenced him.

Friday Flavour, scooped that this health challenge initially rattled Osofisan, so much that he neither walked nor talked again for quite some time, before the ace vocalist regained himself.

“Feelers close to Osofisan revealed that this magic was made possible through divine intervention of God who linked him to an expensive special herbs which was provided by his personal friend and C.E.O of Evergreen Music company, Femi Esho and Tunde Adeniji, his exclassmate who used to call regularly, sending Oshofisan money anytime they

spoke. The herb was N3, 500 which Esho and Adeniji topped the list of buyers.

But sadly, everybody appeared to have felt tired after a long while. So, there was little or no more financial assistance for the ailing entertainer. Osofisan, as a result, became pitiably helpless surviving by divine grace, until he breathed his last recently.”

His sudden death has since grabbed the attention of close friends, admirers and highlife lovers who have been paying glowing tributes to the fallen highlife star aside lining up activities in his honour.

According to the managing director and chief executive officer of Evergreen Records, Femi Esho, “The sudden death of my late friend of many years and the greatest highlife music voice, Tunde Osofisan hit me like a thunder. I can say and maintain that no highlife musician living or dead that can match the super voice and refreshingly different one of my late friend, Tunde Osofisan until he died. Nigeria has lost a gem no doubt,”.

His sudden death which may have also hit a die hand highlife follower, Barrister Joseph Nwobike (SAN) below the belt was expressed like this, “I want to state categorically here that Nigeria has lost a fine vocalist, whose voice ability actually re-defined highlife music and dragged attention to late Roy Chicago’s band in those days. He was a front seat member of the highlife family. It is high time the government started to do something about the death of top Nigerian musicians of Tunde Osofisan’s standing. P.M.A.N should spearhead this, but unfortunately, P.M.A.N is seriously factionalized for now as far as I know. This is a pity!”

However, this close friend and M.D of Evergreen Records, Femi Esho may have taken up this role appreciatively with plans to showcase “ Tunde Oshofisan’s

Inside FCT P. 24-25

After a Nite of Songs, more activities are in the pipeline to honour Tunde Osofisan, the voice, which decorated highlife music for decades

Arty

Highlife music lovers seek honour for late Osofisan

Late Oshofisan

Nite” Wednesday at Club 68 Adeniran Ogunsanya street Surulere, Lagos. There, according to Esho, works

Femi Esho

of the late fallen highlife star will be performed and formal tributes also paid .

According to the managing director and chief executive officer of Evergreen Records, Femi Esho, “The sudden death of my late friend of many years and the greatest highlife music

voice, Tunde Osofisan hit me like a thunder.

WEEKEND STARTERS

African Futures continues

T

he African Futures Festival unfolds simultaneously in three unique editions in Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria. The Lagos edition will see a programme incorporating an interactive exhibition, lectures, music, film screenings, dance performances and a digital storytelling workshop.

Artists include writer Temitayo Amogunla; digital artist Segun Samson; a special edition of the speculative fiction magazine Omenana published by the duo Mazi Nwonwu and Chinelo Onwualu; performance artists Jelili Atiku and Segun Adefila; cinematographer and digital artist Mathaias Aragbada; electronic music artist Gboyega ‘Afrologic’ Oyedele; iMagineering Lagos, the creative technology and futurism collective; graphic designer and animator Ibrahim Ganiyu; poet and copywriter Jumoke Verissimo; graphic artist and animator John Adesanya, and science fiction writer Geoff Ryman.

Curated by Ayodele Arigbabu, the overall concept for the Lagos edition is described thus, “African Futures Lagos embarks on this journey by referencing the reality that explorations into the future are firmly situated in time which is appreciated in terms defined by memory - in a constant state of flux.

The past, the present and the future are invariably linked in memory.”

African Futures

News p. 32, 33

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

Critics P. 22-23

Friday, October 23, 2015

Flavour

Ladysmith Black Mambazo partners AFRIMA

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adysmith Black Mambazo, Diamond Platnumz, Casper Ynovest, Yemi Alade, Charlotte Dipanda, AKA, Olamide, Stanley Enow, Davido, Stonebwoy and 162 other African superstars confirmed attendance for AFRIMA 2015 in Lagos.

In celebration of African music and culture, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in league with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) has announced AFRIMA 2015 nominees and the multiple award-winning male choral group from South Africa, Ladysmith Black Mambazo to lead the invasion of over one hundred and sixty two (162) African superstars who have confirmed attendance to the 2015 AFRIMA Awards slated for Sunday, November 15 at Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Ladysmith is arguably the most decorated male group in Africa, having won multiple awards including four Grammys in 1988, 2004, 2009 and 2013 respectively. Formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960, the group had been singing together since the early 1950s. However, it was Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s collaboration with Paul Simon in 1986 for the Graceland album that brought it the much needed international acclaim.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Mirror Mongers P. 26

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Artman In The House

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

How to curb nudity in

Talented Kannywood star, Ali Nuhu, had attracted millions of fans long before he started featuring in Nollywood movies. He talks about his principles, the importance of cinema and the role of NFVCB in addressing piracy and nudity in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts:

Nuhu

Y

ou are a versatile actor; we’ve seen you assume roles from various cultures. How challenging can that be?

I have done a lot of roles either as an Igbo prince or Benin prince. As an actor if you are given a script and you intend to deliver, what is expected of you is to carry out an extensive research to be sure of what you are getting into and also, get someone from that tribe to put you through. You could even get some words that you can slip in while you are acting so you can convince the person watching you are from that part and that is what I normally do.

When I came into Nollywood, a lot of the actors, the producers and directors were very friendly, they really embraced me and that made things easier for me because they always put me through and that is why you see me interpret those roles like that.

What was the reaction of your Kannywood fans when you decided to expand your coast to Nollywoood?

Initially when I started out, there were complaints here and there because people didn’t know what they will really see before the movies are released but along the line, the movies started coming and there were some negative comments especially when it comes to kissing and bedroom scenes because of the diverse cultures and traditions that we have. The first thing I take into consideration is that I am a Muslim and Islamic actions are being judged according to intentions, this is a profession, we are only acting, it is not like it is the real thing we do it is a make believe thing so anybody who thinks we are going extra mile in the

kissing or bedroom scenes should understand that there are people there and certainly nothing will happen.

When it comes to choice of roles, I am very sensitive because I take some things into consideration. I don’t go to the extreme but then at the same time I don’t just play every role that is offered to me, I try to control that and what I try to make my fans understand is that for an actor, you are supposed to act in whatever language that you can speak or you can communicate in. If you are given a role to play in whatever language you should branch out and do that because this is what shows that you are a versatile actor.

For most of my fans they were able to understand these things and from my own part I was able to control some things so that they don’t go out of hand.

There is a lot going on in the industry right now, there seem to be a shift in the quality of productions compared to when we first started, but there is still much work to be done.

How can the industry be better improved?

A lot of things have to be put in place in the entire industry that includes Nollywood and Kannywood. I am talking about putting up things like good marketing structures. When these good marketing structures are put in place, I am

very sure these movies will make more money than they already have and when they make more money, you won’t have to tell a film maker go and perfect your job, the person on his or her own accord would go ahead to make sure he masters his job because we have the talents.

If you take a look at when the industry started out, it was more or less a trial and error venture but with time, we now have graduates from various fields of filmmaking in Nigeria. This means people have accepted filmmaking and its various field as a profession and they are ready to go for it. All we need is capital and talking about this capital, you wouldn’t say the government or an organisation must lend you money for you to do quality movie, all that is required is when you have a good marketing structure, the movies will surely turn in money and when they turn in money you will be able to perfect and make your craft better.

Are you saying the distribution framework of the Censors Board is not delivering on its mandate as it should?

Yes, indeed the censorship board did present a pattern of marketing but then if there are no structures to carry it out then it won’t be effective. For instance, you say the marketers are going to buy sales from the Censors Board, fine they pay money, you buy sales. As you are buying the sales, what guarantees are you going to give them that their jobs are not going to be pirated or if they are pirated you will stand up for them? If there is no security like that who goes for it that is the first problem.

Secondly, the movies we sell where do we go to get them from? We need to have shops or sale outlets across the country where these movies can be sold, where people can access them but if we don’t have this why will somebody go and spend their money buying sales from you and you don’t do these things for them. I think this is where issues came up and the whole thing just crashed. At the rate at which things are going in the industry, we seem not to be able to separate marketing from piracy, wherever marketing is mentioned the next word you hear is

piracy.

In your assessment what do you think could be done to cut down the menace?

In almost every country where movies are produced, pirates are there but there is a way to cut it down. If we have enough cinemas where all our movies can run in, I am sure this whole piracy saga can be cut down. Before the movies go out and gets pirated or before people go to the theatre to dub, a lot of people must have watched these movies in the cinema and when they watch these movies in the cinema, the distributors get their profits, they get royalties, they pay the producers and everything is settled but when you don’t have sufficient cinemas because presently these movies run In just a few cinemas, they will be forced to be taken out of the cinema before everybody goes to watch it why, because other movies are on the pipeline waiting. When you take the movie out of the cinema before you know it you want to put it on DVD and putting it on that DVD is giving room to the pirates; that is the problem.

If there is any organisation that is interested in undertaking marketing of Nigerian movies generally, I am talking about Nollywood, Kannywood, I think what they should put in place is cinemas. For instance we have in-house cinemas there is Ozone, there is Silverbird but we need to build more structures at different places. When you talk about northern Nigeria, Kano is the only place that has just one cinema. A multiplex with about six halls is not enough for northern Nigeria because people of the north have had the cinema culture even before now so I think we need more cin-

The first thing I take into consideration is that I am a Muslim and Islamic actions are being judged according to intentions; this is a profession, we are only acting, it is not like it is the real thing With kids

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 23, 2015

Artman In The House

our films –Ali Nuhu

Nuhu

emas. Not until we get more cinemas we will not be able to talk about tackling this piracy issue.

But with the issue of insecurity and people trying to avoid crowded places, the cinema culture seems to be dwindling especially in the North or don’t you think so?

Security wise everybody is conscious and everybody is careful about where to go and what to do but when we talk about multiplexes, multiplexes are mostly located in malls and these malls are highly secured, there is a very good security system there so I don’t think we have a problem going to the cinema in Nigeria.

If you take a look at our cultural norms in the industry and the age-long stance of the Censors Board, there seems to be a defect. Recently, there have been some Indian Hausa translations and those films contain some unprintable scenes.

As a professional, does it in any way affect your mode of distribution?

Those Indian movies that are translated in Hausa, they are dubbed in Hausa.

I wouldn’t really say they affect us directly but talking about the Kano state censorship board, there is a new executive secretary which I think is going to make things better. It is a thing of worry that your own home made movies come

you don’t pass them because a lady is wearing a jean trouser but when an Indian movie is brought that is translated in Hausa and the lady wears a bikini, it passes. What were you shying away from, nakedness, nakedness is right there so why don’t you take that into consideration but when you talk they will tell you they are Indians that is their tradition.

That is not Indian tradition, tell them to do Indian tradition and bring to you, that is what I think should happen. It is really a problem when it comes to that, it is like you are not encouraging your own people, for instance people produce 100 movies and then you decide to cut it into 50 movies then the industry begins to face a problem because people go out of work, secondly when these movies are dubbed, go into the market people buy them and the rate at which they buy them affects the quantities of our own home-made movies people buy. So the question is, are you promoting your own or are you trying to demote their own?

What advice would you proffer?

Ask these people to get a permit from the owners of these jobs because I know what it takes to get the rightful ownership of a movie, sound dubbing it and releasing it. If they do the normal thing they do, you won’t get more than ten or five of such films in a year released into the market.

Nudity has become a big issue in the Nigerian film industry, even from the posters we see indecent exposure yet children watch these films. How best can this issue be addressed?

There are no quality movies where you have such things but you see, the industry is dissected in its own way. When you watch such kind of movies, look at the faces in the movies they are not the faces you want to see in movies. What I will advise the National Film and Video Censors Board to do is to really take that into consideration because take it or leave it, movies influence what the society does. The way people dress; they look at what actors wear in movies and they say they want to copy from them so automatically even little kids will tell you I have seen this person praying in this film I want to pray so if that person makes love in that film they will tell like to make love because they want to have a taste of what that person has done. Honestly it is a thing of worry the Censors Board should do something about it.

At some point, most Nigerians especially ladies, preferred Gollywood movies to Nigerian films, would you say that is still the case?

They used to but I don’t think that it is existing presently because the advantage Gollywood movies had was that they started out the new pattern of movies, movies we make for cinema before Nigerians picked up but presently, Nigerians are into serious cinema kind of movies, for instance we have October 1, 30 Days in Atlanta, The Meeting and a host of other movies. These are movies that are good for consumption for anybody, any home,

21

With multiple-award winning filmmaker, Obi Emelonye.

you can take your family to the theatre to watch because they are the right kind of movies we should be making. Maybe if you go to the cinema frequently you will testify that the preference for Gollywood movies is no longer in existence; it used to be.

How do you manage scandals?

Scandals are always a part of the profession whether you are a footballer,

musician, athlete or an actor; it is a part of the whole thing. What you should try to do is keep your head low, let your job do the talking. Do a good job leave and the audience to decide for you, you don’t have to go into twitter or Instagram war with your colleagues to make your presence felt. That is what I will advise celebrities to do, that is what I normally adopt.

With colleagues AA Shariff and Adam Zango

When it comes to choice of roles, I am very sensitive because I take some things into consideration. I don’t go to the extreme but then at the same time I don’t just play every role that is offered to me

22

Critics

THEATRE

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Love of a mother

For theatre to endure, multinationals need to support, much like Unilever did with Wole Oguntokun’s play to re-launch their product.

Ngozi Emedolibe

T

hose who gathered at the MUSON Centre some time ago to see Wole Oguntokun’s play, As Pure as a Mother’s Love, sponsored by Unilever must have left the venue, with an encounter with one word: steadfastness. Every aspect of the event- brand (Vaseline Petroleum jelly) to the theme, (a mother’s love), to the writer and director (Wole Oguntokun)-all had underlying slant of steadfastness. This is the more reason why Unilever should be thanked amply for tapping into this ideal. This is also the reason why more companies should support the theatre by embarking on endeavour like that.

As Pure as a Mother’s Love actually came with all the entrapments expected of a play with such a title. It is the story of Anike, a teenage university undergraduate. She is passionate about having all the fun she can get in school, attending parties, wearing designer apparels, buying the latest models of phones and hanging out with her friends into the

FILM

night. But all these demeanours would always be criticised by her mother. While her mother is being over-protective of Anike as her only child, Anike feels it is a sign of hatred.

This often sets them on collision course at home, where they would never

agree on any issue without an argument.

The mother, always frustrated by Anike’s position would however be comforted by her husband, who always comes up with the excuse that Anike is just being her age.

Anike’s string of rude traits would

Preaching agriculture

Yellow Cassava is a movie aimed at entertaining and informing Nigerians on how they can derive their essential dietary needs from a root crop.

Amara Iwuala ‘

Y

Stage play

ellow Cassava’ stars Nigeria’s top actors Segun Arinze, Monalisa Chinda, Chidi Mokeme and Emeka Ossai, among others is aimed at informing and entertaining Nigerians on how they can improve their diets and health. Vero (Monalisa Chinda) is an Agricultural Extension worker, who has been sent to a rural area to sensitize the populace on the bountiful yield of yellow cassava as well as its health benefits. Her fiancé, Dan (Chidi Mokeme), will have none of that; but this is a no-brainer for the young lady, leading to untold conflicts in their relationship. In Amuro, the village where she is working, she also faces a lot of opposition from Chief Blacki (Segun Arinze) and Chief Dr. Okpu (Emeka ‘Torino’ Ojukwu).

Topical issues like the need for a malechild in many African societies, office politics, blackmail and physical-cumpsychological attack are subtly visited in this film. For instance, a woman with grown-up children continues to conceive solely because she is searching for a male

child, the only way she can be assured of her place in her husband’s house! The truck full of cassava heightens believability. The film’s location is well chosen.

In fact, the movie reminds one of visiting the hinterland.

The Yellow Cassava brilliantly advocates urban-rural migration rather than the opposite. The screenwriter must be commended for creating Dr. Zack (played

by Emeka Ossai), the character who gives Vero the moral support that helps her to live in Amuro. It would have been difficult for Vero to cope with the attacks by the agents of her adversaries save for Zack, a medical doctor, who chooses to ply his trade in his community of origin.

It is not difficult to see why people, especially the youth, scorn the idea of living in rural areas: the roads are very muddy or dusty, depending on the season of the year; the houses are very unattractive; there is no potable water, etc.

Why didn’t the viewers see the high yield yellow cassava?

People

have seen bigger yields from cassava than

So, one expects the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to look into the problems that rural dwellers contend with.

It is unusual to see a movie that employs intrigues and irony in telling a story built around cassava, of all subjects. Zeb Ejiro returns with this didactic project, which is a big leap for him/his team in particular and Nollywood in general: a business concern (Harvest Plus) believes that films; of which The Yellow Cassava is one; are veritable tools in educating the public on the benefits of their products. Refreshing.

Then, one also sees government involvement in the project as the President’s name is mentioned along with his programme in Agriculture; a good Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for Nollywood and the concerned film-makers.

A number of awkward matters arise in The Yellow Cassava. There is too much emphasis on cassava, which is haranguing. One had expected to hear other sources of Vitamin A; but because products made from cassava are staple foods; emphases would then have been laid on these cassava products.

Why didn’t the viewers see the high yield yellow cassava? People have seen bigger yields from cassava than Vero shows the villagers during her work-

continue until one fateful day when she returns at midnight to meet her father waiting for her. He confronts her, willing to correct as usual. It is settled and he urges her to come and read a newspaper with him. But Anike, is more interested in asking for money to attend Keri Hil-

shops. After she mentions the President’s promise to supply the rural farmers with machines, we expected to see her demonstrate this practically. Instead, she goes back to drudgery, using farm implements in her farm.

Vero repeatedly says ‘the yellow specie of cassava’. Species is both the singular and plural form of the word. Again, one also hopes that the reason Vero settles for the guy she finally marries will be evident when one sees the whole film. *Iwuala is a Nigerian journalist and blogger

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, October 23, 2015

Of course, the play is one of

Wole Oguntokun’s classics, and draws

23

BOOK

Davido’s Dodo

its highpoints from having all the emotions a standard play should have

son’s show holding in Nigeria!

This would however be the last time Anike’s father would correct her or interfere in her matters. He dies that night as a result of heart attack, leaving the family heartbroken. The worst news comes the next day that he did not leave anything for inheritance.

The biggest challenge for Anike is how to complete her education and continue with the kind of life she is used to. The mother, confronted by this challenge takes up menial jobs to be able to raise money for her final examinations in school, yet that was not enough, which prompts her to contact the family lawyer who brings a money lender. She gets a loan but had to part with a gold trinket handed down to her from three generations earlier!

When it was time to pay, she fails to raise the money and the money lender takes possession of the gold trinket. On graduation, Anike comes face to face with the facts of how her mother raised the funds to pay her final fees in school and she could not help but break down in tears. Of course, she pleads for forgiveness and the mother is magnanimous to accept.

This portion, of course, illustrates that the love of a mother can be pure and accommodating.

Of course, the play is one of Wole Oguntokun’s classics, and draws its highpoints from having all the emotions a standard play should have: suspense, comedy, tragedy and even poetry. The acting was also on point and commendations must be given to the director for championing the course of theatre in a dull economy as the Nigerian landscape avails. Unilever must also be commended for pioneering branding from the standpoint of theatrics, which is quite innovative and deep in conveying the message. Other conglomerates must give this a shot, because the decision to buy in a competitive market could be concluded on a platter of emotions.

As Pure as a Mother’s Love was however flawed on two fronts: stage lighting and music. In terms of lighting, one would forgive them however, realising that the hall doubled as a corporate environment for a product launch as well, but the use of the songs of Phil Collins and Madonna amongst other foreign artistes is a copious violation of copyrights. Incidentally, no credit was accorded them in any form.

In spite of this, the play was able to reinforce that a mother’s love can be deep and accommodating.

Scene in Dodo

He has consistently proven that he has what it takes to stay relevant in the very competitive music business. His latest effort, Dodo is a proof.

Imoleayo Fatunase

E

ven with the large crowd in the entertainment industry, Davido took some reasonable good time to bring out the tune for the rest of the year, the popularly called O.B.O meaning Omo Baba Olowo has been in the leading category in the music industry right from the time of his first single, he started music far back from the time of the early stage of Wizkid and Olamide in the music industry.

It has every chance to become a big song due its rhythmic nature;

it’s very danceable for people who want to roll their waists

The popularly known as Baddest release his single titled ‘Dodo’ alongside the video with for the song. Well notable for making best hit, arranged videos and explanatory dramas in his music videos took a very dramatic step to put this video together for his fans. The old school style adopted in the video is not bad, as it takes people back to the former old way of life. The song applies both to the young and old people; I was really amazed about his choice of Video Vixen; chubby and mighty in size. Dodo can be translated to be a plantain which tastes so sweet and tasty but to my surprise am not really sure the the top video vixen is a sweet as the song describes her to be though choices differs from each other.

Dodo actually should be referred to as the part two of Davido single Aye that came into the waves in 2014 creating a catchy atmosphere for its self.

After the long wait for Davido to bring out another hit single and his anticipated sophomore album, Dodo was released on the 21st September 2015 and fashioned for multi-listening.

Dodo started in a very interesting way with the song intro that defines all what the story of the song is all about, Anyway compared to standard that a music video should meet up to, Dodo still fit in for half mark because of the well arrangement of the scenes in a funny mode but can actually still suppose to be worked on to meet up the high standard of the song, the video

was packaged in a manner that you will be salivated to ask for more even when the video has stopped playing.

Assuming the song was produced by the former director who directs AYE, and then the two songs will be twins from birth. Dodo remains an illustration about Davido becoming a victim of love as he fell in the wrong pit of lover as a result of the love portion poured in his drink at the restaurant where he went to drink with his friends, I think that’s a message for Nigeria men to be careful about what and where they drink o, I applaud for Davido for this sermon packaged for our men, if you don’t want to fall into the wrong, please be careful.

It has every chance to become a big song due its rhythmic nature, it’s very danceable for people who wants to roll the waists, the song opens the thirst for Davido album in 2016, am very sure the fans cannot wait for the album to be released ,as has been buzzing all year around for the perfection of his singles,. His soon to be released album, The Baddest, is the most anticipated of 2016. The chorus and melody of the song definitely makes listeners carried away not noticing the lyrics that are lacking. The song is highly infectious as you tend to remember it every time in your memory, he wastes no time dropping the single and the video, the amazing, creative and humorous video was directed by Adasa Cookey and produced by Kiddominant with the label; HKN Music.

24

Inside FCT

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Abuja: Beautiful city, bad roads

Regina Otokpa

A

buja, the federal capital territory indeed is a beautiful city with good road network, beautiful estates and mansions at different locations within and outside the main city.

It is every body’s dream to live in Abuja, own a piece of land or better still, build a house or houses as the case maybe however at some locations, there have been an issue that affects both the poor and rich, bad roads.

In the FCT, over 50% of the roads especially within the suburbs, are in a terrible shape. Residents are forced to dance unwillingly to the tune of the road either in a car or on bike as many become impassable as the rain continues to descend.

These kind of roads are found at different parts of the FCT including Kubwa, Dawaki, lugbe, bwari, karu, lokogoma, galadinmawa to mention but a few. Where the roads are not ridden with pot holes which in some cases are death traps, the roads are either too rough or too narrow which in most cases, are responsible for accidents or traffic gridlock.

To this effect, residents across the FCT have continued to lament the negligence by the government and relevant authorities in fixing bad roads within the city.

Nathaniel Otote lives at prince and princess estate in the heart of Abuja, as royally as the name sounds, the road leading into the estate from the main road is nothing to write home out, worse still, some roads within the estate itself are too terrible to ply.

Speaking to Inside FCT, he said “when

Abuja Airport Road

I first moved in here, the road wasn’t too good but at the same time, it wasn’t as bad as this. The houses here are not cheap, yet we struggle each day to go out and come in.”

Ngozi Alansa who also lives in the estate lamented the situation they found themselves in saying “we pay service charges every year, depending on the compound, we are talking about N85, 000 or N65,000. That apart, we were even made to pay money for the road to be repaired yet, nothing is still not being done about it.”

Kasim Mohammed, a resident at Dawaki says “there is no road here at dawaki at all, the roads are so bad that when you are on bike you will be scared of the worst happening with just a little

mistake from the bike man.”

Greg lives at lokogoma, he notes that “it is a terrible situation, I am forced to dance Shoki about 15 minutes on this very rough road each time imply it. Government should brace up and do something about it please.”

The situation at byazhin across within kubwa is not any better, according to Jacob Adah, there were days when residents get stuck in traffic jam for hours due to the poor condition of the road.

He added that “this road has caused quite a number of accidents, there’s a point where you find a dangerous slope.

During the rainy season it’s a risk descending and ascending it because the road gets all slippery but we have to take that risk of living here even with all that

because not everybody can afford to rent houses outside here due to the high rent, besides, majority of us here own the houses.

“Government should play their part, getting the people good roads is also part of securing human lives. They keep complaining no money yet billions are stolen every day. It is their responsibility, they should stop shying away from it.”

“Chinonye Alumona told inside FCT that it was a shame to see roads getting bad and not being fixed but left to deteriorate.

“When these roads start getting bad, instead of government to do the needful, they sit back with folded hands and gradually the roads get to the point where everybody starts begging them to come fix the road as if they would listen and address it.

“For me I think the roads are not being addressed because there is always a row over whose responsibility it is to fix a particular road. You will hear its federal government road, federal government would say it is the responsibility of the FCT to fix the road and FCT would reject it saying it is the council’s responsibility.

“Take a good look at the roads to Bwari, even the road leading to the secretariat is nothing to write home about.

This is a part of Abuja where we have JAMB office and the Abuja law school.

What will it cost to grade the road and pour laterite for easy access?

“Before we can make head way on this issue, the responsibilities need to be spelt out so that both federal, FCT and local government councils would know which road is their responsibility and which is not else, we will continue to live in this agony,” she added.

…Bwari is mirror of dilapidation Doosuur Iwambe

T

he Federal Capital Terrritory (FCT), which has been marked with horrible tales of demolition by successive governments in their bid to restore the master plan, may likely spend more than five decades waiting for a stroke of luck to address the infrastructure deficit in the city.

Apart from the dilapidated road network linking most of the satellite towns, accessibility to potable water is still a mirage as many residents depend on local water vendors popularly known as Mai’ruwa, for their daily water needs who mostly fetch from commercial bore hole operators or broken pipes close to drainages.

Bwari Area Council is a true reflection of under-development and neglect as major roads are littered with filths, while the drainages have been submerged as a result of broken items and refuse generated by the residents.

Though few access roads were constructed, a good number of them have remained dilapidated despite the presence

of Bwari Law School, the Joint Matriculation Examination Board (JAMB) office and several other government colleges in the area. One would have expected that with the presence of these notable institutions in the area, the basic amenities will be made available for residents but that has been a far cry.

A resident of Garam in Bwari area council, Mr. Solomon Mbok wondered why successive administrations have ignored the development of satellite towns, insisting that the grassroots contributed greatly towards the development of the country through agriculture.

He pleaded with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise the development of satellite towns as part of his administrations agenda,

stressing that such move would likely attract more investors into the city.

Terna Atom, a resident of Kubwa Village in Bwari Area Council said that the state of the drainages and roads are “nothing to write home about.”

Atom said the road within the community is “extremely bad” and urged the area council to do something about it, adding that, “those within the community are not helping matters; some people connect their toilet pipe to the already bad drainage system.”

Another resident of the area, Mr. Francis Lalong, a civil servant, alleged that the area council authority had not fulfilled its promise of renovating the drainages.

“Bwari Area Council authorities

Bwari Area Council is a true reflection of under-development and neglect as major roads are littered with filths, while the drainages have been submerged as a result of broken items and refuse generated by the residents.

ushafa village in Bwari

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Inside FCT

Friday, October 23, 2015

25

Ministerial list worries Abuja indigenes

Total Transformation unites Abuja youths

Adeola Tukuru

S

O

riginal inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which comprises of Gbagyi, Gwandara, Gade, Koro, Bassa, Ganagana among others have expressed dismay on its non inclusion in the ministerial nominees calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to include one of their people on his list.

According to them such a gesture would demonstrate to them that they are bona fide Nigerians. “When our able PMB releases his ministerial nominees, we look forward to seeing an FCT original inhabitant among them.

Inside FCT, who sampled the opinions of indigenes, the Secretary of Kpaduma community, Simon Baba Yerima, lamented that “We have no other state to claim as our own apart from FCT”.

To buttress their standpoint, Yerima cited Part II of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, as amended in 2004, which provides that “no person shall lay claim to more than one State or to a State and the Federal Capital Territory.”

The section further defines the indigene of FCT as “a Nigerian citizen, other than by naturalization, who cannot lay claim to any State of the Federation,” or “is a person born in the Federal Capital Territory and whose descendents lived in the area presently constituting the Federal Capital Territory before 26 February, 1976 and has continued to reside in the Federal Capital Territory after that date.”

He urged President Buhari to strictly follow the criteria set out by this provision when selecting appointees to represent the FCT in the Federal Executive Council as well as the Federal Boards,

Protesting women

Departments and Agencies.

According to him, the original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who have no other State they could call their own except the FCT have since the inception of the Territory nearly 40 years ago been denied their privileges and rights guaranteed under the Constitution and the FCTA Act as amended.

However, with the return to power of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, aka PMB, a leader with outstanding integrity and will power, we are hopeful.

Also , an Abuja indigene, Hon Bala Iyan , expressed their confidence in President Buhari as a courageous, competent, incorruptible and patriotic leader who would actualize the expectations and hope of the FCT original inhabitants.

He explained that such an appointment would not only bring about even development to the Federal Capital Territory but also give its indigenous people a sense of belonging.

“Since Abuja became the Federal Capi-

tal of Nigeria no indigene has ever functioned as Minister. According to him, it was time the federal government took this into consideration in the appointment of FCT minister.

“There are eminent and qualified Abuja indigenes to occupy the position and we are optimistic that they will perform excellently,” he said. “Having a qualified indigene as FCT minster will no doubt bring true development to the city since they know where the shoe is pinching them. Since Abuja became the federal capital, there have been 15 ministers and none of them is a native of the FCT. It seems as if they are being marginalised.”

“There is no section in the country’s constitution excluding an FCT indigene from being appointed FCT minister and the fact that the indigenes have no other home, there is a need for them to be fully carried along in the country’s affairs, like their brothers and sisters in the Niger Delta region.”

Since Abuja became the Federal Capital of Nigeria no indigene has ever functioned as Minister should please come to our rescue. I find it extremely difficult to stroll out whenever it rains because of the bad condition of the road, as you can see it is in a very bad state,” he said.

Another resident, who identified herself as Mrs. Sandra Abalaka, corroborated Atom’s position, adding that the drainage system needs attention.

Mrs. Abalaka said she has decided to leave the area “because of this whole mess.”

Mr. Olakunle Gbenga, a motorist and shop owner in the area, said the roads have been deplorable since he moved there, adding: “It has not been easy for me as a car owner because the road is in a very bad shape.

“Most times when it rains, the roads are not passable. I park my car very far

away and trek down to my shop, which is not supposed to be so.”

While appealing to the area council authorities to come to their aid, he also identified high rent charges as another major challenge facing residents of the area.

On her part, Mrs. Mbahunan Zungu, a trader in the area who aligned herself with the position of Gbenga said: “This road na our major challenge here, e no good.”

She also identified the location of the only government primary school in the area, saying: “The school dey inside bush and dem no fence am.”

Similarly, a commercial motorcyclist in the area, Mr. Umar Abubakar, urged the government to come to the aid of the residents, saying: “Government should

enior Pastor of Peculiar Christ Chapel, a model branch of the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Dakibiyu District, Kubwa Branch, Abuja has called on Nigerians home and abroad to give change a chance by supporting the effort of the present administration to make the difference.

The clergy made this call during a thanksgiving service held on Sunday October 4 to conclude a five day (5) days annual convention of the church tagged Limitless Possibilities Convention, with the theme: Total Transformation.

“This is no doubt the moment we have been waiting for as a nation. President Mohammadu Buhari cannot do it alone.

He needs you. He needs me. He needs all of us. Election has come and gone, so we must now put all hands on deck and ensure that the President succeed. We must give change a chance.”

He added that, rather than finding fault in every action of the president, the entire Christendom should rally around him. “The President and his men need our prayers. They need the wisdom of God to be able to govern well. They need the guidance of God to succeed. Their success is our success and their failure, our failure.”

The five day convention which commenced on Wednesday September 20th and ended on Sunday October 4, to mark the second anniversary of the Church featured anointed ministers of God such as Pastor Olawale Oluyombo and Pastor Olabode Ayeni of the Redeemed Christian Church of God; and Pastor Ishaya Gorahson Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Shammah Assembly Model Parish, Kaduna among others.

A major highlight of this year’s convention was the Youth Parley, an interactive session which saw about hundred young Nigerians pour out their minds on what they think is the way forward for the nation in this new order. The focus of the interactive session, which Pastor Ogundipe described as ‘an important aspect of the convention’ was to help the Nigerian youths identify their place in the new order, hence the topic: the place of Christian youths in an emerging society/order.

look into the plight of the people.”

Also speaking in a similar vein, Mr. Edeh Ejike lamented the inability of government to take care of the area, wondering if it is because of the poor people that live in the area. Mr. Ejike described the state of the road as “bad” and appealed to the Federal government to construct good roads and provide other social amenities that will make life more comfortable for people of the area.

Another resident, Mr. Oliver Nwanere, who spoke with annoyance, described the condition of the area as “unbearable,” urging the government to provide roads and streetlights to give the people of the area a sense of belonging.

He maintained that with the situation of the area, security of the people is at risk.

26

Mirror Mongers

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Go and die’ again S omething needs to be done about the demeanour of our governors.

This is because the phrase ‘Go and Die’ is becoming rampant amongst them.

Rewind to several months ago when the Governor of Edo State, a comrade at that, had an encounter with a desperate widow hustling to sell her few wares on the streets of Benin and how the governor was so infuriated that he told the widow to ‘go and die’.

Now the same phrase resurfaced again at the weekend when Oshiomhole’s colleague, Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State had

a brush with some of his critics, who are perturbed by his choice of commissioners. The governor pointedly told his critics to climb the mountain in Kaduna and take a ‘dive’ onto the hard earth and die!

Of course, the syndrome is causing a lot of ripples in the polity. It has also enlarged the kingdom of critics for Nasir el Rufai; They are wondering why such utterances should come from an elected executive. Now this calls to question on the need for politicians to enroll in schools to mould the way they handle their emotions.

Akute road

Amosun versus Akute traders

T

ruth is that everyone knows what is bad and what is good, which is why something has to be done to clarify issues about the state of roads in the Akute-Alagbole axis of Ogun State bordering Lagos. A few weeks ago, some adhoc rehabilitation of the roads kicked off with tractors deployed to excavate and grade the very dilapidated roads. This brought temporary respite, which has inadver-

tently pitched the traders against the local politicians.

Now some local politicians supporting the governor claim the renovation was done by the government while the traders are telling everyone that they contributed money to rehabilitate the roads. They did not stop there; they are also daring the governor to make a statement about this. MM can only watch and wait…or is it the other way?

2019 resonates in Imo

P

El-Rufai

Cossy sef

I

n Germany, Cossy Orjiakor was everywhere with her something, you know. But this is not about that.

Of course, it is always difficult to predict what Cossy Orjiakor is up to at every point in time. In course of her career, she has bared her boobs, (without the nipples though according to her), she has offered to become a marriage counselor for couples with marital issues and now she is raising hell about ‘small boys’ begging her to become their sugar mummy online. In a recent post, she mentioned that several boys are asking her to be their sugar mummy and in her usual demanour, she also came out with the conditions for those wishing to be a pupil under her tutelage. According to her, the boy must know how to wash her ‘undies’, cook breakfast and of course, keep her house tidy.

oliticians will not rest. Here is the latest about an election that is four years away. Following speculations in some quarters that the Executive Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha has tipped Sir Jude Ejiogu and Chief Uche Nwosu as Governorship Candidate and running mate for the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Sec-

Cossy

Qa

ONE-SECOND &

With

Ngozi OkonjoIweala

Okoroacha

How do I answer that question? OK, listen to what I have to say on corruption. And I think I have quite a bit to say.

I wrote a book recently where I also had a whole chapter on that issue called, “Reforming the Unreformable.”

uption in your There is a huge problem with corr country? corruption.

Nigeria does have a problem with uding deincl es, ntri And so do many other cou when that fact the veloped countries. I don’t like thing t nex the , eria people mention the name Nig they say is corruption. r to help block What we’ve said is that in orde w, stop any atkno any leakages and help to, you ies, we must mon ng tempts at corruption or taki ance peodist t mus We build electronic platforms. ple from the money. by the World These things were recommended the World at k wor to Bank and the IMF. I used Bank.

retary to the Government of Imo State (SGI), Mr. Ikenna Onuoha has described the rumour as not only baseless and false, but a figment of the imagination of the peddlers.

The media aide maintained that in reacting to the story, there was need to correct the impression over the actions of some individuals and newspapers in the state who go about spreading shocking and unfounded stories that do not have any basis, with a view to deceiving the general public or causing confusion in the state for no just cause, saying that peddlers of such rumour were too cheap to have allowed their personal interests to occupy their sense of judgment.

The SGI Media Aide while thanking the newspapers for recognizing the clean records of Sir Jude Ejiogu in any position he finds himself, regretted that they decided to publish speculation that was neither here nor there, and advised them to leave the SGI alone to concentrate on his duties, as he has not made any secret or public statement concerning his political interest in 2019.

MM wonders how many dividends of democracy the Imolites have seen so far

Friday, October 23, 2015 9 Muharram 1437AH

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

Call to Worship

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

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

We must be united –Sultan tells Muslims

A

clarion call has gone to all Muslims, in Nigeria and all over the world, to be united irrespective of the organization they belong to.

Giving the advice was His eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and Supreme leader of Nigeria Muslims, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, when the Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, Dr. Mashuud Fashola and members of the National Executive Council, Aamila, visited the Sultan in his palace. He specially stressed the need for unity among Muslims in Nigeria in the quest for propagating the true teachings of Islam.

The historic visit is coming as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria is set to celebrate 100 years in the country.

Dr. Fashola used the occasion to brief the Sultan on the numerous achievements of the Islamic organisation in the areas of preaching true Islamic teachings, educational, health services and other humanitarian gestures among others.

This is the second visit of the Ahmadiyya leadership to the Sultan. He equally praised the remarkable efforts of the jamaat. The Ahmadiyya leadership had earlier visited the Secretary General of the council, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede and other principal staff during which Islamic pub- His eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and Supreme leader of Nigeria Muslims, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, when the Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim lications were donated to the council’s library. Jamaat Nigeria, Dr. Mashuud Fashola and members of the National Executive Council, Aamila, visited the Sultan in his palace

Necessity of Government

I

t is (certainly) known that if it were not for the power of rulers no person would have been safe in his own house, let alone in the wilderness. Nor would it be permissible for any person to collect tax and the interest of the public would not been preserved. For these reasons it becomes necessary to appoint a Supreme Leader and his deputies such as the Prime Minister, the Governor and the judge in all the regions may be maintained, and the proper order of the entire world be established. If it were not for the authority of sate, many people would have been killed before they could kill a single man who is legally condemned to death when they seek to obtain their rights from each other without a force to protect them.

The organization of State Affairs The leader must also organized his state to serve the interest of his people by having civil servants to manage (state affairs) and men of wisdom to give advice. He must have scribes and accountants to take care of the treasury. He must have envoys, spies, guards… and scholars to serve as guides. He must have governors to collects taxes; honest person

Ensuring quality education for our girls 28

(udul) to serve as witnesses; muhtasibs to inspect and collect weights and measures; policemen to keep law and order, judges to settle disputes; mediators to reconcile between the rulers and the ruled; zakat agents to collect zakat due to Allah and viziers who fear no one but Allah.

It is the duty of every Governor to endeavor his utmost in seeking the best of official from the different classes of men because he needs a group of them for consultation and advice, a group for the direction of war, a group for the conduct of war, a group to protect him, a group for elegance and pride, a group for propaganda and praise, a group for writing, a group for prayer and solemnity and a group for knowledge, exegesis, and the protection of (religion), the basis of the community. A ruler could not really established his power without full presence of all these types (of men).

Appointment of Trustworthy officials The most important condition for a governor is that he should appoint for the care of state affairs such persons who have seriousness, truth and hon-

Cold war at homes 29

esty. The appointment should be based on piety not on emotion. The basis of government and the fundamental prerequisite for any office is not to appoint a person who seeks and covets the appointment. AlBukkari told in his Sahih on the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash ari that he (Abu Musa) said “I came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and give him peace, with a man. When we saluted him y friend said: O Messenger of Allah appoint me to an office. Whereupon the Prophet of Allah, may Allah bless him and give him peace, said: “We do not appoint for our office those who seek them.”

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

Give Buhari time to restore sanity –Banire 29

Call to Worship

28

9 Muharram 1437AH Friday, October 23, 2015

Ensuring quality education for our girls

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s the activities commemorating this year’s International Day of the Girl Child ended on Tuesday with the investiture of Mrs. Aisha Buhari the wife of the Nigerian President as the Grand Patron, High Level Women Advocates for Girls Education in Nigeria during an advocacy visit of fifty adolescent girls to her, it is a thing of joy that the wife of the President promised to advocate publicly for legislation against child marriage.

Of course, everything possible must be done to encourage parents to educate all their children especially the girl-child.

When some people feel that educating their girls will ‘liberate and spoil’ them, they must know that illiteracy can actually destroys people’s lives.

It will be good to know that

the 2013 National Demographic Health Survey shows that there are about 20 million adolescent girls in Nigeria with very low education rates among them.

In Nigeria 60% of the 10.5million children out of school are girls. Data indicate that among other factors one reason for low enrolment and retention of girls in schools especially in the north is the lack of female teachers in the rural areas.

This must be looked into for how do we get the female teachers if we won’t educate our girls.

With the theme of “The Power of the Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030”, governments at all levels and parents must support UNICEF and other partners’ initiatives aimed at transforming and empowering adolescent girls to overcome all challenges that affect their lives and inhibit

THE PLATFORM with

This must be

Sekinah Lawal

looked into for how do we get the

female teachers if we

won’t educate our girls their prospects of advancement.

In response to this, UNICEF with funding from the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and counterpart funding from five participating states started the Girls’ Education Project.

The Girls’ Education Project

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t: 08055102994 e: sakinah207@yahoo.com Phase 3(GEP3) aims to achieve one million enrolment of girls into school by the end of the year 2020.

The project is currently running in five Northern States of Nigeria: Bauchi, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto and Zamfara. Since implementation commenced in 2012, the project has contributed to the enrolment of additional 360,000 girls in primary schools in the five states.

It must be noted that young girls who are educated are better placed to improve their own

and their children’s health and chances of survival, and boost their work prospects”, said Jean Gough UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Investing in high quality girls’ education, prepare girls for life, jobs, and leadership. It directly translates into the girls being powerful and positive change agents of development.

Therefore, as we are giving them the needed moral and religious training, all hands must be on deck at ensuring that our girls receive quality education.

UMA holds 26th Annual Congress

T

he 26th Annual Congress of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni Association, UMA, with the theme: “Promoting a value-centered UMA. Our collective responsibility”; and Barr. Saadullah Ayoku Hamzat as the Keynote Speaker; will insha-Allah hold at the Islamic Center Hall of the University of Lagos Central Mosque Akoka, Lagos on Yawm Al-Ahad 12th Muharram 1437 A.H. (Sunday, 25th October, 2015)

starting from 11.00 am to 2:00 pm.

Apart from the usual businesses of the day, issues to be deliberated upon include the UMA at 30 anniversary celebrations programme, 2015/2016 Year UMA national programmes, investments and business development opportunities for members among others. Members are expected to attend promptly and join hands in moving the Ummah forward.

Revive a Sunnah ...A virtous fasting week is here Alhaja Damilola and Alhaji Surajudeen Olanrewaju with their daughter, Adetoun and her husband, AbdulLateef Shonibare, during their wedding recently.

• Thursday 22 October 2015 / 8 Muharram 1437 - Thursday sunnah fasting • Friday 23 October 2015 / 9 Muharram 1437 - The day before Aashura • Saturday 24 October 2015 / 10 Muharram 1437 - The day of Aashura • Sunday 25 October 2015 / 11 Muharram 1437 - the day after Aashura • Monday 26 October 2015 / 12 Muharram 1437 - Monday sunnah fasting

L-R: VC, Federal University, Lafia, Prof. Brain Ekanem, 1st Lady, Nasarawa State, Hajia Salamatu Tanko Al-Makura; Deputy Governor’s wife, Hajia Jumai Agara; President, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole at the National Executive Council meeting of NAWOJ/UNESCO workshop nn on Gender and Leadership Training in Nasarawa.

Zakat Is 2.5% Of Your Total Wealth, Known As Nisab. After Having Fulfilled All obligations, pay your zakat

• Tuesday 27 October 2015 / 13 Muharram 1437 - First of the white monthly days • Wednesday 28 October 2015 / 14 Muharram 1437 - Second of the white monthly days • Thursday 29 October 2015 / 15 Muharram 1437 - Third of the white monthly days

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cold war at homes

T

he phenomenon of cold war could exist in a home.

War is not ordinarily expected in a home. There are two types of war – physical and nonphysical. This latter is the cold war. In some homes, physical war is a regular feature. The husband is either punching the wife or she is sending missile of curses or abuses. The children become spectators. But while they were fiancé and fiancés that never occurred! Is it not better then to remain as so for life?

On the other hand, it could be a war where conversations become monosyllable or by sign-language.

The husband is terribly boiling within himself; “what kind of wife is this, she can’t understand simple things.” he will say. The wife on the other hand, will be asking “what have I done that is wrong?”

Have you heard of the strange husband? He will not talk or discuss with his wife. He speaks in monotones. He will not teach children what to do but roars at them when they err that they have learnt to be dumb with their sharp ears whenever he is around, doing things he wants

Call to Worship

Friday, October 23, 2015 9 Muharram 1437AH

Your own life should depict humility. You should live simply like an ordinary person. Train your children to live humbly too.

Do deliberately deny

them some luxurious things to make them appreciate the less privileged ones not because they are convinced.

They will never raise any issue or ask him anything. Only in their mother do they repose their trust and ask everything. She is the messenger they send to their father to even buy ordinary pencil!

Only the wife sees the wrong steps the children are taking. All is well with him as he is never mindful.

Apart from the problem of cold war in a home, another is the prosperity or poverty of Islamic understanding or physical cash.

A Muslim home could be rich or poor. It is rich when couples understand Islaam and act accordingly. It is poor when either lacks the real practice of Islaam. The other side

of richness is the material aspect.

The setting of a home will always be one of four. It may be a rich husband, rich wife; rich husband, poor wife; poor husband, rich wife; poor husband, poor wife. All these have their positive and negative impacts. However, with the right background, none of them should be a barrier to upholding the principles of Islaam.

The buoyancy of a couple can help to provide all facilities for the child. It can help to send him to the best school. It can help to make him comfortable. But experiences have shown that only few from such backgrounds end up as real conscious Muslims.

At another mini Zakat distribution done by the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation for those in need of money for medical treatment and economic empowerment in Lagos on Tuesday.

29

IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com Where the parents are not themselves disciplinarians, it will be a disaster for the child. The luxury of life will not allow him to learn some realities of life. Worst of all, he could grow up to be arrogant, looking down on other children or even elderly people. The parents on the other side can compound the matter if they create a class for the child by preventing him to interact or associate with fellow children or by even sending him to high class schools.

It is a blessing to be rich if it is from a lawful source, but it becomes a misfortune if it incurs the anger of Allah (SWT) because of the way it is spent or how it affects children negatively. Most great men in the world are hardly from rich background but average or even poor ones.

The concern here is how you manage your home with your God-given wealth. Your own life should depict humility. You should live simply like an ordinary person. Train your children to live humbly too. Do deliberately deny them some luxurious things to make them appreciate the less privileged ones. Beware of electronics and things you buy at home. Your wife must share your principles. Otherwise, it will be a home of two poles apart.

If from inception, your dream husband is somebody who is buoyant, do know that it has its own challenges. You will enjoy all luxuries but it may be the source of your regret in the Hereafter if you do not live according to Islamic values and train your children for a modest Islamic life.

Give Buhari time to restore sanity -Banire

A

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Muiz Banire has called on Nigerians to give President Muhammadu Buhari enough time to restore sanity and efficient institutions, saying it was by so doing that people can truly benefit from the system.

Speaking during a reception held in his honour in recognition of attainment of SAN by Muslim groups in the country, Dr. Banire also urged all ministerial nominees to key into the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari in order to achieve the party’s vision for a better Nigeria.

“I belief the ministers, after taking the oath of office, will hit the ground running due to high expectations from millions of Nigerians.” According to him, President Buhari has offered the best so far going by the present circumstances in the country.

Dr Banire said the attainment of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria will encourage him to do more in contributing his quota to quick dispensation of justice in the country.

He expressed his deep appreciation to all Islamic organizations for the honour given him saying that he is ready to do more in giving hopes to the less-privileged.

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, described Dr. Banire as a disciplinarian and great political

leader. “He has been contributing to the development of Lagos and national polity. And I thank almighty Allah for him for not only having a doctorate degree in law but also attaining the position of SAN. For us, it is an opportunity to honour him and celebrate what Allah has done for him,” she said.

On behalf of the organisers of the reception, a former boss, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, and chairman of the Joint Muslim Forum, Alhaji Musbau Oyefeso, revealed that the reception was done to showcase the exemplary leadership of Banire for others to emulate.

Oyefeso enjoined the new SAN to champion more of the fundamental rights of the people as enshrined in the nation’s constitution.

In his contribution, the Coordinator of Conference of Islamic Organisations in Lagos, Imam Shuaib Abdullahi adviced the younger generations to emulate the good foundation of Islamic personality like Dr. Banire by aiming to reach the peak of their career and use whatever Allah has blessed them with to better the state of Islam and serve humanity.

Many Amirah of various women group like the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN, the Criterion, Al-Muminaat and others were all full of praises to the new SAN and they all called for more of such in the Ummah.

30

Call to Worship

9 Muharram 1437AH Friday, October 23, 2015

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Some of the dignitaries at the special prayer and reception in honour of Dr. Muiz Banire to commemorate his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria organized by his friends and conglomerate of Muslim organizations in Lagos at the weekend.

The essence of trials and tribulations (3)

W

hen Baitul Futuh complex was on fire a non-Ahmadi friend of an Ahmadi said to him if prayers of Ahmadis gained acceptance why was the mishap taking place. The Ahmadi reasoned with him saying did tribulations not came to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) why would they not befall believers!

So, the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said not to contravene God’s laws.

Troubles befall believers and then pass, what is needed is to seek God’s grace with patience and prayers and be those who say: ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’ when faced with tribulations. When we say: ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’ it means that we are from God and to utter this in times of difficulty signifies that we are from God and He will not ruin us. When we face tribulations perhaps God wills to prepare us more than ever to receive His blessings. By saying ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’ we turn to God and hope that there is no impediment on our part to garner big blessings in future.

May God make us patient and may He make us improve our practice and may He make us turn to Him. This is the way to further advancement, inshaAllah. Mockery of our opponents cannot harm us at all if our connection with God is right.

A lot of damage was sustained in the recent fire in two ancillary halls of the Mosque. It was a very intense fire. When different media reported it some malicious people expressed joy at the burning of the Mosque, in fact they said it is not a mosque, these people are not Muslim, and so it is their place of worship which is on fire. Later they expressed regret that only two halls were burnt and the Mosque in itself did not burn! Such is the way of some Muslims today. But all are not the same.

Muslims of some areas were sympathetic.

Muslims of one locality sympathised citing their own experience of their mosque sustaining fire damage and said they had reopened only a few days ago.

Some unaware British people also said it was good that the Mosque was burning.

Anti-Muslim sentiment are wide-spread anyway but our neighbours and those who know us silenced both non-Muslims and non-Ahmadis who spoke against us telling them they ought to be ashamed of themselves as Ahmadis followed correct Islamic teaching.

Media round the world gave the news of the fire saying the largest mosque in Western Europe was on fire. This led to comments as to who these people are, what sort of a community it is and thus the

Jama’at received wide exposure. Although we were sad, but we remained patient, we said ‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’ and God raised people in our support even in this loss and this told the world that He is with us.

The police has not explained as to what caused the fire but perhaps indications are that the fire started in a store room adjacent to kitchen where plastic goods and other things caused the fire to flare quickly and spread through wooden beams in the ceiling or air-conditioning ducts. Whatever the cause of fire, it also indicates failing on part of the staff and management of the Mosque. They should engage in istaghfar a lot. There could have been a lot more damage the way the fire flared. Even the Fire Brigade said that we got away with it somewhat. Fire as intense as this was with temperatures in hundreds of centigrade could have caused much more damage which relatively speaking it did not. Indeed, God facilitates others to make good impressions for the Jama’at. During the fire a journalist started interviewing our Ishaat Secretary on the roadside and asked him what sort of relations we had with our neighbours and what were their impressions.

Just then a car stopped and an English lady emerged saying she was a neighbour and offered her help and support.

Similarly others came, representative of church came and gave their comments directly. Listening to these people the journalist said he had had the answer to his question!

On the one hand is this attitude majority of whom are not even Muslim and on the other hand a few Muslims were expressing joy and were invoking subhanAllah. Fine, today they invoked subhanAllah in derision and to call on Divine sense of honour, they may do so. But inshaAllah, soon we will rebuild in a better and more beautiful manner and truly invoke subhanAllah as well as mashaAllah. As mentioned earlier, it is a way of God that He puts people through trials. We do not know what caused the fire and how all this happened. If this was a conspiracy or mischief, such matters cannot impede progress of Jama’at. However, as mentioned earlier the management should see this incident as a wake-up call to identify their failings and reflect on them.

As mentioned in the Eid sermon at times bringing loss or fuelling fire is perpetrated to stop the objective of a community or a Prophet of God but this does not succeed. If this was caused through ill intent, the loss is comparatively low and God gives glad-tidings to those who remain patient.

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L-R: Alhaji Sulaiman Mustapha, PA on Religion to Aare Musulumi of Yoruba-Edo and Delta; Alhaji Abdul Ghaniy Ahmad, Secretary Tarbiyya (Moral Teaching), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Dauda Akinoola Makanjuola, Aare Musulumi of Yoruba-Edo and Delta, Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mashuud Adenrele Fashola; General Secretary of the jamaat, Alhaji abass Olawale Iromini, during a courtesy visit to the Aare Musulumi in Ibadan-Oyo State.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 23, 2015

L-R: Vice Chairman, Aart of Life Foundation, Mrs. Joke Jacobs; Board Member, Chief Mrs. Stella Okoli and Chairman/ Founder, Chief Mrs Taiwo Taiwo, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

L-R: Renowned actor and former commissioner of culture and tourism in Delta state, Richard MofeDamijo, Pop Icon, 2face ‘Innocent Idibia’, Wife, Annie Idibia, Publisher, NET and Editor of A very good bad guy, Ayeni Adekunle, Comedian and Book Reviewer, Alibaba Akporobome at the 2Face book launch in Lagos, yesterday. Lagos

R-L: Mr. Ele Peters, Chief Executive Officer, Clovers Nigeria Limited; Mrs. Mary Akpobome, Executive Director, Heritage Bank Limited; Mr. Ahonsi Unuigbe, Chief Executive Officer, Petralon Energy and Umar A. Mustapha, Chief Executive Officer, Momar Energy Trading Limited all Heritage Bank guests at the Opening Dinner sponsored by the bank during the just concluded 21st Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), which held in Abuja…recently

Cross-section of the pupils of the Primary section of Temple School, Ilupeju, Lagos, during the celebration of 55th Independence Day at the school premises, in Ilupeju, Lagos.

People In The Mirror

31

L-R: Son, Mr Ese Onosode; daughter, Mrs Alexis Ikhinmwin; widow, Mrs Susan Onosode; Rugba Alaka and Karen Onosode during the commendation service for late Deacon Gamaliel Onosode at Ikoyi Baptist

L-R: Former Lagos State Gubernatorial Aspirant and representative of former Governor Babatunde Fashola, Olasupo Sasore; Human Rights Activist, Ayo Obe and Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, at the opening of ‘Fela Debates 2015’, in Lagos.

L-R: Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo; Chairman of the Day, Dr. Pius Sinebe and Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Adewale Martins, during the 8th Anthony Cardinal Okogie Annual Lecture/Foundation tagged, 2015 Election: Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy. PHOTO: Samuel Adetimehin

L-R: Deputy Controller of Prisons in-Charge of Onitsha Prisons, Mr Alex Oditah; Chaplain In-Charge of Onitsha Prisons Church, Rev. Fr. Pius Nwankwo; Auxiliary Catholic Bishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Denis Isizoh; Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra; Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, and Anambra State Controller of Prisons, Mr Anthony Ubaike, at the 62th birthday of the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha.

32

Arty News

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Miss Health Pageantry is ‘Abundant Grace’ hits airwaves against diseases’ Isiguzo Destiny

T

Regina Otokpa

T

here are a thousand and one beauty pageants being hosted in the country and even at that, new ones keep springing up.

One of such is the Miss Health Beauty Pageant, which is set to target information dissemination by way of creating awareness on various disease, their symptoms, implications and most importantly, the importance on the need to seek medical help.

In a chat with media men, Abuja comedian and Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Bebiem a.k.a Nick B, has called on well-meaning Nigerians to join in using entertainment as a tool to create disease awareness in society.

Unveiling the pageant’s mandate in Abuja, Nick B maintained that the pageant was not the conventional pageant witnessed in Nigeria but was targeted at campaigning against the ignorance of diseases by creating awareness on existing diseases as well as nipping in the bud the developing diseases and the possible means of prevention across the country.

He said “every contestant will pick an existing epidemic to do a power-point presentation during the grand finale.

Interested ladies should start bracing up and be ready to research in order to represent because there won’t be room for beauty without intellects but rather,

Nick B

intellects without beauty.”

“Miss Health Pageant has come to set a standard in the pageant industry, the conventional way will not be tolerated in miss health,” Nick B added..

Flagging off the sale of forms, the CEO urged potential contestants to visit its online platform to get registered, adding that nationwide screening would commence soon even as the grand finale has been scheduled to hold before the end of the year.

AMAMN partners COSON Onuoha George

N

ovember 3, 2015 will be another COSON On The Street day.

This event has come to symbolize the hope and belief, which our various music superstars have in the future of our beloved country and in ourselves as Nigerian citizens. As usual, COSON On The Street, a part of the events/activities for the COSON week) will have musicians, artist managers, record label executives engage in humanitarian services such as environmental clean-up, traffic control, char-

Okoroji

ity work and other activities aimed at their corporate social responsibility.

In keeping with AMAMN’s watch word of “building brands and enhancing values”, the President, Sijuade Adedokun popularly known as Obasijuade announced Association of Music Artiste Managers of Nigeria (AMAMN) partnership with Copyright Society of Nigeria on COSON on The Street after a meeting himself and the executives of AMAMN had with COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji and Captain of COSON On The Street, talented music star Dare Fasasi aka Baba Dee of Naija Ninja.

he Glorious Choir, as the gospel band of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Dakibiyu District, Kubwa Branch, Abuja is popularly known has dropped a new album, Abundant Grace.

The eight (8) track album which features such hit tracks as the ‘Iyanu Ti Mo Ri’ and the title track ‘Abundant Grace’ hits the airwaves across the country recently ahead of its October 6 official release, and immediately become presenter’s favourite.

The new album which is an improvement on the first effort of the group, ‘Imole Olorun’ had in it a touch of different genre of music for different people.

‘Sope’ is a song of thanksgiving rendered in fast high life while ‘Iyanu Ti Mori’, meaning ‘the wonders I have seen through the grace of God’, is Afro Hip Hop. And for those who are lovers of reggae, ‘Alaafi Tayo’, a song which sues for peace, would be their favourite.

Other forms of music include Old School as in ‘Nigba Iwase’ which traces

the story of creation. The how and why God created the universe and man and His purpose for doing so. And slow high life as in ‘Tewo Gbope’, a song of appreciation to the Most High God. The track, ‘Ijoba Olorun’ is a call to remembrance. It comes with a solemn cool, danceable rhythm otherwise known as ‘woro’ to drive home the import of its message while ‘Mo Ti Mo Oluwa’ (I have known the Lord), comes with rumba beat.

The title track – Abundant Grace, which is also the only song fully rendered in English came with a heavy infusion of the Niger Delta beat, a fast-paced danceable traditional beat. It has so far become the number one choice of everyone who picks up the album.

Whatever is the occasion, be it Church service, wedding, birthday or other religious activities, ‘Abundant Grace’ is suitable choice.

“We are not just singing for people to dance. We are ministering to people.

So what you have in Abundant Grace is a combination of education and entertainment, said, Pastor Zacheaus Akinadewo.

Glorious choir

About Lies and Secrets Damilola Fatunase

S

ince Nollywood redefined the screen business through quality effort in the sustenance of entertainment in Nigeria homes, audience behaviour for both local and international drama has been changing. To boost these on-going trends, independent producer like Dabby Chimere of Dabz Movie Productions who supported in the building of this present structure recently took a new drive when she entered location for the shoot of a television series, Lies and Secrets.

Ensuring value oriented project, Dabby did not just storm the location for a oneoff production, rather she debuted with an innovating mindset that is guided by diversity of newer ideas on how to strive, creativity and quality production standards for the reward of viewership.

Hoping to appeal local and international audiences, she intends championing local content that would engage, stimulate and satisfy intended viewers. “There should be quality and reward for viewership, even as we want to maximize the audiences’ interest. It’s not as if we’ve not been into this very business of producAkeju tion, but for the first time my company is

doing something different in the same field.

“We will not say because it’s new then we should compromise quality, no, but we will bring our ideas to the table where people can see it, and as well score us for it. We just completed the first shoot, and plans are on for airing negotiations, which very soon we will be hooking it to best and reachable channels where viewers can enjoy it without much stress,” she noted.

Her cast members were meticulously selected from each of the popular airing series, like Jenifa’s Diary, Tinsel and few others. Not just that, wowing revelation created rooms for the mix of Nollywood prominent faces like Daniella Okeke, Daniel Lloyd, Uzor Arukwe, Cheryl Ann, Amaka Iruobe, Chioma Nwosu, Juliet Eche, Princess Olumba and host of other professionals in the Africa’s makebelieve industry who all made individual appearances.

The entrance of Lies And Secret into the television drama sector will be filling the gap of stories told and written based on real life experiences. Written

by Lawrita Obioha, the storyline captures the reality of human activity as everyday lifestyle for the society.

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Arty News

Friday, October 23, 2015

You just launched a new single, Paulina?

Yes, ‘Paulina’ is the follow up to my last single ‘Oga Thomas’ which I had Tripplemg’s Selebobo featured in it while the video was directed by Paul Gambit.

What’s the concept of the song?

‘Paulina’ is actually an adaptation from Dolly Parton’s, “Jolene” she described Jolene as a beautiful woman. I love that song a lot, so I thought I should adapt from the concept but do mine in an African way. I thought of a name and came up with ‘Paulina,’ because I wanted it African. I made up my mind to work with the king of African sound Selebobo, he liked the concept of the song and we ‘paulinalized’ the jam. Paulina is dedicated to every woman out there, trust me every woman is beautiful that’s why I call us, PAULINA...and want to use this medium to thank everybody that supported the Paulina premiere in Abuja and Enugu, God bless you big time.

How did your journey in the music industry start?

Music for me started as a result of passion. When I was a little girl, I normally followed my mum to choir practice and I sit and watch as they rehearsed and I decided to join the children’s choir. I lost my parents at the age of 10, whenever I miss them or want to start crying, I just find myself singing and realizing that it makes me happy. I grew up as a music lover and always try to participate in anything associated in line with music.

In my first year in the university, I made up my mind to pick music up as a career and ever since then I kept growing in the industry and still growing.

How have you been coping with your youth service and music?

Trust me, you really cannot serve two masters at the same time…it’s been so hard to cope with my service and career. I just have to make sacrifices because NYSC is very mean and strict, they watch you and make sure you are really serving, otherwise you will be punished or get an extension; which I try my best to avoid. It’s just a matter of time; I will soon finish and be free again.

The competition in the music industry is fierce, what is that motivating factor spurring you on?

My greatest motivation is God almighty. I’m driven by passion, family and friends. Also my environment influences my music. Well as for the stiff competition, it’s not been easy coupled with the fact that I’m a female act, but I honestly think that the industry is big enough to accommodate all. All you need to do is to grow into the system which I’m on the process

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My music driven by passion, family, friends –Papa Princess Chinyere Nnochiri aka Papa, an indigene of Uzuakoli, Bende LGA, Abia State is a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Abuja. She says her undiluted passion for music is her driving force in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts:

I lost my parents at the age of 10; whenever I miss them or want to start

crying,

I just find myself singing; and realising that it makes me happy, I grew up as a music lover

they deserve in terms of music?

Well Rome was not built in a day, it’s a gradual process and with time, hard work and unity the world will hear Abuja artistes.

Are you in a relationship?

I’m single..

What are your likes and dislikes?

I like being myself because I strongl y be-

Papa

Aside music; you have had a stint in movies, what’s the plan?

As a thespian, I’m multi-talented, I act and direct as well, I got featured in some movies recently but for now I can’t play major or lead roles because of my service.

You have lots of singles, any album yet?

No, Album yet. I only have 3 official single Oga Thomas, My Air and now Paulina. I’m still working on my album. The album plans have to be after my service. For now I record songs when I’m free.

How many musicians have you had the opportunity of working with?

Wow....a lot,with Selebobo, Tekno,Tspize,with my Hauze27 Brothers, Jaywill&Mr Spy, Dekumzy, Danny Joe, Donadah, Fraga from Tanzania, Dralban, Charlyboy, Stones, Keyzyklef, Lilstound, Jaynunny..biko names too plenty, I keep working because I love my job.

Of course, my song Oga Thomas ft Selebobo and directed by Paul Gambit.

Who are your mentors in the music and why?

I don’t have a particular mentor, lots of people inspire me- Selebobo, Don Jazzy, Brandy, Rihana and Mafikizolo. I love their choice of melody and approach in their music. I really look up to these people...I trust the greatness in their creativity and brand.

Do you think Abuja artistes are enjoying the recognition

minds around me. I dislike proud and fake people.

that life is not assignment so need not to impress anyone in particube yourself believe in yourself, prayers w i l l forsake l o v e and cre-

lieve a n you

l a r, and with G o d n eve r you.

I talented a t ive

What would be your message to the President if you were given an opportunity to meet with him?

Mr. President Sir, I respect your courage and I respect your never-giving-up spirit. You are a go getter; you kept contesting till you won. You are an inspiration to every Nigerian youth, if you ask me. I’m not giving up my dreams till I win. You made a lot of promises.

Please sir keep to your words, politicians are fond of campaign talks, please be that CHANGE, fight terrorism, give the youths hope by creating employment opportunities. Corpers heard rumours about increasing our allowance, please let it be true. May God almighty give you the strength and wisdom to rule our great nation, Amen.

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Indulging in Mauritius’ Being both an English-speaking and French-speaking nation, Mauritius is a member of both the Commonwealth of Nations and the Francophonie. The Mauritian constitution makes no mention of an official language. It is only in the Parliament that the official language is English; any member of the National Assembly can also address the chair in French. However, English is generally accepted as the official language of Mauritius and as the

The Island of Mauritius is relatively young geologically, having been created by volcanic activity some 8 million years ago

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he country is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural; most Mauritians are multilingual, and English, French, Creole and Asian languages are used. The government system is closely modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system. Mauritius is highly ranked for democracy and for economic and political freedom.

The total land area of the country is 2040 km2, which is the 180st largest nation in the world by size. The Republic of Mauritius also incorporates the island of Rodrigues, situated some 560 km to the east and is 104 km2 in area, theAgalega islands situated some 1,000 km to the north of Mauritius and Saint Brandon situated some 430 km to the north-east of Mauritius, both with total land area of 71.2 km2. Mauritius claim sovereignty over Tromelin islands, small islands that lie 430 km to the north-east of Mauritius.

The nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) cover about 2.3 million km2 of the Indian Ocean, including approx. 400,000 km2 jointly managed with the Seychelles.

The Island of Mauritius is relatively young geologically, having been created by volcanic activity some 8 million years ago. Together with Saint Brandon, Réunion and Rodrigues, the island is part of the Mascarene Islands. These islands have emerged from the abysses as a result of gigantic underwater volcanic eruptions that happened thousands of kilometres to the east of the continental block made up by Africa and Madagascar.

Mauritius is encircled by a broken ring of mountain ranges, varying in height from 300 m to 800 m above sea level. The land rises from coastal plains to a central plateau where it reaches a height of 670 m, the highest peak is in the southwest, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire at 828 metres (2,717 ft). Streams and rivers speckle the island; a lot of them are formed in the cracks created by lava flows.

Environment and Climate The environment in Mauritius is typically tropical in the coastal regions with forests in the mountainous areas. Seasonal cyclones are destructive to the flora and fauna, although they recover quickly. Situated near the tropic of Capricorn, Mauritius has a tropical climate. There are 2 seasons: a warm humid summer from November to April, with a mean temperature of 24.7° and a relatively cool dry winter from June to September with a mean temperature of 20.4°. The temperature difference between the seasons is only 4.3°. The warmest months are January and February with average day maximum temperature reaching 29.2° and

the coolest months are July and August when average night minimum temperatures drops down to 16.4°. Annual rainfall ranges from 900 mm on the coast to 1,500 mm on the central plateau. Although there is no marked rainy season, most of the rainfall occurs in summer months

Dodo bird, Mauritius

Flora and fauna The country is home to some of the world’s rarest plants and animals but human habitation and the introduction ofnon-native species have threatened its indigenous flora and fauna. Due to its volcanic origin, age, isolation and its unique terrain, Mauritius is home to a diversity of flora and fauna not usually found in such a small area. Before its discovery by the Portuguese in 1507, there were no terrestrial mammals on the island. This allowed the evolution of a number of flightless birds and large reptile species.

The arrival of man saw the introduction of invasive alien species and the rapid destruction of habitat and the loss of much of the endemic flora and fauna.

Less than 2% of the native forest that once stretched from the mountain tops of the central plateau to the shore now remains, concentrated in the Black River Gorges National Park in the south west, the Bamboo Mountain Range in the south east and the Moka-Port Louis Ranges in the northwest. There are also some isolated mountains which areCorps de Garde, Le Morne Brabant and several offshore islands with remnants of coastal and mainland diversity. Within 100 years of the arrival of humans on Mauritius, the once abundant dodo became a rare bird.

The last one was killed in 1681. The dodo is prominently featured as a supporter of the national Coat of arms of Mauritius.

Language

l a n guage of government administration, the courts and business.

French is mostly used in the media and literature.

Cuisine

They have a blend of Creole, Chinese, European and Indian influences in the history of Mauritius. Dishes fromFrench cuisine are popular. Former slaves, Indian workers and Chinese migrant during the 19th century have also brought dishes and practices into the culinary traditions. Seafood is a staple of the island nation’s cuisine. Rum is popular.

Music and folklore The most typical folkloric dance of Mauritius is the “Sega” of African origin. This dance is pulsated by the beat of the ravane, a circular drum, and other rhythmic instruments like the maravane and triangle. Danced and sung by the slaves, the Sega has been adopted by all Mauritians and is played on all occa-

sions. More recently, a new sound, a mixture of the Sega and Reggae music, has found its way into their musical culture.

This fusion music called the Seggae, is a melodious and entertaining new rhythm that reflects the mixed aspect of Mauritius, emerged in the 80’s. Originally the music of the Rastafaris and the poor suburbs of Port Louis, it has found its way to the nightclubs and the mainstream of Mauritian local music.

Western music is also well represented in the Mauritian culture. This includes the mainstream music amid rap, hip-hop, rock, Jazz band and other more traditional music like the waltz as well as all types of ballroom dancing. There is also a strong following for the 60’s to 70’s oldies, with the likes of Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Englelberd Emperding being part of the national musical heritage.

Main attraction of Mauritius Mauritius is a sparkling jewel set in the brilliant turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Sunkissed beaches, stunning mountains, calm lagoons, bustling villages, patchwork sugar cane fields and swaying palm trees.

Mauritius is a tropical island of colourful contrasts where the welcoming smiles of the people reveal the true magic of this enchanting land.

Mauritius has a rich and varied past. Settled by the Dutch and colonised by both the French and the British over the centuries, the cosmopolitan population is now a fascinating mix of Indian, Chinese, African and European origin, creating a kaleidoscope of customs and religions. This marvellous blend of cultures is best reflected in the island’s cuisine - a delicious fusion of vibrant tastes and subtle aromas.

Mauritius offers the classic tropical holiday pastimes - relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, sailing to beautiful deserted islands, exploring the wonders of the coral reefs. The island abounds with places of interest to amaze and entrance the visitors.

Port Louis Port Louis, the island’s main city located at the north-western end of the is-

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Escape

Friday, October 23, 2015

hospitality land, against a backdrop of mountains.

With a population of just 138,211 inhabitants, Port Louis is a flourishing capital complete with an established infrastructure, markets selling fruit, vegetables and spices, and is the island’s only port.

The commercial hub of the nation, Port Louis gives the visitor a scintillating introduction into this melting pot of cultures.

The capital city brims with life, the bustling market, the museum displaying the famous Dodo, the Caudan and waterfronts bursting with restaurants and shops and the busy streets teeming with exotic foods and merchandise.

Anchored at Le Caudan Waterfront, you will be able to see ships from all over the world.

Not far away is La Bourdonnais Square. Here stands the statue of Mauritius’ most eminent French governor, Mahé de la Bourdonnais, amid tall palms.

A little way up the tree-lined road is Parliament House, with a statue of Queen Victoria at the entrance. In summer, the distinguished lady is surrounded by scarlet flame trees.

Life on an island Curepipe, the third largest urban area with 80,554 citizens, is renowned for its model ship builders, tea industry and the nearby dormant crater of Trou aux Cerfs, which offers breathtaking panoramas of the island’s landscape.

Here, one can view a statue of the fictitious lovers, Paul and Virginie, from Bernadin de St Pierre’s 1788 novel of the same name. Also of interest are the local botanical gardens and the Tamarind Falls, which require transportation and hiking boots but are well worth the effort.

Tamarind gets its name from the sour fruit that grows on large local trees called tamarinds. The bay is best known as an international surfing spot, especially in June and July, thanks to the gentle play of southeast trade winds on the water.

The road from Curepipe leads to Mahébourg on the south-eastern tip of Mauritius. Although it is closest to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport, this small town with just 17 031 inhabitants does not see all that many tourists.

Its biggest attractions are the silks, saris and other materials on sale. There are also lovely sea views of three small islands, one of which boasts an old disused lighthouse that stands guard over the seas.

The island’s largest fishing fleet is based in Mahébourg, and it was in the mansion that now houses the Naval Museum that the French and British admirals, both injured in the Battle of Grand Port, were treated in the same room according to legend. Pirate stories abound, of course, and apparently, there are more ghosts in this town than in Port Louis!

Perfect beaches In the north of Mauritius are the pristine white beaches that make the island

famous. Surrounded by turquoise seas, a number of stunning resorts dot the coast. This area is also a water sports lover’s paradise.

The first resort you will come across is the Maritim Hotel, which has 221 rooms, free water sports and the best sunsets.

It’s also possible to see traditional Sega dancing, the national dance that originated in the days of slavery.

Further north is Trou aux Biches, situated on the bus routes from Port Louis.

Like the Maritim, Trou aux Biches Hotel offers a vast array of watersports, wholesome food, and sublime rum cocktails.

The locals are usually amenable to visitors accompanying them on their fishing trips, but one will have to be on the beach very early. Usually there’s no charge, but it is advised that one checks before boarding their tiny boats. One of the best ways to explore this area and the nearby Grand Bay is on hired bicycles, which are readily available.

Chamarel

le morne

Mare-aux-Vacoas

Ile Aux Cerfs Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches shaded by casuarina and palm trees surround this tiny island which caters for those seeking peace and solitude or the thrills of para-sailing and other watersports.

Port Loius

Pamplemousses Gardens World-famous for a unique collection of indigenous and exotic plants, the gardens offer a peaceful haven in which to stroll and admire the giant lily pond, the beautiful Chateau Mon Plaisir, the lumbering giant tortoises and the replica of a 19th century sugar mill.

The Coloured Earths These multi-coloured mounds of earth, ranging from ochre through to various shades of purple and red, are the extraordinary result of long-distant volcanic activity and provide a truly amazing spectacle.

Black River Gorges A trip into the mountains will reveal the lush green and unspoilt beauty of this National Park. You may be lucky enough to spot a kestrel or straw-tailed tropic bird as you gaze towards the fardistant ocean and enjoy the calm beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Trou au biches

Tamarind Falls The Tamarind Falls or Tamarin Falls are a scenic attraction of southwest Mauritius. They are a series of seven cataracts located on the Rivière Tamarin, two kilometers northwest of the large lake Mare aux Vacoas.

Blue Penny Museum The Blue Penny Museum is a stamp museum at Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. It opened in November 2001. The museum collection includes the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps.

Tamarind Falls

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LASTMA takes campaign to religious houses as traffic jam worsens in Lagos

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With the worsening traffic jams being experienced by motorists in the Lagos metropolis, in order to appeal to the consciousness of motorists, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) seems not leaving no stone unturned as it has started visiting places of worships to drum up support and cooperation of motorists and members of the public for the new approach of enforcing traffic law in Lagos state. Adejuwon Osunnuyi reports.

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n order to appeal to the conscience of motorists to be alert to traffic rules and regulations, promote road orderliness and safety with focus on voluntary compliance to zero tolerance for traffic indiscipline and lawlessness, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is not leaving any stone unturned. Last Sunday, the agency, led by its General Manager, Bashir Braimah stormed some houses of worship in Lagos metropolis to continue its campaign.

He said the campaign was in continuation of the current efforts of the agency and state government to drum up support and cooperation of motorists and members of the public for the new approach of enforcing traffic law in Lagos state.

According to the General Manager, the enlightenment campaign tagged operation “Open Hearts” was to appeal to the feelings and passion of the worshipers who

see their spiritual leaders as role models in decision making and opinion formation.

Braimah opined that since the places of worship enjoy the patronage of large congregation constituting of car owners, therefore it was imperative to carry them along in traffic management in the state for the desired result.

The LASTMA boss observed that recent perennial traffic gridlocks in the state are occasioned by act of indiscipline amongst the motorists and therefore seek the support of highly revered and esteemed spiritual leaders to lend their voices to the vision and mission of LASTMA and encourage attitudinal change amongst the congregation who are motorists not to flout the road traffic with impunity as such will have dare consequence on traffic flow and sanity on the road.

According to Braimah, traffic free Lagos is a collective responsibility of all and called on the con-

gregations to spread the gospel of traffic law among their friends, neighbors, spouses and relatives so as to enhance the economic growth and sustain the mega city status of the state.

The visit took the management of LASTMA to the Redeemed Church at Ogudu, NASFAT Alausa Secretariat Mosque and Christ the Light Chapel Alausa.

These days, many motorists are of the belief that the incessant traffic snarl being experienced in the Lagos metropolis might not be unconnected with the recent directive by the Lagos State government prohibiting LASTMA officials from arresting and impounding motorists who flout traffic laws.

However, LASTMA has reiterated that contrary to people’s belief, the agency has only been told to employ scientific means of controlling traffic. In doing so, offenders are to be booked and allowed to continue their journey.

For many people, the fear of Lagos traffic has been the beginning of wisdom. While it is not only the man-hour lost to the Lagos traffic jam that bothers the people, it has a lot of attendant consequences.

For instance, it causes over-heating g of the engine; it leads to frustration and compounds stress.

In most cases in some areas, petty thieves as well as armed robbers always take advantage of the traffic jam to unleash terror on

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their victims. During such attacks people usually lose valuables such as mobile phones, cash, hand bags, jewellery and other personal items. Some have even lost their vehicles while other lost their lives in such attack. In some cases, some are not even lucky enough as they lose both their lives and vehicles.

While the problems seems to be getting worse, according to observers, there has been an astronomical increase in the number of vehicles, a fraction of which are truly road worthy, plying the roads.

Worse hit are routes such as Alaba-Mile 2, Badagry Expressway, Toyota Bus-Stop on OshodiApapa Expressway, Third-Mainland Bridge, Bonny Camp to Law School, Cappa to Bolade etc.

For instance, on daily basis, Rainbow bus stop along the Oshodi-Apapa highway has been a notorious area which exemplifies the chaos on major highways where commercial and private vehicle drivers including okada riders not only drive against traffic causing confusion on the road but stopping at the middle of the expressway to pick and drop passengers in total disregard of the state traffic laws.

Driving along the route has been a herculean task for motorists as they spend more than four hours on a journey than couldn’t have cost them more than 10 minutes.

Motorists along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway seem to also have their own sour tale to tell. Almost on daily basis, the consistent traffic logjam every morning as well as evening around Iyana-Ipaja Bridge stretching up to the Zik bus stop at the Ikeja end is becoming a serious matter that needs the urgent attention of the Lagos State Government even though it is a federal road.

“It is usually a nightmare driving towards the Ikeja-Oshodi axis via Cement and Mangoro bus stops every morning same as in the evening on the other side of the express road. It beats my imagination that despite the widening of the road, and the presence of the traffic officials at the point where vehicles coming from Agege meet with those coming from Iyana-Ipaja, one would have thought there is a broken down vehicle ahead.”

Ben Opara, a motorist lamented.

Speaking further, Opara said, “But on getting to this point, there is absolutely nothing serious that causes the bumper to bumper situation except for some potholes around the Ile Zik bus stop. These are potholes that even a half tipper load of gravel will fill and cover up but nobody cares and for this reason one will spend over two hours on a journey of just 10 minutes due to the hold up.

The authorities concerned should look into this and find a lasting solution to this daily unbearable traffic congestion.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, October 23, 2015

Ember months campaign: Guinness donates breathalyzers to FRSC FG suspends licence issuance for new Stories by Adejuwon Osunnuyi

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n furtherance of the annual ember months campaign, Guinness Nigeria has donated breathalyzers to the FRSC as tool for detecting and prosecuting people who drink and drive.

The months, leading to the festive end of the year, popularly referred to as “ember months” have historically recorded a disproportionately high rate of road traffic accidents in Nigeria, making the campaign particularly imperative at this period.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Lagos, Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa disclosed that this year’s awareness campaign will see the introduction of various novel and innovative strategies geared towards raising public awareness on the benefits of responsible alcohol consumption.

“At Guinness Nigeria, we believe that our position as a market leader places a significant respon-

sibility on us to raise awareness about the importance of consuming alcohol responsibly. We are passionately committed to responsible drinking and enlightening the public about the values of responsible alcohol consumption, especially during the festive period. “ We are eager to create increased awareness to ensure that Nigerians have an incident-free experience. Working in tandem with our various stakeholders on our responsible drinking initiatives, we have found a worthy partner in the FRSC, with whom on an annual basis we have carried out this Ember Months campaign,” Ndegwa said.

In a passionate appeal, Ndegwa reiterated to everyone - consumers, motorists and the general public that drinking and driving do not mix: “When you drink, don’t drive. When you go out in a group to have fun, designate someone to drive and that person should not drink. If you are going out alone, arrange for

taxi to take you home after you have had some drink. Whatever you do this season, don’t drink and drive”.

Mr. Ndegwa also disclosed that Guinness Nigeria employees have been encouraged to join FRSC Special Marshals, adding that “these inspiring Guinness Nigeria employees are an embodiment of what the organization and especially this partnership is all about – service for the greater good.”

Activities to mark this year’s programme include: joint road shows to create awareness of drink-driving, radio and TV talk shows and for the first time, random testing of motorists with breathalyzer to check their Blood Alcohol Concentration levels.

On his part, Corps Commander, Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. HyginusOmeje urged motorists to obey traffic laws, avoid overloading and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

Hyundai Motors, Diamond Bank inaugurate vehicle credit facility for customers

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yundai Motors Nigeria in partnership with Diamond Bank PLC have inaugurated yet another vehicle finance initiative tagged: ‘Hyundai-Diamond Dream Deal: It’s time to own a brand new Hyundai.’

The unique credit initiative is aimed at helping desiring patrons and fleet managers to access low interest bank credit for the procurement of discounted Hyundai vehicles without necessarily paying commitment and management fees.

Both corporations brokered this agreement in Lagos at the launch of the scheme designed to ease challenges associated with accessing bank credit to procure choice cars.

Hyundai Motors head of sales and marketing, JatinNadkarnisaid:“The credit scheme is in line with Hyundai strategy and direction of making vehicle acquisition a seamless experience.”

Mr. Nadkarni said:“Successful customers would aside these seamless benefits enjoy series of other

offers including free 6 months service including labour and consumables; interest rate as low as 14 per cent; discounted prices; 5-year or 100, 000Km warranty and free Samsung Galaxy tab for every car purchased.

Also noting credit facility has become a common practice in advanced markets, Hyundai Motors Nigeria sales and marketing helmsman said: “Our goal is to encourage more prospective customers to buy new Hyundai vehicles particularly now that the federal government is committed to the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).

Hyundai Motors Nigeria listed some of the models that can be procured during this campaign as Automatic Transmission (A/T) powered Accent 1.4/1.6litre; Grand Xcent i10 1.2litre;Elantra 1.6/1.8litre; Sonata 2.0/2.4litre and Azera 2.4litre cars.

Others are premium Hyundai Genesis 3.8litre with 2.0litre powered iX35 and 2.4litre Santa Fesport utility vehicles.

vehicle assembly plants

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he Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Aminu Jalal, has announced the suspension of issuance of licence to new vehicle assembly plants.

Jalal, who disclosed this in a statement, said that the action was to enable the council to consolidate the country’s vehicle assembly operations and concentrate in developing local content.

He explained that the suspension did not apply to investment in original equipment manufacturing (OEM), adding that applicants for OEM license would not be affected.

Jalal said: “The major objective of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan is to bring back completely knocked down (CKD) automotive assembly and develop local content.

“NADDC is investing over N5 billion to establish automotive test centres that will ensure that the vehicles and components

meet international safety and environmental standards.

“The response to the policy so far has exceeded our expectations. The current status of implementation of the policy is that 14 existing assembly plants started assembling new products (cars, SUV, buses, pick-up trucks) in 2014.”

The DG listed some of the 14 plants as Volkswagen of Nigeria (VON), Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, ANAMMCO, LeylandBusan, NTM and Steyr.

According to him, Nissan, VW, Hyundai, Kia, Honda cars and SUV, Shacman and MAN Trucks, and Ashok-Leyland buses are now assembled in Nigeria.

“Eleven new companies, including Century Auto (Toyota), TATA, Coscharis Auto (FORD, Joylong, Dongfeng) and Dana Motors (Renault) have been given bona-fide manufacturing status and are on track to start assembly operations this year.

PAN targets low, medium income Nigerians with loans for cars

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eugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) is targeting low income and medium income earning Nigerians with loans to enable them purchase Peugeot cars and repay in instalments.

To solidify the move, PAN, which is a leading automobile company in Nigeria, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on auto loan alliance with the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in Abuja yesterday.

The loan alliance will enable Nigerians who wish to buy Peugeot cars to do so on loan and repay monthly for the maximum of 60 months.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of PAN, Ibrahim Boyi, told his audience that Peugeot cars are a heritage of Nigerians as some of the cars purchased 30 years ago still ply the roads.

“You can’t take Peugeot off the roads. Some cars produced 30 years ago still ply the roads in Nigeria. This is the quality; this is the heritage we are preaching,” he said.

Stressing comfort, safety, quality and reliability of the cars as attested by users over the years, he said the auto loan scheme was designed in partnership with the FCMB to give low income and medium income earners the opportunity to own brand new cars.

“We offer yet another opportunity with the FCMB for our prospective customers to relive the legacy, heritage and experience of Peugeot cars,” Boyi said.

He revealed that the loan facility is accessible at any FCMB branch or any accredited PAN dealer upon meeting the required criteria.

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Thieves sell stolen dog to dog’s owners

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uthorities in Southern California say two people were arrested after they allegedly tried to sell a stolen bulldog to the dog’s original owners.

Reports said the English bulldog, Gunny, was taken during a robbery on October 17.

When the owners saw Gunny listed for sale on Craigslist last week for $2, 500, they contacted the San Bernardino County sheriff’s

department.

With the help of investigators, they posed as prospective buyers and arranged to meet with the suspects in a Fontana parking lot.

After the owners identified the dog, deputies made the arrests.

Sheriff’s officials say 21-year-old Jamill Slaughter and 19-year-old Carla Martinez could face charges including possession of stolen property.

Cheese seller accused of fraud

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Pennsylvania manufacturer is accused of selling imitation Parmesan and Romano cheese that actually contained other cheeses, including cheddar and Swiss.

According to reports, Universal Cheese & Drying Inc. and International Packing LLC were charged yesterday with conspiracy.

Prosecutors said the cheeses labeled as “real” Parmesan and Romano didn’t conform to U.S. Food and Drug Administration

standards and contained trims of other cheeses.

President of Castle Cheese Inc., Michelle Myrter, and a corporate officer in both of the other companies, is charged with the misdemeanor of aiding and abetting the introduction of misbranded and adulterated food.

Her attorney, Stephen Stallings, said Myrter has a plea agreement that involves probation for her and $500, 000 in restitution and forfeitures for each of the companies.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities Oddities

Arrested Texas teen, Mohamed, moves to Qatar T he Texas boy arrested for bringing to school a homemade clock that was mistaken for a bomb, Ahmed Mohamed, is moving to Qatar, his family said yesterday, a few hours after he was at the White House for an astronomy night hosted by President Barack Obama.

Mohamed, 14, a bespectacled ninth-grader who became an Internet sensation for an arrest that supporters said was influenced by bias against his Muslim religion, has accepted an offer from the Qatar Foundation to study at its Young Innovators Program.

“This means, that we, as a family, will relocate to Qatar where Ahmed will receive a full scholarship for secondary and undergraduate education,” his family said in a statement.

The teenager, who dabbles in robotics and had attended a Dallas-area high school, has basked in celeb-

rity status since his arrest in September. The family has been traveling the globe to meet dignitaries.

Sudanese state radio reported that his father took him to meet Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. The Sudanese leader is accused by the International Criminal Court of masterminding

genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes during Sudan’s Darfur conflict.

After Mohamed was seen in a NASA T-shirt in handcuffs, the Twitter hashtag #IStandWithAhmed trended globally and was cited in praise from Google cofounder Sergey Brin and Facebook Chief Executive

Officer Mark Zuckerberg, who said: “Having the skill and ambition to build something cool should lead to applause, not arrest.”

No charges were filed and police in the Dallas suburb of Irving said in September they were reviewing their actions in the case.

Teenager Ahmed Mohamed holding the clock he was arrested for bringing to school

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

39

Discordant tunes on Nigeria’s rice import policy The recent motion on the floor of the Senate questioning the rationale behind the decision of the Nigeria Customs Service to lift the restriction on the importation of parboiled rice through the land borders has left many with the impression that Nigeria’s current rice import policy is probably uncoordinated. Stakeholders however believed that only a properly articulated and harmonised import policy would lead the nation to the desired self-sufficiency, FRANCIS EZEM, reports.

I

t does appear that Nigeria currently does not have a harmonised policy on the importation of parboiled rice into the country.

Recall that immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in its 2014 budget speech imposed a total of 110 per cent tariff on brown and parboiled rice imported into the country.

This tariff was made up of 100 per cent import duty and 10 per cent levy, which the government then believed would discourage the importation of the community with a view to enhancing local production geared towards the attainment of selfsufficiency in the production of rice by 2017.

However the massive smuggling of the product, given the porous nature of the nation’s over 200 land borders and several other unapproved routes in the face of public outcry trailing the policy compelled the government to review the policy.

However, a new fiscal policy issued in June, 2014, reduced the tariff from 110 per cent to total of 30 per cent for husked brown or paddy rice in its natural, unprocessed state.

This comprise 20 per cent duty and another 10 per cent levy for only investors with capacity to mill rice locally with verifiable backward integration programme.

The second leg of the policy requires commercial rice dealers to pay 60 per cent duty, which was designed to bridge the national supply gap.

With the emergence of the current administration, there have been some policy statements on the importation of rice, which have left many stakeholders confused.

For instance, recently, Per-

manent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr. Sonny Echono, was quoted as saying that the government was working on a new fiscal policy to reduce the import tariff on some products, including parboiled rice.

The Permanent Secretary who spoke during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission NIPC, Mr. Uju Hassan-Baba, described the high tariff policy as unfavourable.

He argued that the review would ensure that Nigeria becomes self sufficient in food production.

What further fuelled the suspicion of a seeming absence of a concise policy on rice importation was the reaction of the Senate, Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber to a policy statement by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali to the effect that parboiled rice would henceforth be allowed to come through the land borders, which was before now prohibited.

Under the new policy, importation of parboiled rice would be through both the seaports and land border, both of which will attract 10 per cent import duty and 60 per cent levy, bringing to a total of 70 per cent tariff.

Similarly, in the new tariff regime, rice millers will enjoy preferential levy with valid quota allocation, which would however attract a duty rate of 10 per cent with a 20 per cent levy on rice importation, bringing to a total of 30 per cent tariff.

National Public Relations Officer of the service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, who made the clarification, disclosed that the Comptroller General of the service, Ali has also approved the removal of the restriction on the importation of the commodity.

According to a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adeniyi, the service in 2012 imposed the restriction on importation through the land borders because the borders were believed to be a difficult terrain in terms of effectively monitoring and controlling the importation of the commodity a development that has proved to be counterproductive, as it has fuelled massive smuggling of the commodity over time He said: “Over the years, importation has been restricted to the seaports because the border authorities found it difficult to effectively monitor and control importation of rice”.

It was gathered that rather than enhancing effective coordination and monitoring of the commodity, the restriction policy

gave rise to massive smuggling of the commodity using all forms of means of conveyance through every available unapproved routes, which the service is currently trying to curtail or end entirely.

“The decision to ban rice importation through the land borders has not proved to be an effective measure because smuggling of the product thrives with people using different means of conveyance including small trucks, bicycles and even animals; putting the smuggled products on donkeys and some actually carry it on their heads”, he also said.

It is therefore expected that new measure will also pave way for the service to streamline its anti-smuggling operations at the border areas.

This is also given the new onslaught against smuggling of prohibited poultry products, as the government has renewed its re-

Nigeria should work towards achieving self sufficiency not only on rice production but also other agricultural products because countries that rely on importation hardly grow

solve to stop the smuggling of the product to protect the local poultry industry and also check the health hazards associated with the consumption of such unwholesome products,, which are primarily through the borders and creeks.

But stakeholders have made a strong case for a harmonised and properly coordinated rice importation policy.

National President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, who spoke in an interview, said that while harmonizing the rice import policies, government should also evolve a time limit when the nation would stop the importation of the products.

“What is ultimate is that in the long term, Nigeria should work towards achieving self sufficiency not only on rice production but also other agricultural products because countries that rely on importation hardly grow”, he said He argued that it is not just enough that the government would review the fiscal policy, it should also work towards local sufficiency by adopting measures to boost local output.

Amiwero insisted that the policy hiking the tariff on the products as a strategy to boost local production was not a bad one.

40

Business Maritime

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Only very few Custom officers are corrupt, says CG STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

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he newly appointed Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.) last week broke his long silence on his perception of the. service, saying that only a very insignificant number of the officers and men are corrupt contrary to beliefs in some quarters. President Mu-

hammandu Buhari had following the resignation of former Comptroller General of the service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, appointed Ali, who retired from the Nigerian Army over 20 years ago to restructure the service, which he believes is stinking with corruption.

The new CG, who addressed the media after a tour of Customs commands and operational facilities in Lagos, disclosed that

he was satisfied with what he saw, especially in terms of efficiency and professionalism.

“I cannot say there are no corrupt officials in Customs, there are, but they are among the insignificant minority and they seem to spoil the image of the good ones but we will fish them out”, the CG said emphatically.

It was however gathered that the CG in conjunction with the management team has consti-

tuted a high-powered committee that would work secretely to identify, fish out these corrupt officials to be punished in accordance with the laws of the land.

The CG, who confirmed this development said: “We will apply the laws, especially those guiding discipline and we must punish. My 27 years in the Nigerian Army were spent in the Enforcement department so we must punish because if we do not, the few bad ones will continue to spoil the good ones”.

He reitrated his earlier threat that the management under his watch would rely on relevant sections of Customs and Excise Management Act CEMA, sections 36, 47 and 54, which deal on giving and taking bribe, concealment and all other forms of trade.

Malpractices to punish offenders.

He said specifically that he

would ensure that those who offer and take bribes would be prosecuted, which according to him attract five-10 year jail term without option of fine.

On speculations that he would embark on a mass sack of officers and men of the service, he assured that there was no such plans, but warned that corrupt officials, who would not fit into the new system after the restructuring and reforms and who want to leave may be encouraged to exit.

Investigations showed that the new CG, who resumed in September, this year more than one month after his appointment had on resumption carried out a secret background checks on top management officers of the service with the assistance of the Economic and Finan-

cial Crimes Commission EFCC.

Maritime crimes increase in Asia –Report

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total of 161 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships had been reported in Asia during January-September 2015, a 25 per cent increase compared to 129 incidents reported in the same period in 2014, according to a report by piracy watchdog ReCAAP ISC.

Public outcry over Intels’ foreign exchange policy abuse

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ort stakeholders, especially those in the oil and gas segment of the industry have cried over the alleged continued disregard and gross abuse of the Federal Government’s new policy on foreign exchange policy.

The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN had in July prohibited certain transactions in foreign currencies, especially the United States dollar in addition to placing restrictions on some items of import numbering 41.

These were part of measures designed to curtail the dwindling value of the naira ocassioned by the sharp decline in the price of crude oil, which is Nigeria’s only source of foreign exchange earnings, thus leading to the depletion of the nation’s external reserves.

However, industry sources have hinted that Integrated Logistics Limited, INTELS, which prides itself as the leading logistics provider in the oil and gas free trade zone in Onne, has consistently treated this policy with disdain and scorn.

According to the company, which has interests in Onne Port,

Warri Port and Calabar Port, has shrugged off the efforts of the government to strengthen the local currency as it still collects foreign currencies from the users of its facilities for services rendered locally.

The source also argued that former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and a leading chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Party APC who, has major equity control in the com-

pany run by Italians, should call the management to order.

“Intels has continued to capitalise on the influence and powers of its major shareholder to ride rough shod on important policies of government, brushing aside the protests of stakeholders”, the stakeholder said.

It was gathered that one of such brazen affronts of the company was an attempt to annex the oil and gas free trade zone.

Of these, 11 were piracy incidents and 150 were armed robberies against ships. 110 incidents occurred on board ships while underway and 51 on board ships while at ports and anchorages.

The bulk of the incidents on board ships while underway occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS).

Of the 110 incidents, 96 (87 per cent) were reported in SOMS, mostly in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait.

Of the 51 incidents report-

DNV GL issues guideline on bulk cargo liquefaction

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nternational classification society DNV GL has published a guideline for the design and operation of vessels with bulk cargo that may liquefy, such as iron ore fines, nickel ore and various mineral concentrates, to raise the awareness of the risks and describe mitigating actions.

The guideline focuses on both the operational and design aspects of cargo liquefaction.

In daily operation a number of recommendations to reduce the risk of liquefaction are

made, including: making sure that cargo is correctly identified and properly documented, ensuring the time interval between testing for moisture content and loading is no more than seven days, that retesting is done in the event of rain, appointing an independent surveyor and performing a can test or similar to verify the moisture content, loading in a non-homogeneous pattern, raising the center of gravity by ballasting the top wing tanks (provided loading condition and structural strength allows

for it), and trimming as necessary to ensure cargoes are reasonably level.

“Cargo liquefaction is probably now the most significant factor in lives lost at sea for bulk carriers,” said Morten Løvstad, Business Director of Bulk Carriers at DNV GL. “While the general safety level of modern bulk carriers has been significantly improved over the last decades, recent incidents have shown that cargo liquefaction remains a major safety issue.

ed on board ships at anchor/ berth, 16 occurred in Indonesia and 19 in Vietnam. Seven of the 16 incidents in Indonesia occurred at Belawan port/anchorage; and 12 of the 19 incidents in Vietnam occurred at Vung Tau port/anchorage.

Of the 161 incidents, 11 were CAT 1 incidents, 21 were CAT 2 incidents, 26 were CAT 3 incidents, 92 were CAT 4 incidents, and 11 were attempted incidents.

ReCAAP has once again underlined the need for continuous efforts to tackle these incidents by the authorities and shipping industry collectively, and the importance of timely reporting by ship owners/operators/masters, and prompt responses by maritime enforcement agencies.

Majority of the incidents reported during January-September 2015 involved perpetrators operating in groups of 1 to 6 men, consistent with past trends. More than half of the incidents did not have reports of the type of weapons carried or no weapons were carried by the perpetrators, ReCAAP says.

In 83 per cent of the incidents, the crew was not injured, although there were reports of crew being threatened, taken hostage, assaulted, etc; but no serious injuries were reported except for two incidents on board Orkim Harmony and Joaquim.

ReCAAP advised ship masters and crew to exercise extra vigilance while operating in locations of concern.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, October 23, 2015

41

Airlines’ ticket sales hit N10.5bn in seven months –NCAA Olusegun Koiki

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irlines operating within and into Nigeria sold at least N10.5 billion in ticket sales between January and July this year.

The airlines airlifted 8.4 million passengers during the period.

This is also as the Ministry of Aviation said it was waiting for direction from the Federal Government on the call for the formation of national carrier for the country.

The Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Muhtar Usman, disclosed this yesterday in his keynote address at the 21stAnnual League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents, LAAC, with the theme ‘Achieving a Win-Win Aviation Sector in Nigeria’ held in Lagos.

Usman, who declared that on the domestic scene, the country’s airlines sold a total amount of N2.3 billion tickets while the foreign carriers sold N8.1bn tickets within the same period, noted noted that the value of tickets sold in the period was lower than the previous year’s, partly attributing the slide to the low business activities during the 2015 general elections.

He observed that the proactive steps taken in recent time

by the regulatory agency had led to the drastic reduction particularly in the hire and reward category, assuring that the agency would not relent in its efforts in ensuring total safety in the country’s airspace.

He added, “This is not a coincidence. At the NCAA, we have engaged in a wholesale and robust regulation of the industry.

Recently, as you are all aware, there was a notice of rulemaking preceding the review of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, NCARs. “This is to grow the authority’s regulatory capacity in tandem with emerging trends, global best practices and developments that were not captured in the subsisting regulation. I must commend our airline operators who have internalised our regulations and have imbibed the regulators’ consistent directive for self-regulation as a primary and vital mechanism.”

Besides, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Mrs. Binta Bello advocate strategy on how to develop a win-win situation for the country’s aviation sector in all ramifications with the setting up of a national carrier for the nation.

She recalled that President Muhammed Buhari recently directed on speedy and kick-start of a national carrier, which she assured that would become a

Joint Planning Board key to strategic plans’ implementation –NPC Secretary

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ecretary to the National Planning Commission (NPC), Bassey Akpanyung, has stated that, the regular meetings of the Joint Planning Board (JPB) being organised by the NPC have provided a platform for the building of capacities of public servants to sustain implementation of strategic plans.

He said that this would pave way for effective realisation of the objectives of the current Administration’s ‘Change Agenda’. The Forum will also allow for building of capacities of public servants for sustained implementation of strategic plans at the national and subnational levels” he said.

Akpanyung spoke at the JPB meeting held in Awka, Anambra State.

The Secretary also said that, far reaching recommendations of the JPB meeting will be reached with respect to institutionalization of strategic plans, policy formulation

and performance system at the sub-national level, and this will no doubt facilitate the realisation of the current Administration’ s ‘Change’ Agenda According to him also, this year’s meetings are structured to accommodate two side events that will feature the sub-themes of “Private Sector Investment: A key Driver of Economic Development” and “Achieving Positive Change for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Role of Development Partners” Among the eight presentations on major topical issues to be made at the technical sessions are; The National Successor Medium Term Strategic Plan to Aid Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development; Forging effective links between the Annual Budget and Medium Terms Plans for enhanced service delivery and Imperative of Good Governance in a Attaining Sustainable Development

reality with the approval of the government.

In his own presentation, the Managing Director of Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue, noted that the sector had witnessed some levels of growth in the past four years, but the growth must be sustained and grown with a

clear national plan.

He insisted that Nigeria had all the resources to develop from a developing nation to a developed country, but urged the government to be consistent in its policy formulation and execution.

He insisted that the planned

re-establishment of a national carrier for Nigeria about 13 years after the demise of the former was policy summersault, decrying that the country’s airlines still borrow at 24 per cent compared to their foreign counterparts that borrow at a single digit.

L-R: Chief Executive of Premium Souvenirs Limited, Mrs. Labo Tokoya; Major Customer Executive of DHL International Nigeria Limited, Mr. Oluseye Akinwale; Group Head, Admin & Facilities Management of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mrs. Wunmi Abiodun; Team Lead, CSR and Sustainability of the Bank, Mrs. Temitayo Ade-Peters and the Managing Director of Kindell Limited, Mr. Akindele Semowo, during a forum on Sustainability organised by the bank for its vendors in Lagos on Wednesday

Commodity price slump heightens low-income nations’ fiscal crisis SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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roblems facing lowermiddle income countries seeking to stabilize their economies have put pressure on their monetary policy.

Chief Economist, International Monetary Fund, IMF, Maurice Obstfeld said, “Many low and lower-middle income countries have made progress on a number of fronts, including stabilizing inflation rates, adding that good monetary policy would be necessary, if groups of countries is to achieve rapid, stable, sustainable, and inclusive growths.

“For many of these countries, the issue is how monetary policy frameworks evolve and what is the best implementation strategy; as they grow, reform, evolve their financial sectors and integrate even more into the global economy;’’, he stated.

He noted that the challenge was to make the policy more effective at achieving price stability by having a clear frame-

work for making policy decisions, effective operations and a transparent communication strategy.

Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Kofi Wampah, said monetary policy in low and lower-middle income countries faced important challenges, including exogenous shocks that can hit the country’s reserves and lead to volatile exchange rates.

Ghana’s economy has indeed been hit hard by the falling commodity prices. “Three commodities form 80 percent of exports; gold, cocoa, and oil,” Wampah stated, adding that “the price shocks have had a significant effect on the country’s reserves and accelerated volatility in some cases.

For instance, he noted that between 2012 and now, gold stocks had led to a loss of more than $2 billion in revenue while shocks in cocoa prices resulted in more than $1 billion loss in revenue.

Wampah also stressed the importance of communicating

new ways of implementing policy to the public and the media, emphasizing the need to build capacity in central banks in low-income countries while acknowledging the challenges of modernizing policy frameworks in the context of IMF supported programmes.

Other participants included Central Bank Governors from Botswana and Paraguay, and Obstfeld noted their experiences and challenges were quite different from those in advanced economies. “This is not material that you generally find in theoretical papers about transition, but it seems really critical to the success of the transition to a modern monetary policy framework,” Obstfeld said.

Botswana’s Central Bank Governor, Linah Mohohlo said, price stability should be the primary objective of monetary policy, though there has to be sufficient external support to help nurture the foundations of policy credibility, especially for those central banks with a limited track record.

42

Business News

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UNIDO, ITF advocate internship training to bridge skills gap Olufemi Adeosun, Abuja

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nited Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Industrial Training Fund (ITF) have urged the Federal Government to

develop the culture of apprenticeship and internship in order to address the challenge of skills gap in the country.

Country Representative of UNIDO, Mr David Tommy spoke at the weekend during the opening ceremony of a training pro-

gramme co-sponsored by the UN agency and ITF. He explained that developing a culture of apprenticeship and internship would prepare Nigerian youths for the require expertise needed in the employment market.

L-R: Justin Ijeh, Head Card Products, Access Bank Plc; Tope Folayan, Chief Executive Officer, Mall for Africa and Victor Etuokwu, Executive Director, Personal Banking Division, Access Bank Plc during a business partnership meeting between Access Bank and Mall for Africa in Lagos….recently

Australia, Cross River to explore investment opportunities Richard Ndoma,Calabar

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s part of efforts to strengthen their economic relations, Cross River State and the Australian Government are exploring possible areas of investment collaboration.

Specifically, Australia has indicated its readiness to invest in key sectors in the state, namely solid minerals, agriculture, fabrication as well as energy sectors.

The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan Richardson, who disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ben Ayade in Calabar, said his country was willing to collaborate with the state government to develop some identified sites and turn them to viable business ventures.

The envoy maintained that Cross River today presents itself as a more secure and safest part of the country which makes it more suitable and veritable ground for investment.

He promised to take advantage of the peaceful nature of the state by attracting investors

to the state.

Richardson pointed out that a group of Australian businessmen will soon visit the state to concretize arrangement with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). to kick start various businesses of mutual benefits to both parties as well as create huge employment opportunities in the state.

In his response, the State Governor said that the partnership with Australian government would serve as further boost to his economic agenda aimed at turning the state to an investment hub in sub-Sahara Africa.

He explained: “We would like to collaborate with the Australian government to explore the existing business opportunities in the state, with particular focus on the establishment of a fabrication yard which are very few in the country and all located in Lagos,” adding that they want to take advantage of the huge market in that sector as well as explore vigorously the area of mining.

“From our investigation and findings, there is a huge deposit

of gold and tantalite in commercial quantity in Uyanga, Akamkpa Local Government Area which is why we are seeking competent miners to invest in this endowment to boost our revenue profile as well as create jobs for youths which is even more important to us as a government.”, Ayade added.

Tommy identified the mismatch between available skills and skills gap in the industrial sector.

He stated: “The country should develop an apprenticeship and internship culture where industries and enterprises will take young people to start preparing them through training to meet the needs of the labour market”.

“We have quite a lot of innovative people in informal sector but there are relegated because they are not given the special skills required to fix them in the immediate market.”

“Quite a lot of people come out as garbage in the Engineering sector because they don’t have the required experience to fit in the immediate market hence there is skilled gab in that sector.”

Buttressing UNIDO Rep’s argument, the ITF’s Director General, Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko said the Fund was aware of the need of the corporate world hence the need to train people in line with modern day demand of the employment market.

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ment of relevant industrial skills has remained the most critical issues facing the country today.

Spanish unemployment rate drops to 21.2%, lowest since 2011

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panish unemployment fell to the lowest since 2011 in the third quarter, boosting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s campaign ahead of an election pegged to jobs.

The jobless rate dropped to 21.2 percent from 22.4 percent the previous quarter, the Madrid-based National Statistics Institute said Thursday. Despite the improvement, Spain still has the second-highest unemployment rate in the euro area behind Greece.

MoneyGram announces collaboration with Econet Wireless

oneyGram, a global provider of innovative money transfer services, and Econet Wireless, the leading mobile operator in Zimbabwe, on Wednesday announced the launch of a new service that enables customers from more than 200 countries and territories worldwide to transfer funds via EcoCash, Zimbabwe’s leading mobile money transfer solution.

The new offering means that more than 4.9 million EcoCash subscribers and MoneyGram customers can receive funds across the EcoCash network at any time, day or night, and from any place. What’s more, consum-

“Students will be guided on their choice of courses that will ensure that they are employable at the end of their training, just as training institutes will be guided on what courses to offer or concentrate their efforts at any particular time, she added.”

“We believe that by carrying out this training, it will help us in this early stage to better understand where the mismatch is occurring and the kind of mismatch we have and for us to clearly align the need and advise the supplier appropriately.”

“We are aware of the present and future skills needs in industries and most importantly, we understand the latest employment trends. Without this knowledge, the skills produced by institutions will not meet the needs of the industries and the desire for an inclusive sustainable economic growth will be stunted, “she said.

According to her the develop-

ers can access MoneyGram’s services at more than 20,000 EcoCash locations across Zimbabwe, or at any one of MoneyGram’s agent locations worldwide.

The launch was celebrated at a press conference, which was attended by Herve Chomel, MoneyGram’s vice president for Africa and Anton Luttig, MoneyGram’s regional director of southern and eastern Africa.

“Our activation with EcoCash, a leader in Zimbabwe’s mobile money realm, furthers MoneyGram’s vision of expanding our self-service offerings to ensure an unparalleled customer experience.’

A surge in temporary hiring saw the Spanish economy add 182,200 new jobs in the three months to September, which includes the crucial summer hiring season, led by the services and industry sectors. Over the past year, the country has created more than half a million posts, taking the total number of Spaniards working to 18 million.

Despite the pick up, the number of permanent jobs fell 18, 900 in the quarter, highlighting the split between mainly young workers with little protection and those in stable positions.

The data should give Rajoy some respite as he races to win over disenchanted voters before a general election set for Dec. 20.

Hindered by the legacy of austerity, an unpopular labor market reform and corruption allegations surrounding his party, he is making job creation the centerpiece of his campaign.

“Rajoy will argue that the recovery is safe in his hands with benefits now more apparent,” said Raj Badiani, senior economist at IHS Global Insight Ltd, pointing out that the pace of job creation was better than expected in the quarter. Thursday’s data marks the final quarterly unemployment survey before the election.

(Source – Bloomberg)

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Business News

Friday, October 23, 2015

World Bank revises oil price forecasts downward SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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he World Bank has lowered its 2015 forecast for crude oil prices from $57 per barrel to $52 per barrel in its latest commodity update report released yesterday.

The revised forecast reflects a further slowing in global economic performance as well as expectations that global oil exports will rise, after lifting of international sanctions, according to the Bank’s new Commodity Markets Outlook, a quarterly update on the state of the international commodity markets.

Consequently, the Bank’s energy price index tumbled 17 percent from the previous three-month period, led by a renewed plunge in oil prices, prompted by expectations of slower global growth, particularly in China and other emerging markets.

With the abundant supplies and prospects of higher Iranian exports next year, energy prices are expected to average 43 percent

lower in 2015 than in 2014.

For commodities, excluding energy, the World Bank reports a 5 percent decline in prices in Q3, forecasting that non-energy prices will register a 14 percent decline in 2015 from the previous year’s levels.

“We see a five-year-long slide in most commodity prices continuing in the third quarter of 2015.

There are sufficient inventories of oil and other commodities and demand is weak, especially for industrial commodities, which is why prices may stay persistently low,” said John Baffes, Senior Economist and lead author of Commodity Markets Outlook.

Despite expectations, the weather pattern, which affects winds and water temperatures of the Pacific Ocean and changes precipitation levels, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, is unlikely to cause a spike in global agricultural prices because of ample supplies of most agricultural commodities and weak links between global and domestic prices.

This is consistent with the lim-

ited impact on global markets of past El Niño episodes. To date, global agricultural prices have declined while those of key domestic markets have not shown large deviations from trends due to El Niño.

However, El Niño could be a source of significant local disruptions in the most affected regions, the Outlook says.

In particular, the weather pattern is likely to have a greater impact on more isolated local food markets, which are not linked to international markets.

Within several months, Iran could increase crude oil production by 0.5-0.7 million barrels per day (mb/d), potentially reaching a 2011 pre-sanctions level of 3.6 mb/d. In addition, Iran could immediately begin exporting from its 40 million barrels of floating storage of oil.

Given that Iran has the largest known gas global reserves (18 percent of the world total), it has the potential to produce and export a significant volume of natural gas over the long term.

43

Deutsche Bank may slash bonuses by One-Third

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eutsche Bank AG may cut the bonus pool for its investment bank by as much as 500 million euros ($566 million), or almost a third, as co-Chief Executive Officer John Cryan seeks to slash costs in the securities unit, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

No decision has been taken and the biggest reductions are likely to impact employees in the fixed-income business, said one of the people, who asked not to be named as the information isn’t public. Some managing directors may have their entire bonus scrapped, according to the person. Deutsche Bank paid staff at the securities unit 1.7 billion euros of variable compensation for 2014, the Frankfurt-based firm’s filings show.

Cryan, 54, who took over from Anshu Jain in July, indicated earlier this month that bonuses may be cut after saying the company will report a thirdquarter loss of about 6.2 billion euros after writing down the value of the investment bank and other assets. The bank is also considering suspending its dividend for the first time since Germany’s post World War II reconstruction in an effort to bolster capital.

The writedowns and divi-

dend recommendation “have to be factored in some way into our upcoming decisions on variable compensation for the year,” Cryan wrote in a memo posted on the firm’s website on Oct. 7, adding that there hasn’t been a final decision on discretionary payouts. “You have my personal commitment to try to achieve a fair balance between staff and shareholder interests.”

A spokesman at Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt declined to comment.

The shares jumped as much as 1 percent, trading at 26.75 euros at 2:33 p.m. in Frankfurt, up 0.8 percent on the day. They have increased about 7 percent this year.

Deutsche Bank paid staff across its businesses 2.71 billion euros in bonuses for last year, down from 3.16 billion euros they received for 2013, company filings show. Last year marked the first time the bank implemented European Union rules which cap bonuses at twice annual salary.

The investment banking and trading unit, which was previously co-headed by Colin Fan, employed 25,843 people at the end of December, 8,207 of whom were classified as front office staff, who are generally the top earners, according to company filings.

Stakeholders urge government on tourism sector devt David Audu L-R Former President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Mr Mike Itegboje, Son of Deceased, Mr Eze Onosode, Acting President, CIS, Mr Oluwaseyi Abe, Second Vice President, CIS, Mr Dapo Adekoje and Registrar and Chief Executive, CIS, Mr Adedeji Ajadi at Corporate Night of Honour for Late Dr Gamaliel Onosode in Lagos last weekend

EU war against tax dodging creates ripples in Europe’s tax havens

L

uxembourg and the Netherlands lost a bit of luster as tax havens for some of the world’s biggest companies this week, as the European Union fired its latest salvo aimed at multinational tax dodging.

Yet the Netherlands is on pace to maintain its attractiveness as a tax-friendly address for multinationals, said several tax advisers to big companies. That’s less likely for Luxembourg, they said.

On Wednesday, the EU announced that a tax deal between the Netherlands and Starbucks Corp., and another between Luxembourg and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, constituted illegal state aid. It said each company owed as much as 30 million euros ($34 million) in back taxes.

The move is the latest in a multicontinent crackdown on how companies use addresses across the globe to minimize their tax bills, costing countries as much as $240 billion annually, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates. Several tax advisers say they don’t expect the latest rulings to stop the flow of the profits into European tax havens. However, they do say they expect the mix of those havens to gradually change.

Some countries, such as Ireland and the U.K., may retain their appeal. Others, like Luxembourg, could eventually lose their abilities to attract revenues from companies that have addresses there but not much more.

For years, Ireland and the Neth-

erlands have enabled companies to shift enormous profits to island havens like the Cayman Islands, where they located subsidiaries holding valuable intellectual property. Bowing to international pressure, Ireland has announced plans to discontinue some benefits.

“The days of having all your intellectual property in offshore tax havens and charging huge royalties, those days are running out,” said Conor Hurley, a tax lawyer for Arthur Cox, a large Irish law firm that advises U.S. multinationals.

“They may not be quite over, but running out.”

Ireland is simultaneously creating new shelters. Last year, the country said it would eventually end something called the “Double Irish.”

S

takeholders in the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria have called on the federal government to invest in providing enabling environment that would enhance the development of Tourism business in Nigeria.

The industry players, during their meeting in Lagos under the auspices of the African Hotels and Resorts Forum, believed there were enormous potential for tourism and hospitality development in Nigerian if government rises to its responsibility of adequate infrastructure such as roads, stable power supply and the recurrent issue of multiple taxation.

President of Western Hotels, Ikeja, Mr. Funmi Ayeni, said Nigeria was still a far cry from being a tourism destination, unlike some parts of Africa such as Kenya and South Africa.

He said it will remain so until the federal government stops talk-

ing on papers and get into action of real developing the sector.

Ayeni said for any country to lay claim to be a tourist destination it must tackle the issues of transportation, which is for government to do, and hotels, which “why industry practitioners have gathered, noting that despite the myriad of instructional challenges, Nigerian hotels and hospitality businesses have been living up to it, though would need to do more”.

He urged government to adopt the private public partnership in developing the major tourism sites in Nigeria for us to attract tourists.

Managing Consultant, Complete Hospitality services ltd, Sumonu Daud Gbenga said government must come out with adequate legislation to address some of the challenges in the industry.

He said many businesses have been crippled as a result of multiple taxes from federal, states and local governments, saying there must be streamlining of levies for hospitality operations in Nigeria.

44

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAO commends Nigeria’s agricultural revolution Abolaji Adebayo

T

he Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its commitment to revolutionalising agriculture in the country.

The commendation was given recently by an expert on Market Linkages and Value Chains Group Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division of the FAO, Ms Allison Loconto, during her trip to a five-day 3rd African Organic Agricultural Conference held in Lagos State.

Loconto, who reaffirmed that the government of Nigeria has made a lot of commitment in turning around its agricultural sector, said that it was in this regard that FAO has been working with various organs of government in Nigeria to improve agriculture productivity.

She said one of the research projects the FAO has been working on in Nigeria was in collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

The visiting expert, who explained that the project involved developing organic agriculture curriculum, which was being integrated into the system for bachelor’s degree, reiterated that both students and lecturers under the project have been working with small farm communities around the university to do farm experimentation and to engage the communities in organic practices.

She further noted that from FAO’s point of view, the investment in research and participatory training can help to build the agriculture sector, adding that in this way, the government can provide opportunities for future farmers to have the type of knowledge necessary to boost food production.

Speaking on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Loconto stressed that the current research efforts would embrace organic agriculture and also enhance the farmers’ knowledge about how to do agriculture more sustainably, adding that FAO as a UN organisation was also playing a pivotal role to make the goals realisable.

She further said that a number of these goals actually have to do with food and agriculture system and so, FAO has just done a re-organisation at the national levels and throughout its decentralised system.

Meanwhile, the expert, during the conference pledged continued supports to African countries in

creating economically and efficient food system through ecological organic agriculture.

She emphasised that FAO has to make series of changes to the agriculture system to make them more sustainable, so the institution is looking at agricology and ecological agriculture as one of the ways to reduce the negative environmental impact and the pressure on the environment.

According to her, Ecological Organic Agriculture, EOA, is relatively new within FAO programme on plant production and protection but it has been gaining support.

“There are five strategic objectives which FAO is working out to reach the 17 SDGs; these strategic objectives are focused on alleviating hunger and making agriculture system more sustainable, reducing poverty, ensuring that food systems are inclusive and efficient and building resiliency among others.

L-R: The Brand Manager, Power Oil, Disha Argawal; Both winners at the Power Oil pay per calories event, Franklin Onyenze and Halimat Adebayo and Marketing Assistant, Power Oil, Fagbemi Oyeyemi at the Power Oil Pay Per Calories event held at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.

“We are working towards creating socially sound and economically sound efficient food systems by supporting the agricology and

ecological organic agriculture practice which is currently being focused on,” she said.

Nigeria to collaborate with Brazil on agric research Abolaji Adebayo

T

he Federal Government has said that it would partner Brazil to develop agricultural research in order to boost food production and productivity in the country.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sonny Echono, who disclosed this recently in Abuja at a meeting with Brazil’s Trade Mission led by Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Joao Lima, said the ministry was also interested in learning from the school feeding programme of Brazil with about 40 million children daily to fortify a similar scheme in Nigeria.

Echono said that the ministry was fascinated by the achievements of Brazil in rice production and productivity.

He said that rice was a staple crop in Nigeria with efforts being put in place to achieve self sufficiency in its production.

Nigeria, the Permanent Secretary said, would borrow ideas from Brazil to

achieve that feat.

Other areas where both countries are expected to collaborate include cooperatives, rice milling equipment and agribusiness, among others.

The Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria,

ARCN, Prof. Yusuf Abubakar, said that there were 11 colleges of agriculture and 15 research institutes with a workforce of 10, 000 staff under the council.

He said the council has 1,800 scientists identifying capacity building as one of the major challenges facing the council.

SA attracting organised crime

J

orge Rios, head of the UN’s Global Programme for Combating Wildlife and Forest Crime, said South Africa’s excellent financial systems, and its communications and transport networks, make it attractive for organised crime syndicates.

Bool Smuts, director of the Landmark Foundation, a conservation NGO specialising in human-wildlife conflict, said the wealth of the country’s game ranching industry made it the world’s centre for the illicit live wildlife trade.

David Newton, of Traffic - a wildlife trade monitoring group - said

South Africa, the region’s transport hub, was a major international conduit for wildlife and plant smuggling.

He said: “Our harbours, airports and leaky borders are exploited by syndicates. This trade has driven some species into extinction. “Given how small some plants are, they are easy to smuggle, with many taken out the country hidden in handbags.”

South Africa’s trade in exotics was having an effect on wild populations, especially birds such as the African grey parrot, which were in high demand because they were “good talkers”.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, October 23, 2015

45

Market capitalisation drops by N59bn Johnson Okanlawon

T

rading in equities continued on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors took profit from the gains recorded previous days.

The equities had recorded four days consecutive positive trends recently.

The All Share Index depreciated 0.57 per cent to close at 30,025.62 points, compared to the decline of 0.41 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 30,199.15 points.

Market capitalization shed N59 billion to close at

N10.32 trillion, compared to the depreciation of N44 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N10.38 trillion.

On the sectorial indices, weakness was observed in the banking sector, which lost 0.32 per cent, Consumer Goods shed 0.97 per cent, Industrial Goods fell 0.53 per cent and Insurance dropped 0.03 per cent.

The bearish performance was predominantly driven by Guinness Nigeria which lost 5.70 per cent to close at N142.20 per share; Dangote Cement dipped 0.94 per cent to close at N163 per share,

while Nigerian Breweries depreciated 0.73 per cent to close at N137.01 per share.

Oando Nigeria Plc led the gainers table with 53 kobo or 5.37 per cent to close at N10.40 per share, followed by Beta Glass Plc with N2.15 or five per cent to close at N45.15 per share.

Cutix Plc gained eight kobo or five per cent to close at N1.68 per share, while Honeywell Flour Mills Plc appreciated 13 kobo or 4.87 per cent to close at N2.80 per share.

Diamond Bank Plc rose 12 kobo or 4.21 per cent to close at N2.97 per share.

On the flip side, Okomu

Oil Plc dropped N3.47 or 9.74 per cent to close at N32.16 per share, while Cadbury Nigeria fell N1.10 or five per cent to close at N20.90 per share.

Evans Medicals Plc dropped three kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at 58 kobo per share, while Unilever Plc depreciated N1.98 or 4.42 per cent to close at N42.85 per share.

Costain Plc declined two kobo or 3.77 per cent to close at 51kobo per share.

A total of 284.1 million shares valued at N2.82 billion were exchanged in 2,962 deals.

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira Market indicators All-Share Index 30,025.62 points Market capitalisation 10.32trn

SEC moves to enlighten workers on capital market opportunities Johnson Okanlawon

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has launched a financial literacy and investor education drive targeted specifically at Nigerian workers.

A statement from the commission yesterday indicated that the initiative christened “SEC Investor Education Partnership with Labour” was designed to enhance personal financial planning skills among Nigerian workers and to instill a culture of saving and investing in the vitally important segment of Nigeria’s citizenry that is the work force.

It explained that the

campaign derives from the market development mandate entrusted to the SEC by its enabling law, the ISA 2007.

“This mandate has been reinforced by the 10 – Year Capital Market Master Plan which the SEC is currently leading the Nigerian capital market industry to implement and by the flagship role assigned to Nigeria in the strategic blueprint of IOSCO, the global umbrella for securities market regulation, as the Africa and Middle East regional hub for education, training and research for the securities market.

“Through the investor education partnership with labour, the SEC is

sharing actionable information and building skills on personal financial planning, investment opportunities in the Nigerian capital market and the investor protection role of the SEC with members of organized labour as represented by the 26 affiliate unions of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, as well as the Trade Union Congress, TUC. The statement quoted the Head, Market Development Department at the SEC, Mr. Obi Adindu, as saying that the strategic objective of the SEC is to stimulate a pool of investible resources derived from the savings culture of Nigerian workers which may

then be channeled to the Nigerian capital market since the most successful capital markets are autocentric and dependent on the participation and patronage of their country’s nationals.

He said: “The ultimate goal of the SEC is to build a solid partnership between the Nigerian worker and the capital market in which the latter will constitute an avenue for channeling the former’s savings and investment leading to wealth creation while the capital market will, in turn, gain resilience, depth and robustness on account of participation in it by the Nigerian worker.”

Euro falls as ECB indicates openness to new measures

S

tocks rose in the United States and Europe and the dollar rallied against the euro after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said yesterday that further rate cuts were considered to stimulate the euro zone economy.

Worries that global economic growth is slowing, particularly in China, have depressed stock and commodity markets across the world in recent months and prompted a series of downgrades to economic forecasts from the International Monetary Fund and others.

The ECB, as widely expected, took no new steps yesterday, but Draghi signaled that it could extend its 1 trillion euro bond-buying quantitative easing scheme if necessary to combat weak inflation.

“We are ready to act if

needed ... and we are open to the full menu of monetary policy,” Draghi said at his press conference.

Wall Street was higher, gaining ground after the ECB news and earnings reports that included betterthan-expected figures from McDonald’s Corp to weak figures from Caterpillar and Raytheon.

A global index of equities rose 0.7 per cent.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 215.29 points, or 1.25 per cent, to 17,383.9, the S&P 500 gained 24.51 points, or 1.21 per cent, to 2,043.45 and the Nasdaq Composite added 68.13 points, or 1.41 per cent, to 4,908.24.

The dollar edged up against a basket of currencies. The US unit has been losing ground in the past month as expectations

waned for an interest rate hike this year by the Federal Reserve.

The euro EUR= fell 1.5 per cent after the ECB decision, moving sharply lower after Draghi’s comments, trading at $1.1169, a threeweek low. It also fell to a onemonth low against sterling.

Against the yen, the dollar was up 0.4 per cent to 119.78.

“Draghi delivered all kinds of dovish signals which weighed on the euro,” said Vassili Serebriakov, currency strategist at BNP Paribas in New York.

“He was as dovish as can be without changing policy.”

The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 stocks index rose two per cent. An increased full-year sales outlook from Swiss drugmaker Roche helped support the index. The company’s

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

OANDO

9.87

10.40

0.53

5.37

BETAGLAS

43.00

45.15

2.15

5.00

CUTIX

1.60

1.68

0.08

5.00

HONYFLOUR

2.67

2.80

0.13

4.87

DIAMONDBNK

2.85

2.97

0.12

4.21

CCNN

7.38

7.67

0.29

3.93

PZ

25.18

26.10

0.92

3.65

UBN

5.55

5.75

0.20

3.60

NEM

0.70

0.72

0.02

2.86

GLAXOSMITH

39.00

39.99

0.99

2.54

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

OKOMUOIL

35.63

32.16

-3.47

-9.74

GUINNESS

150.80

142.20

-8.60

-5.70

CADBURY

22.00

20.90

-1.10

-5.00

EVANSMED

0.61

0.58

-0.03

-4.92

UNILEVER

44.83

42.85

-1.98

-4.42

COSTAIN

0.53

0.51

-0.02

-3.77

ETI

18.75

18.06

-0.69

-3.68

RTBRISCOE

0.57

0.55

-0.02

-3.51

UNITYBNK

1.53

1.48

-0.05

-3.27

FCMB

2.17

2.10

-0.07

-3.23

FGN Bonds

shares were up 2.8 per cent.

Earlier, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.2 percent. Japan’s Nikkei closed down 0.6 per cent.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

US Dollar

$1

N197

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.57

100.25

14.89

100.40

14.78

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.75

102.68

15.01

102.98

14.91

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.37

101.48

15.05

101.78

14.95

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.33

105.26

15.05

105.56

14.98

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.45

95.67

15.12

95.97

15.05

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.81 68.00

15.59

68.30

15.51

Closing Market Prices of September 30, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

24-Dec-15

10.54

10.81

WAUA

270

USD

197

31-Mar-16

12.71

13.57

EURO

214

01-Sep-16

12.55

14.19

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

5.8333

POUNDS STERLING

293

1M

14.1909

3M

15.5455

SDR

273

6M

16.6173

NIBOR

The Fixings of September 30, 2015

Capital Market

46

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 23, 2015

Stock exchange daily equities summary Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015

Equities as at October 22, 2015

Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026

Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015 Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 21 4 25

Current Price 32.16 30.50

Quantity Traded 113,157 2,042 115,199

Value Traded 3,640,819.12 65,384.84 3,706,203.96

Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. Fishing/Hunting/Trapping Totals

Symbol ELLAHLAKES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.26

Quantity Traded 10 10

Value Traded 40.50 40.50

Livestock/Animal Specialties

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 9 9

Current Price 1.70

Quantity Traded 175,700 175,700

Value Traded 305,696.00 305,696.00

290,909

4,011,940.46

Quantity Traded 5,018,786 264,296 5,283,082

Value Traded 10,519,345.21 7,475,564.84 17,994,910.05

LIVESTOCK PLC. Daily Summary as ofFEEDS 22/10/2015

Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC Activity U ASummary C N PLC. on Board EQTY Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE © Published

by The Nigerian Stock Exchange Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. G CAPPA PLC Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

35

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 80 35 115

Current Price 2.11 29.00

115

5,283,082 Page

Symbol COSTAIN GCAPPA

No. of Deals 20 1 21

Current Price 0.51 14.46

Quantity Traded 1,324,254 200 1,324,454

Value Traded 686,591.08 2,748.00 689,339.08

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

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 8 8

Current Price 39.99

Quantity Traded 44,650 44,650

Value Traded 1,778,338.40 1,778,338.40

Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 8.17

Quantity Traded 180,496 180,496

Value Traded 1,444,956.04 1,444,956.04

1,549,600

3,912,633.52

Real Estate Totals Daily Summary as Development of 22/10/2015 Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC Activity Summary on Board EQTYPLC. INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015

Household Durables Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 VITAFOAM NIG PLC. VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS CONSUMER GOODS Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015 UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL FINANCIAL SERVICESREINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. INSURANCE CO (NIG) © PLC. Published byN.E.M The Nigerian Stock Exchange PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015 Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Activity on Board EQTY OtherSummary Financial Institutions Totals HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC NIGERIA-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

41

Symbol No. of Deals Current Price Daily Summary (Equities) CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW NB Symbol 7UP

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Current Price 196.50

No. of Deals 17 16 64 17 9 123

Current Price 2.60 6.40 21.00 2.80 7.18

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 37 64 101

Current Price 20.90 830.00

Quantity Traded 255,029 41,135 296,164

Value Traded 5,352,938.80 34,141,940.50 39,494,879.30

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 38 2 40

Current Price 5.33 0.93

Quantity Traded 1,637,182 14,800 1,651,982

Value Traded 8,291,470.25 13,172.00 8,304,642.25

No. of Deals 52 54 106

Current Price 26.10 42.85

Quantity Traded 428,224 869,790 1,298,014

Value Traded 11,095,747.10 37,191,534.91 48,287,282.01

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol PZ UNILEVER

595

Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK

Daily Summary

No. of Deals 211 60 39 44 199 51 9 112 59 13 17 (Equities) 814

6,355,709 Page Current Price 5.00 2.97 18.06 1.50 24.00 2.11 2.13 4.15 5.75 1.48 0.98

Quantity Traded 57,713,178 37,719,786 585,365 50,014,956 32,035,410 2,063,329 251,699 5,018,799 1,408,741 781,690 733,986 188,326,939

289,174,336.08 12 3 of Value Traded 289,731,970.93 109,506,068.49 10,600,637.94 74,983,073.64 767,408,744.50 4,400,678.30 537,812.35 20,992,171.48 8,066,771.72 1,145,880.54 700,961.90 1,288,074,771.79

Quantity Traded 562,352 32,500 1,000 Quantity Traded 40,000 2,000 7,000 12,050 5,200 2,658,234 Page 530 200,500 2,500 3,523,866

Value Traded 483,872.72 32,610.00 500.00 Value Traded 20,000.00 1,000.00 3,500.00 31,832.00 2,600.00 12 41,913,127.38 of 265.00 100,250.00 1,250.00 2,590,807.10

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 1.04

Quantity Traded 302,000 302,000

Value Traded 314,109.82 314,109.82

No. of Deals 52 10 31 (Equities) 16 70 179

Current Price 2.65 4.20 2.10 23.00 1.37

Quantity Traded 1,924,860 435,147 478,759 256,185 3,239,635 6,334,586

Value Traded 5,132,092.74 1,830,872.95 1,032,732.41 5,893,656.24 4,486,316.47 18,375,670.81

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FCMB Daily Summary STANBIC UBCAP

Symbol MORISON

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH NIG-GERMAN

1,044 No. of Deals 1 1 No. of Deals 14 4 26 5 2 5 56

Current Price 1.73

Current Price 0.58 3.00 39.99 1.17 1.03 4.91

57

Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

1

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER

No. of Deals 5 12

Current Price 23.00 10.88

198,487,391 Quantity Traded 500 500 Page Quantity Traded 1,149,463 70,900 708,100 17,275 3,542 14,608 1,963,888

Value Traded 701,132.31 221,775.00 26,809,638.96 20,630.00 3,471.16 66,296.47 27,822,943.90

1,964,388

27,823,808.90

Quantity Traded 40,000 40,000

Value Traded 20,000.00 20,000.00

40,000

20,000.00

Quantity Traded 29,284 193,005

Value Traded 650,260.80 2,060,137.92

Page

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Value of Shares(N) Value Traded 6,042,165.41 3,786,605.64 3,000.00 3,024.00 287,391,510.72 299,936,704.49

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 7 7

Current Price 1.68

Quantity Traded 1,160,006 1,160,006

Value Traded 1,882,810.08 1,882,810.08

Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Symbol BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 5 5

Current Price 45.15

Quantity Traded 4,924,878 4,924,878

Value Traded 222,227,039.60 222,227,039.60

9,886,734

524,046,554.17

Current Price 10.40

Quantity Traded 25,451,417 25,451,417

Value Traded 272,770,735.11 272,770,735.11

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

Quantity Traded 300 24,840

Value Traded 150.00 646,833.60

Activity Summary on Board EQTY PLC BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT

CONOIL PLC OIL AND GAS Activity Summary on Board EQTY Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors OILbyAND ETERNA PLC. Published TheGAS Nigerian Stock Exchange © FORTE OIL Petroleum andPLC. Petroleum Products Distributors MOBIL NIG PLC. ETERNA PLC. Daily Summary as ofOIL 22/10/2015 TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Exploration and Production Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Activity on Board EQTY OILExploration ANDSummary GAS Totals and Production Totals SERVICES OIL AND GAS Totals Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC SERVICES Advertising Totals Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015 RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Employment Solutions Published by The Stock Exchange © C & Nigerian I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Activity on Board EQTY Published

by TheSummary Nigerian Stock Exchange © Hotels/Lodging SERVICES IKEJA HOTEL PLC Advertising TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC AFROMEDIA PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals Advertising Totals Printing/Publishing Automobile/Auto PartPLC. Retailers ACADEMY PRESS R T BRISCOE PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Printing/Publishing Totals

93

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 259 259

Daily Summary (Equities) BECOPETRO CONOIL

Symbol ETERNA FO Symbol MOBIL ETERNA TOTAL FO MOBIL TOTAL Symbol SEPLAT Daily Summary Symbol SEPLAT

1 8

0.50 27.41

No. of Deals 7 71 No. of Deals 25 7 715 25 117 5 No. of Deals 117 6 (Equities) No. of Deals6 6 382 6

Current Price 1.71 Current290.00 Price 154.00 1.71 150.01 290.00 154.00 150.01 Current Price 234.50 Current Price 234.50

Symbol AFROMEDIA Symbol

382 No. of Deals 1 No. of Deals1

Current Price 0.50 Current Price

Quantity Traded Page 8,500 Quantity 112,524 Traded 49,936 8,500 8,468 112,524 49,936 204,568 8,468 Quantity204,568 Traded 14,334 Quantity Traded 14,334 14,334 25,670,319 14,334

Value Traded 7 14,530.00 of 12 32,596,739.47 Value Traded 7,306,824.40 14,530.00 1,265,949.44 32,596,739.47 7,306,824.40 41,831,026.91 1,265,949.44 Value Traded 41,831,026.91 3,365,312.50 Value Traded 3,365,312.50 3,365,312.50 317,967,074.52 3,365,312.50

25,670,319 Quantity Traded 500 500 Quantity Traded

317,967,074.52 Value Traded 250.00 250.00 Value Traded

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 0.55

Quantity Traded 115,000 115,000

Value Traded 63,250.00 63,250.00

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 3 14 17

Current Price 4.25 1.22

Quantity Traded 55,000 186,950 241,950

Value Traded 233,771.00 240,187.50 473,958.50

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

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL Symbol TRANSCOHOT AFROMEDIA Symbol Symbol ACADEMY RTBRISCOE LEARNAFRCA

2 2

0.50

No. of Deals 4 No. of Deals 1 1 5 1 No. of Deals No. of Deals 2 6 12 6 14

Current Price 3.44 Current Price 6.42 0.50

Quantity Traded Page 6,000 6,000 Page Quantity Traded 46,174 Quantity Traded 300 500 46,474 500 Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 24,000 115,000 1,369,251 115,000 1,393,251

Current Price Current Price 0.59 0.55 0.85

Value Traded 8 of 12 3,000.00 3,000.00 12 8 of Value Traded 155,203.14 Value1,830.00 Traded 250.00 157,033.14 250.00 Value Traded Value Traded 13,684.66 63,250.00 1,169,749.75 63,250.00 1,183,434.41

Courier/Freight/Delivery REDNigerian STAR EXPRESS PLC © Published by The Stock Exchange TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 3 14 17

Current Price 4.25 1.22

Quantity Traded Page 55,000

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015 Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 Hotels/Lodging

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 6,000 6,000

Value Traded 3,000.00 3,000.00

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCOHOT

No. of Deals 4 1 5

Current Price 3.44 6.42

Quantity Traded 46,174 300 46,474

Value Traded 155,203.14 1,830.00 157,033.14

No. of Deals Current Price 2 0.59 12 0.85 14 No. of Deals Current Price 2 0.53 2

Quantity Traded 24,000 1,369,251 1,393,251 Quantity Traded 200,000 Page 200,000

Value Traded 13,684.66 1,169,749.75 1,183,434.41 Value Traded 106,000.00 12 9 of 106,000.00

186,950 241,950

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA Symbol ABCTRANS

Value Traded 9 233,771.00 of 12 240,187.50 473,958.50

Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 5 5 10

Current Price 1.94 4.60

Quantity Traded 22,200 6,001 28,201

Value Traded 42,156.00 26,660.71 68,816.71

Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Symbol CAVERTON

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 3.05

Quantity Traded 30,000 30,000

Value Traded 87,000.00 87,000.00

58

2,061,376

2,142,742.76

2,421

251,589,508

2,496,449,359.98

SERVICES Totals Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015 EQTY Board Totals Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026

Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC

Daily Summary (Equities) Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol ZENITHBANK

No. of Deals 149 149

Current Price 17.78

Quantity Traded 5,793,994 5,793,994

Value Traded 102,710,223.71 102,710,223.71

Symbol FBNH

No. of Deals 362 362

Current Price 5.81

Quantity Traded 26,332,669 26,332,669 Page

Value Traded 153,862,574.63 153,862,574.63 12 10 of

Other Institutions Totals Published by The Financial Nigerian Stock Exchange © FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

1,309,355,359.52 Value Traded 865.00 865.00 12 5 of

Quantity Traded Quantity Traded 158,902 493,387 6,000 900 2,920,372 3,801,850

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. EQTY Activity Summary on Board LEARN AFRICA PLC SERVICES Printing/Publishing Totals Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Road Transportation Totals

No. of Deals Current Price 14 0.86 4 1.00 1 0.50 No. of Deals Current Price 1 0.50 1 0.50 1 0.50 4 2.55 1 0.50 11 0.72 1 0.50 7 0.50 1 0.50 47

Quotation(N)

Current Price 38.00 7.67 0.50 3.53 98.50

IKEJA HOTEL PLC TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol AIICO CONTINSURE CORNERST Symbol GNI HMARKINS LINKASSURE MANSARD MBENEFIT NEM PRESTIGE UNIC UNITYKAP

ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC

4.60 142.20 17.00 137.01

Value Traded 689,622.58 56,610,077.38 479,410.00 99,393,837.35 157,172,947.31 Value Traded 23,358,944.63 23,358,944.63 2 of 12 Value Traded 173,309.80 2,349,929.95 5,575,982.63 1,673,987.00 2,782,431.20 12,555,640.58

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON

HEALTHCARE Totals ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

10 111 5 81 207 No. of Deals 18 18

Quantity Traded 157,645 394,180 29,000 724,129 1,304,954 Quantity Traded 118,952 118,952 Page Quantity Traded 65,306 365,297 263,460 609,600 381,980 1,685,643

No Of Deals

No. of Deals 21 14 2 1 26 81

Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors

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Daily Summary (Equities)

Symbol CAP CCNN FIRSTALUM PORTPAINT WAPCO

INDUSTRIAL Totals Daily Summary as of GOODS 22/10/2015 Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 OIL AND GAS Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015 Integrated Oil and Gas Services Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026 OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

17,994,910.05 1

Activity Summary on Board EQTY Sector

Company name

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals

511

Symbol DANGCEM

No. of Deals 30 30

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Current Price 163.00

32,126,663

256,572,798.34

Quantity Traded 401,645 401,645

Value Traded 65,175,788.75 65,175,788.75

401,645

65,175,788.75

30

PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals Daily Summary as of 22/10/2015 Printed 22/10/2015 14:32:26.026

Daily Summary (ETP)

Name LOTUS HALAL EQUITY ETF NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF Exchange Traded Fund VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF Name VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol LOTUSHAL15 NEWGOLD Daily Summary VETBANK VETGOODS Symbol VETGRIF30 VETINDETF

541

32,528,308

321,748,587.09

2,962

284,117,816

2,818,197,947.07

Exchange Traded Fund

12

(ETP)

No. of Deals 1 1 9 9 No. of Deals 2 11 33

Current Price 9.65 2,241.00 3.18 7.64 Current Price 13.81 21.26

Quantity Traded 10 50 340,794 149,922 Quantity Traded 23 Page 86,467 577,266

Value Traded 96.50 112,050.00 1,087,132.76 1,154,398.80 Value Traded 318.67 12 11 of 1,833,101.00 4,187,097.73

ETF Board Totals

33

577,266

4,187,097.73

ETP Activity Totals

33

577,266

4,187,097.73

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

47

Community Mirror The governors and leaders of the South East condemn the protests, especially when they were carried out in the name of Biafra.

Governor of Imo State - Rochas Okorocha

Woman arraigned for cutting off neighbour’s ear

Dare Akogun

A

60-year-old single mother, Ms Kehinde Adeniyi has appeared before an Isolo Magistrates’ court for allegedly cutting off her neighbour’s ear during a fight in okota area of Lagos state.

The victim, Chigozie Chukwu suffered his fate after a disagreement between his wife and Adeniyi when he was not around.

Community mirror gathered that the two families have been at loggerheads which led to a strained relationship despite the fact that they are living in separate flats.

Adeniyi, who hails from Ijebu in Ogun State, is single and has many children, while Chukwu

is also married and has children and hails from the eastern part of Nigeria.

Trouble allegedly started after Chukwu’s wife, Anita, had a quarrel with Adeniyi.

According to Adeniyi, Anita called her a prostitute because she was single mother with children.

This did not go down well with Adeniyi who planned to confront Anita on that fateful day and when she did not locate her, she transferred her aggression to her husband.

On the day the incident happened, Adeniyi reportedly attacked Chukwu from behind with a table knife allegedly cutting off his right ear and threw it away, the victim who started bleeding profusely was rushed

Crisis rocks Federal Science/ Technology College PTA Ifeanyi Eduzor

T

he relative peace been enjoyed by the staff and students of Federal Science and Technology College, IjebuImusin, Ogun State seems to be heading for the rocks following the purported dissolution of the Parents Teachers Association of the school headed by Prince Ajiboye Adedapo by the school’s Principal, Mrs. A.C. Opara.

In a petition signed by the Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association, Prince Ajiboye Adedapo, Pastor Bola Famuwagun, NAPTAFEGC S/W Zonal Coordinator and some concerned members of the association sent to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education and copied to the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Director of Science and Technical Education, the Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Education , the Executive Secretary; Human Rights Commission, the South West Zonal Coordinator NAPTAFGEC, the National President NAPTAFEGC, the Ijebu-Imusin community and the Ogun state government noted that its executive committee is still intact warning the public that anyone who transacts business with the

executive committee set p by the principal after the association’s last meeting on 17th October, 2015 does so at his or her own risk.

The petition noted that there are laid down rules on dissolution of the executive as stated in article iv section 2 of the 2013 approved constitution of NAPTAFEGC which also stipulates the tenure of officers of the PTA, warning that legal action might be instituted against the principal and her cohorts in order to return to status quo ante until the end of the tenure of office of the present executive of the association.

According to them, the rules stipulates that any parent/guardian who no more has a child or ward in any Federal Government college ceases to be a member on the expiration of his/ her tenure of office, noting that the tenure of the present executive will expire in July 2016/ 2017 academic session and wondered why the school principal took it upon herself to unitarily dissolve the executive.

The petitioners further alleged that their refusal to allow the principal have unfettered access to the association’s money, approve illegal levies, pay food subsidy as well as award contracts to themselves made the principal uncomfortable with the executive headed by Prince Adedapo.

to a hospital for treatment.

The matter was later reported to the police and Adeniyi was arrested and taken to court for the alleged offence.

She was charged with inflicting bodily injury by using table

knife to cut off Chukwu’s ear.

She pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector Abbass Abayomi informed the court about the seriousness of the injury the victim sustained and presented the table knife as exhibit before the court.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs O. A. Adedayo granted her bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She was remanded in prison custody pending when she will perfect her bail condition.

Teachers under the umbrella of National Union of Teachers, Lagos Island Branch in collaboration with NUT, Lagos State Wing in a Bi monthly routine Walk for Health to promote teachers healthy living in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Fire destroys N10M goods Ondo Ojo Oyewamide Akure

A

bout wenty shops were yesterday razed down at the popular Ikare Junction in Owo, Ondo State, destroying goods valued at N10million.

The inferno, which reportedly started early in the morning, also destroyed goods included foodstuffs, motor spare parts, electronics, among others.

Eyewitnesses said the fire was caused by a power surge from one of the affected shops.

One of the affected traders,

Frank Mbaga, disclosed that electricity supply to the areas had been fluctuating for some days.

Mbaga said: “I think that was the cause of the incident.

We have informed the officials of BEDC but they refused to turn up to solve the problem.”

Another trader, Mrs. Rebecca Benson, said none of the people affected could salvage any of their goods.

Expressing disappointment in the men of Fire Brigade stationed in Owo, she said all the distress calls to them yielded

no positive response, calling on government to come to their assistance.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Olufemi Joseph, confirmed the incident, saying, however, that he could not give

tion for bail by their counsels, Mr Abubakar Shamsudeen and Mr Chris Nwokedi, respectively, Justice Ibrahim Buba granted them bail in the sum of N50 million each, with one surety each in like sum.

Buba fixed Nov. 2 for substantive trial of the accused persons.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecutor, Mr Latona Gbola-

han, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 8.

He said that they were arrested by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

According to the prosecutor, the accused were apprehended during the outbound clearance of passengers on board a flight to China.

details on the cause of the fire outbreak.

He said: “Our men led by the DPO, Owo division, are presently at the scene. Very soon, they will find out what caused the incident. But what we should thank God for is that no life was lost.”

EFCC docks 2, over money laundering

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned two men -- Linus Chibuike and Nnamdi Ojukwu -- before a Federal High Court in Lagos charged with money laundering.

The accused, both businessmen, were each arraigned on a one-count charge to which they pleaded not guilty.

Following an oral applica-

48

Transition

Anne-Marie Lizin

A

nne-Marie LizinVanderspeeten was born on January 5, 1949.

She was a Belgian politician, who served as the President of the Senate of Belgium from 2004 to 2007 Her career in politics be-

L

ate Pa Lawrence Ayoola Fadoju Fadoju, aged 80 died in his home during a brief illness. A successful farmer, Pa Fadoju, during his life coordinated the Late Pa A. Akindiose’s various cocoa, palm oil and kolanut farms, besides his personal farms.

His contribution to the growth of the Catholic Church at Lafia village, where he grew through the ranks of laity and became the secretary, vice chairman and chairman of the Parish Council till his death.

His son, Dr. Andrew Fadoju, an associate professor of educa-

gan as a member of the city council of Ben-Ahin from 1970 to 1976. She also served on the city council of Huy in 1977 and was an alderman for Huy from 1980 to 1982.

In 1983, Lizin was appointed mayor of Huy, holding

this position for 26 years. In March 2009 she was forced to resign because of a series of scandals. She was succeeded

by Micheline Toussaint.

In 1979, Lizin was elected as an elected Member of the European Parliament.

In 1988, she was elected into the Belgian government, and served in office for eight years. During her first term, she was appointed as Secretary of State for European Affairs, yet she decided to leave this role in 1992 to initiate the Commission of Inquiry on human trafficking. In 2003, she became President of the Commission for External Relations and Defence of the Belgian Senate; In 2004, she was appointed President of the Senate of Belgium, before finally becoming Senator in July 2007. She was the first female President of the Belgian Senate (2004–2007).

On 27 January 2009 she was banned from the Socialist party after a corruption case Lizin was a member of the Board of Directors of the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC), a global nonprofit organization that combats

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

child sexual exploitation, child pornography, and child abduction.

In 2008, she created the organisation HOCRINT, an international co-ordination network that fight against honor crimes and forced marriages. She has also played an active role for the End Human

M

Trafficking Now (EHTN) organisation, in which she sat on the board till her death Lizin was hospitalized in Paris on 7 October 2015. Few days after being released from the hospital in Paris, she died in Hotel Fort at Huy in Belgium on 17 October 2015 at the age of 66

Victoria Ibitoye

ama Victoria Olorunfemi Omodele Ibitoye was born 87 years ago 1928-2015 into the family of Ogunsakin Akususun, Iwore quaters Ifaki Ekiti. Her father was Late Amuda Ogunsakin who was the agbakin of Iwore quaters and balogun of Muslim

community, Ifaki Ekit, while her mother was the Asinmowu Ogunsakin, the Iya Alasalatu, oke Elelu, Ifaki Ekiti. Mama Victori who wedded in 1950 at methodist church Iwore with Pa David Olufunmilayo Omodele was survived by children, grand and great grand children.

Ayoola Fadoju

tion in the University of Ibadan took after him in religion. Today, the professor is the chairman, Parish Finance Council of St. Agnes’ Catholic Church, Apete in Ibadan.

Pa Fadoju was a selfless community leader. He was the secretary of 56 amalgamated communities that comprise Ojuoluwa, near Bolorunduro, Sasere, Toibo, Lafiaji, Gberedu, Ladapo and Obado among others.

He played politics at Ward

level. Fadoju was the secretary and chairman in succession of the defunct Social Democratic Party, (SDP) at different time at Ward 12 of the Old Ondo Local Government area.

Richard Fadoju, one of his sons benefited from Pa fadoju’s political activities and later became a supervisory councilor for health in Ondo East Local Council. The Late Fadoju was a rallying point for members of his extended family and a mentor that was highly respected.

News

Customer service week: ASQUAHBA rewarded customers, brands Robert Awokuse

A

s part of measure to mark the 2015 customer service week, which was held last week, the African Service Quality and Customer Heart Beat Awards, ASQUAHBA, in recognition for service excellence, has rewarded various brands and customers.

In an event held in Lagos, the coordinator and chairman of Contact Centre Support Professionals Ltd, Mrs Erica Ayenuro in a speech said that the occa-

sion was to recognise every brands and customers in promoting the spirit of excellence.

“The event is set aside to recognise and honour customers and brands, especially the customers. We honour them; worship them because they are the asset of all brands. They are important, they are our kings and we are happy to have them doing business with us.

“You can see all the brands here recognise customers and would do anything to ensure customers are happy.”

Speaking on the relevance

of the brands to the event the coordinator noted that the programme recognises employees who worked hard to ensure that their quality products are well being patronised.

“This programme recognises employees; people who work hard to make sure that their quality products are selling better in the market. So brands appreciate that concept.”

In a reaction the customer service trainer, DHL Seyi Adetokunbo Ademuyiwa commended ASQUAHBA for organizing the event in recognition

of excellent services.

“ASQUAHBA is all about promoting excellence in service delivery and that is all what DHL stands for as well. Even though we are into delivery of parcels, pick-ups, we do not under estimate the importance of our customers because we are in the business of them.”

Also speaking the head of customer experience, Stanbic IBTC Bolanle Shobowale gave a thumb-up to the organisers, stressing that they take the event ‘on notch iron’ next year.

“What we are doing is cel-

ebrating customers everywhere in the globe as this is the customer service week. The organisers are trying to get brands together that are customer-centric and also to celebrate the employees that help to deliver this kind of services.

“We at Stanbic IBTC do not just take care of the service week to celebrate our customers, every day, every week is seen as customer service week wherein we celebrate them, which improves our brand.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known, called and addressed as MISS THERESA OBERHIRI AYUBE now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS THERESA OBERHIRI EREME .All former documents remain valid. General public and Union Bank Management should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS MARIAGORETTI CHUKWUEZE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IFEOMA MARIAGORETTI OKORO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and address as Miss. ABDULKAREEM KUDIRAT, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINPELU KUDIRAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinlade Ronke Aminat now wish to be known and called as Mrs Fakolade Ronke Aminat.

All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebayo Bolatito Adetutu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Folarin Zainab Adetutu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Akande Omolade Adewumi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adesanya Omolade Adewumi Folakemi. All former documents remain valid. Ondo State Teaching Service Commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Bekee Gift Anusionwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oluchi Gift Ikedinobi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Otayemi Tunbi Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Agbetu Tunbi Abosede. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OLAYEMI: formerly known and addressed as Miss Olayemi Olayinka Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oki Olayinka Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME NWOKORO: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwokoro Patricia Chisara now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikebunna Patricia Chisara . All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

49

Friday, October 23, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS MARGARET METUMARAIBE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MARGARET CHIOMA NWANNA All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ALEXANDER AGHEDO, now wish to be known and addressed as ALEXANDER OHAMIEN OSAIGHE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and address as Miss. RAJI FASILAT, now wish to be known and addressed as BAKARE FASILAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly called and addressed as Miss Adesiyan Tayo Christianah now wish to be called and known as Mrs Abolaji Christianah Tayo. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeokun Esther Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akintobi Esther Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Sabainah Solape Akinwumi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sabainah Solape Adepoju. All former documents remain valid. Ondo State Local Govt. Service commission, Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as AMUDIPE ADEKUNLE OLUWASEUN JOHNSON, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH ADEKUNLE OLUWASEUN JOHNSON. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OYEWUMI IRORO EJUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as OYEWUMI IRORO OKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known addressed as Hammed Rashidat Tunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Rasheed Rashidat Wuraola. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and called as Bashiru Koladele Shaibu, now wish to be addressed and called as Philip Kolade Shaibu. All former documents remain valid. Premium Pension Ltd, National Pension Commission, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ezekiel Folorunso Fasunle, now wish to be known and addressed as Ezekiel Folorunso Adebayo Abraham. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Wapah Abdullahi Aisha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Babagbemi Abdullahi Aisha. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as OZOUDE EPHRAIM CHUKWUDI, now wish to be known and addressed as OGWU EPHRAIM CHUKWUDI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MADARIOLA OLUGBENGA OLUSEGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. MADARIOLA OLUSEGUN JAMIU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME To confirm that I am one and same person bearing IDRIS HABIB, IDRIS HABIBU MOHAMMED, IDRIS HABEEB and IDRIS HABIBU as obtainable in some of my documents. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as UJAH CHRISTIANA ELAONDU, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBANJE CHRISTINE ELAONDU. All former documents remain valid; Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyesanya Bukola Janet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omotosho Bukola Janet.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Miss OROLEYE JELILAT FUNMILOLA, now wish to be known and called MRS. ADEBAYO FUNMILOLA JELILAT, All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please note CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ndulue Anthonia Obianuju, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ali Anthonia Obianuju. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezinna Dick, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ezinna Beatrice Azubuike.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Obianuju Peace Anoka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Obianuju Peace Erondu.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mohammed Omonubi Yusuf, now wish to be known and addressed as jimoh Enevene Sodiq, All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME LAWAL: formerly known and addressed as Ajoke Mercy Lawal, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajoke Mercy Tugbobo. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as miss Omosehin Tolulope Janet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jimoh Tolulope Janet. All former documents remain valid NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ANOZIE :formerly known and addressed as Anozie Uche Promise Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As Uche Promise Okeneme. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE TIKVAH WOMEN AND CHILDREN SUPPORT INITIATIVE This is to inform the general public that the above named organisation has applied for registration with Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 Trustees Are: 1. FOLUKE DADA, PH.D 2. MR. ADEYINKA DADA 3. MRS. OLUWATOYIN AKINYEMI AIMS and OBJECTIVES: • To monitor the implementation of Women’s Rights for the attainment of equal status of women within the community and the nation at large.

• To monitor and ensure the implementation of all commitments made by Government Bodies and Agencies towards the welfare and enhancement of the status of women.

• To educate the public on the rights of women and children and the means of

enforcing such rights for the achievement of equality, development and peace.

• To organize temporary abode for distressed girls and women and to prepare such girls and women psychologically by counseling, education etc.

• To work for peace, Women’s Rights, economic and social justice.

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

Signed: Foluke Dada, Ph.D

CHANGE OF NAME IYAMU: I, formerly known and addressed as Obah Iyamu, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Obah Giwa Amu. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

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

CHANGE OF NAME ESEGBOMA: I, formerly known and addressed as CHRISTIANA ONOME ONOKERORAYE ESEGBOMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS CHRISTIANA ONOME ONOKERORAYE OVADJE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE THE CORE WESLEY SYNODSUPPORT CANTERBURY ENGLAND, THE HEART FOUNDATION

NOTICE is hereby given to the general public that the above namedCOLLEGE FOUNDATION UNITED KINGDOM AFRICAN CONFERENCE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the OF BISHOPS IS ABOUT Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990. TO CONSECRATE REV. DR.

JONATHAN IFEDIORA IKEGWUONU AS BISHOP The Trustees are: OF LIFE CARE GOSPEL CHURCH INC. ON 29TH 1.MR. AMIRE OLUKAYODE OLAJIDE SYLVESTER NOVEMBER, 2015 2. MR. AMIRE OLANREWAJU CLEMENT 3. MR. AMIRE BAMIDELE RICHARDSigned 4. MR. ADEDIJI FESTUS OLUDARE Chidi B. Nnaji Esq (Barrister & Solicitor) Aims and Objectives: Km I Onitsha / Enugu Express Road, 1.To engage with private organisations, governments, healthcare professionals, schools, Omagba Phase 2, Onitsha, Anambra State religious organisation and NGOs to raise awareness on cardio vascular disease by

running regular campaigns, seminars, workshops, trainings.

2. To raise awareness on physical health activities and leisure time.

3. To formulate a strategy of reaching people in schools, Universities and different works of life.

4. To align with Hospitals, Health and other Medical organisations, to raise

awareness, training programs for the use of Automated External Defibrillation (AED) in Nigeria.

5. To promote “ideal healthy diet” eating patterns and healthy life style.

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

Signed: MULTISEC COMPANY

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ANIFANINU MOJISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as AMINU ADELONYE TAJUDEEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as FESTUS HERO OSAGIE,now wish to be known, called and addressed as FESTUS OSAGIE ASUEN. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

Confirmation of Name

Formerly known and addressed as ETIM SOLOMON, now wish to be known and addressed as IME ESSIEN UKPONG. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that I am one and the same person bearing ONMONYA SUNNY RACKIE and OGAH SUNNY RACKIE respectively as obtained in some of my documents. All former documents remain valid. General public and authority concerned please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as ALI ABIODUN PETER, now wish to be known as OLADIMEJI ABIODUN PETER. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Formerly addressed and known as Miss Abodunrin Adeola Grace, now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs. Ajibesin Adeola Grace. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Tajudeen Adeshina Ajibawo now wish to be known and addressed as Enger Micheal Adeshina Ajibawo. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatunji Muinat Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shodimu Muinat Esther.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OJUTE OPEMIPO RACHAEL, now wishes to be known and addressed as MRS. OLASUNBOYE OPEMIPO RACHAEL. All Former documents remain Valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify that Mbadinuju Mark O.is the same person as Mbadinauju Mark O. All former documents remain valid Union bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SUNDAY: Formerly known and addressed as Sunday Okeneme Anozie, now wish to be known and addressed as Sunday Okeneme Christian. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ESELE: I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esele Elohiomese, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Okharuwa Philomina Elohiomese. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Odueke Racheal Omotomi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ridwanullahi Latifat Omotomi. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Idowu Titilayo Mufuliat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Odu Titilayo Mufuliat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as UBAKA TABITHA IJEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as NZEKWE TABITHA IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogechi Onuoha now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogechi Onyemaechi. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME NWEKE: formerly known and addressed as Nweke Chukwuma John, Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As Usulor Chukwudi Mathias Charles. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OGUNDERO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNDERO MORIAMO ADEWUNMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ODEJE MORIAMO ADEWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OSHAYE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OSHAYE OLUWASEUN JANET, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OLALUMADE OLUWASEUNJANET. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE WATERCOURSE MISSION INTETNATIONAL The General public is hereby notified that the above Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under PART C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ayor Owoyemi 2. Olayinka Owoyemi (Mrs) 3. Wole Dada 4. Ayo Fifo Oluwadebi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1) To Promote , advance and propagate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2) To disseminate and preserve Christian values all over the world.

(3) To entrench the development of practical Christianity.

4. To provide charitable support Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

50

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News I intend to speak out clearly and forcefully on where we stand as a party and where we need to go as a nation.

–US VICE PRESIDENT, JOE BIDEN

Afolabi Gambari

WITH AGENCY REPORT

T

wenty-nine South Africans have been charged with public violence amid the biggest student protests to hit the country since apartheid ended in 1994.

Police again fired stun grenades to disperse students in Cape Town yesterday, a day after protesters stormed the parliamentary complex.

Thousands also descended on the governing party’s headquarters in the main city, Johannesburg.

The demonstrations began last week at Johannesburg’s prestigious University of the Witwatersrand, and have since spread to at least 10 universities, forcing the closure of many of them.

On about two occasions, police foiled attempts by the protesters to reach the headquarters of the governing African National Congress (ANC), pushing them back to their campuses. But the students regrouped and finally reached the building, named Luthuli House after South Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Luthuli.

The students sang and chanted anti-apartheid songs, invoking memories of the decades-long campaign which led to the overthrow of the apartheid regime in 1994.

The ANC pulled out its election truck and seemed to be wiring a loud speaker, but the students refused to let the party’s Secretary-General, Gwede Mantashe, address them and nstead gave him a memorandum outlining

SA fee crisis: Protesters bag violence charge

T

Court dismisses Jay Z trial

A judge in the US has dismissed a copyright case against Jay Z and Timbaland over his track Big Pimpin’.

The rapper was accused of not getting permission to use a flute sample from a track written by an Egyptian composer called Baligh Hamdi in 1957.

His nephew and heir, Osama Ahmed Fahmy, claimed they didn’t ask to combine his uncle’s song with the “vulgar” lyrics of Big Pimpin’, released in 1999.

Timbaland testified that in 2011 he paid $100, 000 (£65, 000) to EMI Arabia.

The music company said it owned the rights to the song Khosara Khosara, which Timabland and Jay Z sampled.

Both Jay Z and Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Mosley, said they believed they had a valid licence to sample the flute notes.

EU faults illegal timber trade curb

Scene of a student and policeman clashing at the Parliament in Cape Town yesterday

their demands.

“The honeymoon of 1994, when we were told that we were free, is over,” a student leader said in his address to the protesters.

The students, who were mainly blacks, said they would march today to government buildings in the capital, Pretoria, to coincide with President Jacob Zuma’s plan to meet protest leaders to discuss their grievances.

“We cannot afford fee increases and have rejected a

government offer to cap increases at 6 per cent, down from the 10 per cent to 12 per cent proposed by the management of universities,” another student leader said.

Meanwhile, the 29 accused were released from police custody and the case postponed to February.

Those charged include the 63-year-old parent of a student at the University of Cape Town.

It published what was

purportedly an official document, showing “high treason” was among the alleged offences for which he had been detained. However, the charge was not mentioned in court.

“It is important that we work together to find solutions. Nobody disagrees with the message that students from poor households are facing financial difficulties and possible exclusion,” the Presidency said yesterday.

…Students’ brutality worries US he U.S. State Department expressed concern yesterday over reports that South African riot police had fired stun grenades at hundreds of students protesting tuition increases.

State Department spokesman, John Kirby, told report-

AFRICA BULLETIN

ers at a briefing that the agency had seen the reports and would closely monitor the situation.

“Obviously our position in terms of the right of peaceful protest remains the same,” Kirby said.

The protests, some of

which were violent, had disrupted at least 14 of South Africa’s universities in the past week over a proposed 11.5 per cent tuition increase.

Riot police fired stun grenades as hundreds of students stormed the parliament precinct in Cape Town to dis-

rupt the reading of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene’s interim budget.

The protesters have rejected a proposal by some student leaders and government officials to cap fee increases at 6 per cent for 2016, just above inflation.

An EU aid programme aimed at curbing the trade in illegal timber was poorly managed and often failed to achieve effective partnerships with developing countries, EU auditors said yesterday.

The Court of Auditors examined the 300m (£217m; $335m) spent by the EU on forestry projects in 2003-2013.

Aid was poorly spent in some African countries, the report said, while also criticising the failure of Greece, Hungary, Romania and Spain to tighten their rules on timber.

The value of illegal timber worldwide has been estimated at up to $100bn annually.

Aid was poorly prioritised, the report said, citing as examples Liberia and Central African Republic (CAR), which export very limited volumes of wood products to the EU.

Wife of ‘genitals man’ shot dead The wife of a Danish man who is accused by South African police of mutilating women and keeping genitalia parts in a freezer, Anna Matseliso Molise, has been shot dead in Lesotho.

A key witness in the case, Molise was due to testify against her 63-year-old husband at his trial.

She was shot four times outside her home in Maseru on Tuesday evening, and later died from her wounds in hospital.

Police say investigations are under way over whether Molise’s killing was targeted or not.

Peter Frederiksen, who owns two gun shops in the South African city of Bloemfontein, is facing charges of sexual assault, intimidation, domestic violence and contravention of the Medicines Control Act. Last month, police found 21 packages containing parts of women’s clitorises, as well as surgical equipment, in his freezer.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Friday, October 23, 2011

51

Cancer: Stakeholders to converge on Abuja Franka Osakwe

W

ith intention of reducing death from breast cancer, The Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, CEAFON, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, will host about 500 stakeholders to a 2-day cancer summit from 28th-29thOctober 2015, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Speaking to journalist yesterday in Lagos, CEAFON President, Professor Francis Durusinmi, said the summit under the theme, ‘stop breast cancer from taking her life’, will assess major challenges of diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in Nigeria as well as bring together stakeholders involved in cancer care, towards finding a solution to the menace.

According to him, the summit is expected to evolve and propose to government a national policy on the treatment of breast cancer in Nigeria.

At the summit, experts would discuss breast cancer prevention, government policy development, diagnosis, treatment protocols and possible national guidelines, patient assistance programs,

health insurance for breast cancer and other access initiatives.

“Over the years, there has been an increasing number in breast cancer patients and one of the factors has been the several challenges facing the effective tackling of the disease.

For this reason, about 500 stakeholders are expected at the cancer summit to generate discussions on solutions and way of creating awareness on the disease.

“Cancer concerns us all.

There is a lot to be done and we are making this effort to stop the scourge. ‘’ This summit is important, as we are gathering several stakeholders to discuss how to win the battle against the disease.

“Cancer has increased mortality because there is still high level of ignorance on it, inadequate specialists and very few cancer centres in Nigeria,” he said.

Special guests expected at the summit include The Special Guest of Honour, Her Excellency, Mrs. Aisha Muhammed Buhari, and Mr. Linus Awute, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, top government functionaries, health related private sector and members of the diplomatic community.

Fuel scarcity hits Katsina James Danjuma Katsina

F

uel scarcity has hit the Katsina State capital with long queues appearing at the few stations with the commodity.

It was learnt that several council areas including Malumfashi, Funtua, Dutsinma, Batagarawa, and Daura, were also affected by the scarcity.

The development had however, seen black marketers selling sizable amounts of the commodity, with many of them making brisk business yesterday.

A four-litre gallon of fuel sold for between N700 to N800 in the state metropolis, while several of the black marketers were seen moving from one filling station to another in search of petrol.

A few of the filling stations that sell fuel had long queues; it was similar situation at the NNPC mega station in the state metropolis.

Investigations however, showed that despite the scarcity, the few filling stations with the commodity sold same at the N87 official price.

In mid February this year the state along other states in the country had witnessed several days of dearth of the commodity.

The situation had led to hike in prices of intra and inter-state transportation, while many had to abandon their vehicles and patronise commercial motorcyclists.

Efforts to get reaction from state chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Abbas Hamza, proved abortive as he was said not to be on seat, while his phone line was unavailable.

But an IPMAN member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the scarcity being witnessed in the state was not a fault of theirs.

L-R: Representative of the Director-General, Raw Materials and Research Development Council, Dr. Gabriel Awolaehin; Vice President, Association of Textile Technologists of Nigeria, Comfort Alabi and Secretary General, National Union of Textiles Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Malam Issa Aremu, during the 3rd International Conference of the Association of Textile Technologists of Nigeria, in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Katsina to pay outstanding pensions, gratuities James Danjuma Katsina

R

etired civil servants in Katsina State would soon be smiling to the banks as arrangements have been concluded to commence the payment of their pensions and gratuities.

The gratuities and pensions which runs into billions of naira, was outstanding during tenure of immediate past state administration.

The commencement of the payment was made known when Governor Aminu Bello Masari commissioned the new secretariat of the state Civil Service Union.

Masari said a committee had been set up for verification exercise of retired civil servants, while government had engaged services of a commercial bank for dis-

bursement of the funds.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mannir Yakubu, called on retired civil servants to cooperate with the committee to ensure successful verification process.

He also said that the state government had commenced repair and renovation of staff quarters as part of effort to ensure that civil servants had decent accommodation.

Masari said another committee charged with the responsibility, had commenced renovation and rehabilitation of staff houses at state-owned institutions.

Earlier, state chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Shehu Ingawa, called on the state government to employ additional civil servants to fill existing vacancies at departments and parastatals.

Ingawa also called for the

rationalisation of departments and parastatals for optimal performance.

Meanwhile, association of Nurses and Midwives in Katsina State has expressed concern over shortage of nurses and midwives in government- owned hospitals.

Chairman of the association, Rabe Maman, who spoke at the 9th quadrennial delegates conference in the state, said the state needed 2,500 nurses and midwives against the present 928.

Maman described the shortage as disturbing, and that same needed to be addressed if government was serious on improving medical services in public hospitals.

He called on the state government to engage services of retired nurses on contract basis as well as give automatic employment to newly qualified nurses that had graduated from state-owned

school of nursing and midwifery.

He also called on state government to provide the necessary working tools and equipment needed in health facilities.

In addition, Maman called for the sponsoring of nurses and midwives to attend training and workshops in Nigeria and abroad.

Earlier, the state Head of Service, Mohammed Aliyu, said the state government had set up a committee to identify problems facing the health sector and come up with recommendations.

Aliyu called on members of the association to uphold the ethics of their profession by being dedicated in carrying out their duties.

He however called on them to always use dialogue instead of embarking on strike actions to resolve issues with state government.

Nasarawa generates N16bn in four years —Revenue boss Igbawase Ukumba Lafia

N

asarawa State Board of Internal Revenue yesterday said it realised the sum of N16billion in the past four years of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s administration.

Acting chairman of the board, Alhaji Usman Okposhi, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Lafia, the state capital,

stating that it was an improvement in the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the state as compared to the previous administrations that governed the state.

The revenue boss said: “During Governor Al-Makura’s four years in office, over N16 billion was realised as internally generated revenue. The unusual feat was because the governor brought in some expert consultants with whom we put heads towards realising this

goal.”

To this end, Okposhi called on the people of the state to cooperate with governor’s tax policy by paying their taxes as at when due.

“Let everybody contribute his quota to enable the governor execute his developmental projects in the state.”

Commenting on the ongoing biometric exercise in the state, the acting chairman of the revenue board said there were mistakes committed during the exercise,

but urged workers to reason with the government as appropriate measure would be taken to address the unfortunate scenario.

“The shortcomings notice in the biometrics was not Governor Al-Makura’s fault.

Everyone knows the governor is prudent and caring if not because of the biometrics errors, Al-Makura owed nobody kobo right from the inception of his administration over four years ago,” Okposhi noted.

National Mirror Friday, October 23, 2015 www.nationalmirroronline.net

52

Super Eagles coach Oliseh sick, flown abroad for medical treatment

S

uper Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh has been flown out of the country to Belgium for treatment after his health condition deteriorated Thursday af-

ternoon. A back room staff disclosed that palpable fear gripped the camp late afternoon over Oliseh’s health condition, even as team and external doctors managed to stabi-

lize his condition before he was taken to Port Harcourt Airport en route Belgium.

The NFF in a tweet confirm the incident via a tweet on its Twitter handle, @thenff, the former Nigeria captain, became dizzy and weak after lunch today, and so had to be flown abroad tonight through the Port Harcourt Airport.

The NFF said: “Coach Sunday Oliseh has returned to Belgium to continue treatment after being advised by Eagles medics.

“He became dizzy and weak after lunch on Thursday and he travels abroad tonight through the Port Harcourt Airport.”

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Adeyele Temilola Vivian, now wish to be known and addressed as Akinrinola Tomilola Vivian. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Abubakar Mariam Ajoke, now wish to be known and addressed Banmeke Mariam Ajoke. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME SAMUEL: Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL GARBA RAKKAT now wish to be known and addressed as DANLADI CHIRPEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as MOSES, now wish to and addressed as MRS NGOZIKA UWECHIA. documents remain concerned authorities general public should please

BLESSING be known BLESSING All former valid.

All and the take note

CHANGE OF NAME OKEKE-EZIGBO: I formerly known and addressed as MR. CHINEDU PAUL OKEKE- EZIGBO, now wish to be known and addressed as SHOSEN MR. PAUL CHINEDU ISREAL. ALL former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ABIOLA DAVIES BANWO, now wish to be known and addressed as MARY ABIOLA DAVIES. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as MISS AYINDE RUKAYAT BOLANLE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADELEYE RUKAYAT BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. University of Lagos and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME We are formerly known and addressed with the surname EKE Now wish to be known and addressed with the surname SYLVE-OGUH the names are A. Damian Anokwuru Sylve-Oguh B. Peter Chukwuemka Sylve-Oguh C. Anthony Ikechukwu Sylve-Oguh D. Kingsley Sylvester Sylve-Oguh E Ann Ngozi Sylve-Oguh F. Stella Chinemerem Sylve-Oguh G. Prisca Chimebere Sylve-Oguh H. Gloria Chioma Sylve-Oguh I. Onyinyechi Cynthia Sylve-Oguh All former document remains valid. General Public take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOSS OF TITLE DOCUMENTS This is to inform the general public that the title documents in respect of land situate at Onuogba Nike belonging to Prof.

Barth Nnaji are lost. The said documents are: i. Agricultural C of O registered at lands Registry Enugu as 95/95/1170

ii. Approval for change of use/purpose dated iii. Deed of Assignment registered at lands Registry Enugu as 66/66/1572.

Ministry of lands Enugu take note.

9/6/2008

CHANGE OF NAME I, ABIODUN ADEYEMO AMOS wish to declare that my date of birth is 19th august 1980. Contrary to what is in my academic documents. JAMB, NYSC and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that MR. UGWU MOSES SUNDAY is the same person as MR UGWU MOSES OYEDI. All former remain valid.

First Bank and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OBI: I formerly known and addressed as MISS OBI NKIRU CLARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NKIRU CLARA OKPARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ONU: I, formerly known as MISS. ONU ELIZABETH LECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKORO ELIZABETH LECHI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that ONWU VICTORIA and ONWU VICTORIA CLARA refer to one person now wish to be known and addressed as ONWU VICTORIA CLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Saliu Afusat Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nuru Afusat Abiola. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME . Formerly known and addressed as MISS. CHRISTIANAH BOSEDE OLAJIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHRISTIANAH BOSEDE MIMIDOO ABUUL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as MISS AZEEZ RUKAYAT OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLADOKUN RUKAYAT OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE COOPER MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL LANGTANG OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named nongovernmental organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pharm. Sambo Selchen Katnap - Chairman 2. Mr. Gavong Lohfa Chendep - Secretary 3. Mr. Zhakom Ponfa Nden -Member 4. Mrs. Nannim Chenya Dairus -Member 5. Miss Ramdur Nanbyen Paul -Member 6. Barr. Zhattau Singa Edward -Member 7. Dr. Yakubu Nimnan Wuyep -Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. For the promotion of unity among members 2. To create cooperation among members and the alma mater 3. To encourage academic excellence among members, staff and

students of the school 4. To encourage skills acquisition and engage members in meaningful ventures Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SKILLS INITIATIVE FOR UNLOCKING CREATIVITY, ADVOCACY AND NETWORKING ‘YESUCAN’ 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, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Blessing Ngozika Uwechia 2. Jocelyn Asuquo 3. Ada Martins 4. Bernard Amakye-Duah 5. Anthony Ifeanyichukwu Uwechia AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Discovering and developing potentials and creativity for self reliance 2. Empowering youths to start their own micro enterprise 3. Advocacy for empowerment through trainings and media programmes

CHANGE OF NAME SANKEY: I, formerly known and addressed as JOY CECILIA SANKEY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JOY CECILIA DANIELS. All former documents remain valid. Authorities Concerned and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ANYIKWA: Formerly known as Anyikwa Chinyere Benice, now wish to be known and address as Oforma Chinyere Benice. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANI NONYELUM CATHERINE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MAL-EKWUEME NONYELUM CATHERINE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS OGIGI HAPPINESS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS HAPPINESS OGIGI SEIYIFA-YERI. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EZEADU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEADU NDIDIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANI NDIDIAMAKA SUCCESS. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ANEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANEKE OZIOMA ONYINYE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUEGBU OZIOMA ONYINYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that the names Mr. Onyi. Emeka.

Samuel and Mr. Onyejekwe.

Emeka Samuel are the same and one person. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Union Bank and general public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. JOLASANMI BUKOLA JOSEPHINE, now wish to be addressed as MRS. OLAIYA BUKOLA JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Audu Bilikisu Jauro, now wish to be known and addressed as Lamorde Bilikisu Jauro. All former documents remain valid .General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as MISS ADEDOKUN GRACE AJOLAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. TEMIDAYO GRACE AJOLAYO. All former documents remain valid. LAUTECH TEACHING HOSPITAL,OGBOMOSO and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EKE: I, formerly known and addressed as SUNNY CHIBUIKE EKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SUNNY CHIBUIKE DANIELS. All former documents remain valid. Unilever Nigeria plc and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UGWU:I, formerly known as MISS. UGWU ELIZABETH NNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NNAMCHI ELIZABETH NNEKA. All former documents remain valid. Enugu State East Local Govt. and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UGWUANYI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWUANYI IJEOMA HASEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONONIWU IJEOMA HASEL. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EZEH: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEH QUEENDARLINE UJUNWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. TAGBO QUEENDARLINE UJUNWA All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as MISS AFOLABI OLUWATOBI PEACE, now wish to be know and addressed as MRS ALADE OLUWATOBI PEACE,all former documents remain valid, General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ANIWETA: I, formerly known as MISS. ANIWETA FRANCES NNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NWAFOR FRANCES NNEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKWOR: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKWOR PEPERTUA CHIZOBA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIKE PEPERTUA CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as BLESSING MOSES, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BLESSING NGOZIKA UWECHIA. All former documents remain valid. All concerned authorities and the general public should take note please

CHANGE OF NAME I was formerly known as MISS OLAJIDE MODUPE GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKOTOR OSOBASE AMINA MODUPE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS JOY OKODUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOY AKPAIDA MONU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE OPEN DOOR WORD OF LIFE CHURCH This is to inform the general public that the above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘c’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mawal Ishaya Mato 2. Yamtal Mark Taru 3. Rev. Dadut John Dalong 4. Simon Danjuma 5. Haruna Gambo Tishak AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To provide a Ministry of the word of God through the planting of Churches, and Para Church Ministries and institution in order to reach out all people irrespective of race, colour or nationality

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

SIGNED: Blessing Ngozika Uwechia

SIGNED: MAWAL ISHAYA MATO

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, October 23, 2015

Retiring from the national team has to do with my body and the coach’s decision moving forward”

53

Sport

300 taekwondoists ready for CCSF meet

55

–Italy midfielder, Andrea Pirlo

Nigeria line-up

TODAY’S MATCHES

Chile 2015

Eaglets set for encore against Croatia

Guinea

vs Brazil

S/Korea

vs England

USA

vs Chile

Croatia

vs Nigeria

Group A

T

hough already through to the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, Golden Eaglets have predicted a tough match between Nigeria and Croatia at the Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso in Coquimbo tonight.

As recent as September 6, Croatia beat Nigeria 3-2 in an acrimonious encounter at the 2015 Suwon U-17 Invitational Tour nament in South Korea but the Eaglets reckon it would be payback time Early Saturday mor ning.

“We were unlucky against Croatia in Suwon because we were leading

them 2-1 until few minutes to the end of the match,” recalled defender John Lazarus.”They got a penalty to equalise and the winning goal later and that stopped us from winning the tournament.”

“We won’t allow that to happen against us on Friday and we will work harder to win,” added the diminutive defender who was in the U-13 National Team that won the London Inter national Youth Tour nament in 2010.

Midfielder David Enogela who made his international bow at the youth level against Croatia in Suwon after coming on as a second half substitute for captain Kelechi

Nwakali, said the Golden Eaglets must be at their best against the combative Europeans.

“We saw in Suwon how physical they (Croatia) can play and I agree with Lazarus that they were unlucky to have beaten us,” he said. “We are going to ensure that they don’t beat us on Friday and that means we have to be at our best, because they need the result more than us.”

Eaglets would be without defensive midfielder Udochukwu Anumudu who was booked against USA and Chile as well as striker Funsho Bamgboye who saw red against Chile on Tuesday.

Teams

P

W

D

L

GF

GA +/-

PTS

1

Nigeria

2

2

-

-

7

1

+6

6

2

Croatia

2

-

2

-

3

3

-

2

3

USA

2

-

1

1

2

4

-2

1

4

Chile

2

-

1

1

2

6

-4

1

Retirements: Ndubuoke raps NFF, Oliseh

I

n the wake of sudden retirement of two key players of the Super Eagles, a former General Manager of Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Chief Fan Ndubuoke, has advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to address the problems affecting Nigerian football development without being sentimental.

Ndubuoke, who is also a former board member of the NFA,

equally advised the Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh, to improve on his management of the national team players.

Ndubuoke gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday.

“What is happening in Nigerian football at the moment is a dangerous signal and if not arrested, it might scuttle whatever objectives the

present board think they have,” he said, adding, “I think that some of these developments, ugly ones, can be avoided.”

The veteran journalist said, “I think what we are lacking here is man management both in terms of NFF and the technical crew. My take actually is that NFF should stop indulging in self righteousness and come and face issues squarely.”

54

Sports

Friday, October 23, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

W/Cup qualifiers: qualifiers:

Neymar returns for Argentina clash N

Neymar

eymar has been recalled for Brazil’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Peru next month after sitting out the last four competitive games through suspension, Brazil manager, Dunga, said yesterday.

Corinthians goalkeeper, Cassio, has been called up for the first time, but attacking midfield players Lucas, of Paris St Germain, and Philippe Coutinho, of Liverpool, were left out.

Brazil lost their opening qualifier 2-0 in Chile on October 8 but

bounced back to overcome Venezuela 3-1 at home five days later.

The five-time world champions take on Argentina at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on November 12 and then return home to face Peru in Salvador on November 17

Champions League anthem boos: UEFA charges City

E Europa League:

Aubameyang

Aubameyang

hat-trick buries Qabala P

ierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired in a Europa League hattrick for Borussia Dortmund yesterday, as the German club’s former manager, new Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, prepared for his Anfield bow.

Klopp led Dortmund to two German titles and a

Champions League final and the Bundesliga side brushed aside Azerbaijan’s FK Qabala 3-1 in Baku.

Qabala had not conceded in 450 minutes of European football at the Bakcell Arena until Aubameyang opened the scoring on 31 minutes with a curling 25-metre effort.

Seven minutes later he doubled the visitors’ advantage from close range, and got his third in the second half when he pounced on a loose ball after keeper Dmytro Bezotosniy produced a fine save to deny substitute Sven Bender.

Dodo got a stoppage time consolation goal for Qabala.

uropean football body, UEFA, has opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester City following a report from its official match delegate that City fans booed the Champions League anthem before the kickoff of Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Sevilla.

City fans have booed the anthem both home and away for the last two seasons after City were penalised

by UEFA under Financial Fair Play rules, although the sanctions were lifted over a year ago.

But UEFA’s Icelandic match delegate Geir Thorstelnsson, has reported the latest outbreak of booing to UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.

A UEFA spokesman confirmed that a case has been opened against City and will be dealt with on November19.

Pellegrini

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

300 taekwondoists ready for CCSF meet Joel Ajayi ABUJA

T

he third edition of Chika Chukwumerije Sports Festival (CCSF) International Taekwondo will commence tomorrow in the Federal Capital Territory, as 12 countries are expected to take part in this year’s fiesta.

Over 300 athletes across Africa and Nigeria are taking part in the competition with Olympics equipment expected to be deployed for the tournament.

National Mirror learnt yesterday that a prize money of N2.8m with free equipment worth over N1m would be handed to medallists and participants.

Already, countries like Mali,

Togo and Niger Republic are among the firsts to arrive in Abuja for the three-day meet billed to take place at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Sheraton Hotel Abuja from October 24th to 27th, 2015.

Speaking ahead of the tournament yesterday, founder of the CCSF, Chika Chukwumerije, disclosed that the tournament is aimed at discovering prospective athletes for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

According to him, this year’s edition is expected to be more entertainment-oriented with the award ceremony shifted to the last day to coincide with a musical concert, and table-tennis matches planned alongside a FIFA minitournament for PS 4 lovers to run concurrently with the main event.

Chukwumerije

‘Why we postponed Kiddies Olympics’ Afolabi Gambari

O

rganisers of the maiden Kiddies Olympics scheduled to take place in Lagos next week said its shift to November 30 is due to inadequate facility at the camp site.

The five-day event will now end on December 4.

“In view of the fact that we want to organise a world class first Kiddies Olympics in Lagos, we want to do this in a conducive environment that will give the kids opportunity to freely exercise their talent,” Public Relations Officer of the Project Management Committee of the Olympics, Mr. Charles Ukiri,

said yesterday after a meeting attended by Klozit Limited officials and members of the Association of Lagos State SUBEB Sports Officers (ALSSO).

“This circumstance is beyond the organisers’ control. The technical aspect is ready but we have to ensure readiness of the facility as well,” Ukiri added.

National President of ALSSO and SUBEB Sport Officer, Prince Olu Akapo, said the safety and well being of the students were paramount to the organisers.

“We will ensure that the event holds as scheduled and I want to appreciate all my sports officers for their commitment on this project,” Akapo said.

Journalists mourn Akinloye ‘At Large’

M

ore encomiums have been pouring in for the late sports editor, Abimbola Akinloye, popularly called ‘At Large’ by journalists within and outside the country.

The Akinloye died on October 13 in Lagos at the age of 54 after a brief illness and was buried on October 17 in Ayobo, Ipaja area of Lagos State.

Some of the top journalists described the former Group Sports Editor of Punch Newspapers as a complete profes-

Sports

Friday, October 23, 2015

sional.

Brila FM’s CEO, Larry Izamoje, Complete Communications MD, Mumini Alao, and head of MITV Sports, Tayo Balogun, paid tribute to the departed journalist.

“My own big boss. He was an ardent believer in my style of journalism,” said Editor Gong News, Jide Fashikun.

The Nation’s Yomi Odunuga could not forget his days with him as Fan Ndubuoke also extolled his memory.

MANDATE

THE

Sylvester Ikuejamoye

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

FIFA Presidency and Blatter offer for Africa

L

ast week, l had insinuated, call it prophesied, if you like, the trust Sepp Blatter had on CAF President Issa Hayatou by handing over to the latter as FIFA Acting President.

The near accuracy of my postulation as demonstrated by Blatter was later confirmed when he openly canvassed support for the emergence of an African as FIFA president in the February 2016 election.

The position and support of Blatter for the emergence of an African as the next elected FIFA boss was resoundingly made within the week as he listed the achievements and contributions of African teams’ participation in all FIFA competitions. He specifically made outstanding reference to Nigeria’s achievement, particularly at the age grade championships. He reminded the world that Nigeria remained the record holder in U-17 world football championships, having won it for a record four times.

No one needs to be told that Blatter has already commenced campaigning for Nigeria. He has thrown his hat at the centre stage unmistakably for an African and, surely, for a Nigerian candidate. It is therefore pertinent that Africa cannot afford to disappoint the likes of Blatter globally. Nigeria is seen as a major player in this project with the capacity to secure the required support for victory, should we put our house in order.

Mandate has left no one in doubt on the non-negotiable option of putting the best Nigerian forward for the FIFA presidential election in February 2016. My position is still the same. To me, it’s an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. Whatever angle one may want to look at it, Blatter remains a weighty voice in football arena all over the world and will still play substantial role in who wins the February election. Yes, he has issues to contend with but you can only underestimate him

at your peril. He may be a deciding factor on who succeed him in office. This is where his open support for an African candidate is crucial and of immense value.

Since the issue of African candidates for the FIFA election started, I have deliberately restricted my submissions to the Nigerian candidates of the former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu a n d the

form e r Super Eagles captain, Chief (Engr.) Segun Odegbami. My position has not changed.

I also believe Nigerians must close ranks and objectively pick the best among the two aspirants with utmost sense of sincerity. This is not the time to play any game of deceit.

It should not be whether you like or hate Kalu or Odegbami or those supporting them. The issue should be, among the two, who is more influential and sellable with the required sporting global politics, contact, network or mileage? Who has more managerial experience?

Who is more financially buoyant to contend with the global electioneering campaign. Please, note that I’m talking about the financial capacity to fund movement and contact across the football federations in the world and not bribing of delegates.

With due respect to other contenders, I have no trouble in any form in resolving all the above factors or criteria in favour of Kalu. I stand to be corrected on this and I’m also at home to superior argument or submission.

Both Kalu and Odegbami are Nigerians but we must work hard to present the best in view of the Orji Kalu

55

obvious support of some FIFA power brokers like Sepp Blatter and, without doubt, Hayatou.

UEFA stands by Platini That UEFA has decided to stand solidly by their President, Michel Platini, over the $2 million questionable payment he got from FIFA under Sepp Blatter is not a surprise to me. They have a way of protecting their own. Despite the fact that FIFA has placed Platini on suspension over the matter, it was inconsequential to UEFA. How long the drama will last remains to be seen.

However, my concern here is how we take delight in destroying ourselves. Recall Dr. Amos Adamu’s case about four years ago over allegation of attempted corruption planned and executed by a so-called British undercover journalist and his cohorts. It was amazing the way some columnists and sports writers celebrated Adamu’s predicament. It was like ‘crucify him, he has been caught’, without the right of fair hearing.

I have no doubt whatsoever that objective and free minded people can now see that what Adamu was alleged to have attempted was no doubt a child’s play compared to the massive fraud allegedly committed by high ranking members of FIFA and its leadership. Most sports journalists, columnists and football stakeholders must have heard the latest alleged $7million payment by the German Football Federation to FIFA in respect of the 2006 World Cup hosted by the Germans. We are yet to hear the last on this allegation.

As much as I detest unethical behaviour, I also don’t jump to conclusion, no matter whose ox gored. I have said before and now that my position on Adamu’s issue is based on personal conviction on what I have seen, read and heard from him. Needless to say that I have never benefitted anything material or monetary from Adamu either when he was director of sports development or as director-general of the National Sports Commission, much less now that he is out of office. We should learn to value and appreciate our own. No one can lay claim to perfection. There must be some areas of inadequacy in people.

Perfection belongs only to God.

Hard but the bitter truth Those whose yesterday’s roles are filthy and ignoble but are now crying wolf when half of their yesterday’s actions are yet to be visited on them, are just being childish. They ought to know and be wise enough that what you sow you reap. What goes around, certainly, comes around. If you are good at giving, you must also prepare to be good at receiving “measure for measure”. Hard But The Bitter Truth.

WORLD RECORD

Fastest time to burst three balloons with the back

Vol. 05 No. 1227

Friday, October 23, 2015

N150

The fastest time to burst three balloons with the back is 12 seconds, set by Julia Gunthel, aka ‘Zlata’ (Germany), on 23 November 2007.

The two faces of Nigerian justice

J

ustice, when done rightly; and widely acclaimed to have been dispensed fairly, calms agitated minds and nerves. It is not like revenge, which is more of one’s resort to self help than respect for due process.

Revenge takes the law into its own hands and savagely seizes it by the throat. Untainted justice may, however, be likened to the law of Karma – you reap what you sow. People that sow good measure reap the equivalent in many folds; and those that sow the wind reap whirl wind.

A very good example of justice that relieves grief, lately, would be the type Justice Margareth Akpomiemie of the Bayelsa State High Court, Yenagoa, meted out to a fellow, one Super Ojo (aka Bestman), said to be a notorious cult leader in the state. Super led a nine-man gang to rape a lady, whose identity is being protected, sometime in 2011. He reportedly forced himself into the lady’s house with four others; dragged her out and forc-

NO COMPARISON, THEY ARE BOTH

N

etherlands great, Johan Cruyff, has been diagnosed with lung cancer, a spokeswoman has confirmed.

The 68-year-old former Ajax player was told of his illness this week after undergoing tests.

Cruyff, a three-time

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) ibly took her into a bush where five other culprits in waiting joined in the gang-rape of the victim at Akaba in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state. He was arraigned in court in May 2014, and a couple of days ago, Justice Akpomiemie sentenced Super to a total of 28 years in prison for his involvement in the gang-rape.

Compare Super’s conviction with that of 20-year-old Vivian Simeon-Michael, a domestic servant (maid) who, about the middle of last month, was sentenced to twomonth imprisonment without an option of fine by Magistrate A.T. Omoyele of the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for stealing her madam’s underwear, three pairs of ‘Buba and wrapper’, seven pieces of pants, 10 pieces of handkerchiefs, bracelets, seven pieces of face towels, among others, all valued N295, 000. A first offender, most probably, Vivian, reports say, was employed by her madam last June on a monthly salary of N20,000. She committed the offence on September 9 at Isale Eko Way, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi. With the speed of light, Vivian was arraigned in court on a one-count charge of stealing; and in less than one week, the housemaid is serving a two-month jail term.

Cognizance must be taken of the fact that she pleaded guilty to the stealing charge. She did not deny; and her madam reportedly recovered her stolen items, possibly all.

There is no basis contesting the verdict of learned Magistrate Omoyele, or justifying the crime of stealing which Vivian entan-

WE HAVE HAD INSTANCES WHERE INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE BEEN CHARGED TO COURT SINCE

2006, WE ARE STILL IN COURT BECAUSE OF INTERLOCUTORY APPLICATIONS gled herself with. But the Magistrate is typically Nigerian, and has amply demonstrated crass roughshod judicial discretion atypical of the Nigerian Bench. Let’s leave it at that; but the judgement of Magistrate Omoyele is a sad reminder of the amputation of the right hand of a cow thief, Buba Bello Karegarke Jangedi, in Zamfara State roughly 15 years ago while the Sharia conflagration raged.

In this same country, in 2013, a public servant that confessed to stealing N23 billion in pension funds was ludicrously given a lenient six-year jail term, with the option of N750, 000 fine by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Of course the felon paid the fine and smiled away with his stupendous loot. Remember that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren,

said it would appeal the judgement. “The EFCC has expressed reservation about the ruling of an FCT High Court, Abuja, which handed a six-year jail term, with the option of N750, 000 fine to John Yakubu Yusufu…”, Uwujaren said. The public is in the dark as yet about what progress or otherwise the EFCC has made in redressing that grave injustice.

Since 2007, hair-splitting, high profile corruption cases filed against persons entrusted with positions of trust, particularly former governors in office between 1999 and 2007, many of them for that matter, who mindlessly tore their state treasuries to shreds, are still at plea stages, or have been put on hold by indefinite injunctions granted by Nigerian courts. Indeed, of late, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, has been lamenting how difficult it is for the anti-graft agency to bring such fellows to justice. “The high profile individuals have the resources to hire very good lawyers who, of course, come with all these arguments to delay the cases… We have had instances where individuals that have been charged to court since 2006, we are still in court because of interlocutory applications they have been making”, he says.

How else can the Nigerian Bench be better indicted?

Quality justice dispensed in record time is commendable. But in Nigeria, it is reserved for the likes of Super and Vivian, in other words, the weak, vulnerable and common felons who know no lawyers that know corrupt judges. But in climes where the law comes first, whether in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and so forth; including neighbouring Ghana, ministers get sacked; judges, lawmakers and governors are sent to jail, and chief executives of government establishments are executed (especially in Asian countries) once they betray public trust. But in Nigeria, the reverse is the case, regrettably because of the crude pervasion of justice by ‘lawyers who know judges’, apologies to Chief Afe Babalola; and judges who anxiously wait to be sent on ‘errands’ by complicit lawyers. Pity!

Sport Extra

Johan Cruyff diagnosed with lung cancer Ballon d’Or winner, helped his country reach the World Cup final in 1974, where they lost to West Germany.

He also won three consecutive European Cups with Ajax and went on to

play and manage at Barcelona. His last managerial appointment came at the Catalonia national team, where he was in charge from 2009 to 2013.

While in charge at the Spanish club, he led them

to their first European Cup win in 1992 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989. They also won four consecutive La Liga titles from 1990-91 to 1993-94.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players

of all time, Cruyff had a double heart bypass surgery in 1991.

Having been a smoker, he gave up immediately after the operation and took to sucking lollipops in the dugout.

Cruyff

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