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Reps in rowdy session over Buhari’s supplementary budget N18,000 minimum wage unbearable, say governors

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Reps in rowdy session over Buhari’s supplementary budget UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

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ouse of Representatives was yesterday thrown into a rowdy session over President Muhammadu Buhari’s N465.64bn supplementary budget bill.

This was as Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers traded words over the huge funds provided for fuel subsidy in the bill.

President Buhari had brought a supplementary budget request to

the National Assembly on Wednesday, seeking approval for additional N465.64bn to the 2015 budget, which was also read for the first time same day, with a resolution to take the second reading yesterday, in view of its importance.

Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila had raised a motion to the effect that the Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, N465, 63bn only, be now read for second reading, with the attendant com-

mencement of debate.

Leading debate into the Bill, Gbajabiamila said there was a need to approve expenditure for fuel subsidy in view of the ongoing crisis in the country that has exposed Nigerians to much suffering.

The House was however engulfed in rowdiness when Nkiruka Onyejocha, a PDP legislator, raised a point that the amount was too bogus.

The lawmaker also stated that he would have preferred the Federal Government to state what

it has already spent in the 2015 budget and what the shortfall was.

Although, the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara drew attention to the President’s communication to the National Assembly, which had explained the point raised, the opposition lawmakers were not satisfied.

Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, said inasmuch as they would support the Bill, the government still has some explanations to make.

“We are going to carry out detailed analysis of the budget,” Ogor said,

adding that the supplementary budget was too huge.

Ogor alleged that with N413.36bn allocated to subsidy payment in the supplementary budget, APC would be spending the highest amount on subsidy.

Ogor’s allegation was quickly responded to by Gbajabiamila, who accused him of abusing his privilege by misleading the public with a submission that was not factual.

The altercation by the two leaders spread to other members along party

L-R: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; his wife, Olufunso; Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Sonekan; Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the thanksgiving service to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of Alake of Egbaland, in Abeokuta, yesterday.

N18,000 minimum wage unbearable, say governors ROTIMI FADEYI

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he 36 state governors have resolved to meet with President Muhammahu Buhari to find way out of the dwindling economy.

The meeting with the President became necessary as the governors said they are not able to cope with expenditure, especially payment of salaries because of reduction in monthly allocation as a result of the fall in oil prices.

At a meeting which ended in the early hours of yesterday at the Ban-

quet Hall of the Presidential Villa, the governors, who met under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, also gave its support to the fine of $5.2bn imposed on MTN by Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, stressing that the penalty be paid in full.

Chairman of the Forum and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, who read the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting said states could no longer bear the N18,000 minimum wage that was imposed on them when oil sold for $126 as against its present cost of $41.

Yari said the only way out of the situation was the diversification of the economy.

“We resolved that we must look at ways to enhance revenue generation and at the same time look at ways to cut our overhead costs more especially the political office holders’ salaries and other overhead expenses.

“The situation is no longer the same when we were asked to pay N18,000 minimum wage, when oil price was $126 (per barrel) and continued paying N18,000 minimum wage when oil is $41 and the source of government ex-

penditure is from oil, and we have not seen prospects in the oil industry in the near future.

“We will diversify our economy in the area of agriculture and mining.

But at the same time, we should understand our situation where some of us (states) today are taking N100m take home (monthly allocation) and have salaries in particular of over N2bn to pay.

“We therefore agreed here to take this suggestion to NEC so that we can be able to find ways to tackle this problem.

“And we are looking at coming together

to discussing with Mr. President and his team, with governors, technocrats and experts in the economy to see how we can tackle our troubled situation. We are working harder to deal with it,” Yari said.

On the fine imposed on MTN, the governor said since the telecommunication company accepted that they committed the offence and had apologised and looking for leniency, the Forum decided to support NCC to abide by the laws, saying that the laws of the land do not give leniency to deliberate offence.

line, and lasted for almost 10 minutes.

Attempt by the Speaker, who repeatedly kept shouting “Point of Order”, was ignored by the combatants The Speaker later succeeded in protecting the Majority Leader, who continued with his submission as he stressed that whatever is brought to the floor of the House must be nothing but the truth.

This comment, however, threw the House into another round of commotion.

PDP lawmakers alleged that there was no basis for the president to come up with a request for subsidy payment, when his administration did not believe in it.

The opposition lawmakers also said the government had removed the subsidy.

This again irked APC members, who shouted on top of their voices, insisting on the passage of the Supplementary Bill as sent by the Presidency.

The Speaker in his intervention disagreed with the submission of the opposition lawmakers as he said the President had spoken in unequivocal terms that he was against removal of subsidy as it would inflict hardship on Nigerians.

He said as a leader in the government, he was not aware that a decision was taken in favour of subsidy removal, even as he challenged anybody with contrary information to come up with such.

The Minority Leader, in his attempt to challenge that position, said then APC spokesman and now Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed had stated severally that his party did not believe in subsidy.

But he was shouted down by APC lawmakers The Speaker once again reminded Ogor of a motion brought recently to the effect that there was allegation of planned subsidy removal, but that the House threw it out in line with its rules and regulations that no motion based on speculation was welcomed in the House.

He insisted that no one in government has CONTINUED ON PAGE 3>>

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NEC approves sharing $150m NLG fund to states ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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ational Economic Council, NEC, yesterday resolved that $150m out of the $400m Liquified Natural Gas, NLG, fund be shared among states.

This was one of the decisions reached at the NEC meeting attended by state governors and presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola said it was also resolved that $250m out of the LNG dividend be invested in the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA. According to him, the decision was taken after the council received status update and presentation of 2014 Annual Report of the Governing Council of NSIA He said council also directed the Minister of Finance to constitute an Executive Nomination Committee and work in consultation with NEC to find appropriate persons to take over as board members of NSIA when the current board is dissolved.

Aregbesola stated that the council also stressed the need for sensitisation and public enlightenment to create awareness on the

relevant laws, regulations and policies that govern the movement of money across the nation borders.

Specifically, the Council directed CBN to embark on sensitisation and public enlightenment on Forex Policy, relevant laws and regulations as necessary guide to traders, some of who are encountering challenges regarding the movement of foreign exchange across the country’s borders, especially through some of the local airports.

While sympathising with the traders, Council decided that awareness on the relevant laws should be creative.

On the Excess Crude Account, ECA, Aregbesola said the Accountant General of the Federation, AGF, reported that the balance in the account stood at $2.257bn and that not much has changed from the last report.

Council mandated the Ministry of Finance to investigate and report on the allegation that some revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, received money in foreign currencies and converted to local currencies before remitting into the Federation Account.

Director-General of Pension Commission, Chinelo Ahonu-Amazu, briefed the Council on the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, and the sta-

Reps in rowdy session over Buhari’s supplementary budget CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

said subsidy would be removed.

The APC lawmakers thereafter said as long as subsidy has not been removed by government, they were going to approve the bill, insisting that whatever Buhari brings to the House must be supported.

When the Speaker put the motion to vote, there was no single dissention.

It was thereafter referred to the House Committee on Appropriation and Finance.

Briefing newsmen afterwards, Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, said

the overwhelming support it enjoyed was evidence that what the President is doing is in order.

He said the 2015 budget was suffering from drop in prices of oil, decline in production as well as drop in non-oil revenues resulting from insurgency activities.

The chairman added that government could not just sit down and watch, as such, the President had to come up with the supplementary budget to save the situation.

“Happily enough, when the question was put, it enjoyed overwhelming support with not even a single no,” Namdas stated.

tus of implementation by states.

Highlights of the briefing were on the sustainability of the pension arrangement, scorecard of the states in the implementation of the CPS, the challenges, opportunities and also the steps towards full implementation by

the states.

The briefing also highlighted the need for states to provide legal framework such as; enactment of pension laws, establishment of pension agencies, consistent remittance of both the employee and employer contributions and also full compliance

of all the provisions of the pension scheme.

Also at the meeting, the International Monetary Fund, IMF, Senior Resident Representative and Mission Chief presented a paper on the Treasury Single Account, TSA, to Council.

On the reconstitu-

tion of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, the Vice President at the meeting called for nomination of new board members for the company based on the six geo-political zones, while such nominations are expected from the governors after consultations.

Managing Director, Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria (PAN), Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi (3rd left); Vice President, Midle-East and Africa, PAN, Mr. Philip Jean (4th left); President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman, Board of Directors, Yariman Zazzau, Alhaji Mannir Ja’afaru PHOTO: NAN (2nd right) and others, during the presentation of PAN Products to the President in Abuja, yesterday.

Ex-NBA chief warns lawyers against contempt

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ormer President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Joseph Daudu SAN, has warned lawyers and practitioners in the media who have been commenting on the Supreme Court grant of stay of proceedings on the case against Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, using “uncouth language”, to beware of being held contemptuous of the highest court in the country.

Daudu in a statement signed by him on Thursday expressed surprise that some lawyers were quoted in newspaper reports as describing the decision of the Supreme Court as “illegal”, a position that was almost sacrilegious to take in the nation’s justice system.

“That is most unfortunate as decency and elementary regard for the finality of the decisions of the Supreme Court should restrain every citizen of

this country, particularly a legal practitioner, from using such base and scurrilous language against the highest court of the land.

“It is a known legal axiom that a decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria cannot be illegal in any form or manner as it is binding on all persons and authorities in this country. If a person is aggrieved by the decision of the court, the only approach is to wait for an opportunity to arise and such a person can ask the Court to overrule itself or depart its earlier decision” , he stated.

The Senior Advocate warned that “ no amount of political inclination or rascality should prompt or compel a lawyer or even a layman to employ such uncouth language against the Supreme Court of Nigeria”.

He advised that the lawyers who have been pass-

ing negative comments on the decision of the Supreme Court are “treading dangerously on boundaries of contempt of the Supreme Court. It is obvious that this orchestrated backlash against a correct decision of the Court is aimed at intimidating the Court and may the day never come when such a hallowed Court will succumb to mob action or intimidation”.

He further warned that he might be compelled to bring Contempt proceedings against all the commentators who by their actions are seeking to prejudice the final outcome of the appeal on the Saraki case in the Supreme Court “through intimidation and skewed reportage of facts”.

He explained that contrary to the impression that the panel of Supreme Court which rightly granted the stay of proceedings in the Saraki

case is being disbanded because of a purported outcry against its ruling, it it is the appellant, Saraki, who requested that a constitutional panel be constituted consisting of seven Justices instead of the five that heard the stay of proceeding motion.

The request contained in paragraph 2 of Saraki’s brief of argument is in line with Sections 233 (2) (b) and 234 of the 1999 constitution.

“Normally and most lawyers should know this; when a request for a panel of 7 Justices is made in a paragraph in the brief of argument, it is only the Chief Justice of Nigeria ( who is presently out of the country) that can constitute such a panel. It is therefore most mischievous, to use the platform of a newspaper to peddle such misinformation of grave proportions”, he argued.

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Friday, November 20, 2015

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L-R: Head, Anti-Fraud Unit, Access Bank Plc, Ifeanyi Emefiele; Deputy Director, Payments and Systems, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olabiyi Dosumu; Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe and Head, Group Internal Audit, Access Bank Plc, Yinka Tiamiyu, at the bank’s Anti-Fraud Awareness Week Stakeholder’s Forum in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Group Head Business Banking, Ecobank Incorporated (ETI), Mr. Fabien Amany; Managing Director, Wealthstone Limited, Mr. Andy Udo; Executive Director Finance, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dele Alabi; Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Anthony Okpanachi and Chief Client Engagement Officer, Ms. Jolone Okorodudu, during the launch of MYMALL in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

L-R: Head, Product Marketing, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ms Olajumoke Okikiolu; Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas; Winner, Samsung Picture Your Dream competition, Ms Ifeyinwa Obienu and Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim, at the J7 Picture Your Dream Competition winner announcement.

L-R: Group Executive Publisher, Marketing World, Akin Naphtal; Managing Director, Nielsen, Lampe Omoleye; Marketing Manager, Peak, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Dolapo Otegbayi, and Media Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Aramide Taiwo, during the presentation of Iconic Brand of the Year Award to Peak Milk at the 5th Edition of Marketing World Magazine Awards 2015 in Lagos, recently.

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Senate summons IGP over incessant kidnapping

…begins CCT chairman’s probe George Oji Abuja

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enate yesterday condemned recurring incidences of kidnappings in the country and commiserated with families of those who have lost dear ones to perpetrators of the dastardly act.

The lawmakers also resolved to invite the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to appear and brief the Senate through the relevant committees on activities of the police targeted at resolution of this security challenge.

The senate in addition urged traditional institutions, religious authorities and all Nigerians to be more vigilant and to participate more actively in the security of the country.

The lawmakers reached these resolutions following the adoption of some recommendations

contained in the motion sponsored by Senator Andy Uba (Anambra South) on “The unfortunate recurrence of kidnapping and hostage-taking in Nigeria - a national wake-up call.”

While commending efforts of the police and the Department of State Service, DSS, in cracking some of the reported cases of kidnaps, the senators resolved to make frantic efforts at reviewing the extant laws on kidnapping, with a view to imposing stiffer penalties.

Also yesterday, the Senate urged the Federal Government to take concrete steps towards ending illegal mining in the country, even as the lawmakers condemned what they described as “mindless and unlawful plundering of our solid minerals.”

The senators also directed law enforcement agencies, especially the

IGP to be alive to the responsibility of bringing illegal miners to book as urgently as possible.

They mandated the Committee on Solid Minerals to look into the matter with a view to finding lasting solutions to the

problem.

These resolutions were the outcome of the motion sponsored by Senator Duro Faseyi (Ekiti State) on the “Illegal Mining of the Nation’s Solid Minerals.”

The senate also yesterday received a petition against the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tri-

bunal, Mr. Umar Danladi, urging the lawmakers to commence a probe into allegations of bribery leveled against the judicial officer.

Signed by one Ajaso I. Ajaso, the petition was written by a Non Governmental Organisation called Anti Corruption Network.

The petition was submitted by Senator Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi State) and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The committee was given two weeks within which to conclude the investigations on the petition and report back to the senate.

EFCC, Italian police arrest 62 suspected internet fraudsters

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conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in collaboration with the Italian police said it arrested 62 people from Nigeria and Cameroon suspected to be members of a cyber criminal organisation.

EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement in Abuja yesterday said the suspects were responsible for frauds committed against small and medium scale enterprises across the world.

Uwujaren said the raid that led to the arrest of the suspects were carried

out in June by 750 officers from Italian, Spanish, Polish, English, Belgian, Georgian, Turkish and Cameroonian police.

He said the group, devoted to laundering activities involving large amounts of money obtained by means of stateof-the-art phishing techniques uses a particular attack called in hacking jargon, “man-in-the-middle.”

“The operation is carried out by illegally, accessing e-mail boxes of Italian and foreign companies through hacking and social engineering techniques that enabled

the criminals to meddle in trade relations.

“The final result of the raid is remarkable with 62 individuals arrested, 82 house searches executed with 40,000 Euros, 30 smart phones, 10 tablets and 15 personal computers seized,” he said.

The spokesman said EFCC was able to track down three fugitives in their homes in Lagos following information gathered from the Postal and Communications Police in Italy during the raid.

He said computers, mobile phones, SIM cards, several storage

media as well as bank documents linked to suspected criminal activities were recovered from the suspects during the raid in Lagos.

According to him, EFCC has started an independent investigation that will allow it to confirm the connection with the dismantled group through the Italian investigation.

Uwujaren said the investigation would also help to identify new criminal links with South Africa, Ghana, Gambia, China, UAE, Kenya and Spain.

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DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

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ttorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, disclosed yesterday that former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), would not be allowed to seek medical treatment abroad because of fresh investigations being carried out on him.

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, had ordered the Federal Government to allow the embattled NSA to travel overseas for medical attention.

But the prosecution had blatantly disobeyed the court’s order and had since laid siege to Dasuki’s Abuja residence.

The former NSA is being tried over alleged illegal possession of arms and money laundering, a charge to which he pleaded not guilty.

Malami, who officially resumed duties yesterday at the Justice Ministry Headquarters in Abuja, where he had a maiden meeting with heads of agencies, told journalists that the erstwhile NSA could not be allowed to travel abroad due to fresh investigations being carried out on him.

He said: “In some of these cases, for example, some high profile alleged culprits might be involved in multiple issues that might require investigation.

“If you are granted bail in respect of one set of issues, and new other monumental criminal offences arise, I believe the laws of the land require investigation, and you are bound as a good citizen of the country to submit yourself to investigation.

“The interest of the nation always reigns supreme above an individual’s interest regardless of his or her status in any circumstances.

“So, when the issue of national interest is at stake and has to be investigated properly, individual interest naturally gives way. It is not enough to conclude that an order is flouted, but then you have to look at the peculiarities of the prevailing cases on the ground.

“You can be granted

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Why Dasuki won’t be allowed overseas medical treatment –AGF bail in respect of a case, and if you have multiple other cases that public policy demands investigation; it is only natural that investigation should be allowed to be concluded having regard to the public interest which reigns supreme over and above an individual interest.”

The AGF, however,

stated that the President Muhammudu Buhari-led government was committed to the principle of rule of law.

The minister disclosed that all pending corruption cases involving politically exposed individuals would be revisited with a view to bringing the culprits to justice.

“I want to state cat-

egorically that among the issues that I personally observed arising from the prosecution of cases is the compromise through the investigative process and prosecution process.

“It is a position that we shall indeed have an audit of high profile cases and ensure that those that are found wanting through the compromise of investiga-

tive processes can indeed be prosecuted.

“Those that have in one way or the other compromised the investigation and prosecution of cases regardless of whether they are ‘low profile or high profile cases’ shall definitely be prosecuted of rule,” he said.

Speaking on his programme of action to reposition the ministry for

optimum performance, Malami said constant training of legal officers in international best practices would be his priority.

“I will build a robust relationship with the judiciary in a manner that does not compromise the independence of our respective arms of government,” he added.

Federal High Court suspends sitting over excessive heat

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ustice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court in Ibadan yesterday brought to an abrupt end the day’s sitting as a result of excessive heat.

Ayo-Emmanuel said he needed to suspend the sitting because the courtroom was too stuffy.

Just before the day’s first case was called, the judge had announced that if the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, failed to restore electricity, the court session would end with the first case.

Consequently, at the end of the first case, the judge rushed out of the courtroom to his chamber.

It would be recalled that the court had to suspend its sittings on a number of occasions due to epileptic power supply.

The acute scarcity of fuel in the state had further compounded the

problem as it had become increasingly difficult to

power the generating set.

Some lawyers and liti-

gants, who spoke on the issue, expressed frustra-

tion at the current development.

L-R: Representative of Minister of Finance, Mr Kalli Zaji; Managing Director, Nicon Insurance Ltd, Mr Bayode Samuel and Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, during the Inauguration of the Insurers Committee in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

MPC: Academics want CBN to reduce interest rate, CRR

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wo economists have urged the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to reduce interest rate and Cash Reserve Requirement, CRR, of banks, to forestall obstacles to acquiring loans.

They said in Lagos yesterday that reduction in interest rates and CRR was necessary to make funds available to investors for borrowing.

The experts spoke against the backdrop of the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting slated for November 23 and 24.

Prof. SheriffadeenTella of the Department of Economics, OlabisiOnabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye in OgunSatte, said there was need for

MPC to reduce the interest rate charged by commercial banks.

Tella explained that it was becoming difficult for businessmen and investors to access funds for their businesses because of high interest rate charged by banks.

According to him, MPC should also reduce CRR of commercial banks to enable them have more funds for borrowing.

“There is need for the MPC to reduce the CRR of banks to create more money for borrowing,”Tella said.

Tella lauded CBN for professionally resisting the call

by IMF for Nigeria to devalue its currency.

He noted that the decision of the apex bank on the naira was worthy of commendation, adding that the forces of demand and supply should be allowed to stabilise the naira.

In his contribution, Dr Evans Osabouhien of the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University in Ota, also in Ogun State, said MPC should see the stability of the economy as key consideration.

Osabouhien suggested that MPC should leverage monetary variables in the stimulation of the economy.

According to him, MPC needs to do a re-evaluation of

the compliance of the Bank Verification Number, BVN, to reduce the challenges encountered by bank customers.

He urged MPC to monitor the compliance of ministries, departments and agencies of government to the Treasury Single Account, TSA, to ensure transparency and equity.

MPC was established by CBN Act 2007, charged with the attainment of price stability and to support the economic activities of the Federal Government.

The committee, which is headed by the Governor of the CBN, is made up of 12 members.

According to the CBN,

MPC is the highest policy making committee of the bank with the following mandate: Review economic and financial conditions in the economy; “Determine appropriate stance of policy in the short to medium term. Review regularly, the CBN monetary policy framework and adopt changes when necessary, among others.

In the last MPC meeting, the CBN voted to reduce the CRR from 31 to 25 per cent.

It retained the MPR at 13 per cent, retained the symmetric corridor of 200 basis points around the MPR; and retained the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.

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NTA, FRCN, others have abandoned professionalism –FG JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

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inister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday descended heavily on Nigerian public broadcasters for showing total disregard for editorial independence, adding that many have thrown professionalism to the wind.

To this end, the minister assured that government under the leadership

of President Muhammadu Buhari will not deny the opposition opportunity to air their views.

Mohammed revealed this at the meeting with heads of parastatals under the ministry in Abuja. He hinted that if NTA, FRCN and NAN were effectively utilised, they would facilitate the success of the change campaign.

According to him, let me start with the Federal Government-owned media organisations, the NTA,

FRCN and NAN have all chosen to play second fiddle in the country’s media landscape.

He said: “NTA and FRCN of yesterday is not the same as what we have today. Whereas most broadcast journalists of note in our country today passed through the NTA and the FRCN, there is no denying the fact that the private radio and TV stations are doing much better, at least, going by the fact that most Nigerians

prefer them to the public broadcasters. Indeed, most Nigerians find the private broadcasters more credible.

“The reason for this is not far-fetched. First, the public broadcasters have thrown professionalism to the wind while also showing total disregard for editorial independence. They have mortgaged their credibility on the altar of political correctness.

“Yet, these Federal Gov-

ernment-owned media establishments are endowed with highly-trained and well-qualified personnel, better infrastructure and a wide reach.

“In addition to that, NAN, which was once the leading national news agency in the whole of Africa, boasting of the best professionals in the news business. Today, the agency is punching far below its weight, despite its presence in all the states of the federation.” He said.

He reiterated that government of the day will not hesitate to put on ground equal treatment for the opposition to air

their ideas.

“Let me assure Nigerians that under this administration, no Federal Government-owned media organisation will deny the opposition the opportunity to air their views.

“It is true that while we were in opposition, we were treated as outcasts by these public broadcasters. They denied us the use of their platforms; they rejected our adverts and even made themselves available for the most abhorrent hate campaign ever in the history of electioneering campaign in our country,” he said.

Buhari reaffirms commitment to privatisation R OTIMI FADE YI ABUJA

P Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (left) receiving the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria Paul Arkwright, on a courtesy visit to his residence in Abuja, yesterday.

Deportation: Reps appeal to Israel to stay action UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

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ouse of Representatives yesterday appealed to Israeli authorities to stay action on the planned deportation of Nigerian citizens pending the issuance of passports to them.

The House also urged the Ministry of Interior to mandate the Nigerian Immigration Service to open an office in Israel where

passports can be issued.

These resolutions followed a motion titled, “call for issuance of international passports to Nigerians living in Israel to enable renewal of their visas”, brought by Mr Timothy Golu and three others.

While moving the motion on the floor of the House, the lawmaker expressed worries that the Nigerian Immigration Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

have not visited Israel for about two years to provide international passports to Nigerian citizens as had been done previously.

He said since the Nigerian embassy in Israel has no authority to print and issue passports and cannot obtain assistance from neighbouring countries due to the crisis in the Middle East, passports should be made available.

The House, which ad-

opted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, also mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Interior to liaise with the Nigerian Immigration Service to ascertain the situation and proffer solution to it.

The Speaker in his ruling referred the motion to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Legislative Compliance for further input.

Lamorde sues Senate over invitation DOOSUUR IWAMBE ABUJA

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mmediate past chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, has sued the Senate over the invitation extended to him to appear to give account of his stewardship as head of the anti-graft agency.

In the suit filed through his counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the former EFCC boss joined

the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Inspector-General of Police, and Director-General of the Department of State Service as defendants.

Lamorde asked the court to determine whether in view of the provisions of Section 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate can invite him to give account of his stewardship of an office he had already vacated.

He therefore, asked

the court to declare that in view of the provisions of sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the 1st and 2nd defendants, their officers, members, agents or privies cannot “invite” him to appear before them as a person whose conduct of affairs is being investigated by them in relation to issues concerning office(s) he had already vacated.

He asked the court to

make an order of injunction against the defendants restraining them from executing any warrant issued by the 1st and 2nd Defendants (IGP and DG DSS) against him.

He also asked for an order setting aside all letters of invitation issued against him by the Senate to appear before them as a person being investigated by them in relation to issues concerning his stewardship of office(s) he has already vacated.

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reaffir med his administration’s commitment to the Federal Gover nment’s privatisation and commercialisation policy.

A statement issued

by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said Buhari spoke at an audience with Peugeot’s Executive Vice President for Africa and the Middle-East, Mr. Jean-Christophe Quemard.

The president, however, stressed that greater consideration would now be given to the technical and managerial competence of prospective buyers of gover nment-owned companies.

The president said that a higher premium would be placed on the technical competence and financial clout of bidders in future privatisation exercises to avoid the running aground of privatised companies by illequipped and incapable investors.

Buhari, who spoke after being briefed on plans by Peugeot to stage a comeback to Nigeria after the collapse of the privatisation of Peugeot Automobiles

Nigeria Limited, noted that privatisation could only succeed and yield desired benefits if buyers of gover nment-owned companies possessed essential skills and resources.

Quemard assured Buhari that Peugeot was ready to reinvest in vehicle assembly in Nigeria provided the right indigenous partners were found.

The Peugeot Chief Executive for Africa and the Middle-East briefed the President on the company’s threephased plan to resume vehicle assembly in Nigeria with 4,000 cars next year, rising up to 10,000 cars by 2021.

He said that the plan, which he urged the Federal Gover nment to support with appropriate policies and actions, would entail higher local content in the assembly of Peugeot cars in Nigeria and the exportation of locally assembled Peugeot cars from Nigeria to neighbouring African countries.

Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited which was privatised some years ago has technically reverted to gover nment ownership with up to 85 per cent of its shares now held by the Federal Gover nment and the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, November 20, 2015

7

Fashola, synergy between Lagos, FG –Ambode Francis Suberu

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agos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday described his predecessor and Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), as a synergy between Lagos State and the Federal Government that would accelerate and actualise his administration’s plans for infrastructural development in the state.

Governor Ambode, who said this while delivering a keynote address at the Lagos Business School Alumni Conference, noted that

the state was privileged to have Fashola in charge of key federal ministries, at this critical moment in the history of the state.

He added that though building infrastructure to improve the quality of life was a top priority in Lagos, traffic and security remain two key priority focus areas that need urgent attention.

He also informed the gathering that there would be a traffic summit in Lagos next week to address the issues by combining the perspectives of international best practice and local knowledge and experience.

The governor also de-

scribed the summit as a step on the way to a new strategy that would improve the lives of Lagosians.

Speaking at another function, Governor Ambode said he has nothing else to give to humanity than to uphold the tenets of good governance.

He said this while speaking as guest lecturer at the annual lecture and award ceremony of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Alumni Association in Nigeria.

The governor, who spoke on the theme, ‘Deepening the Democratic Culture in Nigeria,’ said as part of efforts to deepen

democracy and make Lagos work for all, he has since set up the office of Civic Engagement and Ministry of Wealth Creation.

He added that as part of efforts to carry people along in his programmes and policies and run an allinclusive government, he has since embarked on a quarterly town hall meeting, where he could hear from the people directly.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship is a programme for mid-career professionals sponsored by the United States Department of State in honour of Humphrey, a former U.S Senator and Vice

President who dedicated himself to public service and upliftment of humanity.

It is a 10-month programme in selected U.S universities, where fellows are tutored on good governance and service to humanity.

Governor Ambode who is an alumnus of the fellowship, had saluted the courage and dedication of Humphrey, who he said stood for excellence and commitment in leadership.

He, however, urged the fellows of the programme to do more in terms of commitment to public service and be builders of social bridges.

Describing Lagos as the fastest growing city in the world, Governor Ambode said in the midst of several challenges, Lagos State since 1999 has managed to sustain the momentum of growth, and that he is ready not only to sustain it, but also improve on it and truly make Lagos works for all.

Earlier, president of the Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Association in Nigeria, Mr. Jude Ememe, had described Governor Ambode’s commitment to public service as unparalleled and unprecedented, expressing confidence in the sterling leadership qualities of the governor.

Shoot civilians, go to jail, IGP Arase tells police Femi Oyeweso, ABEOKUTA

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L-R: Executive Director, CSR-in –Action, Ms Bekem Masade; Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Hon Bawa Bwari; Acting Executive Secretary, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya and Chairman, 2015 Sustainability in Extractive Industries, Mr Meka Olowola, during the 4th Sustainability in Extractive Industries confab in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Security personnel detains Italian woman over luggage screening

•FAAN rectifies power outage at Lagos Airport Olusegun Koiki

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ecurity operatives attached to the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, MMA2, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday detained an Italian woman, Lilian Abdulrahman, for hours following her refusal to allow the screening of her luggage.

Abdulrahman had arrived in Lagos on board an Aero Contractors flight from Abuja at noon and when security personnel comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Bi-Courtney Airport Security, Aviation Security, AVSEC, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, attempted to screen her luggage,

she insisted the luggage could not be screened by them, a situation that led to suspicion by the officers.

Screening of hand luggage and check-in luggage is a standard in the global aviation industry and the International Civil Aviation Authority, ICAO, recommended the practice.

A source close to the scene of the incident told our correspondent that Abdulrahman vehemently protested the screening of her luggage and verbally abused security officials, who insisted on international best practices for the safety of equipment and users of the terminal.

She alleged dragged her luggage out from the arrival wing to a waiting Honda

CRV with registration number Lagos: AGL209AA without being screened.

The situation prompted the aviation security to alert the policemen attached to the airport, who prevented the car from leaving the premises until the bags were subjected to intense screening.

A large crowd gathered at the scene and after several hours of argument, the bags were eventually searched.

Although nothing incriminating was found inside them, Abdulrahman, who is married to a Lebanese, later tendered an apology to the security operatives before she was released.

Meanwhile, FAAN has rectified the power outage

the eclipsed major parts of the international wing of the Lagos Airport for several hours.

FAAN in a statement by its General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr. Yakubu Dati, said the outage was rectified by its team of engineers.

He hinted that preliminary investigation revealed that the outage was caused by power surge from the power line supplying MMA and surrounding communities, adding that after restoring power to the affected parts of the terminal, “our engineers mobilised immediately to trace affected equipment and assessed the extent of damage to them.

nspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, yesterday warned officers and men of the force to exercise high sense of caution in their handling of firearms while dealing with members of the civil public.

Arase declared that any police officer that fails to exercise caution and is indicted as having shot any unarmed member of the civil public would be arraigned before a court within 48 hours of his arrest.

The police boss gave the warning while addressing officers and men of the force at the Eleweeran Command Headquarters during his two-day working visit to Ogun State Police Command.

Arase, who expressed readiness to address the welfare of police officers in the country, also warned officers, particularly those attached to VIPs’ convoys within the Nigerian society to desist from the habit of using horsewhips and canes or be ready to face sanctions.

Arase also ordered police spies attached to banks and their bullion vans to desist from using police uniform, beginning from January 2016 or risk being arrested and detained for impersonation.

On matters of welfare, the IGP rolled out a plethora of welfare package which he said officers under the period he holds sway as the

final authority would enjoy.

Arase explained that beginning from January 2015, officers who have additional qualifications but are afraid of intimating the force would be allowed to upload such through a window that would be announced later.

He, however, announced automatic promotion to the next rank for eight police officers who mounted the Sentry Guard for his arrival at the Eleweeran Command Headquarters for good performance.

The affected officers, who included three sergeants and five corporals are Haruna Ijiji, Tochukwu Igwe, Friday Momodu, Faruna Danjuma, Felix Adejoh, Matthew Adelu, Usip Uwemedimo and Emmanuel Unazi.

Arase also announced personal scholarship for 12 primary school students of Police Children’s School who welcomed him to the command.

Announcing the welfare package of his administration, the IGP said the police have concluded plans to construct 25,000 post-retirement housing units for the ranks and files of the police across the country.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police had requested the police authorities for six additional area commands in the state.

He also stated that the command needs additional manpower to be able to match the increasing security challenges in the state.

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South West

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ekiti govt to workers: We won’t retrench despite cash crunch ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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kiti State government has assured its workforce that none of them would be retrenched despite its present financial challenges.

The governor said his administration would instead, discuss with workers on how to find means of paying their salaries.

The governor, who spoke at Ise Ekiti and Emure Ekiti during his sensitisation tour of councils on the financial state of the state, said sacking workers was not the solution to the present situation.

He lamented that allocations to both state and local governments had gone down drastically, saying, “a comparative analysis of allocations to local governments in Ekiti between January and October 2014 and the same period this year clearly explains what I am talking about.”

Emure Council chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Mr. Sunday Adu, said whatever the leaders at the state level arrive at is acceptable to them.

He praised the governor for his efforts at encouraging teachers and giving their welfare priority.

Police arrest 109 hawkers, impound 401 motorcycles PATIENCE OGBO

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agos State Police Command has impounded 401 commercial motorcycles and arrested 24 riders for violating the state’s traffic law.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, gave the statistics during a press briefing at the police command, Ikeja, yesterday.

According to the police boss, 178 persons were also arrested during raids of criminal hideouts, while 311 persons were arrested for various offences.

He said: “In continuation of the command’s crime prevention strategies, it embarked on rigorous patrol of the metropolis in enforcement of the Lagos State Traffic Law, raids of criminal hideouts and ex-

ecution of the ban on street trading and hawking.

“During the exercise, which was carried out between November 12 and 18, 2015, 24 motorcyclists were arrested at various locations for violating the Lagos State Traffic law. In the same vein, 401 motorcycles were impounded, while 109 street traders/hawkers were arrested. Similarly, 178 suspects were arrested during raids of criminal hideouts. Seven persons were arrested for murder; ammunition were recovered; and seven persons were arrested for armed robbery; while 31 persons were nabbed for cultism.

On the whole, 311 suspects were arrested, out of which 30 were screened out and 281 charged with various offences; 220 of them were convicted, while 61 were discharged.”

L-R: Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Founder/C.E.O, Centre for Values in Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi; Dr. Raymond Ihuoma and Group Vice President of Silverbird, Mr. Guy Murray-Bruce, during the 2015 Humbert H. Humphrey Annual Lecture and Awards Luncheon, in Lagos, yesterday

Lagos to barricade Mile12-Ketu service lane from carriage way FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State government through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Area, LAMATA, has unveiled plans to erect a barrier between the carriage way and the service lane along Ketu-Mile 12 axis to further ease traffic congestion.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with executives of Mile 12 Market, officials of Ikosi-Ketu Local Council Development Area and the community development association, Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Communication and Communities, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the onekilometre concrete fence with iron see-through gate would be constructed

as part of traffic control measures on Ikorodu road.

According to him, the plan also includes the construction of median Jersey barrier and construction of multiple layby for commercial buses and other uses.

He stated that the measures were being implemented as a lasting solution to the incessant traffic gridlock at Mile 12 and would bring free flow of traffic in the area.

Mr. Bamigbetan said government was very committed to tackling the current traffic challenges in the state with a view to creating enabling environment for everyone to thrive.

He said the recent launch of BRT operation along the new BRT extension corridor from Ikorodu to CMS via Mile 12 has

brought a new lease of life to residents and businesses along the corridor and has demonstrated the commitment of the government to delivering world-class public transport infrastructure and service.

The special adviser urged the market executives and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and LAMATA in the implementation of the planned traffic measure at Mile 12 so that the full benefits of the BRT extension project could be realised. Also speaking, the deputy director of safety in LAMATA, Mr. Olajide Oduyoye, said the traffic control measures would address other issues beyond the traffic gridlock usually experienced between Mile 12 and Ketu.

Mr. Oduyoye urged all

Recruitment scam: Vigilante Virgin Atlantic workers allege racial bias group petitions police, SSS W I

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igilantee Group of Nigeria, VGN, Lagos State chapter, has raised the alarm over what it termed false recruitment by persons impersonating it.

The group, in a petition to Director, Department of State Security, DSS, and the police titled: ‘Impersonation and fraudulent publication of the Vigilantee Group of Nigeria, Lagos State Command,’ urged the DSS to clamp down on a faceless

ALE GBINTADE

group impersonating the VGN in Lagos State.

In a petition signed by its public relations officer, Comrade Agbodemu Ishola, and administrative officer, Comrade Awe Olusola, the group disowned a recruitment publication.

The petition reads: “There has been a publication dated 5th November, 2015, on page 16 of the Guardian newspaper, announcing recruitment by the VGN.

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igerian cabin crew members of Virgin Atlantic Airways have accused the foreign airline of racial bias.

The workers, in a letter through their lawyer, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), are protesting the planned termination of their employment at the end of this month.

In the letter dated November 17, 2015, and addressed to the chairman of Virgin Atlantic Air-

ways Limited, Sir Richard Branson, Fagbohungbe said the circumstances relating to the intended sack of all Nigerian members of Virgin Atlantic cabin crew violate the provisions of the International Labour Conference Convention 158 and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He described as spurious and untenable the excuse that the 21 Nigerians were being disengaged based on a research that Virgin Atlantic Airline no longer needs cultural ex-

pertise on the Lagos route.

Fagbohungbe said the airline was being unfair to Nigeria as a country by planning to lay off its Nigerian employees despite the fact that the LagosLondon route remains one of, if not the most viable and profitable routes of the airline.

He also said it was particularly disdainful that the planned sack of Nigerians was not with the courtesy of any reasonable severance package or options like the airline would normally do where

stakeholders to support government towards the implementation of the measures which, he said, would also contribute to the well-being of Mile 12 traders.

Executive secretary, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, Mr. Afolabi Kazeem, commended the state government and LAMATA for the planned intervention, saying it would improve the development of local council development areas.

A representative of the traders, Alhaji Shehu Usman, pledged on behalf of the market executives to support and cooperate towards the implementation of the planned traffic measures, and called on the state government for more intervention around the Mile 12 market.

citizens of other nations are involved.

He recalled that Virgin Atlantic had earlier shut down its call centre in Nigeria and moved it to South Africa thereby compounding the unemployment rate in Nigeria, while creating additional jobs for South Africa, despite the profit it makes from Nigeria.

He also recalled that the relocation of the call centre imposed additional cost on Nigerians whose calls for inquiries are now routed to South Africa.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, November 20, 2015

9

PDP alleges impersonation at military panel ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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eoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State said yesterday that its former State Secretary, Dr Tope Aluko, impersonated the office at the ongoing military panel on the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The party cautioned that “whatever is recorded by the military panel in the name of the said impersonator on the involvement of military in the Ekiti election will render the whole exercise illegal and a charade”.

The party said in a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Jackson Adebayo, in Ado-Ekiti that it was ridiculous that a non-member of the party could be admitted to testify in the name of PDP despite his widely publicised expulsion.

It stated: “We want to say categorically that Dr Tope Aluko is no longer the Secretary of PDP in Ekiti State neither is he a member of the party again, our Secretary is Pastor Tope Anjorin, so

anybody dealing with the expelled member is only doing so at his or her own risk, as well as dealing with an impersonator.”

According to Adebayo, by the act, the expelled secretary had only demonstrated the traits of anti-party activities that led to his expulsion, adding that there was nothing objective or reliable that could be taken from him in this case.

He noted that Aluko, who testified on oath as principal witness for the PDP at the election petition tribunal, would only be confining himself to the wrath of the law by choosing to negate same after he had said that the election was free and fair to the Supreme Court level.

Adebayo said Aluko and four members of the State Working Committee were expelled on July 31, 2015, while the National Working Committee of the party upheld the expulsion on November 4, 2015 through a letter signed by the National Organising Secretary, Abubarka Mustapha.

ASUU flays Ajimobi, Aregbesola, over poor funding of LAUTECH KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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cademic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso branch, yesterday came hard on Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimob and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, berating them over unpaid 13 months’ subvention to the university.

The union while accusing Aregbesola of owing 11 months, it said Ajimobi owes two months.

ASUU in a release signed by its Chairman, Dr. Oyebamiji Oyegoke, and made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday, raised the alarm on the deteriorating health of academic staff that were made to work throughout the year without rest in order to raise the university’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

Oyegoke in the release entitled, “How Not to Run Public University: the painful truth on the state of affairs at LAUTECH”, chronicled the problems facing the university to include poor funding, absence of health Insurance for academic staff, non-payment of salaries of workers and pension gratuities.

He said the union decided to call on Nigerians to prevail on the two-owner states to do the needful and rescue the institution from imminent collapse, adding that the latest Save Our Soul, SOS, is coming after lots of unsuccessful attempts at meeting the two governors.

He said: “Responsibility behoves us therefore to call the attention of the general public to the following observations of how not to run a public university; especially one, on which people’s aspiration and hope lie for technological and economic transformation.

L-R: Director-General, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mrs. Roli Bode-George; her husband, Chief Olabode George and Senator Akin Odunsi, during the funeral service of late Engr. Omosola Awosika held at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA

Ekiti Tipper owners strike over haulage tax •govt seals banks, telecoms offices ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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ipper owners in Ekiti State yesterday began indefinite strike to protest the imposition of N1,000 tax per trip and a fine of N50,000 on any defaulter.

They described the imposition of the tax as “unacceptable” and the fine of N50,000 imposed on any member who defaults in paying the tax as “outrageous.”

The Ekiti State chapter of the Union of Tipper and Quarry Employers of Nigeria, UTQEN, had after a meeting on the development yesterday,

staged a protest at their secretariat.

They expressed their opposition to what they called the “harsh tax policies” of the present administration in the state which they said was capable of killing their business.

State chairman of the union, Chief James Olujimi Mokoa, said he had no option than to tell his members to withdraw their services because; “We don’t have any N50,000 fine to pay.”

Mokoa said it was wrong for the government to go on air to impose a tax of N1,000 per trip after which the governor

summoned a meeting to discuss matter.

But the Commissioner for Information, Lanre Ogunsuyi, said the N1,000 “haulage levy” was for maintenance of road plied by the tippers urging union members “to show understanding and comply because there is no going back.”

This was as the state government yesterday sealed off some commercial banks and mobile telecommunication outlets in the state for non-payment of business premises tax.

Commissioner for Commerce, Michael Ayodele, who led officials of the ministry to seal off the affected business premises,

said the state government took the action following repeated warnings to the organisations to fulfill their financial obligation to the state.

He wondered why corporate organisations making a lot of money in the state found it difficult to fulfill their civic duties to the state.

Ayodele, who advised all business owners to pay their taxes and dues to the state as at when due, said the state government would not hesitate to seal off any earring company in the state.

The affected banks included Unity Bank Plc and UBA branches and as well Etisalat, Airtel and Glo corporate offices.

20 Oyo lawmakers boycott sitting over welfare issues KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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risis may be brewing between members of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, as 20 of the lawmakers, yesterday stayed away from plenary in protest over what they considered shabby treatment and lack of concern for their welfare by the governor.

National Mirror learnt that the boycott led the Speaker, Michael Adeyemo, and 11 other members of the assembly present to adjourn abruptly after sitting for few minutes.

It was gathered that the boycott of plenary by the 20 lawmakers, was a sort of ‘coup’ against the Speaker, who had been appealing to them to endure a little more until something would be done on issues of their welfare by the governor.

It was learnt that the aggrieved lawmakers, had circulated a text message to their colleagues early in the morning asking them to boycott sitting to press home their demand for improved welfare.

As a decoy, they all reported in their offices and gave the Speaker the impression that they would

file towards the legislative chamber for sitting.

But as soon as the Speaker was ushered into the chamber, the 20 lawmakers retreated and left him and others, who were not informed of the plan, wondering what the matter was.

Frantic calls from the lawmakers in attendance to their aggrieved colleagues were however ignored, as they shunned all entreaties to make them attend the sitting, forcing the assembly to sit only for few minutes One of the lawmakers, who sat at the plenary, while speaking with journalists, said the reason for

the boycott was good, but condemned the approach adopted by his colleagues.

He said, “None of the ranking members or the functionaries of the House was carried along.

It is not good to divide the House. We have collectively agreed on the approach to adopt at the parliamentary caucus.

The issue of welfare affects all of us.

“With this approach, they have sent the wrong signals. It is not good to jump the gun. Now, we must all sit down and resolve this matter. The House has been peaceful and we must maintain the peace”.

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South-East

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ebonyi Assembly approves 100% salary bonus for civil servants Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

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Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri (third right), addressing the Igwe Nike, HRH Igwe (Dr.) Julius U. Nnaji, Eze Odezuluigbo III of Nike, Enugu State and members of his cabinet during a town hall meeting on Peace Dialogue organised by NOA, at Igwe’s palace, in Enugu recently.

Enugu sets up committee to boost revenue base Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

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n its determination to actualise the state government’s drive to provide basic facilities to the people, Enugu State Executive Council has set-up an inter-ministerial committee to find ways of improving the revenue base of the state.

In a press briefing at the end of the council’s meeting held at

the Government House, Enugu, state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, disclosed that the council has appointed a private company, Bricks Data Limited to collect revenue on land and properties through Geographic Information System,GIS, approach.

This was even as the state Excecutive approved contract for the

construction of OrieEmene-Adoration road.

According to him, the council has also approved that the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development should enter into contract agreement with Digital Dream Limited for the upgrade of the state land administration system.

He added that the upgrading would help to improve the state land

administration and revenue generation.

Dr. Udeuhele further revealed that the council also approved the relocation of the State Landfill located between Premier Layout and Independent Layout to another area with larger space commensurate with the volume of waste generated by the present population of residents in Enugu urban.

FMC Owerri boils again as workers reject MD …accuse Health Ministry of complicity

Chris Njoku OWERRI

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orkers of the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri, yesterday paralysed medical services at the centre over the reinstatement of the suspended Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Angela Uwakwem.

The Federal Government three months ago sent the medical director on compulsory leave following an indefinite strike embarked upon by staff of the institu-

tion arising from several allegations including high handedness leveled against her by the aggrieved staff.

However, a panel of enquiry set up by the Federal Ministry of Health to investigate the allegations levelled against the medical director later exonerated her.

Uwakwem, who attempted to resume duties yesterday, met a brick wall as the embittered workers who wore black attires with placards bearing vari-

ous inscriptions firmly placed the main entrance gate of the centre under lock and key.

Chanting solidarity songs, the workers barricaded the Owerri/ Orlu road, marched through major roads and streets within the state capital, thereby impeding free-flow of traffic.

When our reporter visited the hospital on the Owerri-Orlu road, heavily armed anti-riot mobile policemen were seen manning the place even as medical servic-

es for both in and out patients was paralysed.

The embattled Uwakwem did not pick her phone calls when contacted for possible reaction, but some of the protesters accused the Federal Ministry of Health of foul play and complicity in the report that gave her a clean bill of health.

“It is either they remove her as the medical director of this place or there will be nothing like FMC Owerri, again,” the protesting staff insisted.

bonyi State House of Assembly yesterday approved one month 100 per cent salary bonus for junior workers and 50 per cent for senior civil servants including some members of the general public to ameliorate their sufferings.

The approval is sequel to the letter submitted to the House by the governor, Dave Umahi, requesting the House to approve the bonus to enable him pay 100 percent salary bonus to all junior workers working in the state and local government as well as development centres.

The House in its plenary approved the request to pay the bonus to workers who are in the payroll of the state.

Although the governor said the reason for the welfare package is to cushion the sufferings of the civil and public servants as well the general public in the state.

The governor in the letter told the House that the decision was taken in 18th meeting of the State Executive Council held Wednesday, November 11, noting that the need to approach the House for their consent was borne out of the fact that welfare package was not captured in the 2015 budgetary provisions of the state.

The letter further explained that the 13 local government areas and the 64 Development Centres are expected to spend not more than forty million naira on the welfare package programme.

Majority Leader, Joseph Nwaobashi, representing Ezza Northeast moved a motion asking his colleagues to allow the governor’s request sail through noting that the decision is a round peg in a round hole considering the economic predicament in the country which is already having adverse effect on the people.

Nwaobashi noted that it was commendable of the governor to have taken up the task of assisting the civil and the public servants as well as the general public at this challenging period.

Chief Whip, Chike Ogiji commended the governor for the courage to cushion the effect of the sufferings of the people despite the huge capital projects he is embarking upon. He noted that the governor’s initiative showed he is in tune with the needs of the people.

Other lawmakers who contributed including the Minority Leader, Mrs Maria Udenwachi of the Progressives People’s Alliance, PPA, she commended the governor’s initiative, saying the gesture will go a long way to cushioning the sufferings of the people.

The lawmakers described it as a welcome development especially as it is coming in the yuletide period.

The Speaker, Nwifuru Ogbonnaya Francis, on his part said the governor meant well for the people which is evident in his policies and programmes.

He put the motion on voice vote and it was unanimously adopted.

The Speaker ordered the Clerk to make a memo informing the governor of the approval of his request.

The lawmakers also observed one minute silence in honour of a former Minister of Education, Dr Igwe AjaNwachukwu, who died in an Israeli hospital while receiving medical treatment and the 13 others who died in an auto crash on Tuesday along Abakaliki-Afikpo road.

On his part, Governor Dave Umahi through a press release signed and issued to journalists in Abakaliki expressed regret over the death of Aja-Nwachukwu and the 13 persons who died in auto crash in the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, November 20, 2015

11

Navy to deploy new ratings to boost security operations Dennis Naku,

PORT HARCOURT

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igerian Navy has revealed plans to deploy new ratings in strategic locations for the purpose of internal security operations across the country.

Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Eastern Naval Training Command, Rear Adm. Atiku Abdulkadir, announced the plan during trainees’ obstacle crossing demonstration at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers State, yesterday.

Abdulkadir said some of the trainees would be deployed in what he called “choke points” at sea and creeks in a bid to stop oil theft, piracy and pipeline vandalism.

He said: “The trainees trained intensively for six weeks in special military skills to meet the change in dynamics and asym-

metric nature of threats currently in the country.

“Cross obstacle demonstration is an integral part of the training curriculum designed to equip trainees with ability to overcome any impediment or confrontation that may come their way.

“The trainees through their obstacle crossing demonstration skills have proven that they are ready to become members of the Nigerian Navy.

“The trainees who will officially pass out from their training on Friday would be deployed to units and formations across the country to defend their fatherland.”

Abdulkadir said those deployed at sea would complement current efforts by the navy to reduce oil theft to the barest minimum within the shortest possible time.

He said the commitment was part of the rea-

Navy destroys 8 illegal refineries, 300 tonnes of crude in Brass

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entral Naval Command, CNC, of the Nigerian Navy yesterday said it had intensified efforts at stamping out oil theft and illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

The command‘s spokesman, Lt.-Cdr. Edward Yeibo, said in a statement that the command had conducted a raid in Akassa Community in Brass Local Government Area and destroyed eight illegal refineries.

Yeibo said Capt. Musa Katagum, Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, led a team of personnel from Naval Base, Brass, on the raid of illegal refineries.

He said some soldiers attached to Nigerian Agip Oil Company in Brass Island also joined the Navy in the operation.

“A total of eight refineries and about 300 tonnes of products suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Crude Oil were destroyed in the camp.

“The destruction was in accordance with extant regulations of destroying

sites when arrest was not effected.

“The perpetrators fled the area before the arrival of the military personnel.

“Other items destroyed included seven surface tanks, 93 drums containing products suspected to be AGO, among others,” he said in the statement.

Yeibo said Rear Adm. Apochi Suleiman, the Flag Officer Commanding CNC, during his visit to the scene, commended the efforts of officers and ratings of the command.

He quoted Suleiman as saying that the exercise was part of the Zero Tolerance Campaign of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, against illegal oil bunkering and crude oil theft.

“There will be no hiding place for oil thieves in the Central Naval Command’s area of responsibility.

“I admonish oil thieves to desist from illegalities and get involved in mean-

ingful businesses or face the wrath of the law,” he quoted the Flag Officer Commanding as saying.

sons the navy embarked on a three-day sea exercise that involved six warships and helicopters.

“This exercise which took place in Brass area in Bayelsa State, Calabar (Cross River) and on our

maritime boundary with Cameroon, sought to improve troops’ proficiency and coordination at sea operations,” he said.

He further said the exercise reinforces person-

nel readiness to counter illegal bunkering operations, sea piracy and other illegalities on the country’s maritime domain.

Abdulkadir expressed optimism that current

measures put in place by the navy with assistance from other security agencies would begin to yield positive results in the oil theft fight sooner than later.

L-R: Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah; Governor Seriake Dickson, and National Vice Chairman of PDP, Akiuwa Anioma, at the PDP Governorship Ward Campaign at Imiringi ward 8 in Bayelsa, on Wednesday. PHOTO:NAN

FRSC warns motorists against drunk driving Richard Ndoma, CALABAR

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ederal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Cross River State branch, yesterday charged motorists to be cautious while driving.

The commission also called for increased driving skill to minimise accident rates.

Speaking to journalists in Calabar at the flagged off of the 2015 ember month road safety mega rally, Asst. Corp Marshal, Augustine Aipoh, who represented Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of Officer of the Commission, Boboye Oyeyemi, urged motorists to avoid taking alcoholic drinks while on steering.

Aipoh stated that FRSC was fully prepared to drastically reduce road carnage by 90 per cent, adding that a greater percentage of road crashes were caused by human factor.

The corps marshal stated that the rally was organised in line with the commission’s mandate to reduce road crashes and its attendant fatalities by 50 per cent so as to make Nigeria a better place to

live.

He said though some roads need rehabilitation, motorists on their parts should drive cautiously in order to avoid any form of accident.

Also speaking, Cross River State Sector Commander, Ikechukwu Lawrence Igwe warned that the command would not hesitate to deal with unruly drivers, who violate

road traffic laws.

He said the time has come when motorists take their destinies in their hands by been cautious and avoid reckless driving to stay alive.

Edo speaker urges investors to invest in the state

S

peaker of Edo House of Assembly, EDHA, Mr Victor Edoror, yesterday advised investors to take advantage of the enabling environment to invest in the state.

Edoror made the appeal in Benin at the flagoff of the construction of a 3.2-kilometre road by an estate developer, Prucriz Property Investment Nigeria Ltd. Prucriz is developing a housing estate on a 32-hectare land in Amufi community, near Benin.

The speaker said Edo was now an investment destination as a result of its enabling environment.

He assured prospective investors that the legislature would provide the necessary legislative framework for them to succeed in the state.

Edoror said that the private sector had great roles to play in assisting the state government to transform its infrastructure and provide employment opportunities.

“That Prucriz has decided to embark on this massive estate development was made possible by the enabling environment created by the state government.

“I want other investors to emulate Prucriz by coming to take advantage of this same enabling environment to invest in Edo. “On our part, as the state legislature, we will provide the necessary legislative laws to ensure that investors succeed,” the speaker said.

Chief Executive Officer of Prucriz, Mr Chris

Ebbih, said the estate, whose idea was conceived in 2011, was a dream come true for him.

Ebbih said one of the factors that motivated him, apart from the enabling environment, was his desire to succeed.

“It is not easy for an individual to embark on a project of this magnitude in view of the current prevailing economic reality,” he said.

He said the new road would not only serve the estate, but the community as well.

Present at the flag-off ceremony were the state Commissioner for Environment and Public Utility, Mr Clem Agba and his counterpart in the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Francis Evbowan.

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North

Friday, November 20, 2015

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Wanted Boko Haram commanders arrested in Yobe INUSA NDAHI DAMATURU

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igerian Army said it had so far arrested three senior members of Boko Haram insurgents on the wanted list in Yobe State.

The Army headquarters recently made public 100 names of some Boko Haram members on its wanted list and urged the public to help the army locate the notorious insurgents.

Briefing the media in Damaturu, Yobe State capital, commandant of the 27th Task Force Brigade, Colonel Dahiru Bako, said one of the suspects was arrested in Jakusko Local Government Area, while the remaining two were nabbed in Damaturu.

The commander said the current onslaught on the militants within the state and the entire North East was succeeding as major camps of the insurgents have been destroyed and efforts were being made by security forces to move further into their hideouts to ensure full dislodgement.

Colonel Dahiru Bako said the initial plans of the military to close weekly markets were done to reduce activities of the insurgents by cutting out their logistic supply, pointing out that the militants normally buy all their needs on weekly market days.

He appealed to people of the state and beyond to partner security operatives by identifying and fishing out the insurgents who are on the run sequel to the operation going on in the theatre of the insurgents spread across the North East.

The commander also warned people to be very careful of visitors in their midst and to monitor gatherings by alerting security operatives for prompt action.

On the return of residents to communities liberated by security forces, Colonel Bako said: “BuniYadi has been liberated from Boko Haram insurgents, but the state government in collaboration with the local government are making concerted efforts to provide all needed facilities before

the return of displaced communities.

“Most facilities such as electricity, water, mar-

ket, hospitals among other amenities are no longer in the liberated communities as they

have been vandalised by the insurgents, and hence efforts should be made before their return”,

Bako stressed.

The army had for the past three month been carrying out an onslaught

on the Boko Haram insurgents with a view to ending the insurgency by December 2015.

sending their wives and children to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs’ camps, that is why they are trying by all means to sneak into Maiduguri to cause havoc and called on the general public more especially the camp managers to be careful with those they receive at the camps.

On the issue of the purported missing of 101 soldiers and armoured tanks reported by some online news medium, the theater

commander said the story was just one of the online publication jargons and that there is no element of truth, as he has never received such report.

The theater commander called on the general public to cooperate with them and give them information, as security is everybody`s business, adding that these feats could not have been achieved without information from the general public.

NAF bombards Sambisa forest INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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igerian Air Force says the air component of Operation Lafiya Dole is intensifying bombardment of terrorists’ locations in Sambisa forest and environs to bring an end to the Boko Haram insurgency that has ravaged the North East for some time now.

The air component commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Air Commodore Isiaka Amao, who disclosed this yesterday at a media briefing held at Operation Lafiya Dole Media Centre, Maiduguri, said they are intensifying bombardment of Sambisa forest to support the land Army of Operation Lafiya Dole.

Air Commodore Amao said in October alone the Air Force carried out over 40 interdiction missions with 80 per cent success, which has greatly degraded the insurgents logistic in Sambisa forest.

The air component commande,r however, admitted that during the operations they lost a colleague, Flight Lieutenant Ebitimi Owei, stressing that the demise of their colleague will not deterred them from their

operation, as he died for the unity of the nation, adding that his death will not be in vain.

He said: “Other activities carried out during the period under review included border patrols, reconnaissance and surveillance. One of such mission led to the successful interception and destruction of a boat carrying food supplies to the insurgents along the Nigeria-Cameroun border.”

Also in his remarks,

the theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Yusha`u Abubakar, said in their continued offensive against the insurgents, his men have discovered a bomb making factory pipes, vehicles radiators and many other bomb making devices at the Gujba College of Agriculture in Yobe State.

Major General Abubakar said Boko Haram terrorists and their commanders have adopted

L-R: Zamfara State Governor, Abubakar Yari; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, after the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja yesterday.

Kano bomb attacks: El-Rufai calls for vigilance AZA MSUE KADUNA

K

aduna State government yesterday tasked citizens to be security conscious and vig-

ilant following the recent explosions in Yola, Adamawa and Kano, which killed many people.

In a statement by Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s Special Assistant on Media and

Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, the state government also admonished citizens to report suspicious person or any questionable activity to the nearest security agencies.

Aruwan added that residents should also alert Kaduna State government, traditional, religious and community leaders throughout the state if they suspect any criminal

Kogi polls: Corps members tasked on conducts JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

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i re c t o r- G e n e r a l , National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi, has charged corps members that would be engaged in the conduct of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Kogi State to en-

sure honesty and neutrality in the discharge of their assignment.

Olawumi gave the charge while addressing the corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Asaya in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of the state.

He enjoined them to be guided by provisions of the Electoral Laws and the

NYSC Bye-Laws while administering the election.

According to him, you must be unbiased; you must maintain neutrality because your integrity is at stake just as the integrity of your families and the NYSC Scheme is at stake.

The DG told them that since INEC began to engage corps members for election

duties, the polls had continued to gain increased credibility, and went on to charge them to emulate their predecessors who had demonstrated integrity.

Olawumi assured them that all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure their safety before, during and after the elections.

elements in their domains for prompt action.

It would be recalled that many were killed in Yola and Kano bomb blasts, which also left many injured.

Director-General appealed to the Kogi State Government, traditional rulers, political stalwarts and other people of the state to help in ensuring the safety of the Corps members.

He urged them to report any suspected misconduct by the polling personnel instead of taking the law into their hands.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Positive sides of PDP’s Conference 14

Wale Igbintade

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he Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan will on Tuesday (November 24) hear the appeal filed by Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Buruji Kashamu as well as the cross appeal filed by the All Progressive Congress, APC, Mr. Adedapo Abiodun.

The National Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Ogun State had in its verdict on October 9 annulled the election of Buruji Kashamu and ordered a rerun election in 110 polling units within the next 90 days.

Dissatisfied, both Kashamu and Abiodun headed to the appellate court seeking various reliefs.

Kashamu in his appeal

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Ambode will improve on Fashola’s performance –Tobun 15

Appeal Court hears Kashamu, Abiodun’s applications Nov 24 is asking the court to set aside the judgement of the tribunal and hold that he is the winner of the election.

In the appeal filed by his lawyer, Kashamu is urging the court to declare the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as the true reflection of the election.

But, Abiodun in his cross appeal filed by his team of lawyers headed by Yusuf Ali (SAN) is praying the court to allow the cross appeal and “nullify the election in all the afflicted and affected polling units where corrupt practices, irregularities and non com-

pliance were held proved by the Tribunal”.

Abiodun is also seeking for an order declaring him as the winner of the March 28 Ogun East Senatorial Election having polled the majority of the lawful votes cast after deducting the votes afflicted by corrupt practices, irregularities and non compliance.

Besides, the cross appellant is praying the court in the alternative, to order that fresh election be conducted in all the polling units in which corrupt practices, irregularities and non compliance have been found in addition to the 110 polling units which

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results were nullified by the Tribunal.

Abiodun is also contending that the Tribunal ignored applicable judicial authorities that allows challenge to the competence of an originating process to be raised at any time and by whatever means.

Part of the decision of the election Tribunal complained about are: “That the learned Tribunal erred in law when it imposed a duty on the Petitioners/Cross Appellants beyond that fixed by the law adding that ,the verdict of the tribunal had occasioned a grave miscarriage of Justice.

“The learned Judges of the Tribunal erred in law in refusing to strike out the 3rd and 4th Respondents’ reply which was not signed as required by law on the premises that the motion on notice challenging same was not filed in good time and that no extreme circumstances will assume to enable the court entertain the challenge at the stage it was raised”.

“The Honourable Tribunal erred in law in failing to attach the requisite weight to the duplicate original of the electoral documents tendered before it and admitted as Exhibits PES001 – 188 after having held that the duplicate copies constitute primary evidence of the original copy and there-

fore do not require certification to be admissible and that they could be tendered from the bar and thereby came to a conclusion which occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice on the cross appellant” “The Tribunal was in manifest error in limiting the use to which the documents tendered could be put to.

“The Tribunal erred in law when it refused to hold that the 1st Petitioner/ Cross-Appellant scored the majority lawful vote and ought to be returned as the winner of the election conducted on March 28, 2015; and accordingly came to a wrong conclusion on the point which occasioned a miscarriage of justice”.

‘Zoning, federal character are Nigeria’s enemies’ Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

F L-R: Executives Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro; Director, Corporate Affairs and Public Relations, Tetfund, Benn Ebikwo and Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tetfund, Sen. Binta Garba, during the Inauguration of the Committees at the National Assembly in Abuja, yesterday.

Group condemns Appeal Court ruling that validates Ortom’s election

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Non-Governmental Organization, New Benue Rebirth Initiative has reacted to the appeal court decision upholding the election of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State describing it as another manipulation of the judicial processes.

National Secretary of the group, Princess Augustina Onyilo, speaking to newsmen in reaction to the judgement that was read

by Honourable Justice Mohammed Garba on be-

half of the five- man panel, said the judiciary has once again failed to play its sacred role in a democracy, as well thought out by the constitution to be man’s saving grace in the face of irregularities, manipulation and wickedness.

While calling on the people of Benue State to remain law abiding and be positive that the Supreme Court will address the injustice, she queried that democracy cannot exist without the rule of law

and a strong judiciary that is devoid of external influences and temptations.

Speaking further, She said the gaps in the judgement will be addressed at the Supreme Court and therefore called on the People’s Democratic Party , PDP candidate, Prince Tarhemen Tarzor to without any hesitation approach the Supreme Court to claim the popular mandate that was given to him by the people of Benue State. “ We stand bold in the

face of this conspiracy to call on Prince Tarhemen Tarzor to as a matter of patriotism proceed to the apex court in the land to make sure that the people’s mandate which was snatched from him is restored back to the people”, the judgement according to her will not stand the acid test of Justice under our law and this move will surely deepen the strength of our laws above the dictates of godfathers,” she added.

ounder of One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj ji, has come hard on the concept of zoning and federal character in the country, saying they are the prime enemies of Nigeria’s destined progress.

He said this while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as part of activities marking the Golden Age festival of the one love family special anniversary, tagged Goldfeast 2015 edition.

He said zoning of public offices is a political practice which robbed the country of the ability to build the right political capital, stating that every man must qualify for any position of leadership he sought to occupy.

While identifying the absence of a nationalist vision and drive as the bane of the country’s economic advancement, he called for a thorough overhaul of the operating system of the oil industry to salvage the sector from corruption.

On the clamour for the sovereign state of Biafra, he called on the agitators to roll back their campaign, stressing that “every proper step is being taken at a level far much higher than Aso Rock to ensure that injustice is stamped out of Nigeria”.

He also recommended special anti-corruption courts to handle corruption cases under water tight laws and unbendable rules in a way that all former governors, local government chairmen and other ex-political office holders who have taken sanctuary in the senate and elsewhere should be made to leave the public offices they occupy to clear themselves at such courts.

On insecurity and insurgency in the country, he urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the emerging variant of Boko Haram insurgents operating as cattle herdsmen, recommending the immediate construction of a cattle ranch each in Lagos, Oyo, Enugu, Rivers, Edo, Benue and Kano states.

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Politics

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Positive sides of PDP’s Conference

For a party that lost power six months ago and was consequently hit by gale of defections, the attendance at the just concluded national conference of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP was quite impressive and the outcome very instructive writes OBIORA IFOH.

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or the first time since its crushing defeat at the last general election, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP needed an occasion to ventilate its well bruised emotions and the National Convention was just awesome to just do that.

The election which was perceived as the most expensive and hurtful elections in the annals of this nation saw a government in power and a sitting president humiliated out of power.

As expected, there was confusion within the camp of PDP as blame-games freely set in and calls for the sacking of the entire or headship of the National Working Committee was made.

The then National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu was forced to resign but the rest of the NWC members were left to pilot the party out of the woods pending the expiration of their tenure in March next year.

And so, for a gathering that was tailored to reflect on the mistakes and woes at the last general election, the PDP opted to make the perceived ills of governing All Progressives Congress, APC the overriding issue.

The objectives of the conference were to take stock of the party’s performance in the 2015 Presidential and general elections and reflect on the future of the party with a view to providing better options for the Nigerian electorate.

Going into the conference there was simmering tension within the party as centrifugal forces were bracing for a shown down. The forces ranged from the national working committee and the Board of Trustees on one hand and former aides and minister of former President Goodluck Jonathan on the other. There is also the bloc of serving governors, the camp of former governors, as well as National Assembly members.

Ahead of the conference, series of meetings were held to calm frayed nerves and save the party from any embarrassing outing.

Perhaps, the post- election review committee led by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, seemed to diffused some of the contending issues that trailed the party’s loss, including calls for sack of the party’s leadership. The committee also zoned the 2019 presidential ticket to the Northern part, signaling a return to the contentious zoning principle of the party.

With the adoption of the report by National Executive Committee, NEC, it signposted that the party had moved beyond the blame trading.

The meeting had barely started than the bashing of APC began. More worried than miffed by the ruling at the election tribunals and the anti-corruption push of the current administration which they claimed is aimed at them; speakers at the event took turns to blast the APC. The acting national chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, set the tone for the conference with his address.

Secondus had insisted on the probe and subsequent prosecution of those involved in the alleged Treasury Single Account, TSA scam.

The senate had asked the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and Ministry of Finance to suspend the TSA to allow for investigation into allegations that N25bn was collected by REMITTA to facilitate the process.

Secondus while lambasting the APC- led administration for running a police state, said anti-corruption fight was very selective.

“Just yesterday (Wednesday) the Senate commenced the investigation of an allegation involving the payment of commission to a company allegedly owned by a Northern APC Governor and a South-Western APC Leader for collecting monies meant for the Single Treasury Account in violation of the BIOFA Act. “This is an unprecedented rip-off of our commonwealth. We urge a thorough investigation of this allegation and the transparent prosecution of anybody indicted in this fraudulent deal no matter how highly placed. He however maintained that “most of the persons in the APC

Secondus

Ahead of the conference, series of meetings were held to calm frayed nerves and save the party from any embarrassing outing are members of PDP in spirit and in soul”.

He further decried what he said were interferences in the judicial processes that he said have led to the unjustifiable judgments at the lower courts in the Rivers, AkwaIbom and Taraba States post-election petitions.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, who chaired the conference, took the discuss to another level.

Delivering his address to party members Ekweremadu recalled that even during military rule, the PDP founding fathers under the aegis of the G34, “looked tyranny in the face and demanded a return to democratic rule”.

“Looking at the way our country is being run by the APC-led Federal Government today, it is safe to say that we are back in the trenches for democracy because credible and responsible opposition is an essential, indeed indispensable component of thriving democracy and good governance”, Ekweremadu added.

He further lampooned the APC for failing to keep any of its campaign promises six months after its assumption of office at the center.

He added: “As could be seen from the events of the past few months, it is evident that while a party may ride to power on the wings of propaganda, it takes more than propaganda to govern well and retain goodwill.

“The APC won by promising much more than they could deliver. They promised to scale up the exchange rate of our currency to a Naira to one US Dollar. Have they kept this promise? They promised to bring back the Chibok girls in less than three months. Have they brought back the Chibok Girls? They promised to pay N5,000 to unemployed youths. Have they paid a kobo to any youth? They promised free meals to our children in the schools. Have they given any? They recently promised to end the Boko Haram insurgency in December 2015. We earnestly hope and pray that this particular promise is kept in the overall interest of our nation”.

The PDP chieftain faulted the management of the economy since May 2015, saying the country lacked economic direction.

He however charged his party not to deter in holding the APC-led Federal Government accountable, advocating the setup of a shadow cabinet to put the ruling party on its toes.

Also, the acting Chairman of Board of Trustees of the party, Dr. Halliru Bello, said he was appalled that the PDP was apologizing for its governance for the past 16 years, noting that the party does not have anything to apologize for.

He said the “PDP is a party of choice. What has happened has happened. I was appalled that the PDP was apologizing. PDP has everything to be proud of and nothing to apologize for. PDP and the governors have done their best.

He noted that the PDP will not fall for the propaganda of the opposition. While the blasted the APC administration for not fulfilling its campaign promises, he added “let them not use PDP as excuse to renege on their promises.

Expectedly, the communique of the conference as read by the national secretary of the party, Prof. Adewale Oladipo, was not different from the sum total of views expressed.

The communique, condemned what it called the “growing authoritarianism of the APC-led Federal Government” citing the invasion of a governor’s lodge and private homes, deliberate interference and instigation of crisis in the legislature, arm-twisting of the judiciary, undermining of democratic institutions like INEC, nepotism in appointments, abuse of power and clamp down on opposition elements.

The PDP further noted the sudden decline in the economy and quality of life of Nigerians, blaming the lack of direction of the APC government.

It denounced the prevailing selective application in the fight against corruption targeted at opposition elements and perceived opponents of the regime.

“Vehemently rejected the current manipulation of the judiciary and security forces by the APC-led Federal Government in its desperate bid to subvert the sovereign will of the people and forcefully take over states genuinely won by the PDP in the last general elections and ultimately impose a one-party state in Nigeria.”

It further “Charged the new INEC leadership to assert the independence of the electoral body, resist all external influences and ensure free, fair and credible electoral process in Kogi and Bayelsa states and other future elections, as the PDP will NOT ACCEPT any results that do not reflect the true wishes and aspirations of the people, particularly in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

“Called on the international community to note the growing impunity, abuse of power, constitution infractions, violation of human rights, selective war against corruption, clamp down on the opposition, divisiveness and overall high-handedness; tendencies that pose great threat to our democracy and unity as a nation.”

They also called on all organs of the party to commence preparations for the National Convention scheduled for March 2016 and prior to that, Party’s Congresses at the Zonal, State, Local Government and Ward levels.

While there were sprinkles of admittance of guilt in the Party’s current state by some speakers like senate minority leader Sen. Godswill Akpabio, it would seem that the conference was fixated on blaming the opposition for their current situation.

For a party struggling to retain its members, attendance was always a highlight of the event.

While former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has turned down an invitation to be the special guest of honor at the event, the absence of the immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan, his deputy Namadi Sambo, was well noted.

Although Jonathan had said he would take a break CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Friday, November 20, 2015

Politics

15

Ambode will improve on Fashola’s performance –Tobun

Recently, Lagos House of Assembly members held stakeholders’ meeting in their respective constituencies. How do you see such a development?

This is my second term of representing my constituency in the House . Our mission during the stakeholders’ meeting was to interact with our people; to let them know what the legislators are doing, the roles expected of us and what we are expected to do for members of our constituencies apart from law making, giving them the rightful representations, trying to perform oversight functions and approve money bills, then screen the governor’s appointees, representing their interests, their foremost needs must be present before the executives and ensuring that justice is done to their requests. But before now in the 7th assembly, we had achieved so many things apart from the business of law making and participating in legislature on the floor of the House, we tried as much as practicable to attract dividends of democracy to our constituencies in all facets, both in education, health and social infrastructures. Then, we were able to personally do a lot of projects and programmes that impacted positively on the lives of our people. But now, since we are in the 8th assembly, we are starting on a good note and so far, we have moved 28 motions on the floor of the House as they affect the lives of our people. I have co-sponsored so many of them and I have principally sponsored two out of them in the House of 40 members. I am a prime mover of two of those twenty eight motions and if you look at what I am doing, I am working on a bill. So, I have been active all the while and I am just looking for a way to ensure that our people are well represented.

What is your view on the complaint of the slow pace of governance in Lagos and the social vices, more so, the return of traffic jam to the state roads ?

Generally, Nigerians usually have that notion when a new government is coming on board, that was how they started with Babatunde Fashola then; that he was not doing anything, that he was just planting flowers and trees all over the city, what was his mission, what was he suppose to achieve? But by the time he was fully established and started the work, people called him the best governor.

I am telling you, Akinwunmi Ambode is an improvement of Fashola. While one will say Bola Tinubu started the crusade, Fashola built on it and Ambode is taking it to the next level. I am assuring you, it’s about planning; He, who fails to plan, plans to fail. Fine, it is the same party but different governments, he must take charge as the governor.

He has just recently appointed his commissioners and it was today that the house committee chairmen were appointed. It is like the government is starting on a good note. What he has succeeded in doing is to consolidate the gains of Fashola administration and built on it. But when we talk of roads; bad roads, when you look at the volume of vehicles on Lagos roads, you will discover that if care is not taken, you end up repairing road three times or twice a year. Fashola left about six months ago, are we saying that because he left six months ago that makes the whole roads become very bad. It has political meaning.

Talking about traffic, if you look at the streets of Lagos, the rate of traffic build up is reducing gradually. We Nige-

Honourable Abiodun Tobun is the Chairman, House Committee on Works and member representing Epe Constituency I. In this interview with ROBERT AWOKUSE he talks about Lagos 8th assembly, governance in the state among other issues.

Excerpts: two-two roads each across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas, they are in the stage of awarding, by the time the roads are completely constructed, we will be having 114 roads that will spring up across the constituencies. And that will not stop the work of direct labour, we will continue to maintain the roads; LAMATA is there to be a helping hand and we will ensure that government monies are judiciously serve that purpose.

Tobun

rians are laggard, we like capitalizing on small things. If it is a country where we do what is right at the right time.

The laws are made for people and not people made for law, and it is not written on the stone, but people want those who would force them to do what is expected of them.

Criminals also would always want to take advantage, not only in Lagos but in some other states. But those pockets of criminals in Lagos are being trailed and we shall make sure that by God’s grace we chase them off Lagos.

As chairman House Committee on Works, how would you work with the executive arm to ensure there are good roads in the state?

If I say I’m just assuming the position that would be an understatement. I’ve been in government for some time and you know we have our plans. There is what we call ‘continuous road maintenance’ that is what can ease the problem off our neck. In advanced world, what they do is continuous road maintenance. We have Public Works Corporation that is expected to perform those functions.

We will just make sure we strengthen them, embolden them, we give them all the required resources and give them a plan of action to follow. Once we do this, surely they will perform. Then we will equally monitor those people that use to damage our roads; you see some mechanic operating on the roads side and pour oil on the roads and you know what that means to the durability of the roads. There is also public complain need where people tells you what they needs, government is not magician; we will gather their requests and work on it. Recently, the government had just approved the construction of

Positive sides of PDP’s Conference

CONTINUED FROM PAGE14 from political activities for some time, Sambo has since been out of the spotlight. Other prominent members of the party that were absent include former national chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu, and former Senate President, David Mark, a founding member of the party, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme, former Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, former Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu, former governor, Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, former secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim Absentee governors included Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Ben Ayade (Cross River), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Fay-

ose (Ekiti), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers).

However some of the party leaders at the conference were Governors of Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Ibrahim Dankwambo, (Gombe); Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom); Idris Wada (Idris Wada) and Darius Ishaku (Taraba).

Former governors of the party present were Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Ramalan Yero (Kaduna); Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio. Others are former senate president, Adolphus Wabara, former ambassador, Ojo Maduekwe; Hon Leo Ogor; Sarah Jibril; Sen Stella Omu; Sen Jeremiah Useni; Sen. Joshua Dariye; former presidential

How will the government tackle the issue of funding in the state?

Our mission is just to look inward to see how best we can generate revenue and our appeal would be to residents, indigenes of Lagos and citizens of Lagos to ensure they pay their dues. The little token you pay in term of tax will go a long way to ensure that the money is generated and we judiciously utilise the money for the purpose it was meant for. We are not expecting oil revenue but our derivations, value added tax is enough to survive us and other revenues that will come to the Lagos state covers.

We do not have too much money, but Lagos can survive.

You can see that we recently assisted some of our sister states who had financial predicaments as a result of the Boko Haram. So generating fund to service our people will not be too difficult; it will not be too much, but what we want is for our people to be ready to play their own role; to contribute their own quotas; Lagos will be better off.

During the last government of Babatunde Fashola (SAN), one of the accusations was that it was elitist in nature and that most of the infrastructural developments were more in the city and the people living in the rural areas also paid their taxes, and were not taken into consideration.

How is the House going to work with the present government to ensure that this time around, there won’t be such complaints?

There won’t be complaint of such. Firstly, I said that the governor has just picked two roads across the constituencies both rural and urban constituencies in Lagos state, so, with that, there will be development. Secondly, we just organised constituency stakeholders meeting, our mission is to sensitize our people, get their fat needs, what they want the government to do for them, then, we will compile it in form of a compendium and send it to the governor for him to know and have overview of what is going on across the state both in the rural and the urban community and he will be picking them on gradual basis to make sure there’s even development across the state. So, the idea of elitist government where people will say government is concentrating in only Ikeja, Victoria Island, Lagos Island will not be there because people of Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry, Alimosho also want development and once that is done, the centre will decongest.

aide, Doyin Okupe; Sen. Buruji Kashamu; Sen. Andy Uba; Sen. Ibrahim Mantu among others.

While Ciroma, who was listed among the dignitaries to grace the conference, stayed away because he was not properly invited.

After all said and done, it would seem that the perceived failings of the current administration have caused a bond amongst PDP party members.

In a few months, the PDP will once again assemble to elect their new crop of leadership. This exercise will go a long way to either strengthen the party ahead of its opposition roles in the present dispensation or unmask its frailty.

16

Editorial

Friday, November 20, 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

Buhari on electoral impunity

B

uilding a credible electoral institution/process has been featuring as a topical issue in Nigeria since 2007, when the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua admitted that there were flaws in the presidential election that brought him to office. The fallen President not only took cognizance of the less-thanhonest election that catapulted him to the Presidency that year, he also pledged during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2007 to reform the nation’s electoral system to ensure the conduct of elections fell in line with international best practices and commanded local and international respect.

Yar’Adua moved fast and set up the Electoral Reform Committee chaired by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Uwais. The Committeel did a refined job and submitted its report to the Yar’Adua-led government on record time, but which the late President could not act on until death snatched him away on May 5, 2010.

The man who succeeded him, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, merely paid lip service to the kind of credible and sincere electoral reform Yar’Adua dreamt of. For, Jonathan mouthed loudly his commitment to Yar’Adua’s legacy, with particular reference to electoral reform and transparent governance, etc., but made scant

effort to implement the recommendations of the Uwais Committee. To his credit, however, he nominated Professor Attahiru Jega, a onetime Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, on June 8, 2010 as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to replace the widely discredited leadership of Professor Maurice Iwu, to the great relief of the citizenry. Indeed, that Jega turned Jonathan’s nemesis during his second term bid at the last general elections came as no surprise to most Nigerians.

Long after Yar’Adua’s demise, and with Jonathan now out of power, tales are still resonating that point to a sick electoral system replete with flaws and impunity. The symptoms of the infirmity were highlighted by President Muhammadu Buhari recently, when he swore in the new chairman of INEC, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu and five National Commissioners of the Commission in Abuja. “Unless our system stops covering up all forms of electoral malpractices, we can hardly get it right. No system endures with impunity”, the President had said.

Buhari had earlier stated: “Another area of concern is the justice administration of the election tribunals. It is long overdue that our justice system addresses

IF PRESIDENT BUHARI IS TRULY COMMITTED TO ENDING ELECTORAL

IMPUNITY IN THE LAND, THE

UWAIS COMMITTEE

REPORT SEEMS THE HANDY PLATFORM these shortcomings. It is not just enough for an election to be cancelled and a new one ordered.

It would be much better if all whose actions or inactions led to the cancellation of such election to be investigated; and if culpable prosecuted, whether they are individuals, as candidates or party agents, institutions such as political party, electoral body, or public officers as electoral staff or security agents. Similarly, perpetrators of electoral violence and thuggery should not be spared”.

Indeed, in the first quarter of this year, the damning verdict of a 146-page report prepared by a seven-member expert Technical Working Group (TWG) constituted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) confirmed how rotten the nation’s electoral process still is, despite purported efforts by the then Jonathan-led Federal Government to effect electoral reforms. Titled ‘An Independent Review of Evidence of Gross

ON THIS DAY November 20, 1979 About 200 Sunni Muslims revolted in Saudi Arabia at the site of the Kaaba in Mecca during the year’s pilgrimage and took about 6,000 people hostage. But the Saudi government received help from French Special Forces to put down the uprising. The Grand Mosque Seizure was a terrorist attack and involved the takeover of the Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the holiest place in Islam.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

November 20, 1998 A court in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan declared accused terrorist, the late Osama bin Laden, ‘a man without a sin’ in connection with the 1998 United States’ embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden (March 10, 1957 – May 2, 2011) was the founder of al-Qaeda, the jihadist organization that claimed responsibility for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US.

Violations of the Rights to Participate in Government to Public Service and to Fair Trial Through the Election Petition Process in Nigeria — 2007 and 2011’, the report found that the judiciary; police; and the electoral commission unwittingly encouraged electoral impunity in the country.

Recall that the Uwais Committee also observed that Nigeria’s experience with democratic elections since independence had been a mixed grill; and that whereas the country had managed to transit from one administration to another, hardly any election conducted was completely free of charges of irregularities, electoral malpractices, violence and various degrees of disruptions. The factors fingered by the committee as responsible for the aberration included the “character of the Nigerian state as the arena for electoral contests; the existence of weak democratic institutions and processes; negative political culture; weak legal/constitutional framework; and lack of independence and capacity of the Election Management Bodies (EMBs)”.

If President Buhari is truly committed to ending electoral impunity in the land, the Uwais Committee report seems the handy platform to begin with. We urge Mr. President to revisit that document; the sooner, the better.

x November 20, 2008 As critical failures in the United States’ financial system began to build up after mid-September, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached its lowest level since 1997. The financial crisis of 2007 – 2008, also known as the global financial crisis and 2008 financial crisis, is considered by many economists as the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a stock market index.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, November 20, 2015

17

Learning the hard way Counter-terrorism Tips With

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

N

igeria is currently experiencing series of situations in which firearms and explosives play a decisive role in military’s strategic policies.

Those engaged in domestic armed conflict as well as a highly specialised criminal actions base their operational capacities on firearms; for example Boko Haram. Thus, in the drive to meeting President Muhammadu Buhari’s December 2015 deadline to end Boko Haram-induced terrorism, the body language of the nation’s service chiefs betrays a security workforce under immense pressure.

I am not saying the deadline could not be met; our religious doctrine teaches us that no task on this earth is impossible to achieve. Having said this, putting a time frame on a terrorism situation is outside the general principles and norms of the scourge. Why? The answer is simple: The faster or quicker a terrorist organisation is offensively dispersed without commitment of any sort, the faster and quicker way surviving members of the organization spread and mix up with normal citizens in other parts of the land. The end result is usually increase in solitary attacks and softer target suicide bombings, which

are very complex to checkmate by any law enforcement agency.

In order to come to terms with solitary or suicide bombings, the objective can be achieved in two simple ways. The first is through peaceful means, and the second through offensive means, which is usually the last option. The peaceful means may be through conciliation, negotiation, consultations or dialogue, whilst the violent means includes organised attacks, arson and general destruction of lives and property on both sides of the divide.

Some of the distinctive nature of Boko Haram lies in its intentional and specific selection of civilians as direct targets. Specifically, their missions are accomplished when innocent citizens are murdered, or injured. The suffering of innocent citizens accomplishes BH’s goals of instilling fear, getting a message out to an audience, or otherwise accomplishing their often radical religious and political ends.

Boko Haram destroys lives on a large scale; however the damages to infrastructural facilities, especially those strategic to our economic growth, are enormous.

We will not enjoy development without security; we will not enjoy security without development, and in fact, we will not enjoy either without respect for human rights.

Surely the consequences and implications of BH-induce violence on a long term will remain far-reaching on the collective peace and security of the entire country and some W/African neighbouring countries, such as Chad, Niger and Cameroun.

WE WILL NOT ENJOY DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT SECURITY; WE WILL NOT

ENJOY SECURITY WITHOUT DEVELOPMENT For example, investors are discouraged, and tourists deterred, leading to reasonable loss of revenues.

Many nations have rallied to fight terrorism, with unprecedented cooperation of their law enforcement agencies and concomitant diplomatic flurries, but terrorism still remains an ailment without a permanent cure. For example, France that has confronted both old and the new genres of terrorism since the French Revolution still suffers occasional attacks, like the last Friday’s that claimed scores of lives in Paris.

Without doubt, Nigeria has strengthened her ability to disrupt and prevent future attacks through enhanced counterterrorism architectures. Yet, the creation of a national multi-agency centre, where terrorism, intelligence, security experts, analysts and processors alone should operate on counter-terrorism strategies remains the missing link. The Buhari administration is working with several sister agencies to adopt and implement key reforms like the changing of service chiefs, African Union force (MJTF), as well as protecting fundamental liberties of Nigerians. Yet, while some part of our

country is safer than others, we are not yet safe because Boko Haram faithful still operate freely in particular areas and the sect remains unyielding.

While the Buhari administration and its partners have thwarted few attacks, we have not been able to deal with the whole mess like we are supposed to, for instance the ability to differentiate our long, medium and short term goals. While we have substantially improved our air, land, sea, and border security, our country is still porous for attacks at any point in time because many Nigerians are not security conscious. Until that time the FG makes it a duty to educate the general public on security awareness, we will continue to struggle on security-related threats. Boko Haram and its affiliates have declared their intention to acquire and use destructive weapons to inflict more catastrophic attacks on Nigerians.

The sect has in many ways demonstrated indifference to human lives and has morbid desire to frustrate us. They modus operandi is the same as the Al-Qaida with no warning interest and large ca0pacity for mass killing. Boko Haram’s tactics ensure that they are seen as enemies of humanity regardless of their goals and no matter where they operate. Violence is not only justified, it is even glorified.

Without long term solution agenda in mind, we may end up shooting ourselves in the foot by allowing the insurgency to spread to the most peaceful parts of Nigeria.

At 64, Olanipekun feels fulfilled

SUNDAY SAANU

L

ife, according to an Indian philosopher, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, finds its purpose and fulfillment in the expansion of happiness. But only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contributions, as asserted by a motivational speaker, Tony Robbins, experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment. In other words, fulfillment can be defined by the number of people one is able to assist to accomplish their purpose in life, as opposed to what psychologists call narcissism - an exceptional interest in and admiration for only yourself.

However, Chief Oluwole Oladapo Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who was 64 years old on November 18, publicly declared in Lagos recently that with all God has done for him, the number of people who have fulfilled destinies in life, as well as the recent elevation of his son to the Inner Bar, he felt fulfilled in life. Chief Olanipekun spoke at a dinner organised in celebration of his son, Dr. Oladapo Olumide Olanipekun who was among the legal practitioners recently conferred with the prestigious SAN title. Arguably, Dr. Dapo is the youngest SAN in the country today, sharing the title with his father who attained the same feat in 1991. But he clearly has surpassed his father in academic attainment with his doctorate degree in Law. Well, the prayer of every parent is that their children should record more suc-

A QUINTESSENTIAL PHENOMENAL

PHILANTHROPIST,

CHIEF

OLANIPEKUN, TO THOSE WHO TRULY KNOW HIM, IS AN EMBODIMENT OF HUMILITY

cesses in life than they have.

With his eldest son’s enviable profile, Chief Olanipekun gathered some of his friends, relatives and well-wishers in Lagos to wine and dine in celebration of God’s goodness, where he declared that he “feels fulfilled as a father, having raised an intelligent son, who, at a tender age is a PhD holder and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria on account of Dapo’s exceptional brilliance”.

Beyond Dr. Dapo’s achievement, which is a direct result of Chief Olanipekun’s hard work and investment and love for his family, the former Nigerian Bar Association President is indeed a fulfilled man given his own legacies, contributions and achievements in life. In the last 64 years, Chief Olanipekun has been generally acknowledged as a gift to humanity whose ministry, tellingly and positively affects his generation and the next.

A quintessential phenomenal philanthropist, Chief Olanipekun, to those who truly know him, is an embodiment of humility whose peaceful carriage, mien oratory ability and forensic dexterity dazzle and astonish all and sundry almost always all the time. He

has used his resources to raise the poor from the dung hill, going about doing good to all manner of people. Judges across the country can testify that he never uses foul language or disparaging remark to address “Mai Lord” in courts even when provoked -an hallmark of a decent and well-groomed individual.

This writer knew Chief Olanipekun in 2002 when the Ikere-Ekiti born legal icon became the NBA president after the election of the body at Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan.

He has since then become a study in many respects. He is cool, calm and collected, yet very profound in knowledge. One had opportunities of knowing him more intimately when he was appointed the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan between 2009 and 2013.

Interestingly, between then and now, Chief Olanipekun has remained an enigma, one of the few erudite and most accomplished legal practitioners whose light shine ever so brilliantly in the firmament of the legal profession in Nigeria. Now, with all his four children becoming legal practitioners and the eldest stepping into the father’s shoes, what more can define life’s accomplishment and fulfillment? And, like his father, Dr. Dapo has taken on almost all the attributes of Chief, looking so humble and harmless without a tinge of aristocratic haughtiness. Dr. Dapo, who lectures at the Law Faculty of the University of Lagos, has successfully handled many cases.

If indeed a tree is known by its fruit and a man by his deeds, it could then be safely said that this tree, which is naturally good

has produced good fruits, and this man, by his deeds, is without fear of contradiction, a societal role model on account of his highly cultivated disposition to men and material even as he fears God tremendously.

During Chief Olanipekun’s tenure as UI Council Chairman, he never collected his stipends running into millions of naira. Rather, he directed that the money be given as scholarships to students in Law, Medicine and Computer Science. He spent a lot of his resources to enrich the University. One of his highest contributions to the University, apart from a 350 capacity lecture theatre, was his donation of N10 million to cushion the effect of the 2011 flood disaster experienced by the institution.

However, in recognition of his phenomenal kindness, the University last year honoured him with an Honorary Degree of Law (LL.D). Again, in appreciation of his contributions to national development, the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration conferred on him the award of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2012.

Happy birthday, Chief.

Saanu is with the Directorate of Public Communication, University of Ibadan and wrote via sundaysaanu@yahoo.com Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

18

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Friday, November 20, 2015

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Super Eagles’ shameful struggle against Swaziland

W Advice to Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila

ith the English Premier League on hold due to the international break, my whole attention last weekend was diverted to the so much publicized game between the underrated Swaziland’s national football team and our own Super Eagles in the opening

round of the 2018 FIFA World cup qualifiers.

Looking at the buildup to the match and the patriotic spirit displayed by Nigerians to give their team, even though away from home, all the support they could ever need bearing in mind that the present Eagles under

their present tacticians will take us all back to our glorious days of 1994 Eagles. The expectation was even made very high with the news of some of our best stars in the European and American leagues been called up - the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Obafemi Martins, who just

I

t is very obvious that the House of Reps Leader, Hon. Fami Gbajabiamila, is working against the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

I will not be surprised if he accused Dogara of working against President Buhari just because the Speaker carried all the members of the House along by assigning positions to all without discriminating against the PDP members.

However, Femi’s action of walking out of the House during the official inauguration of the committee chairmen and going ahead to accuse the Speaker of working against President Buhari has simply brought his ‘eye-service’ attitude in the public sphere. Therefore, Femi should know that Nigerians are watching him with keen interest and he should also know that walking out of the House cannot earn him presidential support.

I see Femi as one of those politicians who seek unnecessary attention and make unnecessary noise to divert people’s attention from critical issues of national interest. Let me use this opportunity to call on Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to call his protégé to order so that he will stop distracting the House with his irrelevant accusations against the Speaker.

The time to speak out fearlessly so that the right thing would be done in this country is now; the time to call political godfathers to order is now; the time to stop discrimination and work collectively for the progress of this country is now; the time to call Femi Gbajabiamila to order is now and the time to stop being selfish is now.

Femi should better stop being rigid with his unimpressed actions and support Dogara for the peace, unity and progress of this nation.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja (08179289948)

M

ore than 5,000 ND graduates in the Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, 2013/14 set, including this writer, are wallowing in disappointment over the non-release of our final year results even after one year.

It is disheartening how we are supposed to live for over 365 days as graduates without our results.

We finished our studies on October 29, 2014 and as of today, the

Letters to the Editor

A vendor taking nap under table in Oshodi, Lagos.

PHOTO: ABIOLA ABDULHAMMED

Our open defecation attitude must change

O

pen defecation is the practice of people not defecating in designated toilets, but rather relieving themselves in fields, bushes, open spaces, open bodies of water. For many, it’s a daily ritual and often something they do so even when public facilities are available.

This unhealthy practice poses a serious threat to the health of children in particular. Hundreds of thousands of children die every year because of diseases transmitted through human waste.

When people defecate in the open, flies feed on the waste and then carry small amount away on their bodies; the flies then come into contact with food eaten by humans. Human waste can also run into wells

and streams, contaminating water that may be used for drinking or bathing.

Societies that practice open defecation are at the risk of having diseases like cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A and typhoid; and they tend to have the highest number of deaths of children under five years old. Various attempts by the United Nations to improve sanitation among the poorest societies have proved abortive, and such invested money literally went down the toilet.

Attitude, not infrastructure need to change. Open defecation also has wider effects on a country, affecting education, income, safety and dignity. Government should implement well-funded sanitation campaigns. This can

Appeal to MAPOLY authorities final results have not been released. The non-release of our results, we were informed, will make the school defer the admission of students who have applied for their HND programmes in the school for this year.

I have personally complained to the Head of Department to look into this unwarranted delay, but nothing has been done.

We wonder why the school takes

pride in destroying our future educational advancement. It is no gainsaying the fact that the non-release of the results has denied some of us admission into universities and polytechnics including MAPOLY, for BSc and HND programmes. Particularly for me, it is gainful employment.

Albert Adebule, Ibara Abeokuta, Ogun State.

be a crucial first step towards ending open defecation in Nigeria.

Eliminating open defecation is the main aim of improving access to sanitation worldwide, as it can have a significant impact on public health if a large proportion of the population openly defecates. Even if the toilets are available, people still need to be convinced to refrain from open defecation.

Therefore, the need for behavior change is critical in addition to the provision of toilets. Extreme poverty and lack of sanitation are closely linked, so eliminating open defecation is an important part of development efforts.

High levels of open defecation in a country are usually correlated with high child mortality, as well as high levels of under nutrition, high levels of poverty and large disparities between the rich and the poor.

Efforts to reduce open defecation are more or less the same as those to achieve the MDG target on access to sanitation. A key aspect is awareness raising, behavior change campaigns, increasing political will, as well as demand for sanitation.

Omobusola Morakinyo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

returned to the team after been absent for two years, was a sort of moral buster as I was so sure more than ever that our Eagles will cruise past the virtually unknown Swaziland due to the type of players we will field and our rating in the world football.

Lo and behold, the day for the so much anticipated match came and with the hope of never having to miss any action in the game from the commentary to the starting lineup, I was glued to my television set 30 minutes before the match. A bright smile shined gracefully across my face that even the person sitting next to me could see how happy I was to be watching the Super Eagles filing out in our beautifully customized green-whitegreen jerseys.

The first 10 minutes of the match was enough to convince me that the Eagles I was watching were no way near the Eagles I had anticipated to see. For the next 30 minutes over the course of the first half, I watched in dismay how our beloved Mikel became a shadow of himself in the midfield; after all the coach was right, they still needed time to blend to the taste of Nigerians, but for how long?

The second half came and there seem not to be any deference compared to the scrappy first half except for the substitution that were introduced with Rabiu Ibrahim on for Sylvester Igbonu before been yanked off after 21 minutes for Kelechi Iheanacho. Obafemi Martins came in for the flopped Mikel Obi with 19 minutes remaining on the clock, but also without impact.

The Swaziland took our Eagles by surprise, and if not for luck and the presence of a good goal keeper in the person of Carl Ikeme, our hope of making the big stage would have been held with a very tiny rope with our only clear chance coming from Moses Simon’s free-kick that came off the post in the second half and so the march ended goalless.

With the return leg slated for Port Harcourt in Nigeria by next week Tuesday, I hope the Eagles will be able to redeem themselves by trashing the guests in order to receive the blessing and support of Nigerians in their other coming games. At least even if we are only going there to make the numbers, our presence will definitely count for something than our absent at the big stage. I wish the Eagles all the best in the return leg.

Emmanuel Dada wrote via damite89@gmail.com

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FRIDAY

MEGA 2015: Top gospel acts jostle for honours Isiguzo Destiny

Princess Anne Inyang Wetinhappen Magazine

Remnant (Ogundowo) - Street Disciple , Oufunmmy Peters Okunoye Imole mi , Jussy - kalangu with Elohan, Dabo Williams ,Ya Boy Shadow, Radiant City, Gold de Ambassador, Jaff pee and Lara George’s albums competing for the award.

In the category for best video, Aijay’s Say Amen, Ayiki – Adun, Dsmart - One Love Africa; Izurukeme Mobile; Pikin Don Repent, Jheri6thsense – Mountain, The Winlos -I Wish My Marriage was Like; God Told me to Marry You; Honeymoon or Worry-Moon, and Onos (bikawei) , Biodun Ajanaku – Tofunmi, TMD Olalude - Shed no Blood; Sing Hallelujah were also among the nominations for the best video award with over 60 applicants for singles and songs of the year.

mike

de’covenant

Speaking with Friday Flavour, a stake holder in the music industry and a nominee who begged for anonymity commended the gospel music industry for quality input into the industry also averred that MEGA this year will be tough due to surge in quality of production in the gospel music industry. According to him “Nigerian gospel music is gaining attention due to the talents and quality of songs the industry parades. In fact, the gospel artists are competing fiercely with the secular musicians even though there is low patronage of these gospel artists.

These challenges have not in any way deterred them from giving Nigerians quality production and bet me, it will be tough at MEGA because people are churning out master

Top entrants include Lara George, Mike Abdul, Eben, Monique, Patricia Uwajei-King, Joe Praize, Princess Anne Inyang, Joan Paul, Taiwo Oladoye, Da’Son, Dabo Williams, De’Covenant, Akin Alabi, Liza-C, Yinka Davids, Linda Etukudo, and many others.

ay paves for film lovers, actors, producers at the annual Eko International film Festival set to hold between 18th and 23rd November 2015 at Silverbird Cinemas, 133, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The film festival is one of the Nigeria’s leading intentional festivals holding in the city of Lagos. The event which has been holding every year is established by Supple Communications Limited in 2009.

WEEKEND STARTERS World Music and Food Festival

T

he International World Music and Food Festival is an event that brings people of different races together from various areas in the world.

The festive celebration holds at the popular Tafawa Balewa Square Onikan, Lagos Island. The event exposes its visitors to different cuisines and lots of music from all genres. The event kicks off on the 20th to 22nd November 2015, gates open by 11am and closes by 5.30pm in the evening.

pieces. The artist also commended the organizers of MEGA reiterating that the platform has encouraged so many Nigerian gospel artists who are going beyond singing praises and worship songs to making sure that their pieces do not lack quality”.

When asked to tip some artists who may likely win the nominations, the artist said “it very impossible because there are a lot of good works out there.

He however admitted that some gospel artists have done exceptionally well but that since there is a personal of judges and voters who will vote for these artists, the best will surely go with the price”.

MEGA is one of the prestigious and biggest awards for gospel artists in Nigeria and had her maiden edition in 2013. This year’s edition will come in new package as there a very visible changes in the process of nomination.

In a press release, Femi Akintunde Johnson noted that the Central Working Committee of MEGAwards2015 thanked all who submitted, while advising them to check the website to ensure that their entries were properly registered.

Ake Book Festival

T

he city of Abeokuta has been rocking and receiving visitors within the countries and from different states around the globe as the Ake Arts and Book festival commence on Thursday 17th November 2015 and ends on the Saturday 21st November 2015. The event is a five-day programme of cultural and literature-focused events focusing on different activities like readings, stage plays, film and documentary screenings, art exhibitions, school visits, comprehensive book fair workshops, master classes, performances, panel discussions by both Nigerian and international writers and thinkers. Book lovers and the general public is invited to the main venue, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Inside FCT P. 24-25

Dabo Williams

Eko International Film Festival

W

Arty

N

igerian gospels acts are set for a show down with over 100 entries submitted for the different categories for the 2015 edition of Music & Entertainment Gospel Awards (MEGA). The submission for entries into MEGA was initially closed on July 31, 2015 but due to persistent submissions and calls from interested candidates, the deadline was shifted to accommodate more entries and Nigerian gospel musicians, producers, video directors, among others, responded enthusiastically. Irrespective of the new mode of application which was Online, the number of entries is overwhelming with new and old gospel artist set for stiff competition for almost all the categories.

Entries were made via their website at www.megawards.org and also through email platform.

Despite the challenges posed by network and technical hitches, the Awards witnessed a marginal rise in submissions by upcoming artistes in its third season.

Notable figures also registered their presence, and therefore guarantee a large and strong pool of high quality works that will surely engage the full attention of Screeners and Judges.

Top entrants include Lara George, Mike Abdul, Eben, Monique, Patricia UwajeiKing, Joe Praize, Princess Anne Inyang, Joan Paul, Taiwo Oladoye, Da’Son, Dabo Williams, De’Covenant, Akin Alabi, LizaC, Yinka Davids, Linda Etukudo, and many others.

The 2015 edition of MEGA is for gospel works released or published between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015. The Awards Show will be taped before Live Audience on Friday, November 13, 2015 - at least, and will be followed by Pre-Nomination were Nigerians will vote their favorite artist in the Public which will take place in three platforms.

This year’s edition appears to be stiff due to high ranking and quality works that are gunning for the awards. In the category of Album of the year, artists like Aimee Alakija entered the nomination with Grateful, Bose’s Perfect Praise, Leon

News p. 32, 33

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

Critics P. 22-23

Friday, November 20, 2015

Flavour

Mirror Mongers P. 26

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Artman In The House

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Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Our music lacks every form of poetic creativity –Sylvia Bethel Known as SLAI by her fans, Sylvia Bethel is one jazz singer anyone should listen to. The trained environmentalist talks about the hypocrisy of artistes, piracy, effect of Naija beats and the impact of learning the rudiments of music in this interview with REGINA OTOKPA. Excerpts:

H

ow did your interest in music start?

At the time I was nine back then in Lagos, of course music will always move any child so I got into the choir and fortunately for me, I was among the very few that would stand out and I actually did. Knowing that you know how to sing, and the fact that you are already doing it actually built it up and the interest just kept on building up day after day. I would say that was a stepping stone for me, It was the church forum that actually spurred me unto knowing all the professionals I think I know today and got me the very good background of music that I have but also I did music theory in primary school so I had a little exposure to what written music seems But professionally when did you start?

At about 15 I joined the school choir and later a bigger society of music when they needed professionals from several churches to make a mass choir in Lagos. I met with the big guys in music and I realised I didn’t know anything in music and so I tried to meet up with all those big people. They noticed that I was trying in my own little circle and introduced me to other big names and professional choral groups where I learn the real rudiments of music not just in theory but in practice so basically I started professionally with choral groups. I had already started doing pocket shows as at that time, but in 2005, I started doing stuffs on my own still affiliated with the choral group though.

What genre are you into?

My genre is jazz, though I was trained to be a classical singer and it is actually the best way to start if you ask me because it is very big and you can fly from there. From there I evolved into doing jazz, soul and contemporary but most times it is a fusion of all these.

Did something specifically spurt you in the direction of jazz?

The music in itself makes a lot of sense, it wasn’t noisy. Classical was peaceful, at some point it could get too loud but it had a way of getting to me, passing its message.

Given the Nigerian terrain where everyone is moved by Naija music, wasn’t there this fear of breaking in as a jazz singer?

There was plenty fear and they still is, it is a big nightmare for most serious musicians because most times people want to be themselves but I can’t see you being yourself singing loud music that makes no sense from chorus to verses. I have heard noise but if you listen to the lyrics they are passing a message even if it is stupid but ours have lacked every form of poetic creativity which is what songs ought to be generally. If you want to talk about anything at all, do it in such an artistic way that it would be presentable. We see so many empty singers that doesn’t even tell you what the song is all about, the noise is really drowning and whether you like it or not, it is a big

Bethel

Bethel challenge. People that make noise are actually the ones on the billboards, they are the big names. At reality shows, you dare not do these songs for auditioning, you won’t go anywhere because the judges will not accept so how then do we come out and begin to do all the drowning, it is too hypocritical. You are only grooming them to be the best only to become something else totally afterwards.

That tells people like me or anyone else that whatever you are doing you have to pimp it with some kind of noise but I am really looking forward to the day where we could just do songs. I am not going to get drowned, Nigeria has gotten its peculiar beats, the Naija beat but even if I want to do that, I will do it with a little bit of sense, good lyrics, good melody lines so that when you go through my work you will appreciate the sense. That’s my dream, that one day I will be able to tell my story through the way I want How much song writing do you do?

Almost every time but because of every other activity I have to involve myself in, it doesn’t really put me in the position where I want to be. I try to create quiet time because there are lots of distractions.

Artistes should also try and still remember the

African heritage Bethel

Bethel Have your felt pressure from work, personal life affecting your music?

Sure, whatever your passion is you need to give it time. With the kind of person I want to be in music I need a lot of time and I know with time, music will take it all and eventually I will have to let some things go. Its Nigeria, I need to work; piracy has not been settled, even if you become a big name it’s not actually the album money that gives people money now, the economy hasn’t helped entertainment industry to the extent yet.

How can we deal with piracy?

It is very important the government steps in with piracy and bye-laws, setting aside penalties to make people take entertainment as a serious business, make policies that protect the entertainment industry. We have a lot of good hands out there but they hardly don’t get their money.

How often do you perform?

Before now I have places where I usually perform, most of them were actually promo stunts, I wasn’t paid except for the ones where people who know what I do invite me. This period things have been dry but it’s giving me time to do other things and I actually appreciate the less distractions for performances.

Big moments?

When one of my songs won best song last two years ‘Beautiful Nigeria,’ I was highly inspired when I wrote that song, it came from somewhere real. There were little shows but they were something, what matters most is the reaction of the crowd, my songs being something.

And your singles…

There are so many of them but I have 10

recorded; Beautiful Nigeria, I Love to Mingle, Love Doesn’t Understand Me, Trying to be me, What you see is What you get which I did back then in school in Owerri and more.

Any mentors?

I have always loved the likes of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey they inform a lot of my choices in music and my genre. Beyonce, Tiwa Savage. Stage performance and character will go to Yinka Davies and her strength for music, I am not too comfortable with the content of Omowunmi’s songs but I love her voice delivery and I love hearing Chidinma sing, she is getting better each day.

Could you tell us more about yourself ?

I was born and bred in Lagos, am the fourth of six children. I have a B.Sc in Biochemistry and an OND in fishery and marine technology.

I work as an environmental scientist. I wanted to be a doctor but it didn’t work out that is why I settled for biochemistry but I am pretty good at what I do.

I started out from church, I belong to about six bands but depending on what you want I could perform alone with my pianist. I belong to several classical choral groups’ they still help me with a lot of voice drilling.

Considering you grew up in Lagos would you have preferred to stay given that Abuja is dull entertainment wise?

I used to think and wish that because I felt I lost a lot while I was leaving Lagos, all my friends I started with went far but I don’t want to regret it. I love the environment and I know I could be one of the few that will change the entertainment face. Abuja has everything it takes and it has a lot of advantages over Lagos which Lagos cannot buy with money no matter how hard they plan, the only thing lacking is we have not been able to move that market from Lagos over here, it is a little slow though. We shouldn’t have one city being the seat of music in Nigeria, Nigeria is too big for that. All these musicians have houses here they are praying one day Abuja will become a place they can have so much fun like they are having in Lagos.

Advice to Abuja residents?

People should learn to encourage artistes, we love all our fans but they should learn to accept us the way we come, in whatever packages we come. Artistes should also try and still remember the African heritage on what we do it is important. Let us not over borrow culture and miss our step over. I really wish to see Nigeria’s entertainment industry become that big in the nearest future that mediocrity will no longer pay but good work and hard work will, there is no doubt about that.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, November 20, 2015

21

Nigerians like colourful things –Beautiful Nubia Segun Akinlolu aka Beautiful Nubia has a D.V.M. (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations. He worked as a Vet for 8 years post-graduation before following his passion for poetry and music. He plays percussion instruments, guitar and vocals.

Beautiful Nubia

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iterate conscious people are aware that you are a not just a musician but also a writer and poet.

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about Nigeria’s recent history. I read a book about Victor banjo, “A gift of Sequins” and then had to go back and read all the other accounts of the civil war and of other events of the first coup; you just find that somewhere in there, one can find the reason why things are off in this country. The thing that just gets you with the book is how well informed this man was.

He was a military man but this was a cultured and a classy human being. He was a ‘grade A’ person. The kind of people we don’t have in government now. The kind we don’t have in leadership positions in this country right now. So obviously, what we’ve done to all such grade A people is that we’ve kind of either destroyed them or chased them away from this place and just reading this book, I had to shed a few tears. I could sense his desperation, his hopes and dreams for this land. I could sense his love for his family and for his people as well. And he was like this piece of gold amongst all kinds of ugly rocks.

He just didn’t seem to fit in and I could relate to him. I just had this sense of loss like we’ve lost people like this who could have made our lives better. People like this that should have had more involvement in our national affairs. Definitely, we won’t be where we are today, things will be different.

How would you rate the reading culture in Nigeria and do you believe that there is awareness and an upsurge of readers?

I’m not sure people read much. Many of us want to think that things have improved because there are a few new over-hyped writers who might have won international awards and so many of us think something is happening because of all that noise. We should ask those making all the noise how many of those books they have read themselves. Nigeri-

ans like colourful things; they prefer to look at pictures. Even when they read, they don’t read to understand, they don’t pick up the salient things there. They rather look for the fleeting pleasurable things. If we are a reading people, a lot of the things happening on the political scene won’t be happening. You get people to read from a young age, that is when they are conditioned to read. Any child born in this country in the last 20 yrs and brought up on the present national curriculum with its defects as regards literature, where nothing on appreciation of literature is encouraged at a high level is not a reader. The way I see it, we are going to have at least two generations of people who view the book as a burden.

People just say I’ve read this and that so that they can belong and look like they are cultured. I read like three books at a time if there is a work of fiction among the books it is the one I read to pass the time till I get back to reading the serious books. I used to read lots of fiction when I was a kid but not anymore. I read a lot of nation building and books on development, anthropology and history and economics.

As a writer yourself, if you are to write any new book right now, what would be its theme I’m writing a few things presently, not poems, more like a social commentary piece. I lost my father last year so I’m writing about him, but not directly about him. The story is woven around him and his generation. The guys who grew up around the first world war and who were like the first real middle class that this country ever saw, whether upper middle or lower middle, he’s a part of that first set. It’s not a biography really, I love an-

Musical Instrument

thropology and I love history so it’s like writing a social commentary in history.

Just me still trying to find answers to why things are they way they are in Africa and here in this place called Nigeria.

I just think there is a story somewhere in that generation that was born with high hopes. They seemed to have a lot of potential, they seemed to have been a lot of expectations and then everything just went awry. One has to wonder what happened there.

How was EMUfest for you?

The fact that we were able to hold a music festival for roots, folk and afrofunk genre of music is an achievement on its own. We wanted to do a festival free of cooperate influence and political influence, that we would not have any big names supporting it. EMUfest 2010 was sponsored by fans, by ordinary people. It started like a grassroots festival. A festival that derives its origin from the people, of course folk music is music that derives its being from the people so in doing a folk music festival, I felt one had to get our backing from the people and not some person or rich company that might dictate for us. It is something I

I just think there is a story somewhere in that generation that was born with high hopes

have been thinking about for many years and I felt it was time to do it but we never had enough funds but last year I said we are just going to do it anyway and I got a couple of people, artist too who were keen on doing it. I talked to Uncle Tunji Oyelana in England and Jimi Solanke, Orlando Julius Akeeb Kareem (Blackman), Yinka Davies and some other people, I talked to the Lijadu sisters big artists from the 70’s a lot of these people are big artists from the 60s 70s including Johhny Hastrop of ‘Monomono’ anybody familiar with music from that era would know all these names. I spoke to them all and they were all very interested and all very positive, they all wanted to do it so getting that kind of support was the first big victory. For the venues, I thought to choose places that were not the traditional for music festivals. I tot of schools, take the music to the youth take the music to the next generation so that they can hold it aloft and celebrate it, so that they can leave this music in its place of pride in our society. We had lots of wonderful performances from the artistes, Orlando Julius is 70 but he was so happy and so full of life, his performances at Ife and Oshogbo were so strong and mind-blowing. Jimi Solanke enjoyed himself. I get feedback from everybody, from university professors, Ifa priests, market women who cannot speak or write English,

22

Critics

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

BOOK

Place of civil service in governance

Simon Imuekemhe, joins the discourse on effective governance with a book, ‘Understanding Public Administration as a Tool for Effective Governance’, backed by his vast experience.

Sebastine Ebhuomhan

R

ecently, dusts were raised when President Muhammadu Buhari described Ministers as noise mak-

ers.

The controversy that trailed the friendly comment is yet to settle as at now. In truth, whatsoever, Buhari, a retired military General and former Head of State, jovially admitted the unacknowledged diligence and commitment of civil servants whose tireless efforts ensure the success of every government but which credit goes to appointed and elected public servants like President, Governors, Ministers, Commissioners etc.

For the citizen, student or aspiring civil servant, the book, Understanding Public Administration as a Tool for Effective Governance, is recommended for knowledge of the duties, responsibilities and sacrifices of the ubiquitous but unassuming modern day civil servant. Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State personally led other guests to present the book on Wednesday, 30th September, 2015 in Benin on behalf of the author, Dr Simon Omoaka Imuekemhe.

Considering the necessity of a reform of the civil service, this book is a reminder of civil service core duties.

Explaining how civil servants offered dedicated duties in the past 150 years of Great Britain, Gus O’Donnell says, “Civil servants are fully aware of the challenges the British economy faces. They are, after all, working tirelessly and professionally to support the coalition government through the current challenges, every day, and in every part of Britain.”

He adds, “It is our job to work for the government of the day and so that means working for Gordon Brown as Prime Minister. And we need to do those preparations just to be sure that we’re ready for whoever you, the British public, elect and that’s core to our civil service values over the last 150 years.”

Sir Augustine Thomas O’Donnell is a former British senior civil servant, who between 2005 and 2011 served under three Prime Ministers as the Cabinet Secretary, the highest office in the British Civil Service. He stepped down in 2011, after which his powerful post was split into three positions: Cabinet Secretary, Head of the Home Civil Service, and Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office.

O’Donnell, an economist, was a fulfilled and proud leader of a dedicated civil service. True to his nickname, GOD (taken from his initials) radiated dili-

gence, reverence and influence for British civil servants. “There are too many countries where the values we take for granted in our civil servants simply do not exist. Seeing these values in action, applied with dedication by hardworking individuals, makes me proud to lead a service that is making life better for millions across Britain,” he summarises.

Dr Imuekemhe shares many similarities with Barron O’Donnell including honesty, gentility and respect. Indeed, he could be regarded, rightly, as the O’Donnell of Edo State Civil Service.

As a tool of civil service dos and don’ts, his handbook guides the reader on whatever mistake he might have made, admittedly or not, in his glittering, meritorious civil service career.

A native of Ikabigbo in Uzairue, Imuekemhe is a former Secretary to the Government of Edo State. He was for six years the Head of Service of Edo State, serving three different civilian administrations: the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-elected Chief Lucky Igbinedion and Professor Oserheimen Osunbor and the incumbent, All Progressives Congress (APC)elected Oshiomhole before he voluntarily retired in 2011.

Oshiomhole reappointed Imuekemhe as Secretary to State Government on June 20th 2011. He stepped down in November 2012.

In his career, Imuekemhe had the rare privilege of serving four Military Administrations that include: Colonel Onuka, Brigadier Asuquo, Brigadier Iyam and the late Navy Commander Onyearugbulem.

Presenting the book, Oshiomhole commended Imuekemhe for voluntarily retiring for younger blood at a time Edo State people sought, consulted and relied on him for advice; a fact the occasion chairman, retired Honourable Justice Joseph Olubor, acknowledged.

A 1980 graduate of Medicine (MBBS) at the University of Ibadan, Fellow of the West African College of Paediatrics and Fellow of the Nigerian College of Paediatrics, who had early primary education at Demonstration Primary School in Uzairue, secondary education St. Paul’s Minor Seminary in Benin, Our Lady of Fatima College in Auchi and higher secondary education at Edo College in Benin, Imuekemhe recalls, “As a young man, my ambition was to be a medical doctor. It is only by an act of God that the metamorphosis that took place in my life occurred.”

Imuekemhe was employed as Consul-

The Reviewed Book tant Paediatrician at the then Bendel State Hospital Management Board and resumed at Sapele General Hospital as head of Paediatric Department. But the creation of Edo State in 1991 altered the course of his life; forcing redeployment to Central Hospital as head of Paediatric Department and promotion in 1994 as Director of Hospital Services and Chief Executive in charge of the 33 hospitals in Edo State.

He confesses, “At the time of this appointment, I knew very little about Public Administration and in my first three months in office, I had to solely depend on the Board Secretary and other admin officers to survive. Sometimes, the advice I got from these officers were largely influenced by their personal interest and sentiments.”

As a dedicated and trusted civil servant, Imuekemhe looks back to his leadership of Edo State Civil Service with satisfaction and pride.

He was appointed as Director of Hos-

pital Services in 1994; Permanent Secretary in 1999; Head of the Civil Service in 2005; and Secretary to the State Government after retirement in 2011. Also, between 2001 and 2005, he held office as Chairman of the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue.

He testifies, “In writing this book, my mind went back to 1994, 1999, 2005 and 2011. This book is a companion to anybody in public service because it tells you everything you need to know.”

“This book is therefore written to bridge this gap by providing, through this medium, opportunity for career, elected and appointed public officers to equip themselves with the vital instruments necessary for an effective public service.”

Beside the Foreword that Professor Eric Omogbai of the University of Benin wrote, the book has 13 chapters in 242 pages, spaced words in large fonts, titles and sub-titles, graphs, abbreviations and

Friday, November 20, 2015

8 Safar 1437A.H.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

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

Scholar urges Ministers to uphold change mantra Damilola Olaseni

A

n Islamic scholar and the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef has called on the new ministers of the federal republic of Nigeria to uphold the change mantra of the President and not betray the trust reposed in them.

Speaking to newsmen on his expectations from the new ministers, Ustaz AbdulLateef called on the new federal cabinet members not to betray the confidence reposed in them by President Muhammadu Buhari. “He has led this change mantra and Nigerians are now being hopeful in the ability of President Buhari to make the change. The new ministers must be on the same page with the President’s focus and ensure that they do their best for the progress of the nation. They are people of great potentials and we expect that their potentials must begin to materialise immediately.”

According to him, the president has done very well by reducing the number of ministries, which translate to reduction in cost of governance, saying the new ministers must justify the cost reduction.

“The potentials President Buhari saw in them must bear in their activities by ensuring

Ambode

that leakages in governance are blocked in order to aid delivery of democratic dividends to millions of Nigerians.”

“Since the President has provided leadership for the nation, the ministers must equally provide leadership in their various ministries, ensuring that the campaign promises; provision of uninterrupted power supply, development of infrastructural facilities and enhancement of living standard of the people - among others are achieved.

Each of them being an asset, they should emulate selflessness of the President and be accountable to Nigerians,” he concluded.

Also speaking at a Special Prayer for the newly constituted cabinet members by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Hon. AbdulLateef assured that the current administration would do everything possible to meet the needs of the residents.

According to him,”The government of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is peoples’ government. For me, I see my appointment as a test from Allah, we will not disappoint you all and I pray Allah guide us and give us all it takes to succeed.”

The group’s National Missioner, Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmad, urged the commissioners to do all they can to make electorates happy.

Abdullateef

Message of temptation 24

LASG to begin inter-faith religious conference

… says all mosques, churches to get identification number SekinahL awal

L

agos State government has disclosed its intention to begin a quarterly interfaith religious conference starting from 2016.

The State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef disclosed this at a meeting with members of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, held at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

Dr. AbdulLateef also said the state government would clampdown on hate preachers among religion leaders in the state, warning that the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode won’t tolerate religious intolerance.

According to him, the interfaith conference to be coordinated by NIREC will be such where

all religious bodies in the state will meet to interact in achieving harmony and peaceful coexistence in the society.

“The government is averse to religious leaders preaching hate messages that was capable of endangering people’s freedom and would do everything to stop it.

Henceforth, we’ll start to monitor Mosques and Churches and ensure that clerics don’t engage in hate preaching.”

He made it known that the government has embarked on enumeration of mosques and churches in the state for proper identification.

“If a mosque or church is not captured in our list, it means such is not recognised by government.

We would give each of them an identification number,” he said.

On the request for creation of NIREC at the local government level as requested by the state

chapter, he gave the assurance that government would make effort to establish the body at the grassroots, saying that such would assist in propagating the need for peaceful co-existence among people of all religions.

While reacting, the co-chairman of NIREC, Dr. Saheed Timeyin, urged the state government to include Peace Education in primary and secondary schools for younger ones to imbibe tolerance in their ways of life. “We need to block our children from extremists’ tendencies in school,” he said.

Also, the Vice Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos Chapter, Rev. Emmanuel Oguntoshin, assured of members support for the state government to ensuring peaceful co-existence.

Scholar urges Ministers to uphold change mantra

Vice-President General, NSCIA Delta State, Barrister Isiak Ojei, presenting a generator to Musa Egbe Omuvie for barbing business; Mallam Ma’aruf Ahmed, Operations Manager, ZSF presenting a generator to Maryam Nabiri

Groups condemn Paris attacks, others 25

Proclaim Allah’s bounties 25

24

Call to Worship

8 Safar 1437A.H. Friday, November 20, 2015

Message of temptation

E

very woman today communicates her religious and cultural belief by what she wears. The language is clear and loud. Every man also patiently or otherwise accepts the message and acts accordingly based on religious understanding or cultural norms.

Some will waste no time in getting married legitimately to guard themselves from sexual temptation. Others will take the advantage to fornicate or rape in some cases. A keen observer will realize that there have been increasing cases of rape, pedophilia, bestiality, homosexualism and lesbianism in the recent times.

People never bother to trace the root cause (s). We are rather making laws which hardly apprehend the culprits. Without any doubt, one of the major causes is the prevalent indecent dressing or nudity. The Internet is a platform to advertise these irresponsibly

0 Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as an adornment for you…” (Q7 :26) ‘’0 Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful clothes at every time and place of prayer…” dressed women as pornographic for voluptuous eyes of men like them. Prostitution is becoming popular because moral fabric has been torn. Little children now discuss or chat on sex freely and date as they so want. It is really like doomsday what the immorality of what most women wear today cause to motherhood and virility of society.

What most women wear today can hardly safeguard their privacy that is if they have any. It has made them objects of sexual gratification. Most have become toys in the hands of men like them.

Their preoccupation is often how

Healthy Corner with

Dr. Yahaya

Causes of infertility Continue from last week • Absence or defective uterusat birth causing recurrent pregnancy loss or infertility.

• Tuberculosis of the Reproductive tract may cause damage to the uterus and the fallopian tubes.

• Irreparable tubal blockage and removal of the fallopian tubes following operation for ectopic pregnancy.

Abnormal Ovulatory function 15% The patient may not be menstruating, menses may be irregular, it may be delayed. The presentation may be in form of miscarriages, premature deliveries; babies may die inside the womb or delivered prematurely.

Breast may be enlarged, painful and discharging milk when the patient is not breastfeeding or pregnant. Development of acne, oily skin, enlarged clitoris, increase muscle mass, deepening voice.

Growth of terminal hair in male distribution pattern like moustache, beard, hair growth in chest, back, legs and arms. The patient may be underweight due to poor eating habit or excessive exercise especially in athletes.

Unexplained Infertility is 10%.

Despites normal investigations, there is no pregnancy A) Unusual Problems 5% like mumps, exposure to pesticides,

smoking, obesity, malnutrition.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) consists of all techniques involved in direct manipulation of eggs outside the body. The first and the commonest type of ART is in vitro fertilization (IVF). The Success of ART has revolutionized the evaluation and treatment of Infertility.

Some traditional diagnostic methods and treatments have become obsolete and others have limited application because ART is more effective. The trend is most certain to continue.

A study of first 10 years of a 21 years infertility program at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, implemented with the help of WHO and which only conventional methods were used, revealed no pregnancy occurred for 60% of almost 2000 couples treated during these years. This report indicated the need for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs for couples whose conventional methods have failed. This study included 600 couples who from June 1, 2007 to June 30th 2011, underwent IVF at UBTH after pregnancy was not achieved by means of conventional methods. The patients were in batches of 30, IVF when necessary ICSI were applied. The clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancy rates (PR) were 30% and 6% respectively. (PR calculated per

(Q7:31)

to be appealing to the lustful eyes and covetous hands of their men allies. Perhaps, there may be the need to carry a thorough research on what has happened to the psyche of the modem day ladies as to make them so trendy and libertine in their dressings.

What most of them wear is indeed one of the gateways to irresponsibility, flirtation, promiscuity, waywardness, whoredom, social degradation and moral degeneration. They become like a tempting delicious meal which men will want to eat. It fires off the base emotion in them and flares up their sexual lust, which becomes insatiacycleor per month) Augustine A. Orhue (http://ww.elsevier.com./ copyright).

INDICATIONS FOR IVF • Tubal Factor Infertility related to previous infection or advanced endometriosis • Severe Male Factor infertility • Multifactorial Infertility because it can address all contributing causes at the same time • Age related or unexplained Infertility • Treatment of last resort when other treatments have failed • Abnormal ovulatory function • Reproductive aging and healthy women above normal reproductive age, IVF using donated eggs is very effective.

• Surrogacy is indicated in women with normal ovaries but no functional womb e.g in women with absent or defective womb at birth, or damaged wombs or having wombs removed by operation.

Those with medical disorders that preclude pregnancy due to serious health risk.

• IVF with Preimplantation Genetic diagnosis (PIGD) can prevent couples with genetic disease from transmitting same to the unborn child.

• Fertility Preservation in patients with cancer or other illnesses requiring Chemotherapy or radiotherapy that poses a serious threat to fertility. Such patients can undergo urgent IVF and cryopreservation of embryos or babies before treatment begins if time and health permit.

Dr G. L. Yahaya, is a Reproductive Physician and Medical Director, Continental Specialists Clinic( Ivf Centre) 08075004277, 07081312295

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

IN HIS LIGHT with

USTAZ

A. ZAFARAN e-mail: zatabumuneeb@yahoo.com ble. In fact, what they wear incites evil intention, nurses diabolical ideas and heightens sexual pressure. But it is not all women that are culprits of this crazy culture of indecent dressing.

Women in the so-called civilized nations do not feel any hesitation to expose any part of their bodies. They do not see dress more than decoration and not of covering nakedness; whereas in Islaam, covering the shameful parts is more than mere adornment. It is part of worship. Muslims are enjoined to cover their bodies which have attraction for the opposite sex. As far as Islaam is concerned, nudity is a barefaced indecency.

It is incontestable that the sense of covering nakedness is inherent in man. With the divinely granted intuition and knowledge, he is able to avail of many latent powers in him. From infancy, he knows how to effectively suckle.

He knows how to cry and smile.

At an early age too, he wants to be clothed; that is why Allah (SWT) Himself has made man to discover various means of concealing his nudity. This, He mentions

in the following verses of the Qur’aan: “0 Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as an adornment for you…” (Q7 :26) ‘’0 Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful clothes at every time and place of prayer…” (Q7:31) The first verse above makes it clear that the two fundamental reasons for dressing are: a. Covering of the shame (nudity) b. Adornment (that is, to look nice and responsible).

The second one goes further to explain that our beautiful clothes should be worn at the time of worship. That is to say that, it is not to be for show off or attracting people. If only our women folk (and men alike) can clearly understand the purpose of dressing, it will go a long way to nip the culture of nudity ravaging our society in the bud. Islaam has clearly unveiled in the above verses that what a man or woman wears is part of his or her Islaam.

While also commenting on Q7:26 above, Siddiqi elucidates that:

Groups condemn Paris attacks, others

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any Islamic groups have continued to mourn the senseless Paris attacks and many other such killings happening around the world.

The Companion, TMC, MSSN, NACOMYO, Al Fatih Quareeb, MURIC and others have condemned the Paris attacks and many others in Nigeria, Palestine, Pakistan, Iraq Syria among others.

“As Muslims, we reaffirm our belief, as emphasized in the Qur’an, that whoever kills one life, it is as if they have killed all of humanity, and whoever saves even one life, it is as if they have saved all of humanity (Chapter 5: Verse 32).

“This tragedy has touched the world,” said Sheik Abdul Rahman Adangba, the Chief

Missioner of Al-Fatih Quareeb Society. “We call on Muslims all over the world not to fear and hide, but to step forward and assist in all efforts to help the injured, find the lost, and comfort those suffering from shock and pain.”

We are distressed to learn that the politically-motivated extremists claiming responsibility for the attack are justifying their deeds in the name of our faith as Islam condemns all forms of barbarity, murder, and attacks on innocent people.

They called for peace, healing and justice for the victims, as well as total stoppage of war in Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria and every part of the world while praying for light, guidance and hope at this time of great darkness.

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

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Call to Worship

Friday, November 20, 2015 8 Safar 1437A.H.

Proclaim Allah’s bounties A

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

n MP from Spain said that I was very happy to hear about freedom and message of peace and love for the Creator of all of us. In a world in which there is increase daily in the injustices and tragedies being perpetrated upon people we should be thankful for such a message of peace. All people who desire peace should unite and pay greater attention to the things that are common between us instead of giving more attention to the things that we differ on.

Three representatives from Montenegro came, one was an MP. This event is a proof of great success for the Jama’at. Their Imam has presented the teachings of Islam in a very beautiful manner at a very high level occasion.

The questions of the Dutch MP’s were very aggressive but the Imam responded with great courage and with solid proofs and that in the dangerous world of today such events are very much needed.

Two representatives of Human Rights Defence also came.

They said that the message delivered in the parliament should be made to reach all policy makers.

An MP of the ruling party of Croatia had also come to participate in the event. He said that the

Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at has presented the teachings of Islam in a very clear and effective manner. The teachings of Islam that were mentioned are very effective for the establishment of peace in the world.

If all Muslims obey and follow these teachings with sincerity of heart, then the world can become a haven of peace.

Then he went on to say that the very matter of fact and clear stand that the Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community gave regarding the Freedom of Speech had a great impact on me.

Especially the points made about the limitations that exist in places regarding what can and cannot be said about the Holocaust strengthened his arguments very much.

Then he said that even though Ahmadis are persecuted in Pakistan, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community refrained from speaking negatively about Pakistan and simply presented the true teachings of Islam and invited all to act on them and this was indeed very impactful. Then he said that the statements about placing limitations on sale of weapons and ending funding of those involved in terror was very fact based. And if the powerful nations of the world in fact act on these advices seriously and hon-

Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, CEO, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) presenting a shoe-making machine to Tijani Mohamned

HRH Oba Olayemi Adesoye, Oba of Mallam Ma’aruf Ahmed, Operations Mallam Bushura Ali, Dawah Officer Yoruba in Bayelsa State presenting a Manager, ZSF presenting an industrial NSCIA Bayelsa State presenting a sewing machine to Mohammed Ombe machine to Zu’nureni Adewunmi camera to Nashir Idris

Chairman, Ebonyi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Engr. Abass Egwu, presenting a complete computer system to Agbo Abdullahi Chinemerem.

estly then the world can return to peace.

Then the MP who had come from Sweden said that the speech was very nice and had great impact and in his capacity as a world religious leader he has shaken up the leaders of the world with his message. The speech was full of truth, love, justice, tolerance, brotherhood and devoid of references to use of expedient means; and Imam of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at has drawn attention to these things in a very simple and straightforward manner and given a message to the world. Insofar as the questions that were asked by the Foreign Affairs Committee he says that the answers were solid and full of reason and wisdom. He said that despite having been given the reference to the Jews they did not understand whereas in our country Sweden it is even a crime to put on the Nazi badge and this is a punishable offence with fines and other punishments.

Then a Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Tirana, the Capital of Albania and Former Head of the Religious Affairs Committee there, said that I could not even have dreamt that Jama’at Ahmadiyya is propagating the teachings and message of Islam in such an effective and great way. Imam Jama’at Ahmadiyya has presented these in

25

Ahmadiyya

a very beautiful and effective way.

A Professor from the University of Amsterdam who is an expert on Buddhism, Islam and other religions said that the clear manner in which the Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at has made mention of the teachings of peace taught by Islam has made it clear to me that they must inevitably become part of our interfaith dialogues. And from now on this will be so, so that we can witness a true picture of Islam Other programs in Holland included multiple interviews and great discussions each lasting at times some 40 minutes. They were told of status of Messiah, claims of the Promised Messiah, the teachings of Islam, Khilafat, world peace etc. The details you will all be able to read or will see but in this way Jama’at was introduced very widely in Holland and it is being realized by the educated and well read sector of society there that if they need to really understand and learn about the true teachings of ISlam then they have to do so by including Ahmadis in the discussions.

Reverend Ukoha Ngwobia from the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Ebonyi State presenting a sewing machine to AbdurRah- Hajia Lolatu H. Ajah presenting complete computer systems to Bashira Ugwama. man Okoche Inya.

First Interview: 5th October in RTV. Was being aired live from our mosque Baitun Nur in Nunspeet.

It was also heard through live streaming in the rest of the world.

On the 5th of October. Holland Regional TV station Journalist interviewed Huzoor, and through them some 2 million received the message. The Journalist said that their influence in Holland is like that of the BBC in the UK. On 6th October Holland’s National Newspaper interviewed.

Print circulation is only 50,000 but online readership is in hundreds of thousands.

On the 7th of October another newspaper journalist came and interviewed me. Their circulation is 100,000. Then again on the 9th october a journalist from another widely read newspaper carried out an interview. It also has wide circulation and is a religious newspaper.

The coverage from these interviews was very extensive. Thus for the first time, Holland Jama’at was introduced in this manner and this program of theirs was indeed very good.

Evangelist Purkins Dunyin Jp representative of CAN Chairman Bayelsa State presenting a vulcanizer machine to AbdulHameed

Vice President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Ebonyi State, Sheikh Haroun Ajah, presenting the key of a motorcycle to Abdullahi Ekuma.

Mirror Mongers

26

Friday, November 20, 2015

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A Prophet and the Prince

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s Kogi prepares to go to polls tomorrow, some things are brewing. Call him modern day Nostradamus, you won’t be off the mark.

Prophet Emmanuel Chukwudi aka Prophet Elijah is the General Overseer of Kings of Kings Deliverance Church.

For those who have come in contact with him the accuracy of his prophecy is overwhelming. But he has shied from limelight and publicity. To him, the gift of prophecy is from God. “He opens my eyes under different circumstances it comes when I am fasting or praying, when I am singing praises to God or even when I am walking in the street.

The man of God who hails from Ntezi in Isielu local government of Ebonyi

State predicted that former President Jonathan would lose the election to Buhari and people laughed at him but it finally came to pass. According to him former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set for a second coming, ‘the Lord revealed to me that he is the next President of Nigeria come 2019’; he went to proclaim further that ‘part of PDP will break up and merge with another party.

On that platform, Atiku Abubakar will emerge the flag bearer and from there become President of Nigeria. That is not all according to him as Governor Wike and Sen. Saraki should not rejoice. He also sees Abubakar Audu taking over from the incumbent in Kogi state. MM is watching o!

Blame it on BVN

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imes are hard in Nigeria, and no one ever needs to listen to the President to feel it, save from people on the ‘other side of town’. The fuel scarcity and lack of salaries in some sectors have compounded the matter, but it appears that the Bank Verification Number is causing more havoc in the society too. Some are of genuine causes though and range from irregular names to irregular dates of birth and other sundry issues, but the implication is that depositors are groaning over lack of funds to even go to hospital. Another ugly side of

Prince Audu

Music in his blood?

Prophet Chukwudi

Fraud Incorporated

T

here is something the chief operating officer of the La Casera Company needs to know urgently to save the company from future embarrassment: Fraudsters have turned their attention to the company, and so much has been going on in this regard, latching onto the commercial success of their brand, La Casera Apple drink, which came into the Nigerian market in 2001.

MM gathered that after the promo ran by the company for her trade partners tagged: Gathering of Champions, which availed prizes such as cars, cash and electronic appliances, fraudsters are now capitalising on the MTN Connect platform to prospect for victims to dupe.

Qa

ONE-SECOND &

With

DIEZANI ALISONMADUEKE

T

his is a big surprise yet a beautiful one because unlike most of his colleagues who have forayed

How do they do this? Messages are sent through MTN Connect to mostly MTN subscribers, urging the subscribers to send ‘YES’ back to the number for an important message at the cost of N5. Afterwards, a message comes in reading: Congratulations! Your number won N300,000 in the ongoing LACASERA DRINK PROMO. Your number is among the 15 lucky promo winners.

Code number is 0103. Call Mr. John on 08167750576.

For those who are curious about the ‘victory’, a call to Mr. John avails a man with an Indian accent, asking for names, location, next of kin and account details where the booty would be forwarded to.

Former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke has been blamed for the alleged disappearance of $20b oil funds earned by the nation during her tenure. She reacts to the allegation:

technology?

But some are treacherous too. According to MM findings, BVN is easily the excuse when someone does not want to pay you. In fact, some debtors have made it a point of duty to inform you of BVN once your phone call gets through. Yes, before I forget, lack of manpower used by the banks to carry out the registration exercise is being blamed for the irregularities. MM will update you with banks where customers are threatening to shut down their accounts soon because of the imbroglio.

y allegations What is your response to the man r tenure? of financial impropriety under you this world it is If there is one issue I must pursue in illion disap$20b can the biggest lie of this money. How to? Is it posr ppea disa it pear just like that? Where did eable? This trac be not ld sible that such an amount wou idered a cons I eone som is more painful coming from of such ity grav the te good friend who should apprecia with ard forw e com to allegation. I challenge anyone ey. mon ic publ or ent facts showing that I stole governm hard ed work I , er Rath . ey I’ve never stolen Nigeria’s mon d-tripping. When I to halt the rampant business of roun up the place, I ren clea brought in Reginald Stanley to re were about 92 The s. quested for a list of the defaulter them. ed tion of them and I made sure we sanc

into the world of music and failed, Saint Obi is out with some bangers; very imaginative and soul-enriching songs that are destined to top charts.

According to him, “I am a natural late bloomer but whenever I arrive, perfection is all I exude.”

I am firm believer in giving back to society, especially our young ones.

There are so many talented Nigerians who have been looking for platforms that will give flight to their talents without any success.

This led to the creation of Agwhyte Music. At the moment, label is starting with a group called, A.M. KREW.” Okay now, but Saint Obi should know that it will have implications if he fails o, because people will say he dabbled itno music because Nollywood refused to avail jobs.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, November 20, 2015

As a tool of civil service dos and

don’ts, his handbook guides the reader on

27

FILM

The Nigerian film industry

whatever mistake he might have made in his meritorious career references.

Chapter One, Government and Its Structures, deals with the constitutional structure, functions and organs of government and, by extension, elected and appointed government officials, as provided in Section 14, sub-section 2 (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which states: “The security and welfare of the People shall be the primary purpose of Government.”

Chapter Two, Communication in Public Service Minutes and Memoranda in Public Administration, explains the features of public service minute and memoranda, including abbreviations of minutes and memos. He emphasizes that for effective communication, minutes and memoranda must be well developed.

Chapter Three, Accountability in Public Service, explores germane issues of payment voucher, lop-sidedness in overhead funds; annual budget, contract tenders and fiscal responsibility. Exclaiming how poverty and wretchedness becomes the potion of civil servants in retirement, Imuekemhe regrets “the belief by very many people that those who are in Public Service go there to steal.”

Chapter Four is Protocols in Public Service; Chapter Five is Discipline in Public Service; Chapter Six is Code of Conduct in Public Service; while Chapter Seven is Remuneration in Public Service.

In Chapter 5, the author recommends disciplinary actions for improvement rather than punishment. In Chapter 6, he criticizes the abuse of: oath of office and secrecy, declaration of asset and code of dressing. In Chapter 7, he argues that the executive is least paid government arm; and canvasses single salary structure and separation of the Accountant General of the Federal Government from the Accountant General of the Federation.

Chapter Eight discusses Public Service Related Matters Workers Union with comments on false declaration of age, mutilation of service records, destruction of merger of services etc., as civil servants’ symptomatic fears of retirement and taxation. The author opines that unions represent the bridge between management and the workers and recommends continuous dialogue in order to ensure industrial harmony.

Chapter Nine highlights Corruption in Public Service. The author is pained that “The perception of most Nigerians is that all Public Servants are corrupt and public appointments are seen as an opportunity to steal the commonwealth of the people” and disagrees, “It is important to stress that there are still so many honest, dedicated and loyal officers in the Service, especially career officers.”

Imuekemhe was a distinguished career officer of Edo State Civil Service.

Film made in Nollywood

Another look at how the film industry is globally stressing Nigeria’s ingenuity.

Williams Armstrong

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his is our first visit to Nigeria and we’re filming our new fall TV season. The best briefing material or conversation with individuals can in no way prepare you for the massive number of people and the incredible intellectual and human capital that exist in this land of plenty. Given that our media business syndicates programming around the globe we are most impressed with the Nigerian film and entertainment industry.

The opening scenes in the Hollywood epic “There Will Be Blood” feature a grainy video shot in soundless shadow. Without a doubt it is one of the most beautiful big screen scenes in modern memory. But in fact the scene itself, and the ultimately the movie as whole, takes the viewer back to a rougher period in early American history—before the country was connected by railroad, telegraph, and highway. Similarly, Nigeria’s nascent movies industry operates in a land without robust national infrastructure. The fact that the industry exists at all, without cinemas, studios, cable television, or even a national electric grid speaks to its amazing resiliency.

More than any other industry, Nigeria’s film industry reflects the messy, ambivalent process of nation building currently taking place in the country. Men and women with few resources, but a boundless ingenuity have taken matters into their own hands and crafted not only an industry, but in fact an art form that is quickly evolving into a national cultural movement. While in mon-

etary terms, the Nigerian film industry (I resist using the term “Nollywood”) pales in comparison to that of the United States, it is undeniably the most vibrant expression of talent and ingenuity in the country.

Not only does the industry employ over 1 million people—making it the largest employer outside of agriculture—it has exerted considerable cultural influence both within Nigeria and throughout the African continent. In fact the cultural genre, generally featuring modern themes interspersed with native cultural symbols, represents a new cinematic art form in its nascent stages. Its ability to capture the energy and ambition of Nigeria’s youth is nothing short of startling. The film production industry has given them jobs, hope and ultimately valuable skills.

In recent years, political and business leaders have taken notice of the industry and attempted to capitalise on its vitality.

The political leadership wishes to use cinema as a marketing tool to burnish Nigeria’s image abroad. The mainstream business community wants to harness Nigerian cinema’s economic potential. However, at this point, efforts to corral growth—whether by censorship or government investment on one hand; or by strictly enforcing intellectual property rules on the other—threatens the industry with extinction.

In the United States, wild cat oilmen found small wells and drilled them. In the course of their expansion, railroads, banks, and towns arose in their midst. As the movie “There Will Be Blood depicts,” the process was fraught with danger and uncertainty. It was messy. There was fraud and corruption, intrigue and violence. But out of that dynamic process, a vast energy industry emerged which ended up fueling America’s industrial growth. My point here is not that the Nigerian film industry to should be allowed to grow unaided or un-

The youth of Nigeria are its most important resource. Developing their character and talents is more important

regulated—but that at this stage in development, the creativity, drive, and passion that exists within the industry should be allowed to flourish more freely.

Some point to the fact that the content and quality of today’s Nigerian films leaves much to be desired. So what? The early days of American cinema featured less advanced technology than currently employed in the lowest budget Nigerian film. Films were often grainy, choppy, and lacking in sound. But they succeeded in gaining an audience, and, more importantly, setting the ground for the cultural aesthetic the world currently knows as Hollywood. Just as a man cannot become an adult before he is a child, so the Nigerian cinema arts industry must be allowed its period of infancy on its way to a more mature reflection of the lives, stories and values of the Nigerian people.

The youth of Nigeria are its most important resource. Developing their character and talents is more important and vastly more valuable than all of the oil wealth in the world. As the largest employer of Nigeria’s youth, the film industry is helping to give them a purpose that is largely lacking in other sectors of the society. Of course much of today’s films express the exuberance and immaturity that come with being young. But it also contains the energy, passion and brilliance that our youth are yearning to reveal to themselves, the country, and the world as a whole.

As the American oil industry grew, its supporting infrastructure began to form the backbone of the nation—whether in term of railroads, telegraphs, industrial equipment, or oil pipeline. In fact today’s largest telecommunications companies such as Quest Communications use rights of way that were originally owned by the small wildcat drillers. Similarly, as Nigerian cinema continues to grow, both as an art form and an industry, related infrastructure will naturally evolve as a result.

Whether it takes the shape of a village cinema, production studio or distribution shop, ultimately the means of distribution will form the basis for a more robust Nigerian infrastructure. And infrastructure, as we all know, is the backbone of any nation.

28

Inside FCT

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 20, 2015

Colourful reception for Eaglets Joel Ajayi

I

nside and outside of Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja was filled to its fullest on Wednesday when the glorious Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets arrived Nigeria, following a successful campaign at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

Inside FCT who was on ground at airport gathered that, the Coach Emmanuel Amuneke –led squad touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja aboard Emirates Airline flight EK 785 from Dubai. The team had stayed the night in Dubai on Tuesday after flying from Santiago the previous day.

Residents in their thousands, comprising children, artisans, market women, families and friends celebrated the Eaglets for the superlative as different cultural troupe entertained just outside the arrival hall and made it possible for several airport officials, travelers and fans to take photographs with the players and officials.

The superlative Eaglets have, by their latest feat last Sunday, stunned many analysts given the not-highly-promising skills they displayed during qualifying stages of the tournament.

The boys have pushed Nigeria into an desirable position as the only country in the world to win the under-17 FIFA world cup fifth times (1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015) surpassing Brazil’s record of three times.

The players were welcomed with a victory song, “Stand up, stand up for the champions” as Captain; Kelechi Nwakali emerged from the arrival hall of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja with the glistering gold plated trophy.

zs Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets

Thereafter, players and officials fans were driven round some from Airport, stadium, Area 1, Secretariat, of the Federal Capital Territory in a motorcade before the convoy arrived at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

Thousands of youth, sports fans, analysts and writers who interacted with Inside FCT expressed joy over the Eaglets’ superlative performance at the just concluded tourney in faraway Chile, describing the ‘boys’ as symbols of the Nigerian strength despite our socio-cultural and religious diversities.

Stakeholders, administrator amongst other in FCT, had at Wednesday applauded the outstanding performance of the young Eaglets for winning the World U-17 Football Cup for the record fifth time

Director General of National Sport commission, NSC, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut, NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF 2nd Vice President, Mr. Shehu Dikko, Directors of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, NFF Board members were all in standby to welcome the glorious Eaglets While speaking Yakmut said: “The entire nation is proud of you. You have done a great thing to bring honour to this country, and Mr. President is very delighted. I also wish to convey to you the joy of the new

coming in their numbers which is why we are here in the first place. And I want to tell you that most the people that come are not just passersby but people who are serious about doing business with us. It has been quite interesting” he said.

Another participant, the Managing Directors of Kademju Nigeria Limited, Mr. also corroborated the fact that the event was a success after all, adding that despite occasional rains which came down almost every 4pm, the number of visitors were commendable.

“We come every year and we expected that this year would not attract much people because of the hardship being generally experienced by many. But incidentally, as you can see this is fifth day running and the tempo kept increasing in terms of number of visitors we record on a daily basis” he said.

While declaring the event open last Thursday , the Vice President Yemi Osin-

bajo had stated that no meaningful meconomic growth can be achieved in terms of wealth creation, employment generation and poverty reduction in a country without a robust industrial sector which determines development in all nations of the world.

He added that the present administration is committed to addressing all the factors militating against the growth of automotive sub-sector.

He said “Our automotive industry must adopt new technologies to stay in business. The Federal Government will therefore collaborate with the private sector in achieving this objective.

“The automotive sector is a key component of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) which is a 5-year action plan developed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to diversify Nigeria’s economy and rev-

Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports.”

As for Modupe Oyawale, a member of Sports Writer Association of Nigeria SWAN Abuja said: “Giving them money should not be priority always because the money may intoxicate most of them, having never handled such money before. What should be done with all eagerness is to promote them to U-20 and give those individual scholarships to study at any Nigeria University or abroad or any sports academy in the world. I think this is the best thing government can do to assist this young lads”.

She articulated.

Giving them money should not be priority always because the money may ‘intoxicate’ most of them

Abuja Motor Fair defies economic downturn

Chidi Ugwu Despite the declaration that Nigeria is broke by President Muhammadu Buhari, participants say the just concluded Abuja Motor Fair which held between October 27 and November 4, 2015, recorded huge visitors defying the prevalent economic realities in the country.

Some of the exhibitors who spoke to Inside FCT said they were marveled by the number of visitors who thronged the Eagle Square, venue throughout the nine day fair, to make enquiries and get information on the latest offerings in the automotive industry.

A Senior Sales Manager, Toyota Nigeria Mr. Peter Alake said this year’s fair turned out the very good in terms of visits and prospective auto buyers, stressing his company’s visitors’ logbook recorded commendable entries.

He noted that what pleased him the most was the quality of visitors whom he said are real prospects that could be followed up for fruitful transactions in the future.

“I must tell you that we recorded good number of visitors in spite of the declining state of the economy. I did not expect much in the year’s fair. But, surprisingly, Nigerians are very resilient they keep

enues through industry and to increase manufacturing contribution to GDP to at least 10% by the year 2017. Within the NIRP, the automotive sector has been identified as a strategic industry group due to its large domestic market, labour intensive characteristics, strong indus-

The automotive sector is a key component of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) which is a 5-year action plan developed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to diversify Nigeria’s economy and revenues through industry

td

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Friday, November 20, 2015

Abuja and volunteerism

Inside FCT

29

Regina Otokpa

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n this part of the world especially Abuja, the citadel of power in Nigeria, volunteering is not a venture many want to access; everybody is out to make money in order to make ends meet.

How do you spell it out to a young graduate who obviously had spent about four years fantasizing about the good things of life he would have access to once he was done with the compulsory youth service, and lands a good job in one of the government or private establishments around, or to an unemployed youth who is thinking of where the next meal would come from to work with an organization without pay?

Obviously it is not an easy task, maybe because some people view it as a waste of time, others shy away from it because there are no financial benefits attached and maybe because most employers exploit volunteers but whatever the reason, a volunteer group has stressed that volunteerism speaks volume in instilling social values in society and also have lots of benefits attached.

Only recently, Laurel Personality Development organized a hangout to preach and encourage volunteerism among youths in Abuja.

“With the theme ‘I shape the world around me’, the various speakers called on residents in Abuja to embrace volunteerism as a way of life, stressing that volunteering was not for a specific group of people, especially the unemployed,

trial linkages, existing installed capacity base and export potential to ECOWAS. “As such government will seek new ways of improving the “Automotive Industry Development Policy” in order to protect the industry” he said.

The Vice President, who was repre-

Working as volunteer

but was for everybody in society including persons working tight schedules.

According to the founder of the group, Laura Nwosu, volunteerism is a simple task of service to humanity that only entails taking instructions from people as they come.

Narrating how she became a volunteer shortly after graduation from school, she told Inside FCT that “I got to Abuja with-

out knowing anyone I went online and I saw this health initiative project, pink blue they wanted a volunteer project manager, I didn’t know anything about project management but I saw volunteer.

“I said I was in Abuja and I needed to do something so I volunteered. It wasn’t anything out of the blue it was just about taking instructions as they come. My boss then was very encouraging and I

One thing with volunteerism is that once you find somewhere and you tell them you are not collecting anything from them they can’t say no to you

sented at the event by the Acting Permamnent Secretary, Minitry of Trade and Investment, Mohammed Badamasui, noted that the high cost of importing fully built vehicles and used cars into the country is having serious impact on the economy.

He therefore said that this trend would be reversed as quickly as possible, adding that government will continue to use both fiscal and non-fiscal measures to reduce the flooding of our market with used cars and encourage both local and foreign vehicle manufacturers to establish and expand auto-assembly plants in Nigeria. In addition, the Government will ensure that existing incentives in the auto-sector are implemented and new ones initiated to encourage automobile and spare parts manufacturers.

The Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Ltd and Chairman Organizing Committee of the annual Abuja Motor Fair, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, despite the choking challenges ‘we have been facing in organizing this annual event we resolved not to take the easy way out which is to quit’.

According to him, Nigeria is very important to the global automotive business as virtually all brands in the industry compete to enter and capture the market. He added that the opportunities and potentials of the Abuja International Motor Show is one the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the federal government could leverage on to promote ‘economic tourism.

learnt project management on the job.

“One thing with volunteerism is that once you find somewhere and you tell them you are not collecting anything from them they can’t say no to you and it was even getting sweeter because you can go In there and if you do not like what they are doing you can always leave until you find somewhere you can stay,” Laura added.

She however disclosed that compared to other countries in the world, Nigeria records the lowest number of volunteers because the management at most of the organizations have abused volunteerism, using it as a tool of exploitation.

“Young People have a lot of misconceptions about volunteerism and I won’t blame them because being on the job of volunteerism a lot of things are happening. Lots of bosses and organizations see volunteerism as a form of cheap labour and they exploit young people who wants to volunteer and it is really bad. It is true that you don’t go into volunteerism for money but these stipends they encourage people, the young CEO lamented.

Nnaemego Nkiruka, a barrister and CEO Fresh and Young Brains Development Initiative, also noted that abuse of volunteers was paramount in the country “Misuse of volunteers is common in Nigeria, they have money budgeted but they do not pay. Although as a volunteer you shouldn’t be concerned about money, every volunteer has a right even though it is not yet legal, but a safe environment and stipend for logistics is important.

Unfortunately, because they have mistaken volunteerism for cheap labour, you are used as office slaves.”

Nkiruka however stressed that asides being a resource for people and leaving a legacy, there are numerous benefits accrued to volunteerism.

She urged Abuja residents to consider impacting on the lives of other persons in society either as an individual, an organization, as a family, or religious body bearing in mind the principles that drive volunteerism which she said includes impartiality, mutual respect, team work, respect for core values and transparency.

30

Cocktail

Friday, November 20, 2015

Student charged with stealing bike twice

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Penn State-Altoona student, Brandon Graham, was yesterday charged with stealing the bicycle of another student twice.

Reports said campus police had mailed two theft complaints to 19-year-old Graham.

“Graham stole the $465 mountain bike on September 14 after it was parked unlocked on campus. The owner spotted the bike the next day and took it back,” police said, adding that the bike was

stolen again on October 6 when the owner, again, parked it unlocked on campus.

A friend of the owner’s saw Graham on the bike on October 22, which had been spray-painted another color.

“Graham eventually acknowledged stealing and repainting the bike, which ruined it,” police further said Graham, who is from Philadelphia, did not immediately return a call and emails for comment.

Two crashes-a-day woman arrested

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ennsylvania State police say they have arrested a woman for two different drunken driving crashes in the same day.

Troopers from Somerset said Michele Leonard, of Somerset, crashed her car about 5 p.m. yesterday and was arrested and charged with drunken driving and then released.

Police said however that the arrest was made after Leonard offered a stranger $3 for a ride back to her crashed vehicle, which she entered and began driving again.

Police also said Leonard again lost control of the car, and sideswiped a parked car in Somerset Township about 6 p.m., then crashed into a garage.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oddities Oddities

Xmas 2015: Mall wants kids to pay for Santa sight

C

hildren wanting to see Santa Claus at a southern New Jersey mall will now have to pay.

Reports said yesterday that admission to the Cherry Hill Mall’s Adventure to Santa costs between $35 and $50, although the packages come with photos or video of the visit.

The move has sparked anger from many parents, some of whom say the charge inherently pushes away low-income families, which they say runs counter to the spirit of the holiday.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, which manages the mall, said the exhibit was one of only 12 Adventure to Santa attractions in the country, even as the attraction was free last year.

The display features characters from the Shrek movies as well as a virtual sleigh ride, a concert performed by elves, and various games.

File copy of New Jersey’s Santa Claus at Christmas last year

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 20, 2015

My past motivates me –Daniel Lloyd

Arty News

31

Daniel Lloyd, in this interview recounts what instilled confidence in him after years of accumulating success in the make-believe industry.

Why did you choose acting?

I’m not sure if I choose acting or if it chose me. I guess there was a choosing somewhere; because I studied Civil Engineering in school, but here I found myself acting, and I’m loving every bit of it.

Can you tell us how it all started?

Well, it all started as a dream in a wish growing up back in the days. I have always loved entertainment. And then, I went for a talent hunt back in Port Harcourt called “Street to Star.” It was a project I attended years back. So, that came and shaped my dreams and decision for acting.

When you joined the Nollywood industry, what were the challenges you faced?

I think the only challenge I faced was when I had to show people that it’s not just about my looks; that I’m meant and born for acting. I mean telling the real stakeholders and investors that I can be in this industry as a professional actor.

How about the sex for role issue that is looming the industry of today; do you think it’s healthy for Nollywood, especially where women are dominating?

It’s not healthy for any industry and should be fought against, but then, the ladies involved were not raped, so they had

a decision to make at a certain point. Sex itself I believe should be based on mutual understanding between two people. And finally, nobody is forcing anybody into it.

For me, I think it’s not healthy for an industry like Nollywood, as it will discourage real talents.

What movie will you rate as being challenging to you?

It starts with characterization. Let’s say when you have to play a character that is not your kind of person, it is challenging and that’s what I look out for in movies. So, it’s hard to place my finger on any of my movies to say it’s the most challenging role. Personally, I always want to take on challenging roles.

What movie will you say that brought out the best in you?

Well, I’m yet to see that movie. I want to take on roles that would take me out of my comfort zone; roles people would never believe I can take on.

What motivates you?

Motivation for me comes from environment and my past.

How do you manage your female fans?

I appreciate them a lot, but I draw limits at times.

Lloyd

It would definitely be Nigeria, because I’m a proud Nigerian. Not minding the challenges we are facing as a country, if we put good plans and effort, we can make this country great and better for all

You’re currently doing a television series, how is it helping your acting career?

Lies And Secrets is helping me a lot, as it’s building a very strong confidence in me. It’s also making me to grow in knowledge and understanding, especially with what goes on here in the industry.

It will soon get to different televisions across our homes. For me, I always keep an open mind when working with other talents, even as I learn from everybody to better my skill. It’s still a long journey ahead though.

What can’t you let go in your everyday life?

(Laughs) My cell phones of course.

You have regrets?

I have a phrase I live with, and that is “Hakuna Matata” which means “no worries” because if I knew better I would have done better.

If you have an opportunity to change something, what would it be?

It would definitely be Nigeria, because I’m a proud Nigerian. Not minding the challenges we are facing as a country, if we put good plans and effort, we can make this country great and better for all.

What can attract you to a female?

I would have admitted brain alone, but you don’t see that, so as a Bayelsa boy, it has to be brain and a good body.

What are your career plans for the next two years?

Wait, you will see them as the days unfold.

Do you have words of advice for the up and comings?

Don’t let anyone limit your abilities to what you can and cannot do. Believe in yourself and most importantly, believe in God. The past doesn’t matter, and it can’t.

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Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mixed reactions trail FRSC’s shift of Speed Limiter enforcement

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hile the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) management believes that excessive speed remains the major factor for most road crashes in the country, one particular way it hopes to curb the menace is through the use of speed limiter by all vehicles especially commercial ones.

Hence, it was not surprising when the commission announced to begin the full enforcement of the compulsory use of speed limiting devices throughout the country. To ensure that drivers comply, the Commission first set June 1, 2015 deadline. But due to pressure by strategic stakeholders in road transport business in the country, it was shifted to September 1, 2015 to enable them embark on adequate awareness. The shift was equally to enable other logistics necessary for a successful implementation to be put in place by partners such as Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, National Automotive Council of Nigeria, NAC, among others.

However, in what appeared as another postponement, speaking at a recent stakeholders’ meeting on use of speed limiting devices, the Road Safety Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi announced that following their continued appeals for the extension of the enforcement date of the speed limiting devices, President Muhammadu Buhari has graciously approved April 1st, 2016 as the new date for the commencement of enforcement.

The stakeholders’ meeting on use of speed limiting devices

FRSC officials on duty

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The document on the axle load

policy was signed by all the 15 member countries of ECOWAS including Nigeria.

We must therefore, work hard to ensure that the country does not violate the provisions of the policy comprises strategic stakeholders in road transport business in Nigeria whose activities affect the safety of the nation’s roads.

The meeting is being sustained regularly to update all members on major policies affecting safety of vehicles, especially with the introduction of speed limiting devices, following the discovery that speed induced crashes account for about 50.8 percent of the road traffic crashes in the country.

Oyeyemi, who urged the stakeholders to reciprocate the presidential gestures by putting their houses in order to make the new enforcement date easily enforceable, said, “The extension date by the President provides you with ample opportunity to educate your members on the impending enforcement and need for them to get their vehicles installed with the devices before the expiring date to avoid arrest and prosecution when enforcement commences.”

He expressed optimism in the success of the new date, enjoining all commercial transporters in the country to make effort to install the devices in their vehicle for the general safety on the roads. The Corps Marshal particularly appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs for sending a representative to the meeting, noting that the Customs Boss’ preparedness to collaborate with the FRSC especially in working with the Standards Organisa-

‘

For a record of three consecutive times, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has again shifted the date for the enforcement of the use of speed limit device by commercial vehicles in the country to April 1, 2016. However, while operators have applauded the Commission over the extension, Adejuwon Osunnuyi reports that many stakeholders believe that curbing accidents or carnages on Nigerian highways require multi-dimensional strategies.

tion of Nigeria (SON) to identify approved vendors for the importation of the devices for hitch-free port operations is most commendable, saying it would yield positive results for the safety campaign.

Oyeyemi while commending the stakeholders for their renewed zeal in matters of road safety, noted that he decided to seek for their inputs before taking major decisions affecting their operations because, he was interested in building harmony between them and the FRSC. He further stressed that most of the road safety challenges facing the country could be harmoniously tackled if all stakeholders are brought to the same level through consultation.

According to him, since the early part of the year when stakeholders started robbing minds on issues of road safety, there has been noticeable cooperation between the stakeholders, saying that has impacted positively on the safety of the roads. “We have observed that since tanker drivers have started abiding by the minimum safety standards following the deployment of our personnel to the tank farms and the support the operators are extending to our campaigns, crashes involving tankers have been trending down,” he stated.

“I am therefore, looking forward to the time when we would experience a full month without

the nation recording a single tanker crash. That was the target set by the tanker drivers at their last Executive meeting in Sokoto, and it is achievable, if they all remain committed to observing safety rules,” he added.

In their different comments, the stakeholders expressed confidence in the leadership style of the Corps Marshal, stating that there has been improved understanding, friendship and greater compliance with safety rules and regulations following his visit to them in their offices early this year.

According to them, this has led to a new era of collaboration, consultation and sharing of ideas with the FRSC, resulting in the decreasing level of traffic crashes in the country. While the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin commended the Corps Marshal for his untiring efforts at bringing stakeholders together for inputs before major decisions on road safety are taken by the Corps, he gave assurances that he would educate his members on the new date and enjoin them to always abide by traffic rules and regulations.

On his own part, the PTD-.NUPENG Chairman, Salmon Oladiti, while commending President Muhammadu Buahri for the extension of the date of the enforcement of the law on speed limiters to April 1st next year, noted that the decision was a demonstration of the President’s sensitivity to the plight of the people of the country.

He therefore, called on all stakeholders to ensure compliance with the requirements to make the roads safer for all. Oladiti however appealed to the Federal Government to embark on massive

rehabilitation and reconstruction of the major highways across the country to make them motorable .

The representative of the President of Road Transport Owners Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Ugwu Ejiefor, called for urgent repair of some dilapidated roads across the country and canvassed the idea of returning the tollgates on some major roads to support the government in the finance of the cost of road projects.

The National President of NARTO, Alhaji Kassim Bataiya in his own remarks, expressed solidarity with the collaborative spirits of Oyeyemi and commended him for his untiring efforts to make the roads safer.

Alhaji Bataiya however observed that more consultations needed to be made before final decision is taken on the issues of axle load enforcement. According to him, with the various categories of articulated vehicles being imported with different number of tyres, there was the need for expertise opinion on the determination of the axle load capacity of a particular vehicle type before determining whether the vehicle carrying certain weight of load is overloaded or not.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to urgently embark on massive repair of the nation’s roads to save the vehicles of the transporters.

Other stakeholders who commended the collaborative initiatives of Oyeyemi’s leadership at the meeting included the representative of the Comptroller General of Customs, the representative of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC )as well as the President of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Ademola Olorunfemi.

However, some motorists have expressed pessimism in the speed limiter as not being enough to put an end to crashes. According to them, the solution to road crashes in the country is not to install speed devices on commercial vehicles; rather, the federal government should embark on massive road rehabilitation in the country. “The idea of the speedlimit device is a good one but I must remind the FRSC that it is only when you have good roads that you begin to talk about speedlimit device, if not the entire project will not work. This is because what we need mostly are good roads. We all know that most accidents are caused by bad roads not even over speeding,” a motorist stated.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 20, 2015

33

VW pledges amnesty to whistle-blowing Dieselgate staff

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olkswagen has told its non-managerial employees that they can come forward with information about how the company cheated on US emissions tests - and they will not be fired.

In a move aimed at getting to the bottom of the scandal more quickly, Volkswagen brand manager Herbert Diess told staff in a letter that the company will not seek damages or fire employees for what they might reveal.

Workers could be transferred to other duties, however, and the company stressed it cannot get anyone off the hook for ongoing criminal probes.

The offer is valid until November 30 and only applies to workers covered by collective bargaining agreements.

“Managers are not included,” company spokesman Eric Felber said.

In the letter, made public by the company on Thursday, Mr Diess says the offer was being made in the interests of “full and swift clarification” of the scandal, which has seen revelations trickle out over weeks.

Volkswagen is facing fines, expensive recalls and lost sales after US authorities found it had equipped diesel cars with software that turned off emissions controls and pepped up performance when the vehicle was not being tested.

Under normal driving conditions, the vehicles far exceeded limits for nitrogen oxide, a pollutant that can cause health problems.

The company has said there were also “irregularities” in its measurement of emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas scientists say contributes to global warming.

The company says up to 11 million vehicles worldwide have the software that helped cheat on the US emissions tests.

Volkswagen is under pressure to speed up its reaction to the scandal.

Chief executive Martin Winterkorn resigned, but his replacement Matthias Muller is a long-time company employee, as is the board chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch. That has led to questions about whether insiders can clean up the mess.

The company, based in Wolfsburg, has hired an outside executive to oversee legal compli-

Mueller

ance, and has brought in US law firm Jones Day to investigate.

German prosecutors are also looking into the matter.

Volkswagen’s step is similar to one taken by German industrial firm Siemens AG as it cleaned up a bribery scandal in 2008.

A new chief executive, Peter Loescher, announced a monthlong amnesty, later extended for one more month, explicitly excluding former directors.

Some 40 whistleblowers at Siemens came forward about the widespread practice of paying bribes through phony consultants to win business, extending the scandal’s reach into previous upper management, according to a study by the London-based Institute of Business Ethics.

megacrown1@yahoo.com 08025237926

Jaguar XE

Jaguar XE to include Apple Watch connection

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he Jaguar XE is to come with a direct link to the Apple Watch in a raft of technological upgrades for the new model year.

The XE’s InControl Remote app is now available for the Apple Watch, “making it simpler and more convenient than ever to interact with the vehicle – no matter where you are.”

It will give wearers the ability to lock and unlock the compact Jaguar, check the

fuel level and check where it is – although it is not clear how many other organisations will also be able to check or track your location at will.

It is even possible to set the climate control via the app, as well as starting the engine so the car can warm up before you go to it.

The same functionality is already available via smartphone apps for Android and Apple iOS.

Yamaha returns to Nigeria, partners CFAO

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lmost ten years after leaving the shores of the Nigeria, Yamaha Japan, renowned motorcycle, outboard engine and generator maker has returned to the country.

While Yamaha, was in the past, represented by John Holt, with its coming back, it has found an ally in CFAO Yamaha Nigeria Limited, a member of the CFAO Group.

Speaking on the new part-

Fuji

nership, the Managing Director of Yamaha CFAO, Mr. Olivier Levigne told newsmen at the just concluded Lagos International Trade Fair, that CFAO Yamaha was using the opportunity provided by the fair to announce the return of Yamaha to Nigeria by displaying full range of Yamaha products.

The products on display included, different models of motorbikes like Presidential power bikes, Ladies motorcycle, Sport bikes, three wheelers, outboard engines, generator, lubricants, All Terrain Vehicle (Viking) among others.

According to the Managing Director, CFAO Yamaha had already commenced the assembling of Yamaha motorcycles in its Amuwo Odofin plant with the aim of delivering quality motorcycles to Nigerians .

Also speaking during the occasion, the Marketing Director who is also the Deputy Managing Director of the company, Mr. Hisashi Fuji explained that

Porsche 911 GTS

Porsche 911 GTS models to hit the roads soon

Levigne

the return of Yamaha to the Nigerian market was as a result of the confidence they have in the country.

“We came back because the market is big and there is great potentials in the future” the Deputy Director stated.

He highlighted the unique attributes of Yamaha products to include durability, ruggedness, economical with availability of spare parts and ease to maintain.

G

TS versions of the new all-turbocharged Porsche 911 are on the way within months.

A company insider at the international launch of the new sports car confirmed that the previous strategy, which saw high-spec GTS variants of the Coupé, Convertible and the Targa, would be carried over.

The GTS models sit between the Carrera S, which now has 414bhp, and the elite Turbo. Turbo models are expected to continue to use the name exclusively, despite all

models being turbocharged.

They are expected to include lots of normally optional equipment for a reduced price compared to upgrading a Carrera S, and there will be more power, too.

That should excite speed demons, since the 2016 Carrera S is already capable of the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds when combined with the automatic PDK gearbox and the Sport Chrono pack.

Although no on-sale dates can be confirmed yet, the 911 GTS models are expected before summer 2016.

34

People In The Mirror

L-R: MD/CEO, Mobi Tutor, Barry Taylor; Head, Youth Segment, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Aderinokun; Airtel Smart Trybe Junior Ambassador, Oluwakorede Akande; Winner, Airtel Nigeria’s Got Talent, Amarachi Uyanne; and Vice President, Segments, Usage and Retention, Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, at the launch of Airtel Smart Trybe Junior held recently in Lagos.

L-R: Director, Foundation for African Cultural Heritage, Dr Nkechi Asogwa; Guest Speaker, Mrs Adaego Nosiri, and a discussant, Mrs Abiye Tam-George, at the 5th International Conference on Women and Children, in Lagos, yesterday.

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi; Bishop, Diocese of the North and Abuja, Rt. Rev (Dr) Peter Oluwakemi Ogunmuyiwa; Mrs. Ogunmuyiwa and Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri, at the enthronement of Rt. Rev. Ogunmuyiwa as the Bishop of the African Church, in Abuja on Saturday.

L-R: President, Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI) Dr. Linus Okoria; Political Counselor, Embassy of the United States of America, Mr. Shawn Flatt; Deputy General Manager, Government Relations/Communications, Total Nigeria, Mrs. Sonye Allanah and Divisional Head, Innovation/ Products, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Tobe Nnadozie, at the just concluded Emerging Leadership Conference in Abuja.

L-R: CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Yinka Sanni; Acting CEO, ExecuJet Aviation Nigeria, Mr Bo Schjonning-Larsen; and Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Obinnia Abajue, at the launch of Commercial Banking Customer Value Proposition by Stanbic IBTC in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: President/Chairman, Governing Council, Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IOD), Mr Yemi Akeju; Chairman, First City Monument Bank, Otunba Olasubomi Balogun and his wife, Abimbola, during the decoration of Chief Balogun, at the Institutes Fellows’ Investiture Night in Lagos on Sunday.

MTN Sponsorship & Event Manager, Dola Bamgboye presents a souvenir to the First lady of Niger State and Pink Polo Ambassador, Hajia Abubakar Bello (L) at the closing ceremony of the MTN Pink Polo day event in Kaduna.

Chairman, Irepodun Lga of Kwara, Mr Luqman Owolewa (left) with the Olomu of Omu- Aran, Oba Chlarles Ibitoye, at the 2015 Annual Omu-Aran Festival of Clubs in Omu-Aran, Kwara on Saturday.

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business Maritime

35

CTN ‘ll check under-declaration of ships’ Gross Registered Tonnage –Bello Importation of goods into Nigeria is replete with abuses such as Gross Tonnage GRT of vessels’ under-declaration and concealment, resulting in massive loss of government revenue. In this interview with Francis Ezem, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, MR. HASSAN BELLO, says the International Cargo Tracking Note, a project of African Union of Shippers Council, could help in tackling the abuses, especially by plugging the revenue leakages.

T

he Council is working towards re-introduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note ICTN. What is this intended to achieve?

The International Cargo Tracking Note is a modern tool for trade facilitation and it will make the nation’s seaports more efficient and it is also a way of plugging the massive revenue leakages in our port system. More than 80 per cent of goods imported into the country is involved in under-declaration and concealment and so the government suffers massive revenue loss.

The ICTN more than any other transport document, will reveal the content of what you are importing. It will reveal certain information about the value, the weight, the destination and many other things other trade documents such as the bill of lading cannot reveal.

So the Nigeria Customs Service will use that piece of information to itself to enable it determine the appropriate duty on the cargo that is all.

Secondly, the ICTN is an advanced notice, which means that it will be received in advance so that the reception of the cargo will be done in advance by all the parties concerned; the Customs, the shipping companies and terminal operators and so this will facilitate faster clearance of goods from the ports so that the high cargo dwell time we are experiencing now will be a thing of the past. The CTN is also web-based and so it is open and transparent. There are other aspects of it which is about security because it is in line with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security ISPS, Code and so this security aspect of it is also very important. The ICTN is a project of the African Union of Shippers Councils and it is applied in many countries such as Senegal, Benin Republic and many others are using that instrument to take control of their trade and that is what Nigeria is trying to do, so I do not see what this hullabaloo is all about.

What is happening is that the Federal Government has asked the Nigerian Shippers Council NSC, to set up modern trade facilitation tools to drive our economy, especially within the port industry so the introduction of International Cargo Tracking Note, which is an Advanced Cargo Information, is imperative because it will lead to a reduction in cargo transit time. It will also improve risk management and reduce fraud through tax evasion at the nation’s port industry.

economy and reduce the dependence on oil revenue given the uncertainties in the global crude oil market, which has seen the price of the black gold fall to less than $50 per barrel from over $110 per barrel before now and the maritime industry provides a veritable alternative. But this may not be achieved because people cheat government a lot in this industry. So we needed a tool that will enable us take control of our international trade to boost government’s revenue.

Apart from these African countries, are there some western countries that operate the ICTN? Yes. It is operated in the United States, Turkey, Japan and many other countries. The ICTN will also provide credible data and trade statistics so that it will provide the statistics we require for international trade enforcement and national planning and check the under-declaration of the Gross Registered Tonnage GRT of vessels. So it is only those who want to continue with the underdeclaration of GRT of ships that are complaining about the ICTN, after all what is wrong with such a system that is also practiced in the America, Europe, Asia and even in Africa. So Like I told you earlier, the ICTN will check the current high cargo dwell time in Nigeria’s seaport system thereby enhancing efficiency and thus reduce cost of operation. It will also boost government’s revenue by plugging all the leakages associated with under-declaration and concealment of cargo.

The Federal Government is talking about diversifying the nation’s

The NSC indicated plans to carry out equipment audit of the terminal operators. How far have you gone with that?

You see, the terminal operators are partners in the port business in Nigeria just like the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies and with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we are working on a marshal plan to develop the ports.

You will also agree with me that the terminal operators are working under harsh economic environment and so with the aid of this marshal plan, we want to evolve a system whereby the government would fulfill its obligations under the Port Concession Agreement.

For instance, we are working hard to ensure that all the port access roads were fixed to facilitate easy movement of cargo in an out of the ports.

You are planning a new port order in the country. What are you doing about this?

The new port order is all about running an efficient, cost effective and user-friendly port system in the

The ICTN more than any other transport document, will reveal the content of what you are importing. It will reveal certain information about the value, the weight, the destination and many other things other trade documents such as the bill of lading cannot reveal

Bello

country and this cannot happen if the ports do not operate 24 hours just like the airports and this requires the massive deployment of infrastructure that would drive the process. I am happy the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA is doing very well in this aspect of deploying Information Communication Technology ICT platforms that would enhance port efficiency. The NPA’s Electronic Ship Entry Notice e-SEN, the Revenue Invoicing Management System RIMS and the Self Service Customer Portal, which are fully integrated, convergent and real time platforms for the authority’s processes.

Other agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria SON etc have all embraced the automation of their processes, which will help the realisation of the new port order.

I therefore call for a massive cooperation of other agencies of the government such as the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, to cooperate with all in building this synergy that will help us realise the 24-hour port operation projections.

I also call on the Federal Government to assist the terminal operators, especially in terms of fulfilling its obligations to them under the port concession agreement. I am also extending an olive branch to the shipping companies to desist from under-declaration and concealment of cargo and also the media to be objective in their reports. You can agree with me that this is a serious government and will therefore not tolerate any act of impunity by any-

body.

The Nigerian Shippers Council, as the nation’s economic regulator of the nation’s port industry is committed to bringing positive change in the industry. We also expect that this might be resisted by those who benefit from the old system but we will not be deterred and we will not allow anyone to distract us.

As a regulator, does it not disturb you that import volumes have declined significantly?

The decline in import volumes is a temporary thing; in fact information at our disposal shows that the volumes are gradually coming back and you know it must pick up, especially in the last quarter of the year when import volumes generally increase. You Nigeria is a country of 170 million people and so this is a large market and a port of destination. It is therefore possible for import volumes to drop once in a while but it will remain a temporary occurrence.

How do you assess the level of efficiency at the nation’s seaports, especially with the completion of the port reform?

The seaports are now reasonably efficiency. We may not have been there but definitely there has been significant progress. Nigerian seaports now compete with their peers within the sub-region and nobody can dispute this fact. The turnaround time of ships coming to Nigeria has reduced and cargo dwell time is also reducing so the country has made significant progress.

36

Business Maritime

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Terrorism: Port security officers canvass strict access control STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

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he Port Facility Security Officers FPSO, Forum has made a strong case for the re-introduction of strict control measures at the nation’s seaports and other related facilities in view of the increasing terrorist attacks in public places globally The office of the National Security Adviser NSA, to the President, had recently issued a

security alert on the likelihood of terrorist elements attacking the nation’s seaports in Lagos.

Vice Chairman of the forum, Dr. Zeb Ikokide, who spoke in an interview, disclosed that Nigeria has reached an advanced stage in her implementation of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security ISPS Code, especially in terms of ensuring the compliance of many of her port facilities.

He however said that the secu-

rity operations at the major entrances to the nation’s seaports, especially those in Lagos are still loose and uncoordinated, a development that has given rise to strict access control into the ports.

According to him, given the high insecurity situations not only in the country but also across the world, there was urgent need for a streamlining of security operations, especially at the major entrances into the nation’s sea-

ports and other related facilities.

He regretted that more than 10 years after Nigeria began the process towards complying with the ISPS Code in 2004, the relevant authorities and agencies have yet to take full control of who enters the seaports and for what reason, a development that had made the ports a market place of some sort.

“Access control to the various port facilities has been tightened but the general access gate is still very porous and this is not good enough because if anything happens to the general areas, it will affect the other terminals and so there is need to beef up security everywhere around the seaports”, he said.

He said: “At commencement of the inmplementation of the ISPS code in 2004, the Nigerian Ports Authority promised that it would

install electronic access control mechanisms at the gates to ward off unauthorized persons from coming close to the access gates but more than 10 years after, it has yet to fulfill this pledge, which is also a critical factor in the implementation of the code”.

It was gathered that the forum might be compelled to write the current management of NPA to remind it of the urgent need to install electronic access control mechanism, which is the practice in most seaport locations across the world forestall easy access to unauthorized persons.

There have been serious apprehensions over the safety of the nation’s port facilities following the high level of insecurity in the country occasioned by the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents, an Islamic sect.

FG’s ban on small generators’ import to check pollution –Customs Isaac Asabor

S Apapa Port gate, Lagos.

CSR: Orlean Invest empowers indigent women

O

rlean Invest Africa Limited, parent company of Intels Nigeria limited, the oil and gas service provider in Nigeria has intensified its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives for women in its host communities as part of measures to alleviate poverty.

The company had in 2013 commenced its Women Empowerment Project Scheme WEPS, under which it seeks to elevate the women’s innate skills so that they become economically productive, provide the security of a regular income for the women and their families thereby alleviating poverty among its communities.

Other objectives include encouraging female entrepreneurship by motivating them to be self-reliant, promote a positive and strong image for women in wider society and encourage women to become leaders.

The WEPS Project involves the selection and training of rural women under which a total of 300 women from various communities were selected and trained by professionals for a period of six

months to acquire specialised tailoring.

The project is in tandem with Federal Government’s policy on the development of Nigerian Content, as the delegates from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board NCDMB visited the facility last month during the Practical Nigerian content conference, which held in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State.

Head, Public Relations and Nigerian Content Development for Intels, Mr. Isidore Sambol, who commented on the CSR initiative of the company, said it was borne out of its commitment to human and infrastructural development of communities where it operates.

According to him, the project is designed to harness the skills of rural women and help them to realise their full potential.

The WEPS project, which was inaugurated by Mrs. RosiVolpi, wife of Mr. Gabriele Volpi, Chairman, Orlean Invest in October, 2013, began full production in 2014.

The facility operates in a 5,000sqm factory, equipped with

modern machines and equipment within the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, specialises in garmentmaking.

“WEPS factory is today as envisioned, manned entirely by community women who produce from start to finish, international standard quality products such as coveralls, trousers, shirts, jacket shirts, uniforms, reflective vests and rain jackets amongst others for companies within the Zone”, Sambol said.

trong indications emerged that the decision of the Federal Government to place a blanket ban on the importation of small generating sets popularly called ‘I pass my neighbour’, mostly used by the poor masses was in line with its policy of checking air pollution.

The Nigeria Customs Service Controller in charge of the Federation Operations Zone A, Lagos, Lagos, Comptroller Madugu Sanni , said government had approved the placement of the generator on import prohibition list.

According to the Comptroller, the reason behind the ban was that it is believed that the smaller generators cause air pollution and pose as danger to the health of the people.

“If you go to the market, you still see them because people have imported them before the ban. So it is the leftover they had before the ban

that they are selling because the law did not backdate the ban and it is not an absolute prohibition”, he said.

It was however gathered that it was not placed on absolute prohibition list, an indication that it might still be imported but not in commercial quantity.

He also said: “It is prohibition by trade which means you cannot bring it in large quantity and sell to the public. That is the type of prohibition we have on this but if you buy one piece, Customs will not seize it”.

Meanwhile the Controller disclosed that the command has impounded a total of 4,733 different smuggled goods worth N52 million, about one week after his resumption. The seized items, which were shown to journalists include 239 bales of second hand clothing valued at N10 million, 1,120 cartons units of the small generators valued at N13.4million among others.

Weak dry bulk market sinks Star Bulk

W

eak dry bulk market and consecutive net losses have forced Greek dry bulk shipping company Star Bulk Carriers to further postpone the delivery of four new buildings.

According to the company, they have managed to delay a total of USD 464 million of capital expenditures from 2015 to 2016 and delay vessel deliveries by a total of 105 months, or 5.2 months per each newbuilding vessel on average at no additional cost.

In the third quarter of 2015,

Star Bulk posted a net loss of USD 42 million, reaching a net loss of USD 147.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to the USD 3.6 million net loss for the same period in 2014.

The company’s net revenues for the third quarter of 2015 were USD 49.1 million and adjusted EBITDA was USD 6.1 million. For the third quarter of 2015, total voyage revenues were USD 68.7 million compared to USD 36.5 million for the third quarter of 2014. Start Bulk added that their total voyage reve-

nues were USD 169.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to USD 79.5 million for the same period in 2014.

This increase was mainly due to the rise in the company’s average number of vessels to 71.2 in the third quarter of 2015, from 31.5 vessels in the third quarter of 2014.

The increase in voyage revenues from the additional vessels was partially offset by significantly lower charter hire rates prevailing in the dry bulk market during the third quarter of 2015.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, November 20, 2015

37

N2bn GEF scheme: BoI trains 150 corps members in Katsina Olufemi Adeosun, ABUJA

B

ank of Industry, BoI, yesterday began training programme for the 150 corps members selected to benefit from its N2 billion Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund(GEF) scheme in Katsina State.

The beneficiaries, who were selected from the North-West zone, are among the 1,000 successful applicants nationwide.

Over 3,100 applied to benefit from the loan scheme, with successful applicants having the opportunity to get a maximum of N2million at 9 per cent interest rate, payable over three to four years period.

BoI, in collaboration with the directorate of the National Youth Service Corps, put up the initiative in order to encourage graduates of tertiary institutions in Nigeria to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

At the opening ceremony of the 3-day training programme in Katsina, the Managing Director of BoI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa,

said that the scheme was designed to empower the Nigerian youth, knowing full well that government alone and the private sector, could not sufficiently address the unemployment situation in the country.

Represented by Mr. Shekarau Omar, the Divisional Head, Small and Medium Enterprises (North), Olaoluwa noted that the training programme was organised for the beneficiaries of the GEF scheme, to give them first-hand drilling on how to successfully run a profitable business.

He stated that while the training would help those who already have business plan but could not translate it to bankable project, the bank’s business development experts would help to fintune those who were already in business.

Olaoluwa said: “Although the youth corps members are the direct beneficiaries of the GEF initiative, the entire nation will benefit from it. This is because when the youth are developed, the whole of the environment is transformed. The number of youth that government and private organisation can employ is limited.

“But if we empower these young people to be on their own, and quite a good number of them are desirous to be on their own, they will be useful not only to themselves, but also add their quota to the economic development of the nation”, he added.

On whether the successful applicants would be given cash, he added that, although the highest

beneficiary can take was N2 million, the said sum would not be given in cash, rather in form of provision of machineries and working capital.

According to him, the multiply effect of the programme would be extended to the Nigeria manufacturers because the machineries would be locally produced.

“While the whole loan portfo-

lio for the GEF scheme is N2bn, each of the beneficiaries is entitled to a maximum of N2million.

“We believe that with N2m a young lad can begin a business and grow. And to make it easy for us and everybody, we are not giving out the money in cash. We are providing then machineries, including the working capital”, Olaoluwa added.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, CSL Stockbrokers, Mr. Gboyega Balogun; Chief Executive Officer, Meristem Securities, Mr. Wole Abegunde; Chief Executive Officer, GTI Securities Limited, Mr Aledare Amos; Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Ade Bajomo; Head, Market Services, NSE, Mr Ade Ewuosho and Chief Executive Officer, Investment One, Mr Oluwole Awe, at the launch of Trade Smart press conference in Lagos, yesterday.

Ghana introduces revenueincreasing 2016 Budget Minister urges NITDA to formalize ICT frameworks for devt

G

hana will seek higher taxes in its 2016 Budget through improvements to tax administration rather than increasing the tax burden.

Despite recent oil and commodity price reductions, the Government’s total tax revenues in 2015 are estimated to have increased by nearly 30 percent over 2014 levels, reaching 18.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Total revenues are forecast to rise by almost the same percentage again next year.

As a consequence, Ghana’s fiscal deficit in 2015 is expected to fall to 7.3 percent of GDP, from 10.2 percent of GDP last year. Ghana is targetting a deficit of 3 percent of GDP by 2018.

A new Income Tax Act, which was recently passed by Parliament, will be fully implemented in January 2016. The new Act will simplify the country’s income tax regime and broaden its scope, boosting revenues by 0.3 percent of GDP. To improve tax compliance and administration during 2016, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will modernize its operations; establish joint teams to conduct special audits and investigations; and extend its schemes for taxing the informal sector.

The Government is reviewing

the existing tax exemption regime, as tax expenditures reached over two percent of GDP in 2015.

Henceforth, no government ministry, department, or agency will be able to negotiate and conclude contracts that grant tax exemptions without approval from the Ministry of Finance.

The GRA is to roll out fully its excise tax stamp project, under which tax stamps are to be fixed on all excisable products imported or manufactured for consumption in Ghana. The project is expected to reduce the smuggling of tobacco and alcoholic products and the influx of counterfeit products into the Ghanaian market. The underdeclaration of these goods – both imported and locally produced – has led to a significant loss of tax revenue.

Finally, to provide tax relief to individuals on lower incomes, the Minister announced an increase to the minimum income tax threshold. In addition, a new value-added tax threshold of GHS200,000 (USD52,870) is also to be introduced, to ensure that only taxpayers who are capable of complying with VAT accounting and invoicing requirements are obliged to register. (Source – TaxNews.com)

Regina Otokpa

M

inister of Communications, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, has called on the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), to formalise frameworks that would advance national, economic, democratic and security development in the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the e-Nigeria 2015 with the theme ‘Towards an Effective Electoral Process in Nigeria: The Role of ICT, Local Content and Information Security’ in Abuja yesterday, he mandated the agency to encourage an influx of improved foreign direct investment to boost the nation’s economy through Information technology skills.

He further urged NITDA to develop frameworks and ICT strategies to enhance sustainable development, socio-economic benefits and improve electoral delivery during the 2019 general elections, and also, establish credible techniques that would integrate ICT as the key driver of the economy.

Shittu said: “I believe that it is incumbent on e-Nigeria 2015 to do the following with an unshake-

able sense of patriotism: develop a concise framework for effective ICT deployment as an enabling catalyst in our quest for sustainable national development.

“Chart a veritable course for harnessing ICT potentials for the creation of employment opportunities for the teaming mass of Nigerian youths. Formulate reliable procedures for developing adequate ICT capacity for the protection of critical national institutions and infrastructure from cyber-attacks and cybercrime.

“Establish a schedule for acquiring ICT capabilities that make Nigeria a preferred destination for foreign direct investments, and thereby, encourage improved FDI inflow into the country.

“Develop improved high-tech ICT strategies for deployment in partnership with INEC during the 2019 general elections,” he added.

Delivering his keynote address, the immediate past chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.

Attahiru Jega, noted that the use of technology could ensure a

transparent electoral process.

Laying emphasis on integrity of the 2015 general elections which he explained was achieved through the deployment of technology in carrying out biometric registration of voters and issuance of the smart permanent voters card, he maintained that more could be achieved in subsequent elections if ICT was harnessed effectively.

“There is no doubt that increasing use of adaptable technology in carefully selected areas goes a long way to ensure transparency and effectiveness of the electoral processes.

“Thus, use of technology in general and ICT in particular has helped to address persistent challenges, such as multiple voting, inflation of the register and many other fraudulent activities, associated with the conduct of elections in Nigeria in the past,” he added.

Jega therefore called for “a strong stakeholder alliance for the consolidation as well as expansion the scope of the use of technology in the Nigerian electoral process for greater transparency and effectiveness in delivering free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.”

38

Business News

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Nigeria to earn $52bn yearly from agro-allied products’ …As ABX World partners Arik, SAHCOL on export Olusegun Koiki

T

he Managing Director, ABX World, a Nigerian courier and cargo firm, Capt. John Okakpu, has projected that the country can make about $52.2 billion from exportation of agro-allied products

annually if the government focuses its attention on the sector.

This is as he revealed that the company is partnering with Arik Air and the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, in the airlifting and ground handling of agro-allied products out of the country.

Speaking with aviation correspondent in his office in Lagos during the week, Okakpu disclosed that ABX WORLD had reached out to the Federal Government to leverage global agro-allied sub-sector while breaking the challenges pose by mono-produce nature the coun-

try practices at the moment.

In his statistics, he explained that for instance, if one million out of over three million Nigerians living in the United Kingdom alone purchases food items from the country at the cost of $100 weekly even with the current exchange rate, Nigeria could not earn less than $5.2billion from the sub-sector annually.

He hinted that agriculture was taking back its leading contributor position to the global economy; hence oil and gas sector was seriously in shambles globally, stressing that Nigeria with its enormous potential and

opportunities must not be left behind.

He charged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to eschew interest on the oil and gas sector, which is currently facing uncertainty in the world.

He said, “We know the price of crude oil today. Nigeria is largely a mono-dimension economy focused on crude oil extract, export and import. Our banking sector is no way to be reckoned with the rest of the world. God wants to reposition Nigeria, which is the reason we are faced with the crude oil price downfall.

Stockbrokers rate market fundamentals as sound Johnson Okanlawon

T Group Brand Development and Activation Manager, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Adebayo Obarotimi (left), and Head of Marketing, Microsoft West Africa, Olumide Balogun, at the 2015 Lagos International Trade Fair’s Forum tagged: Enhancing Small and Medium Enterprises in Diversification, in Lagos, recently.

LCCI rates 2015 Lagos Trade Fair best so far Isaac Asabor

T

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has rated the just concluded 2015 Lagos International Trade Fair, LITF, as the best so far in the history of the yearly commercial event in close to three decades.

Speaking with journalists during the rounding off of the week-long event last Saturday, the Chairman of Trade Promotion Board of the LCCI, Chief Olawale Cole, attributed the success recorded at the fair to so innovative steps taken by the board to ensure hitch-free event.

According to him, some of the steps taken include, improvement in the area of sanitation where dirts that were littered on floor by exhibitors and visitors were regularly picked and quickly disposed by sanitary workers that were engaged for such purpose.

He said the innovation made dirts not to pile up at the fair before they are disposed. Similarly,

he said additional toilets were provided thus making the toilets at the TBS during the trade fair event to increase to 19 in number.

Cole also noted that all manners of hawking at the fair ground were discouraged and treated as zero-tolerance, adding that the board ensured that the 2015 trade met the standard as obtained in countries like Japan, China and England where trade fairs are organised with zero-tolerance on issues that borders on hawking, hygiene and security.

In the area of security, he pointed out that there was an improvement in the security system.

He made reference to an instant in 2014 trade fair where some miscreants where caught by security personnel, and said that same miscreants visited the just concluded trade fair ostensibly to steal but were identified by eagle-eyed security personnel at the fair and promptly arrested and handed over to the police.

According to him, the venue hosted the general interest busi-

ness-to-customer fair and exhibition and provided an ambience for business to business meeting.

The third venue , which is the old lagos prison, now known as Freedom Park hosted the Lagos Creative Industry Fair, tagged “EkoAkete” hosted exhibitors that are from the creative arts and entertainment industry from Friday, 6th to ‘Sunday 15th November, 2015. The venue was specially created to promote “art preneur” as well as hospitality.

he acting President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, has reassured both individuals and institutional investors to take advantage of the current low share uncertainties prices to beef up their portfolios.

He explained that the market had always been a barometer used to gauge the pulse of the economy, noting that the economy would pick up soon as indices of prior are fizzling out, especially, with the appointment of the new ministers.

According to him, Chief Executive Officers of quoted companies are working round the clock to ensure shareholder value.

Abe noted that due to the lull in the economy and the need to boost disposable income and meet other exigencies, many investors had dumped shares thus inducing bearish trading.

But he asserted that market fundamentals remained strong and share prices of many blue chip companies were trading below their intrinsic values. Abe urged investors to take advan-

tage of the cheap prices to increase their stakes in the quoted companies .

He explained that the prices would soon pick up. New Ministers have been sworn in, securities issues corruption are being addressed daily,the management of the Naira exchange rate is being looked into as well while the current administration would hopefully utilize the market to fund the infrastructural gap in the economy in the wake of dwindling revenue from crude oil.

Abe also said that the imnovative efforts of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Securities and Exchange Commission combined with the awareness creation by the CIS would ultimately strengthen the on-going globalization of the Exchange.

Commenting on the recent Stockbrokers’ Conference , Abe said the main target was entrepreneurs and the conference was very successful in both the form and content. He stated that the Exchange had become a major platform for entrepreneurs as the market possesses all parameters that can attract an entrepreneur.

Nigeria shoppers eagerly awaiting 2015 ‘Black Friday’ –Jumia

J

umia Nigeria has expressed its intention on taking by storm Nigerian consumers once again on the 27th of November 2015 and outshine even Alibaba’s incredible Single Day’s Sales in China.

Proof that consumers are increasingly awaiting those one-day only massive sales, Jumia Nigeria reflects back on its first 2 Black Fridays in Nigeria and prepares for the success that is going to be this year’s Black Friday on the 27th of November 2015.

Fatoumata Ba, Managing Director Jumia Nigeria declared: “Our projections for this Black Friday 2015 are surpassing anything we could have hoped for only a year ago. The traction we are observing

on Jumia for Black Friday is unprecedented, with 100 times more traffic on the website than a year ago at the same time.

“We have partnered very closely with more than 1000 brands and vendors who gladly accepted our invite to make Black Friday the biggest sale event of the year and provided us with 10,000 products guaranteed to have the best prices in Nigeria. You will be able to find the latest smartphones for the price of a blender !

“This year’s Black Friday will mark, we are certain of it, a turning point in the history of online retail in Nigeria. Get ready Nigeria, it’s going to be LE-GEN-DA-RY”, he assured

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Agric value chain financing ‘ll transform economy –Stanbic IBTC Abolaji Adebayo

T

he Head of Agriculture Finance, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Jerry Gushop, has said that efforts by the Federal Government to structurally transform the Nigerian economy would yield immediate results if the value chain development model, including value chain financing, is adopted in the agricultural sector.

Gushop made this remark during his presentation at the 2015 AgrikExpo held in Lagos recently.

In the presentation, which looked at the role of commercial banks in agriculture value chain finance, the bank chief said that agriculture represented an opportunity sector whose huge economic potential remain largely untapped.

He explained that value chain development/financing had almost become a magic formula for sustainable agricultural investments, adding that it was a whole range of activities and services required to bring a product or service from idea or input stage to the market.

According to him, the value chain model becomes necessary because it could quickly block the production and financing gap in the industry while unlocking its potential by targeting the whole range of activities in the sector.

He identified the twin problems of low agriculture productivity and paucity of required affordable financing that continued to limit to 22 per cent the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP. Gushop clarified: “It is because of the interdependence and linkages between the activities that a clear understanding of the chain, market for the final product and the various actors of the chain is important, not only for financing or investment decisions, but for developing the entire chain.

“It helps identify linkages of the small

players to the bigger economic system, so that in the end, even the small and marginalized participants also benefit. Value chain financing helps to identify where financing needs are, the different types of financing required and ways to improve access to financing”, he added.

He said that there must be a synergy between the public and the private sectors to ensure success of the model, while assuring that the bank has developed a

robust financing model that captured the various actors in the value chain, including small holder and commercial farmers.

The finance expert pointed out that the bank’s robust financing models hinged on a single over arching agric strategy of Business Bank/CIB alignment through two legs of execution to enable it capture and bank the value chain opportunities, adding that some of targeted products/services by the bank included working capital facility for

R

Gushop expressed the hope that the model would help correct the current situation whereby about 90 per cent of the agric output in the country is accounted for by small holder farmers with less than two hectares under cropping.

L-R: Regional Bank Head, Abuja 1 Regional Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, Hassan Imam; Deputy Director, Secondary Education Board, FCT, Abuja, Hajia Maryam Hassan; Principal, Government Secondary School, Mabushi, Abuja, Maikeffi Adamu (Zaki) and Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Fidelity Bank Plc, Chris Nnakwe, at the commissioning of the new state-of-the-art ICT centre donated to the school by the bank recently

Don advocates synergy of among agric stakeholders

ead of Forestry Department, University of Uyo, Dr. Eteakamba Ukpong, has advocated effective collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and research institutions

in solving the myriad of problems plaguing the agriculture sector.

He decried the situation where institutions and organizations work in isolation while attempting to solve a collective economic challenge, describing the approach as counter-productive.

duce its impact and participate to its mitigation. These questions have to be addressed through improved, environment-friendly and precise agricultural practices and new, enhanced and resilient varieties, both taking advantage of a functional diversity in the agro-ecosystems.

Recent breakthoughs in rice genomics have narrowed the gap between genetic variation and the phenotype and performance and allowed the deciphering of the function of important genes underlying agronomically relevant traits. These discoveries are being readily integrated into breeding programmes worldwide.

From September 26-28th 2016, to review these advances, the rice scientific community of Montpellier Languedoc Roussillon will host scientists from around the world at the 14th International Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics (ISRFG). Our community hosted a first successful symposium 10 years ago, in October 2006 at the Montpellier Corum, gathering around 300 scientists.

The 2016 symposium will cover recent, exciting breakthroughs in structural, functional and evolutionary rice genome biology - pushing current scientific knowledge to address the need of sustainably increasing crop yields and global food security.

Abolaji Adebayo

H

2016 Global Symposium on Rice Functional Genomics registration opens ice is the major cereal food crop which feed an increasing world population. The 7.3 billion mankind is expected to stabilize around more than 9 billion people by year 2050. The population growth will mainly occur in rice-eating countries.

The scientific community is therefore facing the challenge of providing the farmers with tools and resources that will enhance rice production while saving natural resources (water and fertilizers) in shrinking arable lands. Furthermore, this has to be achieved in a climate of increasing unstablility in which rice cultivation has to re-

commodity processing and production; loans for acquisition of agriculture fixed assets and construction of warehouses and storage facilities; amongst others.

This is just as he emphasized the futility of efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture trying to provide solutions to several problems faced by farmers, without consulting institutions that should conduct research and systematic investigation into same, establish facts, reach new conclusions and proffer appropriate recommendations for application.

Ukpong said that the dearth of information from the ministry on prevailing agricultural challenges faced by the society impelled the universities to create problems and projects, and subsequently embark on researches that are not useful for national development.

“On our shelves are research works that have been published in reputable journals, but the results of such researches do not impact directly on the society, and are consequently not useful for the growth of the agriculture sector or the development of the economy”, he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, November 20, 2015

40

Index drops 0.06% as PZ Cussons leads gainers Johnson Okanlawon

T

rading in equity continued on a negative note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, though equity market is poised for a recovery as the strength of the sell down by investors wanes.

Market capitalisation shed N46 billion to close at N9.700 trillion, lower than the drop of N62 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N9.746 trillion.

The All Share Index depreciated 0.06 per cent to close at 28,203.20 points, compared to the decline of 0.47 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 28,351.28 points.

PZ Cussons Plc led the gainers’ table with N1.25 or five per cent to close at N26.25 per share, followed

by Cadbury Nigeria Plc with 95 kobo or 4.97 per cent to close at N20.05 per share.

Portland Paints Plc

gained 18 kobo or 4.86 per cent to close at N3.88 per share, while E Tranzact Plc added 11 kobo or 4.68 per cent to close at N2.46 per share.

Air Service Plc was up seven kobo or 3.83 per cent to close at N1.90 per share.

Conversely, Oando Nigeria Plc dropped 36 kobo or 4.99 per cent to close at N6.86 per share, while Cap Plc lost N2.02 or 4.93 per cent to close at N38.93 per share.

Dangote Flour Mills Plc shed 10 kobo or 4.85 per cent to close at N1.96 kobo per share, while Ikeja Hotel Plc fell 16 kobo or 4.68 per cent to close at N3.26 per share.

Paints Manufacturing Company depreciated five kobo or 4.39 per cent to close at N1.09 per share.

A total of 174.9 million shares valued at N1.051 billion were exchanged in 2,127 deals.

UACN stock up 0.41% on new management takeover Johnson Okanlawon

T

rading in shares of UACN Plc on the Nigerian Stock Exchange got a boost as investors took position on the company.

Specifically, the company’s share rose 0.41 per cent or 11 kobo to close at N27.21 per share.

The company had on Monday announced the appointments of Mr Dan Owor Agbor as the Chairman of the company and Dr. Okechukwu John Mbonu as a Non – Executive Director following the resignation from the Board of Senator Udoma

Udo Udoma and Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, both recently appointed ministers.

Agbor, 55, is the Managing Partner of one of the leading commercial law firms in the country - Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie.

He joined the company in September 1990 until date, has had a distinguished practice in areas covering banking, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, finance, tax, and the laws relating to foreign investment.

He serves on the Board of the following companies: Chairman, FSDH Securities Limited (Member

of the Nigerian Stock Exchange); Director, FSDH Merchant Bank Limited; Director, Pensions Alliance Limited (a Pension Fund Administrator) and Director, Swift Network Services Limited.

Also, Mbonu is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a fellow of the Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers.

He is a founding partner of Execution Edge Limited, a company noted for the provision of management advisory services to medium and large scale

U

es. Allergan was down 2.5 per cent.

Investors also digested minutes from the Federal Reserve’s October meeting released on Wednesday, which hardened expectations of a December interest rate hike and hinted at a cautious approach after that.

Data yesterday appeared to support the Fed’s view of a strengthening labor market as the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell last week.

US interest rates futures implied a 72 per cent chance of a liftoff next month, up from 64 per cent on Tuesday.

“The market read through the minutes and saw this as a ‘won and done’ situation,” said Kevin Kelly, CIO of Recon Capital Partners in New York, adding that investors were not expecting the Fed to raise rates sequentially.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 3.71 points,

or 0.02 per cent, at 17,740.87, the S&P 500 was down 0.61 points, or 0.03 per cent, at 2,082.97 and the Nasdaq Composite index .IXIC was up 5.42 points, or 0.11 per cent, at 5,080.62.

Mobile payments company Square soared 64 per cent to $14.78 in its highly anticipated market debut, while Tinder-owner Match Group’s shares popped 16 per cent on their first trading day.

Salesforce was up 4.7 per cent at $80.87 after its quarterly adjusted profit beat estimates and the online sales software maker raised fullyear revenue forecast.

Keurig Green Mountain jumped 26.2 per cent to $51.12 after its quarterly results beat estimates.

Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer and Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart are slated to speak later in the day.

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N196.98 Market indicators All-Share Index 28,203.20 points Market capitalisation 9.71trn

Stock Updates

business enterprises.

He worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited, Nigerian Breweries,, Heineken International and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

While at Nigerian Breweries,, he was appointed the Human Resource Director in 1999 and the Customer Service Director in 2001.

In March 2005, he was posted to Heineken International and then to Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Freetown as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company.

US shares flat as healthcare loses nited States indexes wobbled on Thursday as healthcare stocks snapped a three-day rally after UnitedHealth cut its profit forecast, offsetting gains in technology and consumer stocks.

Dow component UnitedHealth fell 4 per cent to $112.49. The health insurer was the biggest drag on the Dow. The profit warning sent shares of peers Anthem down more than six per cent and Aetna nearly four per cent.

The S&P healthcare sector was easily the worst performer among the 10 major S&P sectors, with a 1.52 per cent decline. UnitedHealth and Pfizer weighed the most.

Pfizer was down 3.5 per cent, making it the biggest drag on the S&P, after reports that the company’s talks to buy Allergan and redomicile in Ireland were in final stag-

Source: NSE

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on the NYSE by 1,522 to 1,354. On the Nasdaq, 1,366 issues fell and 1,230 advanced.

The S&P 500 index showed 23 new 52-week highs and three new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 50 new highs and 64 new lows.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

PZ

25.00

26.25

1.25

5.00

CADBURY

19.10

20.05

0.95

4.97

PORTPAINT

3.70

3.88

0.18

4.86

ETRANZACT

2.35

2.46

0.11

4.68

AIRSERVICE

1.83

1.90

0.07

3.83

UNITYBNK

1.17

1.21

0.04

3.42

LEARNAFRCA

0.65

0.67

0.02

3.08

ASHAKACEM

22.40

23.00

0.60

2.68

AFRIPRUD

2.55

2.60

0.05

1.96

REDSTAREX

4.04

4.10

0.06

1.49

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

OANDO

7.22

6.86

-0.36

-4.99

CAP

40.95

38.93

-2.02

-4.93

DANGFLOUR

2.06

1.96

-0.10

-4.85

IKEJAHOTEL

3.42

3.26

-0.16

-4.68

PAINTCOM

1.14

1.09

-0.05

-4.39

NEIMETH

0.98

0.94

-0.04

-4.08

FCMB

1.94

1.88

-0.06

-3.09

DIAMONDBNK

2.60

2.55

-0.05

-1.92

NASCON

7.30

7.18

-0.12

-1.64

DANGSUGAR

6.30

6.20

-0.10

-1.59

FGN Bonds

Offer

Bid

Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.44

106.60

10.04

107.60

9.31

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.61

112.05

11.79

113.05

11.47

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.23

110.02

12.41

111.02

12.12

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.19

115.56

12.67

116.56

12.46

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.32

108.17

12.58

109.17

12.39

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.81 68.00

15.59

68.30

15.51

Closing Market Prices of November 19, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

18-Feb-16

3.53

3.56

WAUA

270

USD

196.98

26-May-16

6.36

6.58

EURO

214

20-Oct-16

6.59

7.01

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

Tenor

Rate (%)

SWISS FRANC

202

O/N

1.1267

POUNDS STERLING

293

1M

12.2519

3M

13.8564

SDR

273

6M

15.2488

NIBOR

The Fixings of November 19, 2015

National Mirror Friday, November 20, 2015 www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Miss Formerly known as Arowolo Formerly known and addressed Odunlami Ayoola Eunice , as EBENEZER AJAYI, now wish Maria Oluwatoyin now wishes now wishes to be known and to be known and addressed as to be known as Eniolorunda HAS KABIRUDEEN ADEMOLA address Mrs. Ajibade Ayoola Oyinlolo Rebecca. All former ADEGBITE. All former documents Eunice. All former documents documents remain valid. remain valid. Access Bank ojodu. remain valid. General public and general public please take General public take note. please take note. note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MR. NNANWUBA EDYSON, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. AMOS NWADIOGBU EDISON. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Anih Tochukwu Emmanuel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ani John. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss ADEBOYE JANET FOLASHADE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. AKOLADE JANET FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS AGBOOLA MODUPE OLA,now wish to be know and addressed as MRS OLANIYI MODUPEOLA BOLANLE,all former document remain valid.

OYO STATE TESCOM and General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME THAT BALOGUN KOLA WAHAB IS THE SAME PERSON AS BALOGUN KOLA BUSARI. THAT I NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BALOGUN KOLA WAHAB ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OKAFOR CHIKODILI EUCHARIA, now wish to be known and addressed as UMEH CHIKODILI EUCHARIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Olatunji Sarah Niniola, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeleye Olatunji Sarah Niniola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UCHENWOKE: I formerly known and address as UCHENWOKE CALISTUS , now wish to be known and address as UCHENWOKE CALISTUS CHUKWUHA. All former documents remain valid.

General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MKPUMA: I formerly known and address as MKPUMA CHRISTOPHER , now wish to be known and address as NWAORIE CHUKWUEBUKA. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ECHE: I formerly known and address as ECHE CHUKWUMA KINGSLEY , now wish to be known and address as EZIKEANYI KINGSLEY CHUKWUMA. All former documents remain valid.

General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ONAH: I formerly known and address as ONAH TOCHUKWU , now wish to be known and address as OBETTA ONYEKA HYGINUS. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, FORMALLY WISH TO STATE THAT I AM THE ONE AND THE SAME PERSON BEARING THE NAMES, SAKA AKANDE TAJUDEEN AND ADENIJI AKANDE TAJUDEEN.ALL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THIS EXCHANGE STILL REMAIN VALID,GENERAL PUBLIC,ACCESS BANK AND SKYE BANK,PLS NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ejemai Faith Olohi, now wish to be known and addressed as Faith Olohi Funso. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Irene Chizurum Ndubisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Irene Chizurum Eze. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss OGUNDELE MODUPEOLA ABOSEDE. Now AJAO MODUPEOLA ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. Mosan Okunola LCDA and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and address as ANIKPE ABUCHI LYNDA, now OMELIKAM ESTHER MMADUABUCHI,former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MRS ROSE UDO now wish to be known and addressed as MISS SYLVESTER ROSE UWANA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AYINDE RAMON, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO AYINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Abimbola Egbeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Abimbola AbdurRahman Lekki. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Mr. David Chinedu Monday, now mr Ugama Chinedu Monday.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EKATA: I formerly known and address as MISS EKATA PAUL JULIET , now wish to be known and address as MRS CHIEDOZIE JULIET CHIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EZEANI: I formerly known and address as EZEANI OBUMNEME , now wish to be known and address as JOHN CHUKUS. All former documents remain valid.

General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AGBO: I formerly known and address as AGBO CHIDI EMEKA, now wish to be known and address as EZUGWU JOSEPH AZUBUIKE. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AGBOOLA ABIMBOLA OLUWASEUN, Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ADEYEMI ABIMBOLA OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Alaka Emeka Okorie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Olaka Emeka Okorie. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adamu muhammad, now wish to be known and addressed as Adamu Goni Muhammad Ali. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerlly called and addressed as MOHAMMED SANI GARBA. Now wish to be called and addressed as AKILU AHMED. All former documents remain valid.

Concern Authority and General Public Should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ANIAGBOSO CHIDIMMA SCHOLASTICA, now EZEKANNAGHA CHIDIMMA SCHOLASTICA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MR JAMES SATURDAY ODEODESHEMI now wish to be known and addressed as MR AYO FRANCIS OMOKOGBO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AMAECHI NNOLI, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. EJIKE AMAECHI JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid.

Access Bank and general public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name is Mrs. Soyemi Mabel Oluwatoyin not Mrs. Shoneye Mabel Oluwatoyin.

General public, First Bank, UBA and LAPO FIN. Should Take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Mr. Olubiyi Talabi now Mr Talabi Olalekan Michael.

All former documents remain valid.

Skye Bank Plc General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IFEANYI: I formerly known and address as IFEANYI JOSEPH MICHAEL , now wish to be known and address as ONYEAKARUSI IFEANYI JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OGUNDE: I formerly known and address as OGUNDE EMEKA PHILIP, now wish to be known and address as UDEAGU EMEKA PHILIP. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is To Confirm That ILOH CHRISTIAN KENECHI is The Same Person As ILODUBA CHRISTIAN KENECHI. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Okwudiri Stanley Chukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Okwudiri Stanley Christopher. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

41 CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ZAKE VIVIAN ABUO, now wish to be known and addressed as ODU VERONICA ABUO. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Yusuf Ijebor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Oni Yusuf Charles. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ossai Rhoda Onyebuchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ossai Precious Onyebuchi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerlly called and addressed as AHMED ABBAS. Now wish to be called and addressed as SADIQ HARUNA. All former documents remain valid. Kebbi State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and General Public Should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and address as SHAIBU SAID now ALI SHUAIBU SAIDU, All former documents remain valid.

Zenith Bank and general public note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

To confirm that I am one and same person bearing JOSPHAT HELEN IFEANYI and OBAZI HELEN IFEANYI as obtainable in some of my documents CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ADAMS AMOPE MORIAM, now wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZ AMOPE MORIAM. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr. OLUNDEGUN LAWAL SAHEED now wish to be known and addressed as Mr OLUNDEGUN SAHEED OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME NWACHUKWU: I formerly known and address as NWACHUKWU SIMEON JOHN, now wish to be known and address as NWACHUKWU O. EGWU. All former documents remain valid.

General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EZENWOBODO: I formerly known and address as EZENWOBODO EBUKA CELESTINE, now wish to be known and address as EZENWOBODO CHUKWUEBUKA CELESTINE. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is To Confirm That OZOR CASMIR AMAECHI is The Same Person As OZOR AMAECHI Now Wish To Be Known As AMAECHI EMEBOZOR. All former documents remain valid.

General Public to take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is To Confirm That MISS EGWUONWU MARYTHERESA UKAMAKA is The Same Person As EGWUONWU DESTINY AMAKA Now Wish To Be Known As MRS OBIORAH MARYTHERESA UKAMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Umoh Sunday Effiong, now wish to be known and addressed as Sunday Innocent Benedict.

All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AFOLAYAN AYO BAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLAYAN JOHN OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Ugbosanmi Oluwagheyinmi Oluwasemilogo now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Ugbosanmi Gheyinmi Glory. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ABASIAMA ANIEKAN AKPANSUNG, now wish to be known and addressed as NSIKAK ANIEKAN AKPANSUNG. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly know and addressed as FOYAKE JANET FOLASADE, now wish to be know and addressed as MRS OLADIPUPO JANET FOLASADE, all former document remain valid. OSUN STATE PENSION BOARD(TESCOM),U.B.A LTD and the General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that I, Anyaele friday Otah,is the same person as Anyaele friday Robertcollyns.All former documents remain valid.

ECOBANK PLC,ACCESS BANK PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MRS. AJIBOLA. FOLASHADE,CHRISTIANA. now wish to be known and addressed as MRS .AJIBOLA DAVID FOLASHADE. .All former documents remain valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MRS ADEKUNLE MODUPE MOTUNRAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEFALA MODUPE MOTUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OSALUWA: I formerly known and addressed as MISS OSALUWE JANE NKECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBOH JANE NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OGARAMA: I formerly known and address as MISS IFEOMA MAUREEN OGARAMA , now wish to be known and address as MRS IFEOMA MAUREEN UYAMMADU. All former documents remain valid. General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Babatunde Olufunke Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Laniya Olufunke Abiola. All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. LAWAL MONSURAT OLUWAFUNKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEKEYE MONSURAT OLUWAFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Okoh Prince, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Okoh Ejike Ernest. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs TOKUNBO TAWA ARIWODOLA now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. TOKUNBO TAWA ADEWOYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly know and addressed as ORIAKHILI BLESSING AUBO,now wish to be know and addressed as JIMOH BLESSING AUBO,all former document remain valid UBA PLC and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNRINDE, HELLEN OLUFUNKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLOTU, HELLEN OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SEASON ZURUSON. now wish to be known and addressed as NWAZURU SEASON IHEANACHO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm to the general public that I,LATIFU NIMATA IYABO IS SAME PERSON LATEEF NIMATA IYABO as contained in some documents. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Ade Michael now Oyeniyi Abidemi Azeez.

All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EBUBECHUKWU: I formerly known and address as MISS EBUBECHUKWU EBERE EUCHARIA, now wish to be known and address as MRS UDEH EUCHARIA EBERE. All former documents remain valid.

General Public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ADEMOLA: Formerly known and addressed as MARK ISRAEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEMOLA ISRAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE UNITED FRIENDS CLUB UKWUANI, NIGERIA This is to inform the General Public that the above named mission has applied for Registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

Trustees: 1 GAVIN ONYEKA EMUMAH – PRESIDENT 2 OBAIZAMOMWAN OSARA OSAYUWA -VICE PRISEDENT 3 CHUKUSA IFEANYI –SECRETARY 4 IFEANYI OKUDIBIE – FINACIAL SECRETARY 5 AGHANENU BENJAMIN – TREASURER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1 To foster peace, unity and love amongst members in particulars and the society at large.

2 To develop constructive leadership, and personal integrity.

3 To coordinate effort at achieving a better life for the members and nation at large.

4 To promote members welfare.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar–General, Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication..

SINGED : Mr Gavin Onyeka Enumah President

42

Friday, November 20, 2015

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm to that I am one and the same person bearing AIYEOLOWO OMOLASHO, AIYEOLOWO BUNMI IBILAYO OMOLASHO, AIYEOLOWO OMOLASHO GIFT, AIYEOLOWO BUNMI ABIGEL, AIYEOLOWO BUNMI IBILAYO as obtainable in some of my documents remain valid. , First Bank Unity bank, F.C.M.B, U.B.A., G.T.B., Skybank and General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that PRECIOUS ISAAC is the same one person as OGAGA PRECIOUS ISAAC. That henceforth wish to be known, called and addressed as OGAGA PRECIOUS ISAAC. All former documents remain valid. Authorities’ concerned and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and called Ruth Yuwel, now wish to be known and called Ruth V. Daniel, all former documents remain valid, the general public to atke note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and called Musa Dankade Piyau, now wish to be known and called Ahmed Bello, all former documents remain valid, the general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ANI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANI ANASTASIA CHINWE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNAJI ANASTASIA CHINWE. All former documents remain valid.

PPSMB First Bank, UBA, UNN, and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IGWEKAMMA: I, formerly known as IGWEKAMMA SOMTOCHUKWU MALACHY, now wish to be known and addressed as IGWEKAMMA BASIL EMEKA. All former documents still remain valid.

General Public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OLIVER CHINASA IKEDIASOR, now wish to be known and addressed as OLIVER CHINASA ABOKIGBO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Chyke Ezimorah, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Iyke Innocent Ezimorah.

All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known, called and addressed as Lalal Yana (Mrs.), now wish to be known, called and addressed as Asimiya Irimiya Yagana (Mrs.). All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

This is to certified that Ojo Christianah Abiola is the same one person as Ebo Ayodele Funmilayo, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Ebo Ayodele Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH OJO OSAS, now wishes to be known and addressed as documents

OJIE. All former remain

valid.

The

general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SULE: I, formerly known and addressed as SULE OLUTOYE EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL OLUTOYE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME KADIRI: Formerly known and addressed as KADIRI SULAIMON AYINLA now wish to be known and addressed as QUADRI SULAIMON AYINLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

EZE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZE MARGARET NGOZI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AYOUNAGHAN MARGARET NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. PPSMB Enugu, First Bank, UBA Plc, and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I popularly called SAMUEL KANAYO has my real name as INNOCENT ANI ONOH. All other former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, UBA and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OSENI YUSUF, now wish to be known and addressed as OUZEIRU YUSUF. .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL ERHAIGHEWU, now wish to be known and addressed EMMANUEL AIREN.All former documents remain valid .General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Hunsu Vincent, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Atoungbe Houetehou Atoe. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

This is to notify the general public and cooperate Organization that OLOWOJOBA OLA SUNDAY is the same person as OLOWOJOBA OLAKUSIBE SUNDAY. All former documents & ids bearing the names refers to the same person. Authority concerned please take note.

OLORUNDA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

OKONKWO: I; formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO NZUBE EGENE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OKONKWO IGINETUS NZUBECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to confirm to the general public that I, Akintayo Rasaki Abiodun is the same person as Jacob Abiodun Aremu. Access Bank PLC and general public take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

This is to certified that Adewuyi Victor Joyful is the same one person as Adewuyi Victor, that henceforth wish to be addressed and known as Adewuyi Victor. All former documents remain valid, Osun State Polytechnic Iree and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that the name OLLA OLUKEMI is the same as OLADOYINBO OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME CHIGOZIE : Formerly known and addressed as MR CHIGOZIE LIVINUS ANYAOHA now wish to be known and addressed as MR DAMIAN LIVINUS IZUNNA. .All former documents remain valid. General public take note..

CHANGE OF NAME 1,Formerly known and addressed as Salami Alirat Ibidun, now wish to be known and addressed as Kataye, Yanjue Alirat . All documents remain valid. General public to take note.

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

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Abu Rukayat Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Abu Rukayat Ope. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AHMED: I formerly known and addressed as AHMED ALIMI. Now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED ALI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME KASSIDY: I, formerly known and addressed as VICTOR IKENNA KASSIDY now wish to be known and addressed as UGWU VICTOR IKENNA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and called Adama Solomon Shehu, now wish to known and addressed Adama Ali, all former documents remain valid, the general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OKORO: I, formerly known and addressed as OKORO OSITADINMA SAMSON now wish to be known and addressed as OKORO OSITA SAMSON All former documents remain valid.

UBA and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AMOBI: I, formerly known as MISS. AMOBI GRACE NKEMDILIM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKEKPE GRACE NKEMDILIM. All former documents still remain valid. General Public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Benebo Npakaboari Owunari, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Owunari Thaddeus. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OJEIH OLUBUKOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEPITAN OLUBUKOLA BOLAJI. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Agulue Jane now wish to be known and addressed as Opara Jane Amarachi .

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Amaka Kate Nkechi Amauchukwu now wish to be known and addressed as Amaka Kate Nkechi Robinson. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I. formerly known and addressed as OSAS PRINCE OSAIJHUWOMWAN, now wish to be known and addressed as OSAYEMWENRE OSAIKHUWOMWAN. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS. AHONKHAI OLUREMI FOLASHADE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. HAMZAT OLUREMI FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

OGAH: I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHRISTY EVUAR HERHE OGAH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHRISTY EVUARHERHE ERUEMU. All former documents remain valid. First bank plc, Diamond bank plc and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EMEDO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EMEDO ANTHONIA AFURUCHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGOCHUKWU ANTHONIA AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IBEH: I, formerly known as IBEH IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as IBEMERE IFEOMA PERPETUA. All former documents still remain valid.

General Public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyeyemi Deborah Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Makinde Deborah Abiola. All former documents remain valid, general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Hassan Bimpe now wish to be known and addressed as Adelekan Esther Adebimpe. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as EBIKEMOR AWORUNSE, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBABURU ELVIS EBIKESEYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKAFOR: I, formerly known and addressed as MADUEKWE OKAFOR RITA EBELE, now wish to be known and addressed as MADUEKWE SANDRA NKECHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EJIOFOR: I, formerly known as EJIOFOR STANLEY ONYEDIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as EJEFOR STANLEY ONYEDIKA. All former documents still remain valid. General Public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS LAWAL OLUSEYE YETUNDE. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. SIMEON-MABADEJE OLUSEYE YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Idris Temitope Temilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Sulaimon Adamo Omolabake.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MICHAEL JOHN SEYI, now wish to be known and addressed as MICHAEL SOLOMON SEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Warrant Officer (Rtd) Bayode Olowonubi, now wish to be known and addressed as Olubayode Olowonubi Clement.

All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Defence Military Pension Board, Union Bank and General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Oussa Isidor Lucky, now wish to be known and addressed as Wusa Isidor Tadagbe. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MRS. AMODU OLASUNKANMI KUDIRAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONAFOWOKAN OLASUNKANMI KUDIRAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

This is to notify the general public that I, AJISAFE KAZEEM is the same person as KAZEEM SAKA ADIKUN. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank and general public take note.

This is to notify the the general public that John Tombari is the same person as Deh Tombari John. All former documents remain valid. UBA Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

This is to certified that Olatunji Sakirat Titilope is the same one person as Gbadegesin Iyabo Taiwo, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Gbadegesin Iyabo Taiwo.

All former documents remain valid, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and general public should please take note.

This is to certified that Afolabi Sunday Ojo is the same one person as Afolabi Daniel Sunday, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Afolabi Daniel Sunday.

All former document remain valid, general public should please take note .

This is to certified that Nifaji Yidiat Omorilewa is the same one person as Shittu Yidiat Omorilewa, that henceforth wish to be called and known as Shittu Yidiat Omorilewa. All former documents remain valid, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Wema Bamk Plc and general public should please take note

This is to certified that Salawudeen Babatunde Olatoke is the same one person as Salawu Jamiu Olatoke, that henceforth wish to be addressed and called as Salawu Jamiu Olatoke. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as HENSHAW MARTIN, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINSEMOYI ADEOLA DOLAPO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Ezenwane Gladys Ogochukwu , now wishes to be known and addressed as Okoli Gladys Ogochukwu . All former documents remain valid. The general public, please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ADENIKE: I formerly known and addressed as SALAMI KEMI RASHIDAT, now wish to be known and addressed as SALAMI KUDIRAT ADENIKE All former documents remain valid.

The general public please take note.

CHINENYE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS ONWUGBUFOR MARY CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ileka Mary Chinenye. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Simon Chinaemele Okorie now wish to be known and addressed as Simon Chinaemele Chukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION/ CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, KINGSLEY IKECHUKWU EZE and IKECHUKWU NZE refer to one and the same person. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to confirm to the general public that i, ODEKU OLAJUMOKE OMOLOLA and GARBADEEN OLAJUMOKE OMOLOLA, are referred to as one person , now wish to be known and addressed as GARBADEEN –ODEKU OLAJUMOKE OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that I, SHAIBU ISAH OCHABE and SHAIBU ISAH refer to one and the same person. All former documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BADIRY : Formerly known and addressed as MR BADIRY ADEWALE now wish to be known and addressed as MR BADIRU ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME NNAELOKA: Formerly known and addressed as MARTIN OBUNIKE NNAELOKA now wish to be known and addressed as ELIJAH .A. LUKOSI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

POPOOLA:Formerly known and addressed as MISS POPOOLA ABIKE MARTHA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SHOKOYA-OLAYINKA ABIKE MARTHA.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

IKUMAPAYI: I, formerly known and addressed as IKUMAPAYI OLUYINKA TOPE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JAIYEOLA OLUYINKA TOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that I, EGBE STELLA OGECHI is one and the same person known, called and addressed as CECILIA EGBE. That all documents bearing the two names are mine and valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AYINDE: : Formerly known and addressed as MISS AYINDE ABIDEMI OLUWATOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FATUGA ABIDEMI OLUWATOYIN. .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Ayofe Rukayat Amoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Ayofe Lateefat Abike. All documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKPAN: I, formerly known and addressed as UDUAK AKPAN (MISS) now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. SAMUEL UDUAK PROMISE. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Organization should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Olagbinyan Atinuke, now wish to be known and addressed as Olasupo Atinuke Anike.

All documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I, Mr. Amusa Azeez Ayinla is one and same person known, called and addressed as Lukman Oseni as appeared on my documents. That all documents bearing the two names are mine and rendered valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IKE: I, formerly known and addressed as CHIKA CHIPISON IKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHIKA IKECHUKWU DEMION. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME DENNIS: I, formerly known and addressed as DENNIS CHIBUIKE GODSPOWER, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MGBOROGWU CHUKWUBIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ndubuisi Catherine Chidimma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Uzuh Catherine. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to notify the general public that I, JUNAID OLASUNKANMI ISIAKA is the same person as BAKARE OLASUNKANMI ISIAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Adeleye Funmilayo Dorcas. Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faniyi Funmilayo Dorcas. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OGAH: I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHRISTY EVUARHERHE OGAH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHRISTY EVUARHERHE ERUEMU. All former documents remain valid. First bank plc, Diamond bank plc and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Adelusi Olusegun Oluwole now wish to be known and addressed as Adewusi Oluwole Olumide. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaiya Mayowa Atinuke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Iseku Mayowa Atinuke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that my names were wrongly spelt in some documents as CHRISTANA DANIEL TOM, while my correct names are SARAH SUNDAY SAMPSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME DURODOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as DURODOLA TENIFAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DURODOLA ZAINAB JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AJIBOGUN: I, formerly known and addressed as CHRISTIANA OLUBIMPE AJIBOGUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHRISTIANA OLUBIMPE AJIBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

Globacom, GTB & general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ABDULAHI: Formerly known and addressed as NURA ABDULAHI now wish to be known and addressed as NURA ABDULMUTALLIB. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SARAH: Formerly known and addressed as MISS SARAH EDI UFOT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SARAH EDI RICHARD CHUDE-ONYEKELU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly called and addressed as ABUBAKAR MOHAMMED. Now wish to be called and addressed as MOHAMMED GARBA. All former documents remain valid.

Concern Authority and General Public Should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly called and addressed as BILYAMINI MOHAMMED. Now wish to be called and addressed as BILYA DANTILA. All former documents remain valid. Concern Authority, Diamond Bank and General Public Should take note.

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Friday, November 20, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Amadi Victor Ekene, now wish to be known and addressed as Amechi Victor Basil. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as OZIEGBE SAMUEL OKOSUN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AYEMERE OMOZOKPIA SAMUEL. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

FORMELY AJAYI B A B A J I D E OLUWASEGUN NOW ADEMOLA TUNJI FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known, called and addressed as OBAZUAYE BUHARI BRIGHT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ORIADE BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public and authorities concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Adebola Rasaq Ola now wish to be known and addressed as Mabinuola Adedeji Adebola.

All former documents remain valid. Uba bank and General public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Badejo Olabisi Kikelomo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akinbode Olabisi Kikelomo.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME This is to notify the general public that Hope Etim Archibong and Idorenyin Etim Archibong is one and the same person. All former document bearing the names above are all valid. Institutions and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EBALUKHE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS GLORY EBALUKHE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. GLORIA OMO’S ORUKPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

CHANGE OF NAME TAIWO: Formerly known and addressed as MISS FUNMILAYO SAMUEL now wish to be known and addressed as MISS FUNMILAYO TAIWO SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EBENEZER: Formerly known and addressed as ISRAEL EBENEZER now wish to be known and addressed as MR OWOLABI KEHINDE EBENEZER. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly called and addressed as YAHAYA AMINU. Now wish to be called and addressed as YAHAYA ISIAKA. All former documents remain valid. Concern Authority, Diamond Bank and General Public Should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that MR.MUJIB AYODELE OSENI is also the same person known and addressed as MR.MUJIB ALAO OSENI or MR. ABDUL-MUJIB AYINLA OSENI .All former documents remain vaild.The general please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Uzoh Kingsley Chigbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Uzuh Kingsley Okana. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as YEKINNI ADIJAT OMOJOKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ODUFUWA ADIJAT OMOJOKE. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY MISS OYETUNJI OLUWABUKOLA GRACE NOW MRS EMMANUEL OLUWABUKOLA GRACE FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Orebajo Temitope Seun now wish to be known and addressed as Dabiri Adeboye. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Raheem Zainab now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olawale Zainab. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Akor Samuel Gowon is the same person known and addressed as Akor Micheal Momoh. All former documents remain valid. First bank, Access bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

IMUETIYAN: I, formerly known and addressed as MR. IMUETIYAN EHI GEORGE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MR. SOLARIN EHI GEORGE . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EZEMA: I, formerly known and addressed as EZEMA SUNDAY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NGWOKE SIMON CHUKS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

UGBOKE: I, formerly known and addressed as UGBOKE EHIC GODDY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OIBOH EHIC GODDY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKINWALE: Formerly known and addressed as ALEX AKINWALE now wish to be known and addressed as ALEX AKINYELE ADE. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FUNMILOLA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS FAUSAT GANIYU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FAUSAT FUNMILOLA GANIYU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME USMAN: Formerly known and addressed as HABIBA USMAN now wish to be known and addressed as HABIBA BELLO. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank, EcoBank and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ODIANOSE: Formerly known and addressed as ODIANOSE BLESSING OSAGIE now wish to be known and addressed as CHRISTOPHER BLESSING OSAGIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omolabake Bukola Jegede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omolabake Bukola Yusuf. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Abbey Smith is thesame as Akinjole Temitope Rachael.

All Former Documents Remain Valid. First Bank Plc & General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known as Ade Michael, now Oyeniyi Abidemi Azeez.

All Former Documents Remain Valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Usman Idris Umar now wish to be known and addressed as Buhari Saleh. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayodele Adijat Bukola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Awosika Oluwabukola Sekemi. All former documents remain valid. First bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ahile Terfa Michael is the same person known and addressed as Terfa Ahile Mbayion. All former documents remain valid . Uba bank and genenal public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

NWANKWOR: I, formerly known and addressed as STELLA NWANKWOR, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IRENE EBERE OSIGWE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME WILLIAMS: Formerly known and addressed as WILLIAMS OLUWATOBI ONO now wish to be known and addressed as CHUCKS OKOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as JAMES EMEM IMAOBONG, now wish to be known and addressed as EFFIONG EMEM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Mr. David Chinedu Monday, now wish to be known as Mr. Ugama Chinedu Monday all former documents remain valid General public note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as Maduka Dorathy Nkiru, now Oraekie Patience Nkechi. All Former documents remain valid.

Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Somuyiwa Sekinat Bukola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Gbadebo Sekinat Bukola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AJILORE ADEOLA OPEYEMI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. SODIYA ADEOLA OPEYEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly SILAS SOLOMON and SILAS SUNDAY remain as SILAS SOLOMON. All former documents remain valid.General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKON: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS JANET ISONG OKON, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. JANET ETIDO ANTHONY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

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

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Haruna Bolatito Omowunmi Ganiyat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajibade Bolatito Omowunmi Ganiyat.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MUDASEER: Formerly known and addressed as MUDASEER MUHAMMED now wish to be known and addressed as MUDATHIR MUHAMMAD. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME JOY: Formerly known and addressed as JOY SANI now wish to be known and addressed as SANI SALOME. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NKEM: Formerly known and addressed as AWAZIEAMA IJEOMA NKECHI NKEM now wish to be known and addressed as NNOPU IJEOMA NKECHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that OLUFUNKE OLUKAYODE is the same person as OLUFUNKE OPALEYE but now wish to be known and addressed as OLUFUNKE OPALEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME EMMANUEL: Formerly known and addressed as ALICE MOSES AREO now wish to be known and addressed as ALICE EMMANUEL MOSES AREO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

AKUKIBI: Formerly known and addressed as MR GODWIN JOHN AKUKIBI now wish to be known and addressed as MR GODFREY JOSEPH. All documents, records and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Abbey Smith is thesame as Akinjole Temitope Rachael.

All Former Documents Remain Valid. First Bank Plc & General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Known and addressed as chukwuma chukwu, is the same person as Eneanya chukwuka benjamin now wish to be known and addressed as Eneanya chukwuka benjamin.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME OSAWARU: I formerly known and addressed as OSAWARU EHIZOGIE ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBONGIATOR EHIZOGIE ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as Miss IBIYEYE IBUKUN MODUPE now wish to be called Mrs POPOOLA IBUKUN MODUPE.All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly called ADEWALE SANYA henceforth wish to be addressed as ALEBIOSU SANYA T. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as SILAS IBRAHIM and ISAH BALA henceforth wish to be known and remain as ISAH BALA. All former documents remain valid.

Access bank(plc)and Zenith(plc)and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

IFUDU: I, formerly known and addressed as IFUDU SUNDAY IKENNA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IFUDU SAMUEL IKENNA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ABAR: Formerly known and addressed as ABAR ALIYU ADAMU now wish to be known and addressed as YARANG ADAMU LUCKY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME HAMMED: Formerly known and addressed as KAHINDE HAMMED MEDINA now wish to be known and addressed as KAHINDE MEDINA MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

MARIA: Formerly known and addressed as MARIA NGO NWOSU now wish to be known and addressed as NGOZI NWOSU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE LOVECARE CHILD CENTER OBINZE OWERRI, IMO STATE. THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CENTER HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. CHIEF MRS LAURETTA MADU - PRESIDENT 2. CHIEF MRS ROSE ANYANWU - VICE PRESIDENT. 3. BARR. IHEANYI ACHONYE - SECRETARY. 4. MS. JULIE NGOZI NWOSU - MEMBER 5. REV. FR. JUSTIN DIKE - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. TO TAKE CARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN. 2. TO PROVIDE SUCCOR TO THE ORPHANS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE ABOVE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. IHEANYI ACHONYE 08034446820

National Mirror

44

Friday, November 20, 2015 www.nationalmirroronline.net CHANGE OF NAME

ADEMOLA: Formerly known and addressed as MARK ISRAEL now wish to be known and addressed as ADEMOLA ISRAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MOMODU: Formerly known and addressed as MOMODU AWENI now wish to be known and addressed as DAUDA AWE..All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME DESMOND: Formerly known and addressed as DESMOND CHIJIOKE DESMOND now wish to be known and addressed as ERUKWE CHIJIOKE LUCKY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ERIC Formerly known and addressed as ERIC WOLA now wish to be known and addressed as NAVO ERIC .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mr Ganiyu Esan Onigbide now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Esan Ganiyu Idowu. all former documents remain valid.

Ecobank and General public to please take note.

Formerly and addressed as Miss Joda Gaji now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Iloyanomon Joda Salihu. All former documents remain valid.

First bank, Union bank and the general public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ITONE: Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY ITONE now wish to be known and addressed as DANIEL SUNDAY BASSEY.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME SUNDAY: Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY CHUKWUKA OKPALA now wish to be known and addressed as IFEAKOR DAVID .All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

GLORIA :Formerly known and addressed as GLORIA ADAIGWE NWAMAN now wish to be known and addressed as OWUAMANAM GLORIA ADA.All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as DANJUMA SALISU GEORGE, now wish to be called and addressed as SAMUEL DANJUMA GEORGE ODEY .

All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Ogunjobi Tosin Sandra is one and same person as Tosin George henceforth which to be known and addressed as Tosin George All former documents bearing those names remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IDIMAOGU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IDIMAOGU UZOAMAKA JOAN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZUMA UZOAMAKA JOAN All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ROANYA : Formerly known as Miss Iroanya Nwamaka now wish to be known as Mrs Okoli Nwamaka Vivian.

All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UGWOKE : Formerly known as Ugwoke Sylvester now wish to be known as Obuchi Sylvester. All former documents remain valid.

Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ALISIGWE : Formerly known as Alisigwe Ebere Ruth now wish to be known as Ayanugo Ebere Ruth. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Banks and public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UGBORO: I, formerly known and addressed as UDOH G. UGBORO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MATTHEW UGWURU AGBO. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME TEMITOPE:Formerly known and addressed as MISS OMOLEWU MARY TEMITOPE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALEMU MARY TEMITOPE. .All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADIO.: Formerly known and addressed as ADIO ABDULGANIU MICHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as SULAIMON ABDULGANIU ADEYINKA ..All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Samuel Richard, now wish to be known and addressed as Samuel Monday Yenukume. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OSENI ADEYEMI OTIKI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMI AJIBADE OTIKI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME .ASEKOMHE: Formerly known and addressed as OMONEGHO GRACE ASEKOMHE now wish to be known and addressed as OMONEGHO GRACE OYEDELE..

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ENUKORAH Formerly known and addressed as ENUKORAH EBERE SAMUEL now wish to be known and addressed as NWAKAIBEYA EBERE ADADA..

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEDOYIN; Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEDOYIN MOTUNRAYO JUDITH,Now wish to know ans addressed MRS OLORUNDARE MOTUNRAYO JUDITH.The general public take note.

OKIM : Formerly known and addressed as OKIM MONDAY now wish to be known and addressed as OVAT MOSES INYANG.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Oweisi Hosanna Elaebi ,now wish to be called and addressed as Hosanna Elaebi Noble~AMADI. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

That my name was wrongly written as Nwabude Godfrey Chukwuebuka instead of Nwabude Godwin Chosen.

All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKINTADE; Formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINTADE VERONICA FOLAYEMI, now wish to know ans addressed MRS OMOSUYI VERONICA FOLAYEMI. Adekunle Ajasin University,Akungba-Akoko and the general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Bankole Omowunmi Ayoni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olasogba Omowunmi Ayoni. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Dada Temitope Grace now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adewumi Temitope Grace all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Molemdile Yemisi Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Oyewole Yemisi Esther. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ADUNOLA; Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADUNOLA OLUWATOSIN BEDEMI ,now wish to know and addressed MRS BAMIDELE OLUWATOSIN BIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Bankole Omolola Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olorunfunmi Omolola Victoria. All former documents remain valid. Orile Agege LCDA and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Adeoye Abiola Felicia now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adedoyin Abiola Felicia all former documents remain valid Wema bank PLC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ANEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as ANEKE CHARITY NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as OZOANI EVELYN NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ATUANYA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ATUANYA KOSISOCHUKWU GOODNESS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKEKE KOSISOCHUKWU GOODNESS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKANYA : Formerly known as Miss Akanya Onyinye Obianozo now wish to be known as Mrs Onwuemelie Onyinye Obianozo. All former documents remain valid.

Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OSEMEKA : Formerly known as Osemeka Chineze Christne now wish to be known as Chiotu Chineze Christne.

All former documents remain valid.

Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UMEH : Formerly known as Umeh Ogochukwu Christiana now wish to be known as Ezekwueme Ogochukwu Christiana. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKOYE : Formerly known as Okoye Nkiru Augusta now wish to be known as Ilo Christian Nkiru Augusta.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC and public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as NWOKOCHA MARY OBIOMA Now wish to be known and addressed as OKEANU MARY ISRAEL all former document remains valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UCHE : Formerly known as Uche Jonathan Sunday now wish to be known as Ogbonne Jonathan Ogudu.

All former documents remains valid. Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME ONWUBUARIRI : Formerly known as Miss Onwubuariri Chisom C. now wish to be known as Mrs Onyekachi Ifeanyichukwu Chisom. All former documents remain valid. Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mohammed Agye Eladoga, now wish to be known and addressed as Musa Amadu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AJADI; Formerly known and addressed as AJADI NAYIMU, now wish to know and addressed AJADI NOHEEM OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Balogun Fadekemi Omoshalewa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odeyemi Fadekemi Omoshalewa.

All documents remain valid. First Bank, Orile Agege LCDA and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Odutayo Idowu Omolara now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Banjo Idowu Omolara all former documents remain valid OOU Staff School Ago Iwoye and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to inform the general public that EMMANUEL NNENNA GRACE & GRACE AGBAI refers as one person but now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL NNENNA GRACE all former documents remains valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to inform the general public GOODLUCK IFEOMA ALOZIE & GOODLUCK IHUOMA ALOZIE refers as one person but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. GOODLUCK IFEOMA ALOZIE all former documents remains valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OGBONNA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBONNA IFEYINWA BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OHIRI IFEYINWA BLESSING. .All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME ADEFUNKE : Formerly known and addressed as ADEFUNKE AYINLA Inow wish to be known and addressed as ADEFUNKE OLATOYOSI AYINLA. All former documents remain valid.

LMLGEA, SUBEB, CRUSADER PENSION, UBA Plc. and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME FANIRAN:Formerly known and addressed as Mr. FANIRAN, Temitope Oluwafemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. OLUWANIRAN, Temitope Oluwafemi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that I, Suraj Adamu Mohammed is one and same person as Suraj Adamu Aje now Suraj Adamu Mohammed.

All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public to take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Akeem Mosunmola Rasheedat now wish to be known and addressed as mrs Akinola Mosunmola Rasheedat.

All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akanbi Aderonke Omobolanle now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Famotele Aderonke Darasimi O. All former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Oluguna Abosede Folashade now wish to be known and addressed as miss Arisu Abosede Folashade all former documents remain valid and general public take note .

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Adeneye Serifat Oluwatoyin is one and same person as shabi Serifat Oluwatoyin henceforth which to be known and addressed as Adeneye Serifat Oluwatoyin.

All former documents remain valid Eco bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME UCHE: I, formerly known and addressed as SMAUEL EZEH UCHE now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL EZEH NDUBUISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as OKORIE BENJAMIN CHIOMA I.J. Now wish to be known and addressed as BENJAMIN CHIOMA ROSELINE all former document remains valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Miss Adeleke Victoria Iyabode now Mrs Akintokunbo Victoria Iyabode.

All former documents remain valid ,TESCOM ,Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Orji Ifeanyi Paulinus now wish to be known and addressed as Austin Ifeanyi Paulinus all former documents remain valid and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Sikiru Lukmon, now wish to be known and addressed as Adisa Oluwatosin. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as MISS CHINONYEREM UGOALA Now wish to be known as MRS. IWUNZE UGOALA all former document remains valid general public take note.

Formerly known as AHMMED SULE, now wish to be known as SULE SOLOMON. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OKOYE: Formerly known and addressed as OKOYE UGOCHUKWU SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as ONWURAH UGOCHUKWU SUNDAY All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ROTIMI; Formerly known and addressed as ROTIMI BOSE, now wish to be known as ADEMOLA ELIZABETH RONKE FULANI. All former documents remain valid. The general public take note.

Formerly known as Miss Olakinye Evelyn Tomike, now to be known as Mrs Fabiku Esther Tomike. All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ANANUBA : Formerly known and addressed as CHIDIMMA VIVIAN ANANUBA now wish to be known and addressed as CHIDIMMA VIVIAN UKEJI .All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

FASUNLADE; Formerly known and addressed as MISS FASUNLADE BUNMI BEATRICE, now wish to be know and addressed as MRS FAGITE BUNMI BEATRICE. All former documents remain valid. Federal University of Technology Akure and general public take note.

CHUKWUJEKWU : formerly known as Chukwujekwu Ruben Egbeji now wish to be known as Chukwujekwu Ruben Alakor. All former documents remain valid.

Public take note.

Formerly Miss OLUWAFUNKE ADERINSOLA ADENIRAN, now Mrs. OLUWAFUNKE ADERINSOLA AGBELUSI. All former documents remain valid .General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME AKINFOLARIN: : Formerly known and addressed as BOSE AKINFOLARIN now wish to be known and addressed as BOSE ADEYEMI..All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oga Marian Omenoghene , now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oluwadare Marian Omenoghene.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME MICHEAL: I, formerly known and addressed as MICHEAL TOCHUKWU THANKGOD, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOFOR GODWILL CHUKWUKELU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Semeton Samuel Bankole, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Otetan Samuel.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known as UCHENNA NGOZIKA Now wish to be known as UCHENNA N. OKWUOSA all former document remains valid general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly Miss Osowe Temitope Blessing now Mrs Adeboyewa Temitope Blessing. All former documents remain valid ,Local govt. Service commission,Ondo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Ogunyinka Ololade Akanji now wish tobe addressed as Ogunyinka Ololade Jacob. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Fayomi Oluwabukunmi Ruth now wish to be known and addressed as Oyenubi Oluwabukunmi Ruth.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Fed Cup: Akwa United gets ‘executive’ win order

It’s of no use dwelling on the defeat to Bayern. We have to resume focus on the EPL in the first instance

45

Sport

55

–Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger

Super Eagles praying before Swizland match in Port Harcourt

Corruption in sports

Westerhof doubts Oliseh’s ability to lead Eagles F

Wasterhof

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ormer Super Eagles head coach Clemens Westerhof isn’t convinced Sunday Oliseh is the right man to lead the national team to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

Westerhof, who won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title with the Super Eagles in Tunisia, launched an extraordinary tirade against Oliseh after they beat Swaziland 2-0 on Tuesday.

Following the victory, Oliseh told the press he was proud of his team, and Westerhof took exception to the idea, saying it was nothing to celebrate.

“Congratulations, you beat Swaziland 2-0 in the return leg match of the preliminary round of the qualifiers,” Westerhof told Nigerians.

“But does that really call for celebration? Yes, there are no minnows in football but who are Swaziland to hold the Super Eagles to a goalless draw?

“The Super Eagles won 2-0 in Nigeria but is it not a game the Super Eagles should be winning 6-0, 7-0 under normal circumstances? What type of football do they play in Swaziland?

“Swaziland is not the first match Super Eagles have played under Oliseh. There has not been any difference between their first game under him and the game with Swaziland.

“I’m sorry, with Oliseh, the Super Eagles may not go to the World Cup in Russia,” Westerhof declared.

Minister reads riot act to NFF, NSC … Promises to make fund available for Olympics preparation Joel Ajayi ABUJA

T

he Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong, has stated that corruption which has eaten into the fabric of Nigeria sports is now a thing of the past, even as he warned officials of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) to turn new leaf or face the full weight of the law.

Dalong, who vowed to stop the long corrupt practices in sports, said this yesterday in Abuja during the 2015 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Seminar.

Dalong who made reference to the various corruption practices that have bedevilled football in the country, maintained that no trace of corruption would be spared in the new dispensation.

Dalong, a former Local Government Chairman in Plateau State, while explaining further how he stood firm to eradicate sharp practices during his local government reign in Plateau, warned that no one should ap-

proach him for bribery.

“I’m aware of so many things that are happening within Nigerian sports sector. Nobody who doesn’t know that something is wrong with sports, If not why will a country of about 170 million People go to a competition like the Olympics and not win a medal?

“When has failure become a record that People should be proud of ? That Nigeria got no medal at the 2012 Olympics will remain in history for even our Children to analyze.

“Three years is even short for any country to start preparing for international competition such as the Olympics, not to talk of few months preparation. If money is not budgeted or released as at when due, it means someone is responsible and should be held responsible for not doing what he or she ought to do at the right time.

“However, I will inform the President on the urgent need to make funds available so that preparation for next year Olympics will be intensified.”

46

Sports

Friday, November 20, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Awoniyi with Flying Eagles teammates

Rio Olympics qualifiers

Awoniyi, Success lead foreign pros

T

he NFF have named Germany-based striker Taiwo Awoniyi and Isaac Success from La Liga side Granada in a final squad for the 2015 African U23 Nations Cup in Senegal, which will serve as qualifiers for next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Awoniyi is one of several foreign-based professionals picked

for the tournament, which kicks off on November 28 in Dakar.

The 18-year-old striker is on loan to FSV Frankfurt in the German second division from EPL club Liverpool.

The other overseas-based strikers are Isaac Success of La Liga side Granada and Junior Ajayi, who has been flying high at new Tunisian side CS Sfax-

ien.

Nigeria begin their campaign on November 29 against Mali in Mbour.

Egypt and Algeria are the other teams in their first round group.

The top three teams in this tournament will automatically qualify for next year’s Olympics in Rio, Brazi.

WTF donates equipment to Taekwondo Federation Ifeanyi Eduzor

T

he world Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has donated the latest electronic kits to the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) as part of their effort to further develop the sport in Nigeria.

President of Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Grand Master George Ashiru told National Mirror yesterday in Lagos that the items donated by the world body

are similar to those that would be used for taekwondo events of the RIO 2016 Olympic Games.

Valued at $10,000, the items which were accompanied by a letter signed by the Director General of the World Taekwondo Federation Dr. Jin Bang Yang includes both tournament and training equipment suitable for the National team as they prepare for the Brazil 2016 RIO Olympic Games qualifiers coming up soon.

According to the letter, the

items include 92 mats, 8 Octagonal mats, 8 E- Head Gears, 4 E- Head Gear Transmitter, 8 ETrunk protector, 4 E-Trunk Protector Transmitter, 2 charger, 1 soft wear and 3 wireless Judge Joysticks.

Ashiru, who also doubles as Vice President of the Commonwealth Taekwondo Union while commending the World body for the gesture expressed hope that it will help Nigerian athletes prepare adequately for the forthcoming Olympic qualifier.

Chile U17 Golden Eaglets star, Alimi hails ARS .. For World Cup feat

Alimi

Paul Erewuba

A

member of the Chile U17 World Cup victorious team, Sunday Alimi has hailed Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) football tournament for molding him into the star he is today.

Alimi, a product of Airtel U-17 grass root football initiative which recorded its fifth season in 2015, came into limelight when he made his debut for the Golden Eaglets and scored a crucial goal that saved the day for his side during an international friendly against Egypt in Kaduna last year.

Speaking after the U-17 World Cup in Chile, Alimi said: “I remain grateful to Airtel Nigeria for the opportunity given me to showcase my talent through the ARS competition. ARS helped me to develop and become what I am today.

It gave me exposure and determination to aim for the national team. I am very proud of Airtel.”

His Coach and Manager, Mr. Idris Bolarinwa, who registered Alimi for the ARS competition, recalled that the player was a very young boy when he featured in the 2013 ARS tournament but was quickly identified because of his skills and technical ability.

“The exposure Alimi got through the Airtel Rising Stars Football tournament made him what he is today. Alimi is ever grateful to Airtel Rising Stars.

When he returned from the World Cup in Chile, he came to me and showed me the medal and said, ‘Coach, see I am a Rising Star.’’

Alimi was discovered in the Season 3 of the ARS tournament where he emerged one of the best players of the tournament and his outstanding performance caught the attention of the national team coaches.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NSA 2015 Award holds today Afolabi Gambari

T

he stage is set for the 2015 Nigerian Sports Award holding later today at the Marquee, Oceanview, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The award gala night, the fourth in succession, will be

Oguchi

attended by top shots in the Nigerian sports circle who include the Minister for Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut, and Nigeria’s past and present athletes as well as sports fans.

Spokesperson for the award and Executive Director, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said yesterday that the award would be glamorous than the previous editions.

“We are indeed elated over the quality of dignitaries who are not only confirmed but are already in Lagos for the award,” Idowu said, adding that the organisers enjoined participants to adhere to the stipulated 6pm for the start of the event.’

“The programme will be aired live by Supersports on Channel 209 (Supersports 9) from 7pm.and beamed to millions of people in Nigeria and across the world,” he explained, even as he commended Nigeria’s leading sports betting company, Bet9ja, for its continued sponsorship and support as a major partner of the Nigerian Sports Award.

Fed Cup: Akwa United gets ‘executive’ win order

P

layers of Akwa United Football Club have been ordered by the Akwa Ibom State Governor Emmanuel Udom to try their best to defeat Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi in Sunday’s Federation Cup final billed for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Governor, who handed the order to the players during a breakfast meeting the team at Government House, Uyo yesterday said: “I will be coming to see your game with Lobi and I want you to go and bring the trophy home as the state is waiting patiently.

“I know you have a good team that can make all of us in Akwa Ibom smile. This is the first time, a club from the state will qualify for the final of the Federation Cup and I want you to make it count.”

Sports

Friday, November 20, 2015

Meanwhile, Lobi United Captain, Terna Ikpeen, has assured that his side will beat Akwa United when both sides clash in the Lagos final.

“We are ready for this match and we will triumph because we are motivated,” Ikpeen said.

Udom

Dala Hard Court results

Men’s Singles q-finals

Ladies Singles s/finals

1. Michael Moses bt Sunday Emmanuel 6/2, 6/4.

2. Otu Thomas bt Madueke Nonso 6/3, 6/4.

3. Babalola Abdulmumini bt Lawal Shehu 2/6, 6/3, 6/2.

4. Emmanuel Sylvester bt Atseye Henry 5/7, 6/2, 7/6(3)

1. Adegoke Sarah bt Aiyegbusi Aanu 3/0, (RTD) 2. Agugbom Christie bt Samuel Blessing 7/6(4), 6/3.

Men’s Doubles s-finals 1. Bikom/Maku bt Badmus/ Ogunshakin 6/4, 6/2.

2. Moses/Paul bt Ekanem/ Out 6/3, 1/6, 10/7.

MANDATE

THE

Sylvester Ikuejamoye

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

Hon. Minister of Sports, not football only, sir

O

ne cannot be tired of welcoming and congratulating the newly appointed Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports to a bit with direct effect on the future of our teeming youth, more particularly for those with sports potential and passion for it.

Minister, sir. The problem in the time past had been most of your predecessors in office often forgot their appointment covers all sports and not only football. Needless to remind you, that their unwholesome and undue attachment to football was inimical and detrimental to the growth and development of other sports.

While it is true that football remains the only sport with the largest followership or audience, it is also a fact that football can only fetch one gold medal at the Olympics or Commonwealth or Africa Games, other sports like weightlifting, swimming, wrestling are goldspinning sports event. Each of the sport can amass as much as 25–45 gold medals compared to football with just one gold medal from eleven players on the field at any particular time.

It is only reasonable to advise the new Minister of Youth and Sports to give equal attention and treatment to all Sporting Federations. No sport should be treated as a minor or less important. Equal treatment of all sports will also mean equal opportunity for the teeming youth who are potentially gifted in other sports aside from football. The positive effect of this is that maintenance of facilities will be given more attention and indeed should be on priority list of the new Minister.

The endless reference made by uncountable columnists and sports writers to the array of talents we have in various remote areas of Nigeria should be enough guide for any minister to work on and with the insis-

tence of getting result from relevant officers of the ministry.

The ministry is central to the overall good of youth empowerment and development in the count r y.

S i n c e we all agree that the

Dalung

youths are the future leaders of tomorrow, it then behoves on us in positions of authority to work assiduously for the encouragement, protection and security of our future leaders. We should be hungry for a better tomorrow.

Nigeria cannot afford the luxury of motion without movement. I have consistently maintained that Nigeria have what is required to lead the black race in all human endeavours considering the enormous human and natural endowment we are blessed with. Certainly, one of the most profound endowments is sports talents in all the nooks and crannies of our dear country.

Take away corruption from our sports, particularly football, and the industry would have been a reference point in Africa if not the world. It is an industry that is capable of modestly funding itself with guaranteed income for the talented youth and managers and practitioners in the sports industry.

46

It is hoped that the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari will call to order those with penchant for corruption and other high level of indiscipline. Just as I advised the last time, for any minister willing to make a remarkable departure from the previous pitfall or better still, the landmine of the past, he must have very disciplined fingers with restraining palm. Too much itchy fingers will definitely soak and ultimately stain the palm.

It is an indisputable fact that there exist entrenched hackers in that corridor of power in sports administration in the country. It will surely take the grace of God for any sport minister to survive the bare-face alluring temptation that may be dangled before him. There also exist in sports sector, especially within its leadership the self inflicted damage of trying to engage in divide and rule tactics among the stake holders. Attempts to divide the sports writers and columnists into various camps in the past have been counter-productive.

The new sports minister will do pretty well by operating within the rule. He is obviously the tallest “horse” in the sports arena and undoubtedly the one that others will use to measure their race. In essence, his pace will determine the pace of others behind him.

He must not allow anybody to doubt his character, competence and above all his integrity. The minister must remember that it is not how far but, fundamentally, it is how well. Once more, just as I prayed last week, may God see you through. Amen.

Hard but the bitter truth As I have said before, those who thrive in deceit and lies are not worth the shoes they wear.

A particular pairs of shoe you wear regularly and consistently worn-out with time, just as the repeated bundle of lies and deceit dished out, fall flat on the faces of the perpetrators. It is a point of no return as they are seen as most unreliable. Hard But The Bitter Truth.

Information Hopefully, I will be writing from the United States of America by the time you will be reading this column next week. The installment is likely to be on the world weightlifting championship holding in Houston. It is one of the compulsory Olympic qualifying championships for the 2016 Olympic Games, in Rio-Brazil. Remember, yours fully is a Board Member of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF).

WORLD RECORD

First time to rush 1,000 yards in an NFL season

Vol. 05 No. 1247

Friday, November 20, 2015

N150

Michael Vick and teammate Warrick Dunn (both USA) became the first quarterback-running back teammates to run for 1,000 yards in the same season in 2006

Avoidable deaths of Omowunmi and Baby Shonuga T he decadence of medical negligence has become a festering epidemic in Nigeria often covered up with recriminations and buck-passing between patients or their families and hospitals’ management. The historical Hippocratic Oath, to the average Nigerian medical practitioner, appears an oath taken in vain. Yet the Hippocratic Oath happens to be one of the most widely known medical bonds that require a new physician to swear, by a number of healing gods, to uphold specific ethical standards. It is reputed as a rite of passage for virtually all practitioners of medicine across the globe, no matter how modernised in some countries. In Nigeria, however, medical doctors desecrate the oath with no qualms. Repeatedly, they embark on strikes in search of pecuniary gains and perks of office, leaving their patients to grind away in

R

oger Federer maintained his 100 per cent record at this year’s ATP World Tour Finals and ended Kei Nishikori’s hopes with a threeset win in London.

The Swiss six-time champion came through 7-5 4-6 6-4 to claim his

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) pain, no matter how grave or precarious their health challenges may be, resulting in needless deaths in the end – all not just against the law, but against morality, common sense and humane professional judgement. In some cases, greed drives negligence, especially in private hospitals, where a lot of doctors throw ethics to the dogs and accept for treatment cases they did not specialize on because of financial gluttony.

Then you talk of the law. It is, indeed, a rudderless ass, through and through.

The Robbery and Fire arms (special provision) Act, cap 398 of 1984, for instance, makes it mandatory for hospitals to demand police report before victims of gunshot can be treated. The irrational logic of the law is that it will facilitate the apprehension of armed robbers.

The impression is given that robbers that exchanged gun fire with the police in a robbery operation would go to the police in search of a covering report before proceeding to any hospital for treatment, and perhaps, be identified and arrested in the process. In reality, however, such hardened criminals never get close to the police for such report. They go herbal and unorthodox once they commit their felonies. Those that suffer the most are the victims they shoot and maim, who doctors swiftly and gladly turn back, despite their desperation for urgent medical attention.

IN CLIMES WHERE LIFE COUNTS, SOMEONE WOULD GET PUNISHED; AND HEADS WOULD ROLL It was just in March this year that the 7th House of Representatives passed a bill for an Act to make provisions for compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshot injuries. Concurrence by the Senate is indeterminable as yet; and how soon the law comes into effect and becomes practicable in public and private hospitals is still indeterminable.

Nor is medical negligence always the albatross of medical personnel alone.

There are numerous cases of non-avoidance of health-threatening pastimes and habits on the part of patients. Reports also highlight patients’ false or lack of full disclosure of the history and true state of their health conditions to doctors, their ignorance, scant interest in seeking medical assistance until the eleventh hour, perhaps occasioned by poverty or driven by religious and related beliefs.

For some of these reasons, the sick end up with quacks, while a lot of husbands walk their pregnant wives and unborn babies to avoidable deaths in prayer houses, which they resort to as alternatives to conventional hospitals; and so on.

The recent deaths of Mrs. Omowunmi Shonuga and her baby in the process of child birth, either as a result the role of a negligent husband or hospital authorities merely amplify the still ravaging impact of medical negligence on the nation, despite the country’s prevailing grim records on maternal and child mortality. Mr. Ayobanji Shonuga, the widower, according to reports, claimed his wife and baby died as a result of the negligence of the staff of Rauf Aregbesola Health Centre in the Alimosho area of Lagos.

His narration: “We got to the hospital around 5am to meet the hospital gates locked. I horned, nobody came out. After a while, a woman came out and said there was no doctor on duty to attend to me; and that I should take her to the Igando General Hospital... As I got back to my car, I saw that my wife had delivered the baby and she was bleeding. It was when I started shouting, ‘Blood!

Blood! Baby’ that two nurses rushed out from the hospital… After they opened the gate, I drove in. One of the attendants picked the baby, but the nurses refused to touch my wife… They said there was no doctor to attend to her”. The woman eventually died at the Igando General Hospital, where she ended up. Her baby had earlier died at the Alimosho facility, reports say.

One Dr. Olakunle Olaleye of the Alimosho health centre was quoted as saying: “I think it was a case of negligence by her husband; the patient has been mismanaged grossly where she was taken to because she was in a church garment and a white cap. Everything was done in the capacity of the doctor and the nurses on duty to handle the situation”. Classical buck-passing! But between Mr. Shonuga and the hospital could be found the true reason mother and child perished. In climes where life counts, someone would get punished; and heads would roll.

Sport Extra

ATP World Tour: Federer beats battling Nishikori third round-robin victory at the O2 Arena.

Federer, 34, had already won the group and will be joined in the semis by Novak Djokovic or Tomas Berdych.

The Swiss had qualified

with victory over world number one Djokovic on Tuesday, but Nishikori still had a chance to progress and pushed the third seed to the limit in a match he did not need to win.

He was broken twice in a row in the first set but prevailed in game 12 after some fabulous play around the net from both men, and then opened up a 4-1 lead in the second.

Nishikori’s day was

not done, however, as the Japanese 25-year-old hit back with five games in a row to level after one snatched Federer forehand that must be among the worst he has ever hit.

Federer

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