Binder1

Reps to probe subversion of due process, corruption in PPMC

PDP carpets Buhari, warns against increase in taxes, duties

Bill for timely composition of federal cabinet passes 2nd reading UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

Dogara

Vol. 5 N0. 1261

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he House of Representatives yesterday mandated its

committee on petroleum resources (down stream) to investigate the subversion of due process and corruption by the man-

Wednesday, December 9 , 2015

agement of Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC).

This resolution followed a motion on matter CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

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Fashola unveils plans for power, road projects Targets 22 power plants in 12 months N2trn required to fix ongoing 206 roads

CHIDI UGWU AND OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

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inister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has unveiled his short and medium term plans for the revitalisation of the nation’s dilapi-

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Dasuki opposes FG’s move to revoke bail P.6

A group of concerned Nigerians protesting at the National Assembly over anti-social media bill being proposed by the senate in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Fuel subsidy to gulp 30% of Nigeria’s revenue by 2018 –World Bank

NAFDAC destroys N15m fake drugs in Kebbi ...urges govt to unlock potential in Natural Gas sector P.12 Troops kill scores of insurgents fleeing Sambisa forest

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Fashola unveils plans for power, road projects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

dating infrastructure.

In his maiden interaction with journalists in Abuja yesterday, the former Lagos State governor stated that paucity of funds had compelled the present administration to prioritise its intervention in power, road and housing sectors.

He briefed alongside his Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Mustapha Shehuri, and Permanent Secretaries in the ministries, Louis Edozien and Gambo Magaji, respectively.

In the area of power, Fashola said there was a significant low budgetary provision for the sector in

2015, adding that there were 142 transmission projects that were near completion, out of which 22 could be completed within a year at an estimated cost of N40bn.

“There is a 10 megawatts wind energy project in Katsina nearing completion, a 215mw plant in Kaduna and the 3,050mw plant in Mam-

billa, Taraba State, all of which need to be completed.

“Our first priority is to get contractors to finish on-going transmission contracts to enable us transport the power being generated to the Discos to distribute.

“Our second priority is to ask the governors to help us identify and enumerate

their most populous industrial and commercial clusters where manufacturing, fabrication, welding and related productive work is going on, especially by small businesses and to see how we can use the existing legal framework to attract embedded power supply to these people who must be ready to

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mr Bashir Ibrahim; National Chairman, Unity Party of Nigeria, Prof. Bankole Okuwa and others, during the visit of IPAC to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

Reps to probe subversion of due process, corruption in PPMC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of urgent public importance titled “Urgent need to address the subversion of due process and outright corruption by the management of Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC),” sponsored by Hon. Ndukwe Nkole.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker said that, “funds from oil products which is the main source of the country’s revenue is being diverted by the management of the PPMC through illegal transactions.

“Some known oil companies have been programmed to lift dual purpose kerosene (DPK) without making payments for the products and without even having bulk purchase agreements with PPMC, while there is a backlog of companies with paid off invoices who have not been pro-

grammed to lift products.

“Only recently, 20 companies were programmed to lift DPK, out of a backlog of about 100 companies.”

According to him, 8 of the companies had not made payments for the products before they were programmed to lift DPK adding that they had since lifted the products.

Nkole worried that some companies have been upgraded to the status of “Major Marketers” by the management of PPMC without the approval of the GMD of NNPC. “This is intended to subvert due process and divert revenue from our natural resources, because the companies are now entitled to lift product with five hundred million Naira on credit line,” he told the House.

The House adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by the Speak-

er, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

Meanwhile, a bill for an act to provide for timely composition of a cabinet with attached portfolios by any President of Nigeria has passed the second reading stage in the House of Representatives yesterday.

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Omoregie OgbeideIhama, is also seeking eight weeks as the stipulated time the president can assemble his cabinet but upon announcement of nominees, their portfolios should be made public before they are sent to the Senate for screening.

While leading debate at plenary, Hon. OgbeideIhama said: “The primary objective of the act is to prescribe a time-frame within which the President shall constitute and inaugurate his cabinet.”

“The act also aims at ensuring that a ministerial nomination list sets

out the proposed portfolio which every nominee is intended to be assigned,” he added.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Zakari Mohammad said that if the portfolios were known before the nominees appear before the Senate, it would aid the screening process by the senators.

According to him, it would create value for the workings of the government and give it meaning anytime there is the screening process and formation of cabinet by a new government.

“During screening, Senators are restricted as regards the questions they ask the nominees, if portfolios would be attached to each nominee it will guide them in questions and save time,” Mohammed said.

House Majority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, argued that the

screening exercise had not been quite efficient due to lack of knowledge of the potential ministries of the ministerial nominees.

He added that in drafting the legislation, it should not be put in a way where it would be compulsory for the President, saying that if made compulsory, it would contravene Section 147 of the Constitution.

The bill also contains that in the event a new nominee is submitted to replace a rejected nominee; such appointment must be made within a maximum period of two months after the date the former nominee is rejected.

The House, in a unanimous decision, voted in support of the bill that it should be read the second time after the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, put it to question.

pay for the power.

“The owners of the Discos will be expected to give us their co-operation through flexibility and innovative disposition for emergency interventions while they plan and develop their wholesale roll out plan.

“Our economy cannot wait indefinitely and suffer job losses. If we succeed, we can get a lot of workers back to work in cottage and small industries which are the critical driving forces of our economy,” he said.

The minister also stated government’s intention to continue to slowly standdown and allow market forces drive the electricity sector; as well as rectify disparity in price of gas to power plants and quickly resolve extant issues between it, owners of the Aba Power and Enugu Electricity Disco.

“Government is now a regulator through the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, which is like the National Communications Commission, NCC, which regulates Telcos.

“We intend to strengthen this part of our responsibility so that we can hold the Gencos and Discos to their contracts with citizens. But before we do that, we must play our own role of providing gas and expanding the transmission network,” he said.

Fashola said he would task government agencies across the country on timely payment of bills for electricity supplied to them to eliminate revenue losses by the Dicos.

“More importantly as a government and consumer of power through our ministries, departments and agencies, we must show example at federal, state and local governments by paying up backlogs of power bills and ensuring from there that we pay for what we use.

“Our ministry intends to champion this at the federal level and I hope that the state governors, heads of parastatals, national and state assemblies, the various state and federal courts, local governments, military, police, and other related security agencies will find this a worthy undertaking to join and ensure payment of all their electricity bills,” he noted.

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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

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Photo News

Wednesday December 9, 2015

Representative of Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba (left) collecting Kwara State’s most innovative government’s award at the 4th Impact award being presented by Hon. Tajudeen Obasa in Lagos, Monday

L-R: MTN Foundation Science andTech Beneficiary, Ms. Seun Akinfolarin; Lagos Zonal Director Nigerian Communication Commission, Mr. Aninweke Okechukwu; Representative of the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi; Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma and another MTN Foundation Science and Tech Beneficiary, Ms. Onyeonoro Praise at the award ceremony of the MTN Foundation Scholarship Scheme 2015 in Lagos.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R:Sales Manager, AFP Furniture Production, Uche Uzoewulu; Specialist, High Value Sponsorships and Event, Etisalat Nigeria, Amaka Agu; Chief Executive Officer, Hole 19 Investments Limited, Aderemi Ajidahun and General Manager, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Etienne Gailliez during the Gala Night of the Capital Golf Invitational Tournament sponsored by Etisalat Nigeria, in Abuja.

L-R: Mrs. Abimbola Adelegan; President/Chairman, Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Prince Adedapo Adelegan: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule and Chairman of the event, Mr. Fola Adeola, OFR, during the inauguration dinner of the 14th president of the NBCC, in Lagos, recently.

National News Udo Onyeka

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anaging Director and Chief Executive Officer of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, has said all debtors of the corporation must redeem their debts.

Kuru, who made this known yesterday in Lagos during an interactive session with journalists, said AMCON may resort to “naming and shaming” those who refuse to pay back their debts and would not also approach the establishment for negotiation, by publishing their names in newspapers.

He said even though publishing of names in newspapers may not be the best option, it is quite effective, adding that a lot of bank debtors rushed to the banks to pay back their debts or commence negotiations on how to off-set the debt to make sure that their names or names of their business-

AMCON vows to recover debts from bank debtors es were not made public when threatened recently.

“I know that publishing the names of debtors may not be the best option, but it is certainly an effective means of recovering debts. You remember that before banks published the names of debtors early this year, many debtors rushed to their banks to commence discussion on how to pay back. That actually was why some names were

removed. I know it is effective because no responsible and good business person would want to be tagged a bad debtor, which results in blacklisting such a person or company from taking part in Nigerian currency and government debt markets,” he said.

Concerning some of the companies that AMCON stopped their operation by sealing them, Kuru said the corporation did

not close down any company that was running profitably, adding that all the firms taken over by AMCON were those run aground by their former management and also in serious debt.

He said AMCON would be willing to discuss with owners of any sealed company that want to resume operation.

According him, “AMCON is not interested in sealing any company. We

are not interested in sealing any company. We are interested in talking with them on how to get back the money. We are asking bad debtors to present restructuring plans.”

Kuru also revealed that the corporation is still willing to sell Keystone Bank but said a new timetable would be made available on how the bridge bank would be disposed off.

AMCON was set up

in 2010 to absorb nonperforming loans in exchange for government bonds, after the Central Bank had injected $4bn to rescue nine lenders from collapse six years ago.

The Central Bank has since set an upper limit of five per cent for nonperforming loan ratio for the industry. Before the 2009 bailout of non-performing loans, the ratio stood in double digits.

Arms deals: FG files money laundering charges against Dokpesi Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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ederal Government yesterday filed a sixcount charge bothering on money laundering to the tune N2.1bn against former Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, High

Chief Raymond Dokpesi before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The funds were said to be meant for the purchase of arms.

The charge, which was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at

the registry of the court was marked FHC/ABJ/ CR/380/2015.

Joined with Dokpesi in the charge is Daar Holding and Investment Limited.

The accused were alleged of violating the Money Laundering Act, EFCC Act and the Public

Procurement Act but the suit has not been assigned to any judge.

The anti graft agency had on December 1 arrested Dokpesi alongside the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) over the same allegation.

Dasuki is already before the Federal High Court over alleged illegal possession of firearms and money laundering.

It would be recalled that Justice Gabriel Kolawole had last Friday ordered EFCC to produce Dokpesi in court of December 14.

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Wednesday, December 9 , 2015

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Fuel subsidy to gulp 30% of Nigeria’s revenue by 2018 –World Bank CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

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orld Bank yesterday decried the cost of fuel subsidy in Nigeria saying that if the current regulated prices were maintained, fuel subsidy cost would increase to more than 30 per cent of all government revenues by 2018.

The Lead Economist of the World Bank, John Litwack, who gave the hint in his presentation at the official launch of the third edition of the World Bank Nigeria Economic Report (NER) said there was a strong tendency for the cost of the subsidy to increase over time as increasing domestic demand for petrol outpaces growth in the oil output or revenues.

According to Litwack, the cost of fuel subsidy during 2010-2014 period was one of the reasons why Nigeria was unable to accumulate a fiscal reserve in the fuel Excess Crude Account that could have protected the country from the recent oil prices shock.

His words: “The $35 billion cost of the fuel subsidy during 2010-2014 was one of the reasons why Nigeria was unable to accumulate a fiscal reserve in the fuel Excess Crude Account that could have protected the country from the recent oil prices shock.

“Fuel subsidy obligations are expected to reach 18 per cent of all government revenues in 2015, and if the current regulated prices are maintained, this is projected to increase to more than 30 per cent by 2018.”

The World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Rachid Benmessaoud, said Nigeria had a unique window of opportunity to diversify its economy and improve the efficiency of public finance and regulation.

“With the right policies, the country can emerge stronger and more diversified from the oil shock,” he said.

He noted that the recent sharp decline in oil prices, in the context of the high dependency of Nigeria’s public finance on oil revenues, had created major challenges in the form of external imbalance, steep falls in government revenues, and slower economic growth.

According to him, “Nige-

ria is hard pressed for a major fiscal adjustment to lower oil revenues - even if oil prices rebound, the general rapid trend toward a decline in the share of oil revenues in GDP should continue.”

He said that adjusting to new fiscal realities would be a critical challenge for Nigeria in the short and medium term.

On the upside, however, the latest World Bank report highlights that important gains can be made by increasing efficiency in the public sector and improving regulatory effectiveness.

Also presenting a paper entitled ‘Unlocking the Potential of Nigeria’s Natural Gas Sector’ the Lead Energy Specialist of the World Bank, Masami Kojima, lamented that although Nigeria boasts 9th largest natural gas reserves in the world, it still suffers chronic gas shortages in the domestic market.

According to her, gas shortages contribute to power shortages, pointing out that power shortages act as a big brake on economic development and diversification.

She disclosed that there was nearly 1400 MW of stranded generation capacity in November, more than 2,500 MW in May in 2015.

According to the Lead Energy Specialist, during the first 10 months of 2015, 7.8 bcf/day produced, of which 13 % (1 bcf/day) delivered to domestic market, 3.4 exported, and another 3.4 re-injected, used as fuel gas, or flared.

In order to get its gas development plan right, Kojima said Nigeria needs to consider appointing champion and establishing a task force and also consider dedicated gas bill for midstream and downstream and create independent regulator in order to separate regulatory and commercial roles.

Kojima said there was need to unbundle Nigeria Gas Company and officially publish tariffs, domestic supply obligations, issue supplementary agreements for Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), urgently renew licenses promptly and review regulated and pseudo-regulated prices among other things.

“The authorities will also need to re-examine critical issues, including regulatory institutions and uncer-

tainty, pricing policy and payment arrears. Realising the vast potential of Nigeria’s natural gas sector will demand a bold new strategy

that includes revisiting the pricing policy and regulation from 2008, taking steps to ensure that gas prices paid ensure reasonable re-

turns to investment, and establishing an independent regulator.

“With a new administration in place and the recent

announcement by NNPC of its change agenda, there is a historic opportunity to transform the gas sector,” said Kojima.

L-R: Vice Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Bandele Aiku, SAN; former Chairman, Justice, Umaru Abdullahi; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman, Body of Benchers/Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, and former Chairman, Mrs. Aderinsola Balogun, during a visit to the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday.

Fashola unveils plans for power, road projects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

He also explained that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had agreed to provide fund and pledged to complete gas lines that would add up to 2,000mw of power to the national grid in the next 15 months.

In the area of road infrastructure, the minister noted that whereas it would require N2 trillion to complete the 206 ongoing projects spread across the six-geo political zones, N13 billion was released out of the N18.132 billion provided in the 2015 budget.

In order to navigate the financial hurdle, Fashola stated that the ministry’s short term strategy was to concentrate on roads that connect states and those that bear heaviest traffic.

However, in view of its strategic significance to the economic development of the nation, the minister said President Muhammadu Buhari had interest in seeing to the early completion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Also, as part of efforts to ensure optimal use of the nation’s road infrastructure, Fashola insisted on reclaiming the full width and setback of all federal roads, admonishing all those who had infringed on them to begin to move away in the interest of the public.

He said: “The records that have been made available from previous budgets

show that the last time Nigeria budgeted over N200bn in a year’s budget for roads was in 2002. It seems that as our income from oil prices increased over the last decade, our spending on roads decreased.

“As far as status reports go, the Federal Government budgeted N18.132bn in 2015 and the Ministry of Works got N13bn for all roads and highways in 2015, although it has contracts for 206 roads, covering over 6,000km with contract price of over N2trn.

“Our ability to achieve connectivity of roads depends on capital spending in 2016 to pay contractors and get them back to work.

“Our short term strategy will be to start with roads that have made some progress and can be quickly completed to facilitate connectivity.

“We will prioritise within this strategy by choosing first, the roads that connect states together and from that grouping, start with those that bear the heaviest traffic.”

He noted that stoppage of road projects due to failure of government to pay contractors had resulted in acute job losses, adding that over 5,150 workers had been laid off in four major construction companies in the country.

On plans by government to reclaim highways that had been encroached on, the minister said: “In order

to make the roads safer, we intend to re-claim the full width and set back of all federal roads, representing 16 per cent and about 36,000km of Nigeria’s road network by immediately now asking all those who are infringing on our highways, whether by parking, trading, or erection of any inappropriate structure to immediately remove, relocate or dismantle such things voluntarily.

“This will be the biggest contribution that citizens can offer our country as proof that we all want things to change for the better.

“For clarity, it is important to say that although state governments own 18 per cent of the total road network of about 200,000km, while local governments own the balance of 66 per cent, the 16 per cent owned by the Federal Government carries an estimated 70 per cent of the total traffic because of their length, width and inter-state connectivity.

“For those who seek us to compel them to stop these habits of the past, our resolve to do so will be unyielding, because that resolve represents the will of the majority of Nigerians expressed through 15,424,921 votes of Nigerians who mandated our president to effect change.”

As part of strategies to ensure continued maintenance of the nation’s highway, the minister said his ministry would bring back

tolling system as well as undertake the construction of weigh bridges.

He maintained that the installation of weigh bridges would enable the country elongate the lifespan of her roads, insisting that road users would rather comply with the specified load requirement or be made to pay heavy fines.

Also speaking on the strategies to address the various inhibitions to housing provision in the country, the minister stated that the immediate priority of government was to review the National Housing Policies.

Apart from that, he noted that government would lead the aggressive intervention to increase supply by undertaking construction of public sector participation and ownership with a view to reducing the current housing deficit put at 17 million units.

The minister, who averred that the country must rev up national housing budget from the current N1.8bn to hundreds of billions if it must meet its housing needs, however doubted the accuracy of the much touted 17 million units deficit.

In order to enable the present administration adequately prepare to address the shortfall, Fashola said the ministry would undertake a process of scientific assessment to define the accuracy of the 17 million figure as well as the actual demand.

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Save Nigeria from disintegration, Yoruba leaders tell Buhari Ojo Oyewamide AKURE

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L-R: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammad Uwais, acting Chairman, Nigeria Law Reform Commission, Mr. Kefas Magaji and Chief Judge, FCT, Justice Ishaq Bello, during a workshop on the Reform of Labour Act, Cap LI, Law of the Federation 2004 in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

Troops kill scores of insurgents fleeing Sambisa forest ...capture others, recover equipment, weapons

Ubong Ukpong JOEL AJAYI

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roops of the Nigerian Army have killed scores of Boko Haram insurgents fleeing Sambisa forest.

This is coming hours after the troops struck deep inside the forest, destroying camps and weapons, and killing the terrorists.

A statement through Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, said the terrorists were attempting to escape from military onslaught in Sambisa forest, through Pulka, when they were intercepted and decisively dealt with by troops in blocking positions in the area.

“During the encounter, many terrorists were killed, while one was captured alive.

“The troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, several rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammuni-

tion, 47 rifle magazines, 36 hand grenades and quite a number of Shilka gun with empty shells.

“In a related development, troops have also dealt another decisive blow to the Boko Haram terrorists at Buni Yadi general area yesterday afternoon.

“At an encounter, the troops recovered a Toyota Hilux, 2 boxes of 7.62mm ammunition and some Improvised Explosive making Devices cords,” Usman said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has disclosed that the North East that was under siege by Boko Haram recently and liberated by the present government, will receive massive intervention.

Only last weekend, the minister accompanied by journalists, embarked on a tour to assess havoc wreaked

by Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri, Konduga, Bama, and other areas, and

interacted with security personnel as well as thousands of displaced persons taking refuge in Bama camp.

He gave the assurance yesterday during a world press conference in Abuja.

Mohammed said he was humbled by the high scale of destruction left behind in the areas by the insurgents as well as palpable suffering and poverty of the surviving victims of the war.

Recalling an earlier broadcast by the President on devastation of the insurgency, the minister stressed that anybody who goes to the North East today would not need any convincing that we need massive government intervention.

He said: “It is easy to comment about Boko Haram when you are in your comfort zone, but when you go to these villages and see the kind of destruction that went on, you will know there is need for massive government intervention.

“Massive intervention master plan must be on ground because if these people are not taken care of, there would be problem in the future,” he said.

The minister further commended the military for their patriotism, sacrifice and service, adding: “The reality on ground is that we are winning the war. The military is working very hard to meet the December deadline.”

On whether there would be bombing or attack of the soft target, the minister stated, “There is nowhere in the world you would end this kind of thing overnight; it takes off gradually.

But what the government is out to do, which it is going to achieve, is to decimate the capacity of Boko Haram before the end of this month.”

Mohammed also said Nigeria will no longer experience major attacks from Boko Haram insurgents from December 31 this year.

Dasuki opposes FG’s move to revoke bail Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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rial of former National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, over allegations of illegal possession of arms has again suffered setback following the filing of a preliminary objection by his counsel, challenging application by

the Federal Government to revoke the bail granted Dasuki.

At the resumed trial, lawyer to the Federal Government, Oladipo Okpeseyi, told the court that he has two applications seeking to revoke the bail earlier granted the accused person by the court and another application seeking to stop further execution of the order of the court directing that

the passport of the accused person be released to him.

He, however, told the court that he was constrained in moving the application as he was served with the defendant’s objection in court and needed time to respond to the preliminary objection filed by Dasuki’s lawyer. He subsequently applied for an adjournment.

Lawyer to former National Security Adviser, Jo-

seph Daudu, did not oppose the application for adjournment, saying the prosecutor was entitled to adequate time to enable him respond to the objections raised.

With the consent of counsel, the trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, adjourned the trial to January 20, 2016, for hearing of the preliminary objection and other pending applications.

oruba leaders yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to initiate constitutional reforms that will give every section of the country a sense of belonging.

They noted the protracted agitation of members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, for a republic and called on the Federal Government to critically look into the causes of separatist feelings in the country.

The leaders also asked the president to roll out a comprehensive economic plan to rebuild the country’s infrastructure, re-flate the economy, create massive jobs and raise standard of education.

All these were contained in the communiqué issued after their summit in Akure, Ondo State capital.

The communiqué was signed by chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum, YUF, Rt. Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi; chairman of Afenifere, Chief Ruben Fasoranti; leader of Odua Peoples’ Congress, OPC, Gani Adams; chairman of Yoruba Council of Elders, General Adeyinka Adebayo and chairman of the summit, Dr. Kunle Olajide.

The summit, entitled ‘Economic Downturn and Unemployment in Yorubaland,’ lamented that activities of nomadic Fulani cattle rearers continues to constitute a menace to their host communities.

The communiqué said: “While acknowledging the realisation by the Federal Government that the mono product economy has collapsed within the context of dwindling oil revenue, necessitating diversification of the economy in order to create new corridors of prosperity, we state that this would be impossible without changing the 1999 Constitution, which prevents the federating units from exploring the resources under their soil.

“We call for a meeting of Yoruba governors with leaders of the nation to fashion out an agenda for cooperation that would leverage on the economic strength of each state to create a conducive atmosphere for entrepreneurs to tap into the resources across states that could empower our people to float businesses that can engage our millions of unemployed youths. They are enjoined to pay particular attention to SMEs and the tourism potentials of the region in creating jobs.”

EFCC tells court how Suswam looted N3.1bn Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday told the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja how N3.1bn was looted by former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, and his Finance Commissioner, Omadachi Okolobia.

At the resumed trial yesterday, the prosecution witness and a detective with EFCC, Junaidu Sa’id, told a Federal High Court, Abuja, that his team investigated the petition dated July 14, 2015, against Suswam and his finance commissioner.

He said investigation revealed that the former governor requested that shares owned by the Benue State government be sold for the sum of N10 billion to be raised.

Consequent upon that,

Elixir Investment Partners was appointed as stockbrokers to carry out sale of the shares, of which over N9 billion was realised.

Elixir Investment Partners, the witness said, was thereafter instructed to pay the N9 billion realised from the sales of the shares into three different bank accounts.

Another instruction was given for the payment of N1 billion to Benue Investment Properties Company’s account, while the balance of N8 billion was paid into two separate accounts with the name of Benue State ministry of finance.

However, when Elixir attempted to pay into the two separate accounts of Benue State ministry of finance as was directed, it was discovered that one of the account does not belong to Benue State ministry of finance but to one Fanffash Resources.

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Wednesday, December 9 , 2015

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Buhari submits N6trn budget to Reps UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

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peaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, at the

plenary yesterday read a communication from President Muhammadu Buhari, conveying the N6trn budget proposal to the House.

The letter informed the

House of government’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF and Fiscal Strategy

Plan, FSP. Dogara, who caused the document to be circulated to members, urged them to ex-

amine it ahead of an extensive debate today.

President Buhari had at an emergency Federal Exec-

utive Council, FEC, meeting on Monday announced the budget proposal, which he tagged MTEF.

Reps want extra-judicial killings stopped UBONG UKPONG ABUJA

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ouse of Representatives Committee on Interior yesterday asked Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), to ensure that incidences of extra-judicial killings by the police are curbed.

This is even as the minister asked Nigerians to change their wrong perception about the police.

He was at the National Assembly for interaction with the committee and said the ministry was committed to repositioning the Nigeria Police to ensure that more effective services were rendered to Nigerians.

He expressed confidence in a reformed police that would attract goodwill from Nigerians.

According to him, there was a need to change the perception Nigerians have about the Nigeria Police.

The minister restated the ministry’s commitment towards ensuring professionalism in the police through improved training and quality recruitment.

He further stressed the need for the police to be better equipped in order

to properly tackle security challenges confronting the country.

Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Haliru Jika (BauchiAPC), said the committee was committed to quality legislation for the actualisation of policies of government to improve the Nigeria Police.

As parliamentarians, he said their focus would be the provision of adequate legislative impetus for the actualisation of the policies of government in Nigeria Police.

However, Sir Mike Okiro, Chairman, Nigeria Police Service Commission, said there was urgent need to recruit Constables, Cadet Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents of Police.

Okiro said the recruitment became necessary to fill the vacancies created by all forms of police manpower wastages over the years.

According to him, for effective policing, the country requires about 425,000 policemen.

He added that arrangements were ongoing to commence recruitment of 10,000 policemen as pronounced by the Federal Government in order to mitigate the nation’s deficit in the police.

L-R: Minister of State for Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Chairman, Senate Committee on Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammed, during the 1st Annual Primary Health Care Service Lecture in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI O0SASONA

SSPA expresses displeasure over Bayelsa’s inconclusive poll OSAHON JULIUS YENAGOA

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ftermath of yesterday’s inconclusive gubernatorial poll in Bayelsa State as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Commissioner, occasioned by violence and irregularities that characterised it, a socio-economic and cultural right organisation, the South South Peoples Assembly, SSPA, has expressed displeasure over conduct of the poll.

The governorship poll was declared inconclusive on Monday by the INEC over allegations of widespread violence, ballot box snatch-

Osinbajo, Fashola, for Lagos NBA dinner FRANCIS FAMOROTI

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ice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and Minister for Power, Housing and Works, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), are among dignitaries expected at the 2015 annual Dinner of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos branch.

Both government functionaries, who are also members of the profession, will

join colleagues at the annual celebration of the NBA, Lagos branch, slated for Thursday, December 10, 2015, at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

The event is part of the year-end tradition of the Bar to foster unity among its members as well as honour those who have distinguished themselves in their fields of practice and continue to make valuable contributions to the legal profes-

sion in Nigeria.

This year, the branch will honour lawyers recently conferred with the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

To speak on the theme for this year, “Undressing Themis” is Chairman of the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers, Segun Adeniyi, while Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, will be distinguished guest at this event.

ing and holding of electoral officials hostage in Southern Ijaw.

The SSPA urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately investigate the alleged “ignoble” roles played by the electoral umpire and the military, resulting in the cancellation of the election, particularly in Southern Ijaw.

This is coming as the Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation yesterday reassured its supporters in the state that there was no cause to worry as the process of the governorship election was not yet completed.

A statement signed by Nathan Egba, its spokesman, said they were very confident that victory will be restored in no distant time and “our candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, declared duly elected Governor of Bayelsa State, having won majority of votes and satisfied all requirements of the electoral law.

“As a party, we know that whatever happened at Southern Ijaw LGA could not have been worse than what took place in Sagbama and Ekeremor, yet these results were not cancelled.

Chief Timipre Sylva particularly acknowledged

and appreciated the doggedness, courage and personal sacrifices made by our party leaders in the state, especially Director-General of the campaign, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, party chairman, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe, and a host of others,” the statement added.

It also stated that Timipre Sylva and Hon Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, are working hard to resolve the issues around the so-called cancellation of the Southern Ijaw LGA election results.

While assuring them to expect the best Christmas ever, Egba urged them to remain positive and calm and law-abiding in this critical period.

The SSPA, who addressed journalists at a news conference in Yenagoa, on Tuesday, through the National Secretary, SSPA, Dr. Ayakeme Whisky, accused the military of using the “might” of the gun to deny voters their franchise.

He said the purported use of military gunboats to hijack electoral materials for their chosen party, if correct, was condemnable and

inflammatory to peaceful electoral conduct.

Whisky reminded President Buhari that the country under the watch of former President Goodluck Jonathan, democracy was relatively deepened.

He also demanded that no military personnel should be deployed for electoral duties wherever election is conducted in the country.

He equally called for outright disqualification of any political party found to employ the services of thugs and militants in order to serve as deterrent to others.

Whisky recalled that the SSPA, like other observers during the poll, received reports of skirmishes resulting in exchange of gunfire at Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw on Saturday during the process of distribution of materials.

He alleged that the military personnel, who were supposed to be apolitical and escort materials to various wards in order to ensure peaceful conduct, became “very partisan”.

He said the military rather than provide protection for the electorate and electoral materials, their involvement was more than mere passing interest.

8

South West

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ekiti presents N67bn budget, N14bn for infrastructure ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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kiti State has presented N67.044 billion budget proposal to the House of Assembly for 2016.

The proposal titled

‘Budget of Purposeful and Strategic Transformation,’ which is 17 per cent lower than last year’s N80 billion budget, is expected to be funded by revenue from federal allocation accounts, internally generated income,

VAT and capital receipts from other sources.

Governor Ayodele Fayose, while presenting the 2016 budget proposal to the Hon Kola Oluwawole-led Assembly, said the performance of last year’s budget was about

70 per cent, owing to several factors, including the nationwide gloomy economic landscape.

While the recurrent expenditure has a vote of N42 billion of the budgetary proposal, capital expenditure got a vote

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, International Breweries Plc, Ilesa (IBPlc), Mr. Andrew Ross; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Chairman, IBPlc, Otunba Michael Daramola and former Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperative, Osun State, Mr. Ismaila Alagbada, during the Commissioning of the New Effluent Treatment Plant and Inspection of Expansion Project at International Breweries Plc, Ilesa, yesterday.

Union kicks as Dana Air plans regional flights from MMA 2 OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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viation unions staged a peaceful rally around the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Ikeja, Lagos, following alleged plans by Dana Air to commence regional flight operations from the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two, MMA2, Ikeja, Lagos.

The union marched to the operational headquarters of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in the airport, during which its leadership canvassed several issues for the management’s consideration.

Statement issued in Lagos by spokesman of NCAA, Mr. Same Adurogboye, hinted that the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, and Joint Action Congress, JAC, led the rally to all the aviation agencies’ offices before they ended at its headquarters.

Adurogboye explained that at the NCAA, the deputy president of NUATE, Comrade Williams Ukah, listed items for management’s attention

as issues of training for technical staff, autonomy, staff claims, airlines indebtedness to NCAA and the airline’s request to commence regional flight operations from MMA 2.

He added that the unions urged the agency not to accede to the request of the airline to operate regional flights from the terminal so as not to incur the wrath of labour in the sector.

NCAA director of finance and accounts, Alhaji Nuhu Ozigi, on behalf of the director-general, Capt. Usman Muhtar, addressed the unions and also received a letter addressed to the helmsman.

He stated that, as a regulatory body, the issue of staff training and re-training (local or foreign) is of utmost priority, but noted that it should be in compliance with budgetary regulatory policy of the Federal Government.

He maintained that foreign trainings for technical staff need approval from the Head of Service of Federation through the Ministry of Aviation and that the approval processes are ongoing, promising that the

management would look into the issue of Dana’s request critically before taking a decision on it.

He however noted that some technical staff from the critical sections of NCAA are currently

at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, undergoing various relevant local trainings in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO’s recommendations.

of N24.935 billion, which represents 37 per cent of the budget.

Out of budget for capital expenditure, vote for the infrastructural sector covering public works project, water corporation and electricity, is N13.863 billion.

The governor said three millennium projects - the airport project, Erekesan Ultra-modern Market and the flyover bridge - all in Ado Ekiti, which would be prioritised in the coming year, as well as other infrastructural projects scattered across the length and breadth of the state, “are designed to open up Ekiti State to the entire world and present ours as an emerging land of opportunities.

“We shall continue to collaborate with the Federal Government towards the realisation of federal projects including the federal secretariat, the airport project, the extension of a rail line and also road construction and maintenance work.

“We shall ensure the rehabilitation of existing dams, in addition to the replacement of old and damaged water pipes to ensure improved water supply to all communities. Provision of an en-

abling environment and partnership with private investors for affordable housing schemes shall be vigorously pursued,” he said.

While education got N1.2 billion; agriculture got N343.639 million; health care services got N518.584 million; and government, public service and security got N3.927 billion.

The governor urged all Ekiti people to join hands with the government by fulfilling their civic responsibilities, saying: “When you pay your taxes and fees, we shall have resources to meet our collective yearnings.”

The Speaker, who assured that the House would give expeditious consideration to the passage of the bill into law, however, appealed to the governor to address urgently certain issues, including furniture allowance for lawmakers.

Gov. Fayose

Gunmen kill 4 in Lagos community, injure 20 PATIENCE OGBO

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uspected cultists on Monday invaded Ebute Metta area of Lagos State, killing four persons and wounding 20 others.

It was gathered that the gunmen drove to the community at about 9:30pm in two cars and shot sporadically at residents of Odofin, Kano, Jebba, Osolanke and Bello streets.

Residents said the gunmen wore face masks and operated close to one hour without any resistance from security agencies.

When our correspondent visited the community yesterday, a team of policemen from Denton Police Station and the Rapid Response Squad were seen patrolling the community.

According to a police source, the team of policemen stormed the Ebute Onipomo area, a slum community close to where the shooting took place, and arrested four persons in connection with the shooting.

The police source also stated that three corpses were recovered from the scene of the shooting at Ebute Onipomo. The three corpses whose identities were yet to be revealed were killed in the wee hours of yesterday.

When contacted on the incident, Chief (Baale) of the Okobaba community, Alhaji Musbau Junadu, said his son was among residents shot by the gunmen.

He said: “I had left Odofin Street to my house, but as I was parking my car, I got a phone call that gunmen were shooting.

I hurried back and saw

that my son, Muheed, was shot on his two legs. He is a footballer but they want to render him useless. I was at Igbobi Hospital to ensure he survives. He and other residents that were shot have been taken to hospital for treatment.

“I cannot tell you who these people (gunmen) are or where they came from. One Kazeem died from the gunshot he sustained.”

It was further gathered that the gunmen were repelled from attacking residents at Apapa road by a combined team of policemen and the Vigilante Group.

Secretary of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Musbau Agbodimu, in Lagos, said: “We learnt the gunmen stormed the area and started shooting sporadically at the residents. About 20 persons

were hit by stray bullets and they are receiving treatment in different hospitals.

“More persons would have been killed if we were not proactive. We heard that the gunmen were coming to kill people at Apapa road and we mobilised our men and with the help of the police, we stopped them from entering our community. It was like a war zone. These blood-thirsty men were shooting and brandishing dangerous weapons like cutlasses but we repelled them.

“Government must take security in Ebute Metta seriously. These boys are bent on spilling blood and we don’t know who is next.”

When contacted, Lagos State police spokesperson, Joe Offor, said he was not aware of any shooting in the area.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, December 9 2015

9

Osun Rep floors PDP at Appeal Court

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L-R: FCIB, Immediate Past President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Segun Aina, OFR; GMD, CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, FCIB; President/Chairman of Council, CIBN Otunba (Mrs.)’Debola Osibogun, FCIB and former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Joseph Sanusi, CON, FCIB, at the CIBN 3rd Valedictory Lecture, in honour of Mr. Onasanya in Lagos, yesterday.

Nigeria has no control over oil resources –Akinjide KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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ormer Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), yesterday painted a gloomy picture of Nigeria, stating that the country has no oil because it has no control over the resources.

He made the disclosure while delivering a lecture on the topic “Nigeria, Beyond Oil” in continuation of 2015 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, held at Dapo Aderogba Hall, Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The legal luminary said “Nigeria knows little or nothing about oil and gas.

By now, all our universities

should have departments in oil and gas. If you have oil and gas and you do not control it, your economy is not in your hand. Nigeria’s economy is in the hands of foreigners.

“The price of oil and gas now dictates the state of our economy. There is oil and gas in Lake Chad, part of the Republic of Chad.

They now produce what they need and they do not rely on us. They supply oil and gas to foreign countries and I would not be surprised if our own part of Lake Chad can produce plenty of oil and gas.

“As regards oil and gas, Nigeria is in a hole and will continue digging. Angola is making better use of their oil and gas than Nigeria, but I hope they will not make the mistakes Nigeria

made.”

Akinjide further revealed that the country’s oil and gas does not belong to Nigerians because the country collects rents on it and never had control over it.

“We haven’t got oil.

What we collect from our oil is rent because we lease out our oil and collect rent on it. The actual owners are the people that pay us the rent,” he said.

While commending the founding fathers of the country, he, however, maintained that Nigeria was created to serve the commercial interests of Europeans.

Akinjide, who was also a member of parliament in 1959, advised that Nigeria should find alternative to oil, saying, “Our critical product before oil was agri-

culture. We must go back to that in a big way.

“We can once again make our economy thrive by investing more in agriculture. In the 60’s, agriculture largely dominated the Nigerian economy as oil was progressively becoming an important source of government revenue. The Nigerian economy blossomed with agriculture.

Let’s make the agricultural sector competitive.

“We should also go back to mining our solid minerals. Solid minerals have been abandoned since the oil boom. Nigeria is blessed with numerous solid minerals like coal, lime stone, gold and silver, etc., the government and private sector should invest in solid minerals and not just petroleum oil alone,” he added.

Yuletide: Don’t dare us, Lagos warns criminals FRANCIS SUBERU

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agos State government has reassured residents of the city of its readiness to ensure the season is devoid of traffic gridlock and criminal activities.

Briefing journalists at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa Secretariat yesterday, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Seye Oladejo, said government was concerned about the menace petrol tankers and other articulated vehicles posed

on Lagos roads, as well as incessant fire incidents and needless road traffic and crashes that led to loss of lives and properties.

Oladejo, flanked by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the state government has put adequate measures in place to ensure that residents go about their normal activities with much ease during the festive period, including total enforcement of traffic and safety laws.

He stressed readiness of the government to enforce the ban on use of fireworks

popularly known as “Biscoe and Banger” due to potential hazard of the device to people and the environment.

He recalled the December 26, 2012, fire caused by storage of fireworks in Lagos Island, which led to loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

According to him, the danger associated with dropping of cigarette tubs or fireworks indiscriminately, especially at this period of harmattan pose a great challenge that could lead to fire outbreak.

He urged residents to be

vigilant especially when in a large gathering such as religious programmes, carnivals, clubs, event centres and restaurant, and assured that the state remains safe and secure for people living and doing business in the state.

Oladejo appealed to religious bodies, club owners and event centres to work with the state government and security agencies to monitor activities around them and report suspicious and unusual activities during such gathering that may compromise security of lives and properties.

t was a moment of joy on Monday for Chairman of the Committee on Aids, Loans & Debt Management of the House of Representatives, Hon Adeyinka Ajayi, representing Boripe, Ifelodun & Odo-Otin Federal Constituency in Osun State, as he defeated his main rival, Mr. Kayode Oduoye, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure.

The Court of Appeal in its judgment on Monday unanimously affirmed the election of Ajayi and dismissed all grounds of appeal filed by Oduoye.

In his remarks after the judgment, Ajayi described the appellate court ruling as “an affirmation of the rule of law and democracy,” adding that the ruling is “a victory for the party and the people of my constituency whose mandate freely given at the last election was challenged by the PDP and its candidate.

The confidence reposed in our party focus and direction has finally been given judicial approval.”

He reassured the people of his constituency of his

genuine commitment to their well-being and overall development of the area, noting that, “I have never been more hopeful of a better Nigeria than now, and with your support for our party at all levels, Nigeria will surely get back on track.”

He called on his challenger, having exhausted all legal avenues open to him under the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to work with him.

It would be recalled that shortly after the National Assembly election in the March 2015 election, the Peoples Democratic Party’s House of Representative candidate went to court to contest Ajayi’s victory at the election petitions tribunal in Osogbo.

The tribunal dismissed Oduoye’s petitions and upheld APC candidate’s victory with costs awarded against the petitioner.

Dissatisfied with the tribunal’s ruling, the PDP candidate headed for Court of Appeal sitting in Akure to challenge the tribunal’s pronouncements.

500 penciled down for sack, Osun old students allege BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

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lumni associations of four Osun Stateowned tertiary institutions yesterday said about 500 staff of affected institutions have been penciled down for retrenchment as part of ongoing restructuring of the schools.

The group also condemned the sack of about 82 contracts, non-academic staff of Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun, saying the plan of the state government to restructure the schools would have devastating effects on the institutions.

It would be recalled that Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, while speaking at an event organised by Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo, recently, stated that his administration intended to restructure his two polytechnics and two colleges of education in line with present day realities.

The institutions concerned are Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State

College of Technology, EsaOke, Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, and IlaOrangun.

Addressing newsmen in Osogbo yesterday, presidents of the alumni associations of the four institutions described the sack of 82 staff of College of Education, Ila, as “unacceptable” and demanded their immediate reinstatement.

The association also alleged that Governing Council of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, and Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, have collated over 500 names of staff to be sacked and warned the state government against further retrenchment.

The four national presidents of the alumni associations, who briefed the media on the issue, Pastor Adelowokan JP, Mutiu Balogun, Chief Mrs Mobola Odebode, Mr Ayobami Fakeye, Presidents, OSCOED, Ilesa, OSCOTECH, Esa-Oke, OSPOLY, Iree, and OSSCE, Ila Orangun, respectively, also faulted the intention of government on the proposed reorganisation.

10

South East

PDP’s 16 years worst in Nigeria’s democracy —Umeh …says APC has moral burden to pursue change Emmanuel Ezeh ENUGU

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ormer national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, yesterday described the 16 years rule of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the worst in the history of Nigeria’s democracy.

Umeh, who addressed journalists in Enugu following his victory at the Court of Appeal in Enugu, said: “What PDP did to Nigeria in 16 years is the greatest disservice to democracy.”

It would be recalled that the Appeal Court had on Monday nullified Senator Uche Ekwunife’s election on account of Umeh’s petition.

The court ordered a re-run within 90 days.

The APGA chieftain claimed that though he won the election, PDP manipulated the process with impunity and used the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to declare Ekwunife winner.

While mocking PDP over its complaints on the outcome of the Kogi governorship poll, Umeh said: “Though the All Progres-

sives Congress has not been brutal as PDP was, PDP’s members are now weeping.

“The PDP promoted electoral banditry in this country; so, I am surprised that they are now crying wolf. They are made up of hypocrites; the PDP’s time has just ended; it is a political party that should be dismantled.

“I am happy at the present cleaning of the rot of corruption; PDP promoted corruption; why are they afraid?

Look at the revelations coming up now; PDP should bury its head in shame. PDP should be banned from speaking because Nigerians hold them in great contempt for the way they desecrated democracy.”

He expressed confidence that he would win the rerun, as according to him, “the number of people who had reached me ever since this judgement was delivered is overwhelming. I have used it to gauge the mood of the people; they are so excited.

“Besides, we are very hopeful; this time around, the votes of the people will count. There will be no godmother, god-father and the use of presidential might to suppress the will of the people.

Ebonyi Assembly okays N.5m for Umahi’s secretary Aliuna Godwin ABAKALIKI

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bonyi State House of Assembly yesterday approved a monthly salary of N480,000 for Governor David Umahi’s principal secretary, Clement Nweke.

The approval followed a letter from the governor requesting the house to approve such amount for his principal secretary to enable him work efficiently.

The letter, read at the House’s plenary by the majority leader, Joseph Nwobashi, was titled ‘Request for Adjustment of the salary of the principal secretary to the governor.’

In the letter, the governor prayed the House to approve the adjustment because the salary of the deputy principal secretary to the governor approved recently alongside other principal aides of the governor was higher than that of the principal secretary.

The House thereafter accepted the letter as a working

document following a motion by the member representing Ishielu North Constituency, Ali Okechukwu, and seconded by Chika Ude of Ohaozara East constituency.

In his submission persuading the House to approve the adjustment made by the governor, Majority Leader Nwobashi noted that it was an abuse of rank for the monthly salary of the deputy principal secretary to the governor to be higher than that of the principal secretary. He appealed to the House to approve the request.

Ezza North West representative, Chukwu Uzoma, in his contribution supporting the approval of the adjustment, maintained that the deputy principal secretary was working directly under the principal secretary, adding that it would be fair and just to adjust the salary of the principal secretary to the governor to reflect his seniority.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Chris Njoku OWERRI

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our suspected gangsters on Sunday shot dead a 25-year-old man, Chibuzor Akalador, of Okwudor Mgbalagwu Autonomous Community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.

Eyewitness said the late Akalador was shot dead around 3pm at Ogbuofor market square, Umueze in Oguta.

According to the witness, the deceased was on his lady’s bike when he was double-crossed by armed gangsters who shot him several times in the stomach and left him to die in the pool of his blood.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Ezeship tussle: Armed gang kills man in Imo

…villagers flee

Investigation revealed that more than 10 people have been killed in similar circumstance by triggerhappy youths, who are enmeshed in ezeship dispute between Eze Blaze Uba of Umulekwe Igbalagba Autonomous community, Oguta LGA and one Eugene Ohamara of the same community.

It was gathered that villagers had deserted the community following inces-

sant shooting and killing of innocent people. Sources told National Mirror that youths from the community now move about freely with guns like AK-47 unchallenged.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed that the community has been restive over ezeship tussle.

He said the killing of the young man was not uncon-

nected with the prolonged squabble in the community, adding that the command has been working hard to ensure normalcy returns to the area.

“We are working to return peace to the community. The Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, had assembled all the traditional rulers, youth organisations, groups in the area with a view to finding lasting solution to the dispute.”

Abia State Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu (third right); Commissioner for Works, Hon. Eziuche Ubani, and others, during an inspection tour of some on-going road projects in Aba, yesterday.

Nnamdi Kalu asks court to quash detention order Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

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ounder Radio Biafra Nnamdi Kalu, has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to set aside an order earlier granted to operatives of the State Security Service to detain him for 90 days pending investigation for alleged terrorism by the Federal Government.

Kanu, who is founder of Radio Biafra and DirectorGeneral of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Republic), IPOB, also asked the court to strike out a criminal charge with reference No FHC/ABJ/CS/873/2015 brought against him by the SSS. In a motion on notice argued before Justice Adeniyi Ademola, Kanu applied for an order of the court admitting him to bail

and also directing SSS to obey an order of the Chief Magistrate’s Court, which had earlier granted him bail in the motion argued by his counsel, Mr. Egechukwu Obetta.

Kanu claimed that the order of the Federal High court that permitted the SSS to detain him for 90 days pending his investigation for alleged terrorism was fraudulently obtained by the SSS. The grounds of Kanu’s application was among others, the ex parte motion dated and filed on October 26 by the SSS and upon which the permission to detain him was granted, was an abuse of court process brought in bad fate.

The detained Biafran leader alleged that the SSS did not reveal to the Federal High Court the pendency of a criminal charge al-

ready brought against him by it (SSS) in Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court.

He also claimed that SSS suppressed the facts of the active pendency of the criminal action the Chief Magistrate’s Court had granted him but which the SSS deliberately refused to comply with.

Kanu also claimed that the magistrate’s court where he was arraigned by the SSS was a creation of statute and recognised under the law and that all its decisions and proceedings ought to be binding on all parties until set aside on Appeal.

The Biafran leader in his application also claimed that the allegation of sponsoring and financing terrorism against him was not supported with any evidence that he was preparing to take up arms

against the Nigerian nation.

Kanu further claimed that his continued detention despite the order of the Magistrate that released him on bail was a trespass and in violation of his basic freedom as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

He therefore, urged the court to set aside the order that he be detained for 90 days on the ground that Section 27 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2003 and any other provision that empowers the court to order his detention or that of any other person beyond 24 hours without trial was against the constitution.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola has adjourned till December 14 for SSS lawyer, Mr. Moses Idakwu, to respond to the motion.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

11

Nurses, midwives begin strike in UCTH RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

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1. MT Purity laden with 400,000 litres of suspected stolen diesel seized by the Nigerian Navy in Onne, Rivers State, yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Illegal bunkering: Navy seizes 5 ships in Rivers DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

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igerian Navy said it has impounded five ships with about 1.913 million litres of stolen diesel worth N240 million in Rivers State.

Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Atiku Abdulkadir, disclosed this on Tuesday while inspecting one of the ships at Onne near Port Harcourt.

Abdulkadir said three of the ships, MT Mona, MT Alice and MT Purity had 911,520, 600,000 and 400,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, respectively, at the time of seizure.

He said, “MV Solution

III; MT Trader and two barges, Atlantic I and Atlantic II, with varying tonnage capacities were all empty at the time of arrest.

“The ships and barges were arrested for various offences, which included lifting and transportation of illegally refined products; non-approval to operate in the area; competency, among others.

“For example, MT Purity had product, which laboratory test revealed was a mixture of adulterated Automotive Gas Oil and cooked oil, which is illegally refined,” Abdulkadir said.

He continued, “Similarly, the ship is carrying AIS identification that is

not her own or converted, which ultimately creates multiple identification aimed at deceiving unsuspecting security personnel.

“Also, Captain of the ship neither has approval or certificate to operate a merchant tanker ship, while his crew members lacked competency to justify serving on board the ship,” he said.

Abdulkadir explained that several crew members on board the five ships had been taken into custody, adding that crew members on the barges fled their platforms on sighting advancing naval troops.

The Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command said the suspects were currently being

interrogated to determine their sponsors and sources of the illegal petroleum products.

Abdulkadir said they would be handed over to relevant security agencies at the conclusion of investigation.

“We are also currently deploying troops to strategic areas on sea and waterways to checkmate activities of pirates and criminals to enable travellers enjoy their Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he said.

Abdulkadir urged members of the public to continue to avail the navy and other security agencies information to make the celebrations hitchfree.

Okowa presents N265.6bn budget to Assembly AMOUR UDEMUDE ASABA

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overnor Ifeanyi Okowa has presented a budget proposal of N265.6 billion for the 2016 fiscal year to Delta State House of Assembly.

Presenting the budget yesterday on the floor of the house, Okowa stated that 57.65 per cent was for recurrent expenditure, while 42.35 per cent goes for capital expenditure, adding that the 2016 budget showed a marginal increase of N12.72 billion when compared with the 2015 approved amended

budget of N252.943 billion.

According to the governor, the budget will provide a roadmap for revitalising the economy, maintain strict fiscal discipline, create wealth, promote employment, encourage self-reliance, develop a knowledgebased economy as well as contain guidelines to enhance competitiveness in areas to facilitate development of the state.

Giving a breakdown of the recurrent expenditure of N153.156 billion, Okowa noted that N68.453 is for personal cost, while N30.166 billion is for overhead costs, adding

that “The Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges has a proposed sum of N54.536bn or 35.61%. On the whole, the recurrent proposal for 2015 is lower

by N9.587bn or 5.89% when compared with the sum of N162.744bn approved amended budget for 2015.”

On capital expenditure, Okowa said: “The proposed capital expenditure estimates for 2016 is N112,511billion,” adding that “the proposal is N22.312 billion or 24.74% higher than the 2015 capital budget of N90.198billion.” He gave sectoral breakdown of the capital expenditure to in-

clude N23,854,664,599 for economic, N17,300,911,898 for social, N26,987,445,368 for environment, N15,568,281,353 for general administration, N28 billion for Delta State Oil Mineral Producing Commission, and N800 million for contingency fund.

Okowa said the main sources of funds for the 2016 were N75,378,226,742 from Internally Generated Revenue; N137,948,341,497 from Statutory Allocation Including Mineral Revenue Derivation; N10,218,715,326 from Value Added Tax and N42,122,872,609 from other capital receipts.

urses and midwives working at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, Calabar, have downed tools following the hospital management’s inability to clear the arrears and allowances owed them.

The hospital disclosed this in a statement signed and issued by Chief Medical Director, Dr Thomas Agan, and made available to National Mirror on Tuesday in Calabar.

It said the nurses and midwives under the aegis of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, UCH chapter, took the action because the authority had been unable to meet their demand for increased training allowance and payment of their three

years uniform arrears.

“The management of UCTH regrets to inform the general public that the UCTH branch of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives this morning embarked on an industrial action.

“They are demanding an addition to their training allowances and three years arrears of uniform allowances.

“The management is doing all it can to ensure some of the arrears are paid as soon as possible.

“We appeal to the association to reconsider its stand and return to work in the interest of patients.”

The statement, however, urged members of the public to bear with the hospital’s management as it is working assiduously to resolve the matter.

Wike pledges to complete Federal High Court annex DENNIS NAKU

PORT HARCOURT

R

ivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has restated commitment of his administration to complete the Federal High Court complex annex in Port Harcourt.

He said it would ensure that more residents of the state have access to justice when completed.

The governor, however, said the old Obio Customary Court would be demolished to create space for the construction of Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal, which will accommodate more customary courts.

Addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing work at the new Federal High Court building within the existing Federal High Court complex on yesterday, Wike said the new Federal High Court complex will have four floors, several courtrooms and offices for judges and staff of the judiciary.

The governor expressed happiness with the pace of the work, directing the contractor to maintain the speed of work.

He said the state gov-

ernment will ensure regular funding of the project.

Wike said, “Our commitment to the creation of access to justice is total.

We will complete this new Federal High Court building of four floors with new courtrooms and offices.”

Inspection of the Federal High Court building being funded by the Wike administration was witnessed by the Attorney General of the state, Emmanuel Aguma, SAN, judges of the Federal High Court and the Rivers State Commissioner for Housing, Emma Okah.

A statement by Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, noted that Wike’s visit to the Federal High Court building was aimed at expediting action on the completion of the project.

At the Customary Court of Appeal, the governor said the new headquarters of the Customary Court of Appeal will be duly funded by the Rivers State government.

He said Obio Customary Court premise has space constraint, hence the need for demolition and construction of a multi-floor building.

12

North

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Benue woos Indonesian investors

B

enue State Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday visited the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Harry Purwanto, and requested investors from that country to explore investment opportunities in the state.

He said the state had comparative and competitive advantages in agriculture, solid minerals, culture and tourism, while his administration had created an enabling environment by boosting security of lives and property in the state.

According to the governor, his priorities included the creation of jobs, wealth and opportunities through industrialisation, micro, small and medium scale enterprises as well as promotion of commercial and investment activities.

Ortom stated that Benue was willing to collaborate with local and foreign investors through public private partnership and invited the ambassador and his team to visit the state to see things for themselves.

He said the state was particularly interested in partnering with investors in the

establishment of Industrial Parks and hoped to find such among Indonesians.

In his response, Ambassador Purwanto stated that over 20 Indonesian companies were already established and doing well in Nigeria and that he would encourage them to explore investment opportunities in Benue State.

He said his country, which had a population of 250 million spread over 17, 000 islands, had similarities with Nigeria more so as they were both developing countries and as such they should partner with one another.

The ambassador promised to find time to visit Benue State and also invited the governor to visit Indonesia.

He presented souvenirs to the governor stressing that his country encouraged one on one engagement much more than through media platforms.

Earlier in the day Governor Ortom visited his Plateau State counterpart, Governor Simon Lalong, at the New Government House, Jos, and was conducted round the premises.

James Danjuma

punished accordingly, as provided by the law.

He said evidences have shown there is direct relationship between Boko Haram and cattle rustling, pointing out that such was the reason why President Muhammadu Buhari gave approval to flush them out.

He, however, called on cattle owners, including herdsmen, to ensure they mark their cattle for easy identification.

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mustapha Inuwa, said the present administration had spent more than N243 million to help fight against cattle rustling.

Inuwa said the meeting which was first of its kind in the state, would prepare a blueprint for the affected states on how best to address the problem.

Masari warns backers of cattle rustlers KATSINA

K

atsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari has warned of dire consequences against persons aiding cattle rustling in the state.

Masari was speaking yesterday while declaring open a meeting between cattle owners, directors of agriculture, among other stakeholders, in the state.

The governor said anyone found aiding rustling activities would be dealt with, notwithstanding his or her status in society.

He also said a data bank was to be established by the state government for monitoring movement of cattle from the state to southern part of the country.

He said the state government would continue to take measures to address rustling problems, which is affecting the seven North West states and Niger State.

Masari said the affected states were making efforts to ensure sanity in cattle selling business, and that through this, culprits would be identified and

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, congratulating new Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Fatima Mohd Madugu, after swearing in, yesterday, in Minna.

Sovereign Wealth Fund: Supreme Court to hear suit March 8 up for hearing yesterday, the Federal Government through its counsel from Wole Olanipekun and Austin Alegeh’s chambers informed the court that a new Attorney General of the Federation had just resumed office and will need time to study the case file for necessary action.

While adjourning, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Mahmud, who presided over the matter, urged the parties to try as much as possible to settle the disputes before the next adjourned date or the court will go into full trial.

According to the CJN, the matter had lingered for long, and such matter is better resolved outside the court.

He further stressed that parties should resolve before the next adjourned date.

The Sovereign Wealth Fund manages the surplus income produced from Nigeria’s excess oil reserves on behalf of the states and Federal Government.

The 36 state governors are seeking an order declaring the proposed creation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund illegal and unconstitutional.

The Federal Government had challenged the jurisdiction of the apex court to hear the suit, arguing that the matter was not between states and the federation, but a dispute between the states and the Federal Government which it said

ought to have been filed before a Federal High Court.

The states are also praying the apex court to issue an order to effect that all sums standing to the credit of the Excess Crude Account should be paid into court or be otherwise secured as the court may deem fit pending hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Governors of the 36 states also want the court to compel the government of the federation to pay into the Federation Account N5.51 trillion being the balance of the money that accrued to the central purse between 2004 and 2007 from the proceeds of crude oil sales, petroleum profits tax and oil royalties.

aduna State government yesterday announced dissolution of the Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, following complaints of extortion and corrupt practices by its personnel.

In a statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, spokes-

man to the governor, it said the closure of the VIO office was due to corruption, indiscipline of the personnel, and lack of respect for the public.

The statement also revealed that an order giving immediate effect to this decision has been signed by Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

The statement reads: “The Kaduna State government has dissolved the

Vehicle Identification Office, VIO. The governor has signed an executive order giving immediate effect to this decision. All personnel of the VIO are to promptly withdraw from the streets, and the permanent staffs of the agency are directed to report with their uniforms to the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport.

DAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, represented by Federal Capital Territory Coordinator of the agency, Mr. Abdulsallami Ozigis, while carrying out the destruction exercise in company of community leaders and other security agencies, said the exercise had become necessary to prevent the offensive prod-

ucts from making re-entry into the market and raised public awareness on the dangers of counterfeit regulated products.

In a press statement signed the PR-Unit, Ephraim Anjembe said the essence of the destruction was to invariably prevent the seized products from finding their

way back to the market. This will eliminate the dangers associated with consumption of the dangerous products coming back to the society for consumption.”

Speaking further, Ozigis said eliminating the undesired regulated products from circulation will assist medical practitioners.

“With this decision, the casual staffs have become surplus to requirements and accordingly dispensed with forthwith. The permanent staffs of the defunct VIO are to report to the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport for further instructions. Anyone found on Kaduna streets purporting to be a VIO from today, Tuesday, December 8, 2015, will be treated as an impostor and arrested by the police for immediate prosecution.

“Appropriate announcements will be made when a replacement agency is ready to commence operations.

“Following deliberations at the Executive Council and the Security Council, the government came to the conclusion that the VIO as currently constituted does not serve public interest.”

Doosuur Iwambe ABUJA

S

upreme Court yesterday adjourned till March 8, 2016, the suit filed by 36 states of the federation against the Federal Government over a dispute arising from the maintenance of Excess Crude Account and the transfer of one billion dollars from the account to the Sovereign Wealth Fund, SWF. The 36 states are praying the court to decide whether the states had a share in the SWF. The Supreme Court had earlier granted a request by the parties to settle the matter out of court and to explore an amicable resolution of the disagreement.

When the matter came

Kaduna dissolves VIO over extortion, corruption A za Msue KADUNA

K

NAFDAC destroys N15m fake drugs in Kebbi Adeola Tukuru ABUJA

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ational Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has destroyed fake drugs worth over N15 million in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Director General of NAF-

Wednesday December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Bindow and the troubling signals Livinus Menedi YOLA

I

t appears Governor Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow is already on a collision course with the elites of Adamawa state. And the euphoria which heralded the coming of his administration has started to ebb away.

Sen. Mohammed Bindow, Adamawa’s governor, who has lived long enough in Mubi to call it his hometown, it is argued cannot freely visit Mubi without attracting the ire of disillusioned supporters who are now disenchanted about his administration.

It is ironic, that the man who some few months back was the toast of talakawas ( downtrodden masses) in the state will all of a sudden suffer such fate.

The trouble with Gov. Bindow’s administration is that the people placed so much expectations on it, considering the timing of its advent.

Catapulted to power as the preferred choice of people who were battered by years of maladministration and were looking to make a clean break with the change promised by All Progressive Congress, APC, the locomotives which powered him into office. But it appears six months into his rule, there is widespread discontent which has filtered into his party, the APC and even within his own political base.

But Barrister Bala S. Sanga, the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice who weighed in on the development, said it is hard to grasp what the elites and the people really wanted. Because here’s an administration, that within its short span has embarked on the construction of over 20 roads alone within the state capital.

Added to this he said were other roads construction and rehabilitation works been carried out in the three senatorial districts, which includes the upgrade of some selected hospitals across the state.

He wondered that perhaps the “ Governor’s fault in all of this is because he has refused to share the state resources with the big men, and instead committed the meagre funds to roads construction”. Something, he noted, the state was accustomed to, judging by the lack of development in the state. “Because monies which ought to be used for its development were just shared on the table, without scant regard to the growth of the state”. He said there were at the moment three cases challenging the legitimacy of the administration, but which were itself needless distractions. Confessing that had there been unity among Adamawa’s political elites none of the cases would have gotten to the courts. The cases awaiting adjudication before the courts, and which hung like the proverbial dangling sword of Damocles over the administration, in that order in which they likely tilt the scale against the administration.

The first is the case filed by impeached former Governor Murtala Nyako, which is before the court of appeal, seeking to quash his impeachment. It is very likely, Nyako a ‘compromised’ candidate for the All Progressive Congress, APC Chairmanship post for the party’s Board of Trustees, is likely to be freed of the encumbrances imposed by his impeachment, through the courts, and thus be reinstated back to his former position as governor of Adamawa state. There’s also another instituted by Nyako’s deputy, Barr. Bala James Ngillari, bothering on tenure elongation, even though the case is still at the Federal High Court. Ngillari who was re-instated by an Abuja High court as governor, following Nyako’s ouster, and his

Bindow

It is ironic, that the man who some few months back was the toast of talakawas

( downtrodden

masses) in the state will all of a sudden suffer such fate

purported resignation, which he challenged in court, is among other relief, seeking determination whether the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC ought to have conducted elections in Adamawa state.

Since his tenure is assumed to be an extension of Gov. Nyako’s tenure, expected to terminate in 2016, having been elected into that office for a second term in February of 2012. While the third, instituted by a former Governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Umar Ardo, also before the Court of Appeal in Abuja is challenging the elections held into the office of governor in the state, arguing that any elections held ipso facto remained void because there’s no vacancy in the office until February 2016, when elections, he prayed, ought to be held

by INEC. But perhaps the greatest of concerns for the administration is the growing public angst against it which is gaining ground by the day with more revelations about the government’s conduct of its business further eroding any modicum of trust the civil populace still has of the government.

Though much of the administration’s problem has got to do with perception and that the administration came at an inauspicious period of dwindling Federal allocations to the state due to falling global oil prices. But unlike his predecessors, who utilized a sizeable part of its earnings to pursue welfarist programmes as a palliative to cushion the gaps created by its low entrepreneurial depth and industrial density.

A development which obviously warranted past government, to take steps to vitiate its bloated vortex of unemployed through a populist programme that ensures its commonwealth trickled down.

This made sense, as the government remained the single biggest industry. However, the Bindow administration has refused to pay heed to the situation, nor would it tow that path. But instead has been defiant to its logic.

Although, his constraints have remained purely that attributed to the current financial squeeze experienced across the federation.

Yet even the administration’s own initiative under the Bindow Social Change policy where between N30,000 to N50,000 will be advanced as soft loans to small businesses in the state as replacement for the loose cash given by previous administration to certain beneficiaries under its Special Assistant (S.A) Scheme, has not taken off.

The BSC initiative mooted as an alternative to boost productive enterprise still remains in the drawing boards, awaiting implementation despite the release of N500 million meant for the scheme two months after inauguration.

It is such drag, between the administration’s public policy pronouncements and implementation, that is ultimately defining the administration as one which came to power without a clear- cut plan of what it intends to do and how it ought to go about it. The same problem sufficed in the government’s handling of fertilizer procurement shortly upon its inauguration on May 29. The government had promised to alleviate the suffering encountered by farmers in the state in getting fertilizer, it therefore said it would be procuring 30,000 Metric tonnes of the product at the cost N3.5 billion to cushion their hardship ahead of the rain fed farming season. But it was not until the close of the rainy seasons that the administration took delivery of a paltry 3,000 metric tonnes. This is even after it has paid almost half of the contract sum upfront to the supplier of the commodity which also coincided with its release of the N500 million meant for the implementation of the government social change initiative.

Sensing the lateness in the delivery of the fertilizer to farmers in the state, Ahmadu Waziri, the state commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, urged farmers to utilize the fertilizers distributed in October, instead for dry season farming which he was also advocating the farmers switch into because of the unreliability of rain- fed farming. Waziri attributed the lateness in the delivery of the important farm input on the government’s observance of due process in selection and award of the fertilizer procurement contract.

But it is the same administration which says it will not be derelict in the discharge of the mandate given to it, that is now facing allegations of impropriety and non- compliance with due process in piloting governance of the state.

This allegation were made against the Governor by the former chairman of the Committee on Finance, Budgets and Public Accounts in the state legislature, Hon. AbdulCONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Politics

Wednesday December 9, 2015

Lagos assembly urges Ikeja LG to pay revenue consultants Robert Awokuse

L

agos House Committee Chairman on Local Government Administration and Community Affairs, Hon. Alimi Kazeem has appealed to the Executive Secretary of Ikeja Local Government, Mr. Adekunle Adedokun to pay two revenue consultant companies: Shi & Ade Ventures and Idrismail International Company their outstanding commission on generated revenue.

Speaking, the Chief

Executive Officers of Shi & Ade Ventures and Idrismail International Company expressed their grievances on nonpayment of their agreed terms commission.

He established that they were contacted by the Ikeja Local Government management to act as revenue consultant to generate revenue on Radio & T.V. license fee and Corporate Parking for year 2014 and as the contract terms they were entitled to 20% of the total revenue generated but they did not get

any dime at the end of the year and effort to get this money proved abortive.

The companies thereby solicited the assistance of the House to use their good office to correct the injustice and to correct the public officers that their positions of authority are to be respected in terms of obligations and commitment of services rendered.

In his defence, Adedokun said when he assumed duty he did not see any record that shows that the Council was owing except the petition that was

dropped in his office.

He said: “As for the payment, the consultants have target to meet every year and their commission is based on the total income they generated.”

He however notified the Committee that the Council has many outstanding payments to make aside the consultants but pleaded the Committee to allow them pay twice in January and February.

Kazeem encouraged the council to pay some of the their outstanding this month as the yuletide is here.

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (left) receiving the Lagos State Laws from the Managing Director, Thomson Reuters Africa, Sneha Shah (right), during the formal handing over in Lagos, yesterday.

Bindow and the troubling signals CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 rahman Abubakar Isa, who for safety of his life has since fled the state after he made damning revelations about the government’s alleged breach of due process its conduct of government affairs.

The embattled lawmaker, even went further to call for the resignation of Governor Bindow, premising his call on claims that Bindow committed acts of gross financial misconduct when he sought and took over N3 billion in loans and expended same without the approval of the house.

Abdulrahman’s attack has provided the much needed ammunition needed by Bindow’s traducers, at least unknown to his political class whom he had pointedly told he would not share “government money” with, the way they were accustomed to again- to take a swipe at him. Already, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has already set its eyes on the activities of governance in the state. The Speaker and the State Finance commissioner, expectedly getting an invite, following the petitions it received from the former chairman Budget, Finance and Public Accounts, Hon. Abubakar, whose committee in the house has been dissolved and he is also serving suspension.

Bindow in trouble Hon. Emmanuel Tsamdu, an opposition member from the PDP, and Minority Whip, who has served previously as Acting Speaker and deputy Speaker of the state assembly in the past and currently representing his Madagali constituency, and one of the leading voices in his area believes

Governor Bindow is already in big trouble. He thinks the forces riled up against the Governor is overwhelming, and by their estimation it won’t be long before they get at him.

“If you go to Abuja, when issues of Adamawa are discussed, particularly among its powerful elites, you would think another elections is around the corner and that the removal of the current holder of the office of governor is already foreclosed,” he said, lamenting the unbriddled obsession of some of its elites to control the levers of power in the state. “ We have a big problem on our hands. Those preoccupied with the ambition of governing the state, anytime you meet them, it is as if the governor will be removed tomorrow and another election held within a short time”.

Adamawa’s political elite have been castigated in the past for their belligerence and their politics has notoriously been reviled as having a stifling hold on its polity and the state’s socio- economic development, going by the revelations of every occupant of the Dougirei Government House, blaming their woes on them. What with signs of strained relationship already emerging on the horizon between Bindow and some power brokers within the state.

The young turk feeling the crushing grind of what past occupants of the office once felt, was forced recently into regurgitating the refrain “Abuja Politicians” an euphemism for its political elite, first used and made popular by former Gov. Murtala Nyako, who fought them up till his impeachment. Just as his predecessors have held them responsible for the continued under-development of the state.

Except, in his case, Gov. Bindow, trying to assert his in-

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Speaker pledges to address maternal mortality rate Robert Awokuse

F

ollowing recent upsurge of maternal mortality rate in Lagos state which has been decried in different shades, Lagos assembly speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has urged the public to give information on any health centre not performing up to expectation, just as he promised to invite those connected with the incident at Rauf Aregbesola Health Centre in Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area in Alimosho where a woman and her child died after childbirth.

The speaker made this pledge while addressing a group of protesters named Woman Advocate Research and Documentation Centres, WARDC who recently protested the increase in maternal mortality incident in the state hospitals at the assembly complex.

The coordinator of the group, Dr. Abiola Akiyode in her address said WARDC is compelled to submit a petition to the state assembly in a view of continued instance of maternal deaths in the state hospitals.

She said: “Our findings have shown that de-

spite the government effort towards the reduction of maternal death in the state, women still experience financial, infrastructural and institutional barriers in accessing adequate maternal health care.”

She lamented the increase in the fee paid for ante-natal care from N7,000 to N18,000 apart from other fees, which women are subjected to pay in the hospital.

Also speaking during the protest, Mr. Ayo Shonuga whose wife died alongside her baby after giving birth at Rauf Aregbesola Health Centre in Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area in Alimosho on October 26, 2015 complained about the non-chalant attitude of the health officials.

Another victim, Mr. Oduyoye also lamented how his wife died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after she was detained for three months for failure to pay hospital bills.

Obasa however sympathised with those that lost their lives and commended the organisers for not taking the laws into their hands as he assured them of rightful decision into the issue.

dependence, has consistently maintained his stand not to share one kobo of the state resources with them. But how far can he go? If former Governor Murtala Nyako who took up the political elites he uncannily chided as ‘Abuja Politicians’ was brutally bruised by them. And erstwhile, former acting Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, allegedly propped up by the same elites to replace Nyako, they were riled up against, but who later realized he was used and dumped.

This is after they wittingly removed him from power as quickly as they have had their satisfaction with him. Nor, is it Gov. Bala James Ngillari who is in court trying to restate his claim as governor, who the ‘Abuja Politicians’ neither cared much about. Considering the humiliation he suffered in their hands, as being the only sitting Governor among his ilk denied the priviledge of incumbency, deftly denying him the chance to contest his party, the PDP’s governorship primaries to enable him continue in his stewardship as governor of the state.

Perhaps to survive their onslaught, Bindow has now cunningly turned to the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, the Turakin Adamawa. And some of the former vice president’s loyalist, have been quoted,to have questioned Bindow’s loyalty. They have been quick to state that Bindow was only cunningly clinging on to Atiku because of a favour, adding that once that favour has been completed, the man will have nothing to do with Turaki.

The favour, as it is claimed by the associates of Mr. Abubakar, is connected with the legal battle being waged against the Bindow administration which consequently has put his stewardship hanging in the balance.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Obiora Ifoh ABUJA

T

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has told President Muhammadu Buhari that his policies and apparent lack of viable economic initiatives are currently inflicting hardship on Nigerians.

PDP also advised against any attempt to increase taxes and duties as such will overstretch the lean income of ordinary Nigerians and gradually inflict intolerable poverty in the land.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement on Tuesday said it is disheartening that the Buhari administration

Politics

Wednesday December 9, 2015

PDP carpets Buhari, warns against increase in taxes, duties has remained insensitive and unresponsive to the groaning of Nigerians occasioned by the apparent lack of competent hands in the management of the economy.

The party said that rather than evolving economic initiatives to improve the lot of the citizens, the Buhari administration has in the last seven months churned out policies that stifle productivity in the formal and informal sectors, thereby inflicting hardship on them.

PDP said the situation has resulted in the semidestruction of the longstanding extended family system in our society.

“It is a statement of fact that under President Buhari’s watch, the nation has witnessed the gloomiest festive season.

Under this government, Nigerians have had the worst Sallah celebration and by all indications, this Christmas season is going to be the bleakest ever.

“More worrisome is the fact that there is no indica-

tion that the government has any plan for ameliorating the hardship of the people. Instead, the situation may get worse as this administration, in its lack of economic initiatives, is now rolling up its sleeves to introduce some stringent tax policies, in addition to completely removing the social palliatives Nigerians benefit from.

On the issue of the persisting fuel queues across the country, PDP demands that the government come clean. “ Is it market driven

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (left) the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, during the presentation of 2016 budget to the House of Assembly.

Henry Iyorkase MAKURDI

T

he Justice Margaret Kpojime Commission of Inquiry investigating the immediate past administration of Governor Gabriel Suswam from May 2007 to May 2015 yesterday heard that over N100million was laundered by the former state commissioner of finance, Mr. Omadachi Oklobia.

Testifying before the commission of inquiry, an Accounts Officer with Guaranty Trust Bank, Musa Abel alleged that he received the sum of N38million and N16million naira at various times for onward transfer through the USD to Governor Suswam’s account.

Mr. Abel explained that often the directives of how the transaction was to be done came from the former commissioner of finance, Dr. Oklobia who negotiated with the bureau the change for the lodgement of the former

15

Former Benue finance commissioner laundered monies –Bankers Governor’s monies abroad whenever the need arises.

He disclosed that he was only taking instructions from his boss, Ajuma Idoko who was the Retail Manager at that time and had no prerogative to question the transaction having been authorized by her.

He revealed that the transfers were done to one Mohammed Rago with account number 0019996443 and he was not privy to further information regarding the said transactions nor how the monies were subsequently disbursed.

Miss Ajuwa Uloko, while taking her turn before the commission told the panel of how N70 million was lodged into Kabiru N. Mohammed account at different intervals as instructed by the depositor, Mr. Oklobia ,the former commissioner for finance in the state.

When further interrogated she said a total sum of over N119 million was lodged during her time with the bank and stated that if properly scrutiny is carried out all the lodgments at different dates would be reflected in the ledger and urged the panel

to confirm the transactions.

Miss Idoko who was visibly angry throughout the session told Justice Kpojime panel of inquiry that at any time her attention is needed she will not hesitate to come forward with any clarification they might needed.

or a product of government conspiracy? Our take is that if indeed it is true that the government has a hand in this fuel crisis, then they should have a rethink and show pity on innocent Nigerians.

“We therefore align with the people in declaring that this administration is un-

prepared for governance.

President Buhari and his party came to power on propaganda, deceit and falsehood and the government has now shown lack of initiatives and the required competence. to successfully move the nation forward”, the party said.

Benue, Plateau governors pledge to be good ambassadors

G

overnors Samuel Ortom and Simon Lalong of Benue and Plateau States have pledged to be good ambassadors of Christians in the political sphere in the northern part of the country.

They spoke separately at a reception in honor of Governor Ortom at the Faithway Chapel, Jos which they jointly attended.

The occasion also marked the 25th anniversary of the Christian body.

They stated that as representatives of the faith among the 19 Northern Governors they had the responsibility to shine the light that would illuminate others.

The Governors acknowledged that they won election by divine intervention and prayed for sustained prayers so that they could deliver on their mandates.

Founder and Presiding Pastor of Faithway Gospel Ministries, Rev Dr Sam Alaha, expressed appreciation to God for His blessings on the Ministry

from inception and for Governor Ortom’s contribution to its progress.

He listed the goals of his Ministry as soul winning, discipleship and church planting.

Rev. Dr Steven Dangana who preached on the theme: ‘The Attitude of Gratitude’ stated that life has categorised people into the grateful and the great fools.

“Those in the group of gratefulness appreciate things that happen around them taking cognizance of the dynamism of God’s ways while the second category have little appreciation of the things of God hence they blame God and everybody around for events around them,” he stated.

Rev Dangana urged Christians to be grateful to God for the gift of life, health, family and good friends, vocation and provision.

Governor Ortom also accompanied his Plateau State counterpart, Governor Lalong to attend harvest and thanksgiving mass at St Theresa’s Parish, Jos.

Cleric seeks sustained prayers over insurgency, graft wars Abiodun Nejo ADO EKITI

N

igerians have been urged not to desist in prayers for the President Muhammadu Buhari government in the interest of progress, development and success in the battles against insurgency and corruption.

The Overseer of Christ Apostolic Church, Ori Oke Erio, Erio Ekiti, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, said the task before the government to

put the country back on track was enormous especially considering the present economic situation occasioned by the falling oil prices and the saboteurs lurking around the corner.

The cleric spoke at Ido Ekiti yesterday during his ministry’s ongoing five-day Open Air Crusade tagged “The Glory of Ido Ekiti must Speak” which would round off on Friday.

He said that the programme was yet another

opportunity to pray for peace, progress, development and prosperity in Nigeria, Ekiti State and in the lives of individuals.

Olu-Alo said: “The belief and sayings that President Buhari’s carriage is enough to turn the fortunes of the country around for better are not enough for the desired results, but there is the need for Nigerians to seek divine intervention in the country’s affairs.

“There is the need for

us to continually pray over the senseless killings and wanton destructions in the North Eastern part of the country.

“There is the need for the Buhari administration to toe the line of justice and enshrine fairness. As much as the fight against corruption is in order, the president must ensure it is not used as a weapon to haunt opposition. It should be all-embracing without any iota of favouritism,” he said.

16

Politics

Wednesday December 9, 2015

Proposed anti-media bill undemocratic –Rights activist Ebere Ndukwu

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s reactions still trail the proposed anti-media bill of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Bala Ibn, a human rights activist in Nigeria and executive chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice, CHRSJ, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman has said that the ruling APC is returning the country to the dark days of military era.

He said APC’s plan is to ensure that freedom of expression and speech

will be denied the citizens of the nation during the four years of Muhammadu Buhari’s government, urging Nigerians not to keep quiet over the evil of the proposed bill by the APC Senators, alleging that President Buhari had hand in the proposed anti-media bill in order to bring the Decree 4 that was used to gag the press during his days as military Head of State in 1984 and 1985 when media practitioners were clampdown into detention without trial.

Rejecting the President’s position that he has

no hand in the anti-media bill, Comrade Sulaiman called on the President to tell his party senators behind the bill to throw it into the dustbin and not just doing that “he, Mr. President should not assent to any bill that was inconsistence with the provision of the amended 1999 Constitution.”

He called on APC senators behind the bill to drop the idea, saying that the bill was an invitation to chaos and anarchy.

CHRSJ boss reiterated that the Section 22 and 39(1) of the amended 1999 Constitution of the Fed-

eral Republic of Nigeria has guaranteed the freedom of speech and expression to the citizens as an antidote to the deepening of the country democratic experiment, noting that any law contrary to the general provision of part 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, was null and void.

“The proposed antimedia bill is curious, undemocratic, evil, ungodly, anathema, abomination, anti-masses and aberration and should not be allowed to stand,” Comrade Sulaiman said.

L-R: Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Hon. Abdulmamud Gaiya during a courtesy visit by the Speaker to the House Leader in his office Abuja, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Lagos assembly moves for enforcement of environmental laws Ebere Ndukwu

I

n a bid to achieve a cleaner Lagos and the maintenance of its megacity, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to direct the Ministry of Information and Strategy to commence urgent publicity of the basic provisions of the environmental sanitation law (2000) with a view to sensitising members of the public of the expectation of the law and appropriate sanctions prescribed for contraventions.

The joint motion was read by Hon. Omotayo Oduntan.

The Deputy Whip also directed the Ministry of the Environment to engage the environmental agencies available to it as well as Local Government Councils to commence enforcement of the law after a given moratorium period as determined by the government.

The governor was also enjoined to direct all Executive Secretaries of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas to ensure that no suit is removed or evacuated during construction or maintenances of drains on the roadside beyond 48 hours.

This motion was moved jointly by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade; the Chief Whip, Hon. Rotimi Abiru and

the Deputy Whip, Hon Omotayo Oduntan.

Other members who contributed to the motion supported it passionately.

In another development members have screened and confirmed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s nominee for Chairman, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Oye Odukole The nominee who is from Ogun state told the lawmakers during the screening exercise that he is ready to raise money for the state through the private sector initiative.

Odukole promised to use his personal network and that of other members of his board to raise money for the State and manage how the money is spent.

He stated further that security is everyone’s job.

“We all have to contribute to security in the state.”

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa ordered the Clerk of the House, Mr. Olusegun Abiru to inform the governor about the confirmation of the nominee after the House voted in favour of his appointment.

Obasa

Group calls for steps to address Biafra agitation Ebere Ndukwu

M

embers of lgboekulie, an Igbo group, have called for urgent steps towards calming the agitation for Biafra by Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, saying that if necessary steps are not taken to address the agitation, the country may be facing another crisis that may completely destroy the very fabric on which its stands.

The group in a state-

ment made available to newsmen said: “We are indeed very sad and worried about the turn of events for the worse concerning the very recent resurgence of agitations for an independent state of Biafra.

“It is obvious that since the end of the Nigerian civil war; where a ‘no victor and no vanquished’ promulgation was made, the Igbo speaking states and persons have continued to be treated as the vanquished of the country. In about every sphere of human and societal development, the Igbos have been made

to hold the short end of the stick. This was again demonstrated in the early appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari when nobody from the South-East zone was among the first thirty five appointments made.

“We are also of the opinion that most of those who have been charged with the governance and management of the affairs of the lgbo speaking states and their resources have done very grave injustice and disservice to the people by failing woefully to deliver quality service as they were mandated. In the same vein, those who

equally have found themselves in other elective and representative offices have indeed failed to speak for the people and have instead misrepresented the lgbos while purely pursuing their selfish agenda.

The lgbo society cannot effectively compete in a multi ethnic environment like ours without quality and effective leadership”, the group said.

The group, unequivocally rejected and condemned the recent disturbances in the lgbo speaking states caused and engineered by the IPOB and MASSOB and said the disturbances have

extensively retarded the already regressed economy of the lgbo speaking areas, caused untold hardship to the people and avoidable loss of precious lives of fellow lgbos.

It therefore called for an immediate halt to these protests, saying that grievances of the lgbos can and should be better articulated and presented without necessarily being unruly, rascally or boisterous and uncoordinated.

The group further called on security agencies to either release, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB and others held on account of these renewed agitation or

diligently prosecute them if they have grounds for such prosecution.

They also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to demonstrate exemplary maturity and leadership by having a dialogue with the true leaders of the lgbos with a view to immediately addressing the issues that led to the protests. “lgboekulie is ready to partner with all persons and groups of goodwill to chart a new course for the reorientation of the lgbos in a new Nigeria that gives hope for peace, equity, justice and progress,” the group said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Views

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

17

Partisan Tsav unfit for Public Complaints Commission ADANWO AUSTINE

I

t was with utter disbelief that we read the report credited to former Lagos State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, in a recent edition of Daily Trust in which he was quoted as calling on Idomas to vote for former Senate President, David Mark, in the re-run election for the Benue South Senatorial District ordered by the Court of Appeal, Makurdi. The former Lagos State Police Commissioner is at present occupying a strategic and supposed neutral position as commissioner in the Public Complaints Commission.

The Public Complaints Commission Act of 1975 is clear on who should be appointed commissioner, as it is explicitly stated in section 2, subsection (1) of the Act, which deals with appointment, tenure of office, etc., of Chief Commissioner and Commissioners thus: (1) “The Chief Commissioner and other Commissioners shall be appointed by the National Assembly and shall be persons of proven integrity and shall possess such other qualifications as the National Assembly may determine.”

The above legal provision holds that those who work in the commission are supposed not only to be men and women of integrity but also persons without political, religious and sectional bias. Sadly, however, Abubakar Tsav has now failed by his displayed partisanship to meet

that important criterion to warrant his continued exercise of duties as commissioner in the Public Complaints Commission. He has not hidden his political leaning and preferences; he caps the repulsive tendency with vehement crusades for one of the political parties and goes the extra mile openly campaigning for the party’s candidates. He recently adorned the amour of spokesman for the immediate past governor of Benue, Dr. Gabriel Suswam and has now extended the role to former senate president, Senator David Mark.

We find Alhaji Tsav’s current role as spokesman for both Mark and Suswam as a violation of section 2 (7) of the Public Complaints Commission Act which states that “A Commissioner shall not while holding office hold any other office of emolument whether in the public service or elsewhere”.

The duality of roles as presently occupied by Abubakar Tsav does not only defeat the very purpose for which the Public Complaints Commission was established as a neural arbiter, but also makes a mockery of the good intentions of the National Assembly, which appointed the former police officer to occupy the position. Even if Alhaji Tsav wishes to show appreciation to Senator David Mark for facilitating his appointment as commissioner in Public Complaints Commission, there are a thousand and one other ways he would have shown gratitude instead of wearing the

IS

HIS CALL FOR

SUPPORT FOR

S ENATOR D AVID M ARK PART OF HIS FUNCTIONS AS A COMMISSIONER IN

P UBLIC C OMPLAINTS C OMMISSION ? toga of a federal commissioner while hoisting a party campaign banner to canvass for votes for David Mark.

Here is a man who confessed in an interview he granted The Vanguard newspaper in its last November 6 edition that his current role as a commissioner with the Public Complaints Commission demanded that he showed love and impartiality to all Nigerians. Hear him: “The fact is that the assignment we have here is more of social assignment, it’s more of a humane assignment. It’s is an assignment you do without seeking any benefits. You try to reconcile people, for instance, if they have grievances among themselves.”

A few weeks after that interview, Tsav has turned round to throw that same virtue to the dogs and shamelessly embrace open campaign for Senator Mark ahead of the Benue South senatorial re-run election. How is Alhaji Tsav seeking to reconcile Benue people in his outing as

Of Ezeife, Ndi-Igbo, Buhari and others

DELE OGUNDELE

T

he ominous incitement of Ndi-Igbo against President Muhammadu Buhari, his government and the rest of Nigerians by the former governor of Anambara State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, in his recent outbursts in a national daily is provocative, and this calls for concern of well-meaning Nigerians. The barbs, to say the least, are distracting, slanderous and treasonous.

The deliberate blackmail and mislabeling of President Muhammadu Buhari by Dr. Ezeife is patently dubious. This is why it is imperative to admonish him and Ndigbo leaders, and indeed, Igbo people on how not to continue to inflame the embers of disunity under any guise at the slightest hint that things are not going their way, while at the same time pretentiously mouthing allegiance to the state as is the case with Dr. Ezeife.

This is why the cacophony of rambunctious outbursts of very respectable leaders of the South East with few exceptions concerning the drumbeats of war by some of their sons needs the urgent attention and intervention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Njikoka-Igbo, IkeIkenga Igbo, Ime-Obi Igbo and all other Igbo groups irrespective of their political leanings. They should call a spade its real name in this regard instead of being conciliatory in their various analyses to rationalize the pro-Biafra agitators! Even most writers sympa-

THE BODY LANGUAGE OF IGBO LEADERS, TO THE AMAZEMENT OF MANY

NIGERIANS, TEND TO EGG ON THE SUDDEN

UPSURGE OF PRO-BIAFRA NATIONALISM thetic to this unnecessary clamour seems to relish the pulsating gyration of the impressionable youths to the rhythm emanating from the Biafran gongs and their enthusiastic dancers as they latched on the adulation like an imbiber under the influence of strong water laced with opium thus romanticizing themselves by churning out illusory narratives to further indulge these war mongers daring to put to test once again the sovereignty and might of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

It is no longer a matter of ‘themsay’ to know that the Igbos are everywhere in Nigeria; even in the most volatile areas of the country. The reason for the accommodating spirit displayed by other Nigerians cannot be far-fetched: The rest of Nigerians are receptive to nationals of other nations of the world as they are of their brothers and sisters from the South East, stakeholders in the amalgam called Nigeria.

The accommodating spirit of these pan Nigerians should be recipro-

cated in good measure in their own homestead without any equivocation, instead of Ndigbo scaring people off their domain through kidnapping, human trafficking and now war mongering! These are really the tools with which Ndigbo harass, intimidate, scare and blackmail other Nigerians out of their own territory. It is obvious Ndigbo do not have similar deep-hearted love with which other Nigerians accept and accommodate them where ever they go in Nigeria without calling a world press conference for so doing!

Therefore, it is high time the Igbos dismantle this self-preservationist and deceptive strategy that has been hidden from the rest of Nigerians over the years until now. Their shenanigans have been unveiled through their ostrich reactions to the hate filled campaign of self-aggrandizement by majority of their wards that the latest gang-up against the sovereignty of Nigeria represents under the pretence of advancing Biafra’s cause. This is about the time historians be on their toes so that when the story would be told in the nearest future, the usual tradein-blame game will not arise as there would not be an Awolowo to blame this time around, or a Gowon to poke fun at nor an Ijaw, Calabar, Ogoni or anyone else to blame for sabotage! Not even President Buhari will come into the picture.

This is why it is worrisome that the likes of Dr. Ezeife are romanticizing with this opium called Biafra national-

reported by Daily Trust? Is his call for support for Senator David Mark part of his functions as a commissioner in Public Complaints Commission? What is more worrisome is that Tsav is paid for his supposed services at the Commission with tax payers’ money.

In view of Alhaji Abubakar Tsav’s actions, we call on the National Assembly to employ the provisions of the Act establishing the Public Complaints Commission and relieve Tsav of his role as a commissioner in the Commission to enable him concentrate on his latest role of campaigning for politicians. It will be in the interest of the majority of the people if Tsav is relieved of his position to go and face what has occupied his time the most in recent months.

The National Assembly should utilize section 2 (3) of the Public Complaints Act; which provides that “A Commissioner may at any time be removed from his office of appointment by the National Assembly.”

As concerned Benue citizens, who cherish development, ours is only a clarion call on the country’s distinguished lawmakers to spare Benue the headache of having a supposed arbiter turned political activist. We have confidence in the present National Assembly to do what is right in the sight of the people.

Remove Abubakar Tsav from Public Complaints Commission. And wow!

Comrade Adanwo is Publicity Secretary, Benue Alliance for Good Governance (BAGG)

ism as shown in his ingrained resentment of other Nigerians not from his Ndigbo extraction. It is not gainsaying the fact that Dr. Ezeife is a respectable Nigerian, whose position on any issue cannot be shrugged off, especially due to his luminous stature as an elder statesman and one of the influential opinion leaders of Ndigbo like Prof.

Ben Nwabueze, a respectable jurists par excellence, who have proven their mettle in their service to their fatherland at one time or the other. This is why it is appalling seeing these eminent leaders goad their wards to hammer repeatedly at the foundation upon which the nation stands.

In fact, the body language of Igbo leaders, to the amazement of many Nigerians, tend to egg on the sudden upsurge of pro-Biafra nationalism to which the Igbo milieu seem jubilant about as though they are pursuing the right cause for its obvious hallucinating sensation owing to the uninformed attention the Biafra war mongers are accorded around the world currently, both in kind and in cash, due largely to misperception of the facts of the matter back home.

Ogundele wrote from Lagos via informediatech@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

18

Editorial

Wednesday, December 9, 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

Saraki trial: A quick reminder

T

he Supreme Court, about the second week of last month, set February 5, 2016 as the date for judgement in Senate President Bukola Saraki’s appeal against his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Slammed by the CCT with a 13-count charge for false assets declaration, when he was Kwara State Governor in 2003, Saraki’s appeal pending before the apex court is challenging the jurisdiction of the Tribunal to try him.

Two high courts and a Court of Appeal earlier rejected Saraki’s prayers that the charges be quashed.

The Supreme Court’s verdict that the case be put on hold pending the conclusion of Saraki’s appeal brought before it has, however, raised dust, considering the provisions of some sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which forbids the entertainment by courts of any form of application for stay of proceedings in criminal trials; and which, in addition, stipulates that any objection, preliminary objections inclusive, shall only be considered alongside the substantive matter.

Legal experts are of the opinion that the Supreme Court ought not to have accepted to adjudicate on the appeal, since based on the position of the said ACJA, and as known to common law, a motion for stay of proceedings in the Court of Appeal

THE SUPREME COURT’S VERDICT THAT THE CASE BE PUT ON HOLD PENDING THE CONCLUSION OF SARAKI’S APPEAL

BROUGHT BEFORE IT HAS, HOWEVER, RAISED DUST

cannot be entertained for hearing without concrete proof of the ruling of the trial court. The filing of stay of proceedings having been prohibited in trial courts, the argument is that neither the Court of Appeal nor Supreme Court should entertain such request as a court of first instance.

Consequently, it has become imperative for the apex court to clear the air on the basis it accepted to hear Saraki’s appeal. Is the ACJA 2015 not binding on the Supreme Court, for instance? How would the apex court’s interventionism in the Saraki case practically fast-track the administration of criminal justice, which is the cardinal reason the law was enacted? The Supreme Court had assured its speedy consideration of the matter, an avowal that perhaps informed the February 5 judgement date. No less is expected, considering the huge distraction the case constitutes, not just to Saraki as an individual, but to the entire National Assembly and the business

of lawmaking in the country.

Of profound concern, too, is the apprehension that the Supreme Court intervention could be a ploy to give Saraki a soft-landing of sorts to reciprocate his loyalty during the screening and confirmation of all the ministerial nominees President Muhammadu Buhari forwarded to the Senate; and the concession the Senate President gave to some choice candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to emerge principal officers in the 8th Senate. Indeed, it is believed that Saraki’s ordeal at the CCT has links with what many consider his dishonest way of emerging the Senate President, purportedly against the wishes of President Muhammadu Buhari and the top brass of APC. However, not transparently concluding the Saraki trial for whatever reasons is one grave mistake that would erode public interest in Buhari government’s anti-corruption campaign.

While the President was in the United States about two months ago for a meeting at the United Nations, he told ‘Sahara Reporters’ that he had no constitutional power to stop Saraki’s trial. “I may be impeached for that act alone”, he said. On whether he had confidence in the Senate President following the vote of confidence passed on Saraki by some of the senators, Buhari said:

ON THIS DAY December 9, 1979 The eradication of the smallpox virus was certified, making smallpox the first, and to date, only human disease driven to extinction. Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by either of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The disease is also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera, derived from varius (“spotted”) or varus (“pimple”). The disease was originally known in English as the “pox” or “red plague”.

December 9, 2008

The Governor of Illinois, United States, Rod Blagojevich, was arrested by federal officials for a number of crimes, including attempting to sell the Senate seat being vacated by the then President-elect, Barack Obama.

He was a State Representative before being elected to the US House of Representatives representing parts of Chicago. In March 2012, began serving a 14-year jail term in prison following his conviction for corruption.

“That will depend on the outcome of the trial”. Represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo lately at the flagging-off of the 2015 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference in Abuja, Buhari spoke of disturbing upsurge of allegations of judicial corruption in the country “usually occasioned by a combination of endless adjournments, incessant interlocutory applications and overwhelming caseloads…”

His words: “…Corruption transfers from public coffers to private pockets resources required to deliver social and economic justice.

Government’s attempts to recover such assets in accordance with the law are often faced with dilatory tactics by lawyers, sometimes with the apparent collusion of judges.

These tactics are often not directed at reaching any conclusion or affirming innocence or guilt, but at stalling trials indefinitely, thus denying the state and the accused person the opportunity of a judicial verdict.

I wish to echo the sentiments of the vast majority of Nigerians in saying that we cannot afford to continue on this path”. He also emphasised that delays in the trial process “have damaged the international reputation of the Nigerian judiciary, even amongst its international peers”.

Therefore, the Saraki trial should prove a departure from the despicable past.

December 9, 2013 At least seven people lost their lives and 63 others injured following a train accident near Bintaro, Indonesia. The Bintaro rail accident occurred in Jakarta, Indonesia when a train crashed into a Pertamina gasoline tanker at a railroad crossing in Bintaro, causing one female-only carriage to overturn and burst into flames leading to the said deaths and the scores left with injuries.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

19

Health & Wellbeing Cancer: Early detection remains key 22 FRANKA OSAKWE

F

orty-four days long gone since the needless death of Mrs Omowunmi Shonuga and her baby from child birth-related complication at Alimosho General Hospital. Since then up till now, 4,796 more women have also died from pregnancy or child birth-related issues in Nigeria, going by the recent National Demographic Health Survey statistics for maternal death (36,000 deaths per year).

The different accounts of how the late Omowunmi died, as narrated by the husband Mr. Ayobami Shonuga, the Ward Health Committee of Rauf Aregbesola Health Centre in the Alimosho area of Lagos and further investigation by National Mirror all revealed that her death, like many other maternal deaths in the country, was caused by unnecessary delays which could have been avoided, experts disclosed.

Mr. Shonuga, the widower, in his report, claimed his wife and baby died as a result of the delay to attend to his wife by 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 about 20 minutes I had to jump over the fence where I met two nurses who informed me that there was no doctor on duty to attend to me. 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 and opened the gate for me to drive in. One of the attendants picked the baby, but the nurses refused to touch my wife…”

According to him, the doctor later turned up at 7am while they were cleaning his wife up and instructed that she be taken to Igando General Hospital as her case was too critical for them to handle. At this point Mr Shonuga asked for an ambulance to take his wife to another hospital but was refused because they could not find either the ambulance driver or the key. On getting to Igando General Hospital, Mr. Shonuga said his wife was also rejected because no bed was available.

“It was when I started to shout that an emergency bed was provided. They took her blood sample and asked for a deposit of N20,000.00 (Twenty thousand naira) before they would transfuse her. It was while they were trying to secure a drip that my wife lost consciousness and died,” he alleged, adding that the baby had earlier died at the Alimosho facility.

However, The Ward Health Committe chairman, Rauf Aregbesola Health Centre, Mr. Lawal Adeshina, speaking on behalf of the PHC, denied the whole story of negligence. According to him, nurses at the centre did the best they could to save the woman.

“The husband got to the facility around

U5 children account for one third of deaths from foodborne 21 diseases

Another childbirth casualty

How Mrs Shonuga died

The late Mrs Shonuga

7am not 5am as he said. Before the security could get the keys to open the gate, the woman delivered right in the car, not in the facility. Seeing the pool of blood and the woman’s condition, the nurses could have referred her to a secondary facility but they chose to save her life first. They immediately took her to the labour ward and attended to the baby. They found out that the baby was still birth, mainly from the long labour the woman went through.

The nurses turned to the woman, gave her first aid treatment, an anti-haemorrhage drug to stop the bleeding and anti-shock garment before referring her to Igando General Hospital with a nurse to accompany them.”

Members of the committee also claimed that the deceased must have gone through long labour at her church - the Celestial Church, Abeso Estate Parish at Fadekoya Street, where she was hibernating prior her delivery. National Mirror correspondent, who visited the church, also found out from the pastor that the deceased had been hiding at the church up till the day

before her delivery, thus confirming that the woman, indeed delayed in seeking medical care.

However, the WHC confirmed to National Mirror that the hospital Ambulance which was vandalized few weeks back was not functional at the time of the incident.

So trying to decide on the next vehicle to transport the woman to the secondary facility must have also caused more delay.

From the stories, one could easily deduce that Omowunmi would probably have been alive today if she had gone to hospital earlier instead of the church, if the ambulance at Rauf Aregbesola Health Centre had been working or if the nurses and doctors had not delayed in giving her emergency care.

According to a consultant gynaecologist at Ikorodu General Hospital, Dr Abimbola Okudero, three delays that cause maternal death are; delay in decision making to seek health care, delay in reaching healthcare either due to lack of transportation or distance to healthcare and delay in the facility at accessing services.

Another obstetrics and gynaecologist with Randle General Hospital, Dr. Adeleke Adesola Kaka, also blamed delay in accessing emergency care services, negative attitude of health care providers and lack of vital life-saving facilities such as blood in banks, as causes of death among women during pregnancy and childbirth in the country.

Dr. Adeleke, who spoke during a workshop on maternal health organized in Lagos by Development Communication (DEVCOM), disclosed that most women’s death could be avoided and prevented if delays in accessing emergency care at hospitals were addressed.

According to him, health workers often delay in transferring patient to the Emergency Room, ER when there was need for it for trivial reasons such as inability of the patients to pay their bill or pure incompetence of the health workers.

While lamenting this lackadaisical attitude of health workers, he called on health facilities to pay more attention to saving the lives of women first before considering things such as hospital bills and other etiquettes.

“Some health facility do not have adequate blood in their bank, some might have and decide to hoard the one they have, insisting the patients should get their spouse for mandatory blood donation. While this might have its benefit, it can also result in delay in emergency care or prevent the woman from accessing medical care, thereby resulting in complication and consequent death,” he further noted.

Explaining the challenges of maternal health in Lagos Primary Health Centres (PHC’s), Dr Fawsat Sanni, Director of Medical Services Lagos State Primary Health Board, disclosed that there is still no effective referral system between the PHC’s and the secondary health institutions.

“Sometimes a patient that is referred to the secondary health facility gets there and is refused admission because there is no bed space”, she said.

She also listed other factors militating against quality maternal care at the PHC’s. These include: inadequate manpower, especially doctors and midwives at the primary, secondary and tertiary level of care, inadequate blood transfusion services at the secondary and tertiary centres and Prevalence of traditional birth attendants at the community level.

20

Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health

G

ood nutrition plays a critical role in enhancing the health of our immune system. In terms of diet, keeping our immune system healthy is just as much about what foods act as suppressors to our immune system as it is about what foods enhance its health.

Our immune system protects us against bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing organisms like bacteria, yeasts, fungi or parasites which may be present in the food we eat and air we breathe in.

It is an efficient, complex defense system that shields us against diseases examining the internal environment and ensuring that any harmful organisms are eliminated and destroyed quickly.

Some research results however, have identified some dietary factors that affect the human immune response. Under-nourished people are at greater risk from infections.

Protein-calorie malnutrition such as occurs with prolonged starvation, stringent self-imposed dieting

H

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nutrients that boost immunity

as in anorexia, or in profound disease states such as cancer and AIDS, robs the body of its defensive capabilities, depleting the white blood cells as well as crucial immune system proteins. In addition, excessive energy intake may also compromise the immune system’s ability to fight infection. Obesity is linked to an increased rate of infectious disease and obese people are more likely to develop coronary heart disease, which has been linked to alterations in the immune function.

Studies have shown that there are some areas where it is most likely that pathogens do enter into the body. These areas are: the skin which covers the entire body is a first line of defense; the stomach acid is also another effective barrier against many pathogens due to its high level of acidity. Our small intestine has special areas that detect foreign antigens and stop pathogens from entering through its walls and getting into the inner environment of our body.

Maintaining healthy cells within the tissues including the gastrointestinal tract is vital for optimal health. Certain vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, phytonu-

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

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

trients and proteins (amino acids) are all key elements to a healthy immune system.

The fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin K are also important to our overall health. Good sources of vitamin A and E whole grains, leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, margarine, nuts, seeds, brown rice, olives, asparagus, etc. Excellent sources of pro-vitamin A carotenoids include vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, asparagus, and bok choy.

Concentrated sources of vitamin K include cauliflower, as well as most green vegetables such as spinach, peas, soybeans, broccoli and asparagus. Vitamin C appears to support a decrease in the length of time and severity of symptoms associated with upper respiratory viral infections and a support to healing at sites of inflammation and even patients with cancer.

Sources are citrus fruit, strawberries and cantaloupe; vegetables such as broccoli, turnip greens, collard greens, cabbage, asparagus, etc. Many of the B-vitamins are also very important in supporting a healthy immune system. Examples of foods with B vitamins are: whole grains, vegetables and fruits can serve as excellent sources of at

least some of these vitamins.

There are also minerals that support the immune system. They are: zinc, sources include spinach, asparagus, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, lentils and cashews; selenium and manganese can be obtained from fish and shellfish as well as tofu and whole grains; sources of iron include: asparagus, mustard greens, turnip greens, leeks, and romaine lettuce.

Essential fatty acids, such as those found in cold-water fish, and a healthy range of monounsaturated fatty acids, such as those in

olive oil, can also support healthy gastrointestinal cells by promoting healthy membranes.

Phytonutrients that help maintain healthy tissue around the sites of infection and support healing. Fruits and vegetables, especially colored foods like strawberries, cherries, carrots, and tomatoes contain many beneficial phytonutrients with antioxidant potential. Drinking about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, at the very least can also help ensure that your body and immunity runs smoothly.

Sexual solutions and love products for adults

ello everybody and welcome to the month of December. It has become a tradition for us to introduce new adult novelties around this time to wrap up the year and we have lots of new things.

No man anywhere wants to have intercourse for just two minutes and nobody wants to lose their erections either or wait for three hours before they can get a second erection. That is why today we are introducing Libimax Plus, a super supplement that solves all the key male sexual problems at once. Just like how the cellular phone has evolved to become a camera, a computer and a phone all in one, Libimax Plus stops premature ejaculation, gives and maintains firm erections, enlarges the penis and helps men with multiple rounds and quick erection recovery between sessions. With Libimax Plus, you no longer have to buy three or four different items to get these same results. One pill does it all.

If there is anything that women desire most during intercourse, it is an orgasm.

Unfortunately, only a few have it. This is not fair. Every wonderful experience in life has a happy ending and not all women get their happy ending during sex. That is why today we are introducing our largest collection of Ovo vibrators yet. The Ovo brand of adult toys is of very high quality and is made by a German designer whose design philosophy is futuristic, minimalist and effective.

Ovo sex toys look like objects that women will be using two hundred years from now.

Ladies often worry about their sex toys being discovered by curious children or nosy house maids. Thankfully, Ovo vibrators don’t look anything like a penis. They look so ultra-modern that when you first come

across them, you won’t even know what they are or what they do. New in this collection are the Ovo k5 Silicone Rabbit – Pink & White, Ovo F11 Waterproof Vibrator and the Ovo F10 Silicone Vibrator. The Ovo F10 is available in two colour combinations. There is the Ovo F10 White and Metalic Violet option and the Ovo F10 Black & Chrome option. Really, I have never seen anything like these before and I have seen a lot of adult toys.

Last for today are two adult feature films that couples can enjoy on a lazy weekend when you are bored and up to no good. They are Teacher’s Pet and Almost Perfect.

Next week, we will discuss more new products. December 5th to 12th is also our sales week so all these items can be obtained at good discounts. Let us now answer a few questions from our readers.

Zee I want to reorder one pack of Vigrx Penis enlarger and one pack of Prosolution penis enlarger as well. Also, what can I use for premature ejaculation since I am already using the enlargement supplements? – James James ejaculation prolonging creams will suit you best. Ask for the LS Delay Spray. You can also combine it with a condom for greater effectiveness – Uche I am 59 years old and I just started taking Stiff Nights pills for erectile dysfunction. Is there additional information I need to know while taking it? Zeb Just use as instructed in your invoice.

Drink lots of water, eat well and sleep well – Uche I bought the Luxe Thrusting G Rabbit vibe for my wife and she gave it as a gift to her junior sister. Now her sister is telling her how good it is and she wants me to buy

another one. Do you still have it? Ejiro Please call the store with the numbers below to find out. A lot of these products were sold during the Black Friday bonanza so I am not quite sure of what is left – Uche Can some of these arousal supplements be shared by men and women? I am asking because my wife is taking the G Female supplement libido booster and the thing has fired her up. I want to try one for myself – Stanley The G Female Oral supplement is strictly for women.

Rather than experiment with something that is not for you, why not get the one for that is for men like Libimax Plus or Libigrow? They are all very good – Uche Hello sir, after I ejaculate, it takes me a long time to get another erection.

It is killing my marriage - Sola Sola wear a Cockring during intercourse and you can maintain an erection for an additional twen-

ty minutes or more after ejaculation – Uche That is all for today. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551, 08027901621 or 07086754515 for help or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com Zee Virtual Media delivers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com- Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

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U5 children account for one third of deaths from foodborne diseases

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lmost one third (30%) of all deaths from food borne diseases are in children under the age of 5 years, despite the fact that they make up only 9% of the global population.

This is among the findings of WHO’s “Estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases” – the most comprehensive report to date on the impact of contaminated food on health and well-being.

The report, which estimates the burden of foodborne diseases caused by 31 agents – bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and chemicals – states that each year as many as 600 million, or

almost 1 in 10 people in the world, fall ill after consuming contaminated food. Of these, 420 000 people die, including 125 000 children under the age of 5 years.

“Until now, estimates of

(L – R): Senior Manager (ICT), Mr. Remi Ogunsola; Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Chidi Ukandu; Ag. Company Secretary, Mrs. Funmi Sowemimo and Marketing Executive, Ms. Mary Akpan, all of International Health Management Services Ltd (IHMS) celebrate the winning of West African Quality Health Maintenance Organisation Company of the Year 2015 award by IHMS in Lagos, recently.

Eye foundation distributes 140 free eye-glasses to Borno teachers INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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hairman of Borno state chapter of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Alhaji Bulama Abiso has commended a Non Governmental Organisation, Afro Eye Foundation for donating free eye glasses to 140 Borno teachers while providing eye surgeries for 14 others.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in Maiduguri on the state of some teachers in public schools, Abiso disclosed that the eye surgeries on 14 teachers were per-

formed by a combined team of medical experts of Afro Eye Foundation.

“Fourteen of our teachers today underwent eye surgeries by a team of medical experts of this Foundation.

Other teachers with minor eye problems while teaching were also treated at this medical centre here in Maiduguri. Those with surgical cases were however; referred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for operations.”

He said that the gesture was part of the Union’s effort toward improving teacher’s welfare and livelihood

through implementation of effective services and programmes.

According to him, the gesture was necessary to uplift the health status of teachers who remained the core centre and heart of all foundation of the educational process.

“The same gesture and assistance would be extended to other teachers across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state,” Abiso said .

On teachers’ welfare, he said: “Teachers’ welfare has remained the core priority of this union, that is why we are doing what we can to up-

lift their living standard.

“The union had procured about 187 plots of land which was distributed to our members as soft loans. We are equally working out modalities with the Federal Mortgage Bank to construct two blocks of about 300 houses to our teachers to address their accommodation problems.

“The houses would be given to them as revolving loans which is to be in 25 years.

More arrangement is being made so that even if our teachers resign they will still continue paying the loans to enable them own the houses at the end of the day.”

... As Guinness donates N5m to LUTH Eye Centre FRANKA OSAKWE

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n a bit to assist with the management of The Guinness Eye Centre at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Guinness Nigeria recently donated the sum of N5million to the eye centre.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sesan Sobowale, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria noted that the donation is in keeping with the company’s commitment to supporting the Guinness Eye Centres in sustenance of its original vision and to ensure that the facility remains the reference point in the provision of

excellent eye care in Nigeria’s health sector.

“Our relationship with the hospital is a long one.

It is worthy to note that many years after the establishment of the LUTH Guinness Eye centre, it has continued to receive commendations from different parts of the world.

At Guinness, our vision has always been to make a positive difference in society. We believe passionately that when we help Nigerians preserve their sight, we not only deliver quality eye care but we also contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria”, he said.

In appreciation at the gesture, Professor Christopher Bode, Chief Medi-

cal Director of LUTH, said he was pleased with Guinness Nigeria’s involvement in sustaining the management of its eye centres for over 50 years; adding that the Centre would continue to deliver excellent eye care to patients. He thanked Guinness Nigeria for the timely and auspicious donation to the Centre and expressed his desire for a continued partnership.

“The gem that was sown many years ago has grown into a mighty oak that has trained over 100 specialist doctors, many medical students and other sundry healthcare workers. This eye centre is a living testimony to the values that Guinness

espouses as a strong Nigerian brand. They have stayed this course with us over the years and I can boldly say that Guinness has a veritable legacy in LUTH. I would like to encourage other corporate bodies to follow this marker which Guinness has laid, and adopt various departments in our hospital,” Bode said.

Speaking on the rationale behind the donation, Sobowale said: “It is our hope that this gesture would enhance the capacity of the Eye Centre to serve many more Nigerians. We will strive to do more with a view to creating a healthy society that improves the overall development of the nation”.

foodborne diseases were vague and imprecise. This concealed the true human costs of contaminated food.

This report sets the record straight,” says Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO. “Knowing which foodborne pathogens are causing the biggest problems in which parts of the world can generate targeted action by the public, governments, and the food industry.”

While the burden of foodborne diseases is a public health concern globally, the WHO African and SouthEast Asia Regions have the highest incidence and highest death rates, including among children under the age of 5 years.

“These estimates are the result of a decade of work, including input from more than 100 experts from around the world. They are conservative, and more needs to be done to improve the availability of data on the burden of foodborne diseases. But based on what we know now, it is apparent that the global burden of foodborne diseases is considerable, affecting people all over the world – particularly children under 5 years of age and people in low-income areas,” says Dr Kazuaki Miyagishima, Director of WHO’s Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses.

Diarrhoeal diseases are responsible for more than half of the global burden of foodborne diseases, causing

550 million people to fall ill and 230 000 deaths every year.

Children are at particular risk of foodborne diarrhoeal diseases, with 220 million falling ill and 96 000 dying every year. Diarrhoea is often caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, eggs, fresh produce and dairy products contaminated by norovirus, Campylobacter, non-typhoidal Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli.

Other major contributors to the global burden of foodborne diseases are typhoid fever, hepatitis A, Taenia solium (a tapeworm), and aflatoxin (produced by mould on grain that is stored inappropriately).

Certain diseases, such as those caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella, are a public health concern across all regions of the world, in highand low-income countries alike. Other diseases, such as typhoid fever, foodborne cholera, and those caused by pathogenic E. coli, are much more common to low-income countries, while Campylobacter is an important pathogen in high-income countries.

The risk of foodborne diseases is most severe in lowand middle-income countries, linked to preparing food with unsafe water; poor hygiene and inadequate conditions in food production and storage; lower levels of literacy and education; and insufficient food safety legislation or implementation of such legislation.

IHMS wins ‘West African HMO of the Year’ award FRANKA OSAKWE

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nternational Health Management Services Ltd (IHMS) has received the West African Quality Health Maintenance Organisation Company of the Year 2015 Award presented by the Quality Management Development Institute (QMDI).

The award, which was presented to IHMS in Lagos during the annual West African Quality Endorsement, Products/Services Awards (WAQEPSA), was instituted to recognise products, services, individuals and organisations that have excelled when measured against the framework of excellence.

Chief Operating Officer of IHMS, Dr. Chidi Ukandu, who expressed happiness at winning the award, described the achievement as further proof

of the commitment of IHMS to delivering total quality service to all its subscribers. ““Over the last 14 years, IHMS has dedicated itself to serving our enrollees nationwide with best-in-class health insurance services with a view to promoting health and wellness in our areas of coverage,” Ukandu said, stressing, “The award has affirmed our capacity to deliver on our promise and it will spur IHMS and its management to reach for higher quality of service to all its enrollees in accordance with global best practice.”

Ukandu explained that the vision of IHMS is to be the preferred provider of integrated and quality healthcare solutions in Nigeria.

This, according to him, is in tandem with the goals of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Cancer: Early detection remains key

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ancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumours and neoplasms.

One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs, the latter process is referred to as metastasizing. Metastases are the major cause of death from cancer.

The problem Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 8.2 million deaths in 2012 (1). The most common causes of cancer death are cancers of: • lung (1.59 million deaths) • liver (745 000 deaths) • stomach (723 000 deaths) • colorectal (694 000 deaths) • breast (521 000 deaths) • oesophageal cancer (400 000 deaths) (1).

American Cancer survivors...most Nigerian patients report too late to survive the disease

Key facts

What causes cancer?

Cancer arises from one single cell. The transformation from a normal cell into a tumour cell is a multistage process, typically a progression from a pre-cancerous lesion to malignant tumours. These changes are the result of the interaction between a person’s genetic factors and 3 categories of external agents, including: • physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation; • chemical carcinogens, such as asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (a food contaminant) and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant); and • biological carcinogens, such as infections from certain viruses, bacteria or parasites.

WHO, through its cancer research agency, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), maintains a classification of cancer causing agents.

Ageing is another fundamental factor for the development of cancer. The incidence of cancer rises dramatically with age, most likely due to a build up of risks for specific cancers that increase with age.

The overall risk accumulation is combined with the tendency for cellular repair mechanisms to be less effective as a person grows older.

Risk factors for cancers Tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are the main cancer risk factors worldwide. Some chronic infections are risk factors for cancer and have major relevance in low- and middle-income countries.

Hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and some types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) increase the risk for liver and cervical cancer respectively. Infection with HIV substantially increases

•Cancers figure among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer related deaths in 2012 (1).

•The number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades.

•Among men, the 5 most common sites of cancer diagnosed in 2012 were lung, prostate, colorec tum, stomach, and liver cancer.

•Among women the 5 most common sites diagnosed were breast, colorectum, lung, cervix, and stomach cancer.

•Around one third of cancer deaths are due to the 5 leading behavioural and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use.

•Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer causing around 20% of global cancer deaths and around 70% of global lung cancer deaths.

•Cancer causing viral infections such as HBV/HCV and HPV are responsible for up to 20% of cancer deaths in low- and middle-income countries (2).

•More than 60% of world’s total new annual cases occur in Africa, Asia and Central and South Amer ica. These regions account for 70% of the world’s cancer deaths (1).

•It is expected that annual cancer cases will rise from 14 million in 2012 to 22 within the next 2 decades (1). the risk of cancer such as cervical cancer.

How can the burden of cancer be reduced?

Knowledge about the causes of cancer, and interventions to prevent and manage the disease is extensive. Cancer can be reduced and controlled by implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, early detection of cancer and management of patients with cancer. Many cancers have a high chance of cure if detected early and treated adequately.

Modifying and avoiding risk factors More than 30% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors, including: • tobacco use • being overweight or obese • unhealthy diet with low fruit and vegetable intake • lack of physical activity • alcohol use • sexually transmitted HPV-infection • infection by HBV

• ionizing and non-ionizing radiation • urban air pollution • indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels.

Tobacco use is the single most important risk factor for cancer causing about 20% of global cancer deaths and around 70% of global lung cancer deaths. In many lowincome countries, up to 20% of cancer deaths are due to infection by HBV and HPV.

Prevention strategies • Increase avoidance of the risk factors listed above.

• Vaccinate against human papilloma virus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV).

• Control occupational hazards.

• Reduce exposure to nonionizing radiation by sunlight.

(UV) • Reduce exposure to ionizing radiation (occupational or medical diagnostic imaging).

Early detection Cancer mortality can be reduced

if cases are detected and treated early. There are 2 components of early detection efforts:

Early diagnosis The awareness of early signs and symptoms (for cancer types such as skin, cervical, breast, colorectal and oral) in order to get them diagnosed and treated at early stage. Early diagnosis is particularly relevant when there is no effective screening methods or – as in many low-resource settings– no screening and treatment interventions implemented. In absence of any early detection or screening and treatment intervention, patients are diagnosed at very late stages when curative treatment is no longer an option.

Screening Screening aims to identify individuals with abnormalities suggestive of a specific cancer or pre-cancer and refer them promptly for treatment or when feasible for diagnosis and treatment. Screening programmes

are especially effective for frequent cancer types for which cost-effective, affordable, acceptable and accessible screening tests are available to the majority of the population at risk.

Examples of screening methods are: • visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer in low-resource settings; • HPV testing for cervical cancer; • PAP cytology test for cervical cancer in middle- and high-income settings; • mammography screening for breast cancer in high-income settings.

Treatment A correct cancer diagnosis is essential for adequate and effective treatment because every cancer type requires a specific treatment regimen which encompasses one or more modalities such as surgery, and/or radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. The primary goal is to cure cancer or to considerably prolong life. Improving the patient’s quality of life is also an important goal. It can be achieved by supportive or palliative care and psychological support.

Potential for cure among early detectable cancers Some of the most common cancer types, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer and colorectal cancer have high cure rates when detected early and treated according to best practices.

Potential for cure of some other cancers Some cancer types, even though disseminated, such as leukaemias and lymphomas in children, and testicular seminoma, have high cure rates if appropriate treatment is provided.

Courtesy: WHO

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Arts Lounge

‘Experience 10’ holds in Lagos

Theatre does not discriminate –Adenugba

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Rising against gender stereotypes in Nollywood

Film location

Clarion Chukwurah on set

Nollywood like other sectors in Nigeria is male-dominated and this problem is not only akin to the film industry. Women seem to be at the receiving end of this.

Isiguzo Destiny Ayanwusi Funmilayo, a researcher in Nigerian films observes that most film directors, producers and scriptwriters are phallus-oriented and also guided by that sub-consciousness that women are objects of pleasure and domestic slavery which they often portend in their films.

Worst still, from the analyses and critical examination of Nollywood movies critics and scholars, there seems be overwhelming evidence that Nigerian films are filled with different categories of stereotypes of women, and then gender discrimination that often characterize motion pictures especially in the area of area of films. Even with this, critics believe that nothing much is being done about negative stereotype of women in Nolywood. Ann Kaplan, a movie scholar averred: “women and film critics need to develop a feminist criticism of film, much as has been done in literature”.

Stakeholders should look into the issue of stereotype especially sexual stereotype of women with women depicted as sex objects directly or indirectly were women are either prostitutes or runsgirls that commercializes sex, cheats and adulterous, preys of sexual exploitation and assaults, sinful, loose, seductresses, sexually deprived, sexual perverts etc.

Many are of the view that these ste-

reotypes are often influenced by the patriarchal nature of our world and it is even worse in the developing third world countries like Nigeria with a strong cultural bias against women. In lieu of this position, Femi Shaka and Ola Uchendu posit that “more often than not, films rely on cultural stereotypes in construction of victimization, characterizing women as seductive and scheming or vulnerable and naïve” Williams and Chrisman also observed that women are often oppressed in all sectors including in films. According to them “an average third world woman leads an essentially truncated life based on her feminine gender (read: sexually constrained) and being ‘third world’ (read: ignorant, poor, uneducated, tradition-bound, religious, domesticated, family-oriented, victimized, etc).

It is worst in African film industries, especially in Nollywood the biggest film industry in Africa, unlike in western countries were women are better liberally portrayed. They also observed that “This ... is in contrast to the (implicit) self-representation of western women as educated, modern, as having control over their bodies and sexualities, and the freedom to make their own decisions”.

According to Omoniyi Adeyemi Adewoye, “critical feminists have argued vehemently that the image of women has been consistently exploited, abused and

trivialized in the media – particularly in the spheres of advertising and motion pictures (films). They highlighted different stereotypes of women in Nollywood like: domestic servant, weaker sex and more often as sexual objects. What they called “homo erotica” stereotype.

He also considered it from a global perspective admitting that the issue is a global one and not only restricted to Nollywood. He pointed out that “a critical analysis of the contents of most of the films coming out from the three leading film industries in the world – Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood – clearly reveals the frequent portrayal of women as sex symbols and looking glasses, subtly portrayed to satisfy the erotic gaze or desire of a man”.

This is because women are poignant symbols of the temptress as depicted in motion pictures in films influenced by the phallocentric ethos of many societies like Nigeria. As Adesina Lukuman Azeez succinctly puts it, “the representations of women in Nigerian films also appear to be subtle images that negotiate and create “normal” gender identity for women by repetitively representing women as inferior subjects and as ‘immoral’ people that are morally corrupt” With films like Glamour Girls, Evil Passion, Pretty Serpent, Emotional Crack, Mr.Ibu and Keziah, The Corporate Maid, Sexy Girls, Before the War to mention

Stakeholders should look into the issue of stereotype especially sexual stereotype of women with women depicted as sex objects directly or indirectly

but a few, Nollywood female critics are alleging that there is a conscious effort by some filmmakers to label women as sex outlaws. Shaka and Uchendu noticed that in Nollywood, “the femme fatale image is made to read as a “signifier” for waywardness and promiscuity” This kind of stereotype is what women grapple with in reality and in most Nollywood films.

This stance is view as dangerous with the powerful influence alluded to Nollywood as an ideological brewery that influences people’s opinion on issues.

Ann Kaplan notes that: “Film has a powerful effect on most people, partly because of the viewing conditions (the dark auditorium, free from distractions), and partly because we are particularly vulnerable to impressions through the visual sense”.

Amanze Austin Akpuda PhD in a phone interview with the reporter added that through the enterprise of criticism, the Nigerian film makers and critics must re-engage in gender discourses in order to re-evaluate and correct the negative branding of and depiction of women. “We must take a revisionist stance on the stereotyping of women in Nollywood films in relation to sex and related symbols in order to critically evaluate and condemn such dehumanizing enterprise. We must advocates for the portrayal and evaluation of women using their individual strengths and weakness as human beings not just as women, weaker sex and sex symbols”.

Supporting this view, Jumoke GiwaIsekeije said “Nollywood movies serve a vital purpose in the construction of identity and ways in which audiences relate these texts to their everyday lives” and thus, Nollywood can re-engage the image of women in films to read positively.

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

VOICES

Tourism and Nigeria’s fortunes Bismarck Rewane

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hy is tourism contributing marginally to the fortunes of this country and why is it that even those that come for business travel do not take out time to actually explore the tourism opportunities of this country?

My understanding is that we have not made tourism a major goal in this country. We have not even started nurturing our historical and anthropological assets to position them to become attractive. If you take the budget of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and compare it to the budget of the Ministry of Petroleum or Defense, the story is told. In terms of revenue and contribution to economic activity, tourism contributes little or nothing. First of all, Nigeria is not considered by many even domestically as a destination for rest or relaxation or as a destination for historical, cultural or anthropological discovery or excursions.

There are no safaris, there are hardly any zoos, there are no cultural events, even though the history and culture is there, they have all been abandoned. So, it’s more of a strategic loss than anything else. Now, the infrastructure that supports tourism doesn’t exist. If you’re arriving at the airport or you go to any Nigerian website, there is no reference to places like the Yankari Game Reserve, Benin Moat. Something as simple as the Civil war, a civil war that everybody and history books refer to and many were killed. Where is the Biafran airport, where are the bunkers where the soldiers hid, where are the refugee camps; all these should have been preserved for history. Where are the historical lineages?

Where was the Olu of Warri’s palace in 1400, 600 to 700 years ago?

I go to Egypt and I see all these in spite of their crises. Tourism is still going on there just as in Kenya, Gambia and Senegal. It’s an objective that is driven by the government as an alternative source of income especially with the threat of oil revenue going down. I know there are major security issues but that is recent.

But even in the past as a student way back, I went on excursions to the Kuku-

Rewane

ruku Hills, Forcados Reef and Escravos. People went on excursions to Jos, Yankari Game Reserve etc. When I was a student years ago, I hitchhiked all the way to Ndjamena (Chad) from Ibadan with some American friends of mine on exchange program. I went all the way to Kaduna, to Maiduguri, crossed Cameroun. We used the New Nigeria newspaper delivery vehicles to take us across and went back with them and that used to be in the seventies. That doesn’t exist anymore. That is tourism. I found out I could go into Cameroun and Chad, crossing the river. All of these we all did in search of the history and culture of the Sahel. This doesn’t exist again.

For a number of reasons, if my son tells me he wants to hitchhike to Chad now, I will say no. because I am afraid of what will happen with Boko Haram, I’m afraid of kidnapping from MEND and all the other people. I’m afraid of police brutality and what will happen across the border. So, where is the motivation? We need to step back and start doing simple things. How do we even nurture the historical and cultural things in this part of the country? Luckily Lagos has done the Eyo festival well.

The hostile attitude of Nigerian officials starting from the embassies and at the airport must change. Tourism does not exist in a vacuum. The environment

Where are the historical lineages? Where was the Olu of Warri’s palace in 1400, 600 to 700 years ago? I go to Egypt and I see all these in spite of their crises. Tourism is still going on there just as in Kenya, Gambia and Senegal.

Memorable Reads What’s your favourite book?

Alice Walker’s ‘The Temple of my Familiar’ is my favorite book and I love Toni Morrison’s ‘Beloved’. The movie ‘Beloved’ wasn’t as good as the book! Walker’s book is a spinoff of ‘The Colour Purple’ which she wrote before ‘The Temple of my Familiar’. I like to read the mystical and Walker is a good author of such books. Her books are so deep; I don’t know how to describe them without sounding like ‘Witch’!

Who is your favourite author?

Alice Walker What’s your view on the reading culture?

I complained to my husband that since I have been in Nigeria, I have not been reading nor acquiring books like I used to. I had books to go with my music, I used to be a voracious reader and back

Latoya Aduke

Artiste

in my house in the US I still have so many books which my sister has threatened to put away in the store. She wonders what I still do with such a volume of books when I am not there. In this country there is not much reading going on among the young children. Older people start to read like they also want to start to do music at an older age.

What’s your annual expenditure on books?

I am very guilty. I don’t spend much on books; I plead guilty.

If you were to write a book what would be its theme?

It would be centered on my adventures, my life really. It would not be a serious autobiography though; it would be more comical because I tend to see the lighter side of life.

is hostile even to some indigenes not to talk of visitors. It’s a fundamental shift that has to take place before you can begin to see results and it’s a long, long process.

The Federal Government of recent unveiled a new tourism brand identity for the nation’s tourism sector termed ’Fascinating Nigeria.’ It said it would drive the promotional activities of the government in the culture and tourism sector and put Nigeria at par with countries like South Africa with ‘It’s Possible’ as its brand identity. Do you think we are on the right path?

You see, we have to do our domestic homework and make this country attractive for domestic travel, from one point in the country to the other. If we don’t address that, the question of international tourism cannot arise. If indigenous/ domestic investors cannot invest in the market, we cannot expect foreign investors to do same.

I believe strongly that a lot of house cleaning needs to be done first. Then, we need to project the image. Nobody believes in the hospitality and friendliness of the Nigerian people. From the Nigerian police service to immigrations, no Nigerian believes it, not to talk of foreigners. Let’s have some credibility in what we are doing. The Nigerian government, federal and state, wants to encourage tourism. Let us see the effect of it, let it be easy for me to go to your state.

Travelling from Lagos to Delta State is fraught with issues when it should be seamless. The moment I cross into Ogun State, the first thing the FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps) will ask me is for vehicle license. Then, when I get to Ondo State, they’ll ask for another thing like my fire extinguisher and it goes on and on. And it’s not restricted to one agency alone. There’s a host of them on the road.

Security agencies that are recruited to protect us have become extortionists.

That’s the truth.

•Rewane, an economic expert, heads Financial Derivatives, Lagos.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

ARTISTE UNCENSORED Shola Adenugba, actor, writer and the Producer of Live Theatre on Sunday (LTS) is never tired of talking about stage plays.

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any professionals are segmented into the artistic and administrative areas of stage productions. The fact remains that only those on stage are being appreciated more by the spectators because they are the ones with direct connectivity with the audience. However, without the producer and other crew members, a production is just but a mirage. Producing a standard stage production is a very tasking aspect of the business most especially at this reviving point. One of those who have been passionate and consistent in producing stage plays on the Lagos Mainland is Oluwanishola Adenugba, the producer of Live Theatre on Sunday (LTS).

Shola, a theatre producer, actor and writer who hails from Epe in Lagos State attended the University of Ibadan where he studied Theatre Arts. He is about to bag his PhD. This highly creative and industrious Youngman thought of how to bring back the tradition of Live Theatre most especially on the Lagos Mainland to measure up with what holds on the Island, and that ingenious cogitation culminated in the creation of Live Theatre on Sunday (LTS) in 2008.

According to him, passion and the need to make extra income was one of the reasons for establishing the LTS Project. “I have always been fascinated by the stage and at the time we started Live Theatre on Sunday in 2008, there were very few theatre productions around so we decided to start and provide a panacea to the dearth of theatre. We started with a sponsorship from UBA at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and our first productions were plays by J.P.Clark-Bekederemo’s “The Song of a Goat” directed by Leke Gbolade for Black Soul Repertory Theatre and “The Wive’s Revolt” as directed by Ayo Atoki.

We have featured actors like Paul Alumona, Omonor Somolu, Debbie, Emman-

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Theatre does not discriminate

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–Adenugba uel Nlemadim, Dave Akabuez, Thomas Odia, Gabriel Afolayan and Nosa. Alas, we haven’t made the money yet though” he said.

He talks on the reason why most people run away from producing stage plays. “It is expensive and rigorous and requires a lot of time. Also Theatre is not the most prominent sibling in popular culture family. Theatre doesn’t give instant fame. You build your fame slowly and that discourages people”. Regardless of the fact that this passionate theatre producer does his Live Theatre on Sunday free (might review it) for all every last Sunday of the month and it is not yet as lucrative as it should, he is optimistic about the business. “I love the theatre arts, I studied it and I won’t do anything else” he added.

To keep up the frenzy, he has therefore created more special productions for Easter and Christmas with the first edition slated to commemorate this year’s Easter celebration for theatre lovers. He has therefore packaged a play titled ‘Belong’ for the season. When asked the idea behind the selection of the play for Easter, he responded thus, “Easter is the season for rediscovery and ‘Belong’ is about identity. I believe that there is no better time to present such a great story. It is a play on love, identity and politics. It is a story of people who in the struggle to be, have lost all they have and who they are” ‘Belong’ according to Shola Adenugba is handled by a good selection of crew and cast ranging from Tosan Ugbeye as Artistic Director and Award winning Bola Agbaje, UK based Nigerian playwright as writer, while the performers include some of Nigeria’s finest thespians and celebrities like Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Bimbo Akintola, Tunji Sotimirin, Toyin Oshinnaike, OC Ukeje, Dolapo Oni, Opeyemi Dada and Emeka Nwachukwu. On the selection of high class actors, he added that Belong is a top class production and only the best are good enough.

In his words, “The play is for everyone.

Shola, a theatre producer, actor and writer who hails from Epe in Lagos State attended the University of Ibadan where he studied Theatre Arts

Shola Adenugba

Adenugba at an event

The theatre does not discriminate. Theatre should be didactic and we hope that people will take a step back to appraise themselves and see if they are who they are or if what they have become is what

MIDWEEK JUMP

Curt New Writing Prize opens

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he Cúirt New Writing Prize, in memory of Lena Maguire, is now open for submissions. The categories are poetry and fiction. There is a 500 cash prize for the winner of each category and the opportunity to read at the Cúirt/ Over the Edge Showcase event at Cúirt 2016. This year’s judges are poet Elaine Feeney and the Stinging Fly’s Declan Meade.

Deadline for entries is Thursday 28 January.

The guidelines for both adult and youth submissions are as follows: Poetry entries must consist of 3 poems under 50 lines each, and fiction pieces may be up to 2000 words. Entries in both English and Irish are welcome. Writers submitting work should not have had a collection published in the category in which they enter. This does not include the publication of single poems, stories or chapbooks. In addition to your work we ask that you include the following contact details: Name, email address, phone number. You may include a short biography of yourself if you wish. calibre-prize

they really want. Belong will be showcased for three days; April 18, 19 and 20 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island by 2pm, 5pm and 7pm each day .”

2016 Calibre Prize

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ustralian Book Review welcomes entries to the tenth Calibre Prize for an Outstanding Essay, which is worth $5,000. Calibre is Australia’s premier award for an original essay.

Anyone writing in English is eligible, regardless of where they live.

Essays must range from 3,000 to 7,000 words and must be written in English.

Deadline for entries is 18 January.

Galway-Ireland

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Arts Lounge

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

FAR AND NEAR

‘Experience 10’ holds in Lagos Ngozi Emedolibe

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he tenth edition of Experience, the annual gospel concert that assembles the best of gospel artistes across the globe has held again in Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria.

It held on Friday, December 4, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos and as usual attracted an unprecedented crowd of worshippers who thronged the venue from various locations of the country.

This year’s concert had a great lineup of artistes with renowned names such as: Don Moen, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell, Jessica Reedy, Sonnie Badu, Chioma Jesus, Nathaniel Bassey, Sammie Okposo, Midnight Crew, Micah Stampley, Frank Edwards, Julius Nglass and the Lagos City Chorale amongst others. Ministering alongside other preachers from various denomi-

At Experience 10 briefing

nations was the the Senior Pastor of the House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, who recounted the journey in a press statement thus: “From a thought in my mind and a dream in my heart; to the conception and birthing of the very first edition of the Experience, I have always sensed that the Experience is a strategic and intentional tool in the hands of God. From man’s perspective, it is a mammoth project which requires

Bono hails AFRIMA’s success efits concerts to raise aid and awareness on the deplorable conditions of the poor in Africa stated, “I congratulate the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, for a successful show and unifying Africa through music and pulling it off in spite of the challenges” This year’s topic focused on urban issues in Africa and the Leadership ceremony celebrated excellence in African Leadership which honored the 2014 Ibrahim laureate, His Excellency President Hifikipunye Pohamba, former President of Namibia (2005 -2015).

In his speech delivered on behalf of At the APAB conference

Isiguzo Destiny

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he co-founder of ONE Campaign, Paul David Hewson popularly known as ‘Bono’ has congratulated and commended AFRIMA for the successful hosting of The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA 2015 on Sunday November 15 at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, especially for bringing Africa under one roof at this year’s award ceremony. He made this statement at an interaction with the Managing Director of PRM Africa and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, during the meeting of the Africa Policy and Advisory Board (APAB) members of ONE Campaign Africa and Mo Ibrahim Foundation high-level Annual Governance weekend at Labadi Beach Resort and International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana recently. Dada is a member of APAB for ONE Campaign Africa.

Speaking at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation high-level Annual Governance weekend held on November 20-22, 2015 at the Accra International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana, the Irish singer, songwriter, musician, venture capitalist, businessman, philanthropist and front man of Dublin-based rock band, U2, Bono, who has been involved in ben-

more grit, guts, sweat and tears than we believe we have the capacity for. Nonetheless, for 10 years, year on year, we have seen our provider Jehovah Jireh, channel the resources – human and material; and of course the requisite grace to make this dream a reality”.

The concert is a family event that is open to the public and usually comes with loads of anticipation and anointing.

the International Committee of AFRIMA at the APAB conference, Dada reinforced AFRIMA’s commitment to work closely with organisations across Africa and the world at large to achieve the social change through creative arts and culture for Africa.

In partnership with the African Union, AU, AFRIMA, the continental awards is to celebrate, showcase and reward the musical culture of the African race and continued use of entertainment, culture, arts, music and the AFRIMA platform to project Africa greatness to the rest of the world.

Elder O’s ‘Laugh ‘N Get Healed’ Olaseni Damilola

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omedian Elder O has officially released his second comedy CD titled Laugh ‘N Get Healed Season II. And in just two days of its release, the CD had sold over 100,000 copies. The comedian who could not hide his excitement attributed this feat to the quality of jokes and production in the second outing. “The recording and mastering of Laugh ‘N Get Healed Season II is much better the first season and we were able to achieve over an hour of quality comedy for every member of the family,” he said adding, “it’s not kind of CD you will slot in and tell kids to go to their rooms because of the content is family friendly.

The jokes are very clean (no vulgar jokes) and original” Unlike the first outing, Laugh ‘N Get Healed Season II has a soundtrack and advertisement among other things. “We planned the release to coincide with the Yuletide season because this is the kind of comedy that families must listen to during the holidays,” the comedian that handles celebrity restaurant, O’jez’s weekend shows said.

Elder O revealed how he picked the

jokes he featured in the CD. “Every show I anchored especially my every Friday and Sunday shows at O’jez, National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos, I ensure I sample a new joke and watch the reaction of the crowd. If they warm up to the joke, I note it down and I never performed that joke again. That was how I selected all the jokes in Laugh ‘N Get Healed Season II. So I can assure you that they are all fresh and explosive jokes owned 100 per cent by no other person than Elder O.” He is full of appreciation to God and all his fans that have supported his career for over five years now.

elder o

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artistic Director announced for ‘Lagos Theatre Festival 2016’

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ritish Council Nigeria has announced that Kenneth Uphopho will be the Artistic Director of Lagos Theatre Festival 2016. Uphopho was selected by a panel of experts after an open call issued earlier this year. Lagos Theatre Festival returns bigger and better next year as part of UK/Nigeria 2015–16, a major season of arts work in Nigeria aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships.

Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 will take place at several venues on Lagos Island and the mainland with a curated programme running alongside a fringe strand of affiliated performances allowing a greater than ever number of artists and audiences to take part. To support emerging playwrights Lagos Theatre Festival sought submissions of scripts for the Festival. Playwrights were asked to reflect the experiences of young people living in Lagos today.

Kenneth Uphopho has been part of the Lagos theatre scene for more than two decades. He has directed over 60 productions for Performing Arts Workshop and Studio (where he is also Creative Director) and other independent theatre production houses both in Nigeria and internationally. As an actor, he has appeared in over 200 stage productions, in films and on television. His most recent directorial credits include Saro the Musical 2, an adaptation of Sheila Ojei’s blog Single In Gidi, Bobo Omotayo’s London Life Lagos Living, Bode Asiyanbi’s Shattered and Abiodun Kassim’s Band Aid. Kenneth has also co-produced and managed major events including Lagos Theatre Festival 2014, World Dance Day, Black Heritage Festival, International Theatre Day and A Harvest with Soyinka.

As part of the preparations for Lagos Theatre Festival 2016, Julian Caddy and Sarah Perryman from UK festival Brighton Fringe visited Lagos in March 2015 to facilitate workshops in fringe participation; the Lagos Theatre Festival team met with producers, performers and programmers in Brighton in May. Brighton Fringe will continue to support the team in the lead up to for Lagos Theatre Festival 2016.

Ojoma Ochai, Director Arts, British Council Nigeria, said: “When we launched Lagos Theatre Festival in 2013, we knew we wanted to change the face of performing arts in Lagos and we are proud of how far the festival has come.

This has been made possible thanks to the passion, talent and drive of the team and the commitment of the theatre makers we have been privileged to work with.

We look forward to the 2016 festival as we work towards the vision of Lagos emerging as the theatre capital of sub-Saharan Africa by 2024.”

Kenneth Uphopho, Director Lagos Theatre Festival, said: “I’m really excited about this opportunity to be working with the British Council. The Lagos Theatre Festival is creating a wonderful platform for theatre makers in Nigeria to collaborate and to showcase their work and next year we will reach more people than ever.”

Business

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Elumelu Foundation invests $4.86m in entrepreneurship 30

Auto policy ‘ll succeed if we learn from other countries’ experiences –Maduka

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fake products influx: SON canvasses strict border controls 30

BoI’s 2015 credit to SMEs hits N4.7bn Olufemi Adeosun, ABUJA

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Before last year, we didn’t have directorate for SMEs. Now we have a directorate where all they do every day is SMEs and that has really worked. Secondly we used to have 7 offices in Nigeria, but as I speak, we have fifteen. In one or two months, we are also going to open additional one in Sokoto state.

“We have also introduced a number of SME specific funds.

For instance, we have cottage, agro-processing fund for people who want to convert agricultural products to foods. We have also introduced fashion fund

specifically for SMEs in fashion industry. The idea is, we don’t want to treat all SMEs as being the same.

Apart from that, the MD explained that the identification of 35 different clusters by the bank also improved its ability to understand clearly the dynamic of small business operators.

He clarified further: “We have also identified 35 different clusters and that has improved our ability to understand clearly the dynamics of each segment and be able to tailor

our solutions. Beyond that, we also believe that, the internal process in the bank has also improved significantly. A lot of things used to be done manually in the past, now have automated our processes.

“The credit process is faster.

Wherever, I am , if a customer has satisfied all our Ioan conditions and they want to disburse, they don’t need to wait for me to return to Lagos, they just send it to me by email and I will approve via the email. That in itself has saved a lot delays,” he added.

he Managing Director and Chief Executive of Bank of Industry, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, has put the bank’s disbursement to the Small and Medium Enterprises this year at N4.7 billion.

When compared to last year’s disbursement of N1.85billion, this year’s figure of N4.7bn represents an increase of N2.85 billion or about 150 per cent.

Olaoluwa disclosed this on the sidelines of signing of a tripartite agreement for the establishment of the Kaduna State Entrepreneurship Programme between BOI, the Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna Business School.

He attributed the performance of the bank in the SME sub-sector to the establishment of the SME Directorate and other initiatives aimed at promoting small businesses across the country.

Similarly, the development banking expert explained that within the year under review, the bank introduced a number of SME specific products with a view to meeting the individual demands of small business operators.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh (right) with the Chairman, House Committee He said: “There is an inten- on Agriculture, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, during an interactive session between Committee and the sive focus on supporting SMEs. ministry in Abuja recently

Total Nigeria harps on quality service, rewards workers Joel Ajayi

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he Managing Director of Total Nigeria Pls, Alexis Volk, at the weekend restated the management’s commitment to customer satisfaction by delivering world class services at all levels of the company’s operations.

He said that this corporate philosophy necessitated the total respect accorded the company’s customers globally.

Volk, who gave the commitment during the company’s yearly NIGOSCAR Competition aimed at implanting into its customer service attendants the culture of treating customers as a king, in Abuja, said that the Total Nigeria

would continue to prioritise quality service to customers to sustain its brand loyalty in the downstream market of the nation’s oil and gas industry He clarified: “NIGOSCAR Competition is an opportunity to demonstrate our culture of providing Top service to our customers which has proven to be one of our differentiating traits in the industry. Top Service is Total. Total is Top Service.

“TOP Service is a combination of all the services we render to our customers to win their loyalty and differentiate us from competitors. It is a demonstration of who we are as Total, what we do every day of the week, every week of the

year.

“2015 has proven to be one of the most challenging years in the history of the company due to several economic and political factors.

However in the midst of all these challenges, it is all the more important to differentiate ourselves by providing the best service a customer can expect”, Volk added Volk further said that the company “must be able to deliver a service that customers would not expect. We must always remember that the customer is the reason we are in business.

He therefore noted that it was imperative that as staff of Total, the employees must satisfy their customers by attracting new ones

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and retaining existing ones with outstanding service delivery.

To achieve this, he told the staff that the company needed to go the extra mile to identify their needs and work hard at surpassing their expectations.

He charged the workers: “Let’s not forget that our competitors are trying to copy us, and can be innovative. So we must continue to improve in our service delivery by showing strong commitment to Top Service in all our stations nationwide, day in, day out.

“You, as pump attendant, as shop attendant, as driveway supervisor, as dealer, you are Total’s ambassadors: the mirror through which the company is viewed.”

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

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

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

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

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Executive Discourse

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Auto policy ‘ll succeed if we learn from Dr. Cosmas Maduka has been in the nation’s auto industry for decades with remarkable results dotting his entrepreneurial steps in the capital-intensive industry. A few weeks ago, his company, Coscharis Motors and Ford Motors rolled out the first ever locally manufactured Ford Ranger Pick Up van in Lagos in demonstration of their commitment to ensure successful implementation of the auto policy in the country. He speaks on the auto manufacturing projects and what it portends in terms of its future potential multiplier effects on the economy.

TOLA AKINMUTIMI captures his views.

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ould you talk on how the journey started and how you eventually secured Ford Motors’ partnership to invest in auto manufacturing plant in Nigeria?

We have been in this business for about 17 years now, we didn’t just start today. So, when the auto policy came on board, we spoke to them. As you know, Ford is a big organization and moving them is like moving a big vessel. But the good thing is that they eventually got their head office to accept to partner with us to start production of Ford in Nigeria. Ford has been in South Africa since about 1923 and so in the last 50 years they have never had any manufacturing plant in other part of Africa except what they have just done now. So, Nigeria is like the second manufacturing outfit for the company and by this it is something, as I understood, that the Ford family is excited about it. A lot of companies got it wrong with China. When Volkswagen moved in there and they hesitated Maduka and there is always a first time opportunities that others got and companies like Ford do not want to be beaten again. If you really know, able. Initially, unlike our competitors again, again and again. Take for inour competitors are yet to really start who have been in the market people stance, I have always asked people production even though they have are used to, they were testing us like a go to UK, go to Europe and out there, built a factory. So, when we say we are deep water with one leg but today we Volkswagen is number one and Ford ahead, those are things we are saying have customers who have driven our is number two. So, where are the othwithout breaking it down. There are products in the last three years and er brands in those places? Ford is a so many we don’t consider competi- they have come back to re-purchase tion even though they are in manufacturing but these are people who have n fact manufacturing is the similar products that we have and we think we all share the same market. If key of the economy because it you look at our Pick Up vans and you look at their Pick Up vans you will provides jobs for ccountants see that whatever they have, we have ngineers tatisticians other something in that range.

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One of the challenges Ford has is its inability to push volume into the market. How are we sure that now that there is a Ford plant in Nigeria that you will roll out enough volume to meet market needs?

I will be surprised to imagine that we will run out of stock because as we speak now we have over 1,400 units of Ranger in our location here in addition to what we started producing. We have never ran out of stock. We have the financial capacity and technical capability to make our products avail-

,

,S

A

,

,

professionals and people of all backgrounds. Unlike buying and selling and other businesses that can cater for certain needs of people, manufacturing is the catalyst any country that wants to survive and make great impact in the rapidly changing world must embrace

strong brand that is respected around the world.

Sir, based on the business climate in Nigeria many potential investors do not see the country as an investment haven. Talking about the recent auto policy implementation, in which areas would you like government to look at in the policy such that the policy would make more auto manufacturers invest in the country?

It is important that there should not be a policy somersault with the auto policy because if it ever happens in this modern age, the international community is watching, they are observant. There has been this African kind of perception, be careful they are not sure of whether they meant what they are saying and these are not good signals to investors who want to come to a country to invest. I listened to Samusi Lamido, the former Governor of Central Bank when the Forbes Africa did something the other day.

He said we should not be looking at investors as criminals, people who

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Executive Discourse

29

other countries’ experiences –Maduka are bringing in their money to invest and create jobs in your country and take the benefits because that is just what capitalism is all about. So, they bring you service and get benefits out of it but ultimately you benefitting most from it and that is how China opened their market for the whole world. All big brands in automobile industry are today in China producing with their Chinese local partners.

In fact, in all the factories in China no single manufacturer owns 100 per cent of his factory, the maximum is 50 per cent either owned by Chinese government or citizens. But look at what Ford has done in South Africa.

South Africa started auto policy only 20 years ago and they shut their doors to other markets. These are what we talk about when we ask: Are you willing to pay the price? No woman gives birth to a child that never cries. Go, show me the woman if she didn’t go through surgery, she will have tears and go through serious pains. So, that is how children are born. You can’t say you are going to be an auto manufacturer without going through some pains in the process. But the truth is that you need to look at when that child is born, according to those of us who know what the Bible says, it is a bundle of joy that a man is born into the world. The anguish is forgotten. So, if we are willing to industrialise like every other country in the world, including South Africa, which started building vehicle the way we are starting to build them now, we must be ready to go through the initial pains.

Sir, you talked about South Africa having gone through the stages Ford and Coscharis Motors are starting in Nigeria today. India and China as you earlier said, also did the same. In specific terms, how do we to tackle the problems that may hamper the effective implementation of the auto policy?

For us, it is for government to make up their mind. It is bad leadership when you lead with indecision. You must decide. Whether you made a wrong decision, make a decision but don’t keep people in limbo because that is the worst way to handle things.

If government is ready to go with auto policy, they should make a clear statement that they are willing to go with it and do the needful to make it a success because there is no way the auto manufacturers themselves can make it a success. The market has to be created and how do you create the market? They can do this by supporting local manufacturers by driving volume and with that you can see the auto components springing up to support those manufacturers and Nigerians will be getting jobs. In fact, manufacturing is the key of the economy because it provides jobs for Ac-

Whatever Tokunbo person is telling you is telling you because of his immediate benefit but we are talking about the overall interest of the

country.

We have over 40 per cent of our youths under 40 years and if we can’t create jobs to give this people meaningful life, then we are sitting on a gun powder in this country

countants, Engineers, Statisticians, other professionals and people of all backgrounds. Unlike buying and selling and other businesses that can cater for certain needs of people, manufacturing is the catalyst any country that wants to survive and make great impact in the rapidly changing world must embrace.

We have spoken about this Ikeja Assembly plant sometime ago.

Now that it is operational, what is your roll-out target of vehicles from the plant yearly?

If our factory is in full production, we can produce 35,000 units every year and we are building a second plant which we are going to show you very soon. We didn’t want to lay all our eggs all open at once. We are building other models which when you come back again in January we will show you. We just want you to focus on what we are rolling out now, the Pick Up Ford which we are producing at our factory at Ikeja.

plained to you earlier. There will be arguments why a woman should not have a child. But we know if we don’t procreate, we will not populate our land. People will tell you it is painful, it is this and that and that is always the argument. Whatever Tokunbo person is telling you is telling you because of his immediate benefit but we are talking about the overall interest of the country. We have over 40 per cent of our youths under 40 years and if we can’t create jobs to give this people meaningful life, then we are sitting on a gun powder in this country.

Recently, all auto manufacturers had a meeting with the leadership of National Automotive Council, led by Jalal, on the auto policy saga. So, what are the key issues discussed at the meeting or what did you agree to pursue at the meeting?

Jalal refuted all the stories in the newspapers that they were fake, not authentic, that there was nothing like that, and that government is still committed to support the auto policy. Our position on the auto policy as auto manufacturers is that we are continuing. We made investments and we are not going back but if government says they are not willing to go, we would like to be told much earlier so that we can concentrate and do some other things.

There are some people who feel that the investment in the local auto industry is too small to displace Tokunbo vehicles. Sir, what is your reaction to this?

Let me explain it like I have ex-

Maduka

This means that one day, there will be a revolution whether we like it or not. The person selling Tokunbo will be running just as the person selling new cars will be running. We must be able to make progress industry-wise to be able to create jobs and get these youths working.

With the rolling out of the Ranger Ford into the Pick Up market, how do you see competition in the market in the years ahead, since before now only one brand has been enjoying patronage of this range of vehicle?

We are good at competition and competition at the end of the day benefits the consumers or the masses.

Monopoly is not what is in the favour of the masses. You may recall when the GSM phones or technology was introduced into the Nigerian market. Initially, telephones were sold for N200,000 and SIM cards were sold for N200,000. Today, we can almost pick SIM cards for nothing but somebody who started first took that benefit of early market entry. So, the guys who started first have gotten some benefits but the competition today is expected to change the market structure and create a level playing ground for all brands or players.

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Business News

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Elumelu Foundation invests $4.86m in entrepreneurship project David Audu

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he chairman, United Bank for Africa Group, UBA, Mr. Tony Elumelu said it has invested a total of $4,860,000, for its empowerment project, the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

In a statement through the UBA group recently, he said that the investment included a $1,405,000 in agriculture; $410,000 in education and training, and $365,000 in the manufacturing sector.

“I set out to institutionalize luck with the foundation and give back to the African Continent that made me. Entrepreneurship can chart a new course of development for Africa”, he stated.

The banking expert and entrepreneurship advocate explained that with Africans taking responsibility for wealth creation and creating value adding businesses here in Africa were the reasons he encouraged applications from across the Continent, regardless of age, gender, religion or colour.

The Foundation also announced that it will be launching the second annual round of the $100 million Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, TEEP, for emerging African entrepreneurs in January next year.

In 2015, TEEP empowered 1,000 African entrepreneurs, selected from over 20,000 applicants, with start-up investment, active mentoring, business training, an entrepreneurship boot camp and regional networking across Africa.

Entrepreneurs, with an average age of 21-40, from 51 African countries completed the programme and received $5,000 in seed capital for their startup businesses.

The Foundation hinted that TEEP will open for entries next January and will accept applications until March 1st.

The sector- agnostic programme funded start-ups across a further 20 industries, all based in Africa.

SAHCOL appoints new COO to boost operations Olusegun Koiki

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kyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, has appointed Mr. Rizwan Kadri, as its Chief Operating Officer.

Kadri before the appointment was a Senior Aviation Ground/ Airport Operations Executive and the International Air Transport Association, IATA, Certified Aviation Management Professional.

Statement issued in Lagos by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, SAHCOL, Mr. Basil Agboarumi said that Kadri was expected to bring with him substantial broad-based expertise in international aviation ground and airport operations, as well as significant leadership experience.

He explained that Kadri, a graduate of Science from the Mumbai University, India, also holds an Executive M.B.A in Aviation and Quality Systems Management, from the National Institute of Business Management, India.

He has attended many aviation courses, amongst, which were IATA Station Management, IATA Station and Ground Handling Management, Airport Management, Corporate Leadership Challenge Course, Dangerous Goods Handling, DGR, Ramp Handling,

Basic Cargo and Baggage Service Skills, Weight and Balance (Load Control) and many more aviation courses over the years.

Kadri he said had over 25 years of extensive international experience in aviation management and an expert motivator who had demonstrated an excellent track record in leading large teams, with well-developed management competencies.

Prior to this appointment, Kadri worked as a freelance aviation consultant and IATA certified aviation management professional; Director of Operations and Accountable Manager-IAA Flying Academy; Director of Operations Indian Aviation Academy; Airport Manager-Qatar Airways, Mumbai Airport; Station Manager-Kenya Airways, Mumbai Airport; Standard and Procedures Officer Emirates Airlines, Dubai-UAE; Traffic Officer- Kuwait Airways, Mumbai-India.

The statement added, “With this appointment, SAHCOL signals its intent to become a leader in the African Ground Handling Market, while building a staff and management team with experience that spans industry circles, as a result building structure of trust and excellent service to its growing list of clientele.

L- R: General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Total Nigeria Plc, Olufemi Babajide, Dealer Total Service Station, Asokoro, Abuja Alhaji Abdullahi Minjibir; Total Nigeria’s Managing Director, Alexis Volk; and Retail Sales Manager Abuja ,Mufutau Balogun, during the 2015 National NIGOSCARS Competition in Abuja.

Venezuela bonds rally on Opposition’s wins in Congress

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enezuelan bonds rallied the most in six months after elections handed the opposition alliance a majority in Congress for the first time in 16 years, a blow to President Nicolas Maduro and his continuation of the late Hugo Chavez’s ideology.

Venezuela’s $4 billion of securities due in 2027 rose 2.50 cents to 44.62 cents on the dollar at 12:13 p.m. in New York, the biggest increase since June. The yield fell 125 basis points, or 1.25 percentage point, to 23.07 percent. Yields on bonds sold by state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA due in 2026 fell 90 basis points to 21.13 percent.

Bond investors are wagering

that a stronger opposition will act as a check to the type of policies that have left the country reeling from triple-digit inflation, a shortage of dollars, empty store shelves and an economic contraction. A qualified majority of three-fifths or two-thirds would grant the opposition even more powers to challenge Maduro, who himself called the vote a “wake up call” “This rebound has been a natural result of a positive election outcome,” Morten Bugge, who helps manage about $2.5 billion of emerging-market debt, including Venezuelan bonds, at Global Evolution A/S, said by phone from Kolding, Denmark. “It will take time, but we may start see-

Jovago wins NCC award at NIMES 2015 Isaac Asabor

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ovago, an online hotelbooking website, has won the best use of technology award which was competed for at the Nigerian Mobile Economy Summit, NIMES 2015, which held in Lagos at the weekend.

The award category was sponsored by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) in its contribution to the promotion of excellent achievements by stakeholders in the technology sector

towards the building of a sustainable economy.

Jovago provides its customers with online hotel booking service with the best hotel booking experience and with fast, reliable and easy-to-use service has the best curated hotels in Africa and around the world.

Unlike the traditional way of booking hotels, in which the travel agent chooses for customers, Jovago gives them access to the hotel inventory so they can browse, choose and book their favourite hotels.

ing a positive reform process.”

The result is another blow to South America’s block of left leaning leaders, who were ushered in following Hugo Chavez’s rise to power in 1999. The opposition won Argentina’s presidential election last month, ending 12 years of rule by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her late husband, while Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is facing impeachment procedures as her country’s economy is mired in recession.

Venezuela’s bonds have rallied since August as investors anticipated the opposition to gather momentum leading to the elections. The bonds returned more than 18 percent this year through Dec. 4, the second best in Latin America after Argentina, according to data compiled by JPMorgan Chase & Co. While a two-thirds majority could give the opposition a shot at reversing some of the economic damage, there’s unlikely to be a quick fix. The economy is expected to contract 10 percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Economists polled by Bloomberg see inflation of about 124 percent.

The price of Venezuelan oil, which accounts for 95 percent of its exports, has slumped 45 percent this year to $34 a barrel. As government revenue plummeted,

Venezuela has depleted its cash, sending foreign reserves to near a 12-year low of $14.6 billion.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Business News

31

World Bank, AfDB approve $600m for Africa’s hydro-meteorology

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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orld Bank, in partnership with African Development Bank, AfDB, and the World Meteorological Organization, has announced a $600 million programme to improve services in fifteen West African countries.

Tagged, ‘’Strengthening Climate Change and Disaster Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, the apex world bank said the fund would improve meteorological services in Africa, where most

countries lack modern technology for reliable and timely capture as well as transmission of meteorological information to the public.

Deputy Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization, Jeremiah Lengoasa bemoaned the poor infrastructure and technological capacity of most meteorological departments in Africa.

“These services are key to strengthening resilience to climate change by providing early warning services, but the truth

is that most meteorological services in the region are not able to provide the requisite information for decision-making, not because of their own making, but due to lack of infrastructure and modern technology to deliver reliable

services’’, Lengoasa stated.

The programme, according to him, was aimed to improve national meteorological services competence, regional competence and partnerships of various players in the meteorological services chain.

Lengoasa said it was unfortunate that some programmes are designed in the context of leaving a legacy rather than the consideration of partnerships, which is a key element to attracting investment and sustainability.

Red Star announces “pay-less, ship more” offer

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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s part of its efforts to encourage shippers to shop for the holiday season, Red Star Express Plc has rolled out its special holiday offer for Nigerians, tagged “payless, ship more”.

The logistics services solution provider in the country said the offer would start from December 2015 toJanuary 15, 2016, disclosing that the offer would ensure that customers save as much as 50 percent on each package using the services.

Speaking on this seasonal offer, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Sule Umar Bichi said “our company has enjoyed great loyalty from its customers and we think it is time to reward them. The offer, is for both loyal and new customers, who require simplicity in sending their packages at lower rates across Nigeria” Also, the General Manager, Sales, Mr Victor Ukwat said, “Red Star believes in maximizing the utility of customers.

However to appreciate its customers during the festive period, we are out to reward every customer with as much as 50

percent off their regular delivery spending. We intend to use this promo offer to appreciate our customers for their patronage, strengthen the bond we share, stimulate trial by new customers, and create top of the mind awareness”.

Red Star promo page is created on the existing website and other social media platforms in order to help customers’ access information easily”.

Red Star Express Plc is a premium logistics company in Nigeria in terms of revenue, network coverage and market share in the domestic and international market.

It enjoys a domestic strength of 169 offices in Nigeria, deliveries to additional 1,500 communities, over 1400 highly trained personnel and over 500 vehicle fleet.

It prides itself of automatic proof of delivery and advanced technology with all operations done online and real-time and also operates as the Nigerian licensee of FedEx, which is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories around the world.

L-R: President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Sheriff Balogun; Deputy Economic Counselor, Embassy of the United State of America, Mr Joel Kopp and representative of Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Shehu Balarebe Musa, at the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce Annual President’s Banquet Awards Nite In Kaduna on Saturday.

NAMA boss tasks airspace managers on aviation safety Olusegun Koiki

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HE Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, has charged airspace managers in the nation’s airports to embark on measures to strengthen Air Traffic Management, ATM, and surveillance systems in their respective domains.

Abdulsalam said that this was in order to ensure maximum operational safety as the nation gradually winds down to Christ-

India: Flood loss estimates for insurers rise to US$300m

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he heaviest rainfall in over a century to hit the southern state of Tamil Nadu has caused massive flooding and increased sharply estimates of losses by insurance companies to more than INR20 billion (US$300 million).

The heavy rain started around 8 November and insurers last month had estimated that losses could reach INR5 billion. Given that the rains are expected to continue, the insurance industry is anticipating a spike in claims.

Insurers are expecting a large number of claims from automobiles, property, factories and small and medium enterprises,

reported the Hindu Business Line.

Chennai-based governmentowned insurer United India Insurance is anticipating major claims after the floods, reported the Hindu Business Line. It is said to have the biggest exposure to the disaster as it is based in the state.

“We have already received claims of around INR3 billion, and after major flooding since Tuesday, we are expecting more losses. We expect to see major losses in householders, shopkeepers and motor insurance policies as most vehicles are under water,” said Mr Milind Kharat,

Chairman and Managing Director of United India Insurance.

Mr G Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director of New India Assurance – the country’s largest general insurer – said that the company had received claims worth INR1 billion following floods in Tamil Nadu in November. And after the severe flooding this week, the quantum of claims is expected to mount.

Insurance industry officials said most insurers are still in the process of receiving loss estimates as surveyors have not been able to visit the affected areas and most employees have not been able to reach their offices.

mas and New Year celebrations.

Abdulsalam gave this charge at the recently concluded Airspace Managers’ Forum held at in Kaduna State.

He maintained that the need for extra vigilance at this time became inevitable because of the usual upsurge in traffic and the increased tempo of airport activities that come with the yuletide season.

He said, “We must do our level best to build upon the present gains we have achieved in maintaining safety of air navigation in the country and zero tolerance for aviation incidents.

“In doing this, it calls for synergy and collaboration among airspace managers and I believe this forum will provide the opportunity to compare notes and do the needed peer review which will put all operations nationwide on the same page.”

Abdulsalam also noted that recent efforts by management to digitalise air traffic management services in the country by way of deployment of Digital Safe Towers across the four major airports as well as the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract/Controller Pilot Data Link Communication, CPDLC, were targeted at ensuring that the nation’s airspace conformed to global safety standards

and also bring about efficiency in service delivery.

He therefore called on airspace managers to imbibe the culture of collaborative engagement that would engender the needed peer review and enhanced safety.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the forum Port Harcourt Airspace Manager, Mr. Gabriel Akpen expressed confidence that the forum would afford members the opportunity to engage one another and build strategies for collective growth.

He hinted that current operating times call for renewed efforts to shore up performance and manage air traffic more efficiently than ever.

The Director of Administration, NAMA, Dr. Saleh Ibrahim, in his remarks enjoined airspace managers to be more security conscious, just as he called for renewed vigilance around navigational aids.

Also speaking at the event, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Airport Manager, Kaduna, Mr. Garba Usman harped on the need for collaboration and inclusiveness in service provision among aviation agencies.

He added that constructive engagement rather than inter-agency squabbles was required to take Nigerian aviation to the next level.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Industry & SMEs

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N2bn GEF: Analysts set agenda for impactful fund’s disbursement

While the youths, especially the corps members are anxiously waiting for the disbursement of the N2billion Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund, GEF, jointly introduced by Bank of Industry, BoI, and National Youth Service Corps, NYSC; the procedures for accessing the fund and subsequent disbursement to beneficiaries are believed to be slow. However, analysts have set agenda for impactful disbursement of the fund in order to realize its long term objectives. ABOLAJI ADEBAYO reports.

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s a way of finding solution to the lingering graduate unemployment saga in the country, the Bank of Industry, BoI, in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in October launched N2billion Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund, GEF. The scheme is expected to create a minimum of 5,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs annually, totaling 30,000 jobs.

The GEF is a special N2 billion intervention for the empowerment of serving members of the National Youth Service Corps. This novel schemes has been put in place to encourage graduates of tertiary institutions currently undergoing the compulsory one-year NYSC programme, to venture into business and become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

Parts of the objectives of the scheme are to address the entrepreneurship capacity gap of the NYSC members who are expected to produce bankable business plans after the three-day capacity building programme; deepen financial inclusion by de-risking the NYSC members and making them eligible for concessional loans ranging between N500,000 and N2 million to be provided by BOI; ensure sustainability of the businesses of the eventual loan beneficiaries through effective monitoring by the NYSC Directorate and BOI. Each beneficiary of the NYSC/BoI fund was supposed to get a minimum loan of N500,000 and a maximum of N2 million for working capital and equipment procurement.

At the launch of the Fund in Lagos, BoI Managing Director, Rasheed Olaoluwa, said Nigeria has failed to match the growth of the working population with job creation, hence the need for initiatives that would encourage entrepreneurship among corps members, as the NYSC Directorate was doing through its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, initiative.

Olaoluwa

DG. Brig-Gen Johnson Olawumi

OF COURSE THE BACKBONE OF ANY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS THE MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES. THE REAL SECTOR DRIVES THE ECONOMY AND FOR A DEVELOPING ECONOMY LIKE NIGERIA, A FOCUS ON THE YOUTHS TO DEVELOP SMES IS CRITICAL. THE GEF INITIATIVE BY THE CBN/NYSC IS COMMENDABLE “The strategy is to identify the innate talents of the young graduates as soon as they leave school, build their capacities for self-reliance, and also empower them to establish their own businesses, thereby creating jobs not just for themselves, but also for other youths that they may employ,” he said.

Quoting the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Olaoluwa said the labour market was swelled by 1.8 million young Nigerians annually with no jobs for them.

He said 1000 corps members would be selected through an online business idea competition in which they would develop

viable business ideas that would form the basis for single digit interest loans considerations from the GEF. “Medium to long-term loans at single digit interest rates will be provided,” added.

He revealed that each beneficiary would get a minimum loan of N500,000 and a maximum of N2 million for working capital and equipment procurement.

The loans were said to have tenor of three to five years inclusive of six months at single digit interest rates.

However, despite all the selection/ screening of participants done via the GEF online application portal, no beneficiary has emerged. This has left many of the corps members in doubting situation on whether the scheme would really meet their entrepreneurial dreams and eventually achieve its objectives.

Some of the corps members who spoke to National Mirror lamented that they were impatient as they may not be considered any longer after their passing out.

Some others said the time given for the registration was too short. They said the time should have been extended for all to be able to apply since all applications would be subjected to screening.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries of YouWin programme, the CEO of AfriGold Technology Ltd., Osuolale Bello, said the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund scheme would be a very good initiative if the right applicants who really have entrepreneur-

ial skill could be selected. He advised the impatient corps members to a little more patient, allowing the Bank to do the thorough screening in order to select the right applicants.

Bello believed that lack of proper monitoring may jeopardize the purpose of the fund, saying that many youths would divert the funds into frivolity if not properly monitored. He added that quarterly assessment of the beneficiaries should also be upheld so as to know those who make progress along their businesses.

The Director, Membership and Public Relations, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprise, NASME, Nerus Ekezie, said the credibility of the scheme would be achieved through the strategy for the selection of the successful applicants. He also wanted the scheme to be an ongoing programme, not limited to a particular set of corps members.

He declared that such interventions were marred by the inability of people to access the funds in addition to many discrepancies in the administration of the funds. He also said that while some of the funds have been diverted to other uses, parts of the funds can no longer be accounted for.

The former Registrar of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, ICSAN, Mr. Dele Togunde, specifically lamented on the disbursement modality of many intervention funds to SMEs. He said, “Of course the backbone of any economic development is the micro, small and medium enterprises. The real sector drives the economy and for a developing economy like Nigeria, a focus on the youths to develop SMEs is critical.

The GEF initiative by the CBN/NYSC is commendable. But I still have my fears.

“These SMEs are operating in a harsh environment with huge infrastructural challenges, thus even when they access this money, they may first begin to buy generators, sink boreholes, hire security etc., and these expenses deplete the working capital. So the value may still not be much. The success of the intervention fund may not be as impactful. We may also have issues with the implementation.

“Also, the previous ones have not been as transparent as designed. We have underlying issues of corruption in Nigeria and this has undermined the process as access has been riddled with favouritism and nepotism. I hope these funds would go to those who really deserve it to create employment.

“If the funds are given to those that actually deserve it, it will impact positively on job creation as well. I implore the states to also invest hugely in infrastructure so that SMEs can survive.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

EnergyWeek Wednesday, December 9, 2015

BoI’s 2015 credit to SMEs hits N4.7bn

SAHCOL appoints new COO to boost operations 30

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Venezuela bonds rally on Opposition’s wins in Congress 30

Oil exporting countries’ growth prospects dim at $38pb oil price The oil market was expected to witness stability after the recent meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC in Vienna, Austria. UDEME AKPAN however reports that crude oil price would continue to fall, thus affecting the abilities of nations, especially Nigeria to generate adequate foreign exchange for socio-economic development.

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hen members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC met in Vienna, Austria on December 4, 2015, many keen observers felt there would be significant leap in the prices of oil at least for a reason. The organisation was expected to cut its 30 million barrels per day output, thus causing part of the excess crude to be withdrawn from the market which is said to have been over-supplied.

But that was not to be. It resisted all pressures to cut output for some reasons.

First, the decision was taken mainly because of the awareness that non-member states, especially United States and Middle East nations now have the capacity to flood the market with commercial crude oil. Second, members of OPEC felt it would not make sense to effect a cut in its output as that would not culminate in a significant impact on the global oil market.

Rather than focus on the market, the Conference dwelt extensively on other issues.

For instance, it congratulated HE Eng. Eulogio Del Pino on his appointment as the People’s Minister of Petroleum and Mining of Venezuela, HE Eng. Carlos Pareja Yannuzzelli on his appointment as Ecuador’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, and HE Anas Khaled Al-Saleh on his appointment as Acting Minister of Oil of the State of Kuwait.

The Conference thanked their predecessors in office, HE Eng. Pedro Merizalde-Pavón of Ecuador, HE Dr. Ali Saleh Al-Omar of Kuwait, HE Diezani Alison-

Madueke of Nigeria, and HE Asdrúbal Chávez of Venezuela, for their contribution to the work of the Organization.

The Conference extended a warm welcome to its delegation, headed by HE Sudirman Said, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia. The Conference elected HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, as President of the Conference for one year, with effect from 1st January 2016, and HE Ali I. Naimi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as Alternate President, for the same period.

It considered the Secretary General’s report, as well as the report of the Economic Commission Board, whose Members the Conference thanked for their

efforts. The Conference deliberated on the current status of negotiations at the COP-21/CMP-11 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris and underscored the importance for all OPEC Member Countries to be actively and positively engaged in the negotiations.

It indicated that climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development are a major concern for us all.

The Conference emphasised the significance of continued dialogue with other oil-producing countries and the importance of maintaining its energy dialogue with China, the European Union, the Russian Federation, and other industry par-

it was noted that non-OPEC supply is expected to contract in

2016, while global demand is

anticipated to expand again by

1.3 mb/d. It agreed that Member Countries should continue to closely monitor developments in the coming months

ticipants and international organizations.

It also welcomed the first high-level meeting of the OPEC-India Energy Dialogue later this month.

The meeting respected the input and ideas of all member-countries to find ways and means to deal with the challenges they are facing in the global oil market while also noting that, since its last meeting in June, oil and product stock levels in the OECD have continued to rise. The latest numbers see OECD and non-OECD inventories standing well above the fiveyear average.

The forum also noted that global economic growth was currently at 3.1per cent in 2015 and is forecast to expand by 3.4per cent next year. In terms of supply and demand, it was noted that non-OPEC supply is expected to contract in 2016, while global demand is anticipated to expand again by 1.3 mb/d. It agreed that Member Countries should continue to closely monitor developments in the coming months.

Also, in view of the fact that the Organisation’s statute requires the change of the Secretary General after two terms and, given the fact that HE Abdalla Salem El-Badri has served the full terms, the Conference agreed that he continues as Acting Secretary General until the end of CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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Energy Week

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oil exporting countries’ growth prospects dim at $38pb oil price

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

July 2016, when a new Secretary General will be elected by Member Countries.

It appointed Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Algerian Governor for OPEC, as Chairman of the Board of Governors until 31st December 2016, and Estevao Pedro, Angolan Governor for OPEC, as Alternate Chairman for the same period. The Conference approved the Budget of the Organization for the year 2016. The Conference decided that its next Ordinary Meeting will convene on Thursday, 2nd June 2016 in Vienna, Austria. It also expressed its continued deep appreciation to the Government and to the people of the Republic of Austria, as well as the authorities of the City of Vienna, for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements made for the Conference Meeting.

That was not the first time OPEC would be rising from such crucial meeting without making much impact on the market.

For instance, the previous meeting of OPEC in Vienna, Austria on November 27, 2014 did not also make much impact on the market. HE Abdourhman Ataher Al-Ahirish, Libyan Vice Prime Minister for Corporations had maintained that the conference reviewed the oil market outlook, as presented by the Secretary General, in particular supply/demand projections for the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2015, with emphasis on the first half of the year. He had indicated that the conference considered forecasts for the world economic outlook and noted that the global economic recovery was continuing, albeit very slowly and unevenly spread, with growth forecast at 3.2per cent for 2014 and 3.6per cent for 2015.

“The Conference noted, importantly, that, although world oil demand is forecast to increase during the year 2015, this will, yet again, be offset by the projected increase of 1.36 mb/d in non- OPEC supply. The increase in oil and product stock levels in OECD countries, where days of forward cover are comfortably above the five-year average, coupled with the ongoing rise in non-OECD inventories, are indications of an extremely well-supplied market.”

“As always, in taking this decision, Member Countries confirmed their readiness to respond to developments which could have an adverse impact on the maintenance of an orderly and balanced oil market. Agreeing on the need to be vigilant given the uncertainties and risks associated with future developments in the world economy, the Conference directed the Secretariat to continue its close monitoring of developments in supply and demand, as well as non-fundamental factors such as speculative activity, keeping Member Countries fully briefed on developments,” he had said.

He had noted that the Conference appointed Dr. Bernard Mommer, Venezuelan Governor for OPEC, as Chairman of the Board of Governors for the year 2015,

Buhari

and Mr. Ahmed Messili, Algerian Governor for OPEC, as Alternate Chairman for the same period, with effect from 1st January 2015. He stated that the Conference decided to extend the tenure of HE Abdalla S. El-Badri as Secretary General for a further period of six months, until 31st December 2015.

Consequently, prices have dropped below expected levels. For instance, the price of Brent crashed from about $75 to $70 per barrel a few days after that conference.

The price of OPEC basket also crashed from over $73 to $70 per barrel during the same period. Currently, the prices of many crude oil grades have dropped below $40 per barrel in the global market.

Take OPEC basket as an example. The price of the basket hovered at $38.08 per barrel last Friday, compared with $37.89 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light

Kachikwu

(Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

There are indications that prices would continue to fall because of many factors.

For instance, the November 2016 market report of the cartel has it that the world economic growth remains modest at 3.1per cent in 2015, mainly due to a continued slowdown in emerging and developing economies, as well as low US growth in the third quarter. It indicated that the global economic growth is expected to improve to 3.4per cent in 2016.

The report maintained that US growth has been revised to 2.4per cent in 2015 and 2.5per cent in 2016, while total OECD growth remains at 2.0per cent for 2015 and 2.1per cent for 2016. The report maintained that figures for China and India remain unchanged at 6.8per cent and 6.4per cent, and 7.4per cent and 7.6per cent, respectively. It disclosed that world oil demand world oil demand is expected to grow by 1.50 mb/d in 2015 to average 92.86 mb/d, unchanged from the previous report.

The report maintained that in 2016, world oil demand growth is seen reaching 1.25mb/d, in line with the previous month’s assessment, to average 94.14

the world would continue to witness slow economic growth, meaning less demand and low prices for at least greater part of 2016. This development is expected to haunt many oil countries, especially Nigeria whose economic planners had earlier expected much improvement next year

mb/d. It maintained that OPEC oil supply is estimated to average 57.24 mb/d in 2015, an increase of 0.72 mb/d, unchanged from the previous month’s estimation.

The report indicated that the forecast for 2016 non - OPEC oil supply remained unchanged, showing a contraction of 0.13mb/d to average 57.11 mb/d.

In other words, the world would continue to witness slow economic growth, meaning less demand and low prices for at least greater part of 2016. This development is expected to haunt many oil countries, especially Nigeria whose economic planners had earlier expected much improvement next year. It is against this backdrop that the Managing Director of Cowey Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu who has been watching developments counseled that: “The development shows that a time has come for us to look beyond oil in the generation of our foreign exchange. We cannot depend on oil alone especially now that OPEC has lost its monopoly to determine what happens in the market.”

The Chairman of International Energy Services Limited, Dr. Diran Fawibe also indicated that: “We have the oil but the oil would not last forever. Now that the oil flows, we should use the oil money to develop other sectors, especially agriculture and solid minerals.”

However, as the negative impact of the present lull in the market continues to haunt the nation with virtually all the 36 states unable to pay salaries as when due, many local and foreign observers are waiting to see not only the options that OPEC and others would deploy but also the options available for President

Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to rescue the nation’s economy from collapse.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

35

NLPGA seeks end to N1.7trn kerosene subsidy UDEME AKPAN

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he Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association, NLPGA has tasked the federal government to terminate the kerosene subsidy racket, which has gulped over N1.7 trillion in six years.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, which is the major importer of kerosene, according to the seventh House of Representatives, paid subsidy on kerosene to itself between 2009 and 2014, amounting to N1.7 trillion.

The government also budgeted over N45 billion to subsidise the product in the 2015 budget alone.

President of NLPGA, Mr. Dayo Adesina, said on the sideline of the fifth annual gas conference organIsed by the NLPGA in Lagos that the government has a better alternative in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also known as cooking gas to stop this subsidy.

Re-affirming the continued willingness of his group to support the federal government’s actions to encourage LPG usage nationwide, he cautioned on spending on subsidy on products that, he said, have cheaper, cleaner and safer alternatives.

NLPGA, Adesina said, would continue to advocate boosts in investments for LPG beyond the present investments figure.

Otherstakeholdersattheconferencetagged: “LPG the Future is now,” also bemoaned Nigeria’s per capita LPG consumption for being the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa.

They expressed dissatisfaction with underutilisation of the product, advocating boost to the about multi-billion dollars LPG investments in the country.

“The per capita consumption of Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG) also known as cooking gas in Nigeria is the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Nuhu Yakubu, NLPGA deputy President

Queuing for kerosene

said.

His view was corroborated by LPG experts like Baylon Duru, Felix Ekundayo and Auwalu Ilu. “Nigeria is the second largest producer of LPG in Africa and the sixth largest producer in the World. We produce over 4 million tonnes of LPG per annum and have the capacity to consume as much,” Ekundayo said.

“In addition, we flare an additional 1-2 million tonnes of LPG inland. Ironically, Nigeria also has the lowest per capita consumption of LPG in sub-Saharan Africa at 0.8kg per annum. Consumption in 2014 was 350, 000 tonnes,” Duru added.

Earlier, a professor at University of California, Berkley, Dr. Kirk Smith, said that ailments related to dirty fuel like kerosene and firewood would kill more Nigerians if nothing is done to encourage cleaner fuel like as alternative fuel for cooking, powering machines, fuelling vehicles among others.

Delivering a paper entitled: “LPG and the health of the World’s Poor,” Dr. Smith said: “When firewood is used to produce it produces 400 cigarettes per hour.”

In clarification of the controversies surrounding the alleged payment of subsidy on kerosene by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC amounting to N1.7 trillion, the Director General of the Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogwu, in the first quarter of 2014 told the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Downstream that the Budget Office did not make any budgetary provision for subsidy on kerosene since 2010.

He stated this while appearing before the Committee at the public hearing as directed by the House through a resolution at plenary.

Reacting to questions from members as to whether there was any written or oral directive from any authority within the government making the NNPC the sole importer of kerosene with the mandate to deduct subsidy at source, and to also maintain the payment of same from 2009 to date, Okogwu told the Committee that the Federal Ministry of Finance did not, and does not provide subsidy for kerosene.

“We do not have such request and we do not make such payments. There are no other importers apart from the NNPC that we are aware of” Okogwu said.

Google invests $2.5bn in renewable energy, targets 100% Green

A

lmost any family can make itself entirely reliant on clean, renewable energy using such simple steps as powering its home with solar panels and relying on an electric car for transportation. But things can be more complicated for a business, especially one as big as Google.

Yet Google says it’s making the effort. Last Thursday, the dominant internet company, based in Mountain View, Calif., announced that it will be doubling its use of renewable energy to power not only its electricity-hungry data centers, but also its offices and other assets as part of its plan to shed conventional energy entirely by 2025.

The company said it has committed itself to powering its data centers by buying an additional 842 megawatts of clean energy, nearly 700 gigawatts of it from sources in the United States, including solar arrays in North Carolina and wind

farms in Oklahoma. It also plans an additional 150 megawatts from a wind farm in Sweden and a solar plant in Chile.

Once all the deals are concluded, Google will be consuming more than 2 gigawatts of clean energy, and aims to use 3.6 gigawatts by 2025. It says it plans to have all its 14 data centers on four continents powered by renewable energy to ensure they operate cleanly as demand rises for the company’s internet search engine, its mapping function, its email host Gmail and its video service YouTube.

Besides providing wildly popular services, Google also has enormous quantities of money, which can go a long way toward encouraging other companies – including power utilities – to expand or even shift their emphasis on energy sourcing.

In this case, Google’s commitment to buy re-

newable energy from both old and new utilities has encouraged several of them to build new facilities that provide alternative power. They include Duke Energy of Charlotte, N.C.; France’s EDF; and the U.S. branch of the British company RES Group.

So far, Google says it has spent about $2.5bn in renewable energy to provide its operations with its current diet of 1.2 gigawatts of clean power. So far the company hasn’t said how much it plans to spend on the additional energy it plans to purchase.

In fact, Google has been careful about exactly when it disclosed any of this new initiative. Some of the contracts to buy the power were closed in November, but Google said it decided not to announce the deals until Thursday, once the U.N. climate conference had gotten under way in Paris.

“It’s an opportune time to make a strong state-

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

38.81

-1.16

-2.90%

08:40:56

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

42.12

-0.88

-2.05%

08:40:42

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

32,500.00

-570.00

-1.72%

08:41:03

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

2.13

-0.06

-2.70%

08:40:49

Source: Bloomberg as at December 7, 2015

ment,” said Gary Demasi, Google’s director of data center energy.

Another Google executive, Michael Terrell, the director of energy and infrastructure, said that while his company has a reputation as a leader in choosing renewable energy over fossil fuels, its green approach shouldn’t be viewed as the domain of high-tech companies alone.

“We’re really trying to lead this transition to a cleaner energy economy,” Terrell told The New York Times. “It’s transforming anyone who touches the energy space. It’s not just about data centers or tech companies.”

Certainly tech companies are among the leaders in adopting renewable energy. For example, Apple Inc. invests in solar farms; Microsoft is powering its operations, at least in part, with wind energy. Amazon Web Services and HewlettPackard also have increased reliance on clean energy.

But the trend is broadening. Older institutions that for decades have relied on conventional energy are beginning to make the transition to clean energy. They include the Dow Chemical Co. and Kaiser Permanente in the United States and the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company Unilever.

(Source – nasdaq.com)

36

Energy Week

CATEIN enlightens consumers on ills of power sector frauds

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group, Citizens Access to Electricity Initiatives, CATEIN, last weekend stormed the Idumota Market in Lagos, educating electricity consumers on their rights to fight cheating in power sector.

The group, led by Mr AbdulSalam Fashola, distributed flyers to marketers urging them to support the group on their electricity needs and demands.

Fashola advised the stakeholders to assist government so that electricity companies would not derail in identifying the local challenges.

He listed some of the local challenges toinclude overloaded feeder, switch gear problems and faulty transformers.

Fashola appealed to the Federal Ministry of Power to provide relieve feeders where necessary so that power would be constant.

Mr. Emmanuel Joseph, the Secretary of the initiative, said the objective of CATEIN included organising forum for electricity consumers to suggest best ways to support them in terms of electricity needs and demands.

Joseph said that the initiative would serve as an intermediary between consumers and the power distribution companies. ``We will inform service providers about genuine complaints and how to render better services to consumers. ``Also interface with stakeholders in the industry to foster effective and efficient service delivery and serve as a link between government and investors in the formation of policies,” he said.

Mr Olusegun Obaoye, the Public Relations Officer, said that the initiative would also educate consumers on best ways to use electricity.

Obaoye said the initiative would enlighten consumers on causes of power failure within their environment and protect their rights in the implementation of government policies. ``Some electricity consumers have paid for prepaid meters for the past two years, but they have not been installed. ``Most of these consumers are being given estimated billing at the end of the month and they do not have alternative than to pay the bill.

“This initiative will address all these problems with the government and the distribution companies,” he said.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Power generation drops to 3, 757.07 mw

T

he nation’s power generation has dropped from about 4,000 megawatts, mw to 3, 757.07 mw in the past few weeks.

The Presidential Task Force on Power, PTFP puts the nation’s power generation and supply at 3, 757.07mw and 3,673.83mw respectively.

But the nation is still far from meeting its estimated daily national demand which then report puts at 14,000mw.

The Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, has said there has to be a regular supply of at least 6,000 megawatts of electricity before power outages can be significantly reduced in the country.

Amadi, who was speaking during a public hearing into the activities of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and Distribution Companies, Discos, as relates to infrastructure and billing by the House of Representatives Committee on Power, also disclosed that 55 per cent of consumers remain un-metered, attributing it to legacy issues which has resulted in consumers charged through estimated billing.

He lamented that the cloning

of meters and bypassing meters remain a major challenge particularly in parts of the country, which results in loss of revenue for distribution companies.

Responding to reports that the regulatory body is soft on Discos for infractions and inefficiencies particularly in metering, Amadi agreed, but however noted that the agency is not quick was wield the big stick to build investors confidence in the sector, and due to the fact that the Discos are still experiencing several challenges.

“It is in the interest of consumers that we help Discos and generating companies to survive, but from the beginning of this year, we have been penalising. Recently, we asked Abuja Disco to pay N18 million to the family of a child who was electrocuted, and they did that,” he said.

Amadi added that Abuja Disco was also mandated to compensate 32,000 consumers with about N50 million due to over-billing. He explained further that the Discos are experiencing several challenges.

“You talk about tariff, but what about gas? The telecommunications industry has the advantage of technological innovations. Elec-

Transformer

tricity is a conservative technology, we cannot do without gas, even if we build solar everywhere,” he said, adding that the discos have to deal with weak infrastructure.

Hon. Igariwey Enwo however challenged that NERC being soft on Discos had resulted in them not being keen on metering, and campaigning for the switch to smart meters.

“No individual from in my state, Ebonyi, has a single pre-paid meter.

Many people there have never even seen what it looks like…you have to make it mandatory for them to go ahead with the metering,” he said, The atmosphere at the hearing was less contentious than it was last Tuesday, where the lawmakers grilled Amadi on the emoluments and severance benefits accruing to him and seven commissioners when their tenures end this year.

Amadi noted that he has included the cumulative amount in fresh documents submitted to the committee as requested.

Electrocuted victim’s father seeks approaches justice from NERC CHIDI UGWU ABUJA

T

he father of a seven year old boy, Samuel Ayodele, killed last month by faulty electric cable in the Kabusa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has demanded justice of what he described as negligence, the Daily Trust reports.

Speaking to our reporter recently, the father of the deceased,

Power cable

Mr Tade Ayodele said the incidence occurred early Monday November 9, when a live electric cable snapped from the pole in the area.

In a letter he wrote to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and acknowledged by Chairman’s Office on November 12, Mr Ayodele said, “Electricity supply was on when this cable fell down and seeing the danger to lives of the people living there, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) was contacted

on the fallen cable.”

He said the delay in the firm’s response resulted in his seven year old son, Samuel Ayodele being electrocuted around2:30pm and died four hours later at a public clinic. “They promised they would come but almost throughout the day, from that 6:00am till late afternoon, they did not come,” Mr. Ayodele added.

Recall that NERC on November 8 said it fined the AEDC N18million as compensation after it indicted the firm over the electrocution of 8-year old Faith Yakubu in Gwagwalada, another town in the FCT. In this instance, Ayodele who broke into tears while narrating the incidence said his late son was confirmed dead at the Shadalafiya Primary Health Centre of Kabusa, as the Medical Report and Death Certificate were issued before the child was buried.

In his cry for justice to NERC over the claimed negligence, Ayodele said: “The death of my son is an irreparable loss and I am begging you to seek redress and sanction the AEDC to prevent further negligence.”

Although he said a team of AEDC has conducted investigations at the

site, he was worried that NERC was yet to convey any response on the fatal incidence four weeks after, adding that it should not be ignored as a life was involved.

However, an official of NERC who responded to the Daily Trust enquiries, weekend said the Commission sympathises with the family over the loss of the budding youngster.

“However, the Commission received a preliminary report of the incident from AEDC within 24 hours as it is statutorily required of the utility firm,” the official said.

He said the Investigative Team has analysed the report while expecting full report from AEDC. In the interim, the team will shortly go to the Kabusa site to investigate the resultant circumstances.

Explaining further, the NERC official said: “The team will, thereafter submit its finding and recommendations for the Commission’s consideration. It is after this that an Order, which may contain sanctions, depending on the outcome of the investigation, would be issued by the Commission.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

37

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

From The Civil Service Yuletide: NOA, stakeholders advocate for vigilance Joel Ajayi, ABUJA

A

s the holiday season kicks off with its attendant high traffic volumes, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has advised Nigerians to take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and crimes usually associated with the season.

Director General, NOA, Mr. Mike Omeri , gave the advice during one-day sensitisation Forum for Promoting Security, Vigilance and Road Use Ethics, held in Abuja by the agency for stakeholders in the transport sector.

He decried the high rate of accidents in the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the second highest cause of violent deaths.

Reeling out statistics, Omeri observed that FCT had the highest accident rate in the country with December being the month with the most cases and Mondays and Sundays as the most fatal days.

Omeri therefore stressed the need for caution by transporters and commuters alike during the holiday season with an appeal to civilians to cooperate with security officers in and around the parks and on the highways.

This, he said, would help identify and apprehend miscreants who might want to take advantage of travellers for criminal purposes, urging Nigerians to promptly alert the nearest security agency of any suspicious persons or circumstances for prompt action.

On his remarks, FCT minister, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, who was represented by the Director, Security Services, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, urged cooperation amongst security agencies in both intelligence sharing and operations for effective security of lives and property during the season.

Stakeholders who attended the sensitisation programme in their numbers includ-

ed the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,

Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Vehicle Inspection Office, National Association of

Road Transport Owners, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Self-Employed Commercial Drivers

Association, Airport Car Hire Association Nigeria and public servants from relevant MDAs.

L-R: Director, Occupational Health/Staff Health Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health/representative of Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kubie Layeni-Adeyemo; Assistant Director, Nursing Services, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Mrs. Shode Modupe; Chief Medicial Director, LASUTH/representative of Hon. Commissioner for Health, Professor Adewale Oke; Assistant Director Nursing Services, Federal Medical Center, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Mrs. Dorothy Nyong, and Commandant, Nigeria Army College of Nursing, Brig.

Gen. Toyin Ibrahim, during the LASUTH Nurses 10th Annual Conference, in Lagos, yesterday.

…FRSC warns against night trips Chidi Ugwu, ABUJA

D

isturbed by the spate of road crash fatalities resulting from night-time travels, the Federal Road Safety Corps has reiterated its warning to the Nigerian motoring public to desist from night trips due to obvious and inherent dangers associated with such trips.

Making this declaration, the Corps Public Education Officer, Corps Commander Imoh Etuk,

Minister reads riot act to directors, CMDs

P.38

highlighted numerous factors which negate night-time travels in Nigeria at the moment such as the poor state of roads, inadequate rescue services, fatigue, inadequate road signs/markings and poor vehicle maintenance culture.

Speaking further, Etuk emphasised on the change of light intensity and blur effect of night driving on the vision of drivers which increases the probability of road crashes at night.

Under this circum-

stances, according to him, when light levels are reduced, the pupil of the eyes open up in size to admit more light thus making what the driver sees to become blurred.

Continuing, the FRSC spokesman said “since the human eye takes time to adjust to new levels of light, a driver on night trip suffers temporary vision impairment when moving from bright areas (motor way intersections in the urban centres) to dark areas (rural areas where there is minimal

FG moves to rescue street children in Nigeria

P.38

road lights)”.

Commander Etuk also traced another negative impact of night-time driving to the glare from automobile lights, particularly from the rear view mirror which can lead to temporary loss of a driver’s vision, recalling that “at 100 metres/ph, a vehicles moves at 28 metres per second, meaning that the lives of all occupants of such vehicles will be put to serious danger when the driver suffers a temporary loss of sight”.

He also recalled with

concern, the recent night-time fatal crash on 18th November 2015 at 12.10am, at Sango Ota, old toll gate end of the Lagos-Abeokuta Express way which resulted in the death of 9 persons and leaving others with serious injuries.

According to Commander Etuk, “media reports indicate that the crash occurred when a truck loaded with cement, apparently had a brake failure, veered off its lane and rammed into several other vehicles.”

Nurses, midwives begin strike in UCTH

P.39

38

Civil Service

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Minister reads riot act to directors, CMDs Adeola Tukuru,

ABUJA

M

inister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has called on all Medical Directors to demonstrate leadership by example in the course of carrying out their duties in their various hospitals.

The minister gave the charge at the just concluded 75th Regular Meeting/4th Annual General Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Director and Director, Federal Tertiary Hospitals, in Abuja.

In his speech, Professor Adewole noted that a workforce could easily be put to work when a strong and selfless leadership is in place.

In view of this, the minister said that the

ministry was to initiate a performance audit in order to raise the bar in health care delivery in the country.

He also stated that this performance audit would in turn necessitate the establishment of a reward system where various kinds of rewards would be given to hospitals that perform well in order to encourage them to do more.

“It would also motivate others to put in their best for the good of Nigerian citizens,” Professor Adewole added.

The minister then urged the directors to submit monthly reports and records on maternal/infant mortality to the federal ministry as every death must count.

These records, he said, would be used to make proper assessment

of the performance index of the various facilities in the country.

He also reminded them that they were the face of the Nigerian medical system and the impression patients have about the tertiary institutions defines the entire sector.

Professor Adewole however warned the directors against protecting their colleagues whose performance would be found to be below standard.

He advised them to move around the hospital for on the spot assessment of how the facility was responding to the need of the patients.

His words: “A high standard of health care service with upgraded facilities and where every life counts is the only way to reduce medi-

cal tourism. This is a major focal point for the health sector and President Buhari’s ‘Change Agenda’; therefore, all hands must be on deck to achieve this feat,” the minister stressed.

Speaking on strikes in the health sector, the minister advised the directors to operate an all encompassing management system where other health professionals and union leaders are carried along in decision making.

He noted that much could be achieved through constant dialogue.

Responding, the Chairman, Committee of CMD’s/MDs, Dr. Peter Alabi , appreciated the minister for making out time to grace the occasion.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

I visited Maiduguri, Bama for first hand information –Lai Mohammed Joel Ajayi ABUJA

T

he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has identified quest for first-hand information on the ongoing war against insurgency in the state as one of the reasons he decided to visit Borno State.

Borno State is one of the three states in the North East of Nigeria which were under the siege of Boko Haram insurgents since 2009.

Mohammed made his remark in Maiduguri during a tour and assessment of havoc caused by Boko Haram in Maiduguri, Konduga, Bama and other affected areas where he interacted with securities officers as well as thousands of displaced persons currently taking refuge in Bama camp.

While conveying a message from the federal government, the minister said they were in Maiduguri to sympathise with the people of Borno and assess the level of their plight.

While describing the tour as an eye-opener, he said it would assist the federal government to give accurate and adequate information to the entire populace, as well as give

more knowledge on how to handle issues concerning the IDPs and related issues.

He maintained that all hands must be on deck to fully combat all forms of terrorism in the country, saying, “Terrorism remains terrorism no matter the form and we need to come together to fight the insurgent.”

“On the part of government we are working on launching a national security campaign, because security is everybody’s business.

“It will be misinformation for someone that has not been in the state to talk about the state; it is not also easy to combine governance and management of insecurity. With what was seen today I am hopeful that the state will see progress,” he said further.

When asked if the federal government was still committed to the December deadline to end the insurgency in the country, he said: “I don’t think we have any doubt as to the capacity of the military to meet up the deadline given

by Mr. President.”

Mohammed stated that the federal government was highly committed to the vision of revamping the country’s economy and ending terrorism.

Minister urges NAN to regain competitive edge Joel Ajayi, ABUJA

T L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, James Ocholi, and Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Monday.

FG moves to rescue street children in Nigeria Adeola Tukuru, ABUJA

T

he federal government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, is set to launch the Second National Conference on the plight of street children in Nigeria.

The conference, which is expected to be declared

open by the wife of the president, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari is aimed at evolving all-inclusive national strategy to reclaim and rehabilitate street children in the country and in curtailing social vices connected with their plight.

The conference which started yesterday is expected to end today.

The conference is also expected to peruse and find workable solution to issues of child neglect; abuses which include rape; involvement in criminality and insurgency among other social challenges.

In addition, advocacy and policy development towards restoration and social reintegration, edu-

cation, health care and economic security would be given a center stage.

The conference which holds at the Women Development Center, Abuja, has resource persons and participants drawn from national and international stakeholders as well as policy makers from various institutions of government.

he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to leverage on its credibility over the years to regain its competitive edge and play in the ‘big league’ The minister who made the call during his visit to the headquarters of NAN in Abuja on Friday, which kick-started his tour of parastatals under the ministry noted that NAN must regain its competitive edge.

He recalled that a few years back, NAN was dominant in the country’s news architecture, and was widely quoted within and outside the country as a source of credible news.

According to him, today, it had lost that edge. “ In an increasingly competitive news environment, only those media organisations that exhibit creativity in their approach to the news busi-

ness will excel, and NAN has what it takes to excel,’’ he said.

He said NAN, the national wire service that was established in 1976, must show more hunger for the kind of news that could not be resisted by subscribers. ‘’It must go beyond a bland reporting of the news, beyond front-loading its cast with mostly news about the activities of government. It must become the first source of credible news about Nigeria. A situation where Nigerian media establishments quote foreign wire services for events that occur in their country is a big blow to NAN, which should ordinarily fill that void,’’ the minister said.

He challenged NAN to uphold its editorial policy, which includes that news and comments emanating from the agency must be truthful, honest and fair, but must not jeopardize peace and harmony in the country.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Civil Service 39

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Nurses, midwives begin strike in UCTH Richard Ndoma, CALABAR

A

ctivities at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, UCTH, have been paralysed as nurses and midwifes in the institution have embarked on strike following the

management’s inability to clear the backlog of arrears and allowances owed them.

According to a release signed and issued by the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Thomas Agan, and made available to National Mirror on Tues-

day in Calabar, the action was based on the fact that the authority had been unable to meet the demands of the nurses/midwives for increase in the training allowance and the payment of their three years uniform arrears.

The statement reads

in part: ``The management of UCTH regrets to inform the general public that the UCTH branch of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives this morning embarked on an industrial action. ``They are demanding an addition to

their training allowances and three years arrears of uniform allowances. ``The management is doing all it can to ensure that some of the arrears are paid as soon as possible. ``We appeal to the association to reconsider her stand and

return to work in the interest of the patients.”

The release however urged members of the public to bear with the hospital management as the management is working assidiously to get the matter resolved.

Centre wants ICPC boss sacked over appointment in NEXIM Adeola Tukuru, ABUJA

T

he Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, CESJET, has petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari over the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC , for not attending to petitions on alleged irregular appointments going on in the Nigerian Export Import Bank, NEXIM. CESJET in the petition dated December 8th, 2015 and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Oche David ,wants President Buhari to sack the chairman ICPC for neglecting petitions from Nigerians on the irregular appointments in NEXIM. Oche said, “We strongly feel it is time to draw the attention of the President to the rot in the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) under the nose of Barrister Nta Ekpo as Chairman.

“On 5th June, 2015 we wrote to the ICPC whereupon we chronicled the massive fraud committed and lies told on oath by the Executive Director, Business Develop-

ment of the Nigerian Import Export Bank (NEXIM), Mrs. Folake Itohan Oke Salami, in order to attain her said office.

“Up till this moment, the Chairman of ICPC has chosen to place the interest of Mrs. Salami over and above the interest of Nigeria as a nation by flagrantly refusing to obey the Order of Mandamus.

“In fact, he is grandstanding around town that nobody can remove him from the position which he now occupies even if the heaven falls!

“Your Excellency sir, it is obvious that Barrister Nta Ekpo lacks what it takes to work under your present administration which is anchored on change of the hitherto corruption-friendly regime. He lacks integrity and can only lead the ICPC to doom.

“We therefore call on you to overhaul the ICPC by first removing the chairman in the manner you did in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which many local and international observers within and outside have confirmed to have improved tremendously in the fight against corruption and criminality in Nigeria.”

Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu (l), receiving a congratulatory card for his appointment from the Chairman/ Managing Director, Forum of River Basin Development Authority, Mr. Niyi Afolayan (m), and the Managing Director, Benin–Owenna River Basin Development Authority, Mr. Mafayeyomi Olabade, in Abuja.

28,000 unemployed graduates acquire skills Richard Ndoma, CALABAR

A

bout 28,000 unemployed graduates have so far benefited from the Federal Ministry of Finance`s Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) initiated by the federal government to assist unemployed graduates get requisite skills in certain areas needed in the labour market .

Director of GIS in the ministry, Mr Peter Papka, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Calabar during the closing of a three days `Employability Skill Training’ workshop organised for 100 GIS participants in the state.

Papka enumerated the employability skill imparted on the unemployed graduates to include finance and organizational management, customer relationship and entrepreneurial development.

According to him, the scheme was established in 2012 with a view to train and empower unemployed graduates across the country to enable them become employable in the job market.

Papka who was represented at the ceremony by Mr Akubo Adegbe, Head of Operations, GIS, stated that participants who received monthly stipend of N30,000 each,

underwent the training for a period of one year adding that the GIS portal so far got applications from 305,780 graduates wishing to participate in the scheme.

He stressed that only 28,000 benefitted from the scheme. ``So far, 9,398 graduates have exited the scheme, with over 1000 having secured jobs or started their own businesses. ``As a government, we can boldly say that the purpose of setting up the GIS which is to help unemployed graduates acquire employability skills has been achieved,’’ he said.

He added that ``As

a way of reducing unemployment, this training will also enable interns optimise their internship period by developing useful skills and positive work habits.’’

Also speaking at the occasion, State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE),Mr Edem Duke, charged participants at the workshop to make judicious use of the skills acquired from the training so that they could better their lots.

Duke commended the federal government for its commitment to imparting employability skills on unemployed graduates in the country.

40

North

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Police arrest 5 kidnap suspects, 14 others in Kagi Wale Ibrahim, LOKOJA

K

ogi State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers and 14 other suspects for various offences in different parts of the state.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, who disclosed this while parading 14 suspects at the command headquarters in Lokoja yesterday, stated that the command would not rest on its oars in the war against crime.

Ojukwu explained that operatives of the command had on a tip-off arrested Lawal Jale and two of his friends, Abubarka Isah and Iliyasu - both from Katsina State - for conspiring to kidnap and kill Mallam Muazu Yahaya.

The police commissioner, who was represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, stated that operatives from SARS promptly intercepted and arrested the three suspects, noting that investigation on the matter was in progress.

In a related development, the police boss disclosed that Usman Waziri of Fulani Camp, Ogale, in Ijumu Local Government Area of the state reported that sometime in July 2015 unknown gunmen invaded his house and kidnapped him to an unknown destination for four days.

He said the suspect, Ali Umar, was arrest after collecting N1,000,000. The police swung into action and subsequently arrested the suspect ,who resides at Isua, Ondo State, and who is now assisting the police.

Also paraded was Mudasiru Mustapha, who allegedly threatened to kidnap Mukaila Ahmed Ita, of Ita Global Oil and Gas, Ankpa, and demanded N10,000,000 ransom.

But, after bargaining he accepted to pay N1.5 million and when the suspect came to collect the money he was arrested.

Another suspect also paraded was Toluhi Anthony, who allegedly specialised in car-snatching.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2 cattle rustlers killed, 232 cows recovered in Kaduna A za Msue, KADUNA

S

tate security outfit, ‘Operation Yaki’, in a joint operation with Saminaka Divisional Police team yesterday recovered, at least, 232 cows from notorious rustlers in Lere council area of Kaduna State.

Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, who disclosed this

in a statement, said the arrest followed a tip-off that some cattle rustlers had arrived Jama’ariya village in Lere with cows suspected to have been stolen.

According to Aruwan, immediately the security operatives raced to the village, the cattle rustlers engaged them in a gun duel and as a result two of the rustlers were killed while others escaped into the

bush with gunshot wounds, abandoning the cows.

“One locally made SMG rifle, three pairs of army uniform and 12 rounds of 9mm live ammunition were recovered from them,” Aruwan said.

The statement added that the cows and other items recovered were handed over to the Saminaka divisional police headquarters for further investigations

to ascertain the true owners of the cows so that they could claim them, while efforts were being intensified to track down the fleeing rustlers.

It would be recalled that since the inauguration of Governor el-Rufai in May, Operation Yaki has so far recovered thousands of cows and sheep from cattle rustlers and handed them over to their owners.

Group petitions Buhari over plan to discredit NOUN VC Adeola Tukuru, ABUJA

A

group of 13 non-governmental organisations, NGOs, has petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari over activities of some sponsored Nigerians, who are bent on discrediting the vice chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Professor Vincent Tenebe, and his management team.

Speaking under the aegis of Civil Society Organisation for Social Justice, Fairness and Transparency, CESJET, in Abuja, yesterday, its executive secretary, Torkuma Asongo, said efforts were ongoing to arrest those behind the incident.

Torkuma Asongo said more worrisome to the group was the emergence of a group under the auspices of NOUN Congress of Staff and Students, which is making moves to extort, blackmail and intimidate the vice chancellor and his management team into succumbing to funding union activities where these elements would be able to steal under the guise of unionism.

Asongo said: “We have discovered that many universities’ vice chancellors, who are afraid of having their reputation tarnished,

have fallen prey to these unscrupulous elements.

“Since some professors are afraid of fighting back, it is imperative that we exhibit some amount of social justice, decorum and morality in our engagements with public servants so as not to bring the structure of corporate governance into disrepute.

“There is also the need for the president to come to their rescue before overzealous citizens take advantage of the war against corruption to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians under the cover of anti-corruption crusade within his regime.”

Asongo said the coalition, after a careful verification, discovered that the several petitions against Professor Tenebe and the management team of NOUN have ulterior motives.

“We suspect that the petitions are part of efforts to overwhelm the anti-corruption efforts with frivolities that will increase the workload of the statutory agencies and derail its focus.

“We appeal to President Buhari not only to disregard the distractions of such frivolous petitioners, but also cause relevant agencies to expose those abusing the nation’s scarce resources.”

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom(4th right); Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong (5th right) and others, at Plateau State Government House after a reception in honour of Governor Ortom in Jos, yesterday.

Unemployment: FG, Taraba govt train 3,000 youths on ICT Justin Tyopuusu, JALINGO

A

s part of efforts to reduce unemployment in the country, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, in partnership with Taraba State government yesterday began the training of 3,000 youths.

The training, which is

aimed at preparing participants, mostly youths on how to access jobs online and the use of Information and Communication Technology, ICT, to make a living, kicked off yesterday with 1,000 participants.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Taraba State University auditorium, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Alhassan Hamman, said

the programme was part of Governor Darius Ishaku’s determination to create jobs for youths of the state.

He noted that ICT was today ruling the world and urged participants to take the training very seriously so that they could make a living from it, adding that with ICT the youths stand to make between $1,000 and $4,000 monthly.

Hamman said the gover-

school teachers, who were employed by the former administration, have been owed salary arrears for close to a year.

Since their employment in February this year, their fate had been hanging in the balance as government kept mute on the issue.

But the affected teachers recently held a peaceful demonstration to express their displeasure on the stance of the state government.

During the demonstration, the affected teachers visited the House of Assem-

bly and forwarded their complaint.

Danmusa therefore, directed the board to submit the exact number of affected teachers to the committee for necessary action.

He also directed that names of all casual primary school teachers be forwarded to the House for the lawmakers to look into.

He, however, lamented the delay in settling salary arrears of teachers, even as he pledged that the House would diligently look into their case.

Katsina Assembly to assist teachers over unpaid salaries James Danjuma, KATSINA

K

atsina State House of Assembly is to prevail on the government to pay 10 months’ outstanding salary arrears to about 731 primary school teachers.

Chairman of the committee on education in the House of Assembly, Hon Abdu Danmusa, stated this while leading other lawmakers on a visit to the state Universal Basic Education Board.

The affected primary

nor was ready to do more for people of the state, saying plans were on underway to develop the capacity of youths to meet the challenges of the information world.

Contributing, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Amos Wamai, said the programme aims at creating a platform for participants to access jobs online and make a living, using ICT. “With the advent of technology, there is need to train youths to be abreast of challenges in information and communication technology and this is what we are doing in partnership with the Federal Government - to make our youths useful to themselves and the society,” he said.

Wamai urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the government and learn the skills at the workshop to help them in their endeavours.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

41

AMCON lists hurdles to bad debts’ recovery drive Johnson Okanlawon

T

he Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, yesterday said a weak economy was hindering efforts to recover billions of dollars of loans and other assets it took on five years ago to rescue banks.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, explained that companies that owed money to AMCON were struggling to repay their debts, while the value of its property assets is dropping.

According to him, the

dropping of assets’ value will make it more difficult for AMCON to pay off its N5.6 trillion of liabilities, including bonds held by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. “The price of crude oil below $40 per barrel impacts the government’s ability to honor its obligations to those that are owing us. The impairment of oil assets we took over is another problem. Realestate assets are challenged as the economy is going down,” he said.

AMCON used bonds to bail out 10 lenders and buy more than 12,000 loans from industries including aviation, gasoline marketing and manufac-

turing for about N1.8 trillion after the 2008/2009 oil price crash.

It had recovered 57 per cent of those assets at a rate of 1.07 times for what it paid for them, Kuru’s predecessor, Mustafa Chike-Obi, said in an interview in May. Kuru said that the Corporation had no plans to offer Nigerian lenders another bailout following last year’s plunge in crude prices.

Non-performing loans will climb to between five and 10 per cent in the next two years from 2.9 per cent at the end of 2014, Moody’s Investors Service said last month.

“If you say you will

always intervene, it will breed rascality in banks,” Kuru said.

AMCON is meant to repay its liabilities by recovering loans and selling other assets, which include ownership of Keystone Bank Limited and stakes in Unity Bank Plc and Wema Bank Plc. The agency is funded by an annual levy on banks worth 0.5 per cent of their assets.

That charge won’t be eliminated or reduced until AMCON is wound down, probably by 2023 when N3.8 trillion of AMCON bonds held by the CBN mature, ChikeObi said in May.

Index dips 1.08% on profit taking Johnson Okanlawon

P

rofit taking by some investors in the equities segment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange halted two days bearish trends, as the benchmark index closed negatively.

Specifically, the All Share Index depreciated 1,08 per cent to close at 27,533.03 points, as against the increase of 0.73 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at N9.466 trillion.

Market capitalization lost N103 billion to close at N9.466 trillion, in contrast to the rise of N69 billion recorded the preceding day to close at N9.569 trillion.

Unilever Nigeria Plc led the gainers’ table with N3.50 or 8.33 per cent to close at N45.50 per share, followed by Mobil Oil Plc with N6.30 or five per cent to close at N132.41 per share.

Eterna Oil Plc gained seven kobo or 4.83 per cent to close at N1.52 per share, while Livestock Plc added

six kobo or 4.38 per cent to close at N1.43 per share.

Transnational Express Plc rose four kobo or 4.04 per cent to close at N1.03 per share, while Law Union Plc was up two kobo or 3.39 per cent to close at 61 kobo per share.

Conversely, Zenith Bank Plc lost 94 kobo or 6.15 per cent to close at N14.35 per share, while Forte Oil Plc shed N12.75 or 5.13 per cent to close at N235.90 per share.

Transcorp Plc fell eight kobo or five per cent to

close at N1.52 per share, while African Prudence Plc dropped 12 kobo or 4.92 per cent to close at N2.32 per share.

The Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc dipped 38 kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at N7.40 per share, while Honeywell Flour Mills Plc declined eight kobo or 4.88 per cent to close at N1.56 per share.

A total of 485.04 million shares valued at N4.45 billion were traded in 2,785 deals.

US stocks open lower on China trade data, oil slide

U

nited States stocks traded lower yesterday as weak trade data out of China reignited fears of a global economic slowdown and oil prices continued to slide.

Data showed China’s imports fell for the 13th consecutive month, with an 8.7 per cent decline in November compared with a year earlier.

Oil prices resumed their slide, with US crude falling below $37 per barrel for the first time since early 2009, amid fears the world was running out of capacity to store crude as a global glut intensifies.

Oil majors Exxon and Chevron were down about two per cent in premarket trading, while miner Freeport McMoRan fell 3.2 per

cent.

“The fall in oil prices suggests weak demand globally and has worried investors as they put together their outlook for the coming year,” said Scott Brown, chief economist at Raymond James in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Standard and Poort 500 were down 21.5 points, or 1.03 per cent, with 217,453 contracts traded, while Nasdaq 100 were down 50.25 points, or 1.07 per cent, on volume of 37,457 contracts.

Dow were down 175 points, or 0.99 percent, with 27,092 contracts changing hands.

Investors are awaiting the US Federal Reserve’s meeting on December 1516, when the central bank is expected to raise interest rates for the first time since

June 2006.

“The Fed is still leaning heavily towards a rate hike but it’s not a done deal as yet,” Brown said, adding that the central bank will reintroduce uncertainties if it fails to raise rates next week.

Federal funds futures contracts FFcm1 imply an 80 per cent chance that the Fed will end seven years of near-zero interest rates.

US stocks fell on Monday, led by the S&P energy index’s biggest one-day percentage drop since late August.

Chipotle Mexican Grill shares fell 5.6 per cent to $521 after 30 Boston College students fell ill after eating at the company’s restaurant over the weekend.

Fairchild Semiconductor

jumped 8.8 per cent to $21.24 after the chipmaker said it received an unsolicited proposal to buy the company for about $2.46 billion.

Source: NSE

Market indicators All-Share Index 27,533.03 points Market capitalisation 9.47trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

UNILEVER

42.00

45.50

3.50

8.33

MOBIL

126.11

132.41

6.30

5.00

ETERNA

1.45

1.52

0.07

4.83

LIVESTOCK

1.37

1.43

0.06

4.38

TRANSEXPR

0.99

1.03

0.04

4.04

LAWUNION

0.59

0.61

0.02

3.39

DIAMONDBNK

2.25

2.30

0.05

2.22

BERGER

9.70

9.85

0.15

1.55

MANSARD

2.70

2.74

0.04

1.48

GUINNESS

123.15

124.90

1.75

1.42

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

ZENITHBANK

15.29

14.35

-0.94

-6.15

FO

248.65

235.90

-12.75

-5.13

TRANSCORP

1.60

1.52

-0.08

-5.00

AFRIPRUD

2.44

2.32

-0.12

-4.92

CCNN

7.78

7.40

-0.38

-4.88

HONYFLOUR

1.64

1.56

-0.08

-4.88

OANDO

5.99

5.70

-0.29

-4.84

IKEJAHOTEL

3.15

3.00

-0.15

-4.76

PRESCO

32.50

31.00

-1.50

-4.62

AIICO

0.95

0.91

-0.04

-4.21

FGN Bonds

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

Exchange

Rates (N)

WAUA

270

USD

196.96

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

SWISS FRANC

202

POUNDS STERLING

293

SDR

273

Offer

Bid Description

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

15.10 27-APR-2017

1.39

110.41

7.07

111.41

6.35

16.00 29-JUN-2019

3.56

116.37

10.37

117.37

10.06

15.54 13-FEB-2020

4.18

115.38

10.85

116.38

10.58

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.14

123.00

11.11

124.00

10.91

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.26

117.15

10.98

118.15

10.81

10.00 23-JUL-2030

14.62 92.48

11.04

93.48

10.90

Rate (%) Inflation

CLOSING

Closing Market Prices of December 8, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

03-Mar-16

2.97

2.99

02-Jun-16

5.58

5.74

01-Dec-16

6.33

6.75

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

O/N

0.9900

1M

9.3684

3M

11.2983

6M

13.4191 CBN Clearing Rates of December 8, 2015

42

Wednesday, Deecember 9, 2015

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ASUKWO: This is to Confirm that ASUKWO OKON and OKON EFFIONG refer to one and same person, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as ASUKWO OKON EFFIONG.All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid. Banks and the general public take note.

AKINDOKUN: This is to Confirm that AKINDOKUN GANIYU OLAYEMI and AKINDOKUN GANIYU OLAYEMI OLUWASEGUN refer to one and same person. All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid. Banks and the general public take note..

CHANGE OF NAME JOHNSON: I, formerly known and addressed as JOHNSON OKEKE NMECHA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NDUKWE NMECHA KALU . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME IHESIABA: I, formerly known and addressed as IHESIABA ANTHONY CHINONSO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IHESIABA CHIDI SIMONI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that on my Bank documents, my name appears as SHOLA EMMANUEL, while on my other documents it appears as SHOLA EMMANUEL UKANA and on the Share dividend warrant, it appears as MR. SHOLA EMMANUEL SHOLA UKANA.. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned take note

That in some of my documents I bear HAPPINESS EPHRAIM, while in some others I bear SUNDAY UKEME HAPPINESS. This is to confirm and clarify that I am the one bearing both names HAPPINESS EPHRAIM and SUNDAY UKEME HAPPINESS. All documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME MARKSON: I, formerly known and addressed as UDUAK SUNDAY MARKSON, now wish to be known and addressed as STELLA UDUAK OHANELE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as ANTHONY MARIOUS EJIENE now wish to be known and addressed as MBADIWE ANTHONY EJIENE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEWUMI: I, formerly known and addressed as WASIU ADEWUMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as LAWAL WASIU. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as MUSA BOLODEOKU now wish to be known and addressed as KASALI ADEBAYO OLAMIDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

EFFIONG: I, formerly known and addressed as ARIT OKON EFFIONG, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MFON HENRY EFFIONG. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

FEMI: I, formerly known and addressed as FEMI GBENGA OZOVEHE due to the fact that SHAIBU is my grand father’s name while FEMI is my father’s name, but now wish to be known, called and addressed as SHAIBU GBENGA OZOVEHE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME .

Formerly known and addressed as ABIOLA KEMI AKINWALE, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIOLA KEMI ADEKOYA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as UZOAMAKA KELECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as OBIAGERI ONYINOHA DENNIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AKINLEYE ABIGAEL ALAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONI ABIGAEL ALAKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ohagwa Vivian Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Izuwa Vivian Chidinma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME .AGBO:Formerly known and addressed as AGBO MARY EUNICE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONOJA MARY EUNICE. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that MRS. CHARITY MODUPE SUNDAY is the same person as MISS. CHARITY ABEBO. All former documents remain valid. Gneral public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BLESSING ADINUSO, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUFUNMILAYO ADINUSO. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank and general public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

ALUMA: I, formerly known and addressed as ALUMA STEPHEN. That i now added DOLLAR to my name. that i now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALUMA STEPHEN DOLLAR. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE LAND OF BETHEL MINISTRY. This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act TRUSTEES 1. UDEKWE EBENEZER ONYEMAEC 2.UDEKWE NGOZI 3. OBIANUZIE ROMANUS OBI 4. OKOROAFOR JOHN

- GENERAL OVERSEER. - VICE CHAIRMAN. - P.R.O - SECRETARY.

TO EVANGELIZE THE WORLD FOR GOD. Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Trigis Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street,Maitama, Abuja,within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED . UDEKWE EBENEZER ONYEMAEC GENERAL OVERSEER.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as YEYE-AGBA PELUMI now wish to be known and addressed as OLABANJI PELUMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

. LAWRENCE; This is to Confirm that LAWRENCE MARGARET OLUWAFUNMILAYO and ORIMISAN MARGARET OLUWAFUNMILAYO refer to one and same person, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as LAWRENCE MARGARET MARGARET OLUWAFUNMILAYO. .All documents reflecting any of the Stated names remain valid. Banks and the general public take note.

KOLAWOLE : Formerly known and addressed as MISS KOLAWOLE AJIBOLA AMINAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALEJO AJIBOLA AMINAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

LUKA: I, formerly known and addressed as EDWARD OSABOHIEN LUKA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OGHAGBON MONDAY OSABOHIEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EDEH: I, formerly known and addressed as EDEH EBERE MERCY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IBEAKANMA EBERE GLORY. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities concerned should please take note.

ONAOLAPO: I, formerly known and addressed as RAYMOND G. ONAOLAPO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ONAOLAPO GBOLAGADE RAHMON. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ADAMU: I, formerly known and addressed as SULAIMAN ADAMU SULAIMAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as DAN AZUMI ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ELUROMA: I, formerly known and addressed as ELUROMA PAT NDIDI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as UDUGBA PAT NDIDI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ASOLA: I, formerly known and addressed as ASOLA OLUWAFEMI TAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OKE OLUWAFEMI TAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

JAMES: I, formerly known and addressed as JAMES ANDREW, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABDULLAHI IBRAHIM . All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned should please take note.

ANOFIU: I, formerly known and addressed as ANOFIU DEBORAH TEMITOPE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MAKINDE ABIBAT DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

BAMIRO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BAMIRO OLUWAKEMI ABIDEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. OLATOYE OLUWAKEMI ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known as OMOSAWE OLAGBENGA OLUMUYIWA now wish to be known and addressed as OMOSAWE GBENGA JUNIOR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as MISS. ALAYANDE OLUWASEUN BUKOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OSIBANJO OLUWASEUN BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known as OLUFISOYE ERNEST THORPE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUFISOYE ERNEST TOPE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

IDEHEN: I, formerly known and addressed as KINGSLEY IDEHEN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KINGSLEY IYAMU SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME LATEEF: I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS LATEEF KEHINDE TAOFEEK NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS LATEEF KEHINDE OLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME ADEAGBO: I, formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE ADEAGBO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JOHNSON OLUKUNLE ADEAGBO-AJAYI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

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

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MARCK NWADIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MALCOLM OKOBIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADEBAYO: I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO RASHIDAT FOLASHADE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ODEBIYI RACHEAL FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

This is to confirm that I, ELUMEZE STANLEY-BRIAN NNAMDI is also the same person as ELUMEZE STANLEY NNAMDI. That all documents bearing these names are mine and hence remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

This is to confirm that I, OGUNTUASE OLUWATOSIN ITUNU, female, that in some documents my name appears as OGUNTUASE OLUWATOSIN ITUNU, while on other documents l bear OGUNTUASE OLUWATOSIN GRACE. That all documents bearing the names mentioned above are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as MATTHAN ALICE EDAMWEN ONIAWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MATTHAN AMOS EDAMWEN AJAYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NNEDE JAMES NWAKPA and EME JAMES ONYEAMECHI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NNAMUDI JAMES.N. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

.

Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Njoku Peace Ndidiamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akaharah Peace Ndidiamaka.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BABALOLA YETUNDE BOSE, now wish to be known and addressed as ARINOLA IYABO BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

. Formerly known and addressed as TONY EZE ABUCHI OGUEGBU, now wish to be known and addressed as TONY ABUCHI OGUEGBU.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

. UMAZUA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS. UMAZUA PATIENCE MNGOHOL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AONDOWASE PATIENCE MNGOHOL. All former documents remain valid. Benue State University (BSU) and general public take note.

I, formerly known, called and addressed as LILIAN EFEMENA ALIGHODA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. LILIAN EFEMENA OMOROGBE. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank, Eco Bank, Madonna University, other concerned Authority and general public take note.

I, formerly known called and addressed as MR.OLIEHI KINGSLEY, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. ENEJI KINGSLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as OLAINUKAN KAZEEM, now wish to be know and addressed as AKINWARE KAZEEM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME .Formerly known and addressed as AMUSA SULAIMON ATANDA, now wish to be known and addressed as AMUSA OMODEHINDE OTAOBAYOMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME . Formerly known and addressed as PASTOR NONYERM PHILOME NWOKEDI, now wish to be known and addressed as CHINONYEM OBINNA ANTHONY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that I,YAKUB SAHEED OLATUNJI is the same person as IBRAHIM SAHEED OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY UGWOKE ONYEMA CRESCENT NOW EDOGA ONYEMA CRESCENT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

I FORMERLY OLANREWAJU TOHEEB ALADE NOW MUSA TOHEEB ALADE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

PUBLIC NOTICE HEAVENLY RACE INTERCESSORY MINISTRY. This is to inform the general public that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEE 1. ASIFOR MOSES TOBARE - GENERAL OVERSEER. 2. AKABA BEAUTY. 3. TADAFE DAVID. 4. IRARA EVEWLYN OCHUKO. 5. EVWIEKPAOMARE DORA OBATAVWE. AIMS

AIMS:

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME UBA: Formerly known and addressed as UBA AHMED now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED AHMED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATIONS. Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Trigis Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street,Maitama, Abuja,within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED ASIFOR MOSES TOBARE - GENERAL OVERSEER.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY ONONU MUSA NOW ZACHARIA MAGIDA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY MISS ADEBAYO BOLANLE IDAYAT NOW MRS OLAGUNJU BOLANLE IDAYAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I

FORMERLY

NWANKWOR

OKORO EBERE. DOCUMENTS

UCHENNA

NOWNWANNEKA ALL FORMER

REMAIN

VALID.

GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAMES UWANEME: I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MR ANI NATHANIEL UWANEME NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MR ANI NATHANIEL UGOCHINEMEREM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY OGAN HANNAH NOW AJAKAYE BETHEL HANNAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

I FORMERLY SODEINDE TAIWO MATHEW NOW SODEINDE TAIWO MUSIFIRU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ACCESS BANK PLC AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS OYEMWINMINA EDOSA CLEF NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN, CALLED AND ADDRESSED AS OYEMWINMINA EDOSA STILL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ACCESS BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TO TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY ORJICHUKWU CHIDEBE FESTUS NOW IFEANYICHUKWU ODINAKA ORJI CHIDEBE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net CONFIRMATION OF NAME To confirm that I am one and same person bearing OKEKE UCHECHUKWU and RITA FELICIA as obtainable in some of my documents. All documents bearing either of both names are valid.

General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certify that FATEEMA OLUWAKEMI BOLARINWA is the same one person as AKOREDE FATIMO OLUWAKEMI, henceforth wish to be addressed as AKOREDE FATIMO OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME This is to confirm that I, OGBE KEHINDE KEMILLA is the same one person as OGBE TOSANBAMI KEHINDE. That any documents bearing any of the name remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned should please take note.

43

Wednesday, Deecember 9, 2015

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Ayeni Oluwayemisi Ayodele henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Olaniyi Oluwayemisi Ayodele. All existing documents remain valid general public please take note CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemo Bintu Adenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Adeniji Bintu Adenike . All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME .Formerly known and addressed as MARCK NWADIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MALCOLM OKOBIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Njoku Peace Ndidiamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akaharah Peace Ndidiamaka.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BABALOLA YETUNDE BOSE, now wish to be known and addressed as ARINOLA IYABO BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known, called and addressed as LILIAN EFEMENA ALIGHODA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. LILIAN EFEMENA OMOROGBE. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank, Eco Bank, Madonna University, other concerned Authority and general public take note.

I, formerly known called and addressed as MR.OLIEHI KINGSLEY, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. ENEJI KINGSLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as PASTOR NONYERM PHILOME NWOKEDI, now wish to be known and addressed as CHINONYEM OBINNA ANTHONY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to inform the general public that I,YAKUB SAHEED OLATUNJI is the same person as IBRAHIM SAHEED OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as SELBOL DOMCHAK, now wish to be known and addressed as BENARD SELVEN CHIRMAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as STELLA OFFIONG BASSEY, now wish to be known and addressed as BASSEY STELLA ADA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Shakirat Adunni Abubakar, now wish to be known and addressed as Bakare Adunni Shakirat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Princess Felicia Emmanuel G., now wish to be known and addressed as Princess Felicia Godwin. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as UCHEOMA ONWUNEME, now wish to be known and addressed as DURUEKE ONWUNEME UCHEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, FIDELIS CHUKWUEMEKA do hereby state that my name was wrongly spelt by INEC during the last voters’ registration exercise as FIDELIS CHUKWUEMEKE. I wish to inform the general public that my name is FIDELIS CHUKWUEMEKA. All documents remain valid.

OTOBONG:I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GRACE OTOBONG JOHN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BASSEY GRACE OTO OBONG. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

This is to certified that Kazeem Temitope Aminat is the same one person as Kazeem Temitope Muibat Aminat, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Kazeem Temitope Muibat Aminat. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

AMOS:I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANAWO AMOS AMEH, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS ANAWO REUBEN S. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Morufu Akanfe, now wish to be known and addressed as Rabiu Morufu Akanfe .

All documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I fomerly known and called Alhaji Yau Garba now wish to be called and addressed as Abubakar Zakari Yau. All former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

NWANKPI: Formerly known as Nwankpi Chekwube now wish to be known and address as Odo Chekwube. All former documents remains valid.

General public take note.

UMEH : This is to comfirm that Umeh Chika MaryRose is thesame person as Umeh Francisca I. All former documents remains valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ABIOLA KEMI AKINWALE, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIOLA KEMI ADEKOYA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME . Formerly known and addressed as UZOAMAKA KELECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as OBIAGERI ONYINOHA DENNIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME .

Formerly known and addressed as NNEDE JAMES NWAKPA and EME JAMES ONYEAMECHI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NNAMUDI JAMES.N. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AKINLEYE ABIGAEL ALAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONI ABIGAEL ALAKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Ohagwa Vivian Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Izuwa Vivian Chidinma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MATTHAN ALICE EDAMWEN ONIAWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MATTHAN AMOS EDAMWEN AJAYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as TONY EZE ABUCHI OGUEGBU, now wish to be known and addressed as TONY ABUCHI OGUEGBU.All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

. UMAZUA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS. UMAZUA PATIENCE MNGOHOL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AONDOWASE PATIENCE MNGOHOL. All former documents remain valid. Benue State University (BSU) and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

AGBO:Formerly known and addressed as AGBO MARY EUNICE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONOJA MARY EUNICE. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A Plc and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BLESSING ADINUSO, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUFUNMILAYO ADINUSO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public take note.

. Formerly known and addressed as OLAINUKAN KAZEEM, now wish to be know and addressed as AKINWARE KAZEEM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AMUSA SULAIMON ATANDA, now wish to be known and addressed as AMUSA OMODEHINDE OTAOBAYOMI. All former documents remain valid.General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that MRS. CHARITY MODUPE SUNDAY is the same person as MISS. CHARITY ABEBO. All former documents remain valid. Gneral public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME ALUMA: I, formerly known and addressed as ALUMA STEPHEN. That i now added DOLLAR to my name. that i now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALUMA STEPHEN DOLLAR. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as TAYE DASSOU ASSOU, now wish to be known and addressed as PAUL DANSOU. All former documents remain valid. ECOBANK PLC and General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as TAYE DASSOU ASSOU, now wish to be known and addressed as PAUL DANSOU. All former documents remain valid.

ECOBANK PLC and General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This to confirm that I, OGANA FRIDAY am the same person as OGANA IKONG. All former documents bearing the above names are valid. General public please take note.

This to confirm that my correct name is KOLAPO TAWAKALITU MOPELOLA, not as it was shorten in some documents pertaining to me as KOLAPO TAWA. All former documents bearing the above names are valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ADEWUMI NAFISAT FOLASADE, now wish to be known and addressed as NASIR NAFISAT FOLASADE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as AJANNI Adebinjo Ibiyemi Rufus, now wish to be known and addressed as Olusegun Ajani Ibiyemi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Olujide Adeniran Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Olujide Adeniran Blessing Taofeek. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Favour Chosen M, now wish to be known and addressed as Favour Chosen Moghalu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OFONMHA NOTIBHOR THERESA, now wish to be known and addressed as ODIA OTIBHOR TESSY. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABEGUNDE ANUOLUWAPO ADERONKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOYE ANUOLUWAPO ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MISS OKOYE LOUISA EBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADOM LOUISA EBERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as JONAS NWABUEZE ORAECHETA, now wish to be known and addressed as EKENE JONAS ORAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This to confirm that I, JOSEPH EKENE NSIDINAYA. ALSO KNOWN AS IGWE JOSEPH OKAFOR. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Onuorah Uchenna, wish to be known and addressed as Onah Uchenna. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Biola Rasak, now wish to be known and addressed as Jimoh Taibat Abiola. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Chijioke Hope Ngozi now wish to be known and addressed as Ozongwu Hope Ngozi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Elijah ThankGod, now wish to be known and addressed as AKPAN Ekomobong Elijah. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Abiodun Kelvin Adedeji, now wish to be known and addressed as Ikechukwu Kelvin Okoye.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Afoaku Nwanneka Eucheria, now wish to be known and addressed as Ubaego Nwanneka Eucheria.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Chichi Obi Richard, now wish to be known and addressed as Chijioke Richard Obidi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Stella Ibe, now wish to be known and addressed as Ezeibe Stella Nnenna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

known and addressed as Funke Akingbuwa Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Funke Jimoh Akingbuwa. All former documents remain valid.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Aliu Musa Wurno now wish to be known and addressed as Aliyu Musa Wurno. All former documents remain valid. general public to please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Banjo Sulaiman Banjo now wish to be known and addressed as Olawole Olubanjo Olatunde.

Wrong date March 3rd 1988. correct date of Birth Septeber 22nd, 1988.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogundipe Oluwaremilekun Comfort, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Saliu Oluwaremilekun Comfort. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ROMANUSS PROGRESS Now wish to be known, called and addressed as NKIRI PROGRESS All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed Ama Diegwu blessing Adaku now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dialaeme Blessing Adaku All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Onuorah Uchenna, now wish to be known and addressed as Onah Uchenna. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Biola Rasak, now wish to be known and addressed as Jimoh Taibat Abiola. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Magdalene Azuka Ovuewhorie, now wish to be known and addressed as Azuka Magdalene Morawietz.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ALUBA JONAH ORJI Now wish to be known, called and addressed as CRYSTAL ALUBA OKEBULU All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed Ezekiel Jessica Chinwendu now wish to be known and addressed as Nnadozie Jessica Chinwendu All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Latifatu Mustapha Esaku Now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Aisha Saibu. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. Eco Bank PLc, Relevant authorities and General Public should please take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed Miss Ilechukwu Jennifer Chinonye now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ilechukwu Cecilia Chinonye. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as EJINDU UGO MARY Now wish to be known, called and addressed as NWOKEKA UGO MARY All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed Mercy Udoh Akpan now wish to be known and addressed as Mercy Sampson . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Odumefun olubokola Rebecca, now wish to be known and addressed as Adebayo olubukola Rebecca.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ALIGASIM DORIS Now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALIGASIM CHIBUZO DORIS All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and relevant authorities should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed Augustina Obiageli Nzeli now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Augustina Obiageli Madueke . All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

44

Wednesday, Deecember 9, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Ayeni Oluwayemisi Ayodele henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Olaniyi Oluwayemisi Ayodele. All existing documents remain valid general public please take note.

1 Formerly known and addressed as MISS FASASI FOLASAYO SULIYAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SANUSI FOLASAYO SULIYAT.All former documents remain valid. FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION(AKOKA),LAGOS,MINN CEDAR PRIVATE SCHOOL,AJAH,LAGOS and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

NWAGWONUWE: Formerly known and addressed as NWAGWONUWE CORDELIA ONYEKACHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as NWAGWONUWE FAVOUR ONYEKACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

. ADETUTU: Formerly known and addressed as MRS ADETUTU ADESHOLA MOTUNRAYO DEHINBO YEKINNI now wish to be known and addressed as MISS TITILAYO ESTHER EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME . ABAI: Formerly known and addressed as ABAI BABATUNDE PAUL now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMI BABATUNDE PAUL.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME CHINEDU: Formerly known and addressed as CHINEDU ANIKEL EZEKIEL now wish to be known and addressed as ANUKWE EZEKIEL.. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME SAMUEL : Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL MOSES IKUJEGBE now wish to be known and addressed as SAMUEL ALIYU ILIYA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME IDRIS :: Formerly known and addressed as YAHI IDRIS now wish to be known and addressed as YAHI BITRUS.. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

KAFAYAT Formerly known and addressed as MISS KAFAYAT AFOLASHADE SERIKI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AKOBI KAFAYAT AFOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid .Diamond bank and .the general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME OGUNLANA: Formerly known and addressed as OGUNLANA ABOSEDE TEMITAYO now wish to be known and addressed as ARIYO ABOSEDE TEMITAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OKOLO GERALDINE now wish to be known and addressed as ANISETUS GERALDINE OKWUCHUKWU .All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mrs Iyabo Oshodi now wish to be known and addressed as Oshodi Suliat Amope. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ABUA : Formerly known and addressed as ABUA ABEL now wish to be known and addressed as THOMAS TUNDE ABDULAZEEZ..

All former documents remain valid. General public take note

AKILAPA: FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR AKILAPA IDOWU JONATHAN,NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MR THOMAS IDOWU JONATHAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EMEKA: Formerly known and addressed as EMEKA EJIOFOR DAVID now wish to be known and addressed as UDEZE DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

. EBUKA : Formerly known and addressed as EBUKA JOHNPAUL EMEJURUDIKE now wish to be known and addressed as EBUKA JOHNPAUL OKIGBO.. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

. ADEKUNLE: Formerly known and addressed as ADEKUNLE OLUMUYIWA ADEWUMI now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE SAMSON ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note .

RAFIU: Formerly known and addressed as RAFIU GBADAMOSI now wish to be known and addressed as RAFIU BADMUS.. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME AMAKA : Formerly known and addressed as AMAKA OLIVIA ORIZU now wish to be known and addressed as AMAKA OLIVIA EBOMAH..

All former documents remain valid. General public take note . .

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME . OLATUNJI: Formerly known and addressed as OLATUNJI BELLO BOLAJI now wish to be known and addressed as BELLO BOLAJI I SHARAFA..

All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

. LAMEED : Formerly known and addressed as LAMEED ADEJUWON ADESANYA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEJUWON LUKE ADESANYA ..

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME . OLUKOLU: : Formerly known and addressed as MISS IYABO TEMILOLA OLUKOLU I now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IYABO TEMILOLA AYANJIRIN. All former documents remain valid.

LAWMA, Eco bank, First bank and the general public take note

AWOLUDE: : Formerly known and addressed as AWOLUDE OLUWATOYIN ABOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWAFEMI OLUWATOYIN DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME OLODUDE: Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLODUDE VICTORIA ABIDEMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLASUNKANMI VICTORIA ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OLAGUNJU: : Formerly known and addressed as OLAGUNJU ABIKE SEKINAT now wish to be known and addressed as BAKARE AISHAT OLANIKE.. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

UMOH: : Formerly known and addressed as ELIZABETH UWEM UMOH now wish to be known and addressed as ELIZABETH PHILLIP NSA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME AKINOLA: Formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINOLA RONKE MERCY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLAYIWOLA RONKE MERCY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

RISIKAT : Formerly known and addressed as RISIKAT ASAKE OLA-ABATA now wish to be known and addressed as RISIKAT ASAKE ALIMI . All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

IFEYINWA: : Formerly known and addressed as IFEYINWA O. CHIMEZIRI CHIMA now wish to be known and addressed as IFEYINWA KALU NJOKU.All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

OLOKO: Formerly known and addressed as OLOKO BASIRAT YETUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL BASIRAT YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ONOJA MARY EBOWO now wish to be known and addressed as AYEGBA MARY EBOWO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Justina Ifeoma Edmund now wish to be known and addressed as Justina Ifeoma Ezirim All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Elor Roseline Igomituwono now wish to be known and addressed as Agbroko Roseline Igomituwono.

All former documents remain valid.

First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as MAHDU ANSURU SUNNAT now wish to be known and addressed as ABDUL RAHEEM TAOFEEQ..

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss OZOEJIKE IFEOMA VERA wish to be known and addressed as Mrs MADUKWE IFEOMA VERA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TAMI HARUNA NOW TAMI ISGOGO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ECO BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAMBO ZURU NOW CHANGE FIDELIX SAMBO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ECO BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Miss Fadeyi Damilola Esther now to be addressed as Mrs. Folorunso Damilola Esther.

All former documents remain valid, general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayotunde Olabisi Abayomi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ayotunde Olabisi Ogunmefun. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly Esther A.Moses now Aniobih Esther Njideka.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Akanni Rashidat Funmilayo now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Raheem Rasheedat Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. OGHNB and General public take note

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AYINDE MARIAM TEMITOPE. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AYINDE FATIMOH TITILAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. STANBIC BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

Formerly Known and addressed as Mr Johnson Olufemi Abiodun Godwin now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Johnson Olufemi Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. Skye bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Miss Opara Stella Nkechi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Fineface Stella Nkechi. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as miss Odeyemi Morenikeji Ayodele now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adedokun Morenikeji Ayodele. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Owolabi Gabriel Oluwole now wish to be known and addressed as Owolabi Oluwole. All former documents remain valid. Access bank, first bank and genenal public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as Mr Musiliu Opebiyi now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Titus Oloyede. All former documents remain valid. First bank and genenal public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Onyenebo Ifeanyi Ibey, now wish to be known and addressed as Houdeglam Simon Abraham. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Ohaegbu Emmanuel Nwabueze, now wish to be known and addressed as Oraegbu Sunday Paul. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Awoyemi Shakirat Bukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Bello Shakirat Bukola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Olufemi Ayorinde Afolabi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ayuba Akeem Afolabi . All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Mesioye Oluwabusayomi Adeyemi now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Mesioye Oluwabusayomi Janet. All former documents remain valid. Skye bank, First bank and General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Mr Joseph Aje, now wish to be known and addressed as Kareem Mr Anthony Egbe Imoke . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LIFTINGLIVES FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “c” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 as amended.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Precious Emma-Ofili 3. Miss Joy Emma Ofili 5. Mr. Ukanwa Okoroafor

2. Mrs. Joy Daniel Ezeanochie 4. Mr. Splendour Emma Ofili

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To fight against exploitation, injustice and corruption if found against any individual, class, community in the society.

2. To educate the people for adoption of the good norms of a good citizenship and to inculcate into the people’s mind, ideals of national unity.

Any objective to this registration should be forward to the RegistrarGeneral of the Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maritama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. ISIMEME ORIBABOR ISI ORIBS & ASSOCIATES 3rd Avenue, 311 Road ‘D’ Close, Festac Town, Lagos. isioribs@yahoo.com

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TURA TAFARKI NOW ALIYU ABUBAKAR TURA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK, ECO BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SALAMATU BANI NOW STELLA BANI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK PLC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ESTHER BALA NOW ESTHER MUSA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK PLC AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS GRACE GEORGE OTON NOW I WISH TO BE CALL AND ADDRESSED AS MRS GRACE VICTOR EFFIONG. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. UNION BANK OF NIG, UBA PLC AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Formerly Awoyode Toyin Omolade now Adebowale Toyin Racheel. All Former documents remain valid.

General public please note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Ibeh Jennifer Chikodi, now wish to be known and addressed as Okpala Jennifer Chikodi . All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as Oluwakemi Vivian Bakare, now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwakemi Vivian Salami.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certified that Kayode Racheal is the same one person as Kayode Aina Morolake, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Kayode Aina Morolake. All former documents remain valid, Diamond Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

This is to certified that Agboola Suleman Ajani is the same one person as Agboola Suleman Gbolahan, that henceforth wish to be known and called as Agboola Suleman Gbolahan. All former documents remain valid, Banks and general public should please take note .

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Olarenwaju Rofiat Seun now wish to be called and known as Mrs Saheed Rofiat Seun. All former documents remain valid, NYSC and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to certified that Oyewole Kehinde Mathew is the same one person as Oyewole Mathew Adeyemi, that henceforth wish to be called and addressed as Oyewole Mathew Adeyemi. All former documents remain valid, Zenith Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to confirm that OGHENEVWARO OJUGO is the same one person as OGHENEVOKE OJUGO. That henceforth wish to be known and addressed as OGHENEVOKE OJUGO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OMALE OJOCHONU OJOCHENEMI now wish to be known and addressed as AWOJI OJOCHONU MIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Formerly known and called as Mrs Olayiwola Nike now wish to be called and known as Mrs Ojo Labake Adenike. All former documents remain valid, Zenith Bank Plc and general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as BAWA YILEP DALAT now wish to be known and addressed as BAWA GABRIEL YILEP. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OKAFOR MICHAEL EBUKA now wish to be known and addressed as IKEGBUO GERALD CHUKWUDI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME Formerly known and addressed as ALEX GIFT MARY now wish to be known and addressed as AROGHO PATIENT IKHOHAR. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAMES Formerly addressed and called as Miss Olaoluwa Yetunde Bukola now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adefokun Yetunde Bukola. All former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME To confirm that I am one and same person bearing DAUDA FATIMOH ONYECHE and DAUDA OMUHA FATI as obtainable in some of my documents.

Wednesday December 9, 2015

Enyimba can win Champions League, says Ikhana

47

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

I want a No 10 that will be a box player and that can score goals at will. So, Eden Hazard isn’t my kind of No 10 –Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho

Nigeria striker, Ndifreke Udo (left) in action for the Siasia U-23 team

Rio 2016 Qualifier

‘We won’t fear Senegal today’ ...Pinnick tells team to sustain Nigeria’s growing prowess

W

arri Wolves midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo, has said that the Nigerian squad will play without fear when they face Senegal in the semi-final of the ongoing U-23 AFCON today.

Coach Samson Siasia’s boys put up a stuttering display in their group games to set up a last four date with hosts Senegal, and bookmakers are already writing them off based on their lacklustre performance so far.

However, Etebo believes that they stand a good chance of progressing into the final despite facing the host nation at the Leop-

old Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.

Both teams clashed at the men’s football event of the 11th All Africa Games in Brazzaville last September, with Nigeria scoring a last minute goal to tie the match 1-1.

“It is a football match and like Senegal we have a good chance of winning the game,” Etebo told supersport.com. “But we know it will be a very tough game so we are prepared for it. Playing against the host country in a competition will always be tough, but it doesn’t mean we do not have a chance of winning the match.”

The player, who has scored two goals so far in the tournament, said their major objective is to ensure that they qualify for the men’s football event of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Jainero, Brazil.

Meanwhile, NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, has charged the team to fire from all cylinders when they clash with Senegal in Dakar today.

“It is not going to be easy playing against the host nation that is high on confidence, having won all their three group phase matches. Extra effort will be needed in all departments; hard work

and courage are critical virtues that the U-23 boys must take to heart on Wednesday.

“Our country is on a run of excellent results in international competitions.

We are determined that run must continue and that is why the U-23 boys must defeat Senegal to assure of a place in Rio de Janeiro next year,” Pinnick said.

Nigeria, 1996 champions and 2008 silver medallists, missed the 2012 Olympics as Coach Austin Eguavoen’s Class of 2011 lost out at the inaugural Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Morocco.

AFCON 2017: Pharaohs plan to cage Eagles

T

he Egyptian Football Association has set up three friendly matches for the Pharaohs as they get set for the double header against the Super Eagles.

Nigeria and Egypt will meet back to back in March 2016 as the qualifiers for the CAF 2017 Africa Cup of Nations

(AFCON) reaches a crescendo.

Reports emanating from Egypt have revealed that the Pharaohs are billed to play two friendly games with AFCON 2013 finalist, Burkina Faso, on the 24th and 28th of January 2016.

According to supersport.com, a third opponent will be announced after

the friendlies with Burkina Faso with Romania or Uzbekistan being the most likely opponents.

Nigeria are second on the log in Group G of the qualifiers, two points behind Egypt whom they face next March.

Tanzania and Chad Republic make

up the numbers in the group as the two also face each other in a double header.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also stepped up plans for friendly matches for the Super Eagles which will take place in Europe with England the likely destination for the proposed friendlies.

46

Sports

Wednesday December 9, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

UEFA Champions League…

Today’s fixtures AS Roma vs BATE Leverkusen vs Barcelona Chelsea vs FC Porto Mourinho

D.Zagreb vs Bayern M.

Mourinho upbeat about Abramovich support

A

head of tonight’s Champions League match with his former native Portuguese club, Porto, Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, thinks owner Roman Abramovich will stick by him, despite the club’s poor season.

The champions, who are 14th, have lost eight of their 15 Premier League matches so far, are yet to clinch Champions League last-16 qualification and are out of the League Cup. Asked why he would be retained, Mourinho told BBC Sport, “Because I think I did lots of good things for this club. I

don’t think the owner is a person to change with the wind.”

Mourinho, who won his third league title with the club last season, added, “Abramovich believed in me twice: one, when he brought me back to the club, and the second time when he gave me a new four-year contract in the summer.

“I know the wind of results is an important

R

wind and I know this wind is really strong because the results in the Premier League are really bad.”

The Portuguese said Chelsea must avoid defeat to Porto to confirm their place in the Champions League last 16.

Meanwhile, Chelsea skipper, John Terry, is back in contention for the Blues’ crucial tie against Porto following

an ankle injury.

The former England centre-back, 35, returned to training this week after missing the Premier League games against Tottenham and Bournemouth.

Brazil midfielder Ramires is also available after a knock. But former Porto striker, Radamel Falcao, remains out, despite taking a limited part in training yesterday.

oma midfielder, Mohamed Salah, is fit to play in tonight’s home Champions League Group E game against Bate Borisov after a month out due to an ankle ligament injury.

The 23-year old Egyptian international, who has scored five goals in 11 matches this season, trained with the squad yesterday.

“Salah is fine. He

doesn’t have 90 minutes in him, but he’s ready,” Roma coach, Rudi Garcia, said on the club’s website (http://www.asroma. com/).

Roma striker, Francesco Totti, has been ruled out until next year and Gervinho picked up an injury during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Torino.

“Our options are limited for the line-up tomorrow (today) due to injuries,

but we do have options,” Garcia added.

Roma are fourth in the Serie A table and have not won in their last four matches in all competitions, including a 6-1 drubbing by Barcelona in the Champions League.

The Italian side are second in Group E behind Barcelona, level on five points with Bayer Leverkusen going into the final round of matches.

Neymar faces Leverkusen with Liga award

B

razilian international, Neymar, is stepping out against Bayer Leverkusen after been named player of the month for November in Spain’s La Liga - the first Barcelona player to win the award.

The award began in

Gent vs Zenit Olympiakos vs Arsenal Valencia vs Lyon

…as Terry, Ramires return for Porto

Salah ready to return against Bate

Salah

Dyn. Kiev vs Maccabi

September 2013, with Barca having won 68 La Liga games - and the 2014-15 title - since then.

It took the Brazil forward’s tally of five goals in three games last month to finally persuade the panel to reward a Barca player at the 21st opportunity.

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo is one of five players to have won it twice.

Atletico Madrid pair Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann, Celta Vigo’s Nolito and exArsenal and Real Sociedad’s Carlos Vela are the others

Neymar

Neville

Neville faces acid test

V

alencia coach, Gary Neville, knows his first match in-charge today as head coach will be a life-changing moment.

The La Liga side must beat Olympic Lyon tonight to have a chance of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League.

The former Manchester United and England fullback, Neville, has taken charge of the team - in his first managerial role - until the end of the season.

“Someone said it’s the first day of the rest of my life,” said the 40-year-old. “I’m focusing on staying calm.”

Valencia need to win and hope Belgian champions Gent fail to beat Zenit St Petersburg, who have already qualified.

Should they progress, it will be their first appearance in the knockout phase for three years.

Under Hector Cuper, Valencia reached back-toback Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001, losing both to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

“Lyon is a big game, it sets the benchmark straight away,” said Neville. “It gives me an immediate understanding of what our mentality is like.

“Not everything is in our hands, but we have to focus on what we do control.

“If we don’t have the result in the other game we want, that’s life. The most important thing for us is focusing on our players, our direct opponent.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday December 9, 2015

Enyimba can win Champions League, says Ikhana F

ormer Africa Coach of the Year and coach of Enyimba, Kadiri Ikhana, has said that People’s Elephant who just won the 2014/2015 League season are capable of winning the CAF Champions League giving the top form of the players.

Ikhana, while commenting on their feat said it was God and the collective will of the players, officials, management and owners of the club that made him win the league.

He reflected back at

Ikhana

the start of the league and said “every club at the start was dangerous but we always knew we would be contesting for the title at the end so we took our chances. Sunshine Stars were the initial threats until Warri Wolves came into the fray and ran us to the finish line.

“We have the players to go all the way but the attitude of the owners must change in managing the club. Players should not be owed, they should be well paid to stop exodus abroad. And the funding

must improve drastically.

Last season, we crashed out of the Champions League due to poor welfare.

“But I believe there is room for improvement in the league. The LMC tried but they can do better. The quality is there but the standard is a far cry from where we ought to be.

“And I believe if we do our home work well this time around, Enyimba can win the Champions League”, Ikhana submitted.

Aftermath of Haruna’s death:

LMC tasks players on regular medical checks

T

he League Management Company (LMC) has expressed shock and sadness over the death of former Kano Pillars midfielder, Abdul Haruna.

He died on Sunday during a friendly game between Kano Professionals and a select amateur side in Kano.

It was reported that Haruna slumped and died during the game.

Speaking against this backdrop, Chairman of the LMC, Shehu Dikko said he was saddened by the midfielder’s death, who also played for Heartland.

“We are saddened by the loss of Ab-

dul Haruna and on behalf of the League Management Company, the 20 NPFL clubs and players I wish to condole with the management and players of Kano Pillars on the untimely demise of one of their own.

We pray for a peaceful repose of his soul,” Dikko was quoted as saying on the official LMC website, www.npfl.ng.

The LMC also urged clubs in the top-flight to embark on regular medical checks for their players “to prevent avoidable deaths.”

“While we mourn the player, it is also

2nd Satek Squash Series set to begin

O

’Trafford Squash Club, Ikoyi will once again come alive this weekend as the country’s top rated squash players take the centre stage to vie for honours in another edition of the Satek Squash Series.

Managing Director of Satek Nigeria Limited, Samson Babajide, stated that the second edition is in keeping with the promise made last year to make it an annual event.

He also stressed that the vision of the tournament will not be derailed and will continue to be a platform for squash players to sharpen their skills and also engender camaraderie.

The Series is divided into the Satek Closed Squash Championship open to registered/financial members of the various invited clubs, while the U-16 Champion-

ship is open to the top 8 ranked national junior players in the Nigeria Squash Racket Association (NSRA) rankings.

The Vice Chairman of O’Trafford club, Mr. Hakeem Oyeneyin. implored squash enthusiasts to come out in large numbers and enjoy the best of squash this Yuletide season as everything has been put in place to ensure an exciting and hitch-free tournament.

The two-day event will serve off on December 11 at 5pm with the opening ceremony, while the games kicks off at 5:30pm prompt.

The games are on a straight knockout basis and the final will be played on Saturday with prize presentation to winners.

Winners will also be awarded trophies, medals and valuable prizes.

pertinent that clubs undertake regular medical check-up on their players especially using the FIFA Medical Commission recommended kits which were provided them by the LMC at the start of the season.

“While death is inevitable, we must do all that is humanly possible on our part to manage the health of the players to prevent avoidable deaths,” he said.

Bobsam Elejiko, Amir Angwe, Endurance Idahor, Samuel Okwaraji and Emmanuel Ogoli are some Nigerian players who have collapsed, unchallenged and died during football matches in the past.

47

Midweek League with PAUL EREWUBA 08032138738

Table Teams

P

Pt

1

Enyimba

38

70

2

Wolves

38

66

3

Nassara

38

63

4

Wikki

38

63

5

Giwa

38

63

6

Sunshine

38

61

7

Heartland

38

56

8

Pillars

38

55

9

3SC

38

53

10

Abia

38

53

11

IfeanyiUbah

38

50

12

Rangers

38

49

13

Lobi

38

47

14

Akwa

38

47

15

El-Kanemi

38

46

16

Dolphins

38

45

17

Sharks

38

45

18

Kwara

38

42

19

Taraba

38

37

20

Bayelsa

38

34

Baraje still remains our coach –Akwa Utd …Denies Cooreman

N

igeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Akwa United have denied that Maurice Cooreman, technical adviser of promoted side, Ikorodu United has been contracted for two years to replace Zachary Baraje.

Akwa, it would be recalled, won the ticket to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup when they beat Lobi Stars in the final of the Federation Cup played at the Teslim Balogun in Lagos.

Interestingly, it was veteran League coach, Zachary Baraje who guided them to the epic encounter.

But rumours making the rounds have it that Cooreman, the White Witch Doctor is being groomed to take Baraje’s position following the latter’s purported resignation.

But a source close to Akwa United who pleaded for anonymity told Midweek League Watch that it is not true that

Cooreman has been contracted to replace Baraje, insisting that management has not given any go ahead to that effect.

“The report that we have engaged coach Maurice Cooreman or any other coach is not true.

I want to say it is mere speculation and we intend to clear the air this week”, the source began.

Continuing, the source said the board had not said anything since the team won the Federation Cup. “The coaches and players are on break and will be resuming for the new session on Monday, December 14.

“And as far as Akwa United are concerned any other thing contrary to this is mere rumour and speculation,” he concluded.

It was widely reported that Baraje after winning the cup told Akwa management to make far reaching changes in the team or he would quit.

But the former Enyimba and

Cooreman

El-Kanemi Warriors coach had severally after the report, denied he said he would leave the club.

He reiterated his desire to take charge of the side’s campaign in the continent and domestic leagues.

WORLD RECORD

Largest migrant Vol. 05 No. 1261

N150

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

At up to 27 m (88 ft) long and weighing 160 tonnes (352,000 lb), the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is not only the larg est animal in the world but also the larg est to mig rate

What a recent trip to Maiduguri reveals I t was neither a vacation trip nor a tour for seasonal ceremony. Rather it was a journey to attend a crisis communication seminar for humanitarian workers and journalists covering disasters, which was held in Maiduguri in the first week of December. My family members could not dissuade me from the trip that hopefully would provide me another opportunity to assess one of Boko Haram’s worst-hit cities in Nigeria.

The flight was smooth from Abuja to Maiduguri, but I was glued to the window to see if I would sight soldiers and terrorists engaging in shoot-out.; at the same time, the dreadful feeling that Boko Haram members could shoot down our aircraft with their home manufactured rockets lurked in a corner of my mind.

Driving into the town, I observed that the city wasn’t bubbling as most roads were de-

Guest Columnist

Yushau A. Shuaib

serted; exotic mansions abandoned and fine hotels had low patronage even with their generous discounts on accommodation. I used the opportunity of the seminar to interact with some of the highly patriotic and exceptional Nigerian journalists, who have been covering the war on terror with great responsibility.

For the national interest, they have observed self-censorship against sensational reporting. On a visit to the Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps, the sights of orphans and widows were quite disturbing even though NEMA and other stakeholders are taking good care of them.

Passing through security check-points, the sacrifice of Nigerian troops, especially young soldiers in their zeal and determination to defeat Boko Haram terrorists was obvious from their faces. While some of them are bachelors with parents, others are married with children they left at home to defend Nigeria. Incidentally, almost everyone was concerned about President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive for the military to end Boko Haram this December.

Immediately after the directive, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno, led the service and security chiefs to the frontline to seek the cooperation of community leaders, traditional rulers and pressure groups for the new drive on the war on terror. He also visited and commiserated with IDPs and reassured them that the war would soon be over.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, has not led from the back, he was in the warfront by actively participating in some

ON A VISIT TO THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE (IDP) CAMPS, THE SIGHTS OF ORPHANS AND WIDOWS WERE

QUITE DISTURBING… of the operations where terrorists were either captured or killed. He has so far spent most of his time on the battle field. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Mashall Sadique Abubakar, has personally commanded fighter jets in the war on terror to motivate fighter-pilots into putting in their best.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, has ensured effective coordination and cohesion in the operation so far through mechanism of inter-agency collaboration, even as the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has also confirmed that Special Forces from the Navy are actively involved in the operation.

The military has so far destroyed dozens of Boko Haram camps and freed more than 1,000 kidnapped victims since the inauguration of President Buhari. Nevertheless, there is the fear that the military may not be able to end Boko Haram by the deadline. The Executive Secretary of Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Air Commodore Anas, recently

disclosed that there was nothing wrong in imposing targets on the military, but due to the asymmetric warfare engaged by Boko against civilian “soft targets”, the December deadline was unrealistic.

There are also worrisome reports of fresh kidnap of several girls and burning of buildings in Bam village in Yobe State; reported missing and fleeing soldiers in Galtumari town in Borno State; destruction of military base in Gulak, Adamawa and media allegations that terrorists snatched military trucks and artillery guns that were bought by the previous administration. During private conversations with stakeholders, many expressed beliefs that concerted efforts were required through credible intelligence to address the insecurity in the North-East.

Beyond ‘body languages’ theory and political grandstanding, others were of the opinion that some tougher actions taken by the past administration could be deployed in curtailing the excesses of terrorists. For instance, a journalist observed that even though many doubted the sincerity of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, when he sought and obtained approval for the postponement of 2015 general elections to enable the military degrade Boko Haram and ensure maximum security of voters, all known terrorists’ camps were destroyed before the emergence of this new administration on May 29 - Sambisa Forest was stormed by “Special ‘M’ forces” and about 300 kidnapped women and children freed, 22 occupied towns in three states were liberated, and Boko Haram could not disrupt the elections.

If the military fail to meet the December deadline, we should not blame the administration of Alhaji Buhari, but rather we should encourage the military to improve the tempo of their engagement. After all, the Nigerian troops have succeeded in the past and are succeeding now. We should, therefore, avoid taking actions that would rubbish the integrity of critical national institutions, including security and the media.

Shuaib wrote from Abuja via yashuaib@yahoo.com

Sport Extra

Pistorius gets bail, awaits murder sentencing

S

outh African Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius, has been granted bail while he awaits sentence for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013.

Judges changed his conviction from manslaughter

to murder last week and he has already served one year in prison.

According to BBC Sport report, Pistorius now faces a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, if he fails in a bid to overturn his

conviction.

He, however, intends to mount an appeal at the highest court in South Africa, the Constitutional Court, which could see delays of many more months and would be the very last legal avenue

available for the disgraced athlete to overturn his conviction.

The double amputee’s bail application also revealed that he had enrolled to study “a BSc business with law degree” at the London School

of Economics - but the university says it does not offer that degree or correspondence courses.

Pistorius indicated in court documents that he intended to lodge an appeal to the highest court in the land.

Pistorius

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